Canadian lake's bomb signal may verify Earth's new epoch - the Anthropocene

 "The presence of plutonium gives us a stark indicator of when humanity became such a dominant force that it could leave a unique global 'fingerprint' on our planet."

Crawford Lake in Canada has been proposed as the global reference point for the beginning of the Anthropocene — a new geological epoch defined by human activity as the dominant influence on the planet's climate and environment.

The proposal marks a significant step towards acknowledging the Anthropocene as a distinct epoch in geological history, which has substantial implications for understanding our impact on the Earth.

The beginning of the Anthropocene

Some geologists propose that we are currently living in the Anthropocene, a new epoch where human activity dominates the climate and environment. 

However, scientific disagreement exists on its beginning, evidence, and whether it qualifies as a new geological age.

To address these questions, the International Commission on Stratigraphy (ICS) created the Anthropocene Working Group. They have chosen Crawford Lake in Canada as the Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) for the Anthropocene.

"The sediments found at the bottom of Crawford Lake provide an exquisite record of recent environmental change over the last millennia," said Dr. Simon Turner, secretary of the Anthropocene Working Group from UCL, in a press release. 

He explained that the yearly changes in water chemistry and ecology have created layers that can be studied to find various indicators of past human activity.

"It is this ability to precisely record and store this information as a geological archive that can be matched to historical global environmental changes which make sites such as Crawford Lake so important," he said.

 

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New river flow analysis technique shows the possibility of life on Mars

Using satellite images and the equations used to calculate river flow on Earth, scientists estimate that rivers on Mars may have once supported life.

Shubhangi Dua

| Jul 11, 2023 06:09 PM EST

SCIENCE

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Images from the Cassini mission show river networks draining into lakes in Titan’s north polar region.

NASA / JPL / USGS 

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Dirty tracks and craters are all that remain of the ancient rivers and lakes on Mars, while rivers of liquid methane still flow on Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, today.

While scientists have observed evidence of rivers in other worlds in our solar system in the past, until now, they have struggled to study them in any great depth.

However, geologists at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have recently developed a new technique that paves the way for scientists to measure the intensity of river flow on other planets, exoplanets and moons.

MIT says that the new method uses satellite observations to estimate the rate at which rivers move fluid and sediment downstream.

RELATED

• Perseverance: A powerful ancient river system on Mars is revealed 
• It's Official: Mars' Jezero Crater Was Once a Massive Lake That May Contain Fossils 
• NASA Ramps up Its Search For Alien Life With 2030s Titan Mission 
• Saturn's moon Titan is so similar to Earth. Now we know why 

Researchers have used satellite data and adopted equations from Earth to calculate the flow rates and attributes of these rivers.

Despite not being able to study the rivers in person, the new technique has helped scientists make predictions about the rivers’ behavior.

Taylor Perron, the Cecil and Ida Green Professor in MIT’s Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences (EAPS) said: “What’s exciting about Titan is that it’s active. With this technique, we have a method to make real predictions for a place where we won’t get more data for a long time,” 

“And on Mars, it gives us a time machine, to take the rivers that are dead now and get a sense of what they were like when they were actively flowing,” added Perron.

Remote satellite data

The data from NASA’s Cassini spacecraft has provided a more limited number of images of Titan’s surface than those of Mars, due to the moon’s thick atmosphere and distance from Earth.

When studying the river images taken, MIT researchers were perplexed by the lack of fan-shaped deltas at the mouths of Titan's rivers, unlike rivers on Earth. 

MIT notes that the team based their hypothesis on the work of Gary Parker, also co-author of the study. He developed a series of mathematical equations to describe river flow on Earth in the 2000s.

The research expanded on Parker’s theory which found that there were certain universal relationships between a river’s physical dimensions including its width, depth, slope and the rate at which it flowed. 

The scientist analyzed the situation mathematically by drawing up equations with variables like gravitational field strength on the river, and the size and density of the sediment pushed along the river’s bed. 

Perron says, “This means that rivers with different gravity and materials should follow similar relationships. That opened up a possibility to apply this to other planets too.”

Earth-like rivers

First author of the study, Samuel Birch developed Parker’s equations with some algebraic tinkering which works with just the width and slope inputs. 

Birch tested the new equations on the data from 491 rivers on Earth and found that the predictions based solely on each river’s width and slope were accurate.

The modified equations were then applied to ancient rivers on Mars, specifically, those leading into Gale and Jezero Craters, which were once water-filled lakes billions of years ago.

According to MIT, Birch used the equations of Mars’ gravity, and estimates of each river’s width and slope, based on images and elevation measurements taken by orbiting satellites, to predict the flow rate of each river.

Scientists determined that rivers likely flowed for at least 100,000 years at Gale Crater and at least a million years at Jezero Crater, long enough to possibly support life. 

The research estimated data from two delta-less rivers on Titan and compared them to one of the biggest rivers on Earth – the Mississippi River.

They found that due to the lack of movement in depositing sediments, the deltas were unable to form on Titan. 

The study also calculated that rivers on Titan are wider and have gentler slopes compared to rivers carrying the same flow on Earth or Mars.

“Titan is the most Earth-like place. We’ve only gotten a glimpse of it. There’s so much more that we know is down there, and this remote technique is pushing us a little closer,” Birch said.

The study was published yesterday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

31st Annual RSA Conference Brought Together Thousands of Industry Experts and Business Professionals

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CYBER, CYBER SECURITY

31st Annual RSA Conference Brought Together Thousands of Industry Experts and Business Professionals

JUNE 11, 2022

 

BY 4I-MAG TEAM

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Advance Awareness and Understanding of Critical Cybersecurity Issues

RSA® Conference, the world’s leading information security conferences and expositions, today concluded its 31st annual event at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. The year’s event attracted over 26,000 attendees, including 600+ speakers, 400+ exhibitors, and over 400 members of the media. Throughout the week, attendees networked on the expo floor and participated in keynote presentations, track sessions, tutorials, seminars, and special events.

Several of the most pressing topics discussed during this year’s Conference included issues surrounding privacy and surveillance, the positive and negative impacts of machine learning and artificial intelligence, the nuances of risk and policy, and cybersecurity-focused innovations across crypto and blockchain.

“RSA Conference plays a critical role in bringing the cybersecurity industry together. As cyberattacks grow in frequency and sophistication, it’s imperative that practitioners and experts across the public and private sector convene to hear unique perspectives to help address today’s biggest challenges,” said Linda Gray Martin, Vice President, RSA Conference. “We’re committed to providing a year-round platform for the community to engage, learn and access content, whether it’s online through RSAC 365 or at in-person events, as we all work together to contend with whatever cybersecurity challenges come next.”

RSA Conference 2022 highlights include:

• 34 keynote presentations on two stages. West Stage keynotes featured sponsor keynotes, panels and esteemed guest speakers, and South Stage keynotes brought highly coveted sessions from industry experts to a broader audience.
• 600+ speakers across 350+ sessions and nearly 400 exhibitors on the expo floors.
• Key session and seminar presentations included:
  • Rethinking the Cybersecurity Challenge from an IC Perspective – Michèle Flournoy, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, WestExec Advisors; and Avril Haines, Director of National Intelligence, Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI)
  • The Cryptographers’ Panel – Whitfield Diffie, Cryptographer and Security Expert, Cryptomathic; Moni Naor, Professor of Computer Science, Weizmann Institute of Science; Adi Shamir, Borman Professor of Computer Science, The Weizmann Institute, Israel; Dawn Song, Professor of EECS, Director of Center on Responsible Decentralized Intelligence, UC Berkeley; and Dr. Zulfikar Ramzan, Chief Scientist and CEO, Aura Labs (Moderator)
  • Five Most Dangerous New Attach Techniques – Rob T Lee, Chief Curriculum Director and Faculty Lead, SANS Institute; Heather Mahalik, DFIR Curriculum Lead and Sr. Director of Digital Intelligence, SANS Institute and Cellebrite; Katie Nickels, Certified Instructor and Director of Intelligence, SANS Institute and Red Canary; Johannes Ullrich, Dean of Research, SANS Technology Institute; and Ed Skoudis, President, SANS Technology Institute (Moderator)
  • Hugh Thompson Show: Exploring Information Disorder – Katie Couric, Journalist and Founder of Katie Couric Media; Chris Krebs, Founding Director of Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Senior Newmark Fellow in Cybersecurity Policy for Aspen Digital, Co-Founder of Krebs Stamos Group; Rashad Robinson, President, Color Of Change; and Hugh Thompson, Program Committee Chair, RSA Conference (Moderator)
• Talon Cyber Security being named “RSA Conference 2022’s Most Innovative Startup” by the Innovation Sandbox’s judges’ panel comprised of technology, venture and security industry thought leaders.
• The Award for Excellence in the field of Mathematics co-sponsored by IACR being given to: Cynthia Dwork, professor of Computer Science at the John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Harvard University, and Moni Naor, professor of Computer Science at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel.
• The Lifetime Achievement Award being given to Alan Paller, the founder of SANS and former President of the SANS Technology Institute.
• RSAC College Day welcoming over 300 college students, recent grads and faculty to network with leading companies, explore career opportunities, attend dedicated education events and experience RSA Conference sessions and the expo floor.

“RSA Conference is where the world talks security, and this week has been an amazing example of the importance of this event to our community,” said Dr. Hugh Thompson, Program Committee Chair at RSA Conference and Managing Partner of Crosspoint Capital Partners. “Our independent program committee works tirelessly all year to ensure that the content our participants receive, engage with and debate delivers actionable insights to make businesses, individuals, and society safer. Thank you to all who came and participated – we look forward to seeing you again in San Francisco next year.”

RSA Conference 2023 will take place April 24-27, 2023 in San Francisco at the Moscone Center.

RSAC EXHIBITOR AND PARTNER QUOTES:

“RSAC 2022 provided a much-needed opportunity to see familiar faces from across the cybersecurity community, meet new members from all facets of the industry and hear refreshing perspectives on security issues. From the packed audience at the CrowdStrike keynote, to the non-stop both traffic, and the security professionals we spoke to, the energy was pumping as we had important, timely conversations on how to better protect the most critical areas of enterprise risk.”

Pamela Corcoran, Senior Director, Global Events at CrowdStrike

“It has been refreshing to see this year’s RSA Conference once again bringing attendees together in person to share the latest innovations and thought leadership, which continues to mature the security industry. As digital transformation reshapes the way organizations operate, it’s clear from many of the presentations and booth themes that all businesses truly are software businesses; thus, also working to manage the associated risk. The Synopsys team in attendance took part in numerous conversations with customers, partners, and prospects around how businesses can innovate and deliver value to customers that is powered by secure, reliable software that they can trust. The RSA Conference provides an incredible venue to explore these new opportunities, relationships, ideas, and strategies.”

 Jason Schmitt, General Manager at Synopsys

TAGS: PRESSRELEASE, RSA

 

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2023: Moto News Highlights: SGP Trials, WSX, MX, ISDE, and GNCC

Introduction: 

In the world of motorcycle racing and off-road events, the month of June has been packed with thrilling competitions and updates. From the highly anticipated SGP Trials to the exhilarating WSX, MX, ISDE, and GNCC races, motorcycle enthusiasts have been treated to a feast of adrenaline-pumping action. In this article, we delve into the recent developments and noteworthy performances in the world of motorcycling, highlighting the excitement and achievements that have captured the attention of fans and competitors alike.

SGP Trials: 

Pushing the Limits of Precision and Skill The SGP Trials, an international motorcycle trials championship, captivated audiences worldwide with its breathtaking displays of precision and skill. Held at various challenging locations, this prestigious event pushed riders to their limits as they navigated treacherous obstacles with finesse and control. From daring jumps to gravity-defying maneuvers, the riders showcased their mastery over their machines, leaving spectators in awe of their talent and determination. The SGP Trials not only test the physical prowess of the competitors but also demand unwavering focus and mental resilience, making it a true test of motorcycle trials expertise.

WSX: 

Unleashing the Power of Supercross Supercross enthusiasts were treated to a thrilling spectacle with the latest edition of the WSX (World Supercross) series. Featuring a combination of high-flying jumps, tight corners, and challenging rhythm sections, the WSX tracks tested the riders' technical skills and mettle. From heart-stopping battles for the lead to awe-inspiring displays of aerial acrobatics, the competition left spectators on the edge of their seats. With top riders from around the world showcasing their talent and vying for supremacy, the WSX series continues to be a premier event in the world of supercross, delivering adrenaline-fueled excitement to fans worldwide.

MX: 

Dominance and Drama on the Motocross Circuit The motocross world has witnessed intense rivalries and gripping storylines as the MX (Motocross) season progresses. Riders showcased their mettle and pushed the boundaries of speed and endurance on a variety of challenging terrains. From nail-biting starts to captivating battles for position, each race unfolded with its own share of drama and excitement. Competitors demonstrated their mastery of jumps, berms, and whoops, navigating the tracks with remarkable skill and determination. With championship standings hanging in the balance, every race becomes a crucial chapter in the quest for motocross supremacy.

ISDE: 

Endurance and Camaraderie in the International Six Days Enduro The International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) brought together riders from across the globe for a week-long test of endurance and camaraderie. This prestigious event challenged competitors to tackle diverse terrains, including forest trails, rocky sections, and river crossings. As riders traversed grueling routes, both individually and as part of national teams, they showcased not only their riding prowess but also their ability to adapt to changing conditions. The ISDE highlighted the true spirit of endurance racing, with competitors supporting and encouraging one another throughout the arduous journey.

GNCC:

Thrilling Off-Road Battles in the Grand National Cross Country The Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) races have enthralled off-road enthusiasts with their combination of speed, skill, and rugged terrain. Riders tackled challenging woods, muddy tracks, and natural obstacles, pushing their machines to the limits in a quest for victory. With multiple classes and divisions, the GNCC provided a platform for riders of all skill levels to showcase their talent and passion for off-road racing. Spectators witnessed intense battles for position, with riders maneuvering through tight trees and navigating treacher.

Moto News | Snowshoe GNCC | SGP | Enduro | MX | Trials | SX | MCNews

2023: Canada Day Sets the Stage for Summer Festivals Across Canada

Introduction:

Canada Day, celebrated annually on July 1st, marks the commencement of a vibrant summer festival season across Canada. This national holiday not only commemorates the country's confederation but also serves as a symbol of Canadian unity and multicultural diversity. As Canadians gather to honor their nation's rich heritage, cities and towns throughout the country come alive with a plethora of exciting events and festivities. From coast to coast, the summer festival circuit presents a unique opportunity for locals and visitors alike to immerse themselves in Canada's cultural tapestry while enjoying a wide array of entertainment and activities. This article explores how Canada Day serves as a remarkable kick-off to an eventful summer festival season, showcasing the diverse and captivating offerings that await revelers across the nation.

A Celebration of Canadian Identity: Canada Day stands as a momentous occasion for Canadians to express their pride and devotion to their country. This day marks the anniversary of the enactment of the Constitution Act of 1867, which united the provinces of Canada into a single entity. Festivities typically begin with flag-raising ceremonies, parades, and vibrant cultural performances that pay homage to Canada's rich history and cultural heritage. From the iconic red and white decorations adorning the streets to the collective display of patriotism, Canada Day creates a shared sense of identity among Canadians, fostering a spirit of unity and national pride.

Exploring Canada's Cultural Diversity: Canada is renowned for its multiculturalism, and this diversity is beautifully reflected in the wide array of festivals that follow Canada Day. Each province and territory takes pride in showcasing its unique cultural traditions and artistic expressions during the summer festival season. Whether it's the exhilarating sounds of Indigenous powwows in Western Canada, the vibrant street performances and art exhibitions in urban centers, or the traditional folk festivals celebrating the heritage of various immigrant communities, the summer festival circuit offers a dynamic tapestry of cultural experiences that truly embody Canada's multicultural fabric.

Musical Extravaganzas and Artistic Showcases: Music festivals are an integral part of Canada's summer festivities, with a diverse range of genres represented across the country. From large-scale events featuring internationally renowned artists to grassroots gatherings that promote local talent, music festivals provide a platform for both established and emerging musicians to captivate audiences with their melodies. Additionally, visual arts take center stage through exhibitions, interactive installations, and live performances, further enriching the festival experience. Whether attendees are enthusiasts of jazz, classical music, indie rock, or contemporary art, the summer festival season in Canada offers something for everyone.

Immersive Outdoor Activities: The warm summer weather creates an ideal backdrop for an array of outdoor activities that complement the festival atmosphere. From open-air markets offering unique crafts and culinary delights to sporting events and outdoor adventure opportunities, the summer festival season in Canada caters to the diverse interests of attendees. Families can enjoy interactive workshops, children's entertainment, and amusement rides, ensuring that everyone can partake in the festivities. Furthermore, the breathtaking natural landscapes found throughout Canada provide a stunning setting for outdoor concerts, theater performances, and film screenings, allowing festival-goers to connect with both culture and nature.

Conclusion: Canada Day heralds the arrival of an exciting summer festival season that celebrates the diverse cultural tapestry and creative spirit of the nation. These festivals unite Canadians from all walks of life, fostering a sense of national pride while embracing the multicultural essence of the country. From musical showcases and artistic exhibitions to immersive outdoor activities, the summer festival circuit offers an abundance of opportunities for locals and visitors to indulge in a truly Canadian experience. As the country comes together to commemorate Canada Day, it serves as a remarkable kick-off to a season filled with unforgettable moments, making it an ideal time to embark on a journey to explore the vibrant festivals that await

MicrosoftTeams

Microsoft Teams is a collaborative communication and productivity platform developed by Microsoft. It is part of the Microsoft 365 suite of applications and is designed to facilitate team collaboration, communication, file sharing, and project management.

Teams provides a centralized hub for teamwork, enabling users to chat, make audio and video calls, conduct virtual meetings, and share files and documents. It integrates with other Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, allowing users to co-author and collaborate on documents in real-time. Teams also supports third-party app integrations, extending its functionality and enabling users to bring in external tools and services.

Key features of Microsoft Teams include:

• Chat and messaging: Teams allows users to have one-on-one or group chats, send instant messages, and share files within a conversation. It supports threaded conversations, mentions, and emojis.
• Audio and video calls: Users can make voice and video calls within Teams, either one-on-one or in groups. Teams also supports screen sharing during calls, making it useful for remote collaboration and presentations.
• Meetings and video conferencing: Teams offers a robust meeting functionality, allowing users to schedule, join, and conduct online meetings. Meetings can include audio, video, screen sharing, and presentation features.
• Channels and teams: Teams are organized into channels, which are dedicated spaces for specific topics or projects. Within a team, members can collaborate, share files, and communicate within the designated channels.
• File sharing and collaboration: Teams provides integration with Microsoft's cloud storage service, OneDrive, allowing users to easily share and collaborate on files. Multiple team members can work on documents simultaneously and see real-time changes.
• App integrations: Teams supports integration with a wide range of third-party apps and services, such as project management tools, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, and productivity apps. This allows users to bring external tools into the Teams platform.
• Security and compliance: Teams includes various security features, including data encryption, multi-factor authentication, and compliance with industry standards and regulations such as GDPR and HIPAA.

Microsoft Teams is available for desktop (Windows and macOS), web, and mobile platforms (iOS and Android). It offers both free and paid plans, with the paid plans providing additional features and advanced administration capabilities.

The Uniform Civil Code

The Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is a concept that pertains to the formulation of a unified set of civil laws governing personal matters, such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, that are applicable to all citizens of a country, irrespective of their religious or cultural affiliations. The objective behind implementing a UCC is to ensure equality, justice, and a harmonious social fabric by replacing the diverse personal laws that currently exist based on religious or customary practices.

The idea of a Uniform Civil Code has been a subject of debate and discussion in many countries, particularly those with diverse religious and cultural communities. Proponents argue that a UCC promotes gender equality, secures individual rights, simplifies legal processes, and fosters social cohesion by eradicating disparities and discriminatory practices present in religious personal laws. They advocate for a common code that is impartial, fair, and aligned with principles of justice and human rights.

However, implementing a Uniform Civil Code can be a complex and sensitive endeavor. Opponents argue that personal laws are deeply ingrained in religious and cultural traditions, and imposing a uniform set of laws may infringe upon the freedom of religion and the right to preserve cultural identity. They emphasize the importance of respecting diversity and maintaining the autonomy of religious and cultural communities in matters of personal law.

The issue of implementing a Uniform Civil Code has been particularly contentious in countries like India, where diverse religious communities coexist. The Constitution of India provides for a Uniform Civil Code under Article 44, but the implementation has faced significant challenges due to political, social, and cultural factors. Critics argue that a UCC in India should be developed through a consultative and inclusive process that considers the concerns and perspectives of all stakeholders, ensuring that the rights and interests of religious and cultural minorities are duly protected.

In conclusion, the Uniform Civil Code is a concept aimed at establishing a common set of civil laws governing personal matters that are applicable to all citizens, irrespective of their religious or cultural backgrounds. While proponents advocate for the principles of equality, justice, and social cohesion, opponents stress the importance of preserving religious and cultural diversity. Implementing a Uniform Civil Code requires careful consideration, taking into account the concerns of various communities and ensuring a balanced approach that upholds individual rights and societal harmony.