Science

‘Segway’: A Utilitarian Product, Under-Designed, While Over-Priced, Sinks Into “Economic Quicksand”

The ‘automatic balancing ability’ of the Segway transporter has apparently failed in balancing performance vis-a-vis cost of production; and, subsequent pricing for retail ownership. It has been announced that this possibly commercially-viable vehicle will no longer be produced due to lack of world-wide sales.

As International Businessmen with decades of experience in ideation of products based on exotic materials and metals, preliminary design, manufacturing cost estimating, production, and marketing, we have seen potentially ‘great’ products, of others fail. Many of these ‘goods’ would be able to help people become more productive in their daily lives. Quite often, a potential manufacturer of a product wants great unit profits to be in their business plan. The fact that buyers might not value the product at the same price-point, is of little concern. So, the item is manufactured, offered for sale, and sits in the ‘showroom’ with no buyers.

As to Segway, a lack of well-engineered stopping capability in the vehicle, and apparent lack of operator controlled-sensitivity adjustments, as designed, doomed it to sales failure. A novice operator should have more ‘retarded’ velocity/vector capacity than of an experienced user, such as policemen patrolling avenues. Furthermore, in such a example, braking should be enhanced electronically for the novice.

All of us thought the Segway was a great move forward in personal transportation; we still do. However, a advanced iteration of this platform will be essential. This, if the present Chinese owners hope to sell their product. Right now, one might ask: “Show me where the “$5,000.00″ is built into this product.” [On a mass-production scale, it is not apparent.] If they cannot, then the ‘Price/Value’ relationship is overloaded by the price; it will NOT sell.

A ‘fairly good product’ at a “too-high” price will not sell; a ‘very good product’ at a “too-high” price, may suffer the same fate. An old aircraft adage: “If it is designed well, it will fly well; If priced well, the ‘bird’ will sell well.” applies, even to Segways.

Reality: It is not the marketed product, at a particular price-point, that is important; but, the consumer’s estimation of the value to be received by that product, at that cost to he or she, that makes a sale or not.

Reference: https://sputniknews.com/business/202006241079707515-fun-while-it-lasted-segway-pulls-the-plug-after-failing-to-revolutionise-personal-transport/

Bulgarians Detect And Fight Congo-Crimean Hemmorhagic Fever From Ticks

Alert medical professionals discovered a patient suffering from contagious Congo-Crimean Hemorrhagic Fever [C.C.H.F.] and immediately responded to treating the victim. Since C.C.H.F. is understood by many, to be a ‘cousin’ of Lyme Disease, a serious and more widespread malady, Bulgarians are responding accordingly.

Extreme Aches, Chills, Fever, Nausea, and Bleeding [anywhere from the Mouth to one’s Groin] is the progression. If there is continued collapsing of blood platelet production, which the body uses to stop bleeding, fatalities occur in patients.

The Etiology of C.C.H.F. is recognized as being of Tick transmission to a bitten victim. However, sophisticated antibody testing is needed, but might not reveal specific antibodies being generated to fight C.C.H.F. Antibodies to C.C.H.F. are NOT present in the body for five days. Medical personnel have very little time to identify, then begin treatment so the hemorrhagic episode does not commence, cascade and kill the patient. The antibiotic, Ribavirin, among a few others, may be given to the patient, for typically for 14 to 21 days, to eliminate the pathogen.

It is essential, that all medical personnel, treating the patient, wear appropriate apparel, gloves, and masks so they do not become sick from C.C.H.F.; this being, historically, the fate of some physicians elsewhere, who treated their C.C.H.F. patients.

The Bulgarian Medical Professionals should be recognized for their performances in recognizing the problem and then attacking it forthwith. A patient’s survival is a precious thing.

Reality: From a small insect, a great calamity for man, can develop.

Reference: https://www.novinite.com/articles/204998/The+number+of+Bitten+by+Ticks+is+Growing%21+Deadly+Crimean+Fever+Is+Registered+in+Bulgaria

Small, But Powerful Barriers To Viruses Are Developed At Scripps Research In San Diego, California

A somewhat varied approach to fighting viruses has been developed by the researchers, at the prestigious medical entity “Scripps Research”. The methodology is similar to preventing ‘A gang of insidious Martial Artists’ from physically attacking their victims, by ‘others’ mightily holding onto the attackers; therefore, they cannot make significant contacts with their quarry. As such, the attackers’ methodologies are thwarted and they become effete as to being threats to their victims.

Researchers at Scripps discovered significant ‘strong’ antibodies in blood of patients who had the CV-19 Virus. By isolating some of the ‘capable’ antibodies and growing them in cultures, replications have been successful. Animal testing of these ‘products’ appear to show great promise against viruses; For, the viruses are ‘blocked’ and cannot hook themselves into ‘host cells’ [as in the normal course of events].

We can appreciate the advanced ideation that went into seeking such strong antibodies. Utilizing them as barriers to viral entry into cells is excellent. One can reasonably surmise: Increasing the incremental energy needed by the viral cell to thwart the antibody barrier is not going to occur; at least not with the current iteration in this CV-19 Influenza.

Scripps Researchers, who think ‘outside the box’, deserve congratulations for their work. Their labor, ‘one discerned “unique” antibody at a time’, can have global anti-epidemicologic utility for humanity.

Reality: Their is nothing on Earth that man can experience, that eventually, he cannot thoroughly understand.

Reference: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/06/200615140840.htm

Indonesia Modernizes Its Mining Laws: Many Benefits Will Follow

President Joko Widodo has signed into law a upgrading of Mining Laws for his country. Continuing to show strong leadership, as to many aspects of his government, Mr. Widodo has modernized this industry for his citizens.

Indonesia’s ‘2009 Coal And MIning Law’ was viewed to be obsolete in today’s competitive world. Its requirement of randomized sources of approval for projects, was outdated. Furthermore, its restrictions on site sizes, made projects uneconomical [much of mining profitability is scalar; ‘Volume of recoverable ore’ is a barometer of potential financial success]. The updated law allows for riparian mining. The new regulations will also provide for greater clarity for international investors; an excellent revision.

It is interesting to note that the ‘clamor’ against the new law is provided by ‘non-Miners’ and other ‘outsider’ vested interests. Both, who continually spout off “Environmental Concerns” for their bona-fides.

Since the new law has been reviewed by Indonesian government legal authorities, as lawful, who are these others to criticize? We, as International Businessmen, have heard similar diatribes, over and over again, AGAINST ANY AND ALL MINING, ad nauseum. What is not mentioned by these ‘outliers’ is the fact: The world today, would not exist, as it is, if it were not for previous mined and processed mineralizations. If these same decriers of ‘Mining’, are so resolute, let them live ‘naturally’ in bamboo huts, on some far-off islet.

It takes the decisiveness of a strong leader, as is President Widodo, to make his country even more competitive in the world. This Mining Law upgrade, by advancing mining financial requirements of investors, along with its legal review of projects, should assure growth. With growth, is increased survive-ability.

Reality: A Leader, who listens to opposing views, but pays no heed to their ignorant shouts, will make wise objective decisions.

Reference: https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2020/06/19/jokowi-signs-controversial-new-mining-law-expert-staff.html

Russians Use “Tunnel-Through” Technique To Tackle Coronavirus [CV-19]

Russian Technologists have, very wisely, decided to help protect President Vladimir Putin from Corona Virus [CV-19] with a fabricated ‘machine’. To their credit, they ideated, designed, and then built , a number of “Mist Microbicide Tunnels”.

As we are manufacturers of technologies ourselves, we commend the designers. Praise should be given to those responsible for the mere simplicity of a ‘Pass Through’ design that expeditiously protects those walking in and out of the machine; Excellent!

The fact that Russian President Putin, as ‘Alpha One”, is protected by this technology, should make other world leaders consider purchasing these devices, forthwith. As the adage, “A ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” is applicable to the CV-19 pandemic. The necessity of protecting Mr. Putin, a World Leader, is imperative, as he serves Russia with all of his ability. ANYTHING that can impede his services must be dealt with immediately. There are too few, great World Leaders, today.

To Nations: Each leader must be duly protected so they can properly serve their citizens. Countries should immediately order these machines; they help minimize the damage which can be caused by CV-19 to their government’s personnel.

Reality: ‘Outstanding’ Nations Leaders are rarities; Other Nations Leaders are merely ‘leaders’.

Reference: https://www.rt.com/russia/492111-putin-residence-disinfection-tunnel/

Mother Nature’s “Lightning”: A Clear And Present Danger

A Texas rancher, unfortunately, found some of his livestock, which has been standing near a fence, dead from a lightning strike. Each year, world-wide it is estimated that domestic, as well as feral animals, are killed in the hundreds of thousands by lightning strikes. The cost to the owners of the herds is prodigious. The reality of the matter is not much has been done to protect livestock in such weather. If one ‘thinks outside the box’ there is no reason insulated transportable small ‘barns’ could not be designed and inexpensively manufactured for herd shelters.

In the areas, such as Arkhangai Province near Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, herders lose thousands of their animals yearly due to horrendous lightning storms, snow and wind. In -30C [-22F] temperatures; this loss can be reduced significantly with the aforementioned portable insulated ‘small barns’. Losses from electrical storms, in particular, could be prevented. As for humans, we are better off.

The capacity to kill, from lightning’s electrical energy, is well-known by all. In fact, it kills on average, approximately 6 people per million, per year, world wide. If one presumes there exists approximately 7.8 billion people on Earth, one sees that 46,850+/- people perish yearly from strikes. In agricultural areas around the world, for humans, the death toll is higher, due to lack of effective shelters, than of residents in cities. In urban areas one is safer due to effective housing. Since lightning injuries exceed deaths, by ten times, human suffering is quite vast. Numerically, lightning strikes to humans,and animals, as well damage such as forest fire started from the strikes, are as destructive as many ‘Influenza Pandemics’. As to ‘Flora’ damage, there is no contest.

Having engaged in hard rock mining, many of us are quite familiar with lightning storms causing ignition of blasting caps for dynamite charges. [We are also aware of firearms shots detonating sticks of dynamite; This we have witnessed]. For miners, several thousand feet underground, lightning can kill; as historical evidence in Africa has shown. It behooves executives of mining companies to secure the best of insulation for their miners in remote locales, world-wide.

It is imperative for effectively-insulated building designs to be employed, as the, in-fashion phrase, ‘Climate Change’ [no longer, “Global Warming”] evidences climatic deviance in weather patterns. This evolution in climate may produce more electrical storms in greater varied locations, and of stronger electrical intensities. At present, it appears that Japan is the leader in building fabrications with the fewest lightning strike victims in the world; a fact of which the country’s leaders should be proud.

Reality: For all living creatures and humanity, respect for ‘Mother Nature’ with her powers is essential. Those unaware, or in denial, can pay the price for this lack of acknowledgement.

Reference: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7459711/Lightning-strike-kills-23-cows-instantly-bolt-struck-metal-fence.html

“Coral Sea Cable” Brings Wholesale Prices To Papua New Guinea; However, Connections To Nodes Throughout The Country Would Be Even Better

Australia has generously provided the bulk of the funding for the “Coral Sea Cable”, which stretches from Sydney to Honiara and Port Moresby. The transmission line, for a distance of 4,700 kilometers [2,920 statute miles], was supposed to facilitate cheaper data cost for all of Papua New Guinea residents. While the ‘Wholesale’ costs of the data are significantly less expensive, perhaps ‘Retail’ users have not benefitted as much.

Apparently ‘Retail’ users of data have a two-fold situation they confront: [A] While the ‘Wholesale’ price of data has substantially declined, only a portion of the savings appear to have been passed on to residential customers. [B] it appears that connections throughout Papua New Guinea, to additional residences, has barely commenced, if even that. Maybe the ‘game’ of Internet Service Providers [ISP’s] is to wait and hold onto existing cash, if so, then residents throughout the country lose. These losses are due to non-existent services as well as reduced savings per kilobyte not being passed on by ISP’s, as aforementioned.

The leaders of Papua New Guinea should realize that International Businessmen and International Investors hold the Internet in high esteem. ANYONE that curtails the expansion of the Internet in a country, these ‘Outsiders’ might be considering doing business in or with, will be cautiously reviewed. If they detect even a mere scintilla of odor, the ‘Outsiders’ will decline to do business therewith. Their logic is simple: If the leaders of a country, and/or its business leaders, will not attend to the needs of their citizens/customers, how will they treat anyone else entering into commerce with them? It does not take much skill to detect intentions of a ‘executive’ wearing a fancy suit with a lapel pin on his lapel which says: “I want even more, just for myself”. Communications though the Internet are making users more attentive and wiser.

Reality: The Integrity of a conscientious Leader radiates like Uranium; that of a ‘Litter’ appears like Chalcopyrite.

Reference: http://www.cookislandsnews.com/regional/small-world/item/77371-png-s-coral-sea-cable

Sydney, Australia River Is “Pretty” Polluted; A Ecologic Wake-Up Call For All

A surprised Sydney, Australia resident witnessed an aesthetic “Mauve” coloration of the Duck River, which flows through a portion of the city. Viewing a lack of bird and other animal life, people were concerned about the formerly muddy-brown water flow.

Fortunately for fauna and flora, in and abutting the Duck River, no apparent damage has been reported. However, one may presume that minimally, the aquaculture in the river have been affected negatively, by the unknown chemical[s]. Officials have yet to identify the miscreants and bring them to justice. The fact that the Duck River is slowly transitioning back to is muddy-brown mode is good.

ANY entity dealing with chemicals has to realize the possibility of contamination by the chemicals, accidentally or not. Since ‘Ignorance’ is never a viable excuse for contamination, we suggest an approach to those who may be found responsible. We would advocate a “No Bite, No Fright” rationale for the adjudicator to utilize in evaluating all of the evidence. A punishment with a ‘Strong Gavel’ may persuade others to be law abiding. In this Duck River case, we think that since the contaminator did not contact the authorities regarding this substantial area ‘dirtying’, he, she, or they, should pay the price: a substantial fine and incarceration might be attention- gainers for others too.

Reality: The price of contamination by a few, should never have to be paid for by ‘Mother Nature’.

Reference: https://www.smh.com.au/environment/sustainability/no-sign-of-purple-rain-so-what-turned-sydney-creek-a-vivid-mauve-20200613-p5528v.html

Bangladesh Finance Minister Sets Priorities To Save Lives And Commerce

As the Finance Minister in Dhaka, Bangladesh smartly defined the capitalization needs of his country’s 164 million residents, we as International Businessmen, collectively applaud him. This Gentleman has demonstrated compassion for mankind and leadership using sound judgement. The fact that he is apparently of the opinion: “Solve the immediate CV-19 problem, we can resolve lesser issues later” demonstrates competence in administration.

Bangladesh has quite a variety of export items: Iron, Steel, Metal Products, Pharmaceuticals, Spices, Tobacco, et al. A government led by a business-friendly administration should surely be examined by investors everywhere. A reputation of a strong Bangladeshi work ethic facilitates such decisions by the prudent.

As the Finance Minister understands, CV-19 which arrived, will soon depart, as influenzas do. CV-19, which will have NOT destroyed Bangladesh, will make it stronger. The fact that the country evidences good leadership, furthers our analysis of Bangladeshis beating CV-19; this country being an obvious location to examine business opportunities.

Reality: The integrity of the leaders of a country are even more important than the physical resources of the nation.

Reference: https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/economy/bangladesh/we-will-spend-first-earn-later-finance-minister-1591970088

“Out Of The Box” Thinking May Accelerate Creation Of Viable Vaccines

All too often Medical Professionals are ideologically constrained to ‘follow the road’ as to creating solutions to diseases. They merely regurgitate the dicta of what their professors taught them. If they want research grants, which they all do, they do not ‘push the envelope’ towards creative actions which their grantors might not comprehend. So, they stay conservative, and gain little. A obvious example of that which we are writing about, are ulcers created by bacteria, not anxiety. The Doctors who thought ‘Outside the Box’, hypothesized, tested, examined the results, and knew they were making a break-through in medicine. A physical move to Australia was mandated.

A very recent “Outside the Box” ideation, processing, and examination of positive results has been performed towards the Mosquito, a physically proven pandemic producer. In this case, the young lady decided to study, en masse, the effects of Mosquito Spit, as a combination, rather than a unitary approach. So far, it appears that many of the diseases born by the Mosquito, may possibly be attenuated with a ‘Bulk Vaccine’; further research is duly warranted.

The important lesson is: If one “Thinks outside the Box” great rewards are possible; if one merely follows standard research protocols, mediocre gains are assured.

Reality: With Great Risks, there are the possibilities of Great Satisfaction.

Reference: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-mosquito-vaccine/how-a-vaccine-made-of-mosquito-spit-could-help-stop-the-next-epidemic-idUSKBN23I3EW