All posts by imreal

Technology: Electronics

Pioneer Cellular Employs NetView 360 5G Design Services to Carry Out Innovative 5G Fixed Wireless Evaluation

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Without question, what we learned from this engagement will help us make important strategic decisions about future 5G deployment, and allow us to provide the best possible service to our customers. – Jeff Wittrock, Department Manager of RF Network Services for Pioneer


ORLANDO, Fla. (PRWEB)

ClearSky Technologies, Inc., a global provider of network analytics and design services for 5G, 4G and 3G networks, announces the completion of a visionary 5G fixed wireless design project with Pioneer Cellular. The project used the NetView 360™ service to analyze multiple options for delivering high-speed Internet using 5G technology to residential customers, considering both business and technical factors.

The NetView 360 analysis was performed, analyzing two different strategies for 5G deployment and contrasted these deployment alternatives to installing a fiber optic network. NetView 360 makes possible these type of analysis projects by including a combination of technical, financial and business factors. For each design scenario, deliverables included the number of 5G sites required, resulting network capacity, projected data throughput, and total cost of a deployment.

The Pioneer project was conducted using millimeter wave spectrum, so the effect of foliage was significant. At higher frequency bands (3.5 GHz and above), the effect of all obstructions, including trees and other vegetation, must be considered in a full 3D model or coverage predictions will be highly inaccurate. NetView 360 uses patented methodology to model obstructions at 0.3-meter resolution in 3D, including tree canopies and walls within every building. As a case in point, the Pioneer project showed the foliage density in one of the test cities was different from the other and profoundly affected the two designs, highlighting the importance of using actual obstruction or “clutter” data in 3 dimensions for 5G analysis.

“The NetView 360 team’s prior experience with 5G design provided invaluable guidance throughout the entire project,” said Jeff Wittrock, Department Manager of RF Network Services for Pioneer. “Without question, what we learned from this engagement will help us make important strategic decisions about future 5G deployment, and allow us to provide the best possible service to our customers.”

“As technology advances and operators’ needs evolve, we are committed to ensuring that NetView 360 delivers 5G design solutions that provides the greatest possible benefit to our customers and their subscribers,” said Ron Willett, ClearSky president. “The Pioneer team had the vision to evaluate multiple design strategies to ensure they get the maximum benefit at minimum cost out of their 5G deployments.”

About ClearSky Technologies

For more than a decade, ClearSky Technologies, Inc. has been an innovation leader in providing network Infrastructure as a Service to mobile network operators. The company’s powerful array of products and services includes network baseline, optimization and design, traffic and policy management, and hosted messaging services. Headquartered in Orlando, ClearSky has provided services to wireless operators of all sizes across five continents. For more information, visit http://www.clearskytechnologies.com.

About Pioneer Cellular

Cellular Network Partnership d/b/a Pioneer Cellular is a Partnership Group comprised of Pioneer, your local broadband provider, – KanOkla Telephone Association, South Central Communications of Kansas, and Hinton Cellular Company in Hinton, Oklahoma. Launching cellular service in 1988, the group serves customers in 45 counties in Oklahoma and 8 counties in southern Kansas and provides nationwide coverage through roaming alliances with national carriers. Pioneer Cellular provides advanced mobile data services and applications such as Video, Picture, Text Messaging and High-Speed Web Browsing. For more information about Pioneer Cellular, dial 800.641.2732 or visit https://gopioneer.com.

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Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

A Special-Needs Child’s Remarkable Story” is a heartwarming story of love and dedication to a special needs child.

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WILDER, Ky. (PRWEB)

Rick Schirmer is a retired biotech industry executive and the proud father of four boys who has been married to his wife, Helen, for thirty years. He has completed his new book “Embracing the Journey: A Special-Needs Child’s Remarkable Story”: a deeply personal memoir outlining the determination he and his wife shared to provide the best life possible for their severely disabled son.

Rick writes, “Matthew was born in September of 1997 with a rare genetic disorder called Trisomy 22. His parents were told by the genetic director that he would be severely mentally retarded and never walk, never talk, or have much of a life, that they should not waste their time caring for him and put him in an institution for care.

He has endured fifteen surgeries, thousands of therapy sessions, and requires 24-7 care. Although he is now twenty-one years old and cognitively, he has developed only to the level of an infant, Matthew has proved the genetic director wrong in many areas. He is one of the happiest boys you will ever meet, has positively impacted the lives of so many, and continues to live a very rewarding life.

His life journey has provided so many tremendous lessons that can apply to everyone, and certainly to parents of a handicapped or disabled child. Matthew’s journey showed his parents and all those fortunate to interact with him that laughter is much better than crying, that any simple gesture of kindness can move mountains, and that there are many special individuals that will make a significant impact on a special-needs child’s life and their family’s life if given the opportunity.”

Published by New York City-based Page Publishing, Rick Schirmer’s engrossing book is a touching message of empathy, love, and recognition that every life matters.

Readers who wish to experience this engaging work can purchase “Embracing the Journey: A Special-Needs Child’s Remarkable Story” at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional New York-based, full-service publishing house that handles all the intricacies involved in publishing its authors’ books, including distribution in the world’s largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create – not overwhelmed with logistics like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and the like. Its roster of accomplished authors and publishing professionals allows writers to leave behind these complex and time-consuming issues to focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com.

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health and fitness

NEO Alternatives Announces the Launch of Root 66, Bringing High-Quality, Affordable Products to the CBD Health and Wellness Categories

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BOSTON (PRWEB)

NEO Alternatives, a U.S.-based company that is reshaping the Hemp-derived CBD health and wellness category, is announcing today the launch of their newest brand: Root 66 (https://root66brand.com)

From seed-to-store, Root 66 ethically sources its hemp from the organic farms of Oregon and the “Emerald Triangle” in California, delivering superior quality at affordable prices.

Each tincture in the Root 66 lineup is organic, vegan, gluten-free, pesticide-free and non-GMO, with each product being third-party tested for efficacy and quality standards. The brand’s state-of-the-art agriculture and production methods are also sustainable and eco-sensitive, echoing Root 66’s brand motto of feeling better and being better through selfcare.

“Our mission is to deliver effective solutions for those desiring a better quality of life and who focus on nurturing their overall health and wellness. Achieving these goals shouldn’t require sacrificing quality ingredients, and we’re very excited to start connecting with people so they can feel the difference with our Root 66 products,” said Kevin DiSano, President, Head of Consumer Products with NEO Alternatives.

Designed to deliver the best-in-class hemp oil extract at a reasonable price, the initial lineup of Root 66 products includes four distinct tinctures, specifically formulated for their targeted health and wellness benefits: Holistic, Sleep, Pain Relief, and Focus.

“The original Route 66 became such an iconic part of this country because of the way it gave Americans from all walks of life the freedom to explore and find ways to improve their overall quality of life, something that’s been captured in music, literature and films for decades. Similarly, with Root 66, we’re tapping into that same spirit, providing a new way for people to be better, to feel better, and to connect with the world around them,” added DiSano.

Root 66 is focused on becoming the leading provider of Hemp-derived CBD products for consumers who are seeking quality, added-value, efficacy and authenticity in the products they use.

For more information on Root 66, please visit: https://root66brand.com/

To schedule an interview with a senior member of the Root 66 or NEO Alternatives team, please contact Chris Sullivan (chris@macmillancom.com / (212) 473-3355) or Julia Stoll (julia@macmillancom.com / (212) 473-4442).

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About Root 66

Root 66 is steadfast in their commitment to provide top quality, highly effective and affordable natural Hemp Oil products. From seed-to-home, the Root 66 hemp oil extract is ethically sourced from the organic farms in Oregon and the renowned “Emerald Triangle” in California. Their state-of-the-art agriculture and production methods are sustainable, eco-sensitive, and validated through 3rd party testing ensuring full transparency. All Root 66 products are natural, vegan, gluten-free, pesticide-free, and contain only non-GMO organic ingredients. For more information, please visit: https://root66brand.com/

About NEO Alternatives

NEO Alternatives (NEO) is an innovative health and wellness company focused on redefining and elevating the CBD ecosphere. As a trailblazer and category disruptor, NEO’s portfolio of superior, premium-grade consumer brands and production facilities are at the forefront of defining the future of the CBD industry. All NEO brands and products follow state-of-the-art agricultural practices while the company’s endeavors are also designed around strict protocols mandating the highest standards in production. These mandates include organic sourcing that follows sustainable, ethical, and eco-sensitive procedures; using natural and effective ingredients while also employing third-party testing and validation. NEO’s management team is comprised of industry leaders from the worlds of CBD, advertising, marketing, branding, finance and sales. For more information, please visit: http://www.neoalts.com

# # #

FDA Disclaimer: These products and statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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Industry: Healthcare

Concerto HealthAI Research Demonstrates that its Patient Reported Outcomes System Effectively Bridges the Communication Gap between Patients and their Clinical Team

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BOSTON (PRWEB)

Concerto HealthAI, the leading Real-World Data and AI Enterprise Technology company for precision oncology, announced today that it will present research findings which show how utilizing an electronic Patient Reported Outcomes (ePRO) system can be a highly effective and superior way for oncology practices to identify unmet needs of patients and link them to resources for developing Advance Directives (ADs), which are a guide to patients’ wishes for medical decisions during end-of-life care. The data will be presented during a poster presentation at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2019 Supportive Care in Oncology Symposium being held October 25-26 in San Francisco, California.

ASCO recommends that healthcare providers encourage early advance care planning with their patients. However, many cancer patients do not have advance directives, such as a living will or a durable power of attorney. A potential reason for low rates is inadequate communication between the provider and patient. The value of having advance directives is to allow patients to make decisions about their health and quality of life known in the event they are unable to express them.

Researchers used the Patient Care Monitor™ (PCM), Concerto HealthAI’s proprietary, web-based ePRO system that links PRO data to electronic medical record data in real-time, to survey patients as part of routine clinical care at an initial visit to a community-based oncology practice.

“Utilizing patient reported outcomes has become a practical tool to assess the impact of treatment on patient quality of life and understand the factors that can improve communication between providers and patients,” said Joanne Buzaglo, PhD and Executive Director of PRO Solutions at Concerto HealthAI. “This study demonstrates that using an ePRO system can be a non-threatening way to identify potential questions patients have and provide them with useful information about developing advance directives.”

Overall, of the 4,573 patients that completed the PCM survey including the advance directives module, one quarter (26%) reported having an advance directive at the time of the initial visit to the oncology clinic, specifically 10% indicated having a Living Will and 6% a durable power of attorney. The remaining three-fourths (75%) indicated either not having an advance directive (64%) or not knowing if they had an advance directive (10%). Patients with advance directives were more likely to be older (M=68 v. 56 years) and White (79% v. 21% Black). Of the patients without advance directives, 11% requested more information on them and were more likely to be older (M-59 v. 55 years), female (66% v. 34%), Black (55% v. 45% White) and non-married/non-partnered (55% v. 45%).

“The majority of patients do not have ADs at the time of an initial visit to a community-based oncology practice,” said Jeff Elton, CEO of Concerto HealthAI. “This systematic and advanced approach to capturing data can address the gap in provider-patient communication in order to create the best possible care and end-of-life plan together.”

Details of the presentation are below. The full abstract can be accessed on the ASCO 2019 Supportive Care in Oncology Symposium website.

Abstract Number and Title: #5, “Capturing patient advance directives status in a community oncology practice using an electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePRO) system”

Poster Board Number: B2

Session Information: Poster Session A

Session Date and Time: Friday, October 25, 11:45 AM – 1:15 PM; then again from 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM PDT

About Concerto HealthAI

Concerto HealthAI is a technology leader in Definitive Real-world Data (RWD) and AI solutions for precision oncology. Our mission is to bring together unique data assets, leading AI-based technologies, and the world’s top outcomes research and data science talent. Our focus is on revolutionizing clinical and outcomes research to accelerate the insights benefitting patient treatment. Concerto HealthAI is a SymphonyAI company. eurekaHealth is a trademark of Concerto HealthAI. For more information, visit us at http://www.concertohealthai.com.

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Health: Mental Health

L.E. Wiesenauer’s newly released “Combat PTSD Seeking Jesus” is a poignant healing journey for veterans, their families, and the Christian community

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MEADVILLE, Pa. (PRWEB)

“Combat PTSD Seeking Jesus”: a beautiful tool that will guide one in coping with PTSD after traumatic phases and renewing their life through God’s strength and power as they go over these pages of mind-clearing messages of healing. “Combat PTSD Seeking Jesus” is the creation of published author L.E. Wiesenauer, a 20-year member of National Alliance on Mental Illness of Madison County as second vice president. He is diagnosed with combat-related PTSD as part of Operation Rolling Thunder’s killing of North Vietnamese civilians. He is also on the advisory board creating awareness regarding need for services for veterans and families experiencing PTSD. Since 2000, he has been writing poetry as therapy and consequences of combat, and transitioned from patient to advocate and poet.

Wiesenauer shares, “Combating PTSD not only affects the veteran as anxiety, depression, memory loss, and nightmares. There are problems with intimacy. It is very difficult for your spouse or significant other not to become very stressed at constantly being awakened by screams and, sometimes, physical abuse. Same as alcoholism, untreated PTSD will create dysfunctional generations.

“NAMI (national alliance on mental illness) provides evidence-based truth that veterans who nourish their faith will do 30–40 percent better at coping with their mental illness and preserving relationships. God has not abandoned you. Lester Sumrall’s favorite quote, ‘Feed your faith and starve your doubts,’ is still true for treating PTSD. I prayed for Jesus to heal my PTSD and found, through answered prayer, that Jesus forgave my terrible sin and healed my spirit.

“I became functional again, and just as Dixie became God’s social worker, I pray for my book Combat PTSD Seeking Jesus to become a path for veterans, their families, and all Christians to realize the healing prayer that God’s love provides. My hope also is congregations across America will acknowledge veterans and their families nourishing them with love and prayer.”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, L.E. Wiesenauer’s new book is an inspiring read written for everyone, especially combat veterans and their family, that will allow them to renew their emotional strengths and abilities to be able to carry life again and achieve their goals.

View a synopsis of “Combat PTSD Seeking Jesus” on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase “Combat PTSD Seeking Jesus” at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about “Combat PTSD Seeking Jesus,” contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.

Larry Wiesenauer and Laura Wiesenauer Clark may be contacted at wiesewrite@gmail.com

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Business: Executives

ICW Group Names Mirek Wieczorek Vice President of Assumed Reinsurance

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https://www.prweb.com/

Vice President of Assumed Reinsurance
ICW Group Insurance Companies

“I’m honored to join such a thriving organization and be a part of its dynamic corporate culture,” said Wieczorek. “ICW Group is a well-established property and casualty insurer, and I welcome the opportunity to contribute to its continued success by growing our presence in the reinsurance market.”


SAN DIEGO (PRWEB)

ICW Group Insurance Companies, a leading group of property and casualty carriers, announced today the appointment of Mirek Wieczorek as vice president of assumed reinsurance, effective immediately.

Wieczorek has nearly 30 years of leadership experience in the reinsurance industry. Prior to joining ICW Group, he was executive vice president and head of underwriting at Tokio Millennium Re’s (TMR) reinsurance operations and before that was senior structured risk underwriter at Aspen Re in Bermuda.

“We’re very excited to have Mirek join the ICW Group team. His distinguished underwriting career along with extensive industry relationships will be a great asset as we execute our assumed reinsurance growth strategy,” stated Shawn Adams, senior vice president at ICW Group.

As vice president of assumed reinsurance, Wieczorek will report directly to Adams in leading this expanding line of business for the company.

“I’m honored to join such a thriving organization and be a part of its dynamic corporate culture,” said Wieczorek. “ICW Group is a well-established property and casualty insurer, and I welcome the opportunity to contribute to its continued success by growing our presence in the reinsurance market.”

Wieczorek holds a Master of Science Degree in Mathematics and he’s an Associate of the Casualty Actuarial Society and a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries. He will be based at the ICW Group Corporate Headquarters in San Diego, CA.

About ICW Group

Based in San Diego, ICW Group Insurance Companies is the largest privately held insurance company domiciled in California. Quoting more than $3 billion annually, ICW Group represents a group of Property, Auto and Workers’ Compensation insurance carriers, including Insurance Company of the West and Explorer Insurance Company. ICW Group is recognized nationally as an industry leader in helping policyholders achieve fewer and less costly claims, and is committed to meeting the needs of its policyholders and elevating the trusted agents and brokers who advise them. More information is available at http://www.icwgroup.com, http://www.twitter.com/ICWGroup, http://www.linkedin.com/companies/icw-group and http://www.facebook.com/ICWGroup.

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Health

Knotty Roller, the Most Versatile Way to Loosen Knots and Strengthen Muscles, Breaks $30,000 Mark on Kickstarter

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With the Knotty Roller, anyone can take the cost and clutter out of muscle recovery. In short, the Knotty Roller is a single solution complete with six knot-blasting tools…all in one badass roller.


SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (PRWEB)

Knotty Roller, the affordable all-in-one muscle recovery system with six tools packed into one ingenious magnetic roller case, quickly broke its campaign goal– raising more than $30,000 on Kickstarter.

“We’re excited to see the response from the crowdfunding community, who’ll be the first to enjoy the ease of use and versatility of our product,” said Knotty Roller CEO and Creator Wesley Wilson, a long-time personal trainer in California who developed the product after suffering his own injury while running.

“During my recovery, I tried out all the different types of foam rollers and massage tools and realized there was a real need for a more versatile product on the market that could be used over the entire body, not require as many individual pieces and be affordable,” Wilson said.

Wilson says there are 200 different ways to use the Knotty Roller, which means there’s no knot that stands a chance.

“When all pieces are together, the Knotty Roller is a dense 24-inch foam roller,” he said. “Then, when you remove the top, it becomes a 24-inch half-dome…with these two taking care of all the big muscle groups.”

In addition, the Knotty Roller includes a massage stick, two different massage balls and a stretch strap. The stretch strap is also used as the knotty roller carrying strap.

Wilson notes that the use of foam rolling is becoming more popular among a wide range of exercise enthusiasts – from someone just hitting the gym a few times a week to professional athletes – for muscle recovery and to strengthen muscles, as well.

“The Knotty Roller also saves you a bundle, since the cost of each one of these premium tools on their own adds up really quick,” Wilson said. “With the Knotty Roller, anyone can take the cost and clutter out of muscle recovery. In short, the Knotty Roller is a single solution complete with six knot-blasting tools…all in one badass roller.”

For more information, or to purchase this new muscle-relieving product at an early-bird discount during crowdfunding, visit the Knotty Roller Campaign Page on Kickstarter.

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Society: Christianity

Roberta Jackson’s newly released “Scenario Queen” is a gentle reminder of God’s existence and His endless grace even in such a corporeal world.

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MEADVILLE, Pa. (PRWEB)

“Scenario Queen: God is omnipresent and omnipotent; He never slumbers or fails.”: a fascinating journey of June as she comes across a series of situations where there are choices she must make and challenges she must face. “Scenario Queen: God is omnipresent and omnipotent; He never slumbers or fails.” is the creation of published author Roberta Jackson, an employee at one of the oldest African American congregational churches in the US.

Since young, she has been using writing as comfort and encouragement. For more than three decades, she has continued to encourage and minister to herself and to others using both poetry and song.

Jackson shares, “Scenario Queen is a book filled with circumstances, encounters, and choices that June had to make. These stories may be similar to encounters on your life’s journey as well. As you read this book, whether you’re a believer in Jesus Christ or not, the author’s hope is that you find encouragement that light shines on a past memory or a current circumstance in ways you’ve not thought of before. Just know you are not alone!

“Through this book, hopefully, you see that nothing is a coincidence and that things are going on behind the scenes you can’t imagine. That you might see there are some things that happen which you can’t control, but an all knowing God is watching over you. That He knows the beginning and the end of all things. That God has a way of working things out for the good and sometimes lessens the consequences or blows in some situations. That He’s your provider, protector, redeemer, and deliverer.

“The author hopes you can see how a loving God was there all the time even when you didn’t know it or see it. She prays that you develop a deeper relationship or start a relationship with God as a result. She hopes for clarity and new direction in your life. That your eyes are open, and you see how God is the potter and we are merely His clay on the potter’s wheel. (Jer. 18:3-4)

“As each of you journey through this life, she hopes you discover, with God’s guidance, your destiny or purpose.

“God is the key, and He’s offering it to you. He’s knocking at your heart’s door with open arms.”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Roberta Jackson’s new book is a soul-soothing read for those who have faith in God’s existence and in His plans. Likewise, this book also hopes to inspire those who are still in doubt of God and convince them of His power so that they, too, will place their lives in His righteous hands.

View a synopsis of “Scenario Queen: God is omnipresent and omnipotent; He never slumbers or fails.” on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase “Scenario Queen: God is omnipresent and omnipotent; He never slumbers or fails.” at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about “Scenario Queen: God is omnipresent and omnipotent; He never slumbers or fails.,” contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.

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Technology: Computer

WeSolve World Organizes 2019 NASA Space Apps Challenge Hackathon at the Holberton School in San Francisco

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SAN FRANCISCO (PRWEB)

WeSolve World welcomes participants from all backgrounds to take part in the challenge by building a team, choosing a challenge at https://2018.spaceappschallenge.org/challenges/, and starting their hacking on October 18, 2019. Participants under the age of 18 will require adult supervision for the entirety of the event. Each team must create a team page at https://www.spaceappschallenge.org/.

On October 19th, 2019, participants in the San Francisco area are welcome to join the onsite hackathon session at the Holberton School, located at 972 Mission Street in San Francisco. Doors will open at 7:00 AM, PDT, and participants are welcome to enjoy a complimentary breakfast before events begin. WeSolve event coordinators will assist in the configuration of necessary software accounts and explain the onsite challenges. Sponsors and mentors will provide insight and instruction for the onsite challenges before the events of the second day of the Space Apps Challenge begins.

WeSolve World event organization staff will be onsite to answer questions and assist with team placement during onsite events. Several science and technology mentors will also be available to answer teams’ questions. Project submission for onsite events is 5:00 PM, PDT, after which all participants will have the opportunity to watch globally livestreamed team demos, followed by sponsor-presented branded awards and the announcement of the first hackathon awards from global judges at an awards ceremony.

Online hacking challenges continue through October 20, 2019, with project submissions due by 2:00 PM, PDT. Invited judges will announce the winners before midnight. Participants can view the judging guidelines in the attched PDF file.

Awards presented for WeSolve’s 2019 NASA Space Apps Challenge include Best Use of Hardware, Best Use of Data, Galactic Impact, Most Inspirational, and Best Use of Science.

Download the WeSolve app to discover the 2019 NASA Space Apps Challenge Hackathon at https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wesolve-funding-scholarships/id1472513597.

WeSolve World is a platform for funding scholarships for student entrepreneurs. Since 2012, NASA has hosted the annual Space Apps Challenge, a hackathon that encourages young space enthusiasts, scientists, and hackers to compete at a global level while working toward solving prevalent challenges in the fields of space exploration and Earth science. NASA created the Space Apps Challenge to encourage participants of all backgrounds to develop innovative solutions using NASA data and software applications. The 2019 NASA Space Apps Challenge exists as part of NASA’s Earth Science Mission Directorate and the Open Government Initiative, working toward filling the requirements of the Open Government Partnership.

The goals of the NASA Space Apps Challenge include exemplification of the principles of collaboration, participation, and transparency, the use of openly available data supplied by NASA technology and missions, utilization of the skills and talents of passionate participants from all over the world, and advancing space exploration technology to improve life on Earth. NASA coordinates the global Space Apps Challenge across many locations all over the world, but each location is independently organized.

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Technology: Electronics

SRND’s CodeDay Program Will Give Laptops to Hundreds of Low-Income High School Students

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Four high school students huddle around a laptop, looking happy.

High school students use their laptop to code a project at CodeDay New York.

If you have someone who gets really excited about coding, but she can only code in class for 30 minutes a day, it’s going to be hard for her to compete.


SAN FRANCISCO (PRWEB)

CodeDay, a 24-hour programming event hosted seasonally in 50 cities, is giving hundreds of laptops to low-income students who attend this school year, starting with its November 9th events.

Despite efforts to increase equality in computer science education, access to a computer is a big barrier for many students. Nearly one-third of schools serving low-income students now offer classes in computer science, but only half of these families have a home computer, according to a 2019 study by the Pew Research Center.

A majority of these students are also Black or Latinx, populations which are underrepresented in technology careers.

“Right now, these students can’t even do coding homework,” said Tyler Menezes, Executive Director at SRND. “Meanwhile, you go a few miles away, and kids are learning online with trial-and-error and YouTube videos. If you have someone who gets really excited about coding, but she can only code in class for 30 minutes a day, it’s going to be hard for her to compete.”

At CodeDay events, high school students learn about coding by pitching ideas for games or apps, then working in teams with mentors to create their ideas. No prior coding experience is required to participate.

The nonprofit has purchased and refurbished hundreds of laptops for CodeDay attendees using donations from individuals in the technology industry. Students from schools which have a low-income, underrepresented population are eligible to take home a laptop at the event.

Travis Heppe, a software engineer at a large tech company, led the effort because he was concerned about equity in the technology industry. “I didn’t realize until recently that the reasons are questions of access even more than of interest. I also didn’t realize until recently just how bad the numbers really were. If even one of these laptops gets a minority student into a high-paying tech job, the whole thing will have been worth it.”

Interested high school teachers, administrators, and families can learn more about CodeDay at CodeDay.org, but must contact the nonprofit directly for a free ticket and to register for a laptop.

About SRND: Since 2009, SRND has developed and grown worldwide initiatives to motivate students to pursue Computer Science. Its largest program, CodeDay, has reached more than 35,000 students. SRND, a non-profit, is headquartered in Seattle, Wash. and runs programs in 50 cities across the US and Canada.

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