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Are Pacific power utilities ready for the impact of COVID-19? -- by Rafael Abbasov

In the fragile energy scenario of small Pacific islands, contingency plans are crucial to keep the lights on during a crisis.




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It’s time for Central Asia to do whatever it takes to minimize the pandemic’s economic impact -- by Lilia Aleksanyan, Werner E. Liepach

Bold action is required by policymakers and central bankers to keep the region’s economies afloat and contain the pandemic.




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Real estate company MD booked for alleged fraud

GURGAON: The managing director of real estate company Vigneshwara Group and two of his family members have been booked by Gurgaon Police in a multi-crore fraud case. Some estimates put the scale of the fraud at more than Rs 1,000 crore. Despite taking money from around 700 investors for properties in and around Gurgaon in 2006-07, and promising assured returns till possession, the group allegedly didn’t begin construction of some projects and defaulted on payments to investors. An FIR was filed at Sushant Lok police station against group MD Sunil Dahiya, his brother Sanjay and father Daryav Singh. Dahiya hasn’t been taken into custody yet because he complained of illness […]



  • Gurgaon
  • Real Estate Developers
  • Real Estate India

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Impact of govt relief fails to trickle down to grassroots level

Islamabad : It has been rather unfortunate that despite a huge relief package of Rs50 billion for Utility Stores Corporation and a cut in POL products by almost 31 rupees in a month by the federal government, its impact has not trickled down to the grassroots level, as the general public is still...




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ADB $50 Million Package to Help Kyrgyz Republic Mitigate Health, Social, Economic Impacts of COVID-19

ADB has approved $50 million in loan and grant financing to help the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic mitigate the significant negative health, social, and economic impacts of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.




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ADB’s $50 Million Package to Help the Kyrgyz Republic Mitigate the Impact of COVID-19

ADB has approved $50 million in loan and grant financing to help the Kyrgyz Republic mitigate the health and socioeconomic impact of COVID-19 pandemic.




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Dentons advises biotech company Pluristem on European Investment Bank financing

Global law firm Dentons has advised the Israeli biotech company Pluristem on a €50 million loan provided by the European Investment Bank (EIB). The financing is part of a cooperation agreement between the EIB and the Israel Innovation Authority, which aims to strengthen Israeli-EU cooperation in innovative research in the field of biotech, pharmaceutical research and public health.




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dsPIC33/PIC24 FRM, High-Speed Analog Comparator with Slope Compensation DAC

dsPIC33/PIC24 FRM, High-Speed Analog Comparator with Slope Compensation DAC




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PIC32 Family Reference Manual, Sect. 39 Op amp Comparator

PIC32 Family Reference Manual, Sect. 39 Op amp Comparator




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Evolution of ASEAN Financial Integration in the Comparative Perspective

ASEAN could learn from the European Union’s experience, particularly under the current global challenges.




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Limited Impact of Business Development Programs on Profitability in the Presence of Ambiguity Aversion

This paper presents an analysis of business development programs (BDPs) based on a theoretical framework aimed at understanding the mixed effect of business training on entrepreneurs.




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The Real-Time Impact on Real Economy—A Multivariate BVAR Analysis of Digital Payment Systems and Economic Growth in India

Financial sector development can play a crucial role in driving economic growth.




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2017 International Comparison Program for Asia and the Pacific: Purchasing Power Parities and Real Expenditures — A Summary Report

This publication provides estimates of purchasing power parities (PPPs) and real expenditures for 22 economies in Asia and the Pacific. These are summary regional results from the 2017 cycle of the International Comparison Program (ICP).




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Trade Impact of Reducing Time and Costs at Borders in the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Region

Trade facilitation, by reducing trade costs and raising the efficiency of moving goods across borders, is integral to international trade.




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Evolution of ASEAN Financial Integration in the Comparative Perspective

ASEAN could learn from the European Union’s experience, particularly under the current global challenges.




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Limited Impact of Business Development Programs on Profitability in the Presence of Ambiguity Aversion

This paper presents an analysis of business development programs (BDPs) based on a theoretical framework aimed at understanding the mixed effect of business training on entrepreneurs.




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The Real-Time Impact on Real Economy—A Multivariate BVAR Analysis of Digital Payment Systems and Economic Growth in India

Financial sector development can play a crucial role in driving economic growth.




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Telangana bill impact on Hyderabad realty investment to be minimal: JLL

The passage of contentious Telangana bill in the Lok Sabha may not have much impact on investment sentiment in realty sector across Hyderabad, as the city has already been planned to serve as a joint capital for next 10 years, according to property consultant Jones Lang LaSalle. “The Bill is being viewed with mixed feelings by various stakeholders, but it is still too early to gauge its impacts on the real estate industry. That said, it is likely to end the political uncertainty that Hyderabad has been facing for the past few years. “The outcomes are still unclear, but Brand Hyderabad is not likely to be overly affected as it […]




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New Infinity BassLink Compact Under Seat Subwoofer Brings Bass Performance for Automobiles

CES 2015, LAS VEGAS – HARMAN, the premium global audio, visual, infotainment and enterprise automation group (NYSE:HAR), introduced today at CES 2015 the Infinity® BassLink SM, the latest subwoofer in the BassLink line. The compact under seat subwoofer is designed to reinforce the low-end bass performance in vehicles and put the richness back into the music.




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HARMAN signs agreement to acquire entertainment lighting company Martin Professional

STAMFORD, CT – HARMAN, the global premium audio and infotainment group (NYSE:HAR), said today that it has reached an agreement to acquire Martin Professional A/S of Denmark, a world leading provider of lighting solutions for the entertainment, architectural, and commercial sectors, for EUR 110 million. The deal is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, and is expected to close early in 2013.




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HARMAN Completes Acquisition of Entertainment Lighting Company Martin Professional

STAMFORD, CT – Continuing its strategy of delivering exceptional professional audio and entertainment products to markets worldwide, HARMAN, announced today it has completed its acquisition of Martin Professional A/S of Denmark. Martin is a world leading provider of lighting solutions for the entertainment, architectural, and commercial sectors, and its acquisition advances HARMAN’s capacity to serve customers in a wide variety of applications and geographic markets with the most advanced, highly integrated AV and lighting systems.




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JBL Professional EON ONE Compact Portable PA System Makes Its 2020 NAMM and CES Shows Debut

NORTHRIDGE, Calif.—HARMAN Professional Solutions, the global leader in audio, video, lighting and control systems, today announced the new JBL EON ONE Compact portable PA system will be making its 2020 tradeshow season debut at the 2020 NAMM show in...




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Hyundai Motor Company and HARMAN International launch the world’s first road noise cancellation system into production

Stamford, Connecticut – February 03, 2020 – HARMAN International, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. focused on connected technologies for automotive, consumer and enterprise markets, has launched the world’s first active road...




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HARMAN Honored in Fast Company’s Innovation by Design Awards

We’re thrilled to announce that HARMAN’s QLED Auto solution has been recognized in the User Experience category in Fast Company’s 2019 Innovation by Design Awards.




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Tactical voting campaign says maths can solve the UK's political mess

A site designed to help voters who want to stop Brexit has come under fire for its recommendations, but the group behind it say it is backed by statistics




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Lincoln Motor Company Adds Premium Sound of Revel Audio Systems to Its Luxury Vehicles

DEARBORN, MI – The Lincoln Motor Company announced an exclusive 10-year collaboration with Revel® that will add the premium loudspeaker brand to Lincoln vehicles. The pairing will make Lincoln the only automotive brand to offer Revel audio systems.




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The return of the cubicle? Companies rethink office life post lockdown

Can creative sparks fly through plexiglass? Is the water cooler chat a thing of the past?




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Carbon Shift: How Trump and Biden compare on climate issues

One has been promoting environmental regulation for decades, while the other is bent on dismantling such policies. It makes for clear battle lines in the upcoming presidential election.




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Photography: heating up the climate campaign

At Unseen Amsterdam, striking images of a melting glacier are stirring visitors to action




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We can't rely on rampant consumerism to get us out of this mess

Hyperconsumption adds to environmental destruction that brings people into contact with animal viruses that can spark pandemics. We have to avoid the temptation to rely on it to get us out, writes Graham Lawton




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Egyptian pyramids really were aligned with the compass points

Many ancient monuments are claimed to be aligned to celestial phenomena, but we now have the first statistical evidence this is the case for the Egyptian pyramids




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With just a canary for company, Russian artist self-isolates in gallery

When an art gallery in southern Russia closed its doors to help curb the spread of the coronavirus, one artist asked to self-isolate there rather than leave his place of work.




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HARMAN Delivers Next-Generation Infotainment, Cybersecurity and OTA Solutions for Great Wall Motor Company

Shanghai Auto Show 2019 – SHANGHAI – April 16, 2019 – HARMAN , a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., focused on connected technologies for automotive, consumer and enterprise markets, today announced a continued partnership with the...




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For the love of dog: How our canine companions evolved for affection

It's not just the food, your dog really does love you - and researcher Clive Wynne has done the studies to prove it




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Google announces company holiday on May 22 to stem virus burnout

Alphabet Inc's Google said on Friday it has asked employees to take a day off on May 22, to address work-from-home-related burnout during the coronavirus pandemic.




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We can't rely on rampant consumerism to get us out of this mess

Hyperconsumption adds to environmental destruction that brings people into contact with animal viruses that can spark pandemics. We have to avoid the temptation to rely on it to get us out, writes Graham Lawton




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Egyptian pyramids really were aligned with the compass points

Many ancient monuments are claimed to be aligned to celestial phenomena, but we now have the first statistical evidence this is the case for the Egyptian pyramids




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Psychopaths May Lack Capacity for Empathy

Title: Psychopaths May Lack Capacity for Empathy
Category: Health News
Created: 4/26/2013 12:35:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 4/29/2013 12:00:00 AM




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Companies to Donate Prosthetic Legs to Boston Bombing Victims in Need

Title: Companies to Donate Prosthetic Legs to Boston Bombing Victims in Need
Category: Health News
Created: 4/30/2013 8:35:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 5/1/2013 12:00:00 AM




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Company to Destroy 265 Tons of Ice Cream Over Listeria Contamination

Title: Company to Destroy 265 Tons of Ice Cream Over Listeria Contamination
Category: Health News
Created: 4/28/2015 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 4/29/2015 12:00:00 AM




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Beijing Olympics Study Hints at Smog's Impact on Birth Weights

Title: Beijing Olympics Study Hints at Smog's Impact on Birth Weights
Category: Health News
Created: 4/28/2015 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 4/29/2015 12:00:00 AM




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Tobacco Companies Must Put New Warnings on Packaging, Court Says

Title: Tobacco Companies Must Put New Warnings on Packaging, Court Says
Category: Health News
Created: 5/1/2018 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 5/2/2018 12:00:00 AM




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Company Selling Direct-to-Consumer Coronavirus Antibody Test

Title: Company Selling Direct-to-Consumer Coronavirus Antibody Test
Category: Health News
Created: 4/30/2020 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 5/1/2020 12:00:00 AM




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Diagnosing Mild Cognitive Impairment in Women

One problem with memory tests is that cut-off scores for mild cognitive impairment don’t reflect that women tend to have stronger verbal memory than men.




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High Testosterone Levels Have Different Health Impact for Men and Women

Title: High Testosterone Levels Have Different Health Impact for Men and Women
Category: Health News
Created: 2/10/2020 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 2/11/2020 12:00:00 AM




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Study Links Menopausal Night Sweats to Impaired Thinking

Title: Study Links Menopausal Night Sweats to Impaired Thinking
Category: Health News
Created: 9/25/2019 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 9/25/2019 12:00:00 AM




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Impact of Collaborative Leadership in Dental School Team Clinics

Dental students’ ability to critique team performance in dental school team clinics is a key component of dental education. The aim of this study was to determine if students’ perceptions of their team leaders’ openness of communication, cooperative decision making, and well-defined goals were positively related to the students’ improvement-oriented voice behavior and willingness to raise concerns in the clinical environment. This study used a voluntary 12-question survey, distributed via email to all 311 students at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine after completion of the spring 2017 semester. Eighty-seven students responded, for a response rate of 28%. Responses were stratified by team, class year, and gender, and the quantitative distribution of answers to each question was correlated with each other. Team leader collaborative qualities, which included openness for communication, cooperative decision making, and well-defined goals, were found to have a significant positive relationship with students’ willingness to both raise concerns and make suggestions. Additionally, when measured by class year and gender, team differences in voice behavior assessment by students across the teams were found to be independent of class year, and no significant differences were found by gender. These results suggested that, to maintain high levels of communication, proper reporting of concerns, and a high standard of care, dental schools should encourage team leaders to enhance their capacity to present active collaborative behaviors in the school’s clinic. The study also highlighted potential opportunities for further study of faculty traits and development in the dental school team model.




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Using Colonization Assays and Comparative Genomics To Discover Symbiosis Behaviors and Factors in Vibrio fischeri

ABSTRACT

The luminous marine Gram-negative bacterium Vibrio (Aliivibrio) fischeri is the natural light organ symbiont of several squid species, including the Hawaiian bobtail squid, Euprymna scolopes, and the Japanese bobtail squid, Euprymna morsei. Work with E. scolopes has shown how the bacteria establish their niche in the light organ of the newly hatched host. Two types of V. fischeri strains have been distinguished based upon their behavior in cocolonization competition assays in juvenile E. scolopes, i.e., (i) niche-sharing or (ii) niche-dominant behavior. This study aimed to determine whether these behaviors are observed with other V. fischeri strains or whether they are specific to those isolated from E. scolopes light organs. Cocolonization competition assays between V. fischeri strains isolated from the congeneric squid E. morsei or from other marine animals revealed the same sharing or dominant behaviors. In addition, whole-genome sequencing of these strains showed that the dominant behavior is polyphyletic and not associated with the presence or absence of a single gene or genes. Comparative genomics of 44 squid light organ isolates from around the globe led to the identification of symbiosis-specific candidates in the genomes of these strains. Colonization assays using genetic derivatives with deletions of these candidates established the importance of two such genes in colonization. This study has allowed us to expand the concept of distinct colonization behaviors to strains isolated from a number of squid and fish hosts.

IMPORTANCE There is an increasing recognition of the importance of strain differences in the ecology of a symbiotic bacterial species and, in particular, how these differences underlie crucial interactions with their host. Nevertheless, little is known about the genetic bases for these differences, how they manifest themselves in specific behaviors, and their distribution among symbionts of different host species. In this study, we sequenced the genomes of Vibrio fischeri isolated from the tissues of squids and fishes and applied comparative genomics approaches to look for patterns between symbiont lineages and host colonization behavior. In addition, we identified the only two genes that were exclusively present in all V. fischeri strains isolated from the light organs of sepiolid squid species. Mutational studies of these genes indicated that they both played a role in colonization of the squid light organ, emphasizing the value of applying a comparative genomics approach in the study of symbioses.




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Diversity and Complexity of the Large Surface Protein Family in the Compacted Genomes of Multiple Pneumocystis Species

ABSTRACT

Pneumocystis, a major opportunistic pathogen in patients with a broad range of immunodeficiencies, contains abundant surface proteins encoded by a multicopy gene family, termed the major surface glycoprotein (Msg) gene superfamily. This superfamily has been identified in all Pneumocystis species characterized to date, highlighting its important role in Pneumocystis biology. In this report, through a comprehensive and in-depth characterization of 459 msg genes from 7 Pneumocystis species, we demonstrate, for the first time, the phylogeny and evolution of conserved domains in Msg proteins and provide a detailed description of the classification, unique characteristics, and phylogenetic relatedness of five Msg families. We further describe, for the first time, the relative expression levels of individual msg families in two rodent Pneumocystis species, the substantial variability of the msg repertoires in P. carinii from laboratory and wild rats, and the distinct features of the expression site for the classic msg genes in Pneumocystis from 8 mammalian host species. Our analysis suggests multiple functions for this superfamily rather than just conferring antigenic variation to allow immune evasion as previously believed. This study provides a rich source of information that lays the foundation for the continued experimental exploration of the functions of the Msg superfamily in Pneumocystis biology.

IMPORTANCE Pneumocystis continues to be a major cause of disease in humans with immunodeficiency, especially those with HIV/AIDS and organ transplants, and is being seen with increasing frequency worldwide in patients treated with immunodepleting monoclonal antibodies. Annual health care associated with Pneumocystis pneumonia costs ~$475 million dollars in the United States alone. In addition to causing overt disease in immunodeficient individuals, Pneumocystis can cause subclinical infection or colonization in healthy individuals, which may play an important role in species preservation and disease transmission. Our work sheds new light on the diversity and complexity of the msg superfamily and strongly suggests that the versatility of this superfamily reflects multiple functions, including antigenic variation to allow immune evasion and optimal adaptation to host environmental conditions to promote efficient infection and transmission. These findings are essential to consider in developing new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.




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A Shift in Central Metabolism Accompanies Virulence Activation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

ABSTRACT

The availability of energy has significant impact on cell physiology. However, the role of cellular metabolism in bacterial pathogenesis is not understood. We investigated the dynamics of central metabolism during virulence induction by surface sensing and quorum sensing in early-stage biofilms of the multidrug-resistant bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We established a metabolic profile for P. aeruginosa using fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM), which reports the activity of NADH in live cells. We identified a critical growth transition period during which virulence is activated. We performed FLIM measurements and direct measurements of NADH and NAD+ concentrations during this period. Here, planktonic (low-virulence) and surface-attached (virulence-activated) populations diverged into distinct metabolic states, with the surface-attached population exhibiting FLIM lifetimes that were associated with lower levels of enzyme-bound NADH and decreasing total NAD(H) production. We inhibited virulence by perturbing central metabolism using citrate and pyruvate, which further decreased the enzyme-bound NADH fraction and total NAD(H) production and suggested the involvement of the glyoxylate pathway in virulence activation in surface-attached populations. In addition, we induced virulence at an earlier time using the electron transport chain oxidase inhibitor antimycin A. Our results demonstrate the use of FLIM to noninvasively measure NADH dynamics in biofilms and suggest a model in which a metabolic rearrangement accompanies the virulence activation period.

IMPORTANCE The rise of antibiotic resistance requires the development of new strategies to combat bacterial infection and pathogenesis. A major direction has been the development of drugs that broadly target virulence. However, few targets have been identified due to the species-specific nature of many virulence regulators. The lack of a virulence regulator that is conserved across species has presented a further challenge to the development of therapeutics. Here, we identify that NADH activity has an important role in the induction of virulence in the pathogen P. aeruginosa. This finding, coupled with the ubiquity of NADH in bacterial pathogens, opens up the possibility of targeting enzymes that process NADH as a potential broad antivirulence approach.