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Check Valves for Bat Exclusion

Small brown bats, common in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, may hibernate for more than six months. With the arrival of warm weather and insects, bats too emerge in search of food. In their hunt, they may find their way into your home and decide it makes a nice area to roost. Any suspected bat invasion should be dealt with as soon as possible as these pests create an unhealthy living environment through exposure to rabies and histoplasmosis. Bats can also damage insulation and may cause a severe odor problem.

Despite their unsanitary nature, bats are extremely beneficial to our ecosystem, in part by controlling insect populations by eating 500 to 1,000 mosquitoes or other similar sized insects per hour. At Northern Pest, we recognize the importance in conserving these mammals. Depending on your geographical location and the time of the year, shortly after breeding season for bats, any exclusion work (evicting bats by the installation of check valves, one-way doors that allow bats to leave but not re-enter) may have to wait. The reason? Because any juvenile bats that are in your attic are still unable to fly. They will starve to death if their mother exits the den to feed and is unable to return due to the check valves and seal work recently completed. Usually, by the end of August, juvenile bats have matured and have flown the roost!

Juvenile bats can present another problem. Much like children, young bats are a bit clumsy and can end up in odd places by coming inside through open windows, chimney flues, exhaust pipes, or via a gap in the soffit or the ridge vent. Once inside, a young bat may not know how to get back out. Undoubtedly, a bat within the home is troubling to most people, and many customers have called us for a singular sighting of one.

The best time of year to complete bat-work is between May and July. If you need to wait until after August, try to get something done before the first constant frost (usually October-November) as not to disrupt an overwintering colony.

To lower the risk of a bat problem:

  • Seal up any entry points
  • Trim trees away from the roof and exterior siding
  • If you hear scratching and clawing sounds coming from the walls or ceiling, especially at night, call Northern Pest to deal with a suspected bat invasion!

For safe, humane removal of bats, call Northern Pest. After a thorough inspection to identify entry points, we install check valves that allow bats to exit and prevent them from returning. Once the colony has vacated, the valves are removed, and the entry points are sealed to prohibit re-entry. After a bat exclusion, the cleanup process can begin, and any restoration repairs required can be done. Contact us to learn more about our process.

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Northern Pest: Our family serving yours! We are licensed and insured to provide insect and wildlife pest control. Our crew has the expertise to track wildlife entry points and remove pests of all kinds, including our licensed builders, who can make any of the necessary repairs caused by wildlife. Northern Pest is a member of the MDAT and the NWCOA. We are certified by the IICRC to offer professional mold mitigation services caused by animal damage. At Northern Pest, we do it all!

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com

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New Strides in Gathering Solar Power at Night!

An April 2022 publication in the Applied Letters in Physics notes that new research from Stanford University is gaining way to obtain solar energy from nighttime skies. By modifying commercial-grade solar panels, researchers were able to harvest a small amount of electricity at night through a process called radiative cooling.

“We tend to think of the sun as the important renewable energy resource,” said Shanhui Fan, the lead researcher. Adding, “The coldness of outer space is also an extremely important renewable energy resource.”

Though they were not specifically searching for this, Shanhui Fan and his team found that radiative cooling generates solar electricity at night based on the temperature difference between the solar cells (of the panels) and its surroundings.

The Stanford team constructed a photovoltaic cell that harvests energy from the atmosphere 24/7, avoiding the need for storage batteries. While only a small amount of energy was harnessed at night compared to daytime, the results are impressive and warrant further research.

At night, solar panels facing the sky radiate the heat they gathered back out to space, making them cooler than the air temperature around them. This effect could have positive applications in cooling buildings, but the difference found here is how this temperature change can potentially generate a significant amount of electricity.

Sill in its infancy, if these findings gain future practical applications, it’s exciting to know that it can easily be deployed as the modifications were made to standard commercial solar panels. Improvements in design are still required, but the idea of using outer space as a renewable energy source is interesting, to say the least. These findings are another great step in obtaining alternative sources of clean energy.

Thinking of installing solar panels? State Electric Company designs and installs rooftop and ground mount solar panel systems that can integrate with a backup generator and/or an EV charger. Contact us to learn more!

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State Electric Company is a leader in the electrification of the nation. Our highly educated and experienced team of professionals uses industry-leading software technology and has partnered with manufacturers to deliver affordable solutions for all your electrical needs. State Electric Co. is also an exclusive distributor for Enel X JuiceBox EV chargers for residential and commercial use. We are fully licensed, insured, and bonded to install charging stations for homes, offices, hotels, and more. With our extensive knowledge in renewable energy, our team provides customers – large or small – with efficient electrical solutions. Contact us today to learn how we can safely and affordably meet your energy needs. 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com. 

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Power Transformers 101

Power transformers are conduits of electricity that increase or decrease voltage efficiently. These machines are used for transferring power from one circuit to another without changing the frequency.

When electricity comes into the transformer from the power source, it is called primary voltage. Any voltage leaving the transformer is called secondary voltage. Two examples of transformers include step-down, which lowers voltage, and step-up, which raises voltage.

Step-down transformers have higher primary voltage than secondary. These transformers are useful for situations requiring a lesser voltage than provided by the power source. 

Step-up transformers have lower primary voltage than secondary. When the power source is inadequate, these transformers can provide a boost.

Technically, all transformers can operate in both step-down and step-up modes, so the attribution is given based on how the transformer is being used. 

Other types of transformers include: 

  • Three Phase: used in three phase power systems; most cost-effective
  • Distribution: steps down the voltage for commercial or domestic distribution; operates 24/7 with 50 percent of a full load at maximum efficiency
  • Electrical Power: operates at high or peak load times with maximum efficiency at or near full load; used in a transmission network to step up or down voltage
  •  Instrument: C.T. and P.T. are used to lower high voltage and current to levels that can be measured by common instruments
  • Autotransformer: used in situations where the ratio between the high voltage and low voltage is less than two
  • Two Winding Transformer: used in situations where the ratio between the high voltage and low voltage is greater than two
  • Outdoor/Indoor: specifically designed for either application
  • Oil Cooled: refers to the cooling medium as transformer oil
  • Dry Type: refers to the cooling medium as air cooling
  • Core Type: contains two vertical legs with two horizontal sections called yokes; rectangular with a common magnetic circuit
  • Shell Type: has a central limb and two outer limbs with a double-magnetic circuit
  • Berry Type: core resembles wheel spokes with tightly fitted metal sheet tanks; oil used inside

Are you looking for a specific type of transformer, or have one to sell? You’ve come to the right place! Contact the experts at J&P Electrical to talk about transformers today.

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J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical supply company. At J&P, we source contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of heavy industrial electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bus duct, transformers, circuit breakers, fuses, and switchboards. Call us at 877-844-5514 or visit us at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

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Maintaining a Positive Survival Mindset

We’ve all heard of unexpected situations that require survival skills, but what is survival, exactly? Survival is the act of continuing to live or exist in spite of an accident, ordeal, or difficult circumstances. Often, it involves overcoming challenges, beating unimaginable odds, and championing through overall grueling situations. 

Without a doubt, the most imperative tool to withstand stress during emergencies is maintaining the proper mindset. 

Besides obvious factors such as being physically strong, one’s reaction to stress or their ability to handle fear in emergency situations can result in either life or death. Positive psychological responses to stress are pivotal in maintaining survivalist attitudes. 

Since all emergency situations are unplanned, keeping a calm, steady mindset is important for increasing one’s chances of survival. Improvisation is key, and a negative or defeatist attitude can bring down specific individuals as well as the entire morale of a group. 

Being stubborn or having a strong will can be helpful in situations requiring that “fight or flight” attitude. Conquering obstacles and moving toward an end goal of survival rather than defeat or exhaustion is necessary for persisting. 

While in emergency situations, numerous problems will arise that will undoubtedly require a bit of problem-solving. Rather than succumbing to failure, always consider your safety. Analyze all the enemies in the situation, such as loneliness, fatigue, pain, cold/heat, hunger/thirst, etc. and develop a plan of action accordingly, without emotion.

Trying to stay logical rather than emotional is always preferred during emergency situations. Recognizing your fear is also an essential factor, but remember a more dangerous enemy than fear is panic. An uncontrolled urge to run or escape from a situation is generally triggered by the mind while experiencing stress. Panic can lead to exhaustion, injury, or death.  

The best way to minimize panic and stay calm is to think rationally, stay logical, assess the situation from an outside perspective, and maintain positive thinking. 

You’ve got the survival mindset; how about the survival gear? Find everything you need in our online shop. Check it out today.

Wolf Survival Gear is a hub for your prepping and survival needs. We are your trusted resource for concerned families, avid hunters, or serious preppers. Make us your one-stop-shop and prepare now, before you’ll need it later. Visit our website for more information. 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com. 

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LASIK Implantable Lens Alternative on the Horizon

After years of seeking FDA approval for its implanted vision-correcting lens, Staar Surgical has successfully reached a regulatory milestone. The Evo/Evo+ Visian implanted collamer lens is designed to treat myopia (nearsightedness) with or without astigmatism and is an alternative to other vision correction options such as glasses or contacts.

Staar first applied for FDA review in 2019 but was given a denial early that year. In August 2019, the FDA approved a clinical study of the lens. Premarket has been approved, and the device has already been implanted in more than one million patients in more than 75 countries outside of the United States. 

Roughly one-third of the United States population (100 million people) between the ages of 21 and 45 who have myopia over -3.0D could be eligible to receive the device.

The Evo device is implanted between the iris and the crystalline lens in the posterior eye chamber, making it a swift procedure that does not require a preoperative peripheral iridotomy, where a laser is used to create a hole in the iris. 

Unlike LASIK surgery, Evo/Evo+ does not require the removal of corneal tissue and is removable by a doctor if necessary. Since myopia is becoming more common, the newly FDA-approved solution to vision loss is necessary. Forecasts imply almost half of the world’s population could be nearsighted by 2050.

Staar has been in the ophthalmic surgery field for more than 30 years, as they design, develop, manufacture, and market implantable lenses for the eye.

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Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology available to provide personalized and extraordinary care to our patients. Whether your goal is to maintain or improve your natural vision, we are here to help you. Call us at 877-579-0202 or visit https://www.michiganlasik.com/ to schedule an appointment today.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com. 

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Video Radiology Helps Patients Better Understand Test Results

Video radiology reports are made for specific patients using simplified language and clearly annotated images to help them better understand test results, according to a novel study published by the American Journal of Roentgenology. 

Radiologists at NYU Grossman School of Medicine lead the study in collaboration with Visage Imaging GmbH and Siemens Healthineers. The study outlines how radiologists can create these patient-focused videos in under four minutes, delivering the results directly to patients and referring partners through an integrated patient portal. 

Lead author of the study, Michael P. Recht, MD, the Louis Marx Professor of Radiology and chair of the Department of Radiology at NYU Langone Health, said, “For decades radiologists have provided traditional radiology reports that are full of medical jargon and extremely difficult for patients to understand and decipher. Our findings demonstrate that when radiologists take a more active role in patient-centered care and provide helpful information about a particular diagnosis in an easy-to-comprehend manner, both the patient and clinician benefit.”

More than 100 radiologists at NYU Langone Health generated more than 3,500 video radiology reports during a four-month span between September 2021 and January 2022. All imaging modalities were used in the reports, such as MRIs, mammograms, X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds, etc. 

The average length of each video report was 55 seconds. In a survey, 91 percent of patients reported they preferred both a written and video radiology report, suggesting it was helpful at showcasing the most imperative aspects of the overall report.

Researchers created the video radiology reports with Visage Imaging GmbH to integrate and build a tool inside the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), which is used by radiologists to read imaging studies. 

After a series of images were identified, they were brought into the diagnostic viewer screen and recorded with audio while a mouse was used to identify notable anatomical anomalies. 

The NYU Langone Health MyChart housed the video radiology reports on the patient portal, with personalized clinical notes and a complete written report. 

Dr. Recht said, “Our study disrupts the old adage that radiologists ‘sit in a dark reading room all day’ and are invisible to patients. Through projects and research like this, our radiologists take a more active approach to patient-centered care that allows our department to provide exceptional, world-class care.”

RadParts is the world’s largest independent distributor of OEM replacement parts. We specialize in low-cost parts for repairing linear accelerator and radiation equipment. Our mission is to provide high-quality, user-friendly, low-cost parts and support for linear accelerators and radiation equipment. Contact RadParts at 877-704-3838 or visit us on the web: https://www.radparts.com. 


Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

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Difference Between Saltwater and Chlorine Pools

When pool owners build or remodel their pool, they take into account size, shape, activities, accessories, and, more recently, water sanitation methods. The two most common types of pool sanitation are saltwater and chlorine. But what are the differences, and why do they matter? Continue reading to find out.

Differences Between Saltwater and Chlorine

In saltwater pools, electrolysis creates chlorine thanks to pool-grade salt and a chlorine generator. The salty water passes through two electrically-charged plates, which then get converted to chlorine. While chlorine is still present in the pool, the process is different from a traditional chlorine pool. 

On the other hand, chlorine pools must be tested and balanced with liquid or tablet chlorine. Additionally, pH and calcium hardness must be sampled and adjusted. 

While each pool is sanitized with the same chemical, saltwater pools create fewer chloramines, contributing to the smell and feel of traditional chlorine pools.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claims that chloramines are “a type of combined chlorine that form in water,” and emit gas into the surrounding air, causing that typical chlorine smell, eye redness, and lung irritation. 

Saltwater Benefits

  • Everyday operations are cheaper, with an entire summer supply of salt costing roughly $25, and chlorine $165 
  • Gentler on skin, eyes, hair, swimsuits, etc.
  • No chemical chlorine smell

Chlorine Benefits

  • More cost-effective to keep a traditional chlorine pool if it already exists; converting to saltwater can cost roughly $3,000 or more
  • The pool still works on cold days

Saltwater Disadvantages

  • Pool can deteriorate more quickly due to salt erosion 
  • Salt chlorine generators require more maintenance
  • Chlorine will not be produced in water cooler than 60 degrees

Chlorine Disadvantages

  • Chlorine can cause dry skin, red eyes, bleached swimwear, irritated noses, throat, lungs, etc.
  • Chemicals cost more than pool grade salt
  • Chloramines produce a strong chemical smell, especially indoors

Pound Pool Plastering offers free estimates and complete pool renovations. Dale Pound, owner, personally oversees each pool project to ensure the highest quality is delivered. We offer Diamond Brite, Sunstone, Hydrazzo, Marcite, Bead Crete, tile choices, coping stones, etc. We are pool renovation experts – contact us today at 248-476-4544 or poundpool@sbcglobal.net.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com  

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Five Methods for Collecting Emergency Water

Water is vital for life: not just ours, but for plants and animals, too. In survival situations, water is critical to locate and stockpile, as it is one of our most basic necessities. In circumstances where clean, running tap water is not available, it’s necessary to gather emergency water and have a plan of action.  

Before you scoff and say, “I have plenty of bottled water,” hear us out. Bottled water isn’t adequate; it will eventually run out much faster than anticipated. Water is used for drinking, yes, but it’s also used in cooking, hygiene, and more. There is a solution to replenishing your water supply…read on for the list.

  1. Containers: buckets, pails, pans, etc., are wonderful for trapping and storing emergency water. In an open area, place the container outside while it rains to collect fairly clean, drinkable water. After collecting the water, ensure the container can be tightly sealed to prevent contamination. 
  1. Umbrellas: in lieu of a hard container, flip an umbrella upside-down and gather rainwater that way. You can either use it as a funnel to point toward the container or into another vessel, such as a plastic bag or a more flimsy material that wouldn’t stand up on its own to collect water. 
  1. Whole-House System: built into a home’s gutters, these systems utilize the large surface area of the roof to collect huge amounts of rainwater in a short period. Rain barrels are popular for whole-house water collection and require little- to no maintenance.
  1. Melt Ice or Snow: if you look up to the sky and see snowflakes instead of raindrops, have no fear, you can still gather potable water. Collect ice or snow in clean containers and bring them inside to melt. 
  1. Bodies of Water: seek out rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, or other large bodies of water to gather emergency hydration. Ensure you use water filter systems to remove contaminants, as water that has already hit the ground can be tainted with dissolved solids and harmful microbes. 

Ready to start collecting emergency water? The earlier, the better. When prepping for any emergency, water should be at the top of your list. It’s undoubtedly an essential aspect of survival, so make sure you know where you’re going to get it from if need be. 

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Are you looking for water supplies? Check out our water gear to keep you and your family hydrated during emergencies.

Wolf Survival Gear is a hub for your prepping and survival needs. We are your trusted resource for concerned families, avid hunters, or serious preppers. Make us your one-stop-shop and prepare now, before you’ll need it later. Visit our website for more information. 

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com. 

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Hotels Race to Meet Growing Demand for EV Chargers

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are quickly charging their way forward, growing from niche to normal. According to a Bloomberg New Energy Finance report, titled, “Electric Vehicle Outlook 2018,” sales of EVs will increase from 1.1 million worldwide in 2017 to 11 million in 2025, followed by 30 million in 2030.

Hotel operators are racing to meet the demand for charging stations by installing EV chargers and attracting customers. A charging station manufacturer, EOS Linux, struck a deal with Choice Hotels International to install charging stations at specific properties.

Blake Snyder, President of EOS Linx, said, “Choice Hotels properties are often located close to highways, making them ideal locations for EV chargers.” Each of the EOS Charging Stations to be installed includes a 75-inch digital display to showcase public service announcements.

Rick Summa, Vice President of Partner Services at Choice Hotels International, said, “This will provide drivers with access to EV chargers while traveling, and potentially uncover new customer engagement opportunities for our 6,000-plus domestic franchised hotels.”

Companies such as Hilton and Destination Hotels have partnered with Tesla or other businesses such as General Electric or Kerbspace, with some contracts sparked back in 2019.

Jonathan Wilson, Vice President of customer experience and innovation at Hilton, guessed that roughly 300 properties in the United States and Canada have EV charging stations. While some companies are rushing to install chargers, some have had EV charging stations for roughly a decade, such as Marriott International.

Denise Naguib, Vice President of sustainability and supplier diversity at Marriott, said Marriott properties today have over 1,700 charging stations at more than 600 hotels. The number of chargers range from one unit to 15, depending on guest demand.

Looking to attract the EV demographic to your place of business? You’ve come to the right place! At State Electric Company, our professional and experienced team will review your goals, inspect your infrastructure, design, and install the EV charging station(s) customized for your property and key metrics – all with unmatched service. Contact us today to learn more.

State Electric Company is a leader in the electrification of the nation. Our highly educated and experienced team of professionals uses industry-leading software technology and has partnered with manufacturers to deliver affordable solutions for all your electrical needs. State Electric Co. is also an exclusive distributor for Enel X JuiceBox EV chargers for residential and commercial use. We are fully licensed, insured, and bonded to install charging stations for homes, offices, hotels, and more. With our extensive knowledge in renewable energy, our team provides customers – large or small – with efficient electrical solutions. Contact us today to learn how we can safely and affordably meet your energy needs.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

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Michigan’s Underground Storage Tanks are Raising Concern

Legacy tanks typically store fuel and other hazardous chemicals underground. These tanks generally receive a little-to-no maintenance and were buried before strict regulations were established.

Experts are concerned about the chemicals leaching into municipal drinking water.  A recent fuel leak in Flat Rock was suspected to be caused by a pair of underground steel tanks. The fuel spread to the Huron River by a tributary, as spotted by a fisherman.

After a swift cleanup and containment efforts (such as closing the park), the Flat Rock tanks are a microcosm for a much more significant issue throughout the entire state. Over 8,000 underground storage tanks are potentially leaking, according to the state of Michigan.

Jill Greenberg, an employee of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, said, “Of the 24,000 contaminated sites, 8,000 are leaky underground storage tanks. If there’s a property transaction and the owner knows about contamination, they are legally required to disclose it.”

Companies that are no longer in business are notorious for abandoning tanks as far back as 100 years ago. Greenberg suggested a need for heavier funding to address the unregistered sites, such as those in Flat Rock. However, state leaders anticipate a budget of $163 million to locate and remedy the tanks that have slipped through time.

The overwhelming feeling at the state and federal levels is that these storage tanks pose an urgent crisis that cannot continue to be ignored. Some representatives believe infrastructure dollars should be used toward the tanks.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) said, “EGLE inherited an outdated it system that heavily relied on paper records. We are in the process of upgrading our system and that will allow us to categorize, cross reference and track the contaminated properties we know about.”

United States Representative Debbie Dingell said the tanks in Flat Rock were 100 years old and said, “Nobody had a record of them. I’m sure there’s situations like that all over the state.”

The State of Michigan’s Office of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs is working in conjunction with EGLE to address the tanks. Unfortunately, holding current property owners accountable is fruitless, since many of the tanks were abandoned decades ago. Regardless, regulations should be established now to minimize surprises in the future.

Are you worried about chemicals in your water? Contact the water purification experts at Reynolds Water Conditioning today.

Reynolds Water Conditioning was established in 1931 and is Michigan’s oldest water conditioning treatment company. Still owned and operated by the Reynolds family, we take pride in providing the highest quality products at a cost-effective price. If your tap water lacks the quality you deserve, contact us today at www.reynoldswater.com or call 800-572-9575.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.