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US Researchers Develop Cooling Textile

Three-dimensional printed thermal regulation textiles. Photo: ACS Nano
Three-dimensional printed thermal regulation textiles. Photo: ACS Nano
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US Researchers Develop Cooling Textile

Three-dimensional printed thermal regulation textiles. Photo: ACS Nano
Three-dimensional printed thermal regulation textiles. Photo: ACS Nano

A team of researchers at the University of Maryland in the US has now developed a thermally conductive and strong textile from fibers of aligned boron nitride nanosheets embedded in a polymer matrix that can cool a person down by up to 2°. The textile is easy to make using a simple, fast and scalable 3D printing method and has a thermal conductivity that is 55% higher than commercial cotton.

Researchers recently fabricated a mid-infrared transparent nanoporous polyethylene fiber for making clothing and face masks that lowers body temperature by radiative cooling. They have also developed glass-polymer hybrid metamaterials that work on the same principle.

Building on such work, a team led by Liangbing Hu of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Maryland has now designed a thermally conductive textile that directly conducts heat away from the body. The material is based on boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) and poly(vinvyl alcohol) (PVA) composite fibres. BNNSs have a high in-plane thermal conductivity of up to 2000 W/(mK) and Hu and colleagues made sure they were able to exploit this property by aligning the BNN sheets in a highly ordered way. They did this by first printing the BN/PVA fibres and then hot-drawing them into aligned structures. The fibers were then weaved or knitted into a textile.

“The hot drawing process creates energetic pathways along which phonons (vibrations of the crystal lattice) can travel,” explains Hu, “and highly oriented BNNSs can effectively enhance the thermal performance of the BN/PVA composite fibre by providing numerous thermally conductive pathways along the aligned and interconnected BNNSs. Indeed, we measured the thermal conductivity of the finished material to be as high as 0.078 W/(mK).”

It also has a high tensile strength of around 355 MPa, he adds.

The material might be used in summer clothing for wearing indoors, nanotechweb.org reported Hu as saying, and we estimate that it can cool a person down by up to 2°.

The researchers, reporting their work in ACS Nano DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.7b06295, say that they will now be further improving the cooling capacity of their thermal regulation textile. “We will also be looking into manufacturing it on a large scale, and then commercializing it,” says Hu.

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Gulf

BIE Announces Start of Work on 'Riyadh Expo 2030'

The Secretary-General of the Bureau International des Expositions speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat during his visit to Riyadh (Photo Credit: Turki Al-Agili)
The Secretary-General of the Bureau International des Expositions speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat during his visit to Riyadh (Photo Credit: Turki Al-Agili)
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BIE Announces Start of Work on 'Riyadh Expo 2030'

The Secretary-General of the Bureau International des Expositions speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat during his visit to Riyadh (Photo Credit: Turki Al-Agili)
The Secretary-General of the Bureau International des Expositions speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat during his visit to Riyadh (Photo Credit: Turki Al-Agili)

Dimitri Kerkentzes, head of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), revealed that Riyadh is getting ready to turn its Expo 2030 plans into reality. He expressed hope that the expo would be a key part of Saudi Arabia’s progress.

According to a statement from the BIE on Friday, Kerkentzes visited Riyadh for the first time since it won the bid in November 2023. During his four-day visit, he, along with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, checked out Saudi Arabia’s preparations for hosting the expo.

Kerkentzes also met with top Saudi officials to discuss the expo’s plans.

 

The statement noted that since Riyadh won the bid, preparations have been in full swing. The next step is to start work on the expo's infrastructure. These efforts are part of Riyadh’s push to become one of the world’s top city economies and diversify its income sources.

The BIE announced that Riyadh will present a detailed plan for hosting Expo 2030. This plan covers legislative and financial measures, the main site layout, and legacy projects.

Once approved and registered at the BIE General Assembly, Riyadh Expo 2030 will kickstart Saudi Arabia’s engagement with participating countries and the implementation of the exhibition project.

During his visit to Riyadh, Kerkentzes spoke exclusively to Asharq Al-Awsat, marking his first interview since Riyadh won the bid to host the 2030 edition.

“We're Here to Work Together”

Speaking about his first visit after Riyadh won the bid to host the Riyadh Expo 2030 in November last year, Kerkentzes remarked that it was great to be back in the Kingdom and that it feels like coming home.

“During our initial visit, we came together as one team to kickstart this important project everyone is excited about for 2030,” said Kerkentzes.

“What pleased me most was seeing Saudi teams get back to work in Riyadh within 24 hours of winning the bid. There wasn't much time for celebration; they know there's a lot of work ahead,” he added.

Kerkentzes praised the teams, particularly those at the Riyadh Royal Commission and the Public Investment Fund, for their hard work towards advancing to the next stage of preparation and beginning the implementation of this highly anticipated Expo edition, which was overwhelmingly endorsed by the General Assembly of the BIE as an “exceptional and unprecedented edition.”

 

“What Will Riyadh Be Like in 2030?”

When asked about Riyadh’s future in six years, Kerkentzes said: “Every time I go back to Riyadh, I see changes. There’s always something new happening, showing how much the city and Saudi Arabia are evolving... With the Crown Prince’s vision, I see Riyadh progressing each time I visit, making it a top destination by 2030.”

“Riyadh Expo 2030 will contribute to Saudi Arabia’s transformation,” added the BIE secretary-general.

Big Projects in Riyadh

Riyadh is buzzing with major projects underway, all in sync with the Kingdom’s national transformation plan, Saudi Vision 2030, and Riyadh Expo 2030.

When asked about standout projects, Kerkentzes chuckled and said, “Well, as you’d expect, being from the BIE, Riyadh Expo 2030 tops the list.”

“But let's be realistic. Transforming a city and a nation takes time and careful planning. Saudi Vision 2030, led by the Crown Prince, is laying out a fantastic strategy for this. Riyadh Expo 2030 is a major part of that puzzle,” he added.

 

Breaking Technological Barriers

Kerkentzes believes that the Saudi Crown Prince aims to host “an expo like no other.”

Affirming that the goal is to go beyond what previous exhibition editions have done before, Kerkentzes urged all countries to think seriously about this during the six years of preparation.

“We want to bring the most innovative technologies here, which will be crucial for our future,” he said.

 

Varieties

Frank Stella, Leading American Artist, Dies at 87

Stella died in his Manhattan home from lymphoma (Photo by The AP)
Stella died in his Manhattan home from lymphoma (Photo by The AP)
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Frank Stella, Leading American Artist, Dies at 87

Stella died in his Manhattan home from lymphoma (Photo by The AP)
Stella died in his Manhattan home from lymphoma (Photo by The AP)

Frank Stella, an American painter who became a dominant figure in postwar American art, notably with early minimalist works, has died at age 87, US media reported on Saturday.

Stella died in his Manhattan home from lymphoma, The New York Times reported.

Stella launched his career making spare paintings, some not intended to offer viewers any visual stimulation and little color, a stark contrast to abstract expressionism of the era.

His early work included a series of "pin stripe" paintings -- large works with precise black lines on blank canvas -- which created a furor in the US art world.

Stella was recognized as a major US artist before he turned 25, and continued his career over six decades, AFP reported.

He objected to critics' demands that he interpret his work with the oft-quoted phrase: "What you see is what you see."

Stella later explored color and form, occasionally making irregular shaped paintings with geometric patterns.

Stella turned increasingly to three-dimensional works in the 1970s and 1980s, incorporating aluminum and fiberglass into his pieces, eventually turning to freestanding sculptures for public spaces.

The Museum of Modern Art in New York offered retrospectives of his work in 1970 and again in 1987.

Technology

Foxconn Reiterates Q2 Revenue to Grow, Posts Record April Sales

Foxconn shareholders look at wafers on display after the annual shareholder meeting in New Taipei City, Taiwan May 31, 2023. REUTERS/Ann Wang/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
Foxconn shareholders look at wafers on display after the annual shareholder meeting in New Taipei City, Taiwan May 31, 2023. REUTERS/Ann Wang/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
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Foxconn Reiterates Q2 Revenue to Grow, Posts Record April Sales

Foxconn shareholders look at wafers on display after the annual shareholder meeting in New Taipei City, Taiwan May 31, 2023. REUTERS/Ann Wang/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
Foxconn shareholders look at wafers on display after the annual shareholder meeting in New Taipei City, Taiwan May 31, 2023. REUTERS/Ann Wang/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights

Taiwan's Foxconn, the world's largest contract electronics maker and the biggest assembler of Apple's iPhone, reiterated on Sunday it expected a rise in second-quarter revenue, and reported record sales for the month of April. Foxconn (2317.TW), said in a statement that this year's second quarter "remains a traditional off-peak season, and major products are entering a period of transition between old and new products".

But it added: "The operations outlook for the second quarter is expected to show both quarter-on-quarter and year-on-year growth".

The statement did not elaborate and the company does not give numerical guidance, Reuters reported.

The company, formally called Hon Hai Precision Industry Co Ltd, said April revenue reached T$510.9 billion ($15.83 billion), which it said was the highest figure on record for the same period and represented an on-year rise of 19%.

Revenue in its smart consumer electronics products, including smartphones, in April showed "significant growth" year-on-year, it said.

Strong artificial intelligence (AI) server demand also delivered "strong growth" in April on-year for its cloud and networking products segment, the company added.

The monthly sales data comes ahead of Foxconn's first-quarter earnings call on May 14.

Foxconn has previously reported that for the first quarter, revenue slid 9.6% year-on-year to T$1.322 trillion, underperforming a T$1.401 trillion LSEG SmartEstimate, which gives greater weight to forecasts from analysts who are more consistently accurate.

The first quarter is traditionally quieter than the previous one, the season when Taiwan's tech companies race to supply smartphones, tablets and other electronics to major vendors such as Apple for Western markets' year-end holiday period.

Apple's (AAPL.O) quarterly results and forecast beat modest expectations on Thursday, and CEO Tim Cook said revenue growth would return in the current quarter.

In March, Foxconn adopted a far more bullish outlook for this year, saying on its fourth-quarter earnings call that it expected a significant rise in revenue driven by booming demand for AI servers.

Foxconn's shares have surged almost 50% so far this year, compared with a 13% gain for the broader market (.TWII.)

Arab World

Israel Closes Gaza Crossing after Hamas Attack and Vows Military Operation in 'Very Near Future'

File Photo: A truck carrying goods arrives at Kerem Shalom crossing in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, August 15, 2018. (Reuters)
File Photo: A truck carrying goods arrives at Kerem Shalom crossing in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, August 15, 2018. (Reuters)
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Israel Closes Gaza Crossing after Hamas Attack and Vows Military Operation in 'Very Near Future'

File Photo: A truck carrying goods arrives at Kerem Shalom crossing in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, August 15, 2018. (Reuters)
File Photo: A truck carrying goods arrives at Kerem Shalom crossing in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, August 15, 2018. (Reuters)

Israel closed its main crossing point for delivering badly needed humanitarian aid for Gaza on Sunday after Hamas militants attacked it, reportedly wounding several Israelis, while the defense minister warned of “a powerful operation in the very near future in Rafah and other places across all of Gaza.”

Both struck blows to ongoing ceasefire efforts in Cairo mediated by Egypt and Qatar after reported signs of progress. Israel hasn't sent a delegation, unlike Hamas, and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said that “we see signs that Hamas does not intend to go to any agreement."

The Israeli military reported 10 projectiles were launches at the crossing and said its fighter jets later struck the launcher. Hamas said it had been targeting Israeli soldiers in the area. Israel’s Channel 12 TV channel said 10 people were wounded, three seriously. It was unclear how long the crossing would be closed, The AP reported.

The attack came shortly after the head of the UN World Food Program asserted “full-blown famine” in badly hit northern Gaza, one of the most prominent warnings yet of the toll of restrictions on food and other aid entering the territory. The comments were not a formal famine declaration.

 

 

 

 

Culture

Saudi Arabia: Farasan Islands Host 20th Hareed Festival in Celebration of Culture

This vibrant annual event celebrates the arrival of parrotfish in the islands' shallow waters. SPA
This vibrant annual event celebrates the arrival of parrotfish in the islands' shallow waters. SPA
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Saudi Arabia: Farasan Islands Host 20th Hareed Festival in Celebration of Culture

This vibrant annual event celebrates the arrival of parrotfish in the islands' shallow waters. SPA
This vibrant annual event celebrates the arrival of parrotfish in the islands' shallow waters. SPA

The Farasan Islands, a string of coral islands nestled 40 kilometers off the coast of Jizan in the Red Sea, are abuzz with activity as they host the 20th edition of the Hareed (parrotfish) Festival, the Saudi Press Agency reported Sunday.
This vibrant annual event, held in late April and early May, celebrates the arrival of parrotfish in the islands' shallow waters, SPA said.
For generations, the Farasan people have cherished this natural phenomenon, transforming it into a social gathering that goes beyond the fish. The festival showcases the islands' unique customs, traditions, folk games, and handicrafts. It also throws a spotlight on Farasan's remarkable tourism potential and historical sites.
Festival visitors may have a glimpse at the islands' rich cultural heritage. One of the highlights is "Al-Dana", a captivating form of vocal art that is one of Farasan's oldest folk traditions. It is a poignant expression of longing that arose from the hardships endured by sailors on extended pearl-diving expeditions. The challenges faced by these brave men fueled this art form, which is deeply rooted in Farasan's cultural identity, SPA said.
The festival also provides a platform for Farasan residents to showcase their traditional handicrafts. Visitors get to see the production of fishing traps and nets, the intricate weaving of palm fronds, the creation of bags and rugs, and the art of hat knitting.
A dedicated area at the Hareed fishing site caters to families and children; there, participants can experience the thrill of catching parrotfish using a traditional method that involves setting up barriers to prevent the fish from escaping. This competition, a centuries-old tradition, allows families to connect with the island's fishing heritage.
Just five kilometers from Farasan Grand Island lies Al-Qassar Village, a captivating destination that draws many visitors. This heritage village, built with stone and palm leaves, boasts the largest palm oasis in the archipelago. Al-Qassar served as a summer retreat for Farasan residents, who would travel by camel to spend a three-month getaway during the season of Al-Asef, the northwestern summer wind that comes after the Hareed fishing season.
Famous for its abundance of fresh groundwater, Al-Qassar Village comprises around 400 houses. These unique dwellings with stone walls and roofs made of palm tree planks, leaves, Doum palm, or Anisotes trisulcus branches topped with algae and mud, show traditional building techniques designed to withstand the elements.

Culture

Spain Scraps National Bullfighting Prize Sparking Debate

Bullfighting retains a passionate following in some circles in Spain and leading matadors are treated as celebrities - AFP
Bullfighting retains a passionate following in some circles in Spain and leading matadors are treated as celebrities - AFP
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Spain Scraps National Bullfighting Prize Sparking Debate

Bullfighting retains a passionate following in some circles in Spain and leading matadors are treated as celebrities - AFP
Bullfighting retains a passionate following in some circles in Spain and leading matadors are treated as celebrities - AFP

Spain's left-wing government said this week it would scrap a national prize for bullfighting, a move which angered supporters of the controversial spectacle but was welcomed by animal rights groups.

"A growing majority" of Spaniards are concerned about animal welfare, so "we did not believe it is appropriate to maintain an award that rewards a form of animal abuse", said Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun, who belongs to hard-left party Sumar, Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's junior coalition partners.

"I think they understand even less that these forms of animal torture are rewarded with medals that come with monetary prizes using public money," he added during an interview with private television La Sexta.

The annual prize, which was created in 2011 under a previous Socialist government and was first awarded in 2013, grants 30,000 euros ($32,000) to winners, according to AFP.

Top matadors such as Enrique Ponce and Julian Lopez, known as "El Juli", have won the prize in the past.

Bullfighting retains a passionate following in some circles in Spain and leading matadors are treated as celebrities.

But the practice's mass appeal has faded and polls show a rising disinterest across the country, especially among the young.

Only 1.9 percent of Spain's population attended a bullfight during the 2021-22 season, down from 8.0 percent in 2018-19, according to a survey of leisure habits carried out by the culture ministry.

In recent years bullfighting has become a key issue in Spain's culture wars, pitting left-wing parties against conservatives who argue it is an integral part of the country's identity.

Spain's main opposition conservative Popular Party (PP) swiftly promised to reinstate the prize if it returns to power.

PP spokesman Borja Semper accused the government of being "obsessed with sticking its finger in the eye of those who do not think" as it does, while the party's spokesman in parliament, Miguel Tellado, said bullfighting was "part of our culture, of our traditions".

Several regional governments, including one run by the Socialists in Castilla-La Mancha where bullfighting is popular, said they would create their own bullfighting prizes to replace the one being scrapped.

The Fundacion del Toro de Lidia, an NGO that promotes bullfighting in Spain, accused Urtasun of carrying out his duties in a discriminatory way against bullfighting.

"A culture minister cannot exercise his powers based on his personal preferences, he has the obligation to promote and encourage all cultural manifestations, among which is bullfighting," it said in a statement.

But animal rights groups welcomed the government's decision.

Animal rights party PACMA called the measure a "positive step" and urged the government to go further with the "total abolition" of all forms of public support for bullfighting.

"We consider it to be a form of legalised animal abuse and cannot be justified under any circumstances, let alone encouraged through any kind of economic or social incentive," it said in a statement.

Business

AROYA Cruises Participates in Arabian Travel Market

The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) will be held in Dubai from May 6 to 9 - SPA
The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) will be held in Dubai from May 6 to 9 - SPA
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AROYA Cruises Participates in Arabian Travel Market

The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) will be held in Dubai from May 6 to 9 - SPA
The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) will be held in Dubai from May 6 to 9 - SPA

AROYA Cruises, the first cruise line of Cruise Saudi, said that it is participating in the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), held in Dubai from May 6 to 9.
Exhibiting at ATM, AROYA Cruises will showcase the newly launched and unique cruise line to the global audience.

According to SPA, the new ship contains 18 decks with 28 restaurants and cafes, 20 entertainment venues, a retail area, and wellness and spa facilities that reflect the Kingdom's rich cultural heritage and distinctive hospitality.
AROYA Cruises will also present its unique offerings and design tailored to Arabian preferences during its participation.
It will sign several strategic memorandums of understanding and participate in panel discussions with industry leaders and trade media.
President of AROYA Cruises Joerg Rudolph said: "We are excited to bring AROYA Cruises to ATM, a crucial event in the trade industry's calendar."

"It is such an exciting time for the business as we launch our first cruise ship to commercial markets, and we look forward to showcasing the exceptional facilities, quality design, and authentic Arabian experiences onboard AROYA Cruises to those at ATM this month."

Culture

Saudi Arabia Wins First World Camel Endurance Championship in AlUla

The championship is co-organized by the International Camel Racing Federation and the Royal Commission for AlUA - SPA
The championship is co-organized by the International Camel Racing Federation and the Royal Commission for AlUA - SPA
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Saudi Arabia Wins First World Camel Endurance Championship in AlUla

The championship is co-organized by the International Camel Racing Federation and the Royal Commission for AlUA - SPA
The championship is co-organized by the International Camel Racing Federation and the Royal Commission for AlUA - SPA

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia won first place at the First World Camel Endurance Championship for men and women, held in AlUla.
The championship, co-organized by the International Camel Racing Federation and the Royal Commission for AlUla, witnessed fierce competition from jockeys representing 20 countries.
Saudi dominance was undeniable, with Saudi male jockeys securing the top three spots and winning trophies in both the first and second rounds. Adding to the Kingdom's triumph, a Saudi woman jockey took home first place in the women's category, SPA reported.
The grueling race tested the endurance of both camels and riders. It covered a total distance of 16 kilometers across two stages, each 8 kilometers long. The event offered a total prize pool exceeding SAR2 million.

Business

Saudi Companies Take Part at Saudi National Products Exhibition in Qatar

This file photo taken on Dec. 20, 2019, shows a view of boats moored in front of high-rise buildings in the Qatari capital, Doha. (AFP)
This file photo taken on Dec. 20, 2019, shows a view of boats moored in front of high-rise buildings in the Qatari capital, Doha. (AFP)
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Saudi Companies Take Part at Saudi National Products Exhibition in Qatar

This file photo taken on Dec. 20, 2019, shows a view of boats moored in front of high-rise buildings in the Qatari capital, Doha. (AFP)
This file photo taken on Dec. 20, 2019, shows a view of boats moored in front of high-rise buildings in the Qatari capital, Doha. (AFP)

More than 80 Saudi companies in the industrial, food, health and commercial sectors will participate in the first edition of the Saudi National Products Exhibition, scheduled to take place in the State of Qatar from May 13 to 16.
Several government agencies, including the Ministry of Investment, the Saudi Export Development Authority, and the Federation of Saudi Chambers, will also take part in the exhibition.
The exhibition aims to promote Saudi products, highlight their position in global markets, and connect Saudi exporters with potential buyers and partners, according to SPA.

This will contribute to achieving the Vision 2030 objective of increasing non-oil exports and making the Kingdom a leading industrial country and a global logistics hub.
Various events and activities will be organized on the sidelines of the exhibition to attract visitors and highlight the quality of Saudi industries.

Arab World

Hezbollah Says Fires 'Dozens' of Rockets at Israel After Deadly Lebanon Strike

The Israeli Iron Dome air defense system intercepting missiles launched from southern Lebanon over northern Israel on Sunday (AFP)
The Israeli Iron Dome air defense system intercepting missiles launched from southern Lebanon over northern Israel on Sunday (AFP)
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Hezbollah Says Fires 'Dozens' of Rockets at Israel After Deadly Lebanon Strike

The Israeli Iron Dome air defense system intercepting missiles launched from southern Lebanon over northern Israel on Sunday (AFP)
The Israeli Iron Dome air defense system intercepting missiles launched from southern Lebanon over northern Israel on Sunday (AFP)

Hezbollah said Sunday it launched dozens of rockets at northern Israel in retaliation for a strike on south Lebanon that a local official said killed a couple and their child.

 

The Iran-backed group said in a statement that it fired "dozens of Katyusha and Falaq rockets" at Kiryat Shmona in northern Israel "in response to the horrific crime that the Israeli enemy committed in Mays al-Jabal" which it said killed and wounded civilians, AFP reported.

 

Also, Israel's i24 News television said on Sunday that three people were injured, including one in a serious condition, after the missile attack that targeted northern Israel from southern Lebanon.

 

 

More than 250 Hezbollah members and 75 civilians have been killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon since October. In Israel, missile fire coming from Lebanon has killed around a dozen troops and several civilians.