Exposure to Air Pollution Increases COVID-19 Deaths by 15%

Exposure to Air Pollution Increases COVID-19 Deaths by 15%

Long-term exposure to air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of dying from COVID-19 and, for the first time, a study has estimated the proportion of deaths from the coronavirus that could be attributed to the exacerbating effects of air pollution for every country in the world.

Salem, Virginia Roanoke County Coal Train Bridge Collapse Map

Salem, Virginia Roanoke County Coal Train Bridge Collapse Map

Officials from Roanoke County reacted in a press release Saturday night to the train derailment incident. 

Officials said a Norfolk Southern Corp. bridge collapsed around 11:15 p.m. on Friday night in Roanoke County near Barley Drive. While a coal-carrying train was crossing the Roanoke River, the bridge collapsed, and a dozen of the 22 derailed railcars fell into the river, causing around 2000 tons of coal to fall. 

According to the press release, the Virginia Department of Emergency and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality responded to the incident and organized the evacuation of the railcars and coal from the river.

Officials said that DEQ works with local, state, and federal agencies as well as Norfolk Southern to collect samples to assess if water quality has been compromised. 

Salem is now removing water from groundwater wells out of an abundance of caution and not the Roanoke River until it is possible to test water samples of the river, according to officials.

Buying A House Near Power Lines or Electrical Substations

Power Lines Near Homes

If you are buying a home these days you should probably do your real estate due diligence on power lines and electrical substations in your neighborhood.

Is it safe to buy a home with power lines in/near the backyard?  Some people think it is safe and others do not think it is safe due to the electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation these power lines have.  The amount of EMF radiation depends on the amount of power that is traveling through the power lines.  Obviously, larger power lines carry more power and EMF radiation.  Here is a chart that explains the safe distances from larger power lines.


Here is another blog post that explains safe distances from power lines also.

Electrical power lines are usually not hard to find so PowerPlantMaps.com does not map these locations.  However,  substations can be a bit obscure in some neighborhoods inside buildings and behind walls.  Now with Power Plant Maps, you can find electrical substations in your neighborhood that might be an issue. 

Search the map for "substation" to find health and safety issues that have been contributed by users. PowerPlantMaps.com also uses satellite images to locate substations and power plants in neighborhoods similar to this image below.   Please also share news articles of problems that we don't currently have on the map.   Here is a video on how to add a new power plant, substation, or power line issues to our map

Several lawsuits have been won over the years.  Here is a case in Redondo Beach where a woman won $4M from a lawsuit with Edison over a substation near hear home.  You can find this health and safety issue and similar issues on PowerPlantMaps.com as well. 


PowerPlantMaps.com is also actively trying to get this oil & gas data used by real estate companies like ZillowRedFinHomeSnap Realtor.com.  We think power plant, power line and electrical substation data should be attributes used by these real estate data companies similar to how Walkscore provides information about things nearby a home like schools, restaurants, and parks. 

Most real estate companies have been very reluctant to share this data with prospective home buyers for obvious reasons. Why would any real estate agent want to give a reason NOT to buy a home? Hopefully, this culture of dishonesty will change in the near future and this data can provide some transparency.

Here is an inexpensive EMF sensor you can buy from Amazon called the Ghost EMF Sensor.  It works really well sensing EMF from even the smallest power lines and electrical products within your home and office.  This product has actually prevented me from buying two homes because it told me the house was too close to active power lines and a substation nearby.  

LADWP Hid Power Plant Methane Leak For Over A Year

For over a year, activists have been fighting to shut down the Department of Water and Power's Valley Generating Station in Los Angeles. Generating Station of the Valley, where red and white smokestacks tower over the San Fernando Valley's northeast corner. 

In late August, DWP employees first told the public and their own board of commissioners about the methane leak. During a Tuesday morning board meeting, Adams, the general manager of the utility, made the abrupt announcement, announcing that staff will present details about "a methane gas problem at Valley, and work that we are doing to regulate methane."

One staffer said the compressor units of the plant had been leaking gas "for the last couple of years." The utility had a plan in place to repair the compressors later in the year, but wanted to go public now because the leak was discovered as part of a drone survey by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and "their information is becoming more public," Adams told the board. 

There were some board members shocked. So were the elected officials. The concerns arose quickly: When did the workers discover the leak? Why wasn't the public informed earlier? How much of the plant's methane was leaking?

But the graffiti artist could have been almost anyone in a city burdened by hundreds of landfills, recycling centers, junkyards, trucking businesses, and other disruptive and polluting manufacturing facilities, and bisected by three major freeways. 

Sun Valley and Pacoima residents are breathing some of the worst air in California and suffering from hospitalizations due to asthma at rates much higher than most of the state. So the civic uproar was loud and fast when the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power announced last month that its power plant had been leaking methane gas for at least three years.

Here is a map of the Los Angeles Department of Water (LADWP) leaking methane.  Click on the map to browse other locations. 

Pacoima Beautiful an environmental organization that has been working to shut the power plant down for more than a year. Members claim that L.A.'s shift to cleaner sources of energy progresses too slowly and leaves behind their culture. 

The Valley Generating Station is seen by city leaders as a vital tool to keep the lights on when the sun is not shining and the wind is not blowing, at least before energy storage systems are cheaper and more flexible. 

There were comparisons to the Southern California Gas Co. Aliso Canyon gas spill, which spewed record-setting methane levels into the air around L.A.'s Porter Ranch neighborhood in late 2015 and early 2016. 

The Valley leak, in contrast, was tiny compared to Aliso Canyon's. At the next board meeting, staff presented slides showing that the defective compressors were leaking methane, the main natural gas part, at rates ranging from 168 to 367 kilograms per hour, readings from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory showed. At Aliso, the rate sometimes exceeded 50,000 kilograms an hour.

Community activists also do not believe that DWP gives them the complete story, especially because utility employees said they discovered the leak in August 2019, a full year earlier. Staffers said that because they didn't think anyone was at risk, they didn't alert the public. 

Except in enclosed spaces, methane itself is not harmful to human health. Yet natural gas also contains small quantities of benzene that causes cancer, and when burned, it releases lung-damaging nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds.

Evidence of health threats from living near oil and gas installations is starting to appear. A UC Berkeley-led study in July, for example, found that pregnant women living within six miles of oil and gas wells in rural California are much more likely to give birth to babies with low birth weights. And in Porter Ranch, years after the Aliso Canyon spill, people are still experiencing health concerns.

Last week, a committee of the City Council approved motions calling for DWP to faster repair leaks and install air-quality monitors near Valley Generating Station. A third motion, introduced on Tuesday, calls for the establishment of a trust fund for community services to support individuals living near the facility, with the intention of helping residents and schools purchase indoor air purifiers and air conditioners. 

DWP workers state the methane plume has not left the site of the power plant. And recent studies in the local community by the South Coast Air Quality Control District find levels of methane and volatile organic compounds "at normal background levels."

Full article on the LA Times.

Why Is The Unfinished 50 Year Old Satsop Nuclear Plant Still Standing?

Satsop Nuclear Power Plant in Elma, Washington

The Washington Public Power Supply System initiated the largest construction project for nuclear power plants in U.S. history in the 1970s: reactors 1, 2, and 4 at Hanford, and reactors 3 and 5 at Satsop, west of Olympia. The project was scrapped as the budget swelled to $25 billion and public sentiment turned against nuclear power (particularly after Three-Mile Island). 

In the end, only one plant was completed: Washington Nuclear Power Unit 2 (now known as the Columbia Generating Station), located on the Hanford Reserve. Construction was well underway at Satsop, and plant number 3 was approximately 76 percent complete, with the reactor built. Cooling towers were left in place, 480 feet tall-which had never generated a breath of steam-while all power generation machinery was removed. Since then, the site has grown into a special business/technology park. It is now known as Energy Northwest, the Washington Public Power Supply Grid.

The nuclear power plant was 76% complete when the project was canceled; dismantling the structure would have cost millions, so it was left standing. 


Is It Save To Live Near A Nuclear Power Plant?


The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has completed a groundbreaking ecological study of the impact of nuclear power plants on the local population. Despite large studies that say there is no evidence that people living near nuclear power plants are at increased risk of dying from cancer, the federal government is investigating the issue, starting with seven nuclear power plants in Connecticut and California. In a pilot project that will begin in the coming months, the NRC has commissioned the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study on cancer risk.

The Office of Radiation Protection continuously monitors radioactivity and trains emergency workers in radiation emergencies. The Office for Radiation Protection monitors radiation levels in the air, water, and soil and continuously checks for radioactive substances and the presence of radioactive substances in air and water.
 
When an accident at a nuclear power plant is expected to release radiation into the area, local authorities activate warning sirens and approved alarms. Information and materials for emergencies can be obtained from the power plant operator, the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), or the US Department of Energy. The area within a 10-mile radius of a plant typically includes areas within 1,000 feet of the reactor building or other facilities. If AI has not received information about the safety of people living within 10 miles of nuclear power plants, please contact your local Emergency Management Office.
 
Citizens living near a nuclear power plant must be regularly informed of procedures to inform them of problems at the plant and to take action when protective measures such as evacuation or shelter are required. This EPA fact sheet provides information for people living within a 10-mile radius or within a 10-mile radius of a reactor building or other facility, including how to respond in an emergency. It is an important resource for people, especially those living within ten miles of nuclear power plants and who may be exposed to radiation from nuclear power plants.
 
NPR wants to hear above all from the residents of a nuclear power plant about their experience with radiation pollution. We would like to hear from you at 800-989-8255 to learn more about your experience in the nuclear power plant environment.
 
We spoke to the National Academy of Sciences to remind them of the health studies they have conducted on nuclear power plants and their impact on public health and safety. This report continues to support the fact that US nuclear power plants do not affect public health and safety. It is not just a statistic that other children live near a nuclear power plant and get cancer.
 
We point out that coal-fired power stations release 100 times more radioactivity than nuclear power stations, and there is data showing that people living near a coal-fired power station are at a higher risk of cancer than those not living near the power station. Studies show that the amount of radioactive material released in operated coal-fired power plants is the same as in nuclear power plants. We quote a study by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which states that 'coal-fired power plants have released up to 100,000 tonnes of radioactive waste per year, or more than the total amount of radiation emitted by an operational power plant in the US.
 
The COMARE report contrasts this with a German study which calls for an increase in the risk of leukemia and other cancers in people living near nuclear power stations. The estimated radiation dose that people take in near coal-fired power plants is about twice as high as that of nuclear power plants or coal-fired power plants. However, a study by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found no significant difference in cancer risk between people with cancer and those who do not live in close proximity to nuclear and coal-fired power plants. In fact, the risk of childhood leukemia in areas with high radiation exposure, such as the United States and Germany, has roughly doubled, according to the CDC.
 
Ten years after the leak began, a person living near the plant was twice as likely to get cancer as someone living elsewhere in the U.S. The latest report by COMARE examined the health of children under the age of 5 living near 13 British nuclear power stations. Such studies deal with radiation exposure to the surrounding population, not just the nuclear power plant itself.
 
Nuclear power stations are built according to certain regulations, so the energy costs are lower when you grow up there. District heating near a nuclear power plant is, however, much more expensive than in other parts of the US and Canada. For example, the first nuclear power plant in the United States, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee, was shut down in 1971.
 
The closure has led to an increase in the number of people living closer to the power plant, as proximity to the plant is linked to employment in the vicinity of the power plant. The other part, of course, is how many jobs they create over time, but I ask you to think about how important they are to meet the nation's electricity needs in the years ahead. Is it safe to live near a nuclear power plant, especially if you live in a city with a high concentration of nuclear power plants, such as New York City? 

Southern California Edison (SCE) Power Outages Map

Why Are There So Many Outages Southern California Edison?

CAISO rotating outages (Stage 3 CAISO Emergencies) become necessary when the state's electricity demand outpaces available supply in real time or are unavoidable. CAISO will typically order the state's investor-owned utilities, including SCE, to reduce electrical load by turning off service immediately.

Who is responsible?  Loretta Lynch, former president of the California Public Utilities Commission responded to two tweets from President Trump saying California democrats intentionally implemented rolling blackouts.

“The problem here is other grid operators are doing the right thing,” said Lynch. “The actual California government-controlled operators like LADWP or SMUD in Sacramento aren’t having blackouts because they know how to run their grid.”

California ISO needs to do its job. “In California, Democrats have intentionally implemented rolling blackouts — forcing Americans in the dark. Democrats are unable to keep up with energy demand...," Trump tweeted

The future is green – why all companies should strive to become eco-friendly


Environmental protection is a hot topic all across the globe at the moment. Pollution levels growing increasingly higher, the consequences of climate change, and the effects of global warming that we all experience in one way or another can no longer be ignored. One can argue that these topics have been long discussed and measures have been implemented by governments around the world to minimize the negative impact of human activity on the environment, but this doesn’t mean the fight is over. On the contrary, the journey is only just beginning. Healing our planet will be a long and difficult process that requires a lot more than what we are doing right now.

Indeed, environmental concerns are not a new issue, but that’s exactly why we must act as fast as possible and direct all our resources and efforts towards fixing what we’ve broken. We’ve already woken up too late and we lost precious time by waiting for things to sort themselves out. The future will either be green or not at all.

That being said, companies and organizations from every corner of the world should be at the forefront of the eco-friendly movement and make sustainability their top priority. For a company, going green means a lot more than caring for the planet and ensuring a healthy and safe environment for each and every one of us. The decision to let go of unsuitable practices and invest in an eco-friendly transformation comes with a lot of benefits, making it a win-win situation. 

Compliance with laws and regulations

Since environmental issues are becoming more severe by the day, regulations are much stricter than before. Environmental protection measures that were once optional are now becoming mandatory. In many countries, implementing sustainability policies is no longer an option or a recommendation for companies, but a requirement. Therefore, if companies want to play by the rules and comply with the laws in the area they operate, they must take into account adopting the green practices imposed by authorities. Keeping up to date with legal provisions on the matter is an absolute must. Otherwise, they run the risk of facing serious charges or, even worse, they can be forced to cease activity.

Responsible use of natural resources

Resource scarcity is another issue we have to deal with as a result of excessive and irresponsible human exploitation. It’s a fact that we are running low on a number of natural resources and with the high rates of consumption, it’s more than obvious that we’re fast approaching a natural resource crisis. While we must strive to put an end to mindless resource exploitation and try to preserve critical natural resources at large, the spotlight falls on those companies who operate in areas in which resources are already running extremely low. These companies have to change their wasteful behaviors and focus on sustainable practices to help turn things around.

Cost reduction

While saving the planet and providing a secure future are noble goals that companies can contribute to by taking the green route, they must also think about their survival and prosperity. It all comes down to money in the end. A company’s main goal remains running a profitable activity. The good news is, green practices can also help companies save money, thus offering significant financial benefits. Working with providers who offer green solutions for different industries can have a positive impact on a company’s finances.

For example, employing smart waste management solutions can help companies cut down on waste disposal costs and generate an additional revenue stream while also caring for the environment. There’s nothing to lose, but everything to gain in such a situation. Even small changes such as reducing energy consumption by turning off devices when they’re not being used can have a positive impact at a financial level in the long run. Of course, greater changes like switching to renewable energy sources will yield even greater results.

Meeting consumers expectations

It’s a well-known fact that companies must learn to adapt and keep with the times if they want to stay relevant in a world in which competition is fiercer than ever. They can either evolve and thrive or stagnate and get left behind. This means not only embracing the latest marketing strategies and using state of the art equipment but also understanding consumer needs and requirements and meeting their expectations.

Studies show that Millennials put a great deal of importance on environmental protection and eco-friendly practices. People are growing more concerned over environmental issues and they have higher standards when it comes to choosing the companies they’ll do business with. Millennials are more likely to support companies that adhere to the same values and principles they do. Therefore, it makes sense for companies to embrace eco-friendly strategies to attract the new generation of customers. 

Increased brand reputation

Good brand reputation is essential for ensuring the success of a company. It doesn’t matter if an enterprise doesn’t offer the best products or services on the market. An impeccable image can make up for these shortcomings. However, if a company fails to acknowledge the current state of the environment and chooses to ignore the threats represented by global warming and climate change, chances are its reputation will suffer. People look down upon companies who have the power to make a positive change yet remain passive. Eco-friendly initiatives are bound to boost brand reputation and create a more appealing image that customers will appreciate.

Networking opportunities

Adopting green practices also opens a lot of doors for companies when it comes to networking. A green company has greater chances of securing collaborations with other enterprises with similar values and interests. Once they start on the green route, they’ll be welcomed in the circle of green companies and be presented with opportunities they would have missed otherwise. This alone is a great motivational factor for companies to become environmentally conscious.

7 Tips for Student Travel in Europe


 
For students to travel to Europe and within its different countries is not simple as you think. It is costly and requires a lot of budget and planning ahead of its time.

But once you are in Europe you can plan your travel to see as many locations as possible in a limited time. To make your trip to Europe better and cost-effective here are seven tips by mypaperdone.com  that you need to follow.

1. Complete Documents with you:

Before planning a trip to Europe make sure you have all the necessary documents with you. Your passport should be valid for more than six months. Another important document to mention here is the ISIC (International Student Identity Card). If you have one,  that’s great, but if you do not have one, get it. This card will save you an unbelievable amount of money throughout your trip.

2. Right Rail Pass:

Traveling through the train is the best option during a trip to Europe for everyone. It is a smart budget option and fun to visit different countries and cities through train. Choose the right rail pass based on your travel plan. Stop to stop ticket can be expensive and not feasible in such cases. Eurail Pass,  InterRail Pass, and BritRail pass are few options you can check to select one through the internet. For the Eurail pass, you need to purchase it before you leave for Europe.

3. An Open Mind:

Backpacking around Europe allows you flexibility and it is one of the best things. You can stay in the city for a few extra days if you fall in love with it and want to explore more about it. That is why traveling with an open mind and flexibility will keep your costs low and let you enjoy the trip the way you want.

4. Travel Companions:

Always be careful in choosing your companion for the travel. It becomes difficult to enjoy the trip when you are not compatible with your travel companions.  Another important thing to have fun with is to keep the number of people low to manage the logistics efficiently and properly.

5. Choose Hostels instead of Hotels:

For students, hostels are way better than the hotels. They are affordable, cheap, safe, and often located in the center of a city.  Hostels are a great place to meet fellow travelers as well. One thing to keep in mind is to be wary of sketchy people while you stay at a hostel. These people are everywhere so choose a person wisely for drinks.  Many hostels and restaurants can already pay with blockchain technology. So you can buy xrp and then pay for your lunch in the cafe with it.

6. Allocate Good Money in your Budget:

Keep in mind that Europe is expensive, so budget enough money for your Euro trip. You need at least fifty dollars a day if you are eating inexpensive food and staying at a hostel. Want to have more fun, you will need more money.

7. Pack Light:

You will be traveling for a few weeks and have to carry your luggage along with you. So keep your bags as light as you can.  Better to do laundry as you need clean clothes throughout your trip rather than carrying heavy bags with you.

Conclusion:

These simple tips can help you make your trip to Europe an unforgettable memory and an amazing experience.

Coronavirus Fatalities Higher in Heavily Polluted Areas

China Pollution Map Before vs After Coronavirus


People living in areas with high air pollution are more vulnerable to novel coronavirus disease COVID-19, doctors have warned. Accordingly, residents of polluted urban regions have been urged to take extra precautions against the disease. The global lock-down inspired by the novel Coronavirus, COVID-19, has shutdown factories and reduced travel, slashing lethal pollution from power plants in China.

In an interview with The Hindu, a medical community named Doctors For Clean Air (DFCA) stated that long-term exposure to high levels of air pollution compromises an individual’s lung function, making that person more susceptible to viral infections. Due to the lungs’ reduced capacity, such individuals are also likely to face greater health complications, particularly related to coronavirus, as compared to their healthier counterparts.

Scientists estimate the U.S. death toll from air pollution at more than 100,000 per year, and the World Health Organization estimates the global toll at 7 million.  The global death toll of an uncontained pandemic remains largely a matter of conjecture. Reductions in air pollution and global heating could save more lives.

Air pollution from power plants is likely to increase mortality from the novel coronavirus in cities, public health experts. The European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) warned that dirty air in urban areas that causes hypertension, diabetes and other respiratory illness could lead to a higher overall death toll from the virus currently sweeping the world. “Patients with chronic lung and heart conditions caused or worsened by long-term exposure to air pollution are less able to fight off lung infections and more likely to die,” EPS member Sara De Matteis said.

While there is currently no proven link between COVID-19 mortality and air pollution, one peer-reviewed study into the 2003 SARS outbreak showed that patients in regions with moderate air pollution levels were 84 percent more likely to die than those in regions with low air pollution. COVID-19 is similar to SARS and can cause respiratory failure in severe cases. Mortality data for COVID-19 is incomplete, but preliminary numbers show the majority of patients who die are elderly or have pre-existing chronic conditions such as heart or lung disease. According to the European Environment Agency, air pollution leads to around 400,000 early deaths across the continent annually, despite European Union air quality directives. One COVID-19 hotspot, northern Italy, has particularly high levels of PM10 — microscopic particles of pollution due largely to road traffic.

A study on the SARS coronavirus outbreak in China in 2003 found that infected people from highly polluted areas were twice as likely to die from the virus as those from places with purer air. Researchers also found that the SARS death rate went up as pollution levels increased, rising from 4% in less polluted areas to 7.5% in moderately polluted and 9% in highly polluted locations.

5 Best Engineering Universities in the World


Engineering is one of the highest paying careers. Many students research colleges to stud engineering because the institution you go to determines your level of professionalism. Since this is such a complex course, you need all the resources you can get to excel.

The more resources a college offer, the better your chances get at excelling. Make sure that you take your time in deciding which university you want to go to. Don’t just choose a university because your friends chose it, especially if they’re going to pursue a different course. Universities have different specializations, and an institution ideal for a medical course might not offer the same level of competence when it comes to engineering.

To make it in the engineering industry, you should make sure that you graduate with excellent grades. You should also use every opportunity you get to go for internships in environments that give you the exposure you need to secure a good entry job.

While in college, make sure you get excellent engineering homework help each time you’re too overwhelmed to complete an assignment.

1.    California Institute of Technology

At number one, we have the California Institute of Technology that has comprehensive courses on research engineering and technology. This is a well-reputed institution that provides engineering students with all the resources they need.
There are three main engineering divisions in this institution:
  • Biological engineering
  • Chemistry and chemical engineering
  • Engineering and applied science 
The cross-disciplinary method of teaching ensures that students graduate as well-rounded engineer. The professors ensure that they tackle the theory as well as the practical part of the course in a way that anyone can understand.

2.    Stanford University

I’m pretty sure you’ve heard of Stanford University before because it is a globally recognized institution. This is another ideal engineering institution that provides students with a myriad of resources.

No matter the branch of engineering you want to specialize in, you’ll find all the learning material you need to excel. This institution has been at the cutting edge of innovation for many years.

It has nine distinct departments that ensure students are not confused about what they want to do. Not to mention their well-equipped research centers, laboratories, and institutes.

The research centers focus on;
  •         System design
  •        Bioengineering
  •        Network security
  •        Climate change
  •        Robotics
  •        Information technology
  •        Affordable access to healthcare
  •        Computation and data analysis

3.    University of Cambridge

This list would be incomplete without the honorable mention of the University of Cambridge. This is one of the crème de la crème when it comes to institutions of higher learning.

The University of Cambridge has a competent engineering department and it happens to be the largest department in the entire institution.

Whether you want to pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll find that the department is well-equipped. You can be sure that you’ll graduate with excellent grades and a good grasp of engineering concepts.

For the first two years, you’ll learn everything you need to know about engineering. This will make it easy for you to choose when you want to specialize in, in the third and fourth year of your study.

4.    Harvard University

The prestigious Harvard University had to offer to engineer. Even though in the beginning, the institution did not offer this course, it now has a new engineering school called the John A Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

This school was established in 2007, which means that it has been around for a while now. Some of the areas the school of engineering covers include:
  •        Applied mathematics
  •        Applied physics
  •        Computer science
  •        Electrical engineering
  •        Environmental science and engineering
  •        Mechanical engineering
  •        Bioengineering

5.    University of Oxford

Lastly, we have the University of Oxford where you only get admitted for a specific engineering degree. Unlike other US university where you get to pick which branch of engineering to study, there, the choice has already been made for you.

If you’re taking an undergraduate course, you’ll study for four years, just like in most US universities. The courses available include:
  •        Biomedical engineering
  •        Chemical engineering
  •        Civil engineering
  •        Electrical engineering
  •        Information engineering
  •        Mechanical engineering

Conclusion

Now you have a variety of engineering institutions to choose from. Make sure you take your time analyzing them, before arriving at your decision.

The Best English language Apps

This article outlines great English learning apps that students and teachers can utilize to learn English and develop English skills anywhere and anytime from their smartphones. If you are starting and aiming to speak fluent English or boost your everyday English conversation skills, these Apps will help you study English very fast. Therefore, consider downloading one of these Apps to improve your written or spoken English. Universities and schools can provide these English Apps to their students on top of the curriculum. Institutions can build on what their students have learned in classrooms and allocate them tasks to finish when out of class. You can find most of these Apps on mobile and the web, and students can use them anywhere and anytime. To get help on doing the English language, you can visit English homework help.

Duolingo. Learn languages freely

It is the world’s most popular English language-learning app and recommended for English beginners. Duolingo has more than 200 million subscribers learning English language free. The majority of the users says the app is not only fun but also addictive. It helps users get motivated with awards for completing lessons.

 

Busuu

It is another English language app. According to reviews, this app is suitable for English learners at the formative stages of learning. Designed by linguists, this app combines AI-powered teaching and human interaction to assist learner’s master language. It offers courses in 12 different language s.

 

Improve English

It is a popular English learning App for those who learning English as an additional language. The bite-sized lessons help learners to improve their English skills. According to experts, the Improve English app is the best in building English vocabulary on the go. The app relies on scientific algorithms that help learners to study and improve English effectively.

 

Sentence Master Pro

An enjoyable English learning app is interactive and progressively directs the learner through language study in an immersive environment. According to users, it is fast-paced, but permit users time to think. The app encourages collaborative learning since users focus on matching words to form sentences and building sentences.

 

Memrise

Memrise is an English language-learning app that helps students jump-start their English lessons or improve their English language. This app makes the learning process addictive, easy, and fun. Memrise English the course joins useful phrases, straightforward grammar, and practical vocabulary to study conversational English and apply it in the real world.

 

Babbel

This app focuses on assisting English language learners to acquire elementary conversational skills. It also pays more attention to vocabulary. To understand the English language, Babbel allows users to complete and repeat phrases. Babbel uses four strategies: fill in the blanks, spelling, picture recognition, and sound recognition.

 

Rosetta stone

It is a basic English learning application designed distinctively from other apps. It teaches English the way children learn English. It comes with exercises that will help learners to learn essential English words. This app is for those who are looking for a true and tried method.

 

LearnEnglish Grammar

This app is an accessible and straightforward way to learn the English language and helps you ultimately improve your grammar. According to experts, LearnEnglish Grammar can help learners complete 12 grammar topics using 20 tasks per topic for English students for all levels.

 

LingoDeer

It is an interactive app for learning the English language. Learners interact with LingoDeer in a contextualized and structured way. After that, learners can follow their lessons on their speed and depend on their abilities


NY Nuclear Power Plant Leaking Radioactive Flow Into Hudson River

map of NY nuclear Indian Point
New York City’s nuclear power plant leaking ‘uncontrollable radioactive flow’ into Hudson River

New York City's nuclear power plant faces an unsettling situation as reports emerge of uncontrolled leakage of radioactive material into the Hudson River. The incident has sparked widespread concern among residents and environmentalists, urging authorities to take immediate action.

The radioactive discharge from the power plant has raised serious safety issues for the surrounding area. Emergency response teams are closely monitoring the situation and implementing precautionary measures to safeguard public health.

Local authorities have issued advisories to residents, urging them to stay informed and follow safety guidelines. Authorities are working in close coordination with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and environmental agencies to contain the leak and prevent any further contamination.

Environmentalists and concerned citizens have expressed their worries about the potential impact on aquatic life and the health of individuals exposed to the radioactive flow. The affected stretch of the Hudson River has been cordoned off, and people are advised to avoid contact with the water until the situation is under control.

As the investigation into the cause of the leak progresses, the power plant operator is facing scrutiny from regulatory bodies and the public. Meanwhile, the priority remains to mitigate the effects of the radioactive discharge and protect the well-being of the community.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures and continuous monitoring at nuclear facilities to prevent such occurrences in the future. Authorities are emphasizing their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of residents and the environment during this challenging time.

Residents are encouraged to stay tuned to official updates from local government websites and reputable news sources for the latest information on the ongoing response and remediation efforts.  Read more 

Emergency Devices Houses Near a Powerplant Should Have

If a person lives near a powerplant, the chances are that the electricity they use daily is from the said plant are high. But when an emergency strikes, it is best to be prepared and ready. Scrambling and hoping to find all the devices you need during a crisis is not ideal and will stress the person out even more.

Not all power plants are nuclear; some plants generate power through solar energy, geothermal energy, or wind energy. Therefore, non-nuclear power plants like the ones we have stated will be less of a danger to the immediate public if they were to break or go offline. But losing a power plant, no matter what type, can be devastating to the local city or community. In the case of a violent storm, hurricane, or earthquake, powerplants have emergency protocols to handle disasters or overloads. Some protocols call for a plant to be shut down if events are severe enough.

Why you should have a Ham Radio in case of emergencies
If a powerplant goes offline, a citizen won’t be able to communicate with anyone outside of their voice’s yelling range. Electricity powers our phones, traditional radios, electric stoves, gas pumps, and our utility infrastructure. So, if there is no electricity, there is also no running water or gas either. So not only is communication unavailable but also the utilities that we use every day do not work either. However, if you have a ham radio, you can listen to nearby radio chatter, and you can also communicate with those who can tune into radio waves.

Ham Radio

Unlike a CB radio, which can only pick up radio signals and allow the users to hear them, ham radios are radios built for two-way communication. When phone lines and cell phone towers are down, a ham radio operator can communicate with other ham radios across miles. There are some radio stations that are advanced ham radio constructions.
  
Please know that if you live in the United States and you want to buy and operate a ham radio, you will also need to purchase a ham radio operating license from the FCC. The test is quite easy, as you need less than a week to study and learn the material. The test costs only $15 too.

Unlike a CB Radio, which is small enough to be recharged on a solar battery, a ham radio requires more power. A ham radio owner may need a gasoline or propane generator or connection to roof solar panel installation. If they already have a solar panel, then they have electricity in case of a power outage. If they don’t, purchasing a non-electrical generator for power outages would be a reasonable consideration.

Some smaller ham radio models can operate on batteries. Check out some models here: https://www.ratedradardetector.org/radio/ham/best/. If you purchase a battery-enabled ham radio, make sure to acquire and store batteries together with the radio.

Communication and information are vital to have in an emergency. Ham radios can enable you to gather information and help you make wise decisions that will protect you and your family. Any equipment a person has before an emergency occurs will keep them safe and prepared.




Shanghai Coal Power Plants

Shanghai, China has about 30 Coal Power Plants within a 100 square miles #smog 

Shanghai, as one of the largest cities in China and a major global economic hub, has undergone significant development and urbanization over the years.  

Historically, coal has been a significant source of energy in China, including Shanghai, due to its abundant reserves and relatively low cost. However, in recent years, the Chinese government has been actively working to reduce the country's reliance on coal and promote cleaner energy sources.

As part of China's commitment to combatting climate change and improving air quality, there has been a push to phase out older and less efficient coal-fired power plants and replace them with cleaner alternatives, such as natural gas, renewables (like solar and wind), and nuclear power. This transition aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and promote sustainable development.

Shanghai had several coal power plants in operation. Here are some of the prominent coal power plants in Shanghai:

Waigaoqiao Power Station: Located in Pudong New Area, Waigaoqiao Power Station is one of the largest coal-fired power plants in Shanghai. It has a total installed capacity of around 5,000 MW and consists of multiple units.

Yangshupu Power Station: Situated in Yangpu District, Yangshupu Power Station is another significant coal-fired power plant in Shanghai. It has a capacity of approximately 1,100 MW and has been in operation for several decades.

Fengxian Power Station: Located in Fengxian District, Fengxian Power Station is a coal-fired power plant with a capacity of around 2,000 MW. It serves as an important source of electricity for Shanghai.

Caojing Power Station: Situated in Jinshan District, Caojing Power Station is a large coal-fired power plant with a capacity of about 2,520 MW. It generates electricity for the Shanghai area.