Air Purifiers for allergies are helpful in maintaining clean air inside the home. Air purifiers are specially designed with improved filtration system for removing irritants and allergens. A recent report released by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAI) states that nearly 50 million people are suffering from allergies across the US. Animal hair, dust mites, pollen and molds are the leading causes of allergic reactions in individuals.
Allergic reactions encountered as awful sneezing episodes at bedtime can be reduced to a great extent by using air purifiers. These specialized air purifiers for allergies help reduce seasonal allergies by trapping suspended allergy causing particles in the air such as dust, mold, spores, pollen and dust mites. Some air purifiers also offer additional services such as removing odors and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) performing complete indoor air cleaning and purification. In the majority of cases, these air purifiers will provide relief to allergy patients.
Air purifiers can be used for a single room as well as the complete house. Air purifiers cannot remove settled allergic particles in rugs, carpets and pillows. For maximum protection from allergies and most effective use of air purifiers, clean all furniture and remove the carpets. You can then have a good night sleep.
2011年7月25日星期一
Skipper discharged after fatality
To prevent captive animals from losing their natural behaviours, zoos are instituting enrichment programmes.
CAPTIVE animals in zoos and related institutions exist in an environment controlled by people. There are no zebras for lions to pounce on, no trees for elephants to wrestle with, and no rats scurrying through the undergrowth for our slithery friends to surprise.
In the captive environment, any opportunity to run, jump, pounce, climb, burrow, hunt and basically do what comes naturally to the animals, is afforded by humans. These are what zoo keepers call “enrichment programmes”.
Enrichment is all about making sure animals have the opportunities to remain stimulated, both mentally and physically. It can be as simple as filling the exhibit area with a variety of substrates and elevations for the animal to explore, to more complex measures such as providing puzzle feeders, scents and behavioural training.
Ronda Schwetz, deputy zoo director at Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin in the United States, has a special interest in primates. For her recent trip to Zoo Negara in Kuala Lumpur, Schwetz brought with her a large contraption.
“This is an orang utan enrichment device,” she says, spinning the holey white tube inside its plain metal frame. “It was a nightmare to carry through the airport!”
The object does not look like much but feed a few peanuts and raisins into the tube and you’ve got a peanut-dispensing machine for orang utans to tinker with.
So instead of sitting around on the same tree, the orang utan get to experience something novel and stimulating. The effort and cost to create such a device, which is perfect for keeping our intelligent (ape) cousins busy, is minimal.
Schwetz says her apes thoroughly enjoy sitting around and cogitating on the best tool – finger or twig? – for prying out the goodies.
CAPTIVE animals in zoos and related institutions exist in an environment controlled by people. There are no zebras for lions to pounce on, no trees for elephants to wrestle with, and no rats scurrying through the undergrowth for our slithery friends to surprise.
In the captive environment, any opportunity to run, jump, pounce, climb, burrow, hunt and basically do what comes naturally to the animals, is afforded by humans. These are what zoo keepers call “enrichment programmes”.
Enrichment is all about making sure animals have the opportunities to remain stimulated, both mentally and physically. It can be as simple as filling the exhibit area with a variety of substrates and elevations for the animal to explore, to more complex measures such as providing puzzle feeders, scents and behavioural training.
Ronda Schwetz, deputy zoo director at Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin in the United States, has a special interest in primates. For her recent trip to Zoo Negara in Kuala Lumpur, Schwetz brought with her a large contraption.
“This is an orang utan enrichment device,” she says, spinning the holey white tube inside its plain metal frame. “It was a nightmare to carry through the airport!”
The object does not look like much but feed a few peanuts and raisins into the tube and you’ve got a peanut-dispensing machine for orang utans to tinker with.
So instead of sitting around on the same tree, the orang utan get to experience something novel and stimulating. The effort and cost to create such a device, which is perfect for keeping our intelligent (ape) cousins busy, is minimal.
Schwetz says her apes thoroughly enjoy sitting around and cogitating on the best tool – finger or twig? – for prying out the goodies.
2011年7月21日星期四
Do Air Purifiers Really Work? Seven Common Myths Dispelled
Myth 1. Air purifiers mean that you will not have to ever dust again.
Sorry, but you will still have to get out a Hepa vacuum cleaner and dusting cloth to dust your furniture and floors to be completely free of dust.
Myth 2. If you have allergies, air purifiers can be a silver bullet.
An air purifier is only part of an allergy control program. When allergens are heavy like pollen, they can fall to the floor before an air cleaner catches them. A Hepa vacuum and steam cleaner are also useful.
Myth 3. If an air purifier has a Hepa filter, it must be effective.
Unfortunately, even if an air purifier has a Hepa filter, other design factors may prevent it from doing a truly effective job so that the unpurified air leaks all around the filter and escapes back into the room.
Myth 4. If you have dust mite allergies, the first thing you need to do is buy an air purifier.
Actually not true. Firstly, you should get dust mite covers for your pillows and mattresses since dust mites tend to congregate in warm moist environments. An air purifier will only capture airborne dust mite fragments.
Myth 5. If you have allergies you should never open your windows and only rely on your air purifier.
Not true; every house needs a certain amount of fresh air exchanges every day. If you do not have an automatic fresh air exchanger, you are best off opening the windows for an hour each day.
Myth 6. Air purifiers with Hepa filters help remove odors.
Hepa filters capture allergens, not odors. That is only achieved through an air purifier that contains several pounds of carbon in a separate filter.
Myth 7. Running an air purifier at any speed will help air quality.
This is really a big misconception. Consumers often run their air purifier at low speeds to not hear fan noise, but don't realize that they reduce the square footage it will effectively cover. Run the air purifier on high a couple of hours before you go to bed and then turn it on low.
Sorry, but you will still have to get out a Hepa vacuum cleaner and dusting cloth to dust your furniture and floors to be completely free of dust.
Myth 2. If you have allergies, air purifiers can be a silver bullet.
An air purifier is only part of an allergy control program. When allergens are heavy like pollen, they can fall to the floor before an air cleaner catches them. A Hepa vacuum and steam cleaner are also useful.
Myth 3. If an air purifier has a Hepa filter, it must be effective.
Unfortunately, even if an air purifier has a Hepa filter, other design factors may prevent it from doing a truly effective job so that the unpurified air leaks all around the filter and escapes back into the room.
Myth 4. If you have dust mite allergies, the first thing you need to do is buy an air purifier.
Actually not true. Firstly, you should get dust mite covers for your pillows and mattresses since dust mites tend to congregate in warm moist environments. An air purifier will only capture airborne dust mite fragments.
Myth 5. If you have allergies you should never open your windows and only rely on your air purifier.
Not true; every house needs a certain amount of fresh air exchanges every day. If you do not have an automatic fresh air exchanger, you are best off opening the windows for an hour each day.
Myth 6. Air purifiers with Hepa filters help remove odors.
Hepa filters capture allergens, not odors. That is only achieved through an air purifier that contains several pounds of carbon in a separate filter.
Myth 7. Running an air purifier at any speed will help air quality.
This is really a big misconception. Consumers often run their air purifier at low speeds to not hear fan noise, but don't realize that they reduce the square footage it will effectively cover. Run the air purifier on high a couple of hours before you go to bed and then turn it on low.
2011年7月18日星期一
'Jam' at Pedder Rd flyover meet
MUMBAI: Around 100 persons, mainly belonging to the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), went on a rampage and disrupted a crucial public hearing on the proposed Pedder Road flyover on Monday afternoon.
In 2008, a similar public meeting on the project was disrupted by political activists. The NCP controls the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), which will execute the Rs 300-crore project.
Over 500 residents, citizen activists and NGO representatives had assembled at the Institute of Engineers auditorium at Haji Ali for public consultations organized by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board.
The political workers, who were in the audience, suddenly started shouting slogans supporting the flyover, abused residents and manhandled senior citizens in front of the police. The fracas started when Pedder Road residents objected to a presentation by an MSRDC official.
MSRDC managing director Bipin Srimali said no further hearing will be held and a report on the meeting will be forwarded to the environment ministry. City collector Chandrashekhar Oak, who chaired the public hearing, adjourned it when the mob moved towards the stage. "The ministry and MSRDC will have to decide on another meeting," he said.
"The presentation was idiotic and full of lies. He was giving out wrong traffic figures. Anyone who disputed it was shouted down by the mob," said Pritish Nandy, a film producer and a local resident.
"The moment I rose to speak, they stopped me. Is this the way the government wants to push through the project just because some people want to benefit?" said Veena Singhal, 70-year-old chairperson of the Pedder Road Residents Association (PRRA), who has been spearheading opposition to the flyover for over a decade. "There is too much goondagiri in public life. Two busloads of party workers arrived at the venue and threatened some of us with physical injury," she added.
"A bunch of goons was unleashed on the audience. They were menacing and threatening eminent citizens. The public hearing was a farce," she said.
Veteran structural consultant and Carmichael Road resident Shirish Patel said, "They were people representing political parties. Some women were brought in vehicles to shout slogans and disrupt the meeting."
"When the public hearing was organized for the residents, why were people who do not live along the road allowed to enter," asked Darcy Dinshaw, PRRA joint honorary secretary.
Activist Sumaira Abdulali objected to MSRDC's claim that noise pollution will reduce after the flyover is constructed.
"We did not have any voice during the hearing. In a democratic process, a fair chance should be given to all," said Kitu Gidwani, actor and resident
Vijay Trilokekar, a consultant and Kemps Corner resident, said, "I want this flyover. The residents did not have patience to hear the MSRDC side. Then came another mob that supported the bridge. My only request is that the old Kemps Corner flyover should not be demolished and the new flyover should have a cable-stay above it to facilitate better traffic movement."
"The residents should think in terms of the city's development and not only of their neighbourhood. The flyover will definitely help traffic move faster," said Mukul Gandhi, a businessman and resident.
Divan Tolani, a resident, said, "We are all opposed to the flyover. Why not let people decide these issues in a democratic manner instead of trying to thrust this project on us?"
I am sure it will create more problems in the long run."
An MSRDC official said, "We will install solar-powered air purifiers besides noise barriers and view-cutters. The flyover will reduce pollution as the speed of vehicles will go up from 18 to 40 kmph. Enough care has been taken that people are not disturbed at night due to construction activities and traffic is handled smoothly by diverting it."
The public hearing was held following a directive from the Union environment ministry. "The ministry wanted to take into consideration the suggestions and objections of residents," the official.
In 2008, a similar public meeting on the project was disrupted by political activists. The NCP controls the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), which will execute the Rs 300-crore project.
Over 500 residents, citizen activists and NGO representatives had assembled at the Institute of Engineers auditorium at Haji Ali for public consultations organized by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board.
The political workers, who were in the audience, suddenly started shouting slogans supporting the flyover, abused residents and manhandled senior citizens in front of the police. The fracas started when Pedder Road residents objected to a presentation by an MSRDC official.
MSRDC managing director Bipin Srimali said no further hearing will be held and a report on the meeting will be forwarded to the environment ministry. City collector Chandrashekhar Oak, who chaired the public hearing, adjourned it when the mob moved towards the stage. "The ministry and MSRDC will have to decide on another meeting," he said.
"The presentation was idiotic and full of lies. He was giving out wrong traffic figures. Anyone who disputed it was shouted down by the mob," said Pritish Nandy, a film producer and a local resident.
"The moment I rose to speak, they stopped me. Is this the way the government wants to push through the project just because some people want to benefit?" said Veena Singhal, 70-year-old chairperson of the Pedder Road Residents Association (PRRA), who has been spearheading opposition to the flyover for over a decade. "There is too much goondagiri in public life. Two busloads of party workers arrived at the venue and threatened some of us with physical injury," she added.
"A bunch of goons was unleashed on the audience. They were menacing and threatening eminent citizens. The public hearing was a farce," she said.
Veteran structural consultant and Carmichael Road resident Shirish Patel said, "They were people representing political parties. Some women were brought in vehicles to shout slogans and disrupt the meeting."
"When the public hearing was organized for the residents, why were people who do not live along the road allowed to enter," asked Darcy Dinshaw, PRRA joint honorary secretary.
Activist Sumaira Abdulali objected to MSRDC's claim that noise pollution will reduce after the flyover is constructed.
"We did not have any voice during the hearing. In a democratic process, a fair chance should be given to all," said Kitu Gidwani, actor and resident
Vijay Trilokekar, a consultant and Kemps Corner resident, said, "I want this flyover. The residents did not have patience to hear the MSRDC side. Then came another mob that supported the bridge. My only request is that the old Kemps Corner flyover should not be demolished and the new flyover should have a cable-stay above it to facilitate better traffic movement."
"The residents should think in terms of the city's development and not only of their neighbourhood. The flyover will definitely help traffic move faster," said Mukul Gandhi, a businessman and resident.
Divan Tolani, a resident, said, "We are all opposed to the flyover. Why not let people decide these issues in a democratic manner instead of trying to thrust this project on us?"
I am sure it will create more problems in the long run."
An MSRDC official said, "We will install solar-powered air purifiers besides noise barriers and view-cutters. The flyover will reduce pollution as the speed of vehicles will go up from 18 to 40 kmph. Enough care has been taken that people are not disturbed at night due to construction activities and traffic is handled smoothly by diverting it."
The public hearing was held following a directive from the Union environment ministry. "The ministry wanted to take into consideration the suggestions and objections of residents," the official.
2011年7月14日星期四
Hanmer MSL adds nine businesses this quarter
HANMER MSL, part of MSLGROUP, Publicis Groupe’s flagship speciality communications, Public Relations and events network and one of India’s leading communications agencies today announced securing Eureka Forbes, Channel [v], Star Movies, Star Gold, FOX International Channel–India, JW Marriott Chandigarh, The Himalaya Drug Company, Abt. Associates and Somany Ceramics for strategic communications assignments, reinforcing its reputation as one of India’s leading speciality communications brands.
Part of MSLGROUP India, the nation’s largest PR and Social Media network, HANMER MSL will provide strategic communications consultancy in the areas of brand building and corporate reputation, corporate responsibility and crisis and issues management, helping client’s position, promote and protect their brands in one of Asia’s most dynamic growth markets. HANMER MSL will also draw on expertise and capabilities within MSLGROUP to support these national and multi-national companies expansion within India through its extensive India network of nine large offices in eight key cities and an additional 29 network offices which focus on tier 1, tier 2 and tier 3 cities.
Commenting on the news, Jaideep Shergill, CEO, HANMER MSL, and member MSLGROUP India Management Board said, “HANMER MSL’s strong growth trajectory continues this year, and the value we add to our clients through holistic and insights driven communications is reflected in today’s announcement. We are thrilled to be working with renowned national and international brands and look forward to helping our clients creatively engage with consumers and stakeholders.”
HANMER MSL’s media and entertainment portfolio expands further with an additional three retainer clients including Channel [v], Star Movies, Star Gold and FOX International Channel–India. HANMER MSL’s ability to execute holistic campaigns has positioned the agency at the forefront of media and entertainment speciality communications. With experience in driving campaigns for key brands from the STAR portfolio for several years, the agency’s hat-trick of clients come on the back of a recent Gold Win at this year’s prestigious Big Bang Awards for the STAR Plus Re-launch campaign, which creatively captured the brand’s new vision identity, resonating positively with audiences. HANMER MSL will leverage its expertise to create maximum exposure for the brands amongst target audiences and key stakeholders.
Somany Ceramics, one of the leading players in the tiles and sanitary ware industry in India, has partnered with HANMER MSL to help enhance their brand perception and shape their profile to align with their growth objectives for the business. The agency will help drive positive awareness of Somany Ceramics’ strong country-wide operational excellence, R&D and technology leadership, positioning the brands as an industry leader in its market.
Eureka Forbes, part of the Shapoorji Pallonji group and provider of domestic and industrial Water Purification Systems, Vacuum Cleaners, Air Purifiers & Security Solutions in India has tasked HANMER MSL with enhancing their corporate reputation and further strengthening perceptions of their flagship water purification business which includes Aquaguard and AquaSure. The agency will also be responsible for engaging audiences on the group’s water management initiatives.
Part of MSLGROUP India, the nation’s largest PR and Social Media network, HANMER MSL will provide strategic communications consultancy in the areas of brand building and corporate reputation, corporate responsibility and crisis and issues management, helping client’s position, promote and protect their brands in one of Asia’s most dynamic growth markets. HANMER MSL will also draw on expertise and capabilities within MSLGROUP to support these national and multi-national companies expansion within India through its extensive India network of nine large offices in eight key cities and an additional 29 network offices which focus on tier 1, tier 2 and tier 3 cities.
Commenting on the news, Jaideep Shergill, CEO, HANMER MSL, and member MSLGROUP India Management Board said, “HANMER MSL’s strong growth trajectory continues this year, and the value we add to our clients through holistic and insights driven communications is reflected in today’s announcement. We are thrilled to be working with renowned national and international brands and look forward to helping our clients creatively engage with consumers and stakeholders.”
HANMER MSL’s media and entertainment portfolio expands further with an additional three retainer clients including Channel [v], Star Movies, Star Gold and FOX International Channel–India. HANMER MSL’s ability to execute holistic campaigns has positioned the agency at the forefront of media and entertainment speciality communications. With experience in driving campaigns for key brands from the STAR portfolio for several years, the agency’s hat-trick of clients come on the back of a recent Gold Win at this year’s prestigious Big Bang Awards for the STAR Plus Re-launch campaign, which creatively captured the brand’s new vision identity, resonating positively with audiences. HANMER MSL will leverage its expertise to create maximum exposure for the brands amongst target audiences and key stakeholders.
Somany Ceramics, one of the leading players in the tiles and sanitary ware industry in India, has partnered with HANMER MSL to help enhance their brand perception and shape their profile to align with their growth objectives for the business. The agency will help drive positive awareness of Somany Ceramics’ strong country-wide operational excellence, R&D and technology leadership, positioning the brands as an industry leader in its market.
Eureka Forbes, part of the Shapoorji Pallonji group and provider of domestic and industrial Water Purification Systems, Vacuum Cleaners, Air Purifiers & Security Solutions in India has tasked HANMER MSL with enhancing their corporate reputation and further strengthening perceptions of their flagship water purification business which includes Aquaguard and AquaSure. The agency will also be responsible for engaging audiences on the group’s water management initiatives.
2011年7月12日星期二
Pedder Road flyover to get air purifiers: MSRDC
MUMBAI: Under pressure from Pedder Road residents to ensure reduction in air and noise pollution after building a flyover between Haji Ali and Girgaum Chowpatty, the state has come out with a novel promise.
The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has proposed to install solar-powered air purifiers on the 4.3-km flyover at an interval of 200 metres in addition to advanced noise barriers and view cutters.
MSRDC officials say purifiers will not only improve air circulation, but also reduce toxic oxides of sulphur and nitrogen by infusing ozone in the area below the via-duct. During overcast days, purifiers will run on electricity. The purifier will absorb carbon dioxide from the air and release "oxygenated air".
Similarly, the noise level of 60 decibels will be reduced to 40 decibels due to noise barriers, which will last for nearly 30 years. MSRDC officials claim that view cutters will virtually leave no scope for outsiders to peep into apartments.
These promises to the residents have come in the wake of a public hearing organized by the MSRDC and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) at the Institution of Engineers' Hall at Haji Ali on July 18 at 3 pm.
The flyover will start near Rajni Patel chowk near Lala Lajpat Rai college at Haji Ali and then terminate beyond G B Pant square near Wilson College on Marine Drive.
The via-duct will pass through Haji Ali junction, Cadbury junction, Kemps Corner, Prempuriji Square, Babulnath temple, Tambe Square and Wilson College near Nana Nani Park. The flyover will help motorists cut down on travel time by over 40 minutes.
MSRDC officials said the flyover will be ready in 18 months. "We will carry out construction work during night hours and monitor air and noise pollution due to construction activities. We will barricade the area and will ensure that work is done within this area. We will keep tabs on the debris," said a senior MSRDC official.
"Temporary traffic disruption while demolishing Kemps Corner flyover and construction of a via-duct will be taken care of by diversion of traffic towards Bhulabhai Desai Road and Tardeo Road in consultation with the traffic police," the official added.
The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has proposed to install solar-powered air purifiers on the 4.3-km flyover at an interval of 200 metres in addition to advanced noise barriers and view cutters.
MSRDC officials say purifiers will not only improve air circulation, but also reduce toxic oxides of sulphur and nitrogen by infusing ozone in the area below the via-duct. During overcast days, purifiers will run on electricity. The purifier will absorb carbon dioxide from the air and release "oxygenated air".
Similarly, the noise level of 60 decibels will be reduced to 40 decibels due to noise barriers, which will last for nearly 30 years. MSRDC officials claim that view cutters will virtually leave no scope for outsiders to peep into apartments.
These promises to the residents have come in the wake of a public hearing organized by the MSRDC and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) at the Institution of Engineers' Hall at Haji Ali on July 18 at 3 pm.
The flyover will start near Rajni Patel chowk near Lala Lajpat Rai college at Haji Ali and then terminate beyond G B Pant square near Wilson College on Marine Drive.
The via-duct will pass through Haji Ali junction, Cadbury junction, Kemps Corner, Prempuriji Square, Babulnath temple, Tambe Square and Wilson College near Nana Nani Park. The flyover will help motorists cut down on travel time by over 40 minutes.
MSRDC officials said the flyover will be ready in 18 months. "We will carry out construction work during night hours and monitor air and noise pollution due to construction activities. We will barricade the area and will ensure that work is done within this area. We will keep tabs on the debris," said a senior MSRDC official.
"Temporary traffic disruption while demolishing Kemps Corner flyover and construction of a via-duct will be taken care of by diversion of traffic towards Bhulabhai Desai Road and Tardeo Road in consultation with the traffic police," the official added.
2011年7月6日星期三
Peddar Rd flyover to have noise, pollution barriers
To address environment concerns regarding the construction of the Peddar Road flyover, the Maharshrastra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) said it will use state-of-the-art technology to combat air and noise pollution. Residents have time and again protested against the flyover which they say would cause inconvenience and pollution in the area.
The corporation has proposed the use of solar-powered air purifiers mounted on streetlight poles, noise barriers and visibility barriers to address these issues. “Solar-powered air purifiers have been used before in the Commonwealth Games in Delhi but were of a smaller capacity. For this project, we will install custom-made 5,000 cubic metre purifiers, the largest ever to be used in India. This will help in reducing the sulphur oxide and nitrogen oxide levels,” said RK Das, vice-president (Environment), MSRDC.
The corporation has proposed the use of solar-powered air purifiers mounted on streetlight poles, noise barriers and visibility barriers to address these issues. “Solar-powered air purifiers have been used before in the Commonwealth Games in Delhi but were of a smaller capacity. For this project, we will install custom-made 5,000 cubic metre purifiers, the largest ever to be used in India. This will help in reducing the sulphur oxide and nitrogen oxide levels,” said RK Das, vice-president (Environment), MSRDC.
2011年7月4日星期一
AlN substrates can be cost efficient
Nitride Solutions is developing a manufacturing technology that hopes to deliver high-volume, low-cost aluminium nitride substrates with defect rates 10 times lower than substrates currently on the market.
With secured major financing commitments from Nebraska Angels and Aurora UV, Nitride Solutions, a developer of next-generation substrates for LEDs, lasers and power electronics, aims to transform the AlN substrate industry.
To date, Nitride has raised $1.8M in a Series A preferred round. Nebraska and Aurora join lead investor Midwest Venture Alliance, in addition to Mid-America Angels and Manhattan Holdings in the round.
“Our investment group, the Midwest Venture Alliance, is looking to invest in solid management teams that are solving real market problems. Nitride Solutions represents just that,” said Trish Brasted, president and CEO of Wichita Technology Corporation. “They have put together an experienced business and technical management team that is developing an industry-changing advanced material.”
Nitride is developing a manufacturing technology that will deliver high-volume, low-cost AlN substrates. With projected defect rates 10 times lower than substrates currently on the market, these substrates should improve the quality of existing LED, laser and electronic products, while also making possible whole new categories of UV devices.
The result will be improved white lighting for consumer and industrial uses, more efficient power systems in hybrid vehicles, sharper colour on flat-screen TVs, and better air and water purifiers.
Nitride will use the funding to perfect the technology, and to begin manufacturing and sales in late 2011.
“The number of biomedical and industrial applications of LED technology is rapidly growing,” said Karen Linder, co-deal lead for Nebraska Angels in Lincoln. “Nitride Solutions’ novel method of creating substrates on which these crystals can be grown will change the market. The technology is revolutionary, and the leadership team has the commercial experience and the scientific skills that will make the company successful.”
“We expect to benefit with both high financial rewards and the satisfaction that we will have been part of the effort of applying hard science to alleviating some of the world’s most vexing problems, including cheap access to pure water,” said Muriel Taylor, president and CEO of Aurora UV in Santa Barbara.
Nitride is still seeking a small group of financial and strategic investors to finalise the round, which will stay open until September.
With secured major financing commitments from Nebraska Angels and Aurora UV, Nitride Solutions, a developer of next-generation substrates for LEDs, lasers and power electronics, aims to transform the AlN substrate industry.
To date, Nitride has raised $1.8M in a Series A preferred round. Nebraska and Aurora join lead investor Midwest Venture Alliance, in addition to Mid-America Angels and Manhattan Holdings in the round.
“Our investment group, the Midwest Venture Alliance, is looking to invest in solid management teams that are solving real market problems. Nitride Solutions represents just that,” said Trish Brasted, president and CEO of Wichita Technology Corporation. “They have put together an experienced business and technical management team that is developing an industry-changing advanced material.”
Nitride is developing a manufacturing technology that will deliver high-volume, low-cost AlN substrates. With projected defect rates 10 times lower than substrates currently on the market, these substrates should improve the quality of existing LED, laser and electronic products, while also making possible whole new categories of UV devices.
The result will be improved white lighting for consumer and industrial uses, more efficient power systems in hybrid vehicles, sharper colour on flat-screen TVs, and better air and water purifiers.
Nitride will use the funding to perfect the technology, and to begin manufacturing and sales in late 2011.
“The number of biomedical and industrial applications of LED technology is rapidly growing,” said Karen Linder, co-deal lead for Nebraska Angels in Lincoln. “Nitride Solutions’ novel method of creating substrates on which these crystals can be grown will change the market. The technology is revolutionary, and the leadership team has the commercial experience and the scientific skills that will make the company successful.”
“We expect to benefit with both high financial rewards and the satisfaction that we will have been part of the effort of applying hard science to alleviating some of the world’s most vexing problems, including cheap access to pure water,” said Muriel Taylor, president and CEO of Aurora UV in Santa Barbara.
Nitride is still seeking a small group of financial and strategic investors to finalise the round, which will stay open until September.
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