Real-World Clinical Experience With the IL-17 Receptor A Antagonist Brodalumab February 2020 | Volume 19 | Issue 2 | Original Article | 132 | Copyright © February 2020 Published online January 17, 2020 Miriam S. Bettencourt Bettencourt Skin Center/Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, Henderson, NV; University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV
Abstract
Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory, remitting/relapsing autoimmune dermatologic condition that manifests with scaly, erythematous plaques. It has a significantly negative effect on patient quality of life, as well as increasing their risk of numerous comorbid diseases. Patients are typically treated initially with topical steroids, retinoids, and vitamin D derivatives followed by phototherapy and systemic treatments, including oral, subcutaneous or intravenous immunomodulatory drugs, if needed.
Psoriasis is driven by T-cell activation and associated with the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and a dysregulated interleukin- 23/T helper 17 (Th-17) inflammatory response. Eleven biologic therapies and 6 biosimilars that target the 3 main immunological pathways— tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 23 (IL-23), and IL-17, are approved for the treatment of plaque psoriasis. While most demonstrate similar effectiveness in clinical trials, patient response in real-world settings is varied. Thus, it is important that the clinician understand the mechanism of action of these drugs as well as their safety profile, unique benefits, and limitations. They must also consider the patient’s disease presentation, severity, and comorbid conditions when determining the most appropriate therapy.
This article focuses on the IL-17 inhibitors, secukinumab, ixekizumab, and brodalumab, highlighting their unique mechanisms of action and their efficacy and safety in a real-world clinical setting.
J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(2)132-136 doi:10.36849/JDD.2020.4774 INTRODUCTION
Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory, remitting/relapsing autoimmune dermatological condition characterized by scaly, erythematous plaques. Patients with psoriasis experience a significantly reduced quality of life due to discomfort from the physical symptoms as well as disability and disfigurement. They also have a higher risk of comorbid conditions, including psoriatic arthritis (PsA), cardiovascular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, metabolic syndrome, chronic kidney disease, mood disorders, including depression, and malignancy.
1 While the etiology of psoriasis is unknown, there have been many recent advances in the understanding of its pathogenesis. We now know that psoriasis is a T-cell mediated disease involving a dysregulated inflammatory response of the interleukin (IL) 23/T-helper (Th)-17 pathway. In this process, IL- 23 is overproduced by dendritic cells and keratinocytes, which stimulates Th17 cells within the dermis to produce and release additional inflammatory cytokines. This, in turn, activates an inflammatory cascade of downstream effector molecules including IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-22, IL-21, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), which is responsible for the keratinocyte hyperproliferation that results in the characteristic scaly plaques. 2-4 Studies conducted in mice demonstrate that removing either IL-23 or IL-17 decreases the progression of psoriasis. 5,6 Mice injected with monoclonal antibodies targeting IL-17 blocked, or neutralized, downstream signaling of this cytokine and decreased epidermal hyperplasia. 5 Similarly, genetically modifying mice to not express IL- 23 or IL-17 receptors significantly reduced psoriatic lesion development upon stimulation with the lesion-causing tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate. 7 This greater understanding of the immune-mediated pathology of the disease has led to the development of monoclonal antibodies and fusion proteins that block specific cytokines or cytokine receptors involved in psoriatic inflammation. Currently available biologics are the TNF-α inhibitors infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, and etanercept; the IL-12/13 inhibitor ustekinumab; the IL-17 inhibitors secukinumab and ixekizumab; the IL-17 receptor blocker brodalumab; and the IL-23 inhibitors guselkumab, tildrakizumab, and risankizumabrzaa. 1 Biosimilars to infliximab, adalimumab, and etanercept are also available.


BeyondCapital has announced its Rapid Response Capital Program which aims to deploy an allocated amount of USD 500K into portfolio companies who are in need of immediate capital to overcome the current global crisis.
While founders are no strangers to changing market dynamics, the pandemic has put startups in unfamiliar territory, facing significant financial strains. The Rapid Response Program seeks to reduce the impact of uncertain times on portfolio companies and ensure they are given the opportunity for funding that feeds into their crisis management strategies.
As a support entity with 39 portfolio companies, BeyondCapital took proactive steps towards an immediate act to develop a seamless program. BeyondCapital leveraged USD 500K from among its programs to be injected into the Rapid Response Program and immediately deployed as fast working capital.
The 2-step selection process consisted of an initial application highlighting the companies’ need for the investment. BeyondCapital held a series of virtual meetings to assess and score start-ups against a specific criteria, including their commitment to overcoming the current situation through resilient and adaptive ways.
Today, 11 portfolio companies were selected to receive investments from the program's allocated amount of USD 500K. Additionally, a second round of applications from portfolio companies will be assessed.
'We are proud of the entrepreneurial spirit our portfolio companies have brought into this crisis. The team trusts their ability to turn the crisis into an opportunity and their critical role in the Jordanian community’, states Tamer Al-Salah BeyondCapital’s Managing Director.
The ongoing crisis has placed the Healthcare sector under a microscope unlike ever before. Learn all about the industry’s funding and investment trends in our 2019 MENA Healthcare Venture Investment Report.


NSK-SD (Nattokinase)
*Promotes healthy fibrinolytic activity for healthy blood flow and cardiovascular function
Nattokinase, a fibrinolytic enyzme isolated from Japanese natto, helps to maintain healthy activity of the bodys natural clotting and fibrinolytic processes. In an animal study conducted by Biotechnology Research Laboratories and JCR Pharmaceuticals of Kobe, Japan, nattokinase promoted healthy blood flow. Furthermore, researchers from JCR Pharmaceuticals, Oklahoma State University and Miyazaki Medical College indicated that nattokinase supports healthy clotting function compared to placebo. In 1995, scientists at the Miyazaki Medical College and Kurashiki University in Japan demonstrated the potential for nattokinase to support blood vessel health in human subjects. This product is contraindicated for individuals with a history of bleeding tendency or with conditions associated with bleeding. Due to potential synergistic effects, concurrent use with anticoagulant and blood pressure medications should be closely supervised by a health professional.
NSK–SD™ is a highly purified fibrinolytic enzyme that has demonstrated encouraging potential for supporting endogenous fibrinolytic activity and promoting healthy blood flow, circulation, and blood vessel function. Pure Encapsulations NSK– SD™ is standardized to contain a minimum of 20, 000 FU (fibrinolytic units) per gram.
Servings Per Container:60
Take 1–2 capsules 2 times per day, 12 hours apart, with or between meals.
Serving Size: 1 vegetable capsule Amount Per Servingnattokinase ... 50mg (2000 FU)(soy) other ingredients: hypo-allergenic plant fiber (cellulose), vegetarian capsule (cellulose, water)


Abstract:
Real-time, online measurements of atmospheric organic aerosol (OA) composition are an essential tool for determining the emissions sources and physicochemical processes governing aerosol effects on climate and health. However, the reliance of current techniques on thermal desorption, hard ionization, and/or separated collection/analysis stages introduces significant uncertainties into OA composition measurements, hindering progress towards these goals. To address this gap, we present a novel, field-deployable extractive electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer (EESI-TOF), which provides online, near-molecular (i.e., molecular formula) OA measurements at atmospherically relevant concentrations without analyte fragmentation or decomposition. Aerosol particles are continuously sampled into the EESI-TOF, where they intersect a spray of charged droplets generated by a conventional electrospray probe. Soluble components are extracted and then ionized as the droplets are evaporated. The EESI-TOF achieves a linear response to mass, with detection limits on the order of 1 to 10 ngm¯³ in 5 s for typical atmospherically relevant compounds. ... mehrIn contrast to conventional electrospray systems, the EESI-TOF response is not significantly affected by a changing OA matrix for the systems investigated. A slight decrease in sensitivity in response to increasing absolute humidity is observed for some ions. Although the relative sensitivities to a variety of commercially available organic standards vary by more than a factor of 30, the bulk sensitivity to secondary organic aerosol generated from individual precursor gases varies by only a factor of 15. Further, the ratio of compoundby-compound sensitivities between the EESI-TOF and an iodide adduct FIGAERO-I-CIMS varies by only ±50 %, suggesting that EESI-TOF mass spectra indeed reflect the actual distribution of detectable compounds in the particle phase. Successful deployments of the EESI-TOF for laboratory environmental chamber measurements, ground-based ambient sampling, and proof-of-concept measurements aboard a research aircraft highlight the versatility and potential of the EESI-TOF system.


Autosomal dominant, uncomplicated familial spastic paraplegia (FSP) is a genetically heterogeneous disorder characterized by insidiously progressive lower-extremity spasticity. Recently, a locus on chromosome 14q was shown to be tightly linked with the disorder in one of three families. We performed linkage analysis in a kindred with autosomal dominant uncomplicated FSP. After excluding the chromosome 14q locus, we observed tight linkage of the disorder to a group of markers on chromosome 15q (maximum two-point lod score 9.70; theta = .05). Our results clearly establish the existence of a locus for autosomal dominant FSP in the centromeric region of chromosome 15q. Comparing clinical and genetic features in FSP families linked to chromosome 14q with those linked to chromosome 15q may provide insight into the pathophysiology of this disorder.


an intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action. This includes seeing both sides of an issue, being open to new evidence that disconfirms one's ideas, reasoning dispassionately, demanding that claims be backed by evidence, deducing and inferring conclusions from available facts, and solving problems. a detailed plan to deliver a lesson to a particular cohort of students. The plan usually includes, but is not limited to, content standards, learning goals, instructional strategies, learning activities, student groupings, assessments, materials, resources, and technology. a theory that intelligence encompasses a range of functions and abilities (Gardner 1983). By recognizing that intelligence can manifest through abilities or agilities other than those of a cognitive nature, teacher candidates can adapt their teaching styles and learning activities to better engage and motivate learners (i.e., verbal-linguistic, mathematical-logical, musical, visual-spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, naturalist, and existential learners).


25 April
Globally, there are now over 2,721,000 total confirmed cases of Covid-19 and more than 191,000 deaths reported.
The growing number of asymptomatic cases and the possibility of people remaining positive for the virus even after a recovery, are of international concern, as many countries seek to end the lock-downs and resume economic activity as the spread of the virus declines.
Ecuador has emerged has having one of the worst Covid-19 infection rates in Latin America. Officials in Ecuador reports that the current case count and deaths are still low compared to the reality due to lack of widespread testing.
Although the situation has become alarming in the majority of the world populations, data over the past two weeks suggest encouraging signs in few of the hardest-hit European countries (Spain, Italy, and France) by a drop and thereafter a declining or stabilized trend in the number of new confirmed cases and deaths.
The US, the epicenter of the infection, has reported nearly 50,000 deaths and over 880,000 confirmed cases which is nearly one-third of the confirmed cases of Covid-19 globally.
Lizzy Sunny, Practice Head, Epidemiology, GlobalData, Hyderabad


An area from north of Winchester Bay to Cape Foulweather was previously closed due to elevated domoic acid levels. Recent crab samples taken from the area indicate these levels have dropped and remain below the alert level.
This reopening of the recreational season applies to crab harvested in the ocean and in bays and estuaries, and on beaches, docks, piers, and jetties. Recreational crab harvesting remains closed along the southern Oregon coast from the north jetty of the Coquille River (including the Coquille estuary) to the California border.
Below is a guide for what is currently open and closed for both recreational and commercial crab fishermen. Before crabbing, please confirm the status of ODFW/ODA harvest areas relative to concerns about elevated biotoxins at the website below.
Recreational crabbing – Currently open in the ocean and in all bays and estuaries that are not under the health advisory.
Commercial ocean crabbing – Delayed in all areas until at least December 16.
Commercial bay crabbing – Commercial bay crabbing remains closed in all areas due to the delay in the ocean commercial Dungeness crab fishery.
Despite the commercial closure, crab and shellfish products sold in retail markets and restaurants remain safe for consumers.
It is always recommended to eviscerate the crab and discard the “butter” (viscera or guts) prior to cooking. When whole crab are cooked in liquid, domoic acid may leach into the cooking liquid. It is recommended to discard the cooking liquid, and do not use it in other dishes, such as sauces, broths, soups, stews, stocks, roux, dressings, etc. The consumption of crab viscera is not recommended.


UK finance confirmed that £1.2 billion was stolen through fraud and scams in 2018. And, in 2017, almost five million people had money stolen from their bank or credit card account, according to The Independent. How does this happen, and what are the signs of bank fraud? If you’ve been involved in bank fraud, either as a perpetrator or victim, these are the standard stages of the bank fraud investigation process and what your next steps should be.
What is Bank Fraud?
Bank fraud is a term applied to any criminal incident where someone targets an individual or a bank by stealing money. When the victim is an individual, the perpetrator typically uses the victim’s credentials such as bank numbers from a stolen/lost card or another source or through identity theft.
But, it’s not just individuals who are targeted. Bank fraud cases also involve instances where individuals sell their bank login details to fraudsters who use these accounts for money laundering.
There are several other examples of bank fraud cases. Some of these include criminals committing bank fraud by using shop card machines to issue large refunds to their card and fraudsters attempting to hack bank computer systems.
What is the Bank Fraud Investigation Process?
In bank fraud cases where individuals are being targeted, banks tend to follow a standard bank fraud investigation process as outlined below. Banks who have, themselves, been targeted are ramping up security measures to prevent breaches and are increasingly investigating large amounts of money deposited into accounts to ensure these sums aren’t linked to fraudulent activity.
Stage 1 – Detecting Bank Fraud
The first step in the bank fraud investigation process is to identify fraudulent activity. Tell-tale signs of bank fraud include unfamiliar payments showing up on a victim’s statement, or unexpected dips into their overdraft. These are things that might go noticed in regularly-checked bank accounts and statements, but sometimes such activity can go unnoticed for some time.
If the fraud is happening via identity theft, the victim might receive correspondence such as bills or letters from debt collectors. However, banks might also notify victims of fraud if they think there is suspicious activity on the account, such as an unusually large payment. Victims should contact their bank in the first instance either by phoning their fraud helpline or by going into the branch.
Stage 2 – Investigating the Case
A common question is, ‘how long do fraud investigations last?’. Once notified of fraud, banks take immediate action to ensure your card is protected by pausing or cancelling the bank card in question and issuing a new one if necessary. This is also generally when victims would call Action Fraud to report the incident and get a crime reference number.
Stage 3 – Reimbursing Stolen Funds
Do banks reimburse stolen money? Generally speaking, banks should refund stolen money to victims in cases of bank fraud. This can take anywhere from a day to a few days, depending on the duration of the investigation. The only time the bank might refuse reimbursement is if they believe you were an accessory to fraudulent activity or were negligent with your bank security. Fraud victims might take the perpetrator to court if they were unable to retrieve the money from their bank.
What is the Purpose of a Fraud Investigation?
Ultimately, the purpose of a fraud investigation is to return stolen money to the victim as quickly as possible and identify the fraudsters. Fraud investigations also increase awareness of bank fraud cases, improve understanding of how criminals engage in fraudulent activity, and shed light on the fraud process.
If you are being taken to court for involvement in bank fraud, please contact our team of specialist fraud lawyers. St Pauls Barristers are experienced and highly skilled in fraud law and have a strong history of defending and prosecuting in fraud cases.


The Texas Medical Home Initiative (TMHI) was created in 2008 by a group of diverse stakeholders whose shared belief was that all Texans deserve access to high quality, timely, and person-centered primary care. To accomplish this, the group endorsed the newly created patient-centered medical home (PCMH) model of primary care with a vision that every Texan should have a medical home by 2012.
From 2010-2012 the TMHI, with generous support from a number of organizations, planned and executed a 2-year pilot project involving 7 adult primary care practices in the North and East Texas regions. With an intensive coaching model and twice-yearly learning collaboratives, all 7 practices achieved recognition as a medical home by the National Center for Quality Assurance. The pilot project was an important and successful milestone, yet the TMHI recognized that in order to more widely disseminate the PCMH concept and strengthen the primary care infrastructure throughout a state as vast as Texas, a different approach was needed.
In 2012, the TMHI began collaboration with Texas Health Institute (THI), which serves as the state’s public health institute and brings years of experience in convening diverse stakeholder groups across the healthcare spectrum with local, state, and national impact. The collaboration produced six successful annual statewide conferences on primary care and the medical home, known as the
“Texas Primary Care and Health Home Summit.” In 2018, the collaboration between TMHI and THI evolved into the Texas Primary Care Consortium (TPCC), reiterating their shared commitment to achieving systems-wide impact through primary care transformation efforts across Texas. Most notably, the consortium underlines their recognition for the need to expand their focus beyond the annual summit. TPCC continues to host an annual summit, renamed the “Texas Primary Care Consortium Annual Summit” and is in process of producing a concept paper titled “Primary Care and Health System Transformation in Texas: Assessing Needs and Identifying Opportunities.”
Today, TPCC leadership remains committed to continuing and expanding the work that began in 2008, engaging additional stakeholders, and persistently examining the most effective methods to achieve our mission and improve the health of all Texans.


Historically, mines have been powered using fossil fuels, a costly endeavor when you consider the high price of transportation and storage, not to mention the amount of greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted into the atmosphere — a very high cost to the natural environment. Recently, several mine operators have set ambitious targets to significantly reduce emissions, with aspirations of achieving net-zero operations within the next 25 to 30 years. Their strategy: incorporate green technologies for power generation, as well as energy storage capabilities whenever and wherever possible. So, the question remains, how do we get there?
The mine of the future will need to generate nearly 100% of its energy requirements – for powering the mine and supplying the vehicle fleet – with emission-free energy. Currently, there are many technologies in development to help us achieve mass electrification in mining. This includes high-efficiency renewable generation, low-cost energy storage for both short duration and longer duration, high-density battery and hydrogen-powered vehicles, combined heat and power generation from solar-enclosed technologies, and small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs).
One of the most appealing use cases to date lies in a hybrid microgrid approach. Several mines have started down this path, integrating wind or solar photovoltaic (PV) generation with short-duration lithium-ion batteries. These configurations typically generate 10-25% of a mine’s total electricity needs. In these low penetration microgrids, the microgrid continues to be controlled by the diesel gen-sets with renewables acting as a reduction to the overall mine load, while short-duration lithium-ion batteries are utilized to reduce the variability that stems from renewable generation. The batteries essentially act as an operating reserve and will either generate or store electricity if there is a significant drop or increase in renewable generation, that is until a diesel gen-set can be safely ramped up or down. This approach allows for fewer gen-sets to remain online at any given time, reducing both fuel consumption and operating costs.
Today, many mining operations are targeting medium renewable penetration, aiming for 40-60% of the total electricity generated from renewable sources. Continually reducing costs and improving the performance of wind and solar PV, as well as innovations to support reliable operations in extreme climates have made these generation sources more attractive. However, in order to achieve medium to high renewable penetration, the dispatch of the diesel gen-sets must be modified. The renewable generator’s contribution to the microgrid is significant and can no longer be treated as a simple reduction in load. Energy storage integration is a must, allowing all diesel gen-sets to be turned off for several hours. During these short periods, the wind or solar PV generation is high enough to cover the mine’s electricity needs. When the gen-sets are off, the energy storage will control the grid, maintaining power quality, and controlling the variability of the renewable generation.
In the future, as more aggressive and higher renewable penetration targets are set, aiming for near 100% renewable penetration, a significant shift in operating strategies is required. In this scenario, diesel gen-sets will only be operated during extended periods of low renewable generation. This will require both high- power energy storage to smooth short-duration intermittency and long-duration energy storage to support the supply of renewable generation, shifting it over several hours of the day. Long-duration storage is key to enabling this operating mode and there are many technologies being developed to support this requirement, including flow batteries, zinc batteries, geothermal and thermal storage, compressed gas storage, and hydrogen storage.
As mines reach higher renewable penetration, there will be excess power available at virtually no cost. The amount of excess renewable power available depends on both the mine’s location and the technologies adopted, with up to 50% of the total renewable generation available for heat demand and truck charging. Battery-powered trucks are expected to dominate the market for 100 tonnes of production or less. Heavy payload trucks of 300 tonnes and above will be hydrogen-powered and refilled with green hydrogen, mostly produced with excess power from the mine’s renewable generation output. In sunny locations, heat-intensive mining processes will use solar-enclosed technologies to produce both heat and power with a single generation technology. Lithium mines require a large amount of process steam and will benefit the most from solar-enclosed heat and power technologies. This will consequently lead to the decarbonization of the entire lithium mining processes, further accelerating the uptake of lithium-based batteries for renewable integration and electric vehicles.
And finally, SMRs are another highly anticipated technology pathway for remote mining. SMRs can be factory-produced and meet scaleable power demands, giving the mine the flexibility to add modules based on current and future power demand. SMRs can produce megawatt-scale baseload power that can be complemented by other traditional renewable and storage technologies to meet the mine and fleet energy demand. In Canada alone, a dozen companies have pre-licensing engagements with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. Once a successful demonstration is achieved, the mining sector is set to be a primary target for commercialization, due to its high reliance on expensive diesel fuel in remote areas.
It’s no secret that off-grid mines are faced with electricity generation challenges, but with all of these technologies in the commercial development pipeline, we have an incredible opportunity to drastically curb climate change impacts in mining. The time is now!


Why do we need stanchions barrier system? by: on
In a busy city like Melbourne, road accidents can happen at any moment. Unpredictable events occur on regular bases, some leading to vehicle and property damage or pedestrian and driver injuries.
Recently, an incident happened in front of the Royal Dental Hospital in a busy Lygon Street in Carlton. The famous street known for popular cafes and restaurants is always packed with students, tourists and locals alike. Besides this, it hosts many of the city’s busiest tram lines.
Being an action-packed street, incidents where road signs get run into, cars hitting into trams or similar are not a surprise. Stainless steel stanchions which are usually installed around tram stops as a barrier handrail system is one of the solutions that Australian Handrails offers.
Our stanchions would protect sensitive locations, and prevent possible collisions, as they are a system capable of withstanding significant force. Both drivers and pedestrians would benefit from the installed stanchions, as they would serve as a guidance for the drivers, warning them to slow down in particular areas.


UC Berkeley Enabling Low Carbon Communities: The Roles of Smart Planning Tools and Place-Based Solutions Author(s): Jones, Christopher M. Advisor(s): Kammen, Daniel M et al. Abstract
The scale of the climate crisis is immense and solutions are urgently needed. This dissertation develops tools to provide highly tailored carbon footprint information and place-based solutions to U.S. households and communities in three complimentary studies. The first study quantifies the greenhouse gas (GHG) savings potential of different U.S. metropolitan areas and household types within locations, developing average household carbon footprint (HCF) profiles for 28 metropolitan areas, 6 household sizes and 12 income brackets. The model includes emissions embodied in transportation, energy, water, waste, food, goods, and services, and further quantifies GHG and financial savings from potential mitigation actions across all locations and household types. The size and composition of carbon footprints vary dramatically between geographic regions (38 to 52 tCO2e) and within regions based on basic demographic characteristics (<20 to >80 tCO2e). Despite these differences, large cash-positive carbon footprint reductions are evident across all household types and locations.
Using national household surveys, the second study develops econometric models to estimate HCF for essentially all U.S. zip codes, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas. The results demonstrate consistently lower HCF in urban core cities (~40 tCO2e) and higher carbon footprints in outlying suburbs (~50 tCO2e), with a range from ~25 to >80 tCO2e in the 50 largest metropolitan areas. In contrast to a vast literature demonstrating GHG savings in more dense cities, analysis of all U.S. locations presents a more complex picture. Population density exhibits a weak but positive correlation with HCF until a density threshold is met, after which range, mean, and standard deviation of HCF decline. While population density contributes to relatively low HCF in the central cities of large metropolitan areas, the more extensive suburbanization in these regions contributes to an overall net increase in HCF compared to smaller metropolitan areas. Suburbs alone account for ~50% of total U.S. HCF.
Results from this quantitative research have informed the development of "smart" online carbon management tools that allow users to quickly calculate, compare and manage household carbon footprints, and to visualize average community carbon footprints using high spatial resolution interactive maps. Yet, the potential benefits of such tools are limited to those who find them, and the information may often do little to increase intrinsic motivation to adopt new low carbon technologies and practices. Following lessons from behavioral sciences, a subsequent study engaged ~2,700 residents in eight participating cities to track and reduce household carbon footprints and compete for the title of "Coolest California City." The yearlong pilot project achieved an estimated 14% reduction in electricity consumption, lending evidence that community-scale climate initiatives, enabled by sophisticated information and communication technologies and motivated local program implementers, can help scale up tailored, place-based climate solutions. Together, this research and accompanying tools and programs provide a framework for individuals and communities to prioritize GHG mitigation opportunities and stimulate collective climate action.


Abstract
Background: The effectiveness of the 2011-2012 seasonal influenza vaccine was evaluated in adult Korean populations with regard to how well it could prevent laboratory-confirmed influenza and influenza-related complications. Materials and Methods: A retrospective case-control and retrospective cohort study was conducted among patients who visited four selected hospitals from September 2011 to May 2012. The analysis included 1,130 laboratory-confirmed influenza patients. For each influenza case, one control patient was chosen at a ratio of 1:1. A control was defined as an age group-matched patient who visited the same hospital with influenza-like illness within 48 hours of symptom onset but for whom laboratory tests were negative for influenza. Age group and visit date were matched between the cases and controls. Vaccine effectiveness (VE) was defined as [100 × (1-odds ratio for influenza in vaccinated versus non-vaccinated persons)]. The patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza were followed for at least one month through reviewing the medical records and conducting a telephone interview. Results: The VE of the 2011-2012 seasonal influenza vaccine was 3.8% [95% confidence interval (CI), -16.5% to 20.6%] for preventing laboratory-confirmed influenza, -16.1% (95% CI, -48.3 to 9.1) for influenza A and 26.2%(95% CI, -2.6 to 46.2) for influenza B. The age-specific adjusted VE was 0.3% (95% CI, -29.4 to 23.1) among participants aged 19 to 49 years, 11.9% (95% CI, -34.3 to 42.2) among those aged 50 to 64 years and -3.9% (-60.1 to 32.5) among those aged ≥65 years. The adjusted VE for preventing any influenza-related complications was -10.7% (95% CI, -41.1% to 42.2%). Conclusions: The 2011-2012 seasonal influenza vaccine was not effective in preventing laboratory-confirmed influenza or influenza-related complications in adult Korean populations.
ASJC Scopus subject areas Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all) Agricultural and Biological Sciences(all) General


Abstract
In this study, 11 doctoral students and I as the course instructor employed a narrative framework to uncover our perceived truths about our experiences as we interacted, studied, pondered, and journeyed through a qualitative research methods course. Data were my chronologically ordered notes documenting my thinking and perceptions about my students and me, and the doctoral students' chronologically ordered email stories to their peers and to me. I analyzed my students' stories using a modified version of a narrative analytic approach. The inquiry illuminated the doctoral students' growth as researchers and highlighted the power of shared stories. Our narratives captured our lives, and illuminated our joys, worries, intentions, and beliefs.


Food and forests: understanding agriculture and conservation trade-offs in Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, as in many countries in Africa, policymakers need to better understand and manage the major trade-offs — existing and future — between two competing objectives: increasing agricultural production to meet growing domestic food demand and conserving nature. This briefing explores this issue within the national context in Ethiopia, and makes suggestions for the way forward.


French, William C. Environmental Ethics Vol. 17/1 (1995), pages 39-57
Arne Naess and Paul Taylor are two of the most forceful proponents of the principle of species equality. Problematically, both, when adjudicating conflict of interest cases, resort to employing explicit or implicit species-ranking arguments. I examine how Lawrence Johnson’s critical, species-ranking approach helpfully avoids the normative inconsistencies of “biospherical egalitarianism.” Many assume species-ranking schemes are rooted in arrogant, ontological claims about human, primate, or mammalian superiority. Species-ranking, I believe, is best viewed as a justified articulation of moral priorities in response to individuals’
or entities’ relative ranges of vulnerability and need, rooted in their relative ranges of capacities and interests.


Saint Gianna Novena
All pregnancies are cause for celebration, as we welcome the gift of new life. Yet pregnancy is also a physical, mental, and spiritual challenge for mothers, and can be made more challenging by health, money, or relationship concerns. The unprecedented COVID-19 crisis has compounded struggles for vulnerable pregnant women.
St. Gianna Beretta Molla is a powerful patron for pregnant mothers during this pandemic. As a physician, wife, and mother, she knew intimately what it was like to struggle with a challenging medical diagnosis during pregnancy. (To learn more about St. Gianna’s life, click here).
We ask St. Gianna’s prayers for all women who are pregnant during this time, especially those who are particularly vulnerable, that they be supported and strengthened by God and their loved ones during this time of crisis.
Let us pray:
O Blessed Mother, you received the good news of the incarnation of Christ, your Son, with faith and trust. Grant your protection to all pregnant mothers facing difficulties.
Guide us as we strive to make our parish communities places of welcome and assistance for mothers in need. Help us become instruments of God’s love and compassion.
Mary, Mother of the Church, graciously help us build a culture of life and a civilization of love, together with all people of good will, to the praise and glory of God, the Creator and lover of life. Amen.
(Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be)


AMOXES: Advanced Electro-Optical Chemical Sensors NATO SPS G5634
The need of effective
portable chemical detectors and deployment of remote sensing platforms is continuously growing either for civil, industrial and security applications, in particular for the detection and diagnosis of CBRN substances. Nanotechnology enables today the development of innovative chemical sensors with enhanced sensing capabilities, improved selectivity and sensitivity, and higher reliability. AMOXES is a Multi-Year Project (MYP) supported by NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme (SPS), which has the main goal to prepare an innovative electro-optical chemical nano-sensor, never tried so far, that combines two different transduction principles on a single device: i) one conventional conductometric MOX sensor and ii) an optical sensor based on Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) effect excited in the MOX nanostructures. Duration: 01/10/2019 - 30/09/2022 Recent Activities 20/11/2020 24/02/2020 13/01/2020 12/12/2019 22/10/2019 03/10/2019 NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme (SPS)
The
NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme (SPS) seeks to enhance cooperation and dialogue between NATO and partner nations through civil science and innovation. The SPS Programme funds activities relevant to NATO‘s strategic objectives which address SPS Key Priorities. SPS offers grants for collaborative research and development projects, workshops, institutes, and training involving scientists and experts from NATO nations and partner countries.
The SPS Programme promotes
security-related practical cooperation based on scientific research, innovation and knowledge exchange within NATO’s wide network of partner countries. It connects scientists, experts and officials from Allied and partner countries to address security challenges, such as cyber defence, counter-terrorism or defence against CBRN agents; to support NATO-led missions and operations; to foster the development of security-related advanced technologies such as sensors and detectors, nanotechnologies, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs); and to address human and social aspects of security such as the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security (UNSCR 1325).
In this regard, the SPS Programme greatly benefits from the expertise of other NATO agencies, divisions and delegations, and bodies such as centres of excellence. The Programme provides the Alliance with a unique channel for
non-military communication, including in situations or regions where other forms of dialogue are difficult to establish. It enables NATO to become actively involved in such regions, often serving as the first concrete link between NATO and a new partner.
The SPS Programme has evolved continuously since its foundation in 1958. To this end, a comprehensive reorientation of the Programme took place in 2013, which gave SPS a renewed focus on larger-scale strategic activities beyond purely scientific cooperation.
The current version of Handbook and its annexes are available on the NATO SPS website: www.nato.int/science.


By Zach Theiler
On Sept. 5, the International Day of Charity, launched in 2012 to honor Mother Teresa, it is time to recognize the importance of charities in alleviating suffering and promoting human security. Globally, charities are essential to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), an expansive set of targets meant to rally the private sector, government, and charities behind the most pressing issues of the 21
st century. The SDGs inform grant makers in measuring the effectiveness of programs, corporations -social responsibility strategies and government foreign assistance priorities. There are signs that a universal framework has been widely adopted across sectors to address the key challenges of our time, and key to the success of achieving the goals is cross-sector collaboration. Unfortunately, national security policy risks undermining that cross-sectoral collaboration and the ability of nonprofit organizations to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs. This deprives the SDG agenda of a core value charities bring to the table: intimate connections to people and communities.
Throughout many conflict zones the work of nonprofits is crucial in building peace and security, and furthering SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. Although George W. Bush once stated that the “money is the lifeblood of terrorism” and launched a “War on Terror.” After 20 years of violent intervention to stop terrorism, the world is no safer than it was in 2001. Today, politicians understand this, and have passed landmark bills such as the Global Fragility Act in 2019 to better address the root causes of terrorism: unattended societal grievances. It is also understood that nonprofit organizations are essential in implementing the Global Fragility Act, attending to all corners of society, educating youth in conflict zones so they don’t fall victim to violent extremism and lead to another generation of violence. Nonprofits have the trust and networks to work effectively in their local communities. It is here where the value of nonprofits is indispensable.
Unfortunately, the work of peacebuilding organizations is undermined by vague definitions of the prohibition of “material support” to terrorists – which complicates and discourages nonprofit organizations from working in regions with terrorist presence. The problem was highlighted when the Carter Center, a renowned peacebuilding organization founded by President Jimmy Carter, was sued for hosting a conflict resolution meeting that included Hamas, a listed terrorist organization, in Palestine. According to the plaintiff, holding peace talks and encouraging nonviolent conflict resolution while providing “cookies and tea” to listed terrorists, constituted “material support” to terrorists. The absurd lawsuit was promptly dismissed at the request of the Department of Justice, but it does highlight the vulnerable position peacebuilding organizations working to bridge peace in conflict zones find themselves in.
It is essential that nonprofits are able to conduct their activities in the arena of peacebuilding. Governments often do not have the neutral reputation, knowledge of local customs and culture, or trust and connection to local people to understand the societal grievances deeply. This is why national security policy needs to support, not hinder the work of nonprofit organizations. The material support law needs to be updated, and have peacebuilding and humanitarian safeguards to ensure that nonprofits can operate in conflict zones to educate, and empower local communities to bring an end to violence. Only after peace is sustained will we collectively be able to address the other SDGs regarding socio-economic equality and environmental sustainability.
The SDGs are largely interconnected. A healthier society is a more productive society, there is a vital connection between public health and strong economies. However, the influence of SDG 16 on all other SDGs cannot be overstated. War cripples economic development. It destroys infrastructure. It makes populations more vulnerable to disease. And it requires the absolute attention of governments, taking time and resources away from important activities like environmental sustainability. Without peace, progress in the SDG agenda will be hamstrung, and without empowering and partnering effectively with nonprofit organizations, we hinder our ability to build peace, engage all corners of society, address the root causes of conflict.


In the 3rd session, we will harness the pipeline concept towards manageable high throughput experimentation in ML/DL research.
Currently, complex pipelines are found in the field of ML in implementations of automated training and deployment of ML models. However, these pipelines and the code they encapsulate are rarely those that are used in the research stage. Moreover, existing research pipelines tend to be focused on the data preparation stage, and are mostly trivial afterward.
This represents several areas where we can do better:
* Easily “grow” automated multi-stage workflows from research code with minimal code changes. * Frictionless executions of these pipelines on available resources. * Minimizing re-writes when promoting code from research towards “production”
I will address suggestions for improvements in these, with specific examples from simple to intricate workflows in research.
In the previous webinar, we established how ensuring reproducibility in ML research enables automation, which in turn unlocks advanced MLOps (such as pipelines). Since these topics will be used for this webinar, it is recommended to refresh your memory with the recorded event.
All sessions of the series:


What is
BYOT Bring your own technology (BYOT) is a policy that permits students or employees to use their digital devices at school or work. To increase technology availability in the higher ed classroom, students are encouraged to bring in cell phones, laptops and tablets to complete instructional activities. In-class technology use can better prepare students for their careers, which will likely require electronic access to applications, data and email. Bring your own technology (BYOT) often refers to the “consumerization of IT:” the expectation of integrating personal devices into the classroom rather than depending on technology chosen by a school or instructor. Students in higher education use their own devices to collaborate with their peers—for example, Google Docs is a popular collaborative tool used for group work—while students can learn from others globally. BYOT is also used interchangeably with Bring Your Own Device (BYOD).


did you know...
1 in 3 American families reports experiencing diaper need.
5 million children the U.S. aged three or younger live in poor or low-income families.
Infants require up to 12 diapers per day, toddlers about 8.
Disposable diapers can cost $70 to $80 per month per baby.
No state or federal child safety-net program allocates dollars specifically for the purchase of diapers.
Without transportation, buying diapers at a convenience store rather than a large "big box" store can significantly increase the monthly cost of diapers.
Most childcare centers, even free and subsidized facilities require parents to supply a day's supply of disposable diapers.
The poorest 20% of U.S. families spend 14% of after-tax income on diapers.
Help us provide diapers for children in need by clicking the below button


The Tier 2 sponsorship scheme enables employers to sponsor skilled workers from overseas to come to the UK and take roles that cannot be filled from within the resident labour market. It also enables international companies to transfer key personnel into the UK as intra- company transferees.
Over recent years, UK Government policy has introduced many constraints on the scheme as part of a drive to reduce net migration into the country. Routes to permanent residence have been taken away and an overarching quota has been applied to sponsorship under Tier 2 (General).
Employers rely on Magrath Sheldrick to work though a complex minefield of regulations, reducing compliance risk and maintaining a satisfied workforce.


Integrated care is characterized by a proactive and person-centered approach to care, which is seamlessly coordinated across multiple professional disciplines and care interfaces. Integrated care aims to improve outcomes such as functioning, quality of life, and quality of care. The organisation of integrated primary and community care is considered an essential step towards supporting older people to age in place.
Maintaining people’s safety at home
To support older people living at home, it is essential to maintain their safety. Older people encounter limitations in multiple domains of life, which could pose risks to their ability to live safely and independently at home. Such risks may relate to different factors, including people’s functioning and behavior, their physical and social environments, and the health and social care they receive. This wide range of risks could lead to a multitude of problems that challenge people’s safety at home, ultimately resulting in emergency department visits, (re)hospitalization, institutionalization and mortality. Given its proactive, interdisciplinary and comprehensive character, integrated care is expected to provide opportunities to address the prevention of such risks.
Our recently published scoping review in
BMC Geriatrics shows that integrated care programs for older people living at home address a broad range of safety risks. After examining included programs according to the predefined conceptual framework shown in Figure 1, findings show that all programs addressed risks related to people’s functioning and behavior, and several programs addressed risks associated with people’s health and social care management. Fewer programs addressed risks related to people’s social and physical environments. However, as the number of people receiving care and support at home keeps rising, risks related to people’s socio-economic conditions, their home environments, and increasing caregiver responsibilities, for example, are becoming more prominent. Therefore, addressing such risks is important, especially since older people themselves also express their concerns regarding these issues.
Timely identification of risks, combined with relevant clinical, behavioral and environmental interventions and support, as well as care coordination or case management, would enhance care providers’ ability to support older people’s safety at home. Prioritizing such a proactive and multidimensional approach requires combining the expertise of professionals from different disciplines of health and social care. However, our scoping review suggests that these linkages between health and social care are not yet common practice in integrated care programs for older people living at home. Investing in collaborative skills and inter-professional dynamics, as well as addressing financial and organisational incentives for collaboration, are deemed necessary to strengthen these linkages.
Balancing safety, autonomy, quality of care and quality of life
This review showed that integrated care programs can potentially incorporate many ways of addressing and preventing risks. However, it remains challenging to priorities these activities in a way that is meaningful for older people. Adopting a person-centered way of working, in which professional expertise is tailored to people’s individual needs and preferences, is considered one of the core components of integrated care. In this light, it is important to acknowledge that safety is not the only aspect to consider, especially in the care provided in the context of people’s homes. People’s homes are not only care settings, but the setting of their daily lives, and older people may have preferences or make choices that value quality of life over safety. This means that safety risks cannot be addressed independently of older people’s perspectives. Instead, professionals are tasked to consider their professional perceptions in combination with older people’s preferences, and find a balance between aspects such as safety, prevention, autonomy and quality of life.
Truly supporting people to age in place requires a societal shift towards a broader paradigm of health and well-being.
However, in practice, this raises the question of responsibility and accountability for the safety of older people living at home. Naturally, professionals have no control over how older people live their lives and the choices they make. As such, professionals cannot be held accountable for the adverse consequences of those choices. What then, exactly, is the responsibility of health and social care professionals? And what is the responsibility of older people themselves, their families, or society? How is accountability for adverse events shared across these different stakeholders? These questions necessitate a widespread debate on our perceptions and expectations of quality of care, prevention, and ethics, as well as individual, professional and societal responsibility and accountability.
Expanding the health care paradigm
Concluding, integrated care provides both a platform and tools that could be harnessed further to support older people living at home in a manner that balances safety with other values important to older people. However, it is important to note that efforts to integrate health and social care alone are not enough. Truly supporting people to age in place requires a societal shift towards a broader paradigm of health and well-being – a paradigm that recognizes the role that health, social, and environmental factors play in older people’s ability to live safely at home, and in which many different actors in the wider community play their part and perform their responsibilities.


Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 117 (28), 16174-16180 (2020).
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2000606117
Urban mining of precious metals from electronic waste, such as printed circuit boards (PCB), is not yet feasible because of the lengthy isolation process, health risks, and environmental impact. Although porous polymers are particularly effective toward the capture of metal contaminants, those with porphyrin linkers have not yet been considered for precious metal recovery, despite their potential. Here, we report a porous porphyrin polymer that captures precious metals quantitatively from PCB leachate even in the presence of 63 elements from the Periodic Table. The nanoporous polymer is synthesized in two steps from widely available monomers without the need for costly catalysts and can be scaled up without loss of activity. Through a reductive capture mechanism, gold is recovered with 10 times the theoretical limit, reaching a record 1.62 g/g. With 99% uptake taking place in the first 30 min, the metal adsorbed to the porous polymer can be desorbed rapidly and reused for repetitive batches. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that energetically favorable multinuclear-Au binding enhances adsorption as clusters, leading to rapid capture, while Pt capture remains predominantly at single porphyrin sites.


Abstract
Despite recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and sepsis, the current therapeutic approach to these critically ill patients is centered around supportive care including fluid resuscitation, vasopressors and source control. The incidence of SIRS and sepsis continues to increase in the United States and patients die due to failure to respond to the traditional therapies of nitric oxide blockade, adrenergic agonists, etc. Bacterial and mitochondrial N-formyl peptides (NFPs) act as damage-associated molecular patterns and activate the innate immune system through formyl peptide receptors (FPR) located in immune and non-immune cells, including the vascular endothelium. The resulting inflammatory response manifests as capillary leak, tissue hypoperfusion and vasoplegia, partially due to endothelium barrier breakdown. Potential strategies to prevent this response include decreasing NFP release, breakdown of NFPs, and blocking NFPs from binding FPR. We propose the use of deformylase, the degrading enzyme for NFPs, as potential therapeutic approach to prevent the deleterious effects of NFPs in SIRS and sepsis.
Keywords DAMPs Deformylase Endothelium Formyl peptide receptor-1 SIRS Sepsis Trauma ASJC Scopus subject areas Immunology and Allergy Immunology


Swinth, Kirsten, Feminism's Forgotten Fight: The Unfinished Struggle for Work and Family. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 2018. 339 pages. Hardcover, $35.00
In Feminism's Forgotten Fight: The Unfinished Struggle for Work and Family, historian Kirsten Swinth explores the illusion of women having it all by engaging the persistent struggle that continues for social, economic, and political change. Swinth examines the second wave of feminism, the progress made toward women's equality and the challenges that still persist, including a lack of equality for non-white women and women in poverty. The focus of the text highlights the journey of women seeking to attain a healthy balance between home and work. Additionally, the author notes that the "motherhood penalty" does truly exist, as women pursuing this illusive balance have greater stress and lower wages (251).
Swinth explains that the second wave of the feminist movement reconstructed the way individuals see personal, family, social and economic identities, but failed to sustain progress for women to achieve the totality of their aspirations. Such movements afforded women the right to work and earn wages but did not fully address core issues such as childcare, housework, and inequality among groups of females of color, immigrant status, and those in poverty. The concept of care work is discussed thoroughly in chapter five, highlighting the inequality of the value of women's work, which remains a pertinent issue in addressing the wage gap and unequal pay today. Gender studies enthusiasts would benefit from this work, as it provides a comprehensive and historical perspective of feminism's victories and unfulfilled promises. Swinth's discussion of advancements made by the feminist movement, and the areas that still require further critical analysis, encourage readers to think more about what...


Abstract
The electrode ionomer is a key factor that significantly affects the catalyst layer morphology and fuel cell performance. Herein, sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone)-based electrode ionomers with polymers of various molecular weights and alcohol/water mixtures were prepared, and those comprising the alcohol/water mixture showed a higher performance than the ones prepared using higher boiling solvents, such as dimethylacetamide; this is owing to the formation of the uniformly dispersed ionomer catalyst layer. The relation between ionomer molecular weight for the same polymer structure and the sulfonation degree was investigated. Because the chain length of polymer varies with molecular weight and chain entanglement degree, its molecular weight affects the electrode morphology. As the ionomer covered the catalyst, the agglomerates formed were of different morphologies according to their molecular weight, which could be deduced indirectly through dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, the fuel cell performance was confirmed in the current-voltage curve.
Keywords Hydrocarbon-based electrode ionomer Membrane-electrode assembly Polymer electrolyte Proton exchange membrane fuel cell Sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) ASJC Scopus subject areas Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment Fuel Technology Condensed Matter Physics Energy Engineering and Power Technology


While mortgage lenders use lending ratios, such as the percentage of a borrower's debt to their income, in deciding whether to approve a loan, a borrower's household budget may determine how much they want to spend each month on housing. That monthly payment will determine how large a loan the borrower can expect to receive based on the term of the loan, down payment and interest rate. Other monthly expenses such as insurance, taxes, and HOA dues will also factor into the calculation.


Important Nutrients
Fat and carbohydrates
Dogs use fat as their primary energy source. An overweight dog stores fat more easily if the calories are consumed in the form of fat than if they are from carbohydrates. An overweight or obese dog should be fed a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet to restrict calories available from fat, which is important for dog weight control.
Fiber and fatty acids
A normal fiber level, provided in a moderately fermentable fiber source, helps create and maintain healthy digestion. This is especially important for the dog on a diet. Some weight-loss foods for dogs dilute calories with high levels of fiber. High-fiber foods may reduce the digestibility and absorption of many nutrients, including fat. These foods reduce weight by providing what would be considered poor-quality nutrition. These high-fiber diets also result in large, frequent stools and decreased skin and coat condition. Dog foods such as IAMS™ ProActive Health™ Adult Weight Control, which provide essential fatty acids like those found in vitamin-rich fish oils, help maintain your dog's healthy skin and coat despite lowered fat levels.
Gradual Weight Loss
The goal of a good weight management program should be gradual weight loss. Dogs should lose 1% to 2% of their initial weight per week. This can be achieved by reducing the caloric intake by 30% to 50% of maintenance.
A total weight management program can lead to successful weight loss in the obese dog. Before beginning any weight-loss program with your dog, discuss it with your veterinarian. Remember, your support is essential to your dog's weight-control success.


We believe the Holy Spirit is God. He is explicitly affirmed to be God (Acts 5:3-5). He displays divine attributes such as omnipresence (Psalms 139:7-8), omniscience (1 Corinthians 2:10-11), omnipotence (Luke 1:35), and eternality (Hebrews 9:14).
He performs divine works such as creation (Gen. 1:2; Psalms 104:30; Job 26:13; 33:4), inspiration of the scriptures (2 Peter 1:20-21), and regeneration (John 3:3-8; Titus 3:5). He is co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Son (Matthew 28:19-20; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 2:18).
We believe the Holy Spirit is a person. He is specifically referred to, with personal designation, as the Comforter (John 15:26). Personal pronouns are used of Him (Acts 10:19-20). The Greek word pneuma (Spirit) is a neuter gender word. Any pronoun used to substitute for pneuma would normally also be neuter. However, while under the inspiration of the Spirit, the Biblical writers did not follow this grammatical pattern; instead, they substituted masculine pronouns to designate the Holy Spirit (John 15:26; 16:13-14). He displays the following characteristics of a personality: intelligence (Romans 8:27), emotion (Eph. 4:30), and will (1 Corinthians 12:11). He personally relates to mankind in these ways: He can be lied to (Acts 5:3-4), blasphemed (Matt. 12:31), insulted (Hebrew 10:29), resisted (Acts 7:51), grieved (Ephesians 4:30), and obeyed (Acts 10).
We believe the Holy Spirit was active in Old Testament times. He was involved in creation (Genesis 1:2). He inspired the writing of the Old Testament (2 Peter 1:20-21; Acts 1:16; Hebrews 3:7). He empowered people for specific tasks, such as leadership (Jude 3:10; 6:34, 1 Samuel 11:6) and prophecy (Numbers 24:2). All through the Old Testament, people were influenced by the Holy Spirit (Genesis 6:3; Nehemiah 9:20).
We believe the Holy Spirit’s ministry extends to unbelievers as well as believers. The Spirit convicts the world (unbelievers) of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8-11). It is His power that brings the sinner under conviction of sin and draws the sinner to Christ for salvation (John 16:8-11). It is through the Spirit that men are regenerated (John 3:5-6). By the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ baptizes believers into His body (the church – 1 Corinthians 12:13) and into Himself (Romans 6:1-10).
All of the children of God are permanently indwelled with the Spirit (John 14:16-17; Romans 8:9; Ephesians 4:30). The Spirit not only seals believers, but He is the down payment or the pledge of the inheritance to come (Ephesians 1:14; 4:30; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 2 Corinthians 1:22). The believer continues to experience the benefits of the Holy Spirit’s ministry throughout his Christian life. The Holy Spirit intercedes (Romans 8:26-27), teaches (1 Corinthians 2:10-13; 1 John 2:20,27), illuminates (Ephesians 1:17-18), empowers (Zechariah 4:6; Romans 15:19; Ephesians 3:7), guides (John 16:13),and sanctifies (1 Thess. 5:23 2; 2 Corinthians 3:14). Believers are commanded to be filled (controlled) with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). When the Spirit is in control of the believer, He will produce holiness (Galatians 5:16) and fruitfulness (Galatians 5:22-23) through the believer. The Spirit-filled life is the Spirit filling the believer with the life of Christ (Galatians 2:20). The Spirit-filled life is the only way to live victoriously (John 6:63). The baptism of the Spirit is experienced by all believers, it occurs at the moment of salvation, and it is not to be repeated (Mark 1:8; 1 Corinthians 12:13). It is a result of placing one’s faith in Jesus Christ (John 3:5-6, 16). The filling of the Holy Spirit is a command to all believers to be continually under the control or influence of the Spirit. We believe the Holy Spirit distributes gifts to every believer according to His will (1 Corinthians 12:11) as a stewardship for believers to serve others (1 Peter 4:10), for the edification of the church (Ephesians 4:16), and the glory of God (1 Peter 4:11).


Beta-Hydroxybutyrate Enhances BDNF Expression by Increasing H3K4me3 and Decreasing H2AK119ub in Hippocampal Neurons
Neurological evidence suggests that beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) has positive effects on the central nervous system. Previous studies have explored the molecular mechanisms by which BHBA affects different brain functions, but the effects of BHBA on epigenetic modifications remain elusive. Here, we showed that BHBA enhanced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression by increasing H3K4me3 and decreasing H2AK119ub occupancy at the Bdnf promoters I, II, IV, and VI in hippocampal neurons. Moreover, BHBA treatment induced the upregulation of H3K4me3 and downregulation of H2AK119ub on the global level, both of which were dependent on the L-type calcium channel. Additionally, the BHBA-activated L-type calcium channel subsequently triggered the activation of Ca
2+/CaMKII/CREB signaling, and promoted the binding of p-CREB and CBP to Bdnf promoters. These results indicate that BHBA regulates cellular signaling and multiple histone modifications to cooperatively modulate BDNF, suggesting a wide range of regulatory effects of BHBA in the central nervous system.


Objectives: This study investigated the effects of multiple prompts, telephone calls, and written reminders on attendance at group support meetings in a long-term residential facility for survivors of domestic violence. Methods: Participants were 15 Hispanic women who were residing in the facility at the time of the study. Prompts to attend the support meetings were introduced, removed, and reintroduced within an ABAB single-system design. Results: Data from sign-in sheets showed that prompting procedures at least doubled attendance at the support meetings. Conclusions: Possible factors contributing to the effectiveness of social workers using prompts to promote attendance at group support meetings are briefly discussed. (Author Abstract)


Abstract
Accurate estimates of both above-ground biomass (AGB) and below-ground biomass (BGB) are essential for estimating carbon (C) balances at various geographical scales and formulating effective climate change mitigation programs. However, estimating BGB is challenging, particularly for forest ecosystems, so robust allometric equations are needed. To obtain such equations for savanna-woodlands of the West African north sudanian zone, we selected four common native woody species (Anogeissus leiocarpa (DC.) Guill. & Perr., Detarium microcarpum Guill. & Perr., Piliostigma thonningii (Schumach.) Milne-Redh. and Vitellaria paradoxa C. F. Gaertn.). At two sites in Burkina Faso, we determined the BGB of 30 trees of each of these species by excavation, and measured various above-ground dimensional variables. The root: shoot ratio varied widely among the species, from 0.1 to 3.4. Depending on the species, allometric equations based on stem basal area at 20 cm height, basal area at breast height and tree height explained 50-95% of the variation in BGB. The best generic equation we obtained, based on basal area at 20 cm, explained 60% of the variation in BGB across the species. Three previously published generic allometric equations underestimated BGB by 8 to 63%. The presented equations should significantly improve the accuracy of BGB estimates in savanna-woodlands and help avoid costly needs to excavate root systems.
Fields of Science 4112 Forestry


Antibiotic resistance is one of the greatest health challenges of the modern day. It's especially prevalent, and must be acted on, in Australia's remote Indigenous communities.
Toxic shock syndrome is the body's response to toxins produced when bacteria that lives in and on us grows to dangerous levels.
A team of medievalists and scientists look back to history – including a 1,000-year-old eyesalve recipe – for clues to new antibiotics.
Which of the following conditions would you prefer to have during your next stay in hospital? A. Staphylococcus aureus (Golden Staph) bloodstream infection; or B. a heart attack?


摘要
Objective: Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockers are the preferred antihypertensive medications in patients with diabetes and prior stroke. This study aimed to compare the effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) in terms of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) in patients with diabetes who survived ischemic stroke. Methods: We conducted an observational, nationwide, propensity score-matched cohort study using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. Patients aged at least 20 years with type 2 diabetes who initiated ACEI (n=15 959) or ARB (n=23 929) use within 90 days after discharge for first ischemic stroke between January 2000 and December 2011 were allocated to ACEI and ARB groups, respectively. The primary outcomes were MACEs (myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and cardiovascular mortality). The secondary outcomes were hospitalization for acute kidney injury and hyperkalemia. Intention-to-treat and as-treated models were used. Results: Intention-to-treat analysis showed no significant difference between the ACEI and ARB groups in the outcomes of MACEs [hazard ratio (HR), 0.99; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.95-1.04], including ischemic stroke (HR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.97-1.06), myocardial infarction (HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.95-1.18), and cardiovascular mortality (HR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.91-1.06). As-treated analysis produced similar results. Additionally, the groups showed no difference in the risk of hospitalization for acute kidney injury or hyperkalemia. Conclusion: Our study supports the hypothesis that the risks of MACEs and two additional secondary outcomes in patients with diabetes who survived ischemic stroke did not differ according to ACEI versus ARB use.
ASJC Scopus subject areas Internal Medicine Physiology Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine


Despite locust outbreak, grain production in most acutely affected African countries set to be highest on record
Several countries in the “Horn” region of Africa are facing the brunt of what the U.N. Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) describes as the “worst desert locust crisis in 25 years.” Paradoxically, grain production in those countries is forecast to hit record volumes. The current desert locust outbreak originated in mid-2018 when successive rain events in the arid Arabian Desert spurred vegetation development. The latter, in turn, provided ample feedstock for the burgeoning locust population. Trade winds blew the pests into Africa in early 2019, where the locusts settled into the low-elevation arid to semi-arid grasslands. Regionally abundant rainfall through the end of 2019 and into 2020 supported vegetation growth, which once again aided in the expansion of locust swarms. However, the locusts primarily remained in low-elevation grasslands, largely avoiding the higher-elevation grain production zones. Further, the rainfall that increased feedstock for the locusts also helped increase yields for agricultural crops, such as corn, barley, sorghum, and wheat. Ultimately—and despite a significant locust infestation—grain production in this region is forecast not only above the 2019 levels but also to reach the highest level on record. This situation mirrors that of the less severe locust infestation of 2003-05, during which aggregate grain production rose during the height of the outbreak. This chart is drawn from material included in the Economic Research Service’s
Wheat and Feed Outlook reports from August 2020, and has been updated with November data.
Download higher resolution chart (2084 pixels by 2015, 300 dpi)


Our priority is to help you maintain your independence as you age. We offer home-based visits, personal evaluations and yearly cognitive assessments.
Spotlight Among the Best in the U.S. for Geriatrics Services U.S. News and World Report ranked Rush University Medical Center as a high performing hospital in geriatrics services. The Rush Approach to Geriatrics Services
As your body ages, it changes. Our geriatricians specialize in helping seniors navigate these changes by providing personalized primary care for adults over the age of 65.
Geriatricians are your partners in helping you manage the complex and often interrelated health conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease that can come with aging.
Rush Excellence in Geriatrics Services Personalized evaluations:Your geriatrician may conduct a geriatric assessment, a thorough evaluation of your physical and mental health and abilities. This assessment includes evaluation of your nutrition, hearing, vision, and any issues with incontinence, balance or memory. For example, if we learn you have a diet that's high in salt, we might encourage you to cut back on the fatty meats and switch to fish. Or if we find out you need a caregiver at home, we'll help connect you with one. We do annual cognitive assessments:Whether it's your vision or memory, you might not recognize age-related changes. That's why each year, we'll do a cognitive assessment to note any changes. Annual cognitive assessments are important because it gives us the chance to make an early diagnosis, helps you plan for future treatment and decreases any anxiety you might have about aging. We're your team:Geriatricians collaborate with other providers at Rush as needed to treat conditions associated with aging, such as Alzheimer's disease or functional decline. They also work closely with palliative care providers who offer an extra layer of support and focus on improving your quality of life. Rush @ Home:If you're unable to come to our office, we can come to your home through our Rush @ Home program. Through the program, a geriatrician and a primary care provider can come to your house to give you a medical assessment and do any lab work, as needed. That way, you can stay active and engaged in your care, no matter where you live.


1. It's the ultimate stress buster. Research shows the practice can reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure and even reduce symptoms of more serious mental health issues like anxiety. 2. It's a powerful workout.If you don't believe that, try any yoga class using the words "power" or "strength". Those sessions will leave you sweating. 3. It's good for weight management.Whether you want to lose some pounds or maintain a healthy body weight, yoga can do it for you. 4. It's great cross training.If you like to job, bike, swim, hike then bring yoga into the mix. It will strengthen muscles you're not utilizing in your regular workout. 5. It's a natural pain reliever.Neck pain, knee pain, back pain, hip pain.... Wherever you hurt and ache, yoga provides a natural relief. Yoga even helps with chronic pain, according to Harvard Medical School. It 6. It relieves headaches, especially migraines.Studies report that yoga helped reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines in sufferers. 7. It strengthens and stretches.That leads to a healthy, balanced body. If your workout consists of just one activity, then it's likely you're getting tighter and tighter, more rigid in body and mind. 8. It will bring new, good people into your life.Yoga is like a magnet attracting the nicest, kindest, most compassionate people on the planet to the practice. A yoga class is a great way to meet great people. 9. It will make you stronger .... in body, mind, and spirit.Your confidence will grow allowing you to better deal with life's challenges. 10. It leads to a happier state of mind.There is a 'mystical' aspect of yoga which generates joy, happiness, peace. Science talks about endorphins but it's more than that. Please come to my yoga classes: Saturday 9 am - 10:15 am Monday 7 pm - 8:15 pm. Namaste.


The NEAT team offers a variety of Assistive Technology (AT) services for all ages and abilities. AT Specialists conduct services in specialty areas but will collaborate when the needs of individuals require it. Services are conducted in-person, virtually, or through a hybrid delivery approach.
We help individuals compensate for any difficulties they have, including:
Learning (Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, etc.) Physical Vision & Hearing Attention & Executive Functioning Intellectual Unique & Complex Needs
For more information about NEAT's AT services, or to request a specific service, please contact us at CentersConnect@OakHillCT.org.
Collaborative, semi-formal meetings between AT specialists, support staff/educators, families, and/or individuals with disabilities. Consultations are designed to guide the team through a series of demonstrations and trials of AT tools that could help the individual gain or increase independence. These meetings will result in a set of
suggested tools and/or strategies.
Benefits:
Can be for an individual or a team of professionals Identify how to effectively use available technologies Technical support and troubleshooting for current technology Ongoing consultations can maximize AT capacity and confidence
A written summary is not included but can be requested for an additional fee.
Note: Consultations are typically conducted in-person, but virtual consultations can be effective for certain individuals. Please contact us for options.
Customized support in learning how to use specific assistive technology tools that address the needs of individuals with disabilities. AT training is reserved for individuals and their support team (up to 3 people).
This can be an effective follow-up to suggestions made during a consultation or recommendations made during an evaluation.
Note: Coaching/training is typically conducted in-person, but virtual coaching/training can be effective for certain individuals. Please contact us for options.
A structured fusion of consultation and coaching/training services. An AT Kickstart provides an individual and the support team with direct guidance during the beginning stages of assistive technology implementation.
Typically, the AT Kickstart service includes 2 hours of consultation, a written summary of suggested tools, and 2 hours of follow-up coaching/training.
Note: AT Kickstart meetings are typically conducted in-person, but virtual meetings can be effective for certain individuals. Please contact us for options.
A formal, multi-step process that is led by an AT specialist and results in a set of technology recommendations and/or strategies that will meet the needs of an individual with disabilities.
Benefits:
Completely individualized Includes a review of records, individual history, learning modalities, personal preferences, and a pattern of strengths and concerns Includes a team meeting to help identify AT needs Includes environmental observations and AT trials Provides comprehensive recommendations on appropriate technology supports for targeted skill sets Provides implementation strategies for meaningful access and participation
A comprehensive written report with recommendations is included.


Objective: The ideal small-caliber arterial graft remains elusive despite several decades of intense research. A novel approach to the development of small-caliber arterial prostheses with a biomimetic system for in vitro vessel culture has recently been described. In this study we examined the effects of culture time and tissue culture scaffolding on engineered vessel morphology and function and found that these parameters greatly influence the function of engineered vessels.


‘Re-entry’ to a home culture after foreign mission is an unsettling time. A time of contrasts: excitement and anxiety, relief and guilt, hope and grief. When Seasons Change is a series of devotionals written to help navigate such times. Throughout the book (designed to be read over 10 weeks) Lyons aims to journey through that challenging time with the reader. Although overtly aimed at those returning from foreign mission, the wider concepts and processes engaged could also be very helpful for anybody making a significant transition within full-time ministry such as change of primary role, location or retirement.
As you journey through the gospel of Mark, Lyons draws from her personal experience to discuss themes and ask questions that occupy the mind of the returning missionary. Her valuable insights into Jesus’ ministry through the lens of re-entry are enlightening, edifying and encouraging. Many thought processes that those returning from foreign mission grapple with are identified in the daily devotionals. For the more reflective journal-writer or contemplative, there are springboard questions to provoke further thought and reflection for that day. For the more experiential learners, there are practical action steps. Each week ends with a summary of the themes covered and concrete advice on specific steps to take in order to care for yourself, connect with others and focus on personal spirituality during the following week.
As a tool, I believe Lyons offers a gateway to a healthy, reflective re-entry process. Just a brief read facilitates bringing some of the internal re-entry chaos back into order. The complexity of this ministerial reality is experienced by many returners, but it is rarely expressed and addressed in such relatable, simple terms with such insightful, practical and methodical advice. When Seasons Change reminds the reader that this time may feel like things are falling apart, but re-entry is a time to invest, to reflect and to allow God to build.


Abstract
We used data from the San Antonio Family Heart Study to determine the HDL correlates of the insulin resistance syndrome (IRS), as reflected by insulin concentrations in nondiabetic subjects. We measured insulin concentrations both in the fasting state and 2 hours after a glucose challenge (2-hour insulin) and we assessed seven aspects of HDL phenotype, including size and concentration of both lipid and protein components. Measurements were obtained from 1202 nondiabetic members of 42 families. Initial quantitative genetic analyses revealed that a substantial portion of phenotypic variation in the nine variables was due to genes (heritabilities, h
2, ranged from 0.32 to 0.47). We then conducted a series of bivariate genetic analyses, which indicated that there were significant additive genetic correlations (ie, pleiotropy) between the two measures of insulin and five of seven HDL measures tested, including concentrations of HDL cholesterol (fasting insulin only) and triglyceride, and HDL size distributions of apoAI, apoAII, and cholesterol; concentrations of apoAI and apoAII were not genetically related to either insulin measure. Increased insulin levels were associated with relatively smaller HDL phenotypes, and considering a similar association with small, dense LDLs, this finding suggests a common effect of insulin resistance on particle size distributions for these lipoproteins. Thus, these results suggest the existence of genes that pleiotropically influence variation in both HDLs and insulin levels and therefore contribute to the clustering of proatherogenic traits in the IRS.
Original language English (US) Pages (from-to) 3414-3419 Number of pages 6 Journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology Volume 17 Issue number 12 DOIs State Published - 1997 Keywords Diabetes Gradient gel electrophoresis HDL Insulin ASJC Scopus subject areas Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine


How Do I Maximize the Sales Price of My Company?
Maximizing the sales price of a business involves focusing on the “value drivers” of the industry. Value drivers are the set of key factors that reduce financial risk, improve financial returns and create value for the company. These aspects are used by buyers, investors and financial lenders to determine the value of a company. Value drivers are not unique to maximizing the sales price of companies but are sound business practices.
Value drivers for all industries include: a solid diversified customer base, a strong management team, operating systems that improve the sustainability of cash flows, an achievable growth strategy, a facility appearance consistent with the sales price and effective financial controls.
Industry specific value drivers include: extent of referral network, certifications, competition, specialized processes, geography served, affiliations, environmental issues, growth opportunities, seasonality, supplier relationships, equipment quality, technological expertise and backlog of contracts.
The sale of one’s business may be the most significant financial transaction of an owner’s life. Early planning for effectively maximizing the sales price of a business is the first step in a successful exit plan.


Topic of Study [For H2 History Students]:
Paper 1: Understanding the Cold War (1945-1991) Section A: Source-based Case Study Theme I Chapter 2: A World Divided by the Cold War – Manifestations of the global Cold War: Vietnam War (1955-75)
Topic of Study [For H1 History Students]:
Essay Questions Theme II Chapter 2: The Cold War and Southeast Asia (1945-1991): The Second Indochina War (1964-1975) Contextual Analysis In the previous article, we have examined the historical developments of the first and second Indochina Wars. Next, it is imperative to consider the political impacts of the Vietnam War on the superpowers – USA and Soviet Union. 1. Impacts on the USA: ‘Vietnam Syndrome’ Notably, the withdrawal of USA from Vietnam was largely influenced by anti-war sentiments. Many young Americans were against the drafting process. Also, the growing disillusionment and exposed war atrocities (especially the ‘My Lai massacre’) created the impetus for citizens to demand the immediate withdrawal.
Furthermore, critics questioned the necessity of US involvement in the politics of other countries even though many still supported the notion of ‘defending democracy’. As these doubts surfaced, some argued that US Presidents should not be given extensive powers to wage wars without Congress approval.
1.1. The War Powers Act In November 1973, the War Powers Act (also known as the ‘War Powers Resolution’) was passed as a congressional resolution to curtail the US President’s ability to conduct foreign military campaigns. Its main purpose was to prevent US from being trapped in costly and protracted wars, like the conflict in Vietnam.
This Act required the president to seek congressional approval before American troops can be deployed overseas. For instance, the President has to inform the Congress within 48 hours.
Although President Nixon vetoed the law by claiming that it was ‘unconstitutional and dangerous’, the Congress overrode his action.
However, the congressional resolution proved futile as future US Presidents found ways and means to circumvent it. For example, President Ronald Reagan deployed troops in El Salvador in the 1981, during the renewed confrontation with the Soviets.
1.2. The Detente
On 22 May 1972, Nixon visited his Cold War rival, Leonid Brezhnev in Moscow. It marked the first-ever visit by an American president to Soviet Union. The key takeaway from these visits was the increased mutual cooperation.
For example, the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT I) Agreement was signed on 26 May 1972. The Agreement signified the mutual decisions of the superpowers to halt the build-up of strategic ballistic missile launchers. The SALT II Treaty was signed later in the 1970s that banned the development of new ballistic missiles for both countries.
Also, this phase of the Cold War led to the push for space exploration. In July 1975, both USA and USSR conducted a joint-space flight and encouraged collaboration.
However, the thawing of superpower relations halted when Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in December 1979. Tensions resurfaced as USA boycotted the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow.
2. Impacts on the USSR: Race in the Third World On the other hand, the Second Indochina War prompted the Soviet government to intensify its efforts to support the Communist regime. Ho Chi Minh’s victory in Indochina was hailed as a significant victory against the Americans.
As such, Soviet Union raised its military expenditures to support its Cold War allies. As stated earlier, its campaign in the Third World regions began with the invasion in Afghanistan. This conflict was a turning point as observers noted that Soviet Union invaded a country outside the Eastern Bloc, such that its actions drew international criticisms.
The Soviet occupation of Afghanistan was carried out with the intention to reinforce the Brezhnev Doctrine, in which the government seems to secure its political influence in these socialist countries.
However, the campaign in Afghanistan proved disastrous for Soviet Union. The protracted conflict was perceived by some historians as “Soviet Union’s Vietnam War”, particularly due to the mounting economic costs.
What can we learn from this article? Consider the following question: – Assess the political significance of the Second Indochina War on the USA [to be discussed in class].
Besides the topical review of this Cold War event, it is important that you attempt source-based case study questions or essay questions to determine whether you have fully understood these historical developments. Join our JC History Tuition and get additional support as we provide numerous practice questions and answer outlines. By doing so, we ensure that you can study productively and effectively to perform well for the GCE A Level History examinations.
Also, you can join our JC tuition programmes, such as GP Tuition, Economics Tuition, JC Chemistry Tuition, JC Math Tuition and China Studies in English Tuition. For Secondary Tuition, we provide Secondary English Tuition, Secondary Math tuition, Secondary Chemistry Tuition and Secondary Economics Tuition. Call 9689 0510 to learn more!


You will learn how to work effectively with stress, be it related to illness or working within the health care system. By participating with others, engaged in similar challenges, you can bring to bear in your life both the uniting force of community and the solace and power of your own inner strength. In this way, you can actively encourage the healing process.
The program teaches participants to use their innate resources and abilities to respond more effectively to stress. It includes intensive training in mindfulness meditation and its integration into the challenges of daily life and medical practice. Delivered online on ZOOM or in-person, if possible given the pandemic.
Read more.


As a 14-year volunteer with the BCSPCA/Wild ARC, I have retrieved many animals killed by rat poison. One of the saddest incidents was a large, beautiful barred owl found dead on my own property, beside a partially eaten rat. A necropsy on both determined the cause of death was due to rat poison.
The most disturbing recovery of all was a family of hawks from the Willows Beach area. All three had been killed by rat poison and their bodies thrown in a dumpster, along with miscellaneous garbage. Locals were understandably distressed; the hawks were well known in the park and considered an important part of the environment.
Birds of prey are integral to the ecosystem. It is crucial to protect them and their habitats as they are essential in helping control rodent populations.
Alternative Wildlife Solutions (www.alternativewildlifesolutions.com) are a local company offering humane remedies for dealing with wildlife conflict issues. They do not use rat poison and no animals are harmed or killed. If only all “pest control” companies in Greater Victoria could be mandated to follow their lead.
Kerri Ward
Oak Bay


Rebekah Borgoyary
Rebekah is a research scholar and is currently pursuing her PhD from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Her research encompasses tribal identities, women and their role in the identity-making process.
She is interested in exploring the question of women’s agency and autonomy in ethno-nationalist movements of Northeast India. Apart from academics, she likes to engage in searching for stories on the grassroots level on issues related to marginality in nation-making, with a focus on Bodo women in Assam.
Converging Space of Paid and Unpaid Labour
I came across this sight in a border village called Saralpara, which runs along the Indo-Bhutan border, situated in Kokrajhar district in the state of Assam. The picture explores the theme of ‘invisible labour of women’, where the boundaries between home and the workspace is indistinguishable. The disproportionate labour burden that women shoulder between unpaid care work and income-generating work is one of the strong pillars of patriarchy, which consistently keeps women from realising their rights and equality. Caring for a child is one of the most common unpaid work undertaken by women as the gendered roles are deeply embedded in familial settings. While the pandemic has forced people to stay at home and the lockdown has made economic activities difficult, a woman tries to run her tea shop with her child sleeping in a cradle hung from the ceiling in a remote village where no cases of coronavirus have been detected yet.
As she tries to meet her daily earnings in times of lockdown, it converges with her domestic unpaid care work of nurturing her child. The enduring unpaid care work converging with her workspace reflects the integral relationship of a woman and her labour; trying to make room for her gendered role and economic sustainability at once.
This leads to a ‘double burden’ where a woman’s responsibilities increase but income does not.
It also shows the class nature of care, where many upper-class women have the option of ‘additional’ care rendered by helpers and leave their child behind at home, whereas women in margins rendered by socio-economic conditionality can’t afford assistance or leave them behind at home. Pandemic or no pandemic, the skewed labour division continues and the disproportionate responsibilities that women shoulder continues


Últimas fotos Niger | Launch of FAO’s emergency agricultural activities and response to the pastoral lean season in the Niger’s regions of Diffa, Maradi, Tahoua and Zinder26/11/2020 Afghanistan | FAO supports agriculture-based livelihoods to mitigate the impacts of COVID-1924/11/2020 Ethiopia | Desert locust control operations11/11/2020 Kenya | Desert locust control operations11/11/2020 FAO and Rohingya refugees restore forests in and around once barren camps20/10/2020 Síguenos en Destocking campaign in Ethiopia Tags: ETHIOPIA, EASTERN AFRICA, HORN OF AFRICA, EL NIÑO-LA NIÑA, EL NIÑO 2015/16, CRISIS, DROUGHT, PASTORALISTS, INCOME GENERATION, DESTOCKING, LIVESTOCK, LIVESTOCK MORTALITY, OSRO/ETH/503/BEL, RESOURCE PARTNERS, BELGIUM, PHOTO STORY,
In
Somali Region of southeastern Ethiopia, the ongoing drought – the most severe in half a century due to the effects of El Niño – has caused critical feed and water shortages, resulting in abnormal migrations and widespread livestock deaths. Most of the region’s population is dependent on animals as a source of both food and income, but as the lean season continues, these households are experiencing a rapid deterioration in food security and increased risk of malnutrition. Alarmingly, several families across the region reported sharing their food aid with their remaining livestock in an effort to help them survive.
To safeguard the livelihoods of pastoralists affected by the drought and provide time-critical support to the most in need, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has implemented an intervention in nine communities of three of the worst-affected districts of Siti Zone – Erer, Hadagala and Shinile – in collaboration with the regional Livestock and Pastoralist Development Bureau. FAO aims to enhance the financial stability of 4 200 households and nutritional intake of 4 500 households through the purchase of livestock and provision of protein-rich meat.


Never has there been a greater need for writers who can communicate about the environment in such clear, immediate and powerful ways, who can envisage the past as well as the future.
The contributors to this issue all have a deep understanding of how nature works. Some are scientists; others, environmental journalists exploring the latest thinking about ecosystems and how to repair them; or poets, novelists and activists examining our responses to the current crisis.
The knowledge is already out there. We just have to listen.