Unai Emery felt his Aston Villa side restored confidence by returning to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over Brentford in the Premier League. Morgan Rogers’ fourth goal of the season, an Ollie Watkins penalty and Matty Cash’s finish put Villa 3-0 up after 34 minutes. Mikkel Damsgaard pulled one back for Brentford in the second half but the damage had been done as Villa ended their eight-match winless run in all competitions. Emery was relieved to end the unwanted streak but quickly turned his attention to the next fixture against Southampton on Saturday. “We broke a spell of bad results we were having,” the Villa boss said. “We started the first five or 10 minutes not in control of the game but then progressively we controlled. “Today we achieved those three points and it has given us confidence again but even like that it’s not enough. We have to keep going and think about the next match against Southampton on Saturday. “The message was try to focus on each match, try to forget the table. How we can recover confidence and feel comfortable at home. Today was a fantastic match.” Tyrone Mings returned to the starting line-up in the Premier League for the first time since August 2023. Emery admitted it has been a long road back for the 31-year-old and is pleased to have him back. He added: “Mings played in the Champions league but it’s the first time in the league for a year and three months. “I think he played fantastic – he might be tired tomorrow but will be ready for Saturday again. “It was very, very long, the injury he had. His comeback is fantastic for him and everybody, for the doctor and physio and now he’s training everyday.” Brentford fell to a sixth away defeat from seven games and have picked up only a solitary point on the road this season. They have the best home record in the league, with 19 points from seven matches, but they have the joint worst away record. Bees boss Thomas Frank is confident form will improve on the road. He said: “On numbers we can’t argue we are better at home than away, but on numbers it’s a coincidence. I think two of the seven away games have been bad. “The other games we performed well in big spells. I’m confident at the end of the season we will have some wins away from home.” Frank felt Villa should not have been given a penalty when Ethan Pinnock brought Watkins down. He added: “I want to argue the penalty. I don’t think it is (one). I think Ollie kicked back and hit Ethan, yes there is an arm on the shoulder but threshold and all that – but that’s not the reason we lost.”By Kimberly Palmer, NerdWallet The investing information provided on this page is for educational purposes only. NerdWallet, Inc. does not offer advisory or brokerage services, nor does it recommend or advise investors to buy or sell particular stocks, securities or other investments. The start of a new year can bring a surge of motivation around setting new goals, including financial resolutions. One way to help those goals become reality, financial experts say, is to make them as specific as possible. Then, track your progress, while allowing flexibility for unexpected challenges. “It’s easier to track progress when we know where we are going,” says Sylvie Scowcroft, a certified financial planner and founder of The Financial Grove in Cambridge, Massachusetts. That’s why she encourages her clients to set clearly defined goals, often related to paying off a specific debt, saving a certain amount per month or improving their credit score. Here are more tips from financial experts about crafting 2025 financial goals : Trying to accomplish too much can feel overwhelming. Instead, pick your priorities, says Cathleen Tobin, CFP and owner of Moonbridge Financial Design in Rhinebeck, New York. She suggests focusing on those big, often emotionally-driven goals to find motivation. “It’s more compelling than just a number,” she says. For example, do you want to make sure you’re on track for retirement or save money for a house? “Start there.” Scowcroft says she sees clients get tripped up by selecting overly broad goals, such as “get better with money.” Instead, she encourages people to select specific action items, such as “sign up for a budgeting tool and set aside time each month to learn where my money is going.” That level of specificity provides direction so you know what steps to take next, she adds. For example, if your top priority is to become debt-free, then your specific goal might be to pay off an extra $200 of your debt balance each month. Tobin says labeling savings accounts so they correspond with goals can also help. An emergency fund could be named something like “Peace of mind in 2025,” so you remember why you’re saving every time you make a transfer. “It’s more motivating than just ‘emergency fund,’” Tobin says. Measuring your progress as the year unfolds is also a critical component of successful goal setting, Tobin says. She compares it to weight loss. If you want to lose 20 pounds by June, then you need to lose about a pound a week for the first six months of the year. Similarly, she says it helps to break savings goals into microsteps that specify what you need to do each week. Schedule a weekly or monthly check-in with yourself to make sure you are meeting those smaller goals along the way. You might want to review your debt payoff progress or check your credit score , for example. “Being able to break it down into steps that can be done each week or twice a month really helps,” Tobin says. If your goal is to save more money , then setting up an automatic transfer each month can help turn that goal into reality, as long as you know you have the money in your checking account to spare. “It reduces the mental load,” says Mike Hunsberger, CFP and owner of Next Mission Financial Planning in St. Charles, Missouri, where he primarily supports veterans and current members of the military. He recommends starting small to ease into the change. “I wouldn’t jump to double what you’re currently saving,” he says. For example, when it comes to saving in a retirement account, if you’re starting with a 3% contribution, you might want to bump it up to 4%, then slowly increase it from there. “My number one piece of advice is to start small, but make sure you scale over time,” Hunsberger adds. “Because it’s gradual, you probably won’t notice it impacting your lifestyle.” “Stay flexible,” Scowcroft says. “Part of it is just being kind to yourself and not being too rigid.” When unexpected challenges come up, such as a big unplanned expense, you might have to pause making progress on your goal and reset. You might even need to change your goal. Scowcroft says that doesn’t mean you “failed,” just that life changed your plans. Dwelling on any negativity won’t help your forward progress. Sharing your goals with a friend can also make it easier to reach them, Scowcroft says. “It really helps to have an accountability buddy,” she says. She suggests putting a regular “money date” with your friend on the calendar so you can ask each other how you’re doing, brainstorm any challenges or even budget together side-by-side . “It’s a fun excuse to meet up with a friend.” More From NerdWallet Kimberly Palmer writes for NerdWallet. Email: kpalmer@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @kimberlypalmer. The article The Secret to Making Successful Financial New Year’s Resolutions originally appeared on NerdWallet .
mnl777 co
。
Excerpt from Carol Mithers’ book, ‘Rethinking Rescue’
The Best Books Of 2024Live: High school football scores in the Lafayette area for the second round of playoffs
Trump again calls to buy Greenland after eyeing Canada and the Panama CanalComputational biologists from the National University of Singapore (NUS) have uncovered how RNA splicing—a crucial process for isoform expression and protein diversity—is regulated across different cell types in the peripheral blood. This important discovery helps explain how individuals' genetic differences contribute to their predisposition to complex diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Graves' disease (GD). This project was conducted as part of the Asian Immune Diversity Atlas (AIDA) consortium, which uses population-scale single-cell gene expression profiling of over one million immune cells (PBMCs) from over 600 Asian donors in five countries to understand how genes and environment make us different from each other and influence our health. The study was a research collaboration with A*STAR Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Samsung Genome Institute, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, and Nanyang Technological University. This study was published as a cover article in the journal Nature Genetics on 3 December 2024. Alternative splicing (AS) is a fundamental regulatory mechanism in messenger RNA (mRNA) processing, and abnormal splicing is a major cause of genetic disorders. To understand the genetic regulation of splicing, previous efforts such as the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project have primarily focused on tissue-level measurements, and these efforts have shown that different tissues have distinct patterns of splicing regulation. However, this raised an intriguing question: does disease-relevant genetic regulation of splicing occur only in one or a few cell types? To answer this research question, the main bottleneck is the lack of a large population-scale cell-type-resolved dataset suitable for splicing analysis and corresponding analytical pipelines. Furthermore, Asian populations have been notably underrepresented in large-scale genetic studies. For instance, Asians account for only 1.3% of the GTEx dataset, while individuals of European descent make up 84.6%. A recent study showed that ancestry could be a main factor that affects the findings of genetic regulation, mostly due to differences in allele frequencies. This highlights an urgent need for genetic studies that better represent diverse ancestries. To address these research gaps, a research team led by Assistant Professor Liu Boxiang, with lead authors Tian Chi, Zhang Yuntian, and Tong Yihan, from the Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the NUS Faculty of Science utilized the AIDA single-cell RNA-seq dataset to analyze cell-type-specific splicing. This work represents the first comprehensive analysis of splicing regulation in a population-scale and genetics-coupled single-cell dataset. Asst Prof Liu holds a joint appointment with the Department of Biomedical Informatics and Precision Medicine Translational Research Programme at the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and is an Adjunct Principal Scientist at GIS. The Asian Immune Diversity Atlas (AIDA) single-cell RNA-seq dataset The AIDA Data Freeze v.1 includes up to 21 immune cell subtypes for context-dependent alternative splicing and splicing quantitative trait loci (sQTL) analysis. The blood samples in this dataset were collected from a cohort of 503 healthy donors of diverse Asian ancestries, spanning East, Southeast, and South Asian populations. This diversity allows the observation of Asian-specific genetic regulation of splicing. For example, an sQTL of the TCHP gene has been identified to possibly influence the risk of Graves' disease in East Asian populations. Owing to the high average sequencing depth and the "exon painting" effect (incomplete reverse transcription along with stochastic mRNA cleavage and recapping that creates multiple 5' ends) captured by 5' library preparation, the AIDA scRNA-seq data preserved a substantial portion of mRNA sequences, making it particularly well-suited for splicing analysis. Cell-type-specificity in splicing regulation This study uncovered widespread context-dependent splicing events that were often specific to a particular cell type. Notably, an ancestry-biased mRNA isoform of SPSB2, likely driven by cross-population allele frequency differences in rs11064437, was found to be unannotated in canonical gene annotation. This highlighted the lack of ancestral diversity in a widely used annotation database. Not only is splicing cell-type-specific, but its genetic regulation is also cell-type-specific. Terminologically, an sQTL is a genetic variant that influences the splicing of RNA transcript. This study revealed 11,577 independent cis-sQTLs and 607 trans-sQTLs across 19 PBMC subtypes, and many of these were cell-type-specific and disease-associated. Implication in diseases and experimental validation These findings provided a unique resource for identifying genetic variants and molecular mechanisms underlying complex traits and diseases. The researchers demonstrated that diseases could be linked to splicing by showing the significant contributions of cis-sQTL effects to autoimmune and inflammatory disease. They also identified 563 putative risk genes. For example, an Asian-specific sQTL was found to disrupt the 5' splice site of TCHP exon four to putatively modulate the risk of Graves' disease in East Asian populations. The sQTL effect has been validated using a minigene experiment in K562 cells. Asst Prof Liu said, "Our study established a roadmap for population-scale single-cell splicing regulation analysis and provided insights into the development of splice-modifying therapeutics." This cell-type-specific sQTL map is a milestone in human genetics and drug target discovery for complex diseases related to splicing. Meanwhile, the examples provided in the analysis strongly suggest the importance of ancestral diversity in human genetics research. To take the research further, the team plans to leverage single-cell technology to investigate more tissues such as muscle and adipose. The ongoing research holds great promise in revealing more detailed molecular mechanisms in complex diseases at single-cell resolution. More information: Chi Tian et al, Single-cell RNA sequencing of peripheral blood links cell-type-specific regulation of splicing to autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, Nature Genetics (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41588-024-02019-8
A 9th telecoms firm has been hit by a massive Chinese espionage campaign, the White House says
AI-generated content spices up the AAP-BJP narrative war in Delhi
The Gunners took two points out of Liverpool’s lead at the summit of the Premier League after Jurrien Timber and William Saliba struck in the second half – both from corners – to condemn Amorim to his first defeat as United boss. The hosts’ second-half strikes took their goals-from-corners tally to 22 since the start of last season – a statistic that is unmatched by any other team in the division. Asked if Arsenal are one of the best teams he has come up against on corners, Amorim replied: “If you follow the Premier League for a long time you can see that. “They are also big players and you see every occasion when (Gabriel) Martinelli and (Bukayo) Saka have one-on-ones, a lot of times they go outside and they cross, and they know that if the cross goes well, they can score, and if it is a corner they can score, too, so we have to be better on that. “You have seen in all Arsenal games that every team have had problems with that (corners). And the difference today was the set-pieces. “You see a goal and then the momentum changed, and it is really hard for us to take the full control of the game after that.” Timber leaned into Rasmus Hojlund at the front post before diverting Declan Rice’s set-piece into the back of Andre Onana’s net after 54 minutes to send Arsenal into the lead. Thomas Partey’s header from Saka’s corner then deflected in off Saliba’s shoulder with 17 minutes left. Arteta and the club’s set-piece guru Nicolas Jover embraced on the touchline as Amorim was left with his head in his hands. The Arsenal supporters cheered raucously every time they won a corner – landing 13 in all without reply. However, Arteta moved to play down the significance of Arsenal’s set-piece threat. “We need that, but we want to be very dangerous and very effective from every angle and every phase of play,” said Arteta. “Today we could have scored from open play like we did against West Ham and Sporting. Last year we scored the most goals in the history of this football club. “Not because of only set-pieces, but because of a lot of things that we have. We want to create individual and magic moments, too.” Arsenal’s win against United – the first time they have recorded four victories in a row against the Red Devils in the league – was their fourth in succession since the international break. They will head to Fulham on Sunday bidding to keep the momentum going. Arteta continued: “The will to win is there. We try our best to do that. We won four in a row, but it doesn’t matter. We have to go to Fulham now, try to be better than them and try win the game. “It’s every three days that we play. It’s a crazy schedule. We’re going to need everybody and to mentally be very strong.”Universal Corporation Receives NYSE Notice Regarding Filing of Form 10-Q for the Fiscal Quarter Ended September 30, 2024
NextEra Energy Inc. stock underperforms Wednesday when compared to competitorsHow major US stock indexes fared Wednesday, 12/4/2024The Atlanta Falcons drafting of Michael Penix Jr. just six weeks after signing Kirk Cousins to a $180 million contract doesn't seem like that much of a head-scratcher anymore. Penix, the eighth overall pick in this year's draft, was supposed to serve as Cousins' understudy for a year or two, a plan that was scuttled when Cousins quickly lost the zip and accuracy on his passes and his grip on the starting job. It was hard to argue with making the change after Cousins had nine picks and one touchdown pass in his last five starts — but it was a daring move nonetheless with the Falcons trailing first-place Tampa Bay by a single game with three weeks left. Penix made the move pay off with a solid first NFL start in the Falcons' 34-7 rout of the New York Giants on Sunday that bolstered Atlanta's playoff hopes , and the Falcons (8-7) moved back into first place in the NFC South with the Buccaneers' loss at Dallas on Sunday night. The left-hander was not at all overwhelmed by the moment, completing 18 of 27 passes for 202 yards — numbers that would’ve been better if not for at least three dropped passes, one of which Kyle Pitts bobbled right into the hands of a New York defender for Penix’s lone interception. “He went out and played almost flawless football,” coach Raheem Morris said. Cousins will almost certainly be looking for his fourth team in 2025. If the Falcons cut ties as expected, they'll have paid Cousins $90 million for 14 games. Cousins' career earnings are about $321 million and his record is 84-77-2, including a 1-3 mark in the playoffs and 7-7 this season. In the spirit of expedited judgments, let's take a gander at how other quarterbacks have fared with their new teams in 2024. The Pittsburgh Steelers landed the biggest bargain of the season in Wilson, whom they signed for the veteran's minimum of $1.21 million, leaving his former team, the Denver Broncos, on the hook for the remaining $37.79 million of his 2024 salary. Wilson's calf injury in camp forced the Steelers to start Justin Fields, who went 4-2 before Mike Tomlin made the risky switch to Wilson, who's gone 6-3 with 15 TD throws and four interceptions. With the Steelers (10-5) playoff-bound, Wilson will make his first postseason appearance since 2020. The only question is whether it'll be at home as AFC North champ or on the road as a wild-card. They're tied with the Ravens atop the division but currently own the tiebreaker. This was expected to be a rebuilding year in Minnesota after the Vikings lost Cousins in free agency. They signed Darnold, the third overall pick in 2018, to a $10 million, one-year contract and drafted national champion J.J. McCarthy with the 10th overall pick. McCarthy tore the meniscus in his right knee during the preseason opener and has undergone two surgeries, opening the way for Darnold's breakthrough season. Darnold brought a 21-35 career record with him to Minneapolis and all he's done is go 13-2 while setting career highs with 32 touchdown passes, 3,776 passing yards and a 67.2% completion percentage. The Vikings are tied with the Lions atop the packed NFC North and the division crown could come down to Minnesota's season finale at Detroit on Jan. 5. The Las Vegas Raiders signed Minshew to a two-year, $25 million contract and he beat out incumbent Aidan O'Connell for the starting gig. But he only went 2-7 and sustained a season-ending broken collarbone in a Week 12 loss to the Broncos, opening the door for O'Connell (1-4) to return. The Raiders' 19-14 win over Jacksonville on Sunday snapped a 10-game skid but might have taken them out of the Shedeur Sanders sweepstakes. They are 3-12, a game behind the Giants (2-13), who jettisoned QB Daniel Jones less than two years after signing him to a four-year, $160 million contract and have gone with Drew Lock and Tommy DeVito instead. The Chicago Bears had high hopes after drafting Williams with the No. 1 overall pick, but it might turn out that the second QB taken — Washington's Jayden Daniels — is better than the first as was the case last year when C.J. Stroud outperformed Carolina's Bryce Young. Williams has a terrific TD-to-INT ratio of 19-5, but the Bears are 4-11 and have lost nine in a row. Their last win came way back on Oct. 13 against Jacksonville. The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner out of LSU has led the Washington Commanders (10-5) to the cusp of their first playoff appearance since 2020. His bolstered his Rookie of the Year credentials with a five-TD performance Sunday in leading the Commanders to a 36-33 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. For the year, Daniels has 22 TD throws and eight interceptions. The former Auburn and Oregon star hasn't looked much like a rookie after starting an NCAA QB record 61 times in college. The Broncos (9-6) could snap an eight-year playoff drought with a win Sunday at Cincinnati thanks to Nix's steady play , Sean Payton's exhaustive guidance and Denver's traditionally stingy defense. Nix was drafted 12th overall after the Broncos released Wilson despite a a whopping $85 million dead money charge on top of the $37.79 million they're paying Wilson to play for Pittsburgh this year. With 22 TDs and 11 interceptions, Nix has almost matched Russell's win total (11-19) in his two seasons in Denver. AP Sports Writer Paul Newberry in Atlanta contributed to this report. Behind the Call analyzes the biggest topics in the NFL during the season. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
GDIN CEO Jongkap Kim: “By matching technology needs with local markets, we create long-lasting joint ventures with multiple exit opportunities.” SEOUL, South Korea , Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Global Digital Innovation Network (GDIN), led by CEO Jongkap Kim, proudly announced the major achievements of its 2024 Joint Venture Program. This program, which supports the establishment of joint ventures between South Korean companies and international partners, is designed to lower market entry barriers and create sustainable growth opportunities through local collaborations. Since the launch of the program in 2021, GDIN has supported the establishment of 44 joint ventures across various regions. This year alone, 10 joint ventures were successfully launched in 8 countries including the United States , Canada , Japan , India , Singapore , Vietnam , UAE, and Uganda . The Joint Venture Program was created to address a common challenge faced by early-stage tech companies: while they may have products and services that meet market demand, they often lack the resources and workforce to enter international markets. Through this program, GDIN helps companies increase their chances of success by facilitating strategic market entry via local partnerships. In addition to the 44 joint ventures established so far, 47 partnership agreements are in the pipeline for future joint ventures. The program’s success is largely attributed to GDIN’s extensive global network of partners, which includes government organizations, multinational corporations, and international agencies such as the World Bank, Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI), Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Investment Turkey etc. GDIN has organized multiple technology matching and investor relations events to introduce Korean companies and their innovative technologies to potential international partners. At the year-end performance report event, held on December 19 , GDIN recognized companies that successfully established joint ventures. Changsoft I&I, a digital construction management system company, was highlighted for its success in establishing joint ventures in Japan and Vietnam . CFO Jongeun Park of Changsoft I&I shared, “We were facing stagnating revenue growth, and expanding into new markets was critical. With GDIN’s support, we were able to establish joint ventures in Japan and Vietnam , allowing us to tailor our products to local market needs.” Other companies that successfully established joint ventures in 2024 include Medicos Biotech, Bloomsbury Lab, Arbaim, Eucast, Pixelro, Hansol root one, Eco-Peace, and IESG. GDIN CEO Jongkap Kim commented, “Unlike simple joint investments or distribution networks, these technology-driven joint ventures are based on market demand, ensuring their long-term sustainability. If these joint ventures achieve success in the local markets and even go public, they could offer multiple exit opportunities, creating a strong growth model for all involved.” About GDIN Global Digital Innovation Network (formerly known as Born2Global Centre), registered under the Ministry of Science & ICT, is an independent foundation that promotes and fosters collaboration between next-level innovative companies from South Korea and the world. Since 2013, we have established over 160 international partnerships, supported over 3,000 tech companies, conducted over 20,000 consulting services, and helped companies raise $3.6 billion USD in investments. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/gdin-successfully-supports-establishment-of-10-new-joint-ventures-in-2024-alone-302337081.html SOURCE GDINBryce Thompson scores 17 points and Oklahoma State beats Miami 80-74 in the Charleston ClassicManchester United manager Ruben Amorim hailed Arsenal as one of the best set-piece teams he has ever faced following the 2-0 defeat at Arsenal. The Gunners took two points out of Liverpool’s lead at the summit of the Premier League after Jurrien Timber and William Saliba struck in the second half – both from corners – to condemn Amorim to his first defeat as United boss. The hosts’ second-half strikes took their goals-from-corners tally to 22 since the start of last season – a statistic that is unmatched by any other team in the division. Asked if Arsenal are one of the best teams he has come up against on corners, Amorim replied: “If you follow the Premier League for a long time you can see that. “They are also big players and you see every occasion when (Gabriel) Martinelli and (Bukayo) Saka have one-on-ones, a lot of times they go outside and they cross, and they know that if the cross goes well, they can score, and if it is a corner they can score, too, so we have to be better on that. “You have seen in all Arsenal games that every team have had problems with that (corners). And the difference today was the set-pieces. “You see a goal and then the momentum changed, and it is really hard for us to take the full control of the game after that.” Timber leaned into Rasmus Hojlund at the front post before diverting Declan Rice’s set-piece into the back of Andre Onana’s net after 54 minutes to send Arsenal into the lead. Thomas Partey’s header from Saka’s corner then deflected in off Saliba’s shoulder with 17 minutes left. Arteta and the club’s set-piece guru Nicolas Jover embraced on the touchline as Amorim was left with his head in his hands. The Arsenal supporters cheered raucously every time they won a corner – landing 13 in all without reply. However, Arteta moved to play down the significance of Arsenal’s set-piece threat. “We need that, but we want to be very dangerous and very effective from every angle and every phase of play,” said Arteta. “Today we could have scored from open play like we did against West Ham and Sporting. Last year we scored the most goals in the history of this football club. Arsenal have won four consecutive Premier League matches against Man Utd for the first time ever! 💫 — Premier League (@premierleague) “Not because of only set-pieces, but because of a lot of things that we have. We want to create individual and magic moments, too.” Arsenal’s win against United – the first time they have recorded four victories in a row against the Red Devils in the league – was their fourth in succession since the international break. They will head to Fulham on Sunday bidding to keep the momentum going. Arteta continued: “The will to win is there. We try our best to do that. We won four in a row, but it doesn’t matter. We have to go to Fulham now, try to be better than them and try win the game. “It’s every three days that we play. It’s a crazy schedule. We’re going to need everybody and to mentally be very strong.”
PRINCE Harry says he and wife Meghan Markle have no plans to leave the US anytime soon. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex relocated to Montecito in California in summer 2020, just months after stepping down as working royals. Harry, 40, has made several solo trips back to the UK this year alone - though remains estranged from much of the Firm. The revelation comes after he and Meghan, 43, were rumoured to have snapped up a luxurious property in Alentejo, Portugal . He is also continuing to press ahead with a legal battle against the Home Office over his taxpayer-funded security to ensure his family's safety. Harry and Meghan share kids Prince Archie, five, and three-year-old Lilbet. Speaking during The New York Times' DealBook Summit, the King's youngest son said today: "I very much enjoy living here and bringing up my kids here." There are activities he can do with his children that he "undoubtedly wouldn’t be able to do in the UK", he said, citing concerns about security. Harry said his focus now is on "being the best husband and the best dad that I can be". The Duke went on to tell NYT columnist and event founder Andrew Ross Sorkin he opposes a social media ban for children because it could lead to family arguments and bullying by classmates. Instead, he said such companies should be subject to greater transparency and accountability. He said social media has “already been intentionally created to be addictive” so banning it or removing it, “creates all sort of problems”. Harry said he doesn't have his own social media accounts to help protect his peace. "I try to think at these things through the lens as a dad," he said. "It's not a coincidence that the world has become more volatile and more divided since social media has been around for 20 years," Harry added. It comes after Meghan sent a message of support to guests at a charity's carol concert in central London, wishing attendees a Merry Christmas "from my family to yours". Meghan's remarks were shared in the programme for UK charity Smart Works' carol service at St Marylebone Parish Church on Tuesday. The Prince of Wales and the Duke of Sussex are once again offering their congratulations separately to winners of the Diana Award, set up in memory of their mother. William has written a letter, which was posted on Wednesday, praising the "extraordinary" recipients for their "kindness and compassion", and telling them: "My mother... would be immensely proud of you." The prince, in his letter on Kensington Palace headed notepaper, describes how the "world can feel an uncertain and unfamiliar place", and he praises the winners for overcoming barriers to "make positive change". Harry, meanwhile, has recorded a video message which will be played during the virtual Diana Award ceremony on Thursday. The duke will speak of how Diana's view of the world still inspires him as he outlines the challenges the world faces including "systemic injustices". He, like William, will reference the charity's mission of inspiring young people to make "positive change". Harry will say: "My mother's belief in the power of young people to drive positive change continues to inspire me. "No matter the challenges we face, whether it's climate change, mental health or systemic injustices, her legacy and the efforts of young people to inspire further action in the world fill me with hope." The royal brothers have a long-running rift which worsened in the wake of the allegations Harry levelled at William and the Princess of Wales in his Netflix documentary and Spare autobiography. Their fractured relationship shows no sign of healing despite the health troubles faced by the royal family in 2024. The Diana Award said the charity, which is marking 25 years since it was set up in honour of the late Diana, Princess of Wales, "has the support of both her sons, HRH The Prince of Wales and Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex". William's letter reads: "Congratulations on receiving The Diana Award! "I am so proud of the impact every one of you has had on your communities and beyond. "You are driven by kindness and compassion and through this you are all changing the world for the better. "In this special 25th anniversary year for the Diana Award, it is wonderful to see young people from across the globe being recognised." He added: "At times, the world can feel an uncertain and unfamiliar place and I know many of you have had to work hard to overcome barriers to make positive change. "Despite this, I am heartened to see what inspirational young people like you can achieve. "I know my mother, in whose memory you receive the Diana Award today, would be immensely proud of you. "I hope this award helps you to further champion your cause and support those around you. "Thank-you for your dedication. You are all extraordinary." The letter was signed "William". Harry and Meghan are understood to have bought a property in Portugal, that sits just a stone's throw away from Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank. The couple reportedly plan to set up a base there after being seen in the area last September following the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, Germany. They currently live in an £11million Montecito mansion, which boasts nine bedrooms, 16 bathrooms, a pool and a tennis court. A source told Closer: “Buying in Portugal is a shrewd move for Meghan. “She’s deeply concerned that the Royal Family might manipulate Harry into reintegrating without her, so she needs to be proactive to make sure she’s not isolated or pushed to the sidelines. “Now, if it is deemed safe from a security standpoint, it’s likely she’ll give her blessing for Harry to take Archie and Lilibet to see their grandpa, King Charles, at some point. “And in terms of logistics, having a place in Portugal will make that easier, because Meghan can fly over with the kids without feeling trapped.” Meghan has returned to the UK just twice since the Sussexes stepped down as working royals in 2020. Both of the visits were in 2022, with the first being the late Queen’s Jubilee and then her funeral. The Duchess of Sussex has sent a message of support to guests at a charity's carol concert in central London, wishing attendees a Merry Christmas "from my family to yours". Meghan's remarks were shared in the programme for UK charity Smart Works' carol service at St Marylebone Parish Church on Tuesday. Smart Works helps unemployed women with clothing and coaching to secure employment, and the duchess has been a patron of the charity since 2019. According to an image of the programme shared by People magazine, Meghan said: "As proud patron, it is my pleasure to warmly welcome you all this evening to the Smart Works Carol Concert. "Tonight promises to be a truly magical celebration, filled with special guests and performers, and most importantly, the shared spirit of community that defines Smart Works. "Together we gather to honour the work and dedication of this remarkable organisation, which continues to empower women across the UK through coaching, dressing and instilling confidence on their journey to employment. "Thank you for giving your support by being here in St Marylebone Parish Church, under the beautiful haze of Christmas wreaths and candlelight." She continued: "In a year where the landscape for women in the workplace has continued to shift, Smart Works has stood as a steadfast source of encouragement. Their service is more than rediscovering employment, it is rediscovering empowerment. "As Smart Works continues to uplift the community, I hope you will continue to support them. I hope you enjoy the festivities, and, from my family to yours, I wish you a very Merry Christmas." Other famous faces were involved in the service, with actress and comedian Jennifer Saunders doing a reading and X Factor winner Alexandra Burke performing Hallelujah. After the service, Burke wrote on her Instagram story: "What a special night. Proud to be an ambassador for @smartworkscharity." Prince Harry’s trips have been more frequent, with him doing four visits this year. In September the Duke made a solo trip to attend the WellChild Awards where he met seriously ill youngsters and their families. During the whistle stop visit he did not meet up with Prince William and King Charles, according to reports. The couple are said to have splashed out on the home in Portugal after being asked to vacate their former UK home Frogmore Cottage by King Charles two years ago. It is said to be close to Harry’s cousin Princess Eugenie , Jack, August , two, and Ernest , six months, who are said to be splitting their time between living at the CostaTerra Golf and Ocean Club and their life back in the UK. The reason for the move is Jack’s job, as he is doing marketing, sales and promotion for property entrepreneur Mike Meldman, who is managing the 300-home development there. The purchase may allow the Sussexes to acquire a “Golden Visa”, where they would have access to the EU’s Schengen area, reports the Daily Mail.Romanian politicians have voted in favour of a new pro-European coalition government led by incumbent Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu. The move could usher in an end to a protracted political crisis in the European Union country following the annulment of a presidential election by a top court. Parliament approved the new administration in a 240-143 vote in Romania’s 466-seat legislature. The new coalition is made up of the leftist Social Democratic Party (PSD) the centre-right National Liberal Party (PNL), the small ethnic Hungarian UDMR party and national minorities. It caps a month-long period of turmoil in which far-right nationalists made significant gains in a parliamentary election on December 1 a week after a first-round presidential race saw the far-right outsider Calin Georgescu emerge as the front-runner. “It will not be an easy mandate for the future government,” Mr Ciolacu, whose PSD party topped the polls in the parliamentary election, said in a statement. “We are aware that we are in the midst of a deep political crisis,” he said. “It is also a crisis of trust, and this coalition aims to regain the trust of citizens, the trust of the people.” Romania’s 16 ministerial positions will be shared among the parties, which will hold a slim majority in the legislature. It is widely seen as a tactical partnership to shut out far-right nationalists whose voices found fertile ground amid high living costs and a sluggish economy. Mr Ciolacu, who came third in the first-round presidential ballot despite polls indicating he would win the most votes, has served as prime minister since June 2023. After parliament’s approval, President Klaus Iohannis swore in the new government and warned the new Cabinet that it is entering a “difficult new period” in which “for many Romanians, there are major concerns”. Romania was plunged into turmoil after Mr Georgescu’s surprise success in the presidential race, after allegations of electoral violations and Russian interference emerged. Days before the December 8 run-off, the Constitutional Court made the unprecedented move to annul the presidential race. “We go through complicated times, but I think we all learned from mistakes of the past,” Mr Ciolacu said. “I hope that together with my colleagues in the coalition, we’ll find the best solutions to get past the challenges we have in front of us.” Mr Ciolacu said that the new government would aim to quickly organise the rerun of the presidential election in which the new coalition has agreed to put forward an agreed common pro-European candidate. Cristian Andrei, a political consultant based in Bucharest, said that the new government made up of the same political parties will likely embrace “soft populist” rhetoric such as economic patriotism, anti-austerity, and a peace solution in neighbouring Ukraine to counter the rise of far-right populism. “This will be a way to answer the concerns of many Romanians who voted for populists... but will not solve the fundamental problem of trust,” he said. “The only decisive factor now will be who and how convincing the pro-European candidates will be against this popular revolt.” George Simion, the leader of the far-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, which came second in the parliamentary election, said that all politicians from his party on Monday would vote against the Ciolacu government. In 2021, the PSD and the PNL also formed an unlikely but increasingly strained coalition together with UDMR, which exited the Cabinet last year after a power-sharing dispute.
Brighton draws 0-0 with Brentford in lackluster Premier League encounter LONDON (AP) — Brighton had most of the chances but could not find the net in a 0-0 draw with Brentford that extended the south coast club’s winless run in the Premier League to six games on Friday. Canadian Press Dec 27, 2024 1:50 PM Dec 27, 2024 2:05 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Brighton and Hove Albion's Jan Paul van Hecke, second right, is lead away by the referee Andrew Madley, right, following a clash with the oppositions players during the English Premier League soccer match between Brighton & Hove Albion and CF Brentford in Brighton and Hove, England, Friday, Dec 27, 2024. (Steven Paston/PA via AP) LONDON (AP) — Brighton had most of the chances but could not find the net in a 0-0 draw with Brentford that extended the south coast club’s winless run in the Premier League to six games on Friday. It was a frustrating night for the home side and especially Julio Enciso. The Paraguay striker had a host of opportunities to score but couldn’t make them count. Along with Southampton, Brentford has the worst away record in the league with seven losses and two draws and it was easy to see why in this toothless performance. Brentford had an early goal from Yoane Wissa ruled out for offside and, although it came a bit more into the game in the second half, it failed to pressure Icelandic goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson, who made his Premier League debut eight minutes before halftime when Mark Flekken went off with a thigh injury. One bright spot for the home side was the return of winger Solly March. He came on as a late substitute to make his first appearance for Brighton since injuring a knee against Manchester City 14 months ago. The result leaves Brighton in 10th place with 26 points, one spot and two points ahead of the Bees. Arsenal was hosting Ipswich in Friday's other game in the Premier League, ___ AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Soccer Union Berlin fires coach Bo Svensson after 9 games without a win Dec 27, 2024 12:00 PM Ronaldo backs Amorim at Man United, picks Vinicius over Rodri at soccer awards Dec 27, 2024 11:33 AM Haaland penalty failure and Fernandes red card pile on woes for City and United in Premier League Dec 26, 2024 2:31 PMRamgarh: The bodyguard of Sunita Choudhary, the NDA candidate for Ramgarh, filed an FIR against seven Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) members at Rajrappa police station in Ramgarh district on Thursday evening accusing the latter of instigating people to attack the candidate in Kulhi village when she was inspecting polling booths. They allegedly also attempted to snatch the bodyguard's official firearm. Rajrappa police station officer-in-charge Naveen Prakash Pandey confirmed that an FIR has been registered against eight named individuals and 100 unknown persons. The accused are Ravi Kumar, Ashok Kumar, Bablu Kumar, Yatan Mahto, Nitish Kumar, Santosh Mahto and Devanand Mahto. The complaint was filed by Dashrath Singh. Police have registered a case under sections 120, 105, 352, 351, 104, 132, and 3(5) of Bharat Nyay Sanhita (BNS). No arrests have been made yet. Ajsu-Party central committee secretary Jaleshwar Mahto condemned the incident, demanding immediate arrest of the culprits. He accused JLKM workers of being behind the attack, calling it "an assault on democracy”. However, JLKM's Ramgarh media in-charge Ramesh Kumar Mahto urged the police to verify CCTV footage from both polling booths to investigate why the candidate and her supporters allegedly entered the polling station. He expressed hope for an impartial investigation, stating that anyone found guilty should face appropriate punishment. We also published the following articles recently FIR against 7 JLKM workers for attacking NDA candidate in Ramgarh Sunita Choudhary, the NDA candidate for Ramgarh, faced an alleged attack during her visit to polling booths in Kulhi village. Her bodyguard filed an FIR against seven JLKM members, accusing them of instigation and attempted firearm snatching. While the accused remain at large, the incident has drawn condemnation from the Ajsu-Party, demanding swift action against the perpetrators. Will Jairam Mahto's Jharkhand Loktrantik Krantikari Morcha play spoilsport for mainstream parties in Jharkhand? Jairam 'Tiger' Mahto, a rising star in Jharkhand politics, is poised to disrupt the traditional political landscape with his new party, JLKM. His focus on local language and job rights resonates with the significant Kurmi population, potentially impacting both the BJP-led NDA and the JMM-led INDIA bloc. JLKM eyes 10 seats in Jharkhand assembly polls, claims influence in 25 constituencies The Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) is poised to become a significant force in Jharkhand politics, projecting confidence in securing 10 seats and influencing 25 constituencies. The party's central president emphasized that post-election alliances would be determined by public sentiment.
Focus on capacity enhancement of IAF as China unveils two'6th Gen' fighter jets
Donald Trump again calls to buy Greenland after eyeing Canada and the Panama Canal
Elections BC is drawing scrutiny which threatens to undermine taxpayer’s faith in our elections. That’s a problem. Here’s the solution: call a public inquiry into Elections BC, not a politicised process through legislative committees working behind closed doors. There is nothing to suggest the B.C. provincial election was stolen. There is nothing to suggest Elections BC was in cahoots with one party or another. But that doesn’t mean we can afford to turn a blind eye to its mishandling of the most important day in our democratic cycle. In a democracy, taxpayers must have faith in elections and repeated errors from Elections BC erodes that trust. And make no mistake, Elections BC did mess up its handling of the provincial election. The problems with Elections BC range from bad to worse. It took Elections BC more than a week to finish the preliminary tally of votes. Voting closed Oct. 19, but the final count didn’t occur until Oct. 28. British Columbians shouldn’t be left in limbo because Elections BC workers didn’t stay late to count votes. And it shouldn’t take an extra week for the final count to begin. Then came the revelation that Elections BC officials were storing ballots in their personal homes. Think about that for a moment. When you cast your ballot, did you imagine it would find its way into the basement of someone’s home? British Columbians generally believe Elections BC acts in good faith. But why allow questionable chains of custody for the most important pieces of paper in a democracy? Why risk storing ballots in home basements instead of secure government buildings? In three-quarters of B.C.’s 93 ridings, mistakes by Elections B.C. led to unreported votes. That’s unacceptable. To be fair, all the votes were eventually accounted for and counted. But our elections are too important to risk with these kinds of blunders. Both the ruling NDP and Opposition BC Conservatives agree there needs to be an investigation into Elections BC’s mistakes. The NDP wants an all-party committee made up of MLAs to probe Elections BC. But that’s not good enough. Legislative committees are political and are made up of politicians fighting for the spotlight. They can hide behind in camera meetings the public doesn’t have access to. For the public to have faith in our elections, the public needs to be involved in the inquiry. That’s what the BC Conservatives are calling for: an independent public review. British Columbians need to have faith in our elections, so the public must be a part of the investigation. This is far too important an issue for taxpayers to be shunted off to the side while politicians play partisan games. Carson Binda is the B.C. director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.CORK, Ireland , Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson Controls International plc JCI (the "Company" or "Johnson Controls"), a global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, today announced the pricing of its offering of €500 million senior notes due 2033. The net proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes, including the repayment, redemption or refinancing of outstanding commercial paper and other near-term indebtedness. General corporate purposes may also include acquisitions, additions to working capital, repurchase of ordinary shares, dividends, capital expenditures and investments in the Company's subsidiaries. Tyco Fire & Security Finance, S.C.A., a subsidiary of the Company, is the co-issuer of the notes. The closing for the transaction is expected to occur on December 11, 2024 , subject to certain customary closing conditions. BofA Securities, Crédit Agricole CIB and ING are serving as joint lead book-running managers to facilitate the transaction. Citigroup, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft, J.P. Morgan and Morgan Stanley are also serving as book-running managers and ANZ, Danske Bank, ICBC Standard Bank, Standard Chartered Bank and TD Securities are serving as co-managers of the offering. The offering of the notes is being made pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement, prospectus and related prospectus supplement. Copies of the prospectus supplement and the base prospectus may be obtained by contacting BofA Securities Europe SA at 1-800-294-1322; Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank at 1-866-807-6030; or ING Bank N.V. at +31 20 563 8185. Investors may also obtain these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at www.sec.gov . This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction. About Johnson Controls: At Johnson Controls, we transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play. As a global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet. Building on a proud history of nearly 140 years of innovation, we deliver the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centers, airports, stadiums, manufacturing and beyond through OpenBlue, our comprehensive digital offering. Today, with a global team of experts, Johnson Controls offers the world's largest portfolio of building technology and software as well as service solutions from some of the most trusted names in the industry. Johnson Controls International plc Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Johnson Controls International plc has made statements in this communication that are forward-looking and therefore are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "may," "will," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "should," "forecast," "project" or "plan" and terms of similar meaning are also generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. However, the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Johnson Controls cautions that these statements are subject to numerous important risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, some of which are beyond Johnson Controls' control, that could cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, among others, risks related to: Johnson Controls' ability to develop or acquire new products and technologies that achieve market acceptance and meet applicable quality and regulatory requirements; the ability of Johnson Controls to execute on its operating model and drive organizational improvement; Johnson Controls' ability to successfully execute and complete portfolio simplification, including the completion of the divestiture of the Residential and Light Commercial business, as well as the possibility that the expected benefits of such actions will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected time frame; the ability to hire and retain senior management and other key personnel, including successfully executing Johnson Controls' Chief Executive Officer succession plan; the ability to innovate and adapt to emerging technologies, ideas and trends in the marketplace, including the incorporation of technologies such as artificial intelligence; the ability to manage general economic, business and capital market conditions, including the impact of recessions, economic downturns and global price inflation; fluctuations in the cost and availability of public and private financing for Johnson Controls' customers; the ability to manage macroeconomic and geopolitical volatility, including supply chain shortages and the conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and Israel and Hamas; managing the risks and impacts of potential and actual security breaches, cyberattacks, privacy breaches or data breaches, maintaining and improving the capacity, reliability and security of Johnson Controls' enterprise information technology infrastructure; the ability to manage the lifecycle cybersecurity risk in the development, deployment and operation of Johnson Controls' digital platforms and services; changes to laws or policies governing foreign trade, including economic sanctions, tariffs, foreign exchange and capital controls, import/export controls or other trade restrictions; fluctuations in currency exchange rates; changes or uncertainty in laws, regulations, rates, policies, or interpretations that impact Johnson Controls' business operations or tax status; the ability to adapt to global climate change, climate change regulation and successfully meet Johnson Controls' public sustainability commitments; risks and uncertainties related to the settlement with a nationwide class of public water systems concerning the use of Aqueous Film-Forming Foam; the outcome of litigation and governmental proceedings; the risk of infringement or expiration of intellectual property rights; Johnson Controls' ability to manage disruptions caused by catastrophic or geopolitical events, such as natural disasters, armed conflict, political change, climate change, pandemics and outbreaks of contagious diseases and other adverse public health developments; any delay or inability of Johnson Controls to realize the expected benefits and synergies of recent portfolio transactions; the tax treatment of recent portfolio transactions; significant transaction costs and/or unknown liabilities associated with such transactions; labor shortages, work stoppages, union negotiations, labor disputes and other matters associated with the labor force; and the cancellation of or changes to commercial arrangements. Investors are therefore cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. For further discussion of certain of these factors, see Item 1A. Risk Factors in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024 , filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on November 19, 2024 and in our subsequent and future filings with the SEC, which are available at www.sec.gov . Investors should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors and should not consider this list to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements included in this communication are made only as of the date of this communication, unless otherwise specified, and, except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation, and disclaims any obligation, to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this communication. INVESTOR CONTACTS: MEDIA CONTACT: Jim Lucas Danielle Canzanella Direct: 414.340.1752 Direct: 203.499.8297 Email: jim.lucas@jci.com Email: danielle.canzanella@jci.com Michael Gates Direct: 414.524.5785 Email: michael.j.gates@jci.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/johnson-controls-prices-senior-notes-offering-302323070.html SOURCE Johnson Controls International plc © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
By Jason Gale | Bloomberg As COVID swept across California in early 2020, pediatric infectious diseases physician Karin Nielsen grew alarmed by the crisis erupting in maternity wards. Pregnant women were placed on life support, undergoing emergency C-sections as the virus triggered severe complications. Some died. Nielsen had just finished a research project on how the emerging infectious disease Zika was causing severe birth defects. Concerned the new coronavirus might have a similar impact, she began recruiting expectant mothers who tested positive for a new study. Soon after the study’s participants began giving birth, Nielsen’s colleagues at UCLA’s Mattel Children’s Hospital noticed an unusual number of their newborns requiring intensive care. Nielsen recalls another doctor stopping her to ask, “What’s wrong with the babies in your study?” NEXT PANDEMIC? How America lost control of the bird flu Sure enough, when researchers analyzed videos of the children lying on their backs in what’s called the General Movement Assessment, 14% of the infants showed signs of developmental problems. The test evaluates early motor functions and is often used to assess the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders including cerebral palsy. Later, during in-clinic assessments, the findings proved equally troubling. At 6-8 months old, 13 of 109 infants born to infected mothers — almost 12% — had failed to reach developmental milestones. In stark contrast, all infants in a control group born before the pandemic showed normal development. As additional participants from LA and Rio were enrolled, more unsettling results emerged. Around 11.6% of toddlers born to mothers with lab-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy showed cognitive, motor, or language problems indicative of neurodevelopmental delays. By comparison, only two of 128 unexposed controls — 1.6% — showed such issues. When the eldest of the Covid-exposed babies reached 28 months, the study found another concerning pattern: 23 of 211 children — almost 11% — screened positive for autism spectrum disorder. The finding, presented in May at a medical conference in Copenhagen, compared with an expected prevalence of 1-2% at that age, when some children begin showing signs of the condition. Around one in 36 or under 3% of children are eventually diagnosed with autism, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “There’s something really going on,” Nielsen says. “We don’t want to alarm the world, but that’s what our data are showing.” The later findings, currently undergoing peer review ahead of publication, are a reminder that Covid’s long-term consequences, including higher risks for dementia and heart disease, continue to unravel almost five years after the pandemic began. While the virus is generally known to cause more severe symptoms in adults than in children, emerging research suggests that babies exposed to Covid in utero face elevated risks for preterm birth, congenital heart abnormalities and rare conditions, such as organs developing on the opposite side of the body. Greater odds of autism from in utero exposure to Covid would add another piece to the puzzle. The connection between the virus and autism remains inconclusive: some studies align with Nielsen’s findings, while others report little to no increased risk of developmental or behavioral issues. A limitation of Nielsen’s study is its relatively small sample size, with fewer than 250 mother-baby pairs. A robust understanding of the virus’ impact would likely require research involving more than 10,000 children, says Andrea Edlow, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Boston’s Massachusetts General Hospital. Such large-scale research has been difficult, particularly during the most deadly waves of the pandemic when clinic restrictions and medical emergencies obstructed consistent testing. Nielsen herself is wary of raising unnecessary fears. Autism remains something of a mystery, with its exact triggers still unclear. Scientists suspect an intersection of genetic and environmental factors, but the condition comes in many forms: some children have intellectual disabilities, while others don’t but still struggle with significant behavioral problems, complicating diagnoses. Many individuals with autism also experience co-occurring health issues such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, seizures, or chronic gastrointestinal problems. In much of the world, an awareness of autism is only starting to catch on. Global autism prevalence was estimated at 1 in 127 as of 2021 in a study published last week, more than double the 1-in-271 ratio reported in 2019, and researchers say this is likely driven by increased awareness and better diagnostic practices. The lack of clear explanations has provided fertile ground for myths, including the debunked belief that vaccines cause autism.Still, scientists say Nielsen’s study warrants serious attention due to the consistency of its findings. It also stands out for its rigor: trained physicians used standardized assessment tools at multiple points in time to evaluate developmental progress rather than relying on electronic health records or parent-completed questionnaires. Children born during the Covid era are now reaching the average age for autism diagnoses. Identifying developmental issues early can open the door to speech and behavioral therapies, which are proven to support a child’s development. This makes it a critical moment to study the pandemic’s impact. Nielsen, born to a Danish father and Brazilian mother in Rio de Janeiro, where she attended medical school, has dedicated much of her career to studying how maternal infections, such as HIV and Zika, affect child health. The mosquito-borne Zika virus is known for causing cerebral palsy and microcephaly, a severe congenital brain malformation that often leads to profound intellectual and developmental disabilities. Other maternal infections such as rubella and certain herpesviruses, particularly during the first trimester, are also known to harm the fetus directly, resulting in issues such as hearing loss, cerebral palsy, and autism. From the pandemic’s onset, Nielsen sensed that Covid, too, would leave its mark. “We saw this as a new pathogen and an opportunity to investigate its impact on these babies,” Nielsen says. She soon saw parallels. In 2021, the WHO confirmed that the coronavirus could cross the placental barrier via the maternal bloodstream, placing it in the same category as viruses like rubella and Zika. Some researchers believe the damage stems from inflammation triggered by the virus or viral components crossing the placenta. But Covid also appeared to affect fetuses in a unique way. One of the earliest signs emerged in early 2021 in County Cork, Ireland, during a surge of the alpha variant. A cluster of stillbirths in the first three months of that year prompted doctors to investigate. They discovered that the placentas linked to the fetal deaths were infected with the coronavirus, describing them as riddled with lesions likely caused by viral transmission through the maternal bloodstream. Similar cases began to surface in the US and at least 10 other countries, prompting David Schwartz, an Atlanta-based epidemiologist and perinatal pathologist, to lead an investigation. The findings were startling: on average, more than three-quarters of the tissue in infected placentas had been damaged, cutting off oxygen and nutrients essential for fetal survival. Alarmingly, this damage could occur silently, even in mothers without acute Covid symptoms, offering no warning signs. “We’ve never seen anything like this with an infectious disease,” said Schwartz, a medical anthropologist and pathologist with 45 years of experience studying placentas affected by pathogens such as HIV, Ebola, yellow fever, and Zika. “So far, I feel very confident in saying this is unique to this virus.” Studies by Schwartz and Nielsen highlighted that vaccination protects mothers against Covid’s obstetric complications, particularly during waves driven by variants more likely to cause severe disease. One possible clue to explaining the higher risks of neurodevelopmental issues seen in Nielsen’s study is that Covid, particularly in unvaccinated mothers, increases the risk of preterm delivery. In the US in 2021, the rate of preterm births rose by 4% to 10.5%, the highest since at least 2007. The likelihood of stillbirths nearly doubled for American mothers with Covid compared to those who avoided infection during the pandemic’s first year and a half. Similarly, a study in England found that mothers infected with SARS-CoV-2 at delivery were more than twice as likely to experience fetal death or preterm birth. Another explanation is that prolonged fevers triggered by illnesses like the flu can impair neural development indirectly by activating the maternal immune system. This creates an inflammatory environment in the uterus that can disrupt fetal brain development. Nielsen suspects that maternal immune activation might explain the high rates of neurodevelopmental delays observed among the infants in her study. Among at least four toddlers with severe delays, blood tests taken at birth revealed biomarkers of activated microglia – the brain’s immune cells – attacking neurons. “When you see microglial activation and neuronal signaling pathways traditionally associated with autism showing up in this cohort, it suggests there’s something behind it,” she says. Scientists say the full consequences of in utero exposure to the coronavirus may take decades to uncover and understand. Even if a link is established, genetics are likely to play a crucial role, according to Mady Hornig, a physician-scientist in New York. She is also an investigator on the Autism Birth Cohort project, a collaboration between the Norwegian Institute of Public Health and Columbia University studying the development of the condition for more than 20 years. Understanding the interplay of genetics with immune activity, inflammation, and stress might help unravel why some infants may face developmental challenges, she said. Identifying the various risks “requires additional rigorous study,” Hornig said. If Nielsen’s findings do reflect broader population trends the implications could be profound. “Early neurodevelopmental disturbances have potential implications for disability throughout a lifetime,” she said.Even small increases in risk could substantially add to the global burden of chronic disease, given the sheer number of pregnancies affected. Nielsen continues to analyze stored blood and other specimens from the babies in her study. “It’s a new pathogen. We don’t know how it behaves,” she said. “Things might appear down the road that we were not expecting.”
What's Going On With Walmart Stock Monday?A 9th telecoms firm has been hit by a massive Chinese espionage campaign, the White House saysBy Jason Gale | Bloomberg As COVID swept across California in early 2020, pediatric infectious diseases physician Karin Nielsen grew alarmed by the crisis erupting in maternity wards. Pregnant women were placed on life support, undergoing emergency C-sections as the virus triggered severe complications. Some died. Nielsen had just finished a research project on how the emerging infectious disease Zika was causing severe birth defects. Concerned the new coronavirus might have a similar impact, she began recruiting expectant mothers who tested positive for a new study. Soon after the study’s participants began giving birth, Nielsen’s colleagues at UCLA’s Mattel Children’s Hospital noticed an unusual number of their newborns requiring intensive care. Nielsen recalls another doctor stopping her to ask, “What’s wrong with the babies in your study?” NEXT PANDEMIC? How America lost control of the bird flu Sure enough, when researchers analyzed videos of the children lying on their backs in what’s called the General Movement Assessment, 14% of the infants showed signs of developmental problems. The test evaluates early motor functions and is often used to assess the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders including cerebral palsy. Later, during in-clinic assessments, the findings proved equally troubling. At 6-8 months old, 13 of 109 infants born to infected mothers — almost 12% — had failed to reach developmental milestones. In stark contrast, all infants in a control group born before the pandemic showed normal development. As additional participants from LA and Rio were enrolled, more unsettling results emerged. Around 11.6% of toddlers born to mothers with lab-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy showed cognitive, motor, or language problems indicative of neurodevelopmental delays. By comparison, only two of 128 unexposed controls — 1.6% — showed such issues. When the eldest of the Covid-exposed babies reached 28 months, the study found another concerning pattern: 23 of 211 children — almost 11% — screened positive for autism spectrum disorder. The finding, presented in May at a medical conference in Copenhagen, compared with an expected prevalence of 1-2% at that age, when some children begin showing signs of the condition. Around one in 36 or under 3% of children are eventually diagnosed with autism, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “There’s something really going on,” Nielsen says. “We don’t want to alarm the world, but that’s what our data are showing.” The later findings, currently undergoing peer review ahead of publication, are a reminder that Covid’s long-term consequences, including higher risks for dementia and heart disease, continue to unravel almost five years after the pandemic began. While the virus is generally known to cause more severe symptoms in adults than in children, emerging research suggests that babies exposed to Covid in utero face elevated risks for preterm birth, congenital heart abnormalities and rare conditions, such as organs developing on the opposite side of the body. Greater odds of autism from in utero exposure to Covid would add another piece to the puzzle. The connection between the virus and autism remains inconclusive: some studies align with Nielsen’s findings, while others report little to no increased risk of developmental or behavioral issues. A limitation of Nielsen’s study is its relatively small sample size, with fewer than 250 mother-baby pairs. A robust understanding of the virus’ impact would likely require research involving more than 10,000 children, says Andrea Edlow, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Boston’s Massachusetts General Hospital. Such large-scale research has been difficult, particularly during the most deadly waves of the pandemic when clinic restrictions and medical emergencies obstructed consistent testing. Nielsen herself is wary of raising unnecessary fears. Autism remains something of a mystery, with its exact triggers still unclear. Scientists suspect an intersection of genetic and environmental factors, but the condition comes in many forms: some children have intellectual disabilities, while others don’t but still struggle with significant behavioral problems, complicating diagnoses. Many individuals with autism also experience co-occurring health issues such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, seizures, or chronic gastrointestinal problems. In much of the world, an awareness of autism is only starting to catch on. Global autism prevalence was estimated at 1 in 127 as of 2021 in a study published last week, more than double the 1-in-271 ratio reported in 2019, and researchers say this is likely driven by increased awareness and better diagnostic practices. The lack of clear explanations has provided fertile ground for myths, including the debunked belief that vaccines cause autism.Still, scientists say Nielsen’s study warrants serious attention due to the consistency of its findings. It also stands out for its rigor: trained physicians used standardized assessment tools at multiple points in time to evaluate developmental progress rather than relying on electronic health records or parent-completed questionnaires. Children born during the Covid era are now reaching the average age for autism diagnoses. Identifying developmental issues early can open the door to speech and behavioral therapies, which are proven to support a child’s development. This makes it a critical moment to study the pandemic’s impact. Nielsen, born to a Danish father and Brazilian mother in Rio de Janeiro, where she attended medical school, has dedicated much of her career to studying how maternal infections, such as HIV and Zika, affect child health. The mosquito-borne Zika virus is known for causing cerebral palsy and microcephaly, a severe congenital brain malformation that often leads to profound intellectual and developmental disabilities. Other maternal infections such as rubella and certain herpesviruses, particularly during the first trimester, are also known to harm the fetus directly, resulting in issues such as hearing loss, cerebral palsy, and autism. From the pandemic’s onset, Nielsen sensed that Covid, too, would leave its mark. “We saw this as a new pathogen and an opportunity to investigate its impact on these babies,” Nielsen says. She soon saw parallels. In 2021, the WHO confirmed that the coronavirus could cross the placental barrier via the maternal bloodstream, placing it in the same category as viruses like rubella and Zika. Some researchers believe the damage stems from inflammation triggered by the virus or viral components crossing the placenta. But Covid also appeared to affect fetuses in a unique way. One of the earliest signs emerged in early 2021 in County Cork, Ireland, during a surge of the alpha variant. A cluster of stillbirths in the first three months of that year prompted doctors to investigate. They discovered that the placentas linked to the fetal deaths were infected with the coronavirus, describing them as riddled with lesions likely caused by viral transmission through the maternal bloodstream. Similar cases began to surface in the US and at least 10 other countries, prompting David Schwartz, an Atlanta-based epidemiologist and perinatal pathologist, to lead an investigation. The findings were startling: on average, more than three-quarters of the tissue in infected placentas had been damaged, cutting off oxygen and nutrients essential for fetal survival. Alarmingly, this damage could occur silently, even in mothers without acute Covid symptoms, offering no warning signs. “We’ve never seen anything like this with an infectious disease,” said Schwartz, a medical anthropologist and pathologist with 45 years of experience studying placentas affected by pathogens such as HIV, Ebola, yellow fever, and Zika. “So far, I feel very confident in saying this is unique to this virus.” Studies by Schwartz and Nielsen highlighted that vaccination protects mothers against Covid’s obstetric complications, particularly during waves driven by variants more likely to cause severe disease. One possible clue to explaining the higher risks of neurodevelopmental issues seen in Nielsen’s study is that Covid, particularly in unvaccinated mothers, increases the risk of preterm delivery. In the US in 2021, the rate of preterm births rose by 4% to 10.5%, the highest since at least 2007. The likelihood of stillbirths nearly doubled for American mothers with Covid compared to those who avoided infection during the pandemic’s first year and a half. Similarly, a study in England found that mothers infected with SARS-CoV-2 at delivery were more than twice as likely to experience fetal death or preterm birth. Another explanation is that prolonged fevers triggered by illnesses like the flu can impair neural development indirectly by activating the maternal immune system. This creates an inflammatory environment in the uterus that can disrupt fetal brain development. Nielsen suspects that maternal immune activation might explain the high rates of neurodevelopmental delays observed among the infants in her study. Among at least four toddlers with severe delays, blood tests taken at birth revealed biomarkers of activated microglia – the brain’s immune cells – attacking neurons. “When you see microglial activation and neuronal signaling pathways traditionally associated with autism showing up in this cohort, it suggests there’s something behind it,” she says. Scientists say the full consequences of in utero exposure to the coronavirus may take decades to uncover and understand. Even if a link is established, genetics are likely to play a crucial role, according to Mady Hornig, a physician-scientist in New York. She is also an investigator on the Autism Birth Cohort project, a collaboration between the Norwegian Institute of Public Health and Columbia University studying the development of the condition for more than 20 years. Understanding the interplay of genetics with immune activity, inflammation, and stress might help unravel why some infants may face developmental challenges, she said. Identifying the various risks “requires additional rigorous study,” Hornig said. If Nielsen’s findings do reflect broader population trends the implications could be profound. “Early neurodevelopmental disturbances have potential implications for disability throughout a lifetime,” she said.Even small increases in risk could substantially add to the global burden of chronic disease, given the sheer number of pregnancies affected. Nielsen continues to analyze stored blood and other specimens from the babies in her study. “It’s a new pathogen. We don’t know how it behaves,” she said. “Things might appear down the road that we were not expecting.”
mnl777
EAST TENNESSEE STATE 79, AUSTIN PEAY 57Case booked on complaint of IsaivaniThe company's Web Experimentation, Feature Experimentation, and Content Marketing Platform all have been recognized by its customers for Best Capabilities, Best Value for Price, and Best Customer Relationship NEW YORK , Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Optimizely, the leading digital experience platform (DXP) provider, today announced that TrustRadius has recognized its Web Experimentation, Feature Experimentation, and Content Marketing Platform with a 2025 Buyer's Choice Awards . "Optimizely's customers continually highlight the platform's innovation and ease of use, empowering teams to drive data-informed decisions and create impactful content," said Allyson Havener , SVP of Marketing & Community at TrustRadius. "These awards represent Optimizely's commitment to delivering exceptional value and transformative tools for marketers and experimenters alike." Buyer's Choice Awards are based entirely on vetted, unbiased customer reviews, and have been selected as having the best capabilities, value for price, and customer relationships. During the evaluation process, reviewers are asked if products and their support teams live up to expectations, and would they buy the product again. These answers shape whether or not a product is chosen as best in the three key areas: capabilities, value for price, and customer relationship. Hear from verified users on how much they value Optimizely's products: Optimizely is proud to create products that inspire such gracious feedback in its user community. For customers who are looking to share their own feedback, please leave a review here . To learn more about Optimizely's award-winning products, visit https://www.optimizely.com/products/ . About Optimizely Optimizely is on a mission to make the lives of marketers better with Optimizely One, the world's first operating system for marketing teams. Optimizely One combines industry-leading solutions across content management, content marketing, experimentation, commerce and personalization, powering every stage of the marketing lifecycle through a single, AI-accelerated workflow. With the flexibility of a fully composable platform, Optimizely is proudly helping global brands like H&M, Salesforce, Zoom and Toyota create content with speed, launch experiments with confidence, and deliver experiences of the highest quality. Learn more at optimizely.com . Optimizely and Optimizely One are the trademarks of Optimizely North America Inc., and are registered (or registrations are pending) in the US, EU, UK and other countries. All third-party trademarks cited are the property of their respective owners and are used only for reference purposes. About TrustRadius: TrustRadius is a buyer intelligence platform for business technology. We enable buyers to make confident decisions, through comprehensive product information, in-depth customer insights, and peer conversations. We help technology brands capture and activate the authentic voice of customers to improve their products, build confidence with prospects, and engage in-market buyers to improve ROI. Founded by successful entrepreneurs and headquartered in the technology hub of Austin, Texas , TrustRadius is backed by Mayfield Fund, LiveOak Venture Partners, and Next Coast Ventures. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/optimizely-earns-multiple-2025-buyers-choice-awards-from-trustradius-302323142.html SOURCE Optimizely
mnl77
mnl777 login