#Wittels-

79% of the participants in the referendum on February 13 voted against the animalist proposal Animal testing is criticized by various environmental groups, but much of the scientific community believes that it is still necessary. Getty Images/iStockphoto 79.08% of the people participating in the referendum held in Switzerland on Sunday, February 13, voted against the po[CENSORED]r initiative legislative proposal (endorsed by animal groups) that sought "the prohibition of animal and human experimentation." Participation in this call (one of the four issues submitted to consultation simultaneously) was 44.19%; with 1,893,539 votes against the proposition and 500,937 votes in favor. Consequently, Switzerland will not be the first country in the world to ban animal experimentation, as the entities promoting the consultation intended. In fact, that of Sunday, February 13, was the fourth time that a proposal of this type was rejected in a referendum in Switzerland, although with slight nuances in the wording and statement of reasons. One of the details that has probably influenced the defeat of the proposal is that its wording calls for a total ban on animal experiments, which would lead to a ban on the importation of products that have been tested using animals and, furthermore, , the prohibition of experiments in which human beings participate, according to the interpretation spread by the Swiss government. The interpretation of the promoting groups was substantially different and was based on ethical issues and the defense of animal rights, proposing new methods (such as computer models) for the development of medicines. According to the government view, on the contrary, if the proposal had been approved, new drugs could not be developed in Switzerland using current clinical trial techniques and procedures (which require animal and human trials). It cannot be forgotten that Switzerland is a very powerful country in the fields of drug research and development. The Swiss government had unanimously declared itself against the anti-experimentation proposal on animals, and a large majority of members of the National Council and the Council of State had also expressed their rejection. Pharmaceutical pressure? The call and the results of the referendum, as can be seen, have many possible interpretations. Thus, for example, John Revill, Reuters correspondent in Zurich, states in his chronicle of results that "the potential [of the proposal] wanted to stop animal and human experimentation, considering that these practices are neither ethical nor necessary, but they found with the opposition of the powerful pharmaceutical lobby of the country, which detected on the economic damage that such a prohibition could cause". The precedents of referendums with similar issues and the polls carried out in recent weeks indicated that the proposal would be rejected by a large majority. Link: https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20220215/8059279/supremo-ratifica-retirada-acta-pau-juvilla-decretada-jec.html

The technology in the field of the two rues has grown by leaps and bounds. Today it is not uncommon to see a motorcycle with driving assistance systems that avoid more than one scare when we are driving on the road. However, not everything that concerns the motorcycle has had the same evolution. This is the case of helmets, which, except for the components or materials they are made of, have hardly offered technological solutions beyond an audio system. At least until now, since Forcite has created an intelligent helmet in which it has included, among other systems, a GPS and a Full HD camera that will guide us along the road through an LED lighting system. Forcite MK1: safety and technology in a single helmet The technology in the world of two wheels has grown exponentially in almost all surroundings. However, there is one that always seems to lag behind, not being able to initially house electronic components like a motorcycle would. We talk about the helmet. An element that has served as a front protector has fallen but little has been innovated so far. Do not misunderstand me, the helmet has evolved a lot since its creation, improving the comfort of the first shells or the materials with which it has been composed However, technologically speaking, the greatest achievement that had been established among the majority is the use of speakers and a microphone to be able to communicate. However, from time to time there is news like today's in which we see how a company is trying to develop smart helmets that represent a revolution in the market and help increase the safety of the pilot. The case that we are telling you today comes directly from Australia and its functionality is focused on providing more information to the driver when he is driving, allowing greater safety without eliminating comfort elements. We are talking about Forcite, a hitherto unknown company but one that is going to start being talked about. This company has managed to equip its smart helmet with certain systems that will improve journeys and make them safer. To achieve this, he has managed to insert into his helmet elements such as a Full HD front camera, a GPS, a gyroscope, a barometer, an accelerometer and even an altimeter, to get a 100% accurate reading of the terrain and provide the driver with a report of his situation. Report that you can control through a mobile application. However, the news does not stop here. There may also be an interior lighting system called Raydar, with which the driver will be warned of dangers or GPS indications through an interior LED that will light up in different colors depending on the warning. A small approximation to the augmented reality that is so demanded in this type of helmet and of which Shoei has already shown us intentions with its IT-HT. Nor does it lack a complete sound system or Bluetooth with which to communicate while we are on the go or with which to listen to music. The helmet is made entirely of carbon fiber and inside it uses an antibacterial bamboo lining with a quick release closure for emergencies and a channel for glasses. Its weight is around 1,500 grams depending on the size (the XL goes up to 1,630 grams) and has ECE 22.05 and DOT certificates. The first prototype of this helmet can be financed through a crowdfunding system, managing to raise more than 920,000 Australian dollars. Although the most relevant thing is that it only costs 1,299 Australian dollars (about 820 euros at current exchange rates). In fact, such has been its success that it has a waiting list of up to 14,000 users spread across Europe, Australia and the United States. The Australian company, which until now has only been able to manufacture and sell 1,380 copies, is already working on an evolution of the MK1 known as MK1S in which some of its characteristics will be improved. Link: https://www.motorpasionmoto.com/seguridad/este-nuevo-casco-inteligente-para-moto-cuenta-sistema-navegacion-activa-luces-led

Eleven new governments announce they will join the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment at the One Ocean Summit in Brest, France Once the new governments have announced at the One Ocean Summit that they will join the Global Commitment for the New Plastics Economy. Led by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme, the Global Commitment has united governments and organizations behind a common vision of a circular economy for plastics. The announcement that the national governments of Canada, Colombia, Greece, Italy, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Spain and Uganda and the sub-national governments of the city of Paris; Central Greece Region; and the Basque Country will join like-minded governments under the Global Commitment is confirmation of the growing interest and commitment of countries to act urgently to Combat Plastic Pollution. “We will not recycle our way out of the plastic pollution crisis: we need a systemic transformation to transition to a circular economy,” said Ms. Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP. A circular economy approach is needed to tackle the problem at its source, according to a UNEP report published in 2021. The report details how a comprehensive circular economy approach could reduce the volume of plastics entering our oceans by more than 80 percent. percent by 2040. plastic production by 55 percent. Save governments $70 billion between 2021 and 2040. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent. And create an additional 700,000 jobs, mostly in the Global South. “UNEP encourages governments and other parties willing to harm themselves with ambitious national actions to create a circular economy for plastic. Let's congratulate these new members of the Global Commitment for showing their leadership to combat plastic pollution,” said Ms. Andersen. Link: https://www.retema.es/noticia/los-gobiernos-se-comprometen-con-la-nueva-economia-de-los-plasticos-6bwGk

So we launched a study of the universities of Birmingham and Vienna. It is an ability that humans do not fully develop until they are 8 years old. The details According to the challenge proposed by the experts, the cockatoos have to mani[CENSORED]te a ball through a hole (Photo: University of Vienna) Tool use may be a rare skill in the animal kingdom, but there is one type of bird that excels at it. According to a study by scientists from the University of Birmingham and the University of Vienna, published in Scientific Reports, the cockatoo has shown outstanding use of problem-solving skills when challenged. The researchers devised a golf-like game for the bird species that is known for being able to complete complex puzzles, pick even locks, and use tools such as sticks to make shells from nuts and seeds. According to the challenge proposed by the experts, the cockatoos have to mani[CENSORED]te a ball through a hole in a closed box, before using a stick to push the ball to the side of the box to activate a trap mechanism. This in turn freed up a cashew nut for the bird. Three of the cockatoos very well how to use the stick to maneuver the ball into the correct position to release the treat, showing a high level of tool innovation. It was so impressive, the researchers said, that it shows that cockatoos can master problems that children under the age of eight struggle to solve. "Young children often find it difficult to come up with novel solutions to problems involving the use of tools," she said. The study by the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna and the University of Birmingham is part of a larger international and interdisciplinary project comparing children's problem-solving and innovation skills with those of cockatoos. "One of the most amazing aspects of the process was watching how these animals each invented their own individual technique for grasping the stick and hitting the ball, sometimes with amazing dexterity," said lead researcher Dr Antonio Osuna-Mascaró, from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna. "One of the birds operated the stick while holding it between its jaws, another between the tip of its beak and its tongue, and another with its claw, similar to a primate." The use of tools is rare in animals, and in particular composite tools in which two elements come together, such as a spear or axe, or composite tools in which two elements, for example a stick and a stone, are joined together. we use together. These types of tools have become recreational activities, such as hockey, cricket or golf, and it was this that inspired the researchers. Study co-author Sarah Beck, Professor of Cognitive Development at the University of Birmingham School of Psychology, focuses on associations between children and birds in learning to use tools. “Although children are very good at using tools and technology in their lives (think spoons and iPads), our research has shown that young children often find it difficult to invent novel solutions to problems involving the use of tools. tools”, said the specialist. "In fact, children under the age of eight can really have a hard time figuring out which cockatoos can dominate," he added. It's not just about who's smarter: children or cockatoos, but comparing such different species helps us understand how humans "So while this study is the first to show that cockatoos can coordinate tools to solve a problem, it also feeds into our ongoing work with children." Professor Beck added: "As tempting as it may be, it's not simply a question of who is smarter: children or cockatoos, but comparing such different species helps us understand how humans and some other species develop impressive technological abilities." ”. Fellow author Professor Alice Auersperg, the head of the Goffin Laboratory at the Messerli Research Institute at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, said: "I think studying what spatial relationships animals attend to and how they use them to enable tools will be key. to give us a better insight into the evolution of technology. "Improving our understanding of the onset of complex tool use in particular is therefore currently a goal of our research team," he said. The researchers said they hoped the findings would also shed new light on how our ancestors developed the ability to design and use tools. Link: https://www.infobae.com/america/perrosygatos/2022/02/14/la-inteligencia-de-las-cacatuas-los-animales-que-usan-herramientas-para-completar-tareas-complejas/

Brabus enters the world of motorcycles with the exclusive '1300 R', it sports an advanced and elegant design, along with incredible features. Known for his incredible and exclusive works, Brabus enters the world of two wheels with his first motorcycle, the powerful '1300 R'. Based on the KTM 1290 Super Duke RR, it sports a unique, elegant design and brutal performance. Thanks to the collaboration between KTM and Brabus, the new naked will be a fusion of identities and styles of both brands. Thus, the 1300 R will reinforce the 1290 Duke Super RR as a base, but will show off its exterior design elements exclusive to the tuning company, such as two of its own color schemes for its bodywork. Now, the brand will replace some parts such as the outer covers, fenders and air intakes for its own carbon fiber ones. It will feature new Monoblock Z forged wheels, an elegant heated seat with a hexagon stitching pattern, custom made by Brabus specialists. Exclusive and brutal: in detail Instead of incorporating the front headlight of the KTM, Brabus will include a round one that will give it a new style. Thanks to the adjustments made, the naked weighs five kilos less than the base model, stopping the scale with 175 kilos. As for engine options, this radical new 'beast' will maintain the incredible V-twin with 180 hp and 140 Nm of torque. However, Brabus will replace the tailpipe, in order to allow you to have a matte black ceramic coated dual outlet. In addition, the tubular frame will be made of chrome molybdenum steel with a new color to maintain the style of the set. In fact, the specialist will reinforce the latest generation of WP APEX semi-active suspensions, which will allow you to select between six specific shock absorber modes: Comfort, Street, Sport, Track, Advanced and Auto. Likewise, the rear subframe will receive some improvements to lighten its structure and incorporate the passenger seat and license plate holder. In terms of technology, it will have the same electronic package as the KTM with five driving modes: Street, Sport, Rain, Performance and Track. In order to adapt the configuration to the user's taste, the specialist will replace the brake, clutch and footrest levers with mechanized and adjustable ones. This same process will be carried out with the plugs of the compensation and oil tanks. On the other hand, the new Brabus 1300 R will be offered in two different shades, which will be combined with the color of the fuel tank: Signature Black Magma Red. Only 77 units of each color will be produced, in order to pay tribute the year of creation of the company. Link: https://www.elcarrocolombiano.com/dos-ruedas/brabus-entra-al-mundo-de-las-motos-con-la-poderosa-1300-r-con-180-hp/

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A great effort must be made to invest in energy efficiency, the use of clean energy and the promotion of the circular economy, both in hotel establishments and in destinations At the beginning of the year, the INE reported that the tourism sector, as a result of the pandemic, had lost its weight in GDP to 5.5% in 2020 compared to 12.4% in 2019. This trend has been reversed in the 2021 The fabulous vaccination campaign, the anticovid protocols, the savings stored during the hardest months of the pandemic and the global economic recovery have allowed the sector to recover a good part of its weight in GDP. This trend is expected to continue this year as a more intense arrival of international travelers is added to the recovery of national tourism. If so, it is expected that the tourism sector will represent around 10% of GDP this year, a trend that could be reinforced in 2023. This high weight of tourism in GDP is consubstantial to Spain due to its climatic conditions and its wealth of heritage. But beyond the debate about what should be the optimal size of the tourism sector in the midst of this commitment to the reindustrialization of European economies in order to make it more resistant to external shocks such as the recent pandemic, the reality is that a reconfiguration of the The tourism industry would already make a very important contribution to both the resilience of the sector and the economy in general. A reconfiguration that is already designed by the Government of Spain and that can receive a strong boost from European funds. In essence, the change implies adapting the industry to a new scenario where the motivations of travellers, increasingly aware of the protection of the environment and the fight against climate change, and increasingly eager for tourism experiences and knowledge, must be fully satisfied. Carrying out this adaptation process successfully requires a powerful use of new technologies. In this sense, a great effort must be made to invest in energy efficiency, the use of clean energy and the promotion of the circular economy, both in hotel establishments and in destinations, as well as in the care of nature in our environments. More than an added value to the tourist offer, we are talking about an inexcusable condition: given the growing pressure of demand on natural resources and destinations, and the consequent saturation and environmental degradation of certain spaces, or we face the problem of sustainability with determination or we will put at risk the viability of the tourism model and its contribution to the economic and social development of the country. On the other hand, it is necessary to spread our cultural heritage while always preserving its identity as a differentiating element. To make it attractive, it is necessary to integrate physical and virtual elements with new technologies to strengthen the exhibition discourse and offer higher quality products, tailored to the needs of visitors, so that their experience is as unique and complete as possible. . Obtaining quality data and managing it effectively will be essential to be able to develop these necessary products, above all, to promote rural and inland tourism. If we are successful in this adaptation, we will achieve an industry profile that is more committed to the green transition, more diversified and decentralized. This will not only promote the sustainability of the sector, with spaces less saturated and better distributed throughout the country, but above all, it will improve the quality of the contribution of the tourism sector to the Spanish economy in various ways: making coexistence of the tourism with the citizen; breaking the marked seasonality of the sector; creating new business models and higher quality jobs; and distributing in a fairer and more equitable way the benefits that visitors bring both throughout the territory and throughout the entire network of actors who dedicate their lives to inspiring and working for the high tourism values of the Spain brand. Link: https://elpais.com/economia/2022-02-11/transformar-el-turismo-para-hacer-a-la-economia-mas-resiliente.html

500 million years ago lived in the seas one of the strangest animals that are known. It was expected, until now, that it was a unique species since no fossil record had found a family for it. That could be changing thanks to the dogged work of a Cambridge University paleontologist. One of the strangest animals known so far, it will be seen 541 to 485 million years ago. It is the arthropod Opabinia regalis, a small animal that lived in mares during the Cambrian period. It had five eyes and a long trunk that ended with a pincer with sharp teeth. So far there are no fossil records that seem to indicate that this opabinia had relatives. However, that changed thanks to the obstinacy of Stephen Pates, a paleontologist at the University of Cambridge. Several years ago, in the Cambrian Wheeler Formation in Utah, United States, the only fossil of Utaurora comosa was found, an animal that experimented millions of years after Opabinia regalis. (You can read: Women of science: these are some of the "hard" in Colombia) In 2008, after research work, a group of scientists classified Utaurora comosa as a radiodont. But Pates disagreed with that classification. Since then I have worked with researchers from the universities of Harvard, Oxford and Lausanne (Switzerland) re-examining the fossil. Pates' team compared the 125 features of the Utaurora fossil with those of more than 50 groups of living and extinct arthropods. We found? That the features of this animal did not fit so much with those of radiodonts, as had been said 14 years ago. Rather, the researchers say, it shares many more with opabinia. The findings to support that sustainability are found in a study that was published two days ago in Proceedings B, one of the scientific journals of The Royal Society. (You may be interested in: First indigenous university in the Colombian Amazon: the struggle of María Herrera) Although radiodonts were also quite strange animals, the utaurora did not share the same head segments, a feature that brings it closer to the opabinia. What does this mean? basically: “that opabinia was not the only opabiniid. It was not as unique a species as we thought," Pates said in a statement. Link: https://www.elespectador.com/ciencia/revelan-nuevos-detalles-de-uno-de-los-animales-mas-extranos-que-existio/

Tesla has posted at least nine recalls in the United States since October. In January, it even sent a software update to solve problems with the heating of its cars. Tesla is recalling 26,681 vehicles from U.S. roads over a software bug that could lead to windshield defogger issues. This car recall affects some 2021-2022 Model 3, Model S, Model X and Model Y vehicles. According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the software is to blame. Windshield defogger failure is due to a software defect code, a valve in the vehicle's heat pump may open when it shouldn't, and if that happens, refrigerant will be trapped inside the evaporator. This failure can cause decreased deicing performance and conflicts with federal motor vehicle safety requirements. Tesla does not yet have any reports related to this failure. However, the automaker performed an over-the-air software update to fix the problem. According to Tesla, customers will receive a warning message explaining that the performance of the vehicle's heating and ventilation system may be limited or unavailable, but the defogger fan will still move air. Tesla believes that the problem is more likely to occur at low temperatures, when it is in temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. On January 15, Tesla released a software update to address customer complaints in December about loss of heating performance in extreme cold weather as a precautionary measure. After discussions with NHTSA and Transport Canada, tests were conducted to assess the compliance of new vehicles delivered with the software command. The electric car maker has issued a series of recalls in recent months, including many for software problems. Even on January 15, Tesla released a software update to address customer complaints in December about loss of heating performance in extreme cold weather as a precautionary measure. Link: https://siempreauto.com/tesla-retira-cerca-27000-autos-por-fallas-en-el-parabrisas/

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Petroecuador indicates that there are 121 million pending delivery until 2024. President Lasso has said that these contracts are harmful to the country. An equivalent of $9.68 billion in crude currently guarantees Ecuador's $2 billion debt to China. The calculation is obtained by multiplying the 121 million barrels that Ecuador has pending delivery to two Chinese companies: Petrochina and Unipec, by a crude oil price of $80 (less than the current price). Thus the collateral is almost five times the debt related to oil. According to information issued by Petroecuador before the National Assembly, as of November 2021, Ecuador has three current contracts that, when they were signed, accounted for a total of 494.8 million barrels for delivery. The two contracts with Petrochina were signed in 2011 and 2016 and will end in December and April 2024, respectively, and the third was built with Unipec in 2014, and ends in December 2024. Currently the balance is 121 million barrels. The issue of untying crude oil contracts with debt loans is one of the issues that the Government intends to negotiate in the coming months, through a dialogue table in which the Ministers of Economy of Ecuador and China will participate, according to President Guillermo Lasso announced it yesterday, upon his return from the Asian country. According to Jaime Carrera, from the Fiscal Policy Observatory (OPF), it is precisely this kind of guarantee that makes these loans so onerous for the country. On the other hand, these contracts have rates between 6.97% to 7.37%, while the price traded was at least $3.6 less than the market. "The Chinese won everywhere," says Carrera. This situation was ratified by President Guillermo Lasso, yesterday, when he said that crude oil marketing contracts with China were harmful to Ecuador's interests. The total debt with China is $4,600, of which about $2,000 million are related to this type of contract from which Ecuadorian and international intermediaries benefit. The government's stance against President Xi Jinping has been to extend terms of the total debt, lower rates and, finally, decouple crude oil from those contracts where there are Ecuadorian and foreign intermediaries who have taken advantage of it. Indeed, from what has been known in Ecuador, reports from Petroecuador, revealed before the Supervisory Commission of the Assembly, confirm that the loss for the commercialization of crude oil in contracts with Asian companies has been $3.6 per barrel. In addition, the awarding of non-transparent contracts is contaminated by corruption schemes and bribery payments that have been revealed in US courts by Raymond Kohut, a former Gunvor (Russian oil broker) strongman. Recently, this newspaper revealed how European banks that worked with the intermediaries also participate in the intermediation plot. Lasso said that his government is going to act with transparency, and announced the delivery of information to the Prosecutor's Office and the Attorney General's Office. According to Alberto Acosta Burneo, editor of Analysis Weekly, the visit made by President Lasso is positive, since an agreement of understanding has been reached to negotiate the different issues: one of those issues is indebtedness. Acosta Burneo explains that during the Correísta government several mistakes were made regarding the debt. The first was that having declared a moratorium on the debt, he was left with almost no financing options and must "give himself body and soul to China", with credits with high and onerous conditions, and short terms. This also appeared a kind of monopsony, in which the buyer of crude oil, with excess power, set his conditions that were detrimental to the country. He said that now there is the possibility of correcting these errors, through these agreed dialogue tables. According to Acosta Burneo, it is a great step to have been able to place these issues on the table. For Ecuador, China is not only a debt issue, but trade and investment options in infrastructure and mining. China, in addition to the interest in this type of economic issues, seeks to cultivate a closeness with Ecuador and the region, due to geopolitical issues, explained. From 2009 to 2016, Petroecuador made 13 crude oil marketing contracts with China and Thailand, of which eight were with Petrochina, three with Unipec and two with Petrothailand. In total, the delivery of $1.3 billion barrels was promised. Link: https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/economia/9680-millones-en-crudo-garantizan-un-tramo-de-la-deuda-china-por-2000-millones-nota/

Switzerland will vote on Sunday to decide whether to become the first country in the world to completely ban medical tests on animals, after animal advocates muster enough support to hold a referendum in the country, which is home to a huge pharmaceutical sector. . More than 550,000 animals died in laboratory tests in 2020 in Switzerland, according to official statistics. The figure includes 400,000 mice and rats, almost 4,600 dogs, 1,500 cats and 1,600 horses. Primates, cows, pigs, fish and birds also appeared during and after the experiments. "It's cruel and necessary to experiment on animals and I'm sure we can develop medicine without it," said Renato Werndli, a doctor from northeastern Switzerland who launched the initiative under the Swiss system of direct democracy. The result of the referendum will be binding. However, the ban is not expected to pass, much to the relief of the pharmaceutical industry, which has announced the move would halt the development of new drugs and force companies and researchers to move abroad. More than 550,000 animals died in laboratory tests in 2020 in Switzerland "We must not exploit animals for our own selfish purposes," said Werndli, who says that research methods such as biochips - small chips that host a large number of biochemical reactions - computer simulations or microdosing in humans are more effective than animal testing. Pharmaceutical lobby group Interpharma says the sector, which includes companies such as Roche and Novartis, contributes 9% to the Swiss economy, including spillovers, and generates almost half of the country's exports. Interpharma has led industry opposition, saying the proposals would be devastating if passed. "Pharmaceutical research, clinical studies in hospitals and basic research in universities ... would no longer be possible," Interpharma CEO René Buholzer said. Pharmaceutical bosses said a ban on animal testing could spell the end for new drugs. “I think that it has been seen in the times of Covid how important it is to discover new vaccines, how important new medicines are. And they have been tested on animals,” Idorsia CEO Jean-Paul Clozel told Reuters. Maries van den Broek of the University of Zurich is carrying out research in which tumors are implanted in mice to study how their immune systems can be boosted to fight cancer. "Because we don't understand even 10% of the processes that take place inside a tumor, it is impossible to use computer models or cell cultures to understand the complex biology of cancer," he explained. Before scientists begin an animal experiment, they must show that there is no other alternative and that their research is important. "We use about 750 mice a year. They all die at the end of the experiment, but there is no alternative," he said. "Without this particular experiment, we haven't developed treatments that save human lives." The latest opinion polls show only 26% of voters in favor of the ban and 68% against it. Switzerland holds referendums four times a year, and last year voted in favor of the government's proposed coronavirus restrictions and the approval of same-sex marriage. Werndli said the campaign had raised awareness of the plight of laboratory animals, and he remained hopeful of success. "I hope that we can finally change and that Switzerland can be a positive example for the rest of the world to help stop animal suffering," he said. (Reporting by John Revill; additional reporting by Paul Arnold; editing by Alexandra Hudson; converted by Tomás Cobos) Link: https://www.lavanguardia.com/natural/20220210/8047058/suiza-experimentacion-animal-pmv.html

With more than 30 million motorcycles sold in recent years, SUNRA is the number one electric motorcycle company in the world. The Asian company SUNRA is the world leader in the two-wheeled electric mobility sector, as evidenced by its figures: manufacturing capacity of 4 million vehicles per year, presence in 70 countries with 7 production bases, a workforce of 6,000 employees and 500 engineers and incredible accumulated sales in the last five years of more than 30 million units. The great success that accompanies this company founded in 1999 throughout the world has also crossed our borders. In 2016 SUNRA Spain began its activity, thanks to its subsidiary in Huelva with a recognized track record in the electric mobility sector and which includes other firms such as the newly born Zitmuv. In 2021, SUNRA sold a total of 2,301 units at dealerships in our country, which represented an increase of 40% over the previous year, representing a 15% share of total sales in the national electricity market and highlighting the reception of its producer among Spanish consumers. In the words of Albert Cabedo, head of SUNRA Spain: “We have set out to face the great challenges of electromobility in Spain and our company is achieving very outstanding results. During 2021 we have reached a total of 3,037 units sold in the electric mobility segment, which represents 20% of all sales in Spain, and we also export 35% of our vehicles throughout Europe, where the company has more than 100 official points of sale. Across the continent, SUNRA's sales increase over the past year has been 165%." The SUNRA Spain catalog is currently made up of nine 49 and 125 cc motorcycles. It should be noted that in the purchase of any of its models, the company offers completely free of charge all expenses such as registration, taxes, fees, license plate holder and license plate. The company has a 5,000 m² warehouse at its headquarters (San Juan del Puerto, Huelva) and a stock of more than 2,500 units, from where it distributes its electric vehicles and all its spare parts and accessories to more than 300 points of sale. officers present in Spain. The company launched its own electric motorcycle brand in 2021 – Zitmuv. Asian-made but with a European-style design, Zitmuv successfully began its journey in the national market, selling more than 150 units of its three available units in just a few months: BLACK RAZER: a dark and elegant naked with a 4,000 W Brushless motor and a 72 V 50 AH battery that reaches a range of up to 120 kilometers. GZ-RAZING: the house sports car with a 5,000 W motor that raises its maximum speed to 110 km/h and a 75 V 75 AH battery to extend its autonomy to 150 kilometres. Link: https://neomotor.sport.es/motos/la-marca-de-motos-electricas-sunra-refuerza-su-presencia-en-espana.html

V1, Very good song

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DH1, good music

On a national scale, around 57,000 hectares of various crops are certified. The increase in the demand for products of organic origin has motivated more and more farmers in the country to lean and migrate towards these more environmentally friendly practices. In fact, according to data from the Phytosanitary and Zoosanitary Regulation and Control Agency (Agrocalidad), in Ecuador this is reflected in the increase in territory dedicated to this type of chemical-free production. On a national scale, at the moment, around 57,000 hectares of various crops are certified, belonging to 9,051 producers who supply the local market and also send products to other countries in the world. The provinces with the largest number of registered farmers are Napo, El Oro, Chimborazo, Esmeraldas and Morona Santiago. Of these, 98% belong to family and peasant farming. In addition, a point to consider is that they are associated, which allows joining efforts around certification and entry into different markets. Agrocalidad explained that this entire contingent of producers is included in 1,518 products registered as organic. Of this number, some 257 correspond to banana, cocoa, coffee, fruit and vegetable crops. The rest, that is, 1,261 products, are from the processed segment such as chocolates, snacks, sugar, panela, among others. With these data and in view of the growing demand from international markets for this type of product, Agrocalidad, in 2021, developed several initiatives to encourage farmers and ranchers to transition their productions and be certified as organic. On a national scale, 762 people were trained, virtual events were held such as several conferences and the IV Congress with more than 20,000 people reached. In the same way, the Agency points out, actions are carried out that allow Santa Elena to be established as the first totally organic province in the country. On the other hand, the regulations for agroecological production are in the process of being built with the participation of all those involved. In addition, Agrocalidad continues to carry out supervision and control of organic certification, to avoid fraud that generates distrust in the destination markets of national organic production. Link: https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/economia/ecuador-registra-mas-de-9000-productores-organicos-segun-agrocalidad-nota/

It lived 558 million years ago and was about 1.4 meters long. A strange creature called Dickinsonia, which grew to about 1.4 meters in length and was oval in shape with rib-shaped segments on its body, is the first recorded animal on Earth. It lived 558 million years ago, according to traces of cholesterol found in a well-preserved ancient fossil. An Australian National University (ANU) doctoral student, Ilya Bobrovskiy, discovered in 2018 a well-preserved fossil of an enigmatic organism called Dickinsonia in a remote area near the White Sea in northwestern Australia. Russia . The tissue of these remains still contains cholesterol molecules, a type of fat that is a hallmark of animal life. A team of scientists led by the ANU was able to conclude, thanks to the analysis of these fat molecules, that this example is the first confirmed animal in the geological record, since it lived on Earth no less than 558 million years ago. The principal investigator of the study then published in the journal Science, Associate Professor Jochen Brocks, explained that the Cambrian explosion happened when complex animals and other macroscopic organisms, such as mollusks, worms, arthropods and sponges, began to dominate the fossil record. "The fossil fat molecules we have found show that animals were already large and abundant 558 million years ago, much earlier than previously thought," he added. This was part of the organism of the Ediacara biota, made up of the first living beings that po[CENSORED]ted the Earth 20 million years before the Cambrian explosion of animal life occurred. Some specimens found measure almost a meter and a half in length, but the most common is that they measure much less: a few tens of centimeters. The 'Holy Grail' of paleontology "Scientists have been researching Dickinsonia and other strange fossils from the Ediacaran biota for more than 75 years. Fossil fat now confirms Dickinsonia as the oldest known animal, solving a decades-old mystery that has been the 'Holy Grail' of paleontology", noted. Its discoverer, Bobrovskiy, points out that the team came up with a new approach to study these fossils, which hold the key to the passage between the old world dominated by bacteria and the world of large animals that emerged 540 million years ago during the Cambrian explosion. . "The problem we had to overcome was finding Dickinsonia fossils that would have retained some organic matter," said the scientist. Most of the rocks that contain these fossils, like those in the Ediacara Hills in Australia, have withstood a lot of heat, pressure, and erosion. Paleontologists have been studying them for decades, which explains why they were stuck on the true identity of Dickinsonia. Climb a cliff to find the remains Paleontologists normally study the structure of fossils, but Bobrovskiy extracted and analyzed the molecules inside them. "I took a helicopter to this remote part of the world, home to bears and mosquitoes, where I was able to find Dickinsonia fossils with organic matter still intact," he said. These fossils were in the middle of the cliffs of the White Sea, which are between 60 and 100 meters high. "I had to hang from the edge of a cliff with ropes and excavate huge blocks of sandstone, throw them down, wash the stone and repeat this process until I found the fossils I was looking for," Bobrovskiy explained. For Brocks, being able to study the molecules of these ancient organisms is revolutionary. "When Ilya showed me the results, I just couldn't believe it. But I also immediately understood its importance," he says. ANU led the research in collaboration with scientists from the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry and the University of Bremen in Germany. Link: https://www.informacion.es/medio-ambiente/2022/02/08/animal-antiguo-hallado-tierra-62458272.html

The development phase of Triumph's first electric motorcycle, the TE-1, continues relentlessly. A motorcycle on which big names in the world of motoring and new technologies are working, such as Williams Advances Engineering, Integral Powertrail Ltd. and the University of Warwick. In this new announcement, they have just confirmed that they have successfully completed phase 3 (out of a total of 4) building the prototype that will face the dynamic testing phase. A prototype of which we already have real images and technical data. Triumph TE-1: a prototype to develop all your tests Triumph Te 1 Test Phase 2022 005 The Triumph TE-1 project, whose objective is to lay the foundations for the future British electric motorcycle, faces its final stretch. And it is that this English project in which Triumph Motorcycles, Williams Advanced Engineering, Integral Powertrain Ltd. and the University of Warwick are working together, began in 2019 financed by the United Kingdom Zero Emission Vehicle Commission. The good results obtained by the work teams have given rise to a prototype that integrates the most recent innovations for the first time, and with which it plans to carry out an extensive testing program in the modern Triumph facilities over the next 6 months. Complying with the dates established by the strict work program for the development of the project, the TE-1 is going through phases successfully. Not in vain, the objectives set by the United Kingdom Automotive Council for 2025 have already been far exceeded. And it is that each member of the working group has put their grain of sand so that this project advances by leaps and bounds. In the case of Triumph, multiple tests have been carried out for the proper development of the final cycle part, including the chassis and subframe, the driving position, the fairing and the wheels, as well as the Gates Carbon belt transmission system. Likewise, the electronic suspensions with Öhlins inverted fork have been integrated and tested, as well as a rear shock absorber prototype from the Swedish firm, Brembo monobloc M50 calipers and motorcycle control software. In the words of Steve Sargent, Triumph Product Manager: “During phase 3, we have focused on building the foundation on which Triumph's first electric motorcycle prototype will be developed. I am very pleased with the result of the efforts of Triumph and the TE-1 partners to create a demo bike that is not only visually appealing, with all of Triumph's signature design cues, but also incorporates a new and impressive electric drive with great potential for future development.” Williams Advanced Engineering has been in charge of creating one of the most important components of the electric motorcycle, its batteries. Thanks to this, key aspects have been developed such as its center of gravity (optimized so that the weight does not outweigh the performance of the set), its control unit, its DC/DC converter, its integrated cooling system and its recharging port, in addition to give it carbon covers that extol the sporting virtues of the project. For its part, Integral Powertrain has been in charge of creating a prototype of an engine capable of developing more than 500 kW of power with a scalable integrated inverter combined with silicon carbide commutation technology and an integrated cooling system. A power that is not specified if it will be the one that reaches the asphalt through the wheel or the one that can withstand bench tests. In any case, the bike already has the motor and inverter unit, and the intended performance and cycle efficiency targets in design, modeling and simulation are being achieved. Finally, the University of Warwick has been responsible for developing the software. A software that after the latest simulations, prior to the testing phase to which it is going to proceed, have indicated that the expected performance and durability are met. All these advances have given rise to the construction of the prototype that we show in these lines. A prototype that has an extensive testing program ahead of it that will be carried out over the next 6 months and in which various road and circuit tests will be held to assess its driving dynamics. Upon completion, expected in the summer of 2022, the prototype will be fitted with its final fairing and paint scheme, in order to prepare it for an active track demonstration. It will be then that the results of the project will be revealed, including the final specifications and the results of the tests. In the same way, the information and key data about the fulfillment of the innovation objectives of the TE-1 Project will be made public, in addition to the statements of the test pilots. “Personally, I am excited about the results we have achieved with our partners, and the exciting prospects for the electric future that lies ahead of us,” said Nick Bloor, Managing Director of Triumph. “We look forward to continuing this ambitious and innovative work on the TE-1 demo prototype during the live testing phase, and sharing the result with Triumph fans around the world.” Link: https://www.motorpasionmoto.com/motos-electricas/moto-electrica-triumph-esta-su-fase-final-estas-fotos-demuestran