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Went to the movies Sunday with my cousin for a little escape from reality. The experience and resulting discussions inspired me to actually start a new blog feature that I’ve been toying with as homage to my pre-design days. My blah, blah on pop culture. Enjoy!
FILM: THE AVENGERS
THEMES: Like many action and superhero movies, this one plays upon our ongoing fears of the unknown and anxiety about alternative energy sources and the future of life on the planet. As usual the lesson is about coming together across differences to battle a higher danger. I am deeply interested in threads that run through different historical periods to constitute a universal human experience. As such, I especially loved the way each character represented an era and the mindset associated with that era. Wish there had been more exploration into how these complex differences manage to come together.
CHARACTERS: As usual, I always love the villainous ones. Loki had me enraptured from scene one, not because I crave dark elements in my life, but because I am fascinated with complexity and the light side of the dark. Can’t get enough of Iron Man wit either. How sexy is a man who is still a billionaire, philanthropist, and playboy even without his metal suit? The Black Widow definitely held her own, even without super powers. Her keen perceptive abilities and vulnerability were very attractive. She has a great butt too! Thor was all muscle. I just don’t get the whole infatuation. Not that muscle is a bad thing, as long as there is more going on behind the surface.
NARRATIVE: I thought the beginning was quite slow, and since I’m behind on my consumption of superhero movies, I found it a bit hard to get into (was distracted by my 3-D glasses as well until I forgot all about them later on). The turning point for me was when Loki appeared at the German state dinner or whatever it was. Ah, the intrigue begins. Mixed messages and misunderstandings ensue to make a messy soup until a common purpose hits them all on the head. Then all the characters finally do the things they are naturally supposed to do and they do it very well together.
CINEMATICS: What can I say? Spectacle sure can be fun and it was brilliantly executed. As much fun as it was, I was relieved to take off the goggles at the end. Call me old fashioned, but I still prefer the closer to the skin experience of movies with a more realist aesthetic. Keep an eye out this summer for some recommendations of my all time faves.
OVERALL RATING: 3 raised eyebrows (out of 4)


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The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley proved to be a great wine destination once again, when three producers made Hermanus proud with their remarkable performances at the 2020 Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction.
Ataraxia Under the Gavel Chardonnay 2019 earned a maximum price of R8 500 per 6-bottle case, Newton Johnson Vineyards Windansea Pinot Noir 2017 a maximum of R8 000 per 6-bottle case and the Bartho Eksteen Vloekskoot Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (wooded) a record-breaking R7 000 for a 6-bottle case.
“This is great news for Sauvignon Blanc,” says Bartho (aka ‘Monsieur Sauvignon Blanc’), who also achieved the highest bids on auction for this varietal in 2017 and 2018.
The 36th Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild (CWG) Auction hosted by Bonhams in London on 3 October made history with record average prices per case being achieved across the board. An unprecedented and challenging year called for an innovative and charitable approach that resulted in two separate and distinctive online auctions raising a staggering total of R5.15 million.
The Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction alone raised R4.1 million. Vastly different to previous years, the 2020 Auction included only 564 cases (6 x 750ml). This comprised 17 red wines, one fortified wine (a Cape Vintage); and 11 white wines that included two Méthode Cap Classique wines.
The Vinotheque Auction had a two-week run-up to Auction day and concluded with an incredible total of R816 100 being raised for the Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Development Trust and its Protégé Programme, aimed at nurturing young winemaking talent and supporting wine industry jobs. All the wines for this auction comprised previous CWG Auction greats donated from members’ personal cellars.
Here Bartho broke another record by achieving an astounding R12 000 for a 6-bottle case of his Vloekskoot Sauvignon Blanc from six different vintages (2013 – 2018). “That bidder must have had an enormous thirst to be paying R2 000 per bottle!” Bartho quipped.
In support of fellow Guild member Samantha O’Keefe of Lismore Estate near Greyton, who lost her home, winery, and vineyards in a devastating fire earlier this year, the guild members donated the income from the first case of each of their wines on auction to her. This gesture raised an amount of R223 300.
CWG Chair Andrea Mullineux said that this could only have been possible with the team spirit so evident amongst those involved in the Guild. “It is vital to work toward a common goal together and to support one another, especially through these unprecedented times, for the greater good of our beautiful South African wine industry.”
The interest in South African wines was widespread this year. While 65% of sales went to South African bidders, the balance of the wine went to bidders in the United Kingdom, Denmark, Luxemburg, Switzerland, Hong Kong, USA, Germany, the Netherlands, Singapore and Belgium. A record number of 163 bidders registered this year, with 82 from South Africa and 81 buyers from across the globe.
According to Bonhams Global Director of Wine and Master of Wine, Richard Harvey, an important aim of the annual Nedbank CWG Auction is to raise international awareness of the outstanding quality of Cape wines. “I’m very pleased to say that by attracting a host of new bidders from around the world, we’ve been able to extend the auction’s international reach even further this year,” Harvey said.
The results achieved are a good indication of the world-class quality of wines produced by the Guild members, the immense diversity of South African wines and the continued commitment towards producing classic, characterful and innovative wines.
For more information, visit www.capewinemakersguild.com.

domain: geography


Press Release (ePRNews.com) - MIAMI - Feb 19, 2017 - Two weeks ago a panel meeting took place at Ohio State University, where Volkmar Guido Hable and representatives of the Donald Trump team, advisors to Steve Bannon, and engineering consulting firms met to exchange ideas on the feasibility to such an undertaking, they clashed fiercely on the cost estimates.
This time in a Mar-a-Lago meeting and press conference they discussed again with a group of engineers and Volkmar Guido Hable the cost issues around the proposed wall.
Stated Dr. Volkmar Guido Hable: “I have still no clue what exactly Donald’s scientific basis is for assuming a total cost of only 8 billion USD for the proposed wall on the Mexican border. The math doesn’t add up.”
He said that “There are many more expense items in a construction projects than just the material costs.”
Dr. Volkmar Guido Hable went on to explain the details of the wall costs:
· Material costs per meter of a 30 feet concrete wall: 2500 USD
· Backfill, drainage and a good base: 2000 USD per meter
· Support structures for the stability of the wall: 1400 USD per meter
· Labor costs per meter of wall: 2900 USD
· Engineering and planning costs per meter of wall: 450 USD
· Power supply, electric services, Electronic surveillance equipment: 2500 USD per meter
The total length of the continental border is 3,201 kilometres (1,989 mi). Assuming this will be the total length of the proposed wall the estimated costs just for the expenses directly related to construction will amount to more than 37.62 billion USD.
In addition there are other cost items like for example:
· Mobilization costs for construction sites: 4.5 billion USD
· Water supply for construction and workers: 4 billion USD
· Legal Costs, compensation payments to landowners: 2 billion USD
Just the necessary water supply for construction and for the workers could top 4 billion USD in costs.
Volkmar Guido Hable: “We safely can assume that workers and engineers in the desert like conditions of the remote constructions sites won’t settle for a bottle of coke per day.”
Dr. Volkmar Guido Hable further stated: “Just a simple math on generally known typical construction costs yield a total expense of at least 48.7 billion US Dollars. A far cry from the proposed 8 billion. Of course you can start to discuss the amounts of these individual expense items. But the fact of the matter is that it will not change the magnitude or the order of the various expenses based on generally well known standard construction and engineering costs.”
He continued: “We are talking about many dozens of billion US-Dollars and not just 8.”
Donald Trump has issued an executive order calling for a 3,201 kilometres long wall on the US-Mexican border. The order allows for six months to survey all 3,201 kilometres before the groundbreaking, which in the opinion of Volkmar Guido Hable is totally unrealistic.
Smithsonian magazine consulted Volkmar Hable and a panel of experts on the logistics of such a wall and came away with the impression that Donald Trump has no idea what this involves, and will end up with an expensive, useless disaster.
He stated: “This is not rocket science. Anyone can do the math. Pull the numbers of standard construction project costs completed in the US. Even resorting to slave labor – with which the Chinese Great Wall was built – will not bring the cost down to 8 billion.”
Dr. Volkmar Hable stated further that megastructures like the proposed 3,201 kilometre Great Wall on the US-Mexican border need constant maintenance and surveillance, and would be a major fixed cost factor with no tangible return on investment.
He said the yearly maintenance costs will require a staff that mounts to tens of thousands of workers and engineers and will cost billions.
Stated Dr. Volkmar Hable “Walls can be climbed over, and crossed under through tunnels or simply bypassed in regions where due to the terrain a wall simply would not be feasible at all.”
Upkeep of such a lengthy structure is challenging. And even if such a wall can be erected, the size of budget necessary to keep it standing remains unclear.
Dr. Volkmar Hable also reminded the audience of just one of many legal issues: A 1970 treaty necessitates that the current border fence be set back from the Rio Grande river, which delineates the Texas-Mexico border. Because of this, the current fence crosscuts Texas landowner’s property and has gaps to allow landowners to pass.
Said Dr. Volkmar Hable. “I have a hard time to imagine that such a megastructure could be built for 8 billion dollars. The right figure proposed by Donald Trump lacks a zero, we are talking of a cost closer to 80 billion than to 8 billion dollars.
Or let me put it in other words he said: “it will be a lot cheaper and less difficult to set up a permanent human outpost on Mars than building this wall.”
Dr. Volkmar Guido Hable also disputed in a fierce exchange of words with Steve-Bannon advisors the estimated benefits of 64 billion USD per year.
Fox news reported that the Donald Trump team and Steve Bannon advisors are stating cost estimates of more than 64 billion USD per year based on the simple fact that a wall would hold back immigrants. (http://insider.foxnews.com/2017/02/18/center-immigration-…)
Dr. Volkmar Guido Hable: “There is simply no scientific basis whatsoever for this figure. It is a made up number with no homework done, just any number that is thrown at the American public in order to cause confusion.” Source :
Samarium Tenessine Corporation


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Nursing at Waterbury Hospital
About our Nursing Team
At Waterbury Hospitals, our nurses are passionate about providing quality, safe and compassionate care for our patients and our communities. Our commitment to nursing excellence is exemplified through a culture that promotes accountability advanced education, teamwork and empowerment. We believe that this culture helps to create a positive and collaborative environment—where everyone works together toward a common goal and are valued for their individual contributions and commitment.
WATCH OUR VIDEO JOURNEY
HIGH RELIABILITY ORGANIZATION
What sets Nichole apart is her patience and
kindness with patients and family members.
Monica provides compassionate care as if
her patients were her own family members.

domain: medical


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Exemptions From Withholding Requirements for Flow-Through Entities Added
Public Act 217 of 2012, Senate Bill 1104, effective June 28, 2012 revises the Michigan personal income withholding tax requirements for flow-through entities adding exemptions from withholding and clarify filing requirements.
A corporation may give a flow-through entity an exemption certificate. In this case, the flow-through entity is not required to withhold tax on the distributive share of that corporation's business income, provided that these conditions are met:
the exemption certificate is completed and certifies that the corporation will file corporate income tax returns, pay the tax on the distributive share of business income received from any flow-through entity in which the corporation is a member or in which the corporation has an ownership or beneficial interest, and submit to Michigan's taxing jurisdiction;
the corporation must file the exemption certificate with the Department of Treasury and include a copy to the flow-through entity;
the flow-through entity must attach a copy of the exemption certificate to its annual reconciliation return; and
the corporation and the flow-through entity must keep a copy of the exemption certificate.
The department may revoke the election to use an exemption certificate if the corporation or flow-through entity is not abiding by the certificate's terms.
Other Withholding Exemptions
Flow-through entities are not required to withhold for a member that voluntarily elects to file a return and pay the tax. Also, there is no withholding required for a person who disburses annuity payments under the terms of a qualified charitable gift annuity.
The flow-through entity withholding quarterly payments are due April 15, July 15, October 15, and January 15. Previously, the quarterly payments were due April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15. This change conforms the statute to the department's instructions for Form 4917, Flow-Through Withholding Quarterly Return.
Finally, to calculate the $200,000 withholding threshold for flow-through entities, taxpayers should apportion business income to Michigan with the flow-through entity's sales factor. The sales factor's numerator is total sales in Michigan during the tax year, and the sales factor's denominator is total sales everywhere during the tax year.

domain: law


The comments were made when the panel, which also included Ruth Langsford, Saira Khan and Ayda Williams, were discussing whether it is acceptable to pick up money found on the floor after a women was prosecuted after pocketing £20 off the floor in Blurton.
It was then that Linda responded that the One Stop store where the incident took place looked "poor" and that the customers "didn't have a lot of money".
The 58-year-old said: "If I found £20 in a shop I would have said 'Do you know who this belongs to?' It looks like quite a poor shop - it's not Waitrose or Marks and Spencer.
"It looks like they don't have a lot of money, the people who shop there," the Birds of a Feather star added.
Linda's comments sparked outrage with viewers taking to social media to air their views.
Linda commented that the shop in question looked "poor"
Linda's comments were complained about to Ofcom
It looks like quite a poor shop - it's not Waitrose or Marks and Spencer
One tweeted: "@LindaRobson58 will you be apologising for your rude comments regarding Stoke-on-Trent today?"
Linda replied to the comment, saying: "firstly I had no idea what part of the country the shop was but if I upset you I'm very sorry please forgive me."
"And by the way I love Stoke on Trent I did panto there. And loved the people," she added.
However, Kirsty Bailey, a resident of Blurton, complained to Ofcom about Linda's comments on the show.
Speaking to the Stoke Sentinel, Kirsty said: "I just thought it was pretty disgusting to be honest. She knows nothing about the area.
Her comments also gained complaints on social media
"I felt she was speaking ill of the working class and the people of Blurton in general. With all the bad press the city has had recently - this is just another blow.
"The people of Blurton are friendly and community-minded - there is nothing wrong with us," she said.
Ofcom told Express.co.uk: "We will assess this complaint before deciding whether to investigate or not."
ITV have also been contacted for a comment.


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Abstract: This paper compares the adoption patterns of two automatic identification technologies i.e. Bar codes and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification). The paper juxtaposes the historical events that were significant in the adoption of Bar codes with the contemporary events that are taking place in the RFID space. Based upon the review of bar coding literature and data collected from semi-structured interviews, the paper identifies critical themes and eight key enablers underlying the adoption of bar codes and suggests how understanding of those themes and enablers can inform the adoption and implementation of RFID and similar emerging technologies.
Keywords: adoption, Automatic Identification, Bar codes, Emerging Technology, Platform Innovation, RFID
Download this article: JISAR - V7 N4 Page 25.pdf
Recommended Citation: Sharma, A., Thomas, D. (2014). Looking Backwards to Look Ahead: Lessons from Barcode Adoption for RFID Adoption and Implementation. Journal of Information Systems Applied Research, 7(4) pp 25-36. http://jisar.org/2014-7/ ISSN: 1946-1836. (A preliminary version appears in The Proceedings of CONISAR 2013)

domain: library


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Greece: high participation in bond swap
Pedestrians pass outside the headquarters of the National Bank of Greece in Athens, on Thursday, March 8, 2012. Greece's race to slice euro 107 billion ($140 billion) off its national debt entered the final stretch Thursday, with markets confident enough private investors will decide to accept a deal to write down the value of their Greek bond holdings. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
ATHENS, Greece - Greece has secured a high enough participation in its critical bond swap offer to drastically reduce its debt, staving off an imminent default and paving the way for the release of funds from international rescue loans.
Greece said Friday that 85.8 per cent of private investors holding its Greek-law bonds had signed up to the deal, and that it aimed to use legislation forcing holdouts to participate. It extended the deadline for holders of foreign-law bonds, of whom 69 per cent have so far signed up, until March 23.
The deal aims to slash the country's national debt by €107 billion ($140 billion), with private bond holders accepting a face-value loss of 53.5 per cent, in exchange for new bonds with more favourable repayment terms.
MSN.ca Money's editorial goal is to provide a forum for personal finance and investment ideas. Our articles, columns, message board posts and other features should not be construed as investment advice, nor does their appearance imply an endorsement by Microsoft of any specific security or trading strategy. An investor's best course of action must be based on individual circumstances.
How long does it take you to completely unpack after moving in?
Thanks for being one of the first people to vote. Results will be available soon. Check for results
- 3 days – I'm an unpacking MACHINE!
- I need a full month just to figure out where to put everything!
- 3 months – I use the boxes as end tables!
- NEVER! I still haven't unpacked everything from the last move.

domain: finance


Bryden Wood - Flight Connection Centre at Heathrow
Company - Bryden Wood
Project - Heathrow Airport T3 - Flight Connection Centre
Technology - Concrete Steel Volumetric
Sector - Commercial
Part of the remodelling of Heathrow Airport T3 was a requirement to create a temporary Flight Connection Centre (FCC), serving 9000 passengers a day, across an area of over 4000m², to allow the existing facility to be demolished and remodelled, but not affect passenger flows and experience. As the only space available, the facility was built on Airplane Stand 323. This location came with an enormous number of restrictions due to the very close proximity of operational aircraft and the operational airfield environment serving these planes.
The operational readiness of the facility was critical for Heathrow Airport to close down the existing T1. The implications of not meeting this date and the impact on airline departure and arrival locations were considered enormous. There was no solution in place that could be constructed in the timescales or for a budget that was acceptable to Heathrow. The design and delivery of the building needed to remove as much risk and uncertainty from the delivery process as possible. Bryden Wood took the briefing requirements prepared by HAL's design team and in partnership with Mace, took the building from a sketched delivery strategy to a completed and operational building in under 12 months.
< BACK TO ALL PROJECTS


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The Style Gallery is a great new way for you to view, love, and share outfit photos. It’s meant to showcase
all the expressive, creative, and inspirational personalities of our community!
Heart and Solar System Dress
In honor of your favorite academic subject, you arrive to class in this intergalactic, cotton dress! Part of our ModCloth namesake label, this classic A-line calls on a notched neckline, pockets, and an astronomical print to participate in your precious appearance.
Happily Ever Afternoon Dress
Though the only sounds to serenade you are chirping birds, you offer a rhythmic twirl in this lovely grey dress! Touting a cream-colored lace bodice, a ribbon sash, and panels of balletic mesh cascading down its skirt, this frock flaunts an air of romance akin to your day.
Flatters of the Heart Dress
Compliments may come and go, but the sincere admiration youll receive in this navy A-line will stay genuine for generations! With a silky overlay accented with ivory spots and sheer dots, plus indispensable side pockets, this fabulous midi only asks one question - whats not to love?
Gee Jolly Dress
Goodness, this glam cotton dress is filled with fab festiveness! From ornament-bearing birdies and gift-wrapped acorns to bright holly and playful pine sprigs, this pocketed frock - also flaunting princess seams, a gathered waist, and a navy blue base hue - is a blithe sight to behold.
Delightfully Charming Dress in Navy
Your savvy sense of style will command attention when you zip into this navy-blue fit-and-flare! Textured knit blankets the A-line silhouette of this scoop-neck frock, while decorative, golden buttons adorn its waist for a perfectly polished look!
Delightfully Charming Dress in Olive
Your savvy sense of style will command attention when you zip into this olive fit-and-flare! Textured knit blankets the A-line silhouette of this scoop-neck frock, while decorative, golden buttons adorn its waist for a perfectly polished look!
Cityscape Escape Dress
In the mood for a change of scenery, you and your closest friends head downtown for the evening. From the top-floor restaurant to the popular wine bar, you lead the way in the flattering seams and scoop neck of this black A-line dress. Worn with a pastel blazer, silver flats, ...

domain: design


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Freddy Got Fingered
Facts and Figures
Run time: 87 mins
In Theaters: Friday 20th April 2001
Box Office USA: $13.7M
Distributed by: 20th Century Fox
Production compaines: 20th Century Fox, Regency Enterprises
Contactmusic.com: 1 / 5
Rotten Tomatoes: 11%
Fresh: 10 Rotten: 83
IMDB: 4.5 / 10
Freddy Got Fingered Movie Review
My bum is in the chairMy bum is in the chairLook at meI'm watching Tom Green's hair!
Tom plays Rip Torn's sonTom plays Rip Torn's sonOnce respectable? Rip, where's your career? (hee hee hee!)
Look at Tom, he's rawLook at Tom, he's rawGet a job?No, he just wants to draw!
Watch Tom go berserkWatch Tom go berserkStuff his faceOr give a horse a jerk!
An organ made of meatOr a woman he can beatThey don't make much sense, but try not to worry too much about that!A HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!
They're walking out in drovesThey're running for their carsDon't look backAway from here they go!
Hi my name is TomHi my name is TomI can't tie my shoes but I can write a movie script!
Poo! Poo! (repeat)
Freddy got milk.*
* This scene not actually included in film.

domain: artistic


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A spicy lentil stew flavored with Italian sausage and rich with veggies – easy to do as a make-ahead recipe in a crock-pot if you want less fuss.
Rosemary Roast Chicken
Our favorite roast chicken recipe is also the simplest – 4 ingredients, quick prep, easy to make ahead and so fragrant and delicious!
Lemon Italian Ice
If you want the flavor of real lemons, something that’s satisfyingly tangy and light, this is an easy option you can make anytime you have a little space open in your freezer.
Polenta Cheese Bake – Polenta Pasticciata
Jump to Recipe This update to my “Ceci Polenta” recipe is now a casserole with melted cheese and caramelized onions and it’s super easy to make ahead. So yeah, that’s going to automatically make it one of my favorites. Also, having a delicious vegetarian gluten free Italian recipe in my arsenal is not a bad thing…
Garden Herb Salads
These recipes from Vietnam, Korea, and Italy make lovely colorful salads using the chives, basil, mint and more from my garden.
Family Favorite: Roasted Red Pepper Lasagna
If I was going to list my family’s top 10 favorite dishes, I think I could confidently say this would make the top five. It’s the most common dish on the menus I found when I reviewed my family’s Italian Birthday Feasts, and that doesn’t even include our non-Italian birthday menus, which still often manage to…
This garbanzo polenta is an easy, healthy dish you can put together ahead of time and broil quickly to have hot to serve with dinner. Corn, of course, was not a native grain in Italy, so this is technically a more authentic recipe anyway. I find the flavor of using chickpea flour more savory and satisfying than corn polenta, though both are delicious.
Menu Planning: Italian American Birthday Feasts
No one in my family is the least bit Italian, but it seems this has become a traditional birthday feast choice around here. I didn’t realize how much so until I started writing this out. Italy, like India and many other countries with drastic climate differences and a very long history, has a wide variety…
Ingredient Note: Rice
Rice, of course, is a primary staple in many areas of the world. It’s cheap, it’s healthy, and it’s easy to start cooking (especially with a $20 rice cooker from Target). Last winter I woke up one morning and decided to catalog my rice. In this post, I’ll go over some tips and tricks about different types of rice I’ve learned to appreciate in my exploration of different cuisines.
Roasted Red Pepper Risotto
Risotto requires a bit of patience, something I’m usually in short supply of on a Monday night. But a last week – when I first said I’d be “restarting this blog” – I came home on a cold dark evening to find no one would be home for a while. I was hungry and felt…
Gnocchi uses very simple ingredients to create something that tastes sublime. Store-bought frozen gnocchi simply can’t compare – but the warnings on the recipes I’d read made me think it must be hard to make. I didn’t find that to be the case when I actually tried it, though you do have to be willing to get your hands a bit messy.
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domain: food


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In the city, there are several amazing museums. There is the Rijksmuseum Twenthe in the beautiful historical building. It presents its visitors the Renaissance art. The museum houses the interesting collection of pictures and sculptures. They all were created by famous Dutch artists. Now, different temporary exhibitions are organized in the museum. The historical building has managed to preserve its beautiful courtyard where comfortable terraces are equipped in a warm season.
Travelers with children should definitely visit the Natural-Science Museum Twentse Welle. Its collection of exhibits is really diverse. The museum houses skeletons of prehistoric animals, old rare books, and interesting accessories used by scientists and researchers hundreds of years ago. Besides natural-science exhibits, you can also see old industrial machines, antique furniture, and even vehicles that could be seen in city streets over a hundred years ago.
One of the main architectural monuments of the city is the old synagogue. This small building with a beautiful dome and interesting facade is surrounded by dense green plantings. Since its foundation, the synagogue has remained unchangeable. The main decorative element of its interior is a big forged chandelier in the medieval style.


Scientists in Pisa, Italy claim to have set a new world record for the fastest wireless data transmission. They report that during an uninterrupted 12-hour experiment, they were able to achieve throughput speeds above 1.2 Terabits per second; which they say beats the previous wireless data transmission speed record of 160 Gigabits per second by Korean scientists. The researchers claim that speeds of this magnitude can typically only be achieved using fiber optics.
The technology that the Pisa scientists utilized to achieve such high bandwidth, actually shares a significant similarity with fiber optics: Both technologies use optical communications. Unlike Wi-Fi or microwave communications, which use radio-based transmissions, the Pisa scientists used a Technology called free-space optical communications, which transmits data using light. The Harvard Broadband Communication Laboratory provides this explanation of Free-Space Optical Communications[…]


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The story behind Netflix’s quirky, kid-friendly answer to ‘whitewashed’ L.A.
“City of Ghosts” is Elizabeth Ito’s rebuttal to the people who say they hate Los Angeles without really knowing anything about her beloved hometown.
“There’s a lot you’re saying that you hate when you’re saying you hate Los Angeles,” said Ito, the Emmy Award-winning “Adventure Time” alum whose new animated series is streaming on Netflix.
Mixing 2D and 3D animation over live-action settings, “City of Ghosts” follows a group of kids who have formed a club to look for ghosts around the city to learn about their stories (often helping adults in the process). Over the course of the six-episode season, their adventures take them from a new restaurant in Boyle Heights to a skate park in Venice to a vegan cafe in Leimert Park and beyond.
Through their interviews with ghosts as well as living residents, members of the Ghost Club learn about different L.A. neighborhoods and their histories. There is even an episode where they learn about the Tongva, the Indigenous people of L.A. The gentle love letter to the city and its diverse communities is presented in a kid-friendly format, but it’s plenty informative for adults too.
The series is partly inspired, said Ito, by “reading a lot of articles about how our neighborhoods are just changing and kind of being whitewashed over and [wanting] to talk about what our communities are and what used to be here.”
As L.A. continues to change, she added, the episodes can live on as a reminder of “all the great cultures and things that exist here.”
As for the series’ supernatural twist? It’s inspired by the showrunner and executive producer’s experience with the paranormal.
“When I was a little kid, I saw a ghost,” said Ito. “I think a lot of little kids see ghosts. They don’t always talk about it like that. [But] there’s a lot of really funny stories that little kids have about seeing ghosts.”
Presented as a homemade documentary series anchored by Ghost Club member Zelda, the show celebrates kids and their inquisitiveness, intelligence and quirky turns of phrase. Each member of the Ghost Club — which also includes Thomas, Eva and Peter — lives in a different neighborhood, and they generally meet up at the library to discuss the cases they’re investigating.
“The hardest part is writing dialogue for kids that is as good as the funny way that kids can talk sometimes,” said Ito. Fortunately, she found that recording sessions with the young actors were a good barometer: If a kid keeps stumbling over a line, it’s probably because it’s something they wouldn’t say.
The ability to capture how people actually speak when telling their personal stories was one of the aspects of the documentary approach that appealed to Ito. The production process involved interviews with L.A. residents, who voiced animated versions of themselves to convey an authenticity that Ito said could be lost in more traditional scripts.
“The documentary approach to stuff is really rewarding because it lets you let each person dictate the way things are said,” said Ito. “The way that people talk and the things that they say … it’s so important to it feeling believable.”
The show’s animation is layered over photos of real locations, and plenty of familiar local sites — Koreatown’s Soot Bull Jeep, Leimert Plaza Park, the Bob Baker Marionette Theater and the Central Library — make an appearance.
Ito admitted that choosing which neighborhoods to spotlight wasn’t easy, but with the help of writer Jenny Yang, who studied urban policy and planning at UCLA, she was able to step back and consider what was happening in the city before determining which stories were approachable for kids.
Some of the episodes were shaped by Ito’s interest in learning more about neighborhoods and history she wasn’t as familiar with, such as Koreatown.
“I wanted to do an episode about Koreatown, but I didn’t think any of [the episodes] were going to be so on the nose,” said Ito. “Like, ‘It’s Koreatown, so we’re talking about Korean culture.’ Because nothing in L.A. is really like that.”
The completed episode offers a nuanced and accurate look at the neighborhood’s diverse communities — it features a Oaxacan music teacher, the Zapotec language and a trip to a Korean BBQ restaurant.
There are also episodes that involve locations that are meaningful to Ito.
“I knew I wanted to do one about Bob Baker [Marionette Theater] because that was something from my childhood where I was like, ‘This is a weird thing that people outside of L.A. do not have,’” she said.
Before the kids get there, they meet the ghost Atomic Nancy and learn about Little Tokyo and Japanese American history. It’s a quirky mashup that works because it’s L.A.
Although Ito had always intended for “City of Ghosts” to be CG animation over photos, her desire to better reflect the diversity of L.A. is what led to the show’s hybrid 2D and 3D visual style.
Ito explained that one of the constraints with working in 3DCG animation is that budgets can limit how many models can be built, which may lead to similar-looking characters populating the backgrounds. But by using 2D animation for background characters, the show was able to have more variety.
“It was a choice,” Ito said, “so that we could make the backgrounds look as visually diverse as we wanted them to be for someplace like L.A. where you don’t have the same type of person all over the city.”
Ultimately, Ito hopes “City of Ghosts” can help people realize there is more to L.A. than shallow generalizations and see how fun it is to learn more about the city’s rich diversity.
“It’s really a place that has a lot of history and a lot of stories to be uncovered,” said Ito. “It was really rewarding to be connected to all of these people and all of their cultures and all their families that I didn’t know before, so I feel really fortunate.”
‘City of Ghosts’
When: Any time, starting Friday
Rating: TV-Y7 (may be unsuitable for children under the age of 7)
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domain: sociology


Commercial and industrial energy users may benefit from the more efficient, cost-effective options available from a hybrid energy storage systems (HESS) over a typical stationary ESS, according to a recent report from Navigant Research. The advantages to deploying an HESS include lower cost, increased system efficiency, increased system lifetime due to optimized operation, and the ability to do more and last longer with less overall storage capacity.
The stationary energy storage industry is now exploring grid-scale hybrid solutions which integrate two or more energy storage technologies with complementary operating characteristics. These systems deliver power capacity, energy duration, and cycle life in a single system that is not achievable by any one energy storage technology. The HESS market is expected to exceed two GW in 2026, according to the report, with much of the growth expected to occur alongside the maturation of pure-play battery energy storage technology.
An HESS typically “includes storage technologies that separately cover sprinter loads required for fast response and marathon loads required for peak shaving and load shifting,” Greentech Media explains.
Last spring, Duke Energy started testing a HESS at its Rankin Substation in Gaston County, NC. Benefits of the HESS include extended operational life, rapid response, real-time solar smoothing and load shifting. The company said that better ways of incorporating renewable energy into its system while still providing reliable service would help ensure competitive pricing for its customers.
In January, Kaua?i Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC), a member-owned utility serving 33,000 electric accounts on the Hawaiian island of Kaua’i, and AES Distributed Energy signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) for a 28-MW solar photovoltaic energy plant, along with a 20-MW, five-hour duration energy storage system.
The utility described the goal for its hybrid solar and energy storage system as “optimal balancing of generation with peak demand.”
The system is anticipated to be the largest solar-plus-utility-scale-battery system in the state of Hawaii – and one of the biggest storage systems in the world.


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Gold and Purple Crescent Beads Take a Make Break Bracelet Kit - Makes x1
The purple in this gold and purple crescent beads take a make break bracelet kit is really eye catching. This kit combines crescent beads with fire polish beads and seed beads for a brilliant effect. Crescent beads are a popular Czechmates bead that has two threading hole and is designed in a 'moon' shape. This kit comes with beading needles. This project has been designed by Sarah Millsop. For further help with this project follow our YouTube video on Sunday 29th April.
- 1x Project Sheet
- 1x Czechmates Crescent Beads Colour One 10g
- 1x Czechmates Crescent Beads Colour Two 10g
- 1x Czech Glass Fire Polish Beads Pk100
- 1x Toho Round Size 11 Seed Beads 10g
- 1x Nymo Beading Thread


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Bitz & BobSeries 2 Episode 2: Tower Top Princess Party
Princess Purl and Princess Bitz have decided to create the best party ever for Sir Robo Bob and Sir Bevel. There's limbo dancing, a bow and arrow game, great music and lots of food; the problem is in the excitement they've forgotten to invite Sir Robo Bob and Sir Bevel. But when Purl goes round to get them, she finds their door is locked and they are having their own party.
- Adventure / Animated / Children
- Original air date

domain: entertainment


Former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle said that President Barack Obama needed to "show energy" in his State of the Union address on Monday.
"He has to show a passion for the things that he wants to do in the second term," the retired South Dakota Democrat told Bloomberg Television
in an interview to be aired on Friday. "I think there's a little bit of a feeling of lethargy right now."
Daschle, 66, served in the Senate from 1987 to 2005. He was majority leader from 2001 to 2003. He also served in the House of Representatives and now is a policy adviser with the law firm of DLA Piper LLP.
"He's had some setbacks," Daschle said of the president. "I think he needs to re-engage and re-energize."
The president is expected to discuss income inequality in his speech — including raising the minimum wage, White House spokesman Jay Carney said.
Daschle endorsed the topic, the Hill reports.
"I think to ignore it would make more of a statement than to devote time," he told Bloomberg.
He added that the Obama administration needed to be "more engaged" with Congress.
"I think the more engaged, the more creatively involved they are with members of Congress, with members of the media, with members of all stripes in Washington serves them well," Daschle said. "You've got to be engaged.
"And the more you're engaged, the more likely it is you're going to have the relationships that you're going to need when you're trying to move legislation," he told Bloomberg.
© 2016 Newsmax. All rights reserved.


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This game is Great im going to try dead or alive Dem. Next to compare them But this game is good. It gets a solid 8 cus it has fast loading times street pass and spotpass great Idea 3d on this thing is GREAT makes it look even better its just a great game one of the best on the 3ds without a doubt
this is a very polished version of super street fighter 4. basically you chose a fighter,your favorite combo, your difficulty and make a a bunch of combos to beat the competition. i recommend playing dynamic mode. though it doesn't add much, it makes the 3d more comfortable and accessible. and even though he's very hard, after you beat seth you just want to plunge in and fight him again. theirs a new option where you use the pen to pull of moves like hadoken. i only use it for the super and ultra combos. and online people found a way to cheat by just using hadoken over and over again. I find it very annoying because it requires no skill.the online had no flaws and lag. even in 3d versus.the only problem with download play is you can only play as ryu.i found the figure rather addicting. over all it deserves to be the highest rated 3ds game. HAAAAAAAAAADDDDDDDDDDDDDDOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEENNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
Almost a perfect port of it's console counterpart. Hardcore Street Fighter players will most likely not mind the motionless stage backgrounds, lack of leaderboards,replay channel, and most of the other features in the console version. The online multiplayer is flawed by the fact that you can't see your opponents connection to you. They did add a rematch button in ranked matches so if you run into someone with a good connection you can play them again. All in all great port.

domain: hobby


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If you love plants, starting a nursery can be an excellent way to make money from your passion. You can choose to run a small plant nursery to supply plants to your local community. On the other hand, you might establish a regional wholesale nursery where you supply plants to other retailers. Keep in mind that running a landscape tree nursery is no walk in the park. You may experience some plant-related problems once in a while. The good thing is that most of these issues are usually related to the roots. Therefore, check the roots of your plants when you see any of the following problems
Plants Taking Too Long To Grow
Plant growth is not instant. Trees need time to grow. In some cases, however, the process happens at a prolonged rate. This can be frustrating as you may want your plants to grow faster. Since you are managing a nursery, faster plant growth means you can make them available to clients. Thus, you make money more quickly.
Plants Do Not Look Good After Growth
It is frustrating to end up with small plants without flowers after they take a while to grow. Such plants do not have a great appearance. They mostly end up looking sick. These plants are not suitable for the landscape tree supply business because no one gets to buy them. Even if they end up selling, it is usually after an extended period. That is a waste of time and resources on your part. No plant suppliers want to experience such a problem.
Many wholesale nursery landscape suppliers may not have issues with their plant growth or development. The problem comes in when it is time to transplant. Do you have healthy plants but do not look forward to the transplanting process? If you do, then you understand the frustration of watching your healthy plants go through transplant shock. Once your trees go through such a shock, you will need to start the process again. You end up wasting time and resources.
Your Plants Could Look Better
Lastly, your trees may not have any of the issues listed above. However, you think that they could experience better development. If that is the case, working to improve the root system in these trees may be all you need. Advanced roots help the trees absorb more water. That could also lead to increased mycorrhizae connections. Thus, they end up absorbing more minerals and nutrients. Water and nutrients are the most vital aspects in ensuring the healthy growth of any plant.
To learn more, contact landscape tree suppliers in your area.Share

domain: agronomy


In England, surgeons first used robotic device to carry out operations inside the patient’s eyes to restore his vision. The operation was conducted by specialists of the John Radcliffe hospital in Oxford
Using the device, which is controlled by the joystick was removed, the membrane inside the eye of a thickness of a hundredth of a millimeter.
Right eye patient the Reverend bill beaver could hardly see anything because of the membrane covering the retina. The operation required great precision, made possible thanks to the use of the surgical robot Preceyes, which was invented in Holland.
The accuracy of the robot motion is also achieved through the fact that it smooths accidental shake the hands of a surgeon. According to carried out the operation, Professor Robert MacLaren, the operation was performed more efficiently than if it was carried out without Preceyes.
Often surgeons when such procedures accidentally touch the retina, leading to hemorrhage. The use of a robot allows to avoid this.


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domain: literature


text:
Datia (Madhya Pradesh): A 14-year-old girl committed suicide by hanging herself on Sunday in Bhander Nagar. The 9th grade girl was upset of being harassed everyday on her way to coaching.
Police said that the accused would harass the 14-year-old on her way to coaching class. This continued for almost a week, after which the girl told about the incident to her mother. Her mother complained to the accused boy's mother. But, in vain. The accused continued to harass her.
The girl complained to her mother once again. On Sunday, her mother again went to accused mother and asked her to take action. However, when she returned home, she was shocked to see her daughter hanging, said police.
After getting the information, Bhander police reached the spot sent the body for post-mortem. Also, Home minister Narottam Mishra took cognizance and said the accused won’t be spared and will be punished severely.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, seek help here: | Mental Health Helplines
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domain: news


.The magnetic lap receiver is an instrument designed to be used on tracks equipped with magnetic strips.
When passing over a magnetic strip, the sensor installed on your vehicle (usually a kart) generates an electrical pulse. If the track is equipped with more than one magnetic strip, the sensor will generate more than one pulse per lap and you will be able to capture split times.
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More than 110 countries have made a surprising pledge at the U.N. climate conference in Dubai, vowing to triple their renewable energy generation by 2030. This unprecedented commitment marks a significant step towards combating climate change and transitioning to a greener future.
The announcement, made by various countries from around the globe, has astonished experts and environmental activists, particularly due to the leading state in this effort. As the news spreads, the implications of this concerted effort become clearer, bringing hope to those advocating for a cleaner and more sustainable planet.
This remarkable breakthrough was revealed during the U.N. climate conference, where delegates from across the world came together to discuss ways to address the pressing issue of climate change. This agreement serves as a testament to the growing concern shared by nations worldwide about the consequences of our reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
The pledge signifies a collective effort towards significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating the adverse effects of climate change. By tripling their renewable energy generation over the next decade, participating countries are taking a crucial step towards mitigating the impacts of global warming.
Reaching this target will require substantial investment in renewable energy infrastructure, including wind, solar, and hydroelectric power, among other sources. Furthermore, it will necessitate the implementation of supportive policies and regulations that encourage the transition to cleaner energy alternatives.
This significant development has been brought to you by a collaboration between esteemed journalists Geoff Bennett and William Brangham, in partnership with the Global Health Reporting Center. With the support of the Pulitzer Center, this news article aims to bring attention to the progress being made in the fight against climate change.
The global effort to triple renewable energy generation by 2030 demonstrates the potential for meaningful change when countries come together to address shared challenges. It signals a much-needed shift towards a sustainable energy future and offers hope that we can still salvage our planet from the brink of irreversible damage.
As discussions at the U.N. climate conference continue, it is clear that the commitment to renewable energy is gaining momentum and attracting global attention. This ground-breaking pledge provides inspiration for other nations to follow suit and invest in renewable energy solutions.
The “Hollywood Crap” team remains committed to shedding light on significant global developments, and this extraordinary achievement serves as a reminder that even Hollywood can play a crucial role in shaping a more sustainable future.
“Infuriatingly humble tv expert. Friendly student. Travel fanatic. Bacon fan. Unable to type with boxing gloves on.”


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We propose a reflective terahertz (THz) metalens with four focal points for polarization detection of THz beams. The metalens is composed of Z-shaped resonators with spatially variant orientations, a reflective gold layer, and a dielectric spacer between them. The polarization states of the focal points include left circular polarization, right circular polarization, an incident polarization state, and a polarization state whose major axis is rotated π/4 in comparison with that of the incident polarization. The handedness, ellipticity, and major axis of the polarization state can be determined based on the light intensities of the focal points. The uniqueness of the designed device renders this technique very attractive for applications in compact THz polarization detection and information processing.
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics


Category list : Infrastructure
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Competition: eVolo skyscraper ideas contest 2020Subscription
Architecture and design journal eVolo is once again inviting entries to its annual skyscraper ideas competition, featuring a $5,000 USD top prize (Deadline: 28 January)
A dramatic cable stay bridge in Salford is more than a simple physical link – it forges together two rival cities and acts as a fulcrum in the area’s regeneration plans
Proving roads and urban planning can be as divisive as walls: twenty years since the peace process began Belfast remains a city disunited
As part of an ambitious masterplan for Colin, Belfast, Hall McKnight’s transport hub is hoped to catalyse regeneration of the hitherto neglected, dislocated and disconnected city fringe
ZUS: ‘the end is not the end’Subscription
ZUS remain resilient and resistant under the threat of reflex demolition, marking out their own spaces for the city in unsolicited projects that bring life to areas made static by the city’s speculative value
Published with support from Aedas: passengers emerge through the new Hong Kong West Kowloon Station from all parts of China to be welcomed into Hong Kong’s spectacular cityscape. The views are from the roof which adds a new dimension to Hong Kong’s public realm. Main photography by Edmund Sumner
Both a ruined civilisation and the embryo of a new urbanity, this reimagined coal mine waits for a future that may never happen
Despite falling into a state of disrepair and disrepute, Sewoon Sangga remains a vibrant hub of human industry and leisure
Taking a cue from New York’s High Line, Seoul steps up a level
The control of nature promised a world transformed for the benefit of humans, but have gigantic dams drowned such hopes?


Designed to meet the U.S. Military's requirement for a multi-role Joint Strike Fighter, the F-35 was first flown on December 15, 2006. This single-seat fighter is one of the most advanced aircraft of our time, said to be four times more effective at air-to-air combat and eight times more effective at air-to-ground combat than any other existing aircraft. This 1/72 scale, die cast model from Hobby Master recreates the F-35B Lightning as flown with the RAF in England, 2019. Features include realistic panel lines and surface details, opening canopies, intricate interiors, interchangeable landing gear, authentic markings, and a display stand. 8½" long.


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Clinical studies and field trials
Biography: Akram Najafi is from The Persian Gulf Marine Biotechnology Research Center, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran.
Abstract: Background: Rotaviruses are one of the most important causes of acute gastroenteritis in children under 5 years old. With the licensure of new RV vaccines, data on the burden of disease are important regarding immunization strategies.
Objectives: The aim of this study were to monitor the disease burden associated with rotavirus and determine the G genotypes of rotavirus circulating in Shiraz, Marvdasht, Jahrom and Borazjan, South of Iran.
Methods: Overall, 788 fecal samples were collected from less than 5 years children with diarrhaea admitted to hospitals in cities mentioned above. All the stool specimens were tested for rotavirus with EIA. Rotavirus-positive specimens were genotyped by Nested RT-PCR method.
Results: Out of the total collected samples, in 34.78%, 28.37%, 46.01% and 25.43% rotavirus infection was detected in Shiraz, Marvdasht, Jahrom and Borazjan respectively. Overall, in the common genotypes, non-typeable was the most predominant (31.47% of strains). The frequency of G1, Mix, G4, G2, G9, and G3 were 25.50%, 16.73%, 16.73%, 6.37%, 2.39% and 0.8% respectively.
Discussion: Because of the high frequency of rotavirus infection is important to continue rotavirus surveillance in the other Iran regions to determine accurately the burden of rotavirus disease and the emerging new genotypes. This will assist policy makers in decision making on rotavirus vaccine introduction and determining the impact of the vaccine.
Conclusions: The Noticeable frequency of non-typeable genotypes indicate that must be using from another primers and also detection of unusual genotypes by other specific primers.
Keywords: Rotavirus, Genotyping, Nested RT-PCR, Acute Gastroenteritis
Biography: Prof Patrone Rebecca Risenga has expertise in HIV and HIV counselling and Testing services.. She has developed an educational programme to encourage young adults to go and test for HIV using Dickoff six survey list; namely, agent, recipient, context, procedure, dynamic and terminus, . She has many publications which are viewed by different scholars.
Abstract: The World Health Organization estimates that 80% of the worldâ€™s population complements conventional therapy with traditional folk medicinal therapies in some aspect of their health care and the most popular of these are herbal therapies (WHO 2008) In Africa, a wide range of traditional herbal medicines are used as part of therapy by the majority of HIV positive people (Ozsoy & Ernst 1999). Moringa leaf contains all amino acids (including the essential ones) vitamin A B C D complex, K, macro and micro mineral elements including selenium and zinc among others and this is one of the herbs used by patients who are HIV positive.
Purpose of this study is to describe the perceptions of patients on Moringa regarding their health. A cross-sectional, explorative, descriptive research design was applied. The sampling frame was all HIV-infected adults presenting to the clinic with opportunistic infection in one of the clinics in Capricorn district Limpopo Province. Participants had to be already enrolled in the national antiretroviral program. Participants were selected as a convenience sample of patients who came to the clinic during July to October 2014 on one afternoon a week.
ï¶ Data analysis was done by categorizing, ordering, and summarizing the data, and describing the findings.
- Moringa was seen as a best booster amongst patients who are HIV positive in relation to opportunistic infections
- Effect of Moringa in CD4 cell count
- Moringa and drug interactions
Moringa was seen as a herb with a huge impact on HIV and many patients are using it on daily basis Key words: Moringa, HIV positive
Biography: Festus M. Tolo, Ph.D., is a Medical Microbiologist holding a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Medicinal Phytochemistryof Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). Principal Research Officer at the Centre for Traditional Medicine and drug Research (CTMDR) and Head, Natural Products Research and Drug Development Programme (NAPREDA), KEMRI. A fellow at the African Scientific Institute (ASI) and a WHO Special Program for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) trainer in Good Laboratory Practice (GLP). My engagements in medicinal plants research spans over two decades where I have been involved in various research projects, notably, the JICA sponsored Infectious Diseases Research Programme of KEMRI where I played a key role in the “Plant Drug Research Group for Antiviral Agents” leading to the patenting of an anti-herpes drug, Zedupex. I have been a project manager of a WHO/TDR funded project on the “Investigation of Safety, Efficacy and Chemistry of Herbal Medicines used Traditionally for Treatment of Malaria” and was a lead scientist in the National Council for Science Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) funded project on the “Natural Products Innovation System: Establishing a National Nutraceuticals and Phytomedicines Development Pipeline”. I am presently a Principal Investigator (P.I.) of two projects funded by the Government of Kenya (GoK), one evaluating local medicinal plants in Kenya with potential anti-asthmatic activity and another on new biomedical uses of Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium(pyrethrum) locally grown in Kenya.
I am a part time lecturer in Medical Microbiology at JKUAT Karen campus and presently supervising 12 undergraduates, 4 MSc and 3 Ph.D. students. I am a peer reviewer for the Commission of University Education (CUE), Kenya.Due to my continuous efforts in search for herbal remedies for management human infections, I was awarded the KEMRI Gold prize for outstanding research (The Nelion Gold Award) by the KEMRI board of management in December, 2014 and a commemorative trophy by the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (CACMS) in Beijing, China, in September, 2015.
Abstract: TMR5 is a product of a Kenyan medicinal plant, prepared as a lyophilized extract and a cream. The products have been evaluated for preclinical safety and efficacy in suitable in vitro and in vivo
systems of herpes infections. Herpes is a viral infection affecting over 60% of the sub-Saharan Africa
young adult population. It is caused by two similar viruses, HSV-1 and HSV-2 which share 50% gene
sequence homology. The infection in a major cause of genital ulcer disease, associated with increased
risks of HIV acquisition and transmission in the region.
To develop TMR5 as an alternative therapeutic agent for herpes infection management.
The plaque inhibition and viral yield reduction assays were applied in vitro for assessment of antiviral
activity. Toxicity was evaluated by the trypan blue exclusion method. In vivo, Mice and guinea pig
cutaneous and genital HSV infection models were used respectively to evaluate efficacy following
oral and topical treatments.
Cytotoxic concentrations of TMR5 in mammalian cell lines indicated a wide therapeutic index (CC50
≥58.5±4.6μg/ml). An EC50 of ≤14.73.7μg/ml for both wild type and resistant strains of HSV was
realized in plaque and viral yield assays. Oral (250 mg/kg) and topical (10% cream) administrations
exhibited a significant delay in onset of infections, hindered progression of infection to lethal forms
with increased mean survival times and low mortality. No acute toxicity has been realized at the
TMR5 has demonstrated potential as an anti-herpes agent and arrangements are presently underway to
evaluate its efficacy and safety in a higher mammalian model.
Biography: Yvonne Ajamma, an entomologist, a virologist and geneticist, recently completed her doctoral research in the population ecology and genetic diversity of arbovirus mosquito vectors in the islands and mainland shores of two lakes in Kenya at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), Kenya. She got her B.Sc. in Parasitology and Entomology (PAE) from Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka in Nigeria in 2008, and M.Phil. in Entomology from University of Ghana in Ghana. After her first degree, she received the prestigious fully funded German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) scholarship to do her masters in Ghana on the surveillance and molecular identification of the urban, peri-urban and rural Aedes mosquitoes that are likely arthropod borne virus (arbovirus) vectors. She performed the Sanger-sequencing of the Aedes samples she collected. She graduated as the best M.Phil. student of her set, which gave her an edge to obtain another fully funded Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) scholarship for her doctoral studies and research. Dr. Ajamma has co-authored five peer-reviewed scientific publications. She was the PhD Students’ Representative and President of all ICIPE graduate students during her PhD research in ICIPE. She received the 2014 one year membership award for mosquito essay from Pan African Mosquito Control Association (PAMCA). She is a member of African Society for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (ASBCB) and African Association of Insect Scientists (AAIS).
Abstract: Many mosquito borne viruses have been implicated in viral related illnesses of both humans and animals in Kenya. Although epidemics of vector-transmitted emerging infectious diseases have risen in frequency in recent years, the extent to which the mosquitoes contribute to maintaining pathogens in circulation during inter-epidemic periods has received little attention. This study investigated the occurrence of transovarial maintenance of arthropod borne viruses (arboviruses) in different mosquito species in and around Lake Baringo and Lake Victoria in Kenya. Mosquito larvae were collected using standard dippers, reared to adults and identified. Mosquito pools comprising ~25 individuals per species were screened for the presence of mosquito borne viruses by culture and PCR-high resolution melting techniques. Pools of Culex univittatus and Anopheles gambiae were positive for Bunyamwera virus, a pathogenic virus that is of great public health concern. In addition, 11 pools of Aedes, Culex and Anopheles species were positive for insect-specific flaviviruses, namely Culex flavivirus, Aedes flavivirus and Anopheles gambiae flavivirus respectively, that are non-pathogenic to humans and animals. Interestingly, these mosquito specific viruses were, also, found in the same vectors of pathogenic viruses. These data show that some pathogenic viruses are maintained in circulation even in the absence of vertebrate hosts. Better surveillance of mosquito vectors even in the absence of epidemics could be used to forecast changes in vector-pathogen dynamics and disease risk, hence informing prevention and vector management strategies.
Biography: Madhukhanna is from Vallabhbhai Patel Chest institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
Abstract: Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection lead to the induction of various signaling cascades closely linked to the pathogenesis or propagation of virus. Unfolded protein response (UPR) and autophagy are among the major processes maintaining the cellular homeostasis.These pathways protect the cell in several ways during viral infection, but some viruses developed strategies to either block these processes or exploit them for their own replication. Viral infection overload the ER lumen by production of viral encoded protein, which may leads to the activation of UPR response while autophagy is generally constative as basal level, up-regulate in response to cellular stress or pathogen infection. Autophagic responsedegrade misfolded or aggregated proteins, clear damaged cellular organelles, even eliminate intracellular pathogen. Disruption of either of these process severely affect cellular homeostasis. We have studied the activation of UPR and autophagy pathway during chikungunya virus infection and also the crosstalk between these processes.in-vitro induction of ER stress in chikungunya infection is evident by the nuclear translocation of ATF-6 which was validated by western blotting and confocal microscopy. Activation of IRE1/XBP1 pathway was also confirmed by real time PCR. We alsoobserved crosstalk between UPR activation and autophagy,as silencing of key UPR pathways using siRNA also affectautophagy. Viral replication was inhibited by silencing of autophagy. Hence, the autophagy favor viral replication, and could be exploited for designing antivirals against chikungunya along with UPR pathway.
Biography: Jacques Choucair is from Department of Infectious Diseases,, Hôtel-Dieu de France, Beirut, Lebanon
Abstract: Objectives: To evaluate the knowledge of urban adult Lebanese women regardingthe symptoms and risk factors of cervical cancer and the diagnostic tests and vaccination of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. To measure in the same population the uptake of the cervical cancer-screening test (Pap smear) and the uptake of HPV vaccination, and determine the factors that may influence them.
Methods: 444 Lebanese women above 18 years of age, residing in Beirut and Mount-Lebanon, with no medical background, were recruited online and in health care facilities to fill out a 32 item questionnaire about cervical cancer and HPV. Collected data was exported to and analyzed in SPSS® v. 21.0.
Results: 45.7% of the women aged 18 to 25 y, residing in Mount-Lebanon (51.8%), single (49.3%), with high education qualifications (73.9%) and currently employed (49.1%) in a field not related to health (84.9%). They did not visit a general physician (64%) or a gynecologist (64.6%) regularly. 85.6% were aware of cervical cancer; HPV infection involvement in the pathogenesis of cervical cancer was identified in 53.9% of cases. 35.6% of women were aware of HPV infection but 80.4% believedthey lack information. 37.6% of participants had been screened by Pap smear for cervical cancer at least once whereas 9% did not know what a Pap smear was. Screening was significantly associated with cervical cancer awareness and regular visits to general health physicians and gynecologists. Only 11.7% of participants aged 18 to 35 were vaccinated against HPV. Vaccination uptake was significantly associated with cervical cancer awareness, religion, field of work and studies, and regular visits to gynecologists.
Conclusion: urban Lebanese women in Beirut and Mount-Lebanon are not well informed about cervical cancer and HPV. Screening by Pap smear and HPV vaccination uptakes are non-satisfactory. Further interventions are required to improve these numbers.
Biography: Oladele Damilola Modupe is from Department of Paediatrics, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Kwara State, Nigeria
Abstract: Globally, RSV contributes a significant aetiologic burden to under-fives ALRI. RSV ALRI however occur with or without concomitant bacteraemia. The need to differentiate RSV ALRIwithout bacteraemia(where treatment is essentially supportive) from those with bacteraemia (where antibiotics are indicated) is thus paramount, to foster antibiotic stewardship. In-spite of this obvious need, routine identification of RSV infection is impeded by the prohibitive cost of viral detection in most tropical settings. This study was thus conceived against this background, to identify clinical predictors of RSV infection with a view to differentiating RSV infection with bacteraemia from those without bacteraemia.
The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study where 120 hospitalized children with severe ALRI (bronchiolitis and pneumonia) were consecutively recruited over a 12-month period. Relevant clinical features, chest radiographs as well as nasal washings for RSV detection using chromatographic immunoassay and blood for blood culture were obtained at presentation. Obtained data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.
Forty-one of the 120 subjects were RSV-positive and 13 (31.7%) of the RSV-positive children had bacteraemia. The clinical predictors of RSV-infection compared to the RSV-negative children were “infancy”[(p=0.039, OR= 3.154, 95% CI (1.160, 9.386)] and “conjunctivitis” [(p=0.018, OR = 5.097, 95% CI (1.320, 19.688). A comparison of clinical and radiographic features among RSV-positive without bacteraemia and those with bacteraemia was not significant (p> 0.05). However, all RSV-positive children with bacteraemia had an admission diagnosis of pneumonia while none of those with a diagnosis of bronchiolitis had bacteraemia (p=0.024).
It was concluded that clinical and radiographic features are poor predictors of bacteraemia in children with RSV infection. RSV-positive children with an admission diagnosis of pneumonia may however benefit from routine antibiotic therapy while those with a diagnosis of bronchiolitis may not require routine antibiotics.
Host-directed therapy - New ways to curing infections
Biography: Zifeng Yang is an associate professor of Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease (GIRS), The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University. He graduated from Macau University of Science and Technology and worked at GIRS since 2006. He is a clinical virology scientist with particular interest in emerging virus disease at the animal-human interface including avian H7N9 and H5N6 influenza virus, and MERS-CoV as well as the associated viral immunology. His research interests also involve the use of pharmaceutical animal model (ie. Mice, ferrets and tree shrew) to understand the protective effect, optimized regimen and underlying mechanisms of approved drugs, novel compounds and traditional Chinese medicines against respiratory viruses.
Abstract: Influenza viruse has been thought a threat to public health, especially, highly pathogenic avian influenza H7N9 appeared in China since 2013 and mortality reach up to approximately 40% . However, High frequency resistance limit the clinical use of anti-influenza treatment and urgently need a novel therapeutic strategy. Laggera Pterodonta mainly distributed in Southwest of China is used to treat respiratory virus infection and other related diseases . A sesquiterpenoid Pterodontic acid was isolated from Laggera Pterodonta and had antiviral effect on H1N1 influenza virus through CPE inhibition assay, but its specific mechanism of treating influenza was indistinct. In this study, NF-κB luciferase report system and Quantitative real-time PCR were adopted for detecting the inhibition of Pterodontic acid to activation of NF-κB induced by H1N1 influenza virus and pro-inflammatory cytokines expression. The results showed that Pterodontic acid reduced the H1N1 influenza viral-induced activation of NF-κB pathway and cytokine expression (IL-6, MIP-1β, MCP-1 and IP-10) in a dose-dependent manner. The previous researches indicated that NF-κB played a key role in the process of influenza virus invading host. The inhibitor of NF-κB remarkably decreased the viral titer and viral-induced cytokine expression in vitro and vivo . Additionally, robust cytokine production (cytokine storm) is main reason that contribute to influenza infection-induced morbidity and mortality . Thus, Pterodontic acid from Laggera Pterodonta modulated the NF-κB signaling pathway resulted in reduction of influenza viral replication and overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines expression simultaneously. In future, this may supply a novel therapeutic strategy to influenza treatment.
Biography: Dr. Ming-Liang He is an associate professor in Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, China. Dr. He obtained his Ph.D degree in Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and cell Biology, China in 1995, and obtained Postdoc. Training in Roswell Park Cancer Institute at Buffalo NY (1995-1997) and Washington University Scholl of medicine at St. Louis MO (1997-2000). He was appointed as assistant professor in The University of Hong Kong (2000-2004) and associate professor in The Chinese University of Hong Kong (2005-2015). Dr. He focuses on antiviral research and virus-host interactions.
Abstract: Enterovirus 71 (EV71), a member of the Picornaviridae family, is a non-enveloped single-stranded RNA virus. It is the major causative agent of repeated outbreaks of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). In severe cases, especially those among in infants and children, EV71 infection causes severe neurological complications such as aseptic meningitis, brain stem encephalitis, pulmonary edema, poliomyelitis-like paralysis and eventual death. In the last decade, the continuous outbreaks of EV71 in Asia-Pacific region have caused considerable deaths. More than 7 million HFMD cases were reported in China between 2008 and 2012, of which 2457 were fatal. No effective antiviral drug is currently used for treating EV71 infection.
Traditional Chinese herbs are great resources for novel antiviral compounds. Here we report that Oblongifolin M (OM), an active compound isolated from Garcinia oblongifolia, potently inhibited EV71 infection in a dose dependent manner. To identify its potential effectors in the host cells, we successfully identified 18 proteins from 52 differentially expressed spots by comparative proteomics studies. Further studies showed that knockdown of ERp57 inhibited viral replication through downregulating viral IRES (internal ribosome entry site) activities, whereas ectopic expression of ERp57 increased IRES activity and partly rescued the inhibitory effects of OM on viral replication. Knockout of ERp57 by CRISPR-Cas9 almost completelyabolished EV71 reproduction. We demonstrated that OM is an effective antiviral agent; and that ERp57 is one of its cellular effectors against EV71 infection. (supported by RGC-GRF of HKSAR, No. 11100215, No.14105214; and NSFC No. 81471964, No. 81671995).
Biography: Dr. Gloria Ramirez-Nieto, got her degree on Veterinary Medicine from Universidad Nacional de Colombia, she has an MSc on Veterinary Microbiology from the Royal Veterinary College, University of London and completed her Ph.D from University of Maryland working on avian influenza virus. She is associated professor at Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá. Her professional career has been devoted to teaching and research on the virology field. Her main focus of interest is related to the molecular characterization, host-pathogen interactions and pathogenesis of viral diseases with emphasis on those with a great impact on animal health and public health.
Abstract: Swine influenza viruses (SIV) are considered important and endemic pathogens in the pig population worldwide. Major losses associated to weight gain reduction and respiratory signs are very common. Circulation of SIV classical strains was demonstrated in the late 70’s in Colombia but only until 2008 and later on after emergence of the 2009 Pandemic H1N1 (H1N1pdm09) isolates were obtained from field samples in Colombia. Emergence of new influenza viruses and molecular variation traits pose relevance in understanding epidemiology of SIV. To contribute to the knowledge of SIV infections we collected and analyzed 801 lung tissue samples during 2015-2017 from slaughterhouse pigs in 11 different regions in Colombia. These samples were processed and analyzed by qRT-PCR for detection of Influenza A virus matrix gene and further assays were performed for subtyping. Positive samples were prepared for isolation trials, using SPF embryo chicken eggs and MDCK cells. Full length sequencing of HA, NA, M y NS genes of the virus isolates was conducted. The results of this study demonstrated molecular detection of SIV in lung samples from slaughterhouse pigs in 5 geographical regions, corresponding to the main raising pig areas in Colombia. The results indicate that the virus remains as a subclinical infection that can be exacerbated by several conditions in the farm. This type of samples need to be considered as an alternative to accomplish comprehensive molecular and epidemiological studies as it was possible no only to detect but also to isolate SIV. The phylogenetic analysis of the virus isolates showed a relationship with human origin H1N1pdm09 strains from different countries, including Colombia. Accordingly, human contact represents an important source for transmission of influenza viruses into pig populations. These results highlight the importance in designing surveillance strategies, in order to reduce the epidemiological risk on the animal-human interface associated with influenza virus infections
Immunology/animal models in Virology
Biography: Yadira Lobaina Mato has a PhD in Biological Sciences and a position as senior researcher.
In 1999 she graduated of Biochemistry, with Honors, at Havana University. Since this year up to now she works in the Vaccine Division at the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology from Havana, Cuba. In 2011 she finished a Master Degree in New Trends of Contemporary Biotechnology, mention in Development of Biomedical Products. She has experience in the expression and purification of recombinant proteins, in immunology based research studies, and in the evaluation of vaccine candidates in animal models and clinical trials. She has also experience in the evaluation of adjuvants and mucosal immunization routes. She has worked in research projects related with the development of new vaccines against Neisseria meningitides, HIV, and mainly therapeutic vaccines against chronic hepatitis B. She has published more than 25 research and review articles. During her career she has received five awards from the National Academy of Sciences. She is member of the Cuban Society of Immunology and the Cuban Society of Pharmacology. In 2016 she was selected to participate in the Advanced Course of Vaccinology (ADVAC17th) auspicated by Merieux Foundation.
Abstract: Introduction: Chronic hepatitis B is a major health problem, with more than 350 million people infected worldwide. Available therapies have limited efficacy and require long-term treatments. A mucosal approach for chronic hepatitis B immunotherapy has been tested in preclinical and clinical studies using a novel vaccine formulation comprising the surface and core virus like particles from hepatitis B virus (HBV).
Materials and Methods: The therapeutic vaccine candidate comprised two recombinant HBV antigens: HBsAg and HBcAg. Several preclinical studies including immuno-toxicological evaluations using HBsAg transgenic mice have been completed. Until now four clinical trials concluded including a phase III trial.
Results: The vaccine candidate was very immunogenic in mice after intranasal or combined administrations inducing higher antibody titers, potent proliferative responses and the secretion of gamma interferon by spleen cells. The formulation also demonstrated its safety in toxicological studies. Several clinical trials phase I to III, conducted in two countries, evidenced the safety and efficacy of the vaccine candidate.
Conclusions: The obtained results support the future introduction of this product in the clinical practice. To our knowledge, this is the first therapeutic approach exploiting mucosal route against a chronic infectious disease to reach phase III clinical trial.
Biography: Akinori Takaoka graduated from Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine in 1992, and gained his Ph.D. and M.D. at the same university in 1996. He worked as a post-doctoral fellow and a Research Associate at the Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine & Faculty of Medicine, at University of Tokyo. In this department he was appointed as an Assistant Professor in 2000 and Lecturer in 2002. Then, he was appointed Professor of Hokkaido university in 2007. Since 2012, he had been Director of the Institute for Genetic Medicine for four years.
Abstract: The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) has been known to be a receptor for xenobiotics such as dioxins and mostly studied in terms of its toxic effects on development, cell proliferation, and immune responses. On the other hand, recent studies have identified endogenous ligands, which activate AHR-mediated signalings to regulate biological events including immune responses. However, its molecular mechanisms remained poorly understood. Recently, we demonstrated a novel role of constitutive AHR-mediated signaling in type I interferon (IFN) response during viral infection. We found that type I IFN induction in response to infection with various types of virus such as influenza virus (FluV) and herpes simplex virus was remarkably enhanced in AHR deficient cells or mice, as compared with the wild-type. Consistently, the viral titers of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were reduced in AHR deficient mice after intranasal infection with FluV. In addition, type I IFN pathway activated by nucleic acid sensors such as RIG-I, MDA5, and cGAS/STING was also significantly upregulated in AHR deficient cells. These results suggest that AHR activation by endogenous AHR ligand(s) may negatively regulate type I IFN induction during viral infection. In fact, a consistent result was also obtained upon treatment with CH-223191, an AHR-specific antagonist. Next, we tried to find how AHR regulates IFN response, and identified TIPARP (TCDD-inducible poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase) as one of the AHR-inducible genes, which negatively regulated type I IFN response. As we expected, Tiparp-deficient cells showed significantly increased levels of IFN-beta production following FluV infection, which was accompanied with marked suppression of viral replication. Further analyses demonstrated that TIPARP ADP-ribosylated TBK1, a pivotal kinase for IFN pathway, suppressing the TBK1 kinase activity. In addition, CH-223191 antagonist did not show any more effect on IFN-beta production by FluV infection in the absence of TIPARP. Thus, our results show that AHR-signaling activated by endogenous ligand(s), such as kynurenine, modulates type I IFN antiviral response. In addition, it has been shown that this negative regulation of IFN response is based at least upon the ADP-ribosylation of TBK1 by AHR-inducible TIPARP, which is a hitherto-unrecognized posttranslational modification of TBK1 protein. The AHR-TIPARP pathway may represent a potential therapeutic target for the control of viral infection.
Biography: Waqas Ahmad have recently joined the post of Assistant Professor in the Section of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences subcampus, Jhang, Pakistan. I have been engaged in rabies virus neuropathology since the last 5 years including the work of my master and PhD studies. The later one I did from Institute of Zoonosis, Jilin University, China. My publications mainly cover the mechanism of rabies virus infection inside neuronal cells aspects of rabies virus.
Abstract: Rabies virus (RABV) manifests strong affinity for the nervous system where it causes neuronal dysfunction, and alters the structural morphology of dendritic spines by inducing changes in cytoskeleton which comprises of actin, microtubule and intermediate filaments. For microtubule, EB3 is a microtubule plus-end binding protein that stabilizes microfilaments and belongs to the third family member of RP/EB group. The p140cap is an interacting partner of EB3 that together with EB3 plays vital role in postsynaptic density, dendritic spine functions and morphology. The gene expression and respective protein contents of EB3 and p140cap were compared in neuronal cells under the effect of fixed and street strain of RABV. Furthermore, gene expression levels of important actin binding, microtubule and synapse related proteins were also studied.
In this study, immunofluorescence, western blot and real time PCR were carried out to compare the gene expression and corresponding protein contents of different cytoskeleton related proteins. Both strains of RABV significantly reduced the gene expression and protein contents of EB3 and p140cap. However, the street strain considerably inhibited the transcription level of p140cap, but had no significant effect on its protein level. The fixed strain produced fractured microtubules in fixed neurons, and down-regulated different microtubule and actin associated proteins, while up-regulated the level of Tesk2. In neuronal cells, the fluorescence localisation of EB3 protein was random and varied at 48 hour and 98 hours of post-infection.
Like other neurodegenerative diseases, Rabies may possibly alter the neuronal structures by changing the gene expression levels of integral protein binding partners of microtubules and actin. Most importantly, EB3 and p140cap are vital in maintaining the morphology of dendritic spine. The results could be utilized to envisage other neurological diseases by explaining the intricate relationship between EB3 and p140cap in dendritic spines.
Age-specific Immune Response to Vaccination
Biography: Jacques Choucair is in Department of Infectious Diseases,, Hôtel-Dieu de France, Beirut, Lebanon
Abstract: To assess, in non vaccinated healthy adults, the response to the standard protocol SP of vaccination for hepatitis B(0, 1, 6 months), and the response to two protocols using additional boosters in those who remain non-responders.
192 employees of the Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross with a mean age of 44.3 (44.3±12.35), non vaccinated and not having other illness(hepatic failure, chronic renal failure, HIV infection, cancer and activehepatitis), are vaccinated with Engerix B (Engerix® B 20 µg/1 ml) by the SP. The non-responders to this protocol (anti-Hbs antibodies <10UI/l) are divided into two groups. The first group receives a single booster (R1) 4 months after the SP, and those who remained non-responders receive a double booster (R1b) 2 years after the SP. The second group (P2) receives a unique double booster (R2), 2 years after the SP.
The rate of response after the vaccination by the SP is 75.5 %( 145/192).
28 non-responders (P1) receive a booster R1 after 4 months; their rate of response is 32.14 %( 9/28). The 19 non-responders to R1 receive a double booster (R1b) after 2 years. Their rate of response is 36.84 %( 7/19). The rate of response among the group P1 is 57.14 %( 16/28).
19 non-responders (P2) receive a unique double booster after 2 years. Their rate of response is 63.16 %( 12/19).
9.9 %( 19/192) of individuals don't respond to any of the boosters. The rate of response decreases with the age. This decrease is 5% every year and 41% every 10 years.
For the same age, men are 2 fold more responders then women. After receiving all boosters, there is no difference between genders.
A unique double booster done 2years after the SP gives a better response then a single booster done after 4 months, and a similar response to a single booster done after 4 months followed by a double booster done after 2 years. The female gender and the age are 2 factors that decrease the response to the vaccination.
Keywords: hepatitis B, vaccination, booster, non-responders
Biography: Zaki Eisa Omar is Head of Virology and Molecular Diagnosis, King Fahd Hospital, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract: A molecular study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of Hepatitis C
virus genotypes in HCV infected population of Jazan, Saudi Arabia. Samples were collected between February 2010 and March 2013 from all hepatitis C patients. Of the 198 studied participants. 36(18.2%) of them were infected with 1a, 27(13.6%) with 1b, 6(3.0%) with 2 and 9(4.5%) with genotype 3 of hepatitis C. Mixed infection was found in 9 patients [1&4 in 9(4.5%). The most prevalent genotype was 3a with rate of 50% followed by genotype 3b and 1a, respectively. Nine samples remained untyped, suggesting the need of further investigation of genotypes in this region. It has been proposed that sequencing of these samples may be helpful to reveal these genotypes and further epidemiology of HCV genotypes.


Happy Birthday to Spike Lee, 56.
No shortage of good stuff:
1. Nice Seth Masket item mourning InTrade -- but remembering that it wasn't actually all that useful.
2. Jared Bernstein on the health care curve -- more details on what's going on, and whether it will last.
3. The latest (but still necessary) Conor Friedersdorf rant about sane conservatives and the GOP-aligned partisan press.
4. Yes, as long as Jennifer Rubin is out there, we'll have Jennifer Rubin takedowns, and they'll still be useful. This one on Obama and Israel from Emily Hauser is nice.
5. Matt Yglesias is right about the news...except probably not at the state and local levels. At least, that's where worries about news media, technology, economics, and democracy should be directed; the other stuff is in terrific shape.
6. Good point by Ed Kilgore about the states and partisan victories.
7. And Sarah Binder is still tracking the CR on the Senate floor.