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The Marijuana Industry's Dirty Little Secret

The runaway-growth in the cannabis industry, fueled by rolling de-regulation and a high demand forecast, is bringing with it a growing carbon footprint.




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Corporate taxpayers frustrated with Sars over delays, aggressive penalties

Half of the participants in the Taxing Times survey still find compliance with tax obligations difficult




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Export Growth and Industrial Policy: Lessons from the East Asian Miracle Experience

This paper examines the causes of export success in East and South East Asia and assesses the role of industrial policy.



  • Publications/Papers and Briefs

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Technology and Indonesia's Industrial Competitiveness

This paper examines the technological capability of Indonesian industry.



  • Publications/Papers and Briefs

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industries study guide

industries study guide




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Earliest evidence of a meteorite hitting Earth found in Australia

Tiny pieces of stone found in a rock formation in Western Australia may be the oldest evidence of a meteorite impact on Earth, dating back nearly 3.5 billion years




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Rare Australian pink diamonds emerged when a supercontinent broke up

Understanding how the world’s largest-known collection of pink diamonds came to the surface in Australia around 1.3 billion years ago could help us find hidden deposits elsewhere in the world




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Vast submerged area near Australia may once have hosted 500,000 people

An area of the seabed north of Australia has been mapped in detail for the first time, revealing that large numbers of people could have lived there until it was inundated by rising seas




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Indigenous Australians have managed land with fire for 11,000 years

Lake sediments reveal the ancient history of Aboriginal people’s use of fire to manage the landscape, a tradition that has benefits for biodiversity




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Australia’s Indigenous people were making pottery over 2000 years ago

An excavation on an island in the Coral Sea shows that Indigenous Australians were producing ceramics long before the arrival of Europeans




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Early humans took northern route to Australia, cave find suggests

An excavation on Timor reveals humans first settled on the island 44,000 years ago, long after the earliest occupation of Australia – suggesting migration to the latter took another route




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Ancient artefacts suggest Australian ritual endured for 12,000 years

Wooden sticks found in an Australian cave appear to match the accounts of a 19th-century anthropologist, suggesting the GurnaiKurnai people practised the same ritual at the end of the last glacial period




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Ancient plant artefact reveals humanity's epic journey to Australia

We know that modern humans took one of two routes to first reach Australia, and now an ancient chunk of plant resin has tipped the evidence towards the northern option




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Australia's Current Flu Season Is Tough: Will America's Be the Same?

Title: Australia's Current Flu Season Is Tough: Will America's Be the Same?
Category: Health News
Created: 8/4/2022 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/5/2022 12:00:00 AM




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Identification and Root Cause Analysis of the Visible Particles Commonly Encountered in the Biopharmaceutical Industry

Visible particle is an important issue in the biopharmaceutical industry, and it may occur across all the stages in the life cycle of biologics. Upon the occurrence of visible particles, it is often necessary to conduct chemical identification and root cause analysis to safeguard the safety and efficacy of the biotherapeutic products. In this article, we present a number of typical particles and relevant root cause analysis in the categories of extrinsic, intrinsic, and inherent particles that are commonly encountered in the biopharma industry. In particular, the optical images of particles obtained both in situ and after isolation are provided, along with spectral and elemental information. The particle identification was carried out with multiple microscopic and microspectroscopic techniques, including stereo optical microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared microscopy, confocal Raman microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Both commercial and in-house spectral databases were used for comparison and identification. In addition to particle identification, we placed significant efforts on the root cause analysis of the addressed particles with the intention to provide a relatively whole picture of the particle-related issues and practical references to particle mitigation for our peers in the biopharmaceutical industry.




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Distribution and Disparities of Industry Payments to Neuroradiologists [CLINICAL PRACTICE]

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:

Physician-industry relationships can be useful for driving innovation and technologic progress, though little is known about the scale or impact of industry involvement in neuroradiology. The purpose of this study was to assess the trends and distributions of industry payments to neuroradiologists.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Neuroradiologists were identified using a previously-validated method based on Work Relative Value Units and Neiman Imaging Types of Service classification. Data on payments from industry were obtained from the Open Payments database from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, from 2016 to 2021. Payments were grouped into 7 categories, including consulting fees, education, gifts, medical supplies, research, royalties/ownership, and speaker fees. Descriptive statistics were calculated.

RESULTS:

A total of 3019 neuroradiologists were identified in this study. Between 2016 and 2021, 48% (1440/3019) received at least 1 payment from industry, amounting to a total number of 21,967 payments. Each year, among those receiving payments from industry, each unique neuroradiologist received between a mean of 5.49–7.42 payments and a median of 2 payments, indicating a strong rightward skew to the distribution of payments. Gifts were the most frequent payment type made (60%, 13,285/21,967) but accounted for only 4.1% ($689,859/$17,010,546) of payment value. The greatest aggregate payment value came from speaker fees, which made up 36% ($6,127,484/$17,010,546) of the total payment value. The top 5% highest paid neuroradiologists received 42% (9133/21,967) of payments, which accounted for 84% ($14,284,120/$17,010,546) of the total dollar value. Since the start of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the number of neuroradiologists receiving industry payments decreased from a mean of 671 neuroradiologists per year prepandemic (2016–2019) to 411 in the postpandemic (2020–2021) era (P = .030). The total number of payments to neuroradiologists decreased from 4177 per year prepandemic versus 2631 per year postpandemic (P = .011).

CONCLUSIONS:

Industry payments to neuroradiologists are highly concentrated among top earners, particularly among the top 5% of payment recipients. The number of payments decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, though the dollar value of payments was offset by coincidental increases in royalty payments. Further investigation is needed in subsequent years to determine if the postpandemic changes in industry payment trends continue.




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Budget airlines boost industry

More than a billion passengers flew with budget airlines last year, helping lift total passengers to 3.7 billion.




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Dragon Age: The Veilguard Debuts in 2nd on the Australian Charts

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 has remained in first place on the Australian charts, according to IGEA for the week ending November 3, 2024.

There were three new releases in the top 10 this week with Dragon Age: The Veilguard debuting in second place, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered in fourth place, and Life Is Strange: Double Exposure in ninth place.

Hogwarts Legacy is up one spot to third place, EA Sports FC 25 remained in fifth place, and Super Mario Party Jamboree dropped from second to sixth place.

Red Dead Redemption is in seventh place, NBA 2K25 is in eight place, and Battlefield 2042 rounds out the top 10.

Here are the top 10 best-selling titles in Australia for the week:

  1. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
  2. Dragon Age: The Veilguard - NEW
  3. Hogwarts Legacy
  4. Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered - NEW
  5. EA Sports FC 25 
  6. Super Mario Party Jamboree
  7. Red Dead Redemption
  8. NBA 2K25
  9. Life Is Strange: Double Exposure - NEW
  10. Battlefield 2042

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can contact the author on Twitter @TrunksWD.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/463028/dragon-age-the-veilguard-debuts-in-2nd-on-the-australian-charts/




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Nightingale can't outfly "the stark realities of the industry" as creators Inflexion close UK office and lay people off

Inflexion Games are closing their UK office, laying off staff and restructuring their main Canadian studio after failing to find commercial success with their Victorian fantasy survival game Nightingale. Reportedly, at least 22 people have been let go.

Read more




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Cement is everywhere. The industry is turning to carbon capture to curb emissions, and it's not alone

Cement is ubiquitous, but the process of making it emits carbon into the atmosphere. The industry says there's no easy way to avoid that, which is why it's turning to carbon capture and storage technology as a way to decarbonize.



  • News/Canada/Calgary

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Australia to face Germany on Davis Cup hard court

… the opening round of the Davis Cup World Group on hard court … . Kyrgios led Australia to the Davis Cup semi-finals this year, while Zverev ….








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New Species of Hermit Crab Discovered in Australia

Marine biologists at Queensland Museum Kurilpa have described a new species of hermit crab, Strigopagurus fragarchela (common name is the strawberry-clawed hermit), from the continental shelf off south‑east Queensland, Australia.

The post New Species of Hermit Crab Discovered in Australia appeared first on Sci.News: Breaking Science News.




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Poultry tops cost of illness estimates in Australia

Estimates on the cost of foodborne illness in Australia have revealed poultry is associated with the highest burden. In 2023, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) commissioned the University of Melbourne and the Australian National University to estimate the annual cost of foodborne illness caused by food commodities and pathogens.... Continue Reading




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Australians urged to read labels as country marks Food Safety Week

Australians have been urged to look before they cook and read the safety advice on food labels. The Food Safety Information Council (FSIC) issued the call ahead of Australian Food Safety week from Nov. 9 to 16. Lydia Buchtmann, FSIC CEO, said the charity’s research shows that only 3 in... Continue Reading




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Katherine Bennell-Pegg: Australia’s First Astronaut Makes History



This is a sponsored article brought to you by BESydney.

In July 2024, Sydney woman Katherine Bennell-Pegg made history as the first astronaut to graduate under the Australian flag and the first female astronaut in Australia. Her journey, marked by determination and discipline, showcases Australia’s growing prominence in space exploration and research.

From her academic achievements at the University of Sydney (USYD) to her rigorous training at the European Space Agency (ESA), Bennell-Pegg’s success has paved a path forward for aspiring space and aerospace professionals in Australia and globally.

A journey to the stars begins in Sydney

Katherine Bennell-Pegg was born in Sydney, New South Wales, and grew up in the Northern Beaches area. Her fascination with space began at an early age.

“I always dreamed of being an astronaut,” Bennell-Pegg shared in her “Insights from an Australian Astronaut” Space Forum Speech in July 2024. “When I was young, it was for the adventure, but after more than a decade working in space, it’s now because I know the role it plays in tackling real-world problems and developing new knowledge that can benefit our society, environment and science.”

Sydney: A Hub for Space Innovation


Sydney, the vibrant heart of the state of New South Wales (NSW), stands at the forefront of aerospace innovation in Australia. With its world-class research facilities, leading academic institutions and strategic geographic positioning, Sydney is not only Australia’s gateway to the Indo-Pacific but also a burgeoning hub for international aerospace endeavours.

NSW is home to more than 40 per cent of Australia’s aerospace industry. Substantial investments from both the state and federal governments support this concentration of capabilities, underpinning Sydney’s role as a leader in aerospace. From advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity to quantum technologies and space exploration, this progressive city is truly thriving.

Sydney’s appeal as a desirable location for hosting aerospace conferences and business events is bolstered by its comprehensive infrastructure, vibrant startup community and strategic position as a transport hub.

Sydney’s track record of successfully hosting events highlights the city’s ability to organise impactful international gatherings, including:

  • Australian Space Summit
  • New Horizons Summit
  • CubeSatPlus2024 - NEW SPACE: Unbounded Skies

Sydney will also host the 76th International Astronautical Congress from 29 September to 3 October 2025 and the 34th Congress of the International Council for the Aeronautical Sciences (ICAS) to be held 13 to 17 September 2026. Both will take place at ICC Sydney, further solidifying Sydney’s status as a central hub for aerospace events.

Would you like to know more about Sydney’s credentials in Aerospace? Download our Aerospace eBook or visit besydney.com.au

Sydney proved to be the ideal location for Bennell-Pegg’s journey to begin. She studied at the University of Sydney, where she earned a Bachelor of Engineering (Honors) in Aeronautical Engineering (Space) and a Bachelor of Science (Advanced) in Physics.

Sydney’s universities are at the forefront of aerospace education and research. Institutions such as the University of Sydney (USYD), the University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) attract students from around the world. UNSW Sydney, with its School of Aerospace, Mechanical, and Mechatronic Engineering, is renowned for its innovative research in space technology and satellite systems, while UTS provides cutting-edge programs in aerospace engineering and physics, emphasizing practical applications and industry partnerships. USYD excels in aeronautical engineering and space science, supported by advanced facilities and strong ties to major aerospace organisations. Together, these universities offer comprehensive programs that integrate theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, preparing students for dynamic careers in the rapidly evolving aerospace and space sectors.

Having excelled in her studies at USYD, Bennell-Pegg was awarded the Charles Kuller Graduation Prize for her top-placed undergraduate thesis. Subsequently, her quest for knowledge took her to Europe, where she earned two Master of Science degrees: one in Astronautics and Space Engineering from Cranfield University and another in Space Technology from Luleå University of Technology.

Reflecting on her educational path, Bennell-Pegg stated, “With the encouragement of my parents, I researched what it would take to become an astronaut and worked hard at school, participating in everything from aerobatic flying lessons to amateur astronomy.”

Inside the rigorous training regimen of an astronaut

Bennell-Pegg’s professional career began with roles at Airbus UK, where she contributed to numerous space missions and concept studies, such as Martian in-situ resource utilisation and space debris removal. Her expertise led her to the Australian Space Agency, where she became the Director of Space Technology.

In 2021, Bennell-Pegg was invited by the European Space Agency (ESA) to undertake Basic Astronaut Training at the European Astronaut Centre in Germany. When the ESA application opened in 2021, it was the first opening in 15 years. Bennell-Pegg jumped at the opportunity to apply alongside over 22,000 others from 22 countries. She endured six knock-out rounds, including medical, psychometrics, psychology and technical tests and made it to the group of 25 who passed.

This historic invitation marked the first time an international astronaut candidate was offered training by the ESA.

“The training was demanding, but it was also an incredible opportunity to learn from some of the best minds in the field and to be part of a team that is pushing the boundaries of human exploration.”—Katherine Bennell-Pegg

Bennell-Pegg’s training regimen was intense, encompassing physical conditioning, complex simulations, and theoretical classes designed to prepare candidates for long-duration missions to the International Space Station (ISS) and beyond. This included:

  • Studies in biology, astronomy, earth sciences, meteorology, materials, medical and fluids, both in theory and in labs.
  • Radiation research – an area of expertise for Australia. This will increase as humans travel back to the Moon.
  • Medical operations: Astronauts need to be able to perform medical procedures on themselves and others.
  • Training for expeditions: This included honing team dynamics through behavioral training, ocean and winter survival training, rescue and firefighting.

Sharing her thoughts on this transformative experience, Bennell-Pegg said, “The training was demanding, but it was also an incredible opportunity to learn from some of the best minds in the field and to be part of a team that is pushing the boundaries of human exploration.”

In April 2024, Bennell-Pegg completed her training, graduating with her ESA classmates from “The Hoppers” group. Upon graduation, she became fully qualified for assignments on long-duration missions to the ISS, making her the first Australian female astronaut and the first person to train as an astronaut under the Australian flag.

“I want to use this experience to open doors for Australian scientists and engineers to utilize space for their discoveries,” Bennell-Pegg said. “I hope to inspire the pursuit of STEM careers and show all Australians that they too can reach for the stars.”

Elevating Australia’s role in space exploration

Katherine Bennell-Pegg’s achievements represent a significant milestone. Her journey from the University of Sydney to the rigorous training programs at the European Astronaut Centre showcases the potential of Australian talent in the global space community.

“Being the first astronaut trained under the Australian flag is an incredible honor,” Bennell-Pegg said. “I’m grateful for the support that has fueled me through intense training and opened doors for more Australians in space exploration. Whether I fly or not, there is much to accomplish here on Earth. I’m excited to leverage this experience to inspire future generations in STEM and elevate Australia’s presence in the global space community. Becoming an astronaut is just the beginning.”

Bennell-Pegg’s dream to become an Australian astronaut is more than just a personal triumph; it is a win for anyone who aspires to a career in space or aerospace. Sydney, with its world-class educational institutions, advanced manufacturing facilities scheduled for the Western Sydney Aerotropolis and expanding opportunities in aerospace and defence, is an ideal starting point for anyone looking to make their mark in these sectors.

Would you like to know more about Sydney’s credentials in Aerospace? Download our Aerospace eBook or visit besydney.com.au





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Australia proposes social media ban for children under the age of 16

If the legislation is passed, social media platforms including X, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook would have one year to work out how to exclude Australian children.




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We’ve been missing a big part of game industry’s digital revolution

NPD “restatement” shows consistent spending growth as digital sales dominate.




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Gus the penguin makes mysterious solo trip to popular Australian beach

An emperor penguin found malnourished far from its Antarctic home on the Australian south coast is being cared for by a wildlife expert, a government department said Monday.




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Australia’s best bacon awarded

GOT a hankering for bacon? The best bacon from across Australia has been judged at Australian Bacon Week.




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Jesse James represents Australia

Jesse James has a legendary moniker, and now the martial arts black belt is set to make his own name known on the world stage, representing Australia.




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FOPE spots potential opportunities for Indian cos in Australia & ECTA seen to propel easy market access

The Federation of Pharmaceutical Entrepreneurs (FOPE) has identified potential opportunities for Indian pharmaceutical companies to expand in Australia. Further, the India─Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade




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DoP releases operational guidelines for Strengthening of Medical Device Industry scheme

The Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) has released the operational guidelines for the newly announced central sector scheme for Strengthening of Medical Device Industry (SMDI), aiming at providing




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Indian healthcare industry to invest further in computational infrastructure for data integration in patient care

The Indian healthcare industry is looking to invest further in computational infrastructure as data integration frameworks and regulatory compliance are pivotal to ensure intelligent clinical support




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Industry hails DoP's new scheme for strengthening of medical devices industry

The centrally sponsored scheme for strengthening of medical devices industry (SMDI), launched by the Central government last week, was widely welcomed by the medical devices industry in the country.




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Q&A: Bringing sustainability into the medical industry

Brightmark CEO Bob Powell discusses Plastics Renewal technology and how to bring sustainability into the medical industry.




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Extending the Patentable Life of 3D Printers: A Lesson From the Pharmaceutical Industry

Modern innovation typically occurs one step-improvement at a time. Some clients initially question whether their new application of an existing technology is patentable. Usually, the answer is ‘yes.’ Under U.S. law (and most other jurisdictions), an innovation to an existing technology is patentable so long as at least one claim limitation is novel and non-obvious....… Continue Reading




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Local Start-ups Hold the Key to Transforming Africa's Seed Industry

"The seed industry in sub-Saharan Africa is informal in nature, with approximately 80% of farmers saving and replanting seeds from year to year. This gives them security of access. But improved varieties — including high-yielding and hybrid crops — will increase productivity and income. To get these seeds into the hands of farmers, a better marketing and distribution system is needed. Local small and medium-sized seed enterprises have a comparative advantage in reaching this underserved market due to their size and market reach."








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Shaping Transatlantic Security: The EU’s Drive for a Stronger Defense Industry

On March 05, 2024, the European Commission unveiled its first-ever European Defense Industry Strategy (EDIS). This announcement comes at an unprecedented moment in history.  In Ukraine, the situation remains a dire tactical stalemate, while belligerent Russia seems more threatening than ever to the European bloc. In the US, despite the efforts of the Biden administration, aid to Ukraine stalled for months and remains a contentious issue in Congress. Across Europe, EU Member States are trying to fill the gap in aid, but are struggling to supply Ukraine with the defense systems it urgently needs. On February 10, at a rally in South Carolina, former President and presidential candidate Donald Trump cast doubt on whether he would defend or surrender to Russia any European country that would fail to achieve NATO’s 2%-of-GDP target for defense spending.




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International Automakers Now Account for 45% of U.S. Auto Production and 59% of U.S. Vehicle Sales - Redefining the American Auto Industry

Redefining the American Auto Industry. - The Growing Impact of International Automakers on the U.S. Economy.