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In show of support, British PM meets Ukraine's Zelenskiy in Kyiv | At a meeting shrouded in secrecy until Johnson appeared in the Ukrainian capital, the two leaders cemented the close ties they have nurtured since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24. The move caps weeks of lobbying by Johnson to meet Zelenskiy.
With both men standing at podiums in front of cameras, they praised each other for their cooperation since the Russian invasion, which Moscow calls a `` special operation '' to demilitarise and `` denazify '' its neighbour. Zelenskiy rejects the description, saying Russia is bent on destroying his country.
`` We must put more and more pressure on the Russian Federation, work harder to help the people of Ukraine defend it against the Russian Federation, and step up sanctions, '' Zelenskiy said.
`` Other democratic Western states should follow the example of Great Britain. It's time to impose a complete ban on Russian energy supplies, and increase the delivery of weapons to us. ''
Johnson replied: `` Together with our partners, we are going to ratchet up the economic pressure and we will continue to intensify, week by week, the sanctions on Russia. ''
He added that the measures would include moving away from the use of Russian hydrocarbons.
Earlier, his Downing Street office said Britain would provide the country with 120 armoured vehicles and new anti-ship missile systems.
Johnson's aides say the two leaders have spoken almost daily since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The British leader, under pressure over alleged parties at his Downing Street residence during a COVID-19 lockdown, has been vocal in his support of Zelenskiy.
Earlier on Saturday, the Ukrainian leader's office published pictures showing the two men chatting across a table.
Johnson met Zelenskiy `` in a show of solidarity with the Ukrainian people '', a Downing Street spokesperson said.
On Zelenskiy's Telegram channel, Johnson was described as `` one of the most principled opponents of the Russian invasion, a leader in putting sanctions on Russia and providing defensive support to Ukraine ''.
( Reporting by Pavel Polityuk, Elizabeth Piper, William Schomberg and Natalia Zinets; Writing by Nerijus Adomaitis; Editing by Angus MacSwan, Alex Richardson and Jan Harvey) | business |
Saudi Arabia to allow one million hajj pilgrims this year | Hi, what are you looking for?
Saudi Arabia said Saturday it will permit one million Muslims from inside and outside the country to participate in this year’ s hajj.
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Saudi Arabia said Saturday it will permit one million Muslims from inside and outside the country to participate in this year’ s hajj, a sharp uptick after pandemic restrictions forced two years of drastically pared-down pilgrimages.
The hajj ministry “ has authorised one million pilgrims, both foreign and domestic, to perform the hajj this year, ” it said in a statement.
One of the five pillars of Islam, the hajj must be undertaken by all Muslims with the means at least once in their lives. Usually one of the world’ s largest religious gatherings, about 2.5 million people took part in 2019.
But after the onset of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, Saudi authorities allowed only 1,000 pilgrims to participate.
The following year, they upped the total to 60,000 fully vaccinated citizens and residents chosen through a lottery.
This year’ s hajj, which will take place in July, will be limited to vaccinated pilgrims under age 65, Saturday’ s announcement said.
Those coming from outside Saudi Arabia will be required to submit a negative Covid-19 PCR result from a test taken within 72 hours of travel.
The government wants to promote pilgrims’ safety “ while ensuring that the maximum number of Muslims worldwide can perform the hajj ”, Saturday’ s statement said.
– Easing restrictions –
The hajj consists of a series of religious rites that are completed over five days in Islam’ s holiest city, Mecca, and surrounding areas of western Saudi Arabia.
Hosting the hajj is a matter of prestige for Saudi rulers, as the custodianship of Islam’ s holiest sites is the most powerful source of their political legitimacy.
Before the pandemic, Muslim pilgrimages were key revenue earners for the kingdom, bringing in some $ 12 billion annually.
The restrictions in 2020 and 2021 stoked resentment among Muslims abroad who were barred.
The kingdom of approximately 34 million people has so far recorded more than 751,000 coronavirus cases, including 9,055 deaths, according to health ministry data.
In early March it announced the lifting of most Covid restrictions including social distancing in public spaces and quarantine for vaccinated arrivals, moves that were expected to facilitate the arrival of Muslim pilgrims.
The decision included suspending “ social distancing measures in all open and closed places ” including mosques, while masks are now only required in closed spaces.
With 2,400 staff representing 100 different nationalities, AFP covers the world as a leading global news agency. AFP provides fast, comprehensive and verified coverage of the issues affecting our daily lives.
That’ s the real danger. Nobody trusts Russian judgment anymore.
The UN refugee agency UNHCR says 4,656,509 Ukrainians have fled since Russia invaded on February 24 - Copyright AFP FARJANA K. GODHULYRobin MILLARDMore than...
President Joe Biden for the first time accused Vladimir Putin's forces of committing genocide in Ukraine.
AI, facial recognition, and biometrics can help the world get back to work.
COPYRIGHT © 1998 - 2022 DIGITAL JOURNAL INC. Digital Journal is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more about our external linking. | general |
ECB Grapples With War Gloom in Shadow of Knight: Eco Week Ahead | The information you requested is not available at this time, please check back again soon.
Flags of the European Union ( EU) outside the headquarters of the European Central Bank ( ECB) in Frankfurt, Germany, on Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021. Euro-area economic activity slowed as rising coronavirus cases hurt service providers to offset an improvement in manufacturing output., Bloomberg
( Bloomberg) -- The European Central Bank isn’ t likely to rush to new decisions this week as record inflation in the euro zone and a war raging just over its frontier leave officials navigating a fog of uncertainty.
With the Governing Council having already accelerated a wind-down of stimulus in March, investors will focus on how President Christine Lagarde and her colleagues gauge the need for interest-rate hikes later this year, looking out too for any hint on contingencies for market turmoil.
While the fastest inflation in the euro’ s history, stoked by energy costs, has galvanized officials toward tightening, the conflict still leaves them plagued with doubt about the impact. In March, one of them drew on the work of 20th century U.S. economist Frank Knight to describe the predicament.
“ It was suggested that, in these conditions, the ECB was grappling with ‘ Knightian uncertainty’, ie a type of uncertainty that was not quantifiable. Fears and concerns associated with the war could not easily be captured by standard models. ”
The ECB’ s relatively muted policy reaction contrasts with the more aggressive response of central banks physically further removed from the war. The U.S. Federal Reserve has already raised rates, New Zealand may hike again on Wednesday and hours later, the Bank of Canada might even accelerate tightening with a 50 basis-point move.
For euro-zone officials, however, their decision on Thursday is likely to mark another moment of angst contemplating a unique shock that threatens both price stability and economic growth in a region still scarred by the coronavirus ordeal. And in a vivid reminder of how that problem still lingers, Lagarde said last week that she too has Covid-19.
“ Lagarde signaled in March that the Governing Council intends to stay on the course of monetary normalization, despite the war in Ukraine. Bloomberg Economics expects her to reiterate that stance. ”
-- David Powell, senior European economist. For full analysis, click here
Among other decisions in the coming week, China’ s central bank might cut rates while Israel’ s may raise. Elsewhere, data in both the U.S. and U.K. may show new highs for inflation.
Click here for what happened last week and below is our wrap of what is coming up in the global economy.
Data on Tuesday is projected to show U.S. inflation continued to accelerate in March. The closely watched consumer price index is forecast to have risen 8.4% from a year ago, the most since the early 1980s, and 1.2% from a month earlier. The monthly gain, expected to include higher energy costs, would be the biggest since 2005.
The holiday-shortened trading week will also include figures on consumer demand at the end of the first quarter. While higher gasoline prices probably helped lift the value of retail sales last month, a core gauge is forecast to be little changed in March.
Charles Evans, Lael Brainard and Patrick Harker are among Fed policy makers scheduled to speak.
In Canada, meanwhile, inflation concerns are likely to drive its central bank to become the first in the Group of Seven since the pandemic to push ahead with a half-percentage point rate hike. Investors in overnight swaps are pricing in about a three-quarters chance of such an out-sized increase.
The Bank of Canada began its hiking cycle last month, raising the policy rate to 0.5% from the emergency low of 0.25%. Trading in overnight swaps suggest it will climb to almost 3% over the next 12 months -- a tightening pace that hasn’ t been seen in decades.
China gets the week started with consumer and producer price readings on Monday that are set to show a slight moderation in industrial inflation.
Credit and trade data follow, while the central bank will have a chance to lower borrowing costs when it sets rates in its medium term lending facility at the end of the week.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand looks set to raise rates by a quarter-point on Wednesday as it continues to drive the leading group of policy tighteners tackling inflation in Asia-Pacific.
The Bank of Korea, another pacesetter in the region, meets the next day and also has reasons to hike again after price growth topped 4% for the first time in a more than a decade. But with Rhee Chang-yong yet to be confirmed as the BOK’ s new chief, a governor-less board may end up holding again.
The Bank of Japan will be closely watching markets again, with yields and the yen still close to key pressure points. Governor Haruhiko Kuroda speaks with his branch managers about the state of Japan’ s economy on Monday.
Employment figures for Australia on Thursday could further ramp up speculation of an RBA policy move if they show another improvement as a federal election looms.
Singapore on Thursday is expected to tighten policy settings further as it shifts its focus toward fighting imported inflation pressures.
Talks between representatives of Sri Lanka and the IMF are expected to get under way Monday in Washington, which could provide signals to bondholders on whether it’ s heading for a default or debt restructuring.
With the first round of the French election on Sunday, the verdict on President Emmanuel Macron’ s bid for a second term may dominate the news in the euro zone at the start of a week largely curtailed throughout the region by Easter.
Data reports in the U.K. start with February gross domestic product on Monday and labor statistics on Tuesday. All economists surveyed on the inflation data on Wednesday predict yet another acceleration. The median is for 6.7%, with the highest forecast from Kallum Pickering at Berenberg, anticipating 8%.
Elsewhere, the Bank of Israel is expected to raise rates for the first time in more than three years on Monday. Most analysts predict a rate hike of 15 basis points, but some expect more aggressive action.
Data the same day in Egypt is expected to show inflation in urban centers accelerated in March, mainly due to seasonal food-price rises and a hike in tobacco prices. The ramifications of the spike in global commodity prices and the recent pound devaluation are likely to be more pronounced starting from April.
Turkey is expected to keep rates on hold on Thursday despite a worsening outlook for inflation, which soared to a fresh two-decade high in March.
Uganda’ s central bank is likely to keep its benchmark rate unchanged for a fifth straight meeting to support economic growth, as an acceleration in inflation lags behind most other countries and, at 3.7%, is well below its medium-term target of 5%.
Mexico starts the week with manufacturing and industrial output results for February, followed by March same-store sales. While analysts expect some improvement in this batch of readings, accumulating headwinds have economists marking down 2022 growth forecasts.
Look for strong readings out of Colombia for February, with omicron in retreat and the impact of Russia’ s war on Ukraine yet to hit.
Retail sales, manufacturing and industrial output have been running at historically high levels over the last year, consistent with 2022 GDP growth forecasts of better than 4%.
The minutes of the March 29 meeting of Chile’ s central bank will be a must-read after policy makers signaled that an end to their aggressive tightening cycle may be nearing.
Argentina’ s 22nd agreement with the International Monetary Fund sets an inflation goal for 2022 of 38% to 48%. Early estimates for the March print of the national consumer price index see it hitting 54%.
Brazil posts a flurry of reports, including retail sales, lending, current account, foreign direct investment and budget metrics before closing the week with GDP-proxy data.
Economic activity in January was lower than expected and indications point to a further drop in the February figures posted Thursday.
Canada joins U.S., U.K. in diplomatic boycott of Beijing games
Trudeau weighs auto-content rules as next U.S. trade flashpoint | general |
Participants of clinical trials to get Turkovac COVID-19 vaccine as booster dose in Azerbaijan | People who participate in the Phase III clinical trial of Turkey's Turkovac COVID-19 vaccine in Azerbaijan will be able to get it as a booster dose, Azerbaijan's Health Minister Teymur Musayev told reporters, Trend reports.
He stated that the Phase III clinical trial of the Turkovac COVID-19 vaccine is currently underway in Azerbaijan.
`` In accordance with the agreement, clinical trials are carried out in the Baku Health Center. The results of the vaccine testing will be provided to Turkey, and only then an official statement will be made to the public, '' Musayev said.
The minister added that Azerbaijan was one of the first countries in the world to launch the vaccination campaign against COVID-19.
`` Both Azerbaijani citizens and foreigners have access to COVID-19 vaccines in the country, '' Musayev added. | general |
Junshi Biosciences and Coherus Present Results of Phase 3 | SHANGHAI, China, and REDWOOD CITY, Calif., April 09, 2022 ( GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Shanghai Junshi Biosciences Co., Ltd ( “ Junshi Biosciences ”, HKEX: 1877; SSE: 688180) and Coherus BioSciences, Inc. ( “ Coherus ”) announced the results of the prespecified final progression-free survival ( “ PFS ”) analysis and the interim overall survival ( “ OS ”) analysis of the JUPITER-02 study ( NCT03581786), a pivotal Phase 3 trial in first-line treatment of recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma ( “ NPC ”). The JUPITER-02 results are summarized in a poster presentation at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research ( “ AACR ”).
In the final PFS analysis, results from JUPITER-02 demonstrated that toripalimab in combination with chemotherapy provided a statistically significant improvement in PFS assessed by the blinded independent review committee ( “ BIRC ”) compared to chemotherapy plus placebo, with an improvement in median PFS of 13.2 months ( 21.4 versus 8.2 months). Furthermore, the addition of toripalimab to chemotherapy provided significant improvements in the secondary endpoints of PFS assessed by the investigator, objective response rate ( “ ORR ”) and duration of response ( “ DoR ”), while maintaining a safety profile consistent with that in previously reported toripalimab clinical trials. Although the median OS ( “ mOS ”) was not yet mature in either arm, the interim OS analysis showed a trend favoring the toripalimab arm and will be formally tested in a prespecified final analysis.
“ First-line treatment options for advanced NPC remain limited for this difficult-to-treat tumor, resulting in poor outcomes for patients due to therapeutic resistance to chemotherapy, which is the current standard of care, ” said Professor Ruihua Xu, the poster’ s corresponding author from Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ( SYSUCC). “ The JUPITER-02 results validate the potential advancement that toripalimab in combination with chemotherapy would represent as a new standard-of-care first-line therapy for patients with advanced NPC. ”
Rosh Dias, MD, MRCP, Coherus’ Chief Medical Officer, added, “ Innovative immuno-oncology approaches including anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody treatments represent a promising new option for advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma, for which there are currently no approved immuno-oncology treatments in the United States. The significant improvement demonstrated in JUPITER-02 with the combination of toripalimab and chemotherapy across key clinically meaningful endpoints compared to chemotherapy alone supports its use as a potential new standard of care treatment option for advanced NPC. ”
“ We are excited that the updated results from JUPITER-02 confirm that the addition of toripalimab to chemotherapy significantly extends the median PFS of patients with advanced NPC by more than a year, ” said Dr. Patricia Keegan, Chief Medical Officer of Junshi Biosciences. “ We believe that toripalimab can revolutionize the treatment of advanced NPC and are working closely with the FDA and our partner, Coherus, to provide the first approved therapy for patients with this rare disease in the U.S. ”
The United States Food and Drug Administration ( “ FDA ”) granted breakthrough therapy designation for toripalimab in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin as first-line treatment for patients with advanced recurrent or metastatic NPC and for toripalimab monotherapy for second-line or later treatment of recurrent or metastatic NPC after platinum-containing chemotherapy. A biologics license application ( “ BLA ”) for these indications is under priority review by the FDA. Junshi Biosciences and Coherus are working closely with the FDA to complete the review process and schedule any required inspections in China.
JUPITER-02, conducted in mainland China, Taiwan and Singapore, is the largest Phase 3 clinical study to date to evaluate a checkpoint inhibitor plus chemotherapy for the first-line treatment of recurrent or metastatic NPC. Two hundred eighty-nine patients with advanced NPC who had received no prior chemotherapy for recurrent or metastatic disease were randomized 1:1 to receive toripalimab 240 mg or placebo in combination with gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 ( d1, 8) and cisplatin 80 mg/m2 ( d1), Q3W followed by toripalimab or placebo monotherapy until disease progression, intolerable toxicity or completion of two years of treatment. PFS and response were assessed by the BIRC and by the investigator per RECIST v1.1. There was one prespecified interim analysis of PFS at 130 ( 65%) PFS events and a final analysis at 200 PFS events.
At the final PFS analysis ( cut-off date June 8, 2021), the median follow-up time was 22.1 months for the toripalimab arm and 21.4 months for the placebo arm.
About toripalimabToripalimab is an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody developed for its ability to block PD-1 interactions with its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, and for enhanced receptor internalization ( endocytosis function). Blocking PD-1 interactions with PD-L1 and PD-L2 promotes the immune system’ s ability to attack and kill tumor cells.
More than thirty company-sponsored toripalimab clinical studies covering more than fifteen indications have been conducted globally by Junshi Biosciences, including in China, the United States, Southeast Asia, and European countries. Ongoing or completed pivotal clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of toripalimab cover a broad range of tumor types including cancers of the lung, nasopharynx, esophagus, stomach, bladder, breast, liver, kidney and skin.
In China, toripalimab was the first domestic anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody approved for marketing ( approved in China as TUOYI®). Currently, there are four approved indications for toripalimab in China:
The first three indications have been included in the National Reimbursement Drug List ( NRDL) ( 2021 Edition). Toripalimab is the only anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody included in the NRDL for melanoma and NPC.
In the United States, the FDA has granted priority review for the toripalimab BLA for the treatment of recurrent or metastatic NPC, an aggressive head and neck tumor which has no FDA-approved immuno-oncology treatment options. The FDA has assigned a Prescription Drug User Fee Act ( “ PDUFA ”) target action date for April 2022 for the toripalimab BLA. The FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy designation for toripalimab in combination with chemotherapy for the first-line treatment of recurrent or metastatic NPC in 2021 as well as for toripalimab monotherapy in the second or third-line treatment of recurrent or metastatic NPC in 2020. Additionally, the FDA has granted Fast Track designation for toripalimab for the treatment of mucosal melanoma and Orphan Drug Designation for the treatment of esophageal cancer, NPC, mucosal melanoma and soft tissue sarcoma. In 2021, Coherus in-licensed rights to develop and commercialize toripalimab in the United States and Canada. Junshi Biosciences and Coherus plan to file additional toripalimab BLAs with the FDA over the next three years for multiple other cancer types.
About Junshi BiosciencesFounded in December 2012, Junshi Biosciences ( HKEX: 1877; SSE: 688180) is an innovation-driven biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative therapeutics. The company has established a diversified R & D pipeline comprising over 50 drug candidates, with five therapeutic focus areas covering cancer, autoimmune, metabolic, neurological, and infectious diseases. Junshi Biosciences was the first Chinese pharmaceutical company that obtained marketing approval for anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody in China. Its first-in-human anti-BTLA monoclonal antibody for tumors was the first in the world to be approved for clinical trials by the FDA and NMPA and has since entered Phase Ib/II trials in both China and the US. Its anti-PCSK9 monoclonal antibody was the first in China to be approved for clinical trials by the NMPA.
In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, Junshi Biosciences responded swiftly and strongly, joining forces with Chinese and international scientific research institutions and enterprises to develop an arsenal of drug candidates to combat COVID-19, taking the initiative to shoulder the social responsibility of Chinese pharmaceutical companies by prioritizing and accelerating COVID-19 R & D. Among the many drug candidates is JS016 ( etesevimab), China’ s first neutralizing fully human monoclonal antibody against SARS-CoV-2 and the result of the combined efforts of Junshi Biosciences, the Institute of Microbiology of the Chinese Academy of Science and Lilly. JS016 administered with bamlanivimab has been granted Emergency Use Authorizations ( EUA) in over 15 countries and regions worldwide. Meanwhile, VV116, a new oral nucleoside analog anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug designed to hinder virus replication, is in global Phase III clinical trials. The JS016 and VV116 programs are a part of the company’ s continuous innovation for disease control and prevention of the global pandemic.
Junshi Biosciences has more than 2,800 employees in the United States ( San Francisco and Maryland) and China ( Shanghai, Suzhou, Beijing and Guangzhou). For more information, please visit: http: //junshipharma.com.
About Coherus BioSciencesCoherus is a commercial stage biopharmaceutical company building a leading immuno-oncology franchise funded with cash generated by its commercial biosimilar business. In 2021, Coherus in-licensed toripalimab, an anti-PD-1 antibody, in the United States and Canada. A biologics license application for toripalimab for the treatment of metastatic or recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma is currently under priority review by the FDA with a target action date of April 2022. Toripalimab is also being evaluated in pivotal clinical trials for the treatment of cancers of the lung, breast, liver, skin, kidney, stomach, esophagus, and bladder.
Coherus markets UDENYCA® ( pegfilgrastim-cbqv), a biosimilar of Neulasta® in the United States, and expects to launch the FDA-approved Humira® biosimilar YUSIMRY™ ( adalimumab-aqvh) in the United States in 2023. The FDA is currently reviewing the biologics license application for CHS-201, a biosimilar of Lucentis® ( ranibizumab), with a target action date of August 2022. Coherus is also developing CHS-305, a biosimilar of Avastin® ( bevacizumab).
Forward-Looking StatementsExcept for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the `` safe harbor '' provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, statements regarding Coherus’ ability to build its immuno-oncology franchise to achieve a leading market position; Coherus’ ability to generate cash; Coherus’ investment plans; Coherus’ expectations for the launch date of YUSIMRY™ and other products; Coherus’ plans to file additional BLAs for toripalimab; beliefs about toripalimab’ s ability to enhance treatment of patients; and potential for toripalimab plus chemotherapy to represent a new standard of care in the future.
Such forward-looking statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause Coherus’ actual results, performance or achievements to differ significantly from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, the risks and uncertainties inherent in the clinical drug development process; risks relating to the COVID-19 pandemic; risks related to our existing and potential collaboration partners; risks of the drug development position of Coherus’ competitors; the risks and uncertainties of the regulatory approval process, including the speed of regulatory review, international aspects of Coherus’ business, the need to schedule inspections in China and the timing of Coherus’ regulatory filings; the risk of FDA review issues; the risk of Coherus’ execution of its change in strategy from a focus on biosimilars to a strategy using cash from its portfolio to fund an immuno-oncology franchise; the risk that Coherus is unable to complete commercial transactions and other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of Coherus’ drug candidates; and the risks and uncertainties of possible litigation. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. Coherus undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. For a further description of the significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to Coherus’ business in general, see Coherus’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 23, 2022, including the section therein captioned “ Risk Factors ” and in other documents Coherus files with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
UDENYCA®, YUSIMRY™ and CIMERLI™, whether or not appearing in large print or with the trademark symbol, are trademarks of Coherus, its affiliates, related companies or its licensors or joint venture partners, unless otherwise noted. Trademarks and trade names of other companies appearing in this press release are, to the knowledge of Coherus, the property of their respective owners.
Coherus Contact Information: IR Contact: McDavid StilwellChief Financial OfficerCoherus BioSciences, Inc.IR @ coherus.com
Media Contact: Brian GrancagnoloBrian.Grancagnolo @ hkstrategies.com
Junshi Biosciences Contact InformationIR Team: Junshi Biosciencesinfo @ junshipharma.com+ 86 021-2250 0300
Goby GlobalBob Aibai @ gobyglobal.com+ 1 646-389-6658
PR Team: Junshi BiosciencesZhi Lizhi li @ junshipharma.com+ 86 021-6105 8800 | general |
AnPac Bio Appoints Dr. Aidong Chen as New Chief Executive | April 08, 2022 21:12 ET | Source: AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd. AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd.
PHILADELPHIA, April 08, 2022 ( GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co., Ltd. ( “ AnPac Bio, ” the “ Company ” or “ we ”) ( ANPC), a biotechnology company with operations in the United States and China focused on early cancer screening and detection, announced that Dr. Aidong Chen has joined the Company as its board director, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors. Dr. Aidong Chen has been a practicing physician and researcher for over 10 years. He has received over 20 global patents on his work and published 91 papers over his career. Dr. Chen has been affiliated with many leading hospitals, including Yijishan Hospital, and Nanjing Medical University. He has replaced Dr. Chris Yu, Company’ s founder, who resigned as board director, CEO and Chairman of the Board of the Company. As head of China operations of the Company, Dr. Yu will remain with the Company in a senior management role to focus on growing business in China.
The Company will also be adding Sheng “ Dorothy ” Liu to the Board of Directors, who will be replacing Mr. Chao Feng. Ms. Liu is currently the CEO of Zhongjintai Venture Capital ( Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., a venture capital firm in Shenzhen. She has worked in finance and consulting, including in private equity, for almost ten years. Ms. Liu will be an independent director and will also serve as a member of the Compensation Committee and Chairperson of the Nominating Committee.
AnPac Bio is a biotechnology company focused on early cancer screening and detection, with 150 issued patents as of September 30, 2021. With two certified clinical laboratories in China and one CLIA and CAP accredited clinical laboratory in the United States, AnPac Bio performs a suite of cancer screening and detection tests, including CDA ( Cancer Differentiation Analysis), bio-chemical, immunological, and genomics tests. According to a report by Frost & Sullivan, AnPac Bio ranked first globally in multi-cancer screening and detection test sample volume ( accumulative to January 2021). AnPac Bio’ s CDA technology platform has been shown in retrospective validation studies to be able to detect the risk of over 20 different cancer types with high sensitivity and specificity.
For more information, please visit: https: //www.Anpacbio.com.
Phil Case, Marketing and Investor RelationsPhone: +1-267-810-6776 ( US) Email: phil case @ AnPacbio.com
Ascent Investor Relations LLCTina Xiao, PresidentPhone: +1-917-609-0333 ( US) Email: tina.xiao @ ascent-ir.com
This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are made under the “ safe harbor ” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are relating to the Company’ s future financial and operating performance. The Company has attempted to identify forward-looking statements by terminologies including “ believes, ” “ estimates, ” “ anticipates, ” “ expects, ” “ plans, ” “ projects, ” “ intends, ” “ potential, ” “ target, ” “ aim, ” “ predict, ” “ outlook, ” “ seek, ” “ goal ” “ objective, ” “ assume, ” “ contemplate, ” “ continue, ” “ positioned, ” “ forecast, ” “ likely, ” “ may, ” “ could, ” “ might, ” “ will, ” “ should, ” “ approximately ” or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations, assumptions and uncertainties involving judgments about, among other things, future economic, competitive and market conditions and future business decisions, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many of which are beyond the Company’ s control. These statements also involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company’ s actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statement. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, our ability to comply with Nasdaq Listing Rules, the implementation of our business model and growth strategies; trends and competition in the cancer screening and detection market; our expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of our cancer screening and detection tests and our ability to expand our customer base; our ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property protections for our CDA technology and our continued research and development to keep pace with technology developments; our ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approvals from the NMPA, the FDA and the relevant U.S. states and have our laboratories certified or accredited by authorities including the CLIA; our future business development, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to obtain financing cost-effectively; potential changes of government regulations; general economic and business conditions in China and elsewhere; our ability to hire and maintain key personnel; our relationship with our major business partners and customers; and the duration of the coronavirus outbreaks and their potential adverse impact on the economic conditions and financial markets and our business and financial performance, such as resulting from reduced commercial activities due to quarantines and travel restrictions instituted by China, the U.S. and many other countries around the world to contain the spread of the virus. Additionally, all forward-looking statements are subject to the “ Risk Factors ” detailed from time to time in the Company’ s most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Because of these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions, undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements. In addition, these statements speak only as of the date of this press release and, except as may be required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason. | general |
U.K.’ s Unemployed Face Biggest Drop in Benefits in 50 Years | The information you requested is not available at this time, please check back again soon.
A morning commuter on London Bridge heads towards the City of London, U.K., on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022. Britain's labor market grew strongly despite a surge in coronavirus infections late last year, with vacancies hitting a record 1.25 million in the fourth quarter and unemployment falling unexpectedly., Bloomberg
( Bloomberg) -- Britain’ s unemployed face a further blow on Monday when the value of their welfare benefits is set to fall the most in half a century, according to new research.
Analysis by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation shows the decline comes with the real value of out-of-work benefits already at historically low levels because the Treasury froze payouts or increased them by less than the rate of inflation for much of the past decade.
The findings published on Sunday will pile further pressure on Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak, who decided to exclude the out-of-work population from his recent aid package to help people struggling with the cost of living crisis.
A 3.1% increase in jobless benefits that comes into effect tomorrow is based on inflation in September last year. That’ s far below 7.7% that prices are likely to rise this month -- with the risk that inflation will accellerate further this year.
The anti-poverty campaign group said the real-terms decline this year is the largest since 1972 and risks pulling 600,000 people into poverty, a quarter of them children. Claimants will have to wait at least another year for the value of benefits to catch up with prices.
Peter Matejic, deputy director for evidence and impact at JRF, said it’ s “ difficult to comprehend ” Sunak’ s decision not to lift benefits in line with inflation. He accused the government of hitting the poorest at the worst possible moment.
“ A decade of cuts and freezes to benefits have left many people in our society in increasingly desperate situations, struggling to afford food, energy and basic hygiene products, ” he said. “ Without urgent action from the government, the stark reality is that the situation could get much worse. ”
While the feds touted the spending in its budget as prudent, prominent Bay Street economist David Rosenberg said the extra fiscal stimulus could lead the Bank of Canada to hike its benchmark rate higher than originally thought.
Canada’ s unemployment rate fell to the lowest level since at least the mid-1970s, as the laboUr market posted another strong monthly employment gain.
Average Canadians might not realize how big a stake they have in the country’ s largest banks in their retirement portfolios; either directly in their RRSPs and TFSAs, or indirectly through mutual funds, ETFs, and pension plans.
Businesses are struggling to cope with an apparent sixth wave of COVID, as staffing shortages hamper sectors from health care to hospitality and retail — though the interruption remains more manageable than last winter's Omicron variant surge. | general |
Adam Posen Says Backlash to Globalization Is U.S. Economic Risk | The information you requested is not available at this time, please check back again soon.
Michael P. Regan and Vildana Hajric, Bloomberg News
Adam Posen, president of the Peterson Institute For International Economics, speaks during the Brussels Economic Forum in Brussels, Belgium, on Thursday, June 1, 2017. It may take the U.K. as long as five years to leave the European Union, with the process set to do major harm to both parties, billionaire investor George Soros said, urging the world’ s biggest trading bloc to avoid penalizing Britain and instead focus on reforming itself., Bloomberg
( Bloomberg) -- Terms like “ globalization ” and “ globalists ” have become dirty words to some politicians in recent years. But what is really at stake if the U.S. attempts to further isolate itself from the rest of world’ s economy?
Adam Posen, president of the Peterson Institute for International Economics think tank in Washington, believes it means America will fall further behind the rest of the world in important economic categories. Posen joined the “ What Goes Up ” podcast to discuss the backlash to globalization, and how Russia’ s invasion of Ukraine is further fracturing the global economy. Below are lightly edited and condensed highlights of the conversation. Click here to listen to the whole podcast, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.
Q: I was thinking back to the 1970s and ‘ 80s and there was a major pushback to globalization back then. Japan was emerging as a major manufacturing powerhouse. There was a lot of resentment toward OPEC because of the oil embargoes of the 1970s. And there was very much this sort of nationalist “ Made in America ” push. And year after year, you’ d hear politicians saying, “ I’ m gon na fix this. We’ re going to bring back manufacturing. We’ re going to bring back the steel mills and everything else, all these other good blue collar jobs. ” But it all ended up being just talk, right? And through the years, it seemed like a further integration of the U.S. and the global economy was almost inevitable. So is this episode we’ re experiencing now, really which started under the Trump administration, is this a game changer? Or is it sort of the same idea that there’ s this pushback, but the gravity of globalization will take over again and the world will bend toward that outcome eventually?
A. It’ s actually a little worse than you portray it. It isn’ t just since Trump. We published some research about two years ago where we decided to look at the facts. And the U.S. has actually been de-globalizing, or closing itself off more accurately, roughly for 20 years. It accelerated under Trump, and it got more vocal, but actually we have been falling behind. And when I say falling behind, I mean quite literally the rest of the world, including high-income democracies like those in Europe and Japan. But also places that you would not think of as terribly liberal or open have been continuing to open up. The U.S. is a very big outlier. And it’ s not just trade. It’ s foreign direct-investment, it’ s trade deals. It’ s immigration. The whole host of dimensions on which the U.S. has been closing itself off increasingly for 20 years.
So you’ re right that the perception is that globalization was this juggernaut that wiped out everything in front of it. But that’ s actually a false characterization. What has happened, and I do think is the turning point now, is that these longer-term worries about China not playing fair and taking advantage of us and this long-term political sense in the U.S. that we have to protect the limited number of manufacturing jobs in the world, those things are accelerated and reinforced by what’ s happening now in Ukraine, by the Russian invasion. And so I do think we’ re at a turning point where the world is starting to break into economic blocs in a way we haven’ t seen.
Q. In one of your recent pieces, you wrote that the world is splitting into two camps, one centered around China, one around the U.S. So I wanted to ask you to talk about that and what that looks like and how that develops.
A. The splitting into two camps isn’ t going to be absolute. So, Trump and his U.S. trade representative Robert Lighthizer had this term decoupling from China, which they didn’ t really do. But to the extent they tried it -- as my colleague at Peterson, Chad Brown, and others documented -- it failed. But what I do think is happening is what I call corrosion of globalization. That there were these linkages along multiple lines, including people going back and forth, ideas going back and forth, business norms as well as things like trading in hard goods, manufacturers. And that’ s going to get increasingly separated.
Q. One of the things people like to say about this deterioration of globalization is that it will put an upward pressure on inflation going forward. But when we look at this red-hot inflation that we we’ re seeing right now, there’ s a lot of finger pointing going on. There’ s some research from the Fed sort of pointing the finger at fiscal policy. A lot of people are pointing their finger at the Fed for keeping policy so loose perhaps for too long. And obviously the supply-chain issues that we’ ve seen around the world. I wonder if it’ s possible to rank what the contributors have been to inflation? And with the benefit of hindsight, is there anything you think the Fed or Congress and the government did wrong to get us in this situation?
A. Yeah, I think that the story is a little more complicated in terms of the linkage between globalization and foreign policy. I think the reduction in openness does diminish the amount of downward price pressure you get from abroad and it diminishes competition. And over time, that’ s bad for both inflation and productivity. But I think in the short term, it’ s actually kind of disinflationary because it lowers the return on capital because you’ re investing in duplications and redundancies. It lowers the diversification of capital because you’ re having to keep more money at home, either because of regulation or fear. And so in the first instance, it slows things down.
In terms of why we have such inflation in the U.S. right now, I think a chunk of it is stuff that nobody foresaw. That people, myself included, lots of much smarter people in the central banking community, didn’ t fully get just how big a deal it was going to be to reopen the economy after Covid shutdowns. And, in particular, how disruptive that would be to labor markets...
The other thing, and here people like my colleagues -- Olivier Blanchard, Jason Furman and Larry Summers -- I think are right is the American rescue package of early 2021, the big fiscal package that the Biden administration passed through Congress, really was too much in too short of time. I mean, we didn’ t need as much as we spent then. And it was all spent in a pretty short order. And so you did get overheating. So then you turn to the Fed. I think the Fed took a reasonable gamble, which was that if we run the economy hot -- which there are a lot of good reasons to want to do, especially since we kept undershooting inflation for years before this -- there’ s a chance the economy overheats but we can afford to see how low we can go. I think the Fed took the gamble -- and I would’ ve, sitting in their place, made the same gamble -- but I think by the time the Biden administration announced the American rescue package, and so certainly by middle of 2021, it was very clear the gamble turned out badly. And they should have been admitting they needed to change policy, meaning move toward tightening by then.
Q. There’ s a lot of talk about how the U.S., European sanctions against Russia could potentially disrupt the dollar’ s role as the most important international currency. There’ s already been talk about Saudi Arabia perhaps selling oil to China priced in yuan. Russia is demanding rubles for its energy. So I wonder if you could talk a little bit about that.
A. Obviously this is what a lot of us are thinking about and I’ m spending most of my thinking time on this. There’ s no question that the first instinct of people seeing what the U.S. alliance did to Russian oligarchs, to Russian companies, to Putin, to the Russian economy, is to say, “ oh my God, I would be better off if I had some way of getting around the U.S. financial system, had some way of having assets that either couldn’ t be frozen or could be used no matter what the U.S. did. ” And this is particularly true for borderline criminal regimes, people who are politically deemed enemies of the U.S., people with kleptocratic regimes. But it’ s also true, frankly, even for a lot of businesses, individuals, companies, even countries that might agree with the sanctions on Russia in the case of this invasion, but then are forced to think, “ But you know, the U.S. is not that politically reliable. What happens if they suddenly turn on me? This shows they’ re willing to do that. ” So there is that sense of people thinking, “ Oh my God, I wish I had an alternative to the dollar. ” But the fact is there’ s a different problem that overrides that, which is you need an alternative. And if we’ re in a world where it’ s not just the U.S. throwing its weight, but a world, which as we said, I think is dividing along geopolitical lines, then you’ re sort of stuck with, well, I can put my money in China or in Chinese assets, but then can I get it out from there? Will it be useful to me? And you look at things like the Chinese authorities deciding “ no Jack Ma you can’ t do an Ant IPO because you’ ve annoyed us. Or, no, all of you who owned assets in private schools, teaching, those assets are now worthless. ”
So you end up with a world where people are not thrilled about being under the dollar. But because of the security situation, the alternatives become even less attractive.
This was just the highlights. Click here to listen to the full podcast.
While the feds touted the spending in its budget as prudent, prominent Bay Street economist David Rosenberg said the extra fiscal stimulus could lead the Bank of Canada to hike its benchmark rate higher than originally thought.
Canada’ s unemployment rate fell to the lowest level since at least the mid-1970s, as the laboUr market posted another strong monthly employment gain.
Average Canadians might not realize how big a stake they have in the country’ s largest banks in their retirement portfolios; either directly in their RRSPs and TFSAs, or indirectly through mutual funds, ETFs, and pension plans.
Businesses are struggling to cope with an apparent sixth wave of COVID, as staffing shortages hamper sectors from health care to hospitality and retail — though the interruption remains more manageable than last winter's Omicron variant surge. | general |
Airbnb Hosts Bash Refund Policy They Say Opens Door to Scams | The information you requested is not available at this time, please check back again soon.
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 03: The Airbnb app logo is displayed on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England. ( Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) Photographer: Carl Court/Getty Images Europe, Photographer: Carl Court/Getty Images Europe
( Bloomberg) -- Hosts of rental properties on Airbnb Inc. are criticizing an updated company policy that gives guests more time to report issues with their stay and claim a refund, a revision hosts say leaves them vulnerable to scammers seeking a free vacation.
Under new rules that go into effect at the end of April, a guest will have up to 72 hours to report a “ travel issue, ” which could involve anything from pests on the premises to a broken hot tub. If Airbnb determines that the incident was significant enough to disrupt the stay, guests are eligible for a full or partial refund from the host. Previous rules only gave guests 24 hours to report an issue.
Comments from hundreds of hosts on Airbnb’ s community forum highlight the challenge the company faces in the delicate balancing act of satisfying both guests and the hosts who open their homes. Some hosts have said they’ d rather de-list their property than face potentially ruinous refunds. The stakes are high for keeping a robust supply of homes on the rental platform this year as pent-up demand after two summers of Covid-19 restrictions has people poised to travel more. Airbnb, Booking Holdings Inc. and Expedia Group Inc. have all said they are anticipating one of the best summer seasons yet.
But for hosts like Dustin Switzer, who rents a vacation home in Cape May, New Jersey, to about 250 guests a year, the prospect of a three-day reporting window is discouraging.
“ If people complain about something really small just to look for a small refund, usually I’ ll give it to them, ” Switzer said. “ Now I have a feeling I’ ll have people looking for any possible thing and they’ ll try to have me put them up at a hotel for $ 1,000 a night. ”
Switzer has been using Airbnb exclusively to list the property for the last three years as it brings in more traffic than his local realty office. He’ s booked for the summer and the month of September. Now, he says the new policy is “ close to being the straw that breaks the camel’ s back ” and he’ s strongly considering creating his own booking website.
Chief Executive Officer Brian Chesky has described Airbnb’ s more than 4 million hosts as the “ core ” of the company, but for years some have have complained it favors guests. Many hosts found themselves out of a paycheck when the company announced a global refund policy in the early days of the pandemic. Since then, Airbnb has rolled out a variety of features to protect hosts and their homes, including $ 1 million liability insurance, $ 1 million in damage protection and quicker reimbursements for damages.
Airbnb announced the updated policy earlier this year after guests said that 24 hours wasn’ t enough time in some instances. Airbnb said it’ s scrapping a line that would require hosts to pay for a guest’ s new accommodation if they had to leave their property, saying that it hadn’ t ever been used.
“ We hope a longer reporting window will provide more time for the host to work with guests to address any issues before we get involved, ” an Airbnb spokesperson said.
But many hosts don’ t see it that way. In an act of disapproval, some hosts are “ snoozing ” their listings, effectively taking them offline for a while, when the policy takes effect. Others are taking extra precautions to make sure they are fully protected from guests who try to take advantage of the policy. Cayleigh W., who owns a rental property in upstate New York, is asking her crew of cleaners to take time-stamped photographs and videos when they finish cleaning the home as a precaution in case guests raise a complaint. She’ s also making her listing description as specific as possible, to avoid any confusion guests may have.
“ That’ s going to be our only way to fight it, ” she said in an interview, asking not to give her last name for fear her listing could be removed. “ Do I think it’ s fair, reasonable or realistic? Not really. ” | general |
Maeve Higgins: Why are people like Mick Mulvaney rewarded for failing in politics? | Mick Mulvaney in Dublin during his stint as Trump's special envoy to Northern Ireland. Despite that career ending in ignominy, he has fallen upwards into a new role as a TV pundit. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins
Mick Mulvaney; to any Irish person, the name sounds familiar. Mick Mulvaney sounds like someone who works with your father, maybe a county hurler from the 1980s, or a guy two years ahead of you in home economics.
Unfortunately, Mick Mulvaney is Irish. Well, he is Irish-American. The absolute worst kind of Irish-American at that. Mulvaney is a former Republican congressman from South Carolina and was a big fish in the stinking pond of the Donald Trump administration.
Mulvaney’ s run with the worst president this country has ever had the insanity to elect began with his appointment as head of the White House Office of Management and Budget and interim head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. That is where my image of Mulvaney remains frozen in time, unfortunately.
It’ s a photograph taken on St Patrick’ s Day 2017 of Mulvaney, with his breast pocket stuffed full of shamrocks, proposing to cut the budget for Meals on Wheels and overseas famine relief.
Taking food from hungry people’ s mouths as he celebrated his Irishness, a nationality historically decimated by famine? Brazen. You couldn’ t make up the levels of cartoonish villainy Mulvaney and his cronies got up to during their time in power; more on that later.
Trump then made Mulvaney his acting chief of staff, and he remained in this job for just over one year. He finished out his ignominious stretch with Trump by serving as special envoy for Northern Ireland.
Mulvaney resigned the day after the January 6 insurrection, and I’ d hoped that was the last we’ d have to hear from him. Sadly not, now he’ s crawled out of whatever hole he belongs in to take a plum new role as a TV talking head.
Late last month, CBS News hired Mulvaney as a paid on-air contributor. Bad news for those of us who don’ t appreciate politicians getting rewarded for the destruction they’ ve wreaked. Worse again for anyone who cares about the news — in the traditional sense of information delivered to us through the medium of television. CBS News co-president Neeraj Khemlani said that the choice was part of a conscious effort to hire more Republican commentators: “ Being able to make sure that we are getting access to both sides of the aisle is a priority because we know the Republicans are going to take over, most likely, in the midterms. ”
This reasoning doesn’ t stand up to much scrutiny. There are, of course, countless other Republican commentators who could be candidates for the role. Few would provoke such anger as Mulvaney, anger felt by other CBS employees and people outside the organisation.
Writing in the Los Angeles Times, Kurt Bardella, an adviser to the Democratic National Committee and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, asked:
When he appears, will CBS News anchors question Mulvaney about his actions? Will they grill him about the anti-democratic and legally questionable directives he acted on?
`` Will they ask him about the actions of his niece, Maggie Mulvaney, who was a “ VIP Lead ” for the “ rally ” -turned-insurrection, and who was subpoenaed by the Jan 6 House Select Committee last fall?
“ Or will they present him as a respectable “ former acting White House chief of staff ” and allow him to just deliver anti-Biden talking points? ”
Mulvaney will not be challenged at all; he will slot into his role as a supposedly insightful commentator with something of value and intelligence, something worthy to contribute to the conversation.
How insightful is he, though? How intelligent and how worthy of this space on primetime television? He is an abject failure of a politician; having been elected on the crest of the Tea Party wave that promised to cut government spending, he was in office as the US national debt rose by almost $ 7.8 trillion.
This included the expenditure necessitated by the pandemic, but The Washington Post reported that “ federal finances under Trump had become dire before the pandemic ”.
“ That happened even though the economy was booming and unemployment was at historically low levels. By the Trump administration’ s own description, the pre-pandemic national debt level was already a “ crisis ” and a “ grave threat. ” Mulvaney was bad at his job, and he also used his job to do bad things. The dirtiest dealings he took part in have come back around today. Look at global affairs and Russia’ s grotesque war on Ukraine.
Now, cast your mind back to the Trump administration’ s part in the relationship between those nations. Mulvaney was in the thick of it.
In 2019, The Washington Post reported: “ President Trump told his acting chief of staff, Mick Mulvaney, to hold back almost $ 400m in military aid for Ukraine at least a week before a phone call in which Trump is said to have pressured the Ukrainian president to investigate the son of former vice president Joe Biden, according to three senior administration officials. ”
Mulvaney blatantly admitted this but later walked his comments back in what became one of his worst blunders. In February 2020 he called Covid-19 the “ hoax of the day ” and blamed the media.
Again, this was in February 2020, after Congress had been warned of the coming danger.
An ugly day in US history
Mulvaney later wrote a now notorious Wall Street Journal opinion piece stating that should Trump lose the 2020 election, he would concede without an issue.
We all know what happened next — one of the ugliest days in US history, when a mob of Trump supporters attacked the Capitol building to try and overthrow the results of the election. | general |
Daniel McConnell: Another embarrassing week in the Department of Health | Dr Tony Holohan is a household name, for many reasons good and bad.
Tony Holohan is not a saint. He is human like everyone else. He has made mistakes and does not get everything right.
He himself, I am sure, would concede to that. To many in this country, he steered us through the Covid-19 pandemic while he himself endured great personal tragedy.
His fights with the government almost became a battle of good versus evil and near sainthood was conferred on “ the boss ”, as he likes to be known by many.
But by the way several Cabinet ministers have gone on this week, amid the controversy of his “ open-ended ” secondment to Trinity College Dublin, he is somehow infallible.
A god-like figure who has descended down from on high to walk among us and we are so very lucky that he has decided to remain in the public sector on his measly €187,000-a-year salary plus gold-plated pension.
Cheap at the price, says you, and certainly when you consider the rate of pay for the chap who approved this arrangement — Department of Health secretary-general Robert Watt. Yes, that Robert Watt, who simply can’ t help making news headlines these days.
Yes, he of the €300,000 salary from the L’ Oreal school of Secretaries-General, where they all think they are worth it. Once it emerged on Tuesday that Dr Tony’ s salary would remain at his current level and would be paid by the department and not by Trinity, eyebrows were raised and questions were asked.
Political reaction
Very quickly, the plot thickened. In the Dáil, Taoiseach Micheál Martin emphatically made clear he had “ no hand, act or part ” in the arrangement. It became clear that senior officials in Minister Stephen Donnelly’ s health department went on a “ solo run ”.
Trinity College Dublin was forced to confirm that the role was created with `` Dr Holohan in mind '' and that it is a secondment from the Department, an admission that has caused no end of ire among academics in Ireland’ s oldest university.
On Wednesday, it emerged that neither of the country’ s money ministers – Michael McGrath or Paschal Donohoe – knew anything about it.
“ I know Minister McGrath, the minister for public expenditure, is not satisfied with how this has been done and he is engaging with the Department of Health on that at the moment, ” commented Leo Varadkar in the Dáil on the matter.
Speaking to reporters, McGrath said the process “ could have been handled better ”. He said he would be seeking answers as to why Trinity was not being asked to pay anything for Dr Tony’ s services when they would be deriving the benefit of his talents.
McGrath did stress that it was a good thing that Dr Tony was staying on the State’ s payroll given his exceptional experience. Stephen Donnelly also defended the appointment, saying it was “ a positive move ”. He said that it doesn't matter who is fitting the bill as `` it's all public money ''.
He said what Dr Tony is going to be doing now is leading up research in Trinity on what in healthcare is going to be one of the most important areas of research we have for years to come.
Then Heather Humphreys, the Social Protection Minister, added to the chorus saying it is better to see Dr Tony remain in the public sector than to be lost to a private company and that the issue of who pays his TCD salary `` doesn't really matter to me ''.
Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney chimed in saying the country is “ fortunate ” that Dr Tony is choosing to stay as an asset for the State. Who wouldn’ t get a big head after all of that?
Appointment process
This is not personal to Dr Tony but the process of how this came about is highly dubious.
The plot thickened again when it emerged on Thursday morning that Donnelly himself was blindsided by the secondment, leaving only one obvious conclusion.
After several days of refusing to answer simple questions about how all this came about, it was eventually confirmed to my colleague, the dogged Paul Hosford, that it was Watt and Watt alone who signed off on this deal.
That morning, Dr Tony himself addressed the Oireachtas Health Committee in what was his first public utterances on the situation and said that he did not intend to return to the Department in his capacity as CMO or any other role.
So why, if he is not returning to the department and will not be CMO anymore, retain his services? Why grant him this open-ended secondment?
This whole affair stinks to high heaven.
If all of this was kosher, why not flag it as a virtue on March 26 when the initial announcement was made of Dr Tony’ s departure from the CMO’ s position.
Why not sell it as a meaningful example of Ireland investing in the academic development of the public health sphere drawing on Dr Tony’ s experience during Covid-19 at the time.
By not disclosing it at the time, Watt’ s “ innovation ” as belatedly heralded by the department this week has descended into predictable controversy. It has led to legitimate questions as to who is really running the Department of Health, the minister or his top official.
Suitability
But to that point, I heard one radio interviewer say no one questions Dr Tony’ s expertise, suitability, and pedigree for this position.
Well actually, this humble scribe would raise a couple of points about our outgoing CMO.
Firstly, before discussing anything Covid-19 related, his copybook was blotted in relation to his advice to the then-health minister against setting up a review into the CervicalCheck scandal in the wake of Vicky Phelan’ s seminal court case. | general |
Shanghai to start easing lockdown after mass Covid testing | China’ s largest city of Shanghai will soon begin lifting lockdown in communities that report no positive cases within 14 days after another round of Covid-19 testing, authorities said.
The fresh round of testing comes as the city reported about 23,000 cases on Saturday, most of them asymptomatic.
Large swathes of Shanghai, with a population of 26 million, have been under lockdown since March 28, leading to complaints from residents about shortages of food and basic necessities.
Separately, Guangzhou authorities announced that the city north west of Hong Kong would also begin mass testing its 18 million residents, according to central broadcaster CCTV. The city reported only two confirmed infections on Friday.
| general |
Global Economic Outlook Q2 2022: No Cause For Complacency As The Russia-Ukraine Conflict Modestly Dents Growth | The Russia-Ukraine conflict's global macroeconomic effects for now seem moderate after a healthy start to 2022, including strong household balance sheets in the advanced economies.
But risks are clearly on the downside: The conflict will influence direct trade effects, energy and commodity prices, confidence, and policy responses, particularly in China.
We have lowered our GDP growth forecast by 0.6 percentage point ( ppt) to 3.6% globally, by 0.7 ppt to 3.2% in the U.S., and by 1.1 ppt to 3.3% in the eurozone. We think China's policy response will keep growth stable at around 5%.
Inflation has moved front and center as a policy challenge: Higher U.S. dollar rates will tighten financial conditions, moderate growth, and spill over to other economies, while the ECB tightening will be much more gradual.
U.S. economic activity remained largely healthy through early March, based on our real-time indicators. Omicron infection rates subsided and restrictions were removed, allowing more people to get outside and spend. While COVID-19 appears to be in the rearview mirror ( for now), the Russia-Ukraine conflict worsens already troubling pricing pressures tied to continued supply-chain disruptions. The impact on the U.S. economy is relatively moderate when compared to the pain felt in countries closer to the center of the storm, but ramifications are still noticeable.
We expect the economic damage to lower U.S. GDP growth to 3.2% this year, matching our preliminary forecast in early March but a full 70 bps lower than our November forecast of 3.9%. The main drivers for weaker than expected growth this year and the next are continued supply chain disruptions, exacerbated by the Russia-Ukraine conflict; higher prices, particularly for food and energy; and much more aggressive Fed policy to fight these higher prices. Direct linkages with Russia are small ( even smaller for Ukraine) and U.S. trade with Russia is concentrated in a few areas. U.S. exports to Russia are concentrated in machinery, aircraft, and vehicles, for example, while imports from Russia are concentrated in energy, metals, and fertilizer ( see charts 1 and 2).
The U.K. economy has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels of activity but now faces a historical surge in inflation. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has added extra pressure to already high global energy prices. Tighter monetary policy will add to the headwinds this year and into next year but should be beneficial thereafter by preventing inflation from becoming entrenched. More generally, both domestic and global financing conditions have also tightened and will be felt.
We have revised down our GDP growth forecast for the U.K. and now expect 3.5% for this year, compared with 4.6% in December. We see inflation averaging 6.3% this year, peaking at 8% in the second quarter before it gradually declines, barring an escalation of the conflict.
If a fresh energy price shock had to happen, now is not the worst time. In fact, were the economy not still benefiting from some recovery momentum and a carry-over from 2021 worth 2.6% of annual growth this year, we might be expecting the U.K. to be on the brink of recession. But, as things stand, growth will continue. This makes all the difference for future growth dynamics because no actual destruction is taking place. This extends to the labor market, which we expect to remain strong, with unemployment to rise only minimally if at all.
The risks are stacking up for Asia-Pacific's incipient recovery. The war in Ukraine, U.S. policy rate rises, spiking energy prices, and escalating COVID cases in China are complicating the outlook for what has been healthy expansion in regional economies. S & P Global Ratings believes these new risks will generally present as inflation, and that they will dent an otherwise strong rebound from the pandemic.
Most Asia-Pacific nations are moving to a stance of living with COVID, with robustly positive economic effects. Vaccination levels are typically high. Governments and businesses have become better at adapting to outbreaks. The mood in many nations is that the pandemic is manageable, and that people can resume normal activity.
China, of course, is the big outlier. The country has stuck with its low-tolerance COVID strategy. This involves strict social distancing restrictions and lockdowns. Spreading omicron infections are testing the sustainability of this policy. The possibility of rapid transmission of omicron in China is a key risk to its economy. Indicatively, mobility restrictions in Hong Kong amid an omicron surge have set back the territory's economic recovery.
As most emerging market ( EM) economies continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and inflation risks now dominate the outlook. The circumstances surrounding geopolitical tensions continue to evolve quickly in unexpected ways, and the implications for global economies are highly uncertain. In the near term, the conflict is likely to weigh on economic activity for most parts of the emerging world and raise inflationary pressure broadly.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict escalated midway through first quarter -- at a time when macro data since our last Credit Conditions Committee ( in November) had come in stronger than expected globally, including in most EM economies. Combined with historical revisions, overall real GDP growth in 2021 now appears to have been 7.3% for our sample of 16 EM countries, which is 0.3 percentage points ( ppts) higher than we expected in November. Excluding China and India, EMs likely grew 5.6% during the year, materially above our 5.0% forecast. In the fourth quarter of 2021, Mexico, Philippines, and Thailand were the only economies in our sample with real GDP still below fourth-quarter 2019 levels.
The omicron variant of COVID-19 spread quickly, but its economic impact was limited. S & P Global's ( previously IHS-Markit) manufacturing purchasing managers ' index ( PMI) in the first two months of the year point to decent industrial output growth even as omicron spread during the months. Aside from Russia, only four EMs ( out of 12 reported in our sample) -- Brazil, Malaysia, Mexico, and Turkey -- appear to have been struggling before the conflict began ( see chart 1). However, PMI surveys also suggest that supply chains remain stretched. Supplier delivery times are still lengthening ( albeit at a slower rate), and backlogs of work building ( see chart 2).
The Russia-Ukraine conflict is hitting economies worldwide just as activity is recovering from COVID-19. As close neighbors to Russia and Ukraine, European countries are among the most exposed to the latest shock. Yet, the eurozone economy is coming out of the pandemic in a position of strength, with large buffers to protect itself against a full-year recession, unless severe downside assumptions materialize.
Survey data, such as the Purchasing Managers ' Index, confirms that the recent omicron wave has done little to derail growth, with the expansion in services picking up in February. More precisely, sectors most hit by the pandemic like hospitality, tourism, and retail have not yet recouped their end-2019 levels of activity ( see chart 1). A full recovery of the two most affected sectors -- arts and entertainment and wholesale and retail sales, transport, and accommodation -- would add about 1 percentage point to eurozone GDP this year. | business |
Census time capsule: From lost loved ones to beloved pets, here's what the nation shared | Estlin Luna remembered in census 2022
Estlin Luna wasn't born to make the last Census. She was tragically killed before this one.
In the statistics that make up who and what we are as a nation, she wouldn't be recorded. Amongst the millions of facts and figures, she didn't exist.
But Estlin's mother Amy was anxious that future generations would know about her beautiful little girl. Anxious that she too would be counted.
So in the time capsule section of the form, a new feature this year, she shared Estlin's story.
“ Tonight as we count those in our house and our family, we are thinking so much of our beloved little girl Estlin Luna, ” she wrote.
“ She was tragically taken from us five years ago, just before her fourth birthday, in a car crash. Estlin was our firstborn child and the love of our lives.
She was never counted in a census and so we are so relieved to be able to mention her here.
`` She was beautiful, creative, funny, so smart and clever and confident beyond her years. We were honoured to be her parents and honoured still to grieve her for the rest of our lives. Estlin Luna, we carry you in our hearts, love always, Mommy, Daddy, Mannix and Lucie. ”
Feeling such comfort today after filling in the time capsule section in the # Census2022 last night. Estlin never was counted in a census but 100+ yrs from now she will be remembered & our ancestors will be able to read about her. Just incredible. pic.twitter.com/ZL1eyZdUpZ
The timeless note touched the hearts of thousands who took to social media in an outpouring of support.
Others too used the time capsule slot to share poignant memories of lost loved ones. Others wrote of their hope for the future. Some left notes to their future children, others hoped for a better world for theirs.
We asked some Irish Examiner readers what they put in their time capsule.
Ruth Cotter from Leixlip, Co Kildare shared a poem about her baby boy, Taidhg: “ We wrote about our son Taidhg who was born in 2021. He was born with only half a heart.
`` He had hypoplastic left heart syndrome ( HLHS) and underwent open-heart surgery. He lived for five weeks before he passed. He was a magical little boy and I want everyone to know him and how brave he was. ”
Kay Ward of Malin Head, Co Donegal also used the time capsule to share an unimaginable loss.
“ With a heavy heart I fill out this form for four children when I am a mother of five, ” she writes.
“ Let the records show that my beautiful son Danai Ward existed and filled our lives from the 23rd of September 2017, until the moment he closed his eyes on the morning of the 1st of July 2020. He would have been in playschool this year and we miss him more with every passing day. Thank you for leaving a space on this form, so that we could write his name and remember him this night. ”
Andrew McGinley, whose children Conor, 9, Darragh, 7, and Carla, 3, were killed by their mother Deirdre Morley at their family home in Newcastle, Co Dublin in January 2020, shared a picture of his form featuring just his details on Twitter, noting it was “ a very lonely census ”.
I’ ve gotten through birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas’ … but it ends up being Census Day that floors me and beats the crap out of meTomorrow is another day though and I will celebrate the lives of Conor, Darragh & Carla and remind you all again of their magnificence 🥰🥰🥰 https: //t.co/OdjYcXvpCm
He told the Irish Examiner he wrote about his three children but that he won’ t be sharing the details of his time capsule.
Parents too were remembered through the form. Kenneth Noonan from Athlone wrote about his late father. Stephanie O’ Connor from Cork city also wrote about her dad.
“ I wanted future generations of our family to know how special my Dad was and how the world is a little bit darker without him. ''
Orla Wright in Dublin used the time capsule as an opportunity to share her grandparents’ story.
“ My folks are both unwell and my mum was too sad to write about a future they are losing so I transcribed a poem her dad had written for her mum in 1935, the year before they married. He was a schoolteacher and university graduate, she was fun, loving and a friend to all her grandkids. It will be nearly 200 years old in 2122 and hopefully will keep everyone's memories alive. ”
Geraldine Kilduff from Mullingar used the space to introduce herself as an “ unacknowledged Thalidomider. Aged 63, still waiting for justice. ”
Michelle Conaghan in Sligo pondered whether a cure for cancer would be available in 2122 while Yvonne Brewer Spillane in Cork was curious about many conditions: `` Do Doctors know anything yet about properly supporting and treating people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis ( ME)? Any cure yet for ME/CFS, Lyme Disease, Long Covid? ”
Fiona Barry Kenneally describes her son Theo’ s progress in facilities from CUH to Temple Street and uses her time capsule to campaign for carers:
I look to the future and hope one day that carers will be valued for the great work they do for their own.
Unsurprisingly, Covid-19 was a hot topic too - with the focus on both the sorrow of the pandemic as well as the new experiences lockdown through into their lives.
“ We are just at the end of the pandemic. I didn't mind the two years at home - I loved the peace and quiet. It was amazing what I learned to do on the computer. I 'd have never 'zoomed ' anyone if not for the virus, ” wrote Mary Martin from Drogheda.
Seán O’ Reilly in Galway said the experience “ changed the way people lived, worked and even died ”.
Kilkenny resident Jennifer Butler shares her concern that set dancing could die out due to the pandemic. “ Set dancing is slow to return, as many older dancers are afraid of Covid. There is a concern set dancing will be lost and forgotten. ''
The war in Ukraine was on many minds and it is mentioned often in their time capsules.
Karl Horgan in Cork said he hoped those reading his time capsule in 2122 “ read this in a world where Ukraine is free, where tyranny is extinguished, that you have solved climate change, ended injustice and created unity. ”
Beatrice Karaciovaite in Cavan said her family is from a former Soviet country. `` We hope that when you read this 100 years on, Ukraine will be celebrating their 100-year anniversary of victory against Russia and the war, ” she wrote.
Census enumerator Imogen Forrest said the war in Ukraine is just one of the struggles facing society today. “ I am acutely aware that as a country we have many hurdles to overcome. The pandemic, the war in Ukraine and the climate emergency have brought out the best in some of us, and the worst in others. ”
The ‘ new Irish’ reflected on their adopted home too. Laya Little in Cork says there is warmth and generosity here.
“ I came here because I’ m enamored by the Irish. I hope that in 100 years it hasn’ t changed. That there are still rolling hills and chats around pints on any given night. I hope there’ s still a warmth and generosity in the people you meet in the shops. ”
Lindita Jaupaj in Dublin says Ireland has been a safe place full of opportunities for her and she is “ proud to be an Irish citizen ”.
Climate change and nature were also recorded. In Donegal, Denis Doherty told her descendants she has “ planted a small orchard for you at my cottage in Carndonagh ( in the family since pre-Famine times) ”.
Lawrence in Dublin wrote “ yesterday I sowed a wildflower patch ” and Kerry man Charles Williams has planted trees around his farm in Killarney. “ I planted many trees around the farm over the past number of years, I hope many of them are still surviving long after I am gone, ” he wrote.
Ann Burke in Co Mayo hopes the global ecosystem is healthy in 100 years. “ I hope that humanity has managed to pull together to save and rewild this paradise of a planet we call home. ”
Of course, pets are part of modern families and their role is prominent in many time capsules.
Margaret O’ Sullivan in Co Kerry shared details of Hunter and Roxy, a springer spaniel and a mixed terrier. Describing his family, Ivor O’ Sullivan mentioned his newest companion.
“ As I write this note, our new dog Canelo is laying at my feet, with her best friend Messi sitting next to Dolores. ”
Dearbhla Quinn-Hemmings in Dublin documents all the pets in her family, including her parents’ cats.
“ We have just adopted a lurcher ( greyhound/lab) named Pepper ( eight months old) and have a 13-year-old cat named Sadie who we adopted in May 2021. PS: My parents live at no. 16 with two cats – Oscar and Lily. ”
What's your view on this issue?
You can tell us here
Writings from well-known faces
By Jen Stevens
The Time Capsule section of the 2022 census form sent many of us into a spin. What could we say to our future relatives that would give them an insight into our lives today? Did it need to be profound? Or funny? Or sweet? Or full of tiny details that are so hard for historians to find? We asked some well-known people to share what they wrote in theirs.
James Kavanagh, Co-owner Currabinny and Irish Examiner Food Columnist
I feel very lucky and liberated as a gay man in Ireland in 2022. I 'd imagine if I read a Census form from an Irish gay man 100 years ago they 'd be writing that they feel hunted, hated, isolated, unwelcome. These, unfortunately, are not historical feelings for some people in the LGBTQ+ family. There are plenty of loud, ugly, modern bigots spreading the same lies and vibes their biggoted ancestors spread but this time, their target are our trans brothers and sisters. I hope whoever is reading this in 100 years reels in disgust and disbelief that there are still gross people in 2022 unnecessarily and exhaustingly throwing hate at a group of marginalised, innocent and gorgeous people. As a fairly liberated member of the LGBTQ+ family, it's not time to pull the ladder up, and it's always worth remembering that there is no LBG without the T.
Zara King, New Correspondent, Virgin Media News
As I write this in 2022 and you read it in 2122, something we will have in common is that feeling of gratitude. Please know that those small things really are the big things. Lots of love, Z. x
Louise McSharry, Broadcaster and Podcaster, Catch Up with Louise McSharry
We are very lucky to live happily in a nice house with a peaceful family in a lovely part of Dublin which still has a sense of community. Technology is a huge part of our life; we sometimes worry if maybe too much. We are proud of the strides toward equality Ireland has made but we would like more progress, specifically in terms of classism, racism and especially the abolition of Direct Provision which we are horrified by. We worry about climate change.
We have two cats, Debbie and Dolly which we adopted when I ( Louise) had cancer. I am proud to have become entirely self-employed via my podcast ( a relatively new media form).
We teach our children to tell the truth, be kind, and accept people as they are. We would like better eather 😊 ‘ Wan the Bohs!
Chupi Sweetman, Jeweller
I quit my job in fast fashion for one in diamonds because I wanted to make pieces of the future, so I loved the question In the census form. Life is so terribly busy in our nonstop world, it’ s wonderful to take time and think about what kind of world we want to leave for our grandchildren. | general |
Vintage bikes and Sir Chris Hoy on coffee duty — we ride Eroica Britannia's new route | Like this site? Help us to make it better.
Sat in the same Goodwood race control building where many of motorsport's greats have heard their pre-race instructions over the years, I 'm receiving a hair-raising briefing of my own from Brian Reid of vintage bicycle specialists Golden Age Cycles.
`` I 'm not a very good salesman, '' he admits before hurtling into a dizzying deconstruction of defects... `` The brakes are rubbish, don't find that out on your first steep descent. Gears are rubbish. I 've got a few spanners for tweaking and a few incantations that might work but they are temperamental old beasts. Go at the bike's pace rather than your ego pace and you 'll probably be about right. ''
With Brian's reassuring words ringing in my ears it's time to get acquainted with the lucky `` temperamental old beast '' with the dubious honour of carrying my wintered fitness around 50km of rolling South Downs countryside.
On the menu: 600m of elevation, largely front-ended into the first half of the ride, and roads that come August 7th will be packed with pre-1987 bikes and vintage clothing as Eroica Britannia, the UK version of the retro cycling festival that has taken place in Tuscany since 1997, makes its Goodwood debut after a two-year coronavirus interval, moving down south from its previous Peak District home.
> Eroica Britannia switches to Goodwood from next year and will include motor racing venue’ s iconic hill climb
Eroica participants have the choice of three rides: a 20-mile 'Tourist Route ', 60-mile 'Sporting Route ' or 100-mile 'Heroic Route ', all of which use the same roads I 'm about to make my vintage bicycle debut on.
My ride for the day is a wonderful-looking Holdsworth Cyclone, with considerably less wonderful-looking gearing — a single 46-tooth chainring at the front, 5-speed and an easiest gear offering of 46x24. `` How steep did you say those climbs are? ''
I 'm pleased to see 23c tyres ( I was expecting worse) but less pleased by the obligatory downtube shifters. I guess that's part of the fun.
Following a quick dash to the car park to work those delights out, we hit the road, and despite one early dropped chain, the shifting isn't quite as bad as Brian promised... maybe that's the game plan? Tell us they 'll be useless, and leave us pleasantly surprised...
I am more than pleasantly surprised for first impressions as we tootle through the grounds of nearby Goodwood House. The brakes leave a little to be desired but given the sight of the road tilting upwards that's the least of my concerns, for now.
More pressing is my rapidly slowing cadence as I frantically try to remember which way to shift... 7 per cent slopes are an unforgiving terrain for pushing your chain down the block, I can say that from quad-grinding experience. The climb in question is dragging us up the same tarmac that plays host to the Goodwood Hill Climb each year, and my cadence can't have touched anything north of 70 for the past five minutes. At least the chatter, leisurely pace and stunning views over the Sussex Downs are making the effort enjoyable.
In the world of horse racing, Goodwood is synonymous with the adjective glorious thanks to the five-day summer racing festival hosted at the racecourse we're now speeding past on our way over the top of the ridge. The March weather may be a touch short of glorious, but in a few months ' time it's easy to see how the green slopes and blue-sky vistas would befit such a description.
Interrupting my yearning daydream is the all-too-sudden double-digit gradient my Holdsworth is now rapidly plummeting down. Brakes certainly have moved on a fair bit in recent years, and these require near-constant full effort forearm-burning grip just to stay on top of the speed.
Thankfully for my forearms and fingers, unfortunately for everything else, the road soon turns upwards, at a similar gradient to what we 've just come down. Once again, replace the monotonous grey morning with sunshine and you could easily be mistaken for thinking you're ascending one of Tuscany's stunning climbs made famous by Strade Bianche.
At the start, vintage bike expert Brian warned us there's a reason why all cyclists used to have thighs like event ambassador Sir Chris Hoy, and my 46x24 is doing a good job of showing why.
Talking of Sir Chris ' thighs ( sorry I 'm daydreaming again) shortly after the gradient mercifully eases, the famous quads are propping the retired track star up while he makes me a flat white. No, I 'm not in an under-geared hallucination, the six-time Olympic gold medallist really is at the top of the hill dishing out coffees from the back of event partner Artisan Coffee Co's van.
All three Eroica Britannia routes begin with a lap of the Goodwood Motor Circuit before taking on the Goodwood Hill Climb, Knights Hill double-header I 've just enjoyed. Those on the short route will promptly head back to the race track to continue all the food, drink and entertainment that is as much a part of the weekend as the cycling.
> Retro vs modern: comparing a vintage steel racer with a modern machine on the Eroica Britannia route
For riders taking on the 60-mile 'Sporting Route ' or 100-mile 'Heroic Route ', the snippet I 've described is just the beginning, with miles of winding West Sussex lanes, short gravel sectors, energy-sapping rises and energy-restoring 'experience stops ' to enjoy.
`` What's an experience stop? '' I hear you ask. Well, you know at a 'normal ' event when you clip-clop across a crowded car park to nab a few Jaffa Cakes from a pop-up tent? Basically, upgrade that by a multiple of ten. Riders on the century route are rewarded with four stops, including coffee and cake in the gardens of West Dean Estate, before lunch at Ashling Park — an award-winning vineyard and one of Britain's finest sparkling wine producers. Don't ask how I can vouch for that... that's an upgrade on the sportive classic of half a banana and a couple of fig rolls, if you ask me.
But perhaps that's precisely the point — Eroica events are not a race, nor are they about setting a fast time, enjoyment of the ride and all things vintage cycling are all that matter here.
With that said, the festivities over the weekend of 6th-7th August will celebrate the 40-year anniversary of Goodwood hosting the 1982 World Championships, with the two-day festival making a weekend of the event before the Eroica rides form the showpiece Sunday attraction.
Over two days the Motor Circuit will open to more of that award-winning food and drink, music, family track rides, and see 1982 rainbow jersey-winners Giuseppe Saronni and Mandy Jones returning to reminisce about their great victories.
Despite the niceties of the Festival and hospitality, 100 miles with 2,100m ( 6,922ft) of climbing on a pre-1987 machine is hardly an early August jolly, and while you might not be racing anyone else, my brief experience of the route was enough to tell me you 'll certainly still be battling yourself ( and bike) no matter how much artisan coffee and posh lunches are included on the way.
In the words of Eroica's motto it's all about La Bellezza della Fatica e il Gusto dell'Impresa ( the beauty of fatigue and the thrill of conquest). By the end of the day, it's my hands that are struggling to find the beauty in fatigue, mainly thanks to heavy braking and the pre-1987 attitude to bar tape.
But as I roll a couple of miles back to the station on my modern-day steed, I can't help but feel it is a little too effective. One tap and the Shimano derailleur pings into place, a gentle fingertip and the brakes slow my momentum effortlessly.
Do I miss downtube shifting? Not really, even if it takes more of a skill than tapping a shifter. Am I glad of the ability to stop easily when I want? Absolutely. Maybe it's purely aesthetics that have turned my head, but I can't help but wish I was still riding the Holdsworth.
More information, including full route details and ticket prices, can be found on Goodwood's website. Golden Age Cycles also provides bike hire for the event if, like me, N+1 hasn't quite led you to pre-1987... yet.
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Dan joined road.cc as live blog editor last year. He has previously written about various sports including football and boxing for the Daily Express and covered the weird and wonderful world of non-league football for The Non-League Paper. Part of the generation inspired by the 2012 Olympics, Dan has been enjoying life on two wheels ever since and spends his weekends exploring the south of England.
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A pioneer on the web since 1996, Africa Intelligence is the leading news site on Africa for professionals. | general |
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Rising petrol prices fuel uncertainty at oil giant Petrobras | Hi, what are you looking for?
Brazil’ s state-run oil company Petrobras is once again in crisis: caught in a political tug of war over rising fuel costs.
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Brazil’ s state-run oil company Petrobras is once again in crisis: caught in a political tug of war over rising fuel costs.
Far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, seeking re-election in October, is widely blamed by voters for double-digit inflation, polls show, on the back of skyrocketing fuel prices.
Feeling the heat, Bolsonaro last week fired Petrobras CEO Joaquim Silva e Luna, saying the petrol price was “ unaffordable ” and amounted to a “ crime ” against Brazilians.
Tied to international market movement, fuel prices in Brazil rose 33 percent in the past year even as the economy recovers from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
Russia’ s war in Ukraine has led to a spike in crude prices in recent weeks, adding to the pressure.
“ Manipulating tariff policy is like manipulating the law of gravity, ” Silva e Luna said after his firing last week.
Inflation in Brazil, meanwhile, rose more than 11 percent in a year, and opinion polls show that three-quarters of Brazilians blame Bolsonaro for their thinning wallets.
Bolsonaro’ s main rival, leftist former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, has also vowed to “ Brazilianize the fuel price ” — meaning to adapt it to the reality on the ground.
Lula, a former trade unionist and popular ex-leader, is the polled favorite ahead of October’ s vote.
– Sacrificial firing –
With the fuel price in both men’ s crosshairs, the future of Petrobras — which determines the price of petrol at the pump — depends very much on the outcome of October’ s elections.
The company has hardly had time to settle after the 2014-2021 Operation Car Wash corruption probe that saw several top politicians and business executives convicted for embezzlement of billions of dollars from the oil giant.
After a tough year in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic freezing global travel, Petrobras posted a record net profit of nearly $ 20 billion in 2021.
But the results were not enough to satisfy the political bosses.
According to economist Gesner Oliveira, Silva e Luna was sacrificed by Bolsonaro “ to satisfy his electorate ”.
Silva e Luna’ s predecessor, Roberto Castello Branco, was fired by the president a year earlier for similar reasons.
But replacing the latest CEO has turned out to be more difficult than foreseen.
Bolsonaro’ s pick, economist Adriano Pires, withdrew his name from the race this week due to a possible conflict of interest over his other role as head of an energy consulting firm.
Another nominee of the president, Rodolfo Landim, also withdrew to concentrate his attention on the Flamengo football club of which he is president.
Several other possible candidates had declined the job, according to the Brazilian press.
Then on Wednesday, the government nominated Jose Mauro Coelho, who was in charge of oil issues at the Ministry of Mines and Energy.
His appointment could be approved at a shareholders’ meeting on April 13, making him the 40th Petrobras CEO in 68 years.
– ‘ Complex economic problem’ –
Whoever is at the helm, the pressure from the top will be intense.
“ This is a position exposed to very strong political pressure, and each dismissal is an easy political response to a complex economic problem, ” Adriano Laureno of consulting firm Prospectiva told AFP.
Analysts say that internal regulations at Petrobras, which is listed on the New York and Sao Paulo stock exchanges, as well as Brazil’ s reliance on imported oil, prevent any drastic change in pricing policy.
“ A stabilization fund could be set up to mitigate price fluctuations, but it is not possible to change the tariff policy in depth, ” said Oliveira.
Petrobras is also under threat of privatization, a move favored by Bolsonaro and several of his top political backers.
With 2,400 staff representing 100 different nationalities, AFP covers the world as a leading global news agency. AFP provides fast, comprehensive and verified coverage of the issues affecting our daily lives.
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Ketanji Brown Jackson celebrated her rise `` from segregation to the Supreme Court '' at a White House event.
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Safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of a SARS-CoV-2 recombinant spike RBD protein vaccine: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 1-2 clinical trial ( ABDALA Study) | BackgroundMultiple vaccine candidates against COVID-19 are currently being evaluated. We evaluate the safety and immunogenicity protein of a novel SARS-CoV-2 virus receptor-binding domain ( RBD) vaccine.MethodsA phase 1-2, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was carried out in “ Saturnino Lora ” Hospital, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. Subjects ( healthy or those with controlled chronic diseases) aged between 19 and 80 years, who gave written informed consent were eligible. Subjects were randomly assigned ( 1:1:1, in blocks) to three groups: placebo, 25 µg and 50 µg RBD vaccine ( Abdala). The product was administered intramuscularly, 0·5 mL in the deltoid region. During the first phase, two immunization schedules were studied: 0-14-28 days ( short) and 0-28-56 days ( long). In phase 2, only the short schedule was evaluated. The organoleptic characteristics and presentations of vaccine and placebo were identical. All participants ( subjects, clinical researchers, statisticians, laboratory technicians, and monitors) remained masked during the study period. The main endpoints were safety and the proportion of subjects with seroconversion of anti-RBD IgG antibodies, analysed by intention to treat and per protocol, respectively. The trial is registered with the Cuban Public Registry of Clinical Trials, RPCEC00000346.FindingsBetween Dec 7, 2020, and Feb 9, 2021, 792 subjects were included; 132 ( 66 in each vaccination schedule, divided into 22 for each group) in phase 1, and 660 ( 220 in each group plus 66 from the short scheme of phase 1) in phase 2. The product was well tolerated. No severe adverse events were reported. During phase 1, the incidence of adverse events in the 25 µg, 50 µg, and placebo arms for the short schedule were 6/22 ( 27·3%), 6/22 ( 27·3%), 3/22 ( 13·6%), respectively, and for the long schedule were 8/22 ( 36·4%), 9/22 ( 40·9%), 4/22 ( 18·2%), respectively. In phase 2, adverse reactions were reported by 53/242 ( 21·9%), 75/242 ( 31·0%) and 41/242 ( 16·9%) participants in the 25 µg, 50 µg, and placebo group, respectively. Adverse reactions were minimal, mostly mild, and from the injection site, which resolved in the first 24-48 hours. In phase 1, seroconversion at day 56 was seen in 95·2% of the participants ( 20/21) in the 50 μg group, 81% ( 17/21) in the 25 μg group, and none in the placebo group ( 0/22). For the long schedule, seroconversion at day 70 was seen in 100% of the participants ( 21/21) in the 50 μg group, 94·7% ( 18/19) in the 25 μg group, and none in the placebo group ( 0/22). In phase 2, seroconversion of anti-RBD IgG antibodies at day 56 was seen in 89·2% of the participants in the 50 μg group ( 214/240; 95% CI 84·5-92·82), 77·7% in the 25 μg group ( 185/238; 72·0-82·9) and 4·6% in the placebo group ( 11/239; 2·3-8·1). Compared with the placebo arm, the differences in the proportion of participants with seroconversion were 73·1% ( 95% CI 66·8-79·5) and 84·6% ( 79·4-89·7) in the 25 μg and 50 μg groups, respectively. The seroconversion rate in the 50 μg group was significantly higher than in the 25 μg group ( p=0·0012).InterpretationThe Abdala vaccine was safe, well tolerated, and induced humoral immune responses against SARS-CoV-2. These results, in the context of the emergency COVID-19 pandemic, support the 50 μg dose, applied in a 0-14-28 days schedule, for further clinical trials to confirm vaccine efficacy.FundingCentre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology ( CIGB), Havana, Cuba.
Multiple vaccine candidates against COVID-19 are currently being evaluated. We evaluate the safety and immunogenicity protein of a novel SARS-CoV-2 virus receptor-binding domain ( RBD) vaccine.
A phase 1-2, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was carried out in “ Saturnino Lora ” Hospital, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. Subjects ( healthy or those with controlled chronic diseases) aged between 19 and 80 years, who gave written informed consent were eligible. Subjects were randomly assigned ( 1:1:1, in blocks) to three groups: placebo, 25 µg and 50 µg RBD vaccine ( Abdala). The product was administered intramuscularly, 0·5 mL in the deltoid region. During the first phase, two immunization schedules were studied: 0-14-28 days ( short) and 0-28-56 days ( long). In phase 2, only the short schedule was evaluated. The organoleptic characteristics and presentations of vaccine and placebo were identical. All participants ( subjects, clinical researchers, statisticians, laboratory technicians, and monitors) remained masked during the study period. The main endpoints were safety and the proportion of subjects with seroconversion of anti-RBD IgG antibodies, analysed by intention to treat and per protocol, respectively. The trial is registered with the Cuban Public Registry of Clinical Trials, RPCEC00000346.
Between Dec 7, 2020, and Feb 9, 2021, 792 subjects were included; 132 ( 66 in each vaccination schedule, divided into 22 for each group) in phase 1, and 660 ( 220 in each group plus 66 from the short scheme of phase 1) in phase 2. The product was well tolerated. No severe adverse events were reported. During phase 1, the incidence of adverse events in the 25 µg, 50 µg, and placebo arms for the short schedule were 6/22 ( 27·3%), 6/22 ( 27·3%), 3/22 ( 13·6%), respectively, and for the long schedule were 8/22 ( 36·4%), 9/22 ( 40·9%), 4/22 ( 18·2%), respectively. In phase 2, adverse reactions were reported by 53/242 ( 21·9%), 75/242 ( 31·0%) and 41/242 ( 16·9%) participants in the 25 µg, 50 µg, and placebo group, respectively. Adverse reactions were minimal, mostly mild, and from the injection site, which resolved in the first 24-48 hours. In phase 1, seroconversion at day 56 was seen in 95·2% of the participants ( 20/21) in the 50 μg group, 81% ( 17/21) in the 25 μg group, and none in the placebo group ( 0/22). For the long schedule, seroconversion at day 70 was seen in 100% of the participants ( 21/21) in the 50 μg group, 94·7% ( 18/19) in the 25 μg group, and none in the placebo group ( 0/22). In phase 2, seroconversion of anti-RBD IgG antibodies at day 56 was seen in 89·2% of the participants in the 50 μg group ( 214/240; 95% CI 84·5-92·82), 77·7% in the 25 μg group ( 185/238; 72·0-82·9) and 4·6% in the placebo group ( 11/239; 2·3-8·1). Compared with the placebo arm, the differences in the proportion of participants with seroconversion were 73·1% ( 95% CI 66·8-79·5) and 84·6% ( 79·4-89·7) in the 25 μg and 50 μg groups, respectively. The seroconversion rate in the 50 μg group was significantly higher than in the 25 μg group ( p=0·0012).
The Abdala vaccine was safe, well tolerated, and induced humoral immune responses against SARS-CoV-2. These results, in the context of the emergency COVID-19 pandemic, support the 50 μg dose, applied in a 0-14-28 days schedule, for further clinical trials to confirm vaccine efficacy.
Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology ( CIGB), Havana, Cuba.
Research in context Evidence before this studyWe searched PubMed website on February 21, 2022, for published research articles, with no language or date restrictions, using the search terms “ COVID-19″ “ Vaccine″ and “ Pichia pastoris″. We found 13 articles related with the expression of RBD protein of SARS-CoV-2 using this expression system and its evaluation in animal models, but none related with results on clinical trials. Added value of this studyThis is the first in human study of Abdala´s vaccine candidate against COVID-19 based on a SARS-CoV-2 recombinant spike RBD protein produced in the yeast Pichia pastoris. We carried out a Phase 1-2 clinical trial where two different immunization schedules ( 0-14-28 days and 0-28-56 days) and two strengths of the antigen were assessed. The study provides safety and immunogenicity data obtained in adults from 19 to 80 years of age. The vaccine was well tolerated and no short-term safety concerns were raised. High anti-RBD IgG immune responses were elicited as well as neutralizing antibodies against live virus. Implications of all the available evidenceVarious COVID-19 vaccines have been developed or are under clinical evaluation using different technological platforms. The positive results presented here support the further evaluation of a three-dose immunization schedule ( 0-14-28 days) with this vaccine candidate in a Phase 3 efficacy trial.
We searched PubMed website on February 21, 2022, for published research articles, with no language or date restrictions, using the search terms “ COVID-19″ “ Vaccine″ and “ Pichia pastoris″. We found 13 articles related with the expression of RBD protein of SARS-CoV-2 using this expression system and its evaluation in animal models, but none related with results on clinical trials.
This is the first in human study of Abdala´s vaccine candidate against COVID-19 based on a SARS-CoV-2 recombinant spike RBD protein produced in the yeast Pichia pastoris. We carried out a Phase 1-2 clinical trial where two different immunization schedules ( 0-14-28 days and 0-28-56 days) and two strengths of the antigen were assessed. The study provides safety and immunogenicity data obtained in adults from 19 to 80 years of age. The vaccine was well tolerated and no short-term safety concerns were raised. High anti-RBD IgG immune responses were elicited as well as neutralizing antibodies against live virus.
Various COVID-19 vaccines have been developed or are under clinical evaluation using different technological platforms. The positive results presented here support the further evaluation of a three-dose immunization schedule ( 0-14-28 days) with this vaccine candidate in a Phase 3 efficacy trial.
The global pandemic of the new 2019 coronavirus disease ( COVID-19) caused by the SARS-CoV-2 started in Wuhan, China in December 2019, and from then on has spread throughout the world.1Zhu N Zhang D Wang W. et al.A novel coronavirus from patients with pneumonia in China 2019.N Engl J Med. 2020; 382: 727-733Google Scholar,2Ahn DG Shin HJ Kim MH et al.Current Status of Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Therapeutics, and Vaccines for Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 ( COVID-19).J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2020; 30: 313-324Google Scholar
The clinical spectrum of a SARS–CoV-2 infection ranges from the absence of symptoms ( asymptomatic infection) or mild respiratory symptoms to severe acute respiratory illness and death. Initially, it manifests mainly as fever, but sometimes only chills and respiratory symptoms occur due to mild dry cough and gradual dyspnea, in addition to fatigue and even diarrhea. In severe cases, the disease can progress rapidly, causing acute respiratory distress syndrome, pneumonia, septic shock, irreversible metabolic acidosis, multiple organ failure, and clotting disorders, among other complications. The prognosis varies from recovery in most cases to torpid evolution and death.2Ahn DG Shin HJ Kim MH et al.Current Status of Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Therapeutics, and Vaccines for Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 ( COVID-19).J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2020; 30: 313-324Google Scholar,3Rothan HA Byrareddyb SN. The epidemiology and pathogenesis of coronavirus disease ( COVID-19) outbreak.J Autoimmun. 2020; 109102433https: //doi.org/10.1016/j.jaut.2020.102433Google Scholar
Vaccines are urgently needed to mitigate the consequences of this pandemic and protect humanity from future epidemics caused by this virus. In this sense, clinical trials with multiple vaccine candidates, with accelerated designs and overlapping of the traditional phases of clinical research, are currently carried out worldwide, without breaching Good Clinical Practices ( GCP).4Deming ME Michael NL Robb M et al.Accelerating Development of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines — The Role for Controlled Human Infection Models.N Engl J Med. 2020; 383: e63https: //doi.org/10.1056/NEJMp2020076Google Scholar Obtaining safe and effective preventive vaccines, as well as implementing them with broad global coverage, would be the fastest and safest strategy to manage this terrible pandemic.5CDC. COVID-19 Risks and Vaccine Information for Older Adults. Available at: https: //www.cdc.gov/aging/covid19/covid19-older-adults.html. Accessed 20 December 2021.Google Scholar
At CIGB work has been made on several vaccine candidates using platforms already known to this institution and also considering the state-of-the-art of research around COVID-19, especially the immunological aspects necessary for the development of vaccines against this infection. One of these vaccine candidates was Abdala, based on the recombinant RBD subunit of the spike protein produced in Pichia pastoris yeast, adjuvanted to alumina.
The aim of the present work was to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of the Abdala vaccine, administered intramuscularly in different strengths and schedules, for specific active immunization against SARS-CoV-2 infection in adults between 19 and 80 years of age.
A randomised, adaptive, double blind, placebo-controlled, phase 1-2 clinical trial was carried out in “ Saturnino Lora ” Hospital, Santiago de Cuba.
The trial was conducted in medical wards and certified areas for the vaccination process. The participating researchers were specialists in internal medicine and intensive care, and the vaccination under study was administered by specialized nurses. The protocol followed the Declaration of Helsinki guidelines and was evaluated by the Ethics and Review Committee of the Provincial Hospital `` Saturnino Lora '' in Santiago de Cuba ( clinical site participating in the trial), who granted ethical approval of the study. This Institutional Review Boards was made up of highly qualified medical specialists not linked to the study, as well as a member of the community. This committee followed up on the research ensuring the protection of the rights, safety and well-being of the subjects involved in the study. In addition, the Cuban Centre for State Control of Drugs, Medical Devices and Equipment approved the start of the clinical trial after considering the scientific, methodological and ethical aspects. The manuscript adheres to CONSORT reporting guidelines.
Subjects aged between 19 and 54 years ( for phase 1; healthy adults) and between 19 and 80 years ( for phase 2; healthy adults or with comorbidities, compensated), who gave their written, informed consent to participate, were enrolled. Exclusion criteria were: virological diagnosis by RT-PCR of infection to SARS-CoV-2, contact or suspect of COVID-19, subjects at high risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 infection ( health workers in 1st line of medical care), acute infection in the last 15 days, chronic or autoimmune or endocrine-metabolic diseases decompensated at the time of inclusion, subject treated in the last three months or with any medical condition that requires an immunomodulator, steroid ( except topical or inhaled) or cytostatic during the study. Individuals with body mass index ≤18 or ≥35 Kg/m2, tattoos in both deltoid regions, administration of any research product in the last three months, allergy to thiomersal or any other component of the medicament, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and mental disorders, were also excluded.
Participants for immunological evaluations are also shown in Figure 1. In phase 2, results of the same groups from phase 1 trial were combined and analyzed together. Neutralizing antibodies ( Nab) were only measured in the subset of individuals with > 30% of inhibition of RBD-ACE-2 ( angiotensin-converting enzyme 2). Additionally, in Phase 2, due to constrains on laboratory capacity, not all the samples that fulfill that condition were evaluated ( only 182). For that reason, the decision was made to evaluate the first samples that fulfill the initial criterion in a ratio 2.5:1 regarding the number of samples from 50 μg and 25 μg group, respectively ( 131 and 51 samples for each group).Figure 1Trial profile. RBD: receptor binding domain.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download ( PPT) Figure 1Trial profile. RBD: receptor binding domain.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download ( PPT)
The subjects included were randomly distributed ( 1:1:1) to 3 groups: I) placebo; II) 25 µg RBD and III) 50 µg RBD. Randomisation was carried out in the supply group of the Clinical Research Direction of the CIGB, in blocks of 12 or 6 individuals ( phase 1 and 2, respectively), by means of a computerised random number generator. The site received the product in such blocks, in masked vials in order to prevent their identification, labelled with each subject´s number. The organoleptic characteristics and presentations of vaccine and placebo were identical. Therefore, the decision to accept or reject a participant was made, and informed consent was obtained from the participant, in ignorance of the assignment in the sequence. All participants ( investigators, subjects, and monitors) were kept blinded during all the study performance and data management. Statistical analyses were done without knowledge of the groups´ identity. This was known after the analyses were concluded.
The product was applied intramuscularly, 0·5 mL in the deltoid region. During the first phase, two immunization schedules were studied: short ( 0-14-28 days) and long ( 0-28-56 days). In phase 2, only the short scheme ( 0-14-28 days), selected during the interim analysis, was evaluated. Concomitant treatment was not anticipated.
The adverse events ( type, duration, severity, outcome, and causality relationship) were carefully registered. The severity of the adverse events was classified in three levels: ( a) mild, if no therapy was necessary; ( b) moderate, if a specific treatment was needed, and ( c) severe, when hospitalisation or its prolongation was required, the reaction was life-threatening or contributed to patient's death. A qualitative assessment was used to classify the causal relationship as definite, probable, possible or doubtful.6Naranjo CA Shear NH Busto U. Adverse drug reactions.in: Kalant H Roschlau WHE Principles of medical pharmacology. Oxford University Press, New York1998: 791-800Google Scholar Adverse reactions associated with vaccination were especially sought ( pain at the injection site, erythema, induration, headache, fever, among others).
In phase 1 trial, blood samples were collected in all groups at day 0, before the application of the first dose ( baseline), and at several points according to the corresponding vaccination schedule at days 42 and 56 for the short schedule ( 0-14-28 days) and at days 56 and 70 for the long schedule ( 0-28-56 days) to determine the level of RBD-specific IgG antibodies, in terms of seroconversion rates and geometric mean of the titers ( GMT), the percentage of inhibition of RBD-ACE-2 binding in terms of proportions and means ( 95% CI) and levels of Nab to live SARS-CoV-2 in terms of proportions an GMT. In the phase 2 trial, blood samples were taken at time 0 and at days 42 and 56 ( 14 and 28 days after the third dose).
IgG antibodies were quantified by UMELISA SARS-CoV-2 anti-RBD ( Immunoassay Centre, Havana).7CECMED. UMELISA SARS-COV-2 IGG ( Cuban Sanitary Registry D2107-11). Available at: https: //www.cecmed.cu/covid-19/aprobaciones/umelisa-sars-cov-2-igg. Accessed 27 December 2021.Google Scholar Titers are given in arbitrary units per millilitre ( AU/mL) with a cut-off value of 1·95. The percentage of inhibition to RBD-ACE-2 binding was determined using and in-house virus neutralization test ( CIGB, Havana). Results are given in inhibition percentage. The assay threshold for positivity was 30%. Nab titers were detected by a standard virus microneutralization assay using live SARS-CoV-2 ( CUT2010-2025/Cuba/2020 strain) 8Manenti A Maggetti M Casa E et al.Evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies using a CPE-based colorimetric live virus micro-neutralization assay in human serum samples.J Med Virol. 2020; 92: 2096-2104https: //doi.org/10.1002/jmv.25986Google Scholar carried out at Civilian Defense Scientific Research Centre, Cuba. Viral neutralizing titers were calculated as the highest serum dilution with an optical density ( OD) higher that the cut-off value ( calculated as the average of the OD of the cell control wells divided by two). Results are given in Nab titer ID50. The sequence of the RBD antigen used in the vaccine and in the analytical systems is identical to that of the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan-Hu-1 strain ( NCBI Acc. No.YP 009724390).
For the phase 1 trial, the primary outcome was the safety of the candidate ( the non-occurrence of serious adverse events with a causal relationship attributable to the research product in no more than 5% of the subjects) and the secondary outcome was immunogenicity ( proportion of subjects with seroconversion of anti-RBD IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2). During phase 2, the main outcome was seroconversion day 56, define as at least a four-fold increase of antibody titers over baseline. Secondary immunogenic endpoints were safety, percentage of inhibition to RBD-ACE-2 binding as well as the neutralizing antibodies to live SARS-CoV-2.
A sample size of 20 subjects, computed using the PASS software ( www.ncss.com), was required to estimate a two sided exact Clopper-Pearson 95% confidence interval for the rate of related serious adverse events, assuming a rate of related serious adverse events of less than 5%, with type I and II errors of 0·05 and 0·20, respectively. Considering 10% dropouts, the final sample size was 22 subjects per group ( 132 volunteers) for phase 1. To estimate a 95% Pearson's chi-squared confidence interval for difference of proportions, with a lower limit greater than 30%, under the assumptions of a true difference of proportions between seroconversion rates in treated and control of 50%, a proportion of individuals with an immune response in control group in the range 1-5%, power of 80% and 10% dropouts, the final sample size during the second stage of the study was 242 individuals per group ( 726 subjects in total, including the 66 participants from phase 1 assigned to the short immunization schedule).
Statistical analyses were done with R version 3.6.2. The immunogenicity analyses were done in the per-protocol population, refer to participants who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria, who completed the course of vaccination schedule and had valid immunogenicity results both before immunization and the indicated days after vaccination as defined in the study protocol. Individuals, who had anti-RBD IgG antibodies at the baseline time determination, before the first dose of the product was applied, were excluded from the immunogenicity analyses so that all study groups started from the same condition and the effect of the primary immunization schedule could be clearly assessed. The percentage of individuals with serious or severe adverse events related to the research product was estimated ( during the period of execution of the clinical trial) and the 95% confidence interval was calculated as confirmatory analysis for phase 1 primary endpoint. For phase 2 primary endpoint, the confidence interval of the difference with respect to the control of the proportion of participants with seroconversion of anti-RBD IgG antibodies was estimated for each treatment arm at day 56. We used the Pearson χ² test for the analysis of categorical outcomes. We calculated 95% confidence intervals ( CI) for all categorical outcomes using the Clopper-Pearson method. GMTs were calculated as the mean of the assay results after the logarithmic transformation was made; we then exponentiated the mean to express results on the original scale. Two-sided 95% CI were obtained by performing logarithmic transformations of titers, calculating the 95% confidence interval with reference to Student's t-distribution, and then exponentiating the limits of the confidence intervals. We used the Kruskal-Wallis test as a non-parametric alternative for ANOVA to compare the geometric means of antibody titers and the means of the percentage of inhibition across the three arms to compare the log-transformed antibody titer. As a complement to this test, once the null hypothesis is rejected, multiple comparison tests with Bonferroni's correction were performed to adjust by the number of comparisons. Hypothesis testing was two-sided and we considered p values of less than 0·05 to be significant. We used the Student's t-test to compare the mean of two samples. Mann Whitney U test was used as a nonparametric alternative to Student's t-test. Pearson's linear correlations were also calculated to assess the association between responses on different assays by time of evaluation and study group. To assess safety, adverse events were tabulated and plotted by dose and study group. In phase 2, all analysis were performed globally and by age cohorts: 19 to 54 years and 55 to 80 years.
An independent data monitoring committee consisted of one independent statistician, pathologist, clinician, epidemiologist and immunologist was established before commencement of the study. Safety data were assessed and reviewed by the committee to ensure the toxicity criteria of phase 1 were not met and allow the further proceeding of the clinical trial.
This study was registered with Cuban Public Clinical Trial Registry, RPCEC00000346.
The funder of the study had a role in study design, data interpretation, and writing of the report, but had no role in data collection or data analysis.
From 07 December 2020 to 09 February 2021 a total of 792 subjects were included out of 919 that were screened. Their disposition is shown in Figure 1. During phase 1, 132 subjects were included, randomly distributed into two vaccination schedules ( 0-14-28 and 0-28-56 days) and three study groups for each schedule ( placebo and two RBD strengths: 25 μg and 50 μg). After an interim analysis of the results and given the complex epidemiological situation resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, it was strategically decided to continue towards phase 2 of the trial with the three study groups of the short vaccination schedule ( 0-14-28 days). In this sense, phase 2 included 660 new individuals, to which were added the 66 subjects evaluated in a similar vaccination scheme during the first stage ( 726 subjects in total; 242 in each study group). All volunteers completed the vaccination schedule ( three doses), except for five individuals assigned to the long schedule in phase 1 ( 2 in the placebo and RBD 25 μg groups, and 1 in the 50 μg group of the vaccine candidate) and four subjects during phase 2 ( two in the placebo and lower strength vaccine groups).
Table 1 shows the demographic and baseline characteristics of the subjects. Most of them were males, 19 to 80 years-old, with the ethnic distribution of the Cuban population in the south eastern region of the country. No relevant imbalances can be seen.Table 1Demographic characteristics of the participants in the Abdala trial at enrollment.VariableShort schedule ( 0-14-28 days) Long schedule ( 0-28-56 days) OverallPlaceboRBD 25 μgRBD 50 μgSubtotalPlaceboRBD 25 μgRBD 50 μgSubtotalPHASE 1 ( 19-54 years) N22222266 ( 50·0) 22222266 ( 50.0) 132 ( 100) Sex – no. (%) Female11 ( 50·0) 7 ( 31·8) 9 ( 40·9) 27 ( 40·9) 10 ( 45·5) 12 ( 54·5) 11 ( 50·0) 33 ( 50·0) 60 ( 45·5) Male11 ( 50·0) 15 ( 68·2) 13 ( 59·1) 39 ( 59·1) 12 ( 54·5) 10 ( 45·5) 11 ( 50·0) 33 ( 50·0) 72 ( 55·5) Ageyears37·9 ± 10·040·7 ± 7·344·4 ± 9·241·0 ± 9·241·1 ± 9·439·9 ± 9·444·2 ± 8·341·7 ± 9·141·3 ± 9·1Ethnicity – no. (%) White4 ( 18·2) 4 ( 18·2) 7 ( 31·8) 15 ( 22·7) 7 ( 31·8) 3 ( 13·6) 2 ( 9·1) 12 ( 18·2) 27 ( 20·5) Black11 ( 50·0) 2 ( 9·1) 6 ( 27·3) 19 ( 28·8) 6 ( 27·3) 4 ( 18·2) 8 ( 36·4) 18 ( 27·3) 37 ( 28·0) Mestizo7 ( 31·8) 16 ( 72·7) 9 ( 40·9) 32 ( 48·5) 9 ( 40·9) 15 ( 68·2) 12 ( 54·5) 36 ( 54·5) 68 ( 51·5) BMIKg/m225·2 ± 4·026·5 ± 4·725·5 ± 3·325·7 ± 4·024·4 ± 3·325·9 ± 3·326·3 ± 4·425·5 ± 3·725·6 ± 3·9PHASE 2 ( 19-80 years; short schedule: 0-14-28 days) Age group: 19 - 54 yearsAge group: 55 - 80 yearsN153149151453 ( 62·4) 899391273 ( 37·6) 726 ( 100) Sex – no. (%) Female76 ( 49·7) 80 ( 53·7) 76 ( 50·3) 232 ( 51·2) 28 ( 31·5) 40 ( 43·0) 37 ( 40·7) 105 ( 38·5) 337 ( 46·4) Male77 ( 50·3) 69 ( 46·3) 75 ( 49·7) 221 ( 48·8) 61 ( 68·5) 53 ( 57·0) 54 ( 59·3) 168 ( 61·5) 389 ( 53·6) Ageyears35·7 ± 12·035·6 ± 11·430·1 ± 12·535·0 ± 12·065·7 ± 8·063·2 ± 7·564·0 ± 7·364·3 ± 7·246·5 ± 17·3Ethnicity – no. (%) White53 ( 34·6) 63 ( 42·3) 51 ( 33·8) 167 ( 36·9) 28 ( 31·5) 24 ( 25·8) 35 ( 38·4) 87 ( 31·9) 254 ( 35·0) Black34 ( 22·2) 20 ( 13·4) 17 ( 11·3) 71 ( 15·7) 25 ( 28·1) 17 ( 18·3) 16 ( 17·6) 58 ( 21·2) 129 ( 17·8) Mestizo66 ( 43·1) 66 ( 44·3) 83 ( 55·0) 215 ( 47·5) 36 ( 40·4) 52 ( 55·9) 40 ( 44·0) 128 ( 46·9) 343 ( 47·2) BMIKg/m225·1 ± 4·225·2 ± 4·124·7 ± 4·125·0 ± 4·125·9 ± 4·027·2 ± 4·426·6 ± 4·426·6 ± 4·325·6 ± 4·3Plus-minus values are means ± SD.BMI: Body-mass index ( is the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters. The calculation was based on the weight and height measured at the time of screening). RBD: receptor binding domain. Open table in a new tab
Plus-minus values are means ± SD.
BMI: Body-mass index ( is the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters. The calculation was based on the weight and height measured at the time of screening). RBD: receptor binding domain.
The product was well tolerated. The product was well tolerated. No severe adverse events were reported ( 0/22 for each arm in phase 1; 0/242 for each arm in phase 2) and there were no withdrawals for this cause. In the phase 1 trial, the overall incidence of adverse reactions was 6/22 ( 27·3%) participants in the 25 and 50 μg groups, respectively, and 3/22 ( 13·6%) in the placebo group in the short vaccination schedule ( 0-14-28 days); and 8/22 ( 36·4%) in the 25 μg group, 9/22 ( 40·9%) in the 50 μg group, and 4/22 ( 18·2%) in the placebo group in the long vaccination schedule ( 0-28-56 days). During phase 2, adverse reactions were reported by 53/242 ( 21·9%) subjects in the 25 μg group, 75/242 ( 31·0%) in the 50 μg group, and 41/242 ( 16·9%) in the placebo group, all under the short vaccination schedule.
In the two phases of the clinical trial, overall reactogenicity was largely absent or mild in most reports, and the following doses were neither withheld nor delayed due to reactogenicity ( Figure 2). After the first vaccination, local and systemic reactogenicity it was absent or decreased with the application of subsequent doses. Most of the adverse reactions resolved spontaneously in the first 24-48 hours without medication. There were no clinically relevant laboratory abnormalities associated with vaccination.Figure 2Percentage of participants in each phase of the trial according to the occurrence of adverse reactions, by group and vaccination schedule.Show full captionThe percentage of participants in each study group ( RBD 25 µg, RBD 50 µg, Placebo) with adverse reactions according to the maximum FDA ( Food and Drug Administration) toxicity grade ( mild or moderate) from first dose up to 14 days after third dose is plotted by signs or symptoms. Participants who reported 0 events make up the remainder of the 100%. Panel A: phase 1 ( schedule 0-14-28 days); Panel B: phase 1 ( schedule 0-28-56 days); Panel C: phase 2 ( schedule 0-14-28 days).The percentage of participants in each study group ( RBD 25 µg, RBD 50 µg, Placebo) with adverse reactions according to the maximum FDA ( Food and Drug Administration) toxicity grade ( mild or moderate) from first dose up to 14 days after third dose is plotted by signs or symptoms. Participants who reported 0 events make up the remainder of the 100%. Panel A: phase 1 ( schedule 0-14-28 days); Panel B: phase 1 ( schedule 0-28-56 days); Panel C: phase 2 ( schedule 0-14-28 days).View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download ( PPT)
The percentage of participants in each study group ( RBD 25 µg, RBD 50 µg, Placebo) with adverse reactions according to the maximum FDA ( Food and Drug Administration) toxicity grade ( mild or moderate) from first dose up to 14 days after third dose is plotted by signs or symptoms. Participants who reported 0 events make up the remainder of the 100%. Panel A: phase 1 ( schedule 0-14-28 days); Panel B: phase 1 ( schedule 0-28-56 days); Panel C: phase 2 ( schedule 0-14-28 days).
The percentage of participants in each study group ( RBD 25 µg, RBD 50 µg, Placebo) with adverse reactions according to the maximum FDA ( Food and Drug Administration) toxicity grade ( mild or moderate) from first dose up to 14 days after third dose is plotted by signs or symptoms. Participants who reported 0 events make up the remainder of the 100%. Panel A: phase 1 ( schedule 0-14-28 days); Panel B: phase 1 ( schedule 0-28-56 days); Panel C: phase 2 ( schedule 0-14-28 days).
In phase 1, seroconversion rates of anti-RBD IgG for the short schedule ( 0-14-28 days), measured at day 42, were 81% for the 25 μg group and 95·5% for the 50 μg group ( p=0·19). At day 56 ( 28 days after the third dose) there were 81% and 95·2% for the 25 μg and 50 μg group respectively ( p=0·21). The results for the long schedule ( 0-28-56 days) at day 56 were 55% for the 25 μg group and 57·1% for the 50 μg group ( p=1·0) that increased, at day 70, to 94·7% and 100% for the 25 μg and 50 μg group ( p=0·96) ( Table 2). None of the participants in the placebo groups seroconverted. For both strengths of RBD/vaccination schedules high seroconversion rates were obtained.Table 2Seroconversion rates for anti-RBD IgG and proportion of individuals with inhibition to RBD-ACE2 binding and neutralizing antibodies to SARS-CoV-2.Phase 1PlaceboRBD 25 μgRBD 50 μgp value * Schedule 0-14-28 daysSeroconversion of anti-RBD IgG (%) Day 420/22 ( 0%; 0-15·4) 17/21 ( 81%; 58·1-94·6) 21/22 ( 95·5%; 77·2-99·9) 0·19Day 560/22 ( 0% 0-15·4) 17/21 ( 81%; 58·1-94·6) 20/21 ( 95·2%; 76·2-99·9) 0·21Inhibition to RBD-ACE2 bindingDay 422/22 ( 9·1%; 1·1-29·2) 11/21 ( 52·4%; 29·8-74·3) 19/22 ( 86·4%; 65·1-97·1) 0·036Day 567/22 ( 31·8% 13·9-54·9) 14/21 ( 66·7%; 43·0-85·4) 19/21 ( 90·5%; 69·6-98·8) 0·13Neutralizing antibodies to live SARS-CoV-2Day 42-4/8 ( 50%; 15·7-84·3) 18/19 ( 94·7%; 74-99·9) 0·029Day 56-8/10 ( 80%; 44·4-97·5) 18/19 ( 94·7%; 74-99·9) 0·550Schedule 0-28-56 daysSeroconversion of anti-RBD IgG (%) Day 560/20 ( 0%; 0-16·8) 11/20 ( 55%; 31·5-76·9) 12/21 ( 57·1%; 34-78·2) 1·00Day 700/20 ( 0%; 0-16·8) 18/19 ( 94·7%; 74-99·9) 21/21 ( 100%; 84-100) 0·96Inhibition to RBD-ACE2 bindingDay 565/20 ( 25%; 8·7-49·1) 12/20 ( 60%; 36·1-80·9) 15/21 ( 71·4%; 47·8-88·7) 0·66Day 709/20 ( 45% 23·1-68·5) 17/19 ( 89·5% 66·9-98·7) 20/21 ( 95·2%; 76·2-99·9) 0·93Neutralizing antibodies to live SARS-CoV-2Day 56-5/5 ( 100%; 47·8-100) 7/7 ( 100%; 59·0-100) -Day 70-15/16 ( 93·8%; 69·8-99·8) 19/20 ( 95%, 75·1-99·9) 0·999RBD: receptor binding domain. Data are n/N (%; 95% CI). Days 42 and 56, refers to 14 and 28 days after the third dose of the 0-14-28 days vaccination schedule and days 56 and 70, refers to 28 days after second dose and 14 days after the third dose of the 0-28-56 days vaccination schedule, respectively. * p values are for comparisons between 25 μg and 50 μg groups. Open table in a new tab
RBD: receptor binding domain. Data are n/N (%; 95% CI). Days 42 and 56, refers to 14 and 28 days after the third dose of the 0-14-28 days vaccination schedule and days 56 and 70, refers to 28 days after second dose and 14 days after the third dose of the 0-28-56 days vaccination schedule, respectively. * p values are for comparisons between 25 μg and 50 μg groups.
The results of GMTs of anti-RBD IgG are presented in Figure 3 and Supplementary material, Table 1. At baseline, GMTs in all the participants were at the lower limit of quantitation ( 1·95). For the short schedule ( Figure 3A) by day 42, GMT had increased to 22·35 for the 25 μg group and to 131·20 for the 50 μg group. At day 56, GMT for the 25 μg group were 22·23 and GMT had further increased to 155·18 for the 50 μg group. Higher GMTs were found at 42 and 56 days for the 50 μg group, with significant differences between GMTs of 25 μg and 50 μg groups ( p < 0·0001). In the placebo groups GMTs remained as in the baseline evaluation and significant differences with both 25 μg and 50 μg groups were found ( Figure 3A). For the long schedule ( Figure 3D) the results after only two administered doses ( day 56) were 12·21 for the 25 μg group and 16·11 for the 50 μg group. At day 70, GMT had further increased for both dose levels, 72·99 for the 25 μg group and 221·43 for the 50 μg group ( p=0·023) ( Figure 3D). For both 25 μg and 50 μg groups, statistical differences with placebo were found at 56 and 70 days for the 50 μg group ( Figure 3D).Figure 3Quantitative variables of immunogenicity in the three study groups by schedule and days.Show full captionPanels A and C shown anti-RBD IgG antibody titers for short and long schedules, respectively. Panels B and E shown inhibition of RBD-ACE-2 binding, for short and long schedules, respectively. Panels C and F shown Nab titers, for short and long schedules, respectively. Study groups are represented by colors, red for RBD 25 µg, blue for RBD 50 µg and gray for placebo. The boxes and horizontal bars indicate interquartile range ( IQR) and median, respectively. The whisker's end points are the maximum and minimum values below or above the median ± 1•5 times the IQR. Points represent possible outliers. The braces contain the results of the Mann Whitney U multiple comparison tests with Bonferroni correction in cases where more than two groups appear ( graphs A, B, D, E), and the Mann Whitney U tests in cases where only two groups appear ( panels C and F). Only p values for significant differences are shown. Schedules: 0-14-28 days ( short) and 0-28-56 days ( long). RBD: receptor binding domain. ACE-2: angiotensin-converting enzyme. AU/mL: arbitrary units per mL. Nab: Neutralizing antibody titers.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download ( PPT)
Panels A and C shown anti-RBD IgG antibody titers for short and long schedules, respectively. Panels B and E shown inhibition of RBD-ACE-2 binding, for short and long schedules, respectively. Panels C and F shown Nab titers, for short and long schedules, respectively. Study groups are represented by colors, red for RBD 25 µg, blue for RBD 50 µg and gray for placebo. The boxes and horizontal bars indicate interquartile range ( IQR) and median, respectively. The whisker's end points are the maximum and minimum values below or above the median ± 1•5 times the IQR. Points represent possible outliers. The braces contain the results of the Mann Whitney U multiple comparison tests with Bonferroni correction in cases where more than two groups appear ( graphs A, B, D, E), and the Mann Whitney U tests in cases where only two groups appear ( panels C and F). Only p values for significant differences are shown. Schedules: 0-14-28 days ( short) and 0-28-56 days ( long). RBD: receptor binding domain. ACE-2: angiotensin-converting enzyme. AU/mL: arbitrary units per mL. Nab: Neutralizing antibody titers.
The proportion of individuals with positive inhibition of RBD-ACE-2 binding for the short schedule at day 42 was 52·4% for the 25 μg group and 86·4% for the 50 μg group ( p=0·036), increasing to 66·7% and 90·5% at day 56 for the corresponding ( p=0·13) ( Table 2). The proportion of individuals with positive inhibition of RBD-ACE-2 binding for the short schedule at day 42 was 52·4% for the 25 μg group and 86·4% for the 50 μg group p=0·036), increasing to 66·7% and 90·5% at day 56 for the corresponding ( p=0·13) ( Table 2). The mean of the percentage of inhibition of RBD-ACE-2 binding for both schedules are presented in Figure 3 and Supplementary material Table 1. For the short schedule at baseline were very low 8·83% for the 25 μg group and 5·73% for the 50 μg group, with no differences among the groups including placebo ( Figure 3B). At day 42, the mean had increased for both dose levels, for 25 μg group was 36·48% and 65·84% for the 50 μg group. By day 56, the results were 36·60% for the 25 μg group and a further increase was observed for the 50 μg group, 75·71%. For both 42 and 56 days significant differences were obtained among the three groups of study ( p=0·008 and p < 0·0001, respectively), with highest mean values for 50 μg group. ( Figure 3B). For the long schedule, the baseline results were also very low 11·65% for the 25 μg group and 9·38% for the 50 μg group ( Figure 3E). At day 56, after only two applied doses, the percentage if inhibition had increased for both dose levels, 34·28% for the 25 μg group and 37·56% for the 50 μg group, with no significant differences between them. By day 70, the mean had a further increase, 72·32% for the 25 μg group and 82·66% for the 50 μg group, but only significant differences with placebo were found ( Figure 3E).
We also measured Nab titers against live-SARS-CoV-2 in serum samples of participants. For the short schedule, the proportion of individuals with Nab titers, at day 42, was 50% for the 25 μg group and 94·73% for the 50 μg group ( p=0·029). At day 56, the percentages were 80% for the 25 μg group and 94·7% for the 50 μg group ( p=0·55) ( Table 2). For the long schedule, by day 56, 100% of individuals had neutralizing antibodies for both 25 μg and 50 μg group, and at day 70, 93·8% and 95·0% for 25 μg and 50 μg group, respectively ( p=0·99) ( Table 2). GMT values are presented in Figure 3 and Supplementary material Table 1. For the short schedule at day 42 were 18·20 for the 25 μg group and 22·80 for the 50 μg group ( p=0·86). At day 56, GMT for the 25 μg group was 10·40 and 31·53 for the 50 μg group ( p=0·0032) ( Figure 3C). For the long schedule, the GMTs by day 56 were 17·41 and 31·09 for the 25 μg and 50 μg group, respectively ( p=0·37) and at day 70, the 34·63 for the 25 μg group and 71·31 for the 50 μg group ( p=0·097) ( Figure 3F).
In phase 2, blood samples for the evaluation of immune response were taken at time 0 and at days 42 and 56 ( 14 and 28 days after the third dose). All the results were analyzed globally ( Table 3 and Figure 4) and by age groups: 19 to 54 years and 55 to 80 years. Age-stratified results can be found in Supplementary material Table 2 and Figure 1. Seroconversion rates of anti RBD-IgG at day 42 were, 79·5% and 89·6% for the 25 μg and 50 μg group, respectively ( p=0·0032) and at day 56, were very similar with 77·7% and 89·2% for the 25 μg and 50 μg group, respectively ( p=0·0012). In the case of placebo group a small number of participants ( less than 5%) seroconverted. The difference with respect to the placebo arm of the proportion of participants with seroconversion of anti-RBD IgG antibodies at day 56 was higher than 50% for all treatments arms, globally and for each age cohort. Globally, the differences were 73·1% ( 95% CI 66·8-79·5) and 84·6% ( 79·4-89·7), for the 25 μg and 50 μg, respectively. By day 42 and 56, GMT had increased for both 25 μg and 50 μg groups ( 39·62 and 93) and ( 36·66 and 80·36) respectively, with higher increases in the 50 μg group and significant differences with the 25 μg group for both evaluation days ( p < 0·0001) ( Figure 4A).Table 3Global immunological results by study groups at 42 and 56 days ( Phase 2).GroupPlaceboRBD 25 μgRBD 50 μgp-value * Seroconversion of anti-RBD IgG% ( 95% CI) Day 428 / 2393·3% ( 1·5-6·5) 190 / 23979·5% ( 73·8-84·4) 216 / 24189·6% ( 85·1-93·2) 0·0032Day 5611 / 2394·6% ( 2·3-8·1) 185 / 23877·7% ( 72·0-82·9) 214 / 24089·2% ( 84·5-92·82) 0·0012Geometric mean titers of RBD-IgG antibodies ( 95% CI) Day 422·21 ( 2·08-2·35) 39·62 ( 31·30-50·14) 93·46 ( 73·96-118·10) < 0·0001Day 562·13 ( 2·01-2·26) 36·66 ( 27·84-43·17) 80·36 ( 63·97-100·93) < 0·0001Inhibition to RBD-ACE2 binding% ( 95% CI) Day 4211 / 2394·6% ( 2·3-8·1) 137 / 23957·3% ( 50·8-63·7) 176 / 24173·0% ( 67·0-78·5) 0·0004Day 5613 / 2395·4% ( 2·9-9·1) 132 / 23855·5% ( 48·9–61·9) 173 / 24072·1% ( 65·9-77·7) 0·0002Inhibition to RBD-ACE2 binding Media ( 95% CI) Day 425·00 ( 3·64-6·36) 41·15 ( 37·09-45·21) 53·52 ( 49·29-57·74) < 0·0001Day 563·82 ( 2·68-4·96) 36·80 ( 32·78-40·82) 53·40 ( 49·05-57·74) < 0·0001Neutralizing antibodies against live SARS-CoV-2 ( 95% CI) Day 56-58 / 6195·1% ( 86·3-99·9) 146 / 15097·3% ( 93·3-99·3) 0·69Geometric mean of neutralizing antibody titers against live SARS-CoV-2 ( 95% CI) Day 56-24·12 ( 17·56-33·14) 30·81 ( 25·14-33·75) 0·19RBD: receptor binding domain. ACE-2: angiotensin-converting enzyme. ±SD: plus minus standard deviation. Data is n/N (%; 95% CI) for seroconversion rates of anti-RBD IgG, proportion of individuals with inhibition to RBD-ACE2 binding and neutralizing antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. Geometric mean titers are shown with 95% CI. Inhibition to RBD-ACE-2 are shown in means ± Standard deviation and 95% CI. Days 42 and 56 refers to 14 and 28 days, respectively, after the third dose of the 0-14-28 days vaccination schedule. * p-values correspond to comparisons between 25 μg and 50 μg groups. Open table in a new tab Figure 4Phase 2 quantitative variables of global immunogenicity by study groups and days.Show full captionPanel A: anti-RBD IgG antibody titers. Panel B: Inhibition of RBD-ACE-2 binding. Panel C: Neutralizing antibody titers. The study groups are represented by colors, red for RBD 25 µg, blue for RBD 50 µg and gray for placebo. The boxes and horizontal bars indicate interquartile range ( IQR) and the median, respectively. The whisker's end points are the maximum and minimum values below or above the median ± 1•5 times the IQR. Points represent possible outliers. The braces contain the results of the Mann Whitney U multiple comparison tests with Bonferroni correction. For the viral neutralization variable, Student's t tests were used to compare geometric means. Only p values for significant differences are shown. The bottom row shows the scatter graphs and the line adjusted by least squares by study group ( red for RBD 25 µg, blue for RBD 50 µg) of the values corresponding to day 56. In each case, Pearson's correlation coefficient and the associated p-value are included. RBD: receptor binding domain. ACE-2: angiotensin-converting enzyme. AU/mL: arbitrary units per mL. Nab: Neutralizing antibody titers.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download ( PPT)
RBD: receptor binding domain. ACE-2: angiotensin-converting enzyme. ±SD: plus minus standard deviation. Data is n/N (%; 95% CI) for seroconversion rates of anti-RBD IgG, proportion of individuals with inhibition to RBD-ACE2 binding and neutralizing antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. Geometric mean titers are shown with 95% CI. Inhibition to RBD-ACE-2 are shown in means ± Standard deviation and 95% CI. Days 42 and 56 refers to 14 and 28 days, respectively, after the third dose of the 0-14-28 days vaccination schedule. * p-values correspond to comparisons between 25 μg and 50 μg groups.
Panel A: anti-RBD IgG antibody titers. Panel B: Inhibition of RBD-ACE-2 binding. Panel C: Neutralizing antibody titers. The study groups are represented by colors, red for RBD 25 µg, blue for RBD 50 µg and gray for placebo. The boxes and horizontal bars indicate interquartile range ( IQR) and the median, respectively. The whisker's end points are the maximum and minimum values below or above the median ± 1•5 times the IQR. Points represent possible outliers. The braces contain the results of the Mann Whitney U multiple comparison tests with Bonferroni correction. For the viral neutralization variable, Student's t tests were used to compare geometric means. Only p values for significant differences are shown. The bottom row shows the scatter graphs and the line adjusted by least squares by study group ( red for RBD 25 µg, blue for RBD 50 µg) of the values corresponding to day 56. In each case, Pearson's correlation coefficient and the associated p-value are included. RBD: receptor binding domain. ACE-2: angiotensin-converting enzyme. AU/mL: arbitrary units per mL. Nab: Neutralizing antibody titers.
The proportion of individuals with positive inhibition of RBD-ACE-2 binding at day 42 was of 57·3% and 73·0% for 25 μg and 50 μg groups, respectively, ( p=0·0004) and at day 56, 55·5% and 72·1% ( p=0·0002) ( Table 3). The mean of the percentage of inhibition of RBD-ACE-2 binding showed an increase at 42 and 56 days, with respect to baseline levels for both 25 μg and 50 μg groups. At 42 and 56 days, the mean of the percentage of inhibition in the group of 50 μg were significantly higher than the obtained for the 25 μg group ( 53·52 vs. 41·15, p < 0·0001). This significant difference was maintained at day 56 ( Figure 4B).
The proportion of individuals with Nab titers against live-SARS-CoV-2 was measured only at day 56. The results were similar for both 25 μg and 50 μg groups, 95·1% and 97·3%, respectively, ( p=0·69) ( Table 3). GMT of neutralizing antibodies were very similar for 25 μg and 50 μg groups ( 24·12 and 30·81) without significant differences between them ( p=0.19) ( Table 3, Figure 4C).
Correlation coefficients were calculated with global data of phase 2 trial, for both 25 μg and 50 μg groups. The correlation coefficient between anti RBD-IgG and the percentage of inhibition to ACE-2 was 0·89 ( 95% CI 0·82-0·93) for the 25 μg GMT of group and 0·83 ( 0·77-0·87) for the 50 μg group ( Figure 4D). The correlation coefficient between Nab titers to live SARS-CoV-2 and the percentage of inhibition RBD-ACE-2 binding was 0·82 ( 0·70-0·89) for the 25 μg group and 0·64 ( 0·52-0·73) for the 50 μg group ( Figure 4E). The correlation coefficient between anti RBD-IgG and Nab titers to live SARS-CoV-2 was 0·74 ( 0·58-0·84) for the 25 μg group and 0·63 ( 0·51-0·72) for the 50 μg group ( Figure 4F). Strong and significant correlations were observed in all the cases, for both 25 μg and 50 μg groups.
Several vaccine candidates has been developed and found safe and effective against COVID-19. The S protein RBD of SARS-CoV-2 has been the target antigen using different technological platforms such as mRNA, adenovirus vector, inactivated virus and subunit vaccines.9Sharif N, Alzahrani KJ, Ahmed SN et al. Efficacy, Immunogenicity and Safety of COVID-19 Vaccines: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Immunol. 2021; 12:714170. https: //doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2021.714170.Google Scholar,10World Health Organization ( WHO). Draft landscape of COVID-19 candidate vaccines. WHO https: //www.whoint/publications/m/item/draft-landscape-of-covid-19-candidate-vaccines ( 2021). Accessed 15 December 2021.Google Scholar
This work reports for the first time the safety and immunogenicity of the Abdala vaccine based in the subunit RBD protein of SARS-CoV-2 in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The trial performed well, without deviations and a minimum of dropouts. This was facilitated by the fact that vaccination was short lasting and inclusion could be completed easily. Randomisation and blinding assured that bias was minimal. Therefore, the internal validity of the study was adequate.
In phase 1 trial two different immunization schedules were evaluated ( 0-14-28 and 0-28-56 days). In our approach to develop COVID-19 vaccine it was foreseen that the immunization schedule would be of three doses, based on CIGB's previous experience with its recombinant hepatitis B vaccine, produced for more than 30 years, whose vaccine antigen is an also a recombinant protein obtained from the same technological platform that uses the SARS-CoV-2 RBD antigen of the Abdala vaccine under study in this trial. This strategy is not the most frequent employed by other vaccine's developers considering worldwide 15% of the candidates use only one dose and 62% two doses.10World Health Organization ( WHO). Draft landscape of COVID-19 candidate vaccines. WHO https: //www.whoint/publications/m/item/draft-landscape-of-covid-19-candidate-vaccines ( 2021). Accessed 15 December 2021.Google Scholar However taken into account the course of the pandemic along the time with the emergency of new variants of concern, we consider that a three dose schedule would be a better approach to face this situation and potentially to achieve a longer duration of the immune response.
The safety and immunogenicity analyses indicated that three doses of Abdala at different strengths and with different immunization schedules in adults 19 to 80 years of age were safe and induced high immune responses, including neutralizing antibodies closely correlated with the anti-RBD IgG response.
The incidence of adverse reactions in the 25 μg and 50 μg groups were similar, indicating no dose-related safety. The adverse reactions reported were minimal, mostly mild and from the injection site, of short duration, resolved spontaneously. The most common symptom being injection-site pain, which is in accordance with previous findings for another COVID-19 vaccines.11Yanjun Z Gang Z Hongxing P et al.Safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in healthy adults aged 18–59 years: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 1/2 clinical trial.Lancet Infect Dis. 2021; 21: 181-192Google Scholar, 12Xia S Duan K Zhang Y et al.Effect of an inactivated vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 on safety and immunogenicity outcomes: interim analysis of 2 randomized clinical trials.JAMA. 2020; 324: 951-960Google Scholar, 13Keech C Albert G Cho I et al.Phase 1–2 Trial of a SARS-CoV-2 Recombinant Spike Protein Nanoparticle Vaccine.N Engl J Med. 2020; 383: 2320-2332Google Scholar
As anticipated, immune responses induced by the 0-28-56 days vaccination schedule were larger than those induced by the 0-14-28 days vaccination schedule, regardless of the dose. It was interesting to find that, with the long schedule, the response with the 25 μg group was closer to the 50 μg group in magnitude and quality of the generated antibodies, that explains why at the end of the schedule only differences between them were found in GMTs of anti-RBD IgG, but not for media of binding to ACE2 and neutralizing antibodies. However, quick antibody responses could be induced within a relatively short period of time by using a 0-14-28 days schedule. Although it can be argued that the longer vaccination schedule will induce not only a more robust antibody response but also potentially longer persistence of the response could be expected, the actual immune persistence of the two schedules needs to be verified in future studies. However, it was of interest to assess the results on day 56, after applying two doses of the long schedule versus the three doses of the short schedule, in line with the interest to use fewer doses, like other SARS-CoV-2 vaccines based mainly on different technological platforms. In that analysis, for both strengths of the vaccine, significantly higher GMT levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies were obtained after three doses of the schedule 0-14-28 days compared to only two doses of the schedule ( 0-28 days), which reinforced the original idea of the need for three doses of the candidate, under the experimental conditions assessed. Other studies also indicate that a relatively longer interval ( 21 or 28 days) between injections would be preferred, but the efficacy of the three and two dose schedules is unclear, and the optimal or minimum antibody titers that could protect people form COVID-19 are yet to be established.14Guo W Duan K Zhang Y et al.Safety and immunogenicity of an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in healthy adults aged 18 years or older: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 1/2 trial.EClinicalMedicine. 2021; 38101010https: //doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2021.101010Google Scholar In phase 1-2 of Coronavac vaccine, quick antibodies response at 0-14 days were obtained but a more robust antibody response was obtained with the 0-28 schedule, although the persistence of the two schedules needs to be verified in future studies.11Yanjun Z Gang Z Hongxing P et al.Safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in healthy adults aged 18–59 years: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 1/2 clinical trial.Lancet Infect Dis. 2021; 21: 181-192Google Scholar
Considering the capacity to generate a satisfactory immune response with both immunization schedules, including neutralization of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in cell cultures, which is one of the most important variables in relation to the functional capacity of antibodies induced by vaccination and taken into account as a determining practical premise, the exceptional pandemic conditions where it was necessary to immunize people in the shortest possible time, it was decided to continue to phase 2 trial with the three-dose short immunization schedule of 0-14-28 days. This schedule offered a favorable risk-benefit ratio, in terms of safety and immunogenicity. Although most of the COVID-19 vaccines already under emergency authorization are applied mainly in schedules of only two doses, and the three-dose schedule can be considered more complicated and time consuming for massive immunization programs, the short immunization schedule proposed in this trial ( 0-14-28 days) would allow in only one month to complete the vaccination regimen with good immunogenic profile and potentially a third dose instead of only two doses in this short period of time would be better. This proposal might be also suitable for emergency use, to achieve high vaccination coverage's in the exposed population of vital importance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Phase 2 results were consistent with those obtained previously in phase 1 trial, where seroconversion percentages and GMTs of anti-RBD IgG, inhibition percentage of RBD-ACE2 binding neutralizing antibodies confirm the favorable immunogenic profile of the Abdala vaccine with better results and risk-benefit ratio for the 50 μg group. A better immunological performance of the vaccine was obtained in the age group age 19-54 years that the oldest individuals age 55-80 years regarding seroconversion rates and GMTs of anti-RBD IgG, but not in the percentages of individuals with Nab titers and GMTs. However, for each age stratum and overall for all study participants, the probability of success of each experimental group ( RBD 25 μg and 50 μg) compared to the control ( placebo) was estimated, and the hypothesis was fulfilled, since in all cases the probabilities were 1 or values very close to 1. This was demonstrated both overall and when stratified by age groups. GMTs of anti-RBD IgG and percentages of inhibition RBD-ACE2 binding also found differences in favor to the 50 μg group but not in the evaluation by day 56 of neutralizing antibodies. It is well-known that there is a large variation in the immune response to vaccination among different individuals, both in quantity and quality, and there is strong evidence that intrinsic factors, such as genetics, sex, age at vaccination, comorbidities, as well as vaccine-related factors ( such as choice of vaccine products, adjuvants, and vaccination schedule) strongly influence vaccine responses.15Zimmermann P Curtis N. Factors that influence the immune response to vaccination.Clin Microbiol Rev. 2019; 32 ( -18): e00084Google Scholar Age is considered an important factor influencing the immune response to vaccines, mainly in individuals in the extreme ages of life. This response is thought to be decreased in the earliest stages of life and also in the elderly, who also have a faster decrease in antibodies. This effect has been found for several vaccines where older people have lower antibody levels.16van der Sande MA Waight P Mendy M et al.Long-term protection against carriage of hepatitis B virus after infant vaccination.J Infect Dis. 2006; 193: 1528-1535Google Scholar, 17Bayas JM Vilella A Bertran MJ et al.Immunogenicity and reactogenicity of the adult tetanus diphtheria vaccine. How many doses are necessary?.Epidemiol Infect. 2001; 127: 451-460Google Scholar, 18van der Wielen M Van Damme P Chlibek R et al.Hepatitis A/B vaccination of adults over 40 years old: comparison of three vaccine regimens and effect of influencing factors.Vaccine. 2006; 24: 5509-5515Google Scholar, 19D'Acremont V Herzog C Genton B. Immunogenicity and safety of a virosomal hepatitis A vaccine ( Epaxal) in the elderly.J Travel Med. 2006; 3: 78-83Google Scholar, 20Wolters B Junge U Dziuba S et al.Immunogenicity of combined hepatitis A and B vaccine in elderly persons.Vaccine. 2003; 21: 3623-3628Google Scholar, 21Estevez ZC Betancourt AA Muzio-Gonzalez V et al.Immunogenicity and safety assessment of the Cuban recombinant hepatitis B vaccine in healthy adults.Biologicals. 2007; 35: 115-122Google Scholar, 22Tohme RA Awosika-Olumo D Nielsen C et al.Evaluation of hepatitis B vaccine immunogenicity among older adults during an outbreak response in assisted living facilities.Vaccine. 2011; 29: 9316-9320Google Scholar, 23Hainz U Jenewein B Asch E et al.Insufficient protection for healthy elderly adults by tetanus and TBE vaccines.Vaccine. 2005; 23: 3232-3235Google Scholar Taking this knowledge into account; it is not surprising to find lower seroconversion values in individuals aged 55-80 years, even though more than 80% of the subjects seroconverted. Other of COVID-19 vaccines have assess safety and immunogenicity in older individuals showing lower responses when compare with the youngest ages.24Ramasamy MN Minassian AM Ewer KJ et al.Safety and immunogenicity of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine administered in a prime-boost regimen in young and old adults ( COV002): A single-blind, randomised, controlled, phase 2/3 trial.Lancet. 2020; 396: 1979-1993Google Scholar, 25Zhu FC Guan XH Li YH et al.Immunogenicity and safety of a recombinant adenovirus type-5-vectored COVID-19 vaccine in healthy adults aged 18 years or older: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial.Lancet. 2020; 396: 479-488Google Scholar, 26Anderson EJ Rouphael NG Widge AT et al.Safety and immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-1273 vaccine in older adults.N Engl J Med. 2020; 383: 2427-2438Google Scholar
It should be noted that since most vaccines induce very high antibody responses, small differences in antibody concentrations between groups of individuals may not be clinically significant in terms of protection or efficacy, and may be relevant only in individuals with poor responses, or may affect only the duration of protection, but this has to be proven in phase 3 efficacy trial and the evaluation of the immune response during longer follow-ups. In addition, the quality of the antibody response is an important factor since only a subset of the total detectable antibodies may have functional activity capable of neutralizing pathogens. In this sense, they have more value as potential correlates of efficacy than seroconversion values or geometric mean of titers, which assess the quantity of antibodies but not their functional activity.15Zimmermann P Curtis N. Factors that influence the immune response to vaccination.Clin Microbiol Rev. 2019; 32 ( -18): e00084Google Scholar Moreover, the level of in vitro antibody response does not necessarily correlate with health outcomes, i.e., seroconversion does not mean complete protection against a disease, and non-seroconversion is not necessarily associated with susceptibility, not to mention that antibody levels decline over time, but seronegative individuals may still be protected through other immune mechanisms, as shown, for example, after hepatitis B vaccination.16van der Sande MA Waight P Mendy M et al.Long-term protection against carriage of hepatitis B virus after infant vaccination.J Infect Dis. 2006; 193: 1528-1535Google Scholar
Neutralizing antibody titer is the most common correlate of protection against viral vaccines and it is highly correlated with protective effect and durability of protection. Results from previous studies on monoclonal antibodies and convalescent sera, as well as tests in animal models, have all confirmed the role of neutralizing antibodies in conferring protection against COVID-19.27Tebas P Yang S Boyer JD et al.Safety and immunogenicity of INO-4800 DNA vaccine against SARS-CoV-2: A preliminary report of an open-label, Phase 1 clinical trial.EClinicalMedicine. 2020; 31100689https: //doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2020.100689Google Scholar,28Zhu FC Hou LH Li JX et al.Safety and immunogenicity of a novel recombinant adenovirus type-5 vector-based Ebola vaccine in healthy adults in China: preliminary report of a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 1 trial.Lancet. 2015; 385: 2272-2279Google Scholar Neutralizing antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 in hospitalized COVID-19 and convalescent patients are above 160 in more than 93% of convalescent sera.29Wang X Guo X Xin Q et al.Neutralizing Antibodies Responses to SARS-CoV-2 in COVID-19 Inpatients and Convalescent Patients.Clin Infect Dis. 2020; 71: 2688-2694Google Scholar,30Lee WT Girardin RC Dupuis AP et al.Neutralizing Antibody Responses in COVID-19 Convalescent Sera.J Infect Dis. 2021; 223: 47-55Google Scholar However, in the different clinical trials performed the GMT of the neutralizing antibodies varies for the different vaccines. In addition, comparisons between the different vaccines developed may not be reliable and indeed not be comparable, due to the lack of standards that could serve as reference points in the studies, and the different methods used to assess this response.31He Q Mao Q Zhang J et al.COVID-19 Vaccines: Current Understanding on Immunogenicity, Safety, and Further Considerations.Front Immunol. 2021; 12669339https: //doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2021.669339Google Scholar
Finally, when Pearson's linear correlation analyses were performed between the different immunogenicity variables, positive and highly significant correlations were found, as described in the corresponding results section, demonstrating the relationship that existed between these variables, indicating that the immune response for the vaccine is not only potent in quantity but also in the quality of the antibodies elicited.
This study has several limitations. First, immunogenicity was tested at day 14 and 28 after complete vaccination schedule, so the duration of the immune response can not be assessed. Follow-up visits to evaluate long-term safety as well as the duration of the immune response at least 6 months after vaccination are underway. Second, we did not assess the T cell responses in this phase 1-2 trial. Third, the relevance of antibody response elicited by this vaccine to protection against COVID-19 disease has to be evaluated in phase 3 efficacy trials. Four, data of neutralizing antibody titers against emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2 require further studies currently ongoing.
The ethnic diversity of the Cuban population, the wide age range studied and its comorbidities, contributes to the generalisability ( external validity, applicability) of the trial findings, although they are still limited the sample size.
In conclusion, the results of the phase 1-2 trial indicated that Abdala vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 was safe, well tolerated and induced humoral immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 among adults from 19 to 80 years of age. Our findings indicate that the a SARS-CoV-2 recombinant spike protein vaccine studied ( Abdala) is a promising candidate that warrants testing in phase 3 studies, in a larger number of individuals older than 19 years of age and a three-dose schedule of 50 μg on days 0-14-28, evaluating vaccine efficacy in the prevention of symptomatic COVID-19 and progression to serious and critical forms of the disease.
Authors FHB, YMB, JQG, KaUP, KlUP, JLRR, MAV, MLF, GEGN, GLP, MAA, and VLMG, are employees of the Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana Network, where Abdala vaccine active ingredient is produced and the formulation was developed. The remaining authors have no conflict of interests. No honoraria, consulting fees or payments for seminar presentations, speeches or appearances have been received by any of the authors.
FHB concept and designed this study, was its main coordinator and chief investigator, and took part in the interpretation of the results and paper writing; MCRC, MPM, ZNR, LLL, ECA, JBA, JRN, SVP, MRD, ETF, JMFA, NAAM and LTL were clinical investigators of the trial, participated in volunteers recruitment, data acquisition and interpretation of the results; YMB, JQG, KaUP and KlUP took part in trial coordination and data monitoring; COCC, JLAH and MAV participated in the data management, statistical analyses and results interpretation; JLRR ensured masking of the investigational product and the cold chain throughout the process, as well as compliance with GCPs during vaccination; RRR contributed to the clinical laboratory determinations and the collection and masking of biological samples for immunogenicity analyses; GLP, GEGN, APD and ENR contributed to the immunogenicity analyses; MAA and MLF took part in the trial design and coordination; VLMG participated in the trial design, advice, analyses and interpretation of the results and paper writing. All authors had full access to and verify all the data in the study, and took the decision to submit the paper for publication. The authors FHB, MCRC, YMB, JQG, KaUP, KlUP, COCC, JLAH, MAV and VLMG, verified the study data.
The study protocol is provided in the appendix. Anonymised participant data will be made available when the trial is complete, upon requests directed to the corresponding author ( [ email protected ]). Proposals will be reviewed and approved by the sponsor, investigator, and collaborators on the basis of scientific merit. After approval of a proposal, data can be shared through a secure online platform after signing a data access agreement.
Special thanks to the volunteers in this trial, who maintained maximum adherence to the research protocol. Also, the authors wish to acknowledge the `` Saturnino Lora '' Hospital Direction and the Public Health Ministry of Cuba for its support. It was also commendable the work done by the independent data monitoring committee.
Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology ( CIGB), Havana, Cuba.
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Lufthansa Debt Climbed by $ 11 Billion Due to Pandemic | The information you requested is not available at this time, please check back again soon.
Passenger aircraft operated by Deutsche Lufthansa AG line up after landing at Frankfurt Airport, operated by Fraport AG, in Frankfurt, Germany, on Monday, March 16, 2020. Deutsche Lufthansa AG is expected to seek a loan from Germany’ s state-run Kreditanstalt fuer Wiederaufbau bank to weather the fallout from the coronavirus, according to a person familiar with the plan., Bloomberg
Deutsche Lufthansa AG has about 10 billion euros ( $ 11 billion) more debt because of the coronavirus pandemic, according to Chief Executive Officer Carsten Spohr.
“ That’ s the price tag, ” Spohr said in an interview with newspaper Schweiz am Wochenende. “ It was expensive. ”
The German carrier hopes that its Swiss airline will pay back its pandemic-related government-backed loans by the end of the year because interest rates on them are high, the CEO said, adding that the unit isn’ t for sale.
Lufthansa expects private trips to recover to pre-pandemic levels next year. The company is already seeing a “ catch-up effect, ” with bookings to some destinations surging above 2019 levels. The CEO is more skeptical regarding a recovery for business travel, saying it’ s too early to quantify if the pandemic will reduce work trips by 5%, 10% or 15%.
Lufthansa and its peers are also wrestling with Russia’ s war in Ukraine, which has triggered an oil shock and forced carriers to cancel or reroute long-haul journeys to avoid shuttered airspace.
While Lufthansa has hedged some two thirds of its kerosene needs for this year, rising oil prices will eventually lead to higher ticket prices, Spohr said.
“ If the price of oil goes up $ 10 a barrel, the ticket price goes up $ 10 on average, ” he said.
While the feds touted the spending in its budget as prudent, prominent Bay Street economist David Rosenberg said the extra fiscal stimulus could lead the Bank of Canada to hike its benchmark rate higher than originally thought.
Canada’ s unemployment rate fell to the lowest level since at least the mid-1970s, as the laboUr market posted another strong monthly employment gain.
Average Canadians might not realize how big a stake they have in the country’ s largest banks in their retirement portfolios; either directly in their RRSPs and TFSAs, or indirectly through mutual funds, ETFs, and pension plans.
Businesses are struggling to cope with an apparent sixth wave of COVID, as staffing shortages hamper sectors from health care to hospitality and retail — though the interruption remains more manageable than last winter's Omicron variant surge. | general |
Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan ousted in no-confidence vote in parliament | Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan was ousted on Sunday when he lost a vote of confidence in parliament, after being deserted by coalition partners who blame him for a crumbling economy and failure to deliver on his campaign promises.
The result of the vote, the culmination of a 13-hour session that included repeated delays, was announced just before 0100 ( 2000 GMT on Saturday) by the presiding speaker of parliament's lower house, Ayaz Sadiq.
Khan, 69 was ousted after 3-1/2 years as the leader of the nuclear-armed country of 220 million where the military has ruled for nearly half its nearly 75-year history.
The late-night vote followed multiple adjournments in the chamber, called due to lengthy speeches by members of Khan's party, who said there was a U.S. conspiracy to oust the cricket star-turned-politician.
Opposition parties were able to secure 174 votes in the 342-member House in support of the no-confidence motion, Sadiq said, making it a majority vote.
`` Consequently the motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan has been passed, '' he said to the thumping of desks.
There were just a few legislators of Khan's ruling party present for the vote.
The house voted after the country's powerful army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa met Khan, said two sources who spoke on condition of anonymity, as criticism mounted over the delay in the parliamentary process.
Parliament will meet on Monday to elect a new prime minister.
Opposition leader Shehbaz Sharif, the front-runner to lead Pakistan, said Khan's ouster was the chance for a new beginning.
`` A new dawn has started... This alliance will rebuild Pakistan, '' Sharif, 70, said in parliament.
Sharif, the younger brother of three-time prime minister Nawaz Sharif, has a reputation as an effective administrator.
Elections are not due until August 2023. However, the opposition has said it wants early elections, but only after it delivered a political defeat to Khan and passes legislation it says is required to ensure the next polls are free and fair.
Khan surged to power in 2018 with the military's support but recently lost his parliamentary majority when allies quit his coalition government. There were also signs he had lost the military's support, analysts said.
Opposition parties say he has failed to revive an economy battered by Covid-19 or fulfill promises to make Pakistan a corruption-free, prosperous nation respected on the world stage. His ouster extends Pakistan's unenviable record for political instability.
Khan's allies blocked the no-confidence motion last week and dissolved parliament's lower house, prompting the country's Supreme Court to intervene and allow the vote to go through.
Khan earlier accused the United States of backing moves to oust him because he had visited Moscow for talks with President Vladimir Putin just after Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24. Washington rejected the charge.
Muhammad Ali Khan, a legislator from Khan's party, said the prime minister had fought till the end and would return to lead parliament in the future. | business |
Azerbaijan developing domestic COVID-19 vaccines | Azerbaijan is developing domestic COVID-19 vaccines, Azerbaijan's Health Minister Teymur Musayev told reporters, Trend reporters.
According to him, it is not only about the Sars-Cov 2 vaccine.
The vaccine manufacturing constitutes a strategic production, the minister noted.
`` As a result of the work carried out in this direction, Azerbaijan will be able to ensure the vaccine producing as an effective response to possible COVID-19 pandemic challenges, '' Musayev said. | general |
Covid outbreak in Shanghai has dogs on lockdown with their owners | The citywide lockdown in Shanghai, the site of China's worst coronavirus outbreak in two years, is so strict that even some dogs can't go out. So their owners are bringing the outdoors to them.
For Anjo, a 2-year-old Pomeranian mix, that means a little patch of leaves and grass that Dani Chapman has cobbled together on her balcony while she watches the dog for a friend who's in quarantine.
`` We 've had to come up with really creative ways to encourage the dogs to use the bathroom inside, '' said Chapman, 32, an English teacher from Ireland who also volunteers with animal rescue groups.
Almost all 26 million residents in Shanghai, China's largest city and financial center, are on lockdown in a major test of the country's zero-tolerance pandemic strategy, which seeks to minimize cases through border closures, mass testing, contact tracing and quarantine. On Friday, the city reported a record 21,000 new cases, almost all of them asymptomatic.
The lockdown bars residents from leaving their gated compounds and sometimes even their apartments, and the government has not said whether that applies to pets as well. Chapman said the final decision rests with each compound.
Some communities have agreed to make an exception for dog walking but others refuse or leave the rules ambiguous, meaning dogs in some parts of the city have been kept inside for almost two weeks.
`` It's just all based on luck and how understanding your community committee is, which really isn't fair to the dogs, '' Chapman said.
Pet owners trying to follow the rules are doing their best to simulate the outdoors, which works better for some dogs than others. Like Chapman, Kyle Chen covered part of his balcony with leaves and grass for Kaka, his 4-year-old schnauzer. The dog wasn't having it.
As a last resort, Chen began walking Kaka secretly when no one was around, usually early in the morning or late at night.
`` I 've exhausted all the means, '' he said, adding that their surreptitious strolls had been approved by the anti-epidemic rule enforcer in his compound.
Shanghai residents confined to their homes have complained of difficulties obtaining food and medical care, concerns that pet owners say extend to animals as well. The lockdowns were originally set to last only five days, and many people were unprepared for them to be extended as testing turned up new cases. Panic buying, store closures and a shortage of delivery workers have some owners worried about what their pets will eat.
Read CNBC's latest global coverage of the Covid pandemic:
Others worry their pets will be unable to get veterinary care because many animal hospitals are closed.
`` What if something urgent happens, who else could come to our aid? '' said Ashley Huang, who has a 3-year-old Shetland sheepdog named Dundun.
Another issue causing pet owners distress is what happens if they or someone they know tests positive for the virus. According to Chinese government policy, Covid-19 patients and their close contacts are sent to centralized quarantine facilities, while those with more severe symptoms are hospitalized. But it's unclear what happens to their pets.
Chen said he could not imagine being separated from Kaka if he became infected.
`` It is like you're letting your 4-year-old child travel alone, '' he said.
A simulated outdoor environment didn't work so well for Kyle Chen's 4-year-old schnauzer, Kaka. Courtesy Kyle Chen
Throughout the pandemic, there have been reports across China of pets being killed in the name of virus prevention after their owners are sent to isolation or quarantine, causing an outcry among the country's growing legion of devoted pet owners. This week, a video widely shared online appeared to show an anti-epidemic worker in Shanghai beating a corgi to death on the street after its Covid-positive owner had been taken away.
After seeing the video, `` who will not start to worry about what their pets are going to suffer if they test positive? '' Huang said.
The incident was similar to one in Jiangxi province in November, when a woman shared video from a home security camera of two anti-epidemic workers beating her corgi to death while she was in quarantine.
There is little risk of animals spreading the virus to people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
By contrast, the southern city of Shenzhen, which recently underwent a weeklong lockdown, has set up China's first `` pet cabin, '' a space of about 16,000 square feet that can accommodate about 300 pets for free to ease the concerns of owners who are in isolation or quarantine. Shanghai residents have appealed to the government to establish something similar.
Chen said there would be less panic if the government made the arrangements crystal clear.
`` Because we will be secure in the knowledge of how our pets will be treated, '' he said. | business |
Joe Harris and Steve Maxwell, Author at VeloNews.com | Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more.
Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more.
The Outer Line examines options for making the KOM contest more exciting.
It’ s always been a logistical and challenge to successfully put on a major international bike race. And COVID-19 adds a whole new layer of complexity.
During scary and transformative times like these, we often look to history to provide insight, answers or comfort. When have similar calamities befallen mankind in the past, and how did we react? Did new innovations result? Was there eventually a silver lining? There is one historic parallel which should be of great interest to the cycling community.
The former Danish law enforcement officer and top tennis player says cycling has come a long way from the dark days of the Festina Affair.
In part 2 of The Outer Line's interview with Mike Plant, Plant discusses his attempt to build a Triple Crown series around pro cycling's grand tours.
The Outer Line recently sat down with former USA Cycling Chief Mike Plant to discuss his career in cycling, including his work with the Tour du Pont, Tour of China, and the modernization of the sport's national governing body.
Check out Joe Harris and Steve Maxwell's author page.
Get the latest race news, results, commentary, and tech, delivered to your inbox. | general |
NIGERIA: Crestar launches frontal assault on NNPC and ministry | The Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari has finally appended his signature to the document listing the local - and international companies as a partner - chosen to operate one of the blocks covered by the tender call issued in June. [... ]
Junior oil firms flocked in their hundreds to bid for one of the 57 marginal fields put up for sale by the Abuja authorities to avoid a financial debacle as the Covid-19 crisis continues. [... ]
Former upstream international vice president for Shell, a company with which he spent the formative years of his career, Osten [... ]
Under the sway of its all-powerful president, Bukola Saraki, the Senate is putting pressure on BP and Total to defend the interests of their local partners. Africa Energy Intelligence examines the workings of a targeted parliamentary lobbying campaign. [... ]
Nigerian junior Crestar, which in 2014 took Shell's 45% share [... ]
Successful bidder for OML 25, Crestar, is still short on funds to buy out Shell’ s stake in the block. At loggerheads with its Nigerian partner, Crestar is on the hunt for new investors. [... ]
In walking away from mature fields, the French major stirred the lust of numerous oil companies already operating in the country and newcomers. [... ]
The collapse in the oil price since June, 2014 has led to a lot of horse trading between sellers and [... ]
The fact that Crestar and Shell are talking again about the acquisition of Shell’ s stake on OML 25 doesn’ t mean disputes stemming from the Alison-Madueke era are resolved. [... ]
Nigerian lawyer Muraina Ajibola, who lost his seat in Nigeria’ s parliament for Ibarapa Centre and North ( in Oyo state) in [... ]
Before leaving her job to a successor, Nigeria’ s powerful petroleum resources minister snubbed her friends. Here’ s why. [... ]
Muhammadu Buhari’ s victory in Nigeria’ s recent presidential election will result in the departure a strongest card in outgoing president Goodluck Jonathan’ s hand: the controversial petroleum resources minister Diezani Alison-Madueke. While some traders who became oil explorers raked in riches during [. [... ]
Ruling on a suit filed last year by Crestar Integrated [... ]
There’ s been a change at the top at James Bay [... ]
The management of Crestar, which Shell chose as preferred bidder for OML 25, are pulling out all stops to win a green light from the oil minister. [... ]
The Nigerian firm Crestar which is fighting to win the 45% that Shell, Total and ENI have put up for [... ]
With presidential elections in February looming ever large, the Nigerian authorities are thinking of acquiring certain choice oil fields put on the auction block by Shell in order to sell them along to their cronies. [... ]
Companies that bought Shell’ s stakes on OML 18, 24, 25 and 29 have no choice but to let the Anglo-Dutch major sell their oil. [... ]
Having respectively submitted the highest bid for Shell’ s stakes in [... ]
A company named Crestar and backed by a former Department of Petroleum Resources ( DPR) chief finds itself in the best position to acquire Shell's stake on OML 25. [... ]
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Spencer Garrett talks about starring in 'Winning Time ' on HBO Max | Hi, what are you looking for?
Acclaimed actor Spencer Garrett chatted about starring in “ Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty ” on HBO Max.
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Acclaimed actor Spencer Garrett chatted about starring in “ Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty ” on HBO Max.
Garrett is in the new HBO series about the Lakers, which premiered on March 6. Spencer plays Chick Hearn, the legendary Lakers announcer. “ It has been amazing, ” he exclaimed.
“ It’ s an incredible experience, we finished back in October, and it’ s great to see how people have been responding to the show. I guess they love it enough and HBO loves it enough since we have been picked up for another season, and that’ s very exciting. It is really gratifying and I can’ t wait to get back to work, ” he elaborated.
“ Chick was an icon, ” he admitted. “ Over the years, I played several real-life characters but none really as beloved as Chick was. He had such a remarkable carer for 41 years and 3,338 consecutive games. He had an amazing work ethic and an incredible fan following, he was one of the Lakers in a lot of ways, he was the heart and soul of that team. It is fabulous to play somebody that everyone admired. ”
Garrett shared that he did a lot of research to play Chick. “ We shot the pilot 2.5 years ago… in the fall of 2019, ” he said. “ As soon as I found out that I got the job, I started doing a deep dive on Chick. I went on YouTube and I watched hundreds of hours of videos on him and old Lakers games. That part was fun, especially getting into his mannerisms and voice since he had a very specific style of speaking. ”
“ Chick invented an entire language of basketball so that if you weren’ t able to watch it on television, he painted a picture with his words, and that is really quite a gift, ” he added.
Growing up in Los Angeles, Garrett noted that he was a huge fan of basketball and the Lakers. “ I would go to Laker games at The Forum and it was like going to a rock concert, ” he said. “ Every game at The Forum was an event. ”
Garrett had great words about working with his co-star, Oscar winner Adrien Brody, who plays Pat Riley. “ Adrien is an amazing actor, I have been a fan of his for a long time, ” he said. “ To be able to share a set with him and the cast, in 1979 period clothing, was really neat. Pat Riley started out as Chick’ s assistant and eventually become the iconic Pat Riley that we know. ”
“ Adrian is an amazing actor and a brilliant scene partner and somebody I wanted to work with for a long time. It was a treat to be able to work with him, ” he added.
On being an actor in the digital age, Garrett said, “ I have been doing this for 35 years so the digital age doesn’ t mean much to me. From a consumption standpoint, it is great because people have access to these shows almost immediately. ”
“ People are hungry for this show and they are complaining that they need to wait a week for the next episode, which is a good sign. I like the idea of being able to tease them out week by week because it makes people hungry for more. I love binging shows, ” he added.
Regarding the title of the current chapter of his life, Garrett revealed, “ Getting ready to do the play ‘ Windfall’ in New York. ” It will take place at Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor, New York, from May 31 to June 19, 2022. The play was directed by Jason Alexander of “ Seinfeld. ”
Garrett has had a 35-year career as a character actor, where he starred in some of the biggest movies in Hollywood. His mother was a former SAG president. “ I have been doing this for 35 years and I still love it. Every time I drive to a new set I still feel the same thrill that I did in my first acting job, ” he said.
On his definition of the word success, Garrett said, “ Success means health, family, and loving your work, and waking up every day grateful to be alive and to do what you love each day. ”
Garrett concluded about “ Winning Time, ” “ It is not a documentary. Adam McKay is a masterful storyteller and this show is looked at through the prism of him looking at 1979 and through the prism of race, class, and culture that we all lived through during that time, and he puts his own comedic spin on the ball. ”
To learn more about Spencer Garrett, check out his IMDb page and follow him on Instagram.
Markos Papadatos is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for Music News. Papadatos is a Greek-American journalist and educator that has authored over 17,000 original articles over the past 16 years. He has interviewed some of the biggest names in music, entertainment, lifestyle, magic, and sports. He is a six-time consecutive `` Best of Long Island '' winner, and in the past three years, he was honored as the `` Best Long Island Personality '' in Arts & Entertainment, an honor that has gone to Billy Joel six times.
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COPYRIGHT © 1998 - 2022 DIGITAL JOURNAL INC. Digital Journal is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more about our external linking. | general |
NIGERIA: Winners and losers in NNPC swap deals | The deregulation of petrol prices, which has been speeded up by the Covid-19 pandemic, has led to a renewal of swap contracts since the start of 2020. But they could shortly be on the way out. [... ]
This could be the last days at the ministry for the secretary of state. If he does go, one of his biggest regrets will be Nigerian traders are still hooked on swap deals. [... ]
To transport output from the gas-rich south to the resource-poor north Abuja has orchestrated a daring Chinese-Nigerian collaboration. [... ]
A list of Nigerian marketers selected to sell NNPC crude has leaked. Although Buhari hasn't given his final go-ahead for the list, which could see a few changes beforehand, it does give an idea of who his supporters are as the electoral campaigning steps up a notch. [... ]
The sizeable debt racked up by MRS, to the tune of $ 200 ( 65 billion naira), has forced its founder Sayyu [... ]
Not yet an official list, here are the names of the local and foreign traders shortlisted to receive crude in exchange for petroleum products. [... ]
Sahara Energy, which has been a trading institution in Nigeria for the last 20 years, has succeeded in becoming a key player in trading in crude oil and products in numerous African countries. The two leaders of this rapid ascension, [. [... ]
After flourishing during the rule of former president Goodluck Jonathan, Nigerian trader Igho Sanomi has been forced to shake up his firm. [... ]
While the majority of 18 local trading concerns chosen by NNPC to sell its crude know the ropes a few have no experience of this type of contract. [... ]
In addition to international groups like Glencore, Trafigura, Total and BP, the list of 18 Nigerian firms that won allocations of NNPC’ s crude - 32,000 bpd or one cargo per month - for 2017/2018 looks like a clever geopolitical share-out [. [... ]
Management of Trafigura’ s oil affairs was suddenly withdrawn from Jean-Pierre Valentini, the trading giant’ s long-standing authority on Africa. [... ]
To avoid placing all gasoline import contracts in the same hands the Nigerian president has inaugurated a new kind of short-term contract. [... ]
Sahara Energy could find itself in trouble with Nigeria’ s new government. Indeed, Abuja is looking into the terms of its contracts with SIR and Petroci. [... ]
By naming well connected Tanimu Yakubu to its board and restructuring both its finances and operations Oando appears anxious to downplay its debts. [... ]
The London-based consultancy PVE Consulting headed by Peter Elliott is [... ]
Nigeria’ s new president is seeking to bring in close associates to manage and overhaul a sector he intends to keep under his control, at least initially. [... ]
The new boss of NNPC has sworn to make every effort to finance the company’ s share in its joint venture with Chevron. [... ]
The Sahara Group headed by Tonye Cole is raising cash to rival its local competitors in producing and trading oil. [... ]
Business and security are to play a cardinal role in the official visit of Nigeria's new president, Muhammadu Buhari, to [... ]
Even before Esther Nnamdi Ogbue was named new boss of the Pipeline and Products Marketing Co ( PPMC, see AEI 752), [... ]
President Muhammadu Buhari’ s first oil industry appointments in August targeted the management of NNPC and they ought to delight oil companies which had been waiting impatiently for changes at the top. The new executives, picked with their regional origins carefully [. [... ]
The new Nigerian president doesn’ t trust the audit reports issued by the previous government and wants everybody to know it. [... ]
The company headed by businessman Benedict Peters isn’ t quite certain how to proceed in Nigeria’ s new political environment. On one [... ]
Muhammadu Buhari’ s victory in Nigeria’ s recent presidential election will result in the departure a strongest card in outgoing president Goodluck Jonathan’ s hand: the controversial petroleum resources minister Diezani Alison-Madueke. While some traders who became oil explorers raked in riches during [. [... ]
Largely unnoticed in Nigeria where the media and politicians are riveted on the presidential election on Feb. 14, a unit of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corp ( NNPC), Pipelines and Product Marketing Co ( PPMC) renewed swap contracts in early January that [. [... ]
Africa Intelligence uses cookies to provide reliable and secure features, measure and analyse website traffic and provide support to the website users.Apart from those essential for the proper operation of the website, you can choose which cookies you accept to have stored on your device.Either “ Accept and close ” to agree to all cookies or go to “ Manage cookies ” to review your options. You can change these settings at any time by going to our Cookie management page.
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Japan's latest sanctions on Russia spark concern among LDP ahead of summer election | Prime Minister Fumio Kishida made the difficult decision to phase out coal imports from Russia and expel Russian diplomats, as he looks to continue to cooperate with Western allies on increasingly harsh sanctions following reports of atrocities against Ukrainians.
But because the measure to ban Russian coal will inevitably affect people’ s lives by increasing household costs, ruling coalition officials are voicing concerns ahead of this summer’ s Upper House election.
The latest measures are to hold Russia accountable for “ cruel, inhumane ” acts following its invasion of Ukraine, Kishida said Friday, adding that Russia has committed “ war crimes that are absolutely unforgivable. ”
The Japanese government has been gradually expanding the scope of its sanctions on Russia since late February, when Russia launched its invasion, but had consistently stopped short of restricting Russian coal imports partly out of concern over a serious economic impact on Japan.
A coal import ban could be “ a sanction on Japan, not on Russia, ” so energy-related sanctions will be impossible, a source at the Prime Minister’ s Office said Monday.
But the atmosphere changed as the United States and European nations began to act quickly, with the European Union announcing a plan to ban coal imports from Russia.
After the leaders of the Group of Seven wealthy nations, which includes Japan, issued a statement Thursday vowing to expedite their plans to reduce reliance on Russia for energy, including “ phasing out and banning Russian coal imports, ” the source at the Prime Minister’ s Office flip-flopped, saying that “ Japan now has no choice but to keep in step with ” its G7 partners.
Still, the government is worried that coal import restrictions will badly affect the Japanese economy, which has already been seriously hurt by the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic.
Japan depends on Russia for 13% of coal used for power generation and 8% for coal for steel-making.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida speaks during a news conference in Tokyo on Friday. | POOL / VIA REUTERS
A government official said that a competition for coal from other countries is expected.
“ Power outages could occur across Japan unless a transitional period is set, ” another official warned.
Some are concerned that Japan could be pressured to withdraw from the Sakhalin-1 and Sakhalin-2 natural gas and oil projects off the Russian Far East island.
At Friday’ s news conference, Kishida did not mention the specific timing of Japan’ s ban on coal imports from Russia. On the possibility the country could ban natural gas and oil imports, the prime minister said, “ We will lower our reliance on Russia for energy as a whole. ”
The potential impact on the economy as the ruling bloc concerned ahead of the Upper House poll.
“ I expect the public to understand ( the coal import ban) if we explain that the measure is for the sake of Ukraine, ” a senior Liberal Democratic Party official said. But the official added that frustration could grow if the impact from the measure persists.
An official of Komeito, the junior coalition partner of the LDP, stressed the need for the government to compile a supplementary budget before the Upper House election, saying, “ The administration would come under fire unless it takes sufficient measures ( to mitigate the negative impact). ”
Many government officials had been cautious about such a move, which could prompt Moscow to take the same measure against Japan. Such retaliation by Moscow would have an impact on the protection of Japanese citizens in Russia, a senior Foreign Ministry official said.
An LDP member who has served as a Cabinet minister said, “ It’ s not wise for Japan to let its diplomatic channels with Russia shrink. ”
Nevertheless, Tokyo followed in the footsteps of European countries that expelled Russian diplomats and some LDP lawmakers lauded the tough measures against Russia. | tech |
COVID-19 tracker: Tokyo reports 8,102 new cases as uptick continues | Tokyo reported 8,102 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday, up by 707 from a week before, along with six deaths.
The seven-day average of new infections stood at 7,552.9 as of the day, down 0.9% week on week, according to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
The number of COVID-19 patients with severe symptoms under the metropolitan government's criteria fell by one from Friday to 29.
With new cases of the virus showing signs of a rebound across Japan, experts and others warn that the country is entering a seventh wave of infections.
While being eager to contain the rise in new cases without halting social and economic activities, the government is stepping up efforts to promote COVID-19 booster vaccinations among youths. New cases are increasing rapidly among younger generations.
In order to prevent the medical system from being strained, the government is also introducing a system that allows elderly coronavirus patients to receive medical treatment at the care facilities where they live.
`` New infection cases have been increasing nationwide for over a week, '' economic revitalization minister Daishiro Yamagiwa said at a meeting of a government panel of experts on COVID-19 Friday. | tech |
IVORY COAST: Trading houses Total, Vivo and OLA launch their flagship | The drastic reduction in air and sea trade caused by the Covid-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on the distributors of fuel for aircraft and boats. [... ]
After years of financial woes, the Ivory Coast's national oil firm Petroci at last recorded a profit for 2017, according [... ]
After a long fight, Ivory Coast’ s state-owned Petroci looks set to win the Corlay Group’ s assets in the country. And [... ]
Issues are mounting between the national oil company Societe Nationale [... ]
Eighteen months after Alassane Outtara took office the oil sector remains under the control of just a handful of companies. Russian and Nigerian investments are paying off in Abidjan while Chinese groups are trying to get a foot into the [. [... ]
Africa Intelligence uses cookies to provide reliable and secure features, measure and analyse website traffic and provide support to the website users.Apart from those essential for the proper operation of the website, you can choose which cookies you accept to have stored on your device.Either “ Accept and close ” to agree to all cookies or go to “ Manage cookies ” to review your options. You can change these settings at any time by going to our Cookie management page.
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A pioneer on the web since 1996, Africa Intelligence is the leading news site on Africa for professionals. | general |
NIGERIA: Exclusive: Buhari's shortlist of swap magnates | The Nigerian state-owned company has published the list of firms who will get crude oil in exchange for petroleum products. As usual, established companies rub shoulders with unknown firms that have close links to the government. [... ]
Matrix Energy's tight connections to the powers that be in Nigeria has allowed it to play a prominent role in the country's oil trading. [... ]
The deregulation of petrol prices, which has been speeded up by the Covid-19 pandemic, has led to a renewal of swap contracts since the start of 2020. But they could shortly be on the way out. [... ]
The lucky winner of a contract to supply all petroleum products in the country, the Nigerian trading company Sahara Energy is practising prices totally at odds with the current market. [... ]
NLNG was put under immense pressure to get the first large-scale oil project that the current government would have achieved after five years in power launched before 2020. [... ]
The award of oil allocations has dealt a new hand to the Nigerian traders. [... ]
Nigerian businessman Abdulwasiu Sowami's purchase of the local petroleum product distribution firm Forte Oil has led to the departure of [... ]
British firm Cradle Arc's decision to suspend activities at its Botswanan copper mine Mowana until further notice, was prompted by [... ]
The CEO of the joint venture NLNG ( Shell, Total, Eni, NNPC), Tony Attah ( former board member of Shell Nigeria) has [... ]
A list of Nigerian marketers selected to sell NNPC crude has leaked. Although Buhari hasn't given his final go-ahead for the list, which could see a few changes beforehand, it does give an idea of who his supporters are as the electoral campaigning steps up a notch. [... ]
South African entrepreneur Michael Hacking's trading firm Mocoh is shoring up its presence on the African continent, where it is [... ]
The state-owned firm has refused to accept one of the Russian trading firm's shipments, generating a deadweight loss in a strategic market. [... ]
Financing for the construction of a new midstream jetty to [... ]
Nigeria's Sahara Group, which is headed by tycoon Tonye Cole, recently moved into the Libyan oil trading sector. According to [... ]
The sizeable debt racked up by MRS, to the tune of $ 200 ( 65 billion naira), has forced its founder Sayyu [... ]
Tensions are rising in the country's oil sector in the power vacuum left by president Muhammadu Buhari after he eclipsed to London for medical treatment several weeks ago. At the start of his mandate in 2015, the head of the [. [... ]
Nigerian juniors already have their geologists hard at work assessing the first provisional lists of marginal fields being discreetly passed on by the DPR. [... ]
Sahara Energy, which has been a trading institution in Nigeria for the last 20 years, has succeeded in becoming a key player in trading in crude oil and products in numerous African countries. The two leaders of this rapid ascension, [. [... ]
In addition to international groups like Glencore, Trafigura, Total and BP, the list of 18 Nigerian firms that won allocations of NNPC’ s crude - 32,000 bpd or one cargo per month - for 2017/2018 looks like a clever geopolitical share-out [. [... ]
Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari has finally decided to put an end to the tandem act he set into motion last August by having himself and NNPC group managing director Emmanuel Kachikwu, who's also state petroleum resources minister, oversee the oil [. [... ]
To avoid placing all gasoline import contracts in the same hands the Nigerian president has inaugurated a new kind of short-term contract. [... ]
Sahara Energy could find itself in trouble with Nigeria’ s new government. Indeed, Abuja is looking into the terms of its contracts with SIR and Petroci. [... ]
In step with one of the priorities of Nigeria’ s president Muhammadu Buhari, contracts that had allowed for cargoes of crude [... ]
President Muhammadu Buhari’ s first oil industry appointments in August targeted the management of NNPC and they ought to delight oil companies which had been waiting impatiently for changes at the top. The new executives, picked with their regional origins carefully [. [... ]
Muhammadu Buhari’ s victory in Nigeria’ s recent presidential election will result in the departure a strongest card in outgoing president Goodluck Jonathan’ s hand: the controversial petroleum resources minister Diezani Alison-Madueke. While some traders who became oil explorers raked in riches during [. [... ]
Largely unnoticed in Nigeria where the media and politicians are riveted on the presidential election on Feb. 14, a unit of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corp ( NNPC), Pipelines and Product Marketing Co ( PPMC) renewed swap contracts in early January that [. [... ]
Eighteen months after Alassane Outtara took office the oil sector remains under the control of just a handful of companies. Russian and Nigerian investments are paying off in Abidjan while Chinese groups are trying to get a foot into the [. [... ]
Africa Intelligence uses cookies to provide reliable and secure features, measure and analyse website traffic and provide support to the website users.Apart from those essential for the proper operation of the website, you can choose which cookies you accept to have stored on your device.Either “ Accept and close ” to agree to all cookies or go to “ Manage cookies ” to review your options. You can change these settings at any time by going to our Cookie management page.
A cookie is a text file placed on the hard drive of your terminal ( computer, smart phone, tablet, etc.) by the website. It aims to make browsing more fluid and to offer you content and services tailored to your interests.
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These cookies allow us to anonymously collect data about traffic on Africa Intelligence. List of analytics cookies: Google Analytics.
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These cookies allow us to better cater to our clients and users’ needs. List of user support cookies: LiveChat.
Do not hesitate to create your own notifications according to your interests: better criteria narrows down the results.
You can modify or delete your notifications or summaries in your account.
Once registered, you will be notified by a short message on your computer or mobile phone as soon as a new edition of our publication or an alert is published. Stay informed anytime, anywhere!
A pioneer on the web since 1996, Africa Intelligence is the leading news site on Africa for professionals. | general |
Women's Amstel Gold Race | Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more.
Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more.
Amstel Gold Race is the only major one-day race held in The Netherlands. Here's how to watch the live broadcasts.
Narrow roads, crosswinds, and sometimes bad weather turn the Dutch classic into one of the most intense races on the international calendar.
The winner of each race will receive 16,000 euros for a total purse of 40,000 euros for Sunday's race.
Ruth Winder takes us inside her big win; our hottest takes from Amstel Gold Race; Luc Meersman of Trek-Segafredo on mapping the cobbles.
The Polish star is hoping for salvation in the Ardennes following a string of close calls and frustrating near-misses so far in 2021.
Amstel Gold Race, Flèche Wallonne or Liège-Bastogne-Liège — our editors pick their favorites. What's yours?
Wout van Aert sprinted with 'eyes closed, ' and Marianne Vos checks off 'big goal ' — here are all the reactions from the Amstel Gold Race.
From Trek-Segafredo's missing piece to Wout van Aert's new-found smarts – here are the top takeaways from this weekend's Amstel Gold Race.
Demi Vollering and Annemiek van Vleuten round out podium in Valkenburg.
Dutch classic will be contested on a closed circuit designed to salvage the event and conserve the essence of race.
After seeing the 2020 edition canceled, race organizers came up with a circuit course that serves riders and health concerns alike.
Here's the news making headlines for Wednesday, April 14.
From the Tour of Turkey to the Amstel Gold Race, here's what to watch during this week's racing calendar.
Check out Ben Delaney's author page.
Amstel Gold Race has been canceled amid tightening COVID-19 restrictions in The Netherlands. It's the first interruption in the race's 54-year history.
Gent-Wevelgem and Tour of Flanders set to return to Women's WorldTour in 2020, organizers eyeing October dates.
On Sunday, Niewiadoma perfectly synched her blistering attack with good tactics, and van der Poel stunned the world's best with raw power.
Niewiadoma attacked on the final ascent of the Cauberg before holding off searing chase from van Vleuten in thrilling finale.
The WorldTour peloton has left the pavé behind, but the classics rage on for another week in the Netherlands and the Ardennes.
Get the latest race news, results, commentary, and tech, delivered to your inbox. | general |
The Ockenden review and women's health in the UK | The experiences of women, babies, and their families who were failed by the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust are harrowing. The final report of the Ockenden review, published on March 30, details how the provision of substandard maternity care at the Trust led to unnecessary deaths and injuries. 131 of 498 stillbirths investigated might or would have had a different outcome if managed appropriately. In two-thirds of cases of hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy reviewed, there were significant or major concerns about the care provided to mothers. The deaths of 12 mothers were investigated—none had received appropriate care. Each of these cases is tragic; each was preventable.
Many individual failures occurred in these cases, but systemic problems caused and compounded these failures. Investigations into substandard care were often poor, and the trust did not learn from its mistakes. A series of recommendations to improve maternity care at the trust had been made by the Care Quality Commission, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and others, but Ockenden found no evidence that they were taken up. There was an absence of accountability of senior clinicians and managers. Staff spoke of bullying and fear, and of being overworked and under-resourced, in an environment of hostility rather than of collaboration. This was not a few acute, isolated incidents. This was the culture of a maternity service, covering an area of half a million people, for 20 years.
In particular, it was a culture of not listening to women. The testimony compiled by Ockenden repeatedly shows a lack of compassion for women in distressing, uncertain, and traumatic circumstances. Concerns and complaints were too often dismissed. When things did go wrong, Ockenden found too little transparency and dialogue with families. A duty of candour—a legal requirement since 2014 to tell patients when something goes wrong or almost does—was often absent. Grieving families were not properly involved in investigations; others were sent insensitive and inaccurate letters. Bereaved parents had to fight for practices at the trust to be scrutinised.
The UK remains one of the safest places in the world to give birth, but many of the themes identified by Ockenden will sound familiar. The Francis Inquiry into failings at Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust in 2013, the investigation of maternity services at Morecambe Bay in 2015, the Cumberlege Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review, and the inquiry into the malpractice of surgeon Ian Paterson, both in 2020: all repeatedly showed the harms that can result when patients are ignored and compassion is lacking. The fact that women are disproportionately the ones affected needs to be acknowledged and the reasons why reckoned with by all bodies responsible for health in the UK.
In A Women's Health Agenda: redressing the balance Dame Clare Gerada describes how health systems are “ infantilising women, deeming them incapable of looking after their own health, without the state interfering at every stage…The total policing of women's bodies by the systems and structures that are set up to look after them has resulted in a situation where women don't trust themselves or their instincts, about their own health ”. The results can be catastrophic, as at Shrewsbury and Telford Trust, but also speak to the day-to-day experiences of millions of women. On March 30, the government's attempt to end access to medical abortion care at home in England, introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, was defeated only following appeals by campaigners and MPs. Paternalistic and unsympathetic attitudes are bad for health and undermine faith in the health system. New figures—published on the same day as the Ockenden review—show that public satisfaction in the NHS has fallen to its lowest level since 1997. The disruptions caused by COVID-19 have undoubtedly played a part. But the public is also concerned about underfunding, lack of staff, quality of care, and staff attitudes.
The UK Government will soon publish its first Women's Health Strategy, with the aim of improving health outcomes for women through better education, ensuring the health-care system serves women's needs across the life course, and bolstering research. To be successful, the strategy must address not just services, but also systems—including misogyny, sexism, and the broader social fabric of the country—that impact women's lives and particularly their interactions with health care. The strategy promises to put women's voices at its centre. It must. What happened at Shrewsbury and Telford Trust shows the harm that can result when these voices are ignored.
For the Ockenden report see https: //www.gov.uk/government/publications/final-report-of-the-ockenden-reviewFor A Women's Health Agenda: Redressing the Balance see https: //publicpolicyprojects.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/03/PPP-A-Womens-Health-Agenda.pdfFor more on the decision on access to medical abortion at home in the UK see https: //www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-60930774For more on the UK Government's Women's Health Strategy see https: //www.gov.uk/government/publications/our-vision-for-the-womens-health-strategy-for-england/our-vision-for-the-womens-health-strategy-for-england
For the Ockenden report see https: //www.gov.uk/government/publications/final-report-of-the-ockenden-review
For A Women's Health Agenda: Redressing the Balance see https: //publicpolicyprojects.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/03/PPP-A-Womens-Health-Agenda.pdf
For more on the decision on access to medical abortion at home in the UK see https: //www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-60930774
For more on the UK Government's Women's Health Strategy see https: //www.gov.uk/government/publications/our-vision-for-the-womens-health-strategy-for-england/our-vision-for-the-womens-health-strategy-for-england
Ockenden report a “ watershed moment ” A damning review into maternity services at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, calling for immediate essential changes, has been welcomed. Jacqui Thornton reports. Full-Text PDF | tech |
Twitter stakeholder Elon Musk tweets 'Is Twitter dying? ' | Hi, what are you looking for?
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Twitter’ s newest board member and largest stakeholder Elon Musk tweeted Saturday to ask if the social media network was “ dying ” and to call out users such as singer Justin Bieber, who are highly followed but rarely post.
“ Most of these ‘ top’ accounts tweet rarely and post very little content, ” the Tesla boss wrote, captioning a list of the 10 profiles with the most followers — a list which includes himself at number eight, with 81 million followers.
“ Is Twitter dying? ” he wrote.
Former US President Barack Obama appears at the top with 131 million followers, followed by stars such as Bieber, Katy Perry, Rihanna and Taylor Swift, as well as Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and football star Cristiano Ronaldo, among others.
“ For example, @ taylorswift13 hasn’ t posted anything in 3 months, ” Musk continued.
“ And @ justinbieber only posted once this entire year. ”
The social media company named Musk to the board on Tuesday after the outspoken and polarizing executive disclosed he had acquired a more than nine percent stake in the company, making him Twitter’ s largest shareholder.
Musk said he looked forward to soon making “ significant improvements to Twitter, ” and began polling his followers on whether to add an “ edit ” button to the service, a long-discussed tweak.
Twitter has now said that it will start experimenting with one.
On Thursday, Musk tweeted a photo of himself smoking marijuana on a Joe Rogan podcast in 2018, with the caption, “ Twitter’ s next board meeting is gon na be lit. ”
His antics often raise eyebrows and occasionally draw condemnation, as when Jewish groups blasted his tweet comparing Canadian leader Justin Trudeau to Adolf Hitler over Covid-19 vaccine mandates. Musk later deleted the tweet without apologizing.
The appointment has sparked misgivings among some employees, according to a Washington Post report.
Workers at the California-based social media company cited worries about Musk’ s statements on transgender issues and his reputation as a difficult and driven leader, according to statements on Slack reviewed by the Post.
A California agency has sued Tesla, alleging discrimination and harassment against Black workers. The electric carmaker has rejected the charges, saying it opposes discrimination.
With 2,400 staff representing 100 different nationalities, AFP covers the world as a leading global news agency. AFP provides fast, comprehensive and verified coverage of the issues affecting our daily lives.
Under a shattered crescent hanger at Ukraine's Gostomel Airport the world's largest plane lies buckled and broken.
A federal appeals court upheld Biden’ s vaccine mandate for federal workers, while COVID-19 cases rise.
Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon set a new quarterly record in the first three months of 2022 compared to a year earlier.
Ketanji Brown Jackson celebrated her rise `` from segregation to the Supreme Court '' at a White House event.
COPYRIGHT © 1998 - 2022 DIGITAL JOURNAL INC. Digital Journal is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more about our external linking. | general |
NIGERIA: Oil minister Sylva works behind scenes for quick sale of Shell, Exxon, Chevron, Total marginal fields | The Nigerian authorities are dragging their feet on signing the Aje deal and, despite the new petroleum act, doing business in Nigeria remains difficult. [... ]
As the country continues to grapple with Covid-19, President Muhammadu Buhari has been hoping to generate cash from a marginal field bid that looks at last about to close. The Department of Petroleum Resources has sent the first letters to inform the succesful bidders of its choice. [... ]
The head of state has once again postponed his decision on the 52 marginal fields that he was to award in December, much to the dismay of the increasingly impatient candidates. [... ]
The Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari has finally appended his signature to the document listing the local - and international companies as a partner - chosen to operate one of the blocks covered by the tender call issued in June. [... ]
The recently created Houston firm Kariya Energy has set its sights on Gabon and Nigeria. It just hired a consulting firm with very strong connections in Africa. [... ]
The US major has appointed a number of new executives to take charge of the sale of its unwanted fields to Nigerian operators. [... ]
The Department of Petroleum Resources was counting on $ 520m from the sale of 52 deposits previously operated by the majors. [... ]
Junior oil firms flocked in their hundreds to bid for one of the 57 marginal fields put up for sale by the Abuja authorities to avoid a financial debacle as the Covid-19 crisis continues. [... ]
Now that the threat of a lawsuit in London over the Malabu affair has lifted, the British-Dutch oil major is standing on firmer ground ahead of another case opened in the United Kingdom. [... ]
NNPC's local content arm is trying to keep the oil sector profitable by imposing severe cuts in international companies ' expenditure, to the detriment of their Nigerian partners. [... ]
NLNG was put under immense pressure to get the first large-scale oil project that the current government would have achieved after five years in power launched before 2020. [... ]
Taking a page from ExxonMobil's book ( AEI 851), Chevron would like to trim its Nigerian portfolio by divesting from secondary or aging assets. The plan is to sell these to local firms with enough connections for the Department of Petroleum [. [... ]
As we revealed, over the past few months ExxonMobil has quietly been testing the waters with Nigerian firms to see if they could be interested in several Niger Delta assets it would like to sell. [... ]
Alongside President Muhammadu Buhari, who officially holds the post of oil minister, Nigeria's petroleum affairs are currently handled by two men, Maikanti Kacalla Baru, group managing director of NNPC, and Emmanuel Kachikwu, minister of state, petroleum resources ( and also chairman [. [... ]
The forced sale of producing blocks to Nigerian juniors by former president Goodluck Jonathan’ s government fell far short of pleasing those who benefited from it. No sooner had the government awarded the blocks than it said the national oil company [. [... ]
The fact that Crestar and Shell are talking again about the acquisition of Shell’ s stake on OML 25 doesn’ t mean disputes stemming from the Alison-Madueke era are resolved. [... ]
Muhammadu Buhari’ s victory in Nigeria’ s recent presidential election will result in the departure a strongest card in outgoing president Goodluck Jonathan’ s hand: the controversial petroleum resources minister Diezani Alison-Madueke. While some traders who became oil explorers raked in riches during [. [... ]
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Digital security can be utilised to improve the travel experience | Hi, what are you looking for?
With biometric technology, guests can check-in in a contactless format.
By
Published
This time of year, many people opt to take a short break. One of the factors that travellers who opt to take flights are concerned with, outside of COVID-19 risks, is for a frictionless experience from the airport to their return home.
One way to achieve this is through digital authentication. This improves travel by saving time, extended processes and more time spent in relaxation.
According to Kristen Tsitoukis, Head of Hospitality, Incode, there are elements of such technology that can be carefully considered. She offers the following insights for Digital Journal into how digital authentication lessens the hiccups of travel.
Central here is biometrics. This approach can maximize contactless travel, reduce passenger congestion; and provide security, usability, and privacy.
Save time, avoid the line with the pre-flight check-in process
Tsitoukis advises: “ Rather than requiring an early arrival to the airport for identity verification, passengers can save time and hassle by checking into flights with their digital ID ahead of their arrival to the airport. ”
Seamless transaction verification for a frictionless check-in experience
Outlining the virtues of digital solutions, Tsitoukis says: “ With biometric technology, guests can check-in in a contactless format. This also saves time as all information needed by the venue is gathered via automated data extraction. Guests can rest assured their information is kept secure through privacy-enabled online bookings. ”
Rideshare security
Personal security can be achieved by using trusted vendor, says Tsitoukis. She finds: “ Peace of mind when using a rideshare service such as Uber or Lyft by verification of all parties prior to pick-up. This provides safety and trust for both parties to eliminate carjackings and/or attacks when using these services on vacation ( or anytime). ”
Easy access to funds while traveling
There are many incidences where digital authentication is important. Tsitoukis outlines one of these by noting: “ Being able to utilize digital authentication to verify one’ s identity while traveling allows seamless accessibility to funds, regardless of the consumer’ s location. Using facial recognition software, a financial service can detect instantly if the account is being accessed by the proper user from anywhere in the world, rather than jumping through a verification process over phone, two-factor authentication, for each foreign transaction being made. ”
More time on the floor
Digital technology can also save time and reduce bureaucracy, says Tsitoukis: “ In venues such as casinos, age/identity verification is needed for beverage consumption, jackpot claim and multiple points of entry. Utilizing digital ID this information is needed only once, allowing visitors more time to do what they came for, rather than more of the same processes. ”
Dr. Tim Sandle is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for science news. Tim specializes in science, technology, environmental, and health journalism. He is additionally a practising microbiologist; and an author. He is also interested in history, politics and current affairs.
Under a shattered crescent hanger at Ukraine's Gostomel Airport the world's largest plane lies buckled and broken.
A federal appeals court upheld Biden’ s vaccine mandate for federal workers, while COVID-19 cases rise.
The fake logic is simple to the point of idiocy, but it’ ll work in information-starved Russia.
At least 52 people are killed, including five children, in a rocket attack on a train station in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk.
COPYRIGHT © 1998 - 2022 DIGITAL JOURNAL INC. Digital Journal is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more about our external linking. | general |
Johnson says Putin reputation 'permanently polluted ' after Bucha killings | Hi, what are you looking for?
The discovery of civilian bodies in Ukrainian towns has “ permanently polluted ” Russian President Putin’ s reputation, UK PM Boris Johnson said.
By
Published
The discovery of civilian bodies in Ukrainian towns has “ permanently polluted ” Russian President Vladimir Putin’ s reputation, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said during a visit to Kyiv Saturday.
“ What Putin has done in places like Bucha and Irpin is war crimes that have permanently polluted his reputation and the reputation of his government, ” Johnson said, standing next to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Johnson became the latest European leader to visit Kyiv this weekend after the bodies were discovered in several towns from where the Russian army retreated.
Johnson praised Ukraine for “ defying odds ” and rebuffing a Russian offensive on Kyiv.
“ The Russians believed Ukraine could be engulfed in a matter of days and that Kyiv would falls in hours to their armies, ” he said, referring to Western intelligence.
“ How wrong they were. ”
The Ukrainian people have “ shown the courage of a lion ”, he added.
“ The world has found new heros and those heroes are the people of Ukraine. ”
After talks with Zelensky, Johnson vowed UK armoured vehicles and anti-ship missiles for Ukraine.
Zelensky called on the West to follow the UK in providing military aide to Ukraine and imposing sanctions on Russia.
“ Other Western democratic countries should follow the UK’ s example, ” Zelensky said after talks with Johnson.
– Ukraine ‘ defied odds’ –
“ It is because of President ( Volodymyr) Zelensky’ s resolute leadership and the invincible heroism and courage of the Ukrainian people that ( Vladimir) Putin’ s monstrous aims are being thwarted, ” Johnson said after meeting Zelensky, according to a Downing Street statement.
Johnson set out extra military aid of 120 armoured vehicles and new anti-ship missile systems, “ to support Ukraine in this crucial phase while Russia’ s illegal assault continues ”, the statement added.
That is on top of UK aid announced Friday of more Starstreak anti-aircraft missiles and another 800 anti-tank missiles, along with “ loitering ” drones for “ precision strikes ” against the Russians.
As world powers held a fundraising round for Ukraine, Johnson also promised an extra $ 500 million via the World Bank.
Johnson said it had been a “ privilege ” to meet Zelensky in person on his surprise visit, which was not pre-announced in London.
“ Ukraine has defied the odds and pushed back Russian forces from the gates of Kyiv, achieving the greatest feat of arms of the 21st century, ” he said.
“ I made clear today that the United Kingdom stands unwaveringly with them in this ongoing fight, and we are in it for the long run. ”
With 2,400 staff representing 100 different nationalities, AFP covers the world as a leading global news agency. AFP provides fast, comprehensive and verified coverage of the issues affecting our daily lives.
Under a shattered crescent hanger at Ukraine's Gostomel Airport the world's largest plane lies buckled and broken.
A federal appeals court upheld Biden’ s vaccine mandate for federal workers, while COVID-19 cases rise.
The fake logic is simple to the point of idiocy, but it’ ll work in information-starved Russia.
At least 52 people are killed, including five children, in a rocket attack on a train station in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk.
COPYRIGHT © 1998 - 2022 DIGITAL JOURNAL INC. Digital Journal is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more about our external linking. | general |
Civilians flee eastern Ukraine after deadly railway station attack | Hi, what are you looking for?
By
Published
Evacuations resumed on Saturday from Kramatorsk, in eastern Ukraine, where a missile strike killed 52 people at a railway station, as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson became the latest Western leader to visit Kyiv and Ukrainians were urged to flee a feared Russian offensive before it was too late.
Hailing the country’ s response to the Russian invasion, Johnson offered Ukraine armoured vehicles and anti-ship missiles.
“ It is because of President ( Volodymyr) Zelensky’ s resolute leadership and the invincible heroism and courage of the Ukrainian people that ( Vladimir) Putin’ s monstrous aims are being thwarted, ” he said after meeting Zelensky.
Johnson, who a day earlier pledged to send Ukraine “ high-grade military equipment ” including Starstreak anti-aircraft missiles and 800 anti-tank missiles, added that the discovery of civilian bodies in Ukrainian towns had “ permanently polluted ” Russian President Vladimir Putin’ s reputation.
Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, meanwhile, said he was “ deeply disappointed ” and pained by his friend Putin’ s attack on Ukraine.
Six weeks into Russia’ s invasion, Moscow has shifted its focus to eastern and southern Ukraine after stiff resistance thwarted plans to swiftly capture Kyiv.
EU leaders were meeting with President Zelensky on Friday as news emerged of the devastating attack on Kramatorsk’ s station. The 52 victims included five children.
– Plea to evacuate –
With thousands killed in fighting and more than 11 million fleeing their homes or the country, Zelensky called on the West to follow the UK’ s example on military aid.
US President Joe Biden on Friday accused Russia of being behind a “ horrific atrocity ” in the de facto capital of the Ukrainian-controlled Donetsk region, and France condemned the strike as a “ crime against humanity ”.
Moscow denied responsibility for the rocket attack on Friday morning, which also wounded 109 people, according to the latest official count.
With the conflict moving away from areas first occupied by Russian forces after the February 24 invasion, the mayor of eastern Lysychansk Oleksandr Zaika called on the city’ s residents to evacuate as soon as possible due to constant shelling by the Russian army.
“ I ask you to evacuate. It has become very difficult in the city, enemy shells are already flying into different places, ” Zaika said in a video message.
Stressing that “ no one is going to give up the Luhansk region ”, he added that there were stocks of humanitarian aid in the city “ but that doesn’ t mean it will save your life if an enemy shell arrives ”.
Minibuses assembled at a church in Kramatorsk to collect shaken evacuees on Saturday. Almost 80 people, most of them elderly, took shelter overnight in a building, not far from the targeted station.
“ There were around 300 to 400 people who rushed here after the strike, ” Yevgeny, a member of the Protestant church, told AFP.
“ They were traumatised. Half of them ran to shelter in the cellar, others wanted to leave as soon as possible. Some were evacuated by bus in the afternoon ( on Friday). ”
The station in Kramatorsk was being used as the main evacuation hub for refugees from the parts of the eastern Donbas region still under Ukrainian control.
AFP reporters at the station saw the remains of the missile tagged in white paint with the words “ for our children ” in Russian. The expression is frequently used by pro-Russian separatists in reference to their losses since the start of the first Donbas war in 2014.
The governor of Donetsk claimed a missile with cluster munitions was used in the attack, according to remarks published by the Interfax news agency.
– ‘ All this horror’ –
The strike came as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell were in Kyiv for talks with Zelensky and to visit the scene of civilian killings in Bucha.
Russia faced “ decay ” because of ever tougher sanctions and Ukraine had a “ European future ”, von der Leyen said at a news conference with Zelensky on Friday.
“ My instinct says: If this is not a war crime, what is a war crime? ” she said of the Bucha killings, calling for a thorough investigation.
Joining the Western solidarity campaign, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer also arrived in Kyiv and on Saturday visited Bucha.
Russian troops appear to be seeking to create a long-sought land link between occupied Crimea and the Moscow-backed separatist territories of Donetsk and Lugansk in the Donbas region.
Ukraine said it had agreed a third prisoner exchange with Russia and that 12 soldiers and 14 civilians would be returning home.
Moscow’ s defence ministry said Russian forces had destroyed an ammunition depot in the Dnipro region, and struck 85 Ukrainian military targets in the previous 24 hours.
Moscow added that Russian troops had opened fire on a Ukrainian vessel trying to evacuate commanders of the Azov battalion from the besieged city of Mariupol.
Members of the Azov Special Operations Detachment have been fighting Russian forces in southeastern Mariupol located between Russia-occupied Crimea and pro-Russian separatist regions in Ukraine’ s east.
Bucha — where authorities say hundreds were killed, some with their hands bound — has become a byword for the brutality allegedly inflicted under Russian occupation.
But Zelensky has warned that worse is being uncovered.
“ They have started sorting through the ruins in Borodianka, ” northwest of Kyiv, he said on Friday. “ It is much more horrific there. There are even more victims of Russian occupiers. ”
Conflict in the area has wrought massive destruction and bodies are only now being retrieved, with 27 recovered from two destroyed buildings, according to Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova.
Fresh allegations also emerged from Obukhovychi, northwest of Kyiv, where villagers told AFP they were used as human shields.
– ‘ Help us now’ –
Moscow has denied targeting civilians, but growing evidence of atrocities has galvanised Ukraine’ s allies in the EU, which has approved an embargo on Russian coal and the closure of its ports to Russian vessels.
The bloc has frozen 30 billion euros ( $ 33 billion) in assets from blacklisted Russian and Belarusian individuals and companies, it said Friday.
It also blacklisted Putin’ s two adult daughters and more than 200 others as part of its latest sanctions package, according to an official list.
The United States and Britain had already sanctioned the Russian leader’ s daughters.
Borrell has pledged the EU would supply 7.5 million euros to train Ukrainian prosecutors to investigate war crimes allegedly committed by Russia.
Ukraine has welcomed the new pressure on Moscow, but continues to push for harsher sanctions and more heavy weaponry.
Western companies have joined the bid to isolate Russia, US video hosting service YouTube blocking the channel of the Russian lower house of parliament. Russian officials have warned of reprisals.
As sanctions bite, credit rating agency Standard and Poor’ s Global Ratings downgraded Russia’ s foreign currency payments rating to “ selective default ” after Moscow paid a dollar-denominated debt in rubles this week.
burs-dlc-har/jj
With 2,400 staff representing 100 different nationalities, AFP covers the world as a leading global news agency. AFP provides fast, comprehensive and verified coverage of the issues affecting our daily lives.
Under a shattered crescent hanger at Ukraine's Gostomel Airport the world's largest plane lies buckled and broken.
A federal appeals court upheld Biden’ s vaccine mandate for federal workers, while COVID-19 cases rise.
The fake logic is simple to the point of idiocy, but it’ ll work in information-starved Russia.
At least 52 people are killed, including five children, in a rocket attack on a train station in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk.
COPYRIGHT © 1998 - 2022 DIGITAL JOURNAL INC. Digital Journal is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more about our external linking. | general |
Supply Chain Visibility: Innovate for Better Supply Chain Visibility - Materials Handling Virtual Summit | Customers want more than an estimated ETA. Manufacturers want guarantees their temperature-sensitive goods are protected during transit. And stakeholders want deeper insights into every step of a shipment's journey. Yet supply chain visibility continues to be elusive for many.
The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed the value of real-time visibility to manufacturers. Visibility is also a key requirement for longer-term initiatives aimed at improving supply chain efficiency, risk management, resilience, customer satisfaction and sustainability.
Turn supply chain weaknesses into strengths. This eBook takes a deep dive into four areas where location technology can drive change: multimodal visibility, condition monitoring, indoor visibility and data optimization.
Plus, learn how location technology from HERE helped Siemens Healthineers reduce costs and increase shipment visibility and customer satisfaction. | general |
Manchin to visit Alberta oilsands in effort to revive Keystone XL Pipeline | Hi, what are you looking for?
U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin will be heading to the province on Monday and Tuesday to visit oilsands operations.
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Published
A key Democratic senator will tour Canada’ s oil sands next week to pressure U.S. President Joe Biden to revive a critical pipeline project he scrapped on his first day in office.
And according to the Calgary Herald, he is also expected to attend a North American energy roundtable meeting in Calgary with leaders of some of the country’ s largest petroleum producers and pipeline operators.
Senator Joe Manchin is among the most conservative Democrats in the Senate and has opposed key policy proposals favored by Democrats, including President Joe Biden’ s Build Back Better Bill.
The senator made headlines late last year with his opposition to the president’ s Build Back Better bill, dealing a big blow to the legislative agenda of the White House in December, reports CBC Canada.
Manchin’ s opposition to the bill received great praise from the Canadian automotive industry, who said the bill contained an electric vehicle tax provision that Canada’ s automotive industry claims would threaten jobs.
He has financial ties to the coal industry and receives regular donations from fossil fuel executives, including Ryan Lance of ConocoPhillips and Vicki Hollub of Occidental, according to CNBC News,
Manchin has also played on the fears around inflation and high energy costs brought about by the coronavirus pandemic and more recently, the Russian in=vasion of Ukraine. This line of reasoning has led Manchin to reiterate his call to Biden to revive the Keystone XL Pipeline.
Manchin to visit Fort McMurray
The senator plans to visit two sites in Fort McMurray, Alta., and discuss “ North American energy security and how Alberta can provide more of the U.S.’ energy needs, ” according to CTV News Canada.
Manchin’ s office tells CTV News they “ will have a full release following Senator Manchin’ s visit, but not before. ”
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney confirmed the upcoming trip, adding Manchin also invited him to appear before the Senate Energy Committee.
“ If we saw a signal from Washington about a willingness to build another major pipeline, the energy companies would respond by investing and expanding their current production, ” Kenney said.
But, the light of good fortune is not shining brightly for the Premier of Alberta, according to The Star. His position as leader of the United Conservative Party – and therefore his Alberta premiership – is on the line as the party begins the long, drawn-out process of a leadership vote.
And Joe Manchin is in hot water in his own state of West Virginia. The West Virginia Rising coalition intends to hold a non-violent protest at the Grant Town Coal Waste Power Plant on Saturday, dubbing it “ The Coal Baron Blockade ”.
“ Manchin is a part of the system that has never served any West Virginians, ” Blake Thomas, a West Virginian and member of the environmental coalition, told The Independent. “ It can’ t go on. This is us fighting back. ”
Karen Graham is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for environmental news. Karen's view of what is happening in our world is colored by her love of history and how the past influences events taking place today. Her belief in man's part in the care of the planet and our environment has led her to focus on the need for action in dealing with climate change. It was said by Geoffrey C. Ward, `` Journalism is merely history's first draft. '' Everyone who writes about what is happening today is indeed, writing a small part of our history.
Under a shattered crescent hanger at Ukraine's Gostomel Airport the world's largest plane lies buckled and broken.
A federal appeals court upheld Biden’ s vaccine mandate for federal workers, while COVID-19 cases rise.
The fake logic is simple to the point of idiocy, but it’ ll work in information-starved Russia.
At least 52 people are killed, including five children, in a rocket attack on a train station in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk.
COPYRIGHT © 1998 - 2022 DIGITAL JOURNAL INC. Digital Journal is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more about our external linking. | general |
Australia live news updates: Scott Morrison’ s path to call election cleared; flooding continues in greater Sydney | Prime minister expected to call federal election this weekend; hundreds of NSW residents still under evacuation orders
Elias Visontay
Sat 9 Apr 2022 01.46 BST First published on Fri 8 Apr 2022 22.52 BST
1.37am BST 01:37
Daniel Hurst
Voters will be kept in the dark on how Scott Morrison’ s government selected three potential bases for Australia’ s planned nuclear-powered submarines, after the advice was blocked from release.
With the prime minister preparing to formally call the election within days, Labor demanded the government reveal how it shortlisted the locations to prove the announcement was “ not just a marketing ploy ”.
Morrison named Brisbane, Newcastle and Wollongong’ s Port Kembla as three contenders for a new eastern submarine base, and revealed Aukus-related infrastructure works would more than $ 10bn, in a keynote national security speech last month.
The government is expected to lock in one of these sites late next year, once further studies and negotiations are completed.
Guardian Australia applied to the Department of Defence under freedom of information laws seeking the site analysis. The request also covered any advice, briefings or submissions prepared for the defence minister, Peter Dutton, regarding the preferred locations.
The department confirmed this week that it had found one document that fitted this description, but decided to deny access to it on a number of grounds, including the cabinet exemption.
Read more:
1.05am BST 01:05
Ben Smee
In the space of an hour on Thursday night, two Queensland Liberal National stalwarts made announcements that shook the party from the right, and then the left.
First, George Christensen announced he had formally left the LNP – ending a political farce that has seen the retiring federal MP for Dawson slide deeper into far-rightwing anti-government conspiracy, all the while remaining a member of the government.
Soon after, the Bundaberg mayor, Jack Dempsey – a former state police and Indigenous affairs minister – announced he would run as an independent in Hinkler, a seat held by the resources minister, Keith Pitt.
Other than their former party affiliation, Christensen and Dempsey have little in common. But the announcements have some in the LNP worried about its ability to present a coherent federal election campaign message in a deeply complex state.
Queensland has always presented as an oddity to outsiders; for more than three decades, with only a few rare exceptions, the state has voted for the Coalition at federal elections, and for Labor to run its state government.
Read more:
12.45am BST 00:45
A police officer and a motorist have been killed in a three-car crash near the Victoria-NSW border, reports AAP.
Police said an unmarked police car and a ute crashed head-on at Red Cliffs, near Mildura, about 10pm on Friday.
A female senior constable died at the scene and a male leading senior constable was flown to hospital in a critical condition.
The driver of the ute was killed, and two children who were passengers were taken to hospital.
The driver of a third car and a child passenger were also injured and assessed in hospital.
Major collision investigation unit detectives are on their way to the site.
Kulkyne Way is expected to be closed for some time and police have urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.
Updated at 1.46am BST
12.26am BST 00:26
The Australian government knowingly relied on discredited evidence obtained under torture to keep a refugee in detention for a decade, despite being repeatedly told the detention was unjustified and the allegations untrue.
Sayed Abdellatif, falsely labelled a “ convicted jihadist terrorist… held behind a pool fence ” by then opposition leader Tony Abbott, has spent more than 10 years in immigration detention in Australia without ever being accused of or charged with a crime, because spy agency Asio had a “ predetermined view ” of him, called him a “ liar ”, and relied on evidence it knew to be discredited, a federal court judge has found.
In a 133-page judgment, justice Debra Mortimer found the ‘ adverse security assessments’ made by Asio against Abellatif, and used to block his claim for asylum, were “ legally unreasonable ”, riddled with errors, and denied him procedural fairness. She said the security assessments should be set aside.
Mortimer also criticised some of Asio’ s interrogation techniques as “ unreasonable and unrealistic ”, including conducting an eight-hour, 700-question interview during Ramadan when Abdellatif could not eat or drink.
The judgment could lead to Abdellatif’ s release from detention after more than a decade. Overturning the security assessments clears a path for the immigration minister to grant Abdellatif a protection visa. His wife and six children already live in the Australian community.
Read the full story, by Sarah Malik and Ben Doherty, here:
12.05am BST 00:05
Ten people have died with Covid in New South Wales in the 24 hours to 9am on Saturday.
There were 17,597 new Covid cases in the state.
COVID-19 update – Saturday 9 April 2022In the 24-hour reporting period to 4pm yesterday: - 96.1% of people aged 16+ have had one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine- 94.6% of people aged 16+ have had two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine pic.twitter.com/ScIkH1FeAQ
12.04am BST 00:04
Seven people have died with Covid in Victoria in the 24 hours to 9am on Saturday.
There were 9,610 new Covid cases in the state.
We thank everyone who got vaccinated and tested yesterday.Our thoughts are with those in hospital, and the families of people who have lost their lives.More data soon: https: //t.co/OCCFTAtS1P # COVID19Vic # COVID19VicData pic.twitter.com/VoCFC5YuiZ
Updated at 12.05am BST
11.49pm BST 23:49
Ben Butler
Soaring metal prices mean it will cost more than the face value of the coins to make 5c, 10c and 20c pieces, according to new research.
Prices of the two key metals in Australia’ s silver coins, nickel and copper, have skyrocketed this year due to Russia’ s invasion of Ukraine, with the price of nickel spiking 250% on the London Metals Exchange last month to more than US $ 100,000 a tonne.
Investment bank Goldman Sachs predicts copper prices, which also spiked last month, are set to rise again as stocks of the metal run out.
In research released this week, analysts at Morningstar said the metal in a five cent piece was now worth 6c, up from 4c six months ago.
Over the same period, the value of metal in a 10c piece has increased from 9c to 14c, while metal making up a 20 cent piece has jumped in value to 28c from 18c.
However, the 50c and higher denominations continue to have a higher face value than their metal content. There is 38c worth of metal in the dodecagonal coin today, against 25c six months ago, while the metal value of each of the $ 1 and $ 2 coin remains below 10c.
The higher metal prices will eat into the Royal Australian Mint’ s profit from making coins, which is known as seigniorage.
Read more:
Updated at 12.04am BST
11.33pm BST 23:33
Severe rain may have eased in Sydney and much of New South Wales, however flood evacuation orders are still in place across the state.
State Emergency Services in New South Wales have received more than 280 calls requests for assistance, and performed nine flood rescues, in the 24 hours to 8am this morning.
There are 12 evacuation orders and 28 evacuation warnings in place.
Past 24hrs, NSW SES has received over 280 requests for assistance and 9 Flood Rescues across the state. Operational activity is likely to continue today based on forecast weather. 🔴 12 Evacuation Orders🟡 28 Evacuation Warnings ✅ 36 Return Safely 👉https: //t.co/BCnxAe6tsR pic.twitter.com/0DANhwEcaW
11.15pm BST 23:15
Adeshola Ore
Victoria’ s peak public hospital body has warned elective surgeries could be wound back if demand for emergency care spikes during a predicted surge in Covid cases in the coming weeks.
The state’ s Department of Health confirmed to Guardian Australia that four health services across the state were already not meeting the minimum nurse-to-patient ratios.
The Victoria Healthcare Association predicts staff shortages will worsen over the coming weeks and months, as the state braces for the current wave of infections from the Omicron subvariant to peak later this month.
The VHA’ s chief executive, Tom Symondson, said despite the easing of elective surgery bans almost two months ago, the state’ s hospitals were now experiencing a “ difficult time again ” due to increasing numbers of Covid cases, backfilling of leave and furloughed staff.
“ Staff shortages may worsen in coming weeks and months, ” he said.
Symondson said if emergency care spiked, hospitals might have to “ adjust ” a range of services, including elective surgery procedures, to ensure the sector could “ provide safe care for the people who need it most urgently ”.
Read the exclusive here:
11.04pm BST 23:04
Paul Karp
The Morrison government has appointed more than 30 former Coalition ministers, MPs, staffers and donors to taxpayer-funded jobs in the last six months alone.
Scott Morrison and senior ministers have defended the appointments, but Labor has argued it’ s a case of history repeating after a large number of partisan appointments before the 2019 election and stacking of the administrative appeals tribunal with 85 people linked to the Coalition since 2013.
On Friday evening, the energy minister, Angus Taylor, reappointed his former energy adviser John Hirjee to the Australian Renewable Energy Agency board along with Anna Matysek, an economist and co-founder of BAEconomics, which has been critical of Labor’ s climate policies.
Taylor also appointed Matt Howell, the outgoing chief executive of Tomago Aluminium, Australia’ s biggest power consumer, to the board of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation. Although not a Liberal, Howell has vocally backed the government’ s investment in the Kurri Kurri gas power plant.
Read more:
Updated at 12.04am BST
10.52pm BST 22:52
Good morning readers, and welcome to the weekend!
We’ ll be on election watch today. Late on Friday, the high court cleared the decks for Scott Morrison to call the federal election by refusing to hear a last-ditch appeal against the prime minister’ s contentious captain’ s picks in key New South Wales seats.
However there have also been reports of Liberal MPs booking flights and accommodation in Canberra for the upcoming sitting week of the lower house, suggesting Morrison might not pull the trigger this weekend and that the parliamentary calendar will resume as scheduled. Anything is possible.
Hundreds of New South Wales residents remain under evacuation orders on the first day of school holidays, with forecasts warning it will take time for water to drain from saturated catchments.
Heavy falls eased across much of NSW on Friday, however flooding is likely to continue in parts of greater Sydney throughout the weekend. River rises were still being observed in the Hawkesbury-Nepean on Friday and 13 evacuation orders remained in place across 11 low-lying suburbs.
Some 1,200 people remain under evacuation order, and a further 1,500 had been given warnings they may still need to leave.
We will also have the latest Covid news after the TGA granted provisional approval for the Pfizer vaccine to be administered as a booster to 12 to 15-year-olds yesterday.
Don’ t fret – we’ ll bring you even the faintest sniff of election news, and all other news, right here on the blog today.
Off we go! | general |
Economic recovery: Is the retail rebound starting? | Hi, what are you looking for?
Pandemic-fuelled supply chain challenges taught us to expect the unexpected in a big way.
By
Published
For the retail industry, the pandemic upended what might be referred to as “ business as usual ”. Some areas of retail managed to adapt, others went under.
Even as part of the pandemic wanes and some sectors return to something closer to normal, retail merchants are still facing considerable hurdles. These issues range from increased demand, to rapid shifts in consumer behaviours, to factory shutdowns and labour shortages, to port congestion.
Steve Denton, CEO of Ware2Go, a UPS Company, has provided advice to Digital Journal readers who are involved in retail of all sizes. This is to help them to navigate these choppy waters.
Much of this advice is based on lessons learned as a result of COVID-19 and the resultant economic slowdown. Denton’ s main takeaway is that pandemic-fuelled supply chain challenges taught us to expect the unexpected in a big way.
His advice is that merchants must deploy a more resilient and agile approach that better positions them to address future hurdles and pivots. In addition, Denton says:
Merchants adapted their business from B2B or B2C to B2E
Denton explains: “ Business to everyone. The pandemic drove 88 percent of Americans surveyed to shift their purchasing patterns — and exacerbated consumers’ already lofty expectations of convenience in online shopping. This left merchants scrambling to up their game across sales, order fulfilment and delivery. Many turned to technology-supported warehouse networks to help them meet the moment and efficiently pivot their selling strategies. ”
As an example, Denton cites: “ Before COVID, sports recovery drink producer and Ware2Go client O2 Recovery sold about half of its orders directly to gyms ( B2B). Once the pandemic hit, the company needed to act fast to replace the sales channels lost due to gym closures. The flexibility offered through its partnership with Ware2Go enabled O2 to rapidly pivot its gym sales to individual orders going directly to customer doorsteps ( D2C). ”
Merchants have shifted their inventory from warehouses in the centre of the country to the coasts, near ports
In relation to this relocation aspect, Denton sys: “ Making this shift helped businesses ease shipping delays and counter the high costs of transportation, but also posed new logistical challenges for businesses, who had to grapple with a sudden, large-scale redistribution of inventory. On top of that, new sudden demand made the cost of storage on the coasts go up. ”
As an example, Denton mentions: “ Ware2Go’ s flexible fulfilment system, managed by a cloud-based technology that tracks and streamlines flow of inventory, helped merchants quickly adapt to this dramatic shift in their inventory distribution. ”
A further success says Denton arises because the “ data-driven insights help merchants prioritize which SKUs should be stored in more expensive warehouses on the coast ( with a focus on faster delivery) and which SKUs can be put into deep storage in the centre of the country ( with a focus on lowering storage costs). ”
Merchants learned to plan further in advance
Denton also notes how: “ The 2020 holiday season saw unprecedented shipping volume, leading to shipping delays and ultimately, late holiday gifts across the nation. ”
Learning from this, Denton says “ Fortunately, merchants learned their lesson — in 2021, 63.2 percent of merchants surveyed by Ware2Go reported they ordered holiday inventory by August, and 44.4 percent of merchants reported ordering more inventory than usual. ”
Dr. Tim Sandle is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for science news. Tim specializes in science, technology, environmental, and health journalism. He is additionally a practising microbiologist; and an author. He is also interested in history, politics and current affairs.
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4 Ways to Effective Supply Chain Collaboration in a Crisis | GEP® delivers transformative supply chain solutions that help global enterprises become more agile and resilient, operate more efficiently and effectively, gain competitive advantage, boost profitability, and increase shareholder value.
Pandemics, natural disasters, wars, acts of terrorism, and other crises create significant disruptions to our interconnected global supply chains. Currently, the COVID-19 outbreak is affecting global supply chains as we have never seen before. The worst may be yet to come as the disruption to manufacturing and other business operations around the world increase daily.
Very few organizations are immune, and revenues have been all but fully wounding down in some industries. Plant closures, layoffs, cash flow, debt challenges, and export issues highlight some pain points. Supply chain organizations must step up now and take equal positive action with their supplier partners as these negative events unfold.
Here are key strategies that supply chain leaders can use to bolster and protect their business and operation with a keen focus on collaborative internal and external efforts.
Time is of the essence and rapid response is needed. However, that response should be well-thought-out and prioritized so that it can be executed efficiently to bring the most value. Ask yourself these questions:
There is little business immunity to COVID-19 in your trading partner network. Now is the time to share all relevant and available information with each other to bring value to the entire network. A combined team effort can have an exponential positive impact - and the nature of many interconnected global supply chains demands it.
Your supply base, customers, strategic partners, and third-party providers all might feel similar pain but could unintentionally create an action plan that is counter-productive to your business needs. Take the lead and communicate across this network early and often.
Have a communication and information management structure in place so that key prioritized business actions can be executed in a collaborative environment.
You need your action plan to be fully aligned with partners.
Use the digital platforms you and your strategic partners have in place for scenario planning of key priorities and actions. These can and should be from an operational ( continuity of supply), cost ( savings), and cash flow perspective.
ERP systems, supply chain control tower software, and other digital platforms can be critical to providing real-time visibility into your network - and for game-planning positive business outcomes. Use all of the information available in these digital systems, trading partner systems, and offline systems ( such as spreadsheets, and inherent business knowledge) to drive the best decision-making.
You need real-time intelligence and a single version of the truth.
Transforming Supply Chains for Higher Performance and Resiliency This study from Harvard Business Review Analytic Services commissioned by GEP explores the digital status quo of supply chains today, and how enterprises can and must revamp their supply chains to thrive in a never-normal world. Download Now!
GEP Outlook 2022 - Supply Chain & Procurement: Key Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities Get actionable insights to effectively deal with disruption and uncertainty and learn supply chain and procurement strategies that can help your business thrive in the new normal. Download Now!
Why Supplier Collaboration Is Chaotic and Messy ( And How You Can Fix It) This paper outlines strategies for supply chain professionals looking to strengthen their supplier relationships to better manage disruption. Download Now!
The Digital Levers You Need To Achieve Sustainable Cost Reduction This white paper highlights the challenges and pressures that have forced enterprises to rethink their traditional approaches to cost optimization. Download Now!
OpenText™ operates the world’ s leading B2B network. Built on the strength… | general |
COVID Can Infect Pacemaker Cells That Maintain the Heart’ s Rhythm, Setting Off a Self-Destruction Process | The SARS-CoV-2 virus can infect specialized pacemaker cells that maintain the heart’ s rhythmic beat, setting off a self-destruction process within the cells, according to a preclinical study co-led by researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine, NewYork-Presbyterian and NYU Grossman School of Medicine. The findings offer a possible explanation for the heart arrhythmias that are commonly observed in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
In the study, reported on March 8, 2022, in Circulation Research, the researchers used an animal model as well as human stem cell-derived pacemaker cells to show that SARS-CoV-2 can readily infect pacemaker cells and trigger a process called ferroptosis, in which the cells self-destruct but also produce reactive oxygen molecules that can impact nearby cells.
“ This is a surprising and apparently unique vulnerability of these cells—we looked at a variety of other human cell types that can be infected by SARS-CoV-2, including even heart muscle cells, but found signs of ferroptosis only in the pacemaker cells, ” said study co-senior author Dr. Shuibing Chen, the Kilts Family Professor of Surgery and a professor of chemical biology in surgery and of chemical biology in biochemistry at Weill Cornell Medicine.
Arrhythmias including too-quick ( tachycardia) and too-slow ( bradycardia) heart rhythms have been noted among many COVID-19 patients, and multiple studies have linked these abnormal rhythms to worse COVID-19 outcomes. How SARS-CoV-2 infection could cause such arrhythmias has been unclear, though.
SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein ( green) staining in the pacemaker cells ( red) of SARS-CoV-2 infected hamsters. The nuclei of the cells are stained blue. Credit: Dr. Shuibing Chen
In the new study, the researchers, including co-senior author Dr. Benjamin tenOever of NYU Grossman School of Medicine, examined golden hamsters—one of the only lab animals that reliably develops COVID-19-like signs from SARS-CoV-2 infection—and found evidence that following nasal exposure the virus can infect the cells of the natural cardiac pacemaker unit, known as the sinoatrial node.
To study SARS-CoV-2’ s effects on pacemaker cells in more detail and with human cells, the researchers used advanced stem cell techniques to induce human embryonic stem cells to mature into cells closely resembling sinoatrial node cells. They showed that these induced human pacemaker cells express the receptor ACE2 and other factors SARS-CoV-2 uses to get into cells and are readily infected by SARS-CoV-2. The researchers also observed large increases in inflammatory immune gene activity in the infected cells.
The team’ s most surprising finding, however, was that the pacemaker cells, in response to the stress of infection, showed clear signs of a cellular self-destruct process called ferroptosis, which involves accumulation of iron and the runaway production of cell-destroying reactive oxygen molecules. The scientists were able to reverse these signs in the cells using compounds that are known to bind iron and inhibit ferroptosis.
“ This finding suggests that some of the cardiac arrhythmias detected in COVID-19 patients could be caused by ferroptosis damage to the sinoatrial node, ” said co-senior author Dr. Robert Schwartz, an associate professor of medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Weill Cornell Medicine and a hepatologist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center.
Although in principle COVID-19 patients could be treated with ferroptosis inhibitors specifically to protect sinoatrial node cells, antiviral drugs that block the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection in all cell types would be preferable, the researchers said.
The researchers plan to continue to use their cell and animal models to investigate sinoatrial node damage in COVID-19—and beyond.
“ There are other human sinoatrial arrhythmia syndromes we could model with our platform, ” said co-senior author Dr. Todd Evans, the Peter I. Pressman M.D. Professor of Surgery and associate dean for research at Weill Cornell Medicine. “ And, although physicians currently can use an artificial electronic pacemaker to replace the function of a damaged sinoatrial node, there’ s the potential here to use sinoatrial cells such as we’ ve developed as an alternative, cell-based pacemaker therapy. ”
Reference: “ SARS-CoV-2 Infection Induces Ferroptosis of Sinoatrial Node Pacemaker Cells ” by Yuling Han, Jiajun Zhu, Liuliu Yang, Benjamin E. Nilsson-Payant, Romulo Hurtado, Lauretta A. Lacko, Xiaolu Sun, Aravind R. Gade, Christina A. Higgins, Whitney J. Sisso, Xue Dong, Maple Wang, Zhengming Chen, David D. Ho, Geoffrey S. Pitt, Robert E. Schwartz, Benjamin R. tenOever, Todd Evans and Shuibing Chen, 8 March 2022, Circulation Research. DOI: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.121.320518 | tech |
New COVID-19 Testing Device Delivers Results in 30 Seconds – As Sensitive and Accurate as a PCR Test | The motherboard of a COVID-19 rapid testing device that UF Health researchers helped develop is seen here. The device can return a coronavirus test result as accurately and sensitively as the gold standard of testing, a PCR test, in 30 seconds. Credit: Photo courtesy of Houndstoothe Analytics
With any highly infectious disease, time can be a killer.
It is crucial to get a test result for a pathogen quickly, lest someone continue in their daily lives infecting others. And delays in testing have undoubtedly exacerbated the COVID-19 pandemic.
Unfortunately, the most accurate COVID-19 test often takes 24 hours or longer to return results from a lab.
At-home test kits offer results in minutes but are far less accurate or sensitive.
Researchers at the University of Florida, however, have helped developed a COVID-19 testing device that can detect coronavirus infection in as little as 30 seconds as sensitively and accurately as a PCR, or polymerase chain reaction test, the gold standard of testing. They are working with scientists at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University in Taiwan.
The device, researchers said, could transform public health officials’ ability to quickly detect and respond to the coronavirus — or the next pandemic.
UF has entered into a licensing agreement with a New Jersey company, Houndstoothe Analytics, in hopes of ultimately manufacturing and selling the device, not just to medical professionals but also to consumers.
Like PCR tests, the device is 90% accurate, researchers said, with the same sensitivity, according to a recent peer-reviewed study published by the UF group.
“ There is nothing available like it, ” said Josephine Esquivel-Upshaw, D.M.D., a professor in the UF College of Dentistry’ s department of restorative dental sciences and member of the research team that developed the device. “ It’ s true point of care. It’ s access to care. We think it will revolutionize diagnostics. ”
The device is not yet approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. First, researchers said, they have to ensure that test results are not thrown off by cross-contamination with other pathogens that might be found in the mouth and saliva. These include other coronaviruses, staph infections, the flu, pneumonia, and 20 others. That work is ongoing.
The hand-held apparatus is powered by a 9-volt battery and uses an inexpensive test strip, similar to those used in blood glucose meters, with coronavirus antibodies attached to a gold-plated film at its tip. The strip is placed on the tongue to collect a tiny saliva sample.
The strip is then inserted into a reader connected to a circuit board with the brains of the device.
If someone is infected, the coronavirus in the saliva binds with the antibodies and begins a dance of sorts as they are prodded by two electrical pulses processed by a special transistor. A higher concentration of coronavirus changes the electrical conductance of the sample. That, in turn, alters the voltage of the electrical pulses.
The voltage signal is amplified a million times and converted to a numerical value — in a sense, the sample’ s electrochemical fingerprint. That value will indicate a positive or negative result, and the lower the value, the higher the viral load. The device’ s ability to quantify viral and antibody load makes it especially useful for clinical purposes, researchers said.
The product can be constructed for less than $ 50, Esquivel-Upshaw said. In contrast, PCR test equipment can cost thousands.
The research team also is studying its ability to detect specific proteins that could be used to diagnose other illnesses, including cancer, a heart attack and immune health.
Fan Ren, Ph.D., a distinguished professor in the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering’ s department of chemical engineering, and his team had been developing semiconductor-based sensor devices long before COVID-19 for nonmedical purposes.
He noted that he is inspired in his work by the recent death of his wife, which was unrelated to COVID-19. He connects his grief to the mourning of the world at large.
“ Almost a million people have died of COVID ” in the United States, Ren said. “ Those are so many tragedies. Old people. Young people. You name it. I said, ‘ No, that’ s it.’ That is too much. ”
He said several institutions have worked on devices using a field effect transistor, or FET, like that found in the COVID-19 testing device his team is developing. But those devices are basically one-offs — a sample is applied directly to the FET, which means the transistor is not reusable and must be discarded.
That makes those devices expensive and impractical for mass testing, Ren said.
Then he hit on the idea of separating transistor from sample, like blood glucose meters that use test strips to collect a drop of blood after a lancet pierces a finger. This innovation, Ren said, makes the UF device unique, affordable, and easy to use.
Ren said the device could be used for venues with large crowds, such as concerts, sporting events, classrooms, in addition to medical settings. Researchers say the unit would also provide access to accurate, inexpensive testing in rural areas or in developing nations.
And the personal uses, researchers say, are limitless — parties, baby showers, and other small gatherings.
“ Yes or no. You’ re infected or not infected. You get the answer right away, ” said Ren. | tech |
NIGERIA: Jonathan’ s targets back in business | After steering the oil cartel through the Covid-19 crisis, outgoing secretary-general Mohammed Barkindo will soon return to his native Nigeria. Many speculate that he may move into politics. [... ]
The Covid-19 crisis has forced members of the Vienna-based organisation to drastically cut their production, but a number of African countries have ostensibly disregarded their obligations. [... ]
Alongside President Muhammadu Buhari, who officially holds the post of oil minister, Nigeria's petroleum affairs are currently handled by two men, Maikanti Kacalla Baru, group managing director of NNPC, and Emmanuel Kachikwu, minister of state, petroleum resources ( and also chairman [. [... ]
A court in London has refused to throw out a case against oil magnate Ifeanyi Ubah. [... ]
Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari has finally decided to put an end to the tandem act he set into motion last August by having himself and NNPC group managing director Emmanuel Kachikwu, who's also state petroleum resources minister, oversee the oil [. [... ]
Named the new secretary-general of OPEC in early June, Nigeria’ s Mohamed Barkindo benefitted from the forceful backing of several member [... ]
United Bank for Africa is expected to invest over $ 1 billion in helping Chevron and NNPC to develop 36 wells. [... ]
Nigerian state minister in charge of oil resources Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu has begun a makeover of NNPC which is to [... ]
Claiming that NNPC exerted pressure to reduce a fine slapped on it, Lutin has asked that a case pitting it against the state-owned company be reopened. [... ]
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A pioneer on the web since 1996, Africa Intelligence is the leading news site on Africa for professionals. | general |
Clifford Rosler Management Announces Development of New | TORONTO, April 09, 2022 ( GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Clifford Rosler Management has announced that the company is currently underway and developing a new state-of-the-art digital trading platform for its retail clients.
The news comes after an announcement by the company's chief executive officer, Mr. Yoon Suk-Chul, who commented, `` We are extremely excited to unveil our plans as we begin to develop a new trading platform for our clients. Many of our clients have reached out over the past year expressing an interest to trade online; we have taken into factor our main priorities which will be to provide, fast execution on all trades, low costs and a large selection of research that will be available to access through the platform. ''
Apart from fast execution on all its online trades and low trading costs, the company has mentioned that it will feature an online research facility, with access to a large selection of its equity research reports from multiple financial markets and industries.
Clifford Rosler Management will allow its clients to trade using the online platform with an initial 2,400 stocks that cover over 17 different financial markets. Clients will initially be able to access U.S., Canadian, UK and Hong Kong equities through the platform with more exchanges to be added in the future.
`` This is truly an exciting announcement for Clifford Rosler Management; this will allow existing and new clients to have a full range of markets accessible through an online secure platform. There are many additional features that will be introduced such as monthly credit, which acts like a saving account where you will be able to fund your account on a monthly basis and invest small amounts in your preferred stocks, over time making a big difference, '' noted Mr. Harvey Foster, he currently is the Director of Institutional Management for Clifford Rosler Management.
Robert Wiseman who was recently promoted to Chief Technology Officer will be spearheading the project with its expected launch date of February 2023. `` With every financial market affected by Covid in the past two years, it has become increasingly important for our clients to have access through a digital platform. We are ensuring that we are taking the necessary steps to provide both security and value-added features for each client, '' added Mr. Robert Wiseman, Chief Technology Officer at Clifford Rosler Management.
Company InformationClifford Rosler Management is an international financial services company founded in 2000. Headquartered in Seoul with an additional Research & Trading office located in Toronto, the company strives towards providing an unparalleled level of services to its clients. For more information, please visit: www.crmholdings.com/
Media Representative Eric Cardinal, Chief of Economics & Analyticseric.cardinal @ crmholdings.com, +1 ( 0) 647 846 5840,34F Oxford Tower, 130 Adelaide Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M5H3P5, Canada.
This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. | general |
NIGERIA: Buhari puts swap contracts and NNPC under microscope | The deregulation of petrol prices, which has been speeded up by the Covid-19 pandemic, has led to a renewal of swap contracts since the start of 2020. But they could shortly be on the way out. [... ]
While the majority of 18 local trading concerns chosen by NNPC to sell its crude know the ropes a few have no experience of this type of contract. [... ]
In addition to international groups like Glencore, Trafigura, Total and BP, the list of 18 Nigerian firms that won allocations of NNPC’ s crude - 32,000 bpd or one cargo per month - for 2017/2018 looks like a clever geopolitical share-out [. [... ]
In ordering the Nigerian National Petroleum Corp ( NNPC) to increase [... ]
To avoid placing all gasoline import contracts in the same hands the Nigerian president has inaugurated a new kind of short-term contract. [... ]
Sahara Energy could find itself in trouble with Nigeria’ s new government. Indeed, Abuja is looking into the terms of its contracts with SIR and Petroci. [... ]
The new boss of NNPC has sworn to make every effort to finance the company’ s share in its joint venture with Chevron. [... ]
Business and security are to play a cardinal role in the official visit of Nigeria's new president, Muhammadu Buhari, to [... ]
Even before Esther Nnamdi Ogbue was named new boss of the Pipeline and Products Marketing Co ( PPMC, see AEI 752), [... ]
In step with one of the priorities of Nigeria’ s president Muhammadu Buhari, contracts that had allowed for cargoes of crude [... ]
Members of the Ijaw ethnic community who were appointed under president Goodluck Jonathan ( himself a member of the community based [... ]
Ghana’ s Parliament has just amended the Petroleum Revenue Management Act [... ]
The cancellation of maritime security contracts since Muhammadu Buhari came [... ]
The head of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative ( EITI), Clare [... ]
The company headed by businessman Benedict Peters isn’ t quite certain how to proceed in Nigeria’ s new political environment. On one [... ]
Muhammadu Buhari’ s victory in Nigeria’ s recent presidential election will result in the departure a strongest card in outgoing president Goodluck Jonathan’ s hand: the controversial petroleum resources minister Diezani Alison-Madueke. While some traders who became oil explorers raked in riches during [. [... ]
Although the main findings were leaked to the local press, [... ]
Largely unnoticed in Nigeria where the media and politicians are riveted on the presidential election on Feb. 14, a unit of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corp ( NNPC), Pipelines and Product Marketing Co ( PPMC) renewed swap contracts in early January that [. [... ]
The dismissal of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as governor of Nigeria's [... ]
Africa Intelligence uses cookies to provide reliable and secure features, measure and analyse website traffic and provide support to the website users.Apart from those essential for the proper operation of the website, you can choose which cookies you accept to have stored on your device.Either “ Accept and close ” to agree to all cookies or go to “ Manage cookies ” to review your options. You can change these settings at any time by going to our Cookie management page.
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A pioneer on the web since 1996, Africa Intelligence is the leading news site on Africa for professionals. | general |
IVORY COAST: Rothschild's presidential visit | Currently without a sovereign fund, for several years Ivory Coast has been using various pension funds for its strategic investments. Newly elected for a third presidential term, Alassane Ouattara has asked Rothschild bank to furnish the country with the financial instrument it is lacking. [... ]
Campaigning for a third term in office, Alassane Ouattara has made great play of the country's economic growth and its respect for the conditions set by the IMF. The economic indicators he is using, however, are still being processed and could turn out less favourable than the Ivorian president imagines. [... ]
For African countries, taking advantage of the G20 moratorium on bilateral debt during the Covid-19 pandemic could lead to unforeseen consequences, especially in terms of their credit ratings. A number of banks and law firms have been guiding them through this financial minefield. [... ]
The Ivorian government's financial advisor, Rothschild, is currently working on [... ]
The past few months have proven to be difficult for the Swiss trading house Glencore as it weathers lawsuits involving some of its African subsidiaries and is forced to enter financial renegotiations in Chad, a country that it may be [. [... ]
Sassou Nguesso's new special adviser has been in top secret talks with Western banks. An exclusive! [... ]
Already reeling from the collapse in the oil price, Chad is now dealing with disaster of another sort: the need to repay a debt to Glencore. In 2014, the trading group lent $ 1.45 billion to Chad to buy out Chevron's [. [... ]
Africa Intelligence uses cookies to provide reliable and secure features, measure and analyse website traffic and provide support to the website users.Apart from those essential for the proper operation of the website, you can choose which cookies you accept to have stored on your device.Either “ Accept and close ” to agree to all cookies or go to “ Manage cookies ” to review your options. You can change these settings at any time by going to our Cookie management page.
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Azerbaijan, MEDEF International discuss new areas of cooperation | A meeting has been held at the Central Bank of Azerbaijan ( CBA) with a delegation headed by Director General of the French Business Confederation ( MEDEF International) Philippe Gautier, Trend reports via the CBA.
`` The purpose of the delegation's visit is to develop direct ties between French companies and their Azerbaijani partners and to identify new areas of cooperation with France, '' the CBA said.
During the meeting, the CBA representatives noted that the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has launched a new reform aimed at the implementation of specific strategic goals, the continued sustainable growth of a competitive economy, the creation of competitive human capital and modern innovation space, and determining national development priorities for the upcoming strategic period.
The bank’ s representatives also stressed that cooperation with international organizations plays an important role in the successful implementation of reforms in Azerbaijan.
Besides, they noted that, despite the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy of Azerbaijan, macroeconomic stability is maintained in the country, and the stability of the financial and banking sector has been ensured.
The MEDEF International delegates pointed out that the favorable investment climate in Azerbaijan also opens up opportunities for French business entities, and at the post-pandemic stage, an important issue is to get acquainted with the priorities of diversifying the country's non-oil sector, in particular, the reconstruction of territories liberated from Armenian occupation [ in the 2020 second Karabakh war ].
The parties also discussed the main directions of monetary policy, measures to combat inflationary processes and issues of participation in banking and insurance activities. | general |
KENYA: KeNHA begins land appropriation process for Nairobi-Nakuru highway | The Kenya National Highways Agency ( Kenha) has at last launched the call for tenders for the Makupa Bridge project first announced by the local authorities in 2017. [... ]
Despite the crisis provoked by the Covid-19 pandemic, the two French companies succeeded in March in getting the Kenyan cabinet to approve the draft concession agreement. [... ]
The start of work on the new pedestrian bridge over the Likoni Channel, which the authorities say is imminent, moved a step closer with the acquisition by the Kenyan government in early July of land bordering on the construction area. [... ]
The Portuguese construction giant Mota-Engil-French engineering firm Egis consortium has secured backing from African Infrastructure Investment Managers to bolster its bid for a contract to upgrade the highway between Accra and the port of Tema. [... ]
The renewable energy producer Ergon Solar drew on the contacts of its vice president Alberto Soprani among Kenya's presidential clan to push forward with its solar power plant in Kenya. [... ]
Ghanaian authorities favour the Franco-Portuguese consortium to rebuild the highway between Accra and Tema, but the economic crisis brought about by the pandemic could jeopardize the project. [... ]
Although it has yet to announce the winner of the call for tenders to construct the dual carriageway between Kenol [... ]
The scandal surrounding the sudden halt to the construction of [... ]
In less than 10 years, private air transport company RJM Aviation, headed by Thierry Miallier, has become a key operator in N'Djamena. It has transported Idriss Déby, Operation Barkhane soldiers, ExxonMobil and even George Clooney. [... ]
The nine companies competing for the contract must submit their bids before the end of January. [... ]
The peace accord signed in early November between the Chadian [... ]
Confronted by the rebels of the Comité d'autodéfense de Miski [... ]
On 26 September on the fringes of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly, President Uhuru Kenyatta once again [... ]
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A pioneer on the web since 1996, Africa Intelligence is the leading news site on Africa for professionals. | general |
Joe Martin Stage Race | Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more.
Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more.
The northwest Arkansas race celebrates its 45th anniversary and is on the calendar for May 19-22.
L39ion of Los Angeles completes the double victory at Joe Martin Stage Race, with Skylar Schneider and Tyler Williams winning the pro races.
Impact of COVID-19 in Arkansas and related travel restrictions force postponement to April 2021.
The Joe Martin Stage Race was held virtually this past weekend on Zwift. The event saw furious racing and a few technical hiccups.
The women's start list includes world champion Chloe Dygert, while Zwift U.S. national champ Holden Comeau will take on a strong mens ' field.
Three stages of racing will take place on Zwift, June 19-21.
Olympic silver medalist Chloé Dygert makes an emphatic return to pro UCI racing with a victory in opening stage of Joe Martin Stage race after 11-month recovery.
Robin Carpenter and Ruth Winder won the first event of the USA Cycling Pro Road Tour, the Joe Martin Stage Race, over the weekend.
Top U.S. domestic teams are ready to kick off their 2017 seasons at the Joe Martin Stage Race in Arkansas.
The four-day race kicks off with a 2.5-mile, uphill time trial with an average gradient of 6.8 percent
li > 1. Francisco Mancebo, Competitive Cyclist Racing in 9:59:51
Johnny Hoogerland gained a new legion of fans for his heroic ride to claim the KOM jersey after a television car blasted him off the road and into a barbed wire fence. With blood pouring from his legs and backside, Hoogerland soldiered on to the finish of stage 9, where he first went on stage, in tears, to receive his jersey, before being loaded into an ambulance for a ride to the hospital where he received 33 stitches.
Get the latest race news, results, commentary, and tech, delivered to your inbox. | general |
Spencer Martin, Author at VeloNews.com | Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more.
Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more.
The statistics suggest that Sagan is the most consistent Tour rider of all time, with the possible exception of the Cannibal, Eddy Merckx.
Cycling needs to supplement its traditional TV coverage with concise highlight content and more compelling race narratives.
Either people are paying you to consume your content or you are effectively paying them to consume your content.
The Outer Line argues that the UCI's proposed 2020 calendar is simply too risky to be realistic.
There are a number of perplexing questions around how the remainder of the 2020 racing calendar could potentially play out – which races will still be held, how competing races will be scheduled.
The Outer Line examines the growing impact of COVID-19 on the pro cycling season and what team managers can do.
The women's-only Colorado Classic faces many of the same challenges that plagued previous editions of the men's race. Can it turn the corner?
Corporate acquisitions spell the end of Team Sky's salad days. The world's dominant cycling team may be forced to trim its budget in coming years.
Cycling's tactical nuances lend themselves to confusion over what is corrupt and what is harmless sportsmanship.
McLaren's arrival in cycling might not be the surprise influx of new cash some are expecting.
Sports gambling is now legal across the United States, which opens many doors for sports like cycling on which to capitalize.
Get the latest race news, results, commentary, and tech, delivered to your inbox. | general |
Rebecca Reza, Author at VeloNews.com | Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more.
Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more.
The yet-to-be-named series includes many of the former USA CRITS races, but streaming video coverage is not yet part of the package.
19 teams — but not L39ion of Los Angeles — create new non-profit group.
Rachel Langdon ( Instafund Racing), and Thomas Gibbons ( Automatic Racing) capture 2021 USA CRITS overall titles.
Balancing the road and track, the Canadian sprinter has emerged this season as a dynamic force on the road with her eyes set on Paris Olympics in 2024.
The former U.S. national team racer now combines leading the Best Buddies Racing squad with spreading awareness about the team's mission.
Rachel Langdon, Thomas Gibbons retain series leads heading into the final, tenth race.
Organizers of New Mexico's Tour of the Gila have called off the 2021 edition due to rising COVID-19 rates.
A trio of current and former WorldTour racers come to the line in Steamboat Springs, while the women's race plays off the men's field.
Moriah Wilson and Sarah Sturm round out the podium.
Lachlan Morton took second and Howard Grotts was third.
In 2020 Rigoberto Urán made his triumphant return to pro racing, months after a scary crash that nearly ended his pro career.
There are as many reporters at the Tour Colombia as at the Tour de France, and the pandemonium that surrounds Rigoberto Uran, Egan Bernal, and the other big stars is unlike anything in pro cycling.
Have you ever seen Julian Alaphilippe and Egan Beral look like this? Artisan Nicolas Molano Avila is at Tour Colombia 2.1 showcasing his hand-carved wooden dolls, each made to look like a cycling star.
Mexican team AR Pro Cycling is trying to shepherd Mexican riders to the pro ranks. Gerardo Ulloa took a huge step toward that goal this week by winning the MTB World Cup in Nové Město.
Carapaz steps into pro cycling's spotlight with his win at the Giro d'Italia.
When Mexico's best rider in generations recorded an Adverse Analytical Finding, the news sparked a debate between pro riders, retired heroes, and coaches about the country's lingering problem with doping.
WorldTour rookie building confidence in physical finishes of WorldTour sprints, placing fourth on Saturday's Tour Colombia stage.
2019 was Sebastian Molano’ s first season on the WorldTour, with UAE Team Emirates, after racing with the now-defunct Manzana Postobon pro continental team, in Colombia.
EF Pro Cycling's Jonathan Caicedo leads the Tour Colombia 2.1 after the squad's impressive performance in the team time trial. Caicedo has charted a path from rural Ecuador to the WorldTour.
Rally Pro Cycling turned heads at the Tour Colombia 2.1, beating WorldTour squads UAE-Team Emirates, Israel Start-Up Nation, and Movistar in the opening team time trial.
Get the latest race news, results, commentary, and tech, delivered to your inbox. | general |
Queen Elizabeth Shares Tribute Poem on First Anniversary of Prince Philip's Death | Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
The poem, written by U.K. poet laureate Simon Armitage, is paired with a video montage of special moments in the royal couple's life together.
Queen Elizabeth turned to poetry to mark the first anniversary of her late husband Prince Philip's death.
This morning, the monarch shared a tribute poem written by the U.K.'s Poet Laureate Simon Armitage in honor of Prince Philip, who died of old age on April 9, 2021, at the age of 99. The poem, titled `` The Patriarchs – An Elegy, '' was paired with a video montage with images of Philip's childhood photos and special moments in the couple's life, including their royal wedding and the arrival of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
`` Remembering His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh on the first anniversary of his death, '' reads the video's caption. Other members of the royal family also shared the clip, including Prince William and Duchess Kate, and Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.
The tribute comes weeks after the queen attended a memorial service for the late Duke of Edinburgh, held at Westminster Abbey, where dozens of royals from around the world, 700 charities and organizations, and many close family members and friends celebrated the royal's life and legacy. The remembrance was a chance for the monarch to honor her late husband surrounded by friends and well-wishers, after COVID restrictions limited attendance at Philip's funeral last year.
The 45-minute ceremony included praise of the late royal's `` gifts of character, for his humor and resilience, his fortitude and devotion to duty, '' as well as his `` service as a consort, liege man of life and limb, and of earthly worship to Her Majesty. '' | general |
First private mission reaches International Space Station | Hi, what are you looking for?
The first fully private mission reached the International Space Station early Saturday with a four-member crew from startup company Axiom Space.
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Published
The first fully private mission reached the International Space Station early Saturday with a four-member crew from startup company Axiom Space.
NASA has hailed the three-way partnership with Axiom and SpaceX as a key step towards commercializing the region of space known as “ Low Earth Orbit, ” leaving the agency to focus on more ambitious voyages deeper into the cosmos.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the Crew Dragon capsule Endeavor docked at 1229 GMT Saturday and the crew entered the space station nearly two hours later, after launching from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Friday.
Commanding the Axiom Mission 1 ( Ax-1) is former NASA astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria, a dual citizen of the United States and Spain, who flew to space four times over his 20-year-career, and last visited the ISS in 2007.
He is joined by three paying crewmates: American real estate investor Larry Connor, Canadian investor and philanthropist Mark Pathy, and Israeli former fighter pilot, investor and philanthropist Eytan Stibbe.
“ We’ re here to experience this but we understand there’ s a responsibility, ” Connor said in comments shown on NASA’ s live feed.
As the first civilian crew, he said, they “ need to get it right. ”
The widely reported price for tickets — which includes eight days on the outpost, before eventual splashdown in the Atlantic — is $ 55 million.
NASA Deputy Chief of Staff Bale Dalton, left, and NASA Administrator Bill Nelson watch the launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the company’ s Crew Dragon spacecraft on Axiom Mission 1 ( Ax-1) — © AFP
While wealthy private citizens have visited the ISS before, Ax-1 is the first mission featuring an all-private crew flying a private spacecraft to the outpost.
Houston-based Axiom pays SpaceX for transportation, and NASA also charges Axiom for use of the ISS.
– Research projects –
On board the ISS, which orbits 250 miles ( 400 kilometers) above sea level, the quartet will carry out 25 research projects, including an MIT technology demonstration of smart tiles that form a robotic swarm and self-assemble into space architecture.
Another experiment involves using cancer stem cells to grow mini tumors, and then leveraging the accelerated aging environment of microgravity to identify biomarkers for early detection of cancers.
“ Our guys aren’ t going up there and floating around for eight days taking pictures and looking out of the cupola, ” Derek Hassmann, operations director of Axiom Space, told reporters at a pre-launch briefing.
In addition, crewmember Stibbe plans to pay tribute to his late friend Ilan Ramon, Israel’ s first astronaut, who died in the 2003 Space Shuttle Columbia disaster when the spaceship disintegrated upon reentry.
Surviving pages from Ramon’ s space diary, as well as mementos from his children, will be brought to the station by Stibbe.
The Axiom crew will live and work alongside the station’ s regular crew: currently three Americans and a German on the US side, and three Russians on the Russian side.
The company has partnered for a total of four missions with SpaceX, and NASA has already approved in principle the second, Ax-2.
Axiom sees the voyages as the first steps of a grander goal: to build its own private space station. The first module is due to launch in 2024.
The plan is for the station to initially be attached to the ISS, before eventually flying autonomously when the latter retires and is deorbited sometime after 2030.
With 2,400 staff representing 100 different nationalities, AFP covers the world as a leading global news agency. AFP provides fast, comprehensive and verified coverage of the issues affecting our daily lives.
Under a shattered crescent hanger at Ukraine's Gostomel Airport the world's largest plane lies buckled and broken.
A federal appeals court upheld Biden’ s vaccine mandate for federal workers, while COVID-19 cases rise.
The fake logic is simple to the point of idiocy, but it’ ll work in information-starved Russia.
At least 52 people are killed, including five children, in a rocket attack on a train station in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk.
COPYRIGHT © 1998 - 2022 DIGITAL JOURNAL INC. Digital Journal is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more about our external linking. | general |
NIGERIA: NLNG Train 7 project saves Buhari's non-existent oil & gas record | Junior oil firms flocked in their hundreds to bid for one of the 57 marginal fields put up for sale by the Abuja authorities to avoid a financial debacle as the Covid-19 crisis continues. [... ]
Japanese firms are continuing to snap up construction and service contracts on the continent but are still lagging behind when it comes to trading and E & P in Africa. [... ]
Nigeria has finally embarked on a sell-off of oil fields no longer wanted by oil majors, but the timing is terrible. [... ]
Over five years, Nigerian president's chief of staff Abba Kyari managed to get a lock on the country's oil institutions. His death from Covid-19 will unleash fierce succession battles. [... ]
The Nigerian government is desperate to see businessman Aliko Dangote's refinery up and running as it fails to meet domestic demand for fuel. Meanwhile, the NNPC has been busy with large-scale upgrades and builds with little success. [... ]
Taking a page from ExxonMobil's book ( AEI 851), Chevron would like to trim its Nigerian portfolio by divesting from secondary or aging assets. The plan is to sell these to local firms with enough connections for the Department of Petroleum [. [... ]
By picking up the pace on key areas that his predecessor failed to round off, the new NNPC boss wants to show he is the man for the job. [... ]
With Shell and ExxonMobil's case for some $ 2.5 billion from NNPC in excess taxes on OML 133 still pending before [... ]
The CEO of the joint venture NLNG ( Shell, Total, Eni, NNPC), Tony Attah ( former board member of Shell Nigeria) has [... ]
Not yet an official list, here are the names of the local and foreign traders shortlisted to receive crude in exchange for petroleum products. [... ]
Alongside President Muhammadu Buhari, who officially holds the post of oil minister, Nigeria's petroleum affairs are currently handled by two men, Maikanti Kacalla Baru, group managing director of NNPC, and Emmanuel Kachikwu, minister of state, petroleum resources ( and also chairman [. [... ]
The forced sale of producing blocks to Nigerian juniors by former president Goodluck Jonathan’ s government fell far short of pleasing those who benefited from it. No sooner had the government awarded the blocks than it said the national oil company [. [... ]
The Italian oil services group Saipem, in which ENI owns 30.5%, is looking for a new future in Africa. The collapse in the oil price has cut steeply into its operations in key countries and deprived it of prospects elsewhere. [... ]
Muhammadu Buhari’ s victory in Nigeria’ s recent presidential election will result in the departure a strongest card in outgoing president Goodluck Jonathan’ s hand: the controversial petroleum resources minister Diezani Alison-Madueke. While some traders who became oil explorers raked in riches during [. [... ]
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A pioneer on the web since 1996, Africa Intelligence is the leading news site on Africa for professionals. | general |
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: Central African consul in Belgium benefits from Bangui's anti-Covid fight | The Galaxy school in Bangui, one of the few in Fethullah Gülen's network not to have closed its doors in Africa, is under fresh pressure after Turkey promised to open an embassy in the Central African capital as part of its push to boost its influence there. [... ]
Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov is about to appoint a new ambassador to Bangui after six months of dithering. The Russian paramilitary group Wagner is meanwhile reorganising itself in the Central African Republic under the leadership of Yevgeny Prigozhin and Dimitri Utkin, who have both been in Bangui in recent months. [... ]
Faustin Archange Touadéra is keen to capitalise on visibility at Dubai World Expo to promote investment opportunities in CAR. [... ]
Since the beginning of the year, the International Monetary Fund has signed support programmes with four of the six countries in the oil-dependent and Covid-weakened Central African monetary zone. But its talks with Chad and the Central African Republic have stalled. [... ]
Cuts to French aid, a freeze on military cooperation... relations between Paris and Bangui continue to cool. France suspects several of Touadéra's close advisors of waging anti-French campaigns while Russia is not far from the picture. [... ]
Although diamonds are currently only allowed to be exported from five extraction areas in western CAR because of security problems in the rest of the country, the government in Bangui is working to change this by setting up a dedicated mining industry police force. [... ]
The Chinese-run Canadian junior Axmin has retained the lawyer and presidential candidate Crépin Mboli-Goumba following the loss of its Central African gold permit to Midas Ressources, a firm reported to have Russian ties. [... ]
The European diplomatic corps is working closely with NGOs on an airlift operation to help several African capitals grappling with the coronavirus crisis. [... ]
Africa Intelligence uses cookies to provide reliable and secure features, measure and analyse website traffic and provide support to the website users.Apart from those essential for the proper operation of the website, you can choose which cookies you accept to have stored on your device.Either “ Accept and close ” to agree to all cookies or go to “ Manage cookies ” to review your options. You can change these settings at any time by going to our Cookie management page.
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Do not hesitate to create your own notifications according to your interests: better criteria narrows down the results.
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Once registered, you will be notified by a short message on your computer or mobile phone as soon as a new edition of our publication or an alert is published. Stay informed anytime, anywhere!
A pioneer on the web since 1996, Africa Intelligence is the leading news site on Africa for professionals. | general |
NIGERIA: Buhari to finally announce marginal field winners | Azikel boss Eruani Azibapu Godbless has one of the most powerful networks of connections in Bayelsa State, at the mouth of the Niger Delta, thanks to his family and his proximity to former president Goodluck Jonathan. [... ]
Britain's Court of Appeal has dismissed the claim of thousands of Nigerians affected by an oil spill after a Shell pipeline burst and polluted coastal villages. [... ]
The head of state has once again postponed his decision on the 52 marginal fields that he was to award in December, much to the dismay of the increasingly impatient candidates. [... ]
The Department of Petroleum Resources was counting on $ 520m from the sale of 52 deposits previously operated by the majors. [... ]
Junior oil firms flocked in their hundreds to bid for one of the 57 marginal fields put up for sale by the Abuja authorities to avoid a financial debacle as the Covid-19 crisis continues. [... ]
Nigeria has finally embarked on a sell-off of oil fields no longer wanted by oil majors, but the timing is terrible. [... ]
Taking a page from ExxonMobil's book ( AEI 851), Chevron would like to trim its Nigerian portfolio by divesting from secondary or aging assets. The plan is to sell these to local firms with enough connections for the Department of Petroleum [. [... ]
Alongside President Muhammadu Buhari, who officially holds the post of oil minister, Nigeria's petroleum affairs are currently handled by two men, Maikanti Kacalla Baru, group managing director of NNPC, and Emmanuel Kachikwu, minister of state, petroleum resources ( and also chairman [. [... ]
The fact that Crestar and Shell are talking again about the acquisition of Shell’ s stake on OML 25 doesn’ t mean disputes stemming from the Alison-Madueke era are resolved. [... ]
Muhammadu Buhari’ s victory in Nigeria’ s recent presidential election will result in the departure a strongest card in outgoing president Goodluck Jonathan’ s hand: the controversial petroleum resources minister Diezani Alison-Madueke. While some traders who became oil explorers raked in riches during [. [... ]
Under pressure from the oil ministry, Shell has rejected a move by Crestar to acquire its shares on OML 25. The Nigerian firm hasn’ t taken that lying down and is mounting a counter-attack. [... ]
Africa Intelligence uses cookies to provide reliable and secure features, measure and analyse website traffic and provide support to the website users.Apart from those essential for the proper operation of the website, you can choose which cookies you accept to have stored on your device.Either “ Accept and close ” to agree to all cookies or go to “ Manage cookies ” to review your options. You can change these settings at any time by going to our Cookie management page.
A cookie is a text file placed on the hard drive of your terminal ( computer, smart phone, tablet, etc.) by the website. It aims to make browsing more fluid and to offer you content and services tailored to your interests.
These cookies are required to ensure the reliability and security and our website. They are also used to create and log into your user account.
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Do not hesitate to create your own notifications according to your interests: better criteria narrows down the results.
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Once registered, you will be notified by a short message on your computer or mobile phone as soon as a new edition of our publication or an alert is published. Stay informed anytime, anywhere!
A pioneer on the web since 1996, Africa Intelligence is the leading news site on Africa for professionals. | general |
NIGERIA: Monthly swap seen as Buhari’ s antidote to shortfalls | The deregulation of petrol prices, which has been speeded up by the Covid-19 pandemic, has led to a renewal of swap contracts since the start of 2020. But they could shortly be on the way out. [... ]
The award of oil allocations has dealt a new hand to the Nigerian traders. [... ]
After being launched with great pomp in 2016 ( AEI 782), [... ]
To prove that their case against the Nigerian state-owned firm falls under US jurisdiction, the two majors have submitted new items to the court. [... ]
The Italian major has been snapping up blocks taken out of the hands of firms who left the exploration zones in fallow. [... ]
The trading firm, facing high financial exposure, is rallying round to quickly find partners on its OML 29. [... ]
According to our sources, Nigerian firm Taleveras ' boss, Igho Sanomi, [... ]
The appeal hearing opposing Lagos-based junior Ontario Oil & Gas [... ]
Not yet an official list, here are the names of the local and foreign traders shortlisted to receive crude in exchange for petroleum products. [... ]
Sahara Energy, which has been a trading institution in Nigeria for the last 20 years, has succeeded in becoming a key player in trading in crude oil and products in numerous African countries. The two leaders of this rapid ascension, [. [... ]
After flourishing during the rule of former president Goodluck Jonathan, Nigerian trader Igho Sanomi has been forced to shake up his firm. [... ]
While the majority of 18 local trading concerns chosen by NNPC to sell its crude know the ropes a few have no experience of this type of contract. [... ]
In addition to international groups like Glencore, Trafigura, Total and BP, the list of 18 Nigerian firms that won allocations of NNPC’ s crude - 32,000 bpd or one cargo per month - for 2017/2018 looks like a clever geopolitical share-out [. [... ]
The Seaproducts Maritime company has joined Vitol and the three [... ]
In a precarious position both financially and with regards the law, Nigerian businessman Benedict Peters is seeking to sell off some of his assets. [... ]
Management of Trafigura’ s oil affairs was suddenly withdrawn from Jean-Pierre Valentini, the trading giant’ s long-standing authority on Africa. [... ]
Nigeria’ s new president is seeking to bring in close associates to manage and overhaul a sector he intends to keep under his control, at least initially. [... ]
The Sahara Group headed by Tonye Cole is raising cash to rival its local competitors in producing and trading oil. [... ]
In step with one of the priorities of Nigeria’ s president Muhammadu Buhari, contracts that had allowed for cargoes of crude [... ]
The new Nigerian president doesn’ t trust the audit reports issued by the previous government and wants everybody to know it. [... ]
Muhammadu Buhari’ s victory in Nigeria’ s recent presidential election will result in the departure a strongest card in outgoing president Goodluck Jonathan’ s hand: the controversial petroleum resources minister Diezani Alison-Madueke. While some traders who became oil explorers raked in riches during [. [... ]
Largely unnoticed in Nigeria where the media and politicians are riveted on the presidential election on Feb. 14, a unit of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corp ( NNPC), Pipelines and Product Marketing Co ( PPMC) renewed swap contracts in early January that [. [... ]
Africa Intelligence uses cookies to provide reliable and secure features, measure and analyse website traffic and provide support to the website users.Apart from those essential for the proper operation of the website, you can choose which cookies you accept to have stored on your device.Either “ Accept and close ” to agree to all cookies or go to “ Manage cookies ” to review your options. You can change these settings at any time by going to our Cookie management page.
A cookie is a text file placed on the hard drive of your terminal ( computer, smart phone, tablet, etc.) by the website. It aims to make browsing more fluid and to offer you content and services tailored to your interests.
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Microplastics found deep in the lungs of living humans for the first time | Hi, what are you looking for?
For the first time, scientists have found microplastics removed from the lungs of live human patients.
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A team of researchers from the University of Hull and Castle Hill Hospital, both in the U.K., has identified minute particles of plastic in lung tissue removed from live human patients, marking the first time such materials have been observed in living humans.
The group published their research on March 25, 2022, describing their findings in the peer-reviewed journal Science of the Total Environment.
The research underlines the mountings concerns over the reach of microplastics around the globe and supports the premise of inhalation as a route of microplastic exposure.
As USA Today explains, microplastics consist of any type of plastic less than five millimeters ( 0.197 inches) long. These tiny particles have been found anywhere from the top of Mount Everest to the deepest oceans. These tiny particles of waste also enter the body through the food, drink, and air we breathe.
Last month, another study detected microplastics in human blood for the first time. And previous research has suggested that we inhale and ingest about 2,000 microplastics each week, an amount equal to the weight of one credit card.
While it is not surprising that plastics have made their way into human lungs, the researchers in the current study say the size and depth of the particles found in human lings was “ unexpected. ”
The actual research
Suspecting that microplastics were inhaled into human lungs, the researchers worked with surgical teams at Castle Hill Hospital and their patients. The patients were undergoing surgery for treatment of various lung ailments and agreed to allow tissue removed from their lungs during surgery to be examined by the research team.
The research team was able to collect 13 samples, each of which went under the microscope. They found bits of plastic in 11 of them, according to Phys.org.
Researchers found 39 different kinds of microplastics, including those used in common household applications, such as clothing, packaging, and bottles. But most surprising was where the plastic bits were found.
In addition to the upper part of the lungs, where such particles would be expected to collect, the team found them in the lower regions. This was surprising because the airways in such parts of the lungs are much smaller, making it much more difficult for particles to reach them.
According to the study: “ In summary, this study is the first to report MPs within human lung tissue samples, using μFTIR spectroscopy. The abundance of MPs within samples, significantly above that of blanks, supports human inhalation as a route of environmental exposure. ”
Karen Graham is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for environmental news. Karen's view of what is happening in our world is colored by her love of history and how the past influences events taking place today. Her belief in man's part in the care of the planet and our environment has led her to focus on the need for action in dealing with climate change. It was said by Geoffrey C. Ward, `` Journalism is merely history's first draft. '' Everyone who writes about what is happening today is indeed, writing a small part of our history.
Under a shattered crescent hanger at Ukraine's Gostomel Airport the world's largest plane lies buckled and broken.
A federal appeals court upheld Biden’ s vaccine mandate for federal workers, while COVID-19 cases rise.
The fake logic is simple to the point of idiocy, but it’ ll work in information-starved Russia.
At least 52 people are killed, including five children, in a rocket attack on a train station in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk.
COPYRIGHT © 1998 - 2022 DIGITAL JOURNAL INC. Digital Journal is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more about our external linking. | general |
RUSSIA/FRANCE/MALI: Macron and Putin play game of bluff over Wagner in Mali | A handful of Malian officers are still being trained in France despite the fact that all military cooperation between the two countries has been frozen. [... ]
After nearly two years of diplomatic silence, the Mozambican administration is responding to Russia's discreet overtures. [... ]
Following the lead of ECOWAS, the EU is gearing up to impose sanctions on the regime in Bamako, which has postponed the presidential election and welcomed Russian paramilitaries from Wagner onto Malian soil. The EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell is due to hold a virtual meeting with the foreign ministers of the G5 Sahel countries on 26 January to discuss the situation in Mali. [... ]
The Malian junta and the Russian paramilitary company Wagner are close to an agreement that would provide for the deployment of 500 men in about ten localities. France, bitterly opposed to the arrival of Russian mercenaries, is due to hold a defence council on Mali at the Elysée on 22 December. [... ]
Breaking news published on 17/12/21 at 18:00 - The French president has cancelled his trip to Mali on 20 to 21 December, in part due to the Covid-19 pandemic but mainly because both Paris and Bamako could not agree on what form the visit should take. [... ]
The military junta has just given the Malian army new armoured vehicles of Russian and Chinese origin. But by having many different suppliers, the army is actually running the risk of becoming less effective in its operations against armed groups. [... ]
By participating in Mozambican operations, the Rwandan army, already busy in the Central African Republic and South Sudan, has become one of Kigali's key exports. President Paul Kagame relies on a structure geared to external operations, and on allies beyond Africa. [... ]
The French president spoke at length with his Algerian counterpart in late November. The two leaders agreed to gradually ease the tensions between them over the next few months. Meanwhile Paris and Algiers have resumed discussions of the Sahel. [... ]
Chad's interim leader, who is also the current head of the G5 Sahel of which Mali is a member, is expected in Bamako by the end of the month. He hopes to dissuade coup leader Assimi Goita and the Malian junta from hiring the Russian paramilitary company Wagner. [... ]
The Malian government, which has been without the means to airlift its troops into northern Mali for more than a year, earlier this month recovered its Airbus Casa C295 transport aircaft, which has been out of action for a year for maintenance. [... ]
Although EU relations with Mali have been strained by the junta's decision to cosy up to Moscow, Madrid is going ahead with its programme to equip gendarmes in Mali and elsewhere in the Sahel. [... ]
As relations between Bamako and Paris continue to sour, France wants the EU to slap sanctions on several Malian officials seen to be rocking the boat ahead of next year's presidential poll. Meanwhile, ECOWAS is considering similar punitive measures. [... ]
Discreetly but insistently, France is working with its Western and African partners to prevent the junta going into partnership with Russian paramilitary group Wagner. Meanwhile, ECOWAS, egged on by Macron, is considering slapping sanctions on Mali's new leaders. [... ]
Following President Macron's announcement on 10 June of France's plans to end Operation Barkhane, the French presidency is trying to mobilise its partners regarding the situation in the Sahel. French diplomats have begun a major operation to persuade the European Union, the UN and the African Union to get more involved in the region, with a Sahel Coalition summit coming up in July and France due to take the chair of the UN Security Council on 1 July. [... ]
With just over a year to go before the presidential election, and in light of the events of recent weeks, the French public is starting to take more notice of the country's military presence in the Sahel region. [... ]
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Each team that receives a WorldTour license in 2023 ensures its future for at least three years.
A look at UCI WorldTour team wins — and trends — from 2012 through 2021.
Pro cycling managers have told The Outer Line that the COVID-19 pandemic could spell financial ruin for professional teams as their sponsors weather the uncertain economic future.
The Outer Line charts the victories and top-10 finishes of the UCI men's WorldTour squads, and draws some sharp conclusions about which teams are succeeding, and which teams are not.
The Outer Line examines the murky world of pro rider transfers, and proposes a few solutions for how to improve the process.
Team Ineos again won the Tour de France. But, the British team showed rare signs of weaknesses in the Tour's high mountains. And, with the rise of Egan Bernal, who will lead the team at the 2020 Tour?
Get the latest race news, results, commentary, and tech, delivered to your inbox. | general |
French citizens in North America begin voting in presidential election | Hi, what are you looking for?
“ This connects us to France ”: All across North America, French citizens began casting their votes Saturday.
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“ This connects us to France ”: All across North America, French citizens began casting their votes Saturday, a day ahead of the first round of presidential elections in France.
– ‘ Which clown?’ –
Nathalie Depastas has lived in the United States for 25 years, but would not have missed her vote for the world.
“ I am interested to know which clown I will have at the head ” of the country, quipped the medical specialist, based in the American state of Virginia.
Her choice was “ obvious, ” she said: someone who has “ the interests of France at heart. ”
At France’ s embassy in Washington, where Depastas was voting, many took a moment to photograph a tricolor flag flying on the sunny weekend day.
The pride of being able to participate in such a civic exercise, despite being thousands of kilometers away from France, seemed palpable.
But the candidates themselves did not always arouse great enthusiasm.
Frederic Barasse, a chef in Washington who has been an expatriate for 12 years, admitted that he followed “ his family’ s convictions ” in France rather than his own when it came time to cast his ballot.
Another Frenchman, who came with his family, said he made his decision “ the moment ” he voted.
– ‘ Can’ t miss it’ –
In Montreal, where thousands of people had queued by the time polling stations opened at 8:00 am, Esther Sei, 26, said she had “ taken the time ” to educate herself on the vote.
More than 67,000 French people are registered in the French-speaking metropolis, 10,000 more than for the last presidential election.
“ It is important to come… You can’ t miss it. And it connects us to France, ” said Francois-Xavier Ledieu, 40, an aeronautical engineer.
Voting in Montreal is taking place at the city’ s cavernous Palais des Congres, in hopes voters can avoid the several-hour wait many endured five years ago.
The convention center was full to bursting, with dozens of volunteers busy organizing queues.
Some voters waited outside the huge building, which has served as a Covid-19 vaccination center.
Sarah Guerrier has lived in Montreal for 11 years.
“ I have two children, who will perhaps study in France, ” the tall woman, wrapped in a black jacket, said.
“ So I think that for them it is important to decide who will lead France in the years to come. ”
With 2,400 staff representing 100 different nationalities, AFP covers the world as a leading global news agency. AFP provides fast, comprehensive and verified coverage of the issues affecting our daily lives.
Under a shattered crescent hanger at Ukraine's Gostomel Airport the world's largest plane lies buckled and broken.
A federal appeals court upheld Biden’ s vaccine mandate for federal workers, while COVID-19 cases rise.
The fake logic is simple to the point of idiocy, but it’ ll work in information-starved Russia.
At least 52 people are killed, including five children, in a rocket attack on a train station in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk.
COPYRIGHT © 1998 - 2022 DIGITAL JOURNAL INC. Digital Journal is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more about our external linking. | general |
Global pledging event raises 10.1 bn euros for Ukraine | Hi, what are you looking for?
A global pledging event for Ukrainian refugees called “ Stand Up for Ukraine ” has raised 10.1 billion euros ( $ 11 billion).
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A global pledging event for Ukrainian refugees called “ Stand Up for Ukraine ” has raised 10.1 billion euros ( $ 11 billion), European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said in Warsaw on Saturday.
“ The ‘ Stand Up For Ukraine’ campaign has raised 9.1 billion euros for people fleeing bombs, inside and outside Ukraine, with an additional billion pledged by EBRD ( the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development), ” von der Leyen said.
The event, convened by the EU and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, sought to raise money for internally displaced people in Ukraine and refugees from the war-ravaged country, organisers said.
More than 4.4 million refugees have fled Ukraine since the Russian invasion began on February 24.
Most of them have headed to EU countries including neighbouring Poland which has taken in more than 2.5 million refugees so far.
The event, partnered by the Global Citizen movement battling poverty, comprised a social media rally on Friday and a pledging conference on Saturday.
Artists including Elton John, Alanis Morissette, Billie Eilish, Annie Lennox and Chris Rock joined the campaign alongside global leaders pledging for their countries.
“ We are devastated to see the suffering of people in Ukraine as this conflict unfolds, ” Elton John said on Facebook.
The 75-year-old rock legend called on his fans to “ help people whose lives have been turned upside down and leave everything behind for a safer life. ”
“ No one should have to experience this kind of tragedy, ” John said.
Von der Leyen hailed the income from the event as “ fantastic ” at Saturday’ s pledging conference in Warsaw.
The European Commission alone has pledged a billion euros, of which 600 million will go to Ukrainian authorities and 400 million to “ the frontline states that are doing such an outstanding job in helping the refugees that are coming, ” von der Leyen added.
In a statement, she promised that “ more will come ”.
“ The solidarity of countries, companies and people worldwide offers some light in this dark hour, ” von der Leyen added.
“ And once the bombs have stopped falling, we will help the people of Ukraine rebuild their country. We will continue to Stand up for Ukraine. ”
The Warsaw conference was also addressed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
“ Ukrainian courage has already united the whole democratic world, ” he said in a video message, calling on the West to slap more sanctions on Russian banks and stop buying Russian oil.
With 2,400 staff representing 100 different nationalities, AFP covers the world as a leading global news agency. AFP provides fast, comprehensive and verified coverage of the issues affecting our daily lives.
Under a shattered crescent hanger at Ukraine's Gostomel Airport the world's largest plane lies buckled and broken.
A federal appeals court upheld Biden’ s vaccine mandate for federal workers, while COVID-19 cases rise.
The fake logic is simple to the point of idiocy, but it’ ll work in information-starved Russia.
At least 52 people are killed, including five children, in a rocket attack on a train station in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk.
COPYRIGHT © 1998 - 2022 DIGITAL JOURNAL INC. Digital Journal is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more about our external linking. | general |
France prepares for first round of tight Macron re-election bid | Hi, what are you looking for?
France on Saturday prepared for the first round of presidential elections projected to produce a run-off rematch.
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France on Saturday prepared for the first round of presidential elections projected to produce a run-off rematch between President Emmanuel Macron and far-right leader Marine Le Pen that will be far tighter than their duel five years ago.
All further political activity by candidates was banned on the final day before polls open in mainland France at 0600 GMT on Sunday, after a campaign overshadowed by Russia’ s invasion of Ukraine.
French overseas territories will begin voting earlier to take account of the time difference, starting with Saint Pierre and Miquelon off the coast of Canada at 1000 GMT Saturday.
Territories in the Caribbean, the Pacific and finally the Indian Ocean will follow before polling stations open in mainland France.
Polls predict that Macron will lead Le Pen by a handful of percentage points in round one, with the top two going through to a second round on April 24.
But analysts warn that the outcome remains highly volatile with uncertainty remaining over turnout and some observers fearing a quarter of the electorate may stay away in a possible record boycott of the vote.
Far-left candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon is snapping at their heels in third and still fancies his chances of reaching the second round at the expense of Le Pen or even — in an extraordinary upset — Macron himself.
Although her opponents accuse her of being an extremist bent on dividing society, Le Pen has with some success during the campaign sought to show a more moderate image and concern with voters’ daily worries such as rising prices.
Macron by contrast has campaigned relatively little, by his own admission entering the election campaign later than he would have wished due to the war in Ukraine.
– ‘ Strange campaign’ –
If Macron and Le Pen as forecast reach the second round, analysts predict that their clash will be far tighter than in 2017 when the current president thrashed his rival with 66 percent of the vote.
“ There is an uncertainty ahead of the first round, ” said French political scientist Pascal Perrineau, pointing to unprecedently high numbers of voters who were still undecided or who had changed their minds during the campaign as well as absentee voters.
Analysts fear that the 2002 record of the numbers of French voters boycotting a first round of 28.4 percent risks being beaten, with the 2017 absentee rate of 22.2 percent almost sure to be exceeded.
“ We have experienced a strange campaign that was at odds with what we experienced in the past presidential elections, ” Frederic Dabi, director of the Ifop polling institute, told AFP.
The stakes of the election are high for Macron, who came to power aged 39 as France’ s youngest president with a pledge to shake up the country.
He would be the first French president since Jacques Chirac in 2002 to win a second term and thus cement a place in the country’ s history.
If he wins he would have a five-year mandate to impose his vision of reform which would include a crack at reducing the pension age in defiance of union anger.
He would also seek to consolidate his position as the undisputed number one in Europe after the departure of German chancellor Angela Merkel.
A Le Pen victory would however be seen as a victory for right-wing populism and send shockwaves across Europe and markets.
– ‘ Republican front illusion’ –
The candidates of France’ s traditional parties, the right-wing Republicans and the Socialists on the left, are facing a debacle on election night, continuing a shake-up of French politics that began when Macron took power.
Greens candidate Yannick Jadot, the Republicans’ Valerie Pecresse and the flagging Socialist nominee Anne Hidalgo appear certain to be ejected in the first round.
Far-right former TV pundit Eric Zemmour made a stunning entry into the campaign last year but lost ground, and analysts say he has aided Le Pen by making her appear more moderate.
Even with the outcome of the first round still the subject of some uncertainty, attention is already turning to the second round and who the defeated first-round hopefuls will back.
Analysts question whether Macron would enjoy the same support from a broad anti-far right “ Republican front ” coalition that helped him win in 2017 and allowed Jacques Chirac to demolish Marine Le Pen’ s father Jean-Marie in 2002.
“ The Republican front hasn’ t been what it used to be for a while, ” the director of the Jean-Jaures Foundation, Gilles Finchelstein, told AFP, adding it could be source of votes for Macron in a round two but it would be an “ illusion ” to think it were enough.
With 2,400 staff representing 100 different nationalities, AFP covers the world as a leading global news agency. AFP provides fast, comprehensive and verified coverage of the issues affecting our daily lives.
Under a shattered crescent hanger at Ukraine's Gostomel Airport the world's largest plane lies buckled and broken.
A federal appeals court upheld Biden’ s vaccine mandate for federal workers, while COVID-19 cases rise.
The fake logic is simple to the point of idiocy, but it’ ll work in information-starved Russia.
At least 52 people are killed, including five children, in a rocket attack on a train station in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk.
COPYRIGHT © 1998 - 2022 DIGITAL JOURNAL INC. Digital Journal is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more about our external linking. | general |
SAHEL: Macron to talk Wagner and elections in Bamako | A handful of Malian officers are still being trained in France despite the fact that all military cooperation between the two countries has been frozen. [... ]
Mauritanian head of state Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, who, until now, has opted for dialogue with the regime in Mali, could change position following a recent border incident in which a number of Mauritanians lost their lives. [... ]
Breaking news, published on 11/02/2022 at 17:40 - On the eve of the upcoming EU-AU summit, Emmanuel Macron is expected bring together leaders from Europe and the Sahel on 16 February to discuss the future of the French and European presence in the region. [... ]
The highly-publicised expulsion of the French ambassador from Mali comes after another, less talked-about dispute, over France's rejection of Bamako's preferred candidate to take over the Malian embassy in the French capital. [... ]
Breaking news published on 17/12/21 at 18:00 - The French president has cancelled his trip to Mali on 20 to 21 December, in part due to the Covid-19 pandemic but mainly because both Paris and Bamako could not agree on what form the visit should take. [... ]
Kenya, current president of the United Nations Security Council for the month of October, has been working hard to organise the UN governing body's Sahel visit. [... ]
As relations between Bamako and Paris continue to sour, France wants the EU to slap sanctions on several Malian officials seen to be rocking the boat ahead of next year's presidential poll. Meanwhile, ECOWAS is considering similar punitive measures. [... ]
Published on 12/10/21 at 5 p.m. - French president Emmanuel Macron will host his Ivory Coast counterpart Alassane Ouattara in Paris this evening, during which the heads of state are set to discuss the situation in West Africa, in Mali in particular. [... ]
Discreetly but insistently, France is working with its Western and African partners to prevent the junta going into partnership with Russian paramilitary group Wagner. Meanwhile, ECOWAS, egged on by Macron, is considering slapping sanctions on Mali's new leaders. [... ]
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Searching for the missing in the ruins of Borodianka | Hi, what are you looking for?
In the small town of Borodyanka, diggers sort through the rubble of houses destroyed by Russian bombardments, looking for the missing.
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In the small town of Borodyanka, not far from Kyiv, diggers sort through the rubble of houses destroyed by Russian bombardments, looking for the missing.
Her eyes read from tears and lack of sleep, Antonina is watching as one picks through the remains of the building where her son used to live on the third floor.
The slow process is unbearable for the 65-year-old mother, whose own home was spared by the fighting.
There’ s a gaping hole in the middle of the five-storey building, where the it was hit by a bomb dropped from a Russian plane on the evening of March 1, a few days after the start of the invasion.
In a few seconds, the ten apartments that used to stand here were turned into a heap of concrete and twisted metal.
“ There were people in this building, it was night, ” says Antonia, wearing a brown coat and a blue woollen hat.
Antonina sits alone on a chair in the corner of what used to be the building’ s garden. She holds a cane in front of her in both hands and rests her head on top, a sad, thoughtful look on her face as she watches the diggers do their work.
“ The people who stayed in the two blocks on the sides of the building were hurt but they’ re still alive, ” she says. “ Those that stayed ( in the middle section), they’ re all dead. ”
– ‘ Maybe he is still there’ –
Antonina has not heard from her son Yuri, 43, since the night the bomb fell.
“ Maybe he managed to get out, maybe he is hurt, maybe he is still there ( under the rubble). I can’ t say, I don’ t know, ” she says, before bursting into tears.
Scattered in the ruins of the building there’ s a pair of shoes, a book, a water-pistol, some cushions, clothes and three stuffed animals, a bear, a giraffe and a hippo, all next to each other.
A mattress is caught in the branches of a tree.
On the ground floor of one of the still-standing blocks, Lyubov Yaremenko’ s apartment used to have a little terrace.
With the forecast for rain, she puts a plastic tarp over the brown sofa she’ s placed where the patio was.
It is the only piece of furniture she was able to save from her house, where everything else was devastated by the explosion.
Doors came off their hinges, windows smashed, the cupboards were knocked over and clothes thrown everywhere.
– ‘ More horrific’ –
When the bomb hit, Lyubov, an olderly lady of around 70, was not in her apartment but in the cellar.
“ We stayed so long underground, almost a month and a half, first here, then we ran to the cellar on the other side of the street as they were bombing… I fell and hurt my ribs, ” says Lyubov still shocked.
“ It seems there was a family with young children in this cellar, that they can’ t yet reach, ” she says.
The main road in Borodyanka is now nothing more than a near-two-kilometre-long strip of ruins and devastation.
The town, which numbered around 13,000 inhabitants before the war, was retaken by Ukrainian forces at the end of March after the withdrawal of Russian troops from the region around Kyiv.
Ukraine’ s president Volodymyr Zelensky warned on Saturday that worse was still being uncovered.
“ They have started sorting through the ruins in Borodianka, ” northwest of Kyiv, he said. “ It is much more horrific there. There are even more victims of Russian occupiers. ”
He has said that the situation in Borodyanka is “ much more horrific ” than in Bucha, where dead civilians were discovered, some of them with their hands tied behind their backs.
Ukraine’ s Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova said on Thursday that 26 bodies had been recovered from two destroyed apartment buildings in Borodyanka so far.
Across from the main square, another, taller building of eight storeys has also seen one third of its mass shorn off by a bomb. A crane is working to remove hulking pieces of its walls, blackened by the explosion.
Two rescue workers in a cherry picker look through the windows of the standing apartments one by one, looking for bodies.
“ We would have liked it to be a simple rescue operation but the strikes were end of February, early March, ” says Svetlana Vodolaha, an emergency services worker from Kyiv.
“ We don’ t have an exact figure for the number of people that could still be trapped under the collapsed buildings, but we have to search all of them, ” she says.
With 2,400 staff representing 100 different nationalities, AFP covers the world as a leading global news agency. AFP provides fast, comprehensive and verified coverage of the issues affecting our daily lives.
Under a shattered crescent hanger at Ukraine's Gostomel Airport the world's largest plane lies buckled and broken.
A federal appeals court upheld Biden’ s vaccine mandate for federal workers, while COVID-19 cases rise.
The fake logic is simple to the point of idiocy, but it’ ll work in information-starved Russia.
At least 52 people are killed, including five children, in a rocket attack on a train station in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk.
COPYRIGHT © 1998 - 2022 DIGITAL JOURNAL INC. Digital Journal is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more about our external linking. | general |
One dead as Israel army raids W.Bank after deadly attacks | Hi, what are you looking for?
The army on Saturday said troops had launched an operation in the city of Jenin, in the north of the occupied West Bank.
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Israeli security forces raided the flashpoint West Bank district of Jenin on Saturday killing a Palestinian and wounding others, after vowing there will “ not be limits ” to curb surging violence.
The ongoing operation came after an alleged gunman from Jenin went on a shooting rampage in a popular Tel Aviv nightlife area on Thursday evening, killing three Israelis and wounding more than a dozen others.
After that attack, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said he had given security agencies “ full freedom ” to end a surge in deadly violence since March 22 “ in order to defeat terror ”.
“ There are not and will not be limits for this war, ” Bennett said Friday, speaking hours after the gunman opened fire on a street of crowded bars and restaurants.
The army on Saturday said troops had launched an operation in the city of Jenin, in the north of the occupied West Bank, its Palestinian refugee camp and adjacent villages.
The Palestinian health ministry said that at least one Palestinian man had been killed by Israeli gunfire and five others wounded. Crowds of mourners marched through the streets carrying the young man’ s body to be buried.
- ‘ Armed assailants’ –
Israeli soldiers and border police forces were “ conducting counterterrorism activity ” in the city of Jenin and its refugee camp, where gunmen had opened fire “ endangering their lives, ” the army said in a statement.
“ In response, the troops are firing towards the armed assailants, ” the army said, adding there were no injuries among Israeli ranks.
“ An M16 assault rifle used by an assailant to attack the troops was confiscated, ” it added.
The Jenin refugee camp — the focus of Saturday’ s operation — is a stronghold of armed factions, where three other Palestinians linked to an anti-Israeli attack were killed by the army last week.
Saturday’ s raid comes a day after Israel said it had killed Raad Hazem, 28, the alleged Tel Aviv attacker.
On Friday, Bennett said he had granted “ full freedom of action to the army, the Shin Bet ( the domestic security agency) and all security forces in order to defeat the terror ”.
Bennett also ordered the closure of the Jalameh checkpoint between the Jenin area and Israel, while the army’ s chief of staff told troops to step up operations, particularly in the northern West Bank.
Around the same time, the father of the Tel Aviv attacker, Fathi Hazem — a retired Palestinian security forces officer according to Palestinian sources — struck a defiant tone.
Speaking to hundreds at the family home in Jenin, he said the Palestinian people were looking for “ freedom and independence ”.
A total of 14 people have been killed in attacks in Israel since March 22, including some carried out by assailants linked to or inspired by the Islamic State group.
Over the same period, at least 10 Palestinians have been killed, including assailants.
– Ramadan violence –
The Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas and the Islamic Jihad group praised the Tel Aviv attack — drawing criticism from the UN — but did not claim responsibility.
Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas denounced the Tel Aviv attack, while the United States stressed anew its support of key ally Israel.
The Tel Aviv attack killed three Israeli men: childhood friends Tomer Morad and Eytam Magini, as well as father of three Barak Lufan.
It came amid heightened tensions during Ramadan, after violence that flared during the Muslim holy month last year between Israeli forces and Palestinians led to 11 days of devastating conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Earlier this month Israeli security forces killed three Islamic Jihad militants when they came under fire during an operation to arrest them in Jenin.
The raid, in which four Israeli soldiers were wounded, followed another deadly attack on March 29 in Bnei Brak, an Orthodox Jewish city near Tel Aviv.
The Palestinian assailant had also come from Jenin, and killed two Israeli civilians, two Ukrainian nationals and an Arab-Israeli policeman using an assault rifle.
With 2,400 staff representing 100 different nationalities, AFP covers the world as a leading global news agency. AFP provides fast, comprehensive and verified coverage of the issues affecting our daily lives.
Under a shattered crescent hanger at Ukraine's Gostomel Airport the world's largest plane lies buckled and broken.
A federal appeals court upheld Biden’ s vaccine mandate for federal workers, while COVID-19 cases rise.
The fake logic is simple to the point of idiocy, but it’ ll work in information-starved Russia.
At least 52 people are killed, including five children, in a rocket attack on a train station in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk.
COPYRIGHT © 1998 - 2022 DIGITAL JOURNAL INC. Digital Journal is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more about our external linking. | general |
European Journal of Biochemistry: Vol 1, No 1 | The FEBS Journal's Special Issue focused on Cancer Epigenetics features an exciting collection of review articles that focus on the functions of a broad spectrum of epigenetic modulators in cancer. The potential of targeting epigenetic regulators for cancer therapy is also highlighted.
In this Special Issue on Cancer Therapeutics, The FEBS Journal highlights an exciting collection of recent studies on the current therapeutic approaches in cancer, including recruitment of immune cells, use of small molecules, development of imaging tools, and repurposing of ‘ old’ drugs to target either cancer cells or specific signalling pathways.
We have now announced the prize winners of our Creative Competition 2021 'My PhD in a Nutshell '! Our first prize goes to Arathi Nair ( Maharashtra, India), our second prize goes to Jaida Begum ( Bristol, UK) and our third prize goes to Carlos Alvarez Quispe ( Ghent, Belgium). You can have a look at the results, including a short bio of each winner and links to their prize-winning entries on the FEBS Network.
Our 2021 Richard Perham prize goes to Alberto Muñoz, Antonio Barbáchano and colleagues for their excellent manuscript on the links between Vitamin D deficiency and colorectal cancer. The monetary prize of €5,000 is awarded to first and senior authors of the study and the work will be presented at the 2022 FEBS congress in Lisbon.
Our Special Issue `` COVID-19, one year on '' is now available, with an introduction by Lawrence Banks. The issue covers a variety of aspects related to COVID-19, highlighting the most recent improvements in therapies and the significant impact of the development of vaccines
Colin Adrain introduces the 14 review articles in our latest Special Issue `` Systemic and Cellular Metabolism and Disease '', which provides an integrative perspective on the importance of metabolism for normal cellular physiology as well as in disease.
Read here our Virtual Issue on noncoding RNAs in health and disease, with an editorial from our board member Cecília Maria Arraiano, highlighting the findings and discussion points in this collection of review-type and original articles.
Our Special Issue on GPCRs, edited by Arun Shukla, is now available here. This Special Issue that brings together a set of review articles focused on recent developments in the field of GPCR biology, with particular emphasis on novel paradigms of their activation, signaling, and regulation.
Read our Special Issue on Pseudoenzymes, introduced and edited by Colin Adrain. The issue comprises 12 expert reviews and an interview that highlight an understudied but rapidly developing area of biology.
Our COVID-19 Focus Issue is now available. Read a series of Viewpoints, Commentaries and Original Research articles focused on understanding and combating SARS-CoV-2, causative agent of COVID-19.
Read our Special Issue on Enzyme Promiscuity of Evolution, introduced and edited by Dan Tawfik. The issue comprises 10 reviews focused on this exciting area of research.
Please check your email for instructions on resetting your password. If you do not receive an email within 10 minutes, your email address may not be registered, and you may need to create a new Wiley Online Library account. | tech |
The FEBS Journal: Vol 289, No 7 | Auxin-programmed cell death interplay in plant responses and developmental processes is discussed in a State-of-the-Art Review by Kacprzyk et al. ( pages 1731-1745).
In view of the unprecedented rate of current climate change, plants are exposed to an avalanche of adverse environmental conditions that challenge their ability to cope with abiotic and biotic stresses. These changes affect crop plants as well, and thus have the potential to jeopardize food security on a global scale. Hence, it is critical to understand the molecular defense and adaptation mechanisms that enable plants to thrive in an increasingly hostile environment. In this Subject Collection, The FEBS Journal presents a collection of reviews and original articles dealing with aspects of plant defense systems as well as mechanisms of pathogenicity. Image source: Shutterstock ( item ID: 1263201358).
Sensing and responding to fluctuations in ambient pH are essential for fungi to complete their life cycle. PacC is the dominant transcription factor in the pH signaling pathway, which is important and conserved in fungi, including numerous phytopathogenic fungi. This review summarizes recent advances in the regulatory mechanisms of PacC and its crucial roles in controlling development, pathogenicity, and mycotoxin biosynthesis in phytopathogenic fungi.
Programmed cell death ( PCD) and auxin signalling regulate plant development and defence responses. These pathways are often interconnected. PCDs have been suggested to locally control the distribution of auxin, by either releasing a burst of auxin or creating an anatomical barrier to auxin flow. In turn, auxin appears to modulate PCD regulation via its effects on ROS homeostasis, crosstalk with ethylene signalling and organization of actin filaments.
This review discusses the role of known and novel RNA-binding proteins and how they contribute to regulating adaptive responses in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. We address the question whether Gram-positive bacteria may utilize RNA-binding proteins in a different way to regulate gene expression. Finally, we also discuss several unconventional RNA-binding proteins that are less well characterized that we believe could play an important role in adaptive responses in Gram-positive bacteria.
The last two decades have seen significant gains in the understanding of the extensive inter- and intratumoral heterogeneity observed in the most malignant brain tumors including medulloblastoma. Cancer stem cells ( CSCs) are major contributors to brain tumor cellular heterogeneity. This review will examine the seminal discoveries, emerging controversies, and outstanding questions in the CSC field with a specific focus on medulloblastoma, the most common malignant primary brain tumor in children.
Atg16 was identified in yeast for its role in autophagy. Its ortholog in higher eukaryotes, ATG16L1, has evolved into a more versatile molecule. It can target a lipidation reaction not only to double-membrane autophagosomes, but also to single-membrane compartments. In addition, ATG16L1 contributes to cellular homeostasis by counteracting inflammation and by regulating a number of membrane trafficking events, in some cases independently of the autophagy cascade.
Microglial phenotype can be controlled by activation of the pro-resolving receptor formylpeptide receptor 2 ( FPR2), promoting numerous anti-inflammatory and protective microglial actions, thereby limiting and delaying neuroinflammatory damage. Targeting of this receptor may hold great potential for therapeutic intervention in Alzheimer’ s disease. fAβ, fibrillar amyloid beta; ROS, reactive oxygen species.
Plant cystatins function as competitive inhibitors of cysteine proteases. Modifying functionally relevant amino acid sites is a powerful tool in improving the inhibitory properties of cystatins against digestive proteases of herbivorous arthropods. We discuss the potential of a recent ‘ loop replacement design’ proposed by Tremblay et al. for cystatins by which a function-related element of a protein is changed for the corresponding element of a related protein to create a cystatin structural element ( SE) hybrid, which better binds to a digestive cysteine protease.
Comment on: https: //doi.org/10.1111/febs.16288
Protein engineering approaches have been proposed to improve the inhibitory properties of plant cystatins against herbivorous arthropod digestive proteases, involving in most cases the site-directed mutagenesis of functionally relevant amino acids or the selection of potent inhibitor variants by phage display procedures. Here, we propose a novel approach for improvement, where the function-related structural elements of a cystatin are substituted by the corresponding elements of an alternative cystatin.
Ubiquitin protein ligase E3 component N-recognin 7 ( UBR7) was recently identified as a histone H2B monoubiquitin ligase. In this study, Siddhartha Roy and co-authors show that UBR7 interacts with E2 enzyme UbcH6 through its dimeric PHD finger domain to mediate ubiquitin transfer to the C-terminal tail of its substrate histone, H2B. The authors show that PHD finger dimerisation and substrate H2B association are essential for the E3 ligase function of UBR7. Intriguingly, substrate-binding induces a conformational change in UBR7 that triggers ubiquitin transfer from UbcH6, in contrast to RING finger protein 20 ( RNF20), which can promote ubiquitin discharge by itself.
Here, we show that the 26S proteasome regulates α-Satellite ncRNAs transcription. The levels of α-Satellite ncRNAs are associated with mitotic progression. Moreover, we demonstrate that α-Satellite ncRNAs interact with proteins that control mitotic progression and also that α-Satellite DNA arrays contain transcription factor binding motifs. NFY-A was found to accumulate on α-Satellite DNA arrays upon proteasome inhibition.
ZAG is a multi-functional adipokine that binds fluorescent fatty acids DAUDA and C16-BODIPY. Its physiological ligand is unknown. Using biophysical techniques and site-directed mutagenesis we show that the DAUDA ( purple spheres) and C16-BODIPY binding sites are different but overlapping and identify K147 as a salt bridge forming residue. Bound DAUDA, but not C16-BODIPY was displaced by signalling lipids. The physiological function of ZAG may be dictated by its lipid ligand.
Mitochondrial fission induced by mechanical stretch regulates cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Drp1 and FAK are involved in cyclic stretch-induced mitochondrial fission. FAK regulates phosphorylation of Drp1, and extracellular matrix fibronectin activates FAK to affect Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission and mitochondrial respiratory function. Adrenergic agonists stimulate cardiomyocyte cellular respiration via FAK, ERK1/2, and Drp1. Fibronectin inhibits the adrenergic agonists-induced cardiomyocyte respiration by restricting phosphorylation of Drp1.
P. aeruginosa spermidine dehydrogenase ( SpdH) belongs to the polyamine oxidase ( PAO) family and has a novel heme-binding fold, with heme required for activity. The unusual PaSpdH active site lacks the conserved lysine that forms part of a lysine–water–flavin N5 atom interaction in other PAO enzymes. This work provides an important starting point for understanding the role of SpdH, which occurs universally in P. aeruginosa strains, in polyamine metabolism.
Tau seeding, the ability of prion-like Tau to recruit and misfold naïve Tau to generate new seeds, is detected early in Alzheimer's disease brains prior to the development of major Tau pathology. Here, we show that antitumour drugs targeting the N-terminal VQIVYK amyloid motif and C-terminal region housing cysteine in Tau R3 abrogate nucleation-dependent generation of seed-competent strains and thus the seeding of endogenous Tau.
Oncogenic Ras alters intracellular signals to transform cells and cause cancer. Here, we described a novel oncogenic Ras signaling where the expression of MerTK is induced by oncogenic Ras in an IL-33-dependent manner. MerTK is strongly phosphorylated by oncogenic Ras. Subsequently, IL-33, MerTK, and the kinase activity of MerTK are indispensable for oncogenic Ras-induced cell migration.
IFN-γ downregulates the expression of SLC7A11 via JAK1-2/STAT1 signaling pathway, which results in decreases in cysteine transport and, subsequently, decreased GSH synthesis. Simultaneously, IFN-γ increases intracellular Fe2+ levels through the inhibition of SLC40A1. GSH depletion and Fe2+ accumulation cause retinal pigment epithelial cells ferroptosis and accelerate the progression of AMD.
HB43 is a synthetic peptide active against various cancer cells. HB43 gets internalized in cancer cells mimetic bilayers, destabilizing their internal structure whereas the interaction with erythrocyte mimicking bilayers is much weaker. The exposition of phosphatidylserine carboxylate groups creates an accessible negatively charged surface able to catalyze the formation of the alpha helix, required for HB43 internalization.
The FEBS Journal's Special Issue focused on Cancer Epigenetics features an exciting collection of review articles that focus on the functions of a broad spectrum of epigenetic modulators in cancer. The potential of targeting epigenetic regulators for cancer therapy is also highlighted.
In this Special Issue on Cancer Therapeutics, The FEBS Journal highlights an exciting collection of recent studies on the current therapeutic approaches in cancer, including recruitment of immune cells, use of small molecules, development of imaging tools, and repurposing of ‘ old’ drugs to target either cancer cells or specific signalling pathways.
We have now announced the prize winners of our Creative Competition 2021 'My PhD in a Nutshell '! Our first prize goes to Arathi Nair ( Maharashtra, India), our second prize goes to Jaida Begum ( Bristol, UK) and our third prize goes to Carlos Alvarez Quispe ( Ghent, Belgium). You can have a look at the results, including a short bio of each winner and links to their prize-winning entries on the FEBS Network.
Our 2021 Richard Perham prize goes to Alberto Muñoz, Antonio Barbáchano and colleagues for their excellent manuscript on the links between Vitamin D deficiency and colorectal cancer. The monetary prize of €5,000 is awarded to first and senior authors of the study and the work will be presented at the 2022 FEBS congress in Lisbon.
Our Special Issue `` COVID-19, one year on '' is now available, with an introduction by Lawrence Banks. The issue covers a variety of aspects related to COVID-19, highlighting the most recent improvements in therapies and the significant impact of the development of vaccines
Colin Adrain introduces the 14 review articles in our latest Special Issue `` Systemic and Cellular Metabolism and Disease '', which provides an integrative perspective on the importance of metabolism for normal cellular physiology as well as in disease.
Read here our Virtual Issue on noncoding RNAs in health and disease, with an editorial from our board member Cecília Maria Arraiano, highlighting the findings and discussion points in this collection of review-type and original articles.
Our Special Issue on GPCRs, edited by Arun Shukla, is now available here. This Special Issue that brings together a set of review articles focused on recent developments in the field of GPCR biology, with particular emphasis on novel paradigms of their activation, signaling, and regulation.
Read our Special Issue on Pseudoenzymes, introduced and edited by Colin Adrain. The issue comprises 12 expert reviews and an interview that highlight an understudied but rapidly developing area of biology.
Our COVID-19 Focus Issue is now available. Read a series of Viewpoints, Commentaries and Original Research articles focused on understanding and combating SARS-CoV-2, causative agent of COVID-19.
Read our Special Issue on Enzyme Promiscuity of Evolution, introduced and edited by Dan Tawfik. The issue comprises 10 reviews focused on this exciting area of research.
Please check your email for instructions on resetting your password. If you do not receive an email within 10 minutes, your email address may not be registered, and you may need to create a new Wiley Online Library account. | tech |
RUSSIA/MOZAMBIQUE: Moscow seeks to boost contacts with Nyusi | As the US attempts to restore ties with the Mozambican army, Russia's deputy foreign minister Mikhail Bogdanov has offered Maputo Moscow's help in training the country's soldiers. Despite the official withdrawal of the paramilitaries from Wagner in 2020, Russian soldiers have never completely vacated Mozambican soil. [... ]
As it struggles to establish robust cooperation with southern African countries, despite Moscow's historical ties with the region, Russia is relying heavily on the networks and finances of locally based miners. [... ]
Bruno Morgado, who has solid connections within the ruling party, is gearing up to import Covid-19 vaccines. [... ]
Russia is struggling to meet delivery deadlines for its Sputnik V vaccines, with several African capitals still waiting for their first doses. [... ]
Given the slow rollout of the WHO's COVAX programme, more and more African countries are looking to Moscow and its Sputnik V vaccine. Following Algeria, Egypt and Gabon's lead, Mozambique and Togo could be receiving several million doses by the spring. [... ]
Although controversial in Russia itself, Russian electoral know-how has become an export product, notably in Africa. Russian pollsters, consultants and analysts are besieging African presidencies with offers of opinion polls and vote surveillance techniques, which they present as antidotes to Western interference. [... ]
President Filipe Nyusi, who studied in the Indian state of Gujarat in his youth, would like New Delhi to help develop gas in Mozambique’ s Rovuma basin. While the gas industry, like oil, has been hit by tumbling prices, Mozambique’ s ENH [. [... ]
Since the beginning of the year, all the ingredients have been in place for a low intensity armed conflict between the government forces and Renamo ( opposition) led by Afonso Dhlakama. Last year, the lawyer Gilles Cistac, who supported certain Renamo [. [... ]
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For Importers Trade Insights from TFG - Page 3 of 15 | Welcome to Trade Finance Global. Browse and read the latest news, stories and educational insights from the world of trade and receivables finance. Stay up to date with the latest products, services and innovations in the market, bought to you by the Trade Finance Global team.
ITFA and TFG, today, launched their international trade finance guide, aimed at clarifying and defining standard definitions for trade finance products, as well as the risks, challenges and opportunities within trade finance.
Trade Finance Global ( TFG), today announced a media partnership with Reuters Events flagship Commodity Trading Summit, a virtual series of events featuring commodity producers, traders, buyers and investors.
TFG heard from Kevin Shakespeare, Director of Stakeholder Engagement at the Institute of Export & International Trade ( IOE & IT), on the significant changes in how exporters and importers trade with the EU come 1st January of 2021 – the end of the transition period.
ICC has taken the lead to keep trade moving during the Covid-19 pandemic by publishing the eUCP and eURC eRules guidelines for faster and efficient trade transactions.
The Buyer’ s Request for Quotation ( RFQ) and the responding Seller’ s Quotation ( QTO) need not be a kabuki dance event that only creates the appearance of engaging in a transaction.
Many new fintechs are fielding trade transaction cloud platforms that combine video technology with non-bank trade finance that is going to fill the vacuum created by the banking industry.
There is immense synergy to be unlocked between SMEs and trade finance funds by working closely together and developing relationships that allow for a level of comfort on both sides of the coin to be developed over time.
With competitive digital economy, Colombia will be able to plan for post-pandemic recovery and strengthen regional economies to adopt smart solutions linked to the Internet of Things that allow them to compete in global value chains.
The Local Currency System – SML – resurfaces as an alternative to recover trade flows not only in the Mercosur but also in other regions of the world which can implement it.
The Business Plan outlined new objectives that will allow UKEF to adapt its support for SMEs, help businesses across all the regions of the UK, access UKEF products, and focus its activity on sectors and countries.
By leveraging technology for insights, a banker can make well-informed decisions, in compliance with audit and ethics, which are in the best interest of the bank.
With the Covid-19 pandemic, our paper-based trade finance settlement system suddenly stopped working. It is about time businesses adopt paperless and digital workflow to safeguard trade finance operations.
ICC Banking Commission has released its 2019 Trade Register Report, revealing COVID-19’ s potential to disrupt global trade. | general |
For Exporters Trade Insights from TFG - Page 4 of 35 | Welcome to Trade Finance Global. Browse and read the latest news, stories and educational insights from the world of trade and receivables finance. Stay up to date with the latest products, services and innovations in the market, bought to you by the Trade Finance Global team.
Swiss Export Risk Insurance SERV gives EPC contractors access to attractive ECA-covered financing through its ECA pathfinding approach. This also enables Swiss exporters to benefit from such infrastructure projects.
Reporting Export Incidents, whether on a voluntary or involuntary basis, as well as investigating non-compliance in relation to trade finance operations, is of huge importance to multinationals, banks and policy makers. With that in mind, Spencer Chilvers, Head of Export Control Policy, Rolls-Royce to discuss export controls, the current sanctions environment, and the future, on Trade Finance Talks!
Your morning coffee briefing from TFG. Global foreign direct investment is set to partially recover after plummeting in 2021. Enhanced Integrated Framework ( EIF)’ s Annual Report highlights resilience of poorest countries despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eleonore Treu, Hugo Verschoren and Donald Smith, breakdown Letters of Credit and some of the prominent issues surrounding this instrument. Is there a need for a new “ Lite ” LC product? How to mitigate the complexity and discrepancies inherent to Letters of Credit?
The ICC has published its 2019 and 2020 interim findings from its Trade Register on the performance of short-term trade and supply chain finance assets.
In partnership with ICC Austria, Trade Finance Global’ s Editor, Deepesh Patel, hears from Kwabena Ayirebi from AfreximBank and Isaac Mahanke from Standard Bank about trade digitisation, compliance and risk in a post-COVID-19 world.
Department for International Trade ( DIT) launches new mentorship programme to help UK farmers and food producers boost their exports.
The Confederation of British Industry ( CBI) has identified that exporting is one of the unique opportunities for the UK government to rebuild its economy.
If you blinked and put your feet up this bank holiday weekend, you probably missed out on a few important milestones for digitalizing trade.
The first estimates for the factoring industry worldwide in 2020 have been announced today by the FCI’ s Peter Mulroy. Factoring declines were recorded in most regions except Asia Pacific.
By integrating the DLPC structure into trace: original documents, the benefits of a payment undertaking supported by BAFT’ s best practices can be enjoyed while avoiding the potential drawbacks of a closed consortium.
In this second installment of my two-part article, I endeavour to consider the documentary credit from the point of view of an exporter as well as its bank and provide some advice on how to best benefit from the effective use of documentary credits.
After Covid-19 crippled global commerce, the World Trade Organization said March 31 that it expected the planet’ s merchandise trade to increase 8% in 2021 after contracting 5.3% in 2020.
Banks can play a frontline role in closing the sustainable trade finance gap and supporting a green recovery post-COVID-19 by embedding ESG checks, fostering collaboration and inclusion, and mainstreaming digital solutions. | general |
The Supply Chain Dive Outlook on 2021 | The early weeks of 2021 reveal a continuation of many supply chain trends from 2020.
Lockdowns and consumers staying home put e-commerce into overdrive, and the momentum shows no signs of slowing. Personal protective equipment emerged as a procurement category, and N95 masks and nitrile gloves continue to be difficult to find.
Imports upon imports stacked up at West Coast ports, and the congestion could endure past the Lunar New Year.
It's clear the pandemic will affect the supply chain ecosystem long term. The question is, how? Will carrier-shipper dynamics change? Are parcel logistics set for a revamp? Will procurement leaders ' roles take on new significance?
The stories below offer a look ahead at supply chains in 2021 and beyond.
A history of short dwell times and consistent tendering behavior will be important as carriers prioritize freight in a tight market.
How does a shipper ensure a carrier is available when needed? Over the last couple of years, a term has arisen to paint a picture of a company that checks the boxes of an organization that a carrier wants to work with: shipper of choice.
In 2019, we asked a panel of experts what went into becoming a shipper of choice. They noted that carriers covet considerations like speed, profitability and digital connectivity.
A lot has changed since 2019 — with shippers and carriers alike dealing with dramatic demand swings during the pandemic and 2020 — but maybe not when it comes to shipper of choice.
`` Shippers can't necessarily do anything about the demand patterns that have come from the pandemic, '' said Angela Acocella, a research assistant and PhD candidate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Center for Transportation and Logistics, whose recent research has looked at reciprocity between carriers and shippers.
What the pandemic did was underscore how difficult the process of freight procurement can be, Acocella said.
`` It's not that different from other market cycles, '' she said, noting that while some markets experienced a very hot trucking market, others saw a downturn in their demand for freight.
`` You can always get a truck. It's just a matter of price. ''
In fact, the pandemic has made the idea of shipper of choice more important than ever, according to Michael Zimmerman, partner and lead for analytics in the Americas at Kearney.
`` During the price spikes of 2018, when capacity was down and then demand was up, and during COVID — same thing — shippers known to have poor conditions didn't get the capacity, '' Zimmerman said. `` And then the only way to get the capacity was to pay more. ''
For the shippers looking for freight and dealing with a tight market, the ideas underscoring shipper of choice still apply, Acocella said. And others agree, even if the phrase itself might be falling out of favor. `` I would say that term is a bit fatigued, '' U.S. Xpress Chief Revenue Officer Justin Harness said in an interview late last year. `` But there are certainly things that shippers can do to become more attractive to the carrier community. ''
In a research paper published last year, Acocella completed an analysis to determine if carriers are more likely to pick up a contracted shipper's freight in a tight market if the shipper had paid a higher price in a soft market.
`` Are [ carriers ] remembering their shippers ' previous performance or pricing when they're making their acceptance decisions? '' she said in describing the research goal.
The research considered a shipper's performance across a few different variables including contract pricing, the consistency of volume tendering, tender lead times and dwell time.
Acocella and her co-authors found that when the demand for freight exceeds the supply from carriers, the carriers are `` not really considering what their shippers ' previous market behaviors were, '' she said, noting that the previous market means the preceding period of low demand for freight. `` But really, they're responding to the current performance. ''
This means shippers could pay more in a soft market, but that won't, on average, help them procure freight when the market tightens. Higher rates help shippers procure freight, Acocella said, but only if they're competitive in the tight market.
The variables that matter to shippers haven't changed that much as a result of the pandemic.
`` You can always get a truck, '' Zimmerman said. `` It's just a matter of price. ''
But the ability for a shipper to find capacity when the market is hot can come down to more than just price, Acocella said.
If a carrier has a long-standing relationship with a shipper, the carrier will have more information to determine if it should prioritize those loads.
`` We can offer that capacity to that shipper because we know them over there and we can, you know, hop on the phone and we know they 'll pick up, '' Acocella said.
So the history of a business relationship matters, but so do the variables hidden within that relationship that show the shipper's operational performance over time. The operational performance comes back to considerations like low dwell time and consistent tendering behavior.
Dwell time is one of the most expensive variables for a carrier that it doesn't have control over, so a shipper that manages it well will be placed in high regard, Harness said.
One reason dwell is so expensive for carriers is that drivers know they make more money when they're moving since they get paid by the mile. So a lane with high dwell time can lead to driver turnover, which is costly for carriers — especially during a driver shortage.
In 2020, shippers who had bad reputations with carriers struggled when capacity became tight, Zimmerman said.
`` It was particularly bad in the second half, '' he said. `` And even worse in the months of October, November, December, when the market was at its worst. And that's when poor shippers or non-shippers of choice had the worst time getting capacity. ''
Harness said U.S. Xpress does everything it can to accept loads from shippers that fall under contract. If it can't, it is `` almost exclusively going to be based upon available capacity, '' and the carrier works with the shipper to find alternatives.
So while the pandemic might not have changed what carriers consider important, it did `` shed a light on how difficult this process is, '' Acocella said.
The process for accepting a load will vary greatly depending on the carrier, with technology increasingly making the decision to accept or reject a load at larger carriers.
`` It is a fairly automated process, '' Harness said, adding that `` algorithms are helping us make the decisions on what we should and should not take based upon where the capacity is or where it's forecasted to be at any given point. '' He declined to comment on the variables used as predictors in these algorithms.
The 2020 calender year ended with many shippers realizing they 've blown their budgets as a result of paying premiums to get freight, Zimmerman said.
`` They're going to look for ways... to mitigate that, '' he said.
Part of this will result in more focus on the shipper of choice fundamentals like reduced dwell and consistent tendering, Zimmerman said. But some carriers and shippers are starting to completely rethink the way they do their contracts.
`` I don't know that it's necessarily because of the pandemic or not, but using dynamic pricing as a way to factor in market conditions to help manage this capacity allocation decision '' is one potential change coming to freight procurement, Acocella said.
Dynamic pricing moves away from a single, annual contracted rate and toward a rate tied to an index of the freight market. The market dynamics that took place during the pandemic highlighted the need for a more flexible approach to freight procurement, she said.
But details like what index to use ( DAT, Cass and Stephens are some options) and how much the price should fluctuate on a contract are still up for debate within the industry, she said.
`` Both sides are talking about it, '' she said. `` It's a conversation that's being had a lot. ''
Changes to contracts will provide more clarity to shippers and carriers about how rates will change as the markets shift. But when markets get hot, carriers will still have to make decisions about which freight to prioritize — and a history of short dwell times and consistent tendering behavior will still be important.
Article top image credit: Joost J. Bakker
We are fundamentally professionally and personally transformed because of our COVID-19 pandemic experiences.
Don't look here for the standard issue procurement and supply chain trends for 2021. You can read about the digitization of procurement, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud-based software solutions, autonomous vehicles, robotic process automation, evolving enterprise systems and dashboards driving supplier analytics in other areas of this publication.
We are fundamentally professionally and personally transformed because of our COVID-19 pandemic experiences. In an era of increasing technology in our profession, we have actually become more thoughtful and understanding in our supplier relationships. Perhaps we have regained a portion of our humanity.
And it is humanity that colors my procurement trends for 2021.
A human resources manager once told me that in his view, everyone came to work carrying a bag of rocks. Those rocks were metaphors for financial pressures, sickness and health problems, parent or childcare issues, car repairs or just everyday mundane aches and pains. He felt it was his responsibility to lighten the load as much as possible. His empathy for employees was almost as important as his problem-solving skills.
While we might have empathy for our colleagues holding their share of rocks, empathy for suppliers was often in short supply. Accepting supplier excuses was a sign of weakness and a buyer's alleged naiveté was often questioned and even mocked. If a supplier's performance wasn't up to snuff, fix the problems or move on to a new supplier was the standard and unemotional mantra.
But now we have a fresh level of empathy for suppliers who experience the same virus-related issues that we do. Many employees and their families are sick, in quarantine, or worse. Local regulations and lockdowns impact operations. Carriers are overwhelmed, slowing deliveries. One inadvertent virus exposure can shut down a product line or a company, immediately disrupting supply. And the same can happen to our companies … in an instant.
`` You're on mute '' is now met with a smile and not an embarrassed grimace. Video calls are here to stay. At this point we 've overcome the connection issues, optimized our cameras to look younger, thinner and smarter, found our unique backgrounds and figured out how to properly dress for our virtual meetings. In fact, calls without video are increasingly unfulfilling and infrequent.
Video calls with suppliers and colleagues improve communication, enhance relationships and create a human presence that was in danger of being fully digitized. Using this ubiquitous technology for our important daily interactions makes us that much more personable and approachable. And notice how we no longer apologize for a child or pet suddenly appearing on a video call? `` Tell me about your dog '' is an interesting opening gambit in a tense negotiation.
During this pandemic, small business, including HUB suppliers, have taken it on the chin. Decreased demand, operational and supply chain problems and lack of access to pandemic related financial assistance have forced many small businesses to barely hang on or close their doors for good.
Many of us are supporting local restaurants with regular take-out orders. Use that same compassion to support the small business in your community. A decent sized order for maintenance, repair and operation supplies might not mean much to a mega supplier, but it may just be the lifeline a local company needs to stay in business. Strongly suggest that your major tier 1 suppliers do the same, as upstream small business supply chain disruptions will roll down to your company at some point.
But what of the `` low cost at all costs '' mentality that resides in the C-suite at far too many companies? The protection of the local and regional economy, and the reduction of supply chain risk, more than makes up for any potential increase in price. `` How can I support your business? '' is music to the ears of a local small business owner.
Many consumers received an education about constraints and shortages in the supply chain when they tried to buy toilet paper, flour and disinfectant wipes last spring. Supply chain management became the cause célèbre and brought our profession into the daylight during the early days of the pandemic.
A basic understanding of the supply chain transfers easily from the supermarket aisle to the workplace, creating a deeper understanding of the strengths and challenges of our profession.
This newfound exposure is a great opportunity to take a permanent leadership role within our companies. Managing and providing workarounds for product shortages, supply chain constraints and supplier challenges, validate and reinforce contributions to the success of our companies. Become the voice and the conscious of the supply chain as our companies work through the next stage of the pandemic.
There is no doubt technology will continue its inexorable transformation of procurement and supply chain management during 2021. But it will be tempered with a large dose of kindness, compassion, patience and understanding, important traits that will hopefully stick around for a while.
This story was first published in our weekly newsletter, Supply Chain Dive: Procurement. Sign up here.
The need for more — and more critically thinking — CPOs is accelerating.
The role of the chief procurement officer is changing. According to LinkedIn Economic Graph Research, CPO ranks 11 on the list of fastest growing C-suite titles of 2020, with 15% growth ( as a proportion of total C-suite hires last year).
The need for more — and more critically thinking — CPOs is accelerating, said Pettis Kent, assistant professor of supply chain management at Loyola University Chicago Quinlan School of Business.
That’ s especially true for `` multinational companies where they need someone to stand at the intersection between what we need internally and what’ s available externally, '' he said. `` The CPO is the man or woman who manages that entire organization. ''
More strategy, collaboration, and perhaps diversity and inclusion lies ahead for this expanding, and increasingly important, role.
Traditionally, CPOs have had one job and one job only: drive down costs. They’ ve largely been successful at that, said Alex Zhong, supply chain lead at IBM Sterling, and it can be seen especially in the lower cost of consumer goods.
But forward-thinking CPOs have already moved past the bottom line and `` saw that only focusing on cost is definitely not sufficient. They need to step up even more in a strategic position to really support the business growth from a revenue perspective, '' he said.
Technology advancements have helped make that happen. Instead of the CPO being a mostly technical role, artificial intelligence and machine learning have automated many rote procurement processes, such as vetting vendors and negotiating prices.
That has allowed the CPO job to become a more a `` qualitative or communication or a leadership function, '' said Abe Eshkenazi, CEO of the Association for Supply Chain Management.
It frees the CPO up to do risk-scenario planning, reduce total lifecycle and ownership costs, and encourage innovation in procurement and beyond.
CPOs haven’ t always been at the C-suite level, said Kent. `` The CPO was probably the person outside the room, and now they have a seat at the table. ''
For enterprises looking to build more resiliency in their supply chain, the CPO role can’ t be so siloed. `` When you take a look over the last five to 10 years, supply chain has taken on a much bigger role and encompassed procurement as a key function within the organization, as opposed to residing outside of the supply chain functions, '' said Zhong.
The COVID-19 pandemic pressed this need even further, as supply chains around the world were disrupted. Those companies that weathered the storm were more likely to have C-suite procurement and supply chain professionals working together, said Zhong.
Visibility in the supply chain also helped procurement source what it needed to, and more quickly than if supply chain and procurement weren’ t used to working together.
`` They need to talk to each other. In some of the better companies, they are actually sitting under one roof, '' Zhong said.
As in-demand as leadership-geared CPOs are now and will be in the future, there aren’ t enough people to fill those roles.
This is changing, said Eshkenazi. `` Historically we didn’ t have a large or significant academic foundation in supply chain, '' he said.
In the mid-1990s, the U.S. had just a handful of programs, and procurement training was typically an on-the-job endeavor. Now there are `` over 500 programs that have supply chain degrees. It shows and reflects the tremendous need for supply chain professionals, '' which includes procurement, he said.
`` The CPO was probably the person outside the room, and now they have a seat at the table. ''
Kent specifically teaches about subjects such as strategic sourcing and `` major concepts that really are decided at the C-suite level. We’ re trying to help our students understand the value of the strategy side of sourcing. ''
This training doesn’ t need to only be within academia. ASCM will launch a Supply Chain Procurement Certificate program in March.
Salaries are competitive, too, which will continue to attract talent into the field, bringing in professionals that will grow into these more strategic CPOs.
In its 2020 Supply Chain Salary and Career Survey Report, ASCM found that the median salary for supply chain professionals with a bachelor’ s degree was $ 78,507. That’ s 24% higher than the national median salary of those with a bachelor’ s degree. ASCM also found that supply chain professionals with associate degrees had a median annual salary of $ 62,000, higher than the national median of $ 46,124.
Plus, the survey found that these professionals received an average annual salary increase of 4.7%, compared to the national average of 3.5% ( while ASCM’ s survey was about supply chain, it includes `` procurement specialist '' as a common title).
While the industry still needs to address pay gaps between men and women, the survey found women under 30 are paid the same as their male colleagues, and women 30 to 39 reported salaries at 93% of what men in the same age bracket earn. Nationally, the gender wage gap is 81%, according to Payscale.
`` We need to focus on diversity and inclusion. We need more women and more people of color for supply chain to be much more reflective of our consumer [ base ] and the entire population, '' said Eshkenazi.
Better pay parity and more opportunities for currently underrepresented demographics are not only better for procurement and supply chain now, but they also mean that the CPOs of the future will be more reflective of diverse consumer bases and the entire population.
This story was first published in our weekly newsletter, Supply Chain Dive: Procurement. Sign up here.
Shippers face a choice as they plan their freight strategies: the simplicity of a single end-to-end provider or the reduced risk of a diversified carrier network.
The supply chain landscape began the year absent of a familiar name. Damco is no more, after Maersk announced in September it would dissolve the freight forwarder brand by the end of 2020. Maersk absorbed Damco's air and ocean less-than-container-load shipping to combine it with Maersk’ s logistics and services products.
The Copenhagen-based conglomerate's portfolio now boasts air forwarding and LCL in addition to existing services in ocean transport, trucking, customs brokerage, warehousing and port terminals.
Alexander Nowroth, managing partner at Lebenswerk Consulting Group, compared it to the Amazon effect.
`` Amazon wants to control everything up to the last mile. And the same thing is now happening with container lines, '' he said.
Maersk CEO Søren Skou has pursued an end-to-end logistics strategy for years, acquiring customs brokers, investing in digital tools like Loadsmart and developing platforms such as Maersk Flow and Twill. Maersk marketed the internalization of Damco services using words such as `` simplified, '' `` agile, '' `` seamless '' and with fewer `` handoffs. ''
Andrew Sisto, director of corporate development at project44 and former manager at Maersk, described the internalization of Damco as `` a natural fit. ''
The Damco move further blurs the lines between forwarder and carrier.
`` It's very hard for shippers, and also forwarders, to differentiate, '' said Nowroth, who formerly held roles at DB Schenker and Maersk. `` Am I dealing now with a freight forwarder? Or am I dealing with a shipping company? ''
Shippers face a choice as they plan their freight strategies: the simplicity of a single end-to-end provider versus the reduced risk of a diversified carrier network.
`` Shippers can take a call on what sort of service they want and whether they might be willing to pay extra for an end-to-end service from a single provider, '' said Chris Rogers, lead supply chain analyst at S & P Global-owned Panjiva in an email.
Many large businesses already work directly with container lines, so there may be little change to their relationship with Maersk, if any. Firms that ship several thousand containers each year likely already have what Nowroth called a `` healthy mix '' of freight suppliers.
Mid-sized shippers may find themselves more in a decision-making spot. No doubt Maersk, as the largest container line in the world, has expertise that could aid shippers, particularly smaller ones.
`` We can bundle products into customized solutions and also offer visibility and reliability that help our customers make their daily jobs easier, solve their supply chain challenges, and help them win in their markets, '' Michael Meierkort, head of logistics and services for Maersk North America, said in an email.
Working directly with a carrier such as Maersk typically means preferred ( though not always guaranteed) vessel space — a critical factor in the current environment of limited capacity and lofty freight rates.
For a supply chain manager in need of reliability and stability rather than the lowest cost, Nowroth recommended direct bookings with a carrier. `` Maersk can definitely get you space if you pay money for it, '' he said, adding that the carrier is known for a high quality of service.
`` The disadvantage is [ shippers ] only have one ocean freight service, '' Nowroth said, as opposed to a freight forwarder that will book with more than one shipping line.
Multiple carrier options hedge shippers against risks, whether that's a force majeure declaration, a blank sailing and rolled shipment, or a cyberattack that disrupts communications or operations.
`` The spate of cyber-attacks... [ shows ] the importance to shippers of maintaining a diverse set of shipping options even if that comes at the expense of efficiency and costs, '' Rogers said.
The scrapping of Damco also leaves freight forwarders at a crossroads. Maersk, once and still a supplier, now offers many of the same services as freight forwarders.
`` Forwarders definitely see this as competition, '' Rogers said.
After Maersk announced the Damco move Sept. 1, DB Schenker wasted no time swooping in to grab Damco customers who would have been transferred over to Maersk. On Sept. 4, DB Schenker announced a `` stability package '' for Damco customers, in which DB Schenker would provide short-term services agreements with the same conditions shippers had working with Damco.
`` As you can imagine, Maersk was very furious about that, '' Nowroth said. The carrier terminated rates and agreements with the forwarder, according to Nowroth and media reports. ShippingWatch later reported the forwarder had moved its business from Maersk to MSC. DB Schenker did not respond to a request for comment.
On Maersk's Q3 earnings call in November 2019, an analyst asked about volumes and market share with freight forwarders, mentioning the media reports about DB Schenker.
`` I think all we can say is that, as any other business, you win a customer every now and then, and you lose a customer every now and then, '' Skou said in response, without naming DB Schenker. `` And so we are very comfortable with our position with our freight forwarder customers. ''
The critical dynamic as Maersk integrates Damco services is maintaining a level playing field, said Dr. Stéphane Graber, director general of FIATA, the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations.
`` The maritime supply chain has undergone a number of structural changes over the years, and all actors have had to adapt and make commercial decisions in line with the new business realities, '' Graber said in an email.
Even if freight forwarders choose to treat Maersk as competition, they have to consider availability of assets to provide their shipper customers.
`` Most of the forwarders are alive to the fact that they can not avoid using Maersk as a carrier especially when they have huge market shares in many trade lanes, '' said Hariesh Manaadiar, author of Shipping and Freight Resource.
Maersk has a capacity of 4.1 million TEUs and holds 17% of the container shipping market, according to Alphaliner. Its alliance partner MSC ranks second in Alphaliner's Top 100, holding nearly 16% market share with 3.9 million TEUs. A freight forwarder avoiding bookings with either or both carriers significantly shrinks the pool of available capacity.
`` Most of the forwarders are alive to the fact that they can not avoid using Maersk as a carrier. ''
`` Kuehne + Nagel doesn't have their own ships. And that means they can't really do anything in the freight forwarding service without Maersk, '' Nowroth gave as an example. Kuehne + Nagel declined to comment on whether it views Maersk as competition, a partner or both. FIATA said it was not in a position to comment on hows its members perceive Maersk.
`` Freight forwarders will continue to be a key customer segment for our ocean business, '' Meierkort said.
Forwarders working with Maersk but concerned about competition may choose to issue house bills of lading rather than use master bills of lading issued by the carriers, to protect shipper details from Maersk, Manaadiar said.
Analysts said the Maersk-Damco move will start to drive a number of changes among freight forwarders and how they market themselves to shippers.
`` They have to justify their existence, '' said Nowroth. `` They have to be far more innovative, they have to be far more clever, about what they can really offer as a value to their own customers. ''
One way to do so is to emphasize to shippers `` the importance of having a diverse set of logistics options open, '' Rogers said.
Forwarders will have to invest further in digital transformation to compete with carriers ' offerings. Forwarders typically have the upper hand over shipping lines on tracking services and customs clearance, Nowroth said, which they can bill as a value-add.
The Maersk move may also spark a spate of M & A activity as forwarders aim to demonstrate value to shippers through size and purchasing power.
`` If you don't have hundreds of thousands or millions of TEUs... you're not really a serious negotiation partner with shipping lines, '' Nowroth said.
Size was among the reasons DSV bought Panalpina for $ 4.6 billion in 2019. The acquisition made DSV Panalpina the fourth-largest freight forwarding firm globally, according to Armstrong & Associates.
Analysts have speculated that freight forwarding firms would buy each other due to the highly fragmented market.
`` I see Agility buying something within the next couple of years, '' Cathy Morrow Roberson, founder of Logistics Trends & Insights, told Supply Chain Dive in 2019. Agility was in merger talks with Panalpina before the DSV acquisition.
In the wake of Maersk's Damco move, Nowroth floated what he said was a `` cool, radical idea: '' that a freight forwarder might buy a shipping line. But he acknowledged that's a big undertaking from a capital investment standpoint due to the high costs of operating and maintaining vessels.
Carriers are unlikely to buy other carriers, as the industry has undergone a wave of consolidation and the top 10 control nearly 84% of the market. But they 'll likely make moves to go deeper into forwarding, logistics and end-to-end services, analysts predicted.
The most comparable example so far is CMA CGM's acquisition of Ceva Logistics, though there are key differences. CMA CGM hasn't restructured its business in the same aggressive manner as Maersk. Ceva is also more of a standalone operation, at least for now.
`` Maersk traditionally has a pull effect, '' Nowroth said. `` Whatever they do first, others naturally try and imitate that. ''
In a world where parcel carriers choose which volume they carry, some shippers will win capacity and some will lose. Skill and investment will determine the winners.
This story is part 3 of a three-part series on e-commerce and parcel logistics. Read all the stories here.
A step-change in consumer behavior will inevitably spiral through the supply chain, and e-commerce is no exception.
`` The package market is likely to remain tight in 2021 providing support for pricing gains at UPS and FedEx, '' wrote UBS analysts in mid-December in a perfunctory summary of what may be a driving force in retail supply chains for the year.
If parcel carriers maintain their advantage, which experts and analysts predict they will for some time, the dynamic between shippers and carriers will continue to shift. In a world where parcel carriers choose which volume they carry in and out of peak season, some shippers will win capacity and some will lose. And `` shipper of choice, '' a concept more often referring to in the trucking market, could be used in the small parcel supply chain too.
Operational capacity after orders are packed but before they are handed over to carriers will be a differentiator for shippers looking to secure volume flexibility in their next contract, according to Tray Anderson, logistics and industrial lead for Cushman & Wakefield in the Americas.
Pre-sorting packages or driving them directly to carrier sort centers, though not always helpful this past peak, could become more of the norm — potentially creating yet another line of separation between mature e-commerce players and the rest.
Target has already started down this road. The retailer opened its first post-store sortation center during the third quarter to consolidate orders picked and packed in dozens of stores in the Minneapolis area.
Retailers with the size and skill of Target, Walmart and Amazon may be able to build post-pack infrastructure and capacity, but others will not. `` No one else can afford to do that kind of thing. And those players are buying shipping startups, '' said Rick Watson, CEO of RMW Commerce Consulting.
Anderson posited that third-party depots may become more common, consolidating pickups for shippers without enough volume to stand up their own.
Size may not be the only differentiator. Consistent, predictable volume may become more valuable than simple scale — adding value and importance to demand forecasting capabilities and technologies for shippers.
Carriers are no longer concerned about filling trucks and vans, and the contracts that traditionally focused on the minimum acceptable parcels will fall out of favor.
Carriers may instead create stipulations that account for unplanned demand, Glenn Gooding, president of iDrive Logistics, explained.
`` Carrier contracts — they're really not contracts. They’ re pricing agreements built around trying to hold a shipper accountable for the full portfolio of spend, '' Gooding said.
Bed Bath & Beyond reported earlier this month that FedEx’ s surcharges increased the retailer's shipping costs by roughly 20% YoY in the final quarter of 2020, cutting 80 basis points from its margins.
E-commerce has traditionally been a downward force on retail profitability. COVID-19 brought the kind of volume uptick that can sometimes increase efficiency, but it also brought mitigation and safety requirements, not to mention staffing issues and widespread sickness, that increased costs.
Retailers like Bed Bath & Beyond and Macy’ s, which largely admit to having a long way to go to get to a modern supply chain in general, may lack the agility to adjust their networks to better serve carriers.
And not only could service from the major carriers be harder to obtain for these retailers, but the cost may also be harder to bear — potentially leading the e-commerce leaders to build their leads and the laggards to fall farther behind.
The technologies to move retail delivery forward already exist. The next step is fully weaving last-mile services into the retail landscape.
In 2021, last-mile innovation isn't really a technology play, according to the experts. The technologies to move retail delivery forward already exist and are in use. But the near-term evolution of the last mile is going to be about how retailers, carriers and orchestration platforms collaborate to fully weave last-mile services into the retail landscape so they contribute to, rather than distract from, the overall business of retail.
`` COVID has cleared the decks so that everybody is more focused on: 'We need to empower our physical location to be much more efficient, to utilize existing assets, people, product and infrastructure, ' '' said Bill Thayer, co-CEO of last-mile technology provider Fillogic, at the National Retail Federation's Chapter One virtual conference.
Thayer, along with executives from Uber, Danone and Tanger Outlet Centers, discussed four elements driving the future last-mile innovations for retailers.
The relationship between inventory visibility and consumer delivery was undervalued before the pandemic, according to Thayer. Suddenly retailers were incentivized to fulfill orders from shuttered stores with trapped inventory and many did so. The future of that practice is being sorted out now and inventory visibility is a determinative factor.
`` Stores were never designed to operate like fulfillment locations. That was never their goal, '' said Thayer, adding that before COVID, a lack of sophisticated inventory management between in-store and omnichannel sales was more acceptable. The volume of non-traditional sales during the pandemic changed that.
Retailers have prime space in their stores from which to fulfill orders, often delivered directly to customers, Thayer said. But tacking delivery onto an inventory management system not intended to handle it can lead to problems — and make scaling precarious.
Inventory visibility can `` connect the dots '' between physical infrastructure and last-mile services, he said. Inventory visibility developed with delivery in mind can make way for the channel flexibility retailers have sorely needed through the pandemic.
One order, one delivery simply won't do in the post-COVID world. Retailers and delivery partners are working out ways to bundle deliveries or encourage consumers to time or accept their orders in a bundle without their knowledge.
`` There are ways that you can actually artificially create more pickup density, '' said Erik Logerquist, Uber Direct's business lead. He suggested directing customers to one of only a few delivery windows throughout the day. `` That's a way that we can see a higher batch rate that creates cost savings for us so we can pass those cost savings on to retailers, '' Logerquist said.
Tanger Outlets is working on a plan to do just that with Fillogic. Outdoor shopping malls like outlets haven't traditionally aggregated logistics services of any kind, explained Thayer. Fillogic and Tanger are working together to do that batching work — at least on the post-purchase logistics side of the outlet mall.
`` We're rounding up all those retailers together to aggregate the volume to make that process more efficient, and, of course, getting products and orders into Uber direct vehicles, '' Thayer said.
When the cost-benefit equation of running to the store for an item changed with pandemic risk, so did the stakes for delivery tracking — highlighting the inconsistencies in tracking capabilities between last-mile providers.
`` Not only do consumers want things on demand. They want to be informed every step of that journey, '' Logerquist said. `` Traditional carriers have made some improvements in real-time tracking. But, consumers nowadays are used to seeing their french fries delivered in real-time on their smartphone. And I think they're really starting to want that same experience with all the merchandise that they purchase. ''
`` We were a bit blind in terms of last-mile delivery data. ''
Consumers want transparency, but so do brands and retailers, according to Danone Director of Global E-commerce and Business Development Omer Waysman. Danone recently realized that in order to optimize its last-mile services, it needed to be able to see the data for every delivery — something not all partners provide.
`` We were a bit blind in terms of last-mile delivery data... Obviously, we are able to do surveys, etc. But the data was with the external partner. And so we were not able to really follow it and really track it in the best way, '' Waysman said.
Getting ahold of more data allows Danone to measure consumer satisfaction, which Waysman said is paramount for a cost-heavy service like last-mile delivery. For a CPG company like Danone, the financial analysis for Danone's direct-to-consumer business is relatively complicated, he said.
Danone turned to Bringg to orchestrate its direct-to-consumer last-mile business with the hope of using a more complete data picture to better understand consumer behavior pre- and post-purchase – with sustainability and life cycle analysis in mind.
If 2020 taught retailers anything, it was they need to be ready for times of feast and famine when it comes to sales volume. For the last mile, that means scalable capacity.
It's no surprise that Uber is a proponent of last-mile services not dependent on fixed assets — but gig-economy-backed services like Uber have indeed seen an explosion in the last year for this reason.
`` Traditional providers typically have fixed assets, fixed employee bases, which is really hard to scale and manage spikes in demand, '' said Logerquist.
For Danone, that scalability is all in the partners retailers and brands choose.
`` What was important for us... is to make sure that the partners we are working with are agile, flexible and can adapt themselves to every situation in every market, '' Waysman said.
The early parts of 2021 reveal a continuation of 2020's trends, making it clear the pandemic will affect the supply chain ecosystem long term.
Topics covered: logistics, freight, operations, procurement, regulation, technology, risk/resilience and more. | general |
Carium Participates In The White House Office Of Science | This week, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy ( OSTP) invited Carium, a trailblazer in the virtual care technology space, to join nine other start-ups in providing input on the vision for the Community Connected Health Initiative.
The Community Connected Health initiative is a new vision for health delivery that combines digital health technologies and community-based approaches to care. This collaboration seeks answers to lowering barriers to healthcare access and providing healthier lives for all Americans, especially those currently underserved.
“ It was an excellent discussion about real problems and real solutions, ” stated Mike Hatfield, chairman and co-founder at Carium. “ Emerging technologies, such as Carium, are playing a meaningful role in enabling health equity through a modernized approach to healthcare delivery. ”
The nine start-ups chosen are part of the MassChallenge PandemicX cohort — a partnership between MassChallenge and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services ( HHS).
The pandemic exposed wide disparities in our healthcare system and the substantial effort required to address long-standing barriers to health equity. As noted in a recent report from McKinsey Health Institute, key focus areas to improving health for all should:
Increase investment in preventative health Improve understanding of health with better data Scale what works equitably across the country Empower individuals to steward their own health The listening session, hosted by the Assistant Director for Community Connected Health at OSTP, Jackie Ward, demonstrated the collaboration between the federal government and the innovation community. Two policy focus areas Hatfield discussed during the session were:
Reimbursement Limitations on coverage and reimbursement of virtual care services are some of the biggest barriers to access.
The FCC COVID-19 Telehealth Program and HRSA grants helped defray the cost of implementing telehealth services and began to bridge the digital divide in healthcare. This level of financial support will have a lasting positive impact. As a result, Carium recommends further investment to continue to evaluate and expand the impact of digital health in underserved communities.
The uptick in telehealth use during the pandemic, and the data supporting improved outcomes and accessibility, demonstrates the value and need for permanent federal virtual care policies that support reimbursement.
Tech equity The increase of digital health technology signals a promising trend in helping address barriers to access. However, many of these tools rely on access to high-speed broadband, smartphones, and digital health literacy. To successfully integrate digital health into community healthcare, patients must have easy access and a basic understanding of how to use technology to avoid creating additional barriers to equitable care. | tech |
DLT Trade Trade Insights from TFG - Page 2 of 3 | Welcome to Trade Finance Global. Browse and read the latest news, stories and educational insights from the world of trade and receivables finance. Stay up to date with the latest products, services and innovations in the market, bought to you by the Trade Finance Global team.
A commentary and foreword by ICC’ s Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO and WTO’ s Deputy Director-General Xiaozhun Yi, following the launch of WTO and TFG’ s 2020 Blockchain for Trade publication.
Hong Kong, China. Trade Finance Global ( TFG) and World Trade Organization ( WTO) have today launched their updated Periodic Table of DLT Projects in Trade, at the Hong Kong Fintech Festival.
A recent 2020 study and supplementary Covid-19 survey by TFG and WTO reveals the biggest challenges facing DLT trade-related firms when it comes to implementation of their solutions within corporates and banks.
This article features two hot Know Your Customer ( KYC) projects which are currently being deployed to fight fraud, counter-terrorist financing and anti-money laundering, following the release of TFG and WTO’ s recent publication on DLT in Trade.
Trade and trade finance remains siloed, age-old and complex. Many are using DLT and blockchain to progress towards their goals of a digitized industry. TFG & WTO recently published their periodic table of DLT projects in trade, and here are 9 marketplaces and other initiatives addressing various opportunities in truly digital trade.
The age old problem of document digitization in trade has probably been around since goods were traded using stone tablets in the Mesopotamian era. So who’ s making a dent using blockchain / distributed ledger technology? From the updated WTO / TFG periodic table of projects in trade, we reveal 12 projects tackling this head on.
Trade finance has been undergoing a digital revolution for decades. But the advancement of new technologies such as blockchain and distributed ledger technologies ( DLT) have accelerated this. A recent 2020 study by TFG and WTO shows 12 initiatives using DLT in trade finance ( both open account and documentary trade).
Like iOS and Android, there are numerous different Distributed Ledger Technologies ( DLTs), which are being used to digitise various areas of trade, trade finance and supply chains. Here we explore Corda, Hyperledger Fabric and Quorum – and yes, despite sounding like intergalactic starships, believe it or not, they’ re disrupting trade finance right now.
Distributed Ledger Technology ( DLT), colloquially termed ‘ blockchain’ has been touted to disrupt trade and supply chain, as well it’ s financing, for over 5 years. Following on from TFG, WTO and ICC’ s ‘ Periodic Table’ enlisting 39 projects in global trade utilising DLT, we’ ve relaunched our table, indicating that the industry has considerably matured and evolved in less than 12 months.
A crucial step towards end-to-end trade digitalization is creating an ecosystem that allows for seamless exchanges of data between existing platforms. A recent study from the WTO and TFG highlights 19 initiatives and the recent developments which are working towards digital standards for trade.
Freight forwarding, shipping and logistics are undergoing a digital makeover. Connecting the dots, enabling traceability and increasing transparency between parties is a win-win for all actors within global trade. So who’ s doing what? As part of TFG & WTOs 2020 Blockchain for Trade study, 7 initiatives in this supply chain space have been mapped.
Contour has, today, announced its partnership with CargoX, a blockchain platform for transferring documents and data including a certified electronic bill of lading solution.
As the most authoritative voice in the trade finance industry, ICC Banking Commission, maintains a permanent dialogue with regulators and supervising bodies, helping to develop regulations affecting the industry.
Geneva, 2nd December 2019. Today, at the WTO’ s ‘ Global Trade and Blockchain Forum’, ICC, TFG and WTO released a white paper combining over 200 responses from banks, corporates, fintechs and associations in the trade sector, as well as over 20 consortia, on the broader impact that distributed ledger technology ( DLT) is having on the trade industry.
Looking forward it is clear to tell that this is an exciting time for DLT in the trade industry; a time ripe with opportunities. According to the industry experts, the… read more → | general |
Paid booster for all adults to become available at Indian pvt centres | Amid growing concerns over the new Covid XE variant, India on Friday decided to extend paid booster facility to all adults ( 18 years and above) at private vaccination centres from April 10. The administration of booster doses through private centres would begin from Sunday and the registration will open at CoWIN portal, Trend reports citing The Tribune.
All adults who have completed nine months after the second dose would be eligible for the booster, the Health Ministry said. The facility would be available at all private vaccination centres.
The development came as Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan warned Haryana, Delhi, Kerala, Maharashtra and Mizoram about the recent surge in cases despite the sustained and declining national trends.
Haryana, the ministry said, had reported a rise in weekly cases from 367 in the week ending April 1 to 416 in the week ending April 8, accounting for 5.70 per cent of India’ s new cases. The state had also seen a rise in positivity in the last week from 0.51 to 1.06 per cent.
The ministry also flagged the rise in cases in Delhi from 724 ( week ending April 1) to 826 ( April 8). The maximum rise in weekly cases has been reported by Kerala with 2,321 cases reported in the week ending April 8, accounting for 31.8 per cent of India's new infections. Kerala's weekly positivity rose from 13.45 to 15.33 per cent.
Meanwhile, a new study by the National Institute of Virology, Pune, has also made a strong case for booster shot to “ ensure better protection ”. | general |
Emmanuel Macron will battle Marine Le Pen for the French presidency | Emmanuel macron, the centrist incumbent, and Marine Le Pen, the leader of the nationalist-populist National Rally party, will face each other on April 24th in a run-off election to become the next president of France. At the first-round vote on April 10th Mr Macron came in first, securing 28.1%, according to early estimates by Ipsos, a pollster. Ms Le Pen ran him a fairly close second, with 23.3%. When these two candidates faced each other in 2017, Mr Macron defeated her by 66% to 34%. This time, the final race between them looks set to be far tighter.
Third place, with a surprisingly high 20.1% of the first-round vote, went to Jean-Luc Mélenchon, a radical-left firebrand. Also eliminated on Sunday was Eric Zemmour, a former television pundit once convicted of incitement to racial hatred, who secured just 7.2%. Valérie Pécresse, the centre-right Republicans’ candidate, trailed in fifth place, with a mere 5% of the vote, a devastating result for her party.
The first-round vote was a sober reminder that, on Mr Macron’ s watch, the populist vote—strong among blue-collar voters and the low-paid—has not lost any of its appeal. In the first round, fully 57% of voters backed a populist, nationalist or radical candidate on either the left or the right, far higher than in 2017. Turn-out, another measure of disillusion with politics, was slightly lower than at the previous vote, at about 74% compared to 78%.
The first-round results also confirmed the upending of national party politics that has taken place since Mr Macron won power in 2017. Five years ago, the combined presidential score for the Socialists’ and Republicans’ candidates, representatives of the two political families that had traditionally held power under the Fifth Republic, was 26%. This time, it dropped to a catastrophic 7.1%.
The two finalists, Mr Macron and Ms Le Pen, now have two weeks to persuade the French that they have what it takes to be the next president. Traditionally, the first-round vote is regarded as a moment to express a real preference. The French then treat the run-off vote as a moment to eliminate the least-appealing option. This can shift the dynamics, as voters are faced not with a hypothetical exercise but a hard choice.
In 2017 a dramatic two-thirds of French voters decided that Ms Le Pen was the candidate to evict. Many of those who had no particular liking for the one-time investment banker and former economy minister in a Socialist government backed Mr Macron all the same in order to keep Ms Le Pen out.
This time, polls say that fewer voters will follow that course. Indeed the narrowing of second-round polls suggests that it is Mr Macron whom many voters may want to dislodge. The Economist’ s polling average now suggests a final result of 52% for Mr Macron, and 48% for Ms Le Pen. Even a historically modest error in the polls would be enough to overturn the president’ s lead. Mr Macron’ s first-round lead over Ms Le Pen, of five points, gives him some momentum ahead of the run-off.
In the second round Ms Le Pen is likely to draw support not only from Mr Zemmour, who shares much of her anti-immigration platform, but also, more surprisingly, from voters whose first choice was Mr Mélenchon on the left and Mrs Pécresse on the centre-right—although Mrs Pécresse called on her supporters to back Mr Macron in the second round. Many of those who gave their vote to the Socialist or Green candidates in the first round may decide to stay at home or spoil their ballot paper, rather than vote for Mr Macron.
Ms Le Pen has led a smart, grass-roots campaign, promising the French that she will cut the cost of living and the price of petrol at the pump, and posing for photos with children and animals. She has positioned herself as a calming, unifying leader for France, despite a programme that is anti-nato, pro-Russia, Eurosceptic and promises a policy of “ national preference ” for the French when it comes to jobs and housing that would set her on a collision course with the European Union. Her manifesto includes pledges to ban the Muslim headscarf from public places ( the face-covering niqab and the full-length burka have been banned in public since 2010) and end the automatic right to citizenship for those born in France. Yet Mr Zemmour’ s even more toxic far-right proclamations have ended up making her appear less extreme.
Mr Macron, meanwhile, left it woefully late before launching his re-election campaign, on the ground that he was distracted by European affairs and his efforts to end Russia’ s brutal war in Ukraine. The sitting president has not spent nearly as much time as his rivals pressing the flesh, and his campaign has been flat, with nothing to show for his Russian efforts. Some of his manifesto promises, such as raising the pension age from 62 years to 65, are sensible but unpopular. Despite a decent track record managing covid-19 and bringing down unemployment, as well as revitalising the eu, Mr Macron has not managed to capture the national mood. The one and only debate between the two finalists, on April 20th, will be a crucial test of Ms Le Pen’ s ability to sound competent, and Mr Macron’ s ability not to sound condescending.
Our model still makes Mr Macron the favourite, with a 74% probability of re-election compared with 26% for Ms Le Pen. But the mood in France is nervous and rebellious, and the sitting president will have his work cut out trying to win over voters on the disappointed left and centre-right. As he himself warned supporters at a recent rally outside Paris, there is no room for complacency. Reminding them about Brexit, he said darkly: “ What looked improbable can actually happen. ” ■
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FEBS Letters: Vol 1, No 1 | FEBS Letters is a not-for-profit society journal for the rapid publication of research reports that significantly impact and advance knowledge in the molecular life sciences. We offer expedited handling of manuscripts by Editors who are active scientists in your field. Publish with us free of charge or open access.
Check out our Virtual Issue on Mitochondrial Biology, featuring frontline research in this exciting field.
Congratulations to Nicholas Mullin and Ian Chambers for winning the 2022 FEBS Letters Award for their outstanding article on NANOG phosphorylation in embryonic stem cell self-renewal.
Read our Vesicle Biology Virtual Issue, a collection of cutting-edge Research Articles and Reviews covering major advances in the field.NEW!
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Collaboration, Clarity, Compliance: A Guide to Supplier Resilience | If there’ s one thing we’ ve learned over the past two years, it’ s to not take our supply chains for granted. The pressures on manufacturers are significant and growing: a shrinking labor pool, higher turnover, severe material shortages, increased global competition and more.
Whether you manufacture food, pharmaceuticals or automobiles, the long tail of the supply chain is becoming increasingly complex, with the potential to introduce significant risk to the organization. This is especially true with a large base of suppliers. Supply chain executives are increasingly investing in resilience measures, although many manufacturers report that balancing operational efficiency, costs and resilience is like walking a tightrope.
A resilient supply chain is one that involves strong communication and collaboration; flexibility to rapidly adjust and onboard new suppliers as needed; digital solutions to anticipate changing material and component needs; and a high level of visibility across the entire supply chain. These enable organizations to adapt to unexpected or disruptive events — and recover quickly without sacrificing cost or quality.
Supply chain resilience can be strengthened by increasing inventory levels of raw material, adding manufacturing and storage capacity to improve surge capability, and increasing the number of suppliers of vital components and materials to prepare for potential supplier disruption. With each of these risk mitigation strategies comes potential downsides as well, such as higher inventory costs or unused capacity — especially if there is a market downturn. The goal is to find a balance between resilience, cost-efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Strategic supplier engagement requires strong two-way communication and collaboration. This means that companies must give suppliers greater ownership over shared risks and clear feedback on where they are excelling and where they need to improve product quality. It includes providing direct feedback on quality levels and defining new strategies for suppliers and manufacturers to capitalize on the information each must share to mitigate supply chain risk, such as real-time information on port bottlenecks or regional COVID outbreaks that are impacting manufacturing sites. A collaborative model ensures that expectations are clear, issues are immediately addressed and any changes to requirements are communicated and understood.
Further, companies need to be in a position to work with suppliers to improve quality and availability of materials or be willing to shift suppliers in the event of shortages or poor quality. Hoping the situation improves is not a good business approach. Customer satisfaction and company success are relying on an effective supplier strategy.
Effective risk mitigation not only requires communication and collaboration externally with suppliers, but also internally through the integration of key enterprise systems. Tight integration of a company’ s quality management systems ( QMS), enterprise resource planning ( ERP), customer relationship management ( CRM) and other automated solutions allows for seamless collaboration when stakeholders need to identify new requirements, anticipate demand, resolve incidents, reduce waste, track supplier compliance and drive overall improvements to the bottom line.
Suppliers should be part of any corrective actions. To enable customers and suppliers to work as closely as possible, suppliers should have access to the QMS. This way, supplier corrective actions ( SCARs) are handled in the most efficient manner with full documentation and disclosure at every step of the process.
Visibility across your supply chain enables you to track individual components, sub-assemblies and final products as they travel from supplier to manufacturer to consumer. This clarity translates to fewer disruptions due to the receipt of low-quality, defective or unreliable products, lowering costs and reducing the risk of product recalls. It should come as no surprise that manufacturers with poor visibility into supplier performance have a reportedly higher defect rate than those with strong visibility. Being able to trace components from supplier to customer allows you to respond more quickly when issues arise and make more effective supply chain decisions.
For many manufacturers, one way to increase supplier visibility is through a supplier audit. This can be the cornerstone of an effective supplier risk mitigation and quality management strategy. It becomes even more important considering the ever-increasing number of compliance and reporting requirements for manufacturers globally, including health and safety and quality guidelines. These audits should focus on identifying, eliminating and preventing product quality problems. Product, process and quality systems audits are vital sources of knowledge, and fluctuating supplier defect rates are often predictive risk indicators.
Ensuring a resilient supply chain is essential not only during times of supply chain disruption but in every climate. The key to mitigating the risks that can impact the efficient flow of goods or the quality of a manufacturer’ s products requires a sound strategy built upon ongoing communication and collaboration between buyer and supplier, as well as the seamless integration of quality management systems that can keep quality on track and goods flowing effortlessly.
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For Exporters Trade Insights from TFG - Page 3 of 35 | Welcome to Trade Finance Global. Browse and read the latest news, stories and educational insights from the world of trade and receivables finance. Stay up to date with the latest products, services and innovations in the market, bought to you by the Trade Finance Global team.
The 2021 ICC Trade Register summary, on the credit risk profiles of trade finance, supply chain finance and export finance transactions. Read our summary on 38m transactions representing USD $ 19.2t exposures, and 28% of global trade flows.
Trade and economic activity are advancing at a rapid pace across the Middle East. How are governments across the region evolving and harnessing opportunities to enable high-speed economic activity?
Asian country’ s integration into global value chains remains surprisingly weak. Peter Born, Chief Representative for Commerzbank in Mumbai, examines why this is the case, and what steps are being taken to address the challenges of the business environment in the country.
Though you may be familiar with the terms demurrage and detention in the context of the container business, this article will be focusing on the process of laytime and demurrage in those cases where the vessel is chartered to move oil, chemicals, or dry bulk.
The Department for International Trade has recently published its Global Trade Outlook report. TFG summarised of the key points from the report, outlining what could be in store for global trade between now and 2050.
Global supply chains have been and continue to be deeply impacted by the changes that have taken place in the last 12 months. From the Suez canal debacle to the current shortage of HGV drivers in the UK, it is fair to say that the industry is, currently, facing significant challenges.
The impact of the March 2021 incident of the container ship M.V. Ever Given with around 18,300 containers onboard running aground in the Suez Canal has generated international attention and its consequences will continue to unravel for years to come.
COVID-19 puts international trade to a halt following the closure of the Ningbo-Zhoushan port in China and causing a global microchip shortage. There are other unanticipated issues to account for, such as the Suez Canal blockage.
World trade of goods has declined some 12% in the last year, representing a loss of $ 22 trillion USD of trade. Is it all doom and gloom for trade, or will we see a resurgence?
The International Chamber of Commerce ( ICC) Banking Commission recently announced a single Steering Committee for its work on trade, supply chain and export finance, comprising one Chair and 12 Vice-Chairs.
Closing a deal between an unknown buyer and seller is difficult. Add to this the cross-border element and the many different agents on the way, and trade suddenly gets complicated. | general |
Chemical Biology & Drug Design | Chemical Biology & Dug Design is pleased to announce that it will be publishing a Special Issue on drugging RNA and RNA-based therapies in cancer. The special issue will be edited by Dr Bahman Yousefi and Dr Alemi Forough.
The SARS Cov 2 ( COVID-19) pandemic has catapulted coronavirus research to centre stage. All the CB & DD articles presented in this collection refer to the SARS and MERS viruses but are relevant to SARS Cov 2. The main protease of coronaviruses is recognised as a drug target for SARS Cov 2 and is highly conserved throughout coronavirus strains.
CB & DD is providing this virtual collection of articles free online during the COVID-19 pandemic as a public service.
The weakest PON1 inhibitors are Irbesartan, Glyceryl Trinitrate, Apixaban and Bisoprolol hemifumarate. these drugs that inhibit the PON1 enzyme weakly may be preferred primarily in patients with atheroclerotic heart disease compared to other drugs due to the protective effect of PON1 on atherosclerosis.
Two novel small molecule inhibitors of ALKBH5, Ena15 and Ena21, were identified using high throughput screening. Ena15 and Ena21 showed uncompetitive and competitive inhibition for 2OG, respectively. Ena21 may interact with oligonucleotide product and/or substrate. Ena15 cell growth inhibitory activity may be affected by the ALKBH5 mRNA expression level.
• Synthetic peptides derived from temporin-PTa.• Hp-AMP1 and Hp-AMP2 showed antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities.• The new synthetic peptides are not hemolytic.• Theoretical analyzes in different environments have shown that analogous peptides maintain approximately 75% of the helical structure.• Peptides cause disturbances in prokaryotic mimetic membranes.
Inhibition of human factor XIa by sulfonated molecules as a strategy for anticoagulation with reduced risk of bleeding.
A series of nine hybrid compounds of 7-substituted-4-aminoquinoline and cinnamic acid has been synthesized and characterised by routine spectroscopic techniques. Synthesized hybrids were significantly active against asexual stage trophozoites of the sensitive 3D7 strain. In-silico investigations validated the antimalarial potential of the produced new aminoquinoline/cinnamic compounds.
The weakest PON1 inhibitors are Irbesartan, Glyceryl Trinitrate, Apixaban and Bisoprolol hemifumarate. these drugs that inhibit the PON1 enzyme weakly may be preferred primarily in patients with atheroclerotic heart disease compared to other drugs due to the protective effect of PON1 on atherosclerosis.
• Synthetic peptides derived from temporin-PTa.• Hp-AMP1 and Hp-AMP2 showed antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities.• The new synthetic peptides are not hemolytic.• Theoretical analyzes in different environments have shown that analogous peptides maintain approximately 75% of the helical structure.• Peptides cause disturbances in prokaryotic mimetic membranes.
Inhibition of human factor XIa by sulfonated molecules as a strategy for anticoagulation with reduced risk of bleeding.
A series of nine hybrid compounds of 7-substituted-4-aminoquinoline and cinnamic acid has been synthesized and characterised by routine spectroscopic techniques. Synthesized hybrids were significantly active against asexual stage trophozoites of the sensitive 3D7 strain. In-silico investigations validated the antimalarial potential of the produced new aminoquinoline/cinnamic compounds.
Sigma receptor is a transmembrane protein expressed mainly in the endoplasmic reticulum ( ER) membrane and has been implicated in many neurological disorders such as anxiety, schizophrenia, and depression. In this study, we report the discovery of a novel lead compound for S1R binding, based on the thiazolidine-2,4-dione nucleus.
Chemical Biology & Drug Design is a peer-reviewed scientific journal dedicated to the advancement of innovative science, technology and medicine with a focus on the multidisciplinary fields of chemical biology and drug design. To highlight the great work coming out of Japan in these areas, we have put together a `` virtual issue '' consisting of the top papers published in the journal from Japanese scientists. The topics covered by this selection of papers range from the development of chemical tools for understanding biological events to structure activity relationship studies of small molecules and peptides. Please enjoy their compound designs, which are based on a deep understanding of biology.
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Trade Finance Trade Insights from TFG - Page 5 of 54 | Welcome to Trade Finance Global. Browse and read the latest news, stories and educational insights from the world of trade and receivables finance. Stay up to date with the latest products, services and innovations in the market, bought to you by the Trade Finance Global team.
Over the weekend, China celebrated the 20th anniversary of its accession to the World Trade Organization ( WTO).
Your Monday morning coffee briefing from TFG. Sixty-seven countries signed a landmark WTO deal set to cut the cost of global services trade by $ 150 billion per year.
In October this year, the International Trade and Forfaiting Association ( ITFA) published its long-awaited harmonised Basel III-compliant trade credit insurance policy form.
Like many products within trade finance, trade credit insurance has endured serious volatility during the last 12-18 months, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the trade finance industry shifts towards more digitalised ways of doing business, new niches are opening up within the market.
BAFT is the leading financial services association for international transaction banking. In his new role, Stevenson will lead BAFT’ s trade-focused policy, practices, and education initiatives, and support its trade-related councils and committees.
With environmental issues now a top priority for the investment world, Alastair Sewell’ s undergraduate degree in biology is finally paying off.
Over the last two weeks, the UK has been at the forefront of some of the biggest announcements to come out of COP26.
Trade Finance Global ( TFG) has today launched the Sustainable Trade Finance Hub during COP26.
The International Chamber of Commerce ( ICC) has published a new report setting out proposals to tackle the challenge of defining and setting common standards for sustainable trade and trade finance.
The cessation of the London Interbank Offered Rate, or LIBOR, will be one of the most important events affecting trade finance this year.
Please enter our Access to Finance Survey, and you’ ll also be entered into our prizedraw and have the chance to win an iPad.
Letters of credit emerged in Europe in the 1800s. However, in their early days the functionality of letters of credit was limited, due to the non-uniformity of national laws.
Banking trade finance products risk being left behind, given the speed at which technology is changing.
Baris Kalay, head of trade and supply chain finance for Europe, Middle East, and Africa ( EMEA) at Bank of America, caught up with TFG’ s Deepesh Patel at ITFA’ s Annual Conference held in Bristol, England. | general |
Zhenro Defaults on Dollar Bond Payments: Evergrande Update | The information you requested is not available at this time, please check back again soon.
Residential buildings at a Zhenro Properties Group Ltd. development in the Jinshan district of Shanghai, China, on Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022. Zhenro is asking bondholders for more time to pay back about $ 1 billion in debts due to mature this year, citing liquidity pressure. Photographer: Qilai Shen/Bloomberg, Bloomberg
( Bloomberg) -- Zhenro Properties Group Ltd. defaulted for the first time after saying it was unable to pay interest on two dollar bonds before a grace period ended Saturday and warned it might not be able to meet three other coupons because of its liquidity woes.
Meanwhile, embattled developer Fantasia Holdings Group Co. and its Colour Life unit said they plan to review their business, including possible asset disposals, with a Guangdong state-backed firm.
Chinese real estate stocks rallied Friday, with a Bloomberg gauge jumping 4.1% amid JPMorgan Chase & Co.’ s upbeat assessment of the sector’ s equity outlook.
Fantasia to Review Debt With Guangdong Govt-Backed Firm ( 8:18 a.m. HK)
Fantasia Holdings Group Co. and its majority-owned Colour Life property management arm entered agreements with Gortune Alternative Fund Management to conduct a review on the financial position and formulate plans for possible asset disposals, according to a Hong Kong stock exchange filing.
Gortune Alternative is 40% -held by its single largest shareholder Gortune Investment, which was set up in 2016 under the Guangdong government’ s guidance. Gortune Alternative will also promote implementation of the overall debt restructuring plan and facilitate communication with Fantasia Group’ s creditors.
Zhenro Defaults After Missed Interest Payments ( 7:45 a.m. HK)
The Chinese builder, which in February asked holders of about $ 1 billion of bonds set to mature this year for more time to repay, said in a Hong Kong stock exchange filing Sunday it didn’ t pay a combined $ 20.4 million of interest on two dollar bonds. That has resulted in events of default, according to the company.
Zhenro also said it might not be able to pay a combined $ 32.6 million of interest due on three other dollar bonds before grace periods end between April 10 and May 14. Failure to meet the obligations would also constitute events of default, the company said. However, the firm said it intends to pay the interest due on all five notes by May 31.
Shopify announced a number of proposed changes to its governance and share structure on Monday.
An analyst who covers Canada’ s banks is warning of choppy waters ahead and is urging clients to take a more defensive approach as economic uncertainty threatens to send shares sharply lower.
Crude oil prices fell to their lowest level since before the Russian invasion of Ukraine as a spike of COVID-19 cases in China pulled down the energy sector and Canada's main stock index to start the trading week.
Traders are shunning technology stocks amid mounting risks from soaring Treasury yields and hawkish commentary from the U.S. Federal Reserve. | general |
Shanghai residents question human cost of China's COVID-19 quarantines | SHANGHAI – Lu, 99, was a long-time resident at Shanghai’ s Donghai Elderly Care hospital, her loved ones secure that she was getting round-the-clock care at the city’ s largest such center.
That was before COVID-19 struck China’ s biggest city last month, the country’ s worst outbreak since the virus emerged in Wuhan in late 2019, infecting multiple patients, doctors and care workers at the 1,800-bed facility.
Orderlies posted cries for help on social media, saying they were overwhelmed. Relatives told Reuters that there had been several deaths.
Lu, whose relatives asked that she be identified only by her surname, had coronary heart disease and high blood pressure. She caught COVID-19 and, though she had no symptoms, was being transferred to an isolation facility, her family was told on March 25.
She died there seven days later, the cause of death listed as her underlying medical conditions, her granddaughter said.
Among the questions she has about Lu’ s final days was why elderly patients had to be quarantined separately, away from the care workers most familiar with their conditions under China’ s quarantine rules.
Her frustrations reflect those of many with China’ s no-tolerance COVID-19 policy. Everyone testing positive must quarantine in specialized isolation sites, whether they show symptoms or not.
Shanghai has become a test case for the country’ s strict policy. Home quarantine is not an option and, until public outrage prompted a change, Shanghai was separating COVID-positive children from their parents.
From March 1 to April 9, China’ s financial hub reported some 180,000 locally transmitted infections, 96% of which were asymptomatic. It reported no deaths for the period.
A Donghai staffer who answered the phone on Sunday declined to answer questions, directing Reuters to another department, which did not respond to repeated calls.
Asked for comment, the Shanghai government sent a local media report with a first-person account of life at one of the quarantine centers. The unidentified author said he wanted to dispel fears that such sites were terrible, saying he received ample meals and medicine but recommending people bring earplugs and eye masks.
The United States has raised concerns about China’ s COVID-19 approach, advising its citizens on Friday to reconsider travel to China “ due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws and COVID-19 restrictions. ” Beijing dismissed the U.S. concerns as “ groundless accusations ”.
When Lu was being quarantined, the family asked, “ Who is going to care for her? Will there be care workers, doctors?, ” her granddaughter said. “ My grandmother is not someone who can live independently.
“ If the care worker had COVID and no symptoms, why couldn’ t they stay together?, ” she said. “ The chaos and tragedies happening in Shanghai this time really boil down to cruel policies. ”
A relative of Donghai patient Shen Peiying, who gave his surname as Qiu, said he believes the quarantine policy contributed to the April 3 death of the bedridden 72-year-old.
She had not caught COVID-19, he said, citing test records he saw on China’ s health app. After weeks of little communication, staff rang to say Shen had died from a chest infection.
Qiu has refused to consent to her cremation, citing such unanswered questions as what care she received after her regular care worker was quarantined.
“ If they were all in quarantine, who was there to take care of the patients?, ” Qiu said.
Shanghai is doubling down on the quarantine policy, converting schools, recently finished apartment blocks and vast exhibition halls into centers, the largest of which can hold 50,000 people.
These steps, including sending patients to quarantine sites in neighboring provinces, have been greeted by the public with a mixture of awe at their speed and horror over conditions, prompting some Shanghai residents to call for home quarantine to be allowed.
While Chinese state media has shown hospitals with just two or three patients per room, patients like those sent to Shanghai’ s giant exhibition centers say they live side by side with thousands of strangers, without walls or showers and with ceiling lights on at all hours.
Videos on Chinese social media have shown hastily converted quarantine sites, including a ramshackle vacant factory where a number of camping beds were placed, a site made out of shipping containers and a school with a poster saying blankets and hot water were not available.
A source verified the first video. Reuters could not independently verify the others.
One viral video last week showed patients at a site called the Nanhui makeshift hospital fighting for supplies. Reuters could not reach the facility on Sunday for comment.
Among those posting on social media was Shanghai resident Li Tong, who asked for help after his wife was sent there. He said things got better when more staff arrived to organize the patients but that he was shocked by what the videos showed and what his wife told him.
“ I didn’ t dare believe it, that Shanghai in 2022 could be like this, ” he said. | tech |
NORTH AFRICA/WEST AFRICA/RUSSIA: Moscow struggles to meet Sputnik V delivery deadlines in Africa | A standoff between companies vying for the distribution of Russia's Covid-19 vaccine Sputnik V has filtered into the political sphere, embroiling the ruling party's vice-chairman David Murathe. [... ]
Health minister Ali Zanaty has succeeded in getting 100,000 doses of the Sputnik-V vaccine to Tripoli thanks to eastern Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar's foreign allies. Zanaty is one of Haftar's supporters in the governent of national unity. [... ]
Russia's ambassador in Maputo, Alexander Surikov, has been making discreet approaches to the Mozambican administration in a bid to revive economic and security cooperation between the two countries. [... ]
The MP for Gabès and leader of the Al-Islah parliamentary bloc, Hassouna Nasfi, has taken over the reins of the brand-new Tunisia-Russia friendship group at the Assembly of the Representatives of the People, which was created on 17 March. [... ]
Given the slow rollout of the WHO's COVAX programme, more and more African countries are looking to Moscow and its Sputnik V vaccine. Following Algeria, Egypt and Gabon's lead, Mozambique and Togo could be receiving several million doses by the spring. [... ]
While the European Union is still divided over Russia's Sputnik V vaccine, Moscow's sovereign wealth fund is working its contacts with European pharmaceutical groups, starting with Antonio di Naro's Swiss group Adienne, with the view towards future production. [... ]
While President Vladimir Putin was vaccinated against Covid-19 on March [... ]
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Messaging Types Trade Insights from TFG - Page 2 of 2 | The Covid-19 pandemic is accelerating trends and technologies that came online before January 2020 and were just getting traction.
Interbank and bank-to-corporate messaging remains a challenge, and whilst the industry welcomes moves towards structured data and SWIFT’ s new messaging types, there are still challenges.
You might have had thousands of international wire transfer transactions already, but only now have you thought about how these transactions work. How is it possible for banks to communicate… read more →
SWIFT MT799 versus MT760 MT799 is a digital message that is sent between banks; with the aim of showing funds or proof of deposits. It is important to note that… read more → | general |
SME trade finance gap TFG Hub | The Local Currency System – SML – resurfaces as an alternative to recover trade flows not only in the Mercosur but also in other regions of the world which can implement it.
TFG heard from Dr. Deborah Elms, CEO, Asian Trade Centre on the impact of COVID19 for businesses in Asia Pacific and how governments and policymakers can accelerate the economic recovery.
Debtor Finance is a simple, viable alternative to consider for relatively quick access to working capital funding.
Five years ago, if you asked a global investor how they viewed the Middle East, two prominent factors would probably have immediately sprung to mind. Oil and real estate, the latter most obviously in Dubai. What’ s changed? TFG spoke to Emma Parsons, Bahrain EDB’ s Regional Director for the UK and Ireland about the role of technology within global trade in the MENA region. | general |
Blockchain Trade Insights from TFG - Page 2 of 18 | Welcome to Trade Finance Global. Browse and read the latest news, stories and educational insights from the world of trade and receivables finance. Stay up to date with the latest products, services and innovations in the market, bought to you by the Trade Finance Global team.
Letters of credit emerged in Europe in the 1800s. However, in their early days the functionality of letters of credit was limited, due to the non-uniformity of national laws.
Merchants would go on voyages for several weeks, if not months, in a caravel, carrack or clipper to the Far East, or elsewhere, to buy cotton, wool, tea, spices or other commodities. They would be equipped with a Letter of Credit in their trunk, often handwritten by the clerk of their high street banks.
In most countries, small and medium enterprises are important contributors to economic welfare. This is the main reason why a digitalized trade system can open more opportunities to further SME growth.
The magnitude and pressure around climate change and the United Nations ( UN) agenda can give an opportunity to make a joint effort to transform supply chains more sustainable.
Contour, the digital trade finance network, announces partnership with the Shenzhen FinTech Institute, a subsidiary of The People’ s Bank of China ( PBOC).
TFG’ s editor, Deepesh Patel, interviewed Nasser Al-Thekair, general manager of trade and business development at the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation ( ITFC), to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on Islamic Finance.
Tech giant IBM is teaming up with fintech startup MonetaGo to address trade finance fraud, with an initial focus on South East Asia.
In a world of shrinking supply chains and digital connectivity, the concept of identity is continuously evolving. Is digital identity going to be the panacea to the age-old problem of MSME access to trade finance?
In the wake of the ICC Uniform Rules for Digital Trade Transactions ( URDTT) due to publish next month in October, we explore the meaning of a digital trade transaction – underlying assumptions, regulatory framework and future expectations.
New potential applications of blockchain technology through the lifecycle of the trade are in constant development. However, so much input and so much promise is detaching us from the most immediate and practical ways of adopting this technology in trade finance.
The trade finance space has seen a huge influx of capital in the development of fintech solutions to address some of today’ s most pressing trade challenges.
The need for trade digitization has never been more prevalent than it is today, especially with pandemic-induced restrictions emphasizing the inefficiency of paper-based trade. Our Editor, Deepesh Patel sat down with Contour’ s CEO and Chief Product Officer, as well as TradeLens’ Head of Strategy and Operations, to discuss how fintech can come together to partner to solve these problems.
Never have fragmented reactions, as seen to recent global crises, be that Covid-19, climate change or geopolitical power shifts, illustrated better the acute need to have sustainable strategies in place.
TFG heard from Punit Oza, Executive Director at the Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration, who talked about the main pillars that support a transforming organisation in the commercial shipping and freight sector.
Trade Finance Global is pleased to announce it will be a media partner for the Agri-D Convention 2021 taking place on the 12th of November 2021. | general |
FEBS Letters: Vol 596, No 6 | FEBS Letters is a not-for-profit society journal for the rapid publication of research reports that significantly impact and advance knowledge in the molecular life sciences. We offer expedited handling of manuscripts by Editors who are active scientists in your field. Publish with us free of charge or open access.
Confirmed ( blue) and potential ( yellow) HCM pathomechanisms associated with disease-causing nontruncating MYBPC3 variants. Both RNA splicing alterations and changes in protein structure and stability are specifically induced by HCM-linked variants, and hence their examination can guide variant interpretation. Variant-induced alterations in cMyBP-C nanomechanical properties or disruption of protein-protein interactions ( such as those potentially regulating the myosin motor activity) are proposed as alternative HCM pathomechanisms, needing deeper characterization before they can inform variant significance in the clinical practice.
The iron–sulfur cluster protein CISD2 plays a key role in regulating calcium homeostasis, preventing mitochondrial dysfunction, and heart failure ( HF). Here, using CISD2-null mice, we show that CISD2 is also protecting cardiomyocytes from overaccumulation of iron, which is common in aging hearts and can also contribute to the pathogenesis of HF.
This study reveals that amino-terminal acetylation of calmodulin is necessary for this essential eukaryotic calcium signalling protein to fold and function correctly. We show this conserved modification impacts the calcium-binding capacity of yeast and human calmodulins. These findings have significant implications for research undertaken into this highly conserved essential protein.
This study investigated the influence of the cytoplasmic domain on ion channel assembly. When the C-terminal coiled-coil domain of the NaChBac bacterial sodium channel was swapped with an unrelated tetramerisation domain on the N terminus, the chimera expressed robustly in the membrane and produced stable, functional tetrameric channels. This indicates that bringing the transmembrane regions into proximity promotes NaChBac functional assembly.
In this study, we identify a single amino acid that can control the colour tuning of proteorhodopsin, which is widely distributed in nature. Single amino acid substitution of Cys189 caused an absorption maximum shift of 44 nm, indicating spectral tuning at a specific site. Comparison of single amino acid substitutions was conducted using photochemical and photobiological approaches.
On UV excitation, free biliverdin IXα ( BV) shows blue fluorescence and negligible emission in red. But when bound to Sandercyanin ( SFP), enhanced red emission is observed, and blue fluorescence disappears. Phenylalanine stacking to BV plays a crucial role in the conformational selection of BV. It stabilizes the lowest excited state resulting in enhanced red fluorescence of the SFP-BV complex.
This study shows that in polycystic ovary syndrome ( PCOS), uterine ferroptotic signaling cascades are triggered, as evidenced by suppressed SLC7A11/GSH/GPX4 signaling, impaired iron metabolism, and increased lipid peroxidation, through an androgen receptor ( AR) –dependent mechanism. Long-term exposure to 5α-dihydrotestosterone ( DHT) increases the interaction of the uterine AR with the transcription factor NRF2, leading to suppressed NRF2 antioxidative capacity and eventually promoting uterine ferroptosis.
This study presents the solution NMR structures of a DNA minidumbbell consisting of two regular CTTTG pentaloops. In the 3′-loop, substitution of the fourth thymine with an adenine residue or creation of a backbone discontinuous site between the third and fourth thymine residues enhanced the thermal stability of the minidumbbell structure.
Check out our Virtual Issue on Mitochondrial Biology, featuring frontline research in this exciting field.
Congratulations to Nicholas Mullin and Ian Chambers for winning the 2022 FEBS Letters Award for their outstanding article on NANOG phosphorylation in embryonic stem cell self-renewal.
Read our Vesicle Biology Virtual Issue, a collection of cutting-edge Research Articles and Reviews covering major advances in the field.NEW!
Keep up to date on COVID-19 developments through this Virtual Issue bringing together all our SARS-CoV-2-related content.NEW!
Don't miss our Ljubljana Virtual Issue, featuring cutting edge Reviews by the 45th FEBS Congress speakers.NEW!
Read the complete Special Issue Diversity of Structure and Function of ABC Transporters introduced and edited by Amro Hamdoun, Ute A. Hellmich, Gergely Szakacs, and Karl KuchlerNEW!
Please check your email for instructions on resetting your password. If you do not receive an email within 10 minutes, your email address may not be registered, and you may need to create a new Wiley Online Library account. | tech |
Thousands of new viruses discovered in world's oceans | Live Science is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
By Rachael Rettner published 10 April 22
More than 5,000 new RNA virus species were identified.
More than 5,000 new virus species have been identified in the world's oceans, according to a new study.
The study researchers analyzed tens of thousands of water samples from around the globe, hunting for RNA viruses, or viruses that use RNA as their genetic material. The novel coronavirus, for instance, is a type of RNA virus. These viruses are understudied compared with DNA viruses, which use DNA as their genetic material, the authors said.
The diversity of the newfound viruses was so great that the researchers have proposed doubling the number of taxonomic groups needed to classify RNA viruses, from the existing five phyla to 10 phyla. ( Phylum is a broad classification in biology just below `` kingdom. '')
`` There's so much new diversity here – and an entire [ new ] phylum, the Taraviricota, were found all over the oceans, which suggests they’ re ecologically important, '' study lead author Matthew Sullivan, a professor of microbiology at The Ohio State University, said in a statement ( opens in new tab).
Related: The deadliest viruses in history
Studies of RNA viruses have usually focused on those that cause diseases, according to Sullivan. ( Some well-known RNA viruses include influenza, Ebola and the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.) But these are just a `` tiny slice '' of RNA viruses on Earth, Sullivan said.
`` We wanted to systematically study them on a very big scale and explore an environment no one had looked at deeply, '' Sullivan said in the statement.
For the study, published Thursday ( April 7) in the journal Science ( opens in new tab), the researchers analyzed 35,000 water samples taken from 121 locations in all five of the world's oceans. The researchers are part of the Tara Oceans Consortium, a global project to study the impact of climate change on the ocean.
They examined genetic sequences extracted from small aquatic organisms known as plankton, which are common hosts for RNA viruses, the researchers said. They homed in on sequences belonging to RNA viruses by looking for an ancient gene called RdRp, which is found in all RNA viruses but is absent from other viruses and cells. They identified over 44,000 sequences with this gene.
But the RdRp gene is billions of years old, and it has evolved many times. Because the gene's evolution goes so far back, it was difficult for the researchers to determine the evolutionary relationship between the sequences. So the researchers used machine learning to help organize them.
—70,000 never-before-seen viruses found in the human gut
—Going viral: 6 new findings about viruses
—Sea science: 7 bizarre facts about the ocean
Overall, they identified about 5,500 new RNA virus species that fell into the five existing phyla, as well as the five newly proposed phyla, which the researchers named Taraviricota, Pomiviricota, Paraxenoviricota, Wamoviricota and Arctiviricota.
Virus species in the Taraviricota phylum were particularly abundant in temperate and tropical waters, while viruses in the Arctiviricota phylum are abundant in the Arctic Ocean, the researchers wrote in The Conversation. ( opens in new tab)
Understanding how the RdRp gene diverged over time could lead to a better understanding of how early life evolved on Earth, the authors said.
`` RdRp is supposed to be one of the most ancient genes — it existed before there was a need for DNA, '' study co-first author Ahmed Zayed, a research scientist in microbiology at Ohio State, said in the statement. `` So we’ re not just tracing the origins of viruses, but also tracing the origins of life. ''
Originally published on Live Science. | general |
supply chain finance TFG Hub - Page 2 of 6 | The first estimates for the factoring industry worldwide in 2020 have been announced today by the FCI’ s Peter Mulroy. Factoring declines were recorded in most regions except Asia Pacific.
We take a dive into the world of Letters of Credit ( LCs) and Standby Letters of Credit – some of the essential tools in cross-border trade transactions.
As Africa enters a revolutionary period of intra-continental trade, factoring will be crucial to the growth of MSMEs.
The very public implosion of a high-flying boutique finance firm has left ripples in the Supply Chain Finance industry. Should we reverse this outcome?
Distributed Ledger Technology ( DLT), colloquially termed ‘ blockchain’ has been touted to disrupt trade and supply chain, as well it’ s financing, for over 5 years. Following on from TFG, WTO and ICC’ s ‘ Periodic Table’ enlisting 39 projects in global trade utilising DLT, we’ ve relaunched our table, indicating that the industry has considerably matured and evolved in less than 12 months.
The guide is aimed at Small and Medium sized Enterprises ( SMEs) which are importing or exporting, both overseas and domestically.
COVID-19 case rates are rising while fatalities remain relatively low across much of Europe. The UK saw its first significant tightening of restrictions in months with socialising limited to groups of six in England.
TFG heard from BofA on the possibility of SCF’ s structural shift to localisation.
In their response to the Covid-19 pandemic, governments have learned and applied many of the lessons of past crises. Early testing and tracing at scale gave countries including Germany, Taiwan and South Korea a lead in combating the virus.
The ICC’ s Survey on Trade Finance reveals the industry-wide challenges and disruption as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic push trade and trade finance into a state of global uncertainty.
TFG heard from BAFT’ s President & Chief Executive Officer, Tod Burwell, on some of the latest updates from the association for 2020, what new initiatives have been launched, and what members can expect for the remainder of 2020.
SMEs need to re-think their innovation strategy including digitalisation as the pandemic has accelerated the shift to digital technology in trade.
COVID-19 has dominated the headlines for the last few months. But now, with the negotiations stepping up and the transition set to end by December, Brexit is moving back into the limelight. | general |
Technology Trade Insights from TFG - Page 4 of 16 | Welcome to Trade Finance Global. Browse and read the latest news, stories and educational insights from the world of trade and receivables finance. Stay up to date with the latest products, services and innovations in the market, bought to you by the Trade Finance Global team.
Trade finance as an asset class has benefitted from developments in loan and debt capital markets, which have led the way in sustainable product development.
Commodity trade finance fraud and losses, along with trade finance digitization, have emerged as common themes in trade finance recently.
Divides and discrimination within countries along the lines of race, ethnicity, gender and Indigenous identity have resulted in longstanding social, economic and political challenges.
The digital transformation of the banking operations of guarantees and documentary credits to shift from the paper-based and labour-intensive models to a digital trade ecosystem.
The 2021 ICC Trade Register summary, on the credit risk profiles of trade finance, supply chain finance and export finance transactions. Read our summary on 38m transactions representing USD $ 19.2t exposures, and 28% of global trade flows.
World trade is central to economic growth and as we emerge from the pandemic, trade is paramount in enabling the global economy to recover. Is the time really now, for digitising trade, and how can advance the dialogue to reduce friction, costs and risk?
Trade and economic activity are advancing at a rapid pace across the Middle East. How are governments across the region evolving and harnessing opportunities to enable high-speed economic activity?
In the wake of the ICC Uniform Rules for Digital Trade Transactions ( URDTT) due to publish next month in October, we explore the meaning of a digital trade transaction – underlying assumptions, regulatory framework and future expectations.
New potential applications of blockchain technology through the lifecycle of the trade are in constant development. However, so much input and so much promise is detaching us from the most immediate and practical ways of adopting this technology in trade finance.
TFG interviewed Robert Meters ( RM), Head of Marketing and Sales, Global Business & Financial Services at SCHUMANN to discuss how the trade credit insurance has changed as a result of the covid-19 pandemic.
The Department for International Trade has recently published its Global Trade Outlook report. TFG summarised of the key points from the report, outlining what could be in store for global trade between now and 2050.
Your morning coffee briefing from TFG. Korea contributes CHF 290,000 to help developing countries participate in global trade, commodity dependence increased over the last decade, supply chains crisis will leave lasting change on globalisation, food price inflation increases pressure on poorer countries and Brexit trade barriers added £600m in costs to UK importers this year.
The TFG / Finastra’ s tradecast will explore how corporates are reacting to new levels of volatility, and ultimately, how technology and innovation can help build inclusive, resilient global value chains.
Global supply chains have been and continue to be deeply impacted by the changes that have taken place in the last 12 months. From the Suez canal debacle to the current shortage of HGV drivers in the UK, it is fair to say that the industry is, currently, facing significant challenges.
Our editor, Deepesh Patel sat down with Zencargo’ s Sales Director, Sam Greenhalgh to discuss what changes need to take place to make the shipping industry more attractive to young professionals. | general |
Technology Trade Insights from TFG - Page 3 of 16 | Welcome to Trade Finance Global. Browse and read the latest news, stories and educational insights from the world of trade and receivables finance. Stay up to date with the latest products, services and innovations in the market, bought to you by the Trade Finance Global team.
The pandemic and the ensuing disruptions in how the world produces, transports, stores, and consumes bulk commodities is placing physical inventory control and monitoring in the cross-hairs of revolutionary change.… read more →
A new ICC report, released yesterday, estimates that if G7 countries can deliver on legal reform, standardisation, and adoption of digital records, then trade between them could rise by about 43% above its 2019 value by 2026.
In most countries, small and medium enterprises are important contributors to economic welfare. This is the main reason why a digitalized trade system can open more opportunities to further SME growth.
The magnitude and pressure around climate change and the United Nations ( UN) agenda can give an opportunity to make a joint effort to transform supply chains more sustainable.
Banks and fintechs have not always been the closest playmates, but ITFA’ s Andre Casterman is on a mission to help them work together.
Our editor, Deepesh Patel sat down with Geoff Brady and Madhav Goparaju from Bank of America and Chris Doroszczyk from IBM to discuss the impact of COVID-19, access to finance and technology.
TFG’ s editor, Deepesh Patel, interviewed Nasser Al-Thekair, general manager of trade and business development at the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation ( ITFC), to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on Islamic Finance.
The global leader in cloud payments and financial messaging, Volante Technologies, announces partnership with MDSL to enhance banking payments in Egypt.
The current banking landscape is going through a makeover. PSD2 and open banking have it’ s advantages, but there are also many opportunities to continue to level the playing field, share risks and revisit the rules.
Tech giant IBM is teaming up with fintech startup MonetaGo to address trade finance fraud, with an initial focus on South East Asia. | general |
Ventilation: A powerful Covid-19 mitigation measure |
Two-plus years into the Covid-19 pandemic, you probably know the basics of protection: vaccines, boosters, proper handwashing and masks. But one of the most powerful tools against the coronavirus is one that experts believe is just starting to get the attention it deserves: ventilation.
Respiratory backwash
`` The challenge for organizations that improve air quality is that it's invisible, '' said Joseph Allen, director of the Healthy Buildings Program at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
It's true: Other Covid tools are more tangible. But visualizing how the virus might behave in poorly ventilated spaces can help people better understand this mitigation measure.
Allen likens it to cigarette smoke. `` If I 'm smoking in the corner of a classroom and you have low ventilation/filtration, that room is going to fill up with smoke, and everyone is breathing that same air. ''
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Then apply that to the outdoors.
`` I could be smoking a cigarette, you could be a couple of feet from me, depending which way the wind was blowing, you may not even know I 'm smoking. ''
If you're indoors, you could be breathing in less fresh air than you think.
`` Everybody in a room together is constantly breathing air that just came out of the lungs of other people in that room. And depending on the ventilation rate, it could be as much as 3% or 4% of the air you're breathing just came out of the lungs of other people in that room, '' Allen said.
He describes this as respiratory backwash.
`` Normally, that's not a problem, right? We do this all the time. We're always exchanging our respiratory microbiomes with each other. But if someone's sick and infectious... those aerosols can carry the virus. That's a problem. ''
It's airborne
`` We 've known for decades how to keep people safe in buildings from infection, from airborne infectious diseases like this one, '' Allen said.
From the beginning of the pandemic, Allen and other experts have waved red flags, saying that the way we were thinking about transmission of Covid-19 -- surfaces, large respiratory droplets -- was missing the point.
`` Hand washing and social distancing are appropriate but, in our view, insufficient to provide protection from virus-carrying respiratory microdroplets released into the air by infected people. This problem is especially acute in indoor or enclosed environments, particularly those that are crowded and have inadequate ventilation, '' hundreds of scientists
stated in an open letter
in July 2020.
Eventually, the World Health Organization and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
acknowledged
what the experts had been saying all along: that Covid-19 could also spread by small aerosolized particles that can travel more than 6 feet.
In Washington's Covid-19 outbreak, new variants flout old 'close contact ' rule
The coronavirus itself is very small -- about 0.1 microns -- but that doesn't affect how far it can travel.
`` The size of the virus itself doesn't matter because, as we say, the virus is never naked in air. In other words, the virus is always traveling in respiratory particles that develop in our lungs. And those are all different sizes, '' Allen said.
Singing or coughing can emit particles as large as 100 microns ( almost the width of a human hair), he said, but the virus tends to travel in smaller particles -- between 1 and 5 microns.
The size of these particles affects not only how far it can travel but how deeply we can breathe it into our lungs, and how we should approach protecting ourselves from this virus.
`` When you're talking about an airborne disease, there's the what's right around you, you know, the sort of the people who you know can cough in your face, the 6 feet thing, and then there's the broader indoor air, because indoor air is recirculated, '' said Max Sherman, a leader on the Epidemic Task Force for the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers.
Dilute and clean
`` Outdoors is safer than indoors '' has become an accepted mantra with Covid-19. Allen points out that protecting ourselves indoors is where our focus should always be, even beyond the pandemic.
`` We're [ an ] indoors species. We spend 90% of our time indoors. The air we breathe indoors has a massive impact on our health, whether you think about infectious disease or anything else, but it just has escaped the public consciousness for a long time, '' he said.
Making sure our indoor air is healthy is not that complicated, Sherman said. `` You just want to reduce the number of particles that might be carrying Covid or any other nasty [ virus ]. ''
The way you do that is through ventilation and filtration.
Filtration -- just like it sounds -- is filtering or cleaning the air, removing the infected particles. But think of ventilation as diluting the air. You're bringing more fresh air in to reduce the concentration of those particles.
Dilution is exactly why we haven't seen superspreader events outdoors, Allen says.
`` We have hardly any transmission outdoors. Why is that? Unlimited dilution, because you have unlimited ventilation. And so, even in crowded protests or outdoor sporting events like the Super Bowl, we just don't see superspreading happening. But if we did, we 'd have the signal be loud and clear. We just don't see it. It's all indoors in these underperforming, unhealthy spaces. ''
Healthy spaces
Even before the advent of HVAC systems, ventilation was integrated into many building designs.
The 1901 Tenement Housing Act of New York required every tenement building -- a building with multifamily households -- to have ventilation, running water and gas light.
Builders added ventilation to many of these buildings with a shaft in the middle that runs from the roof to the ground, allowing more airflow.
`` In the late 19th century, people are finally starting to understand how disease spreads. So airshafts and the accompanying ventilation were seen as a solution to the public health crises that were happening in tenement buildings, '' said Katheryn Lloyd, director of programming at the Tenement Museum. `` There were high cases of tuberculosis, diphtheria and other diseases that spread. Now we know that spread sort of through the air. ''
Today, we're facing the same challenge.
`` Getting basic ventilation in your home is important, full stop, '' Sherman said.
One of the easiest, cheapest ways to do that is to open your windows.
Open doors or windows at opposite ends of your home to create cross-ventilation, the Environmental Protection Agency advises. Opening the highest and lowest windows -- especially if on different floors -- of a home can also increase ventilation. Adding an indoor fan can take it even further.
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`` If a single fan is used, it should be facing ( and blowing air) in the same direction the air is naturally moving. You can determine the direction the air is naturally moving by observing the movement of drapes or by holding a light fabric or dropping paper clippings and noting which direction they move, ''
the EPA says
.
Just cracking a window can help a lot, Allen says: `` Even propping a window open a couple inches to really facilitate higher air changes, especially if you do it in multiple places in the house, so you can create some pressure differentials. ''
It's important to note that if you have an HVAC system, it must be running to actually circulate or filter the air. The EPA says that these systems run less than 25% of the time during heating and cooling seasons.
`` Most of the controls these days have a setting where you can run the fan on low all the time. And that's usually the best thing to do because that makes sure you're getting you're pushing air through the filter all the time and mixing the air up in your in your home, '' Sherman advised.
This could be something to keep in mind if you're going to have visitors or if someone in the household is at higher risk for severe illness.
Choose the most efficient filter your HVAC system can handle, and make sure you routinely change the filters.
Filters have a minimum efficiency reporting value, or MERV, rating that indicates how well they capture small particles. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers recommends using at least a MERV-13 filter, which it says is at least 85% efficient at capturing particles from 1 to 3 microns.
If that's not an option,
portable air filters
can also work well, but the EPA says to use one that is made for the intended room size and meets at least one of these criteria:
Designed as high-efficiency particulate air ( HEPA)
CADR rated
Manufacturer says the device will remove most particles below 1 micron
Finding a safe space
When you walk into a space, there's no good rule of thumb to look around and gauge how well-ventilated it might be, and that can be a challenge when people have been tasked with assessing their own risk.
Allen suggests starting with the basics: Make sure you're up to date with vaccinations and aware of where Covid-19 numbers stand in your community.
But then it gets harder. Even the number of people in a space isn't a giveaway of a higher-risk situation.
`` The more people in there could be higher-risk because you're more likely to have someone who's infectious, but if the ventilation is good, it really doesn't matter. ''
Ventilation standards are based on `` an amount of fresh air per person, plus the amount of fresh air per square foot, '' Allen explained. `` So if you have a good system, the more people that enter the room, the more ventilation is brought in to the room. ''
One tool that can help you assess ventilation in a room is a CO2 monitor, something Allen wishes he saw more in public spaces. He likes to carry a portable one, which you can order online for between $ 100 and $ 200.
`` If you see under 1,000 parts per million, generally, you're hitting the ventilation targets that are the design standard. But remember, these are not health-based standards. So we want to see higher ventilation rates. ''
Allen prefers to see CO2 at or under 800 parts per million. He also notes that just because a space has low CO2 levels, it might not be unsafe if filtration is high, like on an airplane.
A gamechanger for schools
Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Lisa Herring says the installation of 5,000 air filtration units -- enough for every classroom -- in her school district is `` a gamechanger. ''
The district had begun upgrading HVAC systems in several schools even before the pandemic, but federal funding allowed it to add filtration units during a crucial time when masks have become optional.
`` It gives a greater level of confidence for us as a system to know that our air filtration systems are in place, '' Herring said.
School districts all over the country have been jumping at the opportunity for ventilation upgrades made possible by an influx of federal funding.
An analysis in February by FutureEd, a think tank at Georgetown University's McCourt School of Public Policy, found that public schools had
earmarked $ 4.4 billion
for HVAC projects, which could grow to almost $ 10 billion if trends continued.
As masks become optional, kids take their health into their own hands
New Hampshire's Manchester School District is pouring almost $ 35 million into upgrading HVAC systems, and interim Superintendent Jennifer Gillis says federal funding is `` absolutely key. ''
`` You think about a district of our size with all the competing demands and the need to be fiscally responsible, a $ 35 million project, that's a large project to introduce to our budget. Having those funds available to us lets us do 19 projects -- and 19 projects in a very short span of time. ''
For Gillis, ventilation has been an important mitigation strategy and an unobtrusive way to keep people safe.
`` It's something that most in the building don't think about, but it's a very passive way for us to create safety within the schools. Since the beginning, the goal was always 'let's get our kids in, let's get our staff in, but let's do it in a way that's safe for all of them. ' ``
Good ventilation isn't only about keeping students safe from Covid-19, Sherman says. It can also improve their performance in school.
`` They're going to learn better; they're going to be awake more; they're going to be more receptive. They're going to be healthier if they 've got good indoor air quality, '' he said.
Finally front and center
Helping solidify ventilation's role in the Covid-19 battle, the Biden administration announced a
Clean Air in Buildings Challenge
last month.
The challenge calls on building operators and owners to improve ventilation by following guidelines laid out by the EPA.
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The main actions include creating a clean indoor air action plan, optimizing fresh air ventilation, enhancing air filtration and cleaning, and engaging the building community by communicating with occupants to increase awareness, commitment and participation.
The message may seem overdue, but it's one that Allen enthusiastically welcomed.
`` The White House used its pulpit to say unequivocally that clean air and buildings matter. That's massive. Regardless of what you think about what will happen next with implementation or what happens with the funding. That is a crystal-clear message that is already being heard by businesses, nonprofits, universities and state leaders. I see these changes happening already. '' | general |
Judd Apatow get comedians to open up in 'Sicker, ' and 4 other books to add to your reading list | Books linked here are chosen independently by CNN+ news staff. CNN+ may receive a commission for any purchases made through these links. The following is an excerpt from
the latest edition of `` Jake Tapper's Book Club '' newsletter
:
( CNN)
A note from CNN's Jake Tapper:
I first interviewed Judd Apatow in 2007 coming off the heels of his smash success `` The 40-Year-Old Virgin, '' which he co-wrote and directed, and before the release of `` Knocked Up. ''
`` Hollywood's waiting to see if that was a fluke or if Apatow can officially write his own ticket, '' I said in my piece for `` Nightline, '' back when I worked for ABC News.
It wasn't a fluke.
One of the fun biographical details Apatow shared back then was that as a student, he used his high school radio show to score interviews with successful comedians such as Garry Shandling and Jerry Seinfeld. In 2016, Apatow took those cassettes, transcribed the interviews and turned them into his first book, `` Sick in the Head. ''
During the early months of the Covid-19 pandemic, Apatow thought it might be fun to do a new version of that with his adult self interviewing people he admires today. The result is
a new collection of interviews: `` Sicker in the Head: More Conversations About Life and Comedy. ''
Read More
Apatow took the opportunity of so many people having so much free time to score interviews with legends such as David Letterman, Whoopi Goldberg, and Will Ferrell as well as younger up-and-comers such as Bowen Yang and Amber Ruffin.
In `` Sicker, '' they discuss everything from mental health to the pressure of performing to the relentless shuffle of Hollywood. This book allows readers to put themselves in the shoes of their favorite comedians, as they reveal they might not be as comfortable in their own skin as fans imagine.
The interview was fun of course, but Apatow was also thoughtful, candid and even deep. I hope you like it.
What else Jake is reading
'The Nickel Boys ' by Colson Whitehead
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, `` The Nickel Boys '' follows the story of two boys sent to a nightmarish reform school in Florida during the era of Jim Crow. Caught in an unjust and cruel system, Elwood and Turner's friendship eventually leads to a fateful decision.
Purchase 'The Nickel Boys ' through Bookshop.org here
'The Sheriff of Babylon ' by Tom King and Mitch Gerads
King and Gerads come together to create a 12-issue comic thriller centered around Chris Henry, a Florida cop turned military consultant, who is assigned to train cadets in post 9/11 Baghdad. But after his trainee is found dead, he along with his allies, Nassir and Sophia, must find out who killed him despite the unforeseen strings being pulled in the background.
Purchase 'The Sheriff of Babylon ' through Bookshop.org here
Recommended by the 'Jake Tapper Book Club '
'Write For Your Life ' by Anna Quindlen
Quindlen, a journalist and novelist, draws from her personal experience to highlight the power in writing and recording our lives. Using authors like Anne Frank and Toni Morrison, in addition to love letters and journal reflections, she makes the case that writing is essential in building connection with ourselves and others.
Purchase 'Write For Your Life ' through Bookshop.org here
'The Impossible City: A Hong Kong Memoir ' by Karen Cheung
Born in Hong Kong on the eve of its 1997 handover to China, Cheung writes about it with the knowledge and keen observations of both an insider and a journalist. In a city on the edge of China's spectacular global rise—among Hong Kong's artists, students, protesters and cosmopolitan residents—Cheung gives us vivid portraits of the everyday characters and occurrences that make up life in a fast-changing metropolis.
Purchase 'The Impossible City ' through Bookshop.org here
Independent book store spotlight
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A post shared by Orca Books Co-op ( @ orcabooksoly)
In our ongoing effort to highlight independent bookstores across the country, we salute
Orca Books Co-op
in Olympia, Washington. Located in the heart of downtown, the decades-old store became a member-owned cooperative in 2020. `` Orca Books Co-op is dedicated to providing a safer and welcoming space for all, '' the store writes on its website. It sells both new and used books and hosts events.
Do you have a favorite bookstore?
Tweet @ JakeTapper
with your pick and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter.
What's coming up on 'Jake Tapper's Book Club ' on CNN+
April 17
-- Jake speaks with Elizabeth Alexander, the author of a poignant new book, `` The Trayvon Generation, '' in which she considers the impact the last decade of racial justice uprisings had on Black youth through art.
April 24
-- Jake speaks with Andrea Yaryura Clark, whose book `` On a Night of a Thousand Stars '' creates a beautiful but harrowing tale of life during Argentina's Dirty War and a daughter's quest to find out the truth about her family.
May 1
-- Jake speaks to Danyel Smith, the former editor-in-chief of Vibe magazine, about the major contributions of Black women in pop music, from Billie Holiday to Whitney and Beyoncé and more.
Subscribe to CNN+ to watch `` Jake Tapper's Book Club ''
and
sign up for the free, weekly newsletter right here
to discover your next great read. | general |
Tiger Woods ' comeback at Masters ends following incredible display of grit and determination |
Tiger Woods
finished his latest appearance at the
Masters
with a six-over 78 as he capped off his remarkable comeback at Augusta National after nearly 16 months away from golf.
The 15-time major winner stunned the golfing world earlier this week when he announced that he would be making a dramatic return to the sport after suffering serious leg injuries in a car crash in February 2021.
After shocking many by making the cut on Friday with some determined play, his injuries and lack of match fitness seemed to catch up with him over the weekend.
He carded a six-over par 78 on Saturday, his worst score in a Masters round, and finished with the same score on Sunday to finish on 13-over.
While he might be well down on the leaderboard, overall it was a successful four days for the five-time Masters winner who showcased the spirit that's made him so successful in his first competitive golf action in almost a year and a half.
Read More
Afterwards, Woods confirmed he will play at the 150th Open Championship at St. Andrews, Scotland in July. Woods said he was still undecided about playing in golf's next major, the PGA Championship at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in May.
When he was asked if he thinks this week was one of the greatest achievements of his career, Woods said: `` For not winning an event, yes. ''
`` To go from where I was to get to this point, I 've had an incredible team that has helped me get to this point and incredible support from -- as I alluded to in the press conference on Tuesday, the amount of texts and FaceTimes and calls I got from players that are close to me throughout this entire time has meant a lot, '' Woods explained.
`` Then to come here on these grounds and have the patrons -- I played in a Covid year, and then I didn't play last year. 2019 was the last time for me that I experienced having the patrons like this, and it's exciting. It's inspiring. It's fun to hear the roars, to hear the hole-in-ones. I think Kitchen made one the other day. To hear that roar down there at the bottom on 16, just to hear that excitement of what this tournament brings out.
`` We have just an amazing day today with now the wind is starting to pick up, it's starting to swirl a little bit. I think it's going to get tight, and it's going to be fun to watch. ''
Woods tips his hat at the No. 12 tee during the final round of the Masters.
The main draw
Wherever Woods went over the Augusta course, the crowds that followed him were rows and rows deep.
His featuring at the major that he's won five times was a huge draw for many, with fans everywhere wishing the best for him as he made his highly-anticipated return.
And those fans got what they wanted over the first two round, with some glimpses of his class shinning through as he made an unexpected cut.
But in tricky weather conditions on Saturday, Woods struggled as it appeared the hilly Augusta National began to take a toll on his body. His recovery after the car crash included surgery to place a rod and pins in his right leg, and excruciating physical rehabilitation.
Woods reacts to his shot on the fifth hole during the final round of the Masters.
His round was littered with bogeys and birdies, as well as two double-bogeys -- a rare occurrence for Woods at the Masters -- as he slipped down the leaderboard.
On Sunday, playing alongside Jon Rahm under the bright Georgia sun, Woods was the center of attention during the early pairings to go out, receiving huge cheers from the patrons as he made his way around the course.
Wearing his famous red and black clothing -- the colors he traditionally wears on the final day of majors -- Woods delighted fans with some delicate touches and trademark excellence, including a monster putt on the 14th hole to salvage a bogey.
Overall, he carded one birdie, five bogeys and a double bogey during his final round to finish 13-over par -- but walked off the 18th hole to a standing ovation and cheers from spectators.
Visit CNN.com/sport for more news, features, and videos
Woods plays his shot from the 12th tee during the final round of the Masters.
While he didn't trouble the top of the leaderboard, Woods ' appearance at the Masters was about more than what happened on the course.
It gave everyone a sign: Tiger is back. | general |
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