December 2022 – Page 30

December 1, 2022

LG SUPPORTS YOUNG TECHNOLOGY LEADERS THROUGH 2022 GLOBAL IT CHALLENGE

Attracting More than 320 Participants From Around the World, GITC Continues to Empower Youth with Disabilities for Eleventh Year

SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — LG Electronics recently hosted the final round of the 11th Global IT Challenge for Youth with Disabilities (GITC). The two-day event saw inspiring, young participants from all over the world test their skills for computer-based activities in a series of timed challenges. Adopting a hybrid online and offline format, several key participating countries including Korea, Indonesia and Vietnam set up venues locally as well.

Abiyu Ezar Firdausi from Indonesia awarded as the Super Challenger in the 2022 GITC through livestream.

Following the success of the GITC’s preliminary round in August, registrations were high for the competition’s last stage. Ultimately, more than 320 participants from 16 countries were invited to join in the final round which was held online. After competing in four challenges – eTool, eLifeMap, eContent and eCreative – the young contestants gathered both in-person and online for an awards ceremony that acknowledged this year’s winners while also allowing everyone to come together and share experiences.

The eTool challenge tests entrants’ ability to make and edit presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint and utilize functions and formulae to calculate and organize data in Microsoft Excel. eLifeMap involves conducting advanced text and image searches online to solve daily problems, while eContent evaluates one’s capacity to create and edit videos dealing with a specific topic. Lastly, the eCreative challenge, which is divided into two sections, tasks participants with coding a self-driving car program (eCreative_SmartCar) and with developing an idea for a technology to make life more convenient for persons with disabilities (eCreative_IoT).

Illustration showing the countries that have participated in the GITC as well as the history of the program.

LG Corporation, in conjunction with South Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare, has been leading the GITC since 2011. The program was established to help youth with disabilities by bridging the digital gap, enhancing their ability to utilize IT to improve their employment and higher education opportunities. Run by LG Electronics and the GITC Organizing Committee, and now in its eleventh year, the competition has attracted a total of around 4,000 young participants to date.

Using the GITC as a stepping stone for academic and professional pursuits, participants have continued to challenge themselves to accomplish their dreams after the competition. Faiza Pulri Adila from Indonesia, who won the all-around championship in the 2018 GITC, is studying nanotechnology engineering at Airlangga University in Indonesia. In addition, Cheenmanee Tnanapon from Thailand, the first person with developmental disabilities to win the all-round championship in the 2016 GITC, is taking the lead in raising disability awareness by appearing on popular Thai TV programs.

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“I’ve worked very hard for many days with my friends for the competition because I thought this opportunity was perfect for me to keep pushing myself to improve my skills,” said Varinporn Thongjamnong, a 19 year-old from Thailand and winner of all-around championship in the 2022 Global IT Challenge. “I’m honored to be this year’s Global IT Winner, which I’m confident will motivate me to study even harder to achieve my dreams.”

“Technologies can help all of us to overcome obstacles in our daily lives and is something of a universal language that transcends borders, culture and many other differences,” said Kim In-kyu, chairman of the GITC Organizing Committee. “We hope that the wonderful young people who entered this year’s competition feel motivated and empowered to take on even greater challenges in the future.”

As highlighted in LG’s Better Life Plan 2030, the GITC is one of the company’s many initiatives in the key areas of accessibility and inclusion. LG is investing heavily in future generations as part of its comprehensive social contribution framework, and will continue to operate various events and programs specifically designed to assist and support the next generation of leaders by strengthening their skills and capabilities.

To learn more about the GITC, visit LG Newsroom or www.globalitchallenge.com.

About LG Electronics, Inc.

LG Electronics is a global innovator in technology and consumer electronics with a presence in almost every country and an international workforce of more than 75,000. LG’s four companies – Home Appliance & Air Solution, Home Entertainment, Vehicle component Solutions and Business Solutions – combined for global sales of over USD 63 billion in 2021. LG is a leading manufacturer of consumer and commercial products ranging from TVs, home appliances, air solutions, monitors, service robots, automotive components and its premium LG SIGNATURE and intelligent LG ThinQ brands are familiar names world over. Visit www.LGnewsroom.com for the latest news.

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December 1, 2022

Casio to Release G-SHOCK with Detachable Bezel in Playfully Unique Designs

Reviving and Updating the Soft Form of the DW-001

TOKYO, Dec. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Casio Computer Co., Ltd. announced today the release of the newest additions to its family of shock-resistant G-SHOCK watches. The new G-B001 watches take the form of the DW-001 released in 1994, now adding a playful touch with detachable bezel.

With its Capsule Tough design, which fully enveloped the case in resin to provide a unique shock resistant structure, the original DW-001 introduced a new sensibility by departing from the conventional rugged, hard designs. The power and strength of G-SHOCK conveyed in a new curved, soft form proved popular.

The new G-B001 watches take the DW-001 design concept further, combining the idea of wrapping the watch with the thrill of popping open a toy capsule from a vending machine. The detachable bezel on this shock-resistant watch allows users to mix and match components to choose a favorite look that best suits their style for the day.

Retaining the soft DW-001 form, the new watches feature a double-bezel design that allows users to detach the resin bezel to reveal the metal bezel below, much like the design of a toy capsule. The resin bezel stays true to the DW-001 design with a two-tone color scheme, while hairline and mirror finishes on the individual components of the metal bezel offer a more sophisticated look and feel. This design highlights the different character of the resin and metal bezels, delivering a watch that is pop and sophisticated at the same time.

The G-B001MVE also includes an interchangeable resin bezel and band, offering even more design combinations for users to mix and match to their taste.

More information：https://www.casio.com/intl/news/2022/1201-G-B001/

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December 1, 2022

Casio présente sa montre G-SHOCK avec lunette détachable dans des designs uniques et fantaisistes

Ce modèle fait revivre et actualise la forme douce de la DW-001

TOKYO, 1er décembre 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Casio Computer Co., Ltd. a annoncé aujourd’hui la sortie des dernières nouveautés de sa famille de montres G-SHOCK résistantes aux chocs. Les nouvelles montres G-B001 reprennent la forme de la DW-001 sortie en 1994, et y ajoutent une touche de fantaisie grâce à leur lunette détachable.

Avec son design Capsule Tough, qui enveloppait entièrement le boîtier dans de la résine pour lui conférer une structure unique résistant aux chocs, la DW-001 originale a apporté une nouvelle sensibilité en se démarquant des designs conventionnels robustes et durs. La puissance et la résistance de la G-SHOCK incarnées dans une nouvelle forme incurvée et souple ont été plébiscitées.

Les nouvelles montres G-B001 reprennent le concept du design de la DW-001 en combinant l’idée d’englober la montre avec le plaisir d’ouvrir une capsule de jouet de distributeur automatique. La lunette détachable de cette montre résistante aux chocs permet aux utilisateurs de mélanger et d’assortir les composants pour choisir le look qui correspond le mieux à leur style du jour.

Conservant la forme souple de la DW-001, les nouvelles montres présentent un design à double lunette qui permet aux utilisateurs de détacher la lunette en résine pour révéler la lunette en métal située en dessous, un peu comme le design d’une capsule jouet. La lunette en résine reste fidèle au design de la DW-001 avec un schéma de couleurs bicolores, tandis que les finitions veloutées et miroir des différents composants de la lunette en métal offrent un aspect et une sensation plus sophistiqués. Ce design met en valeur le caractère différent des lunettes en résine et en métal, pour une montre à la fois pop et sophistiquée.

La G-B001MVE est également dotée d’une lunette et d’un bracelet interchangeables en résine, ce qui permet aux utilisateurs de combiner encore plus de designs selon leurs goûts.

En savoir plus : https://www.casio.com/intl/news/2022/1201-G-B001/

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December 1, 2022

Malawi launches oral cholera vaccination campaign to contain cholera

Lilongwe- Malawi today kicked off oral cholera vaccination reactive campaign targeting 2.9 million people aged one year and above. The reactive campaign is aimed at halting the ongoing transmission and control cholera outbreak that has affected all the 29 districts of the country. The campaign will run from 28 November to 2 December in 13 high burden districts.

The World Health Organization (WHO) through the International Coordinating Group (ICG) on Vaccine Provision facilitated procurement of 2.9 million vaccines for the Malawi Government, funded by the Global Alliance of Vaccines (GAVI).

WHO recommends the use of oral cholera vaccine during cholera outbreak to contain outbreaks and to limit the spread of the outbreak into new areas.

“This vaccination campaign has come at a critical time during Malawi’s rainy season, when water is easily contaminated. But vaccines are just one piece of the puzzle to ensure the prevention of cholera: Collective efforts to treat the sick and improve water and sanitation systems are also essential.” Said Dr Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo, WHO Representative for Malawi.

This is the second reactive campaign in Malawi with the first campaign conducted in June 2022 in the Southern Region that reached over one and half million people. This second campaign will prioritize 13 districts with high number of cholera cases namely Karonga, Rumphi, Mzimba North, Mzimba South, Likoma, Nkhatabay, Chitipa, Lilongwe, Salima, Nkhotakota, Kasungu, Nsanje, and Zomba. The targeted districts have been determined following in-depth analysis of historic and current epidemiological data and current risk factors.

The ongoing Cholera outbreak in Malawi which started in February 2022 has affected all the 29 districts of the country. As of 27 November 2022, the country has recorded 10306 cases and 299 cholera deaths.

Beyond vaccination, the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and partners are supporting the Government of Malawi through the Ministry of Health to provide clinical care at dedicated treatment centers established closer to communities, train health care workers, strengthen water treatment systems, distribute essential supplies, and raise awareness on hygiene practices and prevention methods.

Cholera is an acute diarrhoea infection caused by eating or drinking food or water that is contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It is a serious disease that can cause severe acute watery diarrhoea with severe dehydration. Cholera affects both children and adults and can kill within hours if untreated. Recommended cholera disease prevention and control measures include the provision of safe drinking water and proper sanitation to at-risk populations and timely and appropriate healthcare for those with clinical disease.

Source: World Health Organization

December 1, 2022

Angola participates in SADC defence, security extraordinary meeting

Luanda – The Ministerial Committee of the Organ on Politics, Defence, Security and Cooperation of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) held an extraordinary meeting Wednesday, in the Republic of Namibia, under the slogan “Promoting peace and security in the Southern African Development Community region, ANGOP has learnt.

Angola was represented by the secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Esmeralda Mendonça, who heads a delegation that includes the secretary of State for National Defence Policy, José Maria de Lima.

The Angolan delegation includes the country’s ambassador to Namibia, Jovelina Imperial, senior officials of the Ministry of Defence and Veterans of the Homeland and of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The meeting served to discuss the political and security situation in the region and to strengthen democratic processes and rule and law in the SADC region.

The opening session was chaired by the Namibian deputy prime minister and minister of International Relations and Cooperation as chairperson of the Ministerial Committee of the SADC Organ, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah congratulated the governments of Angola and Lesotho for the peaceful way in which they conducted their general elections this year.

The Namibian official stressed that the electoral processes demonstrate the will of the people within the democratic principles defended by the countries of the Southern African Development Community.

The meeting, held behind closed doors, also served to analyze the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in light of the M23 attacks, in a report of negative acts that endanger the security, stability, peace, and consequently the economic development of the region.

Regarding the situation in DRC, during the speech of the SADC Executive Secretary, read by the acting director Kealeboga Moruti, the SADC Political, Defence, Security and Cooperation Organ recognized the efforts of President João Lourenço as mediator of the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Kealeboga Moruti underlined the commitment of the Angolan State in the resolution of conflicts in the region and in the continent.

The Defence and Security Committee of SADC addressed the performance of the SADC Mission in the stability and security in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique that allowed the return of thousands of Mozambicans to their areas of origin.

The extraordinary meeting of the Security and Cooperation Council was preceded by the meeting of the SADC Chiefs of Defence and Security organs.

Namibia currently chairs the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, Security and Cooperation, responsible for promoting peace and security in the southern region.

SADC is a sub-regional integration organization, composed of 16 member states, namely, Angola, DRC, Eswatini, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Lesotho, South Africa, Comoros, Mauritius, Madagascar, Seychelles, Tanzania, Malawi, Botswana, which hosts the headquarters and Mozambique, which currently assumes the rotating presidency.

Source: Angola Press News Agency

December 1, 2022

EPA Seeks to Mandate More Use of Ethanol, Other Biofuels

The Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday proposed increasing the amount of ethanol and other biofuels that must be blended into the nation’s fuel supplies over the next three years, a move welcomed by renewable fuel and farm groups but condemned by environmentalists and oil industry groups.

“This proposal supports low-carbon renewable fuels and seeks public input on ways to strengthen the program,” EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan said in a statement. “With this proposal, EPA seeks to provide consumers with more options while diversifying our nation’s energy mix.”

The proposal also includes new incentives to encourage the use of biogas from farms and landfills, and renewable biomass such as wood to generate electricity to charge electric vehicles. It’s the first time the EPA has set biofuel targets on its own instead of using numbers from Congress. The agency opened a public comment period and will hold a hearing in January.

Goal includes reducing fuel prices

The goal of the existing Renewable Fuel Standard is to reduce carbon emissions that contribute to climate change, expand the country’s fuel supply, strengthen energy security and reduce fuel prices for consumers. Ethanol is a key part of the economy in many Midwestern states, consuming about 40% of the nation’s corn supply.

But environmentalists argue it’s a net ecological and climate detriment because growing all that corn fosters unsustainable farming practices, while the oil industry says ethanol mandates constrain free market forces and limit consumer choice, and that higher blends can damage older vehicles.

Geoff Cooper, president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, told reporters on a conference call that the EPA’s plan creates a “clear pathway for sustainable growth for our industry when it comes to the production and use of low-carbon fuels like ethanol.” He said it also bolsters the industry’s push for year-round sales of gasoline with a 15% ethanol blend, as well as sales of the 85% ethanol blend E85.

“As the administration is working to address climate change, we’ve long known that biofuels will play an important role in reducing greenhouse gases while having the added benefit of providing expanded opportunities for farmers,” National Farmers Union President Rob Larew said in a statement.

Climate campaigner calls plan ‘toxic’

Environmental groups said the plan offers false solutions to climate change.

“This is a toxic plan directly at odds with the Biden Administration’s commitment to Environmental Justice,” Sarah Lutz, climate campaigner at Friends of the Earth, said in a statement. “Charging electric vehicles with forests and factory farms should be a non-starter.”

Geoff Moody, senior vice president of the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, said the Renewable Fuel Standard was meant to be a liquid fuels program, not an electric vehicle program. He urged the EPA to go back as it develops the final rule and reject “yet another massive regulatory subsidy for electric vehicle manufacturers.”

The EPA proposes to set the total target for all kinds of renewable fuels at 20.82 billion gallons for 2023, including 15 billion gallons from corn ethanol.

The target would grow to 22.68 billion gallons for 2025, including 15.25 billion gallons of corn ethanol. The plan also calls for growth in cellulosic biofuels — which are made from fibrous plant materials — biomass-based diesel and other advanced biofuels.

Republican Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, which is the top corn and ethanol producing state in the United States, said in a statement that the EPA should have gone further to require even more use of advanced biofuels to move freight, which he said would help lower prices for consumer goods.

Cooper said there’s probably no way to meet the proposed higher targets without more use of E15 and E85 instead of the conventional 10% ethanol mix. That makes it important to eliminate regulations that block summertime sales of E15, he said.

So, he predicted, the EPA’s proposal should bolster prospects for legislation introduced this week by Democratic U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and GOP Senator Deb Fischer of Nebraska to allow year-round sales of E15 nationwide. E15 sales are usually prohibited between June 1 and September 15 because of concerns that it adds to smog in high temperatures.

Eight Midwestern governors asked the EPA in April to allow year-round sales of E15 in their states. But Cooper said the new bill would provide a “nationwide fix” that even the American Petroleum Institute considers preferable to the current patchwork of temporary waivers and ad hoc solutions.

Source: Voice of America