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MEDIA RELEASE: CAA Manitoba Survey Reveals Alarming Data on Cannabis-Impaired Driving in Manitoba
CAA Manitoba (CAA MB) is encouraging Manitoba drivers to remain vigilant this month by driving responsibly – and sober. In a recent survey conducted by CAA Manitoba, alarming data highlights concerns related to cannabis-impaired driving, particularly involving edibles. Key findings from the 2023 survey found that since legalization, a third of cannabis-impaired drivers (27 per cent) in Manitoba have driven a vehicle after consuming an edible form of cannabis. “The data shows us that there is a significant number of impaired drivers under the influence of edible cannabis, which poses a great risk to road safety,” says Ewald Friesen, community and government relations manager at CAA Manitoba. “Edibles pose a greater risk for impairment and road safety since they can often take up to two hours for the effects to kick in.” According to the survey, 61 per cent of cannabis-impaired drivers in Manitoba wait less than three hours before getting behind the wheel. Due to the prolonged absorption of edible cannabis, the potential for drivers to get behind the wheel before they even realize they are beginning to feel the effects poses a serious risk to road safety. The data shows that 89 per cent of Manitoba drivers agree that driving under the influence of cannabis is a serious risk to road safety. However, 67 per cent of cannabis-impaired drivers feel confident in their ability to drive. “While some believe that cannabis doesn’t impair their driving ability, it has been proven to affect coordination, reaction time, decision-making and the ability to pay attention. We would like to see more public education and awareness on the risks of cannabis-impaired driving,” says Friesen. More than half of Manitoba drivers (64 per cent) believe that cannabis-impaired driving is the most important public education topic related to cannabis – more than education on health risks (63 per cent) and health risks for youth under 25 (59 per cent). Despite the concern for road safety and driving impairment, 21 per cent of Manitoba drivers are not aware of the penalties that could be faced for any type of impaired driving. According to Manitoba Public Insurance, this can include an immediate 24-hour licence suspension with a maximum of 60 days upon further testing, a $400 vehicle impoundment of three days, a mandatory Impaired Driver Assessment at the driver’s expense and potential charges under the Criminal Code of Canada. CAA is encouraging motorists to get informed, know the rules, and make the right choices – don’t get behind the wheel when impaired. Instead, make alternate arrangements, such as utilizing rideshare services, to ensure a safe journey home. Dig Insights conducted an online survey on behalf of CAA Manitoba between June 22 to July 5, 2023, of 500 Manitoba drivers aged 19-75 who had access to a vehicle. Based on the sample size and the confidence level (95 per cent), the margin of error for this study was +/- 3 per cent.
Professor Roslyn Bill discusses her research into brain cell membranes with Dr Matt Derry Serious brain injuries and dementia are affected by the flow of water through a protein called aquaporin-4 in brain cell membranes Aquaporins are responsible for clearing the build-up of waste products in brain cells in a process Professor Bill likens to a ‘dishwasher for your brain’. Professor Roslyn Bill, co-founder of Aston Institute for Membrane Excellence (AIME), joins Dr Matt Derry to discuss her research into brain cell membranes in the latest Aston Originals podcast. Water moves in and out of brain cells through tiny protein channels in the cell membrane called aquaporins. One in particular, aquaporin-4, is the focus of Professor Bill’s research. In 2020, she was lead author on a paper published in prestigious journal Cell on how the channels open and close and how this can be controlled. Uncontrolled water entry into brain cells can occur after head trauma, causing swelling which leads to severe brain injuries of the type suffered by racing driver Michael Schumacher after a skiing accident. Finding drugs to control this water movement could lead to treatments to prevent brain swelling in the first place. This research into brain swelling and the contribution of aquaporins led Professor Bill to research into Alzheimer’s, a common form of dementia, which is also related to the action of aquaporins. Alzheimer’s is caused by a build-up of waste products in brain cells. In a process Professor Bill likened to a ‘dishwasher for your brain’, aquaporins are responsible for clearing this waste as we sleep. Professor Bill was selected for an Advanced Grant by the European Research Council (ERC) in 2023, which is being funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The funded project will further investigate the process, and whether it might be possible to develop a drug to boost the ‘brain dishwasher’, which could be taken to slow or even prevent cognitive decline due to ageing. Bringing together this biological research with the polymer research of AIME, chemists like Dr Derry will help in the drug development and could also lead to totally different applications. Professor Bill said in the podcast to Dr Derry: “We can take the knowledge that we have of how these proteins work in cells and try and apply them to interesting applications in biotechnology. And this is where the sort of work that you (Dr Derry) do comes in, where you can develop plastic membranes, polymer membranes, and then take learning from the biology and try and make really, really good ways of purifying water, for example.” For more information about AIME, visit the webpage. The website also includes links to the previous AIME podcast and details about open positions.
Aston University pharmaceutical spin-out company shortlisted in life sciences industry awards
MESOX is a spin-out from the pharmaceutics group at Aston Pharmacy School The company partners with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to bring challenging therapeutics to market It has been shortlisted in the Medilink Midlands Awards 2024. A spin-out company from Aston University’s pharmaceutics research group has been shortlisted for a life sciences industry award. The Medilink Midlands Awards aim to showcase the very best collaborations between industry, academia and the NHS across the Midlands. The company, MESOX, founded by Dr Ali Al-Khattawi, a lecturer in pharmaceutics at Aston Pharmacy School, is competing in the Start-Up category for newly established companies that show a promising future. With in-depth expertise in particle engineering for drug delivery and pharmaceutical spray drying, MESOX uses IP-protected carriers to improve the bioavailability and efficacy of pharmaceuticals, partnering with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to bring challenging therapeutics to market. Medilink Midlands provides specialist business support to boost the region’s economic output from the life sciences industry. Working alongside the Midlands Engine and other strategic alliances, it helps stimulate additional and value-added growth of the Midlands as a prosperous community for life sciences. The awards winners will be announced at a ceremony taking place on Thursday 9 May at the Athena in Leicester. To celebrate Medilink Midlands’ 20th year anniversary of delivering business support, one finalist will be announced as the 2024 ‘Winner of all Winners’ and presented with a £5,000 prize for innovation development. Dr Ali Al-Khattawi, founder and CEO of MESOX, said: “We are excited to be nominated as a finalist for this award, which is a testament to the innovative research at Aston University that has led to MESOX and a great way to recognise the efforts of our team. “MESOX is expediting the development of life-saving therapeutics through cutting-edge carrier technologies. Our vision is to be a leading research-based pharmaceutical company in the Midlands one day and we hope this opportunity brings us a step closer to this goal.” Luke Southan, technology transfer manager at Aston University, said: “Aston University’s School of Pharmacy has always been a hotbed of innovation and entrepreneurship. This is most often seen through our many students who end up running their own independent pharmacy stores, but it is also the school that has created the most Aston spinouts. “MESOX is the latest example of this, and it is a company that is on track to be generating significant revenue and region impact over the next five years. This award nomination evidences the potential the company has to offer.”
Aston University to help Saudi Arabia turn waste into energy
Energy will help power new cities in the desert Aston University is in talks about converting waste products into vital energy Its Energy and Bioproducts Institute is experienced in the waste-to-energy sector through global collaborations. Aston University researchers are to help turn waste into energy to power new cities in the desert. The University has started talks with experts from Saudi Arabia, including those who are building two sustainable cities in the desert, called NEOM and The Line. They are to collaborate with Aston University and its Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI) to explore how they can convert waste products into vital energy. The scientists and engineers are to apply their expertise to help Saudi Arabia create technology to convert discarded matter into a source of energy and other innovations such as using date palm waste to transform desert sand to allow it to retain water and grow crops. Aston University also hosted a two-day conference in March to discuss how to develop and apply the technology. The event is a key element of the UK-KSA Waste2Energy project supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office under the Gulf Strategy Fund (GSF) programme and is led by senior lecturer in mechanical, biomedical and design engineering Dr Muhammad Imran. More than 70 delegates attended the conference, including representatives from King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), King AbdulAziz University, The National Research and Development Center for Sustainable Agriculture and the Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC). Professor Patricia Thornley, director of Energy & Bioproducts Research Institute, said: “The delegation chose to collaborate with and visit EBRI because we have common research goals, but some complementarity facilities and skills. We are looking forward to working together to develop some the shared priorities we have identified.” Tim Miller, EBRI director of engagement, added: “Aston University has extensive engagement in the waste-to-energy sector through substantial industrial and academic collaborations globally. Advancements made by institutes like EBRI in waste-to-energy technologies are continually contributing to sustainable energy development.” “The meeting provided an insightful overview of the project, emphasising the significant opportunities it offers to UK industries and academia for funding, collaboration and PhD opportunities. “Our special appreciation is extended to Naif Makki from the Ministry of Energy, Saudi Arabia and his colleagues for their valuable participation.” The event ended with a tour of the EBRI lab and biochar demonstrator plant and a visit to Kew Technology’s Sustainable Energy Centre in Wednesbury.
Major UK tile company joins up with Aston University to digitise for the future
Shropshire-based Craven Dunnill has been in business for over 150 years The company will work with the University through a Management Knowledge Transfer Partnership (mKTP) It will streamline and digitise its warehouse processes and practices as part of a long-term growth plan. The UK’s longest-operating manufacturer, supplier and importer of ceramic tiles has joined forces with Aston University in a Management Knowledge Transfer Partnership (mKTP). Shropshire-based Craven Dunnill, which has been in business for over 150 years, has a large and complex supply chain, both of finished tiles and of the raw materials for manufacturing. Its customers are consumers, merchants, property developers, bathroom and kitchen retailers, in addition to architectural and building communities. A KTP is a three-way collaboration between a business, an academic partner and a highly qualified researcher, known as a KTP associate. The UK-wide programme helps businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills. Aston University is a sector leading KTP provider, with 80% of its completed projects being graded as very good or outstanding by Innovate UK, the national body. An mKTP focuses specifically on increasing effectiveness and improving results through better management practices. The company wants to fully streamline and digitise its processes and practices, including ordering, purchasing, stock and warehouse management, as well as delivery planning and sales tracking. It would also see the company’s different business divisions integrated. Developing an accurate real-time warehouse management system is a key part of the project as, currently, different production batches vary slightly in colour and size, making it crucial not to mix them when fulfilling orders. The company is working with Aston University’s Professor Ben Clegg and Dr Gajanan Panchal (academic lead and supervisor) from Aston Business School. Professor Clegg, a professor of operations management, has pioneered a successful methodology called Process Oriented Holonic Modelling (PrOH Modelling), a way of fully engaging employees in organisational change using systems modelling and storyboarding, that will be used to help Craven Dunnill’s employees to guide and implement new processes. Dr Panchal specialises in logistics and supply chain management, including warehouse management and optimisation. He uses a variety of approaches to comprehend and analyse problems with warehousing operations. Completing the team in the KTP associate position is Dr Olanrewaju Sanda, who has started analysing the issues in the warehouse including the data around inventory accuracy and stock selection. Working closely with management and the Aston University team, he will digitalise operational systems. Part of this will include building a digital dashboard to represent the factory and move it towards a ‘digital twin’. Simon Howells, CEO of Craven Dunnill, said: “Although the mKTP is for two years, we don’t see it as a finite project. It will improve our pace of change and our developmental dynamism. Our supply chains and processes are complex, and we know getting the best advice and expertise is going to be really crucial for the long-term growth of the company.” Professor Ben Clegg said: “We’ve been using the PrOH modelling approach in various forms for several research projects. The more people we can involve, the more successful the project tends to be. I think the company was interested in our unique combination of our knowledge of digital technologies, logistics and our expertise in organisational change.” Olanrewaju Sanda said: “The warehouse is the heartbeat of the company – everything flows in and out of there. If we can solve the high-level problems at the warehouse, it will trickle down to everything else and leave the company in the best possible position for the future.”
East or West – who holds the key to our collective future? Public lecture
Professor Jun Du is an applied economist with a keen interest in economic thinking, policy and business strategy Her lecture will examine the differences between Eastern and Western economic models It will take place at Aston Business School on Wednesday 24 April 2024. An influential professor of economics and expert in global trade will be giving an inaugural public lecture at Aston Business School on Wednesday 24 April 2024. Professor Jun Du is an applied economist with a keen interest in economic thinking, policy and business strategy. Her research looks into the drivers and obstacles to boosting productivity and economic growth from the perspectives of individuals, firms, industries, regions and nations. Her lecture, East, West, which is best? - State, Market and the Return of Industrial Policy, promises to be an engaging narrative journey through the contrasting economic development experiences of Eastern and Western countries. Leveraging her extensive research and personal insights, Professor Du will delve into the complex dynamics between state, policies and the twin engines of growth – entrepreneurship and innovation. Professor Du said: “With the backdrop of global challenges, technological upheavals and pressing environmental crises, we find ourselves pondering on the critical question ‘East, West: who holds the key to our collective future?’ “In my lecture I will not just be looking at the differences, but also the strengths and lessons each brings to the table in our quest for sustainable progress and shared prosperity. We will delve into the landscape of economic governance with the formidable powers of the state, the market and entrepreneurs in conflict and convergence, collectively shaping the industries of the future. “This lecture seeks to spark a conversation that encourages innovative approaches to economic governance, with the goal of ensuring lasting prosperity for generations to come. “This is an invitation to change the world. I hope to see you there.” This lecture is free of charge and open to all to attend either in person or online. Places must be booked in advance. You can sign up for this hybrid public lecture here.
Podcast: Equality must become the norm, not just a box ticking exercise
Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) must become “everybody’s business” EDI can reduce pay gaps and open up opportunities for SMEs Aston University now celebrating Athena Swan Gold award for gender equality. Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) needs to become “the norm” in organisations to escape “disappointing” government criticism that it is a waste of time. That’s the guidance coming from the latest episode of ‘Aston means business’, a podcast from Aston University presented by journalist Steve Dyson. Professor Shivani Sharma, the new deputy dean of people, culture and inclusion at the University’s College of Business and Social Sciences, explained that EDI cultures must become “everybody’s business” to address the existing gender and ethnicity pay gaps. Responding to recent government criticisms of EDI schemes, Professor Sharma said: “Not enough investment has gone into these roles because, if we look at the history, it tells us that just relying on everybody to do the right thing doesn’t work.” Also interviewed in the podcast was Omar Rashid, a director of The HR Dept, a human resources franchise for Birmingham Central & Wolverhampton. Mr Rashid, who specialises in diversity and recruitment, said that government criticism of EDI initiatives was “disappointing”. But he acknowledged: “I understand where they’re coming from because, if it’s seen as a scheme, as something we’ve got to do, and it’s not done properly, then maybe it is a waste of time and a waste of money. It has to be seen as the norm.” He said people need to realise they live in a multicultural world, with a diverse workforce, supply chain and customers, and that if implemented properly the benefits of EDI are there. Mr Rashid, who is also president of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce in Birmingham, specialises in diversity and recruitment. He added: “There is opportunity there through different skills. “Each individual, whether it’s race, religion, will bring their own perspectives, their own unique skills, even people with a disability. It shouldn’t be seen as a barrier.” He said examples of a “tick box mentality” were where businesses might adopt Black History Month but do nothing for the other 11 months of the year, or provide a prayer room during Ramadan but not at any other time. He added: “When it’s tick box, it’s not worth it because you’ll have a business or someone who will do something for a short period of time. They half-heartedly did something without the conviction. Diversity shouldn’t be just a little bit here and there.” Professor Sharma went on to say that ‘world days’ such as International Women’s Day can act as a catalyst to focus attention on an issue. But she added: “It’s really important that why you’re doing that is clear, and that the strategy of raising awareness, to remove barriers to women, equitable inclusion in the workplace or in society, continues throughout the year.” She said that Aston University had recently gained an Athena Swan Gold award for promoting gender equality in higher education, but that the “scale” of the problem meant there was still lots more to achieve. She explained that proportions of women entering as students into higher education was really positive, as were degree completion rates. But she pointed to the fact that around 80 per cent of university vice chancellors identified as men, with low representations of ethnic minority women among professors. Professor Sharma added: “It will take a sustained effort to undo that over time.” She also praised the Inclusive Aston networking initiative at Aston University, with senior leaders mentoring colleagues of minority ethnic heritage. Mr Rashid said SMEs needed to look at the opportunities that a diverse workforce and culture can bring to their business. He added: “One SME business engaged with someone from an Asian background, wanted to tap into India, and guess what? He has the connections and they were able to open a branch in India.” Catch up on all of the previous ‘Aston means business’ podcast episodes here.
Aston Business School has risen significantly across Business and Management Studies to 66th place in the world It follows being shortlisted for Business School of the Year by Times Higher Education The prestigious QS World University Rankings by Subject are based on academic reputation, employer reputation and citations. Aston University has risen to 66th place in the world in the 2024 QS World Rankings by Subject for Business and Management Studies. The QS World University Rankings by Subject are based on academic reputation, employer reputation and citations. These latest results recognise Aston Business School as among the best in the world for business and management studies. The rankings, released today by global higher education analyst QS Quacquarelli Symonds, provides independent comparative analysis on the performance of more than 16,400 individual university programmes, taken by students at more than 1,500 universities in 96 locations around the world, across 55 academic disciplines and five broad faculty areas. It follows a successful period for Aston Business School, which is part of an elite group of global business schools that hold the gold standard of ‘triple-crown’ accreditation from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS, having recently been shortlisted for Business School of the Year by Times Higher Education (THE) and the QS Reimagine Education Awards, as well as success in the Shanghai rankings, which ranked Aston 13th in the UK for business administration. Professor Aleks Subic, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University, said: “These latest rankings reinforce Aston University’s strong upward trajectory as we continue to climb the global rankings. Our recent successes reflect the concerted efforts and dedication of our exceptional academic community and stakeholders. “Strong global positioning of our Aston Business School is an integral part of the Aston 2030 Strategy that defines Aston as a leading university of science, technology and enterprise, measured by the positive transformational impact we achieve for our people, students, businesses and the communities we serve.” Professor Zoe Radnor, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean for the College of Business and Social Sciences at Aston University, said: “I am delighted to see such a strong global performance for our business and management offering here at Aston University, which confirms Aston Business School as amongst the best in the world. “This is the latest external accolade in recognition of our excellence in teaching and research and reflects our strengths in working with industry, developing ethical business practices and providing students with a world-class education.”
Freedom House 'Nations in Transit 2024' Report | Media Advisory
The annual release of the Freedom House 'Nations in Transit' report serves as a critical barometer for assessing the state of democracy, human rights, and governance across the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and Eurasia. As governments and societies navigate various political, economic, and social challenges, this report provides invaluable insights into the progress and setbacks in the region's democratic development. The report's findings are pertinent to the public because they shed light on the status of fundamental freedoms, rule of law, and democratic institutions, influencing regional and global policies. Key angles for coverage could include: Democratic Erosion and Backsliding: Analysis of countries experiencing democratic decline and the factors driving it. Civil Society and Activism: Profiles of grassroots movements and civil society organizations advocating for change. Media Freedom and Disinformation: Examination of threats to press freedom and challenges posed by disinformation campaigns. Corruption and Governance: Investigations into corruption scandals and efforts to enhance transparency and accountability. Human Rights and Minorities: Coverage of human rights abuses and discrimination against marginalized communities. Geopolitical Dynamics: Discussions on the geopolitical implications of democratic trends in the region and their impact on international relations. The 'Nations in Transit 2024' report is not just a documentation of regional developments; it's a reflection of the ongoing struggle for democracy and human rights, making it a crucial resource for journalists and policymakers alike. Connect with an Expert about the 'Nations in Transit 2024' For journalists with questions or looking to cover the Freedom House 'Nations in Transit' report, here is a select list of experts. To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com Muqtedar Khan Professor, Political Science and International Relations · University of Delaware Jane Landers Gertrude Conaway Vanderbilt Professor of History · Vanderbilt University Christopher Fettweis Associate Professor · Tulane University Lowell Gustafson, PhD Professor of Political Science | College of Liberal Arts and Sciences · Villanova University Heangjin Park Assistant Professor of Asian and Asian American Studies · Loyola Marymount University Photo Credit: Yannhis H
Concepts and habits from gasoline refueling found to mislead EV charging
Many electric vehicle (EV) drivers carry over concepts and habits acquired from driving gasoline cars when they are charging of EVs – but the mismatch leads to time wasted, inconvenience and “range anxiety” about not finding a charger when needed, according to a new study published in the journal Energy. The research was carried out by Professors Willett Kempton of the University of Delaware and Frances Sprei of Chalmers University in Sweden, both experts in EV technology and usage. They interviewed EV users in both Sweden and the United States, finding unanticipated and previously unreported concepts and habits of EV charging. Among the other findings: If industry and consumers take advantage of these findings, that could lead to more effective charging methods, help new EV buyers adapt, and inform planning of charging stations. Novice EV drivers, and even many of those who had months of EV experience, monitor the battery charge gauge while driving, then when the gauge is low, seek a charging station to recharge. This “monitor gauge” model is derived from driving gasoline-powered vehicles. By contrast, the study found that a few experienced EV drivers had developed a strategy of selecting a trigger event, and using it to spur them to plug in their EV. “Some of the more sophisticated EV users had picked a repeating event that happens at a place they can plug in and at a time or event lasting several hours. This is common when returning home at the end of the day or arriving at work," Kempton said. “A few people had selected unexpected triggers, such as shopping, and for one, when walking his dog in the evening.” To arrange an interview with Kempton, visit his profile and click on the "contact button" – this message will reach him directly. Or contact UD's media relations department.
