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Japan-based global advertising group Denstu reported a return to organic revenue growth as client confidence and spend returned.
Organic growth fell an expected 2.4% over the first quarter but there was a progressive recovery over the three months. The month of March returned to growth at 2.5%.
Cost cutting and restructuring ensured improved underlying operating profit, which rose by 20.8% to JPY 44.9 billion for the three months. Statutory operating profit increased 16.7% to JPY 28.8 billion.
“Consumer and client confidence is returning, and this is reflected in the positive momentum in our revenue growth,” says Dentsu CEO Toshihiro Yamamoto.
Denstu described the results as “a very encouraging start to the year” with improving trends across the business.
The company maintained its full year goal of delivering positive organic revenue growth.
Dentsu remains confident of hitting organic growth of 3% to 4% a year from 2021 to 2024 with annual improvement in operating margins.
Yamamoto says profit has been particularly strong, demonstrating “relentless focus on costs”.
“Uncertainties remain about the progress of the pandemic, and, in particular, with new waves affecting several countries.
“However, we believe that our momentum will continue to build, underpinning the medium-term commitments we gave in February.
“We are tracking ahead of many of our internal targets and demonstrating that we are prepared to take unprecedented action to transform our service to clients and give returns to shareholders.
“This includes radical rationalisation of brands and divestment of assets.
“Dentsu Group remains well positioned to benefit from the cyclical recovery in digital solutions and media spend, combined with our leading position in the structural growth area of Customer Transformation & Technology.
“Client demand for CX Transformation services, commerce and loyalty and B2B services remains strong as our clients adapt to meeting their consumers wherever and however they choose to engage with brands.”
In APAC (excluding Japan) organic revenue fell 3.1% in the three months to March.
But the region also saw continued improvement throughout the quarter, reporting positive organic growth for March.
Dentsu says client confidence is improving across the region with positive growth for the quarter recorded in India, Indonesia, Singapore and Taiwan. China saw a number of new business wins across all three service lines. The Creative in APAC was flat for the quarter as client spend returned, while Media saw improvement throughout the quarter. Pitch activity across the region is increasing.
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at firstname.lastname@example.org


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How would you like to take all the great weight-loss results you’ve just read about—and double them? That’s what happens when you supplement your diet with a combination of vitamin D and calcium, according to a Nutrition Journal study. Just four weeks into the 12-week experiment, subjects who had taken these two nutrients—found in abundance in some yogurts—lost two times more fat than the other group! To get similar results at home, start your day with one of these Best Brand-Name Yogurts for Weight Loss.
It’s the same with a keto way of eating: there is a ton of research and studies out there, and we KNOW that it works. Sure, more studies will come, and the new information will help us refine it, and we will learn how it specifically affects certain individuals in different ways…but the truth about the basics of it are all there, in the open, for all to see.
Switch to Lighter Alternatives. Whenever you can, use the low-fat versions of salad dressings, mayonnaise, dairy products, and other products. "You can trim calories effortlessly if you use low-fat and lighter products, and if the product is mixed in with other ingredients, no one will ever notice," says Magee. More smart substitutions: Use salsa or hummus as a dip; spread sandwiches with mustard instead of mayo; eat plain roasted sweet potatoes instead of loaded white potatoes; use skim milk instead of cream in your coffee; hold the cheese on sandwiches; and use a little vinaigrette on your salad instead of piling on the creamy dressing.
Many diets, including Atkins and the keto diet, fit into this umbrella. A typical low-carb diet limits carbs to less than 60 g daily, but this can vary, according to the Mayo Clinic. (15) In a September 2015 review published in PLoS One, people following low-carb diets saw modest weight loss — although study authors note that long-term effects of the diet require further research. (16)
Hi Sara. It’s meant to be a guide, as each person’s (calorie) needs varies depending on age, gender activity level etc. However, the link to the Greek Nutrition Guidelines that I have also included at the end of the post provides serving sizes. Adding the link here too: https://www.olivetomato.com/eat-like-greek-greek-dietary-guidelines-a-better-choice/
What the expert says: ‘This is something that is used for athletes as part of their training. While it can lead to weight loss, carbohydrates are an energy source for the body, and restricting them can lead to headaches, fatigue and difficulty concentrating. You would be better to find the level of carbohydrates your body needs by eating normal portion sizes and a balance of all food groups.’
Unlike other weight-loss plans, the DASH Diet Weight-Loss Solution plan does not involve counting calories. Even better? Thanks to the book The Dash Diet Weight Loss Solution: 2 Weeks to Drop Pounds, Boost Metabolism, and Get Healthy ($14.24, Amazon), all the hard work has basically been done for you. The plan comes with 28 days of meal plans and more than 45 recipes you can make. Accompanying this plan is the cookbook The Everyday DASH Diet Cookbook: Over 150 Fresh and Delicious Recipes to Speed Weight Loss, Lower Blood Pressure, and Prevent Diabetes ($13.77, Amazon), which is there to give you a helping hand along the way if you're stumped on recipes.
The fad military diet consists of low-calorie, odd food pairings such as bun-less hot dogs with banana, carrots, and broccoli. “Any diet like the military diet that severely limits the amount of calories you consume or eliminates one or more entire food groups puts any individual at risk for nutrient deficiencies,” says Kyle. “This can be more harmful than holding onto those 10 extra lb you’re trying to lose.” (32)
In the study, the researchers fed mice a ketogenic diet for several days and expected to find a favorable outcome — perhaps weight loss or another indication of improved health. Instead, they found that the liver began resisting insulin almost immediately and the mice were unable to regulate their blood sugar levels after only three days on the diet. (Insulin resistance, meaning that cells in the body don't respond to insulin, is a key characteristic of type 2 diabetes.)
What the doctors never tell you is that you could also just eat completely different and take none of this crap. So that’s what I did. I stopped all of them all at once. Sure I don’t recommend that, but this damn disease and my disgusting visceral fat filled stomach ruined every aspect of my life-professional, relationships, sexual, mental. I am now 41 living back at home having to start from the bottom. I don’t want what the book recommends. I want every disgusting piece of fat off this body so I can excel again. If staying in ketosis every moment for the rest of my life will get me there then that’s what I’m going to do.
Note: Because you'll be excluding some major food groups on the keto diet (grains, many fruits) you should definitely think about taking a multivitamin—especially one that contains folic acid, which helps your body make new cells and is often found in enriched breads, cereals, and other grain products, says Julie Upton, R.D., cofounder of nutrition website Appetite for Health.
Weight Watchers – the diet your nan used to follow – is no more. In 2018, the company had a re-brand, with the new WW branding signalling a move away from diet culture and into the wellness-sphere – hint: WW now stands for ‘Wellness that Works’. ‘We are not classed as a diet,’ a member of the press office team tells WH. ‘It is a lifestyle change – a healthy living programme that encompasses food, activity and mindset.’
What the diet guru says: According to David Zinczenko, author of The 8-hour Diet, eating all your meals within a set window is the key to burning fat. ‘By carving out an eight-hour window in which to eat to your heart's content, you'll burn your body's fat stores effortlessly. The science is actually simple: for several years, researchers have been producing remarkable weight loss results in people using "intermittent fasting". In this case, fasting is about eating whatever you want, but staying within a sensible eight-hour window. This gives your body the chance to burn away your fat stores for the energy it needs.’
With the keto diet, your body converts fat, instead of sugar, into energy. The diet was created in 1924 as a treatment for epilepsy, but the effects of this eating pattern are also being studied for type 2 diabetes. The ketogenic diet may improve blood glucose (sugar) levels while also reducing the need for insulin. However, the diet does come with risks, so make sure to discuss it with your doctor before making drastic dietary changes.
Popularized by the documentary Forks Over Knives, the Ornish diet is a low-fat, plant-based diet plan based on whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and legumes. It's based on a lacto-ovo style of vegetarianism, allowing only egg whites and nonfat dairy products. It's packed with vitamins, fiber, and lots of filling plants to keep you satiated. Some studies have shown it can reverse heart disease and have beneficial effects on other chronic health conditions. (BTW, there is a difference between a vegan diet and a plant-based diet.)
Control Your Environments. Another simple strategy to help cut calories is to control your environment -- everything from stocking your kitchen with lots of healthy options to choosing the right restaurants. That means avoiding the temptation by staying away from all-you-can-eat restaurants. And when it comes to parties, "eat a healthy snack before so you won't be starving, and be selective when you fill your plate at the buffet," suggests Ward. Before going back for more food, wait at least 15 minutes and have a big glass of water.
That’s why the Bulletproof Diet uses cyclical nutritional ketosis, and why on days when I eat carbohydrates, I always have Brain Octane Oil so my cells have a steady supply of ketones. This builds metabolic flexibility: you can eat fat and carbs and your body will use them both, which is the goal. You want to be resilient and full of energy no matter what, and that means you want cells strong enough to burn whatever you give them.
Lele Jaro has been on a ketogenic diet for over two years to help with her type 2 diabetes, and has successfully got off insulin. She’s been documenting her health journey on Instagram with keto-friendly food ideas, keto tips, and workout motivation. She’s lost over 80 pounds on her journey, and inspires others to try keto to improve their health. Connect with her on her YouTube channel or Facebook.
A short-lived increase in seizure frequency may occur during illness or if ketone levels fluctuate. The diet may be modified if seizure frequency remains high, or the child is losing weight. Loss of seizure-control may come from unexpected sources. Even "sugar-free" food can contain carbohydrates such as maltodextrin, sorbitol, starch and fructose. The sorbitol content of suntan lotion and other skincare products may be high enough for some to be absorbed through the skin and thus negate ketosis.
Although white potatoes offer some potassium and fiber, sweet potatoes reign supreme in the nutrition department, meaning you should consider adding sweet potatoes to your diet. A large sweet potato contains around 4 grams of satiety-boosting protein, 25 percent of the day’s belly-filling fiber, and 11 times the recommended daily intake of vitamin A. What’s more? It’s less than 200 calories.
In the first week, many people report headaches, mental fogginess, dizziness, and aggravation. Most of the time, this is the result of your electrolytes being flushed out, as ketosis has a diuretic effect. Make sure you drink plenty of water and keep your sodium intake up.6One of the fathers of keto, Dr. Phinney, shows that electrolyte levels (especially sodium) can become unbalanced with low carb intake.
Fuels and feeds your brain: Ketones provide an immediate hit of energy for your brain, and up to 70% of your brain’s energy needs when you limit carbs. Fat also feeds your brain and keeps it strong. Your brain is at least 60% fat, so it needs loads of good fats to keep it running. Essential fatty acids such as omega-3s help grow and develop the brain, while saturated fat keeps myelin — the layer of insulation around the brain — strong so your neurons can communicate with each other.
At the end of this 12 week study, scientists observed similar loss in body fat and overall body weight in all three diets. However, they noted that the VLCARB ketogenic diet was “more effective in improving tracylglycerols, HDL cholesterol, fasting and post-meal glucose and insulin concentrations. More specifically, triacylglycerols decreased by 39.9% in VLCARB subjects, 4.0% in VLF subjects, and 9.6% in HUF subjects.
Advocates for the diet recommend that it be seriously considered after two medications have failed, as the chance of other drugs succeeding is only 10%. The diet can be considered earlier for some epilepsy and genetic syndromes where it has shown particular usefulness. These include Dravet syndrome, infantile spasms, myoclonic-astatic epilepsy and tuberous sclerosis complex.
A survey in 2005 of 88 paediatric neurologists in the US found that 36% regularly prescribed the diet after three or more drugs had failed; 24% occasionally prescribed the diet as a last resort; 24% had only prescribed the diet in a few rare cases; and 16% had never prescribed the diet. There are several possible explanations for this gap between evidence and clinical practice. One major factor may be the lack of adequately trained dietitians, who are needed to administer a ketogenic diet programme.
Yes, peanut butter is high in calories, but if you stick the real stuff—a tasty combo of peanuts and maybe a touch of salt—the legumes can work their weight loss magic. In addition to providing you with belly-slimming monounsaturated fats, tummy-filling fiber, and metabolism-boosting protein, peanuts also contain genistein, a compound that helps turn down the genes for obesity and reduces your body’s ability to store fat.
U.S. News’s panel of experts noted that the Mediterranean Diet earned this year’s top spot because research suggests it can help improve longevity and ward off chronic disease. The Mediterranean Diet was also ranked No. 1 in several other categories: Easiest Diet to Follow, Best Diet for Healthy Living, and Best Diet for Diabetes. It also tied with the Ornish Diet for Best Diet for Heart Health.
My pick for the healthiest meal plan for diabetes? My favorite is the Mediterranean Diet. It’s high in fiber, low in saturated fats and includes no processed foods which is the challenge for all of us at this point in history. If we could all eat like they do in Italy and Greece! Think of Sicily and the coasts of Greece where their diet consists of fresh fish, fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, beans, seeds, olives and olive oil, lean meats such as chicken and pork, some eggs and little red meat. The American Heart Association recommends it as well as the American Diabetes Association as being one healthy diet choice for people with diabetes.
The primary outcome was the change from baseline to week 16 in hemoglobin A1c. Changes in all variables were analyzed by the paired t-test or Wilcoxon signed-ranks test, as appropriate. Linear regression analysis was used to examine predictors of change in hemoglobin A1c. A p value of 0.05 or less was considered statistically significant. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS version 8.02 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC).
Rich in low-starch vegetables, fruit, healthy fats (mostly from olives and olive oil), nuts, seeds, whole grains, legumes, and fish, the Mediterranean diet eschews simple sugars and refined starches and is low in red meat. Interested in embarking on the diet for yourself? Read through to see a Mediterranean diet shopping list, what it's like to be on the diet, and why it's so easy to follow.
Some antidepressant medications can cause weight gain, especially the older tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as Tryptizol, Saroten, and Clomipramine; as well as newer drugs such as Remeron (Mirtazapine). Lithium (for manic-depressive disorder) often causes weight gain. The most common antidepressants known as SSRI’s (for example Citalopram and Sertraline) usually don’t impact weight significantly. More on depression
Drink lots of water. This is especially crucial on a low carb or keto diet. Why? When you eat carbohydrates, your body stores the extra as glycogen in the liver, where they are bound to water molecules. Eating low carb depletes this glycogen, which allows you to burn fat – but it also means you are storing less water, making it easier to get dehydrated. Instead of the traditional recommendation of 8 cups of water per day, aim for 16 cups when following a low carb lifestyle.
What the diet advocate says: ‘We are committed to always being the best weight management program on the planet, but now we’re putting our decades of knowledge and expertise in behavioral science to work for an even greater mission,’ says Mindy Grossman, President and Chief Executive Officer, WW. ‘We are becoming the world’s partner in wellness. No matter what your goal is – to lose weight, eat healthier, move more, develop a positive mind-set, or all of the above – we will deliver science-based solutions that fit into people’s lives.’

domain: food


Will Selva joined ESPN in August 2007 as an anchor on ESPNEWS, the only all-sports news cable network. He also has anchored SportsCenter updates during ESPN2’s Mike & Mike in the Mornings and First Take. Selva also anchored coverage of UEFA Euro 2008 on ESPN2.
Selva came to ESPN after working as a sports anchor and reporter for CNN in Atlanta, from 2005-2007. Prior to his work at CNN, Selva was the sports director for KXTV in Sacramento, Calif., from 2003 to 2005. From 1995-2003, Selva worked in San Francisco, as a sports anchor and reporter for KRON.
A native of San Francisco, Selva attended Arizona State University where he received a degree in broadcast journalism in 1995.
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A new study published in Science shows that it is possible for bees to be optimistic, especially after being able to experience or indulge in sugar-concentrated water. The researchers want to find out if insects, just like people, are also capable of having positive emotions such as happiness.
A new study revealed that commonly used insecticides could affect the reproductive abilities of queen bees and promote poor brood health in bee colonies.
Reforestation program in China have good sides, but there are still things to consider especially when it comes to the biodiversity and the existing wildlife.
Neurotoxins sprayed in a town in South Carolina to kill Zika-carrying mosquitoes exterminate milllions of bees.
Despite being exposed to human food that contains processed sugar, urban bees stick to their healthy flower-nectar diet.
Beekeepers across the United States reported an increase in the summer loss and winter loss rates of their bee colonies, totalling to 44.1 percent of annual losses from April 2015 to April 2016.
Certain colors confuse bees, so flowers will tone down the iridescence of their petals to attract bees and increase their chances of pollination.
Researchers have discovered that the vast majority of infected hives can be traced back to one source -- the European honeybee, which is consistenly traded and imported to North America.
Queen bees and ants emit a chemical that alters their offspring's DNA at birth. This keeps "princesses" sterile and working busily for the colony.
Carpenter bees engage in dogfighting-like behaviors to defend their hives and prevent other bees from laying eggs in their carefully-constructed homes. Using a GoPro, researcher Dr. Brandon Jackson of Longwood University recently filmed the bee's rather unique aerial combat style.
A new identification key highlights 74 species of cuckoo wasps -- wasps known for their propensity to steal other insects' nests, as cuckoo birds do with other birds -- found in the Nordic and Baltic countries. This includes the "Northern" cuckoo wasp (Chrysis borealis), which is new to science.
Wild bees are disappearing from many major agricultural areas across the United States, including California’s Central Valley, the Midwest’s corn belt and the Mississippi River valley. To help examine the problem. University of Vermont (UVM) researchers have created the first national map of bee populations.
Australian blue-banded bees take a heavy metal approach to pollination. A team of researchers recently filmed the bees' headbanging technique, which reportedly maximizes pollen release and allows bees to spend less time pollinating each flower.
A new study from Australian researchers talks about non-bee pollinators that make kiwi, coffee, mangoes, canola and others thrive.

domain: biology


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The Norwegian Mapping Authority's latest newsletter is available
The cooperation between the Norwegian Mapping Authority and Agency for Land Relations and Cadastre of Moldova (ALRC) started almost 10 years ago. We are proud of our joint efforts and delivered result...
The graphical module of Real Estate Cadastre (REC) in Kosovo is implemented
Norwegian model for data and cost sharing presented at UNECE WPLA WORKSHOP in MOSCOW.

domain: news


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Generous donation from Jeff Stibel, including FDA-approved Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technologies, will launch the Stibel Dennett Consortium, creating new center of gravity in brain and cognitive science
Tufts University, together with alumnus Jeff Stibel and his partners, today announced the donation of BrainGate, Inc. (“BrainGate”) and its patented technology to the university. BrainGate is a transformative neurotechnology that uses micro-electrodes implanted in the brain to let humans operate external devices such as computers or robotic arms with just their thought. BrainGate has received an FDA-approved investigational device exemption to conduct human trials of brain-computer interface (BCI) technologies.
The donation of BrainGate will facilitate further research with the goal of developing a new generation of neurotechnologies. In addition, Stibel has donated funds to launch the Stibel Dennett Consortium at the university, forming a research hub in part to further build upon the BrainGate technology and to advance the study of brain and cognitive science.
“BrainGate is a foundational platform for BCI technologies being developed around the world, and I can think of no better place for its advancement than Tufts University,” said Stibel, brain scientist, entrepreneur, former executive chairman of BrainGate, and 1995 graduate of Tufts. “BrainGate is on the cutting edge of cognitive science and implantable brain technology, and it is important to us that it is protected and responsibly developed. I believe this donation will lead to a world in which those afflicted with neurologic disease or serious injury will be able to communicate and control advanced prosthetics by using just their mind. I am thrilled to work with Tufts’ talented researchers, ethicists, and professors to engineer this technology and continue to improve the quality of people’s lives.”
With this donation, Tufts will now explore increased, responsible development and commercialization of BrainGate’s technology, which is recognized as foundational in the implantable brain technology space.
“This donation is transformative for Tufts University and the study of brain and cognitive science,” said Anthony P. Monaco, president of Tufts University. “The formation of the Stibel Dennett Consortium along with the BrainGate technology puts Tufts at the center of global cognitive science and neurotechnology innovation. We are truly grateful for Jeff’s and his partners’ generous gesture and energized by the possibilities that lie ahead.”
As part of the donation, Stibel also endowed two new professorships inspired by his positive undergraduate experience at Tufts, his own extensive expertise in the field of human cognition, and his mentorship by University Professor Daniel Dennett, a renowned philosopher, writer, and cognitive scientist. Professor Gina Kuperberg has been appointed the inaugural Dennett Stibel Professor of Cognitive Science, and Professor Stephanie Badde has been named the Stibel Family Assistant Professor of Brain and Cognitive Science. Kuperberg and Badde plan to build upon the BrainGate technology, exploring a deeper understanding of how the brain processes language as well as how the brain gathers information from human senses to tell our body how to move.
“The BrainGate technology has the potential to restore individuals’ sense of touch and body posture in parts of the body where they’ve lost it. We hope to find out more about how movements and sensory information are connected in the brain, and how to leverage this connection so that one day BrainGate technology will enable patients to use artificial limbs in a naturalistic way,” said Badde.
“The whole concept of decoding brain activity is so fundamentally important, not only for future medical advancements, but for understanding the very nature of the human brain and thought. And we're really on the cutting edge of being able to do that, particularly now with the BrainGate intellectual property,” said Kuperberg.
The Stibel Dennett Consortium will cross university departments and schools, and will serve students, faculty, alumni, and the broader Tufts community. Other faculty members at Tufts plan to explore brain and cognitive science research opportunities related to BrainGate.
“In just one of its potential applications, the BrainGate donation may lead to a deeper understanding of the very nature of human memory,” said Michael Levin, Vannevar Bush Professor of Biology and director of the Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University. “Using this technology to interpret the communication between cells, we could find out how memories are stored and encoded in tissue, and learn to decode them,” Levin continued. “We also could learn how memories can survive remodeling of the tissue, how memories can be moved or copied, and how memories can belong to a unified self.”
For more information, please visit the Stibel Dennett Consortium website.


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My client and I worked on organizational systems for many areas in her home. We organized her spaces using items that she had as well as low cost items from stores such as Target and Bed, Bath & Beyond.
Tip! When you need a product for a certain area, be sure to measure twice and buy once! In this case we needed to pay attention to the pipes under the kitchen and bathroom sinks.

domain: design


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The sale will enable McAfee to become a pure play consumer cybersecurity company
Cybersecurity company McAfee has agreed to divest its enterprise business to a consortium led by private equity firm Symphony Technology Group (STG) in an all-cash deal worth $4bn.
McAfee’s enterprise business offers device-to-cloud cybersecurity solutions.
In the fiscal year 2020, the business earned $1.3bn in net revenue. In the fourth quarter of 2020, the business reported a 5% growth year-over-year at $351m.
The sale is being taken up by McAfee to become a pure play consumer cybersecurity company. Besides, it would help the computer security company cut down its debt by nearly $1bn.
It comes less than six months after McAfee had raised $740m in an initial public offering (IPO) that marked the company’s return to the stock market.
At the closing of the deal, McAfee will retain its brand. The company will continue to focus on providing solutions to protect consumers and being a major provider of personal security for consumers.
McAfee president and CEO Peter Leav said: “STG is the right partner to continue strengthening our Enterprise business, and this outcome is a testament to the business’ industry-leading solutions and most notably to the outstanding contributions of our employees.
“This transaction will allow McAfee to singularly focus on our consumer business and to accelerate our strategy to be a leader in personal security for consumers.”
The enterprise business will be re-branded, which is likely to happen in the coming months, said the company.
Symphony Technology Group managing partner William Chisholm said: “McAfee is one of the most iconic brands in enterprise security and has a reputation for innovation, quality and leadership.
“We are fully committed to driving the business’ strategy to be the leading device-to-cloud cybersecurity company by partnering with McAfee’s existing world-class team to continue delivering exceptional performance to enterprises and government clients globally.”
The deal, which is subject to regulatory approvals and closing conditions, is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
Last year, Symphony Technology Group through a consortium acquired RSA, a cybersecurity and risk management organisation, from Dell Technologies, for about $2bn.


The Democratic Nurses Organisation of South Africa (Denosa) says the linen shortage at the Thelle Mogoerane Hospital in Vosloorus on the East Rand has raised fears of infections in the hospital.
It says hospital linen needs to be changed daily to prevent the spread of infections.
The linen shortage, which affects a number of hospitals, follows a breakdown in the laundry and boiler machines at the Dunswart laundry facility in Boksburg.
The Gauteng Health Department says it hopes that the problem will be sorted by this weekend.
Denosa Ekurhuleni Regional Secretary Lebo Khumalo says they are concerned at the situation, “We are very sad by this thing of shortage of linen because it is a clear indication that there will be a continuous high infection rate because if there is no linen, it then tells us that there is no proper changing of linen. Linen in hospitals should be changed every day so if it’s not changed every day, then it means that infection is not controlled.”
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Shadow Health MP Jack Bloom has called for the Gauteng Department of Health to urgently investigate the after some surgeries were cancelled due to a shortage of clean linen.
Bloom says the incident has had a ripple effect.
“I really think the Gauteng Health Department needs to urgently investigate why there’s a clean linen shortage at the Thelle Mogoerane hospital. It’s causing cancellations of operations, waiting lists are going to get longer and patients don’t have clean linen. It really is very problematic that the state laundry run by the Gauteng Health Department is not providing reliable linen for hospitals,” says Bloom.
The post Denosa decries linen shortage at East Rand hospital appeared first on SABC News – Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa's news leader..


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Nature creates seasons, trees, flowers and life around us.
It is for us to observe what we see! Like this set of three dried up wild flowers near a pond in the Deccan Plateau, India. It posed as a piece of beauty while I was trekking through with the students of our Environment Club 'Prakriti'.
Nature is truly boundless in its beauty!

domain: artistic


The Bowie County Sheriff’s Office reports that a suspect in a Sunday morning assault in Redwater, Texas is in custody. Dakoda Dodd, 22, was the subject of a manhunt on Sunday in the area of Red Oak Road and FM 3098.
Law enforcement personnel from multiple agencies including the Bowie County Sheriff’s Office, Texas D.P.S., and Officers from the T.D.C.J. Telford Unit actively searched the area for Dodd with the use of manpower, helicopter, and dogs. Dodd was taken into custody a little after 1:00 p.m.
Reports are that Dodd was wanted for assaulting his mother. Some reports are that she was severely beaten, some news outlets report that the woman may have been assaulted with a baseball bat.
The victim was flown to a hospital in Shreveport, Louisiana and her condition is unknown at this time.


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An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock (
A locked padlock
) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
This webinar “discussed the current research and best practices related to the successful management and treatment of women in the criminal justice
"As criminal justice practitioners, we need to understand that the issues facing women veterans in the justice system may be complex as a result of
"The Guide is designed to assist corrections professionals in revising discipline and sanctions policies and practices to more effectively manage w
"The purpose of this Guide is to prepare and assist VSPs [victim service providers) to become part of an EBDM [Evidence-Based Decision Making] poli
The symposium highlighted promising law enforcement, prosecutorial, and judicial interventions at the pretrial stage and promoted dialogue among ju

domain: law


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If you are having a problem getting the car that you need, buying a used car can be the solution. Used auto sales Indianapolis buyers have found at the right used car dealer can get you into the car that you need.
The average used car has about 3 owners across its lifetime. You could be one of them. Many people have found the reliable transportation that they need by buying a used car at a trusted buy here pay here lot. It works for their credit, their budget, and puts them in a reliable vehicle that gets them where they need to go and that they enjoy driving.
Bad Credit Is Understood
One of the best reasons to consider a used car dealer that offers buy here pay here arrangements is because they understand good people sometimes make bad credit choices. At the right dealership, your credit score does not define your ability to get low-cost cars and the financing that you need to make the purchase.
You do not need perfect credit to get a used car that is safe, reliable, and fun to drive at the right used auto sales dealer. Your credit score should not be keeping you from getting the high-quality pre-owned vehicle that you need to live your life comfortably.
At the right dealership you will be able to find the car, truck or van that fits your lifestyle and budget perfectly. A lot of people are surprised to find exactly what they are looking for in their price range at a buy here pay here dealer. They are also surprised to learn that they can get financed for the vehicle that they want.
Don’t mistake the idea of buy here pay here with limited inventory or having to settle for a used car that you really do not want. When you shop at the right used car dealer you will find a wide range of inventory that can meet a wide range of transportation needs.
What Are You Waiting For?
Regardless of your credit problems, there is a vehicle waiting for you. The time to act is now. Buying a used car with buy here pay here terms is exactly what you have been looking for.
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domain: finance


Unified Communications… Creating an efficient unified communications system is something that most business owners have only dreamed about. In fact, a large percentage of small and medium-sized business owners are still using a landline based communication system, which doesn’t allow for the creation of a unified communications system. However, now that VoIP technology is affordable and thus accessible to any business owner, these landline using businesses are finally beginning to make this essential communication upgrade. Now they’ll have access to the communication technology that will allow them to create an efficient unified communications system, and specifically for their type of company.
Real Time Communications
This is very exciting news! The business world we live in today is one that’s very fast paced, which makes real time communications more important than ever. The ability for business associates to communicate with each other instantly is proving to be very beneficial these days, giving business owners the ability to work more productively than ever.
Once a business’s communication platform is updated to one that can now support VoIP technology, the addition of SIP trunks can now also be installed, which is going to help simplify the new and exciting communication processes that will lead to an efficient business communication system.
SIP Trunk Service
As more and more business owners continue to sign up for high-tech VoIP services, they’re looking into other communication options, too. SIP trunking services is one of the more popular choices, purely because SIP trunks can be used to join both voice and data into one single core place, which helps to keep everything very organized. And organization can often lead to higher efficiency, which is very important in today’s highly competitive world of business.
SIP trunking services also allows a business owner to create a mobile workforce, as well as gives the ability to transfer data and/or voice much more safely and securely. SIP trunking services will only continue to improve as time goes on, with predictions now telling us that within the next 2 years, a whopping 5 times as many business owners will now be using SIP trunking services (compared to those who are using SIP trunks today).
SIP Trunk Advantages
Firstly, the idea of real time communications is a topic that every business owner can get excited about. The sheer idea of being able to communicate anytime and anywhere is seen as a definite time saver, which can help lead to overall business efficiency. Additionally, the high majority of business owners can also expect to save money due to the fact that phone calls are now made using an IP connection, which will allow them to see a much faster return on their communication investment.
Those who are currently reselling a SIP trunk service are finding that they’re not only providing their customers with the essential communication options they need, they’re also providing them with communication services that will help them better compete, and that’s really important in today’s business world.
As of right now, about 45% of small and medium-sized business owners still need to upgrade their communication system to one that can now support VoIP technology. This means that the 55% are already enjoying the many benefits that VoIP technology and SIP trunking services can offer, and thus have quite the edge when it comes to efficient communications.
Want to Resell SIP Trunks?
If you’ve been thinking about reselling VoIP technology and/or SIP trunking services, then know that sooner or later business owners are going to be looking for you. They’re beginning to see the many communication benefits that VoIP using businesses are experiencing, and they want to experience these communication benefits, too.
So if you think you would like to resell SIP trunks so you can help business owners create the unified communication system they’ve always dreamed of, don’t hesitate to contact us today for more information.
Image courtesy of Master isolated images/FreeDigitalPhotos.net


text:
Our Community Cup meets each Friday in Boggs Hall. All are welcome, but it is specifically designed as a communal space for young adults and adults with disabilities and their families and caregivers. It’s a place to build friendships and just have a fun night out. Each week there is food, fun and great live music. Doors open at 5:30. Dinner is served around 6. At 7 p.m. there is either a sing-along or an opening act. At 7:30 the headline group performs. Our Community Cup is a joint program with New Avenue Foundation, a non-profit for people with disabilities and their families. To find out who’s playing at Our Community Cup this week, go to www.ourcommunitycup.com.
Read More About Our Community Cup Coffeehouse

domain: sociology


text: Welcome to Audiko.net! Just download a free Undertale ringtones for your iPhone or mobile. Scope out your favorite moment from your favorite video - Undertale, 'Death Due To-Marrow' - Undertale: Megalovania Remix by Retr, Undertale: Your Best Friend?, or any other track. You are welcome to download your tone both in the MP3 and m4a formats, supported by both mobile phones and iPhones. Just select a track, and choose free Undertale ringtones download option.

domain: entertainment


text:
Manchester United have this afternoon confirmed the news that Ashley Young has put pen to paper on a contract extension with the club.
33-year-old Young has been on the books of the Red Devils since the summer of 2011, when he made the move to Old Trafford from Aston Villa.
And the English international has since gone on to develop into a solid squad player in Manchester, with his surprise conversion from a winger to a full-back having seen Young manage to prolong his career at the top-level.
To this point in the current campaign, the veteran has racked up 25 appearances across all competitions, including starts in 18 of United’s 26 Premier League outings.
All told, he has appeared on an impressive 227 occasions for the Red Devils. Young is also one of only five players on United’s books to have won a league title with the club.
Young staying put
And, as per the aforementioned announcement on the part of the Manchester giants this afternoon, Young has today been rewarded for his loyalty and continued hard work with a contract extension.
The stopper has put pen to paper on a one-year renewal, set to keep him at Old Trafford until the end of next season:
✍ Ashley Young has signed a one-year extension to his contract with #MUFC.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 11, 2019
Exciting times ahead for this club and I feel proud to continue to be a part of it. 👹🤘🏾 pic.twitter.com/Jya4UrYWis
— Ashley Young (@youngy18) February 11, 2019

domain: sports


The Control Systems Team is an Integrated Project Team (IPT), which is part of the Electronics Department. The members are responsible for the design, implementation and testing of control algorithms that allow the rocket to automatically perform actions needed for a successful mission.
Our main activities include modeling the systems under control, identifying parameters of interest and using such models to code control algorithms. After an algorithm is developed, we test it extensively to ensure good performances for every operating condition of the system, both in real-life tests and in simulations, thanks to a hardware-on-the-loop pipeline.
Navigation and attitude system
The Navigation and Attitude System is the algorithm responsible for the on-board estimation of the rocket position, velocity and attitude.
The algorithm fuses together the information of many different sensors, such as IMU, GPS, barometers, pitot tube, and fuses it while minimizing the effect of noises and disturbances.
The NAS algorithm is also responsible for the on-board determination of operating conditions, flight phases, and main rocket’s events, such as apogee detection, parachute deployment and landing.
The algorithm is based on a Multiplicative Extended Kalman Filter, designed on MATLAB and tested directly on the on-board software.
Air Brakes Control System
The Air Brakes Control System is the algorithm that controls the extension of the air brakes with the aim of reaching the target apogee as precisely as possible.
Offline, a set of trajectories of the rocket that reaches the target altitude are computed accounting for differences in initial conditions and air brakes opening.
During the flight, the control algorithm chooses the optimal one and tries to follow it, controlling the exposed area of the air brakes, and therefore the vertical velocity and position of the rocket.
Parafoil Guidance Navigation and Control System
The Pyxis’ payload will consist of a Payload-Homing system, capable of landing in a target zone.
To control the Homing system a Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) algorithm is needed. The GNC system is divided in 3 subsystems:
The Navigation subsystem is responsible for the estimation of the payload’s position, velocity and attitude. It’s based on a Kalman Filter that fuses the a priori information given by the mathematical model of the parafoil, and the measures of the sensors in the payload electronics.
Given the states of the payload, the Guidance subsystem computes the optimal trajectory and set of maneuvers which lead to landing in a safe target area, while avoiding prohibited zones.
The Control subsystem minimizes the difference between the actual trajectory of the payload and the optimal trajectory, by controlling the parafoil asset through control lanyards pulled by two servo motors. The control algorithm chooses the lanyard’s length while accounting for external disturbances such wind and measurement uncertainties.
Battery management system
The Battery management system (BMS) is an algorithm that manages the LiPo battery used to power the rocket’s electronics.
The main goal is to protect the battery from working outside its safe operating conditions, while estimating its State of Charge. This algorithm allows the optimization of the battery weight and avoids possible hazards during the mission.


text:
Book your room at Punta Regina
Standard Double RoomMax Occupancy: 3 guests (up to 2 children, 2 infants)
Superior Double Room, 1 King Bed, Sea ViewMax Occupancy: 3 guests (up to 2 children, 1 infant)
Deluxe Double Room, Sea ViewMax Occupancy: 3 guests (up to 2 children, 2 infants)
Suite, Terrace, Sea ViewMax Occupancy: 3 guests (up to 2 children, 2 infants)
4-star hotel in Positano near Church of Santa Maria Assunta
Located in the heart of Positano, this hotel is within walking distance of Fornillo and Church of Santa Maria Assunta. Also nearby are Spiaggia Grande and Marina Longa of Tordigliano.
In addition to complimentary wireless Internet access, Punta Regina provides massage/treatment rooms, a porter/bellhop, and limo/town car service.
In addition to plasma televisions with satellite channels, guestrooms include complimentary wireless Internet access. Bathrooms come with rainfall showerheads and bidets.Information missing or incorrect? Tell us!
Public areas are equipped with complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access. This 4-star property offers access to limo/town car service and meeting rooms. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast. This Positano hotel also offers a terrace, tour/ticket assistance, and multilingual staff. A total renovation of this property was completed in January 2012.
Punta Regina has designated areas for smoking.
- Year Built 1960
- Designated smoking areas
- Laundry facilities
- Total number of rooms - 18
- Number of floors - 4
- Luggage storage
- Offsite parking reservations required
- 24-hour front desk
- Babysitting or childcare
- Free! Free breakfast
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Express check-in
- Express check-out
- Airport transportation
- Tours/ticket assistance
- Limo or Town Car service available
- Spa treatment room(s)
- Meeting rooms
- Multilingual staff
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Television in lobby
- Wedding services
- Free! Free Wi-Fi
Available in all rooms: Free! Free Wi-Fi , Free! Free wired high-speed Internet
Available in some public areas: Free! Free Wi-Fi
Offsite parking reservations required
- Free! Free Wi-Fi
- Plasma TV
- Rainfall showerhead
- Hypo-allergenic bedding available
- Climate control
- Air conditioning
- Daily housekeeping
- Private bathroom
- Free! Complimentary toiletries
- Hair dryer
- In-room massage available
- Shower/tub combination
- Satellite TV service
- In-room safe
- Sofa bed
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Free! Free wired high-speed Internet
Where to Eat
Guests are offered a complimentary buffet breakfast.
Nearby Things to Do
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.
- Windsurfing nearby
- Water skiing nearby
- Scooter/moped rentals nearby
- Mountain biking nearby
- Bicycle rentals nearby
- Hiking/biking trails nearby
- Personal motorized watercraft on site
- Sailing on site
Check-in time starts at 3 PM
Check-out time is noon
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on hotel policy.
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
- Valet parking fee: EUR 25 per day
We should mention
Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed EUR 999.99, due to national regulations. For further details, please contact the property using information in the booking confirmation.

domain: travel


text:
The Kuelscheier is a narrow, pitch-dark rock crevice in the Luxembourg sandstone. It runs over a distance of about 100 metres parallel to the valley of the Härdbaach stream. The nearby Rittergang and the Déiwepëtz are also such crevices. They opened up because huge blocks of rock along fissures detached from the rock face and slipped a little way down the valley.
Opposite the Kuelscheier, groundwater gushes out at one of the region’s numerous springs. It is fed by water that seeped away as rainwater on the plateau. The water that has seeped away collects at the base of the sandstone and flows over clayey marl strata to the springs.

domain: geography


- Knit cardigan
- Lightweight and textural
- Front draping
- Pairs nicely with the Perfect Tank or Promenade Top
- Cinnabar pairs nicely with Sandshell and Cinnabar, Sky Pairs nicely with Paper White and Sky
MATERIAL & CARE
Hand wash cold separately, do not bleach, do not twist or wring, reshape and lay flat to dry, cool iron if necessary.
65% Cotton 33% Rayon 2% Polyester


text:
Robert Alter's Narrative style
Here is the passage from Alter which I chose then to demonstrate his narrative style. Gen. 2:4- 7.
- On the day the Lord God made earth and heavens, no shrub of the field being yet on the earth and no plant of the field yet sprouted, for the Lord God had not caused rain to fall on the earth and there was no human to till the soil, and wetness would well from the earth to water all the surface of the soil, then the Lord God fashioned the human, humus from the soil, and blew into his nostrils the breath of life, and the human became a living creature.
When Alter uses alliteration and rhythm and imagery in his translation, he is not catering to the elite. Literary devices are not the exclusive domain of the educated class. Their identification and labeling might be, but an aesthetic appreciation of rhyme and rhythm is one of the first things that a child acquires in learning language.
When I read the text above, it felt natural and flowing as if the consonants were used as colours and chosen deliberately as they so often are in Hebrew. Alliteration is part of the nature and essence of the original text, not a peripheral characteristic.
Another innovation in this text is the use of 'human' as a noun. I mentioned this to a friend a few days ago, and she responded vehemently that 'human' could not be used as a noun. She is over 80 years old and so I have to ask you if this is acceptable today or not.
In the Concise Oxford Dictionary 'human' is listed as a noun and is synonymous with a 'human being'. In various internet dictionaries, some list it as an adjective only and others as a noun.
My own rationale for wanting to use the term human, or possibly human being, are as follows.
In many languages including Hebrew, Greek, Latin and German for starters, there is a word for man and a word for woman and another word for human. If English does not have a word for human then things get tricky.
In Genesis Adam אָדָם is the name of the first human. The English word 'man' came along at some later date, let's not worry about it. Adam, however, had a name which suggests that he was taken from the ground, adamah אֲדָמָה. So let us understand that the nature of the human is that he is gathered from the ground and she is of composed of compost. That is meaning of the word. (the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. Eccl. 12:7)
It is true that a woman can understand the generic 'man' of the King James Bible and other literature belonging to our culture. A woman does not want to speak up and say that she would like to have the dumbed-downed version. So a woman will read what is there to read. But how should a woman write?
Can a woman write about how one must love their 'fellow man' and keep a straight face. Or would she feel hampered by the ambiguity and end up feeling ridiculous?
A woman might more easily write about her fellow human being, a human, a person, a friend. And is that a cultural agenda or clarity, plain and simple?
(Does she look to google for permission? I think not! However, I am used to great google tiffs and once started one myself with the microsoft keyboard guy. I didn't enter the comment zone on google results today but I have played those games before.)
Back to language and agendas. If we can't introduce a new form of expression into our language then we can't translate the Bible into English at all. After all, English did not exist in its present form when the scriptures were written. We either come to a full stop or we keep moving.

domain: literature


text:
Recently launched Gaijin Gaming Brothers is a site that aims to provide English speakers in Japan with information about Super Smash Brothers events across the country. Gaijin Gaming Brothers (GGB for short) compiles information from several different Japanese resources online, translates it, and publishes it in English on a single, easy-to-reference web platform.
How it all started
Started towards the end of 2018 by four expat gamers, GGB was born from a relatively common frustration among expats living in Japan—the lack of English-language resources for foreigners without little Japanese ability, but who still want to engage with locals who share their hobbies and interests. In the case of players of the Super Smash Brothers series of games, the situation is largely the same—information on events in Japan, ranging from local friendlies to national tournaments, is almost entirely in Japanese and shared across a rather eclectic variety of niche websites, social media posts, and chat rooms. None of it is especially easy to find using search engines, and all of it comes across as quite daunting to keep track of for all but the most advanced Japanese-language speakers.
GGB’s chief aim is to help other English-speaking gamers overcome this language barrier and experience the Japanese Smash scene for themselves. Whether you’re a fellow expat looking to connect with local players or a short-term visitor that just wants to participate in a friendly meet-up while on vacation, you’re sure to find the website handy.
As GGB becomes better known within the Japanese Smash community, they plan to expand their operations by working directly with local tournament organizers to keep up to date on the details of future events, organize and host their own (English and Japanese friendly) events within Tokyo, help bridge the communication gap between the pro Smash scenes in Japan and overseas, and find other ways of supporting gamers who need a helping hand while in the country.
The Super Smash phenomenon
Super Smash Brothers is a series of fighting games that started out on the N64 and has been updated/redone for every consecutive Nintendo game system that has been released. Unlike most other fighting games which are won by depleting your opponent’s health bar to zero, in Super Smash Brothers you must successfully “smash” your opponent off the stage in order to win (a very novel victory mechanic for 1990s fighting games, and one which was originally based on sumo wrestling).
Every version of the game has sold more than 5 million copies each.
Enter Super Smash Brothers Ultimate ( スマブラ SP (Sumabura SP) as it’s known in Japan). In the first month of its release alone, it sold more than 2.5 million copies in Japan and to this day its sales are steadily increasing. Along with this popularity, there has been a surge in the popularity of in-person Smash tournaments and events.
Cheap events to induldge your inner competitive gamer
There have been nearly a dozen Smash events or tournaments in Tokyo alone in just the first half of January 2019. While occasionally events are completely free, most of them will charge an entry fee of about ¥1,000 (with the most expensive being up to ¥2,000) and generally last four to six hours. If you’re really hurting for cash and that’s still too much, they generally offer discounts for students and/or anyone who is willing to provides their own Nintendo Switch console for tournament/event use.
So what do you get for that entry fee? Well, while they all offer a pretty much unlimited amount of “free play” (competitive, but unofficial “friendly” games against other players there), every event is a bit different. Some offer snacks, free Red Bull, or sometimes special meal/drink plans depending on the venue. All of them give Tokyo residents and tourists alike a chance to practice their conversational Japanese on a topic they enjoy, and all of them have easily approachable “regulars” who are more than happy to play Smash with someone new.
So do I just show up or…?
For some events you can just show up, but that’s not the norm. For the big tournaments like Umebura (check out this montage video of the December Umebura tournament), sign-ups generally end a few days before the tournament so the tournament organizers can set up the brackets and such. Smaller events can have sign-ups open until 30 minutes before the official start time.
Smash.gg has the most English-friendly registration forms, while the Kokuch websites and Twipla are both very Japanese-heavy (if you need any help there, Gaijin Gaming Bros has instructions on its site to walk you through these different registration forms). In almost all cases, you will pay the entry/registration fee at the venue and receive a name card to wear while attending the tournament.
Dems da rules
The rules and etiquette are pretty common sense at these events. Wear your nametag in the venue so they know you paid, don’t be loud/obnoxious, don’t break anything, etc. Generally bringing your own food/drink is totally okay provided that 1) it’s not smelly and 2) you bring your trash home with you. Of course, if the event is at a bar or izakaya, they’re not gonna be cool with you bringing in a 9% chuhai to sip on.
Also you almost definitely have to bring your own controller (GameCube controllers are the norm, but Switch Pro controllers are usually fine too), so don’t forget to pack one before you head to an event.
To start a match against someone, simply find an open Switch console, plug in your controller, and yell かかってこい！ (kakatte koi, “Bring it on!”) at anyone nearby—just kidding, please don’t do that. It’s best to head to a console where people are playing already and, after the match, ask if you can play next. Most players have some English ability, but if you want to try in Japanese you can ask 次のゲームしてもいいですか？ (tsugi no geemu shite mo iidesuka?, “Can I play the next game?”). And if you need to set up a profile with your own controls, don’t worry—Japanese players tend to be extremely polite and patient. The gloves come off once the match starts though—good luck!
Which event is right for me?
Depends on what you’re looking for! The bigger tournaments aren’t very regular (maybe once every couple of months), but one of the most popular ones in Tokyo is Umebura. At their last tournament there were over 500 people signed up! If you’re looking for something a little smaller to start off, the Weekly Smash Party in Nakano is the way to go.
For more specific information, either do some research on GGB’s website or reach to them on Twitter @GGBJapan. Happy smashing!

domain: hobby


text:
Just weeks after Keir Starmer pledged a comprehensive programme of redistribution and green investment, it’s all in ruins thanks to Kwasi Kwarteng’s Budget. That’s what the right-wing press wants us to believe.
As Jeremy Hunt plans “eye-watering” cuts all that Labour can do – once it comes to power – is stick with austerity 2.0. No matter that the last round of cuts has been linked to more than 330,000 excess deaths. “Get used to it” is the refrain from the economics gurus who once egged George Osborne on to slash spending.
But it’s nonsense. Labour will, of course, need to establish its fiscal credibility. More than that, it will need to do what the Tories cannot – show investors it has a credible, long-term growth model. But the fiscal dynamics – two weeks out from Hunt’s fiscal statement on 31 October – are no cause to abandon Labour’s programme of investment-led growth.
If, after the reversal of Kwarteng’s tax cuts, there is a £40bn hole in the public finances, we need to understand what creates that “hole”. It is simply the date by which the government is aiming to reduce debt as a share of GDP. As chancellor, Rishi Sunak established four statutory targets: to balance the current budget by the third year of the rolling forecast period; to reduce debt as a share of GDP over the same period; to limit investment spending to 3 per cent of GDP; and to set a predetermined cap on welfare spending.
The bond markets did not rebel against Kwarteng for ignoring these rules – though that’s what his budget implicitly did. They saw a government that had lost control of inflation, that had no coherent growth story, and which looked prepared to offload its responsibility for maintaining financial stability to the Bank of England, whose capacity to do so was diminishing. Above all, in a world economy that is rapidly deglobalising and afflicted by high energy prices, they saw the UK as the weakest link. An economy whose trade is falling, whose currency has lost a third of its value against the dollar and where investment is flatlining – all due to Brexit and the hardness of the economic break with Europe.
But not only is there room for Labour to manoeuvre out of the trap set by Hunt, it is essential for the well-being of millions of people that the shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves sticks to her policy of investment-led, green growth.
We need to understand what’s happening as the institutions and rules established during the neoliberal era clash with the reality of energy warfare, the climate crisis and deglobalisation. After the 2008 financial crisis, policymakers kept the system alive through the twin life-support systems of higher government debt and cheaper money – but we still had choices. The Conservatives’ choice was to provoke stagnation: first through the austerity imposed by Osborne, then by driving us into the cul-de-sac of hard Brexit.
In the meantime, the UK’s entire business model had become attuned to negative real interest rates. Every new branch of Joe & the Juice, every WeWork, every dark kitchen with bicycle couriers buzzing around the entrance was fuelled by ultra-cheap money. Then the music stopped. To counter double-digit inflation, central banks are obliged by their own rules to hike interest rates. As inflation erodes the value of savings, the people managing those savings – the big pension funds – demand a higher interest rate on lending to the government. And if they see the government actually stoking inflation, by borrowing money to give away to rich people, they call a halt – as they did with Truss.
In the process they revealed where power really lies in an economy such as ours. In the neoliberal era, the great taboo has been “fiscal dominance” – the idea that elected governments should override independent central banks in setting policy priorities. What really happened last week was down to “financial dominance”. The bond markets forced the Bank of England to bail them out, and the Bank then forced the government to reverse its entire fiscal policy by setting a time limit on its bailout.
No amount of schadenfreude at the zombification of the Truss government should deflect from this fact: the markets – which simply represent the self-interest of the owners of capital – took control of the central bank and the central bank took control of the government.
As the UWE Bristol economist Carolyn Sissoko points out, there are long-term structural solutions to financial dominance: forcing the banks to accept state ownership in the event of a wipeout triggered by financial turbulence and removing the need for repeated central bank bailouts.
In the short term, however, Labour needs clear fiscal and monetary solutions. Reeves has set out the principles behind the party’s approach: borrow only to invest, tax to raise money for higher day-to-day spending. Labour’s commitment to spend £28bn a year on the green transition, alongside a statutory industrial strategy and reforms aimed at raising real wages offers a clear path to sustainable growth.
But to complete the picture, we need to junk Sunak’s fiscal rules. The keyword in the current charter is “intergenerational justice”. Sunak was obsessed with forcing today’s taxpayers to meet the cost of decarbonisation. He stated, as a matter of principle, that the government should not borrow to invest in green energy. That’s why he capped investment at 3 per cent of GDP.
If we scrap that rule, and lengthen the time over which the current deficit is balanced from three years to five years, research by economists Rob Jump and Jo Michell shows there is no substantial change in the moment debt peaks as a percentage of GDP. And that’s before you model the effect of Labour’s proposed reforms to the supply side of the economy – the multiplier effects of investment in wind, nuclear, transport infrastructure and housing. Done right, a basic Keynesian investment programme would boost growth and reduce deficits faster than austerity.
This is the essential argument that the left has tried to win since the days of Osborne’s chancellorship. Kwarteng proved that the UK cannot, under conditions of financial dominance and hard Brexit, claw its way out of stagnation through tax cuts alone. The left must now win the argument against austerity 2.0, by showing – through theory, modelling and the best practice of foreign governments – that an investment-led approach is essential.
A new Charter for Fiscal Responsibility should replace Sunak’s three-year targets with five years; lift the cap on investment; and remove the weasel-worded principle of intergenerational justice. What it prescribes is social injustice for today’s poor and climate chaos for the people of tomorrow.

domain: politics


text:
Received Date: March 02, 2015; Accepted Date: March 30, 2015; Published Date: April 07, 2015
Citation: Verulava T, Sibashvili N (2015) Accessebility to Psychiatric Services in Georgia. J Psychiatry 18: 278. doi: 10.4172/Psychiatry.1000278
Copyright: © 2015 Verulava T, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited
Visit for more related articles at Journal of Psychiatry
Background: Heavy socio-economic condition and military conflicts negatively affected mental health condition of the population in recent years in Georgia. Eventually, prevalence of mental disorders has increased. Despite the fact that allocation of funds for state program on mental health has been annually increasing, it is still quite low and amounts only 2,11% of the total expenses on health care (2012). Scarcity of resources is also preconditioned by low development of relatively cost-effective, out-of-hospital, community-based mental health services in the country.
The purpose of survey is to study accessibility to mental health services in Georgia, to identify gaps existing in mental health state program.
Methodology: Within the qualitative study the in-depth interviews were conducted among the managers of medical institutions and medical personnel. Face-to-face interviews using specially designed questionnaire were conducted among mental health state program beneficiaries as part of the quantitative research.
Findings and discussion: under-funding of the mental health programs negatively affects patients' health. A large number of patients, who do not require inpatient psychiatric care, remain in psychiatric institutions due to lack of development of out-patient, community based mental health services; while many of those discharged from hospitals often return there because of re-hospitalization needs. The problem is further aggravated by the lack of professional personnel, unequal distribution of services throughout the country's territory, fewer outpatient psychiatric services development, and difficulties in ensuring the proper material-technical capacity, equipment and finances.
Conclusion: For the development of mental health sphere it is necessary to elaborate effective funding mechanism, which will be tailored to the needs of patients; to enhance knowledge and skills of specialists in the field and their appropriate level of compensation; to facilitate the development of psychosocial rehabilitation centers, shelters and other services in the country; to expand the state programs over a non-psychiatric diagnosis and treatment; to change the public attitude towards the patients and to reduce stigma.
Health care; Georgia; Financial accessibility; Mental health; Mental disorders
International human rights instruments impose obligation over the government towards persons with mental disabilities. Since 2007, new edition of the law of Georgia on "Mental health care" is in force which has greatly contributed to establishment of high standard of patients' rights, to develop recommendations for mental health policy; the inevitable need for de-institutionalization of mental health services has been conceived. It’s on the agenda to create balanced and differentiated services at the level of first aid: social, community-based centers, general hospitals .
Psychiatric spread of disease
In Georgia in recent years, the heavy socio-economic situation and the military conflicts have negative affected mental health of the population. According to official statistics, since 1992 Georgia the prevalence of mental disorders has increased. In 2012, 78 296 people are registered mental or behavioral disorders, prevalence rate of inhabitants of 1743.5 per 100 thousand, 4075 new cases (incidence rate per 100,000 population - 90.7), including children - 183 (incidence rate - 24.0). (NCDC. 2013).
Official statistical data about mental disorders is not precise and this number may be larger than the registered patients. According to experts, prevalence of mental disorders outnumbers the official data at least twice (Ministry of Health. 2010, p. 3). This is caused by the incomplete registration system and also, also the social stigma. Patients and their relatives avoid placement at the hospitals and often resort to self-treatment or apply not psychiatrists, but also physicians, neuropathologists and psychologists, who are less qualified in diagnosing these diseases and in some cases do not send the patient to a psychiatrist (the Ministry of Health. 2010, p. 31). For its part, the mental health program often cannot ensure their needs, due to which medical referral services is very low. The law on "psychiatric care", adopted in 1995 greatly contributed to this according to which patients were given the freedom to choose and the right to refuse to registration (Ministry of Health. 2010, p. 31).
The mental healthcare system and delivered services essentially depend on the number and qualifications of the medical staff working in the network. In Georgia in 2000-2011 the number of psychiatrists decreased by 30%. In 2011, this figure was 1.6 per 1,000 people which is 0.7 points less than the minimum standard set by the World Health Organization's (at least 2.3 health workers per 1000 capita.) (NCDC. 2013. p. 51). Studies confirm that the level of knowledge and use of contemporary approaches, qualifications of professionals is not relevant; professional staff mainly consists of doctor-psychiatrists, psychologists and nurses; there are practically no social workers, occupational therapists, psychotherapists, community workers, family physicians (the Ministry of Health. 2010).
Infrastructure, bed fund
For many years, mental health services in the Georgia were characterized by a low quality, an redundancy of obsolete institutions, and inefficient infrastructure, with extreme low volume of the prevention, social integration and rehabilitation services (the Ministry of Health. 2010).
The main problem was the low development of outpatient services, leaving a large number of patients in psychiatric institutions not requiring inpatient psychiatric care, while discharged patients returning to the hospital soon after in need of re-hospitalization.
In 2000-2011 years the number of professional hospital beds ranged from1199 to 1408, i.e. increased by 17.4%. By 2007, 1,235 psychiatric beds were loaded with an average of 327 days per year (NCDC. 2013. p. 51). In Georgia, where community-based mental health services are not developed, the ratio of beds and population (28.1 beds per hundred thousand inhabitants) is rather low compared to other European countries (the Ministry of Health. 2010).
Diagram № 3. Psychiatric bed fund. Georgia. 2000-2011
In 2010, a new national program was developed for the hospital sector restructuring: "100 new hospitals", which provided:
• The need for integrated services and the closure of the old psychiatric hospitals;
• Treatment of acute psychiatric departments in multi-profile clinics;
• Establishment of several long-term care homes (shelter).
In summer of 2011 the first phase of fundamental reform was planned, which intended to establish services in Tbilisi. In-patient service was divided into two:
1. Short-term inpatient services which implies relief of current condition of acute psychotic symptoms;
2. Long-term inpatient services which include continuation of treatment after short-term in-patient aid or treatment of patients who cannot be subject to in-patient treatment due to severe psycho-social functioning disorder.
Reform of general hospitals considers creation of a new infrastructure, in particular the establishment of an acute medical units, as well as the units for men and women (sections mixed character), which is a completely new concept of traditional psychiatry and did not exist in Georgia until now. Centers should be set up for patients with chronic mental diseases. In 2011 three hospital departments for adults and children were open (total 40 beds), as well as a research institute of acute and chronic patients, which merged several Neurological Dispensary; Crisis Intervention daycare Center with several beds and mobile groups was opened.
Working Group on reform proposed to create the so-called service of “Protected Living Environment” at Rustavi mental health center and a research institute. It considered medical services to the patients, who are homeless, or due to limited social skills cannot live independently, or family members avoid co-living with them. Because of this, they actually spend their lives in psychiatric hospitals and longterm care centers. At this stage it was impossible to introduce housing service and its development was postponed. It should be noted that the psychiatric centers were restored throughout the country. Repair works were carried out and in Kutaisi and Tbilisi and Batumi (Khelvachauri) long-term care units were opened, which were originally conceived as a residence places .
In the last decades the share of public spending in health care has significantly increased. Health care costs are increasing in parallel with the growth of the state budget expenditure for both outpatient and inpatient psychiatric services. In 2006-2012 years, the rate almost grew 2.4-times. Despite the growth, the expenses for mental health spending is 2,11% of the total healthcare spending. (Coalition of Mental Health, 2011). For comparison, the share of mental health expenditure in France is 5% of overall healthcare expenses, in the USA - 6%, Australia - 6.5%, Chile - 4.1% (World Health Organization, 2012).
Mental health State program ensures the long-term mental health counseling, medical treatment, medicines. State Mental Health Program envisages funding of 840 GEL for emergency medical case and for chronic patients - 450 Gel vouchers per month for hospitalization. The amount spent per patient per month in outpatient clinics (drugs, personnel, utility costs) on average is 10-15 GEL.
Mental health service under the state program is fully compensated by the state, except inpatient care of mental and behavioral disorders caused by psychoactive substances. In-patient care for mental and behavioral disorders caused by psychoactive substances is reimbursed by the state by 70%, except for alcohol intoxication, which is paid in full (SSA, 2014).
The methodological basis of research is the review of problem in scientific papers concerning the mental health state programs, online editions, Center for Disease Control and Public Health Statistical Yearbook, National Reports.
The study included a qualitative component. The qualitative study was to identify problems related to mental health services. The qualitative component included in-depth interview with the representatives of mental health center and the parents of beneficiaries of the state healthcare program. The main study areas included: the financial access to mental health services, the hospital placement of the patients who do not require inpatient medical services, implementation and mental health state program, their vision in order to improve mental the state programs and the attitude of beneficiaries’ parents towards the program. Qualitative study was carried out in April-May 2014, in-depth interview with the duration of approximately 2 hours.
According to the representatives of medical institution, the number of patients with mental health problems is increasing annually; correspondingly, the state funding for mental health does not cover their needs. Due to lack of funding, less expensive and less new generation of medicines are used. The patients are given low cost older drugs not sufficient for the whole month, but only 15 days' supply. As a result, the patient is forced to buy the remaining days' supply of medications. This negatively affects the treatment outcomes. Poor treatment increases the frequency of exacerbations of the disease. According to experts, the financing scheme is not favorable neither for medical service providers nor for beneficiaries. After the state funding limit (single voucher for 840 GEL) for treatment of a patient with acute psychosis is used the medical institution tries to get rid of the patient, or the patient is transferred for the treatment of short and long term care that gives patient possibility for continuation of the treatment (Table 1).
|Outpatient service||Psychiatric outpatient service||2 000 000||2,397.442||2,579.3||2,597.232||2,833.6||2,855|
|Psycho-social rehabilitation||50 000||70 100||70.100||70.100||70.100||70.100|
|Children’s psychiatric care||145 500||151.0|
|Total||1 200 000||2 050 000||2,467.542||2,649.4||2,667.3||3,049.20||3,076.1|
|Inpatient care||Adult inpatient psychiatric care||6,933.780||6,933.8||7,170.20||8,072|
|Children’s inpatient psychiatric care||100.688||151.032||125.5|
|Emergency inpatient service for patients with psychosis||45.0||45.0||45.0||45.0|
|Inpatient service for Mental and behavioral disorders caused by Psychoactive substance||48.000||144.000||144.000||147.0|
|Total||3 750 000||4,900.0||5,882.558||7,127.5||7,273.8||7,484.70|
|Psychiatric crisis intervention||Total||236.100|
|Budget total||4 950 000||6 950 000||8,350.100||9,794.8||9,941.144||10,770.000||11,860|
Source: Mental Health Coalition. Development and piloting of outpatient mental health community-based service model in Georgia, 2011.
Table 1: Public spending for Psychiatric services, Georgia. In 2007-2012 years.
There are cases when number of clinics avoids covering treatment expenses themselves and discharging a patient even with acute or nonstable psychotic condition. Also the amount allocated for outpatient care per patient is very low on average of 10-15 GEL per day (it includes all expenses: food, utilities, staff salaries, clothing, hygiene costs, etc.). Very scarce funding makes it practically impossible to provide the rehabilitation course. Obviously, in such a situation it is impossible to provide a full service and the patients cannot receive expensive rehabilitation course. Medical institution is forced to deliver only small scale rehabilitation course to patients (Figures 1-3).
Often, the medical institution has to bear the cost of treatment of a patient for the diseases which are not included in the state program. Treatment of Somatic and dental disease is a problem when a patient has a right to receive medical services other than psychiatric care. In opinion of the experts, the issue of re-hospitalization remains a pressing problem. When a patient discharged from the hospital returns there in 7 days, the case is considered as a re-hospitalization and the provider medical establishment doesn’t receive any reimbursement. In this regard, the situation is complicated by the fact that the assessment of preliminary results for psychiatric treatment is not possible, and the patient discharged from the hospital cannot be under control, correspondingly, neither the medical institution can be held responsible for the patient's health condition. Due to the suspension of funding the hospital is forced to refuse to re-hospitalization of newly discharged patient. In such cases, often the hospital adheres to ethical principles and doesn’t refuse the patient from re-hospitalization. As a result, the treatment is continued but without compensation to the hospital. In experts’ opinion, one of the problems in acute cases is the difficulties in providing medical care. Current funding scheme is based on differentiation of the patients into acute and chronic ones which is not so simple in psychiatry and poses many problems for the proper functioning of the institution. Often no treatment is delivered unless the disease aggravates, which often poses difficulties to both patients and hospitals, since the psychiatric institution has to cover the costs of treatment. In addition, it is difficult to define the category of a patient – acute or chronic when awarding the status to a patient. Another problem is related to the tenders announced on the procurement of materials. According to experts, the hospital has to design a plan in advance for procurement during the year and submit it to the National Procurement Agency. Practically it is impossible to pre-define the volume of medicines which will be needed by the hospital during the year. Besides, the quality of drugs purchased under the tender are very low since as a rule the tender is won by a company proposing the lowest price. Eventually very often low quality medicines are provided with less therapeutic effect [2-5].
The existing funding scheme cannot cover the costs of quality services. Also, due to the scarcity of funding, the salaries of medical personnel are quite low, which cannot ensure attraction and maintenance of qualified personnel. In this regard, it is worth noting that there is a shortage of nurses, due to which the patient cannot get due attention; also, no continuing professional development is available, there is no systematic approach; no corresponding training for improvement of theoretical and practical clinical skills are in place. All the mentioned has a negative impact on the quality of medical services. According to experts, the financing through voucher system needs to be improved in order to be adjusted to the real needs. By their calculations, the optimal funding can be 20-25 GEL per patient per day in terms for the global budget; the additional funds should be allocated for the utility costs, material and technical maintenance, infrastructure development and construction. The conditions of persons with mental and behavioral disorder are considerably improved in comparison with previous years. It shall be mentioned that the part of the patients doesn’t require treatment at the hospital. But for years they remain at the psychiatric hospital. This is partly caused by the patients not having the residence place. There are cases when the relatives refuse to take patient at home. For this purpose there is a service for chronic patients outside the hospital [5-8].
Patient's rights are often violated, in particular, their right to property. Patient’s guardians, relative dispose their property without permission and uses for personal purposes, so after the recovery some patients have to live at the hospital, while a patient could return to own house. Strong negative stereotypes established in the society are reflected at the court’s pre-disposition in support to healthy person rather than a patient. Users of the state program on psychiatry highlighted low level of medical services in comparison to Tbilisi. In their view, there are no regular checks of the patients by qualified doctors in the regions. There are cases when a nurse provides drugs to a patient, without consulting a psychiatrist. This is due to low coordination and cooperation of among different components of mental health services (primary health care, psychiatric outpatient clinic, hospital and psycho-social services) and therefore the patient cannot visit a specialist. Research confirmed that the patient or his relatives have no full information about the diagnosis, symptoms of diseases, course of treatment. Therefore, they cannot participate in the treatment processes. Also, the doctor is less interested in monitoring the treatment. As a result, the patient is forced to continue the treatment, which requires additional time and costs. In addition, the transportation of the patient to Tbilisi often aggravates patient's health condition [9-14].
Although the number of patients with mental health problems is annually increasing, the volume of funding for state mental health program does not increase. Due to the lack of funding the patients themselves have to cover the costs for certain services (e.g., Drugs), which negatively effects treatment outcomes. Often the medical institution itself is forced to bear the costs of the treatment. The problem of re-hospitalization still remains acute. The state program finances only urgent medical cases, which poses a challenge to both patients and hospitals. The funding does not cover the costs of quality services. Salaries of medical personnel are quite low. Part of the patients doesn’t require hospital treatment, but because they do not have private property, remain at a psychiatric hospital for years. There is no outpatient medical service for chronic patients. The rights of patients are violated (including property rights). The court also supports the healthy plaintiff rather than a patient. The level of medical service in Tbilisi and the regions is not similar. Particularly, in regions the qualification of doctors is rather low. Awareness of the patients or their relatives about the course of treatment is low.
Based on the results of the research, the recommendations on mental health development were drafted, in particular, need to:
• Sustainable, flexible and effective scheme of funding;
• Provision of high-skilled specialists in the field and appropriate level of remuneration;
• Supporting development of community-based services, such as psychosocial rehabilitation centers, shelters and other services throughout the country;
• Increasingly state funding of non-psychiatric diagnosis and treatment;
• Change of the attitudes of the society towards patients and reduce the stigma;
• Based on consultations with stakeholder create a funding scheme, which will be tailored to the needs of patients and staff.
Declaration of Competing Interests
The authors declare that they have no competing interests. In the past five years authors don’t received reimbursements, fees, funding, or salary from an organization that may in any way gain or lose financially from the publication of this manuscript, either now or in the future. The authors don’t hold any stocks or shares in an organization that may in any way gain or lose financially from the publication of this manuscript, either now or in the future. The authors don’t hold and currently not applying for any patents relating to the content of the manuscript. The authors don’t received reimbursements, fees, funding, or salary from an organization that holds or has applied for patents relating to the content of the manuscript. The authors don’t have any other financial competing interests. No there any non-financial competing interests (political, personal, religious, ideological, academic, intellectual, and commercial or any other) to declare in relation to this manuscript.

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text: The explosive growth of flat panel displays and other electrochromic devices has been fueled in part by transparent thin-film technology that conducts electricity but does not interfere with image quality.Indium tin oxide is the thin film of choice for this purpose, but the material has some problems, not the least of which is the increasing expense of indium because of a tightening supply.Researchers Alexander A. Green and Mark C. Hersam of Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., have created a thin film fashioned from single-walled carbon nanotubes — a substance that is plentiful and relatively cheap — that has the potential to be a substitute conductor.Single-walled carbon nanotubes were separated according to their diameters, with each size displaying a different color. Carbon nanotubes of uniform size can be used to create conductive thin films that are efficient and transparent. Courtesy of Mark C. Hersam.Although carbon nanotubes are nothing new, current production methods result in nanotubes that come in a muddle of different diameters and shapes. This, in turn, hampers their performance as a conductive material by affecting their electronic character and optical properties. This problem has limited the use of nanotubes in a variety of applications. What is needed is a way to sort out a batch of mixed nanotubes into subsets that are uniform in size.The researchers achieved this breakdown by using a technique known as density gradient ultracentrifugation to uniformly separate the nanotubes with an angstrom-level resolution in diameter. An assortment of nanotubes fabricated by various methods — and thus with widely different diameters — was mixed together and subjected to the ultracentrifuge at a very high rotational frequency.The method sorted the nanotubes by size, bandgap and electronic type by attaching surfactants — soaplike molecules — to the tube-shaped structures. This changes their surface densities and enables them to be sorted with very little error. After sorting, more than 97 percent of the nanotubes are within a 0.02-nm-diameter range. They are spun at tens of thousands of rotations per minute in the ultracentrifuge until they have joined like-size structures. The technique has the potential to be used on an industrial scale. The investigators found that the process eliminated many of the impurities, thus enhancing conductor electrical performance. In comparison with thin films created with a medley of nanotubes, the design used by the researchers enhanced conductivity by a factor of 5.6 in the visible spectrum and by a factor of 10 in the infrared.Additionally, the uniform diameter of the nanotubes resulted in thin films that exhibited distinct colors. This ability to fine-tune the optical properties of a thin film — something that is limited with current technology — could be used to filter unwanted light that affects device performance.In addition to flat panel displays, thin films created with sorted nanotubes could be used in a variety of other applications, including solar panels and LEDs. The investigators said that as more single-walled carbon nanotube sources become available, they expect that nanotubes sorted by diameter will increasingly challenge indium tin oxide as the conductor of choice.Nano Letters, ASAP Edition, April 8, 2008, doi: 10.1021/nl080302f.


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For Immediate Release
Global Labor Justice-International Labor Rights Forum Executive Director Jennifer (JJ) Rosenbaum issued the following statement on news of the extension of the International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry to Pakistan:
“As a witness signatory to the original 2013 Bangladesh Accord on Fire and Building Safety, GLJ-ILRF applauds the expansion of the Accord framework to the country of Pakistan. Health and Safety is recognized by the ILO and therefore all governments, unions, and employers, as a fundamental right and this agreement provides for union-led training at factories and a process for workers to make complaints when conditions are unsafe.
“This announcement comes at a time when it’s clear how much it is needed in Pakistan after a gas leak at a Levi’s factory killed four workers earlier this year. National unions and the global labor movement have channeled the sorrow and anger at garment workers’s deaths into a powerful campaign to demand that the fashion industry commit to binding models before workers’ lives are at risk. Today’s announcement is the result of that campaign.
“Companies who claim that they are committed to decent work must be held accountable for those claim. A true commitment means sourcing from destinations with enforceable agreements in place, such as suppliers under the Bangladesh and Pakistan Accords and the Dindigul Agreement, signed earlier this year in Tamil Nadu, India.
“We will continue to work with labor allies to expand on these agreements to ensure unions have “a seat at the table” through global agreements covering the supply chain. This is critical to building union voices and people power in the global economy.”
Read the press release from the International Accord here: https://internationalaccord.org/updates#794ad50c-189a-4671-85bc-5157f2fe9cf1
Read the IndustriALL and UNI press release here: https://www.industriall-union.org/international-safety-accord-that-made-history-in-bangladesh-expands-to-pakistan
Read the Workers’ Rights Consortium release on the new agreement here: https://www.workersrights.org/press-release/labor-rights-organizations-hail-advent-of-the-pakistan-accord/
Global Labor Justice – International Labor Rights Forum (GLJ – ILRF) is a non-governmental organization that works transnationally to advance policies and laws that protect decent work; to strengthen freedom of association and workers’ ability to advocate for their rights; and to hold corporations accountable for labor rights violations in their supply chains.