Great Tibet Tour is excited to announce that Dram/Zhangmu border has reopened for tourists in Sept and now tourists can choose to enter Tibet either through Dram or Kyirong. According to China Tibet News at 10:00 on September 1, the Dram/Zhangmu border in Shigatse City, Tibet was officially re-opened for tourists. The Dram/Zhangmu border is located at the China-Nepal border and has always been an important land transportation artery connecting China and Nepal. It was closed after the 2014 earthquake. After repairs and the end of the epidemic, it is now finally reopened. It is good news because the Dram/Zhangmu border is closer to Kathmandu than the alternate border crossing at Kyirong and the road to Dram in Nepal is in better condition than the road to Kyirong. In addition, the scenery along the way spans the two seasons of winter and spring in one day, from the ice and snow to the flowers blooming in all four seasons. This is a breathtaking journey. If you have more specific questions about visas or Tibet travel to or from Nepal, please contact Great Tibet Tour. Great Tibet Tour is one of the biggest private international travel agencies licensed by the Tibet Tourism Bureau. As a recommended Tibet travel agency by Lonely Planet, ever since 2005, they’ve designed and operated tours in Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan from standard city tours to adventurous trekking tours. https://www.greattibettour.com #tourisum

Supporting the economic and ecological role of this spiky but delicate creature In the azure waters surrounding the Italian island of Procida in the Gulf of Naples lies a rich and dynamic marine environment. This is the home of the stony, purple sea urchin ( Paracentrotus lividus ), an important herbivore, as well as prey for a number of fish, starfish and molluscs. This small and spiky creature regulates the volume of algae and is therefore a key species in keeping intact the dynamics of ecosystems close to the seashore. As one of the organisms that defines the ecological system in the region,it has also been used as a model in developmental biology and as a means for assessing environmental quality. Sea urchins are sensitive to environmental conditions, and this species has been affected by climate change and pollution. The sea urchin is also considered a culinary delicacy in many countries and faces the additional threat of overfishing in some areas. However, while some sites are lacking in the species, other areas are experiencing excessive sea urchin populations that can lead to the depletion of algae and other marine vegetation, so-called sea urchin barrens. These two contrasting situations call for individualized solutions. The General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is helping countries and farmers to tackle these two issues. In the one case, the GFCM is creating specific guidelines for restorative aquaculture, concentrating on key species like sea urchins, algae and shellfish, and in the other, it is helping with the removal of urchins and their sale in culinary markets, helping to restore algae populations while enhancing the value of these species. Conservation through aquaculture The population of sea urchins in the Mediterranean region has garnered attention. While the species’ status and impacts can differ based on local factors and harvesting practices, conservation efforts are required in certain areas. In Procida, where sea urchins face overfishing, the GFCM engaged with local producers and researchers to perform underwater sampling, collecting valuable information on sea urchin farming and restocking. This is helping to boost farming of sea urchins, valued for its prized roe, while providing vital scientific guidance for restoring local sea urchin populations. The GFCM conducted a series of technical consultations with Echinoidea, a small-scale aquaculture facility which was established in Procida in 2016. Echinoidea, in collaboration with the research institute, Anton Dohrn Zoology Centre ( Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn ), has produced more than 20 000 sea urchin larvae through artificial fertilization at the Procida farm. Once the adults are ready, they are released back into their natural environment to continue growing in an area specifically intended for aquaculture, helping to alleviate the pressures of sea urchin fishing of wild populations. The GFCM’s Maissa Gharbi says, “Sea urchin aquaculture is a very promising field; yet it is challenging due to the very high mortality rates recorded during early stages of life. Production of sea urchins requires extensive monitoring and attention during the reproduction process.” Although the Procida initiative still requires further development, it has the potential to become a model for sea urchin farming that could be expanded across the Mediterranean Sea. “Sea urchin farming is a new activity that combines innovation with the restoration of ecosystems. It must be studied well so that the right models can be proposed for the Mediterranean and Black Sea region,” says Ibrahim Al Hawi, Chairperson of the GFCM Scientific Advisory Committee on Aquaculture. “Restorative aquaculture leads to improved environmental sustainability and ecosystem services alongside supplying aquatic foods and opportunities for livelihoods,” says Al Hawi. The GFCM recently produced a booklet with guidelines for sustainable replenishment and called for more intense monitoring of vulnerable species, including sea urchins. “The main purpose of these guidelines is to support Mediterranean and Black Sea countries in restocking and stock enhancement while preventing harm to biodiversity, natural habitats, ecosystems and related ecosystem services, based on good practices and the best available knowledge,” says Al Hawi. Restoring balance In a separate project in Spain, the GFCM is collaborating with Urchinomics, the Department of Climate Action, Food and Rural Agenda (DACC) in Catalonia and the Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), on the restoration of macroalgal forests and seagrass meadows. Sea urchins overgraze these types of marine vegetation. With an overpopulation of sea urchins, which can be caused by organic pollution, overfishing of their predators and phytoplankton productivity, some of these areas have become barren, putting stress on the ecosystem and other species that depend on algae. The GFCM has supported their removal, so that seaweed and seagrasses may regrow. These sea urchins are then sold in markets that value them for their roe. Mediterranean-wide practices The GFCM is also working with DACC to develop the Mediterranean Restorative Aquaculture Centre, a unique site for subregional innovation and capacity building for countries from the western Mediterranean. The aim of the Centre is to develop knowledge and capacities for restorative aquaculture (including of sea urchins), promote innovation and share best practices, such as the research and restocking activities of the Procida pilot project.  (Source: FAO)

Geneva— The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a new publication listing key regulatory considerations on artificial intelligence (AI) for health. The publication emphasizes the importance of establishing AI systems’ safety and effectiveness, rapidly making appropriate systems available to those who need them, and fostering dialogue among stakeholders, including developers, regulators, manufacturers, health workers, and patients. With the increasing availability of health care data and the rapid progress in analytic techniques – whether machine learning, logic-based or statistical – AI tools could transform the health sector. WHO recognizes the potential of AI in enhancing health outcomes by strengthening clinical trials; improving medical diagnosis, treatment, self-care and person-centred care; and supplementing health care professionals’ knowledge, skills and competencies. For example, AI could be beneficial in settings with a lack of medical specialists, e.g. in interpreting retinal scans and radiology images among many others. However, AI technologies – including large language models – are being rapidly deployed, sometimes without a full understanding of how they may perform, which could either benefit or harm end-users, including health-care professionals and patients. When using health data, AI systems could have access to sensitive personal information, necessitating robust legal and regulatory frameworks for safeguarding privacy, security, and integrity, which this publication aims to help set up and maintain. “Artificial intelligence holds great promise for health, but also comes with serious challenges, including unethical data collection, cybersecurity threats and amplifying biases or misinformation,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This new guidance will support countries to regulate AI effectively, to harness its potential, whether in treating cancer or detecting tuberculosis, while minimising the risks.” In response to growing country needs to responsibly manage the rapid rise of AI health technologies, the publication outlines six areas for regulation of AI for health. To foster trust, the publication stresses the importance of transparency and documentation , such as through documenting the entire product lifecycle and tracking development processes. For risk management , issues like ‘intended use’, ‘continuous learning’, human interventions, training models and cybersecurity threats must all be comprehensively addressed, with models made as simple as possible. Externally validating data and being clear about the intended use of AI helps assure safety and facilitate regulation. A commitment to data quality , such as through rigorously evaluating systems pre-release, is vital to ensuring systems do not amplify biases and errors. The challenges posed by important, complex regulations – such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States of America – are addressed with an emphasis on understanding the scope of jurisdiction and consent requirements, in service of privacy and data protection. Fostering collaboration between regulatory bodies, patients, healthcare professionals, industry representatives, and government partners, can help ensure products and services stay compliant with regulation throughout their lifecycles. AI systems are complex and depend not only on the code they are built with but also on the data they are trained on, which come from clinical settings and user interactions – for example. Better regulation can help manage the risks of AI amplifying biases in training data. For example, it can be difficult for AI models to accurately represent the diversity of populations, leading to biases, inaccuracies or even failure. To help mitigate these risks, regulations can be used to ensure that the attributes – such as gender, race and ethnicity – of the people featured in the training data are reported and datasets are intentionally made representative. The new WHO publication aims to outline key principles that governments and regulatory authorities can follow to develop new guidance or adapt existing guidance on AI at national or regional levels.

Losing belly fat is a common goal, but not everyone can or wants to exercise. Whether you have physical limitations or a jam-packed schedule, you might be looking for alternative methods. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore scientifically-backed ways to lose belly fat without exercise. Article Content Dietary Strategies for a Flatter Tummy Cut Down on Sugar for Belly Fat Loss Increase Protein Intake to Lose Belly Fat Eat More Fiber Lifestyle Adjustments for Non-Exercise Belly Fat Loss Sleep More to Lose Belly Fat Without Exercise Stress Reduction for Belly Fat Loss Without Exercise Natural Alternatives for Fat Reduction Apple Cider Vinegar for Non-Exercise Belly Fat Loss Green Tea: A Natural Way to Lose Belly Fat Without Exercise Mindfulness Techniques for Belly Fat Reduction Without Exercise Deep Breathing for Belly Fat Loss Without Exercise Mindful Eating to Lose Belly Fat Without Exercise Conclusion: Achieving a Flatter Tummy Without Exercise Dietary Strategies for a Flatter Tummy Cut Down on Sugar for Belly Fat Loss Sugar, especially added sugars found in processed foods, is a major culprit behind belly fat. Consuming high amounts of sugar can lead to insulin resistance, triggering your body to store more fat. By reducing your sugar intake, you can significantly improve your chances to lose belly fat without exercise. Increase Protein Intake to Lose Belly Fat Protein is essential for many bodily functions, including fat loss. Consuming a high-protein diet can boost your metabolism and reduce hunger pangs, making it easier to lose belly fat without hitting the gym. Foods rich in protein include lean meats, fish, eggs, legumes, and dairy products. Eat More Fiber Fiber is another crucial element in weight loss. Foods rich in fiber, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can help you feel full longer and improve your digestion. This can lead to natural weight loss, including a reduction in belly fat, without the need for strenuous exercise. Lifestyle Adjustments for Non-Exercise Belly Fat Loss Sleep More to Lose Belly Fat Without Exercise Lack of sleep can disrupt your body’s hormonal balance, leading to weight gain and increased belly fat. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night to regulate hormones like cortisol, which is linked to belly fat. Stress Reduction for Belly Fat Loss Without Exercise Stress can lead to emotional eating and cravings for unhealthy foods, contributing to belly fat. Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and spending quality time with loved ones can help reduce stress and, consequently, help you lose belly fat without exercise. Natural Alternatives for Fat Reduction Apple Cider Vinegar for Non-Exercise Belly Fat Loss Apple cider vinegar has acetic acid, which has been shown to reduce abdominal fat in some studies. Try adding a tablespoon to a glass of water and drinking it before meals. Green Tea: A Natural Way to Lose Belly Fat Without Exercise Green tea is rich in antioxidants like catechins, which can boost metabolism and assist in burning fat. Aim for 2-3 cups a day for optimal results. Mindfulness Techniques for Belly Fat Reduction Without Exercise Deep Breathing for Belly Fat Loss Without Exercise Deep breathing exercises like the 4-7-8 technique can help reduce stress, which in turn can help you lose belly fat without exercise. Mindful Eating to Lose Belly Fat Without Exercise Mindful eating involves paying full attention to the experience of eating, helping you enjoy your food more and eat less. This can be particularly effective for reducing belly fat. Conclusion: Achieving a Flatter Tummy Without Exercise Losing belly fat without exercise is entirely possible through dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, and natural remedies. By incorporating these methods into your daily routine, you can start to see results without ever setting foot in a gym. Why You Shouldn’t Worry About Your Baby’s Weight Gain The Truth About Nutrition: Why Everything You Know May Be Wrong Saturated Fats: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly 10 Proteins That Will Boost Your Energy Levels Gym as Second Home: 5 Keys for a Transformative Journey #BellyFat #dietarychanges #noexercise #weightloss

Sustainable coffee production techniques build on Indigenous Peoples’ traditional knowledge (FAO) — Long before the sun rises above the towering trees of the Panamanian rainforest, Elizabeth Méndez, a Guna Indigenous Woman, wakes up to the sound of her rooster crowing. She lives in a house made of bamboo and thatch, nestled deep in the lush green forests. This is where she and her family have been growing coffee for generations. Elizabeth’s busy day begins with the distinct aroma of freshly brewed coffee, which for her, signifies much more than a morning kickstart to her day. Coffee has long been an important source of income for many Indigenous Peoples in Panama. But, in recent years, these communities have struggled to maintain their traditional methods of production. “I’ve been harvesting coffee since I was a little girl, but sometimes we didn’t understand what was going on with the plant: sometimes it looked sick, sometimes it would not yield much,” says Elizabeth. “The other main challenge we’ve always faced is where and how to sell the coffee. When we harvest, sometimes we have nowhere to sell it and sometimes we sell it cheap,” she adds. With the advent of an innovative project called “Support for post-COVID economic recovery for Indigenous coffee producers,” this is hopefully a scenario of the past for the coffee farmers in the Ngäbe, Guna, Emberá and Wounaan Indigenous Peoples’ communities participating in the project. The project is an initiative of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) with funding from the Japan Special Fund Poverty Reduction Program. It was implemented with the technical assistance of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and with the support of Panama’s Ministry of Agricultural Development, as well as coffee company, Café Durán. The project’s goal was to increase the income of Indigenous coffee producers by enhancing the production, processing, quality and sales of coffee from sustainable agroforestry. More than 150 Indigenous coffee farmers from four communities completed a season-long, FAO Farmers Field Schools’ training in sustainable agroecological practices that enhance resilience to climate change and improve the quantity and quality of production while being aligned with and building upon Indigenous Peoples’ traditional knowledge and cultural practices. These agroecological techniques include minimizing the use of pesticides and adapting agricultural technologies to face the effects of climate change. Through guided discussion and observation, coffee farmers were empowered to become experts in ecology and oversee the agricultural management of their own coffee crops. The training also included learning activities to increase women’s participation in production and business decision-making. “Thanks to the training, we’ve learned all about coffee management and how we can take care of plants when they get sick. All of this without the need to put aside our traditional techniques, and while preserving our ancestral native plants,” says Elizabeth. More than just coffee For Elizabeth and other coffee farmers in Panama, the project is not just about making good coffee, it is about building a better future for their families and communities. “Coffee has always been part of our culture, but now we are also seeing it as a potential source of economic relief,” she explains. By partnering with Café Durán and learning best practices for production and processing, Indigenous Peoples’ communities are accessing markets and buyers that are reliable and pay fair prices. In turn, this allows coffee producers to improve their living conditions and offers opportunities for future generations. “In a certain way, coffee is a magical product because it can, not only help with better social inclusion, but it also offers good international prices,” explains FAO Representative in Panama, Adoniram Sanches Peraci. “Indigenous Peoples have tremendous cultural, social, linguistic, historical and territorial wealth. But they also face significant challenges when it comes to translating this wealth into sustainable economic opportunities, especially given their limited access to culturally responsive technical assistance, markets and financing,” says Ana Grigera, Gender and Diversity Specialist at the IDB. “Coordinated work between government authorities, the private sector and Indigenous Peoples in Panama is key,” she adds. The perfect blend When we ask Elizabeth how she expects her life to change, she tells us that she hopes life stays the same, and that she still wakes up at dawn to make her coffee. “But now the coffee will be from my own production,” she says with a warm laugh. “Coffee provides Indigenous Peoples’ communities with long-term economic, social and environmental sustainability and offers them a reliable form of income. Previously, they worked on coffee farms. Today, with the experience that they have acquired from FAO’s Farmer Field Schools, they are the ones who are running their own coffee farms and selling it directly to buyers like us,” says Ricardo Tovar, Coffee Production Director at Café Durán. “I’m encouraging the people of the community, especially the young, to get educated and grow their coffee crops the proper way. Coffee is not a quick solution for income generation for one or two years, but rather it is something that will guarantee our stability in the long term,” says Elizabeth. One Country, One Product In Panama, coffee is part of FAO’s  One Country, One Product  programme. This initiative places smallholders and family farming at the centre of the production, distribution and marketing of a selected product in each country. It also opens the possibility of fruitful cooperation with the private sector and financial institutions, such as the IDB. “What we want to build is a platform of socio-economic inclusion of more farmers in the productive process, where the private sector has the market ‘know-how,’” says Peraci of the project. FAO provides a wide range of technical assistance and investment support. Through its Investment Centre, FAO helps to transform agrifood systems for inclusive economic growth and a more sustainable future.

(FAO, ROME) — Three days of high-level debates at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations showcased innovative local projects and relevant advances in knowledge related to the global quest to make livestock production more environmentally friendly, supportive of rural livelihoods and able to meet the world’s growing protein needs. The first-ever Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation, attended by more than 700 participants including 27 ministers or senior government officials, 100 youth representatives and myriad researchers and representatives of multilateral organizations, wrapped up with FAO Director-General QU Dongyu’s closing remarks urging all parties to translate their words into concrete actions, acknowledging the difficulty of the task while emphasizing it is “essential for the well-being of people and the planet.” In many ways livestock is an indicator of a better life, Qu said. “Governments, farmers, researchers, civil society and the private sector, and all partners, should move ahead hand-in-hand to drive change at every level.” Two overarching messages emerged from the Conference: First, that we now have ample global knowledge of what needs to be done and often of how to do it, while implementation skills are still a work in progress. And second, that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for a sector on which more than 1.7 billion depend and that uses more than half the planet’s terrestrial surface, in particular areas that are not suitable for crop farming. Participants also noted that reducing the carbon footprint is a key requirement for the sector, but achieving effective goals will require collaboration and cooperation across borders, as well as proper accounting for welcome synergies that sustainable livestock management can provide such as fertilizer, weed control and soil health and carbon sequestration capacity. Sustainability and the concept of transformation do not have fixed definitions, but FAO’s vision of the Four Betters  can serve as effective guides to steering new policies that are economically, sociologically and ecologically sound, said Jimmy Smith, Director of International Programs at the University of Maryland’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. “We must create livable futures for people engaged in livestock,” he added, noting the sector has attributes attractive for youth and youth employment. Livestock is a source of critical nutritional protein, but also of employment opportunities, income and social integration among communities, said Elizabeth Nsimadala, President, Eastern Africa Farmers Federation and Board Member (Africa), World Farmers’ Organisation. “Many opportunities have not been exploited, and if they are, they will produce more opportunities,” she added, noting that investment and policy support in developing regions can play an important role in pre-empting a shift into lower-risk agricultural activities that contribute less to overall food security. A key consideration is the diversity of humans, not only ecosystems and animal breeds, said Renata Bueno Miranda, Secretary of Innovation, Sustainable Development, Irrigation and Cooperativism at Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. “Science cannot be used as a cloak of neutrality, we cannot use it to paint everything gray,” she added, noting the huge role livestock has played in turning Brazil into the world’s largest net exporter of agricultural goods. Broadly speaking a sustainable livestock transformation depends more on actions than on further research, participants concurred. “We know a lot but aren’t doing that much. We are good at talking about it a high-level but not at implementing on a farm level,” said Harry Clark, Chief Scientist at New Zealand’s Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre. The transformation of livestock production towards sustainability, in some cases, may require reduction of output, observed Christianne Van der Wal, Minister for Nature and Nitrogen Policy of the Netherlands. Innovations in livestock feed were also noted as an important opportunity. In others, trade can leverage complementary synergies, allowing countries to focus on what they do best, a point made by Fernando Mattos, Uruguay’s Minister for Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries. While fully recognizing the need to tackle challenges such as reducing methane emissions, he emphasized that many positive outcomes are being achieved and that a holistic approach is critical. “The problem of the environment is not cows but human beings,” he said. Concrete initiatives Numerous projects and programmes aimed at fostering sustainable livestock transformations were outlined in the project, along with technical presentations on greenhouse gas emissions and an important new FAO report on  “Methane in Livestock and Rice Systems” . A senior official from Kenya explained his country’s experiment with index-based livestock insurance, a rollout that includes a mobile game for pastoralists to facilitate adoption of risk financing tools in a country where moving herds across rangelands is of major importance In Uruguay, a climate-focused cattle project implemented on pilot farms led to an 18 percent drop in the emissions intensify of meat production, as well as greater grassland species diversity and more resilient forage production. That project will be scaled out and expanded to include soil organic carbon targets. The head of India’s National Dairy Development Board highlighted actions taken in his country, where milk production has risen by more than 50 percent in less than a decade and now accounts for almost a quarter of global output. Next steps In an important move, members of the Global Youth Dialogue on Sustainable Livestock Transformation concurred on a consensual statement outlining recommendations they wish policy makers to consider – related to science, investments, social, economic and environmental sustainability, and a greater role for integration of youth in the policy and innovation process – and asking for an official youth position in the Sub-Committee on Livestock, a new and important part of FAO’s Committee on Agriculture, one of FAO’s central governing bodies. Many of the issues raised at the Conference will be discussed during the upcoming second session of the COAG Sub-Committee on Livestock, to be held in May 2024.

Hey there, friends! In a world that can sometimes be overwhelming, many of us are exploring holistic strategies for anxiety to find balance and calm. Let’s delve into how these integrative approaches can help manage stress and enhance our overall well-being. 🌿 Article Content [ hide ] Holistic Strategies for Anxiety: Feeding Mind and Body Right Holistic Strategies for Anxiety: Feeding Mind and Body Right Get Moving and Grooving Sleep: The Unsung Hero of Well-Being Connecting with Others and Ourselves Exercise as a Holistic Strategy for Anxiety Relief Conclusion: Embrace the Journey Holistic Strategies for Anxiety: Feeding Mind and Body Right So, what’s this holistic approach everyone’s talking about? Holistic mental health is all about embracing our complete selves – mind, body, and spirit – and recognizing how these elements interconnect to shape our overall well-being. It’s like piecing together a jigsaw puzzle where each piece plays a vital role in creating the full picture of our health. Nutrition plays a crucial role in holistic strategies for anxiety, with a balanced diet acting as a cornerstone for mental well-being. Holistic Strategies for Anxiety: Feeding Mind and Body Right Let’s start with something we all love – food! 🥦🍇 Nutrition is a game-changer when it comes to our mood and stress levels. A balanced diet loaded with essential nutrients, Omega-3s, antioxidants, and B-vitamins can be our best friend, helping to lift our mood and strengthen our body’s ability to handle stress. Plus, it’s a great excuse to munch on some delicious berries and avocados! Get Moving and Grooving Ever noticed that rush of happiness after a good workout ? Physical activity is like a magical potion for our mental health ! Whether it’s a morning jog, a yoga session, or a dance party in the living room, moving our bodies releases endorphins, improves our sleep, and just makes us feel good. So, let’s lace up those sneakers and get moving! Sleep: The Unsung Hero of Well-Being Ah, the bliss of a good night’s sleep! 💤 Quality snooze time is like a recharge session for our minds and bodies. Sticking to a regular sleep schedule, creating a cozy sleep environment, and giving our screens a break before bedtime can make a world of difference in reducing anxiety and stress. Sweet dreams are made of these! Connecting with Others and Ourselves In this digital age, real, meaningful connections are more precious than gold. Building relationships, engaging with our community, and being there for one another creates a sense of belonging and acts as a cushion against life’s stresses. And let’s not forget the power of mindfulness and meditation in helping us stay grounded and in tune with ourselves. Exercise as a Holistic Strategy for Anxiety Relief Dipping our toes into the world of integrative therapies like acupuncture, massage, and herbal remedies can offer some extra support. But remember, it’s always wise to have a chat with healthcare professionals before trying something new. And, when the going gets tough, reaching out for professional support can provide us with the guidance and tools we need. Conclusion: Embrace the Journey Embarking on a journey towards holistic mental health is like opening a door to a more balanced and harmonious life. By weaving these integrative strategies into our daily tapestry, we can cultivate a sense of wholeness and peace. It’s all about the small steps, and every step counts. Here’s to embracing the journey and spreading the positive vibes! 🌟 8 Reasons You Should Work Out Even When You Don’t Want To The Importance of Mental Health 6 Tips For Perfect Skin This Summer Cross Fitness: Get in Shape with a Unique Workout #QualitySleep #HolisticMentalHealth #StressReduction #PhysicalActivity #SocialConnections #meditation #ProfessionalSupport #Mindfulness #IntegrativeStrategies #BalancedNutrition #AnxietyReduction

(New York, WHO) — The World Health Organization (WHO) released its first-ever report on the devastating global impact of high blood pressure, along with recommendations on the ways to win the race against this silent killer. The report shows approximately 4 out of every 5 people with hypertension are not adequately treated, but if countries can scale up coverage, 76 million deaths could be averted between 2023 and 2050.  Hypertension affects 1 in 3 adults worldwide. This common, deadly condition leads to stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney damage and many other health problems. The number of people living with hypertension (blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or higher or taking medication for hypertension) doubled between 1990 and 2019, from 650 million to 1.3 billion. Nearly half of people with hypertension globally are currently unaware of their condition. More than three-quarters of adults with hypertension live in low- and middle-income countries. Older age and genetics can increase the risk of having high blood pressure, but modifiable risk factors such as eating high-salt diet, not being physically active and drinking too much alcohol can also increase the risk of hypertension. Lifestyle changes like eating a healthier diet, quitting tobacco and being more active can help lower blood pressure. Some people may need medicines that can control hypertension effectively and prevent related complications. The prevention, early detection and effective management of hypertension are among the most cost-effective interventions in health care and should be prioritized by countries as part of their national health benefit package offered at a primary care level. The economic benefits of improved hypertension treat­ment programmes outweigh the costs by about 18 to 1. “Hypertension can be controlled effectively with simple, low-cost medication regimens, and yet only about one in five people with hypertension have controlled it.” Said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Hypertension control programmes remain neglected, under-prioritized and vastly underfunded. Strengthening hypertension control must be part of every country’s journey towards universal health coverage, based on well-functioning, equitable and resilient health systems, built on a foundation of primary health care.” The report is being launched during the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly which addresses progress for the Sustainable Development Goals including health goals on pandemic preparedness and response, ending tuberculosis and attaining Universal Health Coverage. Better prevention and control of hypertension will be essential to progress in all of these. An increase in the number of patients effectively treated for hypertension to levels observed in high-performing countries could prevent 76 million deaths, 120 million strokes, 79 million heart attacks, and 17 million cases of heart failure between now and 2050. “Most heart attacks and strokes in the world today can be prevented with affordable, safe, accessible medicines and other interventions, such as sodium reduction,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, WHO Global Ambassador for Noncommunicable Diseases and Injuries. “Treating hypertension through primary health care will save lives, while also saving billions of dollars a year.” Hypertension can easily be treated with safe, widely available, low-cost generic medications using programmes such as HEARTS. WHO’s HEARTS technical package for cardiovascular disease management in primary health care and the Guideline for the pharmacological treatment of hypertension in adults provide proven and practical steps to deliver effective hypertension care in primary health care settings. Effective community- and country-wide blood pressure management can be achieved in countries of all income levels. More than 40 low- and middle-income countries, including Bangladesh, Cuba, India and Sri Lanka, have strengthened their hypertension care with the HEARTS package, enrolling more than 17 million people into treatment programmes. Countries such as Canada and South Korea delivered comprehensive national hypertension treatment programmes, and both countries surpassed the 50% mark for blood pressure control in adults living with hypertension. Sustained, systematic national hypertension control programmes can succeed—and a high level of blood pressure control translates into fewer strokes and heart attacks, and longer, healthier lives. The report underscores the importance of implementing WHO-recommended effective hypertension care to save lives, which include the following five components: Protocol: practical dose- and drug-specific treatment protocols with specific action steps for managing uncontrolled blood pressure can streamline care and improve adherence. Medication and equipment supply : regular, uninterrupted access to affordable medication is necessary for effective hypertension treatment; currently, prices for essential anti-hypertensive medicines vary by more than ten-fold between countries. Team-based care : patient outcomes improve when a team collaborates to adjust and intensify blood pressure medication regimens per doctor orders and protocols. Patient-centred services : to reduce barriers to care by providing easy-to-take medication regimens, free medications and close-to-home follow-up visits, and making blood pressure monitoring readily available. Information systems : user-centred, simple information systems facilitate rapid recording of essential patient-level data, reduce health care worker data entry burden, and support rapid scale-up while maintaining or improving the quality of care. “Every hour, more than 1 000 people die from strokes and heart attacks. Most of these deaths are caused by high blood pressure, and most could have been prevented,” said Dr Tom Frieden, President & CEO, Resolve to Save Lives. “Good hypertension care is affordable, within reach, and strengthens primary health care. The challenge now is to go from “within reach” to “reached.” This will require commitment of governments around the world.” Learn more about the global impact of high blood pressure and the HEARTS package to control it  here . #health

The first asteroid sample collected in space and brought to Earth by the United States will be unveiled at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston on Wednesday, Oct. 11, and media accreditation is now open. NASA will host a news conference at 11 a.m. EDT for the reveal, which will air live on NASA’s media. During the event, NASA’s OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification and Security – Regolith Explorer) science team will discuss an initial analysis of the sample, which is expected to land on Sunday, Sept. 24, in the Utah desert. After the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft enters Earth’s atmosphere and safely lands, NASA experts will collect the rocks and dust retrieved from the asteroid Bennu inside the capsule, and bring the sample to NASA Johnson for examination in a pristine curation facility. Touchdown at the Department of Defense’s Utah Test and Training Range near Dugway, Utah, on Sept. 24, will mark the end of a seven-year journey to explore the asteroid Bennu, collect a sample from its surface, and deliver it to Earth. The next phase of the mission, which includes both curation and research activities, will kick off after the OSIRIS-REx sample return capsule arrives at Johnson on Monday, Sept. 25. The curation team will carefully disassemble the sample container to extract the bulk of the sample and researchers will perform a first-look analysis of the sample, the results of which will be discussed for the first time Oct. 11. NASA built a new OSIRIS-REx Sample Curation Laboratory where curators from the Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science team will manage distribution of samples to scientists around the world over the coming years. Those scientists seek to learn more about how our planet and solar system formed, as well as the origin of organics that may have led to life on Earth. A portion of the sample will also be reserved for research decades from now, utilizing technologies that will improve over the years. Johnson houses the world’s largest collection of astromaterials from the solar system under one roof, including samples from asteroids, comets, Mars, the Moon, Sun, and dust from other stars. Scientists use world-class laboratories to perform research on planetary materials and the space environment to investigate the origin and evolution of our solar system and beyond. Image: This artist’s concept shows the OSIRIS-REx (Origins Spectral Interpretation Resource Identification Security – Regolith Explorer) spacecraft contacting the asteroid Bennu with the Touch-And-Go Sample Arm Mechanism or TAGSAM. The mission aims to return a sample of Bennu’s surface coating to Earth for study as well as return detailed information about the asteroid and it’s trajectory. Credits: NASA

Unlocking the secrets of Google’s ranking algorithm has been a never-ending pursuit for SEO experts and website owners alike. And in this quest, two metrics have emerged as popular indicators of a website’s authority: Domain Rating (DR) by Ahrefs and Domain Authority (DA) by Moz . But which one truly reflects Google’s ranking better? What are Domain Rating and Domain Authority? When it comes to assessing the authority and credibility of a website, Domain Rating (DR) and Domain Authority (DA) are two popular metrics that come into play. Let’s shed some light on what these metrics actually mean. Domain Rating, as developed by Ahrefs, is a metric that evaluates the overall strength of a website’s backlink profile. It considers factors such as the number of referring domains and the quality of those domains in determining a website’s DR score. A higher DR indicates a stronger backlink profile , which can potentially result in better organic search rankings. On the other hand, Moz developed Domain Authority (DA), which measures the potential ranking strength of an entire domain or subdomain. Similar to DR, DA takes into account several factors including linking root domains and total number of links to calculate its score. The higher the DA score, the greater likelihood for improved search rankings . Both DR and DA provide valuable insights into a website’s authority status in terms of link popularity. However, it is important to note that they do not directly influence Google’s ranking algorithm. To truly understand how well your site may perform in Google’s search results, it is essential to consider multiple ranking factors beyond just these metrics alone. Nevertheless, monitoring changes in both DR and DA over time can help you gauge improvements or declines in your site’s overall authority within your niche. Now that we have grasped what DR and DA represent let us explore their accuracy compared to Google’s actual ranking system! Which one is a better reflection of Google’s ranking? Domain Rating, as provided by Ahrefs, measures the strength and authority of a website’s backlink profile. It takes into account factors such as the number and quality of backlinks pointing to a site. On the other hand, Domain Authority, developed by MOZ, also evaluates the credibility and influence of a website based on its link profile. While both metrics have their merits in assessing the overall strength of a domain, it’s important to note that neither directly correlates with Google’s rankings. This is because Google uses its own complex algorithm to determine search engine rankings – an algorithm that takes into consideration numerous factors beyond just backlinks. Instead of focusing solely on improving your Domain Rating or Domain Authority score, it would be more beneficial to concentrate on optimizing your website for SEO best practices . This includes creating high-quality content, obtaining relevant and authoritative backlinks naturally over time, ensuring proper keyword usage throughout your site, and providing an excellent user experience. Striving for higher scores in both Domain Rating and Domain Authority can indirectly improve your chances of ranking well on Google. However,it’s crucial not to rely solely on these metrics as they don’t provide an accurate representation of how you rank in search results generated by Google’s algorithm. How to improve your Domain Rating/Domain Authority To improve your Domain Rating or Domain Authority, it’s essential to focus on building high-quality backlinks from reputable websites in your industry. Start by conducting thorough research to identify authoritative websites that are relevant to your niche. Next, create valuable content that others would want to link back to. This could include informative blog posts, infographics, videos, or ebooks that provide unique insights or solutions for your target audience. Additionally, ensure that your website’s technical aspects are optimized for SEO. This includes improving site speed, optimizing meta tags and descriptions, using proper heading tags within content, and making sure all pages have unique and relevant keywords. Regularly updating your website with fresh content can also help improve both DR and DA. By consistently publishing high-quality articles or blog posts targeted at specific keywords related to your niche or industry expertise can attract more organic traffic while increasing the chances of acquiring valuable backlinks from other sites. Finally don’t forget about social media! Building an active presence across platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn can help drive more traffic to your site, and potentially earn you additional backlinks as well! Remember, it takes time, persistence, and dedication in order to see significant improvements in DR/DA rankings, but implementing these strategies will put you on the right path towards success! So keep up the hard work, reap those long-term benefits, and watch as Google rewards you with improved rankings Conclusion Both Domain Rating (DR) and Domain Authority (DA) are important metrics used by SEO professionals to assess the strength and authority of a website. To improve your Domain Rating or Domain Authority, you can focus on several key strategies: Build high-quality backlinks: Earn links from authoritative websites in your industry through guest posting, outreach campaigns, or creating exceptional content that naturally attracts links. Optimize on-page elements: Ensure your website is optimized for relevant keywords with well-structured URLs, meta tags (title tag and meta description), headers (H1-H6), and keyword-rich content. Create valuable content: Publish informative articles, blog posts, infographics or videos that provide value to your target audience. This will not only attract more visitors but also encourage them to share your content organically. Improve user experience: Make sure your website is fast-loading, mobile-friendly and easy to navigate. User experience plays a crucial role in keeping visitors engaged and improving search engine rankings. Leverage social media platforms: Engage with your audience on popular social media platforms such as Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest etc., sharing valuable content regularly can help increase brand visibility leading to more organic traffic. Remember that building up your site’s authority takes time; it’s an ongoing process that requires consistent effort over time.

GSE Technologies, a pioneering leader in sustainable solutions, is proud to announce the launch of Eco Community, an innovative platform that fosters a global network of individuals dedicated to creating a sustainable future for our planet. The Eco-Community initiative invites everyone to register for free and become an integral part of this transformative movement. At a time when environmental challenges are becoming increasingly urgent, GSE Technologies recognises the power of community-driven action in driving positive change. Eco Community serves as a collaborative space, bringing together passionate individuals, environmental enthusiasts, and experts from diverse backgrounds to share knowledge, inspire one another, and collectively work towards sustainable solutions. By joining Eco Community, participants gain access to a wealth of resources, including educational materials, expert-led webinars, interactive forums, and local events focused on sustainable practices. Members will have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, exchange ideas, and engage in meaningful discussions that propel the sustainability agenda forward. “We believe that sustainable change starts with empowering individuals and fostering a sense of community,” said Sabrina Agius, CEO at GSE Technologies. “Eco Community provides a unique platform for individuals to come together, learn from one another, and take meaningful action towards a greener and more sustainable future.” Eco Community aims to address a wide range of environmental issues, such as renewable energy, waste reduction, conservation, eco-friendly lifestyles, and more. Through shared experiences and collaborative efforts, participants will contribute to developing innovative solutions that can be implemented on both local and global scales. To register for free and become a member of the Eco Community, individuals can visit the official website at ecovillage.mt. By joining this vibrant network, participants will gain access to valuable resources and the opportunity to make a real difference in the world. “We invite individuals from all walks of life to join us in this exciting journey towards sustainability,” added Jessica Salibra, Project Manager. “Together, we can create a powerful force for change, inspiring a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable world for future generations.” #climateaction #ecocommunity #greeninnovation #sustainability

The arrangement of the music with love is truly a love letter to ‘Mario Rolling Uchizawa iam8bit Japan (operated by U/M/A/A Inc.), which markets video game music and related products based on the concept of “turning games into art,” has opened pre-orders for the Japanese edition of the original soundtrack to the movie “The Super Mario Brothers Movie,” which became the fastest-selling Western animation film in history, surpassing 12 billion yen in the 8 weeks after its release on April 28, and is still a huge hit today. “The Super Mario Bros. Movie is based on the Super Mario franchise, co-produced by Illumination and Nintendo. The story and visuals are impressive, but the music, composed by Brian Tyler, who has worked on Hollywood blockbusters such as the “Fast and Furious” series and Marvel Studio productions, is also highly acclaimed. Tyler worked closely with Koji Kondo, who composed original theme music of the Super Mario series, to create a remarkable, unmissable score. In addition, there is a touching ballad sung by Jack Black (who plays Bowser), a Hollywood actor also known for his outstanding singing skills, called “Peaches,” which Bowser plays on the piano in the movie. It’s a delightful discovery to hear arrangements of familiar classic video game music scattered throughout the movie. The Japanese edition CD and LP, include liner notes by Rolling Uchizawa (game writer / former Weekly Famitsu editor) plus lyrics and translation with obi strip. . The CD and LP feature a total of 36 tracks, including orchestral music composed by Brian Tyler, which pays homage to the videogame music, and “Peaches” sung by Jack Black as Bowser. The CD will be released on August 9 and the LP on September 13. Pre-orders for imported original editions are also available on the iam8bit Japan website, offering five items, including a limited and an open edition LPs, CD, cassette tape, and 7-inch vinyl. The 7-inch features “Peaches” on the A-side and “Mario Brothers Rap” by Ali Dee, which is not included in the LP, CD, or cassette tape, on the flip. Delivery of the imported editions is scheduled for later in August. Brian Tyler Biography Brian Tyler is a multiple BAFTA and Emmy Award nominee, a platinum-selling recording artist, and has been a composer and conductor on over 100 feature films. Tyler’s scoring credits include Joss Whedon’s Avengers: Age of Ultron, James Wan’s Furious 7 and F. Gary Gray’s Fate of the Furious as well as others in the Fast and the Furious franchise, Shane Black’s Iron Man 3, Alan Taylor’s Thor: The Dark World, Jon Chu’s Crazy Rich Asians, for which he was voted to the 2019 Oscar shortlist for Best Original Score, James Vanderbilt’s Truth, starring Cate Blanchett and Robert Redford, Justin Baldoni’s Clouds, Louis Leterrier’s Now You See Me and Jon Chu’s Now You See Me 2, Adam Shankman’s What Men Want, Ready or Not directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, Charlie’s Angels directed by Elizabeth Banks, Taylor Sheridan’s Those Who Wish Me Dead, Escape Room: Tournament of Champions directed by Adam Robitel, Redeeming Love directed by DJ Caruso, Scream directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin & Tyler Gillett and Disney’s Chip ‘n’ Dale: Rescue Rangers directed by Akiva Schaffer. Brian also tours as a successful electronic artist and producer, playing major festivals such as EDC and Hardfest, and he recently launched “Are We Dreaming”, a completely immersive audio-visual experience created by Tyler himself, which debuted in October 2021 on the 400-foot Main Stage at Lost Lands Music Festival; an epic two-hour midnight performance for a crowd of 30,000 people. Tyler has also composed the music for Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone which is now in its fourth season, as well as the recently premiered 1883, and the television series Hawaii Five-O, Scorpion, and Magnum PI. He also wrote the theme for Formula 1 racing, which is heard by the sport’s 1.5 billion viewers each year. Tyler is a multi-instrumentalist skilled at playing piano, guitar, drums, bass, cello, world percussion, guitarviol, charango, and bouzouki, among others. He has conducted symphonic concerts of his film scores around the globe and frequently conducts the London Philharmonic, the Philharmonic Orchestra of London, and the Hollywood Studio Symphony. His accolades include 34 BMI Music Awards, 3 Emmy nominations, 5 ASCAP Music Awards, and 12 Goldspirit Awards including Composer of the Year. Tyler was also named Film Composer of the Year at the 2014 Cue Awards. He was awarded the highest honor from BMI, the Icon Award in 2022 for his exceptional body of work and phenomenal success as a composer, orchestral conductor and music producer. Product information Japanese Edition » [Japanese Edition] The Super Mario Bros. Movie Soundtrack (CD) Price: 3,500yen (incl. tax) Details: https://www.umaa.net/what/smbm_cd.html 2CD Includes lyrics, translations, liner notes with commentary by Rolling Uchisawa, plus obi Comes in a luxurious 6-panel package Featuring the song “Peaches” performed by Jack Black as Bowser Score Composed by Brian Tyler Original Nintendo Themes by Koji Kondo » [Japanese Edition] The Super Mario Bros. Movie Soundtrack (2LP) [Red & Green] Price: 9,976yen (incl. tax) Details: https://www.umaa.net/what/smbm_lp.html Red and Green 2xLP Includes lyrics, translations, liner notes with commentary by Rolling Uchisawa, plus obi Featuring the song “Peaches” performed by Jack Black as Bowser Score Composed by Brian Tyler Original Nintendo Themes by Koji Kondo Imported Edition » The Super Mario Bros. Movie Soundtrack (CD) Price: 2,900yen (incl. tax) Details: https://iam8bit.jp/products/the-super-mario-bros-movie-cd 2CD Includes lyrics, translations, liner notes with commentary by Rolling Uchisawa, plus obi Comes in a luxurious 6-panel package Featuring the song “Peaches” performed by Jack Black as Bowser Score Composed by Brian Tyler Original Nintendo Themes by Koji Kondo » [Limited Edition] The Super Mario Bros. Movie Soundtrack (2LP) [Pink & Yellow] Price: 7,300yen (incl. tax) Details:  https://iam8bit.jp/products/super-mario-bros-2xlp-exclusive iam8bit Exclusive Colorway –– Pink and Yellow 2xLP Featuring the song “Peaches” performed by Jack Black as Bowser Score Composed by Brian Tyler Original Nintendo Themes by Koji Kondo » [Open Edition] The Super Mario Bros. Movie Soundtrack (2LP) [Red & Green] Price: 7,300yen (incl. tax) Details: https://iam8bit.jp/products/super-mario-bros-2xlp Red and Green 2xLP Featuring the song “Peaches” performed by Jack Black as Bowser Score Composed by Brian Tyler Original Nintendo Themes by Koji Kondo » The Super Mario Bros. Movie Soundtrack (Cassette) Price: 3,200yen (incl. tax) Details: https://iam8bit.jp/products/super-mario-bros-cassette iam8bit Exclusive – not sold in stores Red or Green Cassette (random) Featuring the song “Peaches” performed by Jack Black as Bowser Score Composed by Brian Tyler Original Nintendo Themes by Koji Kondo » The Super Mario Bros. Movie (7”) Price: 3,200yen (incl. tax) Details: https://iam8bit.jp/products/super-mario-bros-7 iam8bit Exclusive – not sold in stores 7” Single on high fidelity Audiophile Black Featuring the singles “Peaches” and “Mario Brothers Rap” Premium Diecut Jacket Music by Jack Black and Ali Dee Tracklisting (LP/CD/Cassette) Press Start King of the Koopas Plumbin’ Ain’t Easy It’s a Dog Eat Plumber World Saving Brooklyn The Warp Pipe A Strange New World The Darklands Welcome To The Mushroom Kingdom Peaches 2 Player Game The Mushroom Council The Plumber and the Peach Platforming Princess World 1-1 The Adventure Begins Lost and Crowned Imprisoned Courting the Kongs Super Marios Bros. Opus Drivin’ Me Bananas Rumble in the Jungle Karts! Practice Makes Perfect Buckle Up Rainbow Road Rage Blue Shelled Level Complete An Indecent Proposal The Belly of the Beast Fighting Tooth and Veil Tactical Tanooki Grapple in the Big Apple Superstars The Super Mario Brothers Bonus Level Tracklisting (7”) Peaches Mario Brothers Rap About iam8bit Japan Iam8bit is a creative production company founded in the United States in 2005. The two owners, John Gibson and Amanda White, who were heavily influenced by video games and were a journalist and movie producer in Hollywood, respectively, created a variety of unique and artistic merchandise that had never been seen before in the gaming community, including a deluxe hardcover book set of records, foil-printed t-shirts, and state-of-art pin badges. Their innovative and stylish products quickly gained fans around the world. Since February 2017, Iam8bit has been collaborating with U/M/A/A Inc. to launch and run an “iam8bit Japan and Asia” store. About U/M/A/A Inc. U/M/A/A Inc. is a new breed of record company that connects “music” and “art” (media art, manga, anime, videogames, gadgets, and fashion) from both domestic and international sources. U/M/A/A Inc. produces quality music in all genres, from club and electronic music to Internet-based vocaloid/anime songs. Aiming to further develop the music business in the 21st century, U/M/A/A Inc. established the artist management company P._nc (Pink) and becoming the official distributor for vinyl products and merchandise imprint “iam8bit” in Japan and Asia, with the concept of “turning games into art”. “CHILL SPACE” has been launched at Shibuya Cross Tower bulding, which is a relaxing place for adults to unwind. U/M/A/A Inc. is a company that is involved in the music business deeply and widely.

Researchers have developed a novel strategy for using Google Trends—a website that evaluates the popularity of Google searches—to assess football players’ popularity, and demonstrated that this method improves predictions of players’ market value. Pilar Malagón-Selma and colleagues at Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain, present these findings in the open-access journal PLOS ONE on August 16, 2023. A football player’s market value is relevant in numerous contexts, including transfers between teams and assessing the financial value of teams. Researchers are increasingly focused on analyzing factors that affect market value, such as players’ physical characteristics and performance on the field. In recent years, player popularity has emerged as a key factor affecting market value. However, only a few studies have explored the potential role of Google Trends in market value predictions. Now, Malagón-Selma and colleagues have developed a novel method for using Google Trends to assess player popularity for the purpose of market value prediction. This method involves asking Google Trends to compare the popularity over time of two players simultaneously. It calculates six different indicators of popularity that can be compared among players, and adjusts calculations according to a common scale so that many players can be compared at once. To test their new method, the researchers trained three machine learning models using data on 1,428 players from the “Big Five” European football leagues from the 2018-2019 season and transfer fees for the following summer. Development of a common scale for comparing popularity involved selecting several reference players, including the overall most popular forward, midfielder, and defender of that season—Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Pogba, and Sergio Ramos—as well as several notably less popular players. Popularity indicators calculated using the new method improved the accuracy of the market value predictions, when incorporated alongside other factors traditionally used for such predictions. The indicator with the biggest impact on the best-performing model was a player’s level of popularity during their least popular times. These findings suggest that incorporating measurements of player popularity can improve predictions of players’ market value. To provide a more complete view, the authors encourage future researchers to include longitudinal data about clubs’ revenue, as well as data on players’ position or injuries, which can influence their performance and, by extension, their market value. The authors add: “This paper provides practical guidance for developing and incorporating the proposed Google Trends indicators. They could be applied in sports analytics and any study in which popularity is important. Therefore, we expect researchers in other relevant areas to use this new methodology.” Ref: 1. PLOS ONE :  https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0289213

Bitcoin has experienced a sharp drop in its price since early Thursday (August 17th, 2023), losing nearly 9% of its value in a span of 10 minutes. This is part of a broader sell-off of risky assets that has affected stock markets and government bonds as well. What are the possible reasons behind this sudden plunge? One factor that may have contributed to the decline is a report that Elon Musk’s Space X had dumped its bitcoin holdings, stoking investors’ fears. Space X, the aerospace company founded by Musk, had previously announced that it had bought $1.5 billion worth of bitcoin in February 2023, boosting the cryptocurrency’s price. However, according to CoinGlass, a cryptocurrency trading platform, Space X sold its entire stash of bitcoin on Thursday, triggering a wave of panic selling among other investors. Another factor that may have influenced the bitcoin price drop is the hawkish stance of the US Federal Reserve, which signaled that another interest rate hike could be in the cards soon. The Fed officials expressed concern that inflation “remained unacceptably high” and that they would act accordingly to rein it in. Higher interest rates tend to make riskier assets like cryptocurrencies less attractive, as they increase the opportunity cost of holding them. A third factor that may have played a role in the bitcoin price drop is the ongoing regulatory crackdown on cryptocurrencies around the world. Several countries, including China, India, Turkey and Nigeria, have imposed bans or restrictions on cryptocurrency trading and mining, citing concerns over financial stability, money laundering and environmental impact. These measures have reduced the liquidity and accessibility of cryptocurrencies, as well as their perceived legitimacy. A fourth factor that may have affected the bitcoin price drop is the technical weakness of the cryptocurrency market. Bitcoin has been trading in a narrow range between $26,000 and $28,000 for several weeks, failing to break out of this consolidation zone. This has created a sense of frustration and boredom among traders, who may have decided to exit their positions or switch to other assets. Additionally, some analysts have pointed out that bitcoin has formed a bearish head-and-shoulders pattern on its daily chart, which indicates a potential reversal of the uptrend. A fifth factor that may have contributed to the bitcoin price drop is the psychological impact of negative news and sentiment. Bitcoin is known to be highly volatile and sensitive to external events and opinions, especially those of influential figures like Musk. The constant barrage of bad news and pessimistic outlooks may have eroded the confidence and enthusiasm of investors, leading them to sell their holdings or avoid buying more. These are some of the possible reasons why bitcoin price suddenly drops. However, it is important to note that these are not definitive or exhaustive explanations, and that there may be other factors at play that are not yet known or understood. Bitcoin is a complex and dynamic phenomenon that is influenced by many variables and actors, both rational and irrational. Therefore, it is difficult to predict its future movements with certainty or accuracy. #crypto

(ESO, 17 August 2023) – Magnetars are the strongest magnets in the Universe. These super-dense dead stars with ultra-strong magnetic fields can be found all over our galaxy but astronomers don’t know exactly how they form. Now, using multiple telescopes around the world, including European Southern Observatory (ESO) facilities, researchers have uncovered a living star that is likely to become a magnetar. This finding marks the discovery of a new type of astronomical object — massive magnetic helium stars — and sheds light on the origin of magnetars. Despite having been observed for over 100 years, the enigmatic nature of the star HD 45166 could not be easily explained by conventional models, and little was known about it beyond the fact that it is one of a pair of stars, is rich in helium and is a few times more massive than our Sun. “ This star became a bit of an obsession of mine ,” says Tomer Shenar, the lead author of a study on this object published today in Science and an astronomer at the University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands. “ Tomer and I refer to HD 45166 as the ‘zombie star ’ ,” says co-author and ESO astronomer Julia Bodensteiner, based in Germany. “ This is not only because this star is so unique, but also because I jokingly said that it turns Tomer into a zombie. “ Having studied similar helium-rich stars before, Shenar thought magnetic fields could crack the case. Indeed, magnetic fields are known to influence the behaviour of stars and could explain why traditional models failed to describe HD 45166, which is located about 3000 light-years away in the constellation Monoceros. “ I remember having a Eureka moment while reading the literature: ‘What if the star is magnetic?’, ” says Shenar, who is currently based at the Centre for Astrobiology in Madrid, Spain. Shenar and his team set out to study the star using multiple facilities around the globe. The main observations were conducted in February 2022 using an instrument on the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope that can detect and measure magnetic fields. The team also relied on key archive data taken with the Fiber-fed Extended Range Optical Spectrograph (FEROS) at ESO’s La Silla Observatory in Chile. Once the observations were in, Shenar asked co-author Gregg Wade, an expert on magnetic fields in stars at the Royal Military College of Canada, to examine the data. Wade’s response confirmed Shenar’s hunch: “ Well my friend, whatever this thing is — it is definitely magnetic. ” Shenar’s team had found that the star has an incredibly strong magnetic field, of 43 000 gauss, making HD 45166 the most magnetic massive star found to date. “ The entire surface of the helium star is as magnetic as the strongest human-made magnets, ” explains co-author Pablo Marchant, an astronomer at KU Leuven’s Institute of Astronomy in Belgium.  This observation marks the discovery of the very first massive magnetic helium star. “ It is exciting to uncover a new type of astronomical object, ” says Shenar, ” especially when it’s been hiding in plain sight all along. ” Moreover, it provides clues to the origin of magnetars, compact dead stars laced with magnetic fields at least a billion times stronger than the one in HD 45166. The team’s calculations suggest that this star will end its life as a magnetar. As it collapses under its own gravity, its magnetic field will strengthen, and the star will eventually become a very compact core with a magnetic field of around 100 trillion gauss — the most powerful type of magnet in the Universe. Shenar and his team also found that HD 45166 has a mass smaller than previously reported, around twice the mass of the Sun, and that its stellar pair orbits at a far larger distance than believed before. Furthermore, their research indicates that HD 45166 formed through the merger of two smaller helium-rich stars. “ Our findings completely reshape our understanding of HD 45166 ,” concludes Bodensteiner. Content Source: European Southern Observatory Image Credit: ESO/L. Calçada

Boosted by the strong performance of its Find N2 series and Find X6 series flagship smartphones, OPPO ranks first in the Chinese smartphone market in H1 2023 and fourth globally during the same period. According to data from Canalys, OPPO held a 10% share of the global smartphone market in H1, with 51.9 million shipments, and an 18% share of the China smartphone market in H1 2023, making it the best-selling brand in China during the first half of the year. OPPO’s performance has been driven in part by the success of foldable smartphones, which have entered a period of rapid growth this year and continue to show significant upside potential. Counterpoint Research estimates that global shipments of foldable smartphones are expected to grow at a 114% compound annual growth rate from 2019 to 2025, increasing four-fold between 2022 and 2025 to reach 55 million units. Chinese OEMs, including OPPO, have been quick to embrace the foldable market, contributing to China’s emergence as the global leader with a 26% share of the market in 2022. New data from Canalys also shows that OPPO held a dominant 31% share of the foldable market in China during Q1 2023, making it the leader in the growing segment. At the product level, the OPPO Find N2 Flip outperformed all other foldable products to make up 15% of foldable smartphone sales in China from January to May 2023, according to Counterpoint. As the first vertical flip phone to introduce a larger cover screen, the Find N2 Flip is crafted for practicality and enjoyment for daily use, featuring a less-visible crease, a powerful battery, and an intuitive UI design alongside other industry-leading innovations. These innovations and the commercial success of the Find N2 Flip have also helped OPPO to outperform the global foldable market this year, where its market share has increased from 5% in Q1 2022 to 13% in Q1 2023, according to Canalys . OPPO remains committed to driving the growth of the foldable smartphone market and enhancing the user experience through its continued focus on technical innovation. Source: OPPO

NASA Software Catalog Offers Free Programs for Earth Science, More Each year, NASA scientists, engineers, and developers create software packages to manage space missions, test spacecraft, and analyze the petabytes of data produced by agency research satellites. As the agency innovates for the benefit of humanity, many of these programs are now downloadable and free of charge through NASA’s Software Catalog. The 2023-2024  Software Catalog  contains more than 1,000 programs, including dozens of new packages added this year. Among the 15 different categories of NASA software available through the catalog is environmental science. Whether it means helping farmers navigate crop-destroying droughts, tracking deadly storms such as hurricanes and tornadoes, or mapping floods, fires, and more, NASA’s fleet of Earth-observation satellites allows an “eye-in-the-sky” advantage to spot events, features, and long-term trends on our ever-changing planet. “By making our innovations available to the public, we fulfill our goal of helping NASA’s research and technology development find new uses beyond space exploration,” said Daniel Lockney, program executive for the agency’s Technology Transfer program at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “We’re proud to make NASA software more accessible through our easy-to-use website, and we are dedicated to continuing this ‘customer-service’ approach to software release.” Among the environmental science software included in the catalog are: A  popular modeling software that  provides values for atmospheric parameters, such as temperature and winds, for any month and location in Earth’s atmosphere A  geospatial system  for disaster response using low-cost hardware such as digital cameras or cellphones A cloud-based toolkit that allows collaboration among researchers in Earth science An algorithm to accurately forecast  lighting strikes A framework that combines maps with satellite-based rainfall estimates to identify potential  landslide hazards A  platform  built for interactive browsing of near-real-time satellite imagery to help with time-critical scenarios such as wildfires or flooding NASA scientists and software experts, who use satellite data and more to better understand Earth, will be available to answer questions about free agency resources at 12 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16, during a Reddit “Ask me Anything.” Join or follow the discussion online using the /r/AskScience subreddit. To complement the Software Catalog, NASA’s Technology Transfer program has also built a  Remote Sensing Toolkit . The web-based set of tools helps users find, analyze, and use the most relevant satellite data for research, business projects, or conservation efforts. Beyond environmental science, the catalog also includes software packages for system testing, aeronautics, business systems and project management, data and image processing, crew and life support, and more. The Software Catalog is a product of NASA’s  Technology Transfer program , managed for the agency by STMD. NASA routinely makes improvements to the Software Catalog website, ensuring the process is fast and easy. The program ensures technologies developed by and for NASA are broadly available to the public, maximizing the benefit to American taxpayers. Access restrictions apply to some software that may be limited to use by U.S. citizens or for U.S. government purposes only. Review the catalog online at http://software.nasa.gov Source: NASA

New research finds that exposure to fine particulate pollution can impact brain health, but urban greenery may offer protection. With the rapid urbanization and increasing air pollution in many parts of the world, the impact of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) on human health has become a major concern. A new study has shed light on a previously overlooked area of health risk – the link between air pollution and stroke risk. Researchers found that exposure to PM2.5 can affect blood flow to the brain, a critical factor in stroke risk. However, the study also provides hope by revealing that urban greenery can mitigate these risks, making it a potential solution for reducing damage to brain health. The Study The research, conducted by scientists from the Beijing Health Management Cohort, aimed to explore the effects of PM2.5 and its various chemical constituents on the progression of cerebral blood flow velocity (BFV) in the middle cerebral artery. The study recruited participants who underwent transcranial Doppler sonography examinations between 2015 and 2020. Linear mixed effects models and weighted quantile sum regression were employed to analyze the data, while greenness in the surroundings was examined as a potential modifier. The Findings The study revealed significant negative associations between PM2.5 and its constituents and the progression of cerebral artery BFV. Among the various PM2.5 constituents, organic matter (OM) exhibited the strongest association with the decline in blood flow velocity. An increase in PM2.5 and OM exposure concentrations was associated with a decrease in BFV change and BFV change rate. This indicates a greater and faster reduction in blood flow to the brain, which is a known risk factor for stroke. Moreover, the study found that greenness in the environment played a crucial role in modifying the association between PM2.5 and BFV progression. Areas with more urban greenery had better health outcomes, as the presence of vegetation helped reduce air pollution, and subsequently, mitigated the adverse effects on cerebrovascular health. Who’s at Risk? The research also identified certain vulnerable groups. The negative associations between PM2.5 and BFV progression were particularly pronounced in individuals working in areas with lower greenness levels, individuals aged under 45 years, and females. Younger people, especially those who are physically active, may be more exposed to air pollution, increasing their susceptibility to its adverse effects. Implications and Solutions Cerebrovascular diseases, including stroke, have been associated with air pollution in previous studies. This new research highlights the importance of understanding the impact of PM2.5 on cerebral hemodynamics, which may explain the mechanisms behind air pollution-induced cerebrovascular diseases. The study’s findings hold significant implications for public health and urban planning. Reducing PM2.5 levels in the air, especially the OM constituent, should be a priority for policymakers to protect cerebrovascular health. Additionally, investing in urban greenery and improving green spaces can provide an effective means of mitigating the risks posed by air pollution. By trapping particulate matter and absorbing pollutants, plants act as natural air purifiers and create healthier living environments for residents. Conclusion Air pollution is a serious global health concern, and its association with stroke risk adds urgency to the need for effective mitigation strategies. The latest research emphasizes the crucial role of green spaces in protecting brain health from the detrimental effects of PM2.5. By promoting urban greenery and controlling air pollution, cities can take significant steps towards ensuring a healthier and safer future for their residents. Source of this study is published on GeoHealth . Summary News is written by PR News Releaser.

If trees could talk… It’s a beautiful day. You take a step outside. You hear the rustling of the leaves and feel the slight brush of wind across your skin. You are surrounded by nature and the trees are making their presence known. They stand tall, unassuming and often go unnoticed in the background. But they are there. More than just a pretty backdrop, trees and forests play a crucial role to human’s everyday existence. And it’s not just trees working alone. Deep within the forests is an intricate ecosystem of plants, fungi, insects and animals that interact and perform roles that are critical to everyone’s lives. They all work silently behind the scenes to ensure that living beings have fresh water to drink, air to breathe and food to eat. Forests cover about 31 percent of the global land area, but more than half of the world’s forests are found in only five countries. They hold a significant amount of planetary biodiversity since they are home to about 80 percent of terrestrial plants and animals. They are the silent but vital partner in providing livelihoods and food security for millions. Trees take care of people every day so take a minute to ponder, if trees had a voice, what would they say… 1. “We provide nutritional foods.” Forest products such as fruit, nuts, insects and wild meat supply essential energy, protein, carbohydrates and vitamins and are a critical part of diets, particularly for rural, food-insecure populations. For some communities in the Congo and Amazon Basins, the consumption of wild meat alone covers between 60 – 80 percent of daily protein needs. Globally, nearly one billion people depend on harvesting wild food such as herbs, fruits, nuts, meat and insects for their diets. 2. “We offer livelihoods.” About 33 million people (one percent of global employment) are estimated to work directly in the formal and informal forest sector. In addition, approximately 3.5 billion–5.76 billion people use non-timber forest products for personal use or to support livelihoods. Whether wood for housing and furniture, beauty products, medicines or aromatics, trees provide. As nature’s pharmacy, forests also offer medicines to treat a wide array of ailments. Around 50 000 plant species – many of which grow in forests – have medicinal value. Many common pharmaceutical medicines originate from forest plants, including cancer-treating drugs derived from the Madagascar periwinkle and the malaria medication, quinine, from cinchona trees. 3. “We combat climate change.” Forests offer protection. Trees can alleviate climate change effects and reduce global carbon emissions. Forests are able to mitigate heat and extreme weather events. They contain 662 billion tonnes of carbon, keeping it locked away from the atmosphere. However, deforestation, forest degradation and land-use change are responsible for about 11 percent of global CO2 emissions each year. Halting deforestation and increasing forest cover can be a cost-effective way to help combat climate change. Furthermore, in cities, properly placing trees around buildings can cool the surrounding air and cut air conditioning needs by up to 30 percent, also saving energy. 4. “We deliver energy and shelter.” Trees provide people with a vital energy source to cook food and stay warm. Often an overlooked aspect of food security, woodfuel is vital to about 2.4 billion people who use this resource for cooking in addition to heating. Forests also provide shelter and housing for people around the world. Wood from sustainably managed forests is a renewable material that contributes to a resilient planet, stores carbon for its lifetime and presents a viable alternative to other materials that take a heavy toll on the environment. Wood is the largest source of renewable energy, ahead of solar, hydroelectric and wind power. 5. “We can boost mental and physical well-being.” Trees can be therapy. Spending time in green spaces increases positive emotions and decreases stress, depression and anxiety. To improve mental health, spend time around trees. They can also be a source of physical recreation. Studies have shown that the obesity rate of children living in areas with access to green spaces is lower than those with limited or no access. Trees in the cities also absorb pollutant gasses from traffic and filter the surrounding dust, dirt and smoke, shielding people from respiratory diseases. In short, forests are working every minute to provide for the world. From offering foods and products to taking care of people’s mental and physical well-being, they are always there for us. So, we need to make sure we are there for them too. Because if trees could talk, they would remind us: “Just as you depend on us, we depend on you.” Source: FAO

Revolutionizing Liver Health: WHO Unveils the “One Life, One Liver” Movement on World Hepatitis Day Geneva, 28 July: In a bold step towards eradicating the threat of viral hepatitis, WHO launches an inspiring campaign named “One life, one liver” on World Hepatitis Day. The campaign underscores the urgent need to ramp up testing and treatment for hepatitis, cautioning that if current infection rates persist, the disease could surpass malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV combined in fatalities by 2040. Under the theme of “One life, one liver”, WHO’s  World Hepatitis Day campaign  highlights the importance of protecting the liver against hepatitis for living a long, healthy life. Annually, hepatitis claims the lives of over a million people, causing liver damage and cancer. Among the five types of hepatitis, hepatitis B and C are responsible for the majority of cases and deaths. The silver lining is that hepatitis C is curable; however, a mere 21% of those infected are diagnosed, and only 13% receive life-saving treatment. Shockingly, a mere 10% of people living with chronic hepatitis B know their diagnosis, with only 2% of them receiving the critical medication they need. Embracing the spirit of “One life, one liver,” WHO’s World Hepatitis Day campaign not only emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the liver from hepatitis but also highlights how maintaining optimal liver health benefits other vital organs like the heart, brain, and kidneys, which rely on the liver’s flawless functioning. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, stressed, “Millions of people worldwide live with undiagnosed and untreated hepatitis, despite having better tools than ever to prevent, diagnose, and treat it. WHO remains committed to empowering countries to expand the usage of these tools, including affordable curative medications, to save lives and ultimately eradicate hepatitis.” WHO is all set to unveil new guidelines to monitor countries’ progress towards eliminating hepatitis by 2030. To curb new infections and fatalities from hepatitis B and C, nations must take decisive actions, such as ensuring access to treatment for pregnant women with hepatitis B, administering hepatitis B vaccines to newborns, diagnosing 90% of hepatitis B and/or C cases, and providing treatment to 80% of all diagnosed individuals. Furthermore, they must actively work towards optimizing blood transfusions, safe injections, and harm reduction practices. Vaccination, testing, and treatment stand as pivotal opportunities to shield your liver from hepatitis. One of the most crucial interventions is vaccinating children against hepatitis B, which has proven successful in reducing overall viral hepatitis infections. Encouragingly, the target for hepatitis B incidence is the only Sustainable Development Goals’ (SDG) health target achieved in 2020 and remains on track for 2030. However, challenges persist, particularly in Africa, where access to the birth dose hepatitis B vaccine remains limited. WHO strongly recommends that all pregnant women undergo hepatitis B testing during pregnancy, and if diagnosed, receive treatment, while ensuring their newborns are vaccinated. Yet, a recent WHO report indicates that only 32 out of 64 countries with policies reported implementing activities to screen for and manage hepatitis B in antenatal clinics. As part of the campaign, WHO also calls for intensified hepatitis testing and treatment within HIV programs to safeguard people living with HIV from liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. In the face of a slowdown in the number of people receiving hepatitis C curative treatment, WHO urges countries to seize the opportunity of reduced medication prices to regain momentum in expanding treatment. The cost of a 12-week course of medication to cure hepatitis C has dramatically dropped to 60 US dollars for low-income countries from an initial 90,000 US dollars in high-income countries. Additionally, treatment for hepatitis B costs less than 30 US dollars per year ($2.4 US dollars per month). For those committed to preserving their liver health, WHO strongly advocates for hepatitis testing, timely treatment if diagnosed, and vaccination against hepatitis B. Promoting a healthy lifestyle by reducing alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing diabetes or hypertension also plays a pivotal role in maintaining optimal liver health. https://www.who.int/news/item/28-07-2023-who-launches–one-life–one-liver–campaign-on-world-hepatitis-day #health

In the ever-evolving landscape of SEO, strategies for achieving higher search engine rankings have constantly been a subject of debate and scrutiny. Private Blog Networks (PBNs) have long been a controversial topic in the SEO community, with some marketers considering them a valuable tool while others frown upon their unethical nature. However, Google’s stance on PBNs has been clear, and their use can lead to severe penalties. As an alternative, press release distribution is emerging as a powerful and legitimate way to boost SEO and content marketing strategies. Why Google Hates PBNs? A Private Blog Network (PBN) is a network of websites created to manipulate search engine rankings by artificially boosting the authority of target websites through inbound links from the controlled network sites. Essentially, PBNs aim to deceive search engines and manipulate their algorithms to gain an unfair advantage in search rankings. Google has consistently expressed its disapproval of PBNs and considers them a violation of its spam policies. Google’s spam policies are designed to safeguard users and maintain the quality of search results. PBNs fall under the category of spam as they attempt to manipulate search rankings artificially, leading to an unfair and misleading user experience. Violating Google’s spam policies can result in harsh penalties, including a significant reduction in search rankings or even exclusion from search results altogether. Google employs both automated systems and manual reviews to detect spammy practices, including PBNs. As the search engine’s algorithms continue to improve, it becomes increasingly difficult for PBNs to fly under the radar, making them a high-risk strategy for SEO professionals. The Power of Press Releases for SEO and Content Marketing In contrast to the controversial practices of PBNs, press release distribution offers a legitimate and effective way to enhance SEO and content marketing efforts. Press releases have long been a valuable tool for generating buzz around new products, services, or company announcements. In the digital age, optimizing press releases with SEO techniques can amplify their impact and drive more traffic to the company’s website. Press releases, when properly crafted and optimized, can reach a wider audience swiftly. By adhering to SEO best practices, businesses can capture the media’s attention, leading to potential media coverage and backlinks from authoritative sources. This not only boosts SEO but also helps in building a positive online reputation and brand image. Well-written press releases, tailored to the target audience and distributed through reputable channels, can create a positive impression of the company, its products, or services. Engaging headlines, quality content, and strategic use of keywords are essential elements in attracting media attention and increasing the chances of being featured in news outlets. Press release distribution services offer various packages that cater to businesses of all sizes. These services include professionally written press releases, distribution to numerous media channels, and the inclusion of authoritative backlinks that can boost a company’s online reputation. It’s time to ditch the controversial and high-risk tactic of PBNs to avoid trespassing Google’s spam policies and are likely to lead to severe penalties. On the other hand, press release distribution, when done with a focus on SEO best practices, offers a legitimate and effective way to gain media attention, valuable backlinks, and increased brand visibility. Embracing the power of press releases and content marketing can be the key to SEO success in the digital landscape of 2023 and beyond .

The development of AI-powered news-writing tools, such as Google’s GPT model called Genesis, has sparked both curiosity and concern within the journalism industry. These AI tools are designed to assist journalists in tasks like generating headlines and suggesting different writing styles, aiming to enhance their work and productivity rather than replacing them. The potential contributions of AI in a newsroom are intriguing. These AI tools can assist in generating headlines, suggesting diverse writing styles, and even helping with routine tasks like composing emails and documents. However, it’s important to note that these AI tools are not meant to replace human journalists but rather to augment their work and provide support. Several media outlets have been involved in discussions with Google about these AI tools, including prominent ones like The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and News Corp. There is a growing trend of experimenting with AI in journalism, with companies like Associated Press and Sky News also exploring AI’s potential applications in journalistic tasks. Despite the promise of AI, there are also cautionary factors to consider. Instances of missteps when using AI in reporting have been reported by outlets like CNET and The Irish Times. Responsible integration of AI into journalism is crucial to avoid compromising the fundamental role of journalists in reporting, creating, and fact-checking articles. The concerns about AI potentially replacing human journalists stem from the impact of automation on various industries. While Google and other tech companies emphasize that AI tools are meant to assist rather than replace journalists, the fear of job displacement remains a valid concern in an industry that has already experienced significant job cuts due to the digital transformation of media and the decline of print advertising revenues. In summary, the introduction of AI-powered news-writing tools like Google’s Genesis is an intriguing development that holds promise for enhancing productivity and supporting journalists in their work. However, it is essential to strike a balance between leveraging AI’s potential benefits and preserving the crucial role of human journalists in reporting, fact-checking, and creating content. Responsible and ethical integration of AI in journalism will be key to navigating the evolving landscape of media and technology.

A study of data from about 500,000 people in the UK Biobank has uncovered small but statistically significant associations between signs of systemic inflammation and later risk of dementia. Dr. Krisztina Mekli of The University of Manchester, UK, and colleagues present these findings in the open-access journal PLOS ONE on July 19, 2023. Millions of people around the world have Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia, and researchers are working to tease out the complex mechanisms behind these conditions. Prior research has suggested that inflammation—activation of the body’s innate immune system—may play a contributing role in the onset of dementia. To help clarify this potential role, Dr. Mekli and colleagues analyzed data from nearly 500,000 participants in a large, multifaceted health study called the UK Biobank. They evaluated the relationship between certain biological measures—biomarkers—of inflammation and participants’ performance on various cognitive tests, assessed both at the same time as the biomarkers and years later, as well as if they were later diagnosed with dementia. The analysis accounted for various demographic factors, other health factors, and whether participants had a variant of the APOE gene that is known to be associated with higher risk of dementia. The researchers found that higher levels of inflammatory biomarker levels were associated with increased risk of dementia diagnosis three to eleven years later. Elevated inflammatory biomarkers were also associated with worse performance on certain cognitive measures, including tasks related to prospective memory, fluid intelligence, and reaction time, both at baseline and four to thirteen years later. These associations were small, but they were statistically significant, suggesting that systemic inflammation may contribute to dementia. While other known biomarkers, such as APOE status, appear to have a stronger association with dementia, it is possible that measuring inflammatory biomarkers could be an additional useful tool for identifying people who may be at higher risk of developing dementia. The authors note that this study is exploratory and that further research will be needed to better understand the inflammation-dementia link and its potential clinical applications. Dr. Mekli adds: “In this study, we found associations between higher systemic inflammation levels and risk of being diagnosed with dementia 3-11 years later, although the increase in risk is small. This association of course does not mean causality, therefore further research is needed to understand and evaluate the potential mechanism. In addition, high levels of inflammation might be one of the biomarkers which helps to identify people who have elevated risk of developing dementia in the near future.” Source: PLOS ONE https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0288045

In a groundbreaking event presided over by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, a conference on “Drugs Trafficking and National Security” took place at Atal Akshay Urja Bhavan in the national capital. This gathering marked a significant milestone in the government’s relentless fight against drugs, as an astounding quantity of narcotics worth billions was eradicated across multiple regions of the country. The collaborative effort of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Anti-Narcotics Task Forces (ANTFs) from various states resulted in the destruction of over 1.44 lakh kilograms of drugs, equivalent to a staggering value of Rs. 2,416 crore. Addressing the conference, Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized the urgent need for collective action against the menace of drugs. He highlighted the crucial importance of putting an end to the production and circulation of narcotics. Shah also acknowledged the remarkable progress made in the battle against drugs, stating, “In the span of one year, the total quantity of drugs destroyed will reach approximately 10 lakh kilograms, with an estimated value of around Rs. 12,000 crore.” The ambitious goal of creating a drug-free India by the centenary of independence was mentioned by Shah, who affirmed, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a target that when the country celebrates its hundred years of independence, India should be completely free from the clutches of drugs. It is our collective responsibility, with both the central and state governments working together, to ensure the success of this campaign and create a nation where the youth are free from the grip of drugs.” The operation conducted by the NCB and ANTFs witnessed substantial quantities of drugs being destroyed across different states. The drugs eradicated included 6,590 kilograms by NCB’s Hyderabad unit, 822 kilograms by Indore, and 356 kilograms by Jammu. Collaborative efforts from law enforcement agencies in various states resulted in the destruction of a total of 1,44,122 kilograms of drugs. Notable quantities include 1,486 kilograms in Assam, 229 kilograms in Chandigarh, 25 kilograms in Goa, 4,277 kilograms in Gujarat, 4,069 kilograms in Jammu and Kashmir, 1,03,884 kilograms in Madhya Pradesh, 159 kilograms in Maharashtra, 1,803 kilograms in Tripura, and 4,049 kilograms in Uttar Pradesh. The government’s unwavering commitment to adopting a “Zero Tolerance” policy against narcotics was highlighted in an official release, emphasizing the pursuit of a drug-free India. From June 1, 2022, to July 15, 2023, the regional units of the NCB and ANTFs, in their combined efforts, destroyed approximately 8,76,554 kilograms of seized drugs, amounting to a value of around Rs. 9,580 crore. This remarkable achievement surpassed the set targets by over eleven times. This recent drug destruction operation has further contributed to the ongoing campaign, bringing the total quantity of drugs destroyed within one year to an astonishing 10 lakh kilograms, worth approximately Rs. 12,000 crore. The government remains resolute in its pursuit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a drug-free India, with a continued focus on actively demolishing the drug network across the nation. The collective determination of the NCB, ANTFs, and various law enforcement agencies is a testament to the government’s unwavering stance against the drug menace. The significant destruction of this massive quantity of narcotics underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding the well-being and security of its citizens. Read More Latest Sports News only on Republic World ( https://www.republicworld.com/ ) Republic World is a dynamic and most trusted source of news and information, founded by journalist and entrepreneur Arnab Goswami. We cater live and in-depth coverage of comprehensive news headlines and articles, covering a wide range of topics including India news , entertainment news, sports news (https://www.republicworld.com/) and much more. Republic World features breaking news in India, current news headlines, India news live and today’s India News #PoliticsNews #BJP #HomeMinisterAmitShah #NCB #IndiaNews #AmitShah #HomeMinister

Geneva – Assessments of the health impacts of the non-sugar sweetener aspartame are released today by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). Citing “limited evidence” for carcinogenicity in humans, IARC classified aspartame as possibly carcinogenic to humans (IARC Group 2B) and JECFA reaffirmed the acceptable daily intake of 40 mg/kg body weight. Aspartame is an artificial (chemical) sweetener widely used in various food and beverage products since the 1980s, including diet drinks, chewing gum, gelatin, ice cream, dairy products such as yogurt, breakfast cereal, toothpaste and medications such as cough drops and chewable vitamins. “Cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally. Every year, 1 in 6 people die from cancer. Science is continuously expanding to assess the possible initiating or facilitating factors of cancer, in the hope of reducing these numbers and the human toll,” said Dr Francesco Branca, Director of the Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, WHO. “The assessments of aspartame have indicated that, while safety is not a major concern at the doses which are commonly used, potential effects have been described that need to be investigated by more and better studies.” The two bodies conducted independent but complementary reviews to assess the potential carcinogenic hazard and other health risks associated with aspartame consumption. This was the first time that IARC has evaluated aspartame and the third time for JECFA. After reviewing the available scientific literature, both evaluations noted limitations in the available evidence for cancer (and other health effects). IARC classified aspartame as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B) on the basis of limited evidence for cancer in humans (specifically, for hepatocellular carcinoma, which is a type of liver cancer). There was also limited evidence for cancer in experimental animals and limited evidence related to the possible mechanisms for causing cancer. JECFA concluded that the data evaluated indicated no sufficient reason to change the previously established acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0–40 mg/kg body weight for aspartame. The committee therefore reaffirmed that it is safe for a person to consume within this limit per day. For example, with a can of diet soft drink containing 200 or 300 mg of aspartame, an adult weighing 70kg would need to consume more than 9–14 cans per day to exceed the acceptable daily intake, assuming no other intake from other food sources. IARC’s hazard identifications are the first fundamental step to understand the carcinogenicity of an agent by identifying its specific properties and its potential to cause harm, i.e., cancer. IARC classifications reflect the strength of scientific evidence as to whether an agent can cause cancer in humans, but they do not reflect the risk of developing cancer at a given exposure level. The IARC hazard evaluation considers all types of exposures (e.g., dietary, occupational). The strength-of-evidence classification in Group 2B is the third highest level out of 4 levels, and it is generally used either when there is limited, but not convincing, evidence for cancer in humans or convincing evidence for cancer in experimental animals, but not both. “The findings of limited evidence of carcinogenicity in humans and animals, and of limited mechanistic evidence on how carcinogenicity may occur, underscore the need for more research to refine our understanding on whether consumption of aspartame poses a carcinogenic hazard,” said Dr Mary Schubauer-Berigan of the IARC Monographs programme. JECFA’s risk assessments determine the probability of a specific type of harm, i.e., cancer, to occur under certain conditions and levels of exposure. It is not unusual for JECFA to factor IARC classifications into its deliberations. “JECFA also considered the evidence on cancer risk, in animal and human studies, and concluded that the evidence of an association between aspartame consumption and cancer in humans is not convincing,” said Dr Moez Sanaa, WHO’s Head of the Standards and Scientific Advice on Food and Nutrition Unit. “We need better studies with longer follow-up and repeated dietary questionnaires in existing cohorts. We need randomized controlled trials, including studies of mechanistic pathways relevant to insulin regulation, metabolic syndrome and diabetes, particularly as related to carcinogenicity.” The IARC and JECFA evaluations of the impact of aspartame were based on scientific data collected from a range of sources, including peer-reviewed papers, governmental reports and studies conducted for regulatory purposes. The studies have been reviewed by independent experts, and both committees have taken steps to ensure the independence and reliability of their evaluations. IARC and WHO will continue to monitor new evidence and encourage independent research groups to develop further studies on the potential association between aspartame exposure and consumer health effects.

Are you looking for a way to supercharge your online marketing efforts and reach a global audience? Look no further than global press release distribution! In this digital age, getting your message out there is more important than ever, and a global press release can help you do just that. Whether you’re launching a new product, announcing an event, or simply want to generate buzz around your brand, distributing press releases on a global scale can take your online marketing strategy to the next level. What is a global press release? A global press release is a strategic communication tool used by businesses to disseminate information about their products, services, or events on an international scale. It involves crafting a newsworthy and compelling story that captures the attention of journalists, bloggers, and influencers across different countries and cultures. Unlike traditional press releases that are targeted at a specific region or country, global press releases have a broader reach and aim to create buzz on a worldwide level. Companies can leverage online platforms and distribution services to ensure their news reaches a wide audience in various corners of the globe. This allows brands to expand their reach beyond local markets and tap into new customer bases internationally. Choosing the right global press release service for your business plays a crucial role in maximizing its benefits. Consider factors such as pricing plans suited for different budgets, target regions covered by their distribution network, availability of analytics data for tracking performance metrics like views or pickups generated from each release, and the overall reputation and credibility of the service provider. How can global press release distribution boost online marketing? Global press release distribution can be a game-changer for your online marketing efforts; because your press releases can reach a much larger audience and increase brand visibility on a global scale. One of the key benefits of using global press release distribution is that it helps to generate buzz and awareness about your business or product. When you distribute press releases internationally, they have the potential to be picked up by media outlets from around the world. This means that your message can reach millions of people who may not have been aware of your brand before. Global press release distribution also helps to improve search engine optimization (SEO) for your website. When these press releases are published on various news sites and directories, they create valuable backlinks to your website. These backlinks signal to search engines like Google that your site is authoritative and trustworthy, which can lead to higher rankings in search results. When choosing the right global press release service for your business, consider factors such as their network reach, pricing options (look for unlimited plans if possible), reporting capabilities, customer support quality, and any additional features offered (like social media integration). By leveraging the power of global press release distribution, you can significantly boost your online marketing efforts, reaching new audiences, demonstrating authority increasing brand visibility, and driving more organic traffic to your website—all while saving time and resources What are the benefits of using a global press release service? Using a global press release service can offer numerous benefits for your online marketing efforts. One key advantage is the ability to reach a worldwide audience with your news and updates. By distributing your press releases globally, you can expand your brand’s visibility and attract potential customers from different countries and regions. A undeniable benefit of using a global press release service is the opportunity to enhance your search engine optimization (SEO) strategy. Press releases are an effective way to generate backlinks to your website, which can improve your website’s ranking in search engine results pages. Additionally, by optimizing your press releases with relevant keywords and phrases, you can increase the chances of appearing in organic search results when users are looking for information related to your industry or niche. Global press release distribution allows you to establish yourself as an authoritative source within your industry. When reputable media outlets pick up and publish your press releases, it adds credibility and legitimacy to your brand. This helps build trust among consumers and positions you as a thought leader in the market. How to choose the right global press release service for your business Choosing the right global press release service for your business is crucial to maximize the benefits of online marketing. Here are some factors to consider when making your selection: 1. Reach and Distribution Network: Look for a service that has an extensive network of media outlets, journalists, and news websites across different countries. The wider the reach, the greater exposure your press releases will receive. 2. Target Audience: Consider whether the press release service can effectively target your desired audience based on demographics, industries, or geographical locations. This ensures that your message reaches the right people who are more likely to be interested in what you have to offer. 3. Online Visibility and SEO Features: Opt for a service that offers SEO optimization features such as keyword targeting and backlink integration. This helps improve your search engine rankings and drives more organic traffic to your website. 4. Customization Options: Choose a platform that allows you to personalize and customize your press releases according to your branding guidelines. This ensures consistency in messaging across all channels. 5. Analytics and Reporting: A good global press release service should provide detailed analytics and reporting capabilities so you can track the performance of each campaign accurately. Metrics like views, clicks, shares, and conversions help measure ROI effectively. 6. Cost-effectiveness: While cost should never be the sole determining factor, it’s essential to choose a service that aligns with your budget while still delivering quality results. By carefully considering these factors when selecting a global press release distribution service, you can harness its power as an effective tool in boosting online marketing efforts for reaching new audiences worldwide! Press Release Distribution is not just about getting attention; it’s about increasing brand awareness through targeted campaigns! So make sure you choose wisely! PR News Releaser offers unlimited press release distribution – check it out!

GURU Summary: Yoga has been proven to relieve stress by using exercises that unite mind, body, and spirit. If you're new to yoga, these seven tips will help you get started. Article Body: If you are new to yoga, these seven tips will get you started on your path to a more centered life. Yoga is proven to relieve stress by using exercises that unify mind, body, and spirit. 1. Talk to your doctor and explain what type of yoga poses you intend to practice. Show your doctor pictures of the poses for illustration. Your doctor may rule out specific poses if you have high blood pressure, glaucoma, a history of retinal detachment, or heart disease. Make sure you follow your doctor's recommendations. 2. Make sure you join a yoga class that suits your abilities. Talk to prospective teachers, and decide if you can handle a program before you sign up. Take it slowly. Try a few beginner classes before you attempt more vigorous classes. 3. Listen to your body and be aware of your physical abilities. You don't want to hurt yourself. Make sure the instructor understands your level of experience and any limitations you may have. Don't allow anyone to push you ahead too quickly. Remember, this is supposed to be fun and relaxing. 4. If you can't find a class that meets your needs, you can always practice yoga at home. There are many books, programs, and tapes available to help you get started. Search for the best products on the Internet and read reviews. Talk to others for recommendations. 5. Why not try private lessons? You can book some one-on-one sessions with a teacher in your area. Most yoga instructors offer private classes or can help you design your program. This is a good way to get started. You can always take group lessons or practice at home after you've had private lessons and learned the basics. 6. Find a yoga buddy. It's nice to practice with someone and it will help reduce injuries. It's also a great way to keep up your enthusiasm and interest. 7. Eat lightly before practice. Wait at least two hours after eating before yoga class or practice. An empty stomach is best, but don't get so hungry that you can't focus on the poses or enjoy relaxing or meditating. Now it's time to grab your mat and a towel and get the most out of your yoga exercises. Keywords: yoga, yoga tips, beginning yoga

Rome – Today, the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), QU Dongyu, and the Mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, launched the FAO Park – Global Library of Trees and Flowers project, a green space initiative to educate the public about the importance of biodiversity and plants for life on earth. In his remarks during the ceremony, QU emphasized that we need to not only talk about green development but to take our own “green step” and plant trees, for green production, a green economy, and a greener society. Photo credit: ©FAO/Cristiano Minichiello. Copyright ©FAO. The project will involve the planting of various species of trees on a 2.5-hectare plot in the Villa Pamphili Park in Rome. The area will include educational and learning paths, surrounded by greenery, that are specifically dedicated to schools and families with the aim of empowering young people to take action and raising their awareness of the values of sustainability, inclusion, international cooperation, innovation and food security. According to phytosanitary guidelines, FAO has already prepared a list of species compatible with the local environment, identifying the initial group of trees that will be planted next fall. FAO Members will have the opportunity to contribute additional proposals, promoting a collaborative approach to the project. The symbolic act of planting trees and vegetation representative of all regions of the world embodies the global unity and collective action needed to promote a more sustainable and food-secure world. FAO Park will serve as a reminder that only by joining forces can pressing global challenges be addressed. Featured Photo Credit: ©FAO/Cristiano Minichiello. Copyright ©FAO.

Are you planning an event or to join an exhibition A.K.A. trade show? Whether it’s for meetings, conferences, incentives or exhibitions, writing a press release is vital to ensure that your event gets the attention and coverage it deserves. We’ll explore tips and guidelines for crafting an excellent press release that will grab the attention of journalists and potential attendees alike. Get to know MICE The MICE industry is a vital part of the business world, generating billions of dollars in revenue annually. But what exactly does it entail? MICE stands for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions – all events that bring people together for various purposes. Meetings are generally small gatherings focused on discussing specific topics or issues. Incentives are often rewards given to employees or clients as a way to motivate them. Conferences can be large-scale events with multiple speakers and workshops covering a wide range of topics. Exhibitions showcase products or services and provide opportunities for networking. MICE events or trade shows can help businesses by providing opportunities to connect with others in their industry, share knowledge and ideas, generate leads, and more. They also have significant economic impacts on local communities by attracting visitors who spend money on accommodations, dining out, transportation and other activities. Press Release Distribution is Essential for MICE Press release distribution is a crucial component of any MICE event marketing strategy. With the vast number of events and exhibitions happening every day, it can be challenging to stand out from the crowd. That’s where press releases come in. By distributing a well-crafted press release, you have the opportunity to reach a wider audience beyond your existing contacts list. Press releases can help generate buzz about your event or exhibition among journalists, industry influencers, potential attendees, and even investors. Moreover, an effective press release can provide essential information that helps position you as an expert in your field. It allows you to highlight key features of your event such as keynote speakers or exhibitors and promote unique selling points like workshops or networking opportunities. In addition to boosting visibility and credibility for your brand or organization, distributing press releases also offers long-term benefits for SEO purposes. By including relevant keywords related to meetings, conferences, exhibitions and incentives (MICE), companies can improve search engine rankings over time. With careful planning and execution of a well-written press release distributed across various channels including social media platforms targeted at professionals within these industries; businesses involved with MICE must take advantage of this highly effective tool if they want their events/exhibitions to attract attention! Tips for writing an excellent exhibition press release Crafting an excellent press release for an event requires a strategic approach that not only informs but also generates excitement and anticipation. Here are some tips to help you create a compelling press release: Start with a captivating headline: Your headline should be attention-grabbing, concise, and informative. Use strong language that accurately conveys the essence of your event or exhibition. Highlight key information: In the opening paragraph, provide essential details such as the name of the event, date, time, location, and its purpose. Make sure this information is easily accessible to readers at first glance. Focus on newsworthy aspects: Emphasize what makes your event unique or significant by highlighting any special guests or speakers, exclusive content or products being showcased in particular panels or discussions. Use quotes strategically: Include relevant quotes from organizers or participants to add credibility and human interest to your press release. This will show authority figures’ endorsement of the MICE industry events. Provide background context: Offer some additional context about your organization’s role within the MICE industry and how this specific event fits into its overall strategy. Remember multimedia elements: Incorporate high-quality images or videos that showcase previous events you’ve held if available. These visual elements can make your announcement more engaging for both journalists and potential attendees alike. The goal of event PR is to effectively communicate pertinent details while sparking enthusiasm among prospective attendees – helping ensure success before doors even open! Guidelines for an event press release – what to write When crafting a press release for an event or exhibition, it’s important to remember that the goal is to generate buzz and interest around your event. To do this effectively, there are some key elements that you should include in your press release. Firstly, make sure to include all of the pertinent details about the event such as the date, time, location and any special guests or speakers who will be attending. This information should be front and center so that it’s easy for journalists and readers alike to quickly understand what your event is all about. Next, highlight any unique features or attractions at your event. Do you have a keynote speaker who is particularly noteworthy? Will there be interactive exhibits or demonstrations? Make sure to showcase these elements in order to pique people’s interest and encourage attendance. It can also be helpful to include quotes from organizers or participants which speak directly to why this particular event is significant – whether it be because of its educational value, networking opportunities or other benefits. Don’t forget to provide clear contact information for anyone looking for additional details or interviews regarding the upcoming MICE-related gathering. By following these guidelines you’ll ensure your press release stands out from competitors’ announcements and generates excitement ahead of events with attendance success potential. Guidelines for an event press release – what NOT to write When crafting a press release for an event or exhibition, it’s equally important to know what not to include in your content. First and foremost, steer away from jargon or technical language that is difficult for a general audience to understand. Keep in mind that journalists might not be familiar with industry-specific terms, so opt for simple language whenever possible. Resist the urge to exaggerate or hype up the event. While it’s natural to want to make your event sound exciting and groundbreaking, avoid overpromising as this can potentially damage credibility with both media contacts and attendees alike. Don’t bury essential information deep within the text. Time-strapped journalists need quick access to critical details like date, time, location and key speakers. Make sure you highlight these elements early on in the press release. Don’t forget about formatting – lengthy paragraphs are off-putting for readers who quickly scan through content searching for pertinent facts. Stick with short sentences and bullet points where applicable; this will make it easier for recipients of your press release to absorb vital information more efficiently. Global Press Release Distribution Remember to keep your press release concise, informative, and engaging while highlighting the unique features and benefits of attending your event. Also, avoid overpromising or exaggerating in your messaging as it may lead to disappointment among attendees. Leverage the power of digital platforms by distributing your press release through various online channels like social media networks and news distribution websites to reach a wider audience. With careful planning and execution, crafting an effective press release can help you achieve greater visibility for your MICE events/exhibitions leading to increased attendance rates and higher ROI. It’s also important to distribute press release in multi-regions with multi-languages. Topic News PR can help covering the press release in China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea and Thailand

Standing out from competitors in today’s crowded marketplace can be a daunting task for small and medium-sized companies. With limited resources and budgets, it may seem impossible to gain the attention and recognition you deserve. But fear not! There is a powerful tool at your disposal that can catapult your brand into the spotlight – press releases. In this digital age, where information travels at the speed of light, leveraging aggressive PR strategies is crucial to make your mark in the industry. By strategically using press releases as part of your marketing arsenal, you can effectively boost your company’s visibility, authority, and ultimately surpass your competitors. Why press release? Why do press releases continue to hold such significance in the world of marketing and public relations? The answer lies in their ability to effectively communicate important news and announcements about your company. Press releases act as a bridge between your business and the media, allowing you to share valuable information with journalists, bloggers, and influencers who can amplify your message. But it’s not just about getting attention from the media. Press releases also serve as powerful tools for building brand exposure and credibility. By crafting well-written press releases that highlight your company’s achievements, innovative products or services, industry insights, or thought leadership, you establish yourself as an authority in your field. Moreover, press releases are incredibly versatile. They can be used to announce new product launches, partnerships or collaborations, events or webinars hosted by your company, awards won by your team members – essentially any noteworthy development that showcases what sets you apart from competitors. In addition to their direct impact on brand visibility and reputation management efforts, press releases also play a crucial role in improving search engine optimization (SEO). When distributed online through reputable distribution services with high domain authority websites linking back to yours – it boosts organic traffic flow towards both platforms simultaneously! So whether you’re aiming for increased media coverage or seeking opportunities for higher search rankings – incorporating press release strategies into your overall marketing plan is undoubtedly a smart move! Best Press Release Distribution Services: 6 Important Features To Consider When it comes to getting your message out to the masses, press release distribution services play a crucial role. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best one for your company? Here are six important features to consider when selecting a press release distribution service. 1. Level of Media Traction & Exposure: Look for a service that has established relationships with top-tier media outlets and journalists. This will ensure that your press releases reach influential audiences and garner maximum exposure. 2. Brand Exposure At The Speed Of A Click: Choose a platform that offers fast and efficient distribution across multiple channels, including online news platforms, social media networks, industry-specific websites, and more. The wider the reach, the better! 3. Fast & Reliable Customer Support: It’s essential to have access to responsive customer support whenever you need assistance or have questions about your press release campaigns. Look for providers who offer 24/7 support through various communication channels. 4. Comprehensive Analytics & Reporting: Opt for a service that provides detailed analytics on how well your press releases perform in terms of views, clicks, engagement rates, and more. This data will help you refine future strategies and measure ROI accurately. 5. Targeted Distribution Options: Consider whether the service allows you to target specific industries or regions with your press releases. Being able to tailor distributions ensures that your content reaches relevant audiences who are most likely interested in what you have to offer. 6. Content Marketing Integration: In today’s digital landscape,content marketing plays an integral role in driving brand awareness and lead generation. To get the most out of your PR efforts,opt for a platform that allows seamless integration between PR campaignsand other content marketing initiatives such as blogs,social media,and email newsletters. This way,you can create cohesive messaging across all channels,doubling down on the impact of each campaign. By carefully evaluating these features before choosing a press release distribution service,you can ensure maximum visibility,relevance,and impact for your press releases. So go ahead and take the leap to Level Of Media Traction & Exposure When it comes to PR strategies, one of the key factors that small and medium companies need to consider is the level of media traction and exposure they can achieve. This is because gaining visibility in the media can significantly boost their brand awareness and credibility. With a well-crafted press release distributed through reputable distribution services, businesses have the opportunity to reach a wide audience beyond their existing customer base. By targeting relevant journalists and publications, companies can increase their chances of getting featured in news articles or interviews, which can provide valuable exposure. The level of media traction achieved through press releases also depends on how effectively businesses communicate their message. Crafting a compelling story that resonates with journalists and readers alike is crucial for capturing attention and generating interest. Including newsworthy angles, interesting statistics, or unique insights can make your press release stand out from competitors. Furthermore, using keyword optimization techniques in your press release can help improve its search engine visibility. This means that when people search for related topics online, your press release has a higher chance of appearing in search results. This not only increases your company’s exposure but also positions you as an authority in your industry. By leveraging the power of press releases to generate media traction and exposure, small and medium companies can differentiate themselves from competitors while building their brand reputation. It’s essential for businesses to invest time and effort into crafting captivating stories that capture attention while utilizing effective distribution services for maximum impact. Brand Exposure At The Speed Of A Click In today’s digital age, brand exposure plays a crucial role in the success of small and medium companies. With the rise of social media platforms and online news outlets, businesses have an unprecedented opportunity to reach their target audience with just a click. Gone are the days when companies had to rely solely on traditional advertising methods like print ads or TV commercials. Now, through strategic press release distribution services, brands can instantly share news about their products or services with a global audience. With just one well-crafted press release distributed through reputable channels, your business can gain instant visibility and reach potential customers who may have never heard of your brand before. This level of exposure at such a rapid pace is unparalleled in any other marketing strategy. By leveraging the power of online press releases, small and medium-sized businesses can level the playing field against larger competitors. With an effective PR strategy, you can ensure that your brand remains top-of-mind for consumers searching for relevant products or services in your industry. In addition to reaching new audiences, press releases also help establish credibility and authority within your niche. When media outlets pick up and publish your news, it signals to potential customers that you are a trusted player in the market. This boost in reputation can lead to increased customer trust and loyalty. Furthermore, by including keywords related to your industry or target market in your press releases, you improve search engine optimization (SEO) efforts. This means that when someone searches for topics related to what you offer as a business – whether it’s “press release distribution” or “content marketing” – there’s a higher chance they’ll come across your company’s name because of its presence on various media platforms. The speed at which information spreads online is unmatched by any other form of marketing. By harnessing this power through well-executed press release strategies as part of their overall digital marketing efforts small- and medium-sized businesses can secure a competitive edge in their industry. So why wait? Start utilizing the Fast & Reliable Customer Support Fast & Reliable Customer Support is a crucial aspect of any PR strategy. In today’s fast-paced digital world, customers expect immediate solutions to their queries and concerns. This is where having a dependable customer support system can set small and medium companies apart from their competitors. With aggressive PR strategies, businesses can not only attract new customers but also retain existing ones by providing exceptional support. Fast response times and reliable assistance create positive impressions in the minds of customers, leading to increased loyalty and advocacy. By ensuring that customer inquiries are promptly addressed and resolved, companies demonstrate their commitment to customer satisfaction. This level of attentiveness builds trust and enhances the overall brand experience. Investing in technology-driven support systems like live chat, chatbots, or ticketing systems enables businesses to handle multiple customer queries simultaneously while maintaining efficiency. These tools empower companies to deliver timely resolutions without compromising on quality. In addition to addressing individual inquiries, proactive communication is key when it comes to building strong relationships with customers. Regular updates via email newsletters or social media platforms keep customers informed about important company news or product updates. Moreover, a fast and reliable customer support system serves as an opportunity for small and medium companies to gather valuable feedback from their target audience. By actively listening to their needs and suggestions, businesses can fine-tune their products or services accordingly. Incorporating fast & reliable customer support into your PR strategy showcases your dedication towards delivering excellent service throughout the entire customer journey – from initial contact all the way through post-purchase follow-ups. Why You Should Include Press Releases in Your Marketing Strategy What is the purpose of a Press Release? A press release is a powerful tool that allows companies to share important news and announcements with the media and the public. It serves as an official statement from your company, helping you control the narrative surrounding your brand. But what are press releases NOT? They are not just another piece of content for your website or social media platforms. Press releases go beyond self-promotion; they help boost your organization’s visibility and authority in the industry. One key benefit of including press releases in your marketing strategy is their ability to spread far and wide. When distributed through reputable online press release services, your news can reach a vast network of journalists, bloggers, influencers, and potential customers. Additionally, press releases provide an opportunity to showcase your expertise on a specific topic or industry trend. By positioning yourself as an expert through well-crafted press releases, you can attract media attention and establish credibility among target audiences. When it comes to writing a press release, remember that style matters. They should be written in third person using concise language and avoiding excessive jargon. A good press release tells a compelling story while providing all necessary details in a clear and concise manner. Incorporating press releases into your marketing strategy can amplify the impact of other digital marketing efforts like content marketing. By leveraging both strategies together, you create more opportunities for exposure across different channels. Including well-written and strategically distributed press releases in your marketing mix can help small and medium-sized companies stand out from competitors by increasing their visibility, building authority within their industries, attracting media attention,and reaching new audiences at scale What is the purpose of a Press Release? A press release serves as a powerful tool in digital marketing and content marketing strategies. Its main purpose is to disseminate important information about your company, products, or services to the media and target audience. It helps create buzz around your brand by generating media coverage. When journalists receive a well-crafted press release with newsworthy content, they may choose to feature it in their publications or online platforms. This results in increased visibility and potential exposure for your business. Press releases help establish credibility and authority within your industry. By sharing relevant news updates or announcing significant achievements through press releases, you position yourself as an expert in your field and build trust among potential customers. Furthermore, press releases play a vital role in boosting SEO efforts. When distributed through reputable platforms, they can generate backlinks to your website from high-quality sources. These backlinks improve search engine rankings and drive organic traffic to your site. In addition to these benefits, press releases also serve as valuable content assets that can be repurposed across various channels such as social media posts, blog articles, email newsletters, and more. The purpose of a press release is multifaceted – it increases brand awareness, establishes credibility, improves SEO efforts, and provides valuable content for marketing campaigns. By incorporating this strategy into your marketing arsenal, your small or medium-sized company can effectively stand out from competitors and gain recognition on both local and global scales. What Press Releases Are NOT Press releases are a powerful tool for businesses to share news and information with the media and their target audience. However, it’s important to understand what press releases are not in order to use them effectively. Press releases are not advertisements. While they can promote your business or product, they should not read like a sales pitch. Instead, focus on providing valuable information that is newsworthy and relevant to your industry. Press releases are not guaranteed coverage. Just because you distribute a press release doesn’t mean it will automatically be picked up by the media. Journalists receive numerous press releases each day, so yours needs to stand out with compelling content and an attention-grabbing headline. Press releases are not a one-time solution for publicity. To get the most out of your PR efforts, you need to consistently create newsworthy content and build relationships with journalists over time. Press releases are not meant to be stuffed with keywords for SEO purposes alone. While including relevant keywords can help improve search visibility, focus on crafting well-written content that provides value first and foremost. Remember that understanding what press releases are not is just as important as knowing what they are. By approaching them correctly – as informative pieces rather than sales pitches – you can leverage this powerful tool to increase brand exposure and establish your company as an industry authority. Boost your organization’s visibility and authority Boosting your organization’s visibility and authority is crucial in today’s competitive business landscape. With the rise of digital marketing and content marketing, a well-crafted press release can play a significant role in achieving this goal. By leveraging the power of press releases, you can effectively communicate your company’s achievements, milestones, product launches, or any newsworthy events to the media and potential customers. This increased exposure helps build credibility and positions your organization as an industry leader. When distributed through reputable press release distribution services, your news reaches a wider audience beyond traditional media outlets. Online platforms provide an opportunity for global reach, enabling you to connect with potential customers from different parts of the world. Furthermore, by including relevant keywords and links within your press release content, you can enhance search engine optimization (SEO) efforts. This means that when people search for related topics online, your press releases have higher chances of appearing in search results – driving organic traffic to your website. Incorporating press releases into your marketing strategy allows you to increase brand visibility and establish authority within your industry. It provides an avenue for showcasing accomplishments while reaching a broader audience both online and offline. By consistently sharing compelling stories about your organization through well-crafted press releases distributed strategically across various channels using effective PR strategies—your small or medium-sized company can definitely stand out from competitors! Press Releases spread far and wide Press releases are an invaluable tool for spreading the word about your company’s news and achievements, as they have the potential to reach a wide audience. When you distribute a press release, it gets picked up by various media outlets, online platforms, and industry influencers, ensuring that your message spreads far and wide. By utilizing press release distribution services with strong media connections, you can amplify your brand’s visibility significantly. The well-established relationships these services have with journalists and editors allow them to share your press release with their extensive networks. This means that not only will traditional news outlets pick up on your story but also bloggers, social media influencers, and other online publications. The beauty of this is that it expands the reach of your message beyond what you could achieve on your own. Your press release has the potential to be seen by thousands or even millions of people who may not have otherwise come across your brand. It helps build awareness among new audiences while reinforcing credibility with existing ones. Moreover, when a reputable publication publishes or shares your press release, it lends authority to the information you’re sharing. Media coverage adds validity in the eyes of consumers and establishes trust in your brand. This increased visibility can lead to more website traffic and potentially generate new leads for business growth. Another benefit of widespread distribution is improved search engine optimization (SEO). Press releases often contain keywords related to products/services or industry-specific terms which aid in boosting organic search rankings on search engines like Google. By distributing them widely across different channels such as news aggregators or industry-specific websites through a reliable service provider ensures maximum exposure for SEO benefits. In conclusion… Oops! Sorry about that slip-up! To sum up without using those words – Press releases spread far and wide due to their ability to reach diverse audiences through various media outlets both traditional and digital platforms alike. They increase brand visibility, establish credibility with consumers through third-party validation from reputable sources while providing SEO advantages by incorporating relevant keywords. So, if you want your small or medium-sized company to stand out What Style Should a Press Release Be Written In? When it comes to writing a press release, the style should be concise, clear, and professional. It is important to remember that a press release is not an advertisement or a piece of creative writing. Instead, it is a tool used to inform the media about newsworthy events or announcements related to your business. The first paragraph of your press release should include all the essential information in a nutshell: who, what, when, where, why and how. This helps journalists quickly understand the main points of your story. Use short sentences and paragraphs throughout the press release to make it easier for readers to skim through and comprehend. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that may confuse your audience. It’s crucial to maintain an objective tone in your press release. Stick to facts and avoid subjective opinions or promotional language. The purpose of a press release is not only to promote your company but also establish credibility with journalists. Include relevant quotes from key individuals within your organization whenever possible. This adds authenticity and humanizes the story you’re sharing. Always proofread and edit your press releases before distributing them. Grammatical errors or typos can undermine the professionalism of your message. By following these guidelines for writing style, you can ensure that your press releases are effective tools for getting media attention and standing out from competitors in today’s digital landscape. Online Press Release Services: Promote & Grow Your Company In today’s digital age, it is crucial for small and medium-sized companies to have a strong online presence. One effective way to achieve this is through online press release services. These services provide an opportunity to promote your company and increase brand visibility in the ever-competitive marketplace. By utilizing online press release distribution platforms, you can reach a wide audience with just one click. These platforms offer various plans tailored to suit different business needs, allowing you to choose the level of exposure that best fits your goals. With the help of these services, your company can gain instant credibility and authority in the industry. By showcasing newsworthy announcements or milestones through well-crafted press releases, you can position yourself as a thought leader and attract potential customers or investors. Furthermore, online press releases are not only limited by geographical boundaries but also have the potential to go viral on social media platforms. This means that your news could potentially be shared across multiple channels by influencers or interested individuals who resonate with your brand message. When writing a press release for online distribution, it is important to follow certain guidelines. The style should be professional yet engaging, capturing attention from both journalists and readers alike. Including relevant keywords related to your industry can also boost search engine optimization (SEO) efforts. To maximize the benefits of using online press release services for promoting and growing your company, consider exploring reputable platforms such as PR News Releaser or Topic News PR. These providers offer comprehensive service plans designed specifically for businesses looking to enhance their digital marketing strategies through content marketing tactics like press releases. Incorporating online press release services into your overall marketing strategy can significantly elevate your company’s visibility in today’s competitive landscape. Don’t miss out on this powerful tool that has proven its effectiveness time and time again in helping small and medium-sized companies stand out from their competitors!

In today’s digital world, your online reputation can make or break your personal and professional life. With the rise of social media and review sites, negative content about you or your business can spread like wildfire, damaging your credibility and revenue. That’s where online reputation management comes into play. By utilizing effective strategies such as reverse SEO, you can take control of what people see when they search for you online. And with PR News Releaser’s unlimited press release service, managing your online reputation has never been easier! When do you need online reputation management? Your online reputation is constantly at stake, and it’s easy for negative content to gain traction on search engines. That’s why it’s important to consider online reputation management whenever you engage in any kind of digital activity. For individuals, managing your online reputation is crucial when applying for a job or seeking new clients. Employers and customers often research people before making decisions, so having a positive image can be the difference between getting hired or missing out on opportunities. Businesses also need to manage their online reputations as negative reviews or comments can deter potential customers from buying their products or services. This is especially true in today’s world where social proof carries significant weight in consumer decision-making. Public figures such as politicians and celebrities are particularly vulnerable since they are always under scrutiny. Any negative content about them can be disastrous for their careers and personal lives alike. In short, anyone who wants to maintain a positive image should invest time into online reputation management strategies that will help protect their brand identity! What are the methods for online reputation management There is no one-size-fits-all approach to online reputation management, as each situation requires a customized strategy. However, there are several methods that can be used to improve and maintain your online reputation. Monitoring your online presence is crucial for effective reputation management. This includes regularly searching for mentions of your brand on search engines and social media platforms. This helps you identify any negative reviews or comments and allows you to address them promptly. Another method is creating positive content about yourself or your brand. By publishing informative blog posts, press releases, and social media updates that showcase the good work you do, you can push down negative results in search engine rankings. Responding quickly and professionally to negative reviews or comments is also important. Acknowledge the issue raised by the customer or user and offer a solution or apology if necessary. Building relationships with customers through engagement on social media platforms can help establish trust in your brand. By utilizing these methods along with PR News Releaser’s unlimited press release service will give you a comprehensive approach towards maintaining an impeccable online image for individuals as well as businesses alike! How can PR News Releaser help? PR News Releaser is a powerful tool that can help you manage your online reputation. It’s an easy-to-use platform that allows you to create and distribute press releases in just a few clicks. By using PR News Releaser, you can gain more visibility for your brand and establish yourself as an authority in your industry. The platform has connections with various media outlets and journalists, making it easier for your press releases to reach the right audience. Moreover, PR News Releaser offers unlimited press release distribution services, so you don’t have to worry about any additional fees or limitations. This means that you can maximize the number of times your press release gets distributed across different channels without worrying about breaking the bank. In addition, PR News Releaser provides detailed analytics on how well each of your releases performs. You can track how many views, clicks, and social shares each release gets over time. This information will help guide future decisions on when and where to post new updates. PR News Releaser is a valuable tool in managing one’s online reputation management strategy by allowing brands to gain wider exposure through their unlimited press release service while also providing detailed analytics on performance data over time. What are the benefits of using PR News Releaser’s unlimited press release service? Using PR News Releaser’s unlimited press release service can have numerous benefits for your online reputation management strategy. It allows you to distribute multiple press releases on a regular basis, which can help improve your online presence and visibility. Additionally, the service provides access to a wide network of media outlets and journalists, increasing the chances of your press release being picked up by reputable sources. This can lead to increased brand recognition and credibility in your industry. Furthermore, PR News Releaser offers SEO optimization for each press release, ensuring that they are tailored towards relevant keywords and phrases. This can help improve search engine rankings and push any negative content further down in search results. Moreover, the platform provides detailed analytics on each press release distributed through their service. These insights allow you to track engagement levels with your target audience and adjust future strategies accordingly. Using PR News Releaser’s unlimited press release service is an effective tool for managing and improving your online reputation through consistent distribution of positive news about your brand or business. How to get started with PR News Releaser If you are looking for an effective and affordable online reputation management solution, PR News Releaser’s unlimited press release service is the way to go. With this service, you can easily create a positive image of your brand in front of your target audience and improve your search engine rankings. It’s time to take control of your online reputation today. To get started with PR News Releaser’s unlimited press release service, simply sign up and choose a plan that fits your needs. The process is straightforward, and their team will guide you through every step of the way. Once you’re signed up, you can start creating press releases right away. Managing your online reputation is crucial in today’s digital landscape. Negative reviews or articles about your business can hurt your bottom line significantly. However, by using PR News Releaser’s unlimited press release service for reputation management purposes effectively, you’ll be able to counteract any negative information about yourself or company that appears online quickly and easily while improving SEO ranking at the same time!

The world of SEO is full of myths and rumors run rampant. One day you’re told that backlinks are everything, then the next day it’s all about keyword stuffing. It can be hard to keep up with the latest trends and updates from Google’s algorithm. We’ll debunk the latest myth surrounding SEO tactics and get down to what really matters – how Google’s algorithm update affects your website’s rankings and what long-term strategies you should focus on instead. What is the latest SEO myth? SEO is a constantly evolving field, and it can be difficult to decipher what’s true and what’s not. The latest SEO myth that has been circulating around the industry is that Google’s algorithm update will completely overhaul website rankings, leaving many companies scrambling to adjust their strategies. However, this isn’t entirely accurate. The truth is that while Google does make updates to its algorithm on a regular basis, these updates are usually minor tweaks rather than massive changes. In fact, most of these updates aren’t even noticeable to the average user. So why all the fuss about this particular update? It could be due to the fact that there was some confusion surrounding what exactly this update entailed. Some believed it would significantly impact website rankings based on factors like page speed or mobile-friendliness. However, as we’ll discuss later in this post, these factors have long been part of Google’s ranking algorithm and won’t suddenly become more important overnight just because of an update. In short, don’t fall victim to the latest SEO myth – instead focus on developing a solid long-term strategy for your website optimization efforts. What updates have Google adapted? Google is constantly updating its algorithm to provide the best search results possible for users. Some updates are small tweaks, while others can have a significant impact on website rankings. One of the latest Google updates is the Core Web Vitals update, which focuses on website speed and user experience. This update measures three aspects of a website’s performance: loading speed, interactivity, and visual stability. Websites that score well in these areas are more likely to rank higher in Google search results. To ensure your website is ready for this update, you should focus on optimizing your site’s loading speed by minimizing code and compressing images. You should also prioritize interactive elements like clickable buttons and forms to make sure they respond quickly. In addition to Core Web Vitals, Google continues to prioritize high-quality content that provides value to users. This means incorporating relevant keywords naturally throughout your content without overstuffing them. Staying up-to-date with Google’s updates is crucial for maintaining strong SEO practices and keeping your website competitive in search rankings. What websites are likely to benefit from the latest Google update? The latest Google update has left many website owners worried about their rankings. However, not all websites will be affected in the same way. The main focus of this update was to improve the user experience by prioritizing sites that load quickly and are easy to navigate on mobile devices. Websites that are optimized for mobile devices and have fast loading speeds are likely to benefit from this update. This means that having a responsive design is essential, as well as optimizing images and reducing unnecessary code on your site. In addition, websites with high-quality content that provides value to users will also see positive effects from this update. Google’s algorithm places great importance on user engagement metrics such as bounce rate, time spent on page and pages per session. On the other hand, websites with outdated designs or non-responsive layouts may see a decline in their rankings. Sites with slow loading times or poor navigation may also experience negative impacts. It’s important for website owners to regularly review their site’s performance and make necessary updates based on current SEO methods to ensure they stay ahead of any potential changes in the future. What’s the best long term SEO strategy (no more worry about any Google update) When it comes to SEO, long-term strategy is key. While quick fixes and short-term tactics may produce immediate results, they are often unsustainable and can actually harm your website’s rankings in the long run. To ensure long-term success, here are some best practices for an effective SEO strategy: Quality Content: Creating high-quality content that adds value to users is essential for any successful SEO campaign. Focus on creating informative and engaging content that aligns with your target audience’s interests. Keyword Research: Conduct thorough keyword research to understand what search terms your potential customers are using when searching for products or services related to your business. On-Page Optimization: Optimize every page of your website by including relevant keywords in meta tags, titles, headers, and body text. User Experience: A positive user experience is crucial for retaining visitors on your site and improving dwell time metrics – which can have a significant impact on search engine rankings. Link Building: Building high-quality backlinks from reputable sources can help increase traffic to your site while also boosting its authority. By focusing on these elements as part of a comprehensive SEO strategy, you’ll be well-positioned not only to survive Google updates but thrive over the long term – regardless of algorithm changes or other fluctuations in the digital marketing landscape Get to the bottom of SEO To sum it up, the latest Google algorithm update is not something to be feared. In fact, it’s a step towards a better and more relevant search result for users. It has put an end to black hat SEO methods that manipulate rankings and rewards websites that produce quality content. While it’s important to keep up with the updates, focusing solely on them can hurt your long-term SEO strategy. The best approach is to create valuable content regularly, optimize your website for user experience and build high-quality links over time. Remember, SEO is not a one-time solution but rather an ongoing process that requires patience and consistency. By following ethical practices such as producing quality content consistently and optimizing for user experience, you’ll see sustainable growth in traffic and engagement on your website over time!

In recent years, the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has been nothing short of remarkable. From self-driving cars to virtual assistants, AI technology has become a ubiquitous part of our daily lives. However, as AI continues to evolve, there is growing concern that it could replace a significant portion of human jobs in the near future. In fact, some experts predict that AI could replace up to 80% of human jobs in the next few years. The rise of automation and AI has already led to job losses in certain industries. For example, many manufacturing jobs have been replaced by robots that can perform tasks more efficiently and accurately than humans. Similarly, the rise of online shopping has led to the closure of many brick-and-mortar stores, resulting in job losses for retail workers. However, the impact of AI on jobs is not limited to these industries alone. In fact, AI has the potential to replace jobs across a wide range of sectors, including finance, healthcare, and even creative industries like journalism and marketing. One of the key advantages of AI is its ability to perform repetitive tasks quickly and accurately. This means that jobs that involve repetitive tasks, such as data entry or customer service, are particularly vulnerable to automation. In addition, AI can also analyze vast amounts of data and make predictions based on that data, which could lead to job losses for analysts and other professionals who rely on data analysis. Despite these concerns, some experts argue that AI will not necessarily lead to widespread job losses. Instead, they suggest that AI will create new jobs and industries that we cannot even imagine yet. For example, AI could lead to the creation of new industries such as virtual reality or augmented reality, which could create jobs for developers and designers. However, even if AI does create new jobs in việc làm Quảng Ninh , it is likely that these jobs will require different skills and qualifications than the jobs that are being replaced. This means that workers who lose their jobs to AI may need to retrain or acquire new skills in order to remain employable. In conclusion, the rise of AI has the potential to transform the job market in ways that are difficult to predict. While some experts predict that AI could replace up to 80% of human jobs in the next few years, others argue that AI will create new jobs and industries. Regardless of the outcome, it is clear that workers will need to adapt to the changing job market in order to remain employable in the age of AI.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has published a  new report  on access to morphine for medical use, which describes how the global distribution of morphine, as a vital pain medicine, is unequal and does not fulfil the medical need. The report, titled “Left behind in pain”, highlights the problems in access to this essential medicine and offers actions to improve safe access through balanced policy. Despite morphine being an effective and relatively low-cost medicine for relieving strong pain, listed since 1977 in the first edition of the WHO Model list of Essential Medicines, the disparity in access across countries is stark. There is a 5- to 63-fold difference in the estimated median consumption of morphine between high-income countries and lower income countries. Consumption pattern varies significantly across countries of similar wealth; it does not correspond to medical need, as indicated by the estimated number of days people are in pain or suffer with severe shortness of breath for people with a terminal illness. This data echoes that of the  2018 Lancet Commission  which described the lack of access to pain relief medication as ‘one of the most heinous, hidden inequities in global health’ with the richest 10% of countries possessing 90% of distributed morphine-equivalent opioids. “Leaving people in pain when effective medicines are available for pain management, especially in the context of end-of-life care, should be a cause of serious concern for policy-makers,” says Dr Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for Medicines and Health Products. “We must urgently advocate for safe and timely access to morphine for those in medical need through balanced policy, everywhere.” Reasons for the disparity Access to morphine for medical use is influenced by many interacting factors including enablers related to good governance, reliable/efficient procurement and supply processes, resource availability and capacity-building activities, along with barriers related to overly restrictive legislation and policies, inadequate service provision, and misinformed attitudes and perception. Given different country contexts, enablers, barriers and priorities for action vary; a stakeholder survey presented in this report, with respondents from 105 WHO Member States, confirms this variation. For example, irregular supply of morphine and other strong opioids at health facilities due to limited financing were commonly noted as a barrier in low- and middle-income countries compared to high-income countries. More than a third of respondents across all regions also noted barriers arising from legislative and regulatory factors while recognizing the importance of a legislative and regulatory framework in achieving safe access. Unduly restrictive requirements could hamper patient access because they impede the flow of supply or make prescribing and dispensing difficult for health-care professionals. It is important to note that concerns about the potential harmful effects of opioids are valid, such as their potential to lead to opioid use disorder. For this reason, a certain amount of caution about the potential harms of opioid use (e.g. use in chronic non-cancer pain) is important for public health insofar as its use is well-informed and proportionate to risks. Such concerns should not undermine the benefits of opioid use when clinically indicated and when used safely by trained professionals. Opportunities for action The report presents a complementary set of areas for action that aim to improve safe access to morphine. These include implementing small-scale regional or state-wide programmes on improving access to morphine for medical use with a package of essential services and products for palliative care that is formulated according to the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines and the WHO Essential Package of Palliative Care. They also include improving governance, streamlining procurement and supply processes to address any inefficiency, improving resourcing such as stable funding, enhancing competent skill sets of the health workforce, and raising awareness about both the benefits and potential harms of opioid use. The success of these actions will hinge on collaboration and cooperation among all stakeholders at national, regional, and global levels. Source: WHO News Release

Are you wondering how to get your business in the news? Look no further than a well-crafted press release. A press release is an effective way to communicate newsworthy information about your company, product or service to journalists and media outlets. But with so many businesses vying for attention, how can you make sure your press release stands out from the rest? The key is including newsworthy elements that capture the attention of journalists and readers alike. In this blog post, we’ll explore tips for writing an engaging press release and highlight some essential newsworthiness factors that will help get your message noticed. What is a press release? A press release is a written communication that announces news or events relevant to your business. It’s typically distributed to journalists and media outlets, with the hope of being picked up as a story or article. A good press release contains all the necessary information in a concise and engaging format. The first paragraph should summarize your news angle, followed by additional paragraphs that provide more detail about the announcement. Think of it as an “inverted pyramid” – important details are presented at the beginning, with less essential elements towards the end. Press releases can cover anything from new product launches to company expansions or awards received. The key is making sure they contain something newsworthy – otherwise, they’ll likely be ignored by busy journalists who receive countless submissions each day. It’s also important to keep in mind proper formatting when writing a press release: include contact information for follow-up questions and make sure it’s easy to read with clear headings and subheadings. By crafting an effective press release, you increase your chances of generating buzz around your business! Tips for writing an engaging press release When it comes to writing an engaging press release, there are several things you need to keep in mind. First and foremost, it’s important to know your audience and the publication or news outlet you’re targeting. This will help you tailor your message accordingly. Secondly, ensure that your press release is written in a clear and concise manner. Avoid using technical jargon or overly complicated language that may be difficult for readers to understand. Another tip is to focus on the most newsworthy aspects of your story. What makes it unique or interesting? Why should people care about it? Highlighting these elements can help grab the attention of journalists and increase the chances of coverage. Additionally, including quotes from key stakeholders or experts adds credibility and human interest to your press release. These quotes can provide valuable insights into why this story matters and what impact it could have. Always proofread your work before sending it out. Grammatical errors or typos can detract from the overall quality of your press release and harm its chances of being published. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way towards crafting a compelling press release! Newsworthy elements to include in your press release To make your press release stand out, you need to include newsworthy elements that will capture the attention of journalists and readers alike. Here are some key things to consider when crafting your next press release. Firstly, make sure you have a clear angle or hook for your story. This could be a timely event or announcement, an interesting human-interest story, or a unique perspective on a current issue. Whatever it is, make sure it’s something that will grab people’s attention and get them interested in reading more. Secondly, use data and statistics to back up your claims. Journalists love numbers and figures that help illustrate a point. If you can provide concrete evidence of the impact of your product/service/idea etc., it will give more weight to your message. Thirdly, include quotes from relevant experts or stakeholders in your industry. This adds credibility to what you’re saying and also gives journalists someone they can contact for further information if needed. Don’t forget about visuals! Including high-quality images or videos with your press release can help bring the story to life and increase engagement with readers. By incorporating these newsworthy elements into your press releases, you’ll increase the chances of getting noticed by journalists and ultimately reaching a wider audience with your message. How to get your press release distributed Writing a compelling press release is only half the battle. The other half is getting it in front of the right people. Here are some tips on how to distribute your press release: Identify your target audience: Before you can distribute your press release, you need to know who you want to reach. Determine which media outlets and journalists cover topics related to your business or industry. Use a distribution service: There are many distribution services available that can help get your press release in front of the right people, such as PR Newswire and Business Wire. These services have established relationships with journalists and can increase the likelihood of coverage. Reach out directly: In addition to using a distribution service, consider reaching out directly to journalists who cover topics related to your business or industry. Personalized emails or phone calls may be more effective than sending a mass press release. Leverage social media: Share your press release on social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn, where journalists often look for story ideas. By following these tips, you’ll increase the chances of getting your press release noticed by those who matter most – potential customers and members of the media alike! Wish you a successful press release distribution! By following the tips and incorporating newsworthy elements into your press release, you can increase the chances of it being picked up by journalists and media outlets. These successful press releases had one thing in common: they were able to capture people’s attention and generate buzz around their message. By taking inspiration from these examples and using them as a guideline for your own writing, you too can create a compelling press release that resonates with your audience and gets noticed by media outlets.

The competition between Google and Yahoo is one of the most fascinating stories in the history of the internet. Both companies started as search engines, but they soon diversified into other areas such as email, instant messaging, and online advertising. Over the years, they have battled for market share, revenue, and user engagement, with each one trying to outdo the other in terms of innovation, speed, and user experience. In this article, we will explore some of the key lessons learned from the competition between Google and Yahoo. Lesson 1: Focus on your strengths One of the reasons why Google has been so successful is its focus on search. From the very beginning, Google has been obsessed with providing the best search results possible, and this has led to a loyal user base that continues to use Google as their primary search engine. Yahoo, on the other hand, tried to be everything to everyone, and this led to a lack of focus and a dilution of its core business. As a result, Yahoo lost ground to Google in the search market, and it has been struggling to catch up ever since. Lesson 2: Speed is essential In the early days of the internet, speed was not a big concern. However, as the web became more complex and users became more demanding, speed became a critical factor in determining the success of a website. Google understood this early on and invested heavily in its infrastructure to ensure that its search engine was fast and reliable. Yahoo, on the other hand, was slow to adapt, and its website became bloated and slow, which led to a decline in user engagement. Lesson 3: User experience is everything In today’s digital age, user experience is everything. Users expect websites and apps to be intuitive, easy to use, and visually appealing. Google has always been a leader in this area, with its clean and simple design that focuses on the user’s needs. Yahoo, on the other hand, has struggled to keep up, with its cluttered homepage and confusing navigation. Lesson 4: Innovation is key Innovation is the lifeblood of any successful company. Google has always been at the forefront of innovation, with its constant stream of new products and features that keep users engaged and coming back for more. Yahoo, on the other hand, has been slow to innovate, and it has struggled to keep up with Google’s pace of innovation. Lesson 5: Don’t underestimate your competition Finally, one of the biggest lessons learned from the competition between Google and Yahoo is not to underestimate your competition. Yahoo was once the dominant player in the search market, but it failed to anticipate the rise of Google and the impact that it would have on the industry. As a result, Yahoo lost ground to Google, and it has been playing catch up ever since. In conclusion, the competition between Google and Yahoo has been a fascinating story of two companies battling for dominance in the search market. While Google has emerged as the clear winner, there are many lessons that can be learned from the competition. These include the importance of focus, speed, user experience, innovation, and not underestimating your competition. By applying these lessons to your own business, you can increase your chances of success and stay ahead of the competition.

A new  repository  of all drug dependence technical reports and resources was launched today allowing its audience to source information within a single webpage. The repository, from WHO’s Expert Committee on Drug Dependence (ECDD), is an important resource for health professionals, drug policy experts and policy-makers, as many of the substances reviewed by ECDD have otherwise limited information regarding their public health risk. It represents the only online, freely accessible collection of information and reports on new psychoactive substances and medicines, for medical and scientific use, comprising over 450 substances. Improving information-sharing with health-care professionals and other experts involved in tackling the world’s drug problems can lead to better awareness on abuse, harms and dependence of psychoactive substances reviewed by ECDD. This can contribute to increased implementation of effective public health responses relating to drugs such as improving detection of substances and clinical treatment of overdose, and other related negative health consequences of drug use. Additionally, this resource is important when sourcing information regarding the therapeutic use of psychoactive drugs. The WHO ECDD consists of an independent group of experts in the field of psychoactive drugs and medicine. It assesses the health risks and benefits of the use of psychoactive substances according to a set of fixed criteria. The Committee meets annually to review the public health impact of selected psychoactive substances and make recommendations on whether or not these psychoactive substances should be placed under international control to the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), a policy-making body comprised of 53 UN Member States. Oversight of the implementation by countries of CND-adopted recommendations is provided by the International Narcotics Control Board. In recent years, the WHO ECDD has advised the CND on the international control status of cannabis, which resulted in its reclassification for consideration for recognized therapeutic uses. These technical documents are all available in the repository.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way businesses operate across various industries. Applications of artificial intelligence in business are numerous and diverse, ranging from predictive analytics to customer service. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most exciting and innovative ways that AI is being used in business today. One of the most significant applications of artificial intelligence in business is predictive analytics. Companies are using AI algorithms to analyze large amounts of data and predict future trends. This can help businesses make better decisions about product development, marketing, and sales. For example, a retailer might use AI to analyze customer data and predict which products will be most popular during the upcoming holiday season. This can help the retailer stock the right products and avoid overstocking items that won’t sell. Another application of artificial intelligence in business is customer service. AI-powered chatbots are becoming increasingly popular as a way to provide 24/7 customer support. These chatbots can answer common questions, resolve issues, and even place orders for customers. This can help businesses save time and money by reducing the need for human customer service agents. AI is also being used to improve supply chain management. By analyzing data from suppliers, logistics providers, and other sources, companies can optimize their supply chains to reduce costs and improve efficiency. For example, a manufacturer might use AI to predict when a particular part will be needed and order it in advance to avoid delays. In the financial industry, AI is being used to detect fraud and improve risk management. Banks and other financial institutions are using AI algorithms to analyze customer data and identify suspicious transactions. This can help prevent fraud and reduce the risk of financial losses. AI is also being used to improve marketing and advertising. By analyzing customer data, companies can create personalized marketing campaigns that are more likely to resonate with their target audience. For example, a retailer might use AI to analyze customer purchase history and recommend products that are similar to items the customer has previously bought. Finally, AI is being used to improve product development. By analyzing customer feedback and other data, companies can identify areas where their products could be improved. This can help them create products that better meet the needs of their customers. In conclusion, the applications of artificial intelligence in business are vast and varied. From predictive analytics to customer service, AI is transforming the way businesses operate across various industries. As AI technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative applications in the future.

On May 23rd, The Final of the 9th “OHTC Cup” Global Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition for Overseas Chinese in Israel was held in Tel Aviv. This competition is hosted by the organizing committee of the 21st Western China Overseas Hi-tech and High Talent Conference, co organized by the Israel Learning Center, and has received strong support from China embassy in Israel. PENG Sizhen, Minister Counsellor for Scientific and Technological Affairs with the Chinese Embassy in Israel, CHEN Quan, Vice Chairman of the Sichuan Overseas Friendship Association, LI Guogui, Vice Chairman of the Sichuan Overseas Friendship Association, SHI Yuewen, Director of the Tel Aviv Center of the China Cultural Center, President of MATAT Knowledge, recipient of the 2016 Chinese Government Friendship Award, Yossi Marek, the CEO of the Israel Learning Center David Pasder, and SONG Yanjun、CHEN Zi Han the Vice President of the The Organization for Assistance to Chinese Businessmen in lsrael, The Chief Editor of Chinese Headlines Israel Station XU Anqi, the Director of Israel China Import and Export Company CHEN Youcai, the Director of OPPO Middle East Israel Company Zhu Huijun, as well as over 80 local mainstream society and overseas Chinese attended the event. This competition attracted a large number of applicants for innovation and entrepreneurship projects in the Israeli region. After preliminary selection, 6 projects obtained the final “entry ticket”. The organizing committee specially invited Motti Efratti, the CEO of the China-Israel Commercial and Culture association; Tal Peleg-Shulman, the Co-CEO of the Tel Aviv-HK Hub; David Fartok, the professor of Open University of Israel; Avner Barazani, former president of research and development at Machtashim Agan; and David Ascoli, the cyber Security expert, judges to evaluate the final project in the Israeli division. After the day of the final roadshow competition. The first, second and third prize are be awarded respectively by PENG Sizhen, Minister Counsellor for Scientific and Technological Affairs with the Chinese Embassy in Israel, CHEN Quan, Vice Chairman of the Sichuan Overseas Friendship Association, Yossi Marek, President of MATAT Knowledge. And LI Guogui, Vice Chairman of the Sichuan Overseas Friendship Association, SHI Yuewen, Director of the Tel Aviv Center of the China Cultural Center, David Pasder, the CEO of the Israel Learning Center presented the other three winning awards. All the award-winning projects will be invited to participate in the 9th “HOTC Cup” finals which will be held in Chengdu in September, competing against excellent projects from other regions around the world. With the continuous promotion of major national strategies such as the construction of the Chengdu Chongqing dual city economic circle, the development of the Yangtze River economic belt, and the large-scale development of the Western region in the new era, Sichuan will create broader development space, provide more development opportunities, and create a better development environment for everyone. Since 2015, the “OHTC Cup” Global Overseas Chinese Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition has been held for nine consecutive years, and activities have been carried out in Japan, the United States, Germany, France, Australia, Spain and other places for many times. Sichuan has cooperated closely with universities, incubators and venture capital institutions at home and abroad, successfully gathered a large number of core elements such as talents, technology and capital, and effectively promoted the successful integration of a large number of scientific and technological achievements with capital resources. After incubation, a number of projects have been approved as national high-tech enterprises and gazelle enterprises, which have been eagerly anticipated and actively participated by overseas professionals and leading talents, and become a global platform for scientific and technological innovation and transformation of scientific and technological achievements, effectively stimulating regional innovation and entrepreneurship vitality. From 2015 to 2022, the eight sessions of the “OHTC Cup” competition attracted 3437 global high-tech entrepreneurship teams from 38 countries and regions to participate, with a total of 824 teams coming to Sichuan to participate in the semi-finals. Through “OHTC Cup”, a total of 222 projects were successfully connected and settled in Sichuan, including 60 companies established in Sichuan, 23 talent introductions and 139 technical cooperation projects.

Elephant Freedom Project Offers a Unique, Ethical Elephant Tourism Experience in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Elephant Freedom Project provides unique tours that allow guests to learn about Elephant care and assist the Elephant handlers in their daily tasks. The Elephant tour of Chiang Mai is part of the project’s commitment to providing a sustainable way of interacting with these majestic creatures. The Elephant Freedom Project , a well-established Elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai, Thailand, is proud to offer a unique and ethical Elephant tourism experience for visitors to the region. The project allows guests to spend a day in these majestic creatures’ natural environment without using chains, hooks, or riding. Guests can interact with the Elephants, feed them, and learn about their behavior and habits. They can also learn about the Elephant Freedom Project’s conservation efforts to protect these magnificent animals. The project is based on the principle that Elephants should be treated with respect and dignity and that tourism should be ethical and sustainable. “While on a recent trip from Bangkok, we spent a day at the Elephant sanctuary Chiangmai at the Elephant Freedom Project. What a wonderful experience our family had. The staff was great, the transportation and tour were all very well organized, and we had a splendid time interacting with the Elephants. A well-deserved five-star recommendation.” said Henry P. “Best Elephant rescue site I’ve visited. Our guide Pan was fun, friendly, and full of information. His love for the Elephants was clear – especially his baby ‘sister.’ They treat the Elephants kindly. We did the full day, and it was well worth it, so much interaction with the Elephants. During the walk down to the river, they truly just wander wherever they like, and you go along with them. Then splashing around together at bath time was magical. 10/10 recommend.” said Megan F. The Elephant Freedom Project Tours The project offers a variety of tours that allow guests to connect with the Elephants in a meaningful and educational way. –   Full-day tour : A full-day and overnight stay option to visit the sanctuary. It involves feeding, bathing, and playing with the Elephants. This program includes roundtrip transportation from Chiang Mai City and everything the tour offers. –  Half-day tour afternoon : This tour is perfect for those interested in hiking and who want to join the Elephants in a swim.  –  Half-day tour morning : This tour is perfect for those who are not interested in hiking or wish only to spend part of the day spending time with the elephants. –   Feeding experience : This tour is suited for those who want to experience feeding and interacting with the gentle giants. “While on a recent trip from Bangkok, we spent a day at the Elephant sanctuary Chiangmai at the Elephant Freedom Project. What a wonderful experience our family had. The staff was great, the transportation and tour were all very well organized, and we had a splendid time interacting with the Elephants. A well-deserved five-star recommendation.” said Henry P. “Best Elephant rescue site I’ve visited. Our guide Pan was fun, friendly, and full of information. His love for the Elephants was clear – especially his baby ‘sister.’ They treat the Elephants kindly. We did the full day, and it was well worth it, so much interaction with the Elephants. During the walk down to the river, they truly just wander wherever they like, and you go along with them. Then splashing around together at bath time was magical. 10/10 recommend.” said Megan F. The Elephant Freedom Project is based at the Elephant Sanctuary Chiang Mai, which is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating Elephants. The project is committed to providing Elephants with a safe and comfortable home. They also educate the public about the importance of protecting these animals. Contact details: Business Name: Elephant Freedom Project Website: https://Elephantfreedom.org

On February 3, 2023, Zenly, a popular social app that featured real-time location sharing among family and friends, was eventually shut down by its parent company Snap after operating for 8 years, 1 month, and 26 days, due to the “economic climate” the company was facing. For Zenly’s 400 million users, Zenly was more than just an app they used for daily interactions with their family and friends; it had become part of their life. It watched them grow, laugh, and cry and was always there for them through ups and downs. This explained why they were so disappointed and upset about Zenly’s shutdown, and even today many of them are still looking for apps that could replace Zenly. This March, a team in Singapore developed a brand new map socializing product named Jagat. This app soon took the Internet by storm, and many former Zenly users started to call it “the best Zenly alternative”. Jagat overtakes Zenly, sweeping the social app circle Shortly after its launch, Jagat quickly went viral on social media across many countries. Due to its designs and features that are highly similar to Zenly, Jagat hit 500 thousand downloads in only 3 days and made it top of the “free app list” in many European and Asian countries. According to the Jagat team, though the app has been online for only 40 days, it has successfully captured multiple markets around the world and has become the most downloaded social app in countries and regions like Spain, Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Romania, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Taiwan. As of today, Jagat has crossed 2 million downloads worldwide. Jagat follows in Zenly’s footsteps, updating new features regularly The reason why Jagat manages to stand out from an ocean of social apps in the market seems quite obvious at first sight: it bears a remarkable resemblance to Zenly. But digging deeper, it’s not hard to notice something else. The team that made Jagat is made up of hundreds of professionals, who all have years of experience working in the Internet industry, specifically in the social product field. According to them, their powerful R&D team is doing all that’s necessary to make sure that Jagat runs stably and smoothly. They’ll bring new updates to the app every week, which generally include performance optimization and new features to meet users’ growing needs and expectations. Features and functions that are available now on Jagat includes emoji bombing, real-time location, moving speed, battery percentage, footprints, highlights, What’sUp, NOW, pops, Zenly data import, and more. According to the team, Jagat will release its Version 1.3.5 this month, which will focus on resolving the issue of the app using too much battery. In the coming versions, Jagat will introduce some other new features such as saving pictures from NOW and What’sUp, sending videos in chat, friend albums, etc. These are actions that the Jagat team has taken to show that it’s following in Zenly’s footsteps. Jagat will be dedicated to uncovering user needs and making them happen so it can provide users with the most real social experiences in terms of both designs and functions. Multiple languages available and easy to use Jagat aspires to provide social services for users all over the world, not one specific market. Users will have full access to all of Jagat’s features, regardless of which country they’re in. This is reflected in the “Jagat” word itself, which means “world” in Sanskrit. It is the Jagat team’s hope to carry on Zenly’s mission, bring warmth to users, and connect friends all over the world. The Jagat team has set up their official accounts on all mainstream social media so that users can easily reach out to them. Whatever questions or suggestions users may have, they can directly send a message to the Jagat team on social media. Jagat’s support team will collect all feedback from users and respond in a timely manner. “As a map socializing app that is created using location-based technologies, our team is dedicated to providing the best map socializing experience for our users.” said CEO of Jagat. “We’re constantly in touch with our users, so we can better understand their needs and expectations and improve our product accordingly. We’ll also make continuous efforts to improve the quality and performance of our product and service to ensure that users have the best map socializing experience on Jagat.” At press time, Jagat is still conquering social app lists in many countries across the world. Will it become the next sensation in the social app category? Only time will tell. About Jagat Jagat APP, developed by Jagat Technology, is a real-time sharing APP for users to stay updated with friends and see what they are up to on JAGAT with instant messages and video chats, and build private communities. Jagat official website: https://www.jagat.io/ Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=io.jagat.lite&hl=zh&gl=US Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/ro/app/jagat/id1671315416

Global Strategic Consultancy Limited, a leading firm that provides risk advisory and mitigation services that pertaining to financial markets trading firm, has announced its participation in this year’s SIGMA ASIA event which will be held in Manila, Philippines, Asia’s leading hub for gaming from 19th to 22nd July. The event, which would take place at Manila’s largest convention center, SMX Convention Center, will be attended by numerous major players from different industry segments relevant to the gaming industry while also featuring B2B (Business to Business) as well as B2C (Business to Consumer) brand names alongside a number of land-based exhibitors. Event attendees include payment services firms, gaming operators, online gaming platform operators, FinTech firms, software solution providers, and payments solutions providers amongst many others. Additionally, the event will also feature a number of prominent figures as speakers across a broad industry spectrum. Sponsorship of such a major event within the gaming industry would serve as an excellent opportunity for Global Strategic Consultancy Limited to further broaden its network of potential partners amidst the company’s push toward growing its community and presence in the Asia-Pacific region as well as to eventually venture into other industry sectors. In a statement affirming its sponsorship of SIGMA ASIA 2023, Global Strategic Consultancy Limited stated that, “We are excited and honored to have the opportunity to participate in SIGMA ASIA 2023 as sponsor alongside some of the most prominent organizations across different industry segments. We are pleased to have such an incredible opportunity to engage with leading organizations to identify ways to foster collaboration, realize expansion and bring about greater benefits for all our stakeholder.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for caution to be exercised in using artificial intelligence (AI) generated large language model tools (LLMs) to protect and promote human well-being, human safety, and autonomy, and preserve public health. LLMs include some of the most rapidly expanding platforms such as ChatGPT, Bard, Bert and many others that imitate understanding, processing, and producing human communication. Their meteoric public diffusion and growing experimental use for health-related purposes is generating significant excitement around the potential to support people’s health needs. It is imperative that the risks be examined carefully when using LLMs to improve access to health information, as a decision-support tool, or even to enhance diagnostic capacity in under-resourced settings to protect people’s health and reduce inequity. While WHO is enthusiastic about the appropriate use of technologies, including LLMs, to support health-care professionals, patients, researchers and scientists, there is concern that caution that would normally be exercised for any new technology is not being exercised consistently with LLMs. This includes widespread adherence to key values of transparency, inclusion, public engagement, expert supervision, and rigorous evaluation. Precipitous adoption of untested systems could lead to errors by health-care workers, cause harm to patients, erode trust in AI and thereby undermine (or delay) the potential long-term benefits and uses of such technologies around the world. Concerns that call for rigorous oversight needed for the technologies to be used in safe, effective, and ethical ways include: the data used to train AI may be biased, generating misleading or inaccurate information that could pose risks to health, equity and inclusiveness; LLMs generate responses that can appear authoritative and plausible to an end user; however, these responses may be completely incorrect or contain serious errors, especially for health-related responses; LLMs may be trained on data for which consent may not have been previously provided for such use, and LLMs may not protect sensitive data (including health data) that a user provides to an application to generate a response; LLMs can be misused to generate and disseminate highly convincing disinformation in the form of text, audio or video content that is difficult for the public to differentiate from reliable health content; and while committed to harnessing new technologies, including AI and digital health to improve human health, WHO recommends that policy-makers ensure patient safety and protection while technology firms work to commercialize LLMs. WHO proposes that these concerns be addressed, and clear evidence of benefit be measured before their widespread use in routine health care and medicine – whether by individuals, care providers or health system administrators and policy-makers. WHO reiterates the importance of applying ethical principles and appropriate governance, as enumerated in  the WHO guidance on the ethics and governance of AI for health , when designing, developing, and deploying AI for health. The 6 core principles identified by WHO are: (1) protect autonomy; (2) promote human well-being, human safety, and the public interest; (3) ensure transparency, explainability, and intelligibility; (4) foster responsibility and accountability; (5) ensure inclusiveness and equity; (6) promote AI that is responsive and sustainable. Source: WHO

Malta’s leading sustainability firm, GSE Technologies, has announced its five green initiatives under the Green Vision concept that embodies its dedication towards building a long-lasting operational and organisational framework in green, sustainable and eco-smart solutions. The initiatives listed on the company’s website are: -The Green Vision Summit & Expo (GVSE) -Eco Village -Green Talks -Green Awards and -Green Concert Brought to life by two years of determined efforts in ameliorating the overexploitation of the ecosystem and ensuring accountability on individual and communal levels, GSE Technologies is leading a paradigm shift in the education of the public on sustainable living. This innovation means maximising the value that we provide for the public, stakeholders, clients, service providers, local communities, and employees. Sabrina Agius, CEO of GSE Technologies is quoted as saying, “Today we unveil our five initiatives under the Green Vision strategy geared towards advancing our purpose and focus on educating, advocating, innovating and influencing behavioural change.” “In March 2023, we announced the launch of GVSE, the first of the initiatives and a platform that is set to converge the best and brightest in the business and academic landscape across Europe to forge sustainable and innovative pathways towards a sustainably secure future. “As we proceed to onboard each of these initiatives, our intention is to make meaningful changes hence, we open our doors to partnerships from any business sector and governments from any part of the world because alone we make a good impact but together we make a tremendous amount of change.” The Green Vision is a mother lode of purposeful initiatives that reiterate GSE Technologies’ commitment to ensuring behavioural change and addressing the issue of accountability in human rights violations, environmental degradation, business approach, policies and individual lifestyles. Visit GSE Technologies | Green Minds. Sustainable Souls. | Green Vision to learn more about the Green Vision and its initiatives. #SDGs #GreenVision #GSE #Initiatives #sustainability #climatechange

AND APPOINTS MODEL‘MIYA’ AS BRAND AMBASSADOR LENSTOWN US (https://lenstownus.com), the online store for colored contact lenses, recently announced the appointment of the famous model “Miya” as the brand ambassador for their Rose Swan series. Miya is a popular model who has captivated many fans with her beautiful eyes and sophisticated style through fashion magazines and advertisements. She will showcase captivating expressions wearing the Rose Swan series colored contact lenses in various scenes. The Rose Swan series is one of the popular products on Lens Town US, known for its naturally sparkling color effects and comfortable fit. The series includes four products: Rose Swan Brown Topaz, Rose Swan Gray, Rose Swan Green Emerald, and Rose Swan Violet Quartz. Details of Rose Swan series contact lenses Duration of use: 3 months Lens diameter (DIA): 14.3mm Graphic DIA: 13.2mm, providing a natural color diameter suitable for daily wear More details can be found on Lens Town US official site: https://lenstownus.com/ Furthermore, the Rose Swan series has also unveiled a new package design. The special packaging is inspired by diamonds and aims to provide customers with a new experience. Lens Town US always strives to offer products and services that meet the needs of their customers.  We encourage contact lens users to try the Rose Swan series.

The future of employment market will be skill-focused instead of an academic degrees. In this blog post, I will argue that the future of employment market will be more skill-focused than degree-focused. I will present some evidence and examples to support this claim, and discuss some implications and challenges for workers, employers and educators. First, let me define what I mean by skill-focused and degree-focused. Skill-focused means that employers value the specific abilities and competencies that workers have, regardless of how they acquired them. Degree-focused means that employers value the formal credentials and qualifications that workers have, regardless of how relevant they are to the job. Why do I think that the future of employment market will be more skill-focused than degree-focused? There are several reasons for this: The pace of technological change and innovation is accelerating, creating new opportunities and challenges for workers and employers. Workers need to constantly update their skills and learn new ones to keep up with the changing demands of their jobs. Employers need to find workers who have the right skills and adaptability to perform well in their roles. A degree may not reflect the current or future needs of a job, while a skill may be more relevant and transferable. The availability and accessibility of online learning platforms and resources is increasing, enabling workers to acquire new skills and credentials at their own pace and convenience. Workers can choose from a variety of courses, programs and certifications that suit their interests, goals and budgets. Employers can also use online platforms to assess and verify the skills and competencies of potential or current workers. A degree may not capture the full range of skills and knowledge that a worker has, while a skill may be more demonstrable and verifiable. The diversity and flexibility of work arrangements and career paths is expanding, allowing workers to pursue different opportunities and experiences across sectors, industries and locations. Workers can switch jobs, roles or careers more easily and frequently than before, depending on their preferences, circumstances and opportunities. Employers can also benefit from having a more diverse and flexible workforce that can bring different perspectives, skills and experiences to their organizations. A degree may not match the expectations or requirements of a job, while a skill may be more adaptable and applicable. What are some implications and challenges of this shift from degree-focused to skill-focused employment market? Here are some possible ones: Workers need to take more responsibility and initiative for their own learning and development throughout their careers. They need to identify their strengths, weaknesses, interests and goals, and seek out opportunities to acquire new skills or improve existing ones. They also need to showcase their skills effectively to potential or current employers, using portfolios, resumes, interviews or other methods. Employers need to rethink their hiring and retention strategies and practices to attract and retain skilled workers. They need to define the skills and competencies that they are looking for in their workers, and use reliable and valid methods to assess them. They also need to provide ongoing training and development opportunities for their workers, as well as feedback, recognition and rewards for their performance. Educators need to adapt their curricula and pedagogy to prepare students for the skill-focused employment market. They need to incorporate more experiential, project-based and collaborative learning activities that foster the development of relevant skills and competencies. They also need to align their assessment and accreditation systems with the needs and expectations of employers and learners. In conclusion, I have argued that the future of employment market will be more skill-focused than degree-focused. I have presented some evidence and examples to support this claim, and discussed some implications and challenges for workers, employers and educators. I hope this blog post has stimulated your interest in this topic, and encouraged you to reflect on your own skills, goals and opportunities in this changing world of work.

New report by UN and partners addresses lack of data and provides recommendations for advancing mountain tourism Rome  – Mountain tourism, if managed sustainably, has the potential to boost the incomes of local communities and help preserve their natural resources and culture. However, a lack of data and knowledge on the subject is preventing them from fully seizing such opportunities. A report published today by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Mountain Partnership (MP) seeks to address such gaps in order to reach a better understanding of the subject. The publication also identifies trends and provides a set of recommendations to advance the measurement of mountain tourism, including progress on official tourism statistics and the use of big data and new technologies. Mountains are home to around 1.1 billion people, some of them among the poorest and most isolated in the world. At the same time, mountains have long drawn walking, climbing and winter sports fanatics. They also attract visitors for their spectacular scenery, rich biodiversity and vibrant local cultures. Yet in 2019, the most recent year for which figures are available, the 10 most mountainous countries (in terms of average height above sea level) received only 8 percent of international tourist arrivals worldwide, says the report, entitled  Understanding and quantifying mountain tourism. “Measuring the volume of visitors to mountains is the first vital step we need to take. With the right data, we can better control the dispersal of visitor flows, support adequate planning, improve knowledge on visitor patterns, build sustainable products in line with consumer needs, and create suitable policies that will foster sustainable development and make sure tourism activities benefit local communities,” FAO Director-General QU Dongyu and UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili wrote in the report’s foreword. Tourism has proved to be a lifeline for many communities in mountain regions and can play a leading role in protecting livelihoods adapted to these fragile ecosystems, which face continuous threats from climate change and overexploitation. As the sector recovers from the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an opportunity to rethink mountain tourism and its impact on natural resources and livelihoods, but also to manage it better and to harness its contribution towards a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future. Effective planning and management of mountain tourism requires a better understanding of its size and economic, social and environmental impacts. To date, the data available is very limited. Data and recommendations The study seeks to address this by developing a new methodology and providing as clear a picture as possible, based on available data and tailor-made surveys, of trends in mountain tourism globally and at regional level for Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and the Middle East. Not all countries were included in the study, which is a follow-up to the 2021 joint UNWTO/FAO publication Mountain Tourism – Towards a More Sustainable Path. Instead, countries that were considered relevant for estimating the global and regional volumes of mountain tourists were selected based on their characterization as mountainous countries according to their highest peaks and their most relevant mountain ranges. In all, 46 countries were surveyed. Based on the study’s methodology, in 2019 (latest available data) international mountain tourism was estimated to represent between 9 percent and 16 percent of international tourist arrivals worldwide, or between 195 and 375 million tourists. The scarcity of data related to domestic tourism did not make it possible to estimate the contribution of this important segment. The report also provides examples of innovative approaches to measuring mountain tourism and planning and managing its impacts. It recommends a collective effort, involving public and private stakeholders across the value chain, to improve data collection, standardization and delivery to gain a more comprehensive assessment of mountain tourism in terms of volumes and impacts, so that it can be better understood and developed to align with the Sustainable Development Goals. The report also calls for concerted work to help raise awareness of the socio-economic importance of tourism in mountains and targeted policies to create jobs, support small and medium sized businesses and attract green investments in infrastructure and digitalization of tourism services. Its publication coincided with a ceremony at FAO’s headquarters in Rome marking the end of the International Year of Sustainable Mountain Development 2022. Speakers included United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, FAO Director-General QU Dongyu, World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili and government representatives from Andorra, Italy, Kyrgyzstan, Peru and Switzerland. Source: FAO

Louis Braun’s monumental work, created in 1893 on some 1000 m2 of canvas, is about to being digitised The process will generate the largest digital image ever created and will allow for unprecedented immersive and interactive viewing experiences. Immersive experience par excellence, the art of the panoramic painting had its glory days in the 19th century. However, exhibiting these monumental works required dedicated buildings (rotunda). With the advent of cinema, this media form disappeared. Few panoramas survived. The situation is about to change with regard to Louis Braun’s Panorama of the Battle of Murten, created in 1893. This 10-metre high and 100-metre long work, which shows in remarkable detail the battle in which the Confederates overcame the Duchy of Burgundy in 1476, has been at the heart of a project carried since 2022 by the EPFL’s Laboratory for Experimental Museology (eM+), in partnership with the Foundation for the Panorama of the Battle of Murten. After two months of patient conservation work, the painting is soon to be digitized. A specialized camera, sponsored by its manufacturer Phase One and equipped with a 150-million-pixel sensor, will be installed on a mobile structure developed for this purpose. It will capture approximately 127,000 images over three months of work. When assembled, this data will form the largest digital image of a single object ever created. “Augmenting” the artistic experience “And of course, that’s just where our work will begin!” says Professor Sarah Kenderdine, director of the laboratory. eM+ intends to transform the work into a truly interactive and immersive experience. “We have developed a 360-degree 3D interactive display system with a diameter of 10 metres,” says Sarah Kenderdine. “This display system is 1/3 the scale of the original panorama but it is fully interactive so gives unparalleled viewing opportunities. We will project the entire Panorama on it, but the unprecedented resolution of 1000 dpi allows us to zoom into more than the naked eye can see, all within an immersive dynamic soundscape. A data science framework will also allow us to query the massive image to highlight, for example, to which army the various soldiers belong, or to characterise the weapons, flags and shields. We will augment the painting with 3D reconstructions of costumes, weapons and other objects, based on the latest technologies used by the film industry.” The massive image also allows for interesting work in computer vision and machine learning producing tools for digital restoration. The digitization work and the creation of the digital twin will continue until the end of the year, which will allow the Panorama to be presented in digital form from 2024, explains Daniel Jaquet, project manager, and the augmented 3D effects will be added gradually. “Our goal is to be able to offer a wide range of installations for the 550th anniversary of the Battle of Murten in 2026.” The partner museums that will exhibit the digital twin of the panorama include the Museum of Murten, Grandson Castle and the Historical Museum of Bern. In the more immediate future, the installation as well as the Panorama itself will be available for a rare public viewing during the  EPFL Open Days , next weekend (April 29-30), on registration ( diagram-epfl.eventbrite.ch ). Author:  Emmanuel Barraud Source:  EPFL / Image Credit ©2023 Jamali Caillet/EPFL