enero 2021 – Página 266

The Conference Board Employment Trends Index™ (ETI) Remained Unchanged in December

NEW YORK, Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The Conference Board Employment Trends Index™ (ETI) was virtually unchanged in December, after seven consecutive monthly increases that started in May. The index now stands at 99.01, down from 99.05 (an upward revision) in November. The index is currently down 9.2 percent from a year ago.

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«The latest Employment Trends Index numbers signal that the labor market recovery has paused, and in the coming months employment will likely remain stagnant or even dip,» said Gad Levanon, Head of The Conference Board Labor Markets Institute. «As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise and downside risks grow, it appears unlikely that the labor market will resume its recovery over the next few months. We expect in-person services such as restaurants, hotels, entertainment, passenger transportation, and personal and childcare services to take the biggest employment hit. The number of jobs in most other industries should continue to grow.»

December’s slight decrease was driven by negative contributions from three of the eight components. From the largest negative contributor to the smallest, the components were: Initial Claims for Unemployment Insurance; Percentage of Respondents Who Say They Find «Jobs Hard to Get»; and Percentage of Firms With Positions Not Able to Fill Right Now.

The Employment Trends Index is a leading composite index for employment. Turning points in the index indicate that a turning point in employment is about to occur. The Employment Trends Index aggregates eight leading indicators of employment, each of which has proven accurate in its own area. Aggregating individual indicators into a composite index filters out «noise» to show underlying trends more clearly.

The eight leading indicators of employment aggregated into the Employment Trends Index include:

Percentage of Respondents Who Say They Find «Jobs Hard to Get» (The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Survey^®)
Initial Claims for Unemployment Insurance (U.S. Department of Labor)
Percentage of Firms With Positions Not Able to Fill Right Now (© National Federation of Independent Business Research Foundation)
Number of Employees Hired by the Temporary-Help Industry (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Ratio of Involuntarily Part-time to All Part-time Workers (BLS)
Job Openings (BLS)**
Industrial Production (Federal Reserve Board)*
Real Manufacturing and Trade Sales (U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis)**

*Statistical imputation for the recent month
**Statistical imputation for two most recent months

The Conference Board publishes the Employment Trends Index monthly, at 10 a.m. ET, on the Monday that follows each Friday release of the Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Situation report. The technical notes to this series are available on The Conference Board website: http://www.conference-board.org/data/eti.cfm.

About The Conference Board
The Conference Board is the member-driven think tank that delivers trusted insights for what’s ahead. Founded in 1916, we are a non-partisan, not-for-profit entity holding 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt status in the United States. www.conference-board.org.

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SOURCE The Conference Board

Introducing Aectual, The World’s First Platform For Mass Customizable, 100% Circular, 3D-Printed XL Architectural And Interior Products

AMSTERDAM, Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — At CES 2021, Aectual, the worlds’ first platform to rapidly produce bespoke 3D-printed XL architectural and interior products at industrial scale, today announced the global beta launch of its seamless design-to-delivery platform alongside the beta launch of its commercial web shop for consumers. Aectual offers beautifully designed, modern 3D-printed architecture and interior items, such as terrazzo artwork flooring, fixtures, wall paneling, columns, façades, stairs, room dividers, planters and table screens — even entire buildings — that are all made from 100% circular, sustainable recycled and renewable materials. Additionally, the Aectual design-to-delivery process reduces the cost of custom-made architectural products by 50%, is up to 10 times faster, eliminates waste, and reduces materials usages and CO2 emissions. View a short video of Aectual here.

«Aectual addresses a serious global challenge: the construction sector accounts for 39% of all global carbon emissions and is one of the largest polluting industries in the world. Aectual’s turnkey platform enables AEC professionals and consumers to create beautiful, customized XL 3D-printed buildings, architectural and interior design products from 100% recyclable, renewable materials that minimize waste and don’t harm the planet,» said Hedwig Heinsman, co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Aectual. «We enable world-class architects, designers and brands to realize their own bespoke designs on demand, at any scale and in any building, and to create truly unique, 100% sustainable products without being slowed down by extensive prototyping and long lead times.»

Commercial real estate projects already deployed globally by Aectual include flooring in Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport, flooring in BMW World in Munich, printed display walls in Nike Town London, a tiny bauhaus (aka studio shed or she shed), flooring that uses recycled Budweiser bottles at Capital C offices in Amsterdam and the temporary EU building in Amsterdam. The Aectual 3D-printed XL architectural platform features 12 signature products in seven categories that users can customize to their unique taste, including:

Flooring: terrazzo pattern — available in bio or ultra-thin bio
Furniture: curtains and bookcases
Façade Cladding and Wall Paneling
Outdoor: sun screens and canopies
Concrete Elements: stairs, pavements and façade cladding
Interior Design: planters, room dividers and table screens

Aectual Circular: 100% Circular and Sustainable.
«Aectual Circular» is a novel circular design and digital production service that allows products made by Aectual to be easily shape-shifted from one material into infinite interior design solutions over time. Aectual’s 3D-printing additive manufacturing process is entirely waste-free and a majority of Aectual’s products utilize circular plant-based plastics. After use, Aectual takes back the building products and directly recycles and reprints them into new products. Depending on the product type, this results in a 35% to 95% material reduction due to its parametric designs, the number of materials needed, special manufacturing and product design optimization.

How Aectual Works.
The Aectual platform utilizes customizable engineered parametric products, an easy-to-use (customized) design dashboard and proprietary robotic XL 3D-print technology. AEC-industry professionals can upload and create their own product versions or simply go to the Aectual website, pick a terrazzo floor pattern, wall panel, room divider, or sun canopy, for example, and then customize it to their taste. Once ordered, Aectual 3D-prints and installs the product.

To facilitate global deployments, Aectual has built a stable international ecosystem, partnering with reliable multinationals such as Henkel (materials), ABB (robotics) and Arup (engineering). A key factor in Aectual’s success is the combination of the three pillars of the AEC industry (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) into a one-stop-shop solution: digitally linking architectural design parameters with engineering constraints, and then producing a verified 3D-print file that is constructed with Aectual’s proprietary 3D-printing technology. The combination enables fast, high-quality product production on an industrial scale and makes custom-made architectural design available to the masses.

AEC-industry professionals are invited to participate and sign up for the Aectual enterprise beta version at https://www.aectual.com/login. Prices start at $24 per square foot (€200 euros per square meter) and items are typically more affordable than their conventional, custom-made counterparts. Consumers can choose from a selection of circular furniture and decorative pieces, such as room dividers, table screens and planters, which can be directly purchased or customized to the buyer’s exact taste. Prices start at €500 euros.

About Aectual
Aectual is the worlds’ first platform to rapidly produce bespoke XL 3D-printed architectural and interior products at industrial scale that are 100% circular. We develop sustainably 3D-printed products, such as flooring, planters, room dividers, stairs and more — all made from 100% recycled and renewable materials. Our seamless digital design-to-delivery platform utilizes customizable parametric products, software and proprietary XL 3D print technology, and is already in use and deployed by globally recognized brands like Nike, Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport and BMW. Aectual allows for a 10x faster design-to-build process, eliminates waste and reduces materials usage and CO2 emissions, resulting in up to a 50% cost savings and the possibility to create truly sustainable, custom-made architectural and interior design products.

Founded in 2017, Aectual is the brainchild of three experienced architects and 3D-print experts, who are the team behind the 3D Print Canal House, an internationally acclaimed design-and-build research project into new global housing solutions and market explorations. Headquartered in Amsterdam, Aectual is a privately held company backed by AKEF and DOEN. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn, or learn more at https://www.aectual.com.

All trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owners.

###

Media Contact

Mindy M. Hull, Mercury Global Partners for Aectual, +1 4158899977, aectual@wearemgp.com

Kayla Bortak, Mercury Global Partners for Aectual, 305 697 0027, aectual@wearemgp.com

SOURCE Aectual

Seabourn 2021 Season In Alaska & British Columbia To Offer Highly Immersive Luxury Travel Experiences In «The Great Land»

SEATTLE, Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Seabourn, the ultra-luxury resort at sea, has planned an exciting program of exhilarating adventures and immersive experiences in Alaska and British Columbia this summer. Seabourn Odyssey is scheduled to sail on a series of newly-revised, seven-day voyages between Juneau, Alaska and Vancouver, British Columbia, taking travelers to explore the vast wilderness and awe-inspiring beauty of the «The Great Land» in a way that is different from the mainstream.

Seabourn Odyssey‘s itineraries are unique in the marketplace, combining marquee ports such as Sitka and Ketchikan in Alaska with rarely visited gems like the Inian Islands and Alert Bay, a small First Nation village on Cormorant Island in the traditional Kwakwaka’wakw territory of British Columbia. Each voyage will include spectacular glacier experiences in places like Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier or Tracy/Endicott Arm, and will also offer the popular Ventures by Seabourn program of expedition-style experiences led by the onboard expedition team. The line’s entire 2021 Alaska season is now open for sale, and itinerary details with more information on the specific destinations visited on each are available on Seabourn’s website.

«We are always excited to design and offer travel experiences that enable our guests to have up-close access to the amazing wildlife, breathtaking natural scenery, and unique culture of Alaska and British Columbia,» said Josh Leibowitz, president of Seabourn. «Our seven-day ultra-luxury voyages and experiences, combined with the splendor of this region, will provide the ultimate Alaska experience.»

With its intimate size, highly social atmosphere and award-winning amenities, Seabourn is the best way to explore America’s Last Frontier for travelers looking to book a luxury vacation for next summer. The size and maneuverability of Seabourn Odyssey, which carries just 458 guests, all in spacious oceanfront suites, ensures a privileged view of this great and gorgeous land.

Depending on the itinerary, wildlife spotting opportunities are plentiful, both on the ship and off. Destinations such as Cross Sound are one of the main gateways for humpback whales to enter the sheltered waters of Alaska, where guests can get close enough to see everything in this incredibly beautiful environment inhabited by Steller sea lions, sea otters, harbor seals, bald eagles and myriad avian species beyond.

Natural wonders are a key experience planned into every Seabourn itinerary, with Alaska and British Columbia having plenty of craggy mountains, long waterfalls, and stunning vistas, so guests have many choices to consider. The North and South Sawyer Glaciers and Dawes Glacier are extremely active, calving frequently and filling their fjords with icebergs while the vast 650,000-acre-plus wilderness around them is home to brown and black bears, wolves, deer, mountain goats, seals and many seabirds. Misty Fjords, which early explorer John Muir declared one of the most beautiful places he’d seen, offer guided experiences via kayak and scenic Zodiac excursions at the very end of the fjord to take travelers to an area of inspiring beauty too narrow for the ship to enter, with vertical granite cliffs rising 3,000-feet above sea level and descending another 1,000-feet below. Glacier Bay, a U.S. National Park and Preserve, unreachable by automobile, is part of a 25 million-acre UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is dotted with vast waterways, dynamic glaciers, emerald rainforests, wild coastlines, deep sheltered fjords, and snow-capped mountains topped by 15,300-foot Mount Fairweather.

All 2021 voyages in Alaska and British Columbia will offer optional Ventures by Seabourn expedition-style tours, featuring guided Zodiac and kayak excursions launched directly from the ship, as well as hiking and wildlife viewing. These excursions will be led by Seabourn Odyssey‘s expedition team of naturalists, scientists, and wildlife and historical experts. They will also interact with guests throughout each sailing, including complimentary formal presentations as part of the Seabourn Conversations program, and on deck, pointing out, interpreting, and enhancing desirable locations as well as in more casual conversations over meals or at leisure. The expedition team also spends time on deck with SWAROVSKI OPTIK binoculars, some of the finest available and highly coveted by wildlife enthusiasts around the world. Guests who can’t get enough can get more insights through team chronicles and photos shared via Seabourn’s Voyage Tracker.

In addition to Ventures by Seabourn, the line will offer a number of exciting, optional shore excursions for guests to explore the destinations, from whale watching outings and nature walks to helicopter and seaplane adventures. One of the offerings is the line’s popular «Enjoy Your Catch» experience, an exclusive culinary excursion available at select ports where guests can spend time fishing in the fresh air, then taking their personal catch of the day back to the ship to be prepared by the onboard culinary team.

Guests can extend their time in Alaska and British Columbia with Seabourn Journeys, pre- and/or post-vacation packages featuring destinations and experiences in treasured locations that cannot be accessed on single-day excursions from Seabourn Odyssey. These include a visit to Banff National Park, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, aboard the Rocky Mountaineer luxury train.

For reservations or more information about Seabourn, please contact Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com.

About Seabourn:
Ultra-luxury Seabourn currently operates a fleet of five modern ships with two under construction and is a proud member of World’s Leading Cruise Lines. The exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises, AIDA, P&O Cruises UK, and P&O Cruises Australia. Seabourn is a brand of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL and NYSE: CUK). Seabourn is the official cruise partner of UNESCO World Heritage under a multi-year agreement to help promote sustainable tourism at World Heritage sites around the world. Our highest responsibility and top priorities are compliance, environmental protection and the health, safety and well-being of our guests, crew, shoreside employees, and the people and communities our ships visit.

Find Seabourn on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest.

Notes to Editors:
Seabourn is consistently ranked among the world’s top travel choices by professional critics and the discerning readers of prestigious travel publications such as Departures, Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler. Its stylish, distinctive cruising vacations are renowned for:

Intimate ships with a private club atmosphere
Intuitive, personalized service provided by staff passionate about exceeding guests expectations
Curated voyages to all seven continents delivering award-winning experiences
All ocean-front suites, luxuriously appointed
Complimentary premium spirits and fine wines available on board at all times
Welcome Champagne and complimentary in-suite bar stocked with your preferences
Tipping is neither required, nor expected
Finest resort at sea that is masterfully designed
World-class dining, further enhanced through a culinary partnership with Chef Thomas Keller
All dining venues are complimentary, dine where, when and with whom you wish
Seabourn Conversations, connecting with visionary experts
Ventures by Seabourn™, optional shore excursions, enhance and extend your experience in select destinations*^
Select purposeful and sustainable travel experiences as the Official Cruise Partner of UNESCO*
Spa & Wellness with Dr. Andrew Weil, featuring an exclusive mindful living program*
An evening entertainment experience in collaboration with Sir Tim Rice†
Committed to environmental stewardship and sustainability

*Optional programs, for additional charge
^Available on Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Sojourn, Seabourn Quest, Seabourn Encore, Seabourn Ovation
†Not available on board Seabourn Venture

Click-To-Tweet: This year, join @SeabournCruise as the line delivers the ultimate #Alaska experience aboard #SeabournOdyssey, allowing travelers to explore «The Great Land» like never before with exhilarating adventures and immersive experiences. Book your voyage today: bit.ly/SBN-Alaska

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SOURCE Seabourn

California Energy Commission Awards More Than $5 Million in Grant Funding to Indian Energy for Camp Pendleton Energy Storage Demonstration Project

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — San Diego-based energy developer, Indian Energy LLC, has accepted a grant of more than $5 million from the California Energy Commission (CEC) to develop and demonstrate long-duration, non-lithium ion based energy storage technologies. This grant is part of the CEC’s Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) program, funding research that accelerates clean energy innovation, helping to build California’s 100% clean energy future.

This EPIC grant aims to demonstrate the value of energy storage technologies; evaluate how they meet varying customer needs; and help increase grid resiliency. These technologies could meet a pressing need for energy storage across the state to help prevent and mitigate blackouts and brownouts driven by climate change and more frequent wildfires. In addition, energy storage enables better integration and a more dynamic use of California’s growing renewable energy resources.

Indian Energy is a 100% Native American-owned utility-scale and microgrid development and systems integration firm. Utilizing the grant funds, Indian Energy, along with construction management partner Webcor, will develop, integrate and commission several innovative Hybrid Modular Storage Systems (HMSS) as a long-duration energy storage technology demonstration and deployment research project. The HMSS project is focused on uncovering and closing any final knowledge gaps in potential grid-scale implementation of long-duration storage, one of the last major barriers to securing California’s sustainable clean energy future. By leveraging the breadth and scale of the partners from a Navy/Marine Corps and Tribal perspective, the project can serve as a catalyst for a new wave of renewable energy solutions for California and beyond.

«It is an honor to be part of a team that is on the verge of accelerating the country’s solution for long-duration energy storage,» said Allen G. Cadreau, CEO of Indian Energy. «Our project – likely the first of its kind – will not only verify the industries current leading energy storage technologies and capabilities, but will also aid in the advancement of the technology and its operational security. We now have the ability to actively test energy storage use cases through real-world and real time applications at a time when our energy, transportation and tribal nation infrastructure needs critical support.»

The HMSS project involves developing six module types, each capable of meeting the requirements of long-duration energy storage and the needs of the state grid operators. Located in the 52 Area of Camp Pendleton, to leverage existing clean energy assets, the HMSS will demonstrate how to optimize the productivity of a variety of solar assets by charging with clean energy and shifting the delivery of that energy to peak demand and evening hours. It will also demonstrate how to shift to 100% renewables, as well as provide deep resiliency toward grid disturbances such as wildfires and cyber attacks.

Three specific HMSS modules will be funded by the state and made of flow batteries, supercapacitors, fast-responding mechanical energy storage and zinc hybrid cathodes in integrated installations. The other three modules will be funded by other government agencies and private industry partners. Developed using a proven «system of systems approach,» the energy storage technologies will also include an innovative hybrid controller which will ensure that each technology will be used at its most advantageous operating point, or optimized. The project includes installing different types and configurations or batteries, testing them individually, and then using them as one large unit, such as a unit that would be used on the California power grid when they recently shut down for fire safety. The best HMSS will then be scaled to 400kW/4MWh to achieve 400kW, for 10 hours (4MWh), the requirement per the grant.

«The 52 Area of Camp Pendleton has always played a special role in the development of microgrids and resiliency approaches for the State,» said Mike Firenze, Director of Federal Programs at Webcor. «The Marine Corps and Navy have quietly, yet boldly, lead the way when it comes to implementing renewables and microgrids for resiliency. It makes sense to bring it back to the site of prior success as a team and solve some of the last major hurdles to rapid and widespread adoption.»

The project is preceded by nearly a decade of renewable and resiliency activities in the Navy Southwest Region and underscores Indian Energy’s recent awarding of over $6 million in grant funding by the CEC within the last year to create two living laboratories to test the worlds most advanced energy storage technologies. The energy storage grants are being developed in partnership with the United States Marine Corp and the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians.

«We support the innovative approaches that Indian Energy and the State are developing and deploying,» said John Christman, chairman of the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay. «Long-duration storage is the critical piece for tribal nations to achieve energy sovereignty and resiliency. We are proud to be involved with these measures through our own VICU project.»

About Indian Energy, LLC
Indian Energy, LLC, is a privately held microgrid developer and systems integrator, specializing in developing large-scale advanced energy resiliency solutions for the Department of Defense, Community Choice Aggregators and Tribal Utility Authorities. The company was founded in 2009 and is certified as a Small Business Enterprise and a Minority-owned Business Enterprise. Indian Energy is 100% Native American Indian-owned and -operated, with offices in Anaheim Hills and San Diego, California, as well as in Baja Norte California, Mexico. The company has 4 GW of solar photovoltaic and wind and 6 GWh of energy storage under development. More information is available on the Indian Energy website, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Additionally, Indian Energy has partnered with the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians to create Chippewa Sustainable Solutions, Inc (CSS), which has been approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration for participation in the 8(a) Business Development Program. The co-owned company provides energy resiliency and energy security solutions to the United States Government and its Agencies thru the very unique and powerful direct award capabilities of the 8(a) Program.

About Webcor
Webcor is a premier provider of commercial construction services, known for its innovative and efficient approach, wide range of experience, cost effective design-build methodology, skill in concrete construction and expertise in building landmark projects. Webcor’s mission is to safely build structures of superior quality with integrity, continuously improve its processes by employing the best talent in the industry, and add social and economic value to its communities. Founded in 1971 and repeatedly honored as one of the Greenest Builders in California, Healthiest Employers, Top Corporate Philanthropists, Best Places to Work and Largest California Construction Firms, Webcor has offices throughout the state in San Francisco, Alameda, San Jose, Los Angeles and San Diego. More information is available on the Webcor website and on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About the California Energy Commission
The California Energy Commission is leading the state to a 100 percent clean energy future. It has seven core responsibilities: developing renewable energy, transforming transportation, increasing energy efficiency, investing in energy innovation, advancing state energy policy, certifying thermal power plants, and preparing for energy emergencies.

Contact:
Kara Schmiemann-McCoy
Studio PR
570-441-4793
kara@studiopr.com

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SOURCE Indian Energy LLC

Army Adds Life-Saving Technology for Blackhawks in 2021 Defense Appropriations

BROOMFIELD, Colo., Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — There are two notable firsts in the 2021 defense bill, which will help the US Army reduce accidents, save lives and precisely deliver sensitive payloads:

The world’s first Rescue Litter Stabilization Systems will be included in Blackhawk H-60 helicopters, to instantly and autonomously detect and adjust for complex factors (wind speed, direction, updraft, and more) to neutralize chaotic motion and help rescuers reach and lift…

The world’s first Rescue Litter Stabilization Systems will be included in Blackhawk H-60 helicopters, to instantly and autonomously detect and adjust for complex factors (wind speed, direction, updraft, and more) to neutralize chaotic motion and help rescuers reach and lift warfighters and civilians safely, regardless of challenging terrain or weather conditions.
These systems come from Colorado’s Vita Inclinata, the first startup graduate from the AFWERX Accelerator to receive congressional appropriations.

«Vita was created to help search and rescue personnel bring everyone home, every time — and it turns out that controlling chaotic motion adds a vital tool for pilots and MEDEVAC crews across scenarios,» said Caleb Carr, Vita Inclinata CEO and co-founder.

«We are honored that our technology will be utilized in service of rescuers and warfighters, and proud to represent AFWERX’s commitment to innovation in the military,» Carr added. «This feels like small but significant validation that the US military can grow a startup ecosystem that matters.»

The $740 billion defense funding bill was signed on New Year’s Day with bipartisan support. $5.5 million of that funding has been authorized and appropriated for the Army to purchase litter stabilization systems. In accompanying report language, Congress recognized that litter stabilization technology has the potential to offer vast improvements to various military operations across all branches of service.

There is also continued support from Congress to further test and certify this type of safety stabilization technology, allowing as many military units as possible to make use of this life saving capability.

«We worked hard to make this incredible complexity simple for warfighters, MEDEVAC personnel, and first responders, with the intention of making it easier to save lives and get home safely. Congressional recognition of technologies like Litter Stability Systems will undoubtedly spark more innovation, and our team is dedicated to being part of that,» added Derek Sikora, Vita’s CTO and co-founder.

About Vita Inclinata
A friend’s death during a rescue operation — with a helicopter close but unable to stabilize due to weather and terrain — was the genesis of Vita Inclinata. Founded in 2015 as a way to solve a real problem, Vita today controls chaotic swinging and spin, and adds precision for rotor wing and fixed wing aircraft and cranes. With the mission of «Bring them home, every time,» Vita’s technology changes the narrative while saving lives, time and money across industries, including search and rescue, firefighting, OPSCOM, construction, wind turbines, and oil and gas. The company is headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado, with offices in Washington, DC, and new offices opening in 2021 in Huntsville, Alabama and Wilmington, North Carolina. For more information, please visit www.vitatech.co.

CONTACT:

Meredith Branscombe
288621@email4pr.com
720-295-3271

Lillian Hoffer Long
288621@email4pr.com

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SOURCE Vita Inclinata Technologies, LLC

United States Environmental Testing Market Analysis & Forecast Report 2020: Historical Years 2015-2018, Base Year of 2019, Estimated Year of 2020 & Forecasts 2021-2025

DUBLIN, Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The «United States Environmental Testing…

DUBLIN, Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The «United States Environmental Testing Market, By Sample (Soil; Water; Air; Wastewater/Effluent), By Technology (Conventional; Rapid Method), By Contaminant (Microbial Contamination; Organic Compounds; Heavy Metals; Residues; Solids), By Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities» report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com’s offering.

The United States Environmental Testing Market was valued USD 2,411.75 Million in 2019 and is forecast to grow at CAGR of 7.06% in next five years to reach USD 3,209.60 Million by 2025.

Anticipated growth in the market can be attributed to rising incidences of airborne diseases, growing industrialization, growing urbanization, and stringent government regulation pertaining to protection of environment, among others.

Growing investments by the government in advanced testing equipment or services to maintain hygiene and environmental conditions are the factors driving the the United States Environmental Testing Market. Government initiatives towards the protection of the environment, stringent government regulation imposed over the pollution maintenance and active participation to monitor the change in the environmental conditions are going to drive the US environmental testing market in the coming years.

The United States Environmental Testing Market is segmented based on sample, technology, contaminant, and regional distribution. Based on sample, the market can be fragmented into soil, water, air and wastewater/effluent. Wastewater/effluent held the dominant share in the market in 2019. This can be accredited to the stringent government regulated to discharge of effluent or wastewater in water bodies.

The major players operating in the environmental testing market are Eurofins Scientific Inc., SGS S.A., TUV SUD AG, Bureau Veritas SA, Intertek Group plc, ALS Limited, Microbac Laboratories, Inc., Merieux Nutrisciences Corp, EMSL Analytical, Inc., Hydrologic Associates USA, Inc., and others.

Years considered for this report:

Historical Years: 2015-2018
Base Year: 2019
Estimated Year: 2020
Forecast Period: 2021-2025

Key Topics Covered:

1. Product Overview

2. Research Methodology

3. Executive Summary

4. Voice of Customer

5. Global Environmental Testing Market Outlook

6. United States Environmental Testing Market Outlook
6.1. Market Size & Forecast
6.1.1. By Value
6.2. Market Share & Forecast
6.2.1. By Sample (Soil; Water; Air; Wastewater/Effluent)
6.2.2. By Technology (Conventional; Rapid Method)
6.2.3. By Contaminant (Microbial Contamination; Organic Compounds; Heavy Metals; Residues; Solids)
6.2.4. By Region
6.2.5. By Company
6.3. Product Market Map

7. United States Soil Testing Market Outlook
7.1. Market Size & Forecast
7.1.1. By Value
7.2. Market Share & Forecast
7.2.1. By Technology
7.2.2. By Contaminant

8. United States Water Testing Market Outlook
8.1. Market Size & Forecast
8.1.1. By Value
8.2. Market Share & Forecast
8.2.1. By Technology
8.2.2. By Contaminant

9. United States Air Testing Market Outlook
9.1. Market Size & Forecast
9.1.1. By Value
9.2. Market Share & Forecast
9.2.1. By Technology
9.2.2. By Contaminant

10. United States Wastewater/Effluent Testing Market Outlook
10.1. Market Size & Forecast
10.1.1. By Value
10.2. Market Share & Forecast
10.2.1. By Technology
10.2.2. By Contaminant

11. Market Dynamics
11.1. Drivers
11.2. Challenges

12. Market Trends & Developments

13. Supply Chain Analysis

14. Policy & Regulatory Landscape

15. United States Economic Profile

16. Competitive Landscape
16.1. Company Profiles
16.1.1. Eurofins Scientific Inc.
16.1.2. SGS S.A.
16.1.3. TUV SUD AG
16.1.4. Bureau Veritas SA
16.1.5. Intertek Group plc
16.1.6. ALS Limited
16.1.7. Microbac Laboratories, Inc.
16.1.8. Merieux Nutrisciences Corp
16.1.9. EMSL Analytical, Inc.
16.1.10. Hydrologic Associates USA, Inc.

17. Strategic Recommendations

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/hpocuh

Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research.

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Research and Markets
Laura Wood, Senior Manager
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SOURCE Research and Markets

Built In Honors TurnKey Vacation Rentals in 2021 Best Places To Work Awards

AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Built In today announced that TurnKey Vacation Rentals was honored with two of its 2021 Best Places to Work Awards: Best Midsize Companies to Work for in Austin and Best Paying Companies in Austin. The annual awards include companies of all sizes, from startups to enterprise, and nationally and in the eight largest U.S. tech markets.

«We put a lot of focus on creating a remarkable and inclusive culture at TurnKey Vacation Rentals, one that supports and celebrates our team members while instilling a strong sense of pride in delivering hospitality to private accommodations,» said TurnKey Co-founder and CEO John Banczak. «Employees who feel inspired, challenged and appreciated create the best results for our homeowners, guests and our company overall. We’re thrilled to be recognized by Built In for these efforts.»

Built In determines winners for Best Places to Work based on an algorithm, using company data about compensation, benefits and cultural programs. To reflect the attributes candidates are searching for on Built In today, this year’s program weighted criteria more heavily, like remote opportunities and programs for diversity, equity and inclusion.

«These companies raise the bar for cultural excellence and the ability to adapt to meet changing needs of employees,» said Sheridan Orr, Chief Marketing Officer of Built In. «The 2021 winners show a commitment not just to creating meaningful cultures but to delivering talent needs as they change in a dynamic landscape. We’re thrilled to extend our congratulations to the winners.»

ABOUT TURNKEY VACATION RENTALS
TurnKey Vacation Rentals is a full-service vacation rental property management company for premier vacation rental homes in top U.S. travel destinations. As a leading vacation rental hospitality brand, TurnKey provides guests with the consistency and quality of a fine hotel experience, while optimizing the management, marketing and return on investment for vacation rental homeowners. Our proprietary smart home technology – digital smart locks, housekeeping scheduler, in-home tablet, noise decibel monitors and more – integrates with local, in-market teams to ensure extraordinary vacation rental experiences for every home, every stay, every time. TurnKey is based in Austin, Texas, and venture-backed by Altos Ventures, Adams Street Partners, Silverton Partners and institutional and angel investors. To learn more, visit turnkeyvr.com.

ABOUT BUILT IN
Built In, a revolution in tech recruitment, serves more than 1,800 innovative companies of all sizes, from startups to the enterprise, delivering content and digital recruitment solutions that work. The platform amplifies companies’ brands as national, local or remote employers of choice, as well as leaders in DEI. Monthly, 2.5 million tech professionals rely on Built In to stay up on trends, grow in their roles and discover companies with missions they want to join. The platform publishes stories about companies’ tech, culture and people. This activates sought-after professionals to apply to customers’ open roles. http://www.builtin.com

ABOUT BUILT IN’S BEST PLACES TO WORK
Built In’s esteemed Best Places to Work awards, now in its third year, honor companies across numerous categories: 100 Best Places to Work, 50 Best Small Places to Work, 100 Best Midsize Places to Work, 50 Companies with the Best Benefits and 50 Best Paying Companies. Two new national categories reflect what candidates are searching for, including 100 Best Large Companies to Work For and 50 Best Remote-First Places to Work.

BEST PLACES TO WORK: METHODOLOGY
Built In ranks companies algorithmically based on compensation information, benefits and culture programs. This year, based on data showing tech professionals’ needs, the Best Places to Work algorithm added weight to companies’ commitment to DEI and remote culture. Rank is determined by combining a company’s score in each of these categories.

Media Contact

Adam Pedowitz, TurnKey Vacation Rentals, (512) 387-7918, press@turnkeyvr.com

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SOURCE TurnKey Vacation Rentals

Worcester Polytechnic Institute Chemical Engineers: «Why Not Make Waste Work for Us?»

WORCESTER, Mass., Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Two research projects led by chemical engineers from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), which explore finding applications for nitrogen-rich waste products and converting marine plastics into ship fuel, received funding stemming from the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) 2026 Idea Machine competition.

The projects, which together were awarded nearly $540,000, involve intensive…

The projects, which together were awarded nearly $540,000, involve intensive research surrounding sustainability and waste reduction, were led by Michael Timko, associate professor of chemical engineering; Aaron Deskins, associate professor of chemical engineering; and Nikolaos Kazantzis, professor of chemical engineering. The proposals were submitted to a program to support high-risk research by the NSF in a solicitation that originated in its 2026 Idea Machine competition, which was launched to help set the U.S. agenda for fundamental research in science and engineering. In 2019, Timko’s entry «A World Without Waste» was one of 14 semifinalists from more than 800 submissions in the 2026 Idea Machine Competition.

«We were absolutely thrilled that the NSF funded two grants for the same institution, and within the same department. It’s quite unusual, since such a competition is highly competitive,» Kazantzis said.

The first project,«Nitrogen Bearing Hydrochars for Nitrogen Upcycling in a World without Waste,» received a two-year, $277,359 grant. Timko, along with Deskins and Klaus Schmidt-Rohr of Brandeis University, will explore potentially useful applications of nitrogen-rich waste products in areas such as water purification. The work focuses on the complex structure of molecules called N-hydrochars, which are nitrogen-bearing, carbon-rich materials formed by the hydrothermal treatment of wastes, such as food waste, livestock manure, and sewage sludge.

«Nitrogen has interesting benefits, such as acting as a great absorbent,» said Timko. «We’ve found that nitrogen’s molecules require a delicate balance within its configuration in order to act this way. As it turns out, these absorbents are effective for binding to harmful products, like metals, which can be found in our water supplies.»

Deskins will focus on modeling the atoms of nitrogen-rich waste products to see which ones can most effectively form beneficial absorbents. «We want to understand why certain materials make better absorbents, and others don’t,» he said.

If the configuration of these atoms is better understood, Timko said, scientists may one day be able to use n-hydrochars derived from certain wastes, like food and yard waste, to create absorbent materials that can help clean the environment, including chemical solutions that can purify water sources.

«Our end goal is to take wastes that currently have a negative value and would normally go to landfills and/or wreak havoc on the environment, and actually give them a positive value,» he said. «We can put them to work and help people.»

The second project, «Probabilistic Analysis of Converting Marine-Borne Plastics into Usable Fuels,» received a two-year, $259,299 grant. The research, led by Kazantzis and Timko, will explore converting marine plastics into usable fuel for ships collecting plastics from the ocean. The project is in response to the heavy pollution crisis the world’s oceans are experiencing: their research has found that 4.8 to 12.7 million tons of plastics are dumped into oceans yearly, which has a hazardous effect on marine ecosystems and can potentially enter into the human food chain. The increase in marine pollution has also increased the amount of ships sent to sea to collect plastic, which requires ships to frequently return to ports to refuel, releasing harmful carbon dioxide emissions into the air.

Kazantzis and Timko aim to model a specialized reactor that might one day be built into these ships to break down collected plastic into useable fuel. Harvested plastic would be brought onboard, dried, loaded into the reactor, and broken down by a process called hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL), which uses moderate heat and high pressure to convert wet biomass into crude-like oil. Timko has used HTL in past research looking at the feasibility of converting food and yard waste into biofuels. Ideally, once the plastic is in fuel form, the ships will be able to refuel themselves at sea, reducing the number of refueling trips back to port and the related fossil fuel emissions.

«Removing plastic from the ocean with ships requires substantial investments in energy and money,» Kazantzis said. «We’re imagining a vessel with a reactor on board that will convert plastic waste into usable fuel. This would enable the ship to be self-powered, and give it access to water [through the ocean] to make the chemical reactions needed for HTL to take place. Why not make waste work for us?»

Timko and Kazantzis hope this project will enable their research team to test the technical feasibility profile of onboard HTL reactors, and give them valuable insights needed for assessing the economic viability prospects of the proposed technology option for converting plastic waste into useful fuels.

About Worcester Polytechnic Institute
WPI, the global leader in project-based learning, is a distinctive, top-tier technological university founded in 1865 on the principle that students learn most effectively by applying the theory learned in the classroom to the practice of solving real-world problems. Recognized by the National Academy of Engineering with the 2016 Bernard M. Gordon Prize for Innovation in Engineering and Technology Education, WPI’s pioneering project-based curriculum engages undergraduates in solving important scientific, technological, and societal problems throughout their education and at more than 50 project centers around the world. WPI offers more than 50 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs across 16 academic departments in science, engineering, technology, business, the social sciences, and the humanities and arts. Its faculty and students pursue groundbreaking research to meet ongoing challenges in health and biotechnology; robotics and the internet of things; advanced materials and manufacturing; cyber, data, and security systems; learning science; and more. http://www.wpi.edu

Contact:
Jessica Messier
Public Relations Specialist
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
jmmessier@wpi.edu

# # #

Media Contact

Jessica Messier, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 508-831-5000, jmmessier@wpi.edu

SOURCE Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Toby Keith, Travis Tritt, Cole Swindell, Lee Brice, Randy Houser & Colt Ford to Perform Live Private Concerts at the 2021 Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions

ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Diamond Resorts^®, a global leader in the hospitality, vacation ownership and entertainment industries, is thrilled to welcome an electrifying lineup of country music’s biggest stars to the stage in a private live concert series during the 2021 Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions presented by Insurance Office of America.

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The tournament’s sponsors and invited guests — along with a dream roster of nearly 50 celebrity players — will be treated to three nights of exhilarating, outdoor and socially distanced live shows.

On Saturday, January 23, the concert series will conclude with a highly anticipated performance by worldwide music superstar and Billboard Country Artist of the Decade honoree, Toby Keith. Keith will perform a variety of songs from his extensive library of music, spanning 19 studio albums and five compilation albums. Over his legendary, award-winning career, Keith has amassed an impressive 61 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, including 32 No. 1 hits.

The week’s lineup will feature six of country music’s most popular entertainers, including newly announced Diamond Celebrity ambassador and Grammy Award-winning country artist Travis Tritt, Platinum-selling singer-songwriter Cole Swindell, multiple ACM and CMA Musical Event of the Year Award-winning artist Lee Brice, ACM and CMA Award-nominated artist Randy Houser, and former professional golfer turned country rapper Colt Ford.

Night one of the live music series will kick off the tournament on Tuesday, January 19, featuring special performances by legendary country music chart-toppers Travis Tritt and Lee Brice. Then, on Thursday, January 21, celebrated singer-songwriters Randy Houser and Cole Swindell will ignite the crowd of invited guests. Colt Ford will join Toby Keith for the Saturday night performance, gracing the stage with yet another country music chart-topper.

The three buzzing nights of live country music are part of the tournament’s unique entertainment format. The concerts will be hosted under an open-air tent at Diamond’s Mystic Dunes Resort & Golf Club, and in accordance with all local safety guidelines. Occupancy will be strictly limited and the spacious stage and venue buildout will allow attendees to maintain safe social distancing while enjoying the performances. Additional safety protocols, including, but not limited to, a mandatory mask policy and temperature checks will be enforced by trained security staff.

The Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions marks the start of the official 2021 LPGA Tour season. The annual event invites top professional competitors from women’s golf to play alongside both entertainment and pro-athlete celebrities. This year’s celebrity guests include former star of ABC’s «The Bachelor» Ben Higgins, NBA champion Ray Allen, World Golf Hall of Famer and Diamond Resorts Celebrity ambassador Annika Sörenstam, MLB Hall of Famer John Smoltz, comedian Larry the Cable Guy, actor and comedian Brian Baumgartner and many more.

«We are thrilled to bring a world-class concert lineup to Orlando once again for the Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions,» said Diamond Resorts CEO and Tournament Founder Mike Flaskey. «These exclusive performances are a big part of what makes our annual event such a unique and memorable experience, and we look forward to a safe and socially distanced week of private live concerts with some of country music’s biggest stars.»

The tournament has raised nearly $4 million in past years through silent and live auctions. Fans can bid on exciting auction prizes virtually this year from exclusive vacation packages to one-of-a-kind signed sports memorabilia and more. Proceeds from the auction will go to the Diamond Resorts International Foundation, a recognized 501(c)(3) organization that benefits underprivileged communities, military veterans and those in need. To browse auction items and make a bid, visit the auction website HERE.

A total of 43 LPGA professionals have qualified to play in this year’s tournament, including Brittany Lincicome, Brooke Henderson, Nelly Korda, Lexi Thompson, Michelle Wie West, Jin Young Ko, Danielle Kang and defending champion Gaby Lopez. LPGA champion commitments will be announced closer to the tournament date. The LPGA champions will play 72 holes of stroke play for $1.2 million in official prize money, while the roster of sports and entertainment celebrities will compete for their own $500,000 purse using a modified Stableford format.

The 4-day tournament will be televised live on Golf Channel from January 21-22 and on Golf Channel and NBC from January 23-24.

About Diamond Resorts®
Diamond Resorts offers destinations, events and experiences to help members make a habit of breaking from the routine. From unforgettable getaways to exclusive concert series to VIP receptions and dinners, members turn to Diamond to recharge, reconnect and remind each other what matters most. Our focus on quality resorts, customer service and flexibility means members can return to a favorite resort, book a cruise to explore new countries or attend a once-in-a-lifetime event with the same level of confidence and anticipation. With access to a world of entertainment and activities, a Diamond membership ensures that people are always looking forward to vacation.

To learn more about Diamond Resorts, visit DiamondResorts.com or follow @DiamondResorts on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. To learn more about the tournament and get a behind-the-scenes look, visit DiamondLPGA.com and follow @TheVacationDR on Twitter and Instagram. Join the social conversation with #DiamondLPGA.

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SOURCE Diamond Resorts

CBAK Energy Partners With JAC Motors to Jointly Develop New Battery Cells

DALIAN, China, Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — CBAK Energy Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: CBAT) («CBAK Energy», or the «Company»,), a leading lithium-ion battery manufacturer and electric energy solution provider, today announced that it has signed a three-year strategic agreement (the «Agreement») with Anhui Jianghuai Motors Group Co., Ltd (SSE: 600418) («JAC Motors») for joint product development.

JAC Motors is a Chinese state-owned automobile and commercial vehicle manufacturer. Founded in 1964,…

JAC Motors is a Chinese state-owned automobile and commercial vehicle manufacturer. Founded in 1964, JAC Motors is among the top four domestic Chinese vehicle brands, has an R&D team of 5,000 people, and is focused on producing energy-saving, environmentally friendly, safe, smart, Web-enabled, and comfortable vehicles. As a pioneer in China’s alternative energy vehicle industry, JAC Motors currently provides an expansive electric vehicle product line encompassing SUVs, sedans, and other passenger vehicles. It owns a world-class battery cooling technology and is the sole producer of such technology in China. By the end of 2019, JAC Motors has exported over 640,000 vehicles to the international market.

The strategic agreement that CBAK Energy has reached with JAC Motors will combine the former’s extensive experience in the research, development, and manufacturing of battery cells with the latter’s technology capabilities and electric vehicle industry leadership. By leveraging their shared expertise in product development and applications of both automotive power batteries and battery pack technologies, the two companies plan to jointly develop cylindrical lithium-ion batteries and battery packs, including the 46800 model.

Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company will provide customized implementation solutions for power batteries and battery packs based on the latest technical requirements of JAC Motors. Additionally, the two companies will also establish a joint research and development team to design, test, and enhance the adaptability of their new products in electric vehicles. In addition, JAC Motors has committed to prioritizing the implementation of those batteries and battery pack systems jointly developed by the two companies for its future productions of electric vehicles.

The partnership will leverage the Company’s battery technology leadership and JAC Motors’ world-class automotive R&D capabilities to accelerate the growth of both parties. More broadly, by working together, the two companies plan to advance the technology of automotive power batteries and actively explore the implementation of a partnership model that is both effective and capable of advancing their businesses going forward.

About CBAK Energy

CBAK Energy Technology, Inc. is a leading high-tech enterprise engaged in the development, manufacturing, and sales of new energy high power lithium batteries. The applications of the Company’s products and solutions include electric vehicles, light electric vehicles, electric tools, energy storage, uninterruptible power supply (UPS), and other high-power applications. In January 2006, CBAK Energy became the first lithium battery manufacturer in China listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market. CBAK Energy has multiple operating subsidiaries in Dalian and Nanjing, as well as a large-scale R&D and production base in Dalian.

For more information, please visit www.cbak.com.cn.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements, which are subject to change. The forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All «forward-looking statements» relating to the business of CBAK Energy Technology, Inc. and its subsidiary companies, which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as «believes», «expects» or similar expressions, involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially. These factors include but are not limited to: the ability of the Company to meet its contract or agreement obligations; the uncertain market for the Company’s lithium battery cells; business, macroeconomic, technological, regulatory, or other factors affecting the profitability of battery cells designed for energy storage; and risks related to CBAK Energy’s business and risks related to operating in China. Please refer to CBAK Energy’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, as well as other SEC reports that have been filed since the date of such annual report, for specific details on risk factors. Given these risks and uncertainties, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. CBAK Energy’s actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. CBAK Energy undertakes no obligation to revise or update its forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this release unless expressly requested by applicable law.

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SOURCE CBAK Energy Technology, Inc.