AGROREFINER COMMENCES OPERATION OF HEMP EXTRACTION FACILITY FOCUSED ON ORGANIC CBD
Proprietary Process Yields High Quality, Trusted CBD Source
NEW CASTLE, DE, June 16, 2020 – AgroRefiner, LLC announced today that it has commenced commercial operation of the first phase of a commercial scale, ethanol-based, CBD extraction facility.
AgroRefiner will produce a range of organic CBD products using organically grown hemp procured from farms employing sustainable farming practices in order to produce some of the world’s finest CBD (cannabidiol). The product line-up will include THC-free distillate, isolate, CBN, and CBD A.
The facility, located in Delaware, employs an innovative hemp extraction and distillation sequence developed for AgroRefiner by consulting chemical engineer Mark Scialdone, Ph. D. This automated, state-of-the-art extraction facility utilizes the first circulating ethanol, closed loop design for CBD production.
“In today’s marketplace where there is currently limited regulation, no transparency, and low end-user confidence or understanding in CBD products or the processes behind them, AgroRef will be a trusted partner for best-in-class extraction,” said Howard Matz, CEO of AgroRefiner. “AgroRefiner will work only with certified organic farms employing sustainable agricultural processes and will employ superior extraction methods to supply premium products to our customers.”
Nic Shafer, VP of Marketing at Precision Extraction Solutions, said: “We are proud to have been chosen by AgroRefiner to help design their state-of-the-art facility and support their equipment needs. The AgroRef team has deep scientific understanding of the cannabis plant, which will quickly position them as an industry-leader in THC-free products.”
State of the Art Facility
This first phase of the project will have the extraction capacity to process approximately 75 tons of dried hemp per year to produce CBD which will be distributed on a wholesale basis to manufacturers of consumer goods and for medical applications.
In anticipation of U.S. FDA regulations, AgroRefiner is working to obtain Good Manufacturing Practice certification and certification as an organic CBD producer by the USDA.
For the new Delaware facility, AgroRefiner made a substantial capital investment in Delaware to finance improvements to an existing warehouse structure, employing local engineering, general construction, electrical, plumbing and HVAC trades. At full operating capacity, the first phase of this new venture will provide permanent employment for as many as 15 skilled production technicians.
The assemblage of extraction equipment is exclusive to AgroRefiner and has been procured from leading U.S. CBD equipment manufacturers. AgroRefiner’s four-step process utilizes a proprietary, integrated, closed loop hemp ethanol extraction and solvent recovery system in order to isolate the extract. The CBD extract is purified in the subsequent distillation and crystallization steps. An estimated 97% of the ethanol used in the closed loop is recovered and reused.
AgroRefiner has developed an innovative process to produce distillate as THC free. The refined products will be distributed on a wholesale basis to manufacturers of consumer goods and medical applications.
CBD is one of many cannabinoids, or molecules, produced by the cannabis family. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, the primary psychoactive element in marijuana), CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not have a strong effect on cognitive brain activity and does not cause the "high" associated with marijuana. CBD is a specific phyto cannabinoid made up of at least 113 identified cannabinoids and accounts for up to 40% of the plant’s extract. In 2018, clinical research on CBD included preliminary studies of anxiety, cognition, movement disorders, and pain.
*Editor’s Note: Photos available upon request
About
AgroRefiner, LLC is an advanced industrial hemp processing company located in Delaware, generating seed-to-sale organic Cannabidiol (CBD), Cannabigerol (CBG), and Cannabinol (CBN) distillate and isolate at scale, using proprietary processes to manufacture CBD for sale to producers of consumer goods and medical applications demanding the highest quality from a trusted source. AgroRefiner, one of the first hemp extraction facilities to be located in Delaware, is licensed as a Domestic Hemp Processor by the Delaware Department of Agriculture.
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Best-selling Author Helps Readers Face Anger And Learn To Deal With It In A Healthier, Non-Violent Way
Charlotte, NC, June 16, 2020 - Everybody is angry. Whether black, white, or brown, woman or man, everybody is angry right now. And we have a lot to be angry about: George Floyd. Lives lost. Joblessness. Global pandemic. Rioting and looting. But just because we are angry that does not give us the right to retaliate in an unhealthy, violent, or dangerous manner. So how do we, as a community, deal with our anger?
Fortunately, pastor and author Jameliah Young (formerly Young-Mitchell) has a solution to help individuals dig deep to confront and release their anger––for good. This popular, vivacious pastor and social media celebrity (with nearly 500,000 Facebook followers and counting), tackles anger, abuse, and so much more in her book, The Death of the Angry Black Woman (Warren Publishing). This best-selling book was rated #1 New Release on Amazon.com in the category of Anger Management.
Acknowledging the stereotypes women in the black community face, Jameliah knows first-hand that what begins as anger or name-calling can quickly escalate, causing scars that last a lifetime. Her book reflects her passion to help women toss anger to the curb and chuck false labels. Because while we can’t change history, we can determine our futures.
“I wrote this book for all the women out there who are dealing with anger that they have yet to find the source of,” said Young. “Many black women come from backgrounds of abuse, mistreatment, or violence––and they become fighters. Through my book, I hope to be that voice in their head, the one we all hear but rarely acknowledge, encouraging them to move on, let go of anger, reject hateful labels, embrace their powerful femininity, and live the life God intended them to live.”
Pastor Jameliah Young is the daughter of the late Evangelist Violetta B. Young and Pastor James I. Young, and grew up in Brooklyn, NY, as the youngest of four kids. She has preached across the United States and internationally and is the pastor of Unity Church Charlotte. Young is an experienced keynote speaker for women’s empowerment, teen and youth mentoring, corporate America, and relationships. She is the voice behind the popular Car Chronicles Movement where she can be seen live on Facebook Monday through Friday at 7:30 a.m. Young is the proud mother of a son and daughter and resides in Charlotte, NC.
The Death of the Angry Black Woman
Jameliah Young-Mitchell
978-1943258-92-5
Soft Cover / $15.00
Available at warrenpublishing.net, Amazon.com, or wherever books are sold. Jameliah Young is available for book signings and interviews.
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‘Never been a better time to become a mental health nurse’ say course leaders
All students guaranteed bursary of between £5,000 and £8,000 a year - and graduates have ‘pick of jobs’
16 June 2020 If you’re looking for a career change and are interested in helping people, right now could be one of the best times to consider becoming a mental health nurse.The government is currently guaranteeing all nursing and allied health students an annual bursary of at least £5,000 but mental health nurse students could get up to £8,000, with additional grants for childcare.Nurse lecturer Natalie Finch, from the University of Bradford’s Faculty of Health Studies, said due to a national shortage of mental health nurses, graduates were virtually guaranteed a job.“There’s a national shortage of mental health nurses. Every single one of our graduates who wants a job, gets one on graduation. They have the pick of the market, often being able to choose between three, four and five offers. Employers are fighting for candidates.“The Bradford District Care Foundation Trust has asked us to train more mental health nurses. For anyone considering a career change, it’s a wonderfully rewarding profession with many career paths and opportunities for progression in hospitals, the community, and specialist settings.“Some people might not have considered going back into education as a choice. Generally mental health nurses tend to be people who have some life experience. We definitely want young people but also people who want a career change.“Mental health nurses need to be motivated to make a real difference in the lives of people they work with, enjoy building relationships and working in an environment where no two days are the same. If this sounds like you, nursing may be an excellent career choice, even if you have never considered it before.”Natalie, who graduated from Bradford and spent six years as a mental health nurse before becoming a lecturer, said the coronavirus pandemic had only heightened the need for mental health nurses, adding: “We know people’s mental health deteriorates when they lose their support structures. There’s real uncertainty at the moment, as many people are working from home and home schooling, some will be worried about their jobs, while children have lost their routines. The repercussions from Covid19 will be felt for many years to come, so now is the perfect time to consider this as a career.”The Government has outlined its funding pledge for mental health nurses as part of a plan to boost nurse numbers by 50,000 over the next five years.Ruth Girdham, Head of School of Nursing & Healthcare Leadership, said: “Mental health is as important as physical health. Working as a mental health nurse is an interesting, varied and rewarding career.”Keen to find out more? Register for the University’s 2020 ‘Virtual’ Open Day on Saturday June 20. Natalie will be available all day on Saturday via the peer-to-peer Unibuddy platform to chat with attendees and answer questions and there will be a bespoke ‘Nursing’ presentation at 1.20pm.For an informal chat about the course, contact Natalie via email: nfinch1@bradford.ac.uk
University of Bradford coders win prestigious hackathon with ‘camouflaged’ app to help victims of domestic abuseOrganisers say mobile phone app has real world potential
16 June 2020 It’s the problem-solving computer coding equivalent of the 100m sprint - otherwise known as a ‘hackathon’ - and the University of Bradford has just come first in one such competition judged by industry leaders including UKBlackTech Ltd, Microsoft and PwC.The UKBlackTech AI for Good Hackathon saw coders from different universities and industry compete to write an app centred around improving mental health and social care of people at risk. The app designed by Bradford students was described as ‘innovative’ and could even be taken to market.The winning team included three University of Bradford students: Smriti Kotiyal and Muhammad Usman (both Msc Big Data Science and Technology students) and Svetlana Bormotova (BSc Computer Science exchange student from ITMO University, Russia) - and two more students from London South Bank University.They spent three days (June 10-12) competing against 55 others and won by creating an innovative software application designed to help victims of domestic abuse during Covid-19.The app in question - Auxilium - is aimed at victims of domestic abuse - cases of which have risen during lockdown - and ‘camouflages’ itself to prevent an abuser from knowing it is there, while at the same tracking behaviour and linking to the authorities.Smriti, 25, originally from India, said: “It was amazing. When we learned we had come first, it was overwhelming. The initial idea came from Svetlana but we all had a rigorous discussion about it and then there was no going back. It was such a rewarding experience both technically and personally. ”Daniel Neagu, Professor of Computing in the Faculty of Engineering & Informatics, said: “Teams had three days to train, formulate their solution and create the prototype, using a combination of AI, big data analytics and mobile technologies. The winning app used all three to support the user in an informed and secured way. Judges were really impressed with the application and were praiseworthy of the University of Bradford participants and engagement in general. The students did a tremendous job and we’re very proud of them all.”Mark Martin MBE, founder of UKBlackTech, which ran the competition, said: “This was an innovation event with the goal of coming up with tangible solutions to real problems. It takes people out of their normal comfort zones and one of the reasons we pulled this together was because of the C19 pandemic." “Six of your students joined the hack and one one of your teams won. Their app was very topical. The judges couldn’t believe those young people came up with something so innovative - it could be taken to market if there’s an appetite for it.“The fact they won shows your university students are not just sitting on their hands. The power of your students is they come with diverse experiences and they are able to speak to that through innovation. The point is that sometimes that’s not seen. If you’re building tools and products, they need to reflect the community. Imagine what we’re missing if people like this are not included - that’s what UKBlackTech is all about.”Mr Martin, who founded UKBlackTech three years ago “with a mission to create the most diverse tech sector in the world” said more hackathons would be announced in the near future.Pro-Vice Chancellor Zahir Irani, (Academic, Innovation and Quality) added: “I am delighted that our Computer Science students have developed such an innovative idea to support vulnerable people. Their idea demonstrates the societal value and contribution that AI can have on shaping future society, something that is so important to us here at the University of Bradford.”
Artist Releases Coming-of-age Memoir Detailing Her Journey With Mental Illness And Disability
Long Island, NY, June 16, 2020 –It started as a college prank; a friend offered Ruth Poniarski a brownie that, unbeknownst to her, was laced with angel dust. What resulted was a debilitating accident, and the first of many mental breakdowns that spiraled into diagnoses of psychosis, schizophrenia, severe anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
Long Island native Ruth Poniarski has released her first book, Journey of the Self: Memoir of an Artist, published by Charlotte, North Carolina-based Warren Publishing. Poniarski’s unflinchingly honest memoir shares her coming-of-age story through the lenses of mental illness, disability, and steadfast determination.
For years, Poniarski struggled to cope with her new reality as she undertook a rigorous architectural program, sought out new friends (and the perfect mate), and battled through the depths of mental illness. Her journey led her in all directions as she sought comfort, solace, stability and love.
Now an accomplished artist, Poniarski considers her memoir to be a portrait of sorts. “This book, like many of my paintings, is about introspection,” she says. “So many of us, particularly when we’re young, seek definition through labels or through what others think of us. It’s so easy to say, ‘I have bipolar disorder, therefore, X’ or ‘So and so doesn’t love me the way I love him, therefore, Y.’ But none of that is who we truly are.”
The release of Poniarski’s memoir is particularly timely in light of the Coronavirus pandemic and social distancing orders. “A lot of people are stuck at home right now. This kind of isolation forces a person to examine themselves; what makes them unique beyond who they are to society,” says Poniarski. “That kind of self-reflection allows us to become more available to others. You have to know yourself first.”
“So, who am I?” Poniarski laughs. “Well … you’ll just have to read the book!”
For more information about Ruth Poniarski or her book, please visit: ruthponiarski.com.
Both Feet on the Ground Shares Profoundly Therapeutic Benefits Of Immersion In The Natural World
Denver, CO, June 16, 2020 — You’re stressed out, tired of looking at the same four walls, drained by the negativity on social media, and exhausted from juggling work with homeschooling and entertaining your kids. No matter your age, location, or financial standing, there is a simple, effective therapy that is abundantly available, and it’s right outside your door.
“Get out and stay out—as often and for as long as you can,” champions Marshall Ulrich in his latest release, Both Feet on the Ground: Reflections from the Outside.
Ulrich, an ultrarunner who has also scaled the Seven Summits and competed in multi-day adventure races,shares stories of his expeditions in such far-flung places as Borneo, Tibet, and South Africa, as well as his lifelong commitment to farming his land in Colorado. Ulrich has climbed Mount Everest, run through the searing heat of the Gobi Desert, and ridden the huge waves off Morocco. But there’s no need to be an extreme athlete to reap the benefits of forming physical connections with the natural world.
Ulrich urges readers to simply unplug, plant their feet firmly in the earth, fill their lungs with clean air, and dream of bold and personally compelling outdoor adventures.
“Your adventures in natural places—even if, for now, it’s just sitting outside or walking around your neighborhood—can put you back in touch with who you are; how resilient, resourceful and hardy you can be,” Ulrich says.
Throughout Both Feet on the Ground, Ulrich shares valuable insights from his endeavors, along with useful findings and recommendations from other experts, all organized around themes of earth, air, fire and water. His hope is that you’ll be inspired to find new ways of engaging with these natural elements yourself to experience the healing powers of the outside world.
Author Marshall Ulrich is an extreme endurance athlete—ultrarunning icon, Seven Summits mountaineer, and adventure racer—who loves sharing his exploits to entertain and help motivate others to reach their goals. He’s raced, led expeditions, or climbed mountains in nearly 30 countries, and visited 30 more, so his stories are about more than just physical accomplishments. Cutting his teeth running across Death Valley, he’s also climbed Mount Everest, run in the jungles of Fiji, and completed a record-setting run across America. Dubbed the Endurance King, he defies the ideas of “too far,” “too old” and “not possible.” Revered among athletes, Marshall is also the author of Running on Empty. An acclaimed speaker, he’s lectured on various elite cruise lines, and given talks at businesses, schools, race expos, and professional conferences, including the Royal Geographic Society, Morgan Stanley, and Wilderness Medicine.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU RETURN TO YOUR FAVOURITE SPA/ SALON!
TORONTO, ONT – THE PUBLIC IS CONFUSED! THE PUBLIC IS SCARED! AND THE PUBLIC IS ALSO EXCITED! but they don’t know what to do, what to think and what will happen when their favourite Spa and Salon reopens.
Much has been made of the new norm as businesses begin to open their doors to the public. We have already experienced significant impacts on our modified behaviour in examples such as self-distancing lines at checkouts, no return policies, enforced wearing of masks, interacting with staff behind shielded plexiglass and other containment measures.
“The hands-on services and treatments provided by hairdressers, aestheticians, manicurists and massage therapists are going to be especially challenged to adopt similar restrictions in an effort to protect their staff and clients,” states Jeff Alford, president of The CBON Group, Canada’s largest supplier of professional infection control products.
“One thing consumers do know is that they will likely be encountering a very different world when salons and spas start once again to take appointments,” continues Alford. The professional beauty industry is in turn going to be welcoming back a very different kind of client, one that is more aware, more educated and more scrutinizing of workplace environments and sanitizing practices in place to keep them protected. “The new norm in the age of coronavirus is going to be accompanied by social awareness where consumers assume greater responsibility for their own physical safety and personal welfare”.
The general public has witnessed protective measures imposed on them by retail stores, restaurants, banks, transit, etc. However, they have also exercised their own personal safety responses by wearing masks and gloves, shopping online, avoiding busy store hours or simply just staying at home. When salons and spas do re-open, consumers can continue taking measures to reduce the risk of infection when getting a haircut, manicure, facial or a massage.
Here are tips from Alford that he suggests the public can look for as they return to their favourite salon or spa.
Advanced Awareness of Salon/Spa Policy Changes
Even before you book an appointment, you should be aware of what measures your salon or spa are taking to keep you safe while in their care. Their website, social media channels or email notifications should be announcing changes in policy that might include, required use of face masks, restrictions in services (like no hair drying), reduced (or extended) hours, no walk-ins, no waiting areas, no outside food or drinks, etc. Become familiar with those policies and make sure you’re comfortable with them before making a booking. You do not want to become a social media sensation by causing a scene when you show up and are potentially taken by surprise.
Communicate with Your Professional Beauty Facility
Perhaps your local salon or spa isn’t all that tech savvy with making updates through digital media. You can also give them a call when booking your appointment and inquire about changes in policy. You can ask if staff will be wearing masks, what additional cleaning and disinfection practices are in place and whether they are undertaking any screening measures (e.g. checking for flu-like symptoms, temperature taking or filling out forms). This knowledge will give you the confidence to continue with your booking or contemplate an alternative destination. Safety is not only about you, but the practices enforced upon the people around you as well.
Before You Enter…
Before entering your salon or spa, you should see notification of any changes communicated through signage or posted letters at the door or window. This will let you know that policies are being universally applied to everyone. Remember, the risk of infection does not just come from within the facility but also from other patrons.
Reception, the First Line of Defence
A salon or spa’s primary objective during this outbreak is to prevent the introduction of viruses that can lead to infection. Larger establishments may have a designated greeter at the door who can screen clients before they enter the premises. Smaller salons or spas should have a physical barrier or reception desk that prevents clients from freely entering before being processed. Hand sanitizing gel, availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks and gloves, disposal of outside coffee cups, form-filling, etc. may all be part of the new norm. If these measures are not in place, you may need to ask yourself why and what other precautionary steps are not being taken to keep you safe?
Social Distancing is Possible
While maintaining distance may not be possible when obtaining professional beauty services, your salon or spa should still be taking measures to respect the 2-meter separation rule whenever possible. This may include removal of waiting areas, limiting capacity and by-appointment-only service to avoid over congestion. It may also involve removal or decommissioning of every other workstation, shampooing sink, blow drying area, etc. to ensure distancing. If your salon or spa do not have these precautions in place, you may be exposing yourself to a higher risk of infection through exposure to other customers in close quarters.
Getting Ready for Your Appointment
Your professional beauty provider should clean and disinfect their workstations and treatment areas between every appointment. All disposable items used with a client should be discarded. Any manicure/pedicure tools should be high level disinfected in a soaking tray. All points of client contact including work surfaces, chairs, treatment beds, face cradles, magnifying lamps, etc. should be disinfected with a Health Canada approved hospital grade disinfectant for the requisite contact time. Some products may take as long as 10 minutes to do their job, so you should be prepared to wait in between appointments. If your salon or spa has fast client turnover that does not allow for proper sanitizing protocols to take place, you should be aware of the heightened exposure to infection you may be facing.
Ask Your Professional Beauty Practitioner
The coronavirus outbreak has required beauty professionals to brush up on their germ and infection prevention knowledge. Some may have already had sanitizing best practices in place prior to COVID-19, but additional training and education may now be required. There are numerous online courses available to the cosmetology trade with opportunities to receive certification. So, you should be able to engage with your professional and have them address any health-related questions. Better still, he or she should start your appointment by letting you know what measures they have in place to keep you safe prior to the commencement of any treatment or service and conclude with “do you have any questions or concerns before we get started?. If your facility is not doing this or is unable to respond to your infection prevention questions, how safe should you feel?
In the new norm, social awareness will play an increasingly larger role to ensure you’re using the services of a salon or spa that is well positioned to protect you from the risk of infection. This is true during a pandemic like coronavirus but also during seasonal flu outbreaks or to prevent everyday infections associated with the spread of viruses, bacteria and fungi in personal care establishments. Social awareness will not only be practiced at a facility but also through word of mouth, online reviews, social media engagement, etc. to ensure your friends and family also have the same level infection prevention knowledge and monitoring. Only then, can we all know and be confident that we’ve done everything possible to contain the risk of an outbreak resurgence and keep everyone safe and protected.
ABOUT THE CBON GROUP
The CBON Group is Canada’s Leading supplier of infection control products for the Beauty industry. For over a Decade the company has been educating professionals online and offline in all infection control protocols. For more information, please visit, www.thecbongroup.com
Welcome to The Train It Right Life. On this episode I discuss emphasis on physique goals and how you should also take time to live your life and Fuck Boys LOL. This is a great example of why this is more than just a fitness/health podcast. It is a life podcast! Do you have a topic you'd like for me to discuss? Shoot me a DM, email or comment! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and please feel free to leave a review! Enjoy!
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Stress-management strategies can boost health care teams during pandemic
HOUSTON – (June 15, 2020) – Celebrating successes, admitting mistakes and encouraging honest communication among employees are some of the steps health care leaders should take to improve teamwork during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new paper from researchers at Rice University.
"Managing teamwork in the face of pandemic: evidence-based tips" appears in a recent edition of BMJ Quality & Safety. The article offers evidence-based recommendations for promoting effective teamwork under stressful conditions, such as those facing health care providers in intensive care units and emergency rooms.
Eduardo Salas, chair in the Department of Psychological Sciences at Rice and one of the study's authors, said there are many causes of stress at the individual, team and organizational levels that can negatively impact the performance of medical teams and compromise their quality of work. Thankfully, Salas said, there is a significant body of work on what teams can do to stay effective and mentally healthy during trying times.
"As we look toward the summer, we're not yet sure what the numbers are going to look like for COVID-19," Salas said. "It's more important than ever for our health care teams to be prepared."
The study identified seven tips to deal with stress teams may face, based on more than 30 years of studies of teams in various settings. They include:
Celebrate successes, big and small.
Have regular check-ins with team members and confirm that priorities and expectations are understood.
Acknowledge contributions of all people, including those behind the scenes.
Encourage team members to check in and support each other, particularly more experienced individuals helping those who are new to a job. Thank those who offer assistance.
Acknowledge areas in need of improvement and admit when you have questions. Thank individuals who admit mistakes or offer dissenting views.
Be a good listener and help team members address concerns with their own work groups.
Boost team resilience by anticipating and planning for stressful situations, activity surges and setbacks; identifying strategies that are not working; and apologizing for bad behavior under stress.
Salas noted that these tips are useful beyond health care.
"We're very lucky that there is a field of research that can provide evidence-based tips on how to work better together, especially in stressful times," Salas said. "We hope that these tips will be useful to all essential workers, including those in health care, during COVID-19."
Scott Tannenbaum of the Group for Organizational Effectiveness was the study's lead author. Allison Traylor, a doctoral industrial/organizational psychology student at Rice, and Eric Thomas of the McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) and the UTHealth-Memorial Hermann Center for Healthcare and Quality Safety were co-authors.
The research was partially supported by the Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences, which is funded by a National Institutes of Health Clinical and Translational Science Award from the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences. The work was also partially supported by National Science Foundation grants (1853528 and 1842894).
