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Penn State Appoints Manager for $700 Million Stadium Renovation

Posted on October 21, 2023 by admin12

State College, Pennsylvania – Penn State University has unveiled ambitious plans for a $700 million renovation of its beloved Beaver Stadium, with a joint venture comprising Barton Malow, AECOM Hunt, and Alexander Building Construction Co. at the helm of this extensive project.

The renowned Kansas City-based architectural firm Populous will lend its design expertise to transform the stadium into a state-of-the-art facility while preserving its rich history.

The Journey Begins

The much-anticipated renovation project, set to kick off in January 2025, promises an exciting transformation for Penn State and college football enthusiasts. This endeavor marks a major milestone in the stadium’s illustrious history, which has been the home of the Nittany Lions since 1960.

Over the years, Beaver Stadium has undergone six expansions, culminating in its current capacity of 106,572. It’s now the second-largest stadium in the country, surpassed only by the University of Michigan’s facility in Ann Arbor, and ranks as the fourth largest in the world, according to StateCollege.com.

A Winning Partnership

The joint venture, spearheaded by Barton Malow, AECOM Hunt, and Alexander Building Construction Co., brings together three industry giants with unique expertise. This powerful alliance aims to revamp Beaver Stadium into a modern sports facility while preserving its cherished traditions.

The project will focus on revitalizing the stadium’s west side, maintaining the iconic bowl-style seating arrangement, and introducing exciting new additions, including club and lodge seats and suites.

Also Read, RAAC – Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete in Educational Institutions in Wales

Beyond the Seating Arrangements

The renovation goes beyond enhancing the seating experience. It includes several critical improvements, such as circulation enhancements, restroom upgrades, expanded concessions, Wi-Fi accessibility, and other ongoing code improvements.

The ultimate goal is to create a more comfortable, accessible, and enjoyable environment for fans and athletes alike.

The Path to Completion

Fans won’t have to wait too long to experience the revamped Beaver Stadium. The project team is optimistic about completing the renovations before the 2027 football season, promising an exciting future for Penn State’s football program.

Battling the Elements

One of the remarkable features of the Beaver Stadium renovation is the introduction of winterization measures. These measures, including pipe insulation, will allow the Penn State football team to host more games even when temperatures dip below freezing.

This is a significant step towards expanding the football program’s capacity and ensuring fans can enjoy their beloved sport in any weather.

A Touch of Nostalgia

The design for the new Beaver Stadium comes from the esteemed architectural firm Populous, which boasts a special connection to Penn State.

Scott Radecic, Populous’s senior principal and founder, is a Penn State alumni and former football team captain. His connection to the university adds more significance to this monumental project.

Funding the Future

Importantly, the Penn State Board of Trustees’ decision to approve this grand renovation project in May ensures that it will utilize only tuition dollars and educational budget funds.

Instead, construction will be funded solely through intercollegiate athletics funds. This decision underscores the university’s commitment to its academic and athletic programs.

Also Read, IEW Construction Plays a Key Role in Building and Repairing New Jersey’s Infrastructure

A Growing Trend

Penn State’s Beaver Stadium renovation project joins a growing trend in college sports. Several colleges and universities across the United States, including Kansas, Florida, West Point, and Fresno State, also invest heavily in upgrading their sports facilities.

The University of Nebraska Cornhuskers Memorial Stadium in Lincoln is undergoing a $450 million makeover to enhance the game day experience, making it the most expensive construction project in the school’s history.

On the other hand, the University of Central Florida is seeking tourism taxes to fund improvements to its athletic facilities, including FBC Mortgage Stadium, Additional Financial Arena, and the Venue.

The future of college sports facilities is looking brighter than ever, and Penn State’s Beaver Stadium is set to lead the way with its ambitious and transformative renovation. With a rich history and an exciting future, this project will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on college football.

FDA Approve First RSV Vaccine for Pregnant Mothers to Safeguard Infants

Posted on August 22, 2023August 22, 2023 by Admin

On Monday, the Food and Drug Administration granted approval to a vaccine designed for administration to pregnant individuals. This vaccine aims to safeguard infants from RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) during their initial six months of life.

In a groundbreaking development, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a vaccine. This vaccine is designed to safeguard infants from the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).”

Pfizer, a pharmaceutical giant known for its pioneering work in vaccine development, has produced a single-dose shot named Abrysvo. This vaccine triggers the production of protective antibodies transferred from the mother to the infant through the placenta. It marks a significant milestone. This is the first vaccine to protect against RSV, a virus notorious for causing severe lower respiratory illnesses in infants.

However, it’s important to note that just last month, the FDA approved an injectable RSV drug for infants, delivering a direct dose of antibodies into the bloodstream.

Before Abrysvo can be made widely available to the public, an advisory committee to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) must determine the target demographic for vaccination.

Following this, Dr. Mandy Cohen, the Director of the CDC, will formally endorse the vaccine. Pfizer anticipates that the CDC advisory committee will convene by early October. The vaccine is expected to become accessible shortly after its official endorsement.

The Abrysvo Vaccine – Targeting Pregnant People at 32 to 36 Weeks Gestation

The newly approved Abrysvo vaccine is intended explicitly for pregnant individuals at 32 to 36 weeks gestation. Notably, this vaccine received approval in late May for individuals aged 60 and older and is already available at select Walgreens locations.

RSV infections are typically mild, with most children contracting the virus by age 2. However, in severe cases, RSV infections can lead to pneumonia or bronchiolitis, which can inflame the airways and cause blockages due to mucus buildup. Vulnerable populations include older adults and babies, with RSV responsible for up to 300 deaths annually among those under the age of 5 in the United States and up to 160,000 hospitalizations among individuals aged 65 and above.

The previous RSV season, they witnessed a dramatic surge in severe illnesses, leading to overwhelmed children’s hospitals. A recent study published this month revealed that most babies admitted to the intensive care unit with RSV in late 2022 were previously healthy and born full-term.

Abrysvo’s Clinical Trial – Promising Protection Against RSV

Tamara Zangrilli, an operations coordinator at Children’s Hospital Colorado, was among the first individuals to receive the Abrysvo vaccine while pregnant. Her decision was not taken lightly, as she and her husband deliberated extensively before opting for the experimental vaccine.

“We, really, really discussed it. Zangrilli shared, “My husband and I deliberated for three days, contemplating whether we should proceed.”

Ultimately, her concern for her baby’s well-being led her to participate in Pfizer’s clinical trial in 2021.

In the clinical trial involving nearly 7,400 participants, Abrysvo reduced the risk of severe RSV-related illnesses in infants by 82% within approximately three months after birth. By the six-month mark, the vaccine’s efficacy was around 69%.

Dr. Bill Gruber, Pfizer’s senior vice president of clinical research and development, stated, “If we introduce it widely, it will stop some children from requiring hospitalization or ventilators this winter.”

Among pregnant women who received the shot, the most common side effects reported were fatigue, headache, injection site pain, muscle pain, nausea, joint pain, and diarrhea.

Addressing Concerns and Looking to the Future

In May, a committee of experts appointed by the FDA meticulously examined data concerning the vaccine. The group generally praised its effectiveness. However, they raised some concerns about the duration of protection and the potential risk of preterm birth. Throughout the trial, observers noted that individuals who received the vaccine (5.7%) had a slightly higher rate of giving birth before reaching 37 weeks of gestation. This is in comparison to those who received a placebo (4.7%).

Although these rates were not statistically significant, the vaccine’s prescribing label warns against administering Abrysvo before 32 weeks gestation. This caution is due to this numerical imbalance. According to the CDC, it’s important to note that both observed rates were lower than the rate of preterm births in the general population. This rate typically hovers around 10%. Pfizer has committed to ongoing monitoring of the risk of preterm birth among vaccine recipients.

Dr. Gruber reassures the public: “There’s a long track record of safety for administering vaccines to pregnant women.” This applies to diseases like pertussis, influenza, and tetanus.

Two Options for Infant Protection: Abrysvo and Beyfortus

Unlike previous RSV seasons, expectant parents and those with young infants now have two options to protect their children.

The CDC recommends the antibody injection, Beyfortus, for babies up to 8 months old. This recommendation applies to those born during or entering their first RSV season, which typically commences around October. They also recommend it for infants aged 8 to 19 months. This recommendation is for those who face an increased risk of severe disease in their second season.

While Abrysvo may offer a broader antibody response that resembles the body’s natural defense against viruses, we currently lack direct data comparing the two vaccines.

Health authorities have not yet issued recommendations regarding expectant mothers. They haven’t clarified whether those planning to vaccinate their infants with Beyfortus should also consider receiving the Abrysvo vaccine. This issue may be a subject of discussion for the CDC’s advisory committee.

Zangrilli, who participated in the Abrysvo clinical trial, reports that her 18-month-old son, Harrison, has not tested positive for RSV. She remains open to receiving the vaccine again if health authorities recommend it for future pregnancies.

FDA’s approval of Pfizer’s Abrysvo vaccine offers hope for protecting infants from severe RSV-related illnesses. While some have raised concerns about preterm births, we will continue refining our understanding of the safety and efficacy of this groundbreaking vaccine. This will be achieved through ongoing monitoring and research.

Also Read, Powassan Virus: 4 Confirmed Cases in Connecticut, CT

20,000 Residents Forced to Flee as Yellowknife Wildfire Rage

Posted on August 18, 2023August 18, 2023 by Admin

More than 20,000 residents in Yellowknife, the capital of Canada’s Northwest Territories, are being forced to evacuate their homes. This is a result of the uncontrolled Behchoko/Yellowknife wildfire, which is raging less than 10 miles away from the city. This crisis has sparked panic as more than 230 active fires menacingly encroach upon other nearby communities.

The evacuation directive, issued by the municipal and community affairs minister, has spurred an exodus of Yellowknife and Ingraham Trail inhabitants, seeking refuge via car and plane. The First Nations populations residing in N’Dilo and Dettah are also included in this mandatory evacuation.

Authorities, driven by the urgency caused by the absence of rainfall, have specified that they must complete evacuation by noon on Friday. The inferno looms ominously and could potentially reach the vicinity by the weekend.

Providing a grim update, the government states, “These fires remain out of control.” The ferocity of the situation has escalated to a point where, as of Tuesday, the surrounding Yellowknife wildfire is visibly observable from space.

During the night, the government’s Department of Environment and Climate Change organized and directed air tankers to carry out aerial firefighting missions.

While firefighting brigades strive to extinguish hotspots, others valiantly safeguard cabins and other structures along Highway 3, the primary road westward from Yellowknife. Within the city limits, officials are diligently enacting protective measures, including activating sprinkler systems and creating firebreaks.

Heart-wrenching visuals capture the intensity of the blaze. Across various social media platforms, images and videos depict a bumper-to-bumper vehicle exodus as residents desperately bid for safety. Amidst the smoke-filled highways, vehicles brave the conditions, their paths flanked by smoldering trees.

Kimberly Benito shared her apprehension on Instagram, saying, “Hoping for the best but prepared for the worst.” In another post, she recounted her escape from Yellowknife, a harrowing journey that consumed an hour and a half.

Evacuation flights have been arranged for those who can’t leave by car. The focus of these flights is on accommodating individuals with compromised immune systems or heightened health vulnerabilities. Commencing at 1 p.m. today, these flights will only permit one carry-on item per passenger.

Officials discourage attempts to escape by boat to nearby islands. This is due to the progressive deterioration of air quality caused by the advancing fires.

Minister of Municipal Affairs, Shane Thompson, declared a state of emergency on Tuesday. This measure facilitates acquiring and deploying essential resources in the ongoing battle against fires.

“In this critical situation, our government is employing all available means to assist,” stated Thompson in a press release on Tuesday.

Yellowknife, established as a gold mining settlement in 1934, roots itself in the ancestral land of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation. It later evolved into the capital of the Northwest Territories in 1967. It is a cultural, economic, and governmental epicenter for the region. Renowned for its stunning Northern Lights displays, Yellowknife also embraced a resurgence in mining after discovering diamonds in 1991.

Subsequently, the city has witnessed the inception of three mines within short flying distance. In 2016, the De Beers Group revealed Gahcho Kué, the world’s largest new diamond mine. It is located approximately 175 miles northeast of Yellowknife, just below the Arctic Circle.

4000 Daily Steps Linked to Reduced Death Risk – New Study

Posted on August 16, 2023August 18, 2023 by Admin

Recent research has debunked the notion that hitting 10,000 steps daily is necessary for health improvement. A mere 4,000 steps per day show a lowered risk of death, as revealed by an analysis published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.

Pooling data from 17 studies across six nations, the research establishes that individuals taking around 4,000 steps daily witnessed a decrease in all-cause mortality. The risk of death diminishes as the step count rises.

The research disclosed a 15% decline in overall death risk for every extra 1,000 daily steps. Notably, there’s no upper limit to the benefits of walking; even as high as 20,000 steps a day exhibited advantages. Notably, younger adults gained a more pronounced reduction in death risk compared to their older counterparts.

Dr. Maciej Banach, lead author, and cardiology professor at the Medical University of Lodz, emphasized the importance of early and maximum step accumulation for optimal health benefits.

Incorporating almost 227,000 participants from various countries, the analysis followed subjects for around seven years. Significant risk reductions emerged for cardiovascular mortality, with walking just 2,337 steps daily linked to lower risk. Each additional 500 degrees translated to a further 7% risk reduction.

Also Read: AstraZeneca’s COVID Antibody Protects Immune-Compromised

The study proposed an ideal step range for different age groups: 7,000 to

13,000 daily for those under 60 and 6,000 to 10,000 for those over 60. Contrary to popular belief, 10,000 steps isn’t the sole benchmark, confirmed Amanda Paluch, epidemiologist, and kinesiologist at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

The origin of the 10,000-step target dates back to a 1965 Japanese marketing campaign for a pedometer named “Manpo-kei.” Paluch underscores that while a healthy aspiration, it lacks scientific grounding.

For lightly active individuals, aiming for 5,000 daily steps could be reasonable.

Paluch’s research, part of the current analysis, revealed a 50% to 60% lower mortality risk for those walking between 6,000 to 11,000 steps daily, compared to the 3,500 steps median.

Numerous studies have demonstrated walking’s heart, cancer, diabetes, and dementia benefits.

The Department of Health and Human Services recommends 150 to 300 minutes of moderate physical activity weekly, or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous exercise, combined with muscle-strengthening activities twice weekly.

Moderate physical activity elevates heart rate, contributing to health. Though daily steps are light activity, they don’t fully align with federal guidelines. Amanda Paluch advises combining aerobic and resistance training for optimal health outcomes.

Also Read: Human Metapneumovirus: What You Should Know About This Virus

Human Metapneumovirus: What is it? What You Should Know About the Virus that Slipped through Everyone’s Notice

Posted on June 1, 2023August 16, 2023 by Admin

Discover the elusive Human Metapneumovirus: Learn about this unnoticed respiratory virus and stay informed about its risks and symptoms.

Everyone was focused on diseases like flu and RSV during the winter months However, Americans may have missed a vital pathogen called Human metapneumovirus, also known as hMPV.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this week announced an increase in the number of cases of hMPV across the country during the season of winter and spring experts believe this could be due to an increase in people’s capacity to detect different viruses.

Dr. Rick Malley, an infectious disease expert at Boston Children’s Hospital, stated that “there is a much greater focus on identifying the cause of (infections) than we’ve ever had.”

He attributes that focus to the COVID-19 epidemic.

I think that you’re hearing more about this particular virus because the importance of other viruses and the diseases they cause have diminished, the speaker continued.

This article will provide all the information you need regarding the virus-causing respiratory illness that was through the air this year with regard to symptoms and transmission and treatment.

What is Human Metapneumovirus, also known as hMPV?

Human metapneumovirus, also known as hMPV, is an infection that is affecting those with the respiratory and respiratory tract in the words of the CDC. While it can affect anyone of all ages, the agency declares that young children, elderly adults, and those with weak immune systems are more at risk.

According to the CDC, HMPV is a member of the Pneumoviridae family, which also includes breathing syncytial viruses, and was first discovered in 2001.

Human Metapneumovirus is just the Result of a Cold? What are the Symptoms of hMPV?

The American Lung Association states that mild symptoms resembling a cold are the norm for people with hMPV. For healthy people, symptoms typically last two to five days and disappear on their own.

The CDC suggests that the most common symptoms are:

Cough
Fever
Nasal congestion
Breathlessness

Young children, elderly adults, and those who have weak immune systems are at a higher risk of getting more severe illnesses and can suffer from asthmatic wheezing, breathing difficulties, and the occurrence of asthma-related flare-ups.

The American Lung Association reported that secondary illnesses, such as bronchiolitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia, can also be present and may require medical attention.

Read, FDA Approves Paxlovid for High-Risk Adult Covid Treatment

What is the Human Metapneumovirus Spread?

As with other respiratory viruses, hMPV is typically spread from person to person via:

Contact with an infected person
Coughing
Sneezing
In the event of touching objects, you’ll get the virus

The CDC states that this virus is most likely to spread in the winter and spring, just like RSV, the flu RSV and cold-related viruses.

Do you require Antibiotics to Treat Human Metapneumovirus?

There is no treatment for antiviral for hMPV or a vaccine to stop the infection according to the CDC.

Because symptoms of hMPV typically resolve without treatment, however, they are not a cause for concern. American Lung Association says treatment generally consists of medications available over-the-counter to manage fever, pain, and congestion.

Medical attention is recommended for patients who experience more severe symptoms, such as wheezing. A doctor can prescribe an inhaler for a short period and steroids as per the American Lung Association.

Malley explained that antibiotics are used to treat infections caused by bacteria, but not viral ones. However, HMPV is associated with an increased risk of developing pneumonia caused by bacterial bacteria, which doctors typically treat with antibiotics.

“This virus may be a very important co-conspirator in causing pneumonia, particularly pneumococcal pneumonia,” the physician stated. “Just because a person has a virus doesn’t necessarily mean that there isn’t a bacterium nearby.”

Read, AstraZeneca’s COVID Antibody Protects Immune-Compromised

Motorola Unveils Vertical-Extending Rollable Smartphone

Posted on May 29, 2023June 11, 2023 by Admin

Discover the Latest Innovation of Motorola – a Rollable Smartphone with a vertically extending screen. Experience the future of mobile technology.

Key Points

The mobile phone on display at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona has a five-inch flexible collection that can extend to 6.5 inches by pushing upward.
The phone is still in the concept phase. You won’t be able to buy it anytime soon.
This design is at least innovative in a market where it has been challenging to find new features that would excite consumers.

Motorola has unveiled a concept phone that unfolds as the user slides it upward.

The mobile phone on display at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona has a five-inch flexible collection that can be extended to 6.5 inches by pushing upward.

Also Read, ABI Research: 220M NLC Units to Illuminate Smart Buildings by 2030

It is designed to be compact and easy to carry in your pocket, allowing you to multitask while improving productivity.

The phone won’t be available anytime soon. It’s still in the concept phase, so it’s impossible to know how much it will be.

Statista data shows that Motorola will only ship 51 million units by 2021.

This design is at least innovative in a market where it has been challenging to find new features that would excite consumers.

Also Read, Over 2M Websites at Risk: New Cyber Threat in Popular WordPress Plugin

New form factors such as folding displays are hoped to help change this.

Ben Wood, CCS Insight’s chief analyst, said: “It shows the rapid innovation in flexible display technology, with many concept products that experiment with a variety of forms.”

The device comes at a difficult time for smartphone manufacturers.

Sales in the mobile industry declined 11.3% last year as consumers tightened up their budgets. This trend has continued as people hold onto their phones longer, as major phone manufacturers’ upgrades are only incremental.

Lenovo, Motorola’s parent company, unveiled this week a rollable computer at its conference. The laptop, like the phone rises slowly vertically to allow you to see more web pages or multiple apps on one screen.

FDA Approves Paxlovid for High-Risk Adult Covid Treatment

Posted on May 26, 2023June 11, 2023 by Admin

The FDA first released Paxlovid available under an emergency authorization for use. The new ruling means that numerous studies prove that the drug is safe and effective.

Paxlovid, an antiviral drug made by Pfizer’s Covid, received full approval from the Food and Drug Administration on Thursday for use in people who are at high risk of developing a severe case of the virus.

Medical guidelines recommend Paxlovid for the treatment of moderate to mild Covid in adults over 50 years old and those with specific medical conditions that increase their risk of hospitalization or death from Covid.

This includes those with heart disease, diabetes, or cancer, as well as a flawed immune system.

Up to 75% of adults in the United States are at very high risk of developing severe COVID.

The FDA first released Paxlovid available in December 2021, under emergency use approval for people at high risk aged 12 and over. Following the results of an early clinical trial, the FDA swiftly approved the treatment with this designation.

The FDA’s recent decision means there’s now ample research evidence that suggests Paxlovid is safe and effective.

The treatment comprises two medicines: Nirmatrelvir, which blocks an important enzyme required by the Covid virus for reproduction, and ritonavir, which enhances the first medication’s capacity to fight off the disease.

Both Pfizer as well as the FDA consider the treatment an important tool in addition in conjunction with vaccination. It can help those at-risk Americans to manage their Covid illnesses and eventually save lives.

According to January estimates from FDA researchers, Paxlovid may “lead to 1,500 lives saved and 13,000 hospitalizations averted each week” in the United States using Covid rates.

It’s not clear what the future developments will be like later this year.

The U.S. has 1.1 million doses of the treatment everyone for free. When the government exhausts that, it will move Paxlovid’s distribution into the market for commercial use.

This implies that Pfizer will offer Paxlovid straight to healthcare professionals at a cost the company hasn’t yet disclosed. The current price for a course of Paxlovid is around $530.

Pfizer has seen Paxlovid sales increase to almost $19 billion by 2022. However, it expects sales of the medicine to decline by 58% by 2023

In March an advisory panel composed of independent experts of the FDA suggested the treatment in light of three of Pfizer’s clinical studies.

One study investigated the risk of high-risk individuals who had not received vaccination and had no prior Covid infection.

The study found that Paxlovid decreased the chance of hospitalization or death by:

86% among patients who were treated in the first five days following initial symptoms.
89% of patients were treated within 3 days, as per an FDA examination of data from the company.

There were no significant safety issues discovered in the study, as per the review. However, the agency did flag 137 medicines that could result in serious adverse reactions if combined with Paxlovid.

The FDA stated that the most commonly used medications that caused safety concerns included:

Immunosuppressants, which are frequently employed to treat HIV.
Immunosuppressants used in patients undergoing organ transplants.

The Office for Surveillance and Epidemiology of the FDA reported 271 cases of serious adverse events that interactions between drugs and Paxlovid could cause. This included six deaths and 147 hospitalizations at the end of January.

Altering the dosage of specific drugs and increasing the monitoring of patients. Making sure that labeling on products provides patients and their prescribers with information about possible interactions between drugs.

Some doctors have another aspect of concern: “rebound cases” of Paxlovid. That’s when patients who receive the medication notice that their Covid symptoms recur or they test positive shortly after their initial recovery.

The reports of these cases came in the days following Paxlovid first came on the market.

President Joe Biden and Dr. Anthony Fauci, his former chief medical advisor, both appeared to be able to recover from Covid after consuming the antiviral drink, but they later tested positive again.

The FDA review of Pfizer’s clinical trials found that the overall rate of comeback varied between 10 and 16 percent. Those who took Paxlovid compared to those who received a placebo observed no evidence of a higher rate of symptom rebound or moderate symptom rebound.

As per an FDA review, the results were valid regardless of the risks of getting sick. It was also valid regardless of whether the Omicron variant or a prior variant of the virus was dominant.

ABI Research: 220M NLC Units to Illuminate Smart Buildings by 2030

Posted on May 19, 2023June 11, 2023 by Admin

Network Lighting Control (NLC) predicts to play an important role in the design of smart buildings. This is particularly relevant when stakeholders, such as energy companies, building owners, and regulators, aim to enhance building performance. Additionally, it holds significance in improving the overall appeal of buildings, making it an important consideration for these stakeholders.

According to a report from ABI Research, the deployment of connected equipment in smart buildings is expected to reach nearly 20 million by the year 2030. This represents a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 22.6 percent, highlighting the significant growth potential in this sector.

NLC allows for intelligent control and control of lighting systems in buildings and provides additional benefits when paired with LED light.

Integrating lighting control and sensors to monitor light levels and occupancy levels increases the efficiency of energy. This integration also brings advantages in terms of occupant comfort and safety. Additionally, it enables efficient use of space and enhances the overall aesthetics of the building.

The growing use of wireless connectivity also facilitates the acceptance of NLC in buildings of all sizes and shapes.

Jonathan Collins, Research Director for Smart Homes and Buildings at ABI Research, emphasizes the importance of smart lighting to be a first purchase in the smart building market noting its widespread use for commercial buildings.

With a range of dynamic offerings and simplified installation and maintenance processes, NLC is expanding the capabilities of smart buildings. Collins adds, “This expansion goes beyond large-scale or high-profile projects, making NLC accessible to a wider range of building types and sizes.”

Different market players, such as established lighting companies like Signify as well as Acuity Brands — as additionally NLC providers such as Casambi, Enlighted, INGY, Silvair, and Wirepas and Wirepas — are harnessing wireless technology to accelerate the use of NLC in construction and retrofitting projects.

The installation, configuration, and reconfiguration of NLC systems are now performed by engineers using smartphones. This eliminates the need for dedicated network cabling and complicated topologies traditionally associated with such installations.

However, there is a problem with the NLC market. It is currently a split landscape that includes multiple methods and ecosystems of vendors. The fragmented nature of the market poses challenges in terms of standardization and compatibility among different NLC systems and providers.

Despite the ongoing efforts to build unifying ecosystems for NLC clients, they still face the challenge. This challenge involves evaluating various techniques, methods, and solutions to determine the most suitable options.

Their objective is to determine the optimal solution that meets their current and future smart building needs. This process involves carefully assessing and comparing different options to make an informed decision.

This study (paywall) from ABI Research provides valuable insights into the NLC market and outlines the new opportunities for intelligent lighting for buildings.

Hunt-Penta JV Begins $600M Las Vegas Convention Center Upgrade

Posted on May 17, 2023June 11, 2023 by Admin

In the wake of business travel taking off following the pandemic, Las Vegas wants to cement its position as a top trade show location.

A partnership between the Las Vegas-based general contractor Penta Building Group and the Indianapolis-based construction management business Hunt Construction Group, which control by the international contractor AECOM formed. The $600 million update to the Las Vegas Convention Center’s original property has just started construction.

The construction will continue until 2025. There will be a planning of construction to allow for minimal disruption during an event. More than 600 tradespeople expect to be part of the construction project. When completed, more than 15,000 sq. ft. of event and meeting space will be available in this new venue. This information has stated in the release.

The project will expand the 1.4 million square feet West Hall, which opened in 2021. The project teams will construct an outdoor plaza and an indoor lobby in the South Hall. This will allow direct access to the new function space. Additionally, there will be a second-floor boardroom and an extensive lobby connecting the North and Central halls.

Outside, the renovation plans include a brand-new parking lot. Additionally, a Vegas Loop station will establish to transport guests between the Wynn and Encore hotels, as stated in the press release.

Las Vegas’s Vegas Loop is about 2 miles long, with five stops along the center of conventions. However, The Boring Co. is an American tunnel and infrastructure company owned by billionaire Elon Musk. The company has recently announced plans to construct 65 miles of tunnels with 69 stations. These plans come after Clark County, Nevada, commissioners accepted the most recent expansion.

The year before, Las Vegas hosted nearly 5 million visitors to conventions. The cost of their visit directly generated an estimated 38,000 new employment opportunities. It also resulted in $2.1 million in wage income. Furthermore, according to a Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority report on the economic effects of the Southern Nevada tourist industry, it contributed $7.5 billion to the economy of the city.

The project was initially put to go into motion in the year 2016 but was subsequently halted due to an outbreak of COVID-19. The general fund of the LVCVA bonds is backed by the general revenue of the LVCVA. It is the 0.5 percent room tax. The proceeds of sales of the 10 acres Riviera parcel will use to fund the project, as per the press release.

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