MUMBAI: BMC-run Nair Hospital Dental College, located in Mumbai Central, has won the Best Social Service in the Asia-Pacific Region award from the United States-based Pierre Fauchard Academy. The recognition highlights the college’s community outreach efforts, including its innovative ‘Portable Dental Van on Wheels’ initiative. Through this programme, the college organises dental camps in old age homes, prisons, schools for blind students, orphanages, and settlements of sex workers, raising oral health awareness with the help of professors, trainees, and students. The award was presented to the college’s dean, Dr Neelam Andrade, by Pierre Fauchard Academy international president Dr Sheryl Billingsley at a ceremony in New Delhi. Established in 1936, the Pierre Fauchard Academy honours outstanding contributions to dentistry and is named after the French pioneer widely considered the father of modern dentistry. Acknowledging the honour, Dr Vipin Sharma, additional municipal commissioner (western suburbs), said the recognition brings heightened expectations for Nair Dental College to continue serving the public with advanced technology and superior care. Civic chief Bhushan Gagrani also stressed the need for the BMC to uphold its commitment to quality healthcare. Founded in 1933, Nair Hospital Dental College is Mumbai’s second-oldest dental hospital. It treats 1,000–1,200 patients daily, with over 3.5 lakh patients receiving care annually. Beyond patient care, the institution is deeply invested in social welfare, making its mark with impactful community service initiatives that extend its reach beyond clinic walls.England have lost five matches in a row and would ordinarily fancy their chances against Japan, against whom they hold a 100% record. The hosts' outspoken former head coach is in the opposite dugout, however, and he has a point to prove. Keep reading as we explain your England vs Japan live stream options and how you can watch the rugby from anywhere in the world with a VPN . England's recent difficulties in getting over the line — both literally and metaphorically — are well documented. Unable to turn territory into tries and see out games in which they're leading, Steve Borthwick's side have lost five in a row and haven't won since beating Japan 52-17 in the summer. Tom Curry is expected to return to the squad after overcoming concussion protocols, but Immanuel Feyi-Waboso has not and misses out. Japan are rebuilding, but come into this one off the back of a 36-20 victory over Uruguay last weekend, putting memories of a 52-12 drubbing at the hands of France a fortnight ago on the back burner. There will be plenty of chat in the build-up about Eddie Jones, whose seven-year spell in charge of England has come under recent scrutiny for the 'toxic' environment the head coach fostered in the dressing room. The Australian would love nothing more than to inflict an Autumn Internationals whitewash on his erstwhile charges. Can England get back to winning ways or will the returning Jones bite the hand that once fed him? Read on to see your England vs Japan live stream options and how to watch 2024 Autumn International rugby from anywhere. How to watch England vs Japan 2024 in the U.S. NBC 's streaming service Peacock has the rights to show every international rugby game this November. England vs Japan kicks off at 11:10 a.m. ET / 8:10 a.m. PT on Sunday. If you don't already have the service, Peacock TV subscriptions start from only $7.99/month, rising to $13.99/month to remove the ads. If you already subscribe to Peacock but are outside the U.S. right now, then using a VPN like NordVPN will help you access the rugby live streams. How to watch England vs Japan 2024 live streams from anywhere Away from home at the moment and blocked from watching the rugby on your usual subscription? You can still watch England vs Japan live online thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network). The software allows your devices to appear to be back in your home country regardless of where in the world you are, making it ideal for viewers away on vacation or on business. Our favorite is NordVPN . It's the best on the market — find out why we rate it so highly in our NordVPN review . Using a VPN is incredibly simple. 1. Install the VPN of your choice . As we've said, NordVPN is our favorite. 2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're away from the U.S., and want to view your usual streaming service, you'd select a U.S.-based server from the list. 3. Sit back and enjoy the action. Head to your usual streaming service and watch England vs Japan online as if you were back at home. Watch England vs Japan live streams in the U.K. TNT Sports is showing all of this year's Autumn Internationals, including England vs Japan. Build-up starts at 3:45 p.m. GMT on TNT Sports 1 ahead of kick-off at 4:10 p.m. You can stream TNT Sports online by subscribing to the Discovery+ Premium plan for £30.99/month, or you can add it through Sky, BT, EE or Virgin Media to watch via your television provider. If you're not in the U.K. right now but already subscribe to TNT Sports or Discovery+ Premium, try using NordVPN to watch as if you were back at home. Watch England vs Japan live streams in Australia England vs Japan will be shown on Stan Sport for rugby fans in Australia, along with all of the 2024 Autumn Nations Series live streams. This match starts at 3:10 a.m. AEDT on Monday morning. Base Stan plans cost from $12/month, and you'll need to add Stan Sport for a further $15/month. It's available on a wide variety of devices including smart TVs, iOS and Android phones, Chromecast, Apple TV and more. Stan Sport is also the place to watch Champions League , Europa League and Europa Conference League football, and Formula E. If you're currently out of Australia but want to watch rugby live streams via your home service, you'll need to get yourself a VPN . Instructions above. How to watch England vs Japan live streams in Canada Sports streaming specialist DAZN is the Canadian broadcaster for all of this November's Autumn Nations Series, including England vs Japan live streams. DAZN costs $34.99/month fee, although you can save a little by buying an annual pass for $300. DAZN has apps on pretty much every streaming platform around. Canadians stuck abroad who still want want watch rugby union via DAZN can use a VPN such as NordVPN to make your streaming device believe it's back home in Canada. How to watch England vs Japan live streams in New Zealand Live November international coverage in New Zealand — including this England vs Japan game — comes courtesy of Sky Sport , which is available as part of a range of pay TV packages. This one's on Sky Sport 1 at 5:10 a.m. NZDT on Monday and subscribers can also watch the rugby on mobiles using the Sky Go service. If you're not a subscriber, you can also watch online through the Sky Sport Now streaming-only platform. It costs $29.99/week or $49.99/month and can be cancelled any time. Outside of New Zealand right now? Watch rugby live streams just like you would at home with the help of a quality VPN . More from Tom's GuideThe effects of ‘brain rot’: How junk content is damaging our minds Social media addiction can reduce grey matter, shorten attention spans, weaken memory, and distort core cognitive functions, according to recent research “Brain rot” was named the Oxford Word of the Year for 2024 after a public vote involving more than 37,000 people. Oxford University Press defines the concept as “the supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as the result of overconsumption of material (now particularly online content) considered to be trivial or unchallenging.” According to Oxford’s language experts, the term reflects growing concerns about “the impact of consuming excessive amounts of low-quality online content, especially on social media.” The term increased in usage frequency by 230% between 2023 and 2024. But brain rot is not just a linguistic quirk. Over the past decade, scientific studies have shown that consuming excessive amounts of junk content — including sensationalist news, conspiracy theories and vacuous entertainment — can profoundly affect our brains. In other words, “rot” may not be that big of an exaggeration when it comes to describing the impact of low-quality online content. Research from prestigious institutions such as Harvard Medical School, Oxford University, and King’s College London — cited by The Guardian — reveals that social media consumption can reduce grey matter, shorten attention spans, weaken memory, and distort core cognitive functions. A 2023 study highlighted these effects, showing how internet addiction causes structural changes in the brain that influence behavior and cognitive abilities. Michoel Moshel, a researcher at Macquarie University and co-author of the study, explains that compulsive content consumption — popularly known as doomscrolling — “takes advantage of our brain’s natural tendency to seek out new things, especially when it comes to potentially harmful or alarming information, a trait that once helped us survive.” Moshel explains that features like “infinite scrolling,” which are designed to keep users glued to their screens, can trap people — especially young individuals — in a cycle of content consumption for hours. “This can significantly impair attention and executive functions by overwhelming our focus and altering the way we perceive and respond to the world,” says the researcher. Eduardo Fernández Jiménez, a clinical psychologist at Hospital La Paz in Madrid, explains that the brain activates different neural networks to manage various types of attention. He notes that excessive use of smartphones and the internet is causing issues with sustained attention , which “allows you to concentrate on the same task for a more or less extended period of time.” He adds: “It is the one that is linked to academic learning processes.” The problem, says the researcher, is that social media users are constantly exposed to rapidly changing and variable stimuli — such as Instagram notifications, WhatsApp messages, or news alerts — that have addictive potential. This means users are constantly switching their focus, which undermines their ability to concentrate effectively. Experts have been sounding the alarm about this issue since the turn of the century, when email became a common tool. In 2005, The Guardian ran the headline: “ Email pose ‘threat to IQ.’” The article reported that a team of scientists at the University of London investigated the impact of the constant influx of information on the brain. After conducting 80 clinical trials, they found that participants who used email and cellphones daily experienced an average IQ drop of 10 points. The researchers concluded that this constant demand for attention had a more detrimental effect than cannabis use This was before the rise of tweets, Instagram reels, TikTok challenges, and push notifications. The current situation, however, is even more concerning. Recent research has found that excessive internet use is linked to a decrease in grey matter in the prefrontal regions of the brain — areas responsible for problem-solving, emotional regulation, memory, and impulse control. The research conducted by Moshel and his colleagues supports these findings. Their latest study, which reviewed 27 neuroimaging studies, revealed that excessive internet use is associated with a reduction in the volume of grey matter in brain regions involved in reward processing, impulse control, and decision-making. “These changes reflect patterns observed in substance addictions,” says Moshel, comparing them to the effects of methamphetamines and alcohol. That’s not all. The research also found that “these neuroanatomical changes in adolescents coincide with disruptions in processes such as identity formation and social cognition — critical aspects of development during this stage.” This creates a kind of feedback loop, where the most vulnerable individuals are often the most affected. According to a study published in Nature in November, people with poorer mental health are more likely to engage with junk content, which further exacerbates their symptoms. In December, psychologist Carlos Losada offered advice to EL PAÍS on how to avoid falling into the trap of doomscrolling — or, in other words, being consumed by the endless cycle of junk content amplified by algorithms. His recommendations included recognizing the problem, making a conscious effort to disconnect, and engaging in activities that require physical presence, such as meeting friends or playing sports. “These activities are critical for brain health and overall wellbeing, helping to balance the potentially damaging effects of prolonged screen use,” explains Moshel, who stresses that the type of content consumed plays a pivotal role in shaping brain anatomy. “Focus on both the quality and quantity of screen time. Prioritize educational content that avoids addictive features. Set clear, age-appropriate limits on daily screen use and encourage regular breaks.” Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAÍS USA Edition Tu suscripción se está usando en otro dispositivo ¿Quieres añadir otro usuario a tu suscripción? Si continúas leyendo en este dispositivo, no se podrá leer en el otro. ¿Por qué estás viendo esto? Tu suscripción se está usando en otro dispositivo y solo puedes acceder a EL PAÍS desde un dispositivo a la vez. Si quieres compartir tu cuenta, cambia tu suscripción a la modalidad Premium, así podrás añadir otro usuario. Cada uno accederá con su propia cuenta de email, lo que os permitirá personalizar vuestra experiencia en EL PAÍS. En el caso de no saber quién está usando tu cuenta, te recomendamos cambiar tu contraseña aquí. Si decides continuar compartiendo tu cuenta, este mensaje se mostrará en tu dispositivo y en el de la otra persona que está usando tu cuenta de forma indefinida, afectando a tu experiencia de lectura. Puedes consultar aquí los términos y condiciones de la suscripción digital. TikTok Instagram Facebook Internet The toll of Taliban laws on Afghan women’s mental health: ‘I break down at night on my prayer mat. Every day, the morality police insult me’ A breathalyzer test leads to a diplomatic clash between Argentina and Russia The effects of ‘brain rot’: How junk content is damaging our minds Why tidying up or repotting plants can bring us joy: The psychology behind ‘refuge pleasures’ Amid uncertainty and fear, thousands of migrants prepare for the closure of shelters in New York Pornhub to block Florida users on January 1 to protest war on porn After having some fingers and his ears removed, The Black Alien abandons his body modification project Chevy Chase, the beloved comedian who was a monster off camera: ‘Not everyone hated him, just the people who’ve worked with him’ Tourism amid power cuts and food shortages: Why does Cuba continue to invest in hotels?
TORONTO — Shoppers flocked to malls on Thursday to take advantage of Boxing Day deals made more enticing by the federal government’s GST holiday, but some say the lower prices aren’t enough to keep up with the country’s cost of living. For two months, a slew of items including children’s toys, video games and consoles, snacks, wine and restaurant food are GST- or HST-free, depending on the province. The tax break has incentivized some consumers to take advantage of Boxing Day sales at their local retailers. Nakul Singal said he came to Fairview Mall in Toronto on Thursday morning with his partner to hunt for deals. "Every year, we generally get good deals,” said Singal, who added he’d been waiting for Boxing Day to get new earphones. “It’s good to shop around during this time.” He added that while the tax break has helped his family with food prices, he would like the government to do more to help Canadians with the high costs of living, especially housing. “I hope that they could stop inflation,” he said. “We are struggling right now." The vice-president of federal government relations for the Retail Council of Canada, Matt Poirier, told The Canadian Press last week that Boxing Day in particular is expected to get a boost amid the temporary break. However, he said businesses, including ones with older payment systems, have faced hurdles trying to implement the tax break on short notice and even figuring out which items qualify. An RBC Economics report from earlier this month showed retail spending slowed in November, with holiday spending slightly below 2023 levels over the Black Friday weekend. Spending on hobbies, toys and games scaled back notably after Nov. 21, wrote RBC economist Carrie Freestone — the day the tax break was announced. "Typically, spending on popular children’s gifts builds as the holiday season approaches," wrote Freestone. But even with November's decline, Canada is likely on track for a slight uptick in per-person retail spending in the fourth quarter for the first time since mid-2022, she wrote. Joey Comia-Orellano, an assistant store manager at a GameStop in north Toronto, said the store has seen an influx of customers since the tax break was announced. Shoppers have been eager to benefit from the tax holiday, he said. “We’ve been getting shoppers before Boxing Day,” he said. Comia-Orellano added that he expects the store to get busier on Thursday as consumers look to save with Boxing Day deals combined with the tax break. “I did notice a lot of people buying more games, a lot of controllers, and definitely a lot of consoles, too," he said. Meanwhile, Raj Jeetu, another shopper at Fairview Mall on Thursday, said while he has already taken advantage of the tax break at restaurants multiple times, he’s skeptical of what it will do for Canadians in the long-term. “I don’t know if it’ll help much. I guess the prices really need to come down,” he said. For Comia-Orellano, one thing he has heard from customers is that while the tax break and Boxing Day deals might not help with the overall affordability crisis, it’s still worthwhile for savings. “It's necessary, it gets hard around the holidays,” he said. “This is almost like a small break for people when it comes to taxes, so not necessarily making things a little bit more affordable." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 26, 2024. Rianna Lim, The Canadian Press
Data Center Virtualization Market Transforming IT Infrastructure with Agile Virtualization Solutions 11-23-2024 12:59 PM CET | IT, New Media & Software Press release from: SkyQuest Technology Group Data Center Virtualization Market "In recent years, the global Data Center Virtualization Market has witnessed a dynamic shift, influenced by changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and a growing emphasis on sustainability. The Research report on Data Center Virtualization Market presents a complete judgment of the market through strategic insights on future trends, growth factors, supplier landscape, demand landscape, Y-o-Y growth rate, CAGR, pricing analysis. It also provides and a lot of business matrices including Porters Five Forces Analysis, PESTLE Analysis, Value Chain Analysis, 4 Ps' Analysis, Market Attractiveness Analysis, BPS Analysis, Ecosystem Analysis. Discover Your Competitive Edge with a Free Sample Report @ https://www.skyquestt.com/sample-request/data-center-virtualization-market This Data Center Virtualization Market report is being written to illustrate the market opportunity by region and by segments, indicating opportunity areas for the vendors to tap upon. To estimate the opportunity, it was very important to understand the current market scenario and the way it will grow in future. Production and consumption patterns are being carefully compared to forecast the Data Center Virtualization Market. Other factors considered to forecast the market are the growth of the adjacent market, revenue growth of the key market vendors, scenario-based analysis, and market segment growth. The Data Center Virtualization Market size was determined by estimating the market through a top-down and bottom-up approach, which was further validated with industry interviews. To determine the growth of the Data Center Virtualization Market factors such as drivers, trends, restraints, and opportunities were identified, and the impact of these factors was analyzed to determine the market growth. To understand the market growth in detail, we have analyzed the year-on-year growth of the market. Also, historic growth rates were compared to determine growth patterns. Market Segmentation: Deployment Private Cloud, Public Cloud, and Hybrid Cloud End-user Enterprises, Cloud Service Providers, and Telecom Service Providers Key Players Covered in the Report: Cisco Systems Inc. (US) VMware, Inc. (US) Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP (US) Microsoft Corporation (US) IBM Corporation (US) Dell Technologies Inc. (US) Citrix Systems, Inc. (US) Red Hat, Inc. (US) Oracle Corporation (US) Nutanix, Inc. (US) Fujitsu Limited (Japan) Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. (China) NEC Corporation (Japan) Juniper Networks, Inc. (US) Lenovo Group Limited (China) Hitachi Vantara Corporation (US) HCL Technologies Limited (India) Wipro Limited (India) Atos SE (France) Capgemini SE (France) To establish the important thing traits, Ask Our Experts @ https://www.skyquestt.com/speak-with-analyst/data-center-virtualization-market Essential regions of the Data Center Virtualization market are: • Data Center Virtualization North America Market includes (Canada, Mexico, USA) • Data Center Virtualization Europe Market includes (Germany, France, Great Britain, Italy, Spain, Russia) • Data Center Virtualization Asia-Pacific Market includes (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia) • Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, South Africa) • Data Center Virtualization South America Market includes (Brazil, Argentina) FAQs: - 1. What are the sales, production, consumption, imports, and exports of the global market (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East, and Africa)? 2. Who are the major manufacturers who dominate the world market? 3. What are their current capacity, production, sales, pricing, cost, gross, and revenue operating levels? 4. What are the market's risks and opportunities? What's more, it likewise covers the request and give of the promoting research concentrate in the assessed figure time frame. Explained investigation of the market players with their profile, deals examination and serious scene is given in the report. Besides, organization, joint effort and consolidations in the business are referenced for the accommodation of the investigation of the global Data Center Virtualization industry. Take Action Now: Secure Your Data Center Virtualization Market Today - https://www.skyquestt.com/buy-now/data-center-virtualization-market Objectives of the Study: • To forecast the market size, in terms of value, for various segments with respect to five main regions, namely, North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Latin America (LATAM), Middle East & Africa (MEA) • To provide detailed information regarding the major factors influencing the growth of the Market (drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges) • To strategically analyze the micro markets with respect to the individual growth trends, future prospects, and contribution to the total market • To provide a detailed overview of the value chain and analyze market trends with the Porter's five forces analysis • To analyze the opportunities in the market for various stakeholders by identifying the high-growth Segments • To identify the key players and comprehensively analyze their market position in terms of ranking and core competencies, along with detailing the competitive landscape for the market leaders • To analyze competitive development such as joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, new product launches and development, and research and development in the market Looking ahead, the Data Center Virtualization Market is poised for continued growth, driven by evolving consumer preferences and ongoing innovations. The trend towards sustainability is expected to strengthen, with more consumers seeking products that align with their values. Additionally, the integration of advanced technologies and digital platforms will likely further enhance market accessibility and consumer engagement. The global Data Center Virtualization Market is a dynamic and evolving landscape, shaped by a confluence of trends and factors. Browse Complete Report Data Center Virtualization Market 2024 for Better Understanding - https://www.skyquestt.com/report/data-center-virtualization-market Table of Contents Global Data Center Virtualization Market Research Report 2024-2031 Chapter 1 Data Center Virtualization Market Overview Chapter 2 Global Economic Impact on Industry Chapter 3 Global Market Competition by Manufacturers Chapter 4 Global Production, Revenue (Value) by Region Chapter 5 Global Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Regions Chapter 6 Global Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type Chapter 7 Global Market Analysis by Application Chapter 8 Manufacturing Cost Analysis Chapter 9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers Chapter 10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders Chapter 11 Market Effect Factors Analysis Chapter 12 Global Data Center Virtualization Market Forecast ... About Us: SkyQuest is an IP focused Research and Investment Bank and Accelerator of Technology and assets. We provide access to technologies, markets and finance across sectors viz. Life Sciences, CleanTech, AgriTech, NanoTech and Information & Communication Technology. We work closely with innovators, inventors, innovation seekers, entrepreneurs, companies and investors alike in leveraging external sources of R&D. Moreover, we help them in optimizing the economic potential of their intellectual assets. Our experiences with innovation management and commercialization have expanded our reach across North America, Europe, ASEAN and Asia Pacific. Contact Us: SkyQuest Technology 1 Apache Way, Westford, Massachusetts 01886 USA (+1) 351-333-4748 Email: sales@skyquestt.com Visit Our Website: https://www.skyquestt.com/ This release was published on openPR.LANSING, MI -- Millington topped North Muskegon, 35-28, in a Division 7 semifinal football game at Lansing Eastern High School on Saturday, Nov. 23. Millington held a 20-14 halftime lead and saw their second half lead grow to 35-14. The Cardinals were able to survive a North Muskegon comeback to secure the win. Millington advances to the state final at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30, where they will play Monroe St. Mary CC. MLive was there to document the action, both on and off of the field. Check out photos from the game in the gallery above. Click here for a direct link to the gallery. You must be a subscriber to view the photo gallery. Subscribers click the “Get photo” link to download high-resolution images right to their device for free as part of their subscription. To subscribe, click this link."I Love POG": Why Hawaiian Airlines' Popular Juice Beverage Won't Be Going Away Anytime Soon
Boxing Day shoppers take advantage of tax holiday amid cost of living crisisThe beloved actor known for roles in "The Golden Girls," "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," "Boston Legal" and others will be on a 2025 Forever stamp, USPS announced this past week. White died in late December 2021 , less than three weeks before her 100th birthday. The Postal Service hasn't announced a release date for the stamp. “An icon of American television, Betty White (1922–2021) shared her wit and warmth with viewers for seven decades,” the Postal Service said in announcing the stamp, which depicts a smiling White based on a 2010 photograph by celebrity photographer Kwaku Alston . “The comedic actor, who gained younger generations of fans as she entered her 90s, was also revered as a compassionate advocate for animals.” Boston-based artist Dale Stephanos created the digital illustration from Alston's photo. "I'd love to send a letter back to my 18-year-old self with this stamp on it and tell him that everything is going to be OK," Stephanos posted on Facebook . Regardless of personal politics, self-proclaimed supporters of Republican President-elect Donald Trump and Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris reacted with delight on social media. "Betty White was my hero, all of my life! I actually had a doll when I was a little girl I named Betty White," one Trump supporter posted on X , formerly Twitter. “Something to make this awful week a little better: We’re getting a Betty White stamp,” a pro-Harris X account posted. White combined a wholesome image with a flare for bawdy jokes . Her television career began in the early 1950s and exploded as she aged. “The only SNL host I ever saw get a standing ovation at the after party," Seth Meyers posted on Twitter after her death. "A party at which she ordered a vodka and a hotdog and stayed til the bitter end.”
Woolston Brass will perform a fundraising event for theChristchurch City Mission on Monday 16 December, whichstarts inside the Cathedral then moves outside intoCathedral Square at 7pm. The first part of theconcert, inside the Cathedral, will be livestreamed from6.45pm - 7pm on Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Ltd(CCRL) Instagram and Facebook pages. At 7pm, the30-strong band will move outside Cathedral Square andperform to the public until about 7.45pm. It’s thefirst instrumental performance inside the Cathedral sincethe earthquakes in 2011. Woolston Brass generalmanager Todd Turner said they did not hesitate when CCRLinvited them to play inside. “Founded in 1891,Woolston Brass are of the same vintage as the Cathedral. Wehave missed it. The Cathedral has lots of memories for usand so many amazing musicians have playedthere." “We are so sad that the reinstatementproject has had to pause. This is our way of showing oursupport for the Cathedral and raising some much-needed fundsfor the Christchurch City Mission.” “We and CCRLare two charities joining forces for another, the CityMission, at Christmas.” Limited spots are stillavailable to visit the 10-metre City Mission Christmas treeinside the Christ Church Cathedral apse, continuing thepre-quakes’ tradition where members of the public wouldeach year leave Christmas gifts for children in need underthe City Mission tree. The Anglican Church remainsfirmly committed to reinstatement of Christ ChurchCathedral. While construction is paused, there has been nopause in work by CCRL to find solutions that will see theproject completed. Chairman Mark Stewart reiteratedCCRL’s continued endeavours as careful custodians of theCathedral now that the heritage fabric has been secured andprotected. Mark Stewart said that even though the CCRLteam has reduced from 5.8 full-time equivalent staff to 1.8,they are keeping funding conversations alive withGovernment, Council and donors. “We will continue toprotect our city’s heritage, our taonga. As well as aspiritual place, our Cathedral is a symbol of human andsocial accomplishment. A thread that connects generations.That is what motivates ourendeavour.”Most Americans not aware that alcohol ups cancer risk: Survey
NoneUS President Joe Biden on Sunday said deposed Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad should be "held accountable" but called the nation's political upheaval a "historic opportunity" for Syrians to rebuild their country. In the first full US reaction to Assad's overthrow by an Islamist-led coalition of rebel factions, Biden also warned that Washington will "remain vigilant" against the emergence of terrorist groups, announcing that US forces had just conducted fresh strikes against militants from the Islamic State organization. "The fall of the regime is a fundamental act of justice," Biden said, speaking from the White House. "It's a moment of historic opportunity for the long-suffering people of Syria." Asked by reporters what should happen to the deposed president, who reportedly has fled to Moscow, Biden said that "Assad should be held accountable." Biden -- set to step down in January and make way for Republican Donald Trump's return to power -- said Washington will assist Syrians in rebuilding. "We will engage with all Syrian groups, including within the process led by the United Nations, to establish a transition away from the Assad regime toward independent, sovereign" Syria "with a new constitution," he said. However, Biden cautioned that hardline Islamist groups within the victorious rebel alliance will be under scrutiny. "Some of the rebel groups that took down Assad have their own grim record of terrorism and human right abuses," Biden said. The United States had "taken note" of recent statements by rebels suggesting they had since moderated, he said, but cautioned: "We will assess not just their words, but their actions." Biden said Washington is "clear eyed" that the Islamic State extremist group, often known as ISIS, "will try to take advantage of any vacuum to reestablish" itself in Syria. "We will not let that happen," he said, adding that on Sunday alone, US forces had conducted strikes against ISIS inside Syria. The US military said the strikes were conducted by warplanes against Islamic State operatives and camps. Strikes were carried out against "over 75 targets using multiple US Air Force assets, including B-52s, F-15s, and A-10s," the US Central Command said on social media. Earlier, Biden met with his national security team at the White House to discuss the crisis. Assad's reported departure comes less than two weeks after the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group challenged more than five decades of Assad family rule with a lightning rebel offensive that broke long-frozen frontlines in Syria's civil war. They announced Sunday they had taken the capital Damascus and that Assad had fled, prompting celebrations nationwide and a ransacking of Assad's luxurious home. A Kremlin source told Russian news agencies that the deposed leader was now in Moscow, along with his family. The US military has around 900 troops in Syria and 2,500 in Iraq as part of the international coalition established in 2014 to help combat the Islamic State jihadist group. It has regularly struck targets in the country including those linked to Iranian-backed militias. Tehran was a major backer of Assad's government. Biden also confirmed US authorities believe the American journalist Austin Tice, who was abducted in Syria in 2012, still lives. "We believe he's alive," Biden said, but the US has yet "to identify where he is." bur-sms/mlmRussia missile suspected in Azerbaijani plane crash, Moscow warns against 'hypotheses'
Thursday, December 26, 2024 The global business travel market, valued at USD 689.7 billion in 2021, is forecast to reach USD 2.1 trillion by 2031, growing at a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5%. This growth is being driven by multiple factors, including the rise of bleisure travel (business plus leisure), advancements in technology, and a strong expansion in government-backed initiatives in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) segment. As businesses continue to adopt international and cross-border collaborations, the demand for travel-related services to facilitate meetings, negotiations, trade shows, and networking is on the rise. Business travel, essential for creating partnerships, joint ventures, and maintaining customer relationships, continues to be a cornerstone of the global economy, with companies eager to expand their market reach. A significant development within the business travel market is the growing trend of bleisure travel, where business travelers extend their trips for leisure purposes. The integration of work and leisure not only helps travelers relieve stress but also enhances work efficiency. According to experts, this hybrid travel trend is expected to continue growing, fueling demand for both business and leisure accommodations, thereby impacting the market growth significantly. Technological advancements have also played a crucial role in driving the business travel market. The rise of online travel agencies (OTAs) like Booking.com, Expedia, and KAYAK has made booking travel arrangements more accessible and efficient for businesses. The introduction of virtual reality (VR) for hotel bookings, smart hotels, and the Internet of Things (IoT) in the travel industry are also enhancing the overall travel experience for business travelers. Additionally, the adoption of robotics in hotels for greeting guests, providing information, and handling luggage is changing the landscape of service delivery in business tourism. The business travel market is segmented across various categories, including services, industries, traveler types, and regions. Services are divided into transportation (air, rail, and car), food & lodging, and recreation, with the food and lodging segment expected to see the fastest growth. Within the transportation segment, air travel remains the dominant choice, with rail and car travel contributing to specific regional needs. In terms of industry, the business travel market is divided into government and corporate sectors, with the corporate sector taking the largest share. In 2021, the corporate segment was valued at USD 454.5 billion, accounting for nearly 65.9% of the global business travel market. This dominance reflects the ongoing demand for business travel to maintain and expand corporate operations globally. Regionally, North America remains a significant player in the business travel market, with the United States projected to reach USD 374.5 billion by 2031. The U.S. market alone will grow at a CAGR of 8.7% during the forecast period, driven by high business activity, a vast network of multinational companies, and strong governmental support for business-related travel initiatives. Leading companies operating in the business travel sector include American Express Company, BCD Group, CWT Global B.V., and American Express Global Business Travel, among others. These organizations are at the forefront of providing travel management services, personalized travel packages, and corporate travel solutions to meet the needs of businesses across various sectors. Robotics and automation are also gaining ground in the business travel market, helping companies streamline operations and reduce human-to-human contact. Travel agencies are incorporating robotic technology for tasks like customer pre-screening and data entry, offering a more efficient and secure experience for business travelers. The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on the global business travel market. In 2020, global business travel spending plummeted by 52%, with losses reported at ten times the scale of the 2008 Great Recession. Travel spending in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific all saw significant declines, affecting major markets globally. Despite these challenges, the industry is steadily recovering, thanks to the measures implemented by governments and organizations to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic. For instance, in Singapore, the government increased capacity limits for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) activities, a step that was welcomed by the industry as it allowed for the gradual return of business events and conferences. These efforts are contributing to the resurgence of business travel, particularly within the MICE segment, which is expected to continue growing in the coming years. Looking ahead, the business travel market is poised for continued growth, driven by infrastructure investments, technological advancements, and a more liberalized approach to market entry, which will encourage foreign direct investments (FDIs). Infrastructural development, such as the construction of modern conference centers, expansion of airport facilities, and improvements in transport networks, is expected to fuel the demand for business travel services. The rise of virtual meetings and video conferencing, although offering an alternative to traditional travel, will not diminish the need for face-to-face interactions in business. As global connectivity increases, business travel will remain an integral part of the corporate landscape, facilitating stronger business relationships and fostering international trade. The business travel market is on a strong upward trajectory, with projected growth from USD 689.7 billion in 2021 to USD 2.1 trillion by 2031. Key drivers, including the growing popularity of bleisure travel, technological innovations, and the expansion of the MICE segment, are expected to continue propelling the market forward. As businesses become more global and interconnected, the demand for business travel services will remain strong, supported by investments in infrastructure and advancements in travel technologies. Despite the setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry is recovering steadily, and the future looks promising as the demand for corporate travel, conferences, and networking opportunities increases. The business travel market is not only a critical component of the global economy but also an evolving sector that will continue to adapt to the needs of modern businesses and travelers.
The 14-year-old from suburban Indianapolis can sound out words, but her dyslexia makes the process so draining that she often struggles with comprehension. “I just assumed I was stupid,” she recalled of her early grade school years. But assistive technology powered by artificial intelligence has helped her keep up with classmates. Last year, Makenzie was named to the National Junior Honor Society. She credits a customized AI-powered chatbot, a word prediction program and other tools that can read for her. “I would have just probably given up if I didn’t have them,” she said. Artificial intelligence holds the promise of helping countless other students with a range of visual, speech, language and hearing impairments to execute tasks that come easily to others. Schools everywhere have been wrestling with how and where to incorporate AI , but many are fast-tracking applications for students with disabilities. Getting the latest technology into the hands of students with disabilities is a priority for the U.S. Education Department, which has told schools they must consider whether students need tools like text-to-speech and alternative communication devices. New rules from the Department of Justice also will require schools and other government entities to make apps and online content accessible to those with disabilities. There is concern about how to ensure students using it — including those with disabilities — are still learning. Students can use artificial intelligence to summarize jumbled thoughts into an outline, summarize complicated passages, or even translate Shakespeare into common English. And computer-generated voices that can read passages for visually impaired and dyslexic students are becoming less robotic and more natural. “I’m seeing that a lot of students are kind of exploring on their own, almost feeling like they’ve found a cheat code in a video game,” said Alexis Reid, an educational therapist in the Boston area who works with students with learning disabilities. But in her view, it is far from cheating : “We’re meeting students where they are.” Ben Snyder, a 14-year-old freshman from Larchmont, New York, who was recently diagnosed with a learning disability, has been increasingly using AI to help with homework. “Sometimes in math, my teachers will explain a problem to me, but it just makes absolutely no sense,” he said. “So if I plug that problem into AI, it’ll give me multiple different ways of explaining how to do that.” He likes a program called Question AI. Earlier in the day, he asked the program to help him write an outline for a book report — a task he completed in 15 minutes that otherwise would have taken him an hour and a half because of his struggles with writing and organization. But he does think using AI to write the whole report crosses a line. “That’s just cheating,” Ben said. Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts Schools have been trying to balance the technology’s benefits against the risk that it will do too much. If a special education plan sets reading growth as a goal, the student needs to improve that skill. AI can’t do it for them, said Mary Lawson, general counsel at the Council of the Great City Schools. But the technology can help level the playing field for students with disabilities, said Paul Sanft, director of a Minnesota-based center where families can try out different assistive technology tools and borrow devices. “There are definitely going to be people who use some of these tools in nefarious ways. That’s always going to happen,” Sanft said. “But I don’t think that’s the biggest concern with people with disabilities, who are just trying to do something that they couldn’t do before.” Another risk is that AI will track students into less rigorous courses of study. And, because it is so good at identifying patterns , AI might be able to figure out a student has a disability. Having that disclosed by AI and not the student or their family could create ethical dilemmas, said Luis Pérez, the disability and digital inclusion lead at the Center for Accessible Technology. Schools are using the technology to help students who struggle academically, even if they do not qualify for special education services. In Iowa, a new law requires students deemed not proficient — about a quarter of them — to get an individualized reading plan. As part of that effort, the state’s education department spent $3 million on an AI-driven personalized tutoring program. When students struggle, a digital avatar intervenes. More AI tools are coming soon. The U.S. National Science Foundation is funding AI research and development. One firm is developing tools to help children with speech and language difficulties. Called the National AI Institute for Exceptional Education, it is headquartered at the University of Buffalo, which did pioneering work on handwriting recognition that helped the U.S. Postal Service save hundreds of millions of dollars by automating processing. “We are able to solve the postal application with very high accuracy. When it comes to children’s handwriting, we fail very badly,” said Venu Govindaraju, the director of the institute. He sees it as an area that needs more work, along with speech-to-text technology, which isn’t as good at understanding children’s voices, particularly if there is a speech impediment. Sorting through the sheer number of programs developed by education technology companies can be a time-consuming challenge for schools. Richard Culatta, CEO of the International Society for Technology in Education, said the nonprofit launched an effort this fall to make it easier for districts to vet what they are buying and ensure it is accessible. Makenzie wishes some of the tools were easier to use. Sometimes a feature will inexplicably be turned off, and she will be without it for a week while the tech team investigates. The challenges can be so cumbersome that some students resist the technology entirely. But Makenzie’s mother, Nadine Gilkison, who works as a technology integration supervisor at Franklin Township Community School Corporation in Indiana, said she sees more promise than downside. In September, her district rolled out chatbots to help special education students in high school. She said teachers, who sometimes struggled to provide students the help they needed, became emotional when they heard about the program. Until now, students were reliant on someone to help them, unable to move ahead on their own. “Now we don’t need to wait anymore,” she said. The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org .
Griezmann double makes it nine wins in a row for Atletico after stunning 4-3 victory over Sevilla
