Latest news with #Cluster
Saudi Gazette
6 days ago
- Health
- Saudi Gazette
207 catheterization and surgical procedures performed for Hajj pilgrims in Madinah
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Madinah Health Cluster revealed that it has performed 207 cardiac catheterization and surgical procedures for the Hajj pilgrims during the last 47 days since the beginning of the Hajj season. It stated that the number of visitors to health centers reached 37,46, while the number of emergency patients accounted for 16,059, ambulance services reached 2,289, and dialysis sessions stood at 120. The Cluster beefed up its operations in Madinah during the post Hajj season to receive pilgrims through 33 permanent and seasonal hospitals and health centers, in addition to mobile clinic vehicles. More than 21,000 health and technical personnel work around the clock to provide the highest levels of medical care. The Cluster launched a comprehensive multilingual awareness and educational campaign targeting pilgrims arriving in Madinah, with the aim of promoting health and preventative awareness in multiple languages. Awareness screens were activated at Prince Muhammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport and the Haramain High-Speed Railway Station, in addition to 109 screens within the Cluster's health facilities.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists chased a falling spacecraft with a plane to understand satellite air pollution
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. A dramatic aircraft chase of a falling spacecraft has provided new insights into the fiery processes that accompany the atmospheric demise of retired satellites. The measurements will help scientists better understand how satellite air pollution affects Earth's atmosphere. In early September last year, a team of European scientists boarded a rented business jet on Easter Island to trace the atmospheric reentry of Salsa, one of the European Space Agency's (ESA) four identical Cluster satellites. The aircraft was fitted with 26 cameras to capture the brief occurrence in different wavelengths of light. The first results from the unique observation campaign were released in early April at the European Conference on Space Debris in Bonn, Germany. The satellite burn-up, a meteor-like event lasting less than 50 seconds, took place above the Pacific Ocean shortly before noon local time on Sept. 8, 2024. Bright daylight complicated the observations and prevented the use of more powerful instruments, which would have provided more detailed views. Still, the team managed to gain new insights into satellite incineration, something that is little understood and hard to study. "The event was rather faint, fainter than we expected," Stefan Löhle, a researcher at the Institute of Space Systems at the University of Stuttgart in Germany, told "We think that it might mean that the breakup of the satellite produced fragments that were much slower than the main object and produced less radiation." Following the initial breakup at an altitude of about 50 miles (80 kilometers), the researchers were able to record the fragmentation for about 25 seconds. They lost track of the fading streak of fragments at an altitude of about 25 miles (40 km). Using filters of different colors, the team was able to detect the release of various chemical compounds during the burn-up, which provides hints about the nature of the air pollution that arises during the satellite incineration process "We detected lithium, potassium and aluminum," Löhle said. "But at this stage, we don't know how much of it ends up in the atmosphere as long-term air pollution and how much falls down to Earth in the form of tiny droplets." Satellite reentries are a growing concern for the global atmospheric science community. Satellites are made of aluminum, the incineration of which produces aluminum oxide, also known as alumina. Scientists know that alumina can trigger ozone depletion and alter Earth's ability to reflect sunlight, which, in turn, could alter the atmosphere's thermal balance. With the increase in satellite launches, many more satellites are falling back to Earth. Whatever byproducts arise during the atmospheric burn-up will likely keep accumulating high above Earth in the coming years. The effects of this satellite air pollution, however, are not well understood. The altitudes at which satellites disintegrate are too high for meteorological balloons to reach but too low for satellites to sample. Aircraft chases, such as the one that traced the Cluster Salsa reentry last year, provide the best chance to gather accurate data on the chemical processes unfolding during those events. Such campaigns, however, are rather costly and difficult to execute. So far, only five spacecraft reentries have been tracked from the air; the previous cases included an Ariane rocket stage and three International Space Station resupply vehicles. "Right now, researchers that model these events don't really know what happens during the satellite fragmentation," said Löhle. "That's the first thing we need to answer. We want to make sure that nothing falls on people's heads. Then we need to find out how harmful this stuff is for Earth's atmosphere." The data captured by Löhle and his colleagues suggest that the titanium fuel tanks from the 1,200-pound (550 kilograms) Cluster Salsa may have survived the reentry and likely splashed into the Pacific Ocean. This is an important piece of information. On average, three satellites fall back to Earth every day, according to a report released by ESA last month. Most of these satellites belong to SpaceX's Starlink megaconstellation. While the first generation of Starlinks weighed only about 570 pounds (260 kg) each, the current "V2 mini" variant of the satellite has a mass of about 1,760 pounds (800 kg). The planned V2 version will be even larger, weighing 2,750 pounds (1,250 kg). Although SpaceX claims the satellites are designed to burn up completely, the company previously acknowledged that some remnants might occasionally make it all the way down to Earth's surface. The European team continues analyzing the data and hopes to align their observations with computer models, which could provide further insights into the progression of events during satellite fragmentation and subsequent incineration. "We are comparing what we have seen with models of satellite fragmentation to understand how much mass is being lost at what stage," Jiří Šilha, CEO of Slovakia-based Astros Solutions, which coordinated the observation campaign, told "Once we have an alignment between those models and our observations, we may be able to start modelling how the melting metal interacts with the atmosphere." Related stories: — Who's going to fix the space junk problem? — Pollution from rocket launches and burning satellites could cause the next environmental emergency — Dangerous satellite air pollution exists in a legal loophole Löhle explained that researchers so far have too little understanding of the incineration process to be able to estimate how much satellite reentries affect the atmosphere. The disintegrating aluminum body of a reentering satellite melts, forming large droplets of molten metal. Some of these droplets vaporize into aluminum oxide aerosol, while others scatter and cool down, eventually drifting to the ground in the form of nano- and micrometer-sized bits of aluminum. The aluminum that turns into aerosol is what then triggers the ozone depletion and other climate effects. "We don't have the data yet to be able to say how much of it turns into the aerosol," Löhle said. "We hope that, at some point, we will be able to recreate a fragmentation sequence and say how much aluminum each of the subsequent explosions released into the upper atmosphere." The researchers hope to gather more data when Cluster Salsa's three siblings — Rumba, Tango and Samba — reenter in 2025 and 2026. The satellite quartet has circled Earth since 2000, measuring the planet's magnetic field and its interactions with the solar wind. All those reentries, however, will also happen during daytime, which means the researchers won't be able to obtain spectroscopy measurements, which could reveal the chemical processes in the fragmentation cloud in better detail. Spectroscopy is an observation method that breaks incoming light into individual wavelengths. The signal from a reentering spacecraft, however, is too weak and gets drowned out by the bright solar light.
The National
28-04-2025
- Business
- The National
UK Government must act urgently over £200m promise for Grangemouth
In February, the Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK Government would invest £200m into Grangemouth and that it should bring in 'three times that' in private funding, bringing the total to £800m. The financial package from the UK Government is an attempt to ensure that high-quality jobs and economic opportunity are not lost in the area. READ MORE: Louis Theroux: The Settlers showcases grim reality of Palestinans living in West Bank However, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has urged Starmer to accelerate the progress on the Acorn Carbon Capture project at Peterhead after the UK Government announced further funding for carbon capture projects in England without mention of finance or progress for the Scottish Cluster. At the time of the announcement, the SNP accused the Labour Government of treating Scotland as an afterthought. On Tuesday, at a parliamentary debate on supporting Scottish industry, Forbes is expected to call on the UK Government to be more transparent with the funds ringfenced for Grangemouth. She is expected to say: 'I welcome the UK Government's confirmation that £200 million has been ringfenced within the National Wealth Fund to support the deployment of projects at Grangemouth. (Image: free) 'However, many of the proposals for the site outlined in Project Willow may not meet the current criteria being applied by the fund and we must not find ourselves in a position where good intentions are not translated into meaningful practice. 'I call on UK ministers to take urgent and decisive action to ensure its £200 million commitment is deployed.' Forbes is expected to add: 'There must be clarity – and that clarity must be provided with the same urgency and decisiveness that we have now seen the UK Government show in respect of Scunthorpe - that these monies will be available for Grangemouth as soon as business needs it. 'We simply cannot risk the chance of high-quality jobs and the prospect of new economic opportunities being lost forever.' The Acorn project has been placed on a 'track two' reserved list for future funding from the UK Government. Earlier this month, business leaders in the north east urged ministers to treat Acorn as an 'immediate priority'.
Daily Mail
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
We found celebrity-approved Mejuri jewelry that Mom will want to wear every day
Mother's Day is just around the corner and the time to shop is NOW! We did our research, and it turns out Mejuri is the celebrity-approved jewelry brand on every mom's wish list this year — and, surprisingly, most of the pieces are super affordable. Mejuri Mother's Day Gift Guide Find the perfect gift for mom this year with a little help from Mejuri! The celebrity-loved brand that has luxury (but affordable) pieces including diamond, gold, and gemstone options is the place to be this season. Whether your mom loves a classic look or something a little more eccentric — Mejuri has a plethora of trendy pieces. Prices Vary Shop From Taylor Swift to Selena Gomez, Mejuri has continued to be an A-List hot spot with its rings, necklaces, and earrings adorning the stars. The accessible luxury jewelry brand is known for its trendy yet classic designs, all made from premium materials. As you shop for mom this Mother's Day, we suggest checking out some of the best-selling Mejuri classics, from pearl studs to luxe diamond designs. Whether your mom likes a sleek look or something a bit more eccentric — you will find everything you need in time for May 11. Pearl Oversized Studs Nothing says 'Mother's Day' like a classy set of pearls. These large pearl studs are timeless and go with everything. Whether you wear them as a statement earring or as part of a stack, these glistening pearls are going to be eye-catching. The base is the highest quality with 18K Gold, and for just $68, your mom will feel like luxury. $68 Shop Cluster Pearl Hoop Charm Charms are so IN right now, and now they've moved from necklaces to earrings! This dainty pearl and gold charm is a great way to spruce up any hoop or huggie stack. The luxury material makes it tarnish-free free so you can keep this charm on in the shower and beyond. You can shop Mejuri huggies to find the perfect stack and pair them with charms for one-of-a-kind combinations. $88 Shop Vermeil Linked Necklace If your mom is someone who loves an everyday piece — check this necklace out. The double chain, two-ring necklace is made from quality 18K Gold and will not tarnish for years to come. We think this is a subtle, meaningful take on a 'mom & me' piece with the large and small hoop interlocking look. $148 Shop Diamond Letter Charm Celebrate your mom with a piece that evokes memories. This diamond Letter Charm is stunning, trendy, and timeless. You can get one letter or stack multiple to represent important names. We love this idea for moms with a lot of kids Though this charm may seem pricey, it has the best gold and diamond quality, making it worth it. $198 Shop Micro Pearl Bracelet Not all moms are big jewelry people, which is why we think this dainty pearl option is a great alternative. The soft design is easy to wear and even moms who like a clean, non-cluttered look will be able to appreciate the touch of beauty. This find is also a total 'quiet luxury' buy with the quality pearls and gold clasp. $128 Shop Brioche Hoops 'I'm not a regular mom — I'm a cool mom!'- Mean Girls These Brioche Hoops are for all the trendy moms out there. Chunky gold hoops are in right now and have a certain subtle chic-ness. Your mom will stun in these basic hoops from running errands to date nights, we have a feeling she will LOVE these. $98 Shop Multi Gemstone Station Bracelet If your mom has a clan of kids (like mine!), we think this gemstone bracelet is a great group gift. The luxe design is 14K Yellow Gold and features a custom birthstone. My siblings and I love paying homage to our birthdays with pieces like this stunning bracelet to show our mom just how much she means! This Mejuri must-have is often sold out, and right now it is still in stock, ready to be customized for your mom ahead of May 11th. $298 Shop
Zawya
16-04-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
South Africa: Government launches 90-day blitz to crush Gender-Based Violence and Femicide
The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster Ministers and senior officials convened a special sitting on Monday, 14 April 2025, under the leadership of Cluster Co-Chairs, Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development and Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu. This urgent meeting was convened in response to the alarming surge in Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) incidents across the country. It culminated in the adoption of a 90-day acceleration programme to intensify the national response and fast-track the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF. Recognising the gravity of the crisis, the Cluster resolved to revitalise and urgently reconstitute the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on GBVF, with a formal request to the President for its re-establishment under the 7th Administration. The IMC's inaugural meeting is scheduled to take place within two weeks. It will serve as the central coordinating mechanism to expedite government interventions, resolve systemic bottlenecks, and ensure measurable progress. A dedicated GBVF Priority Committee will also be established within the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), co-chaired by the Departments of Social Development and Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities. This structure aims to improve the coordination of frontline security and protection interventions. Acknowledging the inadequacy of relying solely on the national government for local-level interventions, the Cluster directed the revitalisation of JCPS structures across all provinces. Provincial JCPS Committees, comprising security cluster executives and senior officials, will be established to drive targeted and localised implementation of GBVF interventions. The Cluster further directed the activation of government machinery at the grassroots level, with a strong emphasis on community mobilisation and the involvement of local structures in the fight against GBVF. To address inefficiencies within the criminal justice value chain, a team of senior officials has been tasked with aligning police, prosecutorial, and correctional services systems to eliminate delays in GBVF case processing. Departments have also been instructed to identify critical institutional gaps and propose actionable, time-bound measures. The meeting mandated the consolidation of GBVF-related statistics across the JCPS value chain, from arrest, prosecution, conviction to incarceration, into a single integrated report. This report, along with each department's intervention points, will be submitted to the IMC. The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) has been instructed to coordinate a national webinar on GBVF, led by government experts, and to deliver targeted communication training to officials. The training will focus on ensuring message alignment and professional public engagement. The Cluster also resolved to prioritise the accelerated rollout of Thuthuzela Care Centres across all provinces to provide holistic, survivor-centred support services. The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development was specifically tasked with urgently addressing the repair and maintenance of SOS systems in court facilities. This is aimed at enhancing safety for survivors and witnesses, especially minors, and ensuring the prevention of secondary victimisation. Further, the meeting underscored the need to rebuild the social fabric of society, particularly the family unit, as a foundational step in the long-term prevention of GBVF. Departments were directed to develop results-driven action plans with clear timelines, defined target communities, and measurable outcomes. To strengthen the National Council on GBVF, departments will propose sustainable funding models and nominate board members at Deputy Director-General level or higher to reinforce institutional capacity. The meeting further resolved to intensify training across the Cluster on the revised legislation, regulations, and guidelines for handling GBVF cases. In addition, concern was raised about the growing number of children arrested for sexual offences, prompting a directive for NATJOINTS to develop an appropriate and urgent response to this emerging crisis. Importantly, the Cluster affirmed the need to reclaim the national narrative on GBVF and broader security matters, ensuring that government, not external actors, leads public discourse on these issues. This 90-day blitz marks not only a declaration of intent but the beginning of a coordinated, government-wide campaign to end GBVF. Implementation began immediately following the meeting, and the Co-Chairs emphasised that incremental change is no longer sufficient. Government enters this period with full force, calling on every organ of state and sector of society to play an active, decisive role in eradicating GBVF. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).
