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Nanocellulose infused with purple onion extract shields photo voltaic cells from UV degradation


Nanocellulose infused with purple onion extract shields photo voltaic cells from UV degradation

by Robert Schreiber

Berlin, Germany (SPX) Mar 20, 2025






Researchers on the College of Turku in Finland have developed a bio-based movie that gives high-performance UV safety for photo voltaic cells, using nanocellulose handled with purple onion pores and skin extract. This marks the primary comparative research of how varied bio-derived UV filters carry out over time.



Photo voltaic cells, inclined to wreck from ultraviolet radiation, are sometimes shielded by petroleum-derived movies akin to polyvinyl fluoride (PVF) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In an effort to cut back reliance on fossil fuels, researchers are exploring sustainable alternate options like nanocellulose, a cloth made by refining cellulose into nanoscale fibers that may be custom-made for UV blocking capabilities.



The research, carried out in collaboration with Aalto College in Finland and Wageningen College within the Netherlands, revealed that nanocellulose movies dyed with purple onion extract blocked 99.9% of UV rays as much as 400 nanometres. This efficiency surpassed that of business PET-based filters, which served as a benchmark within the analysis.



“Nanocellulose movies handled with purple onion dye are a promising possibility in functions the place the protecting materials must be bio-based,” said Doctoral Researcher Rustem Nizamov from the College of Turku.



Researchers evaluated 4 sorts of nanocellulose movies enhanced with purple onion extract, lignin, or iron ions, all recognized for his or her UV-filtering properties. Amongst them, the movie incorporating purple onion extract demonstrated the best UV shielding.



Efficient UV safety should be balanced with the power to transmit seen and near-infrared gentle, important for photo voltaic vitality conversion. Whereas supplies like lignin excel in UV absorption, their darkish hue hinders transparency. In distinction, the purple onion-based movie achieved over 80% gentle transmission at wavelengths between 650 and 1,100 nanometres, sustaining this stage over prolonged testing.



To simulate extended out of doors use, the movies had been uncovered to synthetic gentle for 1,000 hours, equating to roughly one yr of pure daylight in central Europe. Researchers tracked modifications within the movies and photo voltaic cells by way of digital imaging.



“The research emphasised the significance of long-term testing for UV filters, because the UV safety and lightweight transmittance of the opposite bio-based filters modified considerably over time. For instance, the movies handled with iron ions had good preliminary transmittance which decreased after growing old,” tells Nizamov.



Checks centered on dye-sensitised photo voltaic cells, that are notably liable to UV-induced deterioration. The findings even have broader implications for different photo voltaic applied sciences like perovskite and natural photovoltaics, the place bio-based UV filters may play an important function.



“These outcomes are additionally related for the UV safety of different sorts of photo voltaic cells, together with perovskite and natural photovoltaics, in addition to any software the place using a bio-based UV filter is paramount,” Nizamov says.



Wanting forward, the researchers purpose to create biodegradable photo voltaic cells that would function energy sources in functions akin to meals packaging sensors.



“The forest business is inquisitive about creating new high-grade merchandise. Within the subject of electronics, these may additionally be elements for photo voltaic cells,” famous Kati Miettunen, Professor in Supplies Engineering.



The College of Turku’s Photo voltaic Vitality Supplies and Techniques (SEMS) group is exploring methods to combine photo voltaic applied sciences into broader vitality methods.



This work was a part of the BioEST undertaking, supported by the Analysis Council of Finland.



Sustainable Nanocellulose UV Filters for Photovoltaic Functions: Comparability of Crimson Onion (Allium cepa) Extract, Iron Ions, Analysis Report:and Colloidal Lignin


Associated Hyperlinks

College of Turku

All About Photo voltaic Vitality at SolarDaily.com



Emergency Tree Service: What to Do When a Tree Poses a Menace to Your House


When a tree poses an quick hazard to your house, you want a dependable emergency tree service to deal with the state of affairs safely and effectively. Bushes can change into hazardous as a result of storms, excessive winds, illness, or root failure, and after they do, the threat of property harm or private damage skyrockets.

However how have you learnt when a tree requires pressing elimination? What steps must you take earlier than the emergency tree service arrives? And how will you forestall future tree-related hazards?

This information will stroll you thru the whole lot you could know about figuring out a tree emergency, taking quick motion, and dealing with a skilled emergency tree elimination service to defend your property.

Indicators You Want an Emergency Tree Service Instantly

Not all tree points require quick consideration, however some clear warning indicators point out a tree is liable to falling and wishes skilled emergency tree service straight away.

Sudden Leaning or Tilting

A tree that was as soon as upright however abruptly begins leaning is a main warning signal of root failure or instability. A leaning tree can collapse at any second, particularly throughout a storm.

When to Name an Emergency Tree Service:

  • The tree is tilting towards your house, energy strains, or driveway.
  • The bottom across the tree’s base is cracked or lifted.
  • The tree strikes noticeably in gentle wind.

Massive Cracks or Splits within the Trunk

Deep vertical cracks in a tree trunk can point out structural weak point, making the tree extremely unstable. If left unchecked, the tree might break aside and trigger extreme harm.

Indicators You Want Fast Tree Removing:

  • A serious cut up after a lightning strike or storm.
  • The tree has a number of cracks, compromising its stability.
  • The crack extends deep into the core of the trunk.

Uprooted or Broken Root System

Tree roots present the predominant assist system, and after they’re broken or decayed, the complete tree turns into unstable. Heavy rains, soil erosion, or building harm can weaken the basis construction.

Name an Emergency Tree Service If:

  • The tree is partially uprooted after a storm.
  • The soil across the roots appears unfastened or shifted.
  • You discover fungal progress on the base, which can point out root rot.

Massive Hanging or Falling Branches

Overhanging lifeless or damaged branches pose a critical threat to property and security. With out immediate elimination, they will fall on roofs, autos, or energy strains.

When to Search Emergency Tree Trimming Companies:

  • Massive limbs are hanging loosely after a storm.
  • You discover cracked or weakened branches.
  • The tree has a number of lifeless limbs, signaling illness or decay.

Storm or Lightning Harm

Extreme climate occasions can weaken or destroy bushes, resulting in an pressing want for emergency tree elimination.

Fast Motion Required If:

  • A tree is cut up down the center after a storm.
  • The bark is stripped away, exposing inside wooden.
  • Massive limbs have fallen on your house or driveway.

Fast Actions to Take Earlier than Calling an Emergency Tree Service

Keep Away from the Hazardous Tree

  • Do NOT go close to a falling or broken tree.
  • Hold youngsters and pets at a protected distance.

Assess the Harm (Safely)

  • Observe the tree from a protected distance.
  • Determine which path it’d fall.

Transfer Autos and Out of doors Objects

If doable, relocate vehicles, patio furnishings, or valuables away from the tree’s potential fall zone.

Evacuate If Essential

If the tree leans towards your house or is cracking loudly, go away the realm instantly and look forward to professionals.

Name a 24/7 Emergency Tree Service

Skilled emergency tree elimination firms have the correct gear and experience to deal with hazardous bushes safely.

Why DIY Tree Removing is Extraordinarily Harmful

Many householders are tempted to reduce down hazardous bushes themselves, however it is a big mistake.

Danger of Extreme Damage

  • Chainsaws and heavy branches trigger 1000’s of accidents every year.
  • Falling bushes are unpredictable—even skilled professionals use security rigging.

Property Harm Dangers

Authorized and Legal responsibility Points

  • Unpermitted tree elimination might violate metropolis rules.
  • If a tree falls onto a neighbor’s house as a result of DIY elimination, you would be liable.

How Skilled Emergency Tree Companies Work

Preliminary Inspection

While you name a skilled emergency tree service, step one is a thorough evaluation. Licensed arborists consider the tree’s situation, determine hazards, and decide the most secure elimination methodology.

This course of not solely ensures quick security but additionally helps owners forestall future tree-related dangers. Study extra about how skilled tree care can improve your property’s security and look. Common upkeep, correct pruning, and knowledgeable inspections can enhance tree well being whereas defending your house from potential hazards.

Use of Specialised Gear

  • Cranes & Bucket Vans: Safely attain and reduce excessive branches.
  • Ropes & Rigging Methods: Management tree falls to decrease harm.
  • Wooden Chippers: Course of fallen branches rapidly.

Secure Tree Slicing and Removing

Specialists strategically take away hazardous sections to forestall accidents.

Publish-Removing Cleanup and Stump Grinding

After emergency tree elimination, professionals clear particles and grind the stump.

damaged tree

Precautionary Steps for Householders Earlier than Tough Climate Hits

Storms, hurricanes, and heavy winds can flip weak bushes into main hazards. Getting ready upfront can scale back the danger of tree harm, falling branches, and property destruction.

Schedule a Skilled Tree Inspection

Earlier than hurricane season or tough climate, it’s good to have an expert arborist examine your bushes. They’ll:

  • Determine weak, lifeless, or decayed bushes that might not survive excessive winds.
  • Advocate pruning or elimination of hazardous branches.
  • Counsel tree assist techniques like cabling and bracing for structurally weak bushes.

Prune and Trim Bushes Earlier than Storm Season

Common tree trimming and pruning could make bushes extra wind-resistant. Right here’s what to concentrate on:

  • Skinny out the cover so wind can go via as a substitute of pushing towards strong foliage.
  • Take away lifeless branches that would snap off in excessive winds.
  • Shorten lengthy branches extending too near your house.

Safe or Take away Harmful Bushes

Some bushes can not face up to storms, particularly in the event that they have already got weak roots or structural harm. Householders ought to:

  • Take away bushes with hole trunks, giant cracks, or unstable roots.
  • Safe newly planted bushes with stakes.
  • Set up cabling or bracing for weak however worthwhile bushes.

Look ahead to Indicators of Tree Weak spot Earlier than a Storm

Within the weeks main as much as storm season, search for these warning indicators:
✔️ Bushes leaning greater than regular
✔️ Deep cracks or splits within the trunk
✔️ Fungal progress on the base or bark
✔️ Uncovered or rotting roots
✔️ Hole or decayed areas contained in the trunk

In case you spot any of those points, name a skilled emergency tree service to assess and forestall potential storm harm.

High-Risk Trees

Excessive-Danger Bushes: Which Bushes Are Extra Prone to Trigger Harm?

Sure tree species are extra vulnerable to falling in storms as a result of weak root buildings, quick progress, or brittle wooden. If in case you have these bushes in your yard, further precautions are needed.

Bushes That Are Extra Prone to Fall in Storms or Excessive Winds

Some bushes are naturally weaker or extra top-heavy, making them vulnerable to uprooting. The next bushes are at larger threat throughout storms:

Shallow-Rooted Bushes (Larger Danger of Uprooting)

  • Willow Bushes – Develop rapidly, however have weak wooden and shallow roots.
  • Silver Maple – Brittle branches and a shallow root system make them vulnerable to storm harm.
  • Cottonwood Bushes – Extraordinarily fast-growing, however weak and brittle.

Brittle-Wooden Bushes (Extra Prone to Break in Sturdy Winds)

  • Bradford Pear – Lovely however vulnerable to splitting underneath strain.
  • Elm Bushes – Weak branching buildings make them extremely prone to storm harm.
  • Field Elder – Softwood that breaks simply in storms.

High-Heavy or Quick-Rising Bushes (Simply Uprooted in Hurricanes)

  • Eucalyptus – Grows tall rapidly however has weak anchoring roots.
  • Poplar Bushes – Extraordinarily tall however brittle, inflicting frequent storm breakage.
  • Pine Bushes – Tall and slender with shallow roots, making them susceptible in moist or stormy situations.

If in case you have any of those bushes near your house, contemplate common pruning, bracing, or elimination to keep away from expensive emergency conditions.

Emergency Tree Service Value: What Householders Ought to Count on to Pay

One of many greatest issues for owners coping with tree emergencies is the price of emergency tree elimination companies. The value can differ relying on a number of components, resembling tree measurement, location, harm severity, and urgency. Right here’s what you could learn about emergency tree service prices so you may put together accordingly.

Common Value of Emergency Tree Service

The price of emergency tree elimination typically ranges between $300 and $5,000, relying on the state of affairs.

Sort of Tree Service Common Value
Small tree elimination (underneath 30 ft) $300 – $800
Medium tree elimination (30-60 ft) $800 – $2,000
Massive tree elimination (over 60 ft) $2,000 – $5,000
Emergency tree elimination (quick response) $1,500 – $7,000+
Stump elimination (after tree slicing) $75 – $500
Tree trimming/pruning (non-emergency) $250 – $1,200

Notice: If the tree has fallen on a home, energy line, or construction, the associated fee might improve as a result of complexity and security precautions required.

Components That Have an effect on Emergency Tree Service Prices

  1. Tree Measurement and Top
  • Smaller bushes (underneath 30 toes) are simpler to take away and value much less.
  • Taller bushes (over 60 toes) require cranes and heavy gear, growing prices.
  1. Location of the Tree
  • If a tree is near a home, energy strains, or different buildings, specialised gear and security measures are wanted, growing prices.
  • Bushes in open areas are cheaper to take away.
  1. Tree Situation
  • A standing however unstable tree requires cautious slicing and will value extra than a tree that has already fallen.
  • Storm-damaged bushes with cut up trunks or weak limbs require particular dealing with, which might drive up the value.
  1. Emergency vs. Scheduled Service
  • Deliberate tree elimination is extra reasonably priced than pressing or same-day companies.
  • Emergency companies (24/7 or quick response) are costlier as a result of additional time labor and pressing useful resource allocation.
  1. Extra Companies (Cleanup, Stump Removing, and so on.)
  • Eradicating solely the tree trunk is cheaper than full-service elimination.
  • Particles cleanup, stump grinding, and root elimination add further prices.

Tips on how to Save Cash on Emergency Tree Service

Whereas emergency tree elimination will be costly, there are methods to scale back prices:

✔️ Get A number of Quotes: Examine not less than 2-3 tree service suppliers to search out the very best deal.
✔️ Schedule Common Tree Upkeep: Preventative trimming reduces emergency prices.
✔️ Test for Native Help: Some cities or vitality firms might supply assist for eradicating bushes close to energy strains.
✔️ Ask About Fee Plans: Some tree service firms supply financing choices for large-scale tree removals.
✔️ Use Insurance coverage If Relevant: In case your coverage covers storm harm, file a declare to assist with prices.

Is Emergency Tree Service Well worth the Value?

Sure! Ignoring a hazardous tree might result in large property harm, damage, and even authorized legal responsibility. A fallen tree can:

  • Destroy your house’s roof or siding, costing $10,000+ in repairs.
  • Trigger energy outages if it knocks down electrical strains.
  • Block your driveway or entice autos, resulting in towing bills.

Investing in skilled emergency tree service ensures:

  • Secure and environment friendly tree elimination.
  • Minimal property harm dangers.
  • No authorized or security liabilities.

 Does Householders Insurance coverage Cowl Emergency Tree Removing?

Insurance coverage Covers Tree Harm If:

  • The tree fell as a result of a storm, lightning, or pure catastrophe.
  • The tree broken your house, storage, or fence.

Insurance coverage Does NOT Cowl:

  • Bushes that fell as a result of neglect or illness.
  • Preventative elimination of a hazardous however still-standing tree.

Conclusion

Bushes improve property worth and curb enchantment, however they will additionally change into harmful hazards in excessive climate. By taking preventive motion, figuring out the warning indicators, and calling an emergency tree service when wanted, owners can keep away from critical harm and expensive repairs.

ios – Precedence inversion when calling URLSession add in Swift


I attempted to add a video file to the distant server like the next:

Job {
    let (knowledge, res) = strive await withCheckedThrowingContinuation { continuation in
        let activity = URLSession(configuration: .ephemeral).uploadTask(with: request, fromFile: fileURL) { knowledge, response, error in
            if let response = response as? HTTPURLResponse {
                continuation.resume(returning: (knowledge, response))
            } else if let error {
                continuation.resume(throwing: error)
            }
        }
        activity.resume()
    }
    //deal with knowledge and res...
}

And Xcode warns:

Thread Efficiency Checker: Thread working at Consumer-initiated quality-of-service class ready on a decrease QoS thread working at Default quality-of-service class. Examine methods to keep away from precedence inversions
PID: ..., TID: ...
Backtrace
=================================================================
3   PhotosFormats                       0x00000001a5ff01c4 -[PFVideoAVObjectBuilder _synchronouslyLoadSlowMotionPropertiesFromAsset:] + 172
4   PhotosFormats                       0x00000001a5ff00a0 -[PFVideoAVObjectBuilder requestAVAssetForExport:withResultHandler:] + 224
5   Images                              0x00000001909d2428 +[PHImageManager(VideoUtilities) buildAVAssetFromVideoURL:infoDictionary:options:completion:] + 244
6   Images                              0x0000000190a686dc __63-[PHImageManager requestAVAssetForAsset:options:resultHandler:]_block_invoke_2 + 352
...

Seems like there’s something fallacious with requestAVAssetForAsset.

I attempted setting the duty precedence to 0, 0.4, 0.6, and 1, earlier than calling resume:

activity.precedence = 0
activity.resume()

Additionally tried altering the precedence of Job wrapper to .low, .excessive, and so on:

Job (precedence: .low) {
    ...
}

However it doesn’t work (nonetheless reveals warnings).

I’m wondering if there’s a strategy to keep away from precedence inversion when importing video file with URLSession add.

Edit:

Utilizing add with Information could not work for scenario during which video dimension is massive (as a result of it masses knowledge in reminiscence, right me if I’m fallacious)

Six Governments Doubtless Use Israeli Paragon Adware to Hack IM Apps and Harvest Information

0


Mar 20, 2025Ravie LakshmananAdware / Cellular Safety

Six Governments Doubtless Use Israeli Paragon Adware to Hack IM Apps and Harvest Information

The governments of Australia, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Israel, and Singapore are seemingly prospects of spyware and adware developed by Israeli firm Paragon Options, in line with a new report from The Citizen Lab.

Paragon, based in 2019 by Ehud Barak and Ehud Schneorson, is the maker of a surveillance instrument known as Graphite that is able to harvesting delicate knowledge from prompt messaging purposes on a tool.

Cybersecurity

The interdisciplinary lab stated it recognized the six governments as “suspected Paragon deployments” after mapping the server infrastructure suspected to be related to the spyware and adware.

The event comes practically two months after Meta-owned WhatsApp stated it notified round 90 journalists and civil society members that it stated have been focused by Graphite. The assaults have been disrupted in December 2024.

Targets of those assaults included people unfold throughout over two dozen international locations, together with a number of in Europe reminiscent of Belgium, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Austria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden.

“That is the newest instance of why spyware and adware corporations should be held accountable for his or her illegal actions,” a WhatsApp spokesperson informed The Hacker Information at the moment. “WhatsApp will proceed to guard peoples’ skill to speak privately.”

In these assaults, targets have been added to a WhatsApp group, after which despatched a PDF doc, which is subsequently parsed routinely to set off the now-patched zero-day vulnerability and cargo the Graphite spyware and adware. The ultimate stage entails escaping the Android sandbox to compromise different apps on the focused units.

Additional investigation of hacked Android units has uncovered a forensic artifact dubbed BIGPRETZEL that’s suspected to uniquely determine infections with Paragon’ Graphite spyware and adware.

Cybersecurity

Proof has additionally discovered proof of a possible Paragon an infection concentrating on an iPhone belonging to an Italy-based founding father of the group Refugees in Libya in June 2024. Apple has since addressed the assault vector with the discharge of iOS 18.

“Mercenary spyware and adware assaults like this one are extraordinarily refined, price hundreds of thousands of {dollars} to develop, typically have a brief shelf life, and are used to focus on particular people due to who they’re or what they do,” Apple stated in a press release.

“After detecting the assaults in query, our safety groups quickly developed and deployed a repair within the preliminary launch of iOS 18 to guard iPhone customers, and despatched Apple menace notifications to tell and help customers who could have been individually focused.”

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Cisco Introduces the State of AI Safety Report for 2025


As one of many defining applied sciences of this century, synthetic intelligence (AI) appears to witness every day developments with new entrants to the sector, technological breakthroughs, and artistic and progressive functions. The panorama for AI safety shares the identical breakneck tempo with streams of newly proposed laws, novel vulnerability discoveries, and rising risk vectors.

Whereas the velocity of change is thrilling, it creates sensible limitations for enterprise AI adoption. As our Cisco 2024 AI Readiness Index factors out, issues about AI safety are incessantly cited by enterprise leaders as a major roadblock to embracing the complete potential of AI of their organizations.

That’s why we’re excited to introduce our inaugural State of AI Safety report. It gives a succinct, simple overview of a number of the most essential developments in AI safety from the previous yr, together with tendencies and predictions for the yr forward. The report additionally shares clear suggestions for organizations seeking to enhance their very own AI safety methods, and highlights a number of the methods Cisco is investing in a safer future for AI.

Right here’s an summary of what you’ll discover in our first State of AI Safety report: 

Evolution of the AI Menace Panorama

The speedy proliferation of AI and AI-enabled applied sciences has launched a large new assault floor that safety leaders are solely starting to deal with. 

Danger exists at just about each step throughout the complete AI growth lifecycle; AI belongings might be immediately compromised by an adversary or discreetly compromised although a vulnerability within the AI provide chain. The State of AI Safety report examines a number of AI-specific assault vectors together with immediate injection assaults, information poisoning, and information extraction assaults. It additionally displays on using AI by adversaries to enhance cyber operations like social engineering, supported by analysis from Cisco Talos.

Wanting on the yr forward, cutting-edge developments in AI will undoubtedly introduce new dangers for safety leaders to concentrate on. For instance, the rise of agentic AI which may act autonomously with out fixed human supervision appears ripe for exploitation. Alternatively, the scale of social engineering threatens to develop tremendously, exacerbated by highly effective multimodal AI instruments within the fallacious arms. 

Key Developments in AI Coverage 

The previous yr has seen important developments in AI coverage, each domestically and internationally. 

In the US, a fragmented state-by-state strategy has emerged within the absence of federal rules with over 700 AI-related payments launched in 2024 alone. In the meantime, worldwide efforts have led to key developments, such because the UK and Canada’s collaboration on AI security and the European Union’s AI Act, which got here into power in August 2024 to set a precedent for world AI governance. 

Early actions in 2025 counsel higher focus in the direction of successfully balancing the necessity for AI safety with accelerating the velocity of innovation. Current examples embody President Trump’s govt order and rising assist for a pro-innovation surroundings, which aligns properly with themes from the AI Motion Summit held in Paris in February and the U.Ok.’s latest AI Alternatives Motion Plan.

Authentic AI Safety Analysis 

The Cisco AI safety analysis workforce has led and contributed to a number of items of groundbreaking analysis that are highlighted within the State of AI Safety report. 

Analysis into algorithmic jailbreaking of huge language fashions (LLMs) demonstrates how adversaries can bypass mannequin protections with zero human supervision. This system can be utilized to exfiltrate delicate information and disrupt AI providers.  Extra not too long ago, the workforce explored automated jailbreaking of superior reasoning fashions like DeepSeek R1, to exhibit that even reasoning fashions can nonetheless fall sufferer to conventional jailbreaking methods. 

The workforce additionally explores the security and safety dangers of fine-tuning fashions. Whereas fine-tuning is a well-liked methodology for bettering the contextual relevance of AI, many are unaware of the inadvertent penalties like mannequin misalignment. 

Lastly, the report opinions two items of unique analysis into poisoning public datasets and extracting coaching information from LLMs. These research make clear how simply—and cost-effectively—a foul actor can tamper with or exfiltrate information from enterprise AI functions. 

Suggestions for AI Safety 

Securing AI programs requires a proactive and complete strategy.  

The State of AI Safety report outlines a number of actionable suggestions, together with managing safety dangers all through the AI lifecycle, implementing robust entry controls, and adopting AI safety requirements such because the NIST AI Danger Administration Framework and MITRE ATLAS matrix. We additionally take a look at how Cisco AI Protection may help companies adhere to those greatest practices and mitigate AI danger from growth to deployment. 

Learn the State of AI Safety 2025

Able to learn the complete report? You will discover it right here. 


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