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Sukhbir seeks PM's intervention on Indian students in Australia




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If your neighbour is partying, call police: Chandigarh Advisor




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Apologise for mismanaging pilgrims' return: Sukhbir to Amarinder




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Crystal structure, Hirshfeld analysis and a mol­ecular docking study of a new inhibitor of the Hepatitis B virus (HBV): ethyl 5-methyl-1,1-dioxo-2-{[5-(pentan-3-yl)-1,2,4-oxa­diazol-3-yl]meth­yl}-2H-1,2,6-thia­diazine-4-carboxyl­a

The title compound, C15H22N4O5S, was prepared via alkyl­ation of 3-(chloro­meth­yl)-5-(pentan-3-yl)-1,2,4-oxa­diazole in anhydrous dioxane in the presence of tri­ethyl­amine. The thia­diazine ring has an envelope conformation with the S atom displaced by 0.4883 (6) Å from the mean plane through the other five atoms. The planar 1,2,4-oxa­diazole ring is inclined to the mean plane of the thia­diazine ring by 77.45 (11)°. In the crystal, mol­ecules are linked by C—H⋯N hydrogen bonds, forming chains propagating along the b-axis direction. Hirshfeld surface analysis and two-dimensional fingerprint plots have been used to analyse the inter­molecular contacts present in the crystal. Mol­ecular docking studies were use to evaluate the title compound as a potential system that inter­acts effectively with the capsid of the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), supported by an experimental in vitro HBV replication model.




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“Ohboya!” It’s the Bonaire banded box jellyfish, a new species

The words “box jelly” may bring to mind something sweet and tasty, but the banded box jelly of Bonaire is a highly venomous jellyfish with […]

The post “Ohboya!” It’s the Bonaire banded box jellyfish, a new species appeared first on Smithsonian Insider.




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Jaguar conservation depends on neighbor attitudes

According to a new survey of residents living near two major national parks in Panama, jaguars deserve increased protection. Nature and wildlife are considered national […]

The post Jaguar conservation depends on neighbor attitudes appeared first on Smithsonian Insider.




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Smithsonian Affiliates in your neighborhood

An overview of the Smithsonian Affiliations program and its reach in communities across the United States. Is the Smithsonian in your neighborhood?

The post Smithsonian Affiliates in your neighborhood appeared first on Smithsonian Insider.



  • Art
  • History & Culture
  • Meet Our People
  • Video

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Tropical tree study shows interactions with neighbors plays an important role in tree survival

New results from a massive study at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute show that interactions among community members play an important role in determining which organisms thrive.

The post Tropical tree study shows interactions with neighbors plays an important role in tree survival appeared first on Smithsonian Insider.




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Trees employ similar strategies to outcompete their neighbors

How more than 1,000 tree species may occur in a small area of forest in Amazonia or Borneo is an unsolved mystery. Their ability to […]

The post Trees employ similar strategies to outcompete their neighbors appeared first on Smithsonian Insider.




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Deathbed visions




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California Drought News: Nosy about groundwater drilling, and nudging your neighbor to save

A 1962 Thousand Oaks survey picture of H.L. Hall Water Well and Test Hole Drilling, and Aitken and Kidder Water Development, by Pat Allen. Water well drilling goes back a century in California, but records are scarce for public viewing.

Molly Peterson

Monday's news is nosy about your neighbor — and your neighbors' groundwater drilling.

  • More great reporting from the Sacramento Bee on anachronistic problems of transparency in how we manage water in California. Even some well drillers now favor more transparency for groundwater "well logs":
In all other Western states, such records are accessible to whomever wants to see them – from university professors to civil engineers, real estate agents to the media. But in California, well logs are barred from public inspection by a 63-year-old law written to keep data gathered by well-drilling companies from falling into the hands of competitors. “The lack of information about well logs makes no sense, particularly as we are trying hard to manage a diminishing public trust resource,” said Jeffrey Mount, senior fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California, a nonpartisan think tank in San Francisco. “This is another one of those anachronistic statutes that does not belong in a modern water management system,” Mount said. (Sacramento Bee)
  • Nearly 90 percent of the $700 million in "emergency drought relief" money authorized by the governor a few months ago is yet to be spent. But, as our public radio colleague Ben Adler reports, that's not necessarily as bad as it sounds. Grants take time. (Capital Public Radio)
  • The secret new trend in water district conservation isn't cops, it's guys who make "water-wise house calls":
One out of every four households has a leak of some sort, usually something as simple as a loose toilet flapper, [water district spokeswoman] Figueroa said. "Leaks are common," she added. "Don't be embarrassed." (SJ Mercury News)
  • The New York Times reports on how Californians are tracking their neighbors' usage deep into the drought. Ian Lovett explores Twitter-based shower-shaming (a phenomenon this blog noticed some months ago), ratting your neighbor out for violating restrictions and other guilt-based behavioral nudges. About our region, he writes:
Most homes in Southern California have already been outfitted with efficient shower heads, toilets and garden hoses, making it harder for residents to significantly reduce their water consumption than it was during the last severe drought a quarter-century ago. (NYT)

And how has your community been affected by the drought? Share your story with a photo on Twitter or Instagram. Tag it #mydrought. For more details on our photo project, click here.

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.




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Mediterranean MPA provides fish larvae for neighbouring areas

New research has found evidence that a small Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the Mediterranean has the potential to deliver larvae of some fish species to surrounding, non-protected areas. This is one of few studies to investigate this desired role of MPAs and its design could be used to evaluate current and future MPAs elsewhere.




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A happy neighbourhood depends on interplay of local environmental features

A new German study suggests that residents??? level of satisfaction with their urban neighbourhood can be predicted from their perceptions of multiple and co-occurring burdens, such as poor air quality, lack of green space, noise and low cleanliness.




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Reasons behind neighbourhood activism over loss of open space

New Dutch research has investigated the composition and strategies of local activist groups who oppose changes to land use. The results indicated that activists tend to have a higher level of education and live in densely populated areas. They most frequently use awareness-raising strategies, especially when fighting new housing projects.




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Cosmic neighbors inhibit star formation, even in the early-universe

The international University of California, Riverside-led SpARCS collaboration has discovered four of the most distant clusters of galaxies ever found, as they appeared when the universe was only 4 billion years old. Clusters are rare regions of the universe consisting of hundreds of galaxies containing trillions of stars, as well as hot gas and mysterious dark matter. Spectroscopic observations from the ground using the W. M. Keck Observatory in Hawaii and the Very Large Telescope in Chile confirmed the four candidates to be massive clusters. This sample is now providing the best measurement yet of when and how fast galaxy clusters stop forming stars in the early Universe.

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  • Astronomy & Space

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Neighbours can influence farmer participation in PES schemes

Understanding the role of neighbourhood networks in encouraging farmers to participate in Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) schemes is important as this can help to create local patterns of high and coordinated uptake of PES schemes, and thus an impact on ecosystem protection at a wider, landscape level. This is the outcome of a recent UK study, which found that neighbourhood networks were particularly important for small, remote communities.




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Urban design can promote walking: people physically active for up to 1.5 hours more per week in activity-friendly neighbourhoods

People who live in the most ‘activity-friendly’ neighbourhoods do up to 1.5 hours more physical activity a week than those in the least supportive neighbourhoods. This is according to a new international study which measured levels of exercise — mainly walking for recreation or transport — in relation to the urban environment across 14 diverse cities. The results show how urban design — such as parks and local amenities — can promote healthy lifestyles which also bring environmental benefits, such as better air quality, through reduced car use.




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What makes an urban neighbourhood more resilient to flood? New assessment tool trialled in Hamburg

A method for assessing urban neighbourhoods’ resilience to flooding has been presented in a recent study. The method identifies features of urban landscapes that contribute to three elements of flood resilience: resistance, absorption and recovery. In a German case study, the tool shows that the features which make a waterfront neighbourhood of Hamburg more flood resilient include high bridges, open public spaces and flood-protected basements.




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How Covid 19 dashboards are helping people make sense of the pandemic

People are actively seeking information on Covid-19’s impact — to stay updated and avoid panic.




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No need to travel as Southbank Sinfonia recruits artists around the world using a Cisco TelePresence solution from BT

Every year some of the world’s best young musicians would jet into London to audition for a bursary with the Southbank Sinfonia. Simon Over wanted to cut down on those thousands of air miles and hours in transit. He also didn’t want to miss out on youngsters who couldn’t afford the fare.





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ROUTE 1 SOUTHBOUND CLOSED AT AUSTIN PARK DRIVE IN STAFFORD COUNTY - Delays expected to extend through the morning rush hour

  FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – (7 a.m.) An early morning crash has closed all lanes on Route 1 southbound and one lane on Route 1 northbound at Austin...




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Old Ryan Road Closure Extended Through November 2 - Between Mooreview Parkway southern intersection and Ashburn Village Boulevard

ASHBURN – Due to inclement weather early in the closure that began Sept. 24, Old Ryan Road between the southern Mooreview Parkway intersection and...




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ROAD CONDITIONS UPDATE: 4 P.M. - Numerous roads remain closed across VDOT’s Lynchburg District

LYNCHBURG —What a difference a day makes. At least as far as the weather is concerned. The heavy rain and strong winds from yesterday have given way to sunny skies and a calm breeze. Unfortunately, Tropical Storm Michael’s aftermath remains a reminder.




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LYNCHBURG DISTRICT UPDATE (10 A.M.)

LYNCHBURG —(10 a.m.) Road conditions continue to improve across the Lynchburg District; however, approximately 130 roads remain closed as a result of weather from Tropical Storm Michael.




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LYNCHBURG DISTRICT ROAD AND BRIDGE UPDATE - Extensive damage results in long-term road/structure closures

LYNCHBURG —Over a week after the rain and wind of Tropical Storm Michael took aim on the Commonwealth, the Virginia Department of Transportation continues to assess roads and bridges in the Lynchburg District affected by the storm. By the time Michael exited the area, over 220 road and 360 structures were under water and as of today (Friday, October 19) only six short-term closures, in addition to the long-term closures below, remain.




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EXTENDED LANE CLOSURE SCHEDULED ON ROUTE 220 IN ROANOKE COUNTY NEXT WEEK - Drivers of Route 220 northbound should plan for delays

SALEM – As part of the ongoing construction to replace the bridge over Back Creek on Route 220, an extended lane closure has been scheduled for next week. The bridge is near the intersection of Route 657 (Crowell Gap Road and Winter Drive).  Beginning Monday, October 8 at 9 a.m., the right northbound lane of Route 220 and the crossover at Crowell Gap Road will be closed until Wednesday, October 10 at 5 p.m. to pave a segment of the roadway that will connect to the new bridge. Drivers traveling on Route 220 northbound into Roanoke should expect significant delays on Route 220 during this time and are encouraged to plan their travel accordingly. The bridge replacement is expected to be complete in spring 2020. For updates on this project and other traffic impacts and lane closure, visit www.511Virginia.org .




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TRAFFIC ALERT: SLOPE FAILURE CLOSES LANE ON SOUTHBOUND ROUTE 220 IN FRANKLIN COUNTY AT THE ROANOKE COUNTY LINE - Drivers should expect delays in this area and plan accordingly

SALEM – The left lane of southbound Route 220 is closed due to a slope failure in the median just south of the Franklin County line. The lane closure begins approximately one mile prior to  the Roanoke County and Franklin County line and just north of the intersection with Route 613 (Naff Road).   Drivers should prepare for travel delays and plan accordingly. Message boards are in place to alert motorists of the closure. The Virginia Department of Transportation is currently investigating to determine what repairs need to be made. The lane will remain closed until further notice.   For updates on this lane closure, visit www.511Virginia.org .




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VDOT ENCOURAGES RACE FANS TO FOLLOW SIGNS TO REDUCE TRAFFIC CONGESTION AT MARTINSVILLE SPEEDWAY - Drivers traveling from Roanoke to the race should plan ahead for possible delays on Route 220 southbound

SALEM – The Virginia Department of Transportation encourages race fans driving to and from Martinsville Speedway for the race on Sunday, October 28, to follow recommended traffic patterns as posted on signs and message boards. Drivers travelling from Roanoke to the Martinsville Speedway for the race events this weekend should plan for possible delays due to a left lane closure on Route 220 southbound approaching the Boones Mill area. VDOT will place many signs and changeable message boards throughout the region to assist travelers. Vehicular and pedestrian traffic will be heavy. Traffic is being routed to the speedway in certain patterns to minimize overall congestion as much as possible. Watch for the speed limit to reduce gradually from 65 mph to 35 mph on the Route 220/Route 58 Bypass as you approach the speedway. From Roanoke and areas north of Martinsville: Race fans traveling south on Route 220 are encouraged to allow for extra travel time. A left lane closure is in place for a pipe failure in the median about eight miles south of Roanoke and 1.7 miles north of Boones Mill. Drivers can take the exit onto Route 58 to Martinsville to reach the track or they can continue on the Route 220/Route 58 Bypass past the speedway interchange and turn right onto the access road that leads into the speedway. The entrance is located one mile east of the Route 220 interchange and may provide easier access. Signs are in place designating the entrance to the speedway.  From Danville and areas east of Martinsville: Motorists on the Route 58 Bypass should follow signs directing them to use the track’s back gate. This entrance is located off the bypass, east of the track. From Greensboro and areas south of Martinsville: Route 220 northbound traffic will split into three lanes shortly before reaching the speedway.  Motorists should watch for electronic message boards and obey police directing traffic. Through traffic should use the left lane. From Stuart and areas west of Martinsville: Motorists should stay on Route 58 east and follow signs and message boards to the track.  ADA Parking: Race fans needing ADA Parking are encouraged to enter the Speedway via Old Sand Roa Those attending the race should closely follow directional information and plan to arrive early and expect heavy traffic and delays. Martinsville Speedway has shared the attached graphics for drivers entering and exiting from the race.




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I-66 Eastbound Ramp to Route 28 Northbound in Centreville Overnight Closures May 10 - June 14




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OVERNIGHT RAMP AND LANE CLOSURES AT NORTHBOUND I-81 EXIT 220 IN AUGUSTA COUNTY OCTOBER 21-25

The on-ramp and off-ramp between northbound Interstate 81 and Route 262 (Woodrow Wilson Parkway) at exit 220 in Augusta County are scheduled for overnight closures and detours during the week of October 21-25, 2018. A northbound I-81 right-lane closure will also be in place during this time period. These traffic restrictions allow milling and paving of existing ramps, and an extension of the acceleration lane from Route 262 to northbound I-81.




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EXPECT DELAYS ON I-64 WESTBOUND ONTO I-81 SOUTHBOUND IN AUGUSTA COUNTY FROM OCTOBER 29 TO NOVEMBER 1

This week motorists should expect delays in the vicinity of Interstate 64 exit 87 westbound at Interstate 81 exit 221 southbound in Augusta County. There will be bridge deck work on the southbound ramp bridge from I-64 westbound to I-81 southbound. The right lane will be closed.   




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Romney's neighbor-irking redevelopment project in La Jolla is a go

Despite local opposition, Mitt Romney is given the green light to raze his existing beachfront home in La Jolla, Calif. and replace it with a ginormous mansion.




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Earthbound Farm's farm stand honors its roots

The organic produce company may sell nationally, but it still keeps a roadside stand in Central California where people can buy organic produce and much more.




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Old toothbrushes help to keep this rubbish-built abode stay nice and toasty

Work is completed on Brighton Waste House, proving 'there is no such thing as waste, just stuff in the wrong place.'



  • Remodeling & Design

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Whole Foods in low-income neighborhoods see success

When the upscale grocery moves into poorer areas, the potential benefits are huge.




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'Gasland' sequel coming to HBO

Director Josh Fox lands deal with network to premiere next film in what could become a trilogy of docs on the natural gas industry.



  • Arts & Culture

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Judd Hirsch: Neighborly fuss over wind turbine is 'baloney'

Residents in the New York town of Denning rally against 'Taxi' actor Judd Hirsch's proposed wind turbine project.




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Garbage dump and Joshua Tree National Park won't be neighbors

Supreme Court decides not to hear the case about a plan to build 'the world's largest garbage dump' near the iconic national park.



  • Wilderness & Resources

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Smart development, eco-tourism make for happy neighbors in Punta Gorda, Florida

Punta Gorda, a sleepy Gulf Coast getaway north of Fort Myers, shines bright as Babcock Ranch, a solar-powered eco-town, attracts its first residents.




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HBO to premiere 'Saving Pelican 895'

Documentary will offer a bird’s-eye view of conservationists’ efforts to save wildlife affected by the disaster.



  • Arts & Culture

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Green job of the week: YouthBuild green building specialist

The Eagle Ridge Institute is searching for a green building specialist as part of the AmeriCorps VISTA YouthBuild USA program.




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Vancouver: Torchbearer for green cities

When the Winter Olympics wrap up, Vancouver will be passing more than one torch. The city could light the way for green cities of the future by proving economic



  • Research & Innovations

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Birds with friendly neighbors age more slowly

Getting along with neighbors can yield big health benefits for birds, a new study finds. It's probably good for us, too.




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It's a ridiculous day in the neighborhood

Social drama unfolds on the social networking site Nextdoor.




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Kvetchtown, USA: Mapping NYC's most complain-y neighborhoods

The Big Apple's complaining culture gets its own mapping website that spotlights the top complaints reported within 42 different neighborhoods on a daily basis.




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Mark Zuckerberg antagonizes neighbors with nonstop home renovation

If there was an 'unlike' button for renovation projects, the 30-year-old social media tycoon would have earned himself more than a few thumbs down.



  • Remodeling & Design

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Camel, cow and donkey found wandering in Kansas neighborhood

Escaped camel, cow and donkey in Kansas are 'halfway towards a live nativity.'




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Oakland neighborhood showcases the power of good, green design

In a once iffy stretch of East Oakland, Tassafaronga Village stands as a model of affordable green housing done right.



  • Remodeling & Design

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Gary Hirshberg, CEO of Stonyfield Farm, adds 'rapper' to his resume

Find out how Stonyfield Farm CEO Gary Hirshberg made a rap video about organic food that inspired a battle rap response from Honest Tea's Seth Goldman.



  • Wilderness & Resources