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Nurse Leaders Danielle Weber and Michelle Collins Named Fellows in Nursing Innovation
Two ChristianaCare nurse leaders have been named fellows in the 2024-25 cohort of the prestigious Johnson & Johnson Nurse Innovation Fellowship Program. The fellows are Danielle Weber, MSN, MSM, RN-BC, NEA-BC, chief nurse executive, and Michelle Collins, DNP, APRN, CNS, ACNS-BC, NPD-BC, NEA-BC, LSSBB, vice president of Nursing Professional Excellence. These nurse innovators will work collaboratively to address a real-world challenge in ways that can be implemented at ChristianaCare. Weber, who also is chief nursing officer of Wilmington Hospital, leads ChristianaCare’s nursing staff in setting strategic imperatives, advises leadership on best practices in nursing, establishes nursing policies and procedures, oversees nursing education and research and creates a collaborative environment to ensure evidence-based care practices in both the acute care and home health settings. Collins leads ChristianaCare’s systemwide efforts to support nursing practice innovation, governance infrastructure and problem-solving, including a successful initiative in virtual acute care nursing. She also led ChristianaCare to achieve its third Magnet designation, the preeminent designation for excellence from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. With a strong commitment to innovation in nursing, ChristianaCare is at the forefront of virtual acute care nursing. This entails experienced nurses practicing virtually in another location supporting hospital-based nurses by documenting health information, providing patient education, monitoring patient lab work, completing patient admission documentation and helping with discharge planning and care coordination. The fellowship, administered by Penn Nursing and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, is a one-year, team-based program for chief nursing officers, nurse executives and other senior nurse leaders that aims “to advance health care by powering up nurse-led innovation and leadership within health systems.”
MEDIA RELEASE: Voting for the CAA Worst Roads campaign is now open
Tired of swerving around potholes? Are you worried about your safety as a cyclist or pedestrian? Voting is now open in Ontario for the annual CAA Worst Roads campaign, and CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) is giving citizens the opportunity to voice their concerns about the bad roads in their communities. "Our research shows that 65 per cent of members don't feel enough is being done to fix the roads," says Teresa Di Felice, assistant vice president government and community relations, CAA SCO. "This is causing a variety of concerning driving behaviours, including swerving to avoid potholes, slowing down for bad spots, and some even changing their route altogether to avoid a bad road. We encourage all Ontarians to vote for their Worst Roads and join the community of drivers, cyclists, transit riders and pedestrians committed to improving and actively working to help make our roads safer for all." Those surveyed say they spent $852 on average to repair their vehicle. According to a survey conducted by CAA SCO, 84 per cent of members worry about the state of our roads, with 42 per cent experiencing vehicle damage due to poor roads. Despite this, 82 per cent pay out of pocket to repair their vehicles, while only four per cent file a claim with insurance, and nine per cent forgo repairs altogether. "Either because of affordability or availability, many people are holding on to their cars a little longer these days; the last thing they want is expensive repair bills on an already stretched household budget. While inflation rates are cooling, many of us are dealing with a higher cost of living, making the investment in roads and supporting infrastructure more important than ever," adds Di Felice. Vehicle damage caused by potholes can range from $500 to over $2,000, with the average repair by those surveyed costing $852. "We know that the campaign works and that decision-makers are listening. Since its inception in 2003, we have seen road repairs move up and budgets prioritized. The CAA Worst Roads campaign has been a vital platform for Ontarians to nominate and vote for roads they believe need urgent attention. It covers issues like congestion, potholes, road signs, and traffic light timing for pedestrian and cycling safety." Ontario's top 10 list is verified by the Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario (RCCAO) and their members, including the Greater Toronto Sewer and Watermain Contractors Association (GTSWCA), Heavy Construction Association of Toronto (HCAT), and the Toronto and Area Road Builders Association (TARBA). "RCCAO is a proud partner and supporter of this year's CAA Worst Roads advocacy campaign, giving Ontarians a platform to raise awareness about the state of vital road infrastructure in their communities," said Nadia Todorova, executive director of RCCAO. Nominations for the Worst Roads campaign can be submitted online at www.caaworstroads.com from March 27 to April 19. Once the nominations are collected, CAA will reveal the top 10 worst roads in the province to the public. CAA conducted an online survey with 2,753 CAA SCO Members between January 10 to 19, 2023. Based on the sample size and the confidence level (95 per cent), the margin of error for this study was +/- 2 per cent.
How Vulnerable Are America’s Water Systems to Outside Attack? | Media Advisory
The security of America's water systems is an issue of national importance, touching on the well-being and safety of millions. This topic gains urgency as it ties into broader concerns about infrastructure vulnerability, cyber-terrorism, and the readiness of public utilities to handle emerging threats. In light of recent breaches and heightened geopolitical tensions, the resilience of these essential systems is not just a matter of public safety but also of national security. Exploring this issue offers insights into: Cybersecurity measures for water supply systems The impact of climate change on water system resilience Federal and state responses to infrastructure threats Public health implications of water system breaches The role of technology in safeguarding against attacks Connect with an Expert about the Security of America's Water Systems For journalists seeking research or insights for their coverage about the Security of America's Water Systems, here is a select list of experts from our database. To search our full list of experts, visit www.expertfile.com Seth Hamman Director, Center for the Advancement of Cybersecurity and Associate Professor of Cyber Operations and Computer Science - Cedarville University David Bader Distinguished Professor, Data Science · New Jersey Institute of Technology Vladlena Benson Professor of Cybersecurity Management · Aston University William Hatcher Chair of the Department of Social Sciences · Augusta University TJ O’Connor, LTC (Ret.) Assistant Professor, Cybersecurity Program Chair | Computer Engineering and Sciences · Florida Tech Photo by: Adi Goldstein
World Water Day - United Nations World Water Development Report Launched | Media Advisory
World Water Day marks the launch of the United Nations World Water Development Report, a comprehensive review of the state of the world's freshwater resources. This day serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of water conservation, the challenges of water scarcity, and the need for sustainable management of this essential resource. As climate change accelerates and global demand for water increases, the findings of this report are more relevant than ever, offering a call to action for governments, businesses, and individuals worldwide. Key areas of focus include: Global Water Scarcity: The current status and future projections of freshwater availability. Impact of Climate Change on Water Resources: How global warming is affecting water cycles and availability. Innovative Water Management Solutions: Emerging technologies and strategies for sustainable water use. Water and Sanitation for All: Progress towards ensuring access to clean water and sanitation as a fundamental human right. Economic Implications of Water Management: The costs and benefits of investing in water infrastructure and conservation. International Cooperation on Water Issues: Examples of successful cross-border water management and conservation efforts. For journalists seeking research or insights for their coverage on this topic, here is a select list of experts. Michael Savarese Professor of Marine Science & Environmental Studies, Florida Gulf Coast University Karen Clay Professor, Carnegie Mellon University Pamela Grothe Assistant Professor University of Mary Washington Michael Vandenbergh Professor of Law, Vanderbilt University Tom Rand Managing Director at MaRS Cleantech Fund To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com Photo by Artem Beliaikin
MEDIA RELEASE: Voting for the 12th Annual CAA Worst Roads campaign is now open
Tired of swerving around potholes? Are you worried about your safety as a cyclist or pedestrian? Voting is now open for the annual CAA Worst Roads campaign, and CAA Manitoba is giving citizens the opportunity to voice their concerns about the bad roads in their communities. “Our research shows that 83 per cent of Manitobans vent their concerns about the state of roads either to their spouses, friends, co-workers or mechanics while very few (only three per cent) express their frustrations with local government officials and decision-makers,” says Ewald Friesen, manager government relations CAA Manitoba. “As we kick off another year of the CAA Worst Roads campaign, we are calling on all Manitobans to vote for their Worst Roads today and join the community of drivers, cyclists, transit riders and pedestrians committed to improving our roads and keeping our elected representatives accountable.” Those surveyed say they spent $962 on average to repair their vehicle. A survey conducted by CAA Manitoba found that 54 per cent of members in the province have experienced vehicle damage because of poor roads, with 70 per cent paying out of pocket to repair, only 16 per cent filing a claim with MPI and 14 per cent forgoing repairs altogether. “Either because of affordability or availability, many people are holding on to their cars a little longer these days; the last thing they should worry about is expensive repair bills on the already stretched family budget. While inflation rates have cooled, many of us are dealing with higher cost of living, making the investment in roads and supporting infrastructure more important than ever,” adds Friesen. The damage to a vehicle caused by a pothole can range from $500, with some fixes topping $2,000, depending on the make and model of the car. Those surveyed say they spent $962 on average to repair their vehicle. “We know that the campaign works and that decision-makers are listening. Since its inception in 2012, we have seen roads placed on the top ten list and come off with upgrades and repairs. The CAA Worst Roads campaign has been a vital platform for road users across Manitoba to nominate and vote for roads they believe are in urgent need of repair.” Read about CAA Manitoba’s Worst Roads Success Stories Manitobans can vote on issues ranging from congestion, potholes, poor road signs and the timing of traffic lights to pedestrian and cycling safety. Nominations for the Worst Roads campaign can be submitted online at www.caaworstroads.com from March 19 until April 12. Once the nominations are collected, CAA Manitoba will compile a list of the province's top 10 worst roads, which will be announced to the public. CAA conducted an online survey with 1,205 CAA Manitoba Members between January 10 to 19, 2024. Based on the sample size and the confidence level (95 per cent), the margin of error for this study was +/-3 per cent
What exactly is edge computing and how does it relate to self-driving cars? A University of Delaware expert has been diving deep into the subject through the university's Connected and Autonomous Research Laboratory (CAR Lab). Weisong Shi is a professor and chair of the Department of Computer and Information Sciences at UD, where he leads the CAR Lab. Edge computing is how scientists move computations closer to the user. Self-driving cars have to gather and process big batches of data to work, and in a short amount of time. The time spent sending data to a physically distant server and then back again may cause delay that could impact real-time decisions. Shi's research with edge computing is working to alleviate that issue without turning every car into a supercomputer that consumes a lot of computing power and energy. Shi and his team are building a world-class live research and education infrastructure on the STAR Campus at the University of Delaware. He can be reached by clicking his profile.
Municipalities around the world have invested significant resources to develop connected smart cities that use the Internet of Things (IoT) to improve sustainability, safety and efficiency. With this increased demand for IoT experience, the VCU College of Engineering formed the OpenCyberCity testbed in 2022. The 1:12 scale model city provides a realistic, small-scale cityscape where students and researchers can experiment with new and existing smart city technology. Sherif Abdelwahed, Ph.D., electrical and computer engineering professor, is director of OpenCyberCity. He recently answered some questions about new developments within the testbed. The OpenCyberCity is a smart city testbed, but are there any real-life cities that one could call a smart city? Several real-life locales are considered smart cities due to their extensive use of technology and data-driven initiatives to optimize infrastructure and services. Dubai is one of the most notable. They have implemented smart transportation systems, buildings and artificial intelligence to transform the city’s operations and make them more efficient. Other reputable smart cities include Singapore and Seoul, which utilize smart energy management, smart transportation and comprehensive data analytics for improved urban planning and services. Seoul, in particular, has an initiative with smart grids and connected street lights, which VCU Engineering’s own OpenCyberCity test bed is working to implement. How does the OpenCyberCity address privacy? With so much technology related to monitoring, how are individual citizens protected from these technologies? Privacy is a major concern for smart cities and it is one of the main research directions for VCU Engineering’s OpenCyberCity. We are developing several techniques to prevent unwanted surveillance of personal information. Sensitive data is protected by solid protocols and access restrictions that only allow authorized users to view the data. Our aim is to find a reasonable middle ground between technological progress and privacy rights, staying within legal and ethical bounds. Some techniques to address privacy concerns include: Data Anonymization: This makes it difficult to trace back information to individual identities. Within the testbed, we will evaluate how to protect individual privacy while maintaining data utility and assess the impact on data quality. Secure Data Storage and Transmission: Encrypt data to protect it from unauthorized access. In the smart city testbed, these access control mechanisms will be implemented within the testbed’s infrastructure. We will also test different data handling processes and access control models to determine their ability to safeguard sensitive data. Privacy Impact Assessments: Regularly evaluate potential privacy risks of new smart city projects in order to mitigate them and ensure the ethical handling of data by those with access. Policy and Regulation Development: Data and insights generated from OpenCyberCity experiments can inform the development of cybersecurity policies and regulations for smart cities. How is the College of Engineering’s OpenCyberCity test bed different from similar programs at other institutions? While other universities have similar smart-city-style programs, each has their own specialty. The VCU College of Engineering’s OpenCyberCity test bed focuses on real-world contexts, creating a physical space where new technologies, infrastructure, energy-efficient transportation and other smart city services can be tested in a controlled environment. Our lab monitors real-time data and develops smart buildings, smart hospitals and smart manufacturing buildings to enhance the city’s technologies. Recent additions to the OpenCyberCity allow for expanded research opportunities like: Advanced Manufacturing: Students can apply advanced manufacturing techniques in a controlled environment. They can also test new materials, processes and automation technologies to improve efficiency and product quality. Energy Efficiency Testing: Environmental engineers and sustainability experts can evaluate energy consumption patterns within the smart manufacturing unit to implement energy-saving measures and assess their impact on sustainability. Production Optimization: Manufacturers can use real-time data from the smart manufacturing unit to optimize production schedules, minimize downtime and reduce waste. Predictive maintenance algorithms also help prevent equipment breakdowns. Education and Training: Hands-on experience with state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies helps train the workforce of the future. Integration with Smart City Services: Data generated by the manufacturing unit can be integrated with smart city services. For example, production data can inform supply chain management and energy consumption data can contribute to overall city energy efficiency initiatives. How has the OpenCyberCity changed in the last year? Is the main focus still data security? What started with research examining, analyzing and evaluating the security of next-generation (NextG) applications, smart city operations and medical devices has expanded. Data security is now only one aspect of OpenCyberCity. Its scope has grown to encompass more expansive facets of cybersecurity like automation and data analytics in the domain of smart manufacturing systems. The implementation of a smart manufacturing system in 2023 is something students really enjoy. Thanks to the vendor we used, undergraduate students had the option to develop functionality for various features of the manufacturing plant. Graduate students were also able to research communications protocols and cybersecurity within the smart manufacturing system. What does the smart manufacturing system entail and what kind of work is occurring within that system? An automated system is there for students to work with. Robot arms, microcontrollers, conveyor belts, ramps, cameras and blocks to represent cargo form an environment that emulates a real manufacturing setting. We’re currently brainstorming an expansion of the smart manufacturing system in collaboration with the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI). We plan to set up two building models, one for manufacturing and one for distribution, linked by a sky bridge conveyor system that moves items between the locations. Students work to leverage convolutional neural networks that use images to facilitate machine learning. When paired with the advanced cameras, it forms a computer vision system that can accurately place blocks in a variety of lighting conditions, which can be a challenge for other systems. By having to optimize the communication protocols that command the smart manufacturing system’s robotic arms, students also get a sense for real-world constraints . The Raspberry Pi that functions as the controller for the system is limited in power, so finding efficiencies that also enable stability and precision with the arms is key. Is there an aspect of cybersecurity for these automated systems? Yes. Devices, sensors and communication networks integral to the IoT found in smart manufacturing systems and smart cities generate and share vast amounts of data. This makes them vulnerable to cybersecurity threats. Some of the issues we look to address include: Data Privacy: Smart systems collect and process vast amounts of data, including personal and sensitive information. Protecting this data from unauthorized access and breaches is a top priority. Device Vulnerabilities: Many IoT devices used in smart systems have limited computational resources and may not receive regular security updates, making them vulnerable to exploitation. Interconnectedness: The interconnected nature of smart city components increases the attack surface. A breach in one system can potentially compromise the entire network. Malware and Ransomware: Smart systems are susceptible to malware and ransomware attacks, which can disrupt services and extort organizations for financial gain. Insider Threats: Employees with malicious intent or negligence can pose significant risks to cybersecurity. Potential solutions to these problems include data encryption, frequent software updates, network segmentation with strict access controls, real-time intrusion detection (with automated responses to detected threats), strong user authentication methods, security training for users and the development of well-designed incident response plans.
University of Delaware researchers are leading a heat mapping project to address the urban heat island effect caused by climate change. Dana Veron and A.R. Siders, co-directors of the Gerard J. Mangone Climate Change Science and Policy Hub, have laid out a plan of action that aims to understand the heat distribution, particularly in vulnerable communities. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, extreme heat is the number one cause of weather-related death in the United States, making urban heat islands a significant public health concern. In an effort to tackle this issue head on, Veron and Siders – who are also professors at UD – have been working with UD’s Center for Environmental Monitoring and Analysis (CEMA) and Delaware’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) to map heat in Wilmington, Delaware. The 2023 WiST (Wilmington and Surrounding Townships) Heat Watch has been in the works since late 2021. The initial proposals were developed by CEMA and DNREC. UD’s Climate Hub became the coordinating entity soon after. “This was our first externally funded project that allowed the Hub to serve the role we envisioned for it, as a central point of contact and communication, a facilitator networking amongst many partners across different sectors,” said Dana Veron, High heat-absorbance in urban areas leads to increased energy consumption, emissions, and strains on energy systems. The mapping project is part of a broader trend in urban sustainability planning and cooling strategies, driven by the need to mitigate the urban heat island effect. The researchers anticipate using the data to influence future city planning, incorporating green infrastructure to reduce the urban heat island effect. The Climate Hub team plans to present the preliminary results in a virtual town hall meeting, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and collaboration in addressing climate-related challenges. The campaign demonstrates the potential for universities to lead collaborative efforts and engage students in climate research and community outreach. Dozens of other Heat Watch campaign teams have incorporated their findings into climate and heat mitigation strategies. In Virginia, Richmond officials have made heat vulnerability and urban heat islands a determining factor in their upcoming city and sustainability planning endeavors. In New Jersey, the city of Newark introduced several proposals offering equitable solutions to heat emergencies, including increased funding for cooling centers and urban green spaces. Every Heat Watch mapping campaign develops a report detailing heat distribution across the target city. Digital maps that display predictive heat-index models mindful of land coverage and topography are also publicly released. “This is the beginning of the work,” said Veron. “All the partners are anxious to get the map because what’s really exciting is what happens next.” To set up an interview with Veron or Siders, visit their profiles and click the "contact" button.
Aston University AI project aims to make international health data sharing easier
Project to improve sharing data while complying with general data protection regulation (GDPR) guidelines Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies awarded almost £300k to work on European-wide project Will develop secure data sharing system to allow access to large sets of multi-source health data via tailor-made AI tools. Aston University is to explore the use of AI to improve sharing health data internationally. Dr Sergei Sokolovski of the University’s Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies has been awarded €317,500 to work on a European-wide project. Called BETTER (Better real-world health data distributed analytics research platform) the spans16 academic, medical and industrial partners. Although data-driven medicine is currently used to improve diagnosis, treatment and medical research ethical, legal and privacy issues can prevent sharing and centralising data for analysis. The research at Aston University’s involvement in the BETTER project aims to overcome these challenges so health data can be shared across national borders while fully complying with the general data protection regulation (GDPR) guidelines. Dr Sergei Sokolovski will lead the development of a secure data sharing system which will allow access to large sets of multi-source health data via tailor-made AI tools. Scientists and healthcare professionals will be able to compare, integrate and analyse data securely at a lower cost than current methods to improve people’s health. The BETTER project will focus on three health conditions; childhood learning disabilities, inherited degenerative retina diseases and autism, involving seven medical centres across the European Union and beyond. Dr Sergei Sokolovski said: “Data protection regulations prohibit data centralisation for analysis purposes because of privacy risks like the accidental disclosure of personal data to third parties. “Therefore, to enable health data sharing across national borders and to fully comply with GDPR guidelines this project proposes a robust decentralised infrastructure which will empower researchers, innovators and healthcare professionals to exploit the full potential of larger sets of multi-source health data. “As healthcare continues to evolve in an increasingly data-driven world projects like BETTER offer promising solutions to the challenges of health data sharing, research collaboration, and ultimately, improving the well-being of citizens worldwide. “The collaboration between multiple stakeholders, including medical centres, researchers, and innovators, highlights the importance of interdisciplinary efforts in addressing these complex issues.” The research will last 42 months. ENDS Better Real-World Health-Data Distributed Analytics Research Platform, Grant agreement 101136262 https://www.better-health-project.eu/ Research Universities taking part are: Aston University, Klinikum der Universitaet zu Koeln, Universiteit Maastricht, Universitat Politecnica de Valencia, Universitetet i Tromsoe, About Aston University Founded in 1895 and a university since 1966, Aston University is a long-established university led by its three main beneficiary groups – students, business and the professions, and the West Midlands region and wider society. Located in Birmingham at the heart of a vibrant city, the campus houses all the University’s academic, social and accommodation facilities for our students. Professor Aleks Subic is the Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive. In 2022 Aston University was ranked in the top 25 of the Guardian University Guide, based on measures including entry standards, student satisfaction, research quality and graduate prospects. The Aston Business School MBA programme was ranked in the top 100 in the world in the Economist MBA 2021 ranking. For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Nicola Jones, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44) 7825 342091 or email: n.jones6@aston.ac.uk
Winnipeg, MB, September 5, 2023 – As Manitoba students head back to class this week, parents say speeding and traffic congestion are their biggest worry when it comes to road safety near schools. A recent study by CAA Manitoba, conducted by DIG insights*, shows that 94 per cent of parents have at least one concern about safety in school zones. “We want to remind motorists that they need to be extra vigilant as students return to school this week,” says Ewald Friesen, manager of government and community relations, CAA Manitoba. “Kids will be excited to see their friends and teachers and may fail to check their surroundings before stepping out onto the street.” The top three concerns are drivers speeding (32 per cent), traffic congestion in and around school (30 per cent), and a lack of street/school parking (26 per cent). Other concerns include illegal parking or stopping, jaywalkers, distracted pedestrians and drivers, and drivers not obeying traffic signs. As a result of those concerns, many parents drive their children to school, further exacerbating traffic congestion, Friesen notes. “While there are always parents who must drive their children to school, we do encourage parents and students to try other modes of transportation to get to class,” says Friesen. “Things like walking, biking and skateboarding are great exercise and lots of fun, and fewer cars will help alleviate parents’ concerns.” The study also showed that parents would like to see additional solutions. About 26 per cent of parents want better road infrastructure in school zones and 21 per cent want to see more police enforcement. More crossing guards and road safety education for parents and students was also suggested. “Helping to keep school zones safe for everyone is the primary goal of CAA’s School Safety Patrol program,” says Friesen. “Watch for our trained patrols in bright yellow-lime vests helping people safely cross the street.” According to Stats Canada, there were about 183,000 students enrolled in about 700 K-12 schools across Manitoba in 2022. Back to School Safety Tips for Drivers: Drivers can also use the following CAA Manitoba tips to ensure they are staying safe in school zones. Slow down: Know the speed limit in your neighbourhood’s school zones and respect them. Give yourself plenty of time to drop off your kids at school to avoid rushing. Follow the rules of the road near school buses: Always stop for a stopped school bus with its upper flashing lights and stop arm activated, then wait for children to get safely on or off. Stay alert and watch for children or parents/guardians crossing the road when the bus moves on. Choose a safe spot to drop off and pick up your children from school: Follow your school’s rules and avoid double parking or stopping on crosswalks, dropping off or picking up your kids on the opposite side of the street, and stopping in moving traffic as kids rush out. Instead, use the designated drop off areas or consider a spot a bit farther away from school that is easily accessible and safe. Make eye contact with pedestrians: With the excitement of going back to school, anticipate that children may not easily see or hear your moving vehicle, so be sure to make eye contact with pedestrians crossing the road. Watch for CAA School Safety Patrollers: When travelling to and from school, watch for CAA School Safety Patrollers in their safety vests, as they play an important role in ensuring the roadway is safe before kids cross on their own. Avoid fines: Passing another vehicle in a school zone is not permitted. Passing a bus with its lights flashing and stop sign activated will result in a $673 fine and five demerits. Speeding in school zone is a minimum $200 fine and two demerits. * The study, commissioned by CCG and conducted by Dig Insights in May 2023, surveyed 613 Manitoba parents/guardians between the ages of 18 and 74 with children attending school from kindergarten to grade 8. The margin of error for a sample of this size is plus or minus 4% at the 95% confidence level.