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A Rolling Stone Gathers Momentum: Generational Units, Collective Memory, and Entrepreneurship

We draw on the historiographical concepts of "generational units" and "collective memories" as a framework for understanding the emergence of entrepreneurially oriented cohesive groups within regions. Generational units are localized subgroups within generations that have a self-referential, reflexive quality, by virtue of the members' sense of their own connections to each other and the events that define them. Collective memories are shared accounts of the past shaped by historical events that mold individuals' perceptions. The two concepts provide a valuable point of departure for incorporating historical concepts into the study of entrepreneurial dynamics and offer a framework for understanding how entrepreneurs' historically situated experiences affect them. Our framework breaks new theoretical ground in several ways. First, we synthesize disparate literatures on generational units, collective memory, and organizational imprinting. Second, we specify mechanisms through which imprinting occurs and persists over time. We develop analytical arguments framed by sociological and historiographical theories, focusing on the conditions under which meaningful generational units of entrepreneurs may emerge and benefit from leadership and legacy building, technologies of memory, and institutional support that increases the likelihood of their persistence.




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MY FAMILY MADE ME DO IT: A CROSS-DOMAIN, SELF-REGULATORY PERSPECTIVE ON ANTECEDENTS TO ABUSIVE SUPERVISION

Drawing on resource drain theory, we introduce self-regulatory resource (ego) depletion stemming from family-to-work conflict (FWC) as an alternative theoretical perspective on why supervisors behave abusively toward subordinates. Our two-study examination of a cross-domain antecedent of abusive supervision stands in contrast to prior research, which has focused primarily on work-related factors that influence abusive supervision. Further, our investigation shows how ego depletion is proximally related to abusive supervision. In the first study, conducted at a Fortune 500 company and designed as a lagged survey study, we found that after controlling for alternative theoretical mechanisms, supervisors who experience FWC display more abusive behaviors toward subordinates, and that this relationship was stronger for female supervisors and for supervisors who operate in environments with greater situation-control. These results were then replicated and expanded in an experience sampling study using a multi-organization sample of supervisors. This allowed us to study the FWC-abusive supervision relationship as it emerges on a day-to-day basis and to examine ego depletion as an explanatory mechanism. Consistent with our hypotheses, we found that FWC is associated with abusive supervision, ego depletion acts as a mediator of the FWC-abusive supervision relationship, and that gender and situation-control serve as moderators.




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Engaged and productive misfits: How job crafting and leisure activity mitigate the negative effects of value incongruence

The work life of misfits - employees whose important values are incongruent with the values of their organization - represents an under-researched area of the person-environment fit literature. The unfortunate reality is that these individuals are likely to be disengaged and unproductive at work. In this manuscript, we entertain the possibility that employees can protect themselves from this situation if they engage in alternative actions that supplement the fundamental needs that go unmet from value incongruence. We integrate theorizing about the motivational role of need fulfillment and work/non-work behaviors in order to examine whether two actions in particular - job crafting and leisure activity - can potentially mitigate the negative effects of value incongruence on employee performance. In a field study of employees from diverse organizations and industries, the results suggest that both job crafting and leisure activity indeed act as a buffer, mitigating the otherwise negative effects of value incongruence on employee engagement and job performance (both task performance and citizenship behavior).




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STORIES ABOUT VALUES AND VALUABLE STORIES: A FIELD EXPERIMENT OF THE POWER OF NARRATIVES TO SHAPE NEWCOMERS' ACTIONS

This study draws on social identity theories of behavioral contagion and research concerning narratives in organizations to present and test a framework for understanding how narratives embed values in organizational newcomers' actions. Employing a field experiment using 632 newly-hired employees in a large IT firm that prioritizes self-transcendent values, this study explores how narratives varying in terms of the organizational level of main characters and the values-upholding or values-violating behaviors of those characters influence newcomers' tendencies to engage in behaviors that uphold or deviate from the values. Results indicate that stories about low-level organizational characters engaging in values-upholding behaviors are more positively associated with self-transcendent, helping behaviors and negatively associated with deviant behaviors, than are similar stories about high-level members of the organization. Stories in which high-level members of the organization violate values are negatively related to newcomers' engagement in both helping and deviance more strongly than are values-violating stories about lower-level members. Content analyses of the stories suggest that they convey values in different and potentially important ways. Implications, future directions, and limitations are discussed.




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Review: Global Leadership Practices: A Cross-Cultural Management Perspective

Do you teach anyone whom you would consider a member of the next generation of global leaders? If you answered "yes" to this question, you likely teach an audience within which many of its members already possess intercultural experience, have traveled widely, and perhaps speak several languages. These globally minded students demand in-depth learning approaches which help them prepare for complex global leadership settings. Global Leadership Practices is an excellent source of teaching materials and tools targeted to these learners.




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Come Aboard! Exploring the Effects of Directorships in the Executive Labor Market

In this study, we examine the question: What do executives gain from serving on boards? We propose that board service will benefit non-CEO level executives in the executive labor market by acting as a certification mechanism and also by providing access to unique knowledge, skills, and connections. We argue that non-CEO executives who gain directorships will be more likely to be promoted to CEO both inside and outside their home firm, will be more likely to be promoted internally, and will receive higher pay from their home firms. To test our ideas, we employ propensity score matching to construct a longitudinal sample of 2,104 top executives of large, publicly traded companies in the United States over the period 1996 to 2012. Results provide consistent support for our theory.




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Creative, Rare, Entitled, and Dishonest: How Commonality of Creativity in One's Group Decreases an Individual's Entitlement and Dishonesty

We examine when and why creative role identity causes entitlement and unethical behaviors and how this relationship can be reduced. We found that the relationships among the creative identity, entitlement, and dishonesty are contingent on the perception of creativity being rare. Four experiments showed that individuals with a creative identity reported higher psychological entitlement and engaged in more unethical behaviors. Additionally, when participants believed that their creativity was rare compared to common, they were more likely to lie for money. Moreover, manipulation of rarity of creative identity, but not practical identity, increased psychological entitlement and unethical acts. We tested for the mediating effect of psychological entitlement on dishonesty using both measurement of mediation and experimental causal chain approaches. We further provide evidence from organizations. Responses from a sample of supervisor-subordinate dyads demonstrated that employees reporting strong creative identities who perceived creativity as rare in their work-group rather than common were rated as engaging in more unethical behaviors by their supervisors. This paper extends prior theory on negative moral consequences of creativity by shedding new light on assumption regarding the prevalence of creativity and the role psychological entitlement plays.




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A Practice-Based Wisdom Perspective for Social Entrepreneurship Learning and Education

In this paper, we use a practice-based wisdom perspective to address the challenges of managing competing logics in social enterprises. From previous work it is clear that a major task for social entrepreneurs is to manage the tension between social welfare and commercial logics. Although the social welfare logic and its related values and practices form the foundations of social enterprises, social entrepreneurs have also to ensure that their businesses are commercially sustainable making it necessary to engage with the commercial logic. To this end, we develop a curriculum matrix based on social practice wisdom to assist students to learn appropriate knowledge and skills, enact social entrepreneurship goals, and integrate competing logics in innovative and sustainable ways.




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How Do Leader-Departures Affect Subordinates' Organizational Attachment?: A 360-Degree Relational Perspective

Management scholars have noted that leader departures often foreshadow higher turnover intentions (or lower organizational attachment) by subordinates left behind, especially when relationships between the departing leader and the subordinates, or leader-member exchanges (LMX), had been of high quality. In this paper, we posit that the quality of subordinates' relationships with all members of their relational system, not only their leader, must be considered to better understand how leader departures affect subordinates' organizational attachment. Our proposed relationships are illustrated in a theoretical model that includes phenomena at the individual-level (i.e., a subordinate's identification with the departing leader and with his/her organization), at the group-level (i.e., turnover contagion), and at the organizational level (i.e., organization-wide developmental climate). As such, we propose that elucidating how leader-departures affect organizational attachment requires multi-level theorizing and constructs. Theoretical and practical implications of such a 360-degree relational perspective on leader-departure effects are discussed.




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Ethical and legal aspects of computing: a professional perspective from software engineering

With this book, O’Regan efficiently addresses a wide range of ethical and legal issues in computing. It is well crafted, organized, and reader friendly, featuring many recent, relevant examples like tweets, fake news, disinformation




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An analysis of the math requirements of 199 CS BS/BA degrees at 158 U.S. universities from Communications of the ACM

The mathematics requirements for computer science (CS) students have been debated for decades. I began teaching in a CS program in 1983, and I recall similar discussions at that time. The debate has continued in one form or another




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Are antibiotics effective in preventing and treating COVID-19? 抗生素对预防和治疗COVID-19有效吗?

No, antibiotics do not work against viruses, but they work on bacteria.

COVID-19 is a virus and, therefore, antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment. However, if you are hospitalized for the COVID-19, you may receive antibiotics because a concurrent bacterial infection is possible whilst having COVID-19.

不,抗生素对病毒无效,但对细菌有效。

COVID-19是一种病毒,因此,不应将抗生素用作预防或治疗手段。然而,如果你因为COVID-19而住院,你可能会接受抗生素治疗,因为同时感染细菌是可能的。




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Is the antimalarial agent Chloroquine effective for the treatment of COVID-19? 抗疟药氯喹对COVID-19的治疗有效吗?

The Take-Home Points:

Antimalarials like chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are currently being studied for their effectiveness and safety when used to treat COVID-19. While Chloroquine may be purchased from a licenced pharmacist in Singapore for the prevention of malaria, we do not recommend self-medication for treatment of COVID-19 without proper medical assessment and evaluation. If you suspect that you could have COVID-19 infection or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

关键点:

抗疟疾药(如氯喹和羟基氯喹chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine)目前正用於治疗COVID-19时有效性和安全性的研究。虽然可以从本国药剤师那里购买氯喹来预防疟疾,但我们並不建议您在没有适当医生检验的情况下自行用药治疗COVID-19。如果您怀疑自己可能感染了COVID-19或出现了相关症状,请立即就医。




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Are soap-free cleansers effective for the removal of coronovirus during hand washing?

There is currently no specific study published that addresses this specific question. 

However, there is a wealth of data from various studies on washing with soap (with or without antibacterial agents) on other microbes to suggest that the act of washing with soap and water is an effective measure to reduce contamination and aid infection prevention strategies to stay well.

Of notable mention, one study evaluated the efficacy of soap and water versus alcohol-based hand-rub preparations against live H1N1 influenza virus on the hands of human volunteers. It found that both methods were highly effective in reducing influenza A virus on human hands. In the study, the soap used was with a non-medicated liquid soap (pH-balanced, with emollient and moisturiser, but not containing sodium lauryl sulfate, instead contains other surfactants), which was found to be effective in reducing viral load from the hands after washing for 40 seconds.

Using soap to wash hands is more effective than using water alone, and is postulated because the surfactants in soap lift soil and microbes from skin, and people tend to scrub hands more thoroughly when using soap, which further removes germs.

Thus from the above information, it would be expected that use of such cleansers should still work, esp. for selective individuals with eczema or sensitive dry hands, where frequent hand-washing may increase existing irritation and compromise the skin barrier. The WHO 20-second hand washing technique should be used regardless of the type of soap for effective cleaning.




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COVID-19 Vaccination Updates: Clinical and Regulatory Perspectives by IDSIG




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Starbucks X alice + olivia collection has arrived in Malaysia

STARBUCKS is once again collaborating with Stacey Bendet, CEO and Creative Director of top fashion house alice + olivia to offer a stylish designer merchandise collection, available for a limited time at select Starbucks stores across Malaysia.

With Stacey’s fun and sophisticated eye for design, the highly anticipated Starbucks X alice + olivia collection showcases two whimsical designs, including the iconic Stace Face, and a modern interpretation of the Stace Face with a colourful twist.

“Starbucks and Stacey Bendet are united by their aspiration to create unique and delightful experiences,” said Erin Silvoy, vice president, Product and Marketing, Starbucks Asia Pacific.

“Since our very first collaboration with alice + olivia, our customers have kept asking for more. Now, we’re excited to launch a new Starbucks X alice + olivia collection with bold, yet chic designs fit for everyday occasions, to encourage our customers to embrace self-expression and give them the confidence to live a life in style.”

Bendet herself added: “Both Starbucks and alice + olivia love creating unique and empowering experiences.

“With our rainbow Stace Face designs we hope to bring some colourful fun to the world!”

The exclusive collection will bring fashion and style to life once more, with a unique lineup that includes mugs and waterbottles, such as:

Small Tote – The timeless look of the humble tote bag is reimagined with a modern interpretation of the ‘Stace Face’ with a colorful and stunning twist. Featuring an interior pocket that is lightweight, this bag is great for on the go.

Bearista Bear – A soft and fluffy reinterpretation of the Bearista Bear wearing a custom sweater designed in the renowned alice + olivia style, which is matched only by the embroidered alice + olivia shoes.

12oz Ceramic Mug – The glossy clear-glazed stoneware gives this mug its special character. The handle is painted by hand with the mug body available in two different designs, one with the colorful spectrum of the Rainbow Stace Squad, and one of the Iconic Stace Face.

16oz Stainless Steel Tumbler – This tumbler is sure to keep your beverage at a perfect temperature whether it’s hot or cold with the innovative thermo 3D Double Wall vacuum insulation technology, as well as the medical-grade stainless steel so that there is not transfer of flavours or metal after taste. Available in two designs, the Rainbow Stace Squad and Iconic Stace Face.

16oz Ceramic Double Wall Traveler – Insulated with a double-wall construction with flat-white paint and an opaque black lid, which uses a slide open/close function for convenient use. Available in two designs, the Rainbow Stace Squad and Iconic Stace Face.

The limited-edition designer collaboration will be available beginning Sept 28, and priced from RM98 onwards, at select Starbucks stores across Malaysia, while supplies last.




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Engaging in constructive debates

WE have all experienced it – engaging in a discussion where new information or an opposing viewpoint makes us feel like doubling down on our beliefs rather than reconsidering them. This phenomenon, known as the backfire effect, occurs when people react
to contradictory information by holding more firmly to their existing beliefs.

The backfire effect can create a barrier to constructive dialogue, fostering defensiveness and preventing us from learning, evolving and understanding each other. With complex social issues on the rise, understanding the backfire effect and learning how to counteract it is essential to creating productive and respectful conversations.

The backfire effect is most common in debates involving personal values or issues closely tied to identity, such as opinions on social, environmental or political matters.

For example, in Malaysia, discussions on humane stray management or environmental policy can often spark passionate debates where each side becomes more rooted in their stance.

Recognising when the backfire effect is influencing a conversation can help us redirect it, moving from argument to dialogue and creating spaces for understanding and potential solutions.

At its core, the backfire effect is rooted in psychological defensiveness. When people’s beliefs are challenged, particularly on issues they are deeply invested in, it can feel like a threat to their sense of self.

Psychologists suggest that this is because we tend to intertwine certain beliefs with our identity, making it difficult to separate disagreement with an idea from a personal attack. This effect is more pronounced when discussing issues tied to social identity, politics or moral values.

Additionally, the fear of admitting error can make us cling to our views. If we have championed a particular idea or belief, admitting that we may have been mistaken can be uncomfortable. The backfire effect is a subconscious way of defending against this discomfort by rejecting new information and doubling down on previous beliefs.

Techniques for engaging in constructive debates

Understanding the backfire effect is the first step towards overcoming it, but real progress requires adopting strategies that can help us and others engage in more open, constructive discussions.

Here are several techniques to help foster productive dialogue,
reduce defensiveness and encourage open-mindedness:

Lead with curiosity, not conviction

Entering a conversation with a desire to understand rather than persuade is essential. Leading with curiosity helps set a collaborative tone, showing others that you are genuinely interested in their perspective.

For example, if someone disagrees with humane stray management practices like trap-neuter-release (TNR), you may start by saying, “I’m interested in your view – what experiences shape your opinion on this?”

This approach can disarm defensiveness and invite the person to share their experiences, making them more likely to reciprocate by considering your perspective.

Share stories, not just statistics

Facts and figures are essential but they often fail to connect emotionally. To counter the backfire effect, try sharing personal stories or experiences instead of relying solely on statistics.

For instance, in conversations about environmental policy, instead of only quoting data about pollution or deforestation, share a personal story about how environmental changes have affected your community or family. Stories humanise issues, making it easier for others to empathise and consider different viewpoints.

Emphasise shared goals and values

Even when opinions differ, finding common ground can help make the conversation more collaborative. For instance, both sides of a debate on environmental policies may share the same goal – a cleaner environment and a better quality of life – but disagree on how to achieve it.

By highlighting these shared values, you shift the conversation from an “us vs them” dynamics to a joint problem-solving approach. Statements like “we both want what is best for future generations; we just have different ideas about how to get there” can help bridge divides and reduce defensiveness.

Introduce new information gradually

Presenting too much information at once can make people feel overwhelmed, triggering a defensive response. Instead, offer new ideas or evidence in small, manageable pieces.

For example, if discussing environmental laws, introduce one or two key points rather than a long list of statistics. Gradual information- sharing allows individuals to process new perspectives without feeling pressured to accept them immediately, which can reduce the likelihood of the backfire effect.

Reframe disagreements as learning opportunities

Changing the way you frame a discussion can help mitigate defensiveness. Rather than seeing a debate as a “battle” to be won, approach it as a chance to learn.

This mindset shift encourages openness and reduces the need for defensiveness. When someone feels that a discussion is about sharing knowledge rather than proving a point, they are more likely to listen and engage constructively.

Know when to step back

Not every debate will lead to agreement, and that is okay. If a discussion becomes heated or begins to feel unproductive, it may be time to disengage respectfully.

Try phrases like, “I appreciate hearing your perspective, and I think we may have to agree to disagree for now. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.”

This approach allows both parties to leave
the conversation without feeling pressured, preserving the relationship for future discussions.

In Malaysia, topics like stray animal management and environmental policies are prime examples of where the backfire effect
often arises.

On one side, many advocate for humane and sustainable stray management practices, such as TNR, which can reduce stray populations over time. Others, however, may believe in stricter measures, fearing that strays could pose health or safety risks.

In such debates, the backfire effect can quickly escalate, with both sides becoming more entrenched as they try to defend their views.

To move forward constructively, a focus on shared goals – like safer communities and reduced stray populations – can shift the conversation from debate to dialogue.

In Malaysia, environmental policies are at a crossroads, often sparking strong opinions due to their impact across different economic levels.

Stricter policies aimed at protecting natural resources are crucial, yet they also raise concerns about their potential economic burden on lower-income communities, who may rely heavily on resource-based jobs.

Balancing the urgent need for environmental protection with the livelihoods of these communities is complex but essential.

A sustainable path forward lies in building
a common ground around shared values – a commitment to a clean, healthy environment alongside economic stability for all. This inclusive approach can help foster productive dialogue and more resilient, equitable policies.

Ultimately, overcoming the backfire effect requires us to approach conversations with empathy, open-mindedness and a willingness to understand where others are coming from.

Constructive debates are less about changing someone’s mind on the spot and more about creating a space where learning and growth are possible.

By leading with curiosity, sharing personal stories and finding common ground, we
can transform difficult conversations into opportunities for connection and progress.

Dr Praveena is a certified
mental health and awareness practitioner specialising in narcissistic abuse recovery.
Comments: letters@thesundaily.com



  • Dr Praveena Rajendra

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Upholding academic freedom is a scholar’s imperative

I HAD the privilege of attending a lecture by Professor Jeffrey Sachs of Columbia University at Universiti Malaya in early January this year.

His candid critique of US economic and foreign policies was both striking and inspiring.

Remarkably, his criticisms were delivered without hindrance and were even appreciated.

Our nation’s highest leaders, the prime minister and higher education minister, were present to listen to his insights.

Ironically, in Malaysia, the academic freedom of our local scholars is still curtailed by Act 605.

The developments at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and the continued existence of legislation that can be used against critical voices within academia should be taken seriously by the academic community and academic unions nationwide.

We cannot allow academic freedom – a cornerstone of the intellectual tradition – to be so easily stifled.

Academic freedom must be preserved, defended and enshrined in law.

In this context, it is crucial to remember that every Oct 5, Malaysia celebrates Academia Day, an annual reminder to appreciate the contributions and struggles of academics worldwide.

On this significant day, stakeholders such as the government, higher education institutions and academic unions should redouble their efforts to uphold and promote the principle of academic freedom.

Academia Day is not merely a celebration of knowledge but a reminder to ensure that the rights of academics continue to be respected and protected.

As public servants are paid with taxpayers’ money, the views of academics should be publicly accessible to the people.

The public has a right to hear their criticisms, research findings and direct commentaries on policies and decisions that affect the nation.

In today’s post-modern era, social media serves as a platform for both local and international academics to constructively express their views on national policies.

If these voices are silenced, all that remains is content that does not contribute to the nation’s development, such as shallow entertainment or sensational issues of no value.

Academics do not merely engage in idle chatter; they share research findings funded by public grants, using validated research instruments to critique and improve existing systems.

For instance, academics are among the critical voices that are actively voicing concerns about the state of the country’s education system based on the findings of their research, using the CIPP (Context, Input, Process and Product) model of curriculum evaluation.

Academics are specifically trained to think critically and analytically, and they are accountable for whatever they produce as my PhD supervisor once reminded me, “Question everything, even the accepted wisdom.”

If this critical thinking is stifled, it is a waste of public funds that finance the higher education of these scholars.

Returning to Sachs’ lecture, our nation will not be able to produce scholars of his calibre if the mouths and hands of our academics are tied by restrictive laws and regulations.

Therefore, academic freedom should be enshrined in stronger laws, such as amendments to the Universities and University Colleges Act.

Certainly other academics and I welcome the statement by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, who supports the amendment of Act 605, and we are aware that this amendment effort has gone through important processes as initiated by former education minister Dr Maszlee Malik. Therefore, it should not take long to implement.

This is important so that there are no more circulars or instructions from higher education institutions that attempt to silence legitimate dissent.

If local academics are prevented from voicing their opinions and criticisms for the good of the nation, then there is no point in talking about efforts to educate the people.

Without academic freedom, we will not be able to produce academic figures of the calibre of Sachs, Professor Joseph Stiglitz or Professor Noam Chomsky, who dare to go against the grain and champion the truth.

Freedom of expression for academics is the cornerstone of a nation’s intellectual and moral development.

If we want this country to produce outstanding scholars, we must loosen the bonds of restrictive regulations.

Only with true academic freedom can we ensure that the nation’s intellectual future continues to grow and be competitive on the international stage.

The writer is a senior lecturer at the Department of Building Surveying, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Malaya. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com



  • Dr Zahiruddin Fitri Abu Hassan

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Thirty five people killed in hit-and-run incident in Zhuhai, China

ZHUHAI: A hit-and-run attack at a sports centre in the southern Chinese city of Zhuhai killed 35 people and severely injured 43, local police said on Tuesday.

The incident happened at 7:48 p.m. (1148 GMT) on Monday, when a small off-road vehicle was driven into a large group of people exercising outside the sports centre.

Zhuhai police said in a statement that the suspect, a 62-year-old man surnamed Fan, was being treated at a hospital after hurting himself with a knife in his car.

A Reuters reporter at the scene on Tuesday evening said people had begun leaving wreaths, counting 18 laid in front of a sign for the Zhuhai People’s Fitness Square. Others lit candles and incense. The police presence was low.

A video, verified by Reuters, of the scene on Monday following the attack had shown at least 20 people lying on the ground. Cries of “terrorist” could be heard as ambulances arrived to take the injured to hospital.

Hundreds of rescue personnel from Zhuhai city and Guangdong province were deployed to provide emergency treatment, and more than 300 healthcare workers from five hospitals worked around the clock to save lives, state media Beijing Daily reported.

Fan was apprehended by police at the scene after attempting to flee, police said, adding that he had self-harmed using a knife, causing severe neck injuries.

Police said their preliminary investigation suggested the incident was triggered by Fan’s discontent following a divorce.

President Xi Jinping, cited by Chinese state television CCTV, ordered all-out efforts to treat the injured and demanded severe punishment for the perpetrator. The central government has dispatched a team to provide guidance on handling of the case, CCTV said.

The attack sparked thousands of angry comments on Chinese social media, many of which were quickly censored after the police reported the high death toll.

“Zhuhai is one of the most relaxed, peaceful, and liveable cities in the country, and this tragic incident has left a painful memory that will be hard to erase for many years to come,“ one user of the Weibo platform said.

Violent crime is rare in China due to tight security and strict gun laws. However, a rise in reports of knife attacks in large cities has drawn public attention to safety in public spaces.

In October, a knife attack in Beijing left five people wounded outside one of the city’s top primary schools. A month earlier, a Japanese student was fatally stabbed outside his school in Shenzhen.

Zhuhai is hosting China’s biggest annual air show this week where a new stealth jet fighter will be on display for the first time.




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No end in sight to Sudan war as both sides seek ‘decisive’ win

CAIRO: Sudan has seen a surge in extreme violence in recent weeks as the warring military and paramilitary push for a decisive victory, with no political solution in sight.

Fighting between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has intensified since late October, with reports of attacks on civilians including sexual violence against women and girls raising alarm.

The war that erupted in April 2023 has created what the UN calls the world’s worst displacement crises, with more than 11 million people forced from their homes.

It has put the country on the brink of famine, and sparked warnings of intensifying violence in a war that has already killed tens of thousands.

“Over the last two weeks, the situation in the country has been marked by some of the most extreme violence since the start of the conflict,“ according to Rosemary DiCarlo, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs.

“Let me stress that both warring parties bear responsibility for this violence,“ she said, adding that both sides “seem convinced they can prevail on the battlefield.”

Since October 20, at least 124 civilians have been killed in central Al-Jazira state and another 135,000 have fled to other states, according to the UN.

With global attention focused on other wars, chiefly in Ukraine and the Middle East, civilians in Sudan are paying a steep price for the escalation.

“All indicators so far show that both sides are committed to military solutions, with no genuine interest in political resolutions or even easing the suffering of civilians,“ according to Mohamed Osman of Human Rights Watch.

Amani al-Taweel, director of the Africa programme at the Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies in Cairo, agreed.

“There is no political solution on the horizon,“ she told AFP, adding that both sides were seeking a “decisive military solution”.

Split

The war in Sudan has pitted army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan against his erstwhile ally Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, leader of the RSF.

The country is split into zones of control, with the army holding the north and east, and the government based in Port Sudan on the Red Sea coast.

The RSF controls much of the capital Khartoum, the Darfur region in the west and parts of Kordofan in the south, while the centre is split.

With no mandatory military conscription, the Sudanese army includes Islamist-leaning forces as well as other factions.

The RSF is primarily made up of tribal militias from Darfur’s Arab communities.

According to local reports, the army has about 120,000 troops while the RSF has 100,000.

On the battlefield, Sudan’s air force gives the military an advantage.

Rights groups have accused both sides of committing atrocities.

The UN population agency published on Tuesday horrific accounts of women and girls fleeing the violence, including one who said she was urged to kill herself with a knife rather than be raped.

‘Deadlock’

Successive rounds of talks have been held in Saudi Arabia, but the negotiations have yet to produce a ceasefire.

In August, the Sudanese military opted out of US-brokered negotiations in Switzerland and an African Union-led mediation has also stalled.

“The deadlock in peaceful channels, whether regionally or internationally, is exacerbating the violence,“ said Mahmud Zakaria, a professor of political science at Cairo University’s Faculty of African Postgraduate Studies.

Since October, the RSF escalated its attacks in Al-Jazira state, south of Khartoum, following what the military said was the defection of one of its commanders to the army.

Before the war, Al-Jazira was known as Sudan’s breadbasket, hosting Africa’s largest agricultural project, yielding 65 percent of the country’s cotton, according to Zakaria.

Proxy war?

Some areas have been scarred by conflict before.

Darfur saw a major war two decades ago, during which the then-government’s allies in the Janjaweed militia faced accusations of ethnic cleansing and genocide.

With roots in the Janjaweed, the RSF became a force in its own right in 2013.

Sudan’s conflict has increasingly drawn in regional powers, prompting the United States to urge all countries to stop arming rival generals.

Former Egyptian deputy foreign minister for African affairs Ali el-Hefny said progress will require global willpower.

Instead, foreign powers are “fuelling the violence, delaying Sudan’s return to stability”, he said.

The army has accused the United Arab Emirates of backing the RSF -- a charge it strongly denies.

In December, UN experts monitoring an arms embargo on Darfur described as “credible” allegations Abu Dhabi had funnelled weapons to Daglo’s forces on cargo planes.

The RSF has in turn alleged Egyptian support for the army, which Cairo has also denied.

Army chief Burhan has historically been close to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who pledged his “continued support” earlier this month.




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Crane driver, tow truck operators plead not guilty to abducting man

KUALA TERENGGANU: A crane driver and two tow truck operators pleaded not guilty in the Magistrate’s Court here today to charges of abducting a man last week.

The accused, Mohd Sabri Zakarya, 42, Muhamad Hafiz Hasbullah, 35, and Hairudin Sabri Abas, 40, claimed trial after the charges were read before Magistrate Noor Mazrinie Mahmood.

According to the charge, the three men were accused of forcibly abducting a 53-year-old man with the intent to confine him secretly and unlawfully in the motorcycle parking area in front of Bank Islam at a hypermarker here at around 2 pm on Nov 7.

They were charged under Section 365 of the Penal Code read together with Section 34 of the same code, which carries a prison sentence of up to seven years and a fine upon conviction.

Prosecuting officer Insp Ahmad Fitri Mohamed Kamal offered bail at RM10,000 for each accused, while lawyer Ghazali Ismail requested a lower bail amount, citing the financial circumstances of his three clients.

Ghazali noted that Mohd Sabri, who works as a crane driver, and Muhamad Hafiz and Hairudin Sabri, both tow truck operators, earn between RM2,000 to RM2,500 per month and support their respective families.

Magistrate Noor Mazrinie subsequently granted bail at RM6,000 for each accused and ordered them not to disturb or contact the victim until the case is resolved. The case was set for mention on Dec 12 for document submission.




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ECASA responds to Adam Cruise article on proposed captive wildlife interactions ban

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Subaru unveils special “Kuala Lumpur edition” livery

TC SUBARU SDN. BHD., the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in Malaysia, has announced its participation in this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur, to be held at the Malaysian International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) from 8 to 10 November 2024. In an event at APW Bangsar, Subaru’s dealers, partners, media, and fans were treated to an exclusive preview of the “Kuala Lumpur Edition” Subaru BRZ and Subaru WRX, featuring a special livery by Motorsport Playground and a limited-edition streetwear line by Pestle & Mortar Clothing (PMC).

Inspired by a cultural fusion of Japanese engineering and Malaysian heritage, the livery created by Motorsport Playground brings an artistic twist to the Subaru BRZ and WRX. The design integrates Malaysia’s iconic Songket patterns with intricate geometric shapes and rich symbolism, transforming these high-performance vehicles into vibrant symbols of tradition and modernity. The livery also features the Malaysian national flower, Bunga Raya, in place of the usual Sakura motifs, infusing the design with local pride.

The collaborative project extends beyond the vehicles, with PMC unveiling an exclusive streetwear collection that mirrors this cultural blend. Each piece in the line embodies the precision of Japanese craftsmanship with contemporary Malaysian design, offering a unique style that resonates with both motorsport fans and fashion enthusiasts.

In a further showcase of performance, Subaru took on a thrilling time attack challenge at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. The Subaru BRZ and WRX, under the expert preparation of TD Racing, completed the circuit with impressive times: the Subaru BRZ with manual transmission finished in 02:42:211, while the WRX with CVT clocked in at 02:43:472, driven by professional racer Freddie Ang.

Subaru’s presence at the Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur will celebrate innovation, performance, and cultural fusion. The “Kuala Lumpur Edition” vehicles and PMC’s streetwear collection will be available for sale from 8 to 10 November 2024 at MITEC, offering fans a chance to own a piece of this unique collaboration.




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Drive home an MG EV with up to 20 months of free instalments

SAIC MOTOR MALAYSIA is wrapping up the year with a remarkable promotion for the MG4 EV and MG ZS EV, offering exclusive deals to make electric vehicle (EV) ownership more accessible. In honour of MG’s 100th anniversary, buyers can enjoy up to 20 months of free instalments, offering savings of up to RM26,000, making this an ideal time to join the MG family.

Here’s a breakdown of the promotion:

MG ZS EV: 20 months of free instalments worth RM26,000

MG4 EV Lux: 12 months of free instalments worth RM16,000

MG4 EV Standard: 8 months of free instalments worth RM8,500

This limited-time offer provides substantial savings and financial ease for MG’s new EV owners. Interested buyers can experience the MG4 EV, MG ZS EV, and other models with test drives at their nearest MG Motor Authorised Dealer Showrooms.

For more details, visit mgmalaysia.com or contact the MG Careline at 1800-28-3636.




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SAIC Motor Malaysia celebrates first wave of MG5 sedan deliveries

SAIC MOTOR MALAYSIA recently celebrated a major milestone for the MG5 sedan at the MG5 Car Delivery Event at MG Motor Glenmarie (Mega Galeri Sdn Bhd), where over 20 new owners gathered to receive their cars. The event, attended by SAIC Motor Malaysia’s management, fostered a strong community atmosphere, uniting MG fans and showcasing the brand’s commitment to its customers.

The success of the MG5 is largely due to efficient coordination among 18 strategically placed MG Motor Authorized Dealerships, allowing prompt vehicle deliveries across Malaysia. This dealer network is key to SAIC Motor Malaysia’s mission to meet the demands of Malaysia’s style-conscious market.

Lee Wen Hsiang, Chief Operating Officer of SAIC Motor Malaysia, noted, “The MG5 has truly resonated with a segment of buyers who prioritise style and individuality. We’re thrilled to celebrate this milestone alongside our customers.” He highlighted that these events strengthen connections with customers, offering valuable feedback that helps improve service and build a vibrant MG community.

The MG5 stands out as the largest sedan in its class, with a sporty design, spacious interior, and impressive warranties. Owners enjoy a 5-year Unlimited Mileage Warranty and a best-in-segment 7-year Unlimited Mileage Powertrain Warranty. Celebrating MG’s 100th anniversary, SAIC is also offering an RM7,000 introductory rebate, bringing the price to RM86,900, making it an attractive option for new buyers.




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Comment on New Creative Commons image search – back to the drawing board I’m afraid by Neue CC-Bildersuche (Beta) | digithek blog

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Locating images that can be re-used, modified and incorporated into commercial or non-commercial projects is always a hot topic on my search workshops.  As soon as we start looking at tools that identify Creative Commons and public domain images the delegates start scribbling. Yes, Google and Bing both have tools that allow you to specify … Continue reading New Creative Commons image search – back to the drawing board I’m afraid




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Seagate Game Drive PS5 SSD 2TB Review and more (13 Reviews) @ NT Compatible

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Random Photo: My Amazon Delivery

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Xbox Live Down: Gamers Report Outages

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MajorGeeks and Cheat Happens 2024 Give-a-Way

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MajorGeeks / CheatHappens Give-a-way Winners Announced! Claim by 8/12

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Just crossed over 1100 Active Users of the yToggle Extension - and 5 Star Rated! Thanks!!!!!

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Thousands of TP-Link Devices Compromised by Massive 7777 Botnet – Are You at Risk?

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Do Not Give Your Social Security Number at These Places

When should you give your Social Security number and when should you not? Giving out your Social Security number is something you shouldn’t do unless you know it’s absolutely, positively required for what you’re doing. Companies and institutions ask for our Social Security numbers all the time. Unfortunately, they do a mediocre-to-terrible job of securing […]

The post Do Not Give Your Social Security Number at These Places appeared first on Clark Howard.




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Report: 10 Most Expensive U.S. Cities for Car Rentals

If you’re traveling to a faraway place for a long time, there’s a good chance that a car rental would be money well spent for you. A recent survey from CheapCarRental.net indicates that rental rates have dropped just 0.5% compared to a year ago but by about 28% compared to earlier this summer. That means […]

The post Report: 10 Most Expensive U.S. Cities for Car Rentals appeared first on Clark Howard.





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4 Things To Know About the Hulu + Live TV Streaming Service

If you’re tired of paying a big cable bill each month, you may find that cutting the cord and subscribing to Hulu + Live TV is a great money-saving solution in 2024. This live TV streaming service is an option for people looking to leave the cable company behind for good. Others include Sling TV and YouTube TV. In this article, I’ll […]

The post 4 Things To Know About the Hulu + Live TV Streaming Service appeared first on Clark Howard.




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Facial Studio receives the Seal of Excellence




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Morph ToolKit receives the Seal of Excellence




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Immediate Availability of Teach-O-Matic: FREE Interactive Training




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Electric taxi project: Sindh senior minister meets automaker representatives

Sharjeel Memon meets GAC and Dewan Motors to discuss electric taxi options, assuring full govt cooperation.




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World's fastest speedboat arrives in Pakistan

The boat will run between Shashkat and Hussaini Bridge in Upper Hunza




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13 dead as jeep plunges into Neelum River in AJK

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EOBI does not deliver

Pakistan is the only country in the world where 90% of them are deprived of old-age benefits




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India's August retail inflation stays below 4% for second consecutive month

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Balochistan unrest: Taken for dead, truck driver found alive in hospital

Hospital staff receiving bodies realised he was alive despite being shot five times




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Key railway bridge in Balochistan hangs over dry river bed after deadly attack

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