Latest news with #identification
Irish Post
9 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Post
Irish tech firm will invest £1.8m in cyber security initiative
A BELFAST based tech firm has announced an investment of nearly £2m into a cyber security initiative for the manufacturing sector. Angoka has confirmed it will support the development of a world leading cyber security solution for the industry with funding of £1.8m. The COSMIC (Cybersecurity for Operational Systems in Manufacturing and Industrial Control) initiative promises to deliver a solution to protect organisations from the threat of cyber-attacks due to the digitalisation of manufacturing systems. It is currently being developed in partnership with the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) and with financial support from Invest NI. (l-r) Sam Turner, CEO of AMIC, Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald, Steve Berry, ANGOKA Chairman and Dr Vicky Kell, Director of Innovation, Research and Development at Invest NI Founded in 2019, Angoka has developed technology that allows machines to communicate securely without interference from hackers and cyber security threats. 'With cyber threats growing in both scale and sophistication, demand for solutions that protect online devices has surged across the globe,' Angoka Chairman, Steve Berry said. 'COSMIC is a reaction to the growing need for cyber security adoption in the advanced manufacturing sector due to the detrimental impact any breaches could have on the operational resilience of manufacturing facilities,' he added. 'Our new solution will allow us to expand our core offering and achieve ambitious growth targets. 'It will be designed for ease of deployment both on existing and new manufacturing equipment. 'This seamless deployment will be a key enabler for breaking into new markets across the globe.' Northern Ireland's Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald announced Angoka's investment this week. 'This investment by Angoka will help increase productivity, create good jobs, and boost innovation across two of our priority sectors - cyber security and advanced manufacturing,' she said. 'It is the result of collaboration between government, academia and the private sector and it has been enabled by the City and Growth Deal which established the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre,' the minister added. 'So this announcement is a great example of our economic strategy paying dividends.' Over the next two years AMIC will support the development of the COSMIC solution through product testing, identification of target customers for commercial deployments and acting as a point of contact with industry groups. 'AMIC is at the heart of the innovation support system for Northern Ireland manufacturing,' AMIC CEO Sam Turner said. 'Led by Queen's University in partnership with industry, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and Ulster University, we support our industrial clients in transforming processes and introducing new cutting-edge innovative products,' he added. 'With our new Factory-of-the-Future opening in 2026 and our mission to drive growth, competitiveness and innovation, the AMIC team is delighted to support Angoka with this project.' See More: Angoka, Belfast, Cosmic, Cybersecurity, Manufacturing
The Hindu
12 hours ago
- Business
- The Hindu
GIA not to use 4C system to grade lab-grown diamonds
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA), considered the world's foremost authority on gemmology, said later this year, it will start using descriptive terms to characterise the quality of laboratory-grown diamonds and no longer use colour and clarity nomenclature it had developed for natural diamonds and been in use since 1953. It means GIA will drop its traditional 4Cs (Colour, Clarity, Cut & Carat Weight) diamond grading system for lab-grown diamonds to ensure clear demarcation between natural and man-made diamonds. Later this year, lab-grown diamonds handed over to GIA will receive simplified descriptors—categorised broadly as either 'premium' or 'standard'— or no grade at all if the quality is subpar. The institute said it would continue to accept laboratory-grown diamonds for evaluation and identification. 'Similar to other man-made gem materials, we anticipate the continued acceptance and popularity of laboratory-grown diamonds,' said Tom Moses, GIA executive vice-president and chief laboratory and research officer in a statement. Amit Pratihari, Managing Director, De Beers India said, 'GIA's decision is a timely and important move that brings much-needed clarity to consumers. 'It reinforces the fundamental differences between natural diamonds and lab-grown — not just in origin, but in emotional and enduring value. We have always maintained that natural diamonds are rare, billions of years old, and deeply symbolic — a fact that resonates strongly with Indian consumers,' he said. Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) said, 'This change will help eliminate confusion by clearly distinguishing how lab-grown diamonds are assessed, separate from the standards developed for natural diamonds.' 'For consumers, it brings greater transparency and ensures that purchasing decisions are based on a clear understanding of a diamond's origin and characteristics,' he said. 'For India, as a leading hub for both natural and lab-grown diamonds, this change brings much-needed clarity and balance to the marketplace — allowing both categories to grow with greater transparency, integrity, and consumer confidence,' he added.
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Why do ICE agents wear masks?
It's been happening almost always the same way: someone is out in public in Massachusetts when strangers in ski masks suddenly surround and whisk them away into a waiting dark SUV. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents aren't always immediately recognizable as authorities because of their face masks, at-times unmarked vests and clothes — unlike the uniformed law enforcement officers with which the public is familiar. At a press conference in Boston on Monday, ICE officials did not answer questions as to why many of its agents have been witnessed working without any immediate identifiers, such as badges or monikers on jackets. But the facial disguises, according to Todd Lyons, acting ICE director, are for the agents' safety. '... people are out there taking photos of [ICE agents'] faces and posting them online with death threats to their family and themselves,' Lyons said at the press conference at the John Joseph Moakley courthouse, where officials announced nearly 1,500 people were detained by ICE across Massachusetts in May alone. Lyons said two weeks ago, ICE agents were directly targeted during an operation in Los Angeles by bystanders 'doxing' the agents' children and family through social media accounts. 'So, I'm sorry if people are offended by them wearing masks, but I'm not going to let my officers and agents go out there and put their lives on the line and family on the line, because people don't like what immigration enforcement is,' Lyons said. In Massachusetts, police officers are required by law to identify themselves and carry an ID card with their photo and information. Similar rules apply to federal ICE operations, but in recent Massachusetts detainments, what qualifies as proper identification has been inconsistent and unclear, as public outrage reaches a fever pitch in the state over the agency's tactics and arrests. On March 27, Martell Lebron-Wilson was detained by ICE agents in what bystanders thought was a kidnapping outside of the Edward W. Brooke Courthouse in Boston. Lebron-Wilson, a 49-year-old citizen of the Dominican Republic who entered the country without authorization, was on a lunch break during his trial on allegations of falsifying RMV records when agents swiftly took him into an SUV. 'Was that a kidnapping? You're not going to tell us where he's going?' a man seen on video asked the federal agents. The ICE agents walked away with no answer. Two days prior, Rümeysa Öztürk, a 30-year-old Turkish woman enrolled in a Tufts University doctoral program, was taken by masked agents from the streets of Somerville. Video from the scene showed Öztürk yelling as bystanders asked the agents what was happening, and if it was a kidnapping. And in a wild scene last month on Eureka Street in Worcester, several ICE agents — some masked — detained Rosane Ferreira-De Oliveira, a Brazilian mother of three. They were met by nearly three dozen protesters who demanded to see a warrant and asked, 'What are you doing here?' The only response an ICE agent gave was, 'We do not need a judicial warrant for this arrest.' ICE agents typically do not need a judicial warrant for arrests, though many are carried out with an administrative warrant, according to a 'Know Your Rights' guide from Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell. On Monday, Lyons said current ICE operations in Massachusetts are being carried out with assistance from at least the following 10 agencies: U.S. Attorney's Office Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) U.S. Coast Guard Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) U.S/ Marshals Service Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Over the month of May, 1,461 people were detained by ICE across Massachusetts, the officials said Monday. About half of those people had either been convicted of a crime or had pending criminal charges. Those targeted in the operation included 'drug traffickers, sex offenders, murderers and foreign fugitives trying to evade justice in their home countries,' Lyons said. While further details were not offered on the other 671 people detained, 'every person we arrested was breaking our immigration laws,' acting ICE Boston Office Field Director Patricia Hyde said. Reporters pressed for a comprehensive list of those detained, but the officials declined to definitively provide one. Of the total number of people detained, 277 were ordered removed from the U.S. by an immigration judge, Hyde said. The officials also gave more detail on the arrest of 18-year-old Marcelo Gomes Da Silva, who was detained by ICE on Saturday. The Milford High School student was on his way to volleyball practices when he was pulled over by ICE in his father's car — who was actually the intended target of ICE's operations in Milford, Lyons said. Reporters challenged Lyons on the decision to arrest a high school student and asked what danger the teenager — who was about to play in the graduation ceremony band the next day — was to his community. 'I didn't say he was dangerous,' Lyons replied. 'I said he's in this country illegally, and we're not going to walk away from anybody,' he said. Mass. casino winner: Jackpot won on colorful slots game Mass. State Lottery winner: Irish pub sells winning $120,000 ticket Westfield Woman's Club announces winners of the Garden Club's Litter Project Karen Read trial live updates: Defense dog bite expert resumes testimony Tuesday Out-of-town money floods Boston mayor's race Read the original article on MassLive.
ABC News
18 hours ago
- General
- ABC News
How to identify cane toad tadpoles
BiodiversityWatch's Graeme Sawyer outlines the key features, including colour and tail length, that can help identify a cane toad tadpole.
Agriland
3 days ago
- Business
- Agriland
Looking to save time this weaning period?
With an ageing population of sheep farmers and ongoing labour shortages, many farms are turning to technology to improve efficiency and reduce manual workload at key periods such as weaning time. Irish sheep farms were among the first to adopt electronic identification (EID) tagging to enhance animal movement tracking and traceability beyond the farm gate. Leading this technological shift is Datamars Livestock, whose portfolio of trusted brands, including Tru-Test weighing systems, Z Tags, Simcro, NJ Phillips, and Hayes fencing, has become a familiar presence on livestock farms across Ireland. Weaning Weaning presents an ideal opportunity to evaluate ewe performance – both in terms of lamb-rearing ability and body condition score (BCS). By using Datamars EID tags and Tru-Test readers in combination with farm recording software at lambing, tracking individual ewe performance becomes much easier. The data obtained through this software and devices helps identify how each ewe contributes to the overall profitability of the enterprise. It is not uncommon for 20-30% of the flock to be in suboptimal BCS at weaning. These ewes should be prioritised for access to high-quality grass immediately post-weaning, to help them reach ideal condition for mating later in the autumn. Feed should only be restricted for 7-10 days post-weaning to help dry off the ewe's milk supply. Prolonged restriction beyond this period can lead to unnecessary body weight loss, which must be regained before mating. Grass management and lamb finishing The top priority should be allocating the farm's best-quality grass to growing lambs in order to maximise daily live weight gains. At the same time, many farms will need to begin building a wedge of grass for autumn grazing and flushing ewes. It may make economic sense to give priority grazing to lambs over 38kg liveweight, aiming to finish them off grass alone – especially while market prices are under pressure. As prices improve, farmers can choose to sell forward store lambs or introduce meal to remaining lambs over 35kg at a rate of 300-500g/head/day to maximise farm output. Lambs should continue to be weighed and drafted on a weekly basis. Investing in a good handling and weighing system, such as the Prattley system (as demonstrated in the video above), can significantly reduce time and stress for both animals and handlers. Managing lameness in the flock Lameness significantly impacts on both lamb growth and ewe condition, as lame animals struggle to consume enough grass. Sheep are natural selective grazers, roaming to pick preferred plants, but lameness restricts this behaviour, leading to reduced performance. Using Datamars permanent EID sheep tags in combination with a Tru-Test EID Reader featuring Bluetooth technology, offers a simple and efficient way to record and monitor animals with recurring lameness. This enables better management decisions and more targeted treatment, ultimately improving flock health and productivity. Parasite control and mineral supplementation Appropriate treatment for parasites is critical to support optimal lamb growth rates, and important not to overlook the flock's mineral requirements at weaning. Many farmers routinely administer oral mineral supplements at this stage – giving lambs a strong start post-weaning and helping to replenish the ewe's mineral reserves following the demands of the rearing season. Datamars supports animal flock health management with trusted tools like the NJ Phillips and Simcro ranges of animal health delivery systems. Irish farmers have relied on these for decades to administer drenches and supplements accurately and efficiently. Datamars products Datamars specialises in designing and developing tools that enhance labour efficiency and make a measurable difference on Irish farms. Their products are built to be easy to use, quick to operate, and highly durable, helping farmers increase productivity with less effort. Z Tags offer comprehensive sheep tagging solutions that improve the overall tagging process. These tools streamline on farm workflows, reduce stress for livestock, and ensure consistent, reliable identification. Z for Sheep Tags are engineered for exceptional retention and ease of use. The system features retractable pliers with five precision pivots, a spring-loaded ergonomic handle, and a lightweight, balanced design. This innovative approach minimises the risk of ear tearing and significantly improves operator comfort. The enhanced applicator makes tagging faster, smoother, and less stressful for both animals and handlers. With fewer lost tags and a reduced need for re-tagging, Z Tags deliver outstanding long-term performance. Another key innovation is the Z Tags TagFaster Automatic Applicator. Capable of holding 20 individual slaughter tags or 10 pairs of breeding tags, it enables fast, stress-free application. Its unique design – featuring a sharp point and instant ear release, ensures precise tag positioning while minimising stress for both the animal and the operator. These practical innovations from Datamars help farmers achieve significant improvements in efficiency and animal welfare, delivering measurable results. Curious about what offers are available? Whether you are new to Datamars or a long-time customer, now is a great time to get in touch. We have something for everyone, because loyalty matters to us just as much as new opportunities. Contact us today to see what is available and start making the most of our tagging solutions.
