 NewsUSA) – Humanitarian outreach to the victims of natural disasters and poverty oftentimes includes the work of medical professionals, missionaries and other volunteer organizations in an effort to bring emergency relief, aid and comfort. Now, engineers are responding to the growing need to serve in humanitarian roles, building emergency shelters and designing sustainable technology systems to provide assistance and hope in many areas of the developing world.
Humanitarian engineering has come to be defined as “design under constraints to directly improve the wellbeing of underserved populations.” It has roots dating back to the French Revolution, when a group of engineers at the Ecole Polytechnic debunked Napoleon’s military aims and sought instead to employ their technical skills to work for social justice. More than 200 years later, engineers remain dedicated to helping those in need. Today’s socially conscious engineers, particularly students, are working on the scene in underdeveloped communities around the world, to help create a new future for those at the bottom of the economic pyramid. For example, seven engineering students at Dartmouth College recently visited the village of Banda, Rwanda, to design and build a small-scale hydropower system to provide lighting for local residents. After the system was installed, the students trained the villagers on its operations and sustainable maintenance. Recently, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) created a Web-based open-source project hosted by Western Kentucky University, in which engineers and engineering students collaborated on the design of a human-powered water purifier for use in remote regions of the developing world and locations affected by natural disasters and other catastrophes. ASME is a partner with the group Engineers Without Borders-USA, which operates more than 400 projects in water treatment, renewable energy and sanitation in about 45 developing countries worldwide. Academic institutions, such as Valparaiso University in Indiana and the Colorado School of Mines, are teaching the value of the engineers’ worth to society by establishing a humanitarian engineering minor within the core curriculum. At ASME, a good mechanical engineer is many things, among them a public servant. Going forward, ASME will encourage engineers to use their skills and expertise to create lasting solutions to improve the quality of life of individuals and communities in need. For information about ASME, visit www.asme.org. |
Engineers Bring Hope to Undeveloped Nations
25 Years of Achievements – Charity Still Going Strong
 NewsUSA) – One charity, Christian Relief Services, has been using community partnerships to fight poverty, not only in the United States, but all around the world. As the organization celebrates its 25th year of service, it’s clear that its philanthropy has made a notable difference in communities in the United States, Africa, Haiti and Lithuania to name a few.
Christian Relief’s efforts improved thousands of lives in 2009 alone. For example, Christian Relief teamed up with Bread and Water for Africa, to ship medical supplies, hygiene items, shoes, clothing, tools, and school supplies, including textbooks, all valued at over $9 million to partner organizations in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone and Zambia. Christian Relief also supports sustainable grassroots programs in Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Burundi and Cameroon. Along with Americans Helping Americans (AHA), Christian Relief distributed over 1,000 pairs of new boots and 1,000 warm blankets to Appalachian children in West Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina in 2009. Since July 1, 2009, Christian Relief and AHA have also provided special food boxes to 8,995 individuals in the Appalachian region of West Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio. For the holidays, Christian Relief gave Appalachian families over 10,000 whole turkeys and supplemental food, including fresh fruits, vegetables, bread and a dessert item. Christian Relief continued its support of service-enriched housing and community centers, as well as local affordable and transitional housing programs. On American Indian reservations, Christian Relief worked with American Indian Youth Running Strong to distribute food and supplies to 12 American Indian-run church and community food banks and food pantries. In 2009, Christian Relief provided over 2 million pounds of food for over 29,000 individuals, as well as 32,000 holiday turkeys and 162,000 pounds of food for Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday meals. Over 3,000 children received 5,000 new winter coats, 7,000 new blankets, 5,000 pairs of new shoes and school supplies. In addition, Christian Relief funded the construction of water wells, community gardens and emergency heating. For more information, visit www.christianrelief.org. |
Tips to Protect Yourself Against Mosquitos and West Nile Disease
Although national consumer confidence has risen in recent months, the recession is still significantly affecting homeowners. While foreclosure figures underscore the current economic conditions, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) reminds homeowners that vacated homes are prone to mosquito infestations, especially in or around foreclosed properties with clogged gutters and neglected pools.
Carried by mosquitoes, the West Nile Virus can cause deadly inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or inflammation of the membrane that surrounds the brain (meningitis) in humans. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. saw 1,358 cases of West Nile Virus in humans in 2008, resulting in 44 deaths.
Six Tips to Prepare Your Kitchen for Entertaining
Nothing brings people together like a dinner party, potluck or barbecue – but entertaining can put strain on the kitchen as well as the host.
As you clean your home, consider giving your appliances tune-ups to keep them running more efficiently. The home economists at Whirlpool Corporation offer several quick tips and tricks to prepare the kitchen for entertaining:
1. Change the water filter. Be sure to change the refrigerator water filter every six months to keep water fresh and free of contaminants.
2. Use the dishwasher. According to ENERGY STAR, the U.S. government program that certifies energy-efficient appliances, washing dishes by hand uses much more water than using a dishwasher. Using an ENERGY STAR-qualified dishwasher instead of hand washing will save 5,000 gallons of water, $40 in utility costs and 230 hours of your time each year.
3. Stop pre-rinsing dishes. When you pre-rinse dishes, the detergent doesn’t have any grease or grime to stick to. As a result, the detergent will attack dishes, making them appear cloudy, scratched or etched.
4. Get rid of dust bunnies. Use a slender vacuum attachment or hosiery wrapped around a yardstick to clear out dust and debris from behind and underneath the refrigerator. Dusting will help the fridge run more efficiently.
5. Switch to electric. Electric cooktops are about twice as energy-efficient as gas. Electric elements have high-efficiency insulation surrounding the element, and the close proximity to the pot or pan allows efficient heat transfer.
6. Do a clean sweep. Cleaning appliances on a regular basis can keep unwanted odors at bay, since it has the tendency to exist anywhere moisture is present in a closed environment. Dishwashers and garbage disposals fit the bill — clean them every 30 days to prevent odors from leftover food particles and residue.
To help make this chore a little easier, Whirlpool Corporation developed affresh Dishwasher and Disposal Cleaner, the only two-in-one product on the market that removes unwanted odors in dishwashers and garbage disposals. Recommended for monthly use, consumers simply drop the tablets into the dishwasher and disposal for a convenient and affordable solution to unpleasant odors.
For additional information and product availability, please visit www.affresh.com.
Solving Clean Water Challenges a Drop at a Time
 NewsUSA) – Good, clean water. It’s a basic necessity shared by families everywhere. Unfortunately, billions worldwide lack access to the safe water many others take for granted. In fact, contaminated water supplies are the leading cause of illness for millions of children globally.
The Nature’s Own Global Water Fund was created to address this dire situation by financially assisting non-profit humanitarian organizations that provide fresh water to those in need worldwide. Filtration and purification systems are installed, wells are built and farms are irrigated through a vast multinational effort coordinated among multiple agencies, corporations and millions of concerned citizens. There is a way you can join in the effort. By purchasing any Nature’s Own Water Care product, you’re helping to make a contribution to the generous groups that keep healthy drinking water flowing to those who need it most. It’s all part of the commitment by Nature’s Own to improve water supplies throughout the world. Designed to return the water in your home to the clean, clear state nature intended, Nature’s Own transforms water conditioning into water care, replacing traditional water conditioning products with pure, high-grade elements. The resulting water is more pure, tastier and gentler on your clothing and appliances than ordinary household water. Additionally, water treated with Nature’s Own soothes and rejuvenates the body. Nature’s Own offers four distinct water care products, each designed with the unique needs of every home in mind. For families looking to add more potassium to their diet, Nature’s Own Potassium Cubes offers a healthy alternative to traditional sodium products. Potassium Enriched Cubes comprise an exclusive patented formula that offers a healthy balance of potassium and sodium, while protecting clothing and appliances. Sodium Chloride Cubes with Resin Clean and Sodium Chloride Cubes with Rust Fighter extend water softener life, increase appliance efficiency and keep hair and skin free of mineral byproducts. All four products are safe for use in any water softener. Nature’s Own is dedicated to making clean, clear water a reality for everyone. Visit www.naturesownwatercare.com to learn more about how you can help make a difference. |
Solving Clean Water Challenges a Drop at a Time
div img class=”category-img” src=”http://ftper.newsusa.com/Thumbnail/WaterChallenges.jpg” alt=”Five words or less” width=”180″ //divdiv class=”category-listcontent”div class=”category-body” id=”ArticleBody” style=”display: block” (a href=”http://www.newsusa.com”NewsUSA/a) – Good, clean water. It’s a basic necessity shared by families everywhere. Unfortunately, billions worldwide lack access to the safe water many …/div/div
Indulge Your Travel Bug Without Catching Bugs
 NewsUSA) – As summer kicks Americans’ travel plans into gear, doctors start seeing more patients — travel exposes tourists to all sorts of communicable bacteria and viruses. But with a little preparation, vacationers can enjoy sun and sand without catching coughs and sniffles.
Many people believe that planes’ closed environments help germs spread, but in actuality, a normal airplane cabin circulates air more often than the average office building. And patients shouldn’t worry about germs on blankets or pillows, either. Such items are carefully cleaned between flights, making contamination unlikely. But airplanes do help germs spread in other ways. While the air in the cabin isn’t stale, it is dry. On long flights, this desert-like air dries out passengers’ mucus membranes, making them more susceptible to infection. Travelers can reduce their risk by staying hydrated, preferably with bottled water. Passengers can also take steps to kill any germs that do land in their nose, mouth or eyes. An alcohol-free germ-protection spray, such as MyClyns, can be sprayed into the eyes, mouth, nose or minor cuts and abrasions, where it kills germs before they cause infection. Long used by first responders and health care professionals, MyClyns germ protection spray steps in where sanitizers may fail. “The skin is an amazing organ and does a wonderful job protecting us,” says Dr. Donald Locasto, Medical Director of the Cincinnati Fire Department and professor of emergency medicine at the University of Cincinnati. “But germs are given a fast track to enter when we touch our eyes, nose, mouth or an open wound. You can’t spray hand sanitizer into your eyes — its active ingredient is essentially alcohol.” That said, hand sanitizer is a must-have for air travelers. Passengers should wash their hands frequently, but on a plane, there’s no guarantee that the water is not contaminated. For this reason, travelers should wash their hands with soap and water, then follow-up with hand sanitizer. Air travelers can also reduce their risk by requesting a new seat when they’re placed by obviously sick passengers, limiting caffeine and alcohol, and making sure that they are healthy and well-rested before flights. As Dr. Locasto asserts, with precautions, “the only malady this year’s savvy travelers will be afflicted by is a longing for a bit more time off.” For more information, visit www.mygermspray.com. |
Is Hard Water Pouring Money Down the Drain?
 NewsUSA) – Hard water costs the average American family well over $2,200 a year. And 85 percent of American households have hard water.
Hard water is caused by a buildup of calcium and magnesium that water picks up from sediment and rock before entering the home. The higher the amounts of these dissolved minerals, the harder the water. Hard water reduces the lifespan and effectiveness of appliances, increases energy usage, results in dingy laundry and dishes and damages skin and hair. One of the simplest and least expensive ways to test for hard water in your home is to use a water hardness test strip. Nature’s Own Water Care offers a free kit that measures the grains of hardness per gallon, which in turn establishes the hardness in water. Once hard water is confirmed, the most effective and efficient way to remove dissolved calcium and magnesium and other impurities is by using a water softener regenerated regularly with Nature’s Own quality water care products. Nature’s Own transforms water conditioning into water care, replacing traditional water conditioning products with a blend of pure, high-grade elements designed to return the water in your home to its natural state of purity. The resulting water is purer, tastier and gentler on your body and clothing than ordinary household tap water. Appliances run more efficiently and last longer. Nature’s Own offers four distinct water care products, each designed with the unique needs of every home in mind. Sodium Chloride Cubes with Resin Clean and Sodium Chloride Cubes with Rust Fighter extend water softener life, increase appliance efficiency and keep hair and skin free of mineral by-products. For families looking to add more potassium to their diet, Nature’s Own Potassium Cubes are an alternative to traditional sodium products. Additionally, Potassium Enriched Cubes offer a healthy balance of potassium and sodium, while protecting clothing and appliances. To learn more about minerals in tap water and order your free Hard Water Test Kit, visit www.naturesownwatercare.com. |
Video Games Can Teach, If Kids Will Play
 NewsUSA) – While it’s not unusual to see books or movies taking plots from the headlines, hot topics now show up in unexpected places — including video games.
No longer content to produce simple shoot-’em-ups, many game developers now create video games designed to inform as well as to entertain. Some take sarcastic views on real events, like “Harpooned: Japanese Cetacean Research Simulator,” in which gamers play a Japanese scientist “researching” whales by killing them for cat food. Others focus on education, such as “PowerUp,” which requires children to use solar, wind and water power to save a fictional planet. If socially conscious games sound heavy-handed, it’s because most of them emphasize driving home a message over gameplay. But kids aren’t likely to learn if they don’t want to play the game. Parents who want to give their kids beneficial video games should look for entertaining games that just happen to carry a social or environmental message. For example, “The Secret Saturdays: Beasts of the 5th Sun,” a game available on Wii, PS2, Nintendo DS and PSP, may not look particularly educational at first glance — it is, after all, based on a Cartoon Network show. But when children play as members of the Saturday family, they become scientific explorers dedicated to discovering and protecting secret artifacts and mysterious creatures called Cryptids, which are based on folklore, myths and legends. The game follows an original storyline based on the “Secret Saturdays” television series. Players must prevent the evil V.V. Argost from using Cryptids for his own gain -; an interesting parallel with the real-life exploitation of natural resources. As players explore and solve puzzles in 10 real-world environments, the game teaches them to protect creatures’ habitats — even if those creatures are unlikely to appear in any local zoo. And the game includes enough action — traversing water hazards, flying and battling the Saturday’s enemies — to keep kids interested. After all, battling an evil villain from your favorite shows sounds like far more fun than using equations to build a virtual windmill. For more information, visit www.d3publisher.us. |
Renting? It’s Still Possible to Have an Energy-Efficient Home
 NewsUSA) – According to a report from real estate research firm Reis, the national apartment vacancy rate reached 7.8 percent in the third quarter — the highest level in 23 years — which gives renters the upper hand to request money-saving amenities to cut costly bills. While the economy is starting to show signs of improvement, unemployment rates still remain high, which has led to higher rental rates. There are 38 million renters in the market looking for ways to be fiscally responsible.
While fancy amenities like granite countertops and walk-in closets were popular before, the new budget-savvy renter is looking for a well-built and energy-efficient home. In fact, according to ApartmentGuide.com, added features that save renters money, like paid utilities and washers and dryers in units, topped the list of popular amenities from February to August 2009. Renters who suspect their laundry pair and kitchen appliances haven’t been replaced in years should find the model and serial numbers on each unit and contact the manufacturer’s customer service line to determine the year they were made. ENERGY STAR estimates that upgrading appliances can result in a savings of $75 annually on utility bills. If it has been some time since the appliances have been replaced, renters should consider asking for a new laundry pair, since newer models offer considerable water savings — and landlords typically pay the water bill. An ENERGY STAR qualified washer could save 17 more gallons of water each load, which is equivalent to a daily shower. In addition to conserving water, high-efficiency washers, such as the Maytag Performance Series, use up to 77 percent less energy compared to pre-2004 conventional top-loaders. It also features the exclusive Fresh Hold option with Dynamic Venting Technology that combines intermittent tumbling action with air circulation from a fan in the rear of the washer to reduce moisture in the load, allowing consumers to delay drying for up to ten hours. This new technology actually begins drying clothes while they are in the washer, thus increasing the life of the dryer and saving energy by decreasing drying time. Additionally, in order to ensure their unit is as efficient as possible, renters should request an annual inspection of their windows, heating and cooling equipment and insulation, since heating and cooling costs account for more than half of utility costs. This annual review should include a thorough inspection around the attic and windows to see if a draft is coming through, as well as a visit to each room in the unit to see if there is a constant temperature. Fluctuating temperatures or incoming air could indicate duct problems, inadequate sealing and/or installation around the windows. Older windows that haven’t been upgraded more than likely were not installed with today’s standard of installation. And poorly performing ducts can leak air and reduce a home’s efficiency by as much as 20 percent by causing the system to work harder. In addition to the annual checks, the HVAC air filter should be replaced monthly as dirt and neglect could cause the HVAC system to break down. By asking for these efficiency inspections, upgrades and fixes, renters can capitalize on their advantage in the market now, lower their costs and avoid moving during these uncertain times. |
