Category Archives: Chemistry

However, the headlines were few and far between. Their individual dispositions were exemplified by the lack of chemistry between the two of them during the last session of Facebook's Fuel for India 2020 conference. In fact, it seemed like the two of them didnt know each other as well as business partners should, considering the massive amount of money Facebook has invested in Jio.

Both Ambani and Zuckerberg praised each other and asked questions that, one would suppose, would have been addressed before the investment was made. The chat between Microsoft chief Satya Nadella and Ambani was a bit more free-flowing than this one. But that was also before the pandemic and they were sitting next to each other.

The entire transcript of their conversation, which lasted over 40 minutes, was around 11 pages long. We, at Business Insider India, have shrunk the tete-a-tete down to the most important things that you need to know.

Here are some of the highlights from the conversation between Ambani and Zuckerberg on December 15:

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I'm curious to hear how your company adapted to help you move forward in the midst of this pandemic.

Ambani: [Ambani spoke a lot about what the government, the Reliance Foundation and his teams had contributed to the COVID relief efforts before answering how he sees the current situation in India.] Mark, sometimes I wonder that if the pandemic had struck India just four or five years earlier, we would have not been in as good a shape as what we are today. With all the connectivity we have, and the credit for that must go to our Prime Minister's Digital India vision, where he motivated the entire industry to roll out broadband in the first five years of his first term.

[..]And, I believe, Mark, that our actions will speak louder than our words in the coming months and years time here.

So, I'm curious what role do you see technology, playing in this post COVID world? Especially as it relates to all of these small businesses that I know you share a passion with me that is just critical that we serve them.

Ambani: Absolutely, Mark. And, let me point out a very unique feature about our partnership. Perhaps, not many people have understood this, but before this partnership I believe that each one of us was mainly a communication platform.

And, let me explain this very simply, Whatsapp has hundreds of millions of subscribers in India Jio has hundreds of millions of subscribers in India. Jio Mart, which is our retail service, actually has the aspiration of serving tens of millions of small shopkeepers in India, who are the bedrock of employment.

So, what does this mean? This means Jio brings digital connectivity. WhatsApp, now with WhatsApp brings digital interactivity and the ability to move to close transactions and create value. And, Jio Mart brings the unmatched online and offline retail opportunity that gives our small shops, which exist in villages and small towns in India, a chance to digitize and be at par with anybody else in the world.

Ambani: Well, as I mentioned to you, Mark. I really see India accelerating as a premier digital society. I see us integrating 5G.

[...]And, I think that in a span of 10 years, we can set for ourselves an objective to really reskill India and the talent that you talked about can improve 10x. Today, you're just seeing the creamy layer. But, that's what technology can do to really make a better India in a better world.

[..]And, that is why I think that the next two decades are going to be historic in terms of the social and economic transformation.

As you said, now, I cant imagine going through the pandemic 10 years ago or even two decades ago when the internet was still nascent. It would have been a completely different experience. And, technology, of course, is allowing us to make sure that we can get accurate information out to people that has implications on health, education and helping serve people better.

I think it shows a lot of the promise for what's ahead and I think we've certainly fared better now than we would have if the pandemic hit us before.

Zuckerberg: [...]

I think we're working with 140 banks, or it's supported by 140 banks out of the gate. And, India's the first country in the world to do anything like this now.

So we're grateful to be able to support this kind of innovation to help to work to create more prosperity and help achieve a more Digital India. In fact, I think that a lot of other places around the world are going to be better off when they follow some of this lead that India has set in creating public goods like this.

Mark, all of us would love to know your views on how the world is changing. And, what you and Facebook are thinking about. And what you see the future as. Just give us your perspective, Mark.

Video is just a lot richer of a medium than photos. Even when my daughters took their first steps, I wanted to capture a video of that and share it, not just a photo. But I don't think video is the end of the line.

You can have holograms of digital objects that can kind of be as realistic as the physical objects that are there. Meaning in five or 10 years when we're having this conversation, it will just be a hologram version of me sitting on the couch next to you instead of having to do this over a screen. It'll feel a lot more realistic.

A big part of why I was excited to partner with you is because there are not many people around the world, who've just gone industry after industry revolutionized them and improve them, and continue to do it and have that hunger to improve the lives of so many people so I just have a deep admiration for that. SEE ALSO:Two in every three Pornhub videos are gone after a purge to remove child porn

"Banks must change every 3-4 years," says Aditya Puri, the recently retired chairman of HDFC Bank, dubbed as 'the world's best banker'

After Zomato, Swiggy scales down its grocery ambitions leaving the market open for JioMart, BigBasket, Amazon and others

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Zuckerberg spoke to Ambani but there was no chemistry even with a multi-million dollar partnership between t - Business Insider India

Joining a new team always presents challenges. Theres a new playbook to learn, a new city to live in, and new teammates to adjust to. That last piece could be particularly troubling if a free agent joins a team that had well-documented chemistry issues the year before.

But Nicolas Batum hasnt found any challenges in his move to Los Angeles. Hes grateful to be in such a promising situation to compete for a title in his 13th year in the league, especially after being marooned in Eastern Conference mediocrity for half a decade. And team chemistry has been the least of his concerns, as he told the media Tuesday.

The transition has been pretty easy, Batum said. This is a great group, like you can hear a lot of stuff all around, but I didnt see it yet. Thats good. I dont think Im gonna see it this year. The group is great, you know, guys, they welcomed me with open arms. Like yesterday, Ive been here for a week and they already called me and texted me for my birthday yesterday, so that was great. So, you know, love these guys, love this group. Its been fun on the court, its been fun off the court as well.

Batum went on to say that he probably has the most conversations with Reggie Jackson, whose locker is next to his, but hes had a great time with Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Marcus Morris Sr., among others.

Hes also made a different connection with Serge Ibaka, as the two are both French speakers. Batum said that theyve already communicated in French while on the court together during the preseason.

Actually did it a couple times last game, and thats sometimes the strength you can have, you can talk in your own language about defense and stuff like that, Batum said. The opponent cant understand what youre saying, so it can be an advantage sometimes.

With a shortened preseason and an offense dictated by feel thus far rather than set plays, Batum noted how important it was for the team to develop chemistry. Its been a smooth process, but thats because the Clippers are making more of an effort this year than last. The returnees have reached out to the new players, and theyve all taken advantage of their limited practice time to build cohesion on and off the court.

Batum has been part of successful NBA teams in Portland and successful international teams playing for France, so he knows what works when he sees it. If he thinks the Clippers are on the right track in terms of their locker room dynamics, thats a good start for the 2020-21 season.

More news for Wednesday:

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LA Clippers News: Nic Batum already has rave reviews for the Clippers team chemistry - Clips Nation

Newswise Thinking like Earthlings may have caused scientists to overlook the electrochemical effects of Martian dust storms.

On Earth, dust particles are viewed mainly in terms of their physical effects, like erosion. But, in exotic locales from Mars to Venus to Jupiters icy moon Europa, electrical effects can affect the chemical composition of a planetary bodys surface and atmosphere in a relatively short time, according to new research from Washington University in St. Louis.

This direction of scientific investigation has been largely overlooked in the past, said Alian Wang, research professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences in Arts & Sciences. Researchers are used to thinking inside the box based on terrestrial experience.

Wangs study in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets focuses on amorphous sulfur and chlorine salts found by the Curiosity rover at Gale crater on Mars. The chemical signature of these materials could have been induced by electrochemical processes during Martian dust activities in a relatively short geologic time frame: years to hundreds of years.

Low-strength electrostatic discharge causes electrochemical reactions that transform materials on the Martian surface, Wang explained, causing loss of crystallinity, removal of structural water and oxidation of certain elements like sulfur, chlorine and iron.

The collective chemical effect of electrostatic discharge can be significant, Wang said. This is the core idea of our new study.

The findings could inform science priorities for the next phase of Mars exploration missions, including NASAs Perseverance rover, China National Space Administrations Tianwen-1 lander and rover, and the European Space Agencys ExoMars lander and rover.

Explore the subsurface is the suggestion that we would give to the next phase of Mars exploration missions, said Bradley Jolliff, the Scott Rudolph Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences and a co-author on the paper.

These missions are all seeking evidence for geological and hydrological evolution at their selected landing sites, and they are especially looking for and hoping to collect samples that contain traces of past biological activity, Jolliff said. Exploring the subsurface would enable sampling of ancient materials some of which might still be safekeeping precious biomarkers.

Read more on the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences website.

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Powerful electrical events quickly alter surface chemistry on Mars and other planetary bodies - Newswise

National Review

Hunter Biden reportedly pushed CEFC Chairman Ye Jianming to quickly wire $10 million to properly fund and operate a Biden joint venture with the Chinese energy company in 2017, and sent his best wishes from the entire Biden family to the chairman, according to a new report.In a June 18, 2017 email obtained by Fox News, Biden requested the transfer, which was never completed, and asked Zhao Runlong at CEFC to please "translate my letter to Chairman Ye, please extend my warmest best wishes and that I hope to see the Chairman soon.""I hope my letter finds you well. I regret missing you on your last visit to the United States," Hunter Biden wrote in the attached letter, dated June 17, 2017. "Please accept the best wishes from the entire Biden family as well as my partners.""We are all hoping to see you here again soon, or in Shanghai, he continued.Biden added that they had concluded the establishment of Sinohawk Holdings, the joint venture between the Bidens and CEFC, and that Tony Bobulinski, a very close friend of James Gilliar and the Biden family would act as the CEO."He has invested capital all over the world for some of the worlds wealthiest families, Biden wrote of Bobulinski.Biden wrote that Bobulinski had "sent a request to Dong Gongwen [Gongwen Dong] and Director Zang for the funding of the $10 MM USD wire.""I would appreciate if you will send that quickly so we can properly fund and operate Sinohawk," Biden wrote."I am sure you have been well briefed by our dear friend Director Zang on the political and economic connections we have established in countries where you are interested in expanding during the coming months and years," he said. "I look forward to our next meeting."Ye Jianming and Gongwen Dong were linked to the Chinese Communist government and the Peoples Liberation Army, according to a September report by the Senate Homeland Security Committee and Senate Finance Committee on its investigation into Hunter Bidens foreign business dealings."Those associations resulted in millions of dollars in questionable transactions/cash flow," the report stated.More than a dozen text messages between Bobulinski, Biden business associates, and Chinese representatives of CEFC from June 25, 2017 to mid-July 2017 show that the $10 million transfer was delayed for weeks, potentially due to visa issues."Just got off the phone with Zaho[sp], Still dealing with Visa issues, they still havent filled out proper paperwork submissions, re entry. Still want my personal advise," President-elect Joe Bidens brother Jim Biden reportedly wrote in an email to Bobulinski on July 10, 2017.A July 18, 2017 message shows Bobulinski asking Zhao whether the transfer would be "$10 MM or 2x $5MM," claiming they "asked that $10 MM be sent in 2 $5 MM tranches but @ the same time, $5 MM to savings and $5 MM to checking. That is what we prefer."The transfer was never completed, though the Senate report shows that the CEFC wired nearly $5 million to the bank account for Hudson West III, a firm that Hunter Biden opened with Chinese associates, less than one month later"These funds may have originated from a loan issued from the account of a company called Northern International Capital Holdings, a Hong Kong-based investment company identified at one time as a substantial shareholder in CEFC International Limited along with Ye," the report said. "It is unclear whether Hunter Biden was a half-owner of Hudson West III at the time."The report adds, "the same day the $5 million was received, and continuing through Sept. 25, 2018, Hudson West III sent request payments to Owasco, Hunter Bidens firm." The payments were described as consulting fees and reached "$4,790,375.25 in just over a year, according to the report.Another email to the general manager of the House of Sweden shows Hunter Biden asking for keys for his new "office mates," his father, Joe Biden, Jill Biden and Jim Biden at the Washington, D.C. building that houses multiple office suites and a number of embassies.Biden also requested keys for Gongwen Dong, whom he calls an "emissary" for Chairman Ye Jianming.He issued directions for the lease to remain under the name of his company, Rosemont Seneca, but for the office sign to say "The Biden Foundation" and "Hudson West (CEFC US)."A source told Fox News that the Biden Foundation used another office space at the time and there was no relation to the office space within the House of Sweden.The report comes after Biden last week confirmed he was under federal investigation for his tax affairs.Last week Hunter Biden said in a statement that he had learned for the first time that the U.S. Attorneys Office in Delaware advised my legal counsel of an investigation into his tax affairs.I take this matter very seriously but I am confident that a professional and objective review of these matters will demonstrate that I handled my affairs legally and appropriately, including with the benefit of professional tax advisors, he said.President-elect Biden on Wednesday said he is confident Hunter Biden did nothing wrong when asked by Fox News Peter Doocy about the investigation.Joe Bidens tax documents and returns, which were previously released by his campaign, do not show any involvement with Chinese investments.

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High school student left in tears after chemistry final goes wrong: 'This panic is unlike any other' - Yahoo News

Luis Echegoyen, Ph.D., professor of chemistry and biochemistry at The University of Texas at El Paso, has been appointed by the United States-Mexico Foundation for Science (USMFS) as a member of its Board of Governors.

The binational board consists of 12 recognized leaders from academia, business and government who direct and supervise the foundations activities. Echegoyens four-year term, which can be renewed once, begins Jan. 1, 2021.

The United States-Mexico Foundation for Science has made an excellent choice in selecting Dr. Echegoyen, said Robert Kirken, Ph.D., dean of UTEPs College of Engineering. He has had an extensive and distinguished career as a chemist, but also as a leader. His vision and working experience with scientists and engineers will undoubtedly have an immediate and lasting positive impact that will benefit both countries.

The USMFS is a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization created along with the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 1992 with support from organizations in the U.S. and Mexico. Its mission is to design, promote and articulate high-impact programs that promote the development of value ecosystems for regions and sectors of mutual interest through collaboration in science and technology for economic and social development based on innovation.

Currently, USMFS works with companies in diverse sectors such as agri-food, aerospace, auto parts manufacturing and health, among others. The organization has served over 5,000 companies, 1,000 entrepreneurs and 1,300 small producers in Mexico. It has collaborated with more than 200 universities, institutes and organizations promoting economic development in both countries and has allocated more than $100 million of public and private resources through its programs.

Echegoyen was selected for his essential role in establishing new funding programs and research centers at the National Science Foundation, his impressive career in academic research and teaching, as well as his experience living and working in a robust border community, said Jessica Lillie, U.S. executive director of USMFS.

Throughout his career, he has published numerous research articles and book chapters and earned many prestigious research awards. He was elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Chemical Society (ACS), the worlds largest scientific organization, where he was selected as the first recipient of the ACS Award for Recognizing Underrepresented Minorities in Chemistry for Excellence in Research & Development in 2011. In 2018 he was elected president of the ACS for a three-year term.

I will try to enhance the connections between Mexico and the United States in matters of science and technology, Echegoyen said.

Establishing potential student exchanges in both dimensions, as well as of faculty, would be some of my highest priorities, as well as establishing true scientific collaborations between science and engineering groups. An ultimate goal would be to identify opportunities, especially at the border, for innovation and investments that benefit the two sides in a meaningful and impactful manner.

Echegoyen has served as the Robert A. Welch Chair Professor of Chemistry at UTEP since 2010. He was the director of the chemistry division at the National Science Foundation from 2006 to 2010.

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UTEP Professor joins United States-Mexico Foundation for Science Board of Governors - El Paso Herald-Post

WUWM's Emily Files visits the virtual classroom of a Milwaukee high school chemistry teacher.

Many schools in Milwaukee have spent the entire first half of the school year online, as a precaution against the coronavirus. WUWM has been visiting virtual classrooms to see how teachers are adapting.

McKenzie King, a chemistry teacher at Carmen Southeast High School in Milwaukee, says some learning experiences are impossible to recreate virtually. Right now, shes teaching her students about chemical compounds. Its usually one of her favorite units.

In the classroom, we just like throw out 16 various substances and kids are moving around the classroom and trying to test them and notice different patterns, King says. So theyll melt them and see what temperature it melts at, or dissolve them in water, conduct electricity.

Hands-on labs normally make up the bulk of Kings chemistry class. But she cant do that when students are learning from home.

The whole point of chemistry, and science in general, is applying it to the real world. But now were cut off from the real world, King says. Its just one of those things, at the end of day its not going to be as successful. Kids might not be able to answer Why? Why are we doing this? Because its not as impactful.

In one recent Zoom class with her sixth period tenth graders, King was teaching about the properties of sugar and salt.

Right now we just want to see can sugar, when its dissolved in water, conduct electricity? Can salt? And can water just do it by itself?" she asks.

Since they cant do in-person experiments, King uses a virtual simulation, where you can click a picture of sugar or salt, add to water, and see if it conducts electricity.

Alright so were putting the connectivity meter in ta da! The salt water does conduct electricity, lighting up a light bulb in the computer simulation.

Whoa! Is that light bulb on? Jennifer Bennett, a paraprofessional and Kings teaching partner, responds.

The students react too, but in the Zoom chat box. For most of the class, her students keep their microphones muted and cameras off. King says, it does feel demoralizing sometimes to look at all the black boxes.

We had more cameras at the beginning of school, King says. I think kids being kids, theyre testing out what theyre comfortable with. And if the majority of people have their cameras off, theyre not going to opt into doing that.

But, King says, you have to pick your battles. And she doesnt want to goad her students into keeping their cameras on when they are participating in other ways.

You have to frame, whats a realistic expectation or whats a win? King says. If 20 out of 23 students are responding in the chat frequently throughout the entire class, thats a win. Theyre there, theyre learning. Do I prefer to know what they look like? Absolutely.

You can tell that King and Bennett are building relationships with students despite the limitations of the chat box. During one class, King asks students silly questions while theyre waiting for others to finish their work.

If you saw Ms. Bennett in the grocery store, do you say hello or do you just dip? King asks. Some of the students jokingly respond that they would ignore Bennett if they saw her in public.

Im not really a science fan, but I can say that chemistry isnt bad, says Karla, a sophomore at Carmen and one of Kings students. Actually Ms. King and Ms. Bennett make it fun, thats why I like chemistry.

Karla says online learning is stressful sometimes because she has three younger siblings also in virtual school who she helps. Im kinda tired of being at home all day, doing nothing other than school, she says.

That feeling is shared by teachers.

The weight of virtual learning, I feel like, is a little more draining because the joys of in-person learning are not truly present, King says. You have to look for them and reframe them just like your teaching. So if I felt tired in-person, I definitely feel fatigued right now.

King says, she still likes her job but its because the fulfillment of working with students outweighs the many challenges of virtual teaching.

Have a question about education you'd like WUWM's Emily Files to dig into? Submit it below.

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Virtual Classroom Series: Teaching High School Chemistry Without Hands-On Experiments - WUWM