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Desmond Roberts takes the phone calls all day long from his fellow car dealers, and Monday will be no exception.
They call to discuss who has received "the letter" saying their automakers will be dropping them.
They call about banks pulling the credit they need to stock vehicles, or suppliers refusing to renegotiate an unaffordable contract.
Often, they call to egg him on, urging him to speak up and fight the good fight.
"We get the calls all the time," said Roberts, who runs three suburban car dealerships and serves as chairman of the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers.
With General Motors Corp. in dire straits, Roberts feels the heat. "It is a very difficult time," he said. "Particularly, it is a difficult time for minority dealers."
Before the recession, the nation's 1,200 minority dealers accounted for about 5 percent of the total. With the numbers so low, and certain to go much lower, Roberts and his trade group feel the effects of each shutdown.
Minority dealers tend to have less capital and higher expenses, especially compared with second- or third-generation competitors who inherited land, facilities and franchises. The best locations typically were taken before they entered the business, so they're vulnerable.
Chrysler and GM have adopted rigorous standards to weed out the weakest players, and Roberts has no problem with that.
"It is not a deliberate decision to target minority dealers," he said. "We don't want to be treated better or worse."
Roberts is pushing to moderate the plans for rapid-fire cutbacks. He wants greater consideration for less-established operations, so the most promising young dealerships aren't snuffed out prematurely.
He acknowledges, however, that reducing the numbers will help those that remain, himself included.
"That would be a good thing for me, though you don't like to prosper at the expense of somebody else," he said.
Roberts credits good timing. He had bought and sold two out-of-state dealerships when he launched Advantage Chevrolet in southwest suburban Hodgkins at the end of 1999. During the boom years of 2003, 2004 and 2005, he prospered.
Less than three years ago, he bought a Chrysler dealership in Des Plaines, and another Chevy lot in Bolingbrook a few months later. He took on relatively little debt, kept his hiring in check and renovated frugally: "We didn't go in and build a Taj Mahal."
Even so, he has had to impose layoffs, slash advertising and reduce profit margins. Without Hodgkins as an established base, his newer stores would be hard-pressed, he said.
On Tuesday, car and truck manufacturers will report sales for May, and no one expects good news. J.D. Power and Associates has forecast U.S. sales of just 10 million vehicles for 2009, the worst in three decades.
"We're now scrapping more than we're putting on the highway," noted Paul Kasriel, chief economist at Chicago's Northern Trust.
Sales probably have hit bottom, Kasriel said, but it will be a slow trip back up again. Americans will be looking to rebuild their balance sheets and boost their savings before they start upgrading to the latest models, he predicted.
"We're seeing a fundamental change in household spending from the last 10 years," he said.
Car sales will get back to the range of 16 million or 17 million "eventually," Roberts said, but not soon. "It's not going to be anywhere near that for at least several years."
Meantime, he'll be hunkering down, or, as he put it, "Surviving."


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New Dataset Dialog Box
You can use the New Dataset dialog box to create a dataset for a query-based page report. This topic describes the options in the dialog box.
Designer displays the New Dataset dialog box when you select the <New Dataset...> item in the Data tab of the report wizard, select the <Choose Data From...> item from the dataset drop-down list in the Data panel for a page report in the main window, or select the New button in the Manage Datasets dialog box.
You see the following options in the dialog box:
Choose Data from
Select a data source in the current catalog from the drop-down list and then a data resource in the list box on which to create the dataset. After you select the catalog data source, Designer displays all the data resources that you have predefined in the data source. You can also select the first item in each data resource node to create your required data resource for the dataset.
New Dataset Name
Specify the name of the dataset.
Select to apply all changes and close the dialog box.
Select to close the dialog box without saving any changes.
Select to view information about the dialog box.

domain: library


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The clocks have gone forward, summer’s closer than ever and Game of Thrones is back on our TV screens. April isn’t a bad old month, but we’re here to make it even better. We've rounded up 12 unmissable things to get up to, and in the words of Aerosmith - you won’t want to miss a thing. From hopping on a cute boat cruise for cocktails to attending a pop-up cinema with bottomless bubbles and popcorn, here’s everything you need to scribble down.
10 Amazing things to do across the UK this April - heatworld
It's the end of the working week, you've shut down your laptop and you have that Friday feeling buzz - don't dare ruin it by going home. Continue your good spirits and hop aboard Alfred Le Roy. This cute canal cruise will take you on a scenic, two-hour journey every single Friday throughout April, all for a pocket-friendly £10. Serving beer, wine and cocktails, this weekend experience is sure to float your boat.
Seeing as we've bigged up London so much in this round-up it would be a right shame to stop now. Recently voted the best city in the world, London is the main inspiration for this afternoon tea, that's worth raising a pinky for. Presented on a London Eye-inspired tea stand, the experience is a delightful mix of mini pies, dainty sandwiches and creative sweet treats that mimic everything from The Gherkin to red telephone boxes.
The circus is rolling into town folks, okay, well... kind of. There's a pop-up cinema coming to Liverpool this April and it's going to be screening The Greatest Showman in an immersive environment. That's not all though; this spectacle promises bottomless popcorn in lots of different flavours and unlimited beer, wine and spirits throughout the movie. The film encourages you to dress up for the occasion and to sing along, so you'd be a right clown to miss it.
Not that you need reminding but Game of Thrones is returning to our TVs this April and we couldn't be any more excited. Will the Night King rule all or will Daenerys and John (who's name is actually Aegon) fall madly in love? Well, we'll just have to wait and see, but for now you can get your GOT fix with Rave of Thrones. This immersive experience will have some savage performances and a DJ set from Hodor. Yup, actual Hodor.
Speaking of The Gherkin, did you know that there's a bar at the very top of it? Boasting 360 degree views of the city, this dome-shaped beauty really is a must visit, but you'll get a few perks if you book a table for IRIS through DesignMyNight this April. Not only will get you exclusive access to the bar on weekends (which literally never happens), but you can order from a secret spritz menu that flaunts £8 cocktails.
From the plant-based to the ones that come sandwiched together with a set of glazed doughnuts, burgers in the UK are constantly being reinvented, and if you're happy to be part of the craze, get yourself down to Yard & Coop. Flying into Leeds like a bat out of hell, the restaurant will get you stuck into loaded fries, bao buns and their Massive Cock. Don't go getting any ideas; this is their signature burger and it's been a huge hit in their current nests in Manchester and Liverpool.
After a fun activity that will also help you build rock hard abs? Bouldering will be your new BFF. The Climbing Hangar has indoor bouldering walls all over the UK, where you can climb in a safe but fun environment. It's open to everyone from beginners through to climbing experts, and you can go alone or with your pals. So, what are you waiting for? Get climbing!
The most important meal of the day is said to be breakfast, but we say different. Flight Club in Manchester host one of the best brunches around but they're shaking things up this April with a one-off special called the Wild Brunch Social. You'll be scoffing the usual offering of bottomless pizza and washing it down with your own bottle of bubbly, but this time around you'll have the chance to win some amazing prizes in a round of Snakes and Ladders, and you'll get a welcome jungle juice cocktail upon arrival.
London's home to many great things, and this month it's home to an underground cocktail festival. Taking place on 4th, 5th and 6th April, the event gives ticket holders access to limited serves from 25 of London's leading cocktail bars, interactive masterclasses and the chance to uncover lots of secret drinking dens. With a time-travelling bunker from Cahoots to a secret garden (where you can pick your own cocktail ingredients), if you're gonna do one thing this month, let it be Cocktails in the City.
There's lots of exciting things to do in London this month, but if you've got a penchant for plants and boozy concoctions, you should visit Bourne and Hollingsworth's Garden Room. This pretty rooftop restaurant opened late last year but it's already after giving itself a revamp, turning it into London's first ever living bar. Greenery sprouts from all corners and you can even pick your own bespoke garnishes from its display. Between that and the stunning views of the skyline, you'll never want to leaf.
We never thought the day would come, but spring is officially here. And we've got the perfect way to shake off your remaining winter blues. There's a picnic gin cruise happening in Birmingham and it'll take you on a two-hour trip along the canal. So what are you waiting for? Whip out your sunnies, buy a ticket and hop aboard this cute boat for five picnic-inspired gin serves and a dainty selection of nibbles.
Always dreamed of going to a plant-based party? Well now's your chance! BOSH! x Vegan Nights are hosting a brilliant evening where duo Henry and Ian will be DJing AND hosting cooking demos of delicious recipes from their vegan book.
For more information on what’s on in London and across the UK, visit DesignMyNight.com and follow them on Facebook and Instagram; @DesignMyNight.

domain: entertainment


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Well, yes. perotp can.You can't.
That information is not publicly available. Unless the person chooses to tell you or you are made the medical power of attorney over that person, it's none of your business.
Medical records can be, and are, subpoenaed for use in a court action.Well, we both suggested that he could find out if the person in question told him.
If perotp has been sued for defamation over calling the disability fraud, he should have kept his mouth shut until he actually had some kind of proof. If he gets into trouble about it now, he's going to have to hope that a court is willing to order it.
People do have a right of medical privacy.

domain: law


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Cervical Spondylosis: Care Instructions
Cervical spondylosis is a type of arthritis of the neck. It can happen as people get older.
You may have neck pain and stiffness. Sometimes the space around the spinal cord narrows. When this happens, it is called spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms, legs, feet, and rear end (buttocks). It can also cause loss of bowel and bladder control.
You can treat some of your symptoms with over-the-counter pain medicine. But if you have spinal stenosis with severe symptoms, you may need surgery.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
How can you care for yourself at home?
- Take anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce neck pain. These include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve). Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- Follow your doctor's recommendation about activity. The doctor may tell you not to do sports or activities that could injure your neck.
When should you call for help?
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You are unable to move an arm or a leg at all.
Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have new or worse symptoms in your arms, legs, belly, or buttocks. Symptoms may include:
- Numbness or tingling.
- You lose bladder or bowel control.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if:
- You do not get better as expected.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter I904 in the search box to learn more about "Cervical Spondylosis: Care Instructions".
Current as of: March 9, 2022

domain: health


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The Importance of Dental Insurance
Though many Americans are without health insurance even more are without dental insurance plans - a decision that could lead to major out-of-pocket expenses!
Leading dental organizations and dentists all agree that dental insurance is one of the most important ways of promoting general health and wellbeing. Studies have linked many health related issues to poor oral hygiene including gum disease, heart attacks and even diabetes. Getting routine dental health procedures such as regular checkups and cleanings can be used to spot many dental problems early on and save money. For instance, a simple cavity can turn into a root canal if left untreated, a procedure that could cost upwards of $20,000!
Even routine dental care, however, can cost several hundred dollars a year. Fortunately, information from the National Association of Dentist shows that even at the high-end dental plans typically average less than $40 a month. These cheap dental insurance options are available for individuals and families through private purchase or through employee dental programs. The range of options available means plans can be tailored to best suit an individual’s dental needs.
Fee for Service Dental Insurance Plans
One major type of dental insurance plan is the fee-for-service plan, meaning the policyholder pays the dentist directly each time they receive services. These plans can be further divided into two areas:
Dental indemnity plans are more geared towards companies but may also be available for individuals and families. Generally, on an indemnity plan, enrollees can visit any dentist they choose for basic and major care. The individual pays the dentist directly for services then is reimbursed by the insurer after filling out claims forms. A common compliant about such programs, however, is that the claims process is exhaustive and the deductible costs can be high.
Direct reimbursement plans are not technically insurance; instead, they can be classified as self-funded benefit plans. Through direct reimbursement plans, employers cover the cost of insurance out of pocket. Employees choose the dental provider of their choice and pay for their own services. Then they file a claim through their employer and the employer reimburses for all or part of the dental care costs.
Want to learn about the other available dental insurance plans? Continue reading on page 2!
Managed Care Dental Insurance Plans
Managed dental care plans are the other major option to consider. These plans are usually preferred by those seeking a lower cost alternative and typically feature less paperwork. Offerings in managed dental care consist of:
Dental Health Maintenance Organizations (DHMOs) offer access to a network of dentists and specialists at a fixed rate. DHMOs cover most preventative dental treatments at no charge. Non-preventative dental treatments, however, usually require a co-pay. Since the dentist is guaranteed to get paid, less insurance forms are required to be filled out. On the downside, the quality of patient care may be limited and patients are generally required to stick to a primary care dentist for all services.
Dental Preferred Provider Organizations (DPPOs) are plans made up of dentists, specialists and dental hospitals who are paid by service not by patient. DPPOs offer a low premium when visiting dentist in the network but when visiting dentists outside of the network, the individual will have to pay the costs out of pocket. To get the most benefit from the plan, individuals should consider if their preferred dentist is already part of a DPPO network.
Other Alternatives for Dental Insurance Plans
Dental discount plans are also an option for those who cannot afford dental insurance. Even though you are required to pay when receiving services, some plans offer as much as 60% reductions in the cost of certain dental procedures. An annual fee for most dental insurance programs averages less than $200 dollars.
Even though dental insurance has its benefits most plans don’t cover the cost of cosmetic dental procedures and even with insurance savings, major dental procedures can still carry high out of pocket expenses. In addition, most plans include a mandatory wait period that limits the coverage in the first year and won’t pay for services for pre-existing dental conditions, such as missing teeth.
Proactive individuals can find a number of options to afford the cost of necessary dental procedures. Health care financing programs allow individuals to pay a low monthly rate to pay off the cost of a procedure; however, individuals will have to complete a credit application and may be denied. Most dentists also accept most major credit cards. Cheap dental insurance options can also be found by checking with local dentist schools, contacting local services for low-income individuals and checking with credit unions and professional associations.
The Advantages of Offering a Dental Benefits Plan (https://www.ada.org/369.aspx)
Payment Options (https://www.ada.org/2724.aspx)
National Association of Dental Plans FAQS (https://www.nadp.org/resources/newsletters/faqs.pdf)

domain: medical


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When editor and stylist Lucy Bamman departed for her recent trip to Jaipur, she made sure to pack some of her favorite pieces from the Marigold Living collection—including pillowcases, makeup bags, napkins and, of course, scarves. That’s because Lucy always likes to feel at home, even when she’s a world away on the lookout for iconic designs to write about and share. “New and old, beauty is everywhere here,” Lucy wrote on Instagram during her stay in the famous Pink … Continue reading Style Guides: Weaving Worldly Touches Into Your Home with Lucy Bamman
Welcome to the MarigoldLiving blog! Discover the rich culture and age-old craftsmanship that goes into every one of our unique Indian textiles and add a bit of classic yet modern style to your home, wardrobe and everyday life.
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Benjamin Reynaert might have a decade of styling experience, but his simple philosophy for creating a beautiful dinner table is one anyone can follow. “Have fun and love everything you buy,” says the New-York based editor and stylist, who draws inspiration from the city’s eclectic mix of cultures, traditions and styles when building his own tables. With an eye for interesting patterns and pops of color to add depth to natural and neutral foundations, Ben believes everyone can enjoy stylish … Continue reading Style Guides: Building an All-Seasons Dinner Table with Ben Reynaert
Timeless beauty, and age-old craftsmanship. This is the heritage that Indian block printed textiles exude. From pieces once prized by royalty and taste-makers to those that adorn modern homes around the world, the hand block printing process used to create them has not changed much in centuries. The history and technique behind these fabrics is complex, and remarkable. Hand Block Printed Textiles That Traveled the World It is difficult to say with any certainty when India first began practicing block printing. … Continue reading Discover the Craftsmanship and Heritage of Indian Hand Block Printed Textiles
Introducing our Beautiful Handcrafted Indian TextilesOctober 5, 2017
Welcome! Since November 2009, we’ve brought a wealth of handmade home decor, linens, scarves and gifts from India to those who appreciate products with true individuality. Now, with the launch of our new website, we wish to share with you a little of the culture, skill and passion that goes into making each Marigold Living product so unique…and so quintessentially Indian. Just like the Marigold flower which symbolizes auspiciousness and is used in Hindu religious offerings and decorations across India, … Continue reading Introducing our Beautiful Handcrafted Indian Textiles

domain: design


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Difference between revisions of "Mycobacterium leprae in India"
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Bacteria Actinobacteria Actinobacteridae Actinomycetales Corynebacterineae Mycobacteriaceae Mycobacterium leprae (1)
Mycobacterium leprae causes the chronic infectious disease called leprosy also known as Hansen's disease named after Gerhard Henrik Armauer Hansen (29 July 1841 – 12 February 1912) a Norwegian physician, who was the first to identify it in 1873 as the causative agent of leprosy (2). M. leprae is a gram-positive rod-shaped, acid-fast bacillus. The disease mainly affects the skin, the peripheral nerves, mucosa of the upper respiratory tract and also the eyes, apart from some other structures (3).
Based on historical evidence of skeletons and early written texts, leprosy is thought to have first originated from India (4)(13)(5). Leprosy in India dates as far back as the second millennium B.C. Recent findings of a male skeleton, after being tested for age, shows that the skeleton is from 2000 B.C. The skeleton shows symptoms of leprosy including degenerative joint disease and injury to the peripheral skeleton. This skeleton is the oldest evidence of leprosy in India which showed the earliest indication of human infection with Mycobacterium leprae in the world (4). From India, the disease was then spread to China, Egypt, and the Middle East, and later to Europe and the Americas through trade and war (5).
Olden India (the second millenium B.C.) categorized two types of leprosy: anaesthetic and tuberculated. Lepra anaesthetica is a more rare form of the two. It alters cutaneous nerves of body parts. Lepra tuberculosa is the general form of leprosy. It deteriorates the skin and tissues of the body (5). Symptoms described from olden India perfectly match what are the current symptoms of Kushtha (leprosy in Indian) today. The disease has been known to exist in India for, at the very minimum, three thousand years. About twenty persons out of ten thousand had this disease in 2000 B.C. Some cases of leprosy have extremities in terms of duration, how long the disease affects the patient. The shortest duration in a recorded case of leprosy has been one year, and the longest duration for a recorded case has been up to forty years (6).
Leprosy seemed to be especially prevalent in the district of Kumaun in the late 1800’s. In a statistical study, the disease was more prominent in the eastern side of the district rather than the western side. Research showed that there would not be an increase in leprosy of the population of Kumaun, as long as the disease was hereditary. Leprosy was received genetically and was not contagious, so it would not spread throughout Kumaun (6).
In a 1852 census, for every four males that had leprosy, only one female had leprosy. In the previous census before the 1852 census, the ratio for males to females with leprosy was almost ten to one. For some reason, the leprosy ratio decreased rapidly in 1852. However, with more recent studies, it seems that leprosy has been affecting females more than males. For ages 20-30, the percentage of males diseased is 20.0% whereas for females the percentage is 26.4% (6).
Description of Mycobacterium leprae
The complete sequence is 3,268,203 bp in length with a G+C content of 57.8%, and was generated from a combination of cosmid and 6-fold whole-genome shotgun sequencing. The start of the sequence is the first base of the dnaA gene, close to the origin of replication. There are 1,604 protein-coding genes and 1,116 pseudogenes. Both the sequence and annotation have been deposited in the public databases (NCBI) with the accession number AL450380 . The Sanger Institute sequenced Mycobacterium leprae in collaboration with the laboratory of Stewart Cole at the Unit de Genetique Moleculaire Bacterienne, Institut Pasteu. Sequencing was funded by the Heiser Program for Research in Leprosy and Tuberculosis of The New York Community Trust, L'Association Raoul Follereau, The Wellcome Trust, ILEP, and the Institut Pasteur (7).
Transmission of Disease
Traditionally, Mycobacterium leprae was known to infect and affect the skin, mainly through lining containing epithelial cells and also the peripheral nerves such as those contained in the central nervous system (8). However, there are recent research attempts to elaborate further into such findings to narrow down a specific mechanism of infection, which, to this day, is still unknown. Although a specific method proves lacking, there seems to be various hypotheses surrounding this greatly debatable topic.
Thus far, it has been postulated that Mycobacterium leprae may gain access to entry through two primary routes- the nasal mucosal membrane or through skin injuries. However, it has been shown that passage through the nasal mucosal membrane may be the primary route of infection. A study, focusing primarily on the mce1A gene in mce1 operon (mammalian cell entry) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis which proved to have a similar set of encoded proteins as Mycobacterium leprae; experiment was to be done in vitro, to observe the cell uptake activity of polystyrene latex beads which are layered with purified recombinant r proteins expressed by a specific locus within the mce1A gene (8). The results showed that the r-protein did promote uptake of the polystyrene latex beads into human nasal mucosal cells which concludes that the mce1A gene could mediate the entry of Mycobacterium leprae into respiratory mucosal tracts and may possibly be the main mode of transmission of such microbe. Additionally, endothelial cells may perhaps serve as a microbial reservoir, the cause of long-term infections. Unlike many other mycobacteriums, Mycobacterium leprae does not only survive in macrophages in vivo, it can also survive in nonmacrophage cells such as epithelial cells (as shown previously) and Schwann cells (9). Extensive research has revealed that destruction of such nonmacrophage cells is the primary manifestation of the disease, leprosy. It has been found that a Mycobacterium leprae gene encoding fibronectin (FN) binding protein is the main mechanism of transmission via epithelial and Schwann cells (9). The interaction between FAP-L (FN attachment protein) and FN is an important step in the pathogenesis of leprosy; FN acts as an oposinin (8).
When Mycobacterium leprae infects the body, the bacterium takes twenty seven hours to replicate due to the restricted intake of nutrients through the pores in their large, waxy walls. Because it multiplies very slowly, symptoms typically do not begin until three to five years later. This period between infection and symptoms is the "leprosy incubation period" which can also range from six months to several decades (10).
Leprosy affects primarily the skin and peripheral nerves which can cause muscle weakness resulting in deformities, inability to feel pain, and deterioration of senses. People unknowingly harm themselves, losing limbs. Distinguishing rashes and bumps often appear (11). Muscles become weak and skin becomes numb in areas controlled by the infected nerves. However, symptoms often range in type and severity and vary based on the form of leprosy:
In Tuberculoid Leprosy, a rash appears with flat, whitish areas on the skin . The bacteria damaging the underlying nerves cause the areas to be numb also (11).
In Lepromatous Leprosy, many small bumps or larger raised rashes of differing sizes and shape will develop. Lepromatous Leprosy has more symptoms of numbness and muscle weakness and has and increased chance of infection of the kidneys, nose, eyes, feet and testes than Tuberculoid leprosy. This can result in kidneys malfunction and failure, chronic stuffy nose and nosebleeds, glaucoma or blindness, foot sores, infertility and erectile dysfunction (11).
Borderline leprosy includes features of both tuberculoid and lepromatous leprosy (11).
If untreated, the immune system may produce inflammatory reactions, which can cause fever and inflammation of the skin and peripheral nerves. The skin may swell and become red and painful and the bumps may form open sores (11).
Why Leprosy is a Problem in India
In ancient India, there were rules against contact with those affected by leprosy and punished those who married into their families. The cultural response to leprosy often included loss of social position and expulsion/seclusion, even of kings, from the community due to people’s great fear of contagion, its visible disfiguring disability, association with sin, and its incurability at the time. With increasing pressure from the public who were afraid of the contagious infection, the government enacted the Leprosy Act of 1898 (12). This law allowed forcible confinement, segregation by gender to prevent reproduction resulting in thousands of leper colonies which still exists today even after the act was repealed in 1983. However, in a population of more than a billion people, up to 100,000 people suffering from leprosy still remain (13).
Even with curable drug treatment, leprosy is still a major problem in India, with over 50% of all leprosy patients located in India. The infection has thrived in India due to its poverty-induced, unclean, confined living conditions. Leprosy was often found in those who were undernourished and malnutritioned (5). Lacking money and knowledge, many still do not seek for help. Leprosy control and elimination in India still faces many challenges also due to cultural aspects of leprosy. Many Indians choose to seek private nonallopathic (traditional) practioners who outnumber the allopaths in India. These private nonallopathic practioners continue to use botanicals and agents like chaulmoogra oil from ancient India’s practices which does not cure leprosy, only healing the wounds making the patients still contagious (13). Changes in knowledge, attitudes, and practices needs to take place in order to eliminate leprosy from India.
Leprosy in Present Day India
In the past, India had the highest percentage in contributing to prevalence and newly detected cases of leprosy worldwide (64% of the prevalence of leprosy and 78% of the new cases detected worldwide) (14). As of July 2006, 23 States and four Union Territories in India were proclaimed to have met the goal of leprosy elimination (prevalence <1 case per 10,000 population) as a public health problem having prevalence rate of 0.88 per 10,000 population; however, six states and two Union Territories are still working on achieving this goal (15). The trend of annual declining rate of prevalence and newly detected cases continues. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) report of India in 2008, the prevalence was 86,331, number of new cases detected was 134,184, number of new cases with multibacillary (MB) disease was 64,949, number of female leprosy cases was 47,188, number of new cases among children was 13,610, number of new cases with grade 2 disability was 3,763, and the number of relapses was 325 (16); all of these reported cases have reduced from previous years. This constant decrease was mostly due to programs such as National Leprosy Elimination Program (NLEP), Modified Leprosy Elimination Campaign (MLEC), and two research and training institutes Chingelput and JALMA, Agra that were founded to prevent and treat the spread of leprosy.
Early detection is crucial for prevention of leprosy; therefore, NLEP was established in 1983 and MLEC in 1998. Through NLEP, special hospitals providing prevention and treatment for lepers were set up throughout India particularly in states that were faced with the highest leprosy cases (14). Before NLEP was established, there were approximately 4,000,000 cases and the prevalence rate was >50 cases/10,000 population (17). As with most diseases, there are patients who are not recorded in statistics. In order to reduce the amount of undetected cases of leprosy, MLEC was created, which employed staff and community volunteers to go house to house in search of individuals who may be at risk of developing leprosy (15). Besides these two programs, two research and training institutes Chingelput and JALMA, Agra were set up in 1972 “for further scientific and advance studies on leprosy (15)." This research will help with further understanding of leprosy which assists in providing better ways of minimizing the prevalence of leprosy. Through these programs, dermatologists and epidemiologists can work together to detect whether a patient has leprosy. A patient sees the dermatologist to determine whether there is a chance that they may have leprosy by using tests such as the PCR (polymerase chain reaction), ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and other serological tests such as the lateral flow (ML-Flow) as technologies employed which helps detect leprosy (18). If a patient has leprosy, they are immediately put under multi-drug therapy in order to eradicate the disease.
The treatment of leprosy has evolved through the years from not having an active system to the first breakthrough which occurred in the 1940s with the development of the drug dapsone, which suppressed the disease. But the duration of the treatment of leprosy was many years, even a lifetime, making it difficult for patients to follow. In the 1960s, Mycobacterium leprae started to develop resistance to dapsone, the world’s only known anti-leprosy drug at that time but soon rifampicin and clofazimine, were discovered in the early 1960s. In 1981, the WHO Study Group recommended multidrug therapy (MDT) which consists of three drugs: dapsone, rifampicin and clofazimine (15). Though the three drugs was the main combination, there are different combinations of multidrug therapy such as antimicrobial agents such as rifampicin (RIF), rifapentine (RFP), moxifloxacin (MXF) and R207910 (a diarylquinoline) (18). While the multi-drug therapy alone takes 12-24 months to fully rid the body of leprosy, including a vaccine with the multi-drug therapy reduces the duration of treatment by at least six months in most cases (19). Even though multidrug therapy can rid the body of leprosy, there are known incidents where patients had a relapse period which allowed the disease to come back into the body years after the patient was free of leprosy. The WHO has estimated a risk of relapse of 0.77% for MB and 1.07% for PB patients 9 years after stopping MDT. Various other studies using person-years of observation estimate relapse rates varying from 0.65 to 3.0% for PB and 0.02 to 0.8% for MB leprosy (20). In order to be prepared for the worse, patients must understand that nerve damage is one of the results of leprosy which may occur before diagnosis of the disease, during treatment or after treatment (21). The purpose of controlling leprosy is to reduce the rate and severity of disabilities. Therefore, the main objectives in leprosy management are the early diagnosis and treatment, followed by an early recognition of nerve damage and effective intervention (18). Patients need to be taught how to take care of their hands and feet by inspecting their limbs daily. If a deformity occurs, patients must be provided with specialist footwear to prevent ulceration (21). With these steps of prevention, people infected this disease can be treated by physicians to completely eradicate their body of leprosy.
Future Strategies in Dealing with Leprosy
With constant effort to decline prevalence and detection rate of leprosy, WHO proposed strategies that will maintain and contribute in decreasing the disease burden. These strategies include: strengthening the incorporation of leprosy services into general health system and major support from “regional network” for ensuring early detection of new cases and immediate treatment with MDT and “collaboration with partners and community-based rehabilitation activities” will be acquainted to leprosy victims and their families (16). Also supporting IEC/advocacy activities to raise awareness and diminish the stigma of leprosy, and “promoting research aimed at improved tools, better approaches and cost-effective implementation (15).” This type of research on Mycobacterium leprae will be difficult to achieve because M. leprae is hard to study. M. leprae cannot be cultivated on artificial media, and the only established means to quantify viability of M. leprae has been by its relative growth in the foot pads of conventional mice (MFP) (22). The MFP method is technically difficult and requires several months to yield results; therefore, in order to have a successful research results, more effective methods are needed. If these strategies were followed, there is an expectancy decline of “the physical, mental and socioeconomic burden caused by the disease (16).”
1. "Classification." The DSMZ - Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen GmbH (German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures). 2000. <http://www.bacterio.cict.fr/classificationmr.html#Mycobacterium>.
2. Irgens LM. "[The discovery of the leprosy bacillus]." Mar. 2002. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11998735>.
3. "Mycobacterium leprae is the bacterium that causes leprosy." Nature 409. 2001. <http://www.ebi.ac.uk/2can/genomes/bacteria/Mycobacterium_leprae.html>.
4. Robbins, Gwen. "PLoS ONE: Ancient Skeletal Evidence for Leprosy in India (2000 B.C.)." PLoS ONE : accelerating the publication of peer-reviewed science. 27 May 2009. <http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0005669>.
5. "Oldest Evidence Of Leprosy Found In India." Science Daily: News & Articles in Science, Health, Environment & Technology. <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090526202805.htm>.
6. Cunningham, David D. "Leprosy in India: a report." Google Books. Calcutta, 1877. 7-71. <http://books.google.com/books?id=bDMAAAAAQAAJ&dq=leprosy+in+india&printsec=frontcover&source=bl&ots=BAqiQpUlN2&sig=uUKTY8KP9Elqiz1hkaHg4CmVDWM&hl=en&ei=YpSTSvDjGpCgsgPLjti-Dw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=9#v=onepage&q=&f=false>.
7. S.T. Cole, K. Eiglmeier, J. Parkhill, K.D. James, N.R. Thomson, P.R. Wheeler, N. Honore, T. Ganier, C. Churcher, D. Harris, K. Mungall, D. Basham, D. Brown, T. Chillingworth, R. Connor, R.M. Davies, K. Devlin, S. Duthoy, T. Feltwell, A. Fraser, N. Hamlin, S. Holroyd, T. Hornsby, K. Jagels, C. Lacroix, J. Maclean, S. Moule, L. Murphy, K. Oliver, M.A. Quail, M-A. Rajandream, K.M. Rutherford, S. Rutter, K. Seeger, S. Simon, M. Simmonds, J. Skelton, R. Squares, S. Squares, K. Stevens, K. Taylor, S. Whitehead, J.R. Woodward and B.G. Barrell. "Massive gene decay in the leprosy bacillus" Nature 409, 1007-1011 (2001).
8. Sato N., Fujimura T., Masuzawa M., Yogi Y., Matsuoka M., Kanoh M., Riley L.W., Katsuoka K. "Recombinant Mycobacterium leprae protein associated with entry into mammalian cells of respiratory and skin components". Journal Dermatological Science. 2007 May;46(2)pg 101-10.
9. L. A. Noon, A. C. Lloyd. "Hijacking the ERK signaling pathway:Mycobacterium leprae shuns MEK to drive the proliferation of infected Schwann cells". Science STKE 2005, pg 52.
10. Schoenstadt, Arthur. "Leprosy Symptoms." Diseases Home Page. Clinaero, Inc., 15 Aug. 2008. <http://diseases.emedtv.com/leprosy/leprosy-symptoms.html>.
11. Nardell, Edward A. "Leprosy: Infections: Merck Manual Home Edition." Merck manuals online medical library. Merck & Co. Inc., Oct. 2008. <http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec17/ch194/ch194a.html>.
12. Primm, T. P., C. A. Lucero, and J. O. Falkinham III. 2004. "Health impacts of environmental mycobacteria". Clin. Microbiol. Rev. 17:98-106.
13. Jacob, Jesse T., and Carlos Franco-Paredes. "The Stigmatization of Leprosy in India and Its Impact on Future Approaches to Elimination and Control." Jan. 2008; 2(1): e113.
14. Lockwood D., Suneetha S., "Leprosy: too complex a disease for a simple elimination paradigm". World Health Organization 2005. pg 230-235.
15. "Leprosy in India". World Health Organization, 22 December 2006, Accessed August 25, 2008. <http://www.searo.who.int/EN/Section10/Section20/Section1999.htm>
16. Weekly Epidemiological Record. Vol. 84. No 28. 2009 August 14. < http://www.who.int/wer/2009/wer8433.pdf>
17. D. M. Scollard, L. B. Adams, T. P. Gillis, J. L. Krahenbuhl, R. W. Truman, D. L. Williams. "The Continuing Challenges of Leprosy". CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS, Apr. 2006, p. 338–381.
18. Bernardes Goulart I., Goulart L., "Leprosy: diagnostic and control challenges for a worldwide disease". Springer-Verlag 2000. pg 269-290.
19. Mudur G. "India approves leprosy vaccine". British Medical Journal 1999. Volume 316 pg 414.
20. Kaimal S., Thappa D. "Relapse in leprosy". Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology. 2009. Vol. 75, Issue.2; pg 126-134.
21. Lockwood D., Kumar B., "Treatment of Leprosy: The evidence base for newer drug combinations and shorter regimens is weak". British Medical Journal 2004. Volume 328: pg 1447-1448.
22. Truman RW, Krahenbuhl JL. "Viable M. leprae as a research reagent". Int J Lepr Other Mycobact Dis. 2001.
23. "Hansen's Disease Treatment". Kalaupaupa National Historical Park. 25 July 2006. <http://www.nps.gov/kala/historyculture/hansens2.htm>.
24. "National Leprosy Eradication Program." Government of Karala: Modern Medicine and Health Service. 2005. <http://www.healthkerala.gov.in/modern/jsp/Leprosy.jsp>
Edited by [Katherine Tang, Victor Tran, Natalie Nguyen, Julia Chu, Millie (Mei) Liu, Jason Wang], students of Rachel Larsen Summer 2009


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Injured in an Arizona Bicycle Accident — Can I Get Compensation?
Bicycle accidents can result in devastating injuries, as cyclists have no protections against the force, weight, and speed of much larger motor vehicles. Although the Arizona Department of Transportation (AZDOT) reports that bicycle accidents have decreased in recent years, almost 1,000 such accidents still occurred in 2020.
Almost all bicycle accidents occurred in urban areas like Phoenix, and 100% of those accidents resulted in injuries or fatalities to the bicycle rider involved. As a result, when the negligence of others leads to you or a loved one suffering injuries in a bicycle accident, you may have the right to compensation for your losses. In this situation, an experienced Phoenix bicycle accident attorney can help.
Bicycle Accident that Can Lead to Personal Injury Claims
Most personal injury accidents rely on a legal theory of negligence, or the careless disregard of a person for the safety of others. Almost all bicycle accidents result from the negligence of a driver who strikes a bicyclist or otherwise causes a bicycle accident. If you can establish that negligence caused the bicycle accident that led to your injuries, you may have a claim for damages against that person.
All drivers have a duty to follow the law and traffic regulations to keep themselves and others safe. This duty extends not only to other drivers, but also to bicyclists, pedestrians, and occupants of other vehicles. A violation of that duty that results in injuries to others can result in a personal injury claim.
Common Causes of a Bicycle Accident that May Lead to Liability
Various situations may result in a bicycle accident that leads to a personal injury claim. Both drivers and bicyclists are subject to specific laws and rules of the road. Drivers must properly share the road with bicyclists, and when they fail to do so and cause an accident, they can be responsible for any resulting injuries.
Failure to Properly Pass Bicyclists
Arizona law requires that drivers who want to pass bicyclists traveling in the same direction must give allow a minimum of three feet between their vehicle and the bike. If a driver gets any closer and strikes a bicyclist, the driver could be responsible for compensating the bicyclist for any injury-related medical costs and property damage to the bicycle.
Drivers who are distracted because they are eating, using their cell phones, applying make-up, or using their GPS can easily cause accidents. They may not notice the presence of much smaller bicycles, which may cause a collision. Failure to properly lookout for bicyclists and avoid accidents can lead to liability for the drivers.
The same right-of-way laws at intersections apply to both drivers and bicyclists. However, drivers may assume that they have the right-of-way or expect bicyclists to yield to the vehicles. This situation can result in wrecks that injure bicyclists. If the driver has violated the right-of-way laws, then that driver can be liable for any resulting injuries.
Let Us Seek Compensation for Your Injuries After a Bicycle Accident
We know how difficult it can be to handle legal matters while you are struggling to recover from injuries in a bicycle crash. Allow us to handle your legal issues while you focus on your physical and mental recovery from the accident. You can contact the offices of Gallagher & Kennedy, P.C., at 602-530-8400 or online at your convenience. Set up a time for a free consultation to talk to us about your case.
Our experienced legal team can advocate for your rights with no upfront cost to you. If you wish to speak to an accident injury attorney about your potential personal injury claim, contact us today. Initial consultations are confidential and there is no charge.


Quality of Wine Series: It’s All Relative
Balance is already tricky with sugars and tannins working together towards perfect harmony. Now, Jennifer Simonetti-Bryan, MW throws in the matter of subjectivity. What exactly does that mean? In a nutshell, everyone’s palate is different. But don’t take our word for it. Simonetti-Bryan is the expert!


Image: Tobias Lindh/Twitter
Tesla Giga Berlin may receive its final environmental building permit in Q4 2021. The first vehicles should roll off the assembly line by the end of the year, the Minister for Economic Affairs, Labor and Energy of Brandenburg expects.
Tesla faced some difficulties in Germany. The American manufacturer is accustomed to operating, expanding, and building quickly in order to bring as many electric vehicles to market as possible as quickly as possible. At the same time, the German bureaucracy works at a measured pace, not trying to save time. After nearly two years since the announcement of the building plan, Tesla has yet to receive a building permit. However, the Minister for Economic Affairs, Labor and Energy Jörg Steinbach said that the final decision on the construction permit for Tesla is likely to be made in Q4 2021. Thus, the first cars could be produced by the end of the year.
Steinbach noted that such timelines only apply "if there is currently no unforeseen cause leading to further delay." “The principle—quality over speed—is clearly applied in the approval process. The main priority is to ensure that the decision of the State Environmental Board is ultimately legally sound. And the plant can be opened only after a positive decision is made,” he explained.
Tesla originally planned to start operations in July 2021. Due to delays, Tesla is forced to wait and it plans to commission the car plant by the end of this year. At the moment, the factory is almost completely built only with prior permissions. In the event of disapproval of the factory’s construction, the manufacturer must dismantle the buildings at its own expense, although this is an extremely unlikely scenario. “This is not about approving the construction of a new nuclear power plant,” Steinbach said, reinforcing this thought.
© 2021, Eva Fox. All rights reserved.
We appreciate your readership! Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
About the Author
Eva Fox joined Tesmanian in 2019 to cover breaking news as an automotive journalist. The main topics that she covers are clean energy and electric vehicles. As a journalist, Eva is specialized in Tesla and topics related to the work and development of the company.


Editor: For the sake of our recovery, I hope we don’t look past the reality that technology has been such an incredibly valuable partner for the small business community throughout the pandemic. I should know, having operated our family restaurant – one of the industries hardest hit by the pandemic – for the last year and a half. I simply wouldn’t have been able to keep our doors open, employees on the payroll and customers served if it weren’t for the connectivity enabled by the internet, but also the communications tools that technology companies provide at virtually no cost.
Despite technology playing an important role in our communities, it has come under significant scrutiny by some lawmakers and other elected officials here in Colorado. I completely understand that these are complicated issues that deserve some attention. But what isn’t complicated is this: tech companies uplifted small businesses like mine, and provided critical tools when we needed them most. Any policies considered by lawmakers that could impact access to these tools should be abandoned, and I’m afraid that’s what will need to happen with this latest “antitrust” package being pushed right now.
I hope our lawmakers take the benefits and conveniences that tech has delivered for small businesses into consideration when they return to Washington. We should not be wasting valuable time and energy when so much needs to be accomplished.
— Dianne Zimmerman Margotte, via [email protected]


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Coronavirus Update: Japan Approves Antibody Cocktail In Short Order
Plus, India Emerges Among Top Vaccine Buyers
Japan has granted an emergency approval to Chugai/Roche/Regeneron's antibody cocktail after a rapid review, while India has emerged as one of the top purchasers globally of COVID-19 vaccines as it looks to protect more of its population.
You may also be interested in...
Legal experts discuss the intricacies around pharma’s demand for indemnity, a key sticking point for supplies of COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, and the path forward for countries like India.
Comirnaty and Spikevax to get EU label update on cardiac safety, Japanese filing for REGEN-COV, plus vaccine progress for ReiThera and Genexine.
Sanofi and GSK, which are in the middle of Phase III global trials for their COVID-19 vaccine candidate, plan to test the contender against all variants of concern including the highly contagious Delta variant, Scrip has learned. Meanwhile, Pfizer/BioNTech is looking at a booster to combat lower efficacy/effectiveness against this variant.

domain: biology


TBI Exclusive: B-side from Alexander & the Grapes’ Upcoming LP
As you read this, Alexander & the Grapes‘ debut LP is being mastered and prepped for a June release on New Granada Records. While the first single has yet to be released, we’ve got the next best thing for you.
You can stream or download “Proud Iron Seeds” below. It is a b-side and an alternate version of one of the great tracks that appears on the LP.
*Photo by Drew Coffman


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1. JOHN AQUILINA
Former state parliamentarian and long-time Blacktown boy John Aquilina was accepted as a Member in the Order of Australia and Cr Lowles was awarded a Medal of the Order.
Mr Aquilina said he was honoured by the membership and hoped it was something all Blacktown residents could be proud of.
‘‘I’ve always been a proud Blacktown boy, I’ve represented the city at various levels — as a mayor and a state member of parliament,’’ he said.
‘‘I think (the Australia Day honour) is hopefully a great opportunity for people of the west to say ‘yes our sons are worth these great honours’.’’
As a migrant originally from Malta, Mr Aquilina said one of the great things about his adopted country was ‘‘that people from such diverse backgrounds can go on to be recognised with the highest honours.’’
Mr Aquilina was the Labor Party’s Member for Blacktown from 1981-1991 and member for Riverstone from 1991-2011.
He was Minister for Education and Training, 1995-2001; Minister Assisting the Premier on Youth Affairs, 1995-1999; Minister for Youth and Community Services and Assistant Minister for Ethnic Affairs, 1986-1988, and Minister Natural Resources, 1986.
Mr Aquilina was Mayor of Blacktown, 1977-1981, and an Alderman from 1977-1983.
Cr Lowles said receiving the medal was ‘‘a great honour’’ and reflected on what it meant to him as a migrant to the country, having come from Liverpool in the UK.
‘‘I’ve been here some 50 years and I just involved myself in to the he community when I came,’’ he said.
‘‘To me, Australia Day is a celebration. It shows all that’s good about migration and assimilation.’’
2. CHARLES LOWLES
Blacktown Councillor Charles Lowles was awarded the medal ‘‘for service to local government, and to the community’’.
Among his achievements, Cr Lowles served as mayor from 1995-1999 and 2008-2010, as deputy mayor and as a councillor since 1989.
He was a committee member on the Pastor and the Imam project, 2009.
He has been involved in the development of a of community projects, including the Mount Druitt Library and Community Hub the Mount Druitt Swimming Complex, volleyball and basketball courts, Emerton Youth Centre, Emerton Leisure Centre and the sister cities program.
He has been a president, coach and manager of Lethbridge Park Rangers Soccer Club, for more than 20 years.
3. JULIANA NKRUMAH
Living Legend Award winner Juliana Nkrumah of Quakers Hill has been made a member of the Order of Australia for service to women and refugees today.
She works as a coordinator of NSW Police Force’s Multicultural Community Liaison Officer Program in Parramatta.
Prior to this, Ms Nkrumah was the assistant manager of the Refugee and Network Support team in the multicultural services branch of Centrelink.
She has been an advocate in the women’s movement since 1989 and was involved at the local, regional and international levels.
‘‘I feel humbled and privileged as the award is one of the highest in Australia,’’ she said.
‘‘I have a husband who shared my passion. This award is as much for him as well as for my children, those have journeyed with me and the people of Blacktown.
‘‘My award also sends a message in our multicultural society that recognition is given to people regardless of their background.’’
4. IAN WESTRAY
Ian Westray of Blacktown received an Order of Australia (OAM) medal for administrative service to soccer.
He was the president of Blacktown and Districts Soccer Football Association from 2003 to 2010, chairman of Protests and Disputes Committee (1999-2002), P&DC committee member (1998-2002), member of General Purpose Tribunal, Football NSW since 2003 and BDSFA representative, Sydney Branch of Associations (2003-2010).
‘‘I am very honoured to receive an OAM.
‘‘Twenty-five years ago when I first accepted the role as the under- 6 manager I never thought 25 years later I would be still involved in football,’’ he said.

domain: sociology


Home | Programs | Collectors' Corner with Henry Fogel | Moscow Philharmonic Plays MahlerMoscow Philharmonic Plays MahlerNovember 26, 2017, 10:00 pmShare this PostUNSPECIFIED - CIRCA 1907: The Austrian composer Gustav Mahler. Photograph by Moriz Nähr. 1907. (Photo by Imagno/Getty Images)Kiril Kondrashin conducts the Moscow Philharmonic in Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 and Symphony No. 5.


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Bulgaria’s interim prime minister Marin Raikov announced today that his government will present new evidence linking Hezbollah to the July 2012 in Burgas, Bulgaria that killed five Israelis and a Bulgarian. Bulgarian government officials announced in February that they had found proof that two of the suspects in the bombing had ties to Hezbollah.
Domestic unrest over energy prices subsequently brought down the then-governing coalition, and a caretaker government currently leads the country. Officials from the caretaker government promised in recent weeks that they would pile on evidence tying the Iran-backed group to the attack.
Also today, a court in Cyprus sentenced a confessed Hezbollah member to four years in prison after he was convicted of terrorism-related charges. Hossam Taleb Yaacoub, 24, had admitted to observing Israeli flights landing in Cyprus, monitoring the movement of Israelis there, and planning to transfer that information to an unnamed source in Lebanon. He denied, however, that he was participating in plotting an attack. The court found differently, and he was convicted on five charges, including participating in a criminal organization, taking part in a criminal act, and money laundering. He has ten days to appeal his sentence.
According to court testimony, the defendant is a Swedish-Lebanese citizen who carried out intelligence work in France and the Netherlands on Hezbollah’s behalf. He was arrested just days before the Burgas bombing in Bulgaria. Cypriot officials emphasized that though the plot was foiled, the terrorism was real:
“There is no doubt that these are serious offences because by committing them, at the very least it potentially jeopardised the safety of Israeli citizens and targets on the territory of the Cyprus Republic,” the court ruled. “Even if the targets were not carried out, it still harms the security of citizens and the legal system, whose guardian is the court,” it added… His trial heard that Hezbollah had ordered him to carry out six missions on Cyprus since December 2011, and that he was paid a total of $4,800 by the powerful group.
The European Union has thus far resisted calls from the U.S., Bulgaria, the U.K, and Israel to formally designate the group as a terrorist entity, with analysts linking the reluctance to French and German fears that Hezbollah will target their interests. The combination of the Bulgarian investigation and the Cyprus verdict will bring renewed pressure to bear on the union to acknowledge that a group which executes multiple terror plots on E.U. soil ought, for the purposes of the E.U, be considered a terrorist group:
The evidence that led to Yaacoub’s conviction helps tip the balance toward listing Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, diplomats from two leading European Union member states told JTA. Hezbollah already is considered a terrorist group by the United States, Israel and several other countries. “Our position is that we’ve always said that if we have proof that holds up in court, we can enter the procedure,” said Karl-Matthias Klause, the spokesman for the German Embassy in Washington. “There is a general readiness into looking into forbidding the military wing of Hezbollah.”
The other diplomat, whose country has been among those resisting such a classification, said the Cyprus conviction would make it harder not to classify Hezbollah as a terrorist group. “Bulgaria and Cyprus changes the equation,” said the diplomat, who insisted on anonymity. “The topic becomes one of European solidarity.”
U.S. officials, for their part, consider the issue relatively straightforward. Per David Cohen, the Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence:
“Hezbollah has been designated as a Global Terrorist by the United States since 1995 for a long history of terrorist attacks against American citizens and officials, including the bombing of the U.S. Embassy and Marine barracks in Lebanon during the 1980s. Before al-Qaida’s attack on the U.S. on September 11, 2001, Hezbollah was responsible for killing more Americans in terrorist attacks than any other terrorist group… Hezbollah and its leader Hassan Nasrallah have for years painted their organization as a social and political party as well as a resistance movement; however, their activities and statements clearly paint a different picture. Hezbollah has consistently used terrorist operations to attack civilians.”
President Barack Obama explicitly called on Europe to designate Hezbollah when he was in Israel earlier this month. Hezbollah, via Iranian state TV, lashed out in response:


The most prevalent helminths are the gastrointestinal nematodes, such as the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus of sheep. Other economically important nematodes are phytoparasites, Nacobbus aberrans and Meloidogyne incognita, affecting more than 200 crops of plants and vegetables such as tomatoes, among others. Regarding the cestodes and Hymenolepis nana are the most prevalent worldwide. These helminths occur in warm temperate and dry geographical areas of developing countries with poor sanitary habits affecting mainly children between 2-8 years old. The conventional control is the use of anthelmintics (e.g. macrocyclic lactones, benzimidazoles and imidazoles) of synthetical origin; however, the misuse of these anthelmintics has led to a problem of chemical resistance worldwide; in addition, the residuality of these compounds in sheep byproducts, such as meat and milk, has caused a negative environmental impact. They also damage populations of beneficial organisms, such as the dung beetle, earthworms and nematophagous mites, among others. Hence, it is urgent and necessary to search for other integral, environmentally friendly, and sustainable control methods. The use of medicinal plants, mainly spices and culinary herbs, could be a sustainable alternative to control helminths that affect humans, plants and animals. This chapter presents an overview of the anthelmintic properties of cinnamon for sustainable helminth parasites control. This chapter is divided into several topics including 1) biology of cinnamon, 2) traditional and molecular taxonomic description of cinnamon, 3) metabolites reported in cinnamon, 4) uses of cinnamon as a condiment, 5) antiparasitic properties of cinnamon, 6) anthelmintic properties against agricultural pests, 7) anthelmintic properties against livestock pests and productive performance, 8) advances and perspectives of cinnamon in the control of anthelmintic properties, and 9) perspectives on the study of the anthelmintic properties of cinnamon.


What is dry heat sterilizer?
Dry heat sterilizer is standard equipment for laboratory sterilization by dry heat air, also called hot air sterilizer. Dry hot air sterilization is a method to kill microorganisms or eliminate pyrogens by heating the items to be sterilized in dry air to a temperature sufficient to kill bacteria. Dry heat sterilizers have outstanding sterilization efficiency and can kill reproductive bacteria.
Heat sterilizer machines are now widely used for sterilization of laboratory instruments, production of preparations, and bacterial sterilization of production equipment.
Dry heat sterilizer working principle
The working principle of dry heat sterilization instrument
is to use the most advanced carbon fiber far infrared heating tube as the heat source so that the sterilization chamber can quickly reach the preset temperature. It also adopts an advanced air vortex machine and unique air duct design, thus better realizing forced convection and making the temperature more balanced. The sterilizing agent is usually hot air at the moisture level of the product being sterilized. Dry heat sterilization is to make the microorganism oxidized instead of protein denaturation, to achieve the purpose of sterilization.
Structure of dry heat sterilizer
The structure of dry heat sterilizer is mainly composed of the following parts,
1. High efficiency filter
In the dry heat sterilizer, the incoming air should pass through high efficiency filter, high efficiency filter is needed to remove the dust material generated in the internal air circulation system, and high efficiency filter can also be installed to prevent the pollution of the backflow of exhaust air.
2. Operating chain control system
The chain control system in the dry heat sterilizer is equipped with door chain control system, pressure sensor, temperature sensor, chain control device for controlling and stopping the operation of the conveyor belt, etc. This can ensure that the sterilized goods are prevented from passing through the sterilizer at a temperature lower than the sterilization temperature when the temperature is lower than the design requirement under any circumstances.
3. Conveyor (only for continuous method)
The speed of the conveyor belt is a very important factor influencing the sterilization effect in a continuous conveyor dry heat sterilization system.
4. Temperature controller and recorder
In the dry heat sterilization system, the temperature detection, sensing, control, and recording system is the basis of the whole sterilization process control. The control system must ensure that the sterilization temperature in the chamber of the sterilizer can be maintained within the set sterilization temperature range, and the recording system must record the temperature readings of the temperature detection and sensing system accurately and clearly.
The fan has a great influence on the air circulation in the dry heat sterilizer, and the air volume of the fan should be measurable and adjustable.
The heater is the main component of the dry heat sterilizer and has great influence on the sterilization effect.
7. Buffer plates, dampers, air regulators, or air stalls
Buffer plates or air stalls are used to control the airflow of the dry heat sterilizer and are mostly installed near the inlet or exhaust air ducts or heaters. Airflow regulators for positive pressure control can be installed near the high-efficiency filters in the exhaust system to prevent backflow air pollution and control the positive pressure by controlling the exhaust air volume, or airflow regulators can be used to control the inlet and exhaust air volumes to maintain positive pressure.
Advantages of using dry heat sterilizer
1. After dry heat sterilization
, the instruments are free of moisture and remain dry, so the sterilization effect is reliable, easy to use, and not easy to cause contamination. Metal instruments do not rust in the process of preservation.
2. After dry heat sterilization, the knife and scissors can still maintain the sharpness of the edge and do not affect the use.
3. The dry heat sterilization process gradually increases the temperature, which does not cause the glass equipment to break.
4. Oils, petroleum jelly and powders are steam-isolated items, and dry heat allows them to be sterilized.
Dry heat sterilizer temperature
The temperature setting of the dry sterilizer is generally determined by the properties of the items to be sterilized
In general, if the dry heat sterilization is performed on common items, then the optimum temperature is 160°C and the time lasts for 2 hours. If it is to sterilize glass syringes and other items, the optimum temperature is 170°C and the sterilization time is 1 hour. The methods of dry heat sterilization are dry baking, cauterization or incineration, infrared, microwave and so on.
Temperature and time required for dry heat sterilization of some items
|Ophthalmic instruments, sharp knives, and scissors||150||60
|Injection of oil||150||120
|Glycerin, liquid paraffin||150-160||60-120
|Petroleum jelly, powder||160||60
|Test tubes, pipettes, syringes||160-180||30-60
|Pipette in metal tube||160||120
Types of dry heat sterilizer
1. Dry heat sterilizers are classified according to the way they are used
Dry heat sterilizers can be divided into continuous dry heat sterilizers and batch dry heat sterilizers according to the mode of use.
* Batch dry heat sterilization equipment, such as dry heat ovens, can be used for sterilization and de-thermalization of glass and metal instruments for endotoxin testing, as well as sterilization and de-thermalization of production equipment components and production instruments.
* Continuous dry heat sterilization equipment, such as tunnel ovens, can be used for the production of small volume injections.
2. Dry heat sterilizers can be classified according to the heating method
* Thermal radiation dry heat sterilizer, mainly radiation heating thermal laminar.
* Forced-air heat sterilizer, mainly convection heating.
Dry heat sterilizer specifications
Large dry heat sterilizer
|Circulating air volume frequency adjustment||4000m³/h
|Supplementary air volume frequency adjustment||504m³/h
|Cooling water consumption||250kg/batch
1. Large dry heat sterilizer can realize the dynamic hundred levels and excellent temperature uniformity.
2. The motorized door adopts a stable starting and closing system and adopts the vacuum sealing method, which is simple and practical and effectively avoids the contamination of sterilized goods.
3. The internal laminate of the chamber adopts a unique hole distribution to control the horizontal laminar airflow, which effectively improves the heat utilization rate and temperature uniformity.
4. An advanced automatic control system is adapted to automatically control the temperature and maintain the positive pressure system inside the chamber. Effectively ensure the safety of the equipment.
Small dry heat sterilizer
|Heater||Stainless steel heating tube
|Power supply current||AC220V/3.6A
1. Small dry heat sterilizer uses convenient operation, using electrostatic spraying, corrosion-resistant and high temperature, and long service life.
2. Timing starts/stop function, precise temperature control, multi-functional work support.
3. High-cost performance, green energy saving, small fluctuation.
Benchtop dry heat sterilizer
|Temperature control range ||10-250 ℃
|Supply Voltage||1Ø 220V 50Hz
1. Benchtop dry heat sterilizer adopts stainless steel tube ring-type heater.
2. Microcomputer intelligent P.I.D. temperature controller, temperature control. Can run continuously or at regular intervals
3. The outer box material is made of cold-rolled steel plate with surface spraying, and the inner material is made of SUS stainless steel plate.
4. Equipped with no glass inner door, outer door with observation window.
5. Back air inlet and outlet.
6. The inner box is designed with a circular arc structure, which is easy to clean.
How to use dry heat sterilizer?
When using the dry heat sterilizer, first put the Petri dishes, pipettes, test tubes, and other glass equipment into the box after packaging, and then close the door to heat. When the temperature rises to 160-170℃, keep this temperature for two hours. After reaching the time, stop heating and wait for the temperature to drop naturally to below 40℃ before opening the door to take things, otherwise, the sudden entry of cold air will easily cause glass fracture, and the hot air overflow will often burn the skin of the person taking things. General pipettes, test tubes, Petri dishes, petroleum jelly, liquid paraffin, etc. can be sterilized by this method.
Precautions for using dry heat sterilizer
1. The dry heat sterilizer should not be used under high voltage, high current and strong magnetic field conditions to avoid interference and the risk of electric shock.
2. Electroplated parts and surface decoration paint should be kept clean frequently, and if they are not used for a long time, neutral grease or petroleum jelly should be applied on the electroplated parts to prevent corrosion.
3. The shell of the dry heat sterilizer must be effectively grounded, and the power should be turned off after use.
4. The sterilization box should be placed in a room with good ventilation, and no flammable and explosive items should be placed around it.
5. The sterilization box is not explosion-proof and no flammable and explosive items should be placed.
6. Do not overcrowd the box and leave space for hot air circulation and disinfection.
How to order dry heat sterilizer?
ANTITECK provide lab equipment, lab consumable, manufacturing equipment in life sciences sector.
If you are interested in our dry heat sterilizer or have any questions, please write an e-mail to email@example.com, we will reply to you as soon as possible.


text:
Let me know what you need and make an offer. Some parts are in rough shape, but others look good. Shipping from Boston.
Trade for Puch / E50 stuff
money sent for wheels
bump for really cheap parts
What yr is the ped? I need that ignition if it is a 12v points.
Year is 1990
Luggage rack : $5 + shipping
Shocks: $15 + shipping
Swingarm : $10 + shipping
Kickstand : $5 + shipping
Headlight/speedo assembly: $5 + shipping
Handlebars : $7 + shipping
Throttle/controls: $10 + shipping
Stock exhaust pipe (rusty): $5 + shipping
A3 motor - Appears seized: $20 + shipping
Petcock $5 + shipping
I won't ship the frame/forks but you can pick it up in Somerville, MA for $15
Correction: Meant to say Headlight/Speedo assembly $15
Money sent for engine and headlight/speedo. Thanks man.
Turn Signal lens covers
Damn that stuff sold fast. lol I love it when that happens.
Luggage rack : $15 shipped
Shocks: $25 shipped
Swingarm : $ 20 shipped
Kickstand : $13 shipped
Handlebars : $20 shipped
Stock exhaust pipe (rusty): $15 Shipped
Petcock: $8 shipped
pedels and arms still there, I'm in buffalo? How much.
Sorry, pedals/arms gone
Throttle/controls/grips still available. $15 shipped
I will take the controls-email sent
Want to post in this forum? We'd love to have you join the discussion, but first:

domain: hobby


text:
Canadian photographer killed by her driver, Mexican official says
Body of Barbara McClatchie Andrews, 74, was found by side of the road last Friday
Robbery appears to be the motive behind the murder of Canadian photographer and artist Barbara McClatchie Andrews, says a Mexican prosecutor.
Yucatan state Attorney General Ariel Aldecua alleges the woman was killed by a man she hired to drive her from Cancun back to where she lived in Merida, the state's capital.
Authorities said the body of the 74-year-old woman was discovered Friday, tossed on the side of a highway that connects the two cities. They said there were signs she had been strangled.
McClatchie Andrews ran a non-profit art gallery in Merida called In Lak'Ech for several years that supported emerging artists, but she maintained close ties to Canada.
Recent work on her website showcases abstract photos taken in British Columbia, from the scenic Sechelt Peninsula to Vancouver's bustling Main Street.
Rodney Clark, an artist who worked with McClatchie Andrews at Vancouver's Arts Work Gallery, said she visited only two weeks ago to submit some of her latest images.
The gallery began representing McClatchie Andrews in 2007, and Clark said everyone who knew her was still trying to process the news of her death.
"She was incredibly witty and one of the sharpest people I've ever met," he said.
Clark — who likes to wear black clothing — said one of the last things she said to him poked some fun at his appearance while he was out on a smoke break.
"She walks up to me and says 'you're such a deviant,"' he said. "We were pretty silly together, she was a lot of fun."
Along with her sense of humour, Clark said McClatchie Andrews will be remembered for her vibrant, outgoing nature.
A number of reports of her death in Mexican news outlets referred to her as "elderly," Clark said, a term he thinks misses the mark when describing the artist.
"She was an absolute hoot. [She] just loved life," he said. "I've met 30-year-olds I would consider more elderly."
McClatchie Andrews was trilingual and had travelled extensively, finding inspiration for her photos in cultural topics, says a biography on her website.
She completed an undergraduate degree in English and French literature at the University of British Columbia, and went on to pursue post-graduate studies at Montreal's Concordia University and the University of Arizona.
As a photojournalist, McClatchie Andrews had her work published in the National Geographic and other magazines.
Clark said her recent artistic work drew inspiration from ordinary, mundane objects such as a painter's palette, flower petals or architecture that she would photograph and manipulate to create unique, abstract art.
He said McClatchie Andrews is survived by her son.
With files from The Associated Press

domain: news


text:
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf said he’s optimistic that lawmakers will approve a spending plan for the already approved state budget, which went into effect on July 1. Wolf said Wednesday it’s not a done deal, but it will be done.
“Let me just make it clear,” he said. “I’m negotiating. We are negotiating the same way we’ve negotiated all these things that have gotten some very good, responsible legislation done in the past, and I’m very optimistic that we’re going to get to a very good, balanced budget revenue option here in Pennsylvania.”
But when reporters asked if he’d say which budget items were close to completion, the answer was firm.
“No,” Wolf said.
Because the current budget has already been approved — without specifics of how it would be funded — the state is authorized to keep doling out money as usual.
Wolf noted that revenue is still coming in, regardless of the fact that an updated revenue plan isn’t finished. He said he doesn’t foresee imminent cash problems.
The state Constitution requires the commonwealth to pass a budget that’s balanced.
Wolf said while he recognizes that’s not the case yet, he’s fairly sure the current situation is constitutional.
“I’m not the attorney, but we are taking a close look at what we can do constitutionally, and I’m very comfortable that we’re doing the right things,” he said.
Pennsylvania House GOP leader Dave Reed has accused Wolf of not being involved enough in the process; he said Tuesday that he’s “not optimistic” they’ll come to an agreement soon.

domain: economics


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