This study proposes an operation optimization framework for impurity-free recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries. Using a hybrid population balance equation integrated with a data-driven condition classifier, the study firstly identifies the optimal batch and semi-batch operation conditions that significantly reduce the operation time with 100% purity of product; detailed guidelines are given for industrial applications.

Besides traditional pinhole geometry, the multi-slit very small angle neutron scattering instrument (MS-VSANS) at the China Spallation Neutron Source also utilizes a multi-slit collimation system to focus neutrons. Using the special focusing structures, the minimum scattering vector magnitude (q) can reach 0.00028 Å−1. The special structures also lead to a significantly different smearing function. By comparing the results of theoretical calculations with experimental data, we have validated the feasibility of a smearing method based on a mature theory for slit smearing. We use the weight-averaged intensity of neutron wavelength as a representative to evaluate the effect from a broad wavelength distribution, concentrating on the effect from the geometry of the multi-slit structures and the detector. The consistency of the theoretical calculation of the smearing function with experimental VSANS scattering profiles for a series of polystyrene standards of different diameters proves the feasibility of the smearing method. This marks the inaugural use of real experimental data from an instrument employing a multi-slit collimation system.

Aerosol science is of utmost importance for both climate and public health research, and in recent years X-ray techniques have proven effective tools for aerosol-particle characterization. To date, such methods have often involved the study of particles collected onto a substrate, but a high photon flux may cause radiation damage to such deposited particles and volatile components can potentially react with the surrounding environment after sampling. These and many other factors make studies on collected aerosol particles challenging. Therefore, a new aerosol sample-delivery system dedicated to X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies of aerosol particles and gas molecules in-flight has been developed at the MAX IV Laboratory. The aerosol particles are brought from atmospheric pressure to vacuum in a continuous flow, ensuring that the sample is constantly renewed, thus avoiding radiation damage, and allowing measurements on the true unsupported aerosol. At the same time, available gas molecules can be used for energy calibration and to study gas-particle partitioning. The design features of the aerosol sample-delivery system and important information on the operation procedures are described in detail here. Furthermore, to demonstrate the experimental range of the aerosol sample-delivery system, results from aerosol particles of different shape, size and composition are presented, including inorganic atmospheric aerosols, secondary organic aerosols and engineered nanoparticles.

One of the most challenging aspects of X-ray research is the delivery of liquid sample flows into the soft X-ray beam. Currently, cylindrical microjets are the most commonly used sample injection systems for soft X-ray liquid spectroscopy. However, they suffer from several drawbacks, such as complicated geometry due to their curved surface. In this study, we propose a novel 3D-printed nozzle design by introducing microscopic flat sheet jets that provide micrometre-thick liquid sheets with high stability, intending to make this technology more widely available to users. Our research is a collaboration between the EuXFEL and MAX IV research facilities. This collaboration aims to develop and refine a 3D-printed flat sheet nozzle design and a versatile jetting platform that is compatible with multiple endstations and measurement techniques. Our flat sheet jet platform improves the stability of the jet and increases its surface area, enabling more precise scanning and differential measurements in X-ray absorption, scattering, and imaging applications. Here, we demonstrate the performance of this new arrangement for a flat sheet jet setup with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, photoelectron angular distribution, and soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy experiments performed at the photoemission end­station of the FlexPES beamline at MAX IV Laboratory in Lund, Sweden.

Structure-based drug design is highly dependent on the availability of structures of the protein of interest in complex with lead compounds. Ideally, this information can be used to guide the chemical optimization of a compound into a pharmaceutical drug candidate. A limitation of the main structural method used today – conventional X-ray crystallography – is that it only provides structural information about the protein complex in its frozen state. Serial crystallography is a relatively new approach that offers the possibility to study protein structures at room temperature (RT). Here, we explore the use of serial crystallography to determine the structures of the pharmaceutical target, soluble epoxide hydro­lase. We introduce a new method to screen for optimal microcrystallization conditions suitable for use in serial crystallography and present a number of RT ligand-bound structures of our target protein. From a comparison between the RT structural data and previously published cryo-temperature structures, we describe an example of a temperature-dependent difference in the ligand-binding mode and observe that flexible loops are better resolved at RT. Finally, we discuss the current limitations and potential future advances of serial crystallography for use within pharmaceutical drug discovery.

A multi-slit very small angle neutron scattering (MS-VSANS) instrument has been finally accepted at the China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS). It is the first spallation neutron source based VSANS instrument. MS-VSANS has a good signal-to-noise ratio and can cover a wide scattering vector magnitude range from 0.00028 to 1.4 Å−1. In its primary flight path, a combined curved multichannel beam bender and sections of rotary exchange drums are installed to minimize the background downstream of the instrument. An exchangeable multi-slit beam focusing system is integrated into the primary flight path, enabling access to a minimum scattering vector magnitude of 0.00028 Å−1. MS-VSANS has three modes, namely conventional SANS, polarizing SANS and VSANS modes. In the SANS mode, three motorized high-efficiency 3He tube detectors inside the detector tank cover scattering angles from 0.12 to 35° simultaneously. In the polarizing SANS mode, a double-V cavity provides highly polarized neutrons and a high-efficiency 3He polarization analyser allows full polarization analysis. In the VSANS mode, an innovative high-resolution gas electron multiplier detector covers scattering angles from 0.016 to 0.447°. The absolute scattering intensities of a selection of standard samples are obtained using the direct-beam technique; the effectiveness of this method is verified by testing the standard samples and comparing the results with those from a benchmark instrument. The MS-VSANS instrument is designed to be flexible and versatile and all the design goals have been achieved.

Liam Neeson stars as Matthew Scudder in "A Walk Among the Tombstones." ; Credit: Universal Pictures

Screenwriter and director Scott Frank has been trying to make “A Walk Among the Tombstones” for more than a decade, but it wasn't until Liam Neeson signed on that his efforts finally came into view.

Based on the Lawrence Block novel, “Tombstones” stars Liam Neeson as Matthew Scudder, an ex-cop working as an unlicensed private investigator. He agrees to help a well-to-do drug trafficker hunt down the kidnappers who have brutally murdered his wife.

Frank wrote the screenplay and, after the departures of other attached directors, Frank decided to step behind the cameras himself. 

When he came by The Frame studio, Frank spoke with host John Horn about Neeson's great strengths as an action hero and how he convinced Neeson to sign on to the project.

Interview Highlights:

John Horn: Liam Neeson has evolved in a fascinating way as an action hero. When did you start having conversations with him about this movie, and what was it about him as an actor that made it feel like the right fit?

"Well, what's interesting is that Larry Block, the novelist, had always said, going way back to 2003 or something, that the perfect actor for this, after [he saw] 'Michael Collins'...would be Liam Neeson. Chris Andrews, who is Liam's agent, always loved the script and was always trying to find a way to put it together, and he's the one who gave it to Liam back when D.J. [Caruso] was going to direct. So the first time I met Liam to talk about the movie, I was talking to him as the writer, not as the director of the movie. And then when D.J. fell out to go do a different movie at Sony...we had a conversation about directing the movie.

JH: Was this before or after the first "Taken" had come out?

This was well after the first 'Taken,' this was right before the second 'Taken.'

JH: So Liam is...succeeding as a version of that character, and I wonder if that success cuts both ways, that maybe there's a reluctance on his part to not do something that's quite as similar? Or is that part of your conversation that you have with him? 

It absolutely cuts both ways, and that was a huge part of the conversation because there's a kidnapping in this story, and there he is on the telephone for a few minutes at the end of the movie talking to kidnappers, and there are similarities [to 'Taken']. And he knew that was the way to sell the movie, and so he was very reluctant. And I talked to him and I had him watch 'Klute,' and I said, "That's the movie we're gonna make. We're not going to make 'Taken,' we're going to make a movie that's like 'Klute,' or a little bit like 'Dirty Harry,' or one of those old-school '70s films. It's going to feel more like that than an action movie."

JH: Liam Neeson's not physically imposing, but there's something about him that really kind of makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up. What is it about him as an actor in this kind of part?

Well, there's a couple things. One: you believe him. No matter what he's talking about, it seems authentic and true...he has this thing about him that, whatever he's doing, you believe him. Two: he's one of those actors like Gene Hackman where he can convey exposition and make it feel like character. He can talk pages of exposition and make it all feel like it's character and drama — it's a great thing. The other thing about him is that he has this real gravitas, and it almost borders on sadness sometimes; it's interesting when you watch him and you feel like there's all this other life going on behind him.

JH: That he has nothing to lose, in other words.

Nothing to lose, and he says that at one point in the film, but I think it's those things that are all at work at the same time.

Source: Streetwise Reports 10/18/2024

Aero Energy Ltd. (AERO:TSXV; AAUGF:OTC; UU3:FRA) has announced significant advancements at its Murmac and Sun Dog uranium projects in Northern Saskatchewan, with the first drill program revealing high-grade uranium potential. Situated near Uranium City on the Athabasca Basin's northern margin, the projects aim to capitalize on basement-hosted uranium deposits similar to high-grade discoveries in the region.

The initial drill campaign completed 16 holes, targeting 12 key areas, with 12 holes yielding anomalous radioactivity. A major highlight is the new high-grade uranium discovery in drill hole M24-017, which intersected 8.4 meters of mineralization at 0.3% U3O8, including assays peaking at 13.8% U3O8 at just 64 meters below surface. The results confirm Aero's exploration model, which focuses on basement-hosted deposits within graphitic structures, a common feature in Athabasca Basin uranium deposits like Arrow and Triple R.

"From the launch of the company in January, we took a very diligent yet aggressive approach to discovery," stated Galen McNamara, CEO of Aero Energy. "The combination of historical data and the results from the first drill program serve as evidence that basement-hosted mineralization akin to the large deposits beneath and adjacent to the Athabasca Basin is present in the area."

The Murmac project spans 25,607 acres and holds a production legacy of approximately 70 million pounds of U3O8. Similarly, the 48,443-acre Sun Dog property hosts the historic Gunnar uranium mine, which once held the title of the world's largest uranium producer. Past exploration focused on fault-hosted mineralization, missing the basement-hosted uranium potential that Aero's recent findings have validated.

Recent exploration efforts included a VTEM Plus survey, flown over 3,350 kilometers, identifying graphite-rich rocks that support Aero's exploration thesis. Additionally, two new occurrences of strong radioactivity were identified at surface-level scout locations: Target A15 showed 60,793 counts per second, and Target P4 displayed 13,533 counts per second. Summer 2024 drilling included 1,550 meters at Murmac and 1,600 meters at Sun Dog, highlighting shallow, high-grade potential in both areas.

In parallel, Aero Energy has announced a CA$2.5 million non-brokered private placement to support further exploration. The proceeds from flow-through units will fund work programs across Murmac, Sun Dog, and the Strike property, with the remaining funds allocated to general working capital.

Why Uranium?

The uranium sector has recently experienced strong growth, largely driven by increasing global demand and efforts to diversify from Russian supply chains. On September 30, The New York Times discussed the resurgence in Western uranium production, highlighting that "uranium mines are ramping up across the West, spurred by rising demand for electricity and federal efforts to cut Russia out of the supply chain." Aero Energy's recent discoveries and forthcoming winter drilling plans at Murmac and Sun Dog reflect this trend, with CEO Galen McNamara remarking, "The combination of historical data and the results from the first drill program serve as evidence that basement-hosted mineralization . . . is present in the area," suggesting strong potential for the Canadian uranium market to contribute to non-Russian nuclear fuel supplies.

Jeff Clark of The Gold Advisor highlighted his continued confidence in the company by stating, "I remain overweight the stock."

On October 9, Reuters reported that demand from U.S. buyers has been on the rise, as "a strong rise in demand from its U.S. customers" pushed Orano's recent plans to expand uranium enrichment in the United States and France. This shift underscores Aero Energy's recent investments in Northern Saskatchewan, where the company has identified high-grade uranium mineralization in both the Murmac and Sun Dog projects, aiming to meet future supply demands with a focus on basement-hosted deposits.

As Forbes reported on October 11, the uranium market experienced renewed momentum after Russian President Vladimir Putin hinted at the possibility of a ban on uranium exports to Western nations. This suggestion "jolted the uranium market," which had been declining after peaking earlier in the year. The price of uranium rebounded to US$83.50 per pound, reflecting rising concerns about potential supply disruptions. Citi analysts noted that “Russia supplies close to 12% of U3O8, 25% of UF6, and 35% of EUP to international markets,” underscoring the challenges that Western nations, particularly the U.S. and Europe, could face in replacing these critical materials. This market dynamic positions uranium companies operating outside of Russia, like those in the Athabasca Basin, to benefit from supply gaps and heightened demand.

MSN reported on October 13 that the UK's nuclear power capacity is set to decrease dramatically in the coming years, with the planned closure of four out of five remaining nuclear plants by 2028. This reduction in capacity is expected to increase pressure on global uranium supplies as demand for nuclear energy continues to rise amid efforts to meet climate goals. The ongoing shift toward low-carbon energy sources, coupled with the planned closures, could create further supply constraints and drive demand for uranium from alternative sources.

Aero's Catalysts

According to the company's October 2024 investor presentation, the ongoing development at Murmac and Sun Dog highlights Aero Energy's strategy to enhance shareholder value by targeting high-grade uranium deposits in underexplored regions. Aero has leveraged recent technology investments, including VTEM Plus aerial surveys, which identified graphite-rich formations favorable for uranium. The exploration efforts build on the CA$7.6 million previously invested by project partners Fortune Bay and Standard Uranium, which has contributed to refining the drill targets. As Aero works with its partners to maximize the impact of this winter's drilling program, the company's strategic location on the north rim of the Athabasca Basin positions it well to expand these discoveries and attract continued investor interest.

The recently announced CA$2.5 million private placement will further strengthen Aero's financial capacity to carry out its targeted drill campaigns and exploration work.

Analyzing Aero

Jeff Clark of The Gold Advisor, in his October 17 update, noted that Aero Energy has "identified more than 70 kilometers of strike to test for high-grade basement-hosted uranium," emphasizing the company's significant exploration potential in a region known for some of the world's richest uranium deposits.

Clark further commented on Aero Energy's recent results, underscoring the importance of drill hole M24-017, which intersected 8.4 meters of uranium mineralization, grading 0.3% U3O8, with assays reaching as high as 13.8% U3O8. He stated, "While not a discovery hole, per se, this hole underscores the company's thesis that these two projects are prospective for the same type of uranium mineralization as Arrow and Triple R." This observation reinforces Aero Energy's exploration model, which targets basement-hosted uranium deposits similar to those found at other significant Athabasca Basin discoveries. [OWNERSHIP_CHART-11173]

Additionally, Clark expressed optimism regarding Aero Energy's current valuation and future prospects, recommending it as a strong buy at current levels. He highlighted his continued confidence in the company by stating, "I remain overweight the stock," suggesting that Aero Energy presents a compelling opportunity for speculative investors in the uranium exploration space.

The recently announced CA$2.5 million private placement was also acknowledged by Clark as a necessary step to fund further exploration activities. While he expressed some caution about potential dilution, he affirmed his overall support for the financing, noting that "its projects are very much worthy of follow-up."

Ownership and Share Structure

According to Refinitiv, management and insiders own 3.11% of Aero Energy. Of those, CEO Galen McNamara has the most at 2.97%. Institutions owns 4.79% with MMCAP Asset Management holding 3.89%. The rest is retail.

Aero has 92.3 million free float shares and a market cap of CA$4.5 million. The 52 week range is CA$0.040–$0.26.

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1) James Guttman wrote this article for Streetwise Reports LLC and provides services to Streetwise Reports as an employee.

2) This article does not constitute investment advice and is not a solicitation for any investment. Streetwise Reports does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on Streetwise Reports should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her personal financial adviser and perform their own comprehensive investment research. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Streetwise Reports' terms of use and full legal disclaimer. Streetwise Reports does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company.

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( Companies Mentioned: AERO:TSXV;AAUGF:OTC;UU3:FRA, )

Aero Energy Ltd. (AERO:TSXV; AAUGF:OTC; UU3:FRA) has announced significant advancements at its Murmac and Sun Dog uranium projects in Northern Saskatchewan. Read how this and a CA$2.5-million non-brokered private placement aim the company towards further exploration.

The nations health care industry has foundered in its ability to provide safe, high-quality care consistently to all Americans, says a new report from the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies. Reorganization and reform are urgently needed to fix what is now a disjointed and inefficient system.

A single breakthrough discovery for managing citrus greening in Florida in the future is unlikely, says a new report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

Whether a patient has a safe place to live or healthy food to eat has an important influence on their health, but such nonmedical social needs have not traditionally been addressed in routine health care visits.

As the coronavirus outbreak has spread throughout the United States, social distancing measures have taken many forms — such as business and school closures, cancelled events, and everyone being urged to keep six feet apart.

The sustainability of the nation’s biological collections is under threat, says a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

As the new year begins, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage across the United States and in other parts of the world.  Scientists have worked at record speed to develop new vaccines, and the nation is now embarking on an unprecedented effort to scale up vaccine manufacturing, production, allocation, and distribution.

Ensuring access to high-quality primary care for all people in the United States will require reforming payment models, expanding telehealth services, and supporting integrated, team-based care, says a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

Automated research workflows — which integrate computation, laboratory automation, and tools from artificial intelligence — have the potential to increase the speed of research activities and accelerate scientific discovery. A new report recommends ways to advance their development.

Hacktivism is nothing new, but the increasingly fuzzy lines between traditional hacktivism and state-backed operations make it a more potent threat

Ever attuned to the latest trends, cybercriminals distribute malicious tools that pose as ChatGPT, Midjourney and other generative AI assistants

Liquid crystals are strange substances, both fish and fowl. They can flow like a liquid, but have the orderly molecular structure of a crystalline solid. And that internal structure can be changed by small cues from outside.

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The real-time economy requires instant processes in an increasing number of business functions.

Artificial intelligence (AI) based foundations models such as Meta's Llama 2 and OpenAI's GPT-4 are low on transparency, according to a global report.

Key Technology has introduced Key Discovery, a suite of software solutions that is able to collect, analyze, and share data while sorting product.

Key Technology, a member of the Duravant family of operating companies, will be introducing its VERYX 2.0 line of digital sorters at PACK EXPO Las Vegas, booth #C-4225.

The Keto Pancake & Waffle Mix has zero net carbs, and is gluten-free, sugar-free, and Non-GMO.

Direct-store delivery can help snack, bakery manufacturers get their products into end-users’ hands faster.

If there’s one thing the last few months have shown us, it’s that business-as-usual can be uprooted without warning.

Efficiency is the name of the game across all aspects of the food industry. For snack and bakery companies managing varying degrees of their product distribution, including direct-store delivery (DSD) routes, streamlining operations can come in many forms, including new technologies.

The California Almond Board recently hosted a virtual orchard tour for media and nutrition professionals, from May 18–19, 2021.

The grain-free Crispbread Crackers are free from the top 14 allergens and corn, with 20g of complete protein and zero added sugar.

Bimbo Bakehouse, a division of Bimbo Bakeries USA, Inc. and a proud member of Grupo Bimbo, is getting in the game with a new line of five specialty buns available now to foodservice operators across the U.S.

Salt is a necessary and enjoyable ingredient that’s often vilified.

Whether it is apple, pumpkin, pecan, blueberry, cherry, peach, Key lime, lemon meringue, coconut cream, sweet potato, mince or countless more, the sweet, savory tastes are as American as... well, you know.

Advances in fleet management are being driven by routing and scheduling software linked to in-cab vehicle tracking equipment that streamlines the delivery process. These advances can help cut costs and better monitor delivery of products in a market where on-time delivery is crucial.

It is always a mystery why more plumbers fail to emphasize drain cleaning — if they offer it at all. Some think it fails to offer enough revenue. Others think it presents too much low-dollar competition. Here are five solid reasons every plumber should offer drain cleaning.

A little-known fact about solar electric panels is that the hotter the panel itself, the less efficient it becomes. Studies have found a 0.05% efficiency loss for every degree of temperature that is increased. The reverse is true in that efficiency increases by 0.05% for every degree temperature decreases.

Amid one of the most impactful pandemics this nation has ever faced, one lesson that continues to be compounded is public buildings need to be updated to provide citizens with a sense of security in order to encourage an economic recovery. 

Plumbers are typically independent and work alone from a service truck, but there are significant benefits to joining groups. These can include learning from peers and expanding your customer base. Consider joining these six groups as a plumber.

Figure 1 shows the piping layout for an actual installation. It uses two boilers, fired in stages, to supply three areas of a building. 

As building codes and programs such as Energy Star and Passive House require higher degrees of air sealing in new construction, the use of heat recovery ventilation (HRV) is increasing.

Infrastructure will continue to be an issue in 2018 and beyond.

Life in Ghana: The search for water.

Safety professionals work diligently to engage both leaders and employees. But there is often a challenge: leaders wish their employees would just "be careful" without doing diligence to hazard identification, assessment and control. The result: workers claim leaders are only concerned with productivity and budgets.

Area monitoring is frequently used as a temporary solution to help keep workers safe in industrial facilities where mid-term deployment occurs as well as for confined space entry and far-working locations such as oil and gas platforms.

In pilot tests, most employees who volunteered to be analyzed wanted to continue the daily testing. They want to know, like wearing an Apple watch, their various health metrics, including how much sleep they get.

Historically high temperatures are breaking records and exposing millions of people to the serious dangers of heat in the workplace

"Safety for everyone” is the tagline of a 60-second Honda commercial you might have seen this fall. It tugs at the heart strings. A series of images is accompanied by voice-overs:

One thing that seems to be disrupting the traditional beverage alcohol market is innovators who are finding new avenues to deliver alcohol to imbibing consumers.

New York-based ReserveBar, an eCommerce platform for premium and luxury beverage alcohol, entered into a strategic technology partnership with delivery.com, a pioneer in the restaurant delivery segment. 

Experts note how more and more consumers — not just athletes — are striving to live healthier lives and making conscious decisions about their health.