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Latest BNA Youth & Senior Division Results

The Bermuda Netball Association’s league season continued at the Bernard’s Park Netball Courts, however due to inclement weather, only matches in two of the divisions were played. Under 17 Division The Phoenix Fire defeated the Dandy Stars 49 – 19 in the lone under 17 match. Phoenix Fire MVP Kammie Mills scored 26 goals, best […]




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Netball: BNA Youth & Senior Division Results

Bermuda Netball Association action resumed with matches taking place in all four divisions. Under 11 Division NPS Hot Steppers best attacker was Reegan Lightbourne, the best defender was Shavion Channer, and the MVP was Kimora Davy, for the Storm the best attacker was Eliana Trott, while the best defender was Savannah Hayward, and the MVP […]




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Netball: BNA Youth & Senior Division Results

Action in the Bermuda Netball Season Leagues continued with league play in the under 14 division, under 17 Who’s Who Tournament, and the Senior Mix Up Switch Up Tournament all taking place at Bernard’s Park. Under 11 Division The North Village Lady Rams best attacker was Bella Dill, the best defender was Maliah Steede, and […]




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Fidelis Quarterly Dividend & Share Repurchase

Fidelis Insurance Group declared a dividend and announced a new share repurchase authorization. A spokesperson said, “Fidelis Insurance Holdings Limited, a global specialty insurer, announced today that its Board of Directors has approved and declared a dividend of $0.10 per share, payable on September 30, 2024, to common shareholders of record on September 16, 2024. “In addition, […]




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IGI Quarterly Dividend Of $0.025 Per Share

International General Insurance Holdings declared an ordinary common share dividend of $0.025 per share. A spokesperson said, “International General Insurance Holdings Ltd. today announced that its Board of Directors has declared an ordinary common share dividend of $0.025 per share for the period April 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024. The dividend is payable on […]




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Mosaic Expands Environmental Liability Division

Mosaic has added 13 leading US environmental risk specialists to its team as the company drives a strategic buildout of business across the Americas A spokesperson said, “The expansion marks the next stage of rapid growth for Mosaic’s Environmental Liability division which the company launched as its seventh line of business less than two years […]




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Arch Announces Dividend, Executive Promotions

Arch Capital Group Ltd. announced a $1.9 billion special dividend and also announced executive promotions. A spokesperson said, “Arch Capital Group Ltd. [NASDAQ: ACGL, Arch or the Company] today announced that its Board of Directors [Board] has declared a special cash dividend [special dividend] of $1.9 billion to common shareholders, representing $5.00 per outstanding common share. […]




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Burnt House Captures Cliff Diving Gone Wrong

The talented team from Bermuda’s Burnt House Productions is well known for their videos depicting extreme sports, but sometimes being on the scene with a camera in hand leads to unexpected results, as evidenced by the two most recently released videos from the group. Cliff jumping has long been a particular focus for Burnt House, […]




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Leseur Finishes 2nd In Purdue Fall Individual

Kenny Leseur shot a 54-hole total of four-under 209 to finish second among the competitors at the Purdue Fall individual. Leseur earned runner-up honors at the Purdue Fall individual as a field of 36 golfers gathered on the Ackerman-Allen Golf Course while the Purdue Fall invitational was contested on Purdue’s other course. Leseur had a […]




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Aeziah Divine Eyes Regular Podium Finishes

[Written by Stephen Wright] Bermudian motorcycle racer Aeziah Divine hopes to become a perennial podium contender as he targets a top-three finish in the FAB-Racing Minibike British Championship this season. Divine, 12, is confident he can mix it with the best riders in the MK50 class as he builds towards the opening race of the campaign […]




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Divine Makes Solid Start To Motorcycle Racing

[Written by Stephen Wright] Aeziah Divine made a solid start to the FAB-Racing Minibike British Championship at the Lydd Kart Circuit in Kent last weekend. The 12-year-old, who competes in the MK50 class, finished fifth in all three races despite missing two days of practice because of mechanical issues. Divine, who qualified in sixth place, said: […]




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Divine Developing Skills In Spanish Race Series

[Written by Stephen Wright] Bermudian motorcycle racer Aeziah Divine made an encouraging start to the opening race of the MIR Racing Finetwork Cup at the Kotarr Circuit in Castile and León, Spain, recently. The 13-year-old, competing in the Moto 5 class, qualified in 23rd position out of 26 riders from ten European countries – the […]




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Divine Eager To Return To Action After Surgery

[Written by Stephen Wright] Bermudian motorcycle racer Aeziah Divine hopes for a speedy return to the MIR Racing Finetwork Cup after sustaining an injury in a training incident in Murcia, Spain, last month. The 13-year-old damaged a finger on his left hand in practice when he came off his motorcycle, and it fell onto his […]




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Divine Looking For Strong Finish To Season

[Written by Stephen Wright] Bermudian motorcycle racer Aeziah Divine is determined to make the most of his remaining Spanish MIR Racing Finetwork Cup races this season. Divine returned to action for the fifth leg of the series at the Circuito Fortuna Motor Sport in Murcia last month after recovering from a hand injury, which ruled […]




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Divine Helps Bermudian Team Reach Podium

[Written by Stephen Wright] A part Bermudian-owned motorcycle racing team featuring two local riders ended their season on the podium in the recent final round of the Freetech Endurance Championship at the Circuito de Andalucia in Almería in Spain. Team CSR #43’s line-up included Bermudians John Cook, the team co-owner, and teenage guest rider Aeziah […]




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Aeziah Divine Joins Top British Racing Team

[Written by Stephen Wright] Bermudian motorcycle racer Aeziah Divine has signed for top British development team Microlise Cresswell Racing. The 14-year-old will debut in the R&G British Talent Cup Moto3 class in the premier national championship, the Bennetts British Superbikes [BSB]. Divine met team owner John Cresswell last week to discuss future plans, including opportunities […]




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Aeziah Divine Encouraged By Season Opener

[Written by Stephen Wright] Bermudian motorcycle racer Aeziah Divine said he has taken plenty of positives from his debut for British development team Microlise Cresswell Racing in the R&G British Talent Cup first round at the Circuito de Navarra in Spain last weekend. Competing in the Moto3 class, Divine qualified in 26th position before finishing […]




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Aeziah Divine To Race At Donington In UK

Motorcycle racer Aeziah Divine will return to action in the R&G British Talent Cup second round, running from Friday [May 17] to Sunday [May 19] at Donington Park in Derby. The 14-year-old, who races for Derbyshire-based Microlise Cresswell Racing, will hope to build on his performances in the opening round at the Circuito de Navarra […]




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Video: Aeziah Divine After Racing In UK

[Written by Stephen Wright] Bermudian motorcycle racer Aeziah Divine said he gained “valuable experience” racing in the R&G British Talent Cup second round at Donington Park in Leicestershire at the weekend. Divine, who races for British development team Microlise Cresswell Racing, said he is becoming more comfortable on the Honda NSF250R bike and enjoying racing […]




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Aeziah Divine Pays Tribute To Team Boss

Bermudian motorcycle racer Aeziah Divine has shared a touching tribute to his team boss, John Cresswell, who recently passed away. Divine, who joined top British development team Microlise Cresswell Racing in February, has vowed to race in honour of Cresswell and keep his legacy alive. The 14-year-old, who lives in Oxford, England, wrote on social […]




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Aeziah Divine To Ride At Brands Hatch

[Written by Stephen Wright] Bermudian motorcycle racer Aeziah Divine will compete as a guest rider for Sencat Talent Team – Mortimer Racing in the R&G Talent Cup at the iconic Brands Hatch in Kent, England, next weekend. The 14-year-old will stand in for injured rider Alexander Rowan in the fourth round of the Moto3 class […]




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Aeziah Divine Enjoys Brands Hatch Races

[Written by Stephen Wright] Bermudian motorcycle racer Aeziah Divine said he learned plenty from his experience racing as a guest rider for Sencat Talent Team – Mortimer Racing in the R&G Talent Cup at the iconic Brands Hatch in Kent, England, at the weekend. The 14-year-old stood in for injured rider Alexander Rowan in the […]




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Aeziah Divine Ready To Race At British GP

[Written by Stephen Wright] Motorcycle racer Aeziah Divine will ride in the R&G Talent Cup round four in the Monster Energy Grand Prix MotoGP at the Silverstone GP Circuit this weekend. The 14-year-old will represent the Sencat Talent Team/Mortimer Racing – Victoria House Academy for the second successive round of the Moto3 class competition. He […]




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Silverstone GP ‘Unforgettable’ For Divine

Bermuda motorcycle racer Aeziah Divine has described competing at the Monster Energy Grand Prix MotoGP at the Silverstone GP Circuit last weekend as an “unforgettable experience.” Racing in the R&G Talent Cup round four, Divine was representing the Sencat Talent Team/Mortimer Racing – Victoria House Academy for the second successive round of the Moto3 class […]




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Aeziah Divine Races At Thruxton In UK

Bermudian motorcycle racing driver Aeziah Divine is encouraged by his progress after competing in the R&G British Talent Cup [BTC] round six at the Thruxton Circuit in Andover, Hampshire, at the weekend. The 14-year-old, representing the Sencat Talent Team/Mortimer Racing – Victoria House Academy in the Moto3 class competition, qualified in 24th for the first […]




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Aeziah Divine Reflects On Racing Season

Bermudian motorcycle racer Aeziah Divine expressed his pride in racing five of the eight rounds in the R&G British Talent Cup [BTC] this season. Divine began the season racing for Microlise Cresswell Racing, a British development team, before joining the Sencat Talent Team/Mortimer Racing – Victoria House Academy as a guest rider in the highly […]




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Which Modula 5 Mg Formulation Is Suitable For Individuals With Diabetes?

Modula 5 mg is a medication that contains Tadalafil, which is commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It works by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual activity, which helps achieve and maintain an erection. For individuals with diabetes, Tadalafil can generally be used safely, but some factors should be considered when choosing the right formulation: Factors to Consider for Individuals with Diabetes: Impact on Blood Sugar: Tadalafil itself doesn’t directly affect blood sugar levels, but individuals with diabetes need to manage their overall health, including blood sugar levels, when using medications for ED. It’s important to monitor blood glucose levels regularly while on Tadalafil. Formulation of Modula 5 mg: Modula 5 mg is typically available in tablet form. The tablet formulation is suitable for people with diabetes, as it is not known to contain sugar or carbohydrates that could directly affect blood sugar. Oral tablets like Modula 5 mg are often preferred because they allow for controlled, consistent dosing. Side Effects: People with diabetes may be more prone to certain side effects, such as dizziness, headaches, or blurred vision. These side effects are more common in individuals who have other underlying conditions (such as cardiovascular issues) that may co-occur with diabetes. It's important to start with a lower dose, like 5 mg, and adjust based on tolerance and effectiveness, in consultation with a healthcare provider. Cardiovascular Health: Diabetes often comes with an increased risk of heart disease, which is also a concern when using medications like Tadalafil. It’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider to ensure that there are no contraindications with any existing heart conditions before starting MODULA 5 MG. Other Medications: People with diabetes may be on other medications to manage their condition, such as insulin or oral medications for blood sugar control. Tadalafil can interact with certain medications, especially nitrates (used for chest pain), leading to dangerous drops in blood pressure. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that Modula 5 mg doesn’t interact with any other ongoing treatments. Recommendation for People with Diabetes: Modula 5 mg (Tadalafil) in its tablet formulation is generally a suitable option for individuals with diabetes, provided they are managing their blood sugar levels effectively and have discussed the use of this medication with their healthcare provider. If there are concerns about side effects or interactions with other medications, starting with a lower dose or exploring other alternative treatments for ED may be recommended. Key Takeaways: Modula 5 mg (Tadalafil) is safe for most individuals with diabetes, but it's crucial to check for potential interactions with diabetes medications. Monitoring blood sugar and blood pressure regularly while using Tadalafil is essential for safety. Always consult a healthcare provider to ensure the medication is appropriate based on your medical history and current treatments. If you have specific concerns, such as interactions with your diabetes medications or heart conditions, consulting with your doctor is the best course of action before starting any treatment.



  • Новичкам о портале

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Likely future German coalition divided on energy, climate

Germany's conservative CDU/CSU, led by Friedrich Merz, is expected to win the snap election on 23 February according to the latest polls but remains at odds on energy and climate policy with its most likely coalition partner: Olaf Scholz’s Social Democrats (SPD). Merz's Union is currently leading…




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Siemens Energy won't propose dividend for fiscal year 2024

In This Article: MUNICH (Reuters) - Siemens Energy has not proposed a dividend for the 2024 fiscal year, citing limitations to its payout policy as a result of obtaining project guarantees last year that are backed by the German government. A year ago, Berlin supported Siemens Energy with…




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Writer Notes: The Wicked + the Divine 25

Spoilers, obv. Let’s just dive in, eh? Jamie’s Cover One of the interesting things about comics is the solicitation process. As such, a sub-section of the fandom will be aware of a cover before it comes out (or the month before it comes out if it’s a comic which puts a NEXT MONTH cover in […]




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Out Today: The Wicked + the Divine 26 and Doctor Aphra 4

A big issue, this, both in terms of events and pages – it’s 3 pages longer than normal due to (er) me writing it longer and not realising until it was too late, and then Jamie adding an extra page for extra motorbike. Something for everyone in this, I think. Also HOT NINE PANEL GRIDS. […]




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Writer Notes: The Wicked + the Divine 26

Spoilers, obv. This felt like a big issue to us. I mean, in a literal sense it was a big issue. We normally are 20 pages of art (plus cheats). This is 23 pages of art, due to me completely fucking up and writing a 22 page script extremely early, thinking I’d go back to […]




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Out NowThe Complete Phonogram, The Wicked + the Divine 28, Doctor Aphra 6 and Mercury Heat 12

Cripes. What a big week. For more details, I direct you to my newsletter which is best for this kind of thing, but in Brief… The Complete Phonogram. 504 pages comprising all three volumes (the first coloured for the first time), all the eighty-odd previously uncollected B-sides and all in an oversized hardback format. If […]




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Writer Notes: the Wicked + the Divine 455

Spoilers, obv. The specials have been quite the time, having several ways to stress everyone the hell out. The amount of work that goes into a special is far more than any single script can justify in cold commercial terms. It’s lucky that I’m only choosing periods that I’m interested in researching to death. I […]




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People affected by dementia programme. Individual awards pilot projects: Argyll & Bute and Edinburgh. Evaluation report

This evaluation report is based on feedback from people living with dementia and carers who received an Individual Award from the Life Changes Trust. The Individual Awards Pilot Scheme was run in Argyll & Bute and Edinburgh in 2014-15 and aimed to provide a small amount of additional financial empowerment to a number of individuals whose lives have been affected by dementia, to help improve their well-being and quality of life. A secondary aim of the pilot scheme was to find out what people would spend the Award on when given relatively broad choice, and what benefit that might bring in the short and medium terms.




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Physicists ‘entangle’ individual molecules for the first time, bringing about a new platform for quantum science

The scientific feat is also "a breakthrough for practical applications because entangled molecules can be the building blocks for many future applications.” says physicist Lawrence Cheuk.




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'Emilia Pérez' is Netflix's divisive musical about a trans cartel boss

Emilia Pérez is Netflix's new divisive musical about a Mexican cartel boss who disappears from the criminal underworld to create a new life as a woman. But when her love for her kids proves overpowering, she ingratiates herself back into their lives, posing as a distant relative. The movie stars Karla Sofía Gascón, Zoe Saldaña, and Selena Gomez.




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Trump At Jacksonville Mocks Biden As ‘Lowest Energy Individual’ For Calling Campaign ‘Lid This Morning Again’

President Trump mocked Joe Biden Thursday evening for always calling a “lid” on campaign activities early in the morning, saying the Democratic presidential rival is “the lowest energy individual I’ve ever seen.” “Did you see [Biden] did a lid this morning again?” Trump told supporters during his campaign rally Thursday night at Cecil Airport hanger in Jacksonville, […]

The post Trump At Jacksonville Mocks Biden As ‘Lowest Energy Individual’ For Calling Campaign ‘Lid This Morning Again’ appeared first on Hispolitica.




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Trump lies, sows division, and wastes recovery resources as Americans suffer

Adjudicated rapist and convicted felon Donald Trump chose to politicize the Federal response to Hurricane Helene, demonstrating little concern about the actual devastation.

Responsible leaders who care about the people they govern do not leap into every photo opportunity they can find. — Read the rest

The post Trump lies, sows division, and wastes recovery resources as Americans suffer appeared first on Boing Boing.




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In conversation with Martin Griffiths: How can a divided world address conflict?

In conversation with Martin Griffiths: How can a divided world address conflict? 1 October 2024 — 10:00AM TO 11:00AM Anonymous (not verified) Chatham House and Online

The former United Nations Under-Secretary-General describes how a weakening multilateralism system and dysfunctional political diplomacy can be revitalized by a humanitarian approach.

The international community is failing to stop conflict. Despite efforts by international organisations and state actors to resolve or prevent it from breaking out, wars around the world have left millions of people suffering. Unstable governments and global insecurity are contributing to an age of poly-crisis, compounded by growing inequity and impunity.

How can a divided world work better to prevent and resolve conflict and reduce the suffering of the civilians affected?

Martin Griffiths has spent decades working within the United Nations system and other institutions on conflict resolution and humanitarian action, most recently as Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and the Emergency Relief Coordinator. He worked on peace deals in Indonesia, Spain, Thailand, Myanmar, Darfur, Syria and Yemen and responded to emergencies in Ethiopia, Haiti, Afghanistan, Syria, Ukraine, Sudan, Turkiye  and Gaza and elsewhere. In this discussion, he casts his expertise over the biggest challenges in the world today and assess the prospects for international cooperation on conflict resolution in the future.

Key questions to be discussed include:

  • How can a lasting peace be secured in the conflict between Israel and Palestine ?
  • Is the world too fragmented to prevent or resolve conflicts around the world?
  • What role can the United Nations play in today’s geopolitical environment?
  • How can the West and Global South better engage to limit conflict ?

Individual membership provides you with the complete Chatham House experience, connecting you with a unique global policy community. Find out more about membership.




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Divided US support shows time is not on Ukraine’s side

Divided US support shows time is not on Ukraine’s side Expert comment LJefferson 17 February 2023

Growing public opinion evidence and uncertainty about the future of the war suggests that continued American support for aiding Ukraine should not be assumed.

One year into Russia’s war on Ukraine, fears that American support for Kyiv would rapidly wane have proven demonstrably wrong. Western financial and military backing has been robust thanks to allied unity and an unexpectedly mild winter. But, as financial analysts constantly remind us, past performance is no guarantee of future results.

People like to back winners. If the anticipated Russian spring offensive looks successful or the counterpart Ukrainian offensive is uninspiring, expect louder US voices calling for a negotiated settlement. The warning signs are already here.

American officials privately express growing apprehension that there will be an early resolution of the conflict. As one White House official recently observed to me, by the end of the year the war could well be about where it is today. And a plurality of Americans intuitively grasp this: 46 per cent believe neither Russia nor Ukraine currently has the advantage in the conflict.

Momentum matters  

In public opinion, perception of momentum matters. Americans’ support for the Vietnam War waned as the conflict persisted, falling from six-in-ten Americans in 1965 to four-in-ten in 1973.

Similarly, backing for the Iraq war fell from more than seven-in-ten in 2003 to barely four-in-ten in 2008. And with Afghanistan, as the war dragged on, support for US involvement fell from more than nine-in-ten in 2002 to less than five-in-ten in 2021. Notably, once the American public turned on these wars, support never returned.

Of course, Americans were fighting and dying in those wars, which is not the case in the Ukraine conflict. But initially the Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan war support was buoyed by the belief that continued US engagement was justified, otherwise American sons and daughters had died in vain. With no American lives at stake in Ukraine, only financial and military resources, there is a growing wariness of throwing good money after bad.

In the last year, the share of Americans who say the United States is doing too much for Ukraine has nearly quadrupled, from seven to 26 per cent. And the portion that believe Washington has not done enough has halved, from 49 per cent to 17 per cent.

Sentiment about Ukraine support has become increasingly partisan. In March 2022, nine per cent of Republicans and five per cent of Democrats said the US was doing too much for Ukraine. By January 2023, 40 per cent of Republicans but just 15 per cent of Democrats complained Washington was doing too much.

In the last year, the share of Americans who say the United States is doing too much for Ukraine has nearly quadrupled, from 7% to 26%.

This erosion of Americans’ support for Ukraine does not bode well for the future. Less than half (48 per cent) of the public in November, compared to 58 per cent in July, believed Washington should support Ukraine for as long as it takes, even if it means American households have to pay higher gas and food prices as a consequence.

A similar share, 47 per cent – up from 38 per cent in July – said the United States should urge Ukraine to settle for peace as soon as possible so the costs aren’t so great for American households, even if that means Ukraine will lose some territory.

A partisan divide

The partisan divide over Ukraine is largely driven by Republican political rhetoric during and after the 2022 midterm elections. Current Republican Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy observed last October: ‘I think people are going to be sitting in a recession and they’re not going to write a blank cheque to Ukraine.’

More recently, in the wake of Ukrainian president Zelenskyy’s December speech to Congress, Florida Republican Representative Matt Gaetz, whose vote was pivotal in making McCarthy Speaker, tweeted: ‘Hemorrhaging billions in taxpayer dollars for Ukraine while our country is in crisis is the definition of America last.’

In January, newly-elected Ohio Republican Senator J.D. Vance told a Cleveland radio station that it was ‘ultimately not in our national security interest’ to send M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, despite the fact that they will be built by his constituents in Ohio.

In addition, ten Republican members of the House of Representatives have introduced legislation asserting ‘that the United States must end its military and financial aid to Ukraine, and urges all combatants to reach a peace agreement.’ 

And this month former President Donald Trump said: ‘That war has to stop, and it has to stop now, and it’s easy to do’ and it ‘can be negotiated within 24 hours’. Why worry about continued support for the war if it’s about to be over?

The road to 2024

With the 2024 US presidential election already revving up, Americans’ appetite for continued backing for Ukraine may hinge on how voters judge the Biden administration’s handling of the conflict.

Democrats are more than twice as likely as Republicans (61 per cent versus 27 per cent) to approve of the Biden administration’s response to the Russia invasion, suggesting Ukraine will be yet another partisan talking point as the campaign heats up. Notably, men are much more likely than women to approve of Biden’s efforts, as are older Americans compared with younger Americans.




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Harris and Trump's shared goal masks a fundamental AI policy divide

Harris and Trump's shared goal masks a fundamental AI policy divide Expert comment rgold.drupal

Both presidential candidates will pursue US tech dominance but differ on the means to achieve it.

There remain some differences between the US presidential candidates’ positions on the governance of artificial intelligence and other emerging technology, notably around competition. 

But under either future administration, US decision-making looks set to be heavily influenced by growing securitization, the aims of the US technology industry and broader competition with China. 

‘Safe’ AI development 

Vice President Kamala Harris attended the inaugural Global AI Safety summit in the UK in 2023, where she announced President Joe Biden’s Executive Order on AI. This significant move by the federal government sought to define national and cyber security guidelines for AI developers and outline privacy and transparency guarantees. It also committed the federal government to a review of the National Security implications of this emerging technology, which was published last week.

In her remarks at the summit, Harris was clear that her definitions of safety extended beyond catastrophic risk mitigation to societal and personal harm. She noted the corrosive effects of some algorithmic decision-making and disinformation on democracy, appealing for AI that is developed ‘in the service of the public interest’.

A number of initiatives developed during the Biden administration have attempted to steer emerging technology as it takes root in society. This includes the establishment of the US AI Safety Institute, various schemes on global AI governance and investment in Public AI projects like the National AI Research Resource (NAIRR).

The US public is largely supportive: polling by the AI Policy Institute (AIPI) points to a majority preference for safety standards governing the US effort to lead in AI, rather than pedal-to-the-metal development. Investment in public options on AI and the infrastructure required to develop and sustain it is a bold direction that the incoming administration should consider expanding.

Biden’s Executive Order on AI has come under fire by the Trump campaign. At a rally in Iowa, Trump explained that he would cancel the order ‘on day one’, echoing a Republican platform that described it as imposing ‘Radical Leftwing ideas’ . 

While the candidates may disagree on the role of the federal government in setting standards, there will be close alignment on the central need for US supremacy in national security.

Trump does, however, have his own track record in technology policy. During his first presidency, his administration passed an Executive Order on AI, stressing that ‘continued American leadership in Artificial Intelligence is of paramount importance to maintaining the economic and national security of the United States’. The tools and institutions announced as part of the order – including AI research investment, national AI research institutes and AI regulatory guidance including on federal use of AI – echo those of the current administration. 

Four years is a long time in AI, however. As the power of this technology is revealed, talk of safety may give way to talk of security. While the candidates may disagree on the role of the federal government in setting standards, there will be close alignment on the central need for US supremacy in national security. Neither administration seems likely to erect barriers to securitization of AI should it emerge as a critical strategic asset.

AI regulation at home 

American industry will remain the pivotal force shaping the US AI ecosystem, particularly as America jostles for position as the maker of the global rules governing AI. A notable aspect of Biden’s AI Executive Order was where it staked responsibility. Reports by AI and Cloud companies on the safety of their tools and infrastructure are sent to the Department of Commerce.

Under Secretary Gina Raimondo, whose star continues to rise, the department has become significantly more engaged with technology companies. In the absence of any other legal authority, AI governance has therefore sat under the purview of a secretary who herself has noted that they are ‘not a regulator’. 

The trend of industry leaders driving the government agenda on AI is replicated in other departments. There was an outcry over the composition of the new Department of Homeland Security advisory panel, the Artificial Intelligence and Security Board, with civil society groups concerned about the preponderance of industry voices: the 22-member panel includes the CEOs of OpenAI, Anthropic, NVIDIA, IBM, AWS, Adobe, Microsoft and Alphabet.

Under a Harris presidency, these trends seem likely to continue. Plus with deadlock in Congress probable, establishing new legal authorities for emerging technology will be difficult. That will likely mean emerging tech governance remains heavily influenced by the Department for Commerce. 

The Biden administration has courted the CEOs of AI companies who have historically spoken out in favour of regulation. Trump’s allies tend towards a more deregulatory agenda.

Like Harris, Trump has his allies in industry. While the Biden administration has courted the CEOs of AI companies who have historically spoken out in favour of regulation, Trump’s allies tend towards a more deregulatory agenda. 

Silicon Valley billionaires Elon Musk and Marc Andreessen have backed Trump’s plans to minimize AI regulation, lauding his support for ‘little tech’. They have also backed reported plans for so-called ‘Manhattan Projects to develop military technology, stewarded by ‘industry-led’ agencies. Trump’s aversion to strong regulatory institutions may mean an end to Biden’s anti-trust efforts, benefitting the biggest voices in the room, though his VP pick may disagree. JD Vance has somewhat surprisingly come out strongly in defence of the current chair of the Federal Trade Commission, Lina Khan, and her anti-trust efforts targeting US big tech.

Regardless, business interests will likely shape either a Harris or Trump administration’s approach as the US grapples with balancing the ambitions of its industry with an increasingly protectionist stance towards its biggest import market, China.

Competition abroad

China looms large in the imaginations of both campaigns. 

The US has signalled to its allies that American AI standards should replace Chinese standards. Export controls on semiconductors were expanded in September this year, with key voices in the industry – notably the Netherlands, Japan and South Korea – describing the restrictions as ‘economically motivated’ despite nominally being tied to national security by the US. 




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Egypt in 2018: Elections, Divisions and Suppression




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A Divided Island: Sri Lanka's Constitutional Crisis




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A Gulf Divided: The Anatomy of a Crisis






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The bacterial cell division protein fragment EFtsN binds to and activates the major peptidoglycan synthase PBP1b [Metabolism]

Peptidoglycan (PG) is an essential constituent of the bacterial cell wall. During cell division, the machinery responsible for PG synthesis localizes mid-cell, at the septum, under the control of a multiprotein complex called the divisome. In Escherichia coli, septal PG synthesis and cell constriction rely on the accumulation of FtsN at the division site. Interestingly, a short sequence of FtsN (Leu75–Gln93, known as EFtsN) was shown to be essential and sufficient for its functioning in vivo, but what exactly this sequence is doing remained unknown. Here, we show that EFtsN binds specifically to the major PG synthase PBP1b and is sufficient to stimulate its biosynthetic glycosyltransferase (GTase) activity. We also report the crystal structure of PBP1b in complex with EFtsN, which demonstrates that EFtsN binds at the junction between the GTase and UB2H domains of PBP1b. Interestingly, mutations to two residues (R141A/R397A) within the EFtsN-binding pocket reduced the activation of PBP1b by FtsN but not by the lipoprotein LpoB. This mutant was unable to rescue the ΔponB-ponAts strain, which lacks PBP1b and has a thermosensitive PBP1a, at nonpermissive temperature and induced a mild cell-chaining phenotype and cell lysis. Altogether, the results show that EFtsN interacts with PBP1b and that this interaction plays a role in the activation of its GTase activity by FtsN, which may contribute to the overall septal PG synthesis and regulation during cell division.




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Novel Proteomic Profiling of Epididymal Extracellular Vesicles in the Domestic Cat Reveals Proteins Related to Sequential Sperm Maturation with Differences Observed between Normospermic and Teratospermic Individuals

Tricia Rowlison
Dec 1, 2020; 19:2090-2103
Research




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Chemoprevention of colorectal cancer in individuals with previous colorectal neoplasia: systematic review and network meta-analysis