Trade Associations
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from national and international trade associations influencing the debate on federal policies.
Featured Stories
Universities Space Research Association Elects KAIST and Seoul National University to Membership
COLUMBIA, Maryland, May 30 -- The Universities Space Research Association issued the following news release:
The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and Seoul National University (SNU), two distinguished South Korean Universities, have joined the ranks of Universities Space Research Association (USRA), bringing the Association to a total of 113 universities. They were elected by USRA's current university members on May 4, 2020.
The eligibility criteria for USRA membership includes demonstrated significant contributions in space or aerospace research fields by faculty, and
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COLUMBIA, Maryland, May 30 -- The Universities Space Research Association issued the following news release:
The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and Seoul National University (SNU), two distinguished South Korean Universities, have joined the ranks of Universities Space Research Association (USRA), bringing the Association to a total of 113 universities. They were elected by USRA's current university members on May 4, 2020.
The eligibility criteria for USRA membership includes demonstrated significant contributions in space or aerospace research fields by faculty, anda substantial commitment to a course of studies and dissertation research leading to the doctorate in one or more related fields. Members participate in the governance of USRA through the election of members to the USRA Board of Trustees and establishment of the Association's bylaws.
Dr. Jeffrey A. Isaacson, USRA's President and CEO, said, "We are delighted to welcome these renowned universities as members. The expertise they bring broadens our collective strength in space-related science and technology, worldwide. We look forward to their active engagement with, and contributions to, our Association."
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) - Founded in 1971, KAIST is the Republic of Korea's premier science and technology university. Its Satellite Technology Research Center developed Korea's first satellite, in 1992, and has developed, launched, and operated satellites for Earth observation and space science. The KAIST Aerospace Engineering department is planning multiple space missions with CubeSats for laser communications, Earth imaging, atmospheric measurements, and formation flying.
Seoul National University (SNU) - Founded in 1946, SNU has a strong aerospace engineering program, which includes research with interdisciplinary links to space science, propulsion and satellite technology. The Interdisciplinary Program for Space Systems focuses on education and research capabilities in the field of launch vehicles, space materials, satellites and their applications, and space risk. SNU also heads a space education network consisting of domestic universities and research institutes.
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About USRA
Founded in 1969, under the auspices of the National Academy of Sciences at the request of the U.S. Government, the Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is a nonprofit corporation chartered to advance space-related science, technology, and engineering. USRA operates scientific institutes and facilities, and conducts other major research and educational programs, under Federal funding. USRA engages the university community and employs in-house scientific leadership, innovative research and development, and project management expertise. More information about USRA is available at http://www.usra.edu.
[Category: Science]
National Catholic Educational Association: Identifying the Gifts of the Crisis
WASHINGTON, May 30 -- The National Catholic Educational Association issued the following news release:
2019-20, like all school years, was chock-full of learning experiences (https://nceatalk.org/2020/05/communication-is-connection-learning-from-the-pandemic-crisis/). But, what was learned and by whom was dramatically different! The conditions of remote learning presented many new challenges for Catholic school students, parents, teachers, and administrators. But the adjustment each made to new methods, tools and modes of learning generated many powerful "take-aways." Catholic school leaders who
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WASHINGTON, May 30 -- The National Catholic Educational Association issued the following news release:
2019-20, like all school years, was chock-full of learning experiences (https://nceatalk.org/2020/05/communication-is-connection-learning-from-the-pandemic-crisis/). But, what was learned and by whom was dramatically different! The conditions of remote learning presented many new challenges for Catholic school students, parents, teachers, and administrators. But the adjustment each made to new methods, tools and modes of learning generated many powerful "take-aways." Catholic school leaders whotake the time reflect on what they have learned and invite others to do the same, will enable the recognition of some of the gifts of the COVID-19 crisis. Although the methods (e.g., interview, survey, reflection) and modes (i.e., private or shared) by which these reflections will be best generated will vary across group (e.g., student, parent, teacher, administrator) and context (e.g., type of community, level of school, etc.), the new insights identified are certain to be a blessing that will enrich an uncertain future.
Here are some of the questions that would stimulate reflection and growth for each group:
Students: What did you miss about school while you were learning remotely? Are there things you took for granted that you will value more when you return? What are they? What did you like/dislike about your remote learning experience? What was most memorable about the experience of learning from home? What experience(s) did you have while learning from home that made you feel a part of the school community? How did learning in a more individualized, self-paced environment work for you? Are there aspects of it that could be incorporated into a face-to-face learning environment that would benefit you? What made it difficult? What did you learn about how you learn? What works for you? What difficulties do you have learning? How did you grow in your ability to get what you need to be successful? What did you learn about yourself, your character and the unique person God made you to be? What role did your faith have in this experience? In what ways did you benefit from prayer or quiet reflection during this time? What other activities/experiences were beneficial to you? How might you incorporate all of these new understandings in the months and years to come?
Parents/Guardians: What did you miss about school while your child(ren) were learning remotely? Are there things you took for granted that you will value more when you return? What are they? What did you not miss about school or perhaps enjoy about remote learning? What would have helped you gain more reward and benefit from the time of remote learning? What knowledge, skills and others supports would you like to acquire to better support learning at home? What did you learn about your child while he/she learned from home? Specifically, what did you learn about his/her character, gifts, strengths, and weaknesses as a person? What did you learn about your child as a learner? What seemed to be helpful/challenging for him/her? What would you tell a teacher that could assist him/her in the future? What role did your faith have in this experience? In what ways did you benefit from prayer or quiet reflection during this time? What other activities/experiences were beneficial to you? How might you incorporate all of these new understandings in the months and years to come?
Teachers: What did you miss about school while remote learning was in place? Are there things you took for granted that you will value more when you return? What did you miss about face-to-face, classroom learning? What did you not miss? What did you like about remote teaching? What did you not like? How might you have been better prepared for this experience? What more would you have needed with regard to professional knowledge, skills, tools, etc.? What professional development would help you do better addressing social and emotional learning? What was difficult about planning, implementing, and assessing learning in this setting? What were the contributions of technology to remote teaching? What technology or skills were you surprised to be good at? Which do you need help building? How did technology affect relationships communication and community during remote teaching? What did you learn? How could this influence and improve future teaching? What will you do differently as you prepare for next school year? What did you discover about yourself, your abilities, and the unique person God made you to be? What role did your faith and prayer play in your perseverance through the crisis? What will you celebrate as you recover and move forward?
Administrators: What did you learn about the different members of the school community (students, parents, teachers, others) during this experience? What individual and collective strengths come to mind? What differences are there? What might be done to connect the community members in ways that strengthen and allow them to work together in positive ways? What were some of the surprises in this experience? What were some of the comforts or graces to be thankful for? What are some of the problems that surfaced to address moving forward? What will you do differently as you prepare for next school year? What will you incorporate into your direction and leadership for the future and what old practice will you discard or adapt for the new challenge of online schooling? What did you discover about yourself, your abilities, and the unique person God made you to be? What role did you faith and prayer play in your perseverance and success? What would you change if you were to do this again? What will you celebrate as you recover and move forward?
To be sure, the 2019-20 school year will be one long remembered. But in the future, maybe it won't just be remembered as the year schools "pivoted" to remote emergency teaching due to a global pandemic. Perhaps, by engaging in thoughtful year-end reflection and incorporating the lessons of this analysis in planning for the future, we will remember this year as the one that transformed Catholic schools, students, families, and educators, for the better.
[Category: Education]
Institute of International Container Lessors Performs Global Study on Coating Systems Applied on the Frames of Refrigerated Containers
WASHINGTON, May 30 -- The Institute of International Container Lessors issued the following news release:
The Ocean transportation system has utilized refrigerated containers for over 50 years to provide protection of perishable and temperature sensitive cargoes such as meat, vegetables, fruit, beverages, medicines and chemicals.
"Top performance, reliability and condition of the refrigerated container have always been hallmarks of refrigerated container services." said Steven Blust, President of the Institute of International Containers (IICL). "It is believed that the ability to offer containers
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WASHINGTON, May 30 -- The Institute of International Container Lessors issued the following news release:
The Ocean transportation system has utilized refrigerated containers for over 50 years to provide protection of perishable and temperature sensitive cargoes such as meat, vegetables, fruit, beverages, medicines and chemicals.
"Top performance, reliability and condition of the refrigerated container have always been hallmarks of refrigerated container services." said Steven Blust, President of the Institute of International Containers (IICL). "It is believed that the ability to offer containersthat remain in good physical condition with extended timeframes before maintenance is beneficial to most cargo interests."
Refrigerated containers (Reefers) are exposed to several different environments throughout their operational life. Reefer units are frequently held to high aesthetic requirements due to the nature of the cargoes ( fruits, vegetables, seafood, meat, etc.) being transported, thus the coating system chosen plays a critical role in the associated maintenance costs and useful operational life of the equipment for cargo transport.
In order to evaluate and compare the performance of frames coated with zinc rich primer and the ones coated with hot zinc spray, the IICL carried out inspections of approximately 500 refrigerated containers in several major ports in Asia, Europe and the Americas.
The study was carried out by a technical team of IICL members and selected local independent inspectors. Refrigerated containers in large reefer ports such as Qingdao, Shanghai, Dalian, Tianjin, Rotterdam, Antwerp, Puerto Limon, Miami, Los Angeles, and others were photographed and inspected. Using an inspection form designed to capture datapoints of relevant information being sought for analysis, the IICL gathered valuable data to support our members' choices and decisions going forward.
IICL Director of Technical Services, Luiz Goncalves stated "The study, no doubt, reconfirmed what our experience and previous analysis were telling us, that the frame of refrigerated units treated with hot zinc spray had an overall significantly better performance than the ones using zinc rich primer. The performance differential is highlighted on the basis of unit age and unit operating areas such as the Caribbean where exposure to sea water is frequent".
Luiz Goncalves added that recently some manufacturers had indicated a possible shift to discontinue the hot zinc spray treatment of reefer frames for safety and environmental reasons. The fact is that the application of hot zinc spray can be fully automated and air filters used to meet environmental and safety requirements. It is a matter of manufacturers making the investment as others did to deliver the best possible solution to the market. As an example, Metallisation Ltd. posted an interesting video at https://youtu.be/1HMzxvIKhF8 showing an automated process of hot zinc spraying. Using zinc rich primer and having to repair and refurbish corroded reefer frames during the operating life of assets can be more detrimental to the environment than proper manufacturing practice done once, correctly, in a controlled factory environment. Frame repairs and refurbishing due to premature corrosion are significant expenses to owners and may lead to premature retirement of the asset by owners. The global availability of proper refurbishing facilities is limited, and reefers may have to be repositioned to these locations for service, further adding operating costs to owners.
The data collected during the IICL study unequivocally shows the benefits of using hot zinc spray over zinc rich primer. It is up to the buyers to make their choice knowing what to expect "down the road".
The IICL is active in educational, technological, safety, environmental, governmental, regulatory, and security issues. Complementing its widely accepted industry standards and best practices, the IICL offers its inspector certification examinations in more than 5,000 locations around the world, supported by publications, tools and courses.
Organized in 1971, the IICL is a trade association, representing lessors of maritime containers and intermodal chassis. Its member companies, Beacon, CAI, Direct ChassisLink, FlexiVan, SeaCube, Textainer, TOUAX, TRAC Intermodal, and Triton International Limited, own or manage a significant portion of the global leased container and U.S. chassis fleets.
See table here (https://www.iicl.org/news/latest-news/iicl-performs-global-study-on-coating-systems-applied-on-the-frames-of-refrigerated-containers/)
[Category: Business]
Geological Society: Charred Wood Reveals Maximum Age of Newly Discovered Hiawatha Impact Crater in Greenland
BOULDER, Colorado, May 30 -- The Geological Society of America issued the following news release:
The news went around the world, when a Danish and international research team led by Kurt Kjaer at the Globe institute at University of Copenhagen published their discovery of a new, large impact crater in northwest Greenland in November 2018. The 31-km wide structure is buried under the Greenland Ice Sheet behind a glacier named Hiawatha. Therefore, this also became the name of the crater. The scientists found that the crater must be very young, seen from a geological perspective, but not precisely
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BOULDER, Colorado, May 30 -- The Geological Society of America issued the following news release:
The news went around the world, when a Danish and international research team led by Kurt Kjaer at the Globe institute at University of Copenhagen published their discovery of a new, large impact crater in northwest Greenland in November 2018. The 31-km wide structure is buried under the Greenland Ice Sheet behind a glacier named Hiawatha. Therefore, this also became the name of the crater. The scientists found that the crater must be very young, seen from a geological perspective, but not preciselyhow young.
Now, a new study from the group, published in The Geological Society of America's journal Geology, reveals that the crater must almost certainly be younger than 3 million years old, which makes it the youngest of Earth's 25 large impact craters.
Adam Garde, the first author of the new study and emeritus scientist at the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS), explains that "the cellular structures of the charred wood that we recovered in outwash from the hidden crater contained an unexpected clue to the young age of the impact."
Exploded wood cells
According to Adam Garde, "The maximum age of the Hiawatha crater was determined in a rather untraditional way," but this was also quite elegant.
"One of my coauthors Jette Dahl-Moller and I investigated the cell structures in the charred wood under the microscope. We could see that some of the bark cells were full of large, spherical voids and had been greatly expanded, as if the fatty material in these cells had been vaporized by extreme and rapid heating."
"We also found many small grains of shock-melted glass, which both contained fragments of shocked minerals and a lot of finely dispersed organic material. This could not have been incorporated into the glass unless is also itself had been shocked, disintegrated and mixed with the molten rock from the impact."
With support from other types of analysis of the organic material, the scientists were eventually convinced that the charred wood stemmed from the impact and not from natural wildfires, which could be an alternative explanation for the charring.
Identification of the wood
The researchers also found out that from preserved cell structures in the charred wood that it stems from conifer trees such as pine, spruce and perhaps larch.
"Today, no conifer trees can grow in the northernmost parts of Greenland at about 80 degrees north, but remnants of thin conifer forests are known from two warmer periods at 2.4 and 3 million years ago, and the meteorite impact therefore took place at or after this time," Adam Garde explains.
He elaborates that actually, there has also been conifer vegetation in North Greenland during still older warm periods several million years ago, but any organic remains from those much older forests would have been much more downgraded than the wood recovered from the crater.
Searching for exact age
In the first paper from 2018 that described the discovery of the Hiawatha crater, the authors suggested a very young age of the impact, not least because the internal layering of the Greenland Ice Sheet is strongly disturbed precisely where it covers the crater. However, it was difficult to argue for a precise age.
According to the authors, "Now, with the identification of conifer charcoal, we can at least determine a maximum age with confidence, although an exact age determination is still missing."
"Perhaps we now have some new means of obtaining not only a maximum age but also an absolute age. In the coming months we will try to analyze the trace uranium and lead contents of some highly shocked minerals, which we have discovered in material collected last summer. This may yield an absolute, so-called radiometric age of the impact," says the first author.
Adam Garde further explains that if the impact crater is in fact very young, it can be used in climate research.
"If the age of the crater overlaps with the age of ice cores from the Greenland Ice Sheet, it will be possible to study how such a large impact might affect the Earth's climate. Such information is potentially hidden in the ice cores, which cover a time span up to about 100,000 years back in time. But this requires much more precise information of the age of the crater than we have at present."
The study
The study is published in the journal Geology and is based on collaboration between scientists at the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland, the Globe Institute (University of Copenhagen), the Institute of Geoscience (Aarhus University) and the Alfred Wegener Institute, Germany.
[Category: Science]
Florida Sheriffs Association Issues Statement on Death of Floyd
TALLAHASSEE, Florida, May 30 -- Florida Sheriffs Association issued the following statement on May 29 by President Bob Gualtieri:
"As President of the Florida Sheriffs Association and on behalf of all Florida sheriffs, I offer our sympathies to the family of George Floyd.
"The Minneapolis police officer used deadly force in a situation where there was no justification.
"The other officers present should have intervened to stop the officer who had his knee on George Floyd's neck.
"These officers' actions are not representative of sheriff's deputies in Florida or the law enforcement profession,
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TALLAHASSEE, Florida, May 30 -- Florida Sheriffs Association issued the following statement on May 29 by President Bob Gualtieri:
"As President of the Florida Sheriffs Association and on behalf of all Florida sheriffs, I offer our sympathies to the family of George Floyd.
"The Minneapolis police officer used deadly force in a situation where there was no justification.
"The other officers present should have intervened to stop the officer who had his knee on George Floyd's neck.
"These officers' actions are not representative of sheriff's deputies in Florida or the law enforcement profession,and the actions are inconsistent with law enforcement policies and training.
"As leaders, it is imperative that we demand accountability in order to maintain trust in the communities we serve and we stand with others today in seeking that accountability."
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Florida Sheriffs Association:
The Florida Sheriffs Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation made up of the Sheriffs of Florida, approximately 3,500 business leaders and 90,000 citizens throughout the state. Founded in 1893, FSA has steadfastly served the citizens of Florida by supporting the needs of the state's law enforcement community. Through the Florida Sheriffs Association, Sheriffs are given a forum to address lawmakers to push for positive changes in Florida's public safety arena. FSA also provides Sheriffs' Offices much-needed programs such as affordable training, special task forces and legislative and legal services. Dedicated to the prevention of juvenile delinquency and the development of lawful, productive citizens, FSA has established and funded the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches with facilities throughout the state to help restore hope, fulfill dreams, and prepare boys and girls for the future. It has grown to be one of the largest and most successful state law enforcement associations in the nation. For more information on the Florida Sheriffs Association, visit [url=http://www.flsheriffs.org]http://www.flsheriffs.org[/url].
[Category: Government/Public Administration]
California Dental Association Distributes Personal Protective Equipment to Licensed Dentists Statewide
SACRAMENTO, California, May 30 -- The California Dental Association issued the following news release:
The California Dental Association is distributing approximately 25,000 personal protective equipment kits to licensed dentists in California. The critical supply of masks, face shields and gowns is from California's pandemic response stockpile and was made available to CDA by the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services. The state of California procured large supplies of surgical masks and other PPE, which are in short supply through traditional, commercial distribution channels, by
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SACRAMENTO, California, May 30 -- The California Dental Association issued the following news release:
The California Dental Association is distributing approximately 25,000 personal protective equipment kits to licensed dentists in California. The critical supply of masks, face shields and gowns is from California's pandemic response stockpile and was made available to CDA by the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services. The state of California procured large supplies of surgical masks and other PPE, which are in short supply through traditional, commercial distribution channels, bycontracting directly with manufacturers and is now making this supply available to health care providers statewide.
Through this procurement, CDA has taken delivery of 4 million surgical masks, as well as tens of thousands of N95 and KN95 masks, face shields and surgical gowns. CDA is uniquely positioned to distribute PPE by using its online dental supplier, TDSC.com, as a fulfillment mechanism. TDSC.com staff repackaged the supplies as evenly as possible to maximize their distribution to all licensed dentists in California, regardless of whether the dentist is a CDA member.
"CDA strongly advocated for dentists, who are essential health care providers, to be allotted masks and other PPE that is badly needed for practitioners to resume providing oral health care to Californians," said Dr. Richard Nagy, president of the California Dental Association. "Dental pain and infection are a common reason people seek help in hospital emergency rooms, and it's critical for dentists to have necessary PPE to provide care and prevent patients from going to the ER for dental problems during this pandemic."
The PPE kits generally contain 150 Level 2 surgical masks and a small quantity of N95 and KN95 masks, face shields and gowns. Dentists interested in obtaining a PPE kit, which will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis for a $20 shipping and handling charge, may visit TDSC.com/freePPE. A valid dental license will be required to complete a purchase and will be validated before products are shipped.
Additionally, county emergency management authorities across California will continue to provide PPE to dentists locally as it is made available. CDA is committed to continue working with the state to obtain a steady stream of PPE for dentists to maintain their practices and ensure the safety of their patients and dental teams.
[Category: Medical]
American Massage Therapy Association: Managing Stress During COVID-19
EVANSTON, Illinois, May 30 -- The American Massage Therapy Association issued the following news:
The last couple of months have felt like a roller coaster as we all try to adapt to the rapidly-changing environment surrounding COVID-19. The stress of dealing with a new reality that disrupts your employment and daily routine can feel overwhelming.
While many aspects of life may feel out your control right now, there are steps you can take to help manage stress and improve well-being, even while social distancing.
Get Physically Active
Regular exercise can be an important factor in helping you
... Show Full Article
EVANSTON, Illinois, May 30 -- The American Massage Therapy Association issued the following news:
The last couple of months have felt like a roller coaster as we all try to adapt to the rapidly-changing environment surrounding COVID-19. The stress of dealing with a new reality that disrupts your employment and daily routine can feel overwhelming.
While many aspects of life may feel out your control right now, there are steps you can take to help manage stress and improve well-being, even while social distancing.
Get Physically Active
Regular exercise can be an important factor in helping youcope with stress. Consider how you can still be active right now, and create a daily exercise routine to boost endorphins and reduce tension and anxiety.
Depending on where you live--as well as on the current laws and recommendations in your area--you may be able to get outside to exercise. If it's safe, going for a walk, hiking through the woods, or running on some trails can do wonders for your mood.
If you don't feel comfortable leaving your home, you can find plenty of at-home workout programs that can help you stay active. There are also many free apps, videos, and fitness communities to keep you moving even with little or no equipment.
Focus on Your Diet and Sleep
Maintaining a healthy diet is important at any time, but is it especially helpful during the current environment. Fueling your body properly can make a big difference in helping you cope with stressors. In addition, it may be a good idea to limit stimulants like caffeine, alcohol and nicotine which can increase anxiety and amplify stress. These can even affect your ability to get a good night's sleep.
Speaking of sleep, try sticking to a regular schedule. While it might be tempting to throw normal routines out the window right now - doing the opposite and making an effort to stay on track can go a long way with your ability to deal with stress. Log eight hours of sleep whenever possible.
Maintain Social Connections
Even though you can't physically be together, staying connected to friends, family and community can be more important than ever right now. Positive social support can improve our capacity to weather this stressful time. Here are a few ideas for reaching out and stay connected:
Use social media to chat with relatives and friends
Post supportive comments, pictures, and content on your social sites
Schedule regular video chats with friends, family members, and co-workers
Send mail to your loved ones. A card, handwritten letter, or small note can do a lot to lift other people's spirits
Reach for Healthy Ways to Cope
Writing in a journal, meditating, and yoga are just a few examples of healthy ways to relieve stress. Make sure you have plenty of healthy coping skills at your disposal, so you have options to reach for when your distress starts to increase.
Meditation
If you do not meditate regularly, now may be a great time to try this mind-body practice. It can help you focus on your breath, find clarity, and enhance emotional positivity - allowing you to relax and remain in the present moment. And, the stress-relieving benefits of meditation can come from practicing only a few minutes a day! If you are new to this practice, guided meditations are a good place to start. You can find highly-rated apps for beginners and different types of meditation online.
Yoga
Yoga is another helpful stress reliever that you can do at home at any time. It helps promote relaxation and well-being by utilizing breath and movement to ease tension in the body. If you're new to yoga, it's best to begin practicing with a certified instructor. It also helps to start with simple, gentle poses. There are an array of yoga apps and streaming sites available online.
Be Selective About Media Consumption
While it's important to stay informed, consuming constant content about the coronavirus can keep you in a heightened state of distress. Here are some healthy ways to stay informed while also managing your media consumption:
Don't keep the TV on news channels. Commit to only tuning in to a few news programs per day, and set a time limit (such as 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the evening)
Follow people who inspire you on social media. Follow individuals who are more invested in helping and inspiring, rather than making catastrophic predictions.
Be selective with the content you consume. Read articles and watch programs that focus on what you can do to stay healthy and positive.
Be Kind To Yourself
You might find that are caring for so many people right now that you've forgotten to care for yourself. Or, you may be on your own and feeling overwhelmed. Remember that you're dealing with a lot during this challenging time and find ways to be kind to yourself. Take a warm bath. Read that book you have been meaning to get to, or learn a new skill. All of these things can help you unwind and better manage stress.
If You Need Extra Support
Taking some of these proactive steps may help you feel a lot better. If you don't feel like your strategies are working though, reaching out to a professional may be a good idea. Talking to someone and getting the support you need, could be the key to helping manage your stress and anxiety during this uncertain time.
[Category: Health & Beauty]
