#Programmable emitters

[rbrtsw2lee]

https://www.futureelectronics.com/p/semiconductors--optoelectronics--infrared-emitters-detectors/hdn1102w-tr-stanley-electric-9066162

Infrared emitters manufacturers, Ceramic infrared, emitter circuit, infrared light,

3 x 1.5 mm 60° 870 nm 20 mA Surface Mount Infrared Emitting Diode

[reasonsforhope]

"India’s announcement that it aims to reach net zero emissions by 2070 and to meet fifty percent of its electricity requirements from renewable energy sources by 2030 is a hugely significant moment for the global fight against climate change. India is pioneering a new model of economic development that could avoid the carbon-intensive approaches that many countries have pursued in the past – and provide a blueprint for other developing economies.

The scale of transformation in India is stunning. Its economic growth has been among the highest in the world over the past two decades, lifting of millions of people out of poverty. Every year, India adds a city the size of London to its urban population, involving vast construction of new buildings, factories and transportation networks. Coal and oil have so far served as bedrocks of India’s industrial growth and modernisation, giving a rising number of Indian people access to modern energy services. This includes adding new electricity connections for 50 million citizens each year over the past decade. 

The rapid growth in fossil energy consumption has also meant India’s annual CO2 emissions have risen to become the third highest in the world. However, India’s CO2 emissions per person put it near the bottom of the world’s emitters, and they are lower still if you consider historical emissions per person. The same is true of energy consumption: the average household in India consumes a tenth as much electricity as the average household in the United States.  

India’s sheer size and its huge scope for growth means that its energy demand is set to grow by more than that of any other country in the coming decades. In a pathway to net zero emissions by 2070, we estimate that most of the growth in energy demand this decade would already have to be met with low-carbon energy sources. It therefore makes sense that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced more ambitious targets for 2030, including installing 500 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity, reducing the emissions intensity of its economy by 45%, and reducing a billion tonnes of CO2. 

These targets are formidable, but the good news is that the clean energy transition in India is already well underway. It has overachieved its commitment made at COP 21- Paris Summit [a.k.a. 2015, at the same conference that produced the Paris Agreement] by already meeting 40% of its power capacity from non-fossil fuels- almost nine years ahead of its commitment, and the share of solar and wind in India’s energy mix have grown phenomenally. Owing to technological developments, steady policy support, and a vibrant private sector, solar power plants are cheaper to build than coal ones. Renewable electricity is growing at a faster rate in India than any other major economy, with new capacity additions on track to double by 2026...

Subsidies for petrol and diesel were removed in the early 2010s, and subsidies for electric vehicles were introduced in 2019. India’s robust energy efficiency programme has been successful in reducing energy use and emissions from buildings, transport and major industries. Government efforts to provide millions of households with fuel gas for cooking and heating are enabling a steady transition away from the use of traditional biomass such as burning wood. India is also laying the groundwork to scale up important emerging technologies such as hydrogen, battery storage, and low-carbon steel, cement and fertilisers..."

-via IEA (International Energy Agency), January 10, 2022

Note: And since that's a little old, here's an update to show that progress is still going strong:

-via Economic Times: EnergyWorld, March 10, 2023

[stevebattle]

Moonlight Special MS-II (1978) AKA The Battelle Micromouse, by Art Boland, Ron Dilbeck, Philip Stover, Roy Kelly, Timothy Harrington, and James Thomas, Battelle Northwest Laboratories, WA. In May 1977, Spectrum magazine announced the ‘Amazing Micromouse Competition’ which would be held in 1979 in New York. The challenge was to employ microprocessor technology to design and construct a self-contained "thinking mouse" that could solve a maze and, in subsequent trials, avoid its earlier mistakes. The first micromouse preliminaries were held in the U.S. during 1978 where Moonlight Special demonstrated its learning prowess in the time trials at NCC's Personal Computing Festival. In the 1979 finals it achieved 4th place, but showed the second best ability to learn. A distinguishing feature of the Special was that it looked like a real mouse.

"The 'Micromouse', shown on the front cover [final photo], is an intelligent robot with a microcomputer 'brain' and an ability to work out how to traverse a maze after just two trial runs. On the third run it goes from start to finish without bumping into a wall, or making a wrong turn. In this respect it is more intelligent than human beings and robot designers are working on how this type of robot can be used in a more sophisticated way — perhaps domestic robots to vacuum carpets and even run household appliances. The Micromouse was built by researchers at Battelle's Pacific Northwest Laboratories in the USA. Its grey glass fibre body houses about £100's worth of parts — but it took something like 500 man hours to assemble and debug' this super-rodent so that it could make 33 decisions each time it ran its 20-foot-square maze. The mouse glides along on two main wheels driven by stepping motors — or motors which rotate the wheels an exact distance for each electrical pulse supplied them. The 'brain' counts the pulses to keep track of the distance covered. Infra-red beams from light emitters on the underpart of the body are aimed at five sensors attached to arms extending from the upper body. The computer 'brain' stops the mouse when approaching walls or obstacles that interrupt the light beams. On the first and second runs through the maze, the 'memory' capacity of the brain gathers data about the maze boundaries and identifies and enters the location of all obstructions. This is then processed' automatically to ensure an error-free run on the third attempt, because the 'brain' also has a capacity to work out how to respond under given conditions. For example, it signals left turn' if the mouse encounters a wall in front and a wall on the right. The `brain', in other words, teaches itself the correct programme to follow." – Robots and Robotology by R.H. Warring (1983).

[notwiselybuttoowell]

The vast majority of governments are likely to miss a looming deadline to file vital plans that will determine whether or not the world has a chance of avoiding the worst ravages of climate breakdown.

Despite the urgency of the crisis, the UN is relatively relaxed at the prospect of the missed date. Officials are urging countries instead to take time to work harder on their targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions and divest from fossil fuels.

Simon Stiell, the UN’s top climate official, said in a speech in Brazil on Thursday: “Because these national plans are among the most important policy documents governments will produce this century, their quality should be the paramount consideration … Taking a bit more time to ensure these plans are first-rate makes sense, properly outlining how they will contribute to this effort [to tackle the climate crisis] and therefore what rewards they will reap.”

New national plans on emissions cuts are urgently needed because current targets are dangerously inadequate. The world must cut carbon by about half this decade, relative to 1990 levels, to have a chance of limiting temperature rises to 1.5C above preindustrial levels, the important threshold that scientists fear is already out of reach.

Governments are working to blueprints set out four years ago that would result in temperature rises of 2.6C to 2.8C by the end of the century, according to the UN’s environment programme. Poor countries want to see far faster action from the G20 group of the biggest developed and emerging economies, which are responsible for about 80% of global emissions.

Ilana Seid, Palau’s ambassador to the UN and the chair of the Alliance of Small Island States, said: “It is essential that the G20 and other large emitters exhibit their leadership with new [national plans] that show ambitions and tangible progress. We need deep, rapid and sustained reductions commensurate with the 1.5C goal. In this time of unprecedented climate crisis, more than ever we need enhanced international cooperation to truly move the dial forward.”

Under the 2015 Paris climate agreement, every five years countries must submit detailed plans – called nationally determined contributions (NDCs) – with clear targets on cutting emissions, or curbing them in the case of poorer countries. These are then discussed at a “conference of the parties” (Cop).

Last time, the deadline was in effect extended by a year: the Cop26 conference in Glasgow was postponed from November 2020 to 2021 because of the Covid-19 pandemic. This time, the deadline is technically 10 February – nine months before the Cop30 summit in Brazil this November – but with only a handful of countries so far having submitted plans, it looks likely that most will miss it.

Stiell has urged countries to file their submissions before September, when experts will prepare an official “synthesis report” showing whether the aggregated plans are sufficient to meet the 1.5C limit.

One of the last acts of Joe Biden as US president was to submit a new NDC, but that is now largely symbolic. It will stand as a benchmark for those US states, local governments and businesses that maintain their climate commitments in defiance of the federal government.

Given the impetus in the US behind renewable energy, electric vehicles and other low-carbon technologies, its emissions trajectory may not alter much under Trump for some time. But the impact of his return will be felt far beyond the country’s borders: petrostates and economies that have been laggards in cutting emissions may take cover from his shredding of climate commitments.

Paul Bledsoe, a former Clinton White House climate adviser now with American University’s Center for Environmental Policy, warned: “Tragically, Trump’s re-election will not only mean the temporary curtailment of US climate ambition, but it will take some pressure off China, Russia, Saudi Arabia and other major traditional scofflaw emitters, who are likely to offer less ambitious NDCs than had Democrats won last November.”

China holds the key to Cop30: it is the world’s biggest emitter by a wide margin and responsible for almost a third of global carbon output – more than all of the developed countries combined. It has invested heavily in renewable energy, and the past two years have broken records in additional clean power generation capacity, with that pace likely to continue this year.

Yet emissions are still rising, albeit at a much slower rate. To meet the global carbon budget would require China to cause its emissions to peak this year, then fall by about a third by 2035. Such drastic cuts are possible, experts say. Li Shuo, the director of the China climate hub at the Asia Society Policy Institute, said: “We believe China is very well positioned to achieve that goal, based on its very rapid low carbon development.”

Whether China grasps those opportunities will be a political decision. Within Beijing’s top echelons of power, tumultuous arguments rage between those who want to push harder still for the burgeoning green economy, and the advocates of coal. Calculations of the impact of Trump, and his tariffs, will fuel those disagreements further.

“The US backsliding is definitely not good news for China’s climate ambition and global climate action,” Shuo said. “But China is at the very forefront of the low-carbon economy, which is already yielding a lot of benefits. And China wants to project stability and predictability, on the international stage.”

China was at a similar crossroads nearly a decade ago: in early 2016, analysts estimated that China’s emissions may have already peaked. Instead, the country made a sharp reversal by returning to coal-fired power. That process began before the election of Trump in November 2016 but was confirmed by his anti-China stance. Could Trump’s second ascendancy trigger a similar retrenchment? “I would not rule out a return to coal,” Shuo said.

India, the world’s fifth largest economy and third biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, will also be closely watched. After the gavel came down at Cop29 in November, India’s negotiator criticised the $1.3tn climate finance deal agreed there as a “travesty of justice” and “betrayal” of developing countries.

Solar and wind power are thriving in India, which is the world’s third biggest producer of renewable energy. But the powerful coal lobby enjoys favour with the authoritarian prime minister, Narendra Modi, who argues that developed countries must take responsibility for cutting emissions while the developing world should expand its carbon footprint.

Climate diplomats told the Guardian it was likely India would frame its targets in terms of emissions intensity rather than absolute cuts to carbon – that is, reducing the amount of carbon per unit of GDP.

For most of the past two decades, the EU has led the world on climate ambition. This year, however, with a populist backlash across the continent threatening the environmental consensus, the two biggest champions – France and Germany – are in the throes of political crisis, and several other governments have taken a rightwing and anti-climate turn. The bloc is not expected to reach agreement on its NDC until this summer.

Japan’s prospective NDC has been criticised by campaigners as too weak but it has not yet been submitted. Canada is facing elections after the resignation of Justin Trudeau, and Australia is also gearing up for political fights over climate in the long run-up to its election.

There is little hope of strong NDCs from two of the biggest climate influencers among the G20: Russia and Saudi Arabia. Neither country is likely to commit to significant cuts, although both are nominally signed up to a net zero target.

Even if China, India, the EU and some other G20 states come forward with relatively strong NDCs, the chances that they will add up globally to the drastic emissions cuts needed to keep the 1.5C target safe are small. Rachel Kyte, the UK’s climate envoy, said: “When you add up all the NDCs, my expectation is they may not get us back on track.”

But this need not be the disaster it might appear, she added, as the NDCs could be negotiated and updated. For instance, some NDCs were likely to contain a range of possible targets, some of which might be conditional on countries receiving finance or other support. “These are not static [documents], and the targets are floors, not ceilings,” she said.

Quite how dynamic countries are prepared to be is up for debate. At Cop26, countries – in theory – agreed that NDCs should be updated more often than every five years. But since then, few have increased the level of ambition in their plans.

Even if ambition is lacking on the core carbon targets in NDCs, properly focused plans could offer the world a breathing space by going beyond carbon to other greenhouse gases – chiefly methane. Global emissions of methane, which comes from agriculture and escapes from fossil fuel extraction sites, have been rising strongly in recent years, to the increasing concern of scientists, as methane is roughly 80 times more powerful at trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide.

Cutting methane yields big rewards: halving methane would avoid a 0.25C rise in temperatures by 2030, one study found. Durwood Zaelke, the president of the Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development, said: “Methane is the emergency brake that can slow down warming enough to keep us from going over the cliff of irreversible tipping points. All countries need to target methane in their NDCs.”

Some countries already had policies on methane, which should be strengthened, and those without must put them in place, he said. “Our window to act is the next five years, 10 tops. If we don’t cut methane now, we’ll see the rate of warming continue to accelerate, and we’ll soon be past the first series of irreversible tipping points.”

[braindelaygames]

Emitters have a new look

The programmer art is gone. Now, a programmer has created art. Or so I like to think.

[24worldnewsnet]

What does the new Climate Action Plan mean for NI? Transport is the second largest source of emissions in Northern Ireland.Northern Ireland's first Climate Action Plan has been published for consultation.It is a roadmap to support emission reduction targets across nine sectors, including energy, transport, waste management and agriculture.It sets out how Northern Ireland will meet its 2023-2027 carbon budget target of cutting emissions by an annual average of 33%, compared to the base year of 1990.The plan is led by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) and is a legal obligation under the Climate Change Act which must be renewed every five years.So, what does the plan set out for different areas of society?Energy productionCows graze on a field beside wind turbines on Slieve Rushen wind farm, in Derrylin, County FermanaghThe Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 sets out a target of at least 80% of electricity used in Northern Ireland to come from renewable sources by 2030.The CAP outlines that the goal is to produce more clean energy, such as wind and solar power to achieve the 80% target.There are plans to continue a support scheme that has helped NI generate more renewable energy and have rules to control certain harmful gases that can damage the environment.The CAP proposes a new programme to encourage more renewable electricity.Farming and agricultureAgriculture is the largest emitter. It was responsible for 29.1% of Northern Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions in 2022, according to the CAP.This rose to 31% based on 2023 figures.Daera has chosen not to follow the UK Climate Change Committee's recommendation that livestock numbers should be reduced.Instead, it opts for changing farming practices to cut greenhouse gas emissions in the sector.Agriculture is the largest emitter in Northern Ireland. The UK's Climate Change Committee has previously recommended "radical action" for Northern Ireland to reach its goals, including reducing livestock numbers to reduce emissions in farming.The draft plan does not act on that recommendation.Instead it relies on improving farm productivity through genetics, soil testing and novel feeds, encouraging low carbon farming practices and increasing the use of slurry for energy through biomethane generation to cut emissions in the farming sector.The CAP outlines that the Sustainable Agriculture Programme will help farms become more environmentally friendly and work better together, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in farming in Northern Ireland.Business and industryBusiness and industry is responsible for 11.9% of Northern Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions, according to the CAP.The CAP outlines that businesses and industries in NI follow many UK plans.There are also plans in place for NI to help the economy. These include:TransportThe CAP says vehicle emissions will be reduced by switching fuels to zero and low emissions alternativesTransport is the second-largest source of emissions in Northern Ireland.The CAP says vehicle emissions will be reduced by switching fuels to zero and low emissions alternatives.The plan proposes shifting modes of transport away from private car journeys to sustainable travel alternatives like walking and cycling. It also proposes reducing the need and length of vehicle journeys.Residential and public buildingsEmissions from Northern Ireland's homes have fallen by 31.4% between 1990 and 2022, according to the CAP. Emissions from residential buildings are mainly due to the use of fossil fuels for heating and generating hot water.The CAP says in order to cut down emissions, cleaner ways to heat homes will need to be used. This means switching to fuels like natural gas and using new heating systems that run on electricity.It is also planned that how homes are built will be improved to make them easier to heat, along with making homes use less energy to help reduce how much power is used.Emissions from residential buildings are mainly due to the use of fossil fuels for heatin

[dtelandscape-us]

The Role of Irrigation Systems in Commercial Landscape Maintenance

Effective landscape maintenance on commercial properties requires more than just regular mowing or trimming. One of the most critical components of successful commercial landscape maintenance is an efficient and well-managed irrigation system. Whether for office parks, retail centers, industrial campuses, or municipal grounds, proper irrigation plays a key role in keeping landscapes healthy, green, and attractive throughout the year.

Why Irrigation Systems Are Essential in Commercial Landscape Maintenance

Consistent Water Distribution

Commercial landscapes often cover large areas with varying plant types, soil conditions, and exposure to sunlight. Manual watering or inconsistent water application can lead to patchy lawns, plant stress, or even overwatering. A professionally designed irrigation system ensures that every part of the landscape receives the right amount of water, promoting uniform growth and preventing waste.

Water Conservation and Efficiency

Water usage is a major concern for commercial properties, especially in regions with drought restrictions or high utility costs. Modern irrigation systems use smart technology—such as weather sensors, moisture meters, and programmable controllers—to optimize watering schedules. These systems automatically adjust based on weather conditions, ensuring efficient water use and compliance with local water regulations.

Healthier Plants and Turf

Irrigation systems contribute directly to the health and longevity of commercial landscapes. Well-regulated watering supports strong root development, reduces the risk of disease, and enhances plant resilience to seasonal changes. Proper hydration also prevents soil compaction and erosion, which are common issues in high-traffic commercial areas.

Types of Irrigation Systems Used in Commercial Properties

Sprinkler Irrigation Systems

Sprinklers are a popular choice for lawns and open green spaces in commercial settings. They provide wide coverage and can be customized to fit various zones within a property. With automatic timers and adjustable spray heads, sprinkler systems offer both convenience and control.

Drip Irrigation Systems

Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the root zones of plants through a network of tubing and emitters. It’s highly efficient and ideal for flower beds, hedges, and landscaped islands in parking lots. Drip systems reduce evaporation and runoff, making them perfect for properties looking to conserve water while maintaining vibrant plant life.

Smart Irrigation Systems

Smart irrigation incorporates advanced technology like weather forecasting, real-time sensors, and remote access. These systems allow property managers to monitor and adjust irrigation schedules from a mobile device or central hub. This level of control is especially useful for multi-site commercial properties or large campuses.

Integration With Commercial Landscape Maintenance Programs

Seasonal Adjustments

In commercial landscape maintenance, irrigation needs change with the seasons. During hotter months, water demand increases, while cooler seasons require minimal watering. Irrigation systems with seasonal programming ensure that watering schedules are automatically adjusted without the need for manual intervention.

Routine Inspections and Maintenance

To keep irrigation systems functioning efficiently, regular maintenance is essential. Commercial landscape maintenance providers typically include irrigation audits, system checks, and repairs as part of their service packages. Tasks such as checking for leaks, cleaning filters, and adjusting sprinkler heads help prevent water waste and system failures.

Coordination With Landscape Enhancements

When commercial properties undergo landscaping upgrades or expansions, irrigation systems need to be modified accordingly. Professional crews ensure that new plantings are integrated into the existing irrigation plan and that the system continues to operate efficiently as the landscape evolves.

Benefits of a Reliable Irrigation System in Commercial Settings

Reduced Operating Costs

Smart irrigation systems reduce water usage, which directly translates to lower utility bills. Efficient watering also decreases the need for frequent replacements of turf or plants, reducing overall maintenance costs.

Enhanced Curb Appeal

A well-irrigated landscape looks lush, green, and inviting—factors that contribute to positive first impressions. For businesses, property managers, and facility owners, a visually appealing exterior supports brand image and tenant satisfaction.

Sustainability and Compliance

Modern irrigation systems help commercial properties meet sustainability goals and regulatory standards. Features like rain sensors and low-flow emitters promote environmental responsibility, making the landscape both eco-friendly and compliant with local codes.

Irrigation systems are an integral part of successful commercial landscape maintenance. They provide the consistency, efficiency, and control needed to keep commercial landscapes thriving year-round. From conserving water to enhancing curb appeal and supporting plant health, these systems offer benefits that go beyond aesthetics.

For commercial property managers and facility teams, investing in a professionally designed and maintained irrigation system ensures long-term performance, cost-efficiency, and environmental responsibility. As part of a comprehensive landscape maintenance strategy, irrigation systems help keep commercial environments functional, attractive, and ready to welcome employees, visitors, and customers alike.

[awesome-casuallyfamouscollector]

On Tuesday, 29 April, the government approved amendments to the Cabinet of Ministers' regulations, which will increase the total amount of support for electric or hybrid car purchase by €11 million. 

The aid programme will remain unchanged until 31 December 2025. The amendments were drafted by the Ministry of Climate and Energy (KEM).

The sales price of the vehicle (base package excluding VAT) is reduced from €75,000 to €45,000, while for a vehicle with at least six seats it is reduced to €60,000.

Latvia has the third-oldest fleet in Europe, with an average age of 15 years, says KEM.

The transport sector in Latvia is the biggest emitter (37%) compared to other sectors of the economy, according to KEM. The updated Energy and Climate Plan (ECP) foresees an increase in the number of environmentally friendly cars to 20,000 by 2030, currently 10,458, or 52.3%, are registered in Latvia, according to the Road Traffic Safety Directorate(..)

P.S. To achieve energy security and independence, Europe needs Chinese-made electric cars to be priced at around the same price as the Chinese car market, so EV adoption will be successful. Unfortunately, European legacy automakers and Tesla have completely failed in introducing LFP batteries and affordable mass-market electric car manufacturing technologies...

The import tax introduced by Europe to save lazy VW from problems was a big mistake...! The rest of the European countries, which do NOT have their own car industry, have NO obligation to save Volkswagen's management and shareholders from problems just because they do not want and do not know how to produce electric cars at a reasonable price...

Fortunately, some Chinese electric car manufacturers have entered the European market, expanding the choice for buyers at more reasonable prices and putting some pressure on legacy automakers, who are still dragging their feet...

Perhaps the only exception is Renault, which offers new electric cars at more reasonable prices...

[thegardenersrain]

Efficient Irrigation Solutions: Transforming Gardens in Bedfordshire and North London

A lush, green garden isn’t just beautiful it’s a living, breathing testament to balance, care, and precision. Yet, in areas where rainfall is inconsistent or too little to support healthy plant life, maintaining such a garden can feel like a full-time job. In regions like Bedfordshire and North London, homeowners and businesses are turning to smart solutions to keep their landscapes thriving. The main focus of this article is to explore how professional Garden Irrigation Installation Bedfordshire services and expert irrigation repair are playing a crucial role in achieving sustainable and vibrant gardens.

The Importance of Smart Irrigation Systems in Bedfordshire

Water is life for a garden, but too much or too little can quickly turn a flourishing outdoor space into a struggling patch of green. In Bedfordshire, where seasons fluctuate significantly, installing a modern irrigation system ensures that gardens receive the right amount of water at the right time. Services like Garden Irrigation Installation Bedfordshire offer tailored systems that consider soil type, plant species, and property layout. This not only conserves water but also promotes healthier plant growth. As a result, homeowners can enjoy a more resilient and visually appealing landscape year-round without worrying about under or overwatering.

Tailored Solutions for Every Garden Landscape

Every garden has unique requirements, depending on its size, design, and the types of plants it holds. What works for one property might not work for another. That’s why professional Garden Irrigation Installation Bedfordshire services begin with a thorough site analysis before implementing any system. Installers design irrigation setups that deliver water efficiently to flower beds, lawns, vegetable patches, or ornamental gardens. Whether the space is compact or expansive, these custom solutions improve plant health and reduce water bills, making it a wise long-term investment for property owners who value both efficiency and aesthetics.

Expanding Irrigation Needs Across North London

As urban landscaping gains popularity, North London is seeing increased demand for reliable irrigation systems. Many gardens in the area are designed with modern aesthetics that include both native and exotic plant varieties, all requiring precise water control. Irrigation Installation and Repair North London services are in high demand because they help manage this complexity. These services provide advanced technology such as programmable timers and moisture sensors that ensure every section of the garden gets just the right amount of water. Efficient irrigation also supports eco-friendly initiatives by reducing waste and supporting biodiversity in dense urban areas.

Reliable Repair Services for Long-Term Irrigation Success

No irrigation system remains flawless forever. With time, pipes can leak, emitters may clog, and electronic controllers might fail. That’s where Irrigation Installation and Repair North London specialists become essential. Repairing an irrigation system requires a deep understanding of its components and layout, which only professionals possess. They can quickly identify and fix faults without disrupting the rest of the garden. Whether it's an emergency repair or routine maintenance, these services are critical in ensuring that systems remain functional and efficient, thus protecting both the landscape and the homeowner’s investment in it.

Future-Proofing Gardens Through Professional Expertise

With climate change making weather patterns more unpredictable, the need for robust garden irrigation systems is more pressing than ever. Solutions provided by Irrigation Installation and Repair North London experts help mitigate the risks associated with water scarcity and excessive heat. Smart systems now integrate with mobile apps and weather forecasting tools, giving property owners full control over their garden's hydration, even while they’re away. This fusion of technology and horticulture ensures that gardens can withstand environmental changes while continuing to thrive in appearance and health.

[addohaislam2000]

LED emitters, LED assemblies, Outdoor lighting controls, Indoor lighting control

LUMAWISE Motion Sensor, Programmable Circular detection Zone

[enetarch-optical-computing]

New technique offers unprecedented control over light at terahertz frequencies https://phys.org/news/2024-07-technique-unprecedented-terahertz-frequencies.html

[sisiad]

Programmable quantum emitter formation in silicon

http://dlvr.it/T7TZBX

[kosmicmuses]

Character: Nyx Starchaser

Full Name: Nyx’tjeli Mrri’sil’vri

Nickname(s): Nyx Starchaser, Nyx

Age: Adult, 26 Earth years

Gender/Pronouns:  Nonbinary, Xey/They/She/It

Sexuality: Demi-Omniromantic, Demi-Omnisexual

Species: Esuvaren Synth

Hobbies: Listening to music, exploring, learning, trying new things

Occupation: Multiverse Explorer and Researcher

Height: 6 ft, 182 cm

Weight: 250 lbs, 113 kgs

Eye color: Yellow

Dominant Hand: Ambidextrous 

Posture: Robotically perfect

Health (disabilities, illnesses, conditions): This Robot is Autistic as Hell

Equipment (on person): Small Phaser (literally just the one from star trek), Small Hologram Emitter [x5], Nanomachine Swarm (stored inside chassis), basic Tricorder (another star trek steal), Programmable emergency beacon

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~/ More Under Cut \~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Backstory:

Nyx was created in one of the many Synth manufactories, and was soon after placed in one of the learning facilities specifically built to house and teach newly created Synths and other sapient robots. Xey lived a fairly mundane life, with few notable events, before xey joined the recently-established MODE training program. 

Nyx spent the next 4 years in the MODE training program, alongside many others who hoped to explore the multiverse. Xey were one of the highest scoring students in xeir classes, and xey were quickly chosen by one of the first multiverse explorers, Az’lier, as his apprentice.

For the next year, Nyx was taught everything Az’lier had learned. A few months into xeir second year under Az’lier’s tutelage, Nyx, Az’lier, and a couple other mentor-trainee pairs visited a previously contacted world, in order to teach the students things they could only learn from experience. During their descent towards their landing area, they were shot at from below, damaging most of the ships. Az’lier’s ship was hit directly inside of one of the engines, causing a catastrophic chain reaction throughout the rest of the ship. It happened far too quickly for Az’lier to escape. The rest of the group managed to escape with only minor wounds.

The group returned, shellshocked, to MODE’s headquarters, and reported what had happened. They were all given an indefinite break from training whilst the incident was investigated. After a few weeks of investigation and paperwork, it was announced that the ones that had fired on the training group were a newly amassed group of xenophobes, and that said xenophobes had all been captured and were being dealt with. MODE provided free therapy for the training group, and were told they could leave the program if they wanted to. Nyx was one of the ones who decided to finish their training, and explore the multiverse no matter what.

Appearance (physical features, style, etc.): 

Xey are a synthetic robotic being made out of materials and alloys unique to xeir civilization. 

Xeir chassis is made from alloys composed from Aether, Etherium, and Mithril. This makes xeir chassis very durable, and capable of surviving in a complete vacuum, and under up to roughly 450 Earth Atmospheres of pressure (equ. to being roughly 4,000 meters underwater). This causes xem to be nearly immune to many weapons, such as guns, blades, and hammers. Lasers, magic, and certain other weapons are still effective, though. Xeir chassis is a simple gunmetal grey in color.

Xeir chassis is covered in layers of other materials in order to better mimic organic beings, and for personal expression. The near-white areas are covered in a 2  inch thick layer of padding, which is then covered by a quarter-inch thick material that mimics skin. The next shade of blue consists of slightly thicker padding, as well as the skin-like material. The third and fourth shades of blue are, again, thicker and softer than the previous areas, are covered in the skin material, and are the softest and most flexible areas on xeir body, other than xeir joints. Some areas are colored yellow instead of blue, but still have the same composition as the rest.

Xeir visor is made out of a unique material called Holonium, which was created by the Esuvae to act as an extremely durable, flexible, moldable, and transparent replacement for the old glass and plastics used on computer screens. Underneath the holonium visor, xeir “face” is made up of extremely complex digital arrays (aka I don’t know what), as well as a swarm of nanomachines. Despite xeir “eyes” appearing in only one area of the visor, the entire thing acts as one big eye, giving xem an extreme range of vision. 

Xeir mouth is just a synthetic replication of an organic mouth. Xey can create an analogue of saliva, taste anything they eat, can eat in the first place, and anything else an organic’s mouth can do. Xey lack lips, though. Xeir mouth also does not contribute to making expressions much, as most of xeir expressions are made with xeir visor display body movements, and sounds.

The smoke-like stuff along xeir head, neck, and tail is actually a mix of the byproducts created by xeir power core, and a dense swarm of nanomachines tasked with purifying these byproducts. The nanomachines also take some of the usable byproducts and transforms them into energy that they then use to continue their job for longer before having to recharge. The appearance is a side effect of this process. The smoke is emitted from exhaust ports hidden between xeir neck and tail plates.

The two trios of dots on xeir face are extra exhaust ports, in order to help avoid overheating. The smoke emitted from these ports can change in appearance depending on how dense it is. It only matches xeir “hair” if it is extremely dense.

Xeir clothing is primarily made out of a nanoscopic weave of Aether and a material similar to a mix of cotton and wool. The Aether in the fabric causes it to have a subtle iridescent sheen. The belt buckle and pin are both made out of a simple Aether and steel alloy. The pin shows the symbol of the organization Nyx works for, MODE (Multiversal Omnipurpose Discovery and Exploration). Xeir belt buckle shows the flag of The Esuvae Collective.

Xeir wings and jets are a separate set of equipment that xey normally keep stored in xeir ship. The majority of the jets, and the arms of the wings, are both made out of a Duranium and Etherium alloy. The wings provide no propulsion, and are only used to control flight movements. The jets provide all of the thrust. The jets are powered by Nyx’s power core, but they utilize the power differently, causing the output to look like a pastel rainbow. The wing arms emit hard-light constructs.

Personality (positive and negative traits): 

*Note: Please excuse the fact that this is just a list of words, I always have trouble turning these things into sentences. I'll update this bit if my brain ever cooperates.

Pos: Adventurous, analytical, intelligent, alert, warm-hearted, passionate, live in the moment, most comfortable when socializing w/ close friends, enjoy relaying knowledge, ambitious, resourceful, cheerful, loves freedom and hates limitations, courageous, wanderer, adaptive, optimist, bold, enthusiastic, friendly, benevolent, loyal, vivacious, hard-working, rational, generous, well-read, selfless, tolerant, resourceful, forgiving, responsible, loyal (eventually), brave, intuitive, polite, compassionate, kind, protective, pioneering, spontaneous, trustworthy, reliable, honest, passionate, determined, idealistic, perceptive, affectionate (eventually), persistent, brave, energetic, open-minded, enthusiastic, logical, caring, fearless, self-confident, daring, helpful, patient, affable, sincere, disciplined, eager.

Neg: Can be rather cocky and self-assured. Worrywort towards anyone xey see as needing protection, can be too excitable, emotions can change quickly, can have a quick temper, will passionately state xeir opinions or principles in the moment, yet reserve the right to always change xeir mind, stating just as passionately xeir new views later on, can seem unpredictable or unreliable, can be non-committal when it comes to plans, as xey also reserve the right to change xeir agendas with xeir mood, can become so enamored with xeir ideals that xey become very ungrounded and unrealistic, finding regular life and its limitations to be inconvenient as well as disappointing, can sometimes seem condescending, can be impulsive and impatient, inconsiderate, disobedient, stubborn, blunt, disruptive, biased, opinionated, calculating, gullible, impulsive, ignorant, nosy, obsessive, vague, self-indulgent, when xey get upset, they can become dishonest, agitated, restless, aggressive, petty, and isolative.

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Extra Images:

[24worldnewsnet]

What does the new draft Climate Action Plan mean for NI? Transport is the second largest source of emissions in Northern Ireland.Northern Ireland's first draft Climate Action Plan has been published for consultation.It is a roadmap to support emission reduction targets across nine sectors, including energy, transport, waste management and agriculture.It sets out how Northern Ireland will meet its 2023-2027 carbon budget target of cutting emissions by an annual average of 33%, compared to the base year of 1990.The plan is led by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) and is a legal obligation under the Climate Change Act which must be renewed every five years.So, what does the plan set out for different areas of society?Energy productionCows graze on a field beside wind turbines on Slieve Rushen wind farm, in Derrylin, County FermanaghThe Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 sets out a target of at least 80% of electricity used in Northern Ireland to come from renewable sources by 2030.The CAP outlines that the goal is to produce more clean energy, such as wind and solar power to achieve the 80% target.There are plans to continue a support scheme that has helped NI generate more renewable energy and have rules to control certain harmful gases that can damage the environment.The CAP proposes a new programme to encourage more renewable electricity.Farming and agricultureAgriculture is the largest emitter. It was responsible for 29.1% of Northern Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions in 2022, according to the CAP.This rose to 31% based on 2023 figures.Daera has chosen not to follow the UK Climate Change Committee's recommendation that livestock numbers should be reduced.Instead, it opts for changing farming practices to cut greenhouse gas emissions in the sector.Agriculture is the largest emitter in Northern Ireland. The UK's Climate Change Committee has previously recommended "radical action" for Northern Ireland to reach its goals, including reducing livestock numbers to reduce emissions in farming.The draft plan does not act on that recommendation.Instead it relies on improving farm productivity through genetics, soil testing and novel feeds, encouraging low carbon farming practices and increasing the use of slurry for energy through biomethane generation to cut emissions in the farming sector.The CAP outlines that the Sustainable Agriculture Programme will help farms become more environmentally friendly and work better together, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in farming in Northern Ireland.Business and industryBusiness and industry is responsible for 11.9% of Northern Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions, according to the CAP.The CAP outlines that businesses and industries in NI follow many UK plans.There are also plans in place for NI to help the economy. These include:TransportThe CAP says vehicle emissions will be reduced by switching fuels to zero and low emissions alternativesTransport is the second-largest source of emissions in Northern Ireland.The CAP says vehicle emissions will be reduced by switching fuels to zero and low emissions alternatives.The plan proposes shifting modes of transport away from private car journeys to sustainable travel alternatives like walking and cycling. It also proposes reducing the need and length of vehicle journeys.Residential and public buildingsEmissions from Northern Ireland's homes have fallen by 31.4% between 1990 and 2022, according to the CAP. Emissions from residential buildings are mainly due to the use of fossil fuels for heating and generating hot water.The CAP says in order to cut down emissions, cleaner ways to heat homes will need to be used. This means switching to fuels like natural gas and using new heating systems that run on electricity.It is also planned that how homes are built will be improved to make them easier to heat, along with making homes use less energy to help reduce how much power is used.Emissions from residential buildings are mainly due to the use of fossi

[vandenbusscheirrigation]

Irrigation Automation and Controls

Understanding Automation in Irrigation

Automatic irrigation employs devices like controls and sensors to regulate water flow, adjusting flow rates without human intervention. It finds applications in various sectors, including:

Agriculture

Commercial and Residential Landscaping

Golf Courses

Campuses

HOAs

And more

Functioning of Automatic Irrigation Systems

An automatic irrigation system comprises sensors that manage critical functions, such as starting, stopping, and controlling water flow. The control module, connected to buried valves, diverts water from the primary source into different zones based on programmed settings.

Key Components of Automation Systems

Major components of automated irrigation systems include:

Valve system: The primary valve connects to the water supply, controlled by timers to manage water release.

Underground piping: Typically made of polyurethane or PVC, these pipes connect to the main water source, ensuring even water distribution.

Sprinkler heads: These devices distribute water and come in various types like spray heads, rotor heads, bubblers, and emitters.

Sensors and controllers: Smart technology aids in optimizing water usage through programmable controllers and weather and soil sensors.

Vanden Bussche Irrigation's Role

Vanden Bussche Irrigation offers automatic irrigation supplies, including weather-based and soil-based controllers. They are committed to education and training while providing water-efficient products.

Automated Drip Irrigation

Automated drip irrigation systems minimize manual effort by using timers, sensors, and controllers to deliver moisture directly to roots or specific areas. Benefits include precise watering and reduced water and fertilizer use.

Importance of Automated Irrigation Systems

Automated systems ensure uniform watering, prevent overwatering or underwatering, and save labor costs. They protect crops, plants, and landscapes while conserving water.

Sensors in Smart Irrigation Systems

Smart irrigation systems employ sensors to monitor soil moisture, temperature, humidity, and ambient conditions. These sensors facilitate control through mobile apps.

Hunter and Rain Bird Controllers

Hunter and Rain Bird controllers are designed for efficient water management. They adjust schedules based on weather conditions and incorporate flow-sensing devices for leak detection.

Benefits of Automated Irrigation Systems

Automated systems enhance plant health, reduce labor, and conserve water, making them environmentally and economically advantageous.

Smart Irrigation Controllers

Smart controllers use data on soil conditions, evaporation, weather, and plant water absorption to adjust irrigation schedules intelligently.

Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers

Evapotranspiration (ET) controllers, a type of weather-based controller, factor in evaporation, transpiration, and meteorological data to determine irrigation schedules.

Soil-Moisture Controllers

Soil moisture sensors complement automated irrigation by measuring moisture levels in the soil, offering precise control.

Smart Irrigation Controllers Save Water and Money

Smart irrigation controllers conserve water, track flow rates, and simplify maintenance, making them a recommended choice.

Contact Vanden Bussche Irrigation

To enhance irrigation efficiency through automation and controls, you can contact Vanden Bussche Irrigation online for consultations.

Read More: https://vandenbussche.com/article/automation-and-controls-for-irrigation

[woce1]

Net zero by 2070: India’s shift to e-mobility

30 September, 2022

WOCE Team

By committing an economy to a 1 billion tonne reduction in predicted carbon emissions by 2030, India’s net zero objective for 2070 demonstrates the intention to undertake decarbonization. The inter-sectoral contributions of states, industries and companies will be essential in accomplishing this aim, even though this lays out a clear path for India to take.

In India, the transportation sector is one of the major emitters. India must prioritise this area if it is to reach the net zero goal. Without quick electrification of vehicle fleets, emissions associated with transportation will soar by 2050, significantly hastening climate change. Critical actions, such as the following, are urgently needed to create an EV ecosystem in India.

Infrastructure fees for business parks and public roads

Medium and long-haul freight as well as the electrification of last-mile delivery, powered by renewable energy

Government at work: Strengthening policy backing

The Indian government has created the conditions for quick uptake of electric mobility. To support reaching the target of 30% EVs by 2030, a clever combination of purchase reductions across a variety of vehicle categories, lower road taxes, and scrapping and retrofit incentives is needed. The cost of oil imports, rising pollution, and India’s international responsibilities to combating climate change are the driving forces behind its recent measures to quicken the transition to e-mobility.

1. Demand incentives for Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME II) Around 160,000 EVs had received demand incentives totaling $75 million USD under FAME II as of November 2021. More than 6,300 e-buses, 2,870+ EV charging stations in 68 cities, and 1,576 charging stations on nine expressways and 16 motorways have all been approved by the incentive programme. All this could hasten the adoption of electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and e-buses throughout the nation.

2. Production-linked Incentive (PLI) Programme The Indian government launched a 2.4 billion USD PLI project for ACC storage manufacture in May 2021 to build a local manufacturing capacity of 50 GWh of ACC and 5 GWh of “niche” ACC capacity. This would increase capacity, localise the EV supply chain, and reduce dependency on imports. Reliance, Hyundai, Ola, and M&M are just a few of the well-known Indian companies that have submitted bids totaling roughly 130 GWh. To promote the production of electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, the central government also authorised 3.4 billion USD for automobiles and automobile components in September 2021.

3. State policies on EV EV-specific policies have been enacted by several states. Incentives on the supply side include:

Subsidy for a capital interest

Refunds for stamp duties

Tax exempt status

Refund for state goods and services tax (SGST)

Offering interest-free loans will encourage EV manufacturers.

There are financial incentives, exemptions from road tax, and registration fee reductions on the demand side. The governments of Delhi and Maharashtra have made announcements about initiatives to hasten the adoption of EVs. By 2024, EVs in Delhi are expected to account for 25% of all new vehicle registrations. By 2025, 10% of all new vehicle registrations in Maharashtra will be electric vehicles.

Companies setting the bar high: Ambition and action

Exide and Amara Raja Batteries, two well-known producers of automotive lead-acid batteries, are pioneers in focusing fresh investments on environmentally friendly technologies like lithium-ion batteries. In response to the opportunity offered by India’s EV industry, business leaders like OLA Electric, Ather Energy, and Mahindra Electric are rapidly growing their market presence.

Due to soaring demand, Ather Energy plans to produce 1 million electric scooters annually.

A 2 billion USD investment was made by Ola’s “Future Factory” to produce 10 million electric scooters annually.

TPEML, a recently established EV subsidiary of Tata Motors, was created to manufacture, design, and develop EV-related services.

Together with Mahindra Group, Hero Electric produces more than 1 million electric two-wheelers annually.

In addition, EV100 members, who are dedicated to a 100% switch to EVs by 2030, are setting the demand side

To hasten the switch to electric vehicles in the last-mile delivery sector, Flipkart has teamed with Hero Electric, Mahindra Electric, and Piaggio.

Initiated by Dalmia Cement, the e-trucks initiative aims to deploy 22 electric trucks by 2022.

The JSW Group has a new EV policy that enables incentives for employees to buy electric two-wheelers or four-wheelers up to $300,000.

Even though the government and private sector are now aware of the enormous benefits of EV adoption, more work needs to be done to accelerate the switch to EVs in India. The demand for the uptake of sustainable transportation must be fueled by the Indian corporate sector. They can also effectively transform outmoded processes by inspiring fresh business concepts.

By increasing EV demand, influencing legislation, and promoting mainstream adoption to make electric transport the new normal by 2030, initiatives like EV100 are extending the frontiers to create a conducive climate for the transition to e-mobility. The ability of EVs to reduce emissions will continue to increase as India’s energy infrastructure becomes more environmentally friendly and new ways to obtain clean electricity surface.