Beauty and The Beads

VALLEY FORGE, PA – A task force with the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) has recommended that heavy metals in glass beads for highway markings must meet a maximum allowable limit of 200 ppm for arsenic, 200 ppm for lead, and 200 ppm for antimony. The task force, which has studied heavy metals in glass beads used on highway markings for the past four years, made the recommendation to the associations materials committee, which voted unanimously to recommend that all member states adopt limits at least as stringent as these.

We at the American Glass Bead Manufacturers Association (AGBMA) are encouraged by AASHTOs recognition of the significance of this problem and find it appropriate AASHTO is recommending its member states set limits on arsenic, lead, and antimony, said Bob McClune, president AGBMA. Compliance by member states with these AASHTO recommendations will protect the environment, state highway workers, and the public at large. Twenty-four states already have set limits consistent with this recommendation, and there is hope that the remaining states will now rapidly implement minimum protective limits, McClune added. We commend AASHTO for addressing this important issue, he said.

A three-year study sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Transportation reaffirmed prior research work which has shown that imported glass beads can have high levels of arsenic and lead and were quickly susceptible to leaching with exposure to ground water and normal environmental conditions, the association said. The findings from this exhaustive study solidify all the previous research and are consistent with a recent Texas AM University Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) study. They also confirm what the membership has known to be true for quite some time, according to McClune.

Over the past several years, the association has worked diligently to raise awareness of the issue, citing the need to hold all manufacturers to higher quality standards that protect the environment and highway worker safety by avoiding the use of products that contain hazardous materials. Setting a heavy metals standard for glass beads has gained strong support from environmental groups like the Sierra Club, state and federal lawmakers, and unions like the International Union of Operating Engineers.

The focus on avoiding the utilization of glass beads containing hazardous materials is intensifying globally with the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, and several Canadian provinces already setting similar standards. China, a major source of these questionable glass beads, has also set strict heavy metal standards for internal use but continues to export contaminated glass bead products to other nations, including the US, according to the association.

Swarcos iTRAVEL, a cooperative traffic measurement solution providing lane level traffic flow measurement and high precision travel time measurement based on Bluetooth technology, will help eg the Dutch National Data Warehouse collect reliable traffic data with 1200 roadside units in Hollands Noord-Oost region.

Design and performance highlights will be the award-winning FUTURLUX LED street light generation and the latest developments in LED-based traffic signals (eco-designed FUTURA line) and (partly vehicle-actuated) variable message signs for urban, interurban, tunnel, parking and mobile applications. Detection equipment and single-space monitoring in parking houses complement the range of exhibits.

The TRAFFIC MATERIALS Division will present its innovative high performance glass bead products which increase reflectivity and durability of road markings. High index beads for airport markings, SOLIDPLUS beads for white and coloured stripings in zones where driver and pedestrian safety is particularly vital, SWARODIT reflective coating to give conspicuity to obstacles in traffic space, and various uses of easy-to-apply EUROTHERM preformed thermoplastic are on display.

On PARKEX stand P42 Dambach UK will focus on its parking products. EnergieParken, an intelligent solution to charge e-cars with electricity while they are parked, will be presented by Swarco Traffic Systems.

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TTI Study Finds Arsenic and Lead in Imported Glass Beads

The American Glass Bead Manufacturers Association, which sponsored the study, is urging states and the US government to limit heavy metal levels in glass beads used for highway markings.

• Mar 04, 2011

A recent study sponsored by the American Glass Bead Manufacturers’ Association says that a growing number of imported glass bead products for highway markings have high concentrations of heavy metals, including arsenic and lead.

The findings of the study, which was conducted by Texas Aamp;M University’s Texas Transportation Institute (TTI), were presented last month at the American Traffic Safety Services Association’s 41st Annual Convention and Traffic Expo in Phoenix, Ariz.

The TTI study showed that imported glass beads had extremely high levels of arsenic and lead and were susceptible to rapid leaching with exposure to water. The high levels of heavy metal substances pose a hazard to highway worker safety and are an environmental threat, in terms of runoff into the soil, surface water, and drinking water, according to the association.

The trade group notes that glass beads manufactured by companies in emerging nations, particularly China, continue to use glass made from old glass-making techniques that require chemical modification, resulting in products containing high levels of arsenic and lead. US producers use such materials as recycled flat glass to make glass beads, which do not contain high levels of arsenic and lead. These products are primarily used for highway safety markings, providing the light-reflective lane markings found on highways around the world.

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The Chicago Market: Living and Giving has announced the addition of South African Consulate artists to the January Market. The South African Consulate will feature more than 12 artists in booths 8-9100 and 8-9111. Exclusive South African handmade products to be offered include hand-blown glass, wood carvings, wire and bead products, basket weaving, jewelry and clothing accessories.

The South African artists featured at The Chicago Market produce a remarkable range of arts and crafts, from contemporary tableware, intricate bead workings and hand-painted fabric to carved wood working. The South African Consulate booth will offer a collection of large, commercial-sized hand-woven baskets, a perfect fit for interior designers or home retailers looking to offer clients international high-end goods.

The South African Consulate artist program promotes the fusion of heritage with the future, tradition with the imagination, creativity with business know-how. Its booth at The Chicago Market will feature artists from KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga, both provinces in South Africa.

The Chicago Market runs Jan. 20-25.

For more information about The Chicago Market: Living and Giving, visit www.shopchicagomarket.com or call 800-677-6278.

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FDA issued a draft guidance for industry on Jan. 18, 2011, about the size of beads within drug products labeled for sprinkle. Beads are often included in capsule products that contain labeling that indicates patients can break the capsule and sprinkle its internal beads on soft foods to swallow (without chewing) as an alternative administration technique. According to the document, this type of administration is common with extended- or delayed-release characteristics. The concern lies in whether patients can swallow the beads with the soft foods without chewing the product. If the beads are chewed, the drug product may be absorbed and released too quickly into the body.

The guidance specifically calls for a maximum bead size of 2.0 mm. This is based on approved product information and human studies that demonstrate food is chewed to approximately 2 mm in median particle size before swallowing. We recognize the specific importance of a maximum size limit for modified-release products, where unintentional chewing of beads may lead to pharmacokinetic differences. It is our belief, however, that maintaining a consistent maximum size of beads for all drug products labeled for sprinkle is prudent. Taste and performance issues that may arise from inadvertently chewing beads labeled for sprinkle may lead to noncompliance and decreased drug product efficacy, states the draft document.

The guidance also provides current FDA thinking on delivering capsule beads via an enteral feeding tube as well as its recommendations on bioavailability and bioequivalence.

In terms of submission information, the draft guidance recommends that bead-size distribution be provided in a common technical document (CTD) application, specifically in section 3.2.P.3.3 (Description of Manufacturing Process and Process Controls) or in section 3.2.P.5.1 (Specification). The maximum bead size can be provided in the CTD 3.2.P.1 (Description and Composition of the Drug Product) section or 3.2.P.4 (Control of Critical Steps and Intermediates) section.

The draft guidance does not apply to bead products already on the market, but only to applicants of new drug, abbreviated new drug, or new biologics licensing applications (NDAs, ANDAs, BLAs). Currently approved NDAs, ANDAs, or BLAs that contain beads that are greater than the recommended 2.0 mm need not modify their product specifications (unless the product has issues that are affecting public health), states the draft guidance. However, an ANDA that references a currently approved reference listed drug (RLD) may propose a bead size equal to or less than the size of the bead used in the currently approved RLD, according to the document. Such data should be provided to support the size(s) of the beads in the ANDA product within a CTD submission.

Comments on the draft guidance are due within 90 days of the documents publication.

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The use of beads in Nigeria is wide. It spreads across the various nationalities that make up the nation. Beads are usually small round pieces of glass, wood, metal or nut, pierced for stringing. They are used for fashion such as waist, neck, and ankle or as decorative ornaments in art work or even for royalty purpose.

However, the Yorubas developed the most varying and peculiar uses of beads from royalty, body adornment, and decoration. The art of beading is serial in process and serrated in composition. It has a step by step or one by one approach in stringing when traded together, beads stand for unity, togetherness and solidarity.

Beads have been traded and used since time immemorial. However, the earliest known African beads are traced to Libya and Sudan.

As a lady, have you sat down and asked yourself: how can I discover my beauty? You can discover the beauty and creativity in you in the sales of handcraft, customised and wire jewelries for all occasion, training and sales of beads and accessories, packaging of gifts and souvenirs.

A Chartered Accountant turned bead maker, Mrs Bimbo Arowolo is an example of one who has discovered her beauty and creativity through beads and handicraft. She is the Proprietress of Bims Beauty and Crafts.

Recounting her experience, she said: Many people are out there who have not discovered how creative they are. I have a good degree in accounting. One day, I sat and thought of what to do for a living. I discovered that I am creative in beads making, which has become a hobby. So, I decided to learn bead making and now I can use beads to make a living. Some of my bead products include the national flag, table mat, ring, key holder, necklace, craft bag, craft slippers, turban, flower vase, phone holder and hair clip. I used beads to make jewelry. It became a passion and from there, I was able to believe that I am creative in using beads to create a lot of things and it became a profession. My products are quality. I get my materials from Trade Fair, Allen Avenue and Lagos Island. Also, I get the accessories I use from shops that I know sell quality materials. The prices of my products start from N500 upward while the ring is N1,000 upwards.

Bead making has helped to eradicate extreme poverty in many families.

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A former photographer and current Norfolk resident, Lydia May started beading as a hobby a few years ago. She enjoyed it so much that an idea formed in her head about owning her own bead shop.

To see if this was something she might enjoy, May worked in a bead store for some time and then traveled around to check out other bead stores to see what she thought worked and didnt work.

Once those details were determined, May located a space in Walpole on Main Street that met her needs.

I wanted something warm, friendly, comfortablea place that would be fun to go, May said.

When she found the 2000 Main Street location, which three months ago was simply a warehouse, May could see the possibilities.

A bead store is a location business. If you have a good space beaders will find you, May said.

Bead Addiction opened in early December and May said she has received a warm welcome from the Walpole and beading community.

While shes still working on adding products and getting items out onto the floor, May said business has been going well.

I try to carry something for everyone both the experienced and inexperienced beaders, May said.

Bead Addiction carries antique and vintage bead products from all over the world including Africa, Tibet and India. The handcrafted beads she carries are all fair trade products. She also carries a small amount of glass making supplies.

In addition to beads she carries a lot of crafty and multi-media stuff, which she said not a lot of other bead stores do.

Bead Addiction isnt just limited to beads, May said.

Theres also a great book section, an area where people can come into the store and bead, as well as a play area for children.

She added that she would try to accommodate different customers needs.

Beaders want to know they can get what they want, May said.

In the near future, May also plans to add classes for both kids and adults and to host birthday parties for children. She also would like to develop a six-week course on the basics of beading for people to take.

Beading is a fun thing to learn and do, May said.

Bead Addiction is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 11 am – 6 pm, Thursday from 11 am – 8 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10 am – 5 pm Check out the website: bead-addiction.com.

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Life Technologies LIFE
reported fourth-quarter revenue and earnings slightly above our estimates. We will slightly raise our fair value estimate as we account for this outperformance and cash generated since our last update. Life Technologies brought in $934 million in sales (including deferred revenue), which represented a 7% increase from the prior-year period. Acquisitions accounted for 2 percentage points of growth. Excluding H1N1 and a large Japanese police force order from last years top line, revenue grew 9%. The cell systems segment wrapped up a strong year by posting 11% growth from the prior-year period thanks to new bioproduction and bead products. Genetic systems continued to perform solidly as well, with 11% growth. Molecular biology faced a tough comparable with H1N1 revenue boosting performance in the fourth quarter of 2009. The segment declined 1% internally but managed to grow 4% excluding H1N1 contributions. Uptake of the ViiA 7 PCR system helped fuel growth.

The GAAP gross margin slightly fell to 56% thanks to a higher mix of instruments and bioproduction. Operating expenses rose to $406 million, an increase of 7% from the prior-year period because of acquisition expenses and research and development investment. Currency is likely have a negative impact on gross margin and profits, with the effects weighted to the first half of the year. This effect had a greater impact than we originally estimated, though our sales and earnings expectations came within managements projections for 2011. We expect strong growth from Lifes new instrument platforms. The Personal Genome Machine (from the Ion Torrent acquisition) has already launched. The firm also will launch a PCR platform (from the Stokes acquisition) that can address the microarray market.

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