Risso Dolphins Project

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I search for emerging companies, technologies, disruptive technologies, innovations, start-ups and up-starts. I’ll look to match potential problems… e.g. “plastic pollution” to solutions… e.g. 3D Printer for recycled plastic waste…for potential venture capitalists, angel investors, and online funders. I’ll also highlight a variety of topics including funding success stories, the environment, housing, medical, artificial intelligence, science, aging populations, disabled populations, social entrepreneurs, philanthropy, and topical news. I’m always searching for great people innovating, inventing, and doing, great things.

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The 411: The Ecology of Risso Dolphins 

Found on: https://experiment.com/projects/population-ecology-of-risso-s-dolphins-in-monterey-bay-california?s=discover

Population Ecology of Risso's Dolphins in Monterey Bay, California

By Joshua D. McInnes, Peggy Stap, Stephanie Marcos, and Victoria Wade

Backed by Sarah Blackstone, Allie Kozachuk, Fran Heath, Annette Dehalt, Michael Broome, Mohammad Faisal Haider, Jane Mayer, Stefanie Kaku, Pureum Kim, Maya Hoffman, and 3 other backers

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About This Project

Very little is known about the ecology of Risso's dolphins inhabiting the waters of the Pacific Northwest. For example population size, distribution, occurrence, and foraging habits are sparse in detail. At Marine Life Studies we have collected over 10 years of data on Risso's dolphins inhabiting Monterey Bay, California. Using photo-identification, UAV's, movement patterns, and foraging observations, we hope to produce details on the natural history of this charismatic species.

Ask the Scientists

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What is the context of this research?

Very little is known about the natural history and ecology of Risso's dolphin in the Pacific Northwest. They are a pelagic species inhabiting waters near the continental shelf, where it is believed they specialize on different cephalopod species (Ford, 2014). They are characterized by their large size and grey to white colouration (often due to scars). During 10 years of our dedicated marine mammal surveys, we have collected hundreds of photographs and detailed notes on their behaviour. Photographs show distinct characteristics in dorsal fin morphology with each individual: fin shape, nicks, and scars. We are now driven to create a photo-identification catalog for individuals sighted in Monterey Bay, California. We also plan to study their foraging and social behaviour.

What is the significance of this project?

With so little known about Risso's dolphins, understanding their population ecology and foraging can help set goals and management plans for protecting both the species and it's resources. We believe Monterey Bay, California acts as critical habitat for Risso's dolphins, as the bay serves as one of the largest market squid (Loligo opalescens) fisheries in the Pacific Northwest. Life history parameters will allow us to understand how Risso's dolphins interact with the squid fishery, and how a changing ecosystem with fluctuations in their prey will affect the Monterey Bay food web.

What are the goals of the project?

Using photographs of distinguishing features present on the dorsal fins, and mark recapture analysis, our goal is to provide estimates for population size of Risso's dolphins utilizing Monterey Bay, California. This will allow us to distinguish socialization patterns, birth and death rates, occurrence, patterns, and distribution. We will be starting this analysis right away and hope to continue following this species for years to come.

Veganic Farming

How I Serve

I search for emerging companies, technologies, disruptive technologies, innovations, start-ups and up-starts. I’ll look to match potential problems… e.g. “plastic pollution” to solutions… e.g. 3D Printer for recycled plastic waste…for potential venture capitalists, angel investors, and online funders. I’ll also highlight a variety of topics including funding success stories, the environment, housing, medical, artificial intelligence, science, aging populations, disabled populations, social entrepreneurs, philanthropy, and topical news. I’m always searching for great people innovating, inventing, and doing, great things.

I don’t endorse. Only disseminate.

The 411: Successfully Funded Project - Grow crops organically without farmed animal products

Found on: https://experiment.com/projects/growing-veganic-exploring-plant-based-agriculture-in-the-united-states?s=discover

Growing Veganic: Exploring Plant-Based Agriculture in the United States

By Mona Seymour and Alisha Utter

Backed by Joe Fisher, John Schoeppner, RyanEmily, RICHARD CIANCI, Green Mountain Animal Defenders, Mark Epstein, Jimbo Janwarwala, Kelly Weiner, Gene Baur, Yatlong Sam Poon, and 26 other backers

About This Project

Veganic farmers grow crops organically and without farmed animal products such as manure and blood, feather, and fish meals. Veganic farming offers a range of potential environmental and human health benefits while aligning with vegan values. We will conduct interviews with veganic farmers across the United States to better understand farmer motivations and experiences; farmer-identified best practices; and farmer needs, including resources essential to growing the veganic agriculture movement.

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What is the context of this research?

Industrial chemical-based agriculture is one of the most destructive human activities on the planet, linked to harmful effects on biodiversity, environmental quality, and farmworker health. Alternative agricultural paradigms avoid chemical inputs yet often rely on animal byproducts sourced from industrial agriculture, such as blood meal and manure. These byproducts are tied to a spectrum of issues, such as potential environmental contamination from veterinary pharmaceuticals and the presence of animal pathogens transmittable to consumers (e.g, E. coli). How do we avoid these problems and grow healthy vegetables, grains, and other plant foods that do not financially or symbolically support industrial agriculture and animal exploitation? Veganic agriculture represents a way forward.

What is the significance of this project?

As the ethical, environmental, and personal health arguments for plant-based diets become increasingly recognized, the demand for food produced without animal inputs is expected to rise. In addition to offering truly plant-based food options to vegans, veganic agriculture has the potential to provide regenerative and agroecological solutions to leading food system issues, including resource depletion, environmental destruction, and foodborne illness related to animal byproducts.

There is currently no systematic, peer-reviewed research examining veganic farming experiences in the US. This project will set an empirical foundation for veganics research in the US and build knowledge on veganic farmer needs and best practices.

What are the goals of the project?

Through in-depth interviews with 15-20 US veganic farmers, this project seeks to explore questions including: How did farmers first learn of veganic methods? Why did they begin to grow veganically? How do they obtain information and advice about veganics? What challenges do they face in growing veganically? What are their greatest needs as a veganic farmer?

We anticipate that our findings will be of particular interest to current and potential veganic growers, supporters of agroecological and veganic agriculture, and academics. Results will be shared at conferences (scholarly, agricultural, and/or animal rights oriented), through peer-reviewed literature, and via a free veganic farming manual organizing farmer-identified best practices with the scientific rationale that supports them.

Additional Information

Today, veganic growing, also known as vegan organic or stockfree organic farming, is a fringe practice in the US. Based on data collected by one of this project's researchers, it is thought that there are approximately 50 commercial veganic farms in the US. However, research trials in the US and UK have shown veganic methods to be viable, with yields similar to organic agriculture, and sources suggest that it is a sustainable form of agriculture. For these reasons and others identified in the proposal, we seek to expand the store of publicly-available knowledge about veganic farming experiences and practices.

Making it Easier for People with Disabilities in China

How I Serve

I search for emerging companies, technologies, disruptive technologies, innovations, start-ups and up-starts. I’ll look to match potential problems… e.g. “plastic pollution” to solutions… e.g. 3D Printer for recycled plastic waste…for potential venture capitalists, angel investors, and online funders. I’ll also highlight a variety of topics including funding success stories, the environment, housing, medical, artificial intelligence, science, aging populations, disabled populations, social entrepreneurs, philanthropy, and topical news. I’m always searching for great people innovating, inventing, and doing, great things.

I don’t endorse. Only disseminate.

The 411: Donation to program helping people with disabilities in China

Found on: https://www.chuffed.org/project/easy-inclusion#/story

Make inclusion easier for people with disabilities in China!

Our mission

Easy Inclusion was born from a United Nations program focusing on promoting disability inclusion in China and implementing the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). Rather than providing direct aid to PwDs, the program aimed to change how the mainstream public thinks about disability and treats PwDs in different contexts.

However, this non-profit program ended once funding ran out. Having realized that many companies were still willing to pay for the program's services, former U.N. employees Di Wu and Haibin Zhou decided to continue its mission by founding Easy Inclusion in 2017.

Challenges faced by PwDs

1. Bias and discrimination based on stereotypes.

2. Lack of reasonable accommodation to enable equal participation in the workplace.

3. Lack of mainstream education and work experience in competitive positions, resulting in low social mobility.

Our solution

Easy Inclusion works to forge new career paths for PwDs in China using 3 powerful methods:

1. Disability-inclusive Solutions Consulting and Disability Equality Training (DET) to reduce bias and discrimination in Chinese companies.

2. An Inclusion Index designed to help people assess how well companies integrate PwDs, creating accountability for better practices.

3. A Talent Accelerator Program (TAP) that breaks down bias and discrimination by bringing employers and candidates face-to-face in a real working environment. TAP reduces employers' doubts and concerns while providing needed experience to PwD candidates.

TAP in action: Echo's story

TAP was inspired by Echo, a young Chinese lady who has been visually impaired ever since her college entrance examination. As a person with a disability, she found it difficult to gain work experience, let alone find a full-time job. She was very lucky to participate in the training program for PwDs, which then recommended her for an internship at Easy Inclusion.

As a trainee, Echo helped conduct market research and reach out to other PwDs to learn about their needs. Thanks to an internship at Easy Inclusion, Echo gained the practical experience she needed to develop communication and research skills. She recently landed her dream job at the incubator company Ucommune.

Why it works

• Well-tested training and capacity building materials
• Highly experienced team
• Government support, including subsidies and corporate income tax cuts
• A large untapped pool of PwD talents
• A large target market of companies

Funding request: 100,000 RMB to launch the Talent Accelerator Program

How it works

1. Talent recruitment

2. 3-month Easy Inclusion internship plus tailored training

3. Job recommendation to a company in Beijing

Note

For donations in Chinese RMB, please visit: http://pimchina.org/en/yca-social-impact-fundraiser/

Please note that funds will be donated to Easy Inclusion via PIM Global, a social enterprise promoting philanthropy education.

HomeMate - Assisted Autonomy Project for Autistic People

How I Serve

I search for emerging companies, technologies, disruptive technologies, innovations, start-ups and up-starts. I’ll look to match potential problems… e.g. “plastic pollution” to solutions… e.g. 3D Printer for recycled plastic waste…for potential venture capitalists, angel investors, and online funders. I’ll also highlight a variety of topics including funding success stories, the environment, housing, medical, artificial intelligence, science, aging populations, disabled populations, social entrepreneurs, philanthropy, and topical news. I’m always searching for great people innovating, inventing, and doing, great things.

I don’t endorse. Only disseminate.

The 411: Investor Opportunity - Assisted Autonomy for Autistic People

Found on: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1416722193/homemate-assisted-autonomy-project-for-autistic-pe?ref=category&ref=discovery&term=environment

HomeMate aims to create intelligent environments to foster the autonomy of autistic people.

HomeMate helps with managing daily life but offers far more than a virtual home-help.

HomeMate adapts to the personal habits and goals of autistic people in order to foster the development of autonomy and improve quality of life.

Each autistic person will receive follow-up from an expert, the "Life Mentor", who is able to establish routines and goals. 

HomeMate activity will be set and managed by the "Life Mentor".

HomeMate will support autistic people at many times in their everyday lives:

• Virtual secretary: Recalling appointments and daily routines (going shopping, taking medication, ...);

• Supporting leisure time management: for people with autism, free time can easily become a "void" if left unstructured. HomeMate will suggest leisure activities in line with personal preferences;

• Household management and security (switching lights on and off, adjusting the temperature in the house, ...);

• Planning meals to ensure a balanced and nutritious diet;

• Other related support.

HomeMate will alert support or emergency services should danger arise, such as in the event of: 

• Falls; 

• Absence of movement detected;

• Gas leaks or fires;

HomeMate may also intervene in the event of behaviour that is potentially harmful or not in line with set life goals, such as: 

• Watching TV until late at night; 

• Playing music at too high a volume; 

• Going to bed too late;

HomeMate is not controlling or a strict authority figure.

HomeMate approach will be flexible, seeking to allow maximum personal freedom. The "Life Mentor" will program HomeMate in a way that respects the individual’s desire for self-determination. Our goal is to garantee autistic people an autonomy, assisted by technology.

The person can interact with the HomeMate with voice commands using an app installed on a tablet or a smathphone.

Home Technology

HomeMate will provide a complete picture of the house thanks to the installation of various types of sensors (e.g. presence, motion, temperature) for the automated control of:

 • heating and air conditioning; 

• lighting; 

 • Surveillance, video intercom entry and anti-intrusion systems.

Some of these sensors can be an inexpensive addition to any home, while others can only be included as part of a fully integrated system.

  

Mixed Team

Nevertheless, the main challenge is to use the available technology to develop a bespoke system around the specific requirements of persons on the autistic spectrum. The HomeMate project therefore requires input from a mixed team, which must include engineers, psychologists and educational experts.

Micro Wind Systems for Off-Grid Housing

How I Serve

I search for emerging companies, technologies, disruptive technologies, innovations, start-ups and up-starts. I’ll look to match potential problems… e.g. “plastic pollution” to solutions… e.g. 3D Printer for recycled plastic waste…for potential venture capitalists, angel investors, and online funders. I’ll also highlight a variety of topics including funding success stories, the environment, housing, medical, artificial intelligence, science, aging populations, disabled populations, social entrepreneurs, philanthropy, and topical news. I’m always searching for great people innovating, inventing, and doing, great things.

I don’t endorse. Only disseminate.

The 411: Investor Opportunity - Micro Wind Systems for Off-Grid Housing

Found on: https://app.microventures.com/crowdfunding/primo-wind

Opportunity

Renewable energy's share of overall U.S. energy consumption has doubled since 2008, with 18% of all electricity in the U.S. produced by renewable sources in 2017 - up from 15% in 2016. This growth has been driven by new solar and wind projects, which accounted for roughly 62% of new power construction in 2017.ii  Beyond the U.S., the decreasing costs of installation as well as advancements in technology have contributed to the rapid expansion of wind and solar projects worldwide.iii  

Founded in 2012, Primo Wind designs and manufactures micro wind systems and hybrid wind and solar designs for off-grid power. Its systems provide power for areas with limited access to traditional power sources, or areas without electricity at all such as: off-grid housing, remote villages, remote research stations, and disaster relief areas. Primo Wind is dedicated to changing how the world uses wind energy, so it has designed products that are aesthetically pleasing but still produce the maximum amount of energy with the smallest environmental footprint possible.

Most small wind devices use lift blades and need fairly high winds to produce power. Lift blades may begin to turn at lower wind speeds but don't generate power. Primo Wind's system is different. Its patented technology utilizes a high-torque drag system that operates in very light wind speeds (5 to 15 mph) and can generate power through its custom generators as soon as they begin to spin.

Product

Primo Wind's Force Micro Turbines make up all of its wind systems. The turbines are well suited as stand-alone systems for both off-grid installations and micro-grid solutions. The Primo Wind turbine creates accelerated wind flow and is designed to provide power directly to the structure on which it is mounted. The rotor design is patented along with a proprietary generator and a pole that telescopes for compactness. The design is set to maximize ease of assembly and can also be lowered in the case of severe weather.

 EnergiPlant

The EnergiPlant is a free-standing nano-grid power unit that combines wind, solar, and batteries. It can provide security, lighting, and more for schools, parks, transit ways, and other public areas. The flower-shaped wind turbine is equipped with bench seating, solar panels, lighting, and USB ports for charging phones or tablets. The self-charging EnergiPlant does not require electrical connections and can be installed anywhere. It also provides on-site security with an installed camera and dynamic streaming for up to a 50-foot radius. The three benches offer an opportunity for advertising along the bottom similar to benches at bus stops.

EnergiTree

The EnergiTree is a more powerful system than the Energiplant. It uses a 1,650-watt proprietary generator and Primo Wind's patented blade and rotor design. The solar unit is upgraded to 500 watts and includes additional battery storage.

The EnergiTree was designed to withstand Category 2 hurricanes and can easily be lowered in the event of more severe weather. It uses T-7071 aircraft aluminum, stainless steel powder-coated materials, and generators made to IP 66 and IP 67 standards, which means they are moisture proof and dustproof with a projected lifespan of 20 years. The blades are composed of a biomimetic thermoplastic for durability and efficiency.

Intellectual Property

Primo Wind currently has three patents for power-generating devices: a variable-wing venturi generator, a high-torque wind turbine system, and the rooftop exhaust collector power generator. Primo Wind also has patents pending for variations of the EnergiPlant design and patents in European countries.  

DonorSee - Video platform to finance world's poorest

How I Serve

I search for emerging companies, technologies, disruptive technologies, innovations, start-ups and up-starts. I’ll look to match potential problems… e.g. “plastic pollution” to solutions… e.g. 3D Printer for recycled plastic waste…for potential venture capitalists, angel investors, and online funders. I’ll also highlight a variety of topics including funding success stories, the environment, housing, medical, artificial intelligence, science, aging populations, disabled populations, social entrepreneurs, philanthropy, and topical news. I’m always searching for great people innovating, inventing, and doing, great things.

I don’t endorse. Only disseminate.

The 411: Making Donations Transparent

Found on: https://wefunder.com/donorsee

"People want to donate but they don't know how their money is really used after giving to charity. DonorSee makes donating as transparent and direct as possible. 

Our aid workers on the ground post videos and share stories of people in need. Videos are short, personal and easily taken with smartphones. Our donors can watch videos and pick projects to give to so they know exactly how their donation is spent. And, best of all, afterwards they get video updates of their money working!"

Gret Glyer

CEO, DonorSee

Our Ambition

We want to be the platform that people in 100+ countries use to help the poorest with high impact, sustainable projects. 

Key Facts

• DonorSee has helped people in 50+ countries. 
• 1,242 projects have been funded through DonorSee. 
• Raised close to $500,000 in less than 2 years. 

Interview

WF: Who are you and what is your company about?

DS: My name is Gret. I launched DonorSee after living in Malawi, Africa for three years as an aid worker. Malawi is one of the poorest countries on the planet, and I spent my time there working to alleviate that poverty. DonorSee is the culmination of everything I learned and worked on while I was overseas. It's a combination of storytelling, poverty alleviation, and connecting people in the first world with people in the developing world. DonorSee helps donors see where their money goes. That doesn't mean they see a spreadsheet; they see the money’s real impact through a video. Let's say you donate $150 to a little girl in India who needs hearing aids. A few days later, you will get a video from India of that girl hearing for the first time. We've had that interaction happen in over 50 countries.

DonorSee works as a two-sided marketplace matching donors with aid workers. We have aid workers living all over the world. They post projects of people like little girls in India who need hearing aids. The donors want to give in a way that's more personal and where they get to see their money making an impact. A lot of our donors are tired of giving money to a charity and just getting a thank you email and then never hearing from the charity again.