Winners of 17th Footwear Design Competition Hong Kong Announced

September 9, 2017, 8:43 am

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At today's awards presentation ceremony for the 17th Footwear Design Competition Hong Kong, Bernard Chan, Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, HKSAR Government (L) and Mandy Tang, President, Federation of Hong Kong Footwear Ltd (R) present the BELLE Overall Champion prize to designer Joanne Li Wai-ting (2nd from L). Her entry "Infinity" also won Gold Award in the Ladies' Shoes category and Best Design Award.Bernard Chan, Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, HKSAR Government (L), Selina Chow, Permanent Honorary Advisor of the Hong Kong Footwear Design Competition (4th from L) and Mandy Tang, President, Federation of Hong Kong Footwear Ltd (R) present prizes to winners in the Design & Make Collection DIY - Green Footprints Creation category.Creativity and Craftsmanship Featured at CENTRESTAGE Event

HONG KONG, Sep 9, 2017 - (ACN Newswire) - An awards presentation ceremony for the 17th Footwear Design Competition Hong Kong and a product parade of the winning entries were held today, on the last day of CENTRESTAGE. Recognising creative designers in the footwear industry, the competition was co-organised by the Federation of Hong Kong Footwear Ltd (FFHK) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). Guests at the ceremony included Bernard Chan, Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development; Frank Leung, Chairman, Federation of Hong Kong Footwear Ltd; Mandy Tang, President, Federation of Hong Kong Footwear Ltd; Selina Chow, Permanent Honourary Advisor of the Hong Kong Footwear Design Competition; Felix Chung, Peter Shiu, Wong Ting-kwong, members of the Hong Kong Legislative Council, and Stephen Liang, Assistant Executive Director of the HKTDC.

An annual signature event for the industry, the Footwear Design Competition Hong Kong is recognised as the cradle for nurturing and discovering new footwear-design talent needed to sustain future development of the industry. About 70 pieces were shortlisted from nearly 800 inspiring entries received this year, by a judging panel comprised of professionals from related fields. Among them were fashion designers and image consultants, such as Henry Lau, Mountain Yam, Polly Ho, and Christina Dean, founder of the environmental NGO Redress, as well as representatives from the HKTDC, design institutes and industry elites.

Entries competed in six categories: Ladies' Shoes, Ladies' Boots, Handbag, Children's Shoes, Men's Shoes as well as the Design & Make Collection DIY - Green Footprints Creation, the latter of which is a new category to promote environmental living. Gold, Silver and Bronze Award winners were named in each category, along with prizes awarded to a BELLE Overall Champion and a Best Design Award, voted by the public via the FFHK's Facebook page.

The entry "Infinity" was named BELLE Overall Champion, Gold Award in the Ladies' Shoes category and Best Design Award. Motivated by the environment problem of coral bleaching, designer Joanne Li Wai-ting was inspired to use 3D printing technology in her creation. She used a white-colour theme to symbolise dying coral reefs, in a bid to raise public awareness about marine pollution.

Designer Chan Ka-ling, Chan Pui-lam and Lam Wing-yee each received two awards for their exceptional designs.

All the shortlisted and winning works are on display at CENTRESTAGE, held 6-9 September.

The 17th Footwear Design Competition Hong Kong
- List of awardees (Chinese only): http://bit.ly/2gPr478
- Photos of winning entries: http://bit.ly/2f6xzyJ
CENTRESTAGE website: http://centrestage.com.hk
The Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest webpage: http://www.fashionally.com
CENTRESTAGE activity schedule: http://centrestage.com.hk/en/event/schedule.php
Photo Download: http://bit.ly/2xkfJD8

For Media:
Media representatives wishing to cover the event may register on-site with their business cards and/or media identification.

About HKTDC

Established in 1966, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body dedicated to creating opportunities for Hong Kong's businesses. With more than 40 offices globally, including 13 on the Chinese mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China, Asia and the world. With 50 years of experience, the HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to provide companies, particularly SMEs, with business opportunities on the mainland and in international markets, while providing information via trade publications, research reports and digital channels including the media room. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Google+, Twitter @hktdc, LinkedIn.
- Google+: https://plus.google.com/+hktdc
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/hktdc
- LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/hong-kong-trade-development-council
Contact:
HKTDC
Communication and Public Affairs Department
Sam Ho
Tel: +852 2584 4569
Email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.org

Agnes Wat
Tel: +852 2584 4554
Email: agnes.ky.wat@hktdc.orgCopyright 2017 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com Reported by ACN Newswire 10 hours ago.

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France's Le Pen seeks to bill herself as Macron's main opponent

September 9, 2017, 6:54 am

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BRACHAY, France (Reuters) - French far-right leader Marine Le Pen, who has been largely out of the spotlight since stinging electoral defeats, on Saturday sought to reclaim the mantle of main opponent to President Emmanuel Macron, which polls now attribute to the far-left. Reported by Reuters India 11 hours ago.

Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy Project Commends Chile's Declaration of the Rapa Nui (Easter Island) Rahui Marine Protected Area

September 9, 2017, 7:58 am

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Government moves to protect waters of Pacific island and its marine life SANTIAGO, Chile, Sept. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy Project applauds the Chilean government's de... Reported by FinanzNachrichten.de 10 hours ago.

Police were called to Margate seafront over a 'medical incident'

September 9, 2017, 11:30 am

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Police were called in this afternoon to Margate seafront over a "medical incident."Passers-by saw two police cars pulled up on the side of Marine Drive at around 4pm this afternoon (Saturday, September 9).Officers were seen on the promenade nearby seemingly making enquiries during the incident.Read more: An Afghan shopkeeper says 'we are not all the same' after four are jailed for Ramsgate gang rapeA Kent Police spokesman told Kent Live: "Kent Police was called at 3.30pm on... Reported by Canterbury Times 7 hours ago.

'Everything is connected – everyone can make a difference'

September 9, 2017, 11:05 am

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Saturday 9 September, 2017'Everything is connected – everyone can make a difference' so says Jane Goodall and when she speaks for Animals and the Planet people do listen.

Biodiversity and how we can all play our part in saving it is the core theme of the Anima Event at Brockenhurst Village Community Centre on Saturday 30th September. There will be over 30 stalls and all of the exhibitors at the event are addressing this issue in their own way helping us all to have a gentler footprints on the planet which we share.

Some of the organisations represented are addressing the problems directly like the Orangutan Appeal, Bumblebee Conservation, Population Matters, Born Free, Sea Shepherd and Jane Goodall Institute.

Orangutan Appeal UK is dedicated to the rehabilitation and preservation of orangutans and the conservation of their habitat. The Appeal strives to protect remaining wild populations of orangutans by providing support and funding for projects across Borneo; and by raising awareness of the plight of this great ape across the globe on behalf of the famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.

Pictured in media attachments is Orang-utan Appeal’s founder Susan Sheward MBE with baby orangutan Archie, who was heavily featured in 'Paul O'Grady's Animal Orphans' on ITV. Paul fell in love with little Archie on his trip to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.

The Bumblebee Conservation Trust was established because of serious concerns about the 'plight of the bumblebee'. In the last 80 years our bumblebee populations have crashed. Two species have become nationally extinct and several others have declined dramatically.Bumblebees are familiar and much-loved insects that pollinate our crops and wildflowers, so people are rightly worried. They have a vision for a different future in which our communities and countryside are rich in bumblebees and colourful flowers, supporting a diversity of wildlife and habitats for everyone to enjoy. They are growing fast and have over 10,000 members.There is an excellent success story featured here: http://bumblebeeconservation.org/about-us/our-projects/bees-for-everyone/

Born Free Foundation promotes Compassionate Conservation to enhance the survival of threatened species in the wild and protect natural habitats while respecting the needs of and safeguarding the welfare of individual animals. Born Free seeks to have a positive impact on animals in the wild and protect their ecosystems in perpetuity, for their own intrinsic value and for the critical roles they play within the natural world.

Population Matters addresses population size and environmental sustainability. Population growth contributes to environmental degradation, resource depletion and other problems. They conduct research, inform the public and advocate improved family planning and sex education, women’s empowerment, smaller families and moderate consumption.Their film Sense and Sustainability will be shown at 10.30 am followed by a talk at 11.30 am by world-famous explorer and sustainability ambassador, Adrian Hayes, who will tell of his direct experience of humanity’s effects on the wild places and what we can do in our lifestyle to bring about the changes the planet needs. Sea Shepherd Established in 1977 by Captain Paul Watson, one of the founders of Greenpeace, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) is an international non-profit, marine wildlife conservation organization. Their mission is to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the world's oceans in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and species. To do this Sea Shepherd uses innovative direct-action tactics to investigate, document, and take action when necessary to expose and confront illegal activities on the high seas. By safeguarding the biodiversity of our delicately balanced ocean ecosystems, Sea Shepherd works to ensure their survival for future generations.

The Jane Goodall InstituteDr. Goodall has long been an advocate for the dignity and well-being of all living things, and the Jane Goodall Institute shares her belief that speaking out on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves is our responsibility as fellow inhabitants of this shared earth.Environmental advocacy, animal welfare and human rights are just a few of the issues we are passionate about both by being thought leaders and influencers, and by bringing all voices into discussion rooms on topics that matter. Dr. Jane Goodall discovered that when we put local communities at the heart of conservation, we improve the lives of people, animals and the environment. Jane Goodall Institute advances Dr. Goodall’s holistic approach through a tapestry of nine programs that build on each other and bring the power of community-centered conservation to life.

“When you live in the forest, it’s easy to see that everything’s connected.”

The New Forest Small School will be showcasing the work they did to be shortlisted for Jane Goodall Institute ‘Roots and Shoots’ campaign.

Compassion in World Farming’s ‘ Dead Zone ' campaign focuses on how our eating habits are causing huge habitat loss throughout the world.

Keith Taylor, Green MEP and member of the European Animal Welfare Committee will be talking about the cost of meat consumption on the environment.

The event has been organised by No More Dodos a charity which uniquely uses Art and Sport to inspire change in our lifestyles.If you are in any way interested in animals and the planet we live on, this should be the day for you.Please do share and put it in your diary right away!http://www.nomoredodos.org/events/

Entrance to Anima is a very affordable suggested donation of £2.50 per person and £5 for a family.

For all press and other enquiries please call Geoff Francis on 07581221462Photo reference available.
*http://www.nomoredodos.org/events/ *Other: *https://youtu.be/4DxXWBySE9g

* For more information regarding media usage, ownership and rights please contact No More Dodos Charity.

Distributed by http://www.pressat.co.uk/* Reported by Pressat 7 hours ago.

Shinty: Kinlochshiel top by a point as Kyles lose

September 9, 2017, 11:13 am

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BBC Local News: Highlands and Islands -- Kinlochshiel top shinty's Marine Harvest Premiership by a point after a draw with Newtonmore, as second-placed Kyles lose to Lovat. Reported by BBC Local News 7 hours ago.

WATCH: The West Virginia Mountaineer mascot struggles comically against Marine in push-up challenge

September 9, 2017, 12:22 pm

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The West Virginia Mountaineer mascot comically struggles against a Marine in push-up challenge. Reported by FOX Sports 6 hours ago.

Heritage tag: MLA pins banner appeals

September 9, 2017, 6:35 pm

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Raj Purohit, the MLA from the Colaba constituency which covers Churchgate and part of Marine Drive stretch which is up for 'World Heritage' tag, has put up a banner seeking "public opinion" from Marine Drive residents on the issue. Purohit has also stated in his banner that the state government should not "force" the tag upon residents.

One banner outside Churchgate station reads: "Public Opinion of Marine Drive Residents — All Heritage Committee Members, please don't force for heritage tag on Marine Drive. Please consult local residents and co-operative housing societies of Marine Drive. Dear Residents, Please send me your opinions on email..."

Purohit, who himself is opposed to the heritage tag (along with hundreds of Marine Drive residents), said, "I want to know the people's opinion – whether they are for it or against it. If they have an objection, then why do they have it?

It is my duty to take this matter up as I have been representing the area for six terms. I asked Nitin Kareer (secretary of urban development) why he called a meeting and why I was not invited to it, considering I am elected by the people here. My people will decide [on this matter].

How can a heritage committee decide? Not a single norm of the heritage tag is applicable to this area."

He is concerned about the limitations the heritage tag will place over and above the existing CRZ (Coastal Regulation Zone) ones. "I do not understand why there should be so many conditions for no-development," he said. "I would have called for each president and secretary of each building and asked them about the issue. Why did they think of this heritage status so suddenly? I do not understand. People are even confused about what the tag is and how it will benefit or harm their interests. This is unnecessary confusion. I will call for a meeting on this issue.

ReportIndiadna CorrespondentDNAMumbai

· All Heritage Committee Members
· Churchgate
· Raj Purohit
· Marine Drive
· World Heritage
· Coastal Regulation Zone

Sun, 10 Sep 2017-06:45am
Date updated: 
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Kuwait- Phenomenon of fish kill returns to haunt marine environment

September 10, 2017, 3:16 pm

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(MENAFN - Arab Times) Several activists cite sewer and drainage water as main culprit KUWAIT CITY, Sept 10: The phenomenon of fish kill has returned to haunt the marine environme... Reported by MENAFN.com 3 hours ago.

Larson Electronics LLC Releases Electric Explosion Proof Pedestal Mount Fan

September 10, 2017, 6:02 am

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Industrial lighting leader, Larson Electronics, has announced the release of a hazardous location fan with a pedestal base, designed to cool hazardous atmospheres. This Class I Division I, Class II Division I fan is rated for use in hazardous locations with flammable or explosive vapors, gas or dusts such as industrial sites, oil and gas facilities, processing plants, construction, aerospace facilities, indoor/outdoor cooling systems and more.

Kemp, TX (PRWEB) September 10, 2017

Industrial lighting leader, Larson Electronics, has announced the release of a hazardous location fan with a pedestal base, designed to cool hazardous atmospheres. This Class I Division I, Class II Division I fan is rated for use in hazardous locations with flammable or explosive vapors, gas or dusts such as industrial sites, oil and gas facilities, processing plants, construction, aerospace facilities, indoor/outdoor cooling systems and more.

The EPF-SM-24-150 from Larson Electronics is an explosion proof pedestal mount fan with a 24-inch diameter that can generate more than 7,980 CFM of air output that produces very efficient spot cooling for class rated locations. This pedestal mounted fan is equipped with a 150 foot 16/3 SOOW cable and an explosion proof plug for safe power source connection, and is available in a 115V model operating at 9.8 amps with a 5-15 or 5-20 explosion proof plug, or a 208-230V model that operates at 4.9 amps with a 6-20 explosion proof plug.

Although no fan can be 100 percent explosion proof, this pedestal mount fan is engineered with a robust and rugged design that minimizes the possibility of ignition, or explosion that may occur in a hazardous environment as much as possible. These special safety features include non-spark aluminum fan blades with powder coated steel fan guards, and a thermally protected maintenance free ½ HP motor the provides great corrosion resistance and a high degree of durability ideal for hazardous environments. Additionally, this fan sits atop a heavy-duty steel pedestal stand that provides a sturdy, balanced base for this 78 pound unit.

“This fan is as good as any fan can possibly get,” said Rob Bresnahan, CEO of Larson Electronics LLC. “We have equipped this explosion proof fan with non-sparking materials including aluminum fan blades with steel guards, as well as wiring and plugs rated for hazardous locations, so this fan can be used in any hazardous work site that needs effective cooling.”

About Larson Electronics LLC: Larson Electronics LLC is a manufacturer of industrial lighting equipment and accessories. The company offers an extensive catalog of industry-grade lighting and power distribution products for the following sectors: manufacturing, construction, food processing, oil and gas, military, marine and automobile. Customers can benefit from the company’s hands-on, customized approach to lighting solutions. Larson Electronics provides expedited service for quotes, customer support and shipments.

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High Resolution Image-LARSON ELECTRONICS LLC LOGO Reported by PRWeb 13 hours ago.

Court to hear arguments in hospital shooting case appeal

September 10, 2017, 12:23 pm

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HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — The Connecticut Supreme Court is set to hear arguments in the case of a nurse who was shot and wounded at Danbury Hospital in 2010 while trying to protect another staff member from the shooter. Justices are scheduled Tuesday to hear an appeal by nurse and former Marine Andrew Hull, who […] Reported by Seattle Times 6 hours ago.

Inside the 11-week, intensive tech boot camp that helps vets get hired

September 10, 2017, 2:52 pm

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*• NS2 Serves puts veterans through an intense, three-month program to help them land jobs.*

*• Participants receive software training and certifications.*

*• Retired United States Navy vice admiral Joseph Kernan said that participants also "grow into a team" during the experience.*

Making the transition from military to civilian work can be a major challenge.

The US Department of Labor places the overall veteran unemployment rate at 3.7%, while the unemployment rate of veterans who served after September 11, 2001 is even higher, coming in at 4.2%. 

To compare, the unemployment rate for people with a college degree is 2.5%

To help close that gap, SAP National Security Services — a security and infrastructure software company —  is offering free technical training to veterans through its nonprofit, NS2 Serves. The goal is to train and help 400 vets land jobs by 2021.

Business Insider recently spoke to SAP NS2 senior vice president and retired United States Navy vice admiral Joseph Kernan, who is also US President Donald Trump's Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence nominee.

He said that the traits and soft skills that the military imbues in servicemembers make them valuable employees, regardless of their chosen field. All they need is that extra technical savvy.

"They've got the values, character," Kernan said. "They've got good judgment, they perform under pressure. They understand teamwork. They're loyal. All those things that are somewhat inherent in the military that we try to teach every individual that comes in."

Kernan shared with Business Insider a little of what it's like to go through this 11-week, intensive tech boot camp:

*SEE ALSO: 8 high-stakes tech jobs that don't require a bachelor's degree and pay extremely well*

*DON'T MISS: 10 former Navy SEALs, Green Berets, and other veterans share their best advice for leaving the military and transitioning to civilian work*

-The three-month, full-time NS2 Serves course is based in Leesburg, Virginia-

Trainees live on-site free of cost, receive a monthly stipend, and attend the course from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Guest speakers in the tech field often stop by the program to help train and mentor the participants.

So far, 150 participants have graduated from the program, from Marine infantry members to Army truck mechanics to Gold Star spouses.

"They grow into a team," Kernan said. "You'd be amazed. The way they help each other along is phenomenal. They've never met each other and they'll show up in the room and you'll see every walk of life in there. And they decide that they're not going to leave anybody behind and they help each other through the course."

 -At the end of the program, participants receive one or more SAP associate certifications-

A ton of companies around the world use SAP programs and products. It's the world's largest provider of enterprise application software, serving 355,000 customers in 180 countries.

Each NS2 Serves participant typically receives around four SAP associate certifications. Featured SAP technical tracks include modeling and data management, data warehousing, and reporting and analysis.

According to NS2 Serves, 100% of its graduates were offered jobs after completing the course. Interested employers included organizations like Accenture, CBEYOND, CSRA, Deloitte, and USDA. The starting average salary for a graduate of this program is $60,000.

"Virtually ever single employer has come back very happy about what they received as a product," Kernan said. "The program works."-Kernan said that he is happy to see numerous programs set up to help train and prepare veterans for the civilian workforce, but that there's a downside to exclusively focusing on skills-

"Training them is great, but if they don't end up with a job at some point and time pretty soon after, that's where you leave them somewhat destitute," he said. "Getting a decent job ought to be the real metric."

He said that more and more private companies should invest in programs that allow them to provide veterans with technical skills and viable job opportunities.

"For the civilian sector, it's not that much of an investment," he said. "Pay them back a little bit for what they've done and serving their country. They have that aptitude and they have a willingness to learn and they really want to transition into a career to give themselves some self-confidence and take care of their families."
See the rest of the story at Business Insider Reported by Business Insider 4 hours ago.

Rugby mad on the French Riviera

September 11, 2017, 8:14 pm

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Catherine Masters enjoys a short visit to the gateway to Provence — a city renowned for shipwrecks, marine heroes and footy stars Toulon is like many parts of Europe, in that it's pretty hard to imagine the level of carnage... Reported by New Zealand Herald 12 hours ago.

How Openings In Antarctic Sea Ice Affect Worldwide Climate

September 11, 2017, 8:38 pm

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In 1974, images acquired from NOAA satellites revealed a puzzling phenomenon: a 250,000 square kilometer opening in the winter sea ice in the Weddell Sea, south of South America. The opening, known as a polynya, persisted over three winters. Such expansive ice-free areas in the ocean surrounding Antarctica have not been seen since, though a small polynya was seen last year.

In a new analysis of climate models, researchers from the University of Pennslyvania, Spain’s Institute of Marine Sciences and Johns Hopkins University reveal the significant global effects that these seemingly anomalous polynyas can have. Their findings indicate that heat escaping from the ocean through these openings impacts sea and atmospheric temperatures and wind patterns around the globe and even rainfall around the tropics. Though this process is part of a natural pattern of climate variability, it has implications for how the global climate will respond to future anthropogenic warming.

“This small, isolated opening in the sea ice in the Southern Ocean can have significant, large-scale climate implications,” said Irina Marinov, a study author and assistant professor in Penn’s Department of Earth and Enviromental Science in the School of Arts & Sciences. “Climate models suggest that, in years and decades with a large polynya, the entire atmosphere warms globally, and we see changes in the winds in the Southern Hemisphere and a southward shift in the equatorial rain belt. This is attributable to the polynya.”

The study appears in the Journal of Climate. Marinov coauthored the work with Anna Cabre, a former postdoc in Marinov’s lab and now an oceanographer with the Institue of Marine Sciences in Barcelona, and Anand Gnanadesikan, a professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Science at Johns Hopkins.

Typically, the Southern Ocean is covered in ice during the Southern Hemisphere’s

winter. Polynyas occur when warm subsurface waters of North Atlantic and equatorial origin mix locally with cold surface waters, a process known as open-ocean convection.

Until recently, climate scientists and oceanographers believed that atmospheric and ocean conditions around the tropics were the primary drivers in affecting conditions outside the tropics. But in the last few years, Marinov and collaborators and others have shown that the opposite is also true: the Southern Ocean has an important role in affecting tropical and Northern Hemisphere climates.

In the current work, Marinov and colleagues used powerful models that simulate past and future climate to determine how the effects of polynya ripple out around the globe.

Their model indicated that polynyas and accompanying open-ocean convection occur roughly every 75 years. When they occur, the researchers observed, they act as a release valve for the ocean’s heat. Not only does the immediate area warm, but there are also increases in overall sea-surface and atmospheric temperatures of the entire Southern Hemisphere and, to a lesser extent, the Northern Hemisphere, as well.

Changes in north-south temperature gradients lead to changes in wind patterns as well.

“We are seeing a decrease in what we call the Southern Hemisphere westerlies and changes in trade winds,” Marinov said. “And these winds affect storms, precipitation and clouds.”

Among these changes in precipitation is a shift in the Intertropical Convergence Zone, an equatorial belt where trade winds converge, resulting in intense precipitation. When a polynya occurs, this rain belt moves south a few degrees and stays there for 20 to 30 years before shifting back.

“This affects water resources in, for example, Indonesia, South America and sub-Saharan Africa,” said Marinov. “We have a natural variation in climate that may be, among other effects, impacting agricultural production in heavily populated regions of the world.”

Given these broad-scale implications of a Southern Ocean phenomenon, Marinov underscores the need to increase monitoring in the region. She is part of an effort called SOCCOM, for Southern Ocean Carbon and Climate Observations and Modeling, placing robotic floats in the Southern Ocean to collect data on ocean temperature, salinity, carbon, nutrients and oxygen.

“We’re also urging people to keep a close eye on the satellites to look for other polynyas, this year and going forward,” Marinov said.

Earlier research by Marinov’s group and collaborators suggested that, under climate change, polynyas may become less frequent. As sea ice melts it freshens the top layer of the sea surface, making it lighter and less likely to mix with the heavier bottom waters. Marinov notes that the fact that no significant polynyas opened up from the mid-1970s until last year may have contributed to the so-called “climate hiatus” in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when global average surface temperatures appeared to stall in their otherwise persistent upward climb.

“During this hiatus period abnormal amounts of heat were stored in the subsurface ocean waters” Marinov said. “Most research has attributed this hiatus to a prolonged La Niña period, resulting in a storage of heat in the low-latitude Pacific. But I think that a lack of a Weddell Sea polynya also contributed, storing more heat in the Southern Ocean and preventing the additional release of heat to the atmosphere.”

The work raises many new questions, such as how a decreasing sea ice extent, including the recent breaking off of a massive chunk of the Antarctic peninsula, will affect the frequency of polynyas and how the presence or absence of polynyas will affect how much atmospheric temperatures warm in response to anthropogenic climate change.

“This investigating into polynyas and Southern Ocean convection turned out to be a very important and interesting story for the global climate that we think a lot of people will be studying in the next decade,” Marinov said. Reported by Eurasia Review 11 hours ago.

What would you ask record-breaking Arctic explorers?

September 12, 2017, 5:40 am

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Post your questions below for explorer Pen Hadow and marine biologist Tim Gordon, part of the Arctic Mission. They'll be live on Facebook on September 12, 7 pm CEST. Reported by euronews 2 hours ago.

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Unitech Composites Delivers Next Generation Weapons Pylon for the U.S. Army’s Armed Black Hawk Helicopters

September 12, 2017, 12:09 am

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Unitech Composites delivered the first production shipset of Multi-Station Lightweight Armament Support Structure (MLASS) wings for use on the U.S. Army’s MH-60M aircraft. This is the first of nine shipsets that will be delivered to the U.S. Army Special Operations Forces Support Activity (SOFSA).

Hayden, Idaho (PRWEB) September 12, 2017

Unitech Composites, a Unitech Aerospace company and leading supplier of complex composite laminates, components and assemblies for the commercial aerospace and defence industry, delivered the first production shipset of Multi-Station Lightweight Armament Support Structure (MLASS) wings for use on the U.S. Army’s MH-60M aircraft. This is the first of nine shipsets that will be delivered to the U.S. Army Special Operations Forces Support Activity (SOFSA). The U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) already deploy Unitech’s Lightweight Armament Support Structure (LASS), a single-station weapons pylon for the MH-60.

Unitech’s MLASS is a lightweight, corrosion resistant direct replacement for the External Stores Support System (ESSS).  MLASS and LASS weapons stores interface with standard military bomb ejector racks and support a variety of weapons configurations including the M230 30mm cannon, M261 rocket launcher and M299 missile launcher. A fully configured set of MLASS wings is 270 pounds lighter, have better center of gravity and drag characteristics and are quicker and easier to install than a set of standard ESSS wings.

“Thanks to MLASS, our nation’s warfighters no longer have to choose between having more fuel or having more ammo – they can have both,” said Dan Kinney, Military Programs Business Development Manager for Unitech Composites. “We are also excited about this product because it enables the venerable Black Hawk to be a true multi-role aircraft, which we think will resonate well with many UH-60 operators.”

Unitech currently offers LASS and MLASS as off-the-shelf solutions for UH-60A/L/M Black Hawk models as well as S-70 aircraft to U.S. and international customers. Additionally, the company is skilled at converting components and systems to composites and works with customers to develop customized solutions that greatly enhance aircraft capability and performance.
For more information, please contact Dan Kinney, Military Programs Business Development Manager at dkinney(at)unitechcomposites(dot)com.

About Unitech Composites
Unitech Composites, established in 1979 and located in Hayden, Idaho, are industry experts in complex laminates and components and assemblies, multi-axis machining, close tolerance fabrication and automated hand layup. Unitech Composites is a Unitech Aerospace company. 

About Unitech Aerospace
Unitech Aerospace provides the aerospace, marine, medical, defense, nuclear and rail industries with composite and metallic structures and components that meet demanding and complex requirements. The company’s growing global footprint is currently comprised of strategically located sites providing local and immediate support to customers. Integrated solutions range from early stage design, rate production, to full-term sustainment making Unitech Aerospace the industry’s trusted lifecycle partner. Reported by PRWeb 8 hours ago.

Singapore: Halimah Yacob becomes city-state’s first woman president

September 12, 2017, 2:06 am

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There are no Muslim Malays in the top echelons of Singapore's army, and few among the senior ranks of its judiciary, but a member of its poorest ethnic minority is set to become the first woman president of the Southeast Asian city state this week.

Halimah Yacob, a former speaker of parliament, will be formally named to the mostly ceremonial post on Wednesday, media reported, after other candidates fell short of the criteria set for contesting the election.

Aiming to strengthen a sense of inclusivity in the multicultural country, Singapore had decreed the presidency would be reserved for candidates from the Malay community this time.

Halimah's experience as house speaker automatically qualified her under the nomination rules. 

Of the four other applicants, two were not Malays and two were not given certificates of eligibility, the elections department said.

The last Malay to hold the presidency was Yusof Ishak, whose image adorns the country's banknotes.

Yusof was president between 1965 and 1970, the first years of Singapore's independence following a short-lived union with neighbouring Malaysia, but executive power lay with Lee Kuan Yew, the country's first prime minister.

The separation of Singapore from Malaysia gave ethnic Malays a clear majority in Malaysia, while ethnic Chinese formed the majority in independent Singapore.

PRESERVING HARMONY
Leaders of both countries, however, recognised that peace and prosperity depended on preserving harmony between the two groups.
But living in a Muslim-dominated neighbourhood, with Malaysia and Indonesia next door, Singapore's leaders have long worried about the risk of conflicted loyalties among Malays.
"You put in a Malay officer who's very religious and who has family ties in Malaysia in charge of a machine-gun unit, that's a very tricky business," the late Lee Kuan Yew was widely quoted as saying in 1999.
For Lee, whose son, Lee Hsien Loong, is now prime minister, the answer to social cohesion lay in creating a culture of meritocracy, rather than adopting policies of positive discrimination to boost the chances of advancement for Singapore's Malay and Indian minorities.
Still, a government report published in 2013 found Malays felt they were sometimes discriminated against and had limited prospects in some institutions, such as the armed forces. 
Singapore's economic success and education policies have helped swell the ranks of middle-class Malays, but the last census in 2010 showed they lagged other ethnic groups on socio-economic measures such as household incomes and home ownership.
Malays, who form just over 13 percent of Singapore's 3.9 million citizens and permanent residents, also underperform on measures such as university and secondary school education.
Despite being the establishment candidate, Halimah wears a hijab, which is banned in state schools and public sector jobs that require uniforms. But she has seldom spoken publicly on the issue and there is little sign of change in official attitudes. 
Farid Khan, one of the unsuccessful candidates and the chairman of marine services firm Bourbon Offshore Asia, told Reuters more Malays now hold political office, and some are making their way in the corporate world, but "there is still room for improvement."
The prospect of a Malay president is by itself unlikely to resolve concerns over under-representation, but analysts and advocates say it could help foster trust among communities. 
Yet the reserved election has also injured some pride.
"It cheapens the credibility of a Malay person that it requires a token election for us to be president," said Malay comedian and television personality Hirzi Zulkiflie. "Some people intending to run are very capable."

 

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· Singapore
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· Halimah Yacob
· Malay

Tue, 12 Sep 2017-02:18pm
Date updated: 
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MacGregor secures floating linkspan orders from France

September 12, 2017, 2:12 am

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CARGOTEC CORPORATION, PRESS RELEASE, 12 SEPTEMBER 2017 AT NOON (EEST)
 
MacGregor, part of Cargotec, has signed a contract with Bouygues Travaux Publics, one of the world's largest civil engineering construction companies, to design, fabricate and install three linkspan facilities in France. The order is booked into Cargotec's third quarter 2017 order intake and MacGregor equipment will be delivered during 2020.

The linkspans will serve traffic in Calais, which is the most frequent RoRo hub in the world together with Dover.  Each floating linkspan will be constructed from 1,500 tonnes of structural steel.

"MacGregor's proven expertise in delivering large and sophisticated linkspan projects was one of the key reasons for securing the order. Customers value our capabilities to design according to specification and delivering on time," says Michel van Roozendaal, President, MacGregor. "We have a long relationship with this customer since 2009 when we delivered two linkspans to Morocco in 2009, and we have been involved in Garden Bridge project in London," van Roozendaal continues.

*For more information please contact:*
Michel van Roozendaal, President, MacGregor, tel. +32 478 80 60 92
Email: Michel.van.roozendaal@macgregor.com

or

Heli Malkavaara, Senior Communications Manager, MacGregor,
Tel. +358 20 777 4500, Email: heli.malkavaara@macgregor.com

MacGregor shapes the offshore and marine industries by offering world-leading engineering solutions and services with a strong portfolio of MacGregor, Hatlapa, Porsgrunn, Pusnes and Triplex brands. Shipbuilders, owners and operators are able to optimise the lifetime profitability, safety, reliability and environmental sustainability of their operations by working in close cooperation with MacGregor.

MacGregor solutions and services for handling marine cargoes, vessel operations, offshore loads, crude/LNG transfer and offshore mooring are all designed to perform with the sea . www.macgregor.com

MacGregor is part of Cargotec. Cargotec's (Nasdaq Helsinki: CGCBV) sales in 2016 totalled approximately EUR 3.5 billion and it employs over 11,000 people. www.cargotec.com

MacGregor linkspans for Calais
--------------------This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients.

The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.

Source: Cargotec Corporation via GlobeNewswire

HUG#2133392 Reported by GlobeNewswire 6 hours ago.

These Devon yacht builders, sail makers and RIB manufacturers are spearheading our £846million marine economy

September 12, 2017, 2:31 am

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Thirty businesses from Devon are exhibiting on an international stage at the Southampton Boat Show Reported by Exeter Express and Echo 6 hours ago.

Greece: Crews cleaning up pollution from sunken tanker ship

September 12, 2017, 3:14 am

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Greece's merchant marine minister says clean-up crews are working to contain pollution caused by a small tanker that sank over the weekend off a Greek island. Reported by FOXNews.com 5 hours ago.