Friedrich Merz, candidate for Chancellor of Germany from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), said that he would be ready to issue Russia a 24-hour ultimatum. He also said that he could talk to the Russian President Vladimir Putin. "If there is a reason for this and an agreement is reached among European and transatlantic partners, then, of course, yes, I will call him," Friedrich Merz said. According to Merz, he will demand hostilities in Ukraine to end. Moscow will be given 24 hours to do this. If the ultimatum is not fulfilled, Merz will transfer Taurus cruise missiles to Kyiv and lift the ban on long-range strikes deep into Russian territory.

Merchants, payment service providers (PSPs) and third-party providers (TPPs) recognise the potential of Commercial Variable Recurring Payments (CVRP, in the UK) and Dynamic Recurring Payments (DRP, in Europe) to deliver better payment experiences, more choice and lower processing costs. There are real concerns, however, that lack of bank support is impeding their delivery.

Laysan Utyasheva, a famous gymnast, shared the recipe for a miraculous drink that she swears by. She only learned the recipe for this drink at the beginning of 2022, and since then she has been drinking it every morning to wake up quickly. Utyasheva claims that this drink helps her wake up better than five cups of coffee. In an interview on the YouTube show "Daring Cooking," Laysan Utyasheva explained that one morning, when she was going on a desert excursion, she really needed to wake up quickly, but five cups of coffee didn't do the trick. That's when she tried the new drink, which woke her up much better. The recipe for this drink is simple: add a pinch of turmeric, cinnamon, and lemon to warm water. This drink helps reduce swelling and boost immunity. However, Laysan Utyasheva warned that the taste of the drink is not very pleasant, but it is very effective.

A research team has identified 2,586 orphan genes (OGs) in Rosa chinensis, offering new insights into the role of these unique genes in flower development, stress response, and environmental adaptation.

University of Georgia School of Law Assistant Professor of Law & Faculty Co-Director of the Dean Rusk International Law Center Desiree LeClercq, who specializes in international labor law and worked in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative during the previous Trump administration, as well as in the International Labor Organization and at the National Labor Relations Board, is available for further commentary at desireelc@uga.edu.

Today, the Bronx Zoo announced that Idina Menzel, Tony Award-winner, actress, philanthropist and multi-platinum-selling singer/songwriter, will perform in the 98th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade(r) on the zoo's new "Wondrous World of Wildlife" float.

A groundbreaking study released today reveals the alarming state of African elephant populations over the last 50 years. Both forest and savanna elephant species have experienced widespread declines due to overexploitation and habitat loss, mirroring the global trend affecting large-bodied animals.

A research team has identified 2,586 orphan genes (OGs) in Rosa chinensis, offering new insights into the role of these unique genes in flower development, stress response, and environmental adaptation.

[Domestic] :
A fire that broke out at a POSCO factory in the southeastern city of Pohang early on Sunday has been put out after five hours. Fire authorities of North Gyeongsang Province announced on Sunday that the fire, which broke out at the third Finex furnace of the nation's largest steelmaker at 4:20 a.m., ...

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[Politics] :
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has ordered officials to prepare for potential policy changes in the United States upon Donald Trump’s reelection. The prime minister issued the instruction Tuesday during a Cabinet meeting, saying the U.S. is expected to seek “considerable policy shifts” in foreign ...

[more...]

[Sports] :
FIFA has slapped a ten-match ban on Italian footballer Marco Curto for making racist comments to Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Hwang Hee-chan during a pre-season friendly against Como 1907 back in July.  British sports media outlet, Sky Sports, quoted a spokesperson for the international football ...

[more...]

[Science] :
More than a third of all tree species around the world face extinction due largely to climate change and deforestation. Citing a report from the International Union for the Conservation of Nature(IUCN), CBS News said 38 percent of tree species are at risk, threatening ecosystems, plants, animals and ...

[more...]

[Domestic] :
The country is taking steps to make sure the College Scholastic Ability Test(CSAT) proceeds smoothly on Thursday, with local governments and companies adjusting their schedules to reduce traffic congestion. Banks will open later than usual, operating from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The government has also ...

[more...]

You don't have to be a prime minister, civil war general, Nobel Peace Prize laureate or founding father to learn the strengths of famous leaders and better your own life. You can learn a lot from the greatest leaders in history — including what to do and what not to do — and prepare for your time to lead others.

Archangel Jophiel, whose name means "Beauty of God," is said to emanate divine inspiration and wisdom, transforming negative emotions into positive energy. His energy encourages both inner and outer beauty, helping people cultivate not just physical grace but also a deeper sense of spiritual self.

The Archangel Uriel is one of the seven angels who sit at the top of the heavenly food chain. He's one of seven archangels mentioned throughout Christian tradition. These archangels oversee God's legions of heavenly servants and help run the world as we know it.

Archangel Gabriel is one of the most revered and influential figures in religious traditions across the world, often seen as a messenger of divine will and a guide to those seeking spiritual clarity.

In Christian tradition, an archangel is among of the most revered and powerful spiritual beings in the celestial hierarchy. Mentioned directly in both the Old and New Testaments, these angels serve as messengers, protectors and agents of God's divine will.

[Culture] :
The government has designated the seven days from Friday to next Thursday as the "2024 Hangeul Week," on the occasion of the 578th Hangeul Day on October 9 to mark the creation of the Korean alphabet. According to the culture ministry on Monday, a number of cultural events that can help participants better ...

[more...]

[Culture] :
Pianist Lim Yun-chan has won the prestigious Gramophone Classical Music Award in the piano category. Lim received the award for his album, "Chopin: Etudes" during a ceremony on Wednesday in London, becoming the first South Korean to win the award in the piano category.  Lim also won the special award of ...

[more...]

[Culture] :
Anchor: South Korean Pianist Lim Yunchan has won the Gramophone Classical Music Award in the piano category. This marks the first time that a Korean pianist has received the prestigious prize, often called the Oscars of the classical music world. Kim Bum-soo has more.   Report:   [Sound bite: Lim ...

[more...]

[Culture] :
The 31 Korean Cultural Centers in 28 countries around the world will hold various events promoting the value and beauty of Hangeul as South Korea will mark the 578th Hangeul Day on Wednesday.  The center in France will provide the first performance of a song created by South Korean composer Kim Dae-seong ...

[more...]

[Culture] :
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said the nation has a duty to further develop the Korean alphabet, hangeul, which has gained worldwide recognition as a unique writing system. At a government ceremony marking the 578th Hangeul Day on Wednesday, Han raised concerns about “indifference to the Korean language” ...

[more...]

[Culture] :
The culture ministry and the Korea Craft and Design Foundation are once again promoting Korea's traditional attire, or hanbok, with the seventh annual Hanbok Culture Week set to start Monday.  Exhibits will be on display and fashion shows will take place in Seoul's Jongno District and other areas of the ...

[more...]

[Culture] :
South Korean author Han Kang has won the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature. The Swedish Academy made the announcement Thursday, making Han the second South Korean ever to win a Nobel Prize and the first to attain the honor in literature. The academy said it was awarding Han the prize “for her intense poetic ...

[more...]

[Culture] :
Anchor: South Korean author Han Kang has won the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature. The Swedish Academy made the announcement Thursday, and Han became the second South Korean ever to win a Nobel Prize and the first to attain the honor in literature. Kim Bum-soo has more.   Report: South Korean writer Han ...

[more...]

[Culture] :
South Korea's first Nobel laureate in literature, Han Kang, said she is surprised and absolutely honored to have won the prestigious prize. In a phone interview with the Swedish Academy, which awards the Nobel prizes, Han expressed appreciation for all the support she’s received. Asked for a comment ...

[more...]

[Culture] :
The Writers Association of Korea says Han Kang’s recognition with a Nobel Prize in Literature is a blessing for literary language. The association, one of the nation’s most prominent writers’ groups, said in a statement Friday that the latest feat is a reminder of the role that literature plays in ...

[more...]

[Culture] :
South Korea's first Nobel Prize winner in literature Han Kang's bestselling novel "The Vegetarian" will be made into a play in the Italian language. According to the Korean Cultural Center in Rome, Italian theater company INDEX is set to stage the play in nine major cities of Italy and France, including ...

[more...]

[Culture] :
Two South Korean films, "Exhuma" and "Handsome Guys," won prizes at the 57th Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia, Spain. According to the South Korean film distributor Showbox on Tuesday, director Jang Jae-hyun's occult thriller "Exhuma," which was invited to the official competition ...

[more...]

[Culture] :
In the six days after the announcement that Han Kang won the Nobel Prize in Literature, sales of her books exceeded one million copies.  According to major bookstore chains Yes24 and Kyobo Book Center on Wednesday, the figure had surpassed one million as of 9 a.m.  Since Han’s Nobel Prize win, one ...

[more...]

[Culture] :
Nobel Prize-winning author Han Kang hopes to write three more books over the next six years. Han made the remarks Thursday as she accepted the Pony Chung Innovation Prize at an award ceremony organized by the Pony Chung Foundation. The 53-year-old author, who turns 54 next month, said ages 50 to 60 are ...

[more...]

For today’s #MovieSpotlight, we are joined by film critics Jason Bechervaise and Darcy Paquet  to celebrate Han Kang’s Nobel Prize in Literature win! #한강...

[more...]

[Economy] :
The South Korean won weakened past the psychological threshold of 14-hundred won against the U.S. dollar on Tuesday, after Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. presidential election last week.  The South Korean currency traded at 14-hundred-point-seven won per dollar as of 9:05 a.m. Tuesday, six won more ...

[more...]

[Economy] :
South Koreans appear to hold more favorable views of marriage and childrearing than they did two years ago. According to Statistics Korea on Tuesday, 52-point-five percent of some 36-thousand people aged 13 and older polled in May said people should get married, up two-point-five percentage points from ...

[more...]

[Economy] :
The South Korean won weakened past the psychological threshold of 14-hundred won against the U.S. dollar on Tuesday, after Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. presidential election last week.  The South Korean currency traded at 14-hundred-three-point-five won per dollar as of 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, ...

[more...]

Discovering Geology: climate change  British Geological Survey

Groundwater in Taiwan under a changing environment  British Geological Survey

Climate change and coastal erosion  British Geological Survey

Natural flood management: is geology more important than trees?  British Geological Survey

BGS launches project to enhance value of ground investigation data  Ground Engineering

Monitoring coastal change from space  British Geological Survey

The seventh blind test of crystal structure prediction (CSP) methods substantially increased the level of complexity of the target compounds relative to the previous tests organized by the Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre. In this work, the performance of density-functional methods is assessed using numerical atomic orbitals and the exchange-hole dipole moment dispersion correction (XDM) for the energy-ranking phase of the seventh blind test. Overall, excellent performance was seen for the two rigid molecules (XXVII, XXVIII) and for the organic salt (XXXIII). However, for the agrochemical (XXXI) and pharmaceutical (XXXII) targets, the experimental polymorphs were ranked fairly high in energy amongst the provided candidate structures and inclusion of thermal free-energy corrections from the lattice vibrations was found to be essential for compound XXXI. Based on these results, it is proposed that the importance of vibrational free-energy corrections increases with the number of rotatable bonds.

A novel approach to computationally enhance the sampling of molecular crystal structures is proposed and tested. This method is based on the use of extended variables coupled to a Monte Carlo based crystal polymorph generator. Inspired by the established technique of quasi-random sampling of polymorphs using the rigid molecule constraint, this approach represents molecular clusters as extended variables within a thermal reservoir. Polymorph unit-cell variables are generated using pseudo-random sampling. Within this framework, a harmonic coupling between the extended variables and polymorph configurations is established. The extended variables remain fixed during the inner loop dedicated to polymorph sampling, enforcing a stepwise propagation of the extended variables to maintain system exploration. The final processing step results in a polymorph energy landscape, where the raw structures sampled to create the extended variable trajectory are re-optimized without the thermal coupling term. The foundational principles of this approach are described and its effectiveness using both a Metropolis Monte Carlo type algorithm and modifications that incorporate replica exchange is demonstrated. A comparison is provided with pseudo-random sampling of polymorphs for the molecule coumarin. The choice to test a design of this algorithm as relevant for enhanced sampling of crystal structures was due to the obvious relation between molecular structure variables and corresponding crystal polymorphs as representative of the inherent vapor to crystal transitions that exist in nature. Additionally, it is shown that the trajectories of extended variables can be harnessed to extract fluctuation properties that can lead to valuable insights. A novel thermodynamic variable is introduced: the free energy difference between ensembles of Z' = 1 and Z' = 2 crystal polymorphs.

The third complementary-determining regions of the heavy-chain (CDR3H) variable regions (VH) of some cattle antibodies are highly extended, consisting of 48 or more residues. These `ultralong' CDR3Hs form β-ribbon stalks that protrude from the surface of the antibody with a disulfide cross-linked knob region at their apex that dominates antigen interactions over the other CDR loops. The structure of the Fab fragment of a naturally paired bovine ultralong antibody (D08), identified by single B-cell sequencing, has been determined to 1.6 Å resolution. By swapping the D08 native light chain with that of an unrelated antigen-unknown ultralong antibody, it is shown that interactions between the CDR3s of the variable domains potentially affect the fine positioning of the ultralong CDR3H; however, comparison with other crystallo­graphic structures shows that crystalline packing is also a major contributor. It is concluded that, on balance, the exact positioning of ultralong CDR3H loops is most likely to be due to the constraints of crystal packing.

The L-edge EXAFS of the entire set of lanthanide oxides were collected and modeled, taking into consideration the aggregation of inequivalent absorbing sites, geometric parameterization of the crystal lattice and multielectron excitation removal.

In the complex, the ligand binds to the metal through an oxygen atom. The geometry of the seven-coordinate U atom is penta­gonal bipyramidal, with the uranyl O atoms in apical positions.

A chiral nickel(II) Schiff base complex derived from 2-hy­droxy­benzo­phenone and (1S,2S)-1,2-di­phenyl­ethyl­enedi­amine shows a λ conformation of the central di­amine chelate ring. The substituents on the C&z-dbnd;N carbon atoms significantly affect the circular dichroism spectra.

The title compound is a non-liquid crystal mol­ecule. The mol­ecular crystal is consolidated by C—Br⋯O&z-dbnd;C type contacts running continuously along the [001] direction.