text:
New insights for improved pertussis vaccines - Press release -
Researchers in Bilthoven, The Netherlands, have recently unraveled the defense against whooping cough bacteria in unprecedented detail. The outcome of the project, conducted at Intravacc (Institute for Translational Vaccinology) in Bilthoven, provides opportunities for a new approach in the development of improved whooping cough vaccines. The results have been published in PLoS ONE.
An infection with Bordetella pertussis bacteria, the causative agent of whooping cough, occurs in the respiratory tract. Intravacc used a new approach to follow the infection process caused by the pertussis bacterium in mice. Researchers measured the activity of all the genes in the lungs and spleen - an important organ of the immune system - at various time points during infection. Through this approach, it was possible to map changes in the expression of hundreds of genes in infected mice. This resulted in a very detailed and chronological map of protective immunity against pertussis bacteria.
Rene Raeven, investigator: "The response to an infection or vaccination is usually determined by measuring only a few parameters like, for example, the amount of antibodies in the blood. Through the new approach, we found that not only antibodies, but also local defense mechanisms - in the lung - play a role in fighting the infection. "
The research was conducted in cooperation with the Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research (LACDR) and the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) in Bilthoven, both in the Netherlands.
Improved pertussis vaccines
The study reveals the molecular and cellular immunological processes in response to a pertussis infection. Bernard Metz, project leader: "Our study provides new insights for the development of improved pertussis vaccines. Currently, two types of vaccines against whooping cough are available. Whole cell vaccines, mainly marketed in low-income countries, offer long lasting protection but are rather reactogenic. Acellular vaccines, mainly marketed in high income countries, are less reactogenic but provide a more limited duration of protection." Intravacc works on the development of a new pertussis vaccine based on outer membrane vesicles (OMVs). The use of OMVs should lead to a vaccine with broad protection and low reactogenicity.
Pertussis is an endemic infectious disease that primarily affects infants and may cause severe symptoms. In some cases it is fatal. The disease is resurging and is among the global top 10 of vaccine preventable infections (source: WHO). The worldwide resurgence of pertussis may have been caused by changes in the bacteria and waning immunity of vaccines being used. Improved pertussis vaccines and vaccination strategies are therefore needed.
About Intravacc
Intravacc is part of the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. It performs a role in translating scientific ideas into valuable vaccines for both public and private sectors.
Intravacc is an attractive partner in R & D projects with third parties. It possesses expert knowledge and an accessible and complete infrastructure for translational vaccine research, development and production. Partners of Intravacc vary from biopharmaceutical and biotech companies to governments and other public and academic organizations. For more information www.intravacc.nl
Intravacc
Wilma Witkamp
Mobile: +31 (0) 6 52 50 48 29
Email: info@intravacc.nl
BioTherapeutics
Biologics Formulation


I'm normally quite good with presents so I thought it may be a good idea to give you all an idea of some presents for the gals on Valentine's Day. I've included a range of prices varying from £12 to around 200 quid so hopefully there's something here for everyone!
I'd say the safest bet is a really nice perfume so I've picked Lady Million by Paco Rabanne but obviously every likes different fragrances so bear that in mind! I think jewellery is also a good option, you may have seen this Links skull bracelet on my Instagram a few weeks ago (@therawrdrobe) and I think it's amazing, definitely on my 18th birthday wishlist! The cheaper options here are a nice lipstick, I'd definitely recommend MAC, a book which they'll love (I'm loving It by Alexa Chung even though it's quite a short read) and a bath set from Lush if they're into that kinda thing. I'm personally not a massive Lush lover so I'd say a better alternative is the shower gels at Molton Brown – they are actually amazing.
The alexa chung book would be such a cute gift I love the book!!
I love Kate Spade! I was after one of her purses for christmas! Great picks!


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Do 'revenge porn' laws violate the First Amendment?
A defendant charged under Illinois' "revenge porn" law argued that the law was an unconstitutional restriction on her freedom of speech, reported the ABA Journal. The trial court agreed, holding that the law doesn't serve a compelling government interest because the harms of revenge porn are speculative.
As a result, the state of Illinois went before its state supreme court last May, defending the statute at oral argument. Around the same time, Jordan Bartlett Jones, was making a similar First Amendment argument in the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. Appeals courts in Wisconsin and Vermont rejected First Amendment challenges to revenge porn statutes in 2018—but in Texas and Illinois, the lower courts have given the First Amendment claims a foothold.
Decisions striking down those laws could threaten revenge porn laws in all 46 states (plus Washington, D.C., and Guam) that have them. But Mary Anne Franks, president, legislative and tech policy director of the anti-revenge-porn group, the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative, says that could be for the best.
"Sometimes these challenges are legitimate, in the sense that it may be good for the legislature to take a pretty hard look at whether or not they've crafted the best law possible," says Franks, who teaches criminal and First Amendment law at the University of Miami.
Laws like the ones being challenged, started springing up in early 2010, when it started becoming common to see intimate images shared without the subject's consent. Some images become public via hacking or extortion, but often someone puts them online after a breakup in order to hurt the person depicted. In those cases, the poster may send the images directly to the victim's employer, family and friends or to a for-profit revenge porn website.
However, it got harder to do that with impunity starting around 2013, when states began passing laws outlawing revenge porn. Four states: Wyoming, Mississippi, South Carolina and Massachusetts still don't have specific laws outlawing revenge porn. New York and Nebraska are the most recent states to pass bills outlawing the offense.
There's little cohesion among state revenge porn laws. In 2016, U.S. Rep. Jackie Speier, D-Calif., introduced a bill that would make revenge porn a federal crime, but it didn't pass. In 2017, Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., and two other senators introduced a bill that would criminalize the distribution of revenge porn. Speier and U.S. Rep. John Katko, R-N.Y., introduced a third bill in May, the SHIELD Act, which is pending with the judiciary committee.
The resignation of former freshman U.S. Rep. Katie Hill, D-Calif., in October, after revealing pictures of her and a campaign staffer were made public online, sparked renewed public interest in revenge porn. Generally, recent pushes to regulate revenge porn coincide with growing awareness around sexual harassment and abuse as well as discussions around the government's role in regulating social media.
It's tough to say how many people have been prosecuted, but Franks says only a few have brought the sort of First Amendment challenge at issue in the four appellate cases. A fifth First Amendment challenge, filed by the ACLU of Arizona (Antigone Books et al v. Horne), led a federal district court to strike down that state's first revenge porn law in 2015.
To read more CLICK HERE
Posted by Law and Justice Policy at Friday, December 20, 2019
Labels: First Amendment, Revenge Porn, Supreme Court, unconstitutional
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
2015 Surf Industry Awards Night
2015 Australian Surf Industry Awards presented by Surf & Boardsports Industry Association Inc.
JUNE 15, 2015: The Australian surf industry celebrated its annual awards in fine style in the Gold Coast on Thursday June 11. Held at Twin Towns resort, the night attracted over 200 retailers and brand representatives from all over Australia, on hand to acknowledge the high achievers of the Australian surf industry.
Both retailers and brands were recognised with 34 awards presented throughout the night, across a number of retail, product and marketing categories.
Highlights in the retail oriented awards included the Australian Retailer of the Year, won by Saltwater Wine/Stormriders, Aloha Manly winning the Core Boardstore award and Strapper Surf and Blunt Skateboarding Co the shop fit-out of the year.
On the brand side, Rip Curl took out product of the year in the boardshort, wetsuit and surf accessories categories, Oakley won sunglass of the year while Billabong were big winners, taking home men's and women's brand of the year and also men's and women's marketing campaigns of the year.
"Winning the four major awards is a massive statement from our retail partners of the commitment and enthusiasm that Billabong brings to the Australian surf market. We're very thankful and stoked to be recognised in such a way," said Billabong men's marketing manager Scott Hargreaves.
The coveted surfboard of the year was won for the second time running by Haydenshapes for its Hypto Krypto Future Flex. Surfing Australia was also recognised for all the work it does at a grass roots level for Australian surfing, winning the Service To Industry award.
SBIA president Anthony Wilson hailed the night as one of the best ever: "The Awards night is not only an opportunity to publicly acknowledge those excelling in our industry, but it's also a real gathering of the surfing tribe. It was a hugely successful night, made more so by having Mark Richards, Layne Beachley, Wayne Rabbit Bartholomew and Mark Occhilupo – all world champions and Australian surfing legends – on hand to present the awards."
The awards were sponsored by Corona, Sense (Product Innovation), Brandscope (Retail Awards), Tyro (Retail Awards), Davidsons Business Advisors (Environment Award), Shop for Shops (Shop fit-out award), Australian Surf Business magazine (service Awards), Coastalwatch, and Surfing World (marketing and brand awards) and Surfing Australia
About Australian Surf Industry Awards:
The Australian Surf Industry Awards are held annually with entries opening January each year. The awards were launched in 2011 to celebrate the Industry's outstanding Retailers, Products and Brands. With 34 categories ranging from Core Boardstore to Men's Brand of the Year the Awards also recognise outstanding Service to the Industry.
About SBIA:
The role of the Surf & Boardsports Industry Association is to drive the vibrancy, growth and business opportunities for the industry.
For further information please contact; admin@sbia.com.au or visit www.sbia.com.au
The Surf & Boardsports Industry Association Inc (SBIA) is a non-profit organization, founded by, and run by Surf & Boardsports Retailers and Industry Brands. The association serves as the preeminent voice on a grassroots level with manufacturers, suppliers, and other associations.


Come join us at The Avenue on Sunday 24th February for a one of a kind LIVE STREET ART BATTLE! See local artists of all descriptions including - Graffiti, Tattoo, Modern, Abstract, Contemporary, Performance, Freestyle - battle it out as they create the best street art piece on the Gold Coast! The Battle starts at 3pm concluding in a charity art auction with all funds being donated to The Common Good.


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Die Mittelmeermöwe (Larus michahellis) ist eine Vogelart innerhalb der Möwen (Larinae). Sie brütet in Makaronesien, an der Biskaya, auf der Iberischen Halbinsel, im Mittelmeer- und im Schwarzmeerraum. Zerstreute Vorkommen gibt es auch im nördlichen West- und Mitteleuropa. Die gelbbeinige Großmöwe wurde lange als Unterart der Silbermöwe, später als Unterart der "Weißkopfmöwe" angesehen, die sich dann als paraphyletisches Taxon herausstellte und in Mittelmeer- und Steppenmöwe aufgeteilt wurde.

Beschreibung
Die Mittelmeermöwe ist mit 52–58 cm und einer Flügelspannweite von 120–140 cm kleiner als die sehr ähnliche Silbermöwe. Die Art ist insgesamt kompakter gebaut und zeigt einen kräftigeren, vorne etwas stumpferen, stärker gerundeten Schnabel. Der Kopf wirkt größer, vorne gewölbter und auf dem Scheitel flacher. Der Hinterleib ist insgesamt schlanker, die Flügelspitzen reichen beim sitzenden Vogel 5–7 cm über den Schwanz hinaus. Die Beine sind verhältnismäßig lang, der Vogel wirkt also hochbeiniger. Junge Mittelmeermöwen wechseln im vierten Lebensjahr in das Adultkleid. Ein Sexualdimorphismus besteht nicht.

Adulte Vögel
Bei adulten Vögeln im Brutkleid ist der Kopf rein weiß wie auch Hals, Nacken, die gesamte Unterseite und der Schwanz. Der gelbe Schnabel zeigt einen ausgedehnten Gonysfleck, der teils bis auf den Oberschnabel reicht. Die Iris ist zitronengelb, das Auge von einem roten Ring umgeben. Die Beine sind lebhaft gelb. Die Oberseite ist hellgrau und geringfügig dunkler als die adulter Silbermöwen. Es fehlt die leicht bläuliche Tönung wie bei letztgenannter Art. Die Flügeloberseite ist bis auf einen schmal weißen Vorder- und breit weißen Hinterrand sowie eine überwiegend schwarze Partie auf der Spitze des Handflügels ebenfalls hellgrau. Das schwarze Muster der Handschwingen ist deutlich ausgedehnter als bei Silber- und Steppenmöwen. Die sechs äußeren Handschwingen tragen breit schwarze, zum Armgelenk hin schmaler werdende, subterminale Bänder und weiße Spitzen. Auf der äußersten Handschwinge ist der Schwarzanteil sehr ausgedehnt und zeigt zudem noch ein weißes Feld im distalen Drittel. Auf der sechsten Handschwinge von außen ist das subterminale schwarze Band dann nur noch sehr schmal und auf den folgenden inneren fehlt es. Die Unterflügeldecken sind weiß.

Adulte Vögel im Winterkleid tragen eine feine, braune Streifung auf Scheitel und Ohrdecken, meist konzentriert sich diese aber um eine nicht allzu ausgedehnte Region um das Auge herum. Einige Individuen zeigen auf dem Oberschnabel etwas Schwarz in Höhe des Gonysflecks. Die Beine sind weniger lebhaft gelb gefärbt als im Sommer.

Jugendkleid

Vögel im Jugendkleid sind insgesamt graubraun mit einem weißlichen Kopf und einer dunklen Augenregion. Die Federn der Oberseite sind dunkelbraun mit hellen Säumen, so dass der Rücken, die Schultern sowie im Flug die Flügeloberseite geschuppt wirken. Die Schwingen sind schwarzbraun. Die Schirmfedern tragen dunkelbraune, im distalen Teil der Feder eichenblattähnlich ausgerandete Zentren und breite, helle Säume. Bürzel und Schwanzwurzel sind weiß, nur leicht von dunklen Federn durchsetzt und kontrastieren zu der schwarzbraunen Endbinde. Brust und Flanken sind fleckig graubraun, der Bauch und die mittleren Unterschwanzdecken jedoch weißlich. Der Schnabel ist schwarz, die Beine sind fleischfarben und die Iris ist dunkel.

Immature Vögel
Zum ersten Winter hin werden die Rücken- und Schulterfedern sowie einige Oberflügeldecken vermausert und sind dann graubraun mit schwarzbraun abgehobener Basis, subterminalem Band und Schaftstrich. Die Schirmfedern sind dunkelbraun mit relativ schmalen, hellen Säumen.

Vögel im zweiten Winter zeigen auf der Oberseite bereits Teile des hellgrauen Adultgefieders. Dies betrifft vor allem den Rücken, der teils noch mit bräunlichen Federn durchsetzt sein kann, die Oberflügeldecken, von denen Teile noch dem ersten Winterkleid entstammen können und die Schirmfedern, von denen meist auch nicht alle ausgetauscht werden. Die Schwingen sind schwärzer und beginnen, weiße Spitzen auszuprägen. Die dunkle Augenmaske ist immer noch vorhanden. Die Schnabelspitze beginnt, sich aufzuhellen. Der Fortschrittsgrad der Mauser ins Adultkleid kann individuell sehr unterschiedlich ausfallen.

Vögel im dritten Winter ähneln bereits den adulten Vögeln im Winterkleid. Sie zeigen oft jedoch noch mehr braune Strichelung am Kopf, diese kann bis in den Nacken reichen. Die weißen Spitzen der Handschwingen sind noch nicht so ausgeprägt und die Schirmfedern zeigen noch dunkle Bereiche. Auf dem Schnabel findet sich noch viel Schwarz im Bereich des Gonysflecks. Die Iris hat sich bereits aufgehellt.

Stimme
Die Mittelmeermöwe weist etwa das gleiche Rufrepertoire auf wie die Silbermöwe, klingt dabei aber tiefer und teils schwächer und gutturaler. Der Hauptruf, ein waouw oder graou ist dem entsprechenden Ruf der Heringsmöwe ähnlich, wenn auch tiefer. Das Jauchzen ist schneller, tiefer und gutturaler, als bei der Silbermöwe und enthält mehr Einzelelemente. Es erinnert an einen entsprechenden Ruf der Mantelmöwe. Der "Katzenruf" ist härter, der "Schnappruf" tiefer und der "Staccato-Ruf" schneller und weicher.

Verbreitung
Die Brutverbreitung der Mittelmeermöwe reicht von Makaronesien, den Küsten der Iberischen Halbinsel und der Biskayaküste ostwärts. Sie umfasst große Teile der Mittelmeerküsten bis zur Adria und südwärts bis Tunesien, den Pelagischen Inseln und Malta, die Ägäis, Kreta und Zypern und erstreckt sich entlang der Dardanellen, dem Marmarameer und dem Bosporus bis ins Schwarze Meer, wo die Art im Westteil und dort die Donau hinauf sowie an der Südostküste vorkommt. Kleinere Brutvorkommen gibt es in Mauretanien, Libyen, Israel und Ägypten. Auch im nördlichen West- und Mitteleuropa gibt es zerstreute Kolonien oder Einzelbruten, so in der Schweiz, in Süddeutschland, in Österreich, Polen, der Slowakei, den Niederlanden und in Großbritannien.

Wanderungen
Die Mittelmeermöwe ist ein Stand- oder Strichvogel, der außerhalb der Brutzeit in großen Teilen Europas zu finden ist. Umherstreifende Vögel versuchen dann vermutlich günstige Nahrungsplätze zu finden und zugleich der Konkurrenz zu anderen Großmöwenarten aus dem Wege zu gehen. Nach Untersuchungen nordwestspanischer Populationen streift ein Fünftel der Jungvögel weit umher, die übrigen verbleiben in der Nähe der Brutorte oder ziehen ins Binnenland. Altvögel suchen nach der Brutsaison günstige Mauserplätze wie beispielsweise das Ebrodelta auf und überwintern später in der Nähe der Brutorte.

Bestand
Die Populationen der Nominatform und Nordwestiberiens werden auf 150.000–200.000 Brutpaare geschätzt, auf den Inseln des Ostatlantiks kommen vermutlich mehr als 8000 weitere Brutpaare vor. Die Art wird von der IUCN als nicht gefährdet ("least concern") angesehen. In Deutschland wird der Bestand (Stand: 2016) auf 220–280 Brutpaare geschätzt und als ungefährdet eingestuft.

Geografische Variation
Es werden zwischen zwei und drei Unterarten anerkannt. Die Nominatform variiert allmählich (klinal) von Osten nach Westen hin zu größeren und oberseits dunkleren Vögeln. Die kleinere Unterart Makaronesiens L. m. atlantis zeigt vor allem auf den Azoren eine sehr dunkle Oberseite, die an die Heringsmöwe erinnert. Vögel von Madeira oder den Kanaren ähneln teils eher der Nominatform. Im Winterkleid ist der Kopf adulter Vögel ausgedehnt braun gestrichelt. Zwischen Nominatform und atlantis vermittelt die umstrittene Unterart L. m. lusitanius der nordwestlichen Iberischen Halbinsel sowohl im Hinblick auf Gefiederfärbung, Größe und DNA-Befunde.

 L. m. atlantis – Dwight, 1922  – Azoren, möglicherweise Madeira, Kanarische Inseln, Atlantikküste zwischen Nordspanien und Marokko

 L. m. lusitanius (Joiris, 1978) – nordwestliche iberische Halbinsel zwischen den Berlengas und dem Baskenland (Erstbeschreibung umstritten, eventuell ist cantabricans das gültige Unterartepitheton)
 L. m. michahellis Naumann, 1840 – Iberische Halbinsel von Gibraltar und Cádiz ostwärts bis in den Schwarzmeerraum in Westanatolien

Lebensraum
Die Mittelmeermöwe brütet vorwiegend an felsigen Küsten oder auf der Küste vorgelagerten Fels- und Sandinseln, aber auch Schlickinseln oder hoher Bewuchs von Lagunen, Salinen und Ästuaren oder Dünen werden angenommen. Regional brütet die Art auf Dächern innerhalb von Küstendörfern, Städten und Hafengebieten, so in Istanbul und Bulgarien. Im Inland werden zumeist Kiesbänke von Binnengewässern besiedelt.

Außerhalb der Brutzeit ist die Mittelmeermöwe hauptsächlich in Küstengebieten zu finden, wo sie auf dem offenen Meer oder in Fischereihäfen oder an Stränden nach Nahrung sucht. Weiter im Binnenland, das die Art vornehmlich entlang der Flüsse durchstreift, ist sie auch auf landwirtschaftlichen Nutzflächen, an Gewässern und in anderen Landschaftsformen zu finden. Von besonderer Bedeutung sind Mülldeponien.

Nahrung
Das Nahrungsspektrum ist etwa so vielfältig wie bei der Silbermöwe. Da im Verbreitungsgebiet der Mittelmeermöwe jedoch bei Ebbe trocken fallende Schlick- und Uferflächen eher selten sind, treten Muscheln und Krebstiere als Nahrungsbestandteil zurück, Fische und Tintenfische nehmen dafür einen größeren Anteil ein. Zudem sind Landtiere von Schnecken bis hin zu Kleinsäugern oder angebaute Früchte wie Getreide, Oliven, Feigen oder ähnliches von größerer Bedeutung.

Belege

Literatur
 Klaus Malling Olsen, Hans Larsson: Gulls of Europe, Asia and North America. Helm Identification Guides, Christopher Helm, London 2003 (korrigierte Neuauflage von 2004), ISBN 978-0-7136-7087-5.
 Urs N. Glutz von Blotzheim, K. M. Bauer: Handbuch der Vögel Mitteleuropas. Band 8/I: Charadriiformes. 3. Teil: Schnepfen-, Möwen- und Alkenvögel. AULA-Verlag, ISBN 3-923527-00-4.
 Pierre-Andre Crochet, Jean-Dominique Lebreton, Francois Bonhomme: Systematics of large white-headed gulls: Patterns of mitochondrial DNA variation in western European taxa. The Auk 119 (3), 2002, S. 603–620.

Weblinks

 [ BirdLife Species Factsheet], abgerufen am 11. Februar 2011

 Alters- und Geschlechtsmerkmale (PDF; 1,2 MB) von J. Blasco-Zumeta und G.-M. Heinze (engl.)
 Federn der Mittelmeermöwe

Einzelbelege

Möwen

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Home Science Quebec: Fortifications from 1693 uncovered
Quebec: Fortifications from 1693 uncovered
In what is being called a major archeological discovery, excavations for a condominium project in Quebec City have uncovered a fortification dating back to 1693.
Preserved in clay for centuries, the 20-metre section was part of a wood palisade built to defend against possible attacks from the English and from Indigenous groups.
READ Oldest Eye Discovered In Fossil
Premier François Legault, who announced the find at a press conference on Tuesday, says it is inspiring to see how Quebec's ancestors worked to protect the colony of New France.
READ Britain's first astronaut for 24 years hopes to inspire Mars interest
Historians say about 500 people worked on building the wall in a settlement that had just 800 people at the time.
The government plans to remove the structure and eventually put it on display. The waterlogged wood will first have to be dried, which is expected to take two years.
Officials say the discovery will add to understanding of Quebec City's fortifications, the most complete surviving from colonial times in North America.
READ 'Empty Trash Bag' Is Orbiting Earth in a Very Strange Way, Study
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text:
An introduction to Dash | Trade Finance Global
Trade Finance Global / Blockchain for trade finance / An introduction to Dash | Trade Finance Global
What Is Dash?
Dash is an open-source cryptocurrency that was forked from the Bitcoin protocol.
In addition, is also a decentralised autonomous organisation (DAO) run by a subset of its users, which are called "masternodes".
Unlike many other cryptocurrencies which have sought to reinvent the wheel, Dash follows in the footsteps of Bitcoin and Satoshi Nakamoto's original vision to be a viable alternative to fiat currency as a medium for everyday transactions.
Dash, however, is not simply a replica of Bitcoin.
It seeks to improve on what many consider to be a flawed product by addressing some of its shortcomings, including a slow transaction processing time and a lack of privacy.
It differentiates itself through features such as Masternodes, PrivateSend, and InstantSend.
History of Dash
Though Dash now seeks to be a medium for everyday transactions, it's aspirations didn't always align this way.
In the beginning, Dash was called 'Darkcoin', and before that 'Xcoin'.
It was a currency that prioritised privacy and anonymity, much like Monero does today, but it changed focus in 2015 and rebranded itself as 'Dash – a move which has seemingly worked well given the token's growth since.
The founder of Dash is Evan Duffield – a software developer who had been studying Bitcoin since 2011 and saw Bitcoin's lack of anonymity as a weakness and sought to improve on it.
He made suggestions on how to implement this to Bitcoin's developers, but when they rejected his suggestions, he began developing his own altcoin instead.
In January 2014, he released 'Darkcoin'.
Several notable developments occurred after this as Duffield sought to improve the network, most notably by adding the feature of Masternodes.
Duffield realised that the focus on anonymity was holding the coin back as it had many other benefits aside from this.
Therefore, in March 2015, it was relaunched as 'Dash'.
At this point, approximately 1.9 million coins had already been mined.
After this, Dash continued to evolve, and its price grew steadily.
Dash Uses
Dash shares many of the same practical uses as Bitcoin, but it also has the added benefit of offering private and instant transactions.
This makes it potentially more useful than Bitcoin in instances where transaction speed and anonymity are required.
Here are four ways Dash can be used:
Global transfers: Dash can be used to send money anywhere in the world without going through any intermediaries. This can help users to avoid transaction fees and send money globally quickly.
Online retailers: Many online retailers now accept Dash. A list of online merchants that accept Dash is listed on the official dash website here.
Anonymous transactions: There are several legal reasons that people may wish to send money anonymously. For example, to avoid price discrimination or to prevent business competitors from gaining access to financially sensitive information. It also makes it a medium for illegal transactions.
The below table outlines the main advantages and disadvantages of Dash:
Advantages Disadvantages
Decentralised. Most cryptocurrencies are decentralised to some extent, but some are much more so than others.
Dash has over 4,500 members that are able to vote on key decisions, as well as three major decision-making groups. This makes it much more centralised than many other currencies. Brand Reputation. Dash has already changed it's name twice but it may need to do so a third time. Typing in 'Dash' into a search engine will bring up information on the character before the cryptocurrency. This generic term may be limiting Dash's exposure as many people haven't even heard about Dash.
Consensus. Dash's governance system allows it to reach consensus on decisions much easier than its biggest competitor Bitcoin. Bitcoin struggles to implement improvements due to an inability to reach a consensus.
Dash doesn't suffer from this same problem. Voter Knowledge. The Dash community has expressed concerns about masternode's voting poorly and without sufficient knowledge or experience due to the low barrier to entry. If you own 1000 dash, you can vote as a masternode.
Transaction Speed. Dash's 'InstantSend' feature allows transactions to be sent and confirmed in a few seconds, whilst Bitcoin takes up to an hour. Competition. Dash is in direct competition to Bitcoin, which has the first-mover advantage and is the leading cryptocurrency. Other cryptocurrencies, like Ripple, complement Bitcoin and, therefore, have more room to grow.
Privacy. Many people see privacy as one of the most important features of cryptocurrencies.
Dash's 'PrivateSend' feature enables users to transact completely anonymously, unlike Bitcoin which is only pseudonymous. Limited use cases. Dash has focused its vision on being a digital currency. Other cryptocurrencies, like Ethereum and Ripple, have broader applications.
Dash Symbol
Here are 3 fun facts about Dash:
The word Dash is based on a joining of the word 'digital' and 'cash'. This fits Dash's core goal of becoming the default internet currency and puts it in direct competition to Bitcoin.
To enable Masternodes in Dash, you need to hold at least 1000 dash. This gets you extra privileges as Masternodes 45% block rewards for each block mined.
10% of each block mining reward goes back to Dash to fund future developments.
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Deepesh Patel is Editorial Director at Trade Finance Global (TFG). In this role, Deepesh leads efforts in developing TFG's brand, relationships and strategic direction in key markets, including the UK, US, Singapore, Dubai and Hong Kong.
Deepesh regularly chairs and speaks at international industry events with the WTO, BCR, Excred, TXF, The Economist and Reuters, as well as industry associations including ICC, FCI, ITFA, ICISA and BAFT.
Deepesh is the host of the 'Trade Finance Talks' podcast and 'Trade Finance Talks TV'. He is co-author of 'Blockchain for Trade: A Reality Check' with the ICC and the WTO, alongside other industry research.
In addition to his work at TFG, Deepesh is a Strategic Advisor for WOA, and works closely with ITFA. He also sits on the Fintech Working Group of the Standardised Trust.
Prior to TFG, Deepesh worked at Travelex where he was responsible for the cards business and the Travelex Money app in Europe, NAM, UK and Brazil. Deepesh is Chair of Governors and co-opted LA Governor of the Wyvern Federation, which has responsibility for 5 primary schools in South London.


During the Norwegian Week, Vihula Manor will also be visited by the authors of beautiful Works of art, the Norwegian artists Bjørn Aurebekk, Agnete Erichsen and Tom Lid. Works of all three will be on display for the Norwegian Week Exhibition in Vihula Manor's Barn House.
During the Norwegian week, we host a delegation from the gorgeous Kristiansand region in Norway. But what exactly is Kristiansand and what does it have to offer?
The world's largest travel site TripAdvisor announced TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice Awards 2017 in the category of Top 10 Hotels – Estonia winners. Vihula Manor Country Club & Spa was chosen on the 9th place. Traveler's Choice Award is the highest honor that TripAdvisor gives out. This is the only prize in tourism industry, that is based on the comments and opinion surveys of millions of passengers worldwide over the whole year. This recognition is given to only 1% of the hotels all around the world in TripAdvisor.
On June 25, Vihula Manor, operated by Unique Hotels, will organize the Old & Vintage Car Day which will feature the Spanish car club Antic Car Club de Catalunya with their 1920s and 1930s cars. Cafés and restaurants, bicycle and boat rental and the largest minigolf course of the Baltics will be open. The event is free of charge for everyone.
Vihula Manor Country Club & Spa announced that it has received the TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence 2016 award. Now in its sixth year, the achievement celebrates hospitality businesses that have earned great traveler reviews on TripAdvisor over the past year. Certificate of Excellence recipients include accommodations, eateries and attractions located all over the world that have continually delivered a quality customer experience.
Vihula Manor Country Club & Spa, which is a part of the Unique Hotels hotel chain, started a new annual event in November last year – the Nordic Week. The event series now had its continuation with the Estonian Week in Denmark which was opened on Wednesday, May 11, by the mayor of Vordingborg, Knud Larsen and the Estonian Minister of Entrepreneurship, Liisa Oviir.
The Estonian based Unique Hotels Group is very pleased to announce the appointment of Heigo Vare as General Manager and Member of the Board of the Vihula Manor Country Club & Spa, effective March 19, 2016.


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Q: Compile time assertion as part of an expression but without _Static_assert Ultimately, I want a compile-time-const macro that in itself includes an assertion.
With a real _Static_assert, I can do something like
#define CEXPR_MACRO_WITH_ASSERTION(Assertion) sizeof(struct{char c; _Static_assert(Assertion,""); })?0:42

(meant for stuff like "compile-time-assert" that the macro value computation won't overflow on any target, and I'd like to keep the assertion in the macro so that it's tightly coupled with the value) but compilers like tcc don't have static asserts so I'd need to emulate it.
#define STATIC_ASSERT(Cexpr,Msg) extern STATIC_ASSERT[(Cexpr)?1:-1]

is a common way to do it but with that extern I can't use it in a struct so I could split it in two
#define STATIC_ASSERT(Cexpr,Msg) extern STATIC_ASSERT_(Cexpr,Msg)
#define STATIC_ASSERT_(Cexpr,Msg) char STATIC_ASSERT[sizeof(char [((Cexpr))?1:-1])] /*ignore Msg for simplicity's sake*/

and use the underscore version in the CEXPR_MACRO_WITH_ASSERTION, but in function context, this will give false positives on compilers that support structs with VLAs in them:
#define STATIC_ASSERT(Cexpr,Msg) extern STATIC_ASSERT_(Cexpr,Msg)
#define STATIC_ASSERT_(Cexpr,Msg) char STATIC_ASSERT[sizeof(char [((Cexpr))?1:-1])]
#define CEXPR_MACRO_WITH_ASSERTION(Assert) (sizeof(struct{char c; STATIC_ASSERT_(Assert,""); })?0:42)

int main(void)
{
    int x = 0;
    CEXPR_MACRO_WITH_ASSERTION(x);
} //compiles on tcc and gcc (clang rejects it because of the vla in a struct)

so I effectively need:
#define STATIC_ASSERT_(Cexpr,Msg) char STATIC_ASSERT[sizeof(char [((Cexpr)&&ENFORCE_ICEXPR(Cexpr))?1:-1])]

Now I realize on tcc in particular, ENFORCE_ICEXPR (enforce integer constant expression) could be simply replaced with __builtin_constant_p but I was curious if I could do it without the platform dependency.
So I thought I could test Cexpr by trying to assign it to an enum constant and I came up with:
#define ENFORCE_Z(X) _Generic(0LL+(X),ullong:(X),llong:(X)) /*could be just `+(X)` cuz I don't care about floats*/
#define ENFORCE_ICEXPR(X) sizeof( void (*)(enum { ENFORCE_ICEXPR = (int)ENFORCE_Z(X) }  ) )

but this gets gcc and clang complaining (unsilencably in gcc's case)  about the enum not being visible outside of the declaration (which, incidentally, was the intention here) so I resorted to
#define ENFORCE_ICEXPR(X) sizeof(enum { BX_cat(ENFORCE_ICEXPR__,__COUNTER__) = (int)ENFORCE_Z(X) })

relying on the nonstandard magic macro, __COUNTER__.
My question is, is there a better way to write ENFORCE_ICEXPR(X)?

A: Perl uses a bit-field instead of an array to define a static_assert fallback:
#define STATIC_ASSERT_2(COND, SUFFIX) \
    typedef struct { \
        unsigned int _static_assertion_failed_##SUFFIX : (COND) ? 1 : -1; \
    } _static_assertion_failed_##SUFFIX PERL_UNUSED_DECL
#define STATIC_ASSERT_1(COND, SUFFIX) STATIC_ASSERT_2(COND, SUFFIX)
#define STATIC_ASSERT_DECL(COND) STATIC_ASSERT_1(COND, __LINE__)

No compiler implements variable length bit-fields.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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Create a sharp ensemble with this jacquard tweed charcoal blazer for men. Tailored in a regular fit, this design adds a lot of suave to your look. For an updated look, team it with a crisp white shirt, a pair of black trousers and Oxford shoes.


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Home > Product News and Recalls > Herbicide Eyed as Possible Parkinson's Cause
Herbicide Eyed as Possible Parkinson's Cause
Posted May 25, 2021 in Product News and Recalls
Paraquat is so toxic it has been banned from use in over 30 countries around the world. As citizens of one of the countries still allowing its use, however, Americans must now contend with the news that exposure to the popular herbicide is being investigated as a possible cause of Parkinson's disease.
A federal judge for the U.S. Eastern District of Missouri has rejected an effort by Swiss chemical company Syngenta to toss out a lawsuit brought by a Missouri pilot and his wife. Henry and Tara Holyfield sued the company, along with Chevron, alleging that Henry's exposure to paraquat as the herbicide loaded in his crop duster aircraft caused him to develop Parkinson's disease. The Holyfields contend that paraquat's labeling gave no indication that the product could be potentially harmful, nor did it provide information about the safe use of the powerful herbicide.
Parkinson's is a severely crippling disease. From its initial onset, it progressively worsens as it attacks the patient's nervous system. There is no cure for Parkinson's, and it is painful not only for the patient who suffers from it but also for their families as they watch while their loved ones endure relentless pain while losing control over most of their motor functions.
Syngenta's argument in asking for the dismissal was that complying with the Holyfields' claims would have superseded federal rules that govern the labeling and regulation of the chemical. The judge disagreed however and cited a prior case that established that just because the EPA approves a particular product, that fact that does not make the product's manufacturer immune from claims over failure to warn.
Six federal courts are currently waiting to hear at least 14 lawsuits that allege a paraquat link to the onset of Parkinson's for the plaintiff. The CDC has a list of possible ways that one may come into contact with paraquat as well as the symptoms and problems one might encounter after exposure. Some of those effects include heart failure, acute kidney failure, coma, lung scarring, liver failure, seizures, and respiratory failure that could lead to death.
The agency, however, has no information on whether the United States might want to consider adding its name to the list of countries that have banned such a volatile and harmful substance.
Categories: Product News and Recalls


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Q: Any real-life example for Amber's Auth? Basically all the guides show you how to use the generator to create a basic authentication system. But in real life there may be a need to add other fields to the user such as first_name, last_name, phone, address, country_id (fk to a countries table...)
Is this even possible with this generator? Or should I look into writing my own system from scratch?

A: The generator gives you the very basic needed for Authentication. If you need to add more things to your user, you can always modify the class.


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Home/News/India/61 fresh COVID-19 cases in Bihar; count rises to 2,166
61 fresh COVID-19 cases in Bihar; count rises to 2,166
By | Published: 23rd May 2020 12:12 pm IST
Patna: Sixty-one more people have tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Bihar, taking the total number of COVID-19 cases in the state to 2,166, health department officials said.
Of the fresh cases, the highest number was reported in Buxar (13), followed by Khagaria (nine), Gaya (seven), East Champaran (six), five each in Bhagalpur, West Champaran and Sitamarhi, three each in Begusarai, Muzaffarpur and Munger and one each in Arwal and Kaimur districts, they said.
Late on Friday evening, the health department tweeted, "61 more COVID-19 +ve cases in Bihar taking the total to 2166. We are ascertaining their trail of infection."
READ: Freedom 251 mobile man now arrested for a 200-Cr dry fruits fraud
The patients from Buxar include two one-year-old boys and a seven-year-old girl, it said.
A 22-year-old migrant worker, who died three days ago soon upon his return from Delhi, was acknowledged on Friday as Bihar's 11th COVID-19 fatality by the state health department.
According to a senior health department official, the deceased, who belonged to Khagaria district, had returned to the state by a special train on Tuesday.
He had a high fever and died within hours of arrival, following which his sample was collected and sent for testing. The report confirmed that he was infected with the dreaded novel coronavirus.
The contagion has so far claimed the lives of 11 people, including two each in Patna, Vaishali and Khagaria districts and one each in Rohtas, Munger, East Champaran, Sitamarhi and Begusarai districts.
READ: Signal, Telegram grab 40 lakh new users in India amid WhatsApp row
Of the total 2,166 positive cases in the state, 1,526 are active while 629 COVID-19 patients have recovered.
At 186, Patna topped the list of positive cases, followed by Munger (140), Begusarai (125), Rohtas (123), Madhubani (115), Buxar (113), Jehanabad (106) and Khagaria (105).
A total of 58,905 samples have been tested so far at seven facilities in Patna, Bhagalpur, Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga.


This district features a number of world-renowned landmarks including Times Square.Some of the best jazz in midtown can be found at the legendary Birdland Jazz Club.Vegan and vegetarian restaurants in New York City, New York, NY, directory of natural health food stores and guide to a healthy dining.They inherited two of the best stages in New York when they took over the.
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Newcastle disease outbreaks still occur sporadically in commercial vaccinated flocks and remains a constant threat to poultry producers despite advances in vaccination against the disease. Another aspect that can be a complementary control strategies or that is well recognized but is often neglected is the differences in immune response due to genetic or breed/type variation. This study investigated the immune responses to LaSota vaccination in light weight type or breeds of chickens (pullets) and heavy weight type or breeds of chickens (broilers) used in commercial poultry production. Fifty seven-week-old White Marshall broilers (Br) and 50 Isa Brown pullets (Pu) of the same age were randomly divided into 4 groups viz: vaccinated broilers chickens (VaBr), unvaccinated broiler chickens (UBr), vaccinated pullet chickens (VaPu) and unvaccinated pullet chickens (UPu). Chickens in groups VaBr and VaPu were vaccinated with LaSota vaccine while groups UBr and UPu were not vaccinated. The chickens were observed for clinical signs and lesions. Serum samples were collected from the chickens in all the groups on days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28 post vaccination (PV), and assayed for haemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibodies. The geometrical mean antibody titres (GMT) of the pullets were 2 to 3 times higher than those of the broilers on days 7 to 28 PV. Vaccination produced neither clinical signs nor lesions. The above observations show that naturally pullets produce higher antibodies than broilers, and suggest breed-based variation on immune responses to Newcastle disease vaccination. The knowledge from the present study may lead to genetic approach to vaccine development and development of more effective vaccination strategies to be used in commercial poultry production.