Merilyn is a high quality slim cigarette with mild flavor and rich fragrance made of tobacco leaves that have been toasted. The elegant design corresponds to women with high – defined individuality which are driven by the desire of seduction. Merilyn cigarettes are a perfect combination of high quality and chic design assuring a glamorous smoking experience. Surprisingly, this brand has slow burn and rich flavor that isn't isn't bitter or harsh.


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University of Toronto:
Modernizing HR to enhance employee experiences
Explore the University of Toronto's journey with SAP
When the University of Toronto began its digital transformation, it knew the value of modernizing HR. The University deployed SAP S/4HANA and SAP SuccessFactors solutions to update its talent management suite and enhance the employee experience. Now, employees save time and effort using SAP solutions for core HR, research, and finance functions.
improvement in financial month-end closing time.
faster general batch processing.
minute to run custom reports that used to time out at 15 minutes.
The conversion to SAP S/4HANA provides this institution with a robust digital foundation for the future. The idea of creating an intelligent enterprise with an optimal employee experience and an integrated platform experience was why we selected SAP SuccessFactors solutions.
Cathy Eberts
Director – Enterprise Applications and Deputy CIO
Reshaping talent management and decision-making for the future
Founded in 1827, the University of Toronto has since evolved into the largest university in Canada, leading the way in learning, discovery, and knowledge creation. With a strong focus on innovation, it offers diverse and extensive areas of study organised around intimate learning communities.
To support such a vibrant ecosystem of students, scholars, and alumni, the University's technology services division maintains core business processes and systems across finance, HR, and research administration, connecting approximately 33,000 users to a wide variety of services. These include employee self-services and online applications for research administration, payroll processing, and financial and procurement decisions.
After launching the "Towards 2030" plan to enhance and strengthen its standing as a globally ranked research powerhouse, the University needed to align its technology foundation to this vision.
With support for its legacy software environment coming to an end, the University of Toronto began an extensive review process. External consultants engaged with staff and academics from the university's governance structure to listen to their needs. Based on those needs, the University decided it needed to migrate its administration management systems from the SAP ERP application to SAP S/4HANA and adopt SAP SuccessFactors solutions.
Adopting SAP SuccessFactors solutions has been a monumental game charger for us, dramatically improving the employee experience and elevating HR as a single strategic partner in our organisation.
Cherilyn Nobleza
Executive Director, HR Transformation and Analytics, Division of HR and Equity
Improving performance and paving the way for continued modernization
Embarking on its three-to-five-year enterprise modernization program to transform core HR, research, and finance systems as well as its entire talent management suite, the University of Toronto migrated these systems to Microsoft Azure in advance of its move to an intelligent infrastructure for ERP.
For its system conversion to SAP S/4HANA, the University took advantage of the SAP Early Adopter Care program, which provided access to a project coach. This coach helped minimise project risk by identifying specific conversion and integration preparation steps.
To support its "Towards 2030" plan, the University also needed to transform the role of HR. For this, it needed to automate transactions that consumed HR resources, freeing them to focus on acquiring and developing the best talent to realise business objectives.
With 116,000 vacation requests annually, this and other routine HR processes, such as timesheets, required a substantial amount of human effort to process paper-based tasks. To digitalise these and other talent management processes, the University adopted the SAP SuccessFactors portfolio. This included adopting the SAP SuccessFactors Performance & Goals, SAP SuccessFactors Learning, and SAP SuccessFactors Recruiting solutions.
Read how the University of Toronto is using change management to transform HR
Listen to a podcast on how University of Toronto drove SAP SuccessFactors adoption through a strong change management plan
Delivering a competitive employee experience from hire to retire
With the move to SAP S/4HANA, the University of Toronto's financial month-end closing process completes in half the time. Batch processing runs 25% faster, and some customised reports are now available more than 90% faster than before. No fewer than 10 systems have been decommissioned to create an optimised landscape and reduce costs. At the same time, by providing a consistent, intuitive, and streamlined user experience from hire to retire, the University now has a single point of access to its suite of powerful talent management solutions.
By consolidating disparate learning applications onto a single, unified learning management system with SAP SuccessFactors Learning, the University better supports employee training and compliance. With this modern learning management system, the University also leads the way in educating its people on the digital workplace and identifying the skills it needs in future people leaders. This approach aligns with the institution's business strategy and employees' personal learning goals and elevates HR to a strategic business partner.
SAP SuccessFactors Performance & Goals has made performance assessments a more meaningful experience at the University. With this intuitive solution, employees summarize their annual achievements and identify other coworkers and managers who should be consulted as part of the performance evaluation. An automated workflow communicates with these coworkers, which speeds up the request for and submission of this feedback as part of the finalized assessment and eliminates 100% of the manual work.
The University has always had a longstanding reputation as an employer of choice, attracting more than 150,000 applicants from around the world each year. Using SAP SuccessFactors Recruiting better supports recruitment efforts through direct integration with the University's HR information system. The solution also provides a smooth and responsive user interface for recruiters and hiring managers, as well as a simplified application process for applicants.
Planning for a post-pandemic university life
The University of Toronto is looking ahead to its post-pandemic workforce and academic structure, supporting more automation and digital collaboration as part of its strategic priorities.
The University plans to implement the SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central solution and integrate it with its suite of existing SAP SuccessFactors solutions. This will create one source of truth for all employee data and an intuitive platform for HR analytics and reporting.
Also on the horizon is a project to roll out the SAP SuccessFactors Succession & Development solution. The plan is to accelerate the advancement of individuals and talent pipelines calibrated for particular roles with targeted pipelines supporting equity, diversity, and inclusion priorities.
In a world where many recruitment processes are likely to remain virtual and online, adopting electronic signatures will be crucial. The University hopes to integrate the SAP Signature Management application by DocuSign to make e-signature offers to candidates using SAP SuccessFactors Recruiting.
With its core systems upgraded to SAP S/4HANA, and improved speed and reporting capabilities for its core HR and research information systems, the University of Toronto has a solid foundation for the future. This will empower the University to innovate with modern technologies and take advantage of data-driven decision-making.
Ready to start your journey? Contact SAP to get started
SAP helps the University of Toronto run better
Key business outcomes and benefits
Created a foundation for modernizing core operational performance, eliminating manual processes and paper-based systems
Streamlined the user experience for employees and administration staff from hire to retire using integrated HR solutions in the cloud
Established a harmonised and streamlined employee experience using advanced and integrated digital HR solutions
Gained the ability to save an expected $1.5 million from automating vacation request processes
Featured solutions and services
SAP SuccessFactors solutions help enhance the employee experience with people-centric solutions designed around the needs and goals of your unique workforce.
SAP S/4HANA provides a foundation for digital transformation with an intelligent ERP that integrates with core business solutions and intelligent technology.
About the University of Toronto
The University of Toronto is the largest university in Canada and has led the way in learning, discovery, and knowledge since 1827. The University has a significant impact locally and globally with more than 560,000 accomplished alumni around the world.
Higher education and research North America 22,000 employees
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


I have visited one of Washington state's eastern-most cities, Walla Walla, just twice now. My first visit was in June, 2015, for Celebrate Walla Walla: The World of Merlot, and I recently returned to Walla Walla for their annual food-focused event named February is for Foodies. One thing about Walla Walla that really stands out (aside from the region's incredible Merlot) is the quality of food that's being served by local restaurants, food trucks, catering companies, B&Bs, and gas stations – and that's no typo – one of the best freshly-crafted meals I've ever had came from behind the same counter where I paid to fill my car's tank with gasoline.
During my first visit to Walla Walla, I had breakfast at the famed gas station restaurant, Andrae's Kitchen, where I devoured this divine Breakfast Poutine.
Just outside the doors of the historical Marcus Whitman Hotel, located in the heart of downtown Walla Walla, sits many of the town's excellent eateries and food-focused venues that simply give the town soul. With luxurious, ornate decor and opulent furnishings, the Marcus Whitman reminded me of a hotel that could easily be found in some of Europe's historical cities, and just like many of Europe's hotels, an incredibly delicious full breakfast buffet was included with my stay. Prepared by the hotel's notable chef of their in-house award-winning Marc Restaurant, the buffet's expansive selection included everything from fresh and tasty house-made yogurt and granola to warm and hearty biscuits and gravy, eggs, sausage, thick sliced bacon and even monkey bread and fresh baked scones. A big, savory breakfast is the perfect way to start a day in Walla Walla, where many visitors will likely spend the rest of the day touring and tasting wine at the surrounding world-renowned wineries and vineyards.
But during my most recent visit for the month-long, city-wide event February is for Foodies, most visitors were there for the food – well, the food and wine. Most of the food events happening around town intertwined local wines with their menus that they put together for the event – some offering prix-fixe menus where each course was paired with a local wine. With a month of events to choose from, I chose to attend the weekend that wine country Chef Andrae Bopp (the celebrated owner of the much-talked-about gas station restaurant, Andrae's Kitchen) was offering a cooking demonstration that provided a small group of on-looking food enthusiasts a true taste of Mexico. Chef Andrae prepared a delectably fascinating three-course meal (based on dishes he had experienced during a recent trip to Mexico) right before our eyes, teaching us step-by-step how to make each of the fresh and super tasty meals.
With food as the focus, my friend and fellow food and wine writing colleague, Seattle-based Julie Arnan (who writes for 425 Magazine and others) and I attended Andrae's cooking demonstrtation; as well as, a gastro-bistro dinner at the Fat Duck Inn – an adorable Bed & Breakfast owned by a gracious and impressive husband and wife team, a dinner at the wildly popular restaurant, Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen, and a visit to the mouthwatering Cheese Closet of Salumiere Cesario. Although we were in Walla Walla for work, joining up with my colleague Julie made it seem like the ultimate girl's/mom's-weekend-getaway – we enjoyed every minute.
The ultimate in Mediterranean cuisine can be found at the chic and authentically delicious Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen.
Following is a round of drool-inducing photos – a temptation for what's to come: detailed articles about each of the food-centric February is for Foodies events that we attended while in Walla Walla.
The bar was set high on our first night for the Gastro Bistro dinner at the Fat Duck Inn. A BYOB event, I brought L'Ecole's Chenin Blanc.
A Journey Through Mexico – the theme for our cooking demonstration prepared and taught by the one and only, revered Andrae Bopp. Unparalleled meals were experienced – I can't wait to write my piece on this event.
Julie and I get to try an incredible line-up of cheeses in the Cheese Closet with Salumiere Cesario owner, Damon – an absolute treat, indeed. We were unable to depart without taking some cheese and fresh salumi with us.
Since 1934, Bright's Candies has made its home in downtown Walla Walla. The wine cordials are actually filled with local wine. Be careful when biting into these tasty treats!
*Thanks to Heather Clark at DVA Advertising and Pubic Relations and Visit Walla Walla for the opportunity to participate in February is for Foodies.


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Action 'Putin, you'll be held to account for Ilovaisk!' near Russian embassy in Kyiv. Photos
The activists organized an action "Putin, you'll be held to account for Ilovaisk!" near the Russian embassy in Kyiv, having installed 366 white crosses on the roadway nearby to honor the victims of the Ilovaisk tragedy.
Several hundred activists, including people in military uniform, volunteers and relatives and friends of the victims, took part in the action, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.
Activists brought a puppet with a mask of Russian president wrapped in the flags of the self-proclaimed "Donetsk People's Republic" and "Luhansk People's Republic."
Participants in the action held posters "We will not forget, we will not forgive", "Putin is murderer", "Putin, you'll be held to account for Ilovaisk" and observed a minute's silence to pay tribute to those killed in Ilovaisk.
The action organizers also tried to submit an appeal to Putin demanding the release of all Ukrainian political prisoners, but the embassy staff refused to accept the appeal and recommended sending it to the embassy by mail.
As reported, at the end of August 2014, Russian troops invaded Ukraine and besieged Ukrainian troops near Ilovaisk in Donbas. The Ukrainian units were offered conditions for escaping the siege through. On August 29, Russian servicemen fired heavy weapons on columns of Ukrainian soldiers in violation of the agreements reached. At least 366 people were killed.
SBU has no data on Russia's interference in electoral process - Bakanov
Ukrainian paratroopers test armored personnel carriers
Ukraine to demand from Russia compensation for cost of destroyed houses in Donbas
OSCE spots train moving from occupied Donbas to Russia


Children can wear either Tunics Adagio lilac "June" leotard with belt, pink socks and pink leather ballet shoes or you can choose the new Bloch, strapped, leotard with tutu pictured below in Lilac. Both can be worn with a pink cross over or School hoodie/T-shirt if needed in winter. We look forward to seeing both in class!(Please do not wear vest, pants or tights.)Hair if long held in a ponytail then in a small bun from Grade 1 standard (no hair decorations or scrunches and no artificial hair pieces). No earrings.
Grade 2 and 3 = RAD Mulberry – Number RAD002 Bought from IDS or Joe in Haddington they are panelled and fully lined with a draw string at the chest. School hoodie/T-shirt if needed in winter. Pink leather (Low Vamp) ballet shoes with one elastic over instep. (Please wear high cut pants). Hair in a small Bun without artificial hair or artificial bun. School hoodie/T-shirt when needed in winter. If you have short hair please just use a hair Band and net. No earrings.
4 – 6 = RAD Royal Blue =Number RAD004 Bought from IDS or Joe in Haddington they are panelled and fully lined with thin straps. Accompanied with Belt worn with Pink ballet tights, pink leather split sole shoes (Low Vamp) with one elastic over instep. School hoodie/T-shirt when needed in winter.
Hair must be in bun with no ends for all Ballet Classes. Teachers have the right to refuse entry to untidy students. No earrings.
Contemporary or Jazz Bright Coloured Leotard of your choice with footless tights, bare feet/ foot thongs. School hoodie/T-shirt when needed in winter.
White ballet t shirt or white short sleeved cotton leotard, with black cotton leggings or shorts, with white socks and white ballet shoes. School hoodie/T-shirt when needed in winter.
Black straight legged jazz pants and School t-shirt. Black socks and black jazz shoes. School hoodie when needed in winter.
Cat suit of any colour with black belt and black jazz shoes. Please buy Cat suit to fit as it stretches for the second year. School hoodie/T-shirt when needed in winter.
Coloured leotard of your choice with black ¾ length leggings, black belt and black jazz shoes. Please note velvet leotards get very warm. School hoodie/T-shirt when needed in winter.
Hoodies can be purchased from our school or at Footlights Dancewear Haddington.


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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


1) The 35th Valsesia Musica International Competition 2018 is open to candidates of all nationalities born on or after 1st January 1982 . 2) Candidates must send to Associazione Culturale VALSESIA MUSICA corso Roma n°35 - C.P. n.40 I - 13019 Varallo (VC), Italy or to info@valsesiamusica.com within (postmark deadline): • Friday, 19th April 2019 (violin and orchestra) • Wednesday, 25th September 2019 (voice) the following documents: a) duly filled in application form b) a photocopy of their passport c) curriculum vitae (in English) d) one recent photo suitable for publicity purposes e) payment of € 100 (free of any charge) by bank transfer ( account details can be requested from the secretariat writing to info@valsesiamusica.com ) or by postal order addressed to Associazione Culturale Valsesia Musica - corso Roma, 35 - C.P.n.40 - 13019 Varallo (VC), Italy 3) Candidates will not be admitted to the contest unless all documents (point 2) are received. The amount will not be reimbursed for any reason, except in the cases mentioned at point 9 of the regulation. 4) Before the first round, candidates must show documents proving their identity to the secretary of the contest. 5) The decisions of the jury are final and not subject to review or appeal . If there is any dispute about the interpretation of the regulations, a decision will be taken on the basis of the Italian text. 6) The jury into equal parts can divide the prizes. The members of the jury may also decide not to give any reward if they deem that no candidate is worthy. 7) All the rounds are open to the public and all the performances must be given by heart. 8) The competition consists of three rounds: if necessary the jury may request competitors some additional performances. 9) The organizing committee may cancel one or more sections in case of too few entries. Candidates will be promptly informed and the amount will be refunded. 10) The program order of the rounds will be drawn by lots at the convocation time. 11) The drawing order will be followed in all rounds, the final one excepted. The day and the time of the performance will be decided by the secretariat. The order of appearance in the final will be determined by the jury. 12) Candidates must fill in the application form listing their program in due order. 13) In the eventuality of radio or television productions, audio or video recordings of the tests or of the winners' concerts, the participants have no right to advance claims or financial requests to the producers or transmitters. Participation implies the tacit consent of the above. 14) The prize-winners of Valsesia Musica International Competition pledge that in the future they will use the title actually given them by the jury. Any abuse will be legally prosecuted. 15) The jury is made up of renowned Italian and foreign artists and critics. Those members who have or have had, during the two years before the starting date of the competition, didactic relationships with one or more competitors, must retain from taking part in the discussion and in the voting during the above-mentioned competitors' examinations. The abstention must be clearly reported in the minutes. During the first meeting, each member of the jury must sign a statement about his/her personal situation towards the participants with reference to the above. 16) The Law Courts of Varallo Sesia have the right to deliberate if any controversy arises.


London is said to be the glittering jewel of society, a world unto itself—but to Julia Elliston it is a city of shadows.
Her life is swiftly dissolving into scandal. And in Victorian society, even a whisper of scandal—substantiated or not—can be the death of a young woman's reputation.
In Born of Persuasion, Julia Elliston dealt with one blow after another. Starting right where it left off, Julia manages to escape from Macy by running to her birth father, Lord Pierson. He announces her as his legitimate daughter and she is thrust into society as the Emerald Heiress. As she loses a piece of herself every day, she quickly she realizes that she has only replaced one prison for another. In this stunning sequel, Julia must decide how far she is willing to go to fight for freedom.
I can't even explain to you how much I love this series. I was slightly worried about the sequel not quite living up to the grandeur of the first, but there was no reason to be concerned. Mark of Distinction was pure perfection. The alluring characters, lyrical writing, magical setting, heart-pounding intrigue, and riveting plot are just a few of the things that made this book wonderful.
Though not as humorous as the first (probably because we didn't see Mrs. Windham as much), Mark of Distinction still made me laugh and I can't even tell you how many times I smiled while reading it. Even my sister mentioned that I looked so happy and content as I dived in chapter after chapter. There's something so special about a book that has the ability to tug your heartstrings in so many ways that you feel everything from joy to pain. I felt Julia's heartbreak…her despair …her guilt…her hope…her love.
I was especially pleased with the character growth. Julia goes from being bitter and angry to strong and determined. She comes to realize that in order to gain all, she must surrender all. The profound truths contained in this book astounded me. I know that a lot of the analogies will stay with me for a while yet. I also appreciated the fact that while I learned a lot about faith while reading, it wasn't preachy at all.
Jessica Dotta is a literary genius. How is it possible for one to be so captivated with every single word in a 432-page book? As I read the end, I found myself wanting to pick it up and start all over again.
The Price of Privilege series is an absolute gem. Mark of Distinction is easily among the best books I've ever read. I don't know how I am going to wait for book #3! Please, read this series! You won't regret it.
**I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are entirely my own.
Yes, definitely! It's one of my favorites and I recommend it to everyone. My sisters are beginning to think I'm a bit obsessed with the series…lol. I hope you read it! I would maybe wait until the last book is published, though…I am dying while waiting to see what happens!


DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, March 17, 2013 — FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) and the world's largest express transportation company, is launching a driving skills challenge organized by Ciel Marketing & Events and endorsed by Dubai Police and the Emirates Motor Sports Federation to share safe driving habits among the youth of the UAE.
The awareness campaign will be conducted across Dubai-based universities between March 17 – 25. More than 2,000 students from five different universities will receive interactive lectures and participate in an exciting simulator experience. Eligible students will also participate in a driving competition which will focus on cautious driving skills rather than speed. A total of six skilled winners, from both male and female categories, will be appointed as Road Safety Ambassadors.
The universities participating in the program are Higher Colleges of Technology Dubai Women's Campus, Higher Colleges of Technology Dubai Men's Campus, BITS Pilani, American University in Dubai and Manipal University.
"There is a dire need to educate youth about cultivating safe driving habits and instill the need to remain focused on skill rather than speed. We have tailor-made the program to give the students a good balance of theory, visual aids and a competition to help us carry on the program beyond the campus with the help of the Ambassadors, who will be the winners of the FedEx Driving Skills Challenge." said Roshanara Sait, director, Ciel Marketing & Events.
Road Safety specialists will speak to the students about common causes of accidents, statistics, observation skills, psychology of driving, and how to lower the risk profile. The roll-over experience in a receptive simulator will provide additional value by helping the students realize the advantages of wearing seatbelts. The program will culminate with the FedEx Driving Skills Challenge competition, which will be held at Higher Colleges of Technology Dubai Men's Campus on March 25, 2013 with each university nominating a team of 16 members.
The participants will get a taste of the action and exhibit their driving skills at the competition. They will also experience manoeuvres to improve their car handling abilities, work towards improving their driving techniques and understand the concept of using skill over speed. All participants will receive a certification of participation endorsed by Dubai Police, and the six chosen FedEx Driving Skills Challenge winners will receive trophies.


We understand that each item of clothing is more than just an object - it's something that you chose and a reminder of what you've done and where you've been. It's a piece of you.
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From hang-drying to fabric softener preferences, FlyCleaners is here to make sure your laundry is done your way, with no hassle. And to keep ourselves accountable for your personal items, we've introduced new tracking technology to tag every pickup and carefully manage where your order is at all times. If your clothes don't arrive looking and smelling exactly like you want them to, we want to hear about it.
FlyCleaners was founded with one mission: to enable you to live life laundry free. And now, after over completing 250,000 orders, that fundamental idea persists into each and every order we process.


text:
Review Review articles summarize the best available evidence on a topic relevant to the NTD community.
See all article types »
Toxocariasis in Cuba: A Literature Review
Idalia Sariego ,
* E-mail: idalia@ipk.sld.cu
Affiliation Institute of Tropical Medicine "Pedro Kourí", Havana, Cuba
Kirezi Kanobana,
Affiliation Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
Lázara Rojas,
Niko Speybroeck,
Affiliation Institute of Health and Society, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
Katja Polman,
Fidel A. Núñez
Idalia Sariego,
Idalia Sariego Kirezi Kanobana ... Fidel A. Núñez
Human toxocariasis (HT) is a zoonotic disease caused by infection with the larval stage of Toxocara canis, the intestinal roundworm of dogs. Infection can be associated with a wide clinical spectrum varying from asymptomatic to severe organ injury. While the incidence of symptomatic human toxocariasis appears to be low, infection of the human population is widespread. In Cuba, a clear overview on the status of the disease is lacking. Here, we review the available information on toxocariasis in Cuba as a first step to estimate the importance of the disease in the country. Findings are discussed and put in a broader perspective. Data gaps are identified and suggestions on how to address these are presented. The available country data suggest that Toxocara infection of the definitive dog host and environmental contamination with Toxocara spp. eggs is substantial, but information on HT is less conclusive. The availability of adequate diagnostic tools in the country should be guaranteed. Dedicated studies are needed for a reliable assessment of the impact of toxocariasis in Cuba and the design of prevention or control strategies.
Citation: Sariego I, Kanobana K, Rojas L, Speybroeck N, Polman K, Núñez FA (2012) Toxocariasis in Cuba: A Literature Review. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 6(2): e1382. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0001382
Editor: Hélène Carabin, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, United States of America
Copyright: © 2012 Sariego et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Funding: This work was financially supported by the Belgian Program of Cooperation and Development with Cuba. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.
Human toxocariasis (HT) is one of the most common human parasitic infections in the world, affecting mainly the poorest communities of developing countries. It is caused by zoonotic infection with the larval stage of Toxocara canis, the intestinal roundworms of dogs, and probably by the roundworms of cats (Toxocara cati) as well [1]. Although the disease can be significant and debilitating, the incidence of severe clinical manifestations is unknown, and diagnosis is difficult. This leads to a false perception that the burden and public health impact are low and consequently results in the classification of HT as a neglected zoonosis.
HT is acquired by the ingestion of eggs, which originate from the feces of the definite dog host and embryonate in the environment [2] (Figure S1). Children in their first decade of life are prone to infection because of their geophagic behavior and mouthing of objects, which is linked to a higher risk of exposure at playgrounds or sandboxes contaminated with dog feces [3]. HT is mostly asymptomatic but can be associated with severe clinical syndromes due to organ injury by migrating larvae [4]. Depending on the organs affected and the specificity of the symptoms, the predominant clinical syndromes are classified as visceral larva migrans (VLM), ocular larva migrans (OLM), and common, neurologic, and covert toxocariasis [5]. Diagnosis of HT is traditionally based on a combination of clinical and histopathological interpretations. Yet, sensitivity is low, as biopsy material may not always contain the larvae. Serology, using in vitro–obtained excretory-secretory products of the larvae (TES), is the best laboratory-based option for diagnosis [6], and is considered a useful predictor of T. canis infection when coupled to relevant clinical data. Worldwide, reported Toxocara seroprevalence data among apparently healthy individuals range (using either ELISA or western blot) from 2.4% in Denmark [7] to 92.8% in La Réunion [8].
In Cuba, there are an estimated 2 million dogs that have access to veterinary control. However, only 40% of these participate in the rabies vaccination program, illustrating the low compliance to recommended veterinary prevention [9]. Consequently, a large proportion of dogs are born with congenital toxocariasis. Combined with the high numbers of stray dogs that are not routinely dewormed, this points to a rich potential for environmental contamination and subsequent human exposure. However, a clear idea of the status and importance of toxocariasis within the country is lacking. To this end, we recently started a project dedicated to the epidemiology and the diagnosis of toxocariasis in Cuba. As a first step, we reviewed the available information on Toxocara in Cuba and put it in a broader perspective, identifying data gaps that should be addressed.
PubMed, Google Scholar, ISI Web of Knowledge, and CUMED databases were searched using combinations of keywords "toxocara", "toxocariasis", "larva migrans", and "Cuba". The search was conducted in February 2010 and was limited neither by language, study design, nor date of publication. The CUMED database contains all Cuban scientific publications in human medicine and related fields. Non-peer-reviewed articles and theses, books, etc. were searched in local libraries and websites. Bibliographies were screened and researchers were contacted to provide information and/or data not included in published records. Figure 1 shows the flow diagram of the literature search. The ISI Web of Knowledge did not yield additional relevant records and results are not included in the diagram. Published articles and non-published data or documents were not excluded with regard to potential biases or study design, as the goal was to retrieve as much information as possible. After clearance of irrelevant documents, 19 reports (including both published and non-published data) were considered eligible to be included in the present review.
Figure 1. Flow diagram of literature searches.
aAdditional records consisted of five yearly reports on Toxocara antibody detection in patients suspected of VLM or OLM; one book chapter on VLM [33] and a master's thesis on toxocariasis in dogs [11]. bReasons for exclusion were: 1. non-relevant association between the keywords (60%) (e.g., Cuba as name of the author, reports on Toxocara published in a Cuban journal, paper, or reference to paper conducted in Cuba in which toxocariasis is mentioned as differential diagnosis, papers on Toxocara vitolorum, etc.); 2. reference to a Cuban report on Toxocara seroprevalence data of Cuba (20%); and 3. replicates of the same report within the Google Scholar search (16%). One record was excluded because none of the co-authors was familiar with the language. cEligibility criteria were: 1. subject toxocara, toxocariasis, or larva migrans irrespective of the field or type of publication; and 2. new data about Cuba.
T. canis Infections in the Final Dog Host
We identified three reports: two papers published in peer-reviewed journals, and one master's thesis (Table 1). The first Cuban study on T. canis infection in dogs originates from 1992 and was a cross-sectional study conducted to determine the prevalence in owned dogs of Havana. Feces were sampled from 22 randomly selected dogs in each of the 15 municipalities of Havana [10]. Eggs in the dogs' feces were detected by direct microscopy and the Willis brine flotation method. The overall prevalence of infected dogs was 17.9% (95% CI: 13.9–22.4, n = 59 out of 330), but figures ranged from 4.5% (95% CI: 0.1–22.8, n = 1 out of 22) to 40.9% (95% CI: 20.7–63.6, n = 9 out of 22) across the municipalities, with higher prevalences in dogs originating from highly populated parts of the city.
Table 1. Chronological overview of reports on T. canis infection in dogs in Cuba.
A second study was part of a 2004 master's thesis of a veterinarian postgraduate student at the Institute of Tropical Medicine "Pedro Kourí" (IPK) in Havana [11]. This study was conducted in the province of Villa Clara, located in the central region of the island. Based on the total number of dogs in the province, provided by the provincial Institute of Veterinary Medicine, a total sample size of 321 dogs was assessed. Subsequently, a random sample of dogs was selected per municipality, proportional to the total number of owned dogs in that municipality. Feces were sampled and coprological examination was conducted. Parasite eggs of T. canis were detected in 27.1% of the animals (95% CI: 22.3–32.3, n = 87 out of 321). The proportion of infected dogs was significantly higher in dogs below 1 year of age (62.1% [95% CI: 52.6–70.9, n = 72 out of 116]) as compared to older dogs (7.3% [95% CI: 4.1–11.8, n = 15 out of 205, p≤0.05]).
A third and more recent study carried out in 2005 focused on the detection of zoonotic helminths in stray dogs of Havana in two different periods of the year [9]. In this study, the prevalence of T. canis was determined by the detection of adult worms in the intestine of dogs, and not by the detection of eggs in feces. Adult T. canis worms were detected in 19.7% of the dogs investigated (95% CI: 16.2–23.7, n = 91 out of 461). In accordance with the above study, the prevalence was higher in animals younger than 1 year (25.4% versus 13.15% for dogs below or above 1 year of age, respectively; OR 2.25 [95% CI: 1.37–3.67; p≤0.01]). Moreover, the prevalence of the parasite in females was significantly higher as compared to male dogs (28.8% [95% CI: 22.5–34.0] versus 9.9% [95% CI: 6.3–14.8, p≤0.05] for females and male dogs, respectively). The authors observed no differences in apparent prevalences of T. canis infection in dogs between the rainy (May–October) and the dry (November–April) season.
These data suggest that up to one-fifth of the dogs in Cuba could be infected with T. canis. Despite a more than 10-year interval, the two studies accomplished in Havana city yielded similar prevalence estimates, indicating that the situation has not changed over the years. Comparable prevalences in Villa Clara and Havana point to presumably small differences between regions in the country. Reported point prevalences of infection in dogs range from 0.7% to 82.6% worldwide, depending both on the methods used and on the location (reviewed by [12]). The estimates for Cuba approximate figures measured in other Caribbean countries. Prevalences of 25% and 32% were reported in dogs from Oranjestead, Aruba, and Anse-la-Raye, St. Lucia, respectively [13].
The best option for reducing infection levels in dogs is preventive chemotherapy [14]. To be effective, this intervention should reach both owned and stray dogs. Control programs for stray dogs are in place in Cuba, but they do not reach the full dog population (referred to by [9]). Yet, the presence of potentially infected dogs remains the main determinant for environmental contamination with Toxocara spp. eggs [3].
Environmental Contamination with Toxocara spp. Eggs
We identified two reports conducted in Havana in the mid-1990s and one chapter of a master thesis on a study conducted in 2002 in Villa Clara (Table 2). The first Cuban study dealing with environmental contamination detected Toxocara spp. eggs in 19 out of 45 soil samples collected in parks or public areas from residential areas across the 15 municipalities of Havana (three samples each), yielding an overall prevalence of 42.2% infected areas (95% CI: 29.8–62.3) [15]. In 12 municipalities, at least one public area or park was contaminated, resulting in 80% prevalence at the municipality level. Moreover, almost 40% of the eggs recovered were in the embryonated phase.
Table 2. Chronological overview of reports on soil contamination with Toxocara spp. eggs in Cuba.
The second study comprised a cross-sectional sampling of 216 parks and two public areas, located randomly across Havana, but similar to the first study, included all 15 municipalities [16]. Sixty-eight percent of the parks (95% CI: 61.3–74.2) and both public areas were contaminated with Toxocara spp. eggs, yielding an overall prevalence of almost 70%. All municipalities were contaminated, but the highest level of contamination was found in the center of and in the older parts of the city. Overall, more than 80% of the eggs recovered were embryonated. Both studies evidence the high level of contamination of parks and public areas and the high proportion of embryonated (and thus infective) eggs. Differences in results are probably due to the higher number of places screened in combination with a more extensive sampling methodology in the study conducted by Laird et al. [16]. Although seasonal sampling would have been more representative [17], the data clearly demonstrate the risk of individuals of being exposed to Toxocara spp. eggs.
Finally, the contamination level of backyard samples was assessed in the Villa Clara study [11]. Two groups of 30 randomly selected houses either owning infected or non-infected dogs were formed. In each of the houses, five samples of soil were taken between 5 and 10 cm deep at intervals of 30 cm. Embryonated Toxocara spp. eggs were present in 43% and 10% of households with Toxocara-infected and non-infected dogs, respectively (p≤0.05), showing that the risk of contamination of backyards is higher when, but not restricted to, having an infected dog. In tropical settings, owned dogs often have a free-roaming behavior similar to that of stray dogs [18] and backyards tend to be accessible, which may partly explain the latter results.
Human Toxocariasis
Eight publications dealing with HT in Cuba were identified (Table 3). The first report on VLM in Cuban patients dates from 1968: at the International Congress of Gastroenterology of Prague, the Cuban gastroenterologist Prof. Llanio presented cases of VLM in adults, which were diagnosed by laparoscopy and subsequently confirmed by hepatic biopsies (referred to by [19]). The next two case reports describe cases of VLM similarly diagnosed by combining laparoscopy and hepatic biopsy (one and seven case reports in 1969 and 1974, respectively) [19], [20]. A review of the clinical history of 15 VLM patients was published 4 years thereafter [21]. In all patients, the diagnosis based on clinical signs and laparoscopy was not conclusive.
Table 3. Chronological overview of reports on human toxocariasis in Cuba.
A publication in the 1980s documented 113 VLM cases diagnosed within a period of 6 months. The outbreak was attributed to the consumption of contaminated vegetables. Approximately one-third of the cases appeared to be infected with Fasciola hepatica. Again, the definite cause of the outbreak was not conclusive, as the main emphasis of the study was on assessing the added value of ultrasound in the diagnosis of VLM [22].
Following a gap of more than 15 years, one case report of glandular LM in an 8-year-old boy suffering from clinical manifestations suggestive of toxocaral VLM was published [23]. The presence of a nematode larva was confirmed by biopsy.
The most recent report on VLM dates from 2009 and describes two suspected clinical cases [24]. For the first time, serology (detection of antibodies) was used to support the clinical diagnosis. Both children tested positive in a TES-based IgG ELISA for toxocariasis (Diagnostic Automation, Inc., Calabasas, CA).
The only case report on OLM was published in 2008 and describes the clinical history of a 4-year-old boy presenting with pain and a red eye [25]. The acute uveitis was accompanied by a granuloma in the eye fundus, and successfully treated with a combination of anthelminthics and corticosteroids.
Clinical case reports on HT are relatively well represented, but a definitive diagnosis of toxocariasis is often lacking. The high number of case reports may be caused by the methodology used in our literature search, i.e., inclusion of all case reports on VLM, irrespective of a confirmed etiology. VLM syndrome is a systemic disease that can be attributed to other parasite species besides Toxocara alone, e.g., F. hepatica [26].
The single epidemiological study on HT in Cuba is a serological survey conducted in a group of healthy children from the municipality of La Lisa in Havana, reporting an apparent prevalence of T. canis antibodies of 5.1% (95% CI: 2.2–9.8, n = 8 out of 156) [27] using an in-house ELISA technique that, at that time, had been developed in the laboratories of the IPK and that was discontinued some years later. The reported 5.1% seropositivity rate is lower than could have been anticipated regarding the levels of environmental contamination measured in the same area, and in the same period (see above). It is also lower compared to seropositivity rates reported in children of neighboring Caribbean countries with similar climatic conditions: 8.3% found in Puerto Rico [28], 60% in a community of St. Lucia [29], and more recently, 60.3% among schoolchildren of Trinidad and Tobago [30].
Although environmental contamination and Toxocara seropositivity rates in humans are intimately related [31], societal factors and risk behaviors of individuals can substantially influence this relationship. Factors such as low socioeconomic status, lack of adequate water supplies, age, and pica are known to increase the risk of humans to ingest eggs that are dwelling in the environment [3], and all these factors should be considered when interpreting data. Unfortunately, this type of information was not available for the latter study, preventing such an analysis.
Finally, a large set of (indirect) evidence on HT was obtained from yearly reports on serological diagnosis performed at the Department of Parasitology of the IPK, which is the reference lab for diagnosis of toxocariasis within Cuba. Samples from patients suspected of HT are sent by clinicians from all over the country for serological confirmation. This data set has several limitations. Samples originate from suspicious patients and hence do not represent the general Cuban population. Second, the availability of serological tests at the IPK was not always guaranteed because of the trade embargo with the country. This implies that periodically data may be missing. Nevertheless, evaluation of the available data shows antibody prevalences between 23% and 59% (Figure 2). Moreover, the number of samples received for testing has been increasing over the years, which is in line with increased awareness or re-emergence of the parasite within Cuba.
Figure 2. Yearly internal records of the IPK on the serodiagnosis of individuals suspected of human toxocariasis.
Proportion of positive samples in a commercial TES-based ELISA (Diagnostic Automation, Inc., Calabasas, CA) performed by the Department of Parasitology of the IPK. Samples were from patients suspected of OLM or VLM and sent by clinicians across the country for serological confirmation of toxocariasis. No data are available for 2005 and 2008 due to inaccessibility of the commercial ELISA because of the trade embargo with the country. Serum samples were tested anonymously, and information on origin or on the differentiation between suspicion of OLM or VLM syndromes is not available, except for 2003 where all samples analyzed originated from the Ophthalmologic Institute "Ramón Pando Ferrer" and thus were suspicious of OLM. Follow-up of patients was not conducted by the IPK, preventing the confirmation of the suspected diagnosis. aData from 2009 are limited to samples received up to the beginning of August 2009.
Overall, the data emphasize the major need for reliable, robust, and readily available sero-diagnostic tests for toxocariasis in the country, a prerequisite to obtain a representative estimate of both clinical cases and of background exposure to the parasite.
Knowledge/Awareness about Toxocariasis in Cuba
We found one preliminary single report on the assessment of the knowledge of toxocariasis among health workers in Cuba: a cross-sectional study carried out in 2005 in Cienfuegos, a city located more in the center of the island [32]. The survey included 51 medical doctors among a total of 108 clinicians, general practitioners, ophthalmologists, parasitologists, and pediatricians of the city. The study design is partially biased because the authors decided to include all ophthalmologists and parasitologists in the sub-sample, specialists who, in their opinion, should have a more extended knowledge of toxocariasis. A questionnaire was submitted to the physicians addressing their knowledge on transmission (five questions), clinical manifestations (two questions), and diagnosis, treatment, and prevention (one question each) of HT. All questions were multiple choice and the maximum value assigned to each question was ten points. Results were considered satisfactory when a score above eight was obtained. Based hereon, the authors concluded that only two aspects of the disease appeared to be sufficiently known, i.e., the clinical picture of HT (55.9% of the physicians) and the treatment of HT (92.2% of the physicians). Less than one-fifth of the physicians knew how the disease could be diagnosed.
The value of this information is limited by the small study sample and the single report. Nevertheless, it shows that in this specific target group (physicians who are either directly or indirectly involved with toxocariasis), knowledge on toxocariasis was limited. This information gap is likely to be even bigger in the general population, emphasizing the need for education on the knowledge and awareness of toxocariasis.
The literature search on T. canis and toxocariasis in Cuba yielded only a limited number of reports. Data issue from case reports, or from small studies, were predominantly conducted in Havana city, hampering a reliable estimation of the importance of toxocariasis in Cuba. Still, the data suggest that Toxocara infection of the definitive dog host and environmental contamination with Toxocara spp. eggs is substantial. Information on HT is less conclusive. Overall, information is limited and scattered across different fields and over time. There is a clear need for more recent data. The availability of adequate diagnostic tools in the country should be guaranteed. Dedicated studies including veterinary, human, and environmental health data should be conducted, as these are all intimately linked in the epidemiology and control of toxocariasis. The outcome of such studies will allow policy makers to set priorities and design strategies, combining accurate surveillance with prevention rather than cure. With this review we aim to contribute to the advocacy of toxocariasis in Cuba.
Key Learning Points
Toxocara infection of the definitive canine dog host and environmental contamination with Toxocara spp. eggs are frequent in Cuba.
Information on human toxocariasis in Cuba is mainly based on clinical case reports; knowledge on the disease is limited.
A clear picture on the status and public health impact of toxocariasis within Cuba is lacking. Data gaps are caused by limited information that is scattered across different fields and over time.
Dedicated epidemiological studies, including veterinary, human, and environmental health data are required to improve the understanding of toxocariasis transmission within the Cuban context and develop adequate prevention and control strategies.
Five Key Papers in the Field
Rubinsky-Elefant G, Hirata CE, Yamamoto JH, Ferreira MU (2010) Human toxocariasis: diagnosis, worldwide seroprevalences and clinical expression of the systemic and ocular forms. Ann Trop Med Parasitol 104: 3–23.
Smith H, Holland C, Taylor M, Magnaval JF, Schantz P, Maizels R (2009) How common is human toxocariasis? Towards standardizing our knowledge. Trends Parasitol 25: 182–188.
Hernández Merlo R, Núñez FA, Pelayo Durán L (2007) Potencial zoonótico de las infecciones por helmintos intestinales en perros callejeros de Ciudad de La Habana. Rev Cubana Med Trop 59: 234–240.
Despommier D (2003) Toxocariasis: clinical aspects, epidemiology, medical ecology, and molecular aspects. Clin Microbiol Rev 16: 265–272.
Laird RM, Carballo D, Reyes EM, García T, Prieto V (1995) Toxocara sp. en parques y zonas públicas de Ciudad de La Habana. Rev Cubana Hig Epidemiol 58: 116–118.
Life cycle of Toxocara canis
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0001382.s001
(JPG)
The authors hereby would like to thank the anonymous peer reviewers for their very valuable comments on the manuscript.
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4. Glickman LT, Schantz PM, Cypess RH (1979) Epidemiological characteristics and clinical findings in patients with serologically proven toxocariasis. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 73: 254–258.
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6. Smith H, Holland C, Taylor M, Magnaval JF, Schantz P, Maizels R (2009) How common is human toxocariasis? Towards standardizing our knowledge. Trends Parasitol 25: 182–188.
7. Stensvold CR, Skov J, Moller LN, Jensen PM, Kapel CM, Petersen E, Nielsen HV (2009) Seroprevalence of human toxocariasis in Denmark. Clin Vaccine Immunol 16: 1372–1373.
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9. Hernández R, Núñez FA, Pelayo L (2007) Potencial zoonótico de las infecciones por helmintos intestinales en perros callejeros de Ciudad de La Habana. Rev Cubana Med Trop 59: 234–40.
10. Duménigo B, Lau N, Bravo JR (1994) Prevalencia de Toxocara canis en perros caseros de Ciudad de La Habana. Rev Cubana Med Trop 46: 99–102.
11. de la Fe Rodríguez PY (2004) Prevalencia de Toxocara canis en perros caseros de la provincia Villa Clara [master's thesis]. Havana: Institute of Tropical Medicine "Pedro Kourí".
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17. Mizgajska-Wiktor H, Uga S (2006) Exposure and environmental contamination. In: Holland CV, Smith HV, editors. Toxocara: the enigmatic parasite. Oxfordshire: CABI Publishing. pp. 211–227.
18. Rubinsky-Elefant G, Hirata CE, Yamamoto JH, Ferreira MU (2010) Human toxocariasis: diagnosis, worldwide seroprevalences and clinical expression of the systemic and ocular forms. Ann Trop Med Parasitol 104: 3–23.
19. Fernández JE, López-Hidalgo A, Sitchao N (1974) Larva migrans visceral. Reporte de siete casos del hospital militar escuela "Dr. Carlos J. Finlay". Rev Cubana Med Trop 26: 1–2.
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24. Delgado M, Suárez M, Couce V, Bustelo J (2009) Reporte de dos casos confirmados de larva migrans visceral en la provincia de Ciego de Avila. Cuba. Mediciego 15(supl 2).
25. Curbelo MJ, Ríos BT, Llull MA (2008) Toxocariasis ocular: presentación de un caso. Medisur 6: 99–101.
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28. Berrocal J (1980) Prevalence of Toxocara canis in babies and in adults as determined by the ELISA test. Trans Am Ophthalmol Soc 78: 376–413.
29. Bundy DA, Thompson DE, Robertson BD, Cooper ES (1987) Age-relationships of Toxocara canis seropositivity and geohelminth infection prevalence in two communities in St. Lucia, West Indies. Trop Med Parasitol 38: 309–312.
30. Baboolal S, Rawlins SC (2002) Seroprevalence of toxocariasis in schoolchildren in Trinidad. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 96: 139–143.
31. Mizgajska H (2001) Eggs of Toxocara spp. in the environment and their public health implications. J Helminthol 75: 147–151.
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text:
Rempoa is een bestuurslaag in het regentschap Tangerang Selatan van de provincie Banten, Indonesië. Rempoa telt 33.945 inwoners (volkstelling 2010).

Plaats in Banten

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Russian athletes confront their country's Olympic ban: 'I want to compete.'
Snowboarder Nikita Avtaneev of Russia competing in the qualification heats at the Sochi Olympics. (Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
By Rick Maese
Rick Maese
Reporter covering a variety of subjects, including health and safety, Olympics, legal and political issues in sports
COPPER MOUNTAIN, Colo. —Nikita Avtaneev was strapped to his snowboard, twirling through the thin, crisp air Tuesday, while his Olympic fate was being announced halfway around the world. It wasn't until the end of the snowboarder's training run that he received the news issued by the International Olympic Committee: Russia, Avtaneev's home country, will not be able to compete in the Winter Games in South Korea in February because of widespread doping violations.
The Olympic world immediately began processing the ramifications of the IOC's unprecedented decision, calculating what the news means to the competition in PyeongChang this winter and to the dreams of athletes who have spent years in training.
Avtaneev, 22, is one of dozens of Russian athletes who hope to take advantage of an exemption allowed by the IOC that permits Olympic hopefuls to compete if they can prove they're clear. They'd be designated by the IOC as an "Olympic Athlete from Russia" and would participate in the Olympics with no national anthem, flag or team uniform.
"I want to compete," said Avtaneev, who's trying for his second Olympics in the men's halfpipe. "I will stick the sticker on my helmet that I'm Russian."
Avtaneev is in Copper Mountain this week, competing in a Grand Prix event that serves as a qualifier for the Olympics. Regardless of how he does here, he'll still need to navigate a separate qualification process to get to PyeongChang — an IOC panel that will review all Russian competitors to determine whether they have been disqualified for past doping violations and whether they have completed all pre-Olympics drug testing.
[IOC bans Russia from Olympics for widespread doping violations]
The IOC's decision has implications for virtually every sport, barring some formidable medal contenders from competing and insuring that some who do reach the podium might have to contend with an asterisk next to their name because of a diminished field. As the Winter Olympics host nation four years ago, Russia was able to compete in all 15 sports, sending more than 230 athletes to Sochi.
While Russia was initially credited with 33 medals in Sochi, the country's medal count has been reduced to 22 because of disqualifications related to doping. That number could drop further. Nearly half the Sochi medalists from Russia have been implicated in the doping scheme, and two dozen athletes are in the midst of disciplinary proceedings.
Even before Tuesday's IOC announcement, some of Russia's top competitors had already been barred from competing in PyeongChang, including cross-country skier Alexander Legkov, who was stripped of two Sochi medals; skeleton slider Aleksandr Tretyakov, who lost his gold medal from Sochi; and speedskater Olga Fatkulina, who was stripped of her silver medal from Sochi.
Some sports will surely notice the absence of a Russian team more than others. Tuesday's decision had a big impact on sliding sports, such as bobsled, skeleton and luge; Nordic sports, including cross-country skiing and biathlon; and potentially figure skating, where Russia is a traditional podium threat.
In skeleton, for instance, Russia sent six athletes to Sochi. Five have since been disqualified, and two Russian medals were vacated.
"I'd be lying if I said I had a lot of optimism that they were going to come down with a harsh penalty," said American slider Matt Antoine, who won a bronze medal in 2014. "I'm extremely pleased to see them make the hard decision — and the right decision — to protect the integrity of the Games. Their entire reputation was really on the line. In the end, they did the right thing."
At the Sochi Games, Russia won five figure skating medals, including three golds, and at this year's world championships, Evgenia Medvedeva won the women's championship, while Evgenia Tarasova and Vladimir Morozov took bronze in pairs. Medvedeva was only 14 years old during the Sochi Games and has faced no accusations of wrongdoing, which could make her a likely candidate for an IOC exemption. But Medvedeva told the IOC executive committee Tuesday that she could not yet commit to participating as a neutral athlete.
"I always believed that the opportunity to participate in the Olympics should be fought on the ice," she said. "Unfortunately, now I understand that I may lose that chance because of a situation that doesn't depend on me. . . . I'm proud of my country. I have tremendous pride to represent it at the Games."
[Read the full IOC report on Russia's doping program]
Avtaneev felt similarly, that Tuesday's decision effectively punishes many Russian athletes who've done nothing wrong. "No, it's not right," he said. "Those who are not clear with the doping, it's their problem, so they should answer for themselves."
Russia also won five Sochi medals in short-track speedskating, four of which came from Viktor Ahn, one of the greatest to ever lace up a pair skates. Ahn was born in Seoul and competed for South Korea in the 2006 Olympics before obtaining Russian citizenship and skating for his adopted homeland in Sochi, where he won three gold medals and one bronze.
Ahn's return to Korean soil for a chance to cap his career in his native country promises to be one of these Olympics' biggest story lines if he is granted neutral competitor status, which seems likely. He'd previously said he intended to retire following the PyeongChang Games.
The decision casts an even darker cloud over the men's hockey tournament. Already NHL players are barred from competing, and without Russia in the mix, it's likely that players from the Moscow-based Kontinental Hockey League — widely considered the world's second best — won't be allowed to compete, further watering down the competitive pool.
Tuesday's news was mostly well-received from the administrators, coaches and athletes who compete under the Team USA banner. Tiger Shaw, CEO of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association, said the decision "demonstrates a strong commitment to the importance of clean sport."
"Now we look to the International Ski Federation [FIS] to hold a FIS Council meeting to review the IOC's decision and related evidence to consider its impact on the Russian Ski Association, its FIS committee members, officials and athletes," he said in a statement.
Hayley Wickenheiser, a six-time Olympian from Canada and a member of the IOC's Athletes' Commission, says the burden now falls on the international federations for each sport as well as the IOC's review panel to ensure that the Russians who do get to compete in PyeongChang are indeed clean.
"It is not lost on many clean athletes that Russian athletes who were part of this system may have had no choice but to comply," she said in a statement.
Barry Svrluga and Isabelle Khurshudyan in Washington contributed to this report.
Archives: Russia organized systematic, state sponsored doping
Bobsled medalist among those disqualified
Russians stripped of Sochi skeleton medals
Rick Maese Rick Maese is a sports features writer for The Washington Post. He has written about the NFL since joining The Post in 2009, including three seasons as beat writer for the Washington Redskins. Follow


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AWS works on Cloud, which is one of the most well-loved technology in the modern world – due to no heavy integration or maintenance procedures. Moreover, you get to enjoy top features in a single platform.
It is one of the most demanded skills in the Digital Marketing field, and you have huge career prospects with an AWS certification – such as an AWS Certified Associate, AWS Certified SysOps Administrator, AWS Certified DevOps Engineer or an AWS Certified Developer.
It is well-known in most companies Microsoft Azure, Rackspace, Google Cloud, IBM Softlayer, and Joyent, to name a few.


Lets not pass up the opportunity for a #SharePint while i am in town. I arrive a day ahead of my conference as a travel day.
Wow you also do public speaking and conducting seminars? You're a mensa!
I am just giving back to the community that gave so much to me.. mate..


text:
Niger's President Mahamadou Issoufou arrives for a summit to address a seminar on security during an event marking the centenary of the unification of Nigeria's north and south in Abuja, Nigeria, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014, . Photo credit: AP Photo/Sunday Alamba
Journalists in Niger detained by government
Nigerien authorities have detain four journalists in the capital Niamey in the past week, after they criticized the government and allegedly accused President Mahamdou Issafou of corruption.
Zakari Adamou, a talk show host on Canal 3 TV, was taken on Monday along with Ousmane Dan Badji, the editor L'Union, a newspaper, according to the Associated Press. Ousmane was a guest on Adamou's program and the arrests followed comments made by the two on a January program.
These 2 arrests follow the detention of Soumana Idrissa Maïga, editor of the L'Enquêteur. He was arrested on January 23 because of an article he published on his newspaper's January 17 issue. He was accused of "plotting against state security" and "abetting wrongdoers," according to Reporters Without Borders.
The new detainings also follow the arrest of Abdoulaye Maman, a talk show host on Bonferey TV. He was arrested for comments made on a January 25 show.
Press freedom groups are have raised concerns about the recent treatment of journalists in the West African nation, which has made progress in transitioning to democracy following the 2009 ouster of former president Mamadou Tandja.
"Since the democratic transition of 2009, Niger's leadership has often been cited as an example for its respect of press freedom, but the government's crackdown on critical journalists threatens to roll back the country's democratic progress," said the Africa Advocacy Coordinator for the Committee to Protect Journalists, Mohamed Keita. "We call on Nigerien authorities to release the journalists still in custody and respect its own laws pertaining to the media."
In an interview with the Associated Press, Justice Minister Marou Amadou said the government will not allow journalists to challenge the country's democratic framework or call for its destabilization.
Gujarat violence shadows India's Modi
Yemen expels one journalist, bars another
Syria takes psychological toll on reporters
No longer trending, Nigerian girls still missing
'Sherpa' highlights Everest's inequalities


English designer, author, naval historian, balloonist, and advocate for the handicapped sailor.
After studying engineering at Southhampton University, he worked under such luminaries as Laurent Giles, Uffa Fox, etc. before establishing his own firm.
Awarded RDI (Royal Designer for Industry) in 1995.
As a designer, Mr. Mudie has stated that he has "little use for the 'ordinary'".


- Hi, my name's Rich Harrington. And welcome to this course on using actions and automation with Adobe Photoshop. We're going to explore lots of different techniques that are all about saving time and getting the job done faster. Photoshop ships with a ton of technology. Scripts, automation commands, actions, and if you know how to use these, you can get common tasks done a whole lot faster. Now the cool thing here is it doesn't matter if you're a production artist or high end designer, a video pro or a medical imaging technician.
Lots of times you're going to have images that have similar problems that need to be fixed. The cool thing is by saving your work and storing it as an action or taking advantage of some of the built-in automation commands, you can get a lot more done more quickly. And this is just going to free you up to have more time to do the things you enjoy, besides digital imaging. With that in mind, let's jump in and explore what you need to know.


text:
Cipher was an American hardcore punk band that formed in 1996 in Long Beach, New York, United States. Cipher's core line-up consisted of Maurice "Moe" Mitchell (vocals), Danny "Cipher" Bobis (drums), Chris Fry (guitar) and Krys Maniecki (bass).

History
The band's earliest demos were released when members were high school juniors. These releases were marked by a noticeably more metal and progressive sound than their contemporaries in the Long Island Hardcore scene. Another distinct element of Cipher's sound was Moe Ciphers vocals which were expressed as rhythmic, staccato yells rather than screams which drew some comparisons to Hip hop. Cipher's music addressed socio-political activism, hardcore scene politics and identity.

Later releases became progressively pointed in their political critiques and complex in their musical structure. The release of the EP Protoculture marks a distinct change in artistic direction for Cipher. The four song recording was the first time Cipher put together a compilation of work written for the express purpose of being released as a unit. The outcome was a treatment on race, the trans-Atlantic slave trade, spiritual indecision, and the role of the individual in changing her/his reality.

Cipher has released three demos (Serial, 99 cent Demo, 2), one EP (Protoculture), one 6 inch EP (Burnt Halos), and one music video (for "Reaching Higher States" off the Antidote album). The band has become highly regarded in the Hardcore underground as a consistent voice of radical political dissent and musical experimentation. In 2003, the band was featured in James Spooner's cult classic documentary Afro-Punk. In 2005, Cipher released their first non-DIY, nationally distributed release, Children of God's Fire. Children of God's Fire has gone on to become an emblematic record in the band's history and an influential record, seen as a needed departure from the apolitical recordings popular in mainstream heavy music.

Since their 2005 release Children of God's Fire, the band had several line-up changes with the exception of founding members Danny Bobis and Maurice Mitchell.

In 2010, the band released their second major release, The Joyous Collapse. The record is Cipher's attempt at chronicling the internal contradictions and struggles of daily life, our many overlapping identities, and the many forms of oppression we encounter in society. To support the release, the band embarked on a 48 date DIY Summer Tour from the east coast to the west coast of North America. The band suffered many hardships during this tour, most notably their van breaking down along the way.

On July 24, 2011, founding member Danny Bobis went missing while surfing in Indonesia. On July 28, 2011 after four days of searching Bobis' body was found. Cipher went on hiatus for a while. On August 23, 2014, Cipher performed at the Afropunk Festival with both newer and older members headed by founding member Maurice Mitchell. The group also did an interview for Afropunk stating, "I know Danny was feeling every single moment of it. I know Danny was rocking with us."

On July 27, 2017, many of the past members reunited to perform at THIS IS HARDCORE in Philadelphia.

Politics
The band's earliest recordings included anti-authoritarian statements and metaphysical themes. Although never explicitly a "straightedge band", all four original band members either identified as straightedge or led a drug-free lifestyle, independent of straightedge culture and politics. To this day both Danny Cipher and Moe Cipher continue to lead straightedge / drug-free lifestyles. Although not explicitly a "vegan or vegetarian band", three of the four original band members were either vegan or vegetarian. In 1998 Cipher's music took on a distinctly revolutionary racial consciousness and an explicitly anti-racist bent. By 2000, Cipher's politics had become more oppositional in nature and more urgent in its push for dramatic social change. At this point, Cipher's politics had matured to a balanced challenge of race, class, and gender in contemporary society. The most noticeable shift in this period of Cipher's political development was a pronounced gender critique. This enhanced feminist critique is most noticeable on songs like "Woman," featured on Antidote. By 2005 Cipher had adopted on a "total-liberation" ethos, exposing a need for total social upheaval in order to develop a new society that respected the autonomy of all living beings, human and animal as well as the Earth's environment. Cipher's political message promotes animal rights although not all the current members of Cipher are vegan. This represents a continuation of the politics Cipher had in its inception when most members were vegan or vegetarian. Additionally, their understanding of a revolutionary future would not necessitate all humanity to align under ridged guidelines of behavior. Cipher suggests a path to total liberation in stages. An initial stage would require organizing with people where ever they are in their political consciousness. Such a posture relies on points of commonality and solidarity rather than points of difference.

Moe Mitchell has since become a progressive activist, serving as the chairman of the Working Families Party.

Discography

Studio EPs/albums
 1996: Recognize EP
 1998: Protoculture EP
 2001: Antidote
 2005: Children of God's Fire
 2010: The Joyous Collapse

Demo albums
 1996: Serial
 2000: Burnt Halos

Compilation appearances
''Koi Records – Scream for Help! "Punk & Hardcore Bands 4 Gulf Coast Animals" (Vinyl record featuring such bands as Most Precious Blood, Cattle Decapitation and H2O)

References

External links

Cipher music on Pure Volume

Metalcore musical groups from New York (state)
Hardcore punk groups from New York (state)
Musical groups established in 1996
Musical groups disestablished in 2011
Straight edge groups
Political music groups


An artisanal line of all-natural, herbs and spices blended by hand in small batches to ensure freshness. Combined with meat, beans, veggies, anything. Basics Fuirst Spice Blends are all it takes to make a complete and absolutely delicious meal.
Follow me. I'll show the home cook, from novice to enthusiast, and from carnivore to vegetarian, how to put dinner on the table. Cooking should be fun not intimidating. After all, Cassoulet is just a fancy recipe for bean stew.


text:
using System;
using System.Collections.Generic;
using System.Xml.Serialization;

namespace ThreeDCartAccess.SoapApi.Models.Order
{
	[ Serializable() ]
	[ XmlRoot( ElementName = "runQueryResponse" ) ]
	public class ThreeDCartOrderStatuses
	{
		[ XmlElement( ElementName = "runQueryRecord" ) ]
		public List< ThreeDCartOrderStatus > Statuses{ get; set; }
	}
}


Korea Hi Jell-o Cooling Mat, stay cool even in summer, helps in soothing babies sensitive skin, prevent dust mites and fever alleviation. Multiple usage as a sleeping mat, waterproof pad, cooling mat and even adults are using cool mat during warm weather to keep their temperature down.
Singapore First Cooling Mat! New breakthrough technology from Korea that enable the coolness to last even when sleeping upon for hours. -5 degree from the normal room temperature and maintaining an optimal temperature for sleeping!


I was very nervous about plastic surgery because I had bad experience with a previous doctor. As soon as I walked into Doctors Plastic Surgery, my nervous feelings went away and I felt comfortable and relaxed. The assistants were welcoming, informative, and pleasant. The office was very clean and modern. The assistant who called me in to see the doctor was an absolute sweetheart--super pretty, cute, and funny. I asked her questions about the doctor and she told me he was very good at what he does and his patients always love their results. When I saw the doctor, he was very professional and gave his honest opinion. I really liked what he had to say, so I scheduled my procedure. All in all, my experience was fantastic! I highly recommend Doctors Plastic Surgery to other patients!


DUBAI, Feb 1: Nepal squared the Twenty20 international series with a four-wicket win over UAE at a packed out ICC Academy in Dubai.
Dipendra Airee made 47 not out to take the tourists to victory, as they chased 108 to win with three balls to spare.
UAE were always struggling after their batting misfired again, as it has done with regularity in both formats over the past week.
CP Rizwan, playing his second T20i for UAE, opened and batted through to the 19th over. The fact his score was limited to 44 from 43 balls in that time showed just how tough the going was.
The pitch presumably played its part, but the Nepal bowlers were again impressively diligent. Two of the stars of the one-day series win, Sompal Kami, who took two for 15, and Sandeep Lamichhane, with two for 19, led the way again. Arguably the pick was Abinash Bohara, whose three wickets included that of Rizwan.
Even though they were defending a seemingly meagre total, the UAE's bowlers approached their task confidently.
Sultan Ahmed, the left-arm spinner who has impressed on his return to the side, took two for nine from his four overs, as Nepal stuttered to 47 for five from 11 overs.
But Airee and Pawan Sarraf then shared the decisive partnership, worth 55, and it was left to Airee to hit six then four to win it in Zahoor Khan's final over.


text:
Midget Bicar is een historisch motorfietsmerk.

Walton Motor Company, Lynbrook, USA (1908-1910).

J.F. Brown in Londen ontwikkelde deze motorfiets met platenframe en bouwde er 3½- en 5 pk Fafnir-motoren in. Het Amerikaanse bedrijf Walton bouwde deze motorfietsen onder licentie na voor de Amerikaanse markt, maar voorzag ze van eigen V-twins.

Amerikaans historisch motorfietsmerk


text:
|| Photos by Wes Parnell.
A single opening in the ceiling casts white sunlight onto icons of Jesus Christ, the Archangel Gabriel, and a host of heavenly Saints. Ancient chants fill the dimly lit hall, as smoke rises to the ceiling, flowing freely from the golden censers. The hall is separated by two rows of pews, one on each side of the room. A large horos hangs from the ceiling.
Surrounding the altar, in the farthest part of the sanctuary, are men in ceremonial white robes. These robes are embroidered with gold and shimmer in the heavenly light. Despite its opulent history, The Greek Orthodox Church of St. John The Baptist has an ordinary community: the old, the young, the families and their restless children.
"It's just like home. I've been to quite a few bible studies and churches, usually after a few weeks I'd stay home. But, if they had a service here every night, I'd come," said Denise Malleos, a dedicated member of the church.
Tucked away on the edge of the east village, St John The Baptist lives between a bakery and bicycle shop, protected by a cast iron gate and two wooden doors. Walking by on a Sunday, the doors ajar, the church seems like a mystic portal to another world where incense and chants glide forward and soft light illuminates the golden faces of martyrs.
The building, once home to a German beer hall and social center, has housed the church since 1936.
A typical Sunday begins at 9:15AM with Greek Orthos, or prayers followed by the Divine Liturgy at 10:00AM. The prayers and liturgy, sung in a byzantine fashion evoke an elevated and reverent state of mind. The proccessions and the eucharist are given by Father Archimandrite Vasilios and is followed by a short sermon. The morning concludes with a coffee hour in the basement.
Part of the reason Denise and many others stay at St. John the Baptist is because of the personable and loving priest, Father Archimandrite Vasilios. As a staple of the church, Father Vasilios radiates a Christlike kindness and charisma.
To an outsider, Father Vasilios might appear to be more like a mob boss than a priest. One church member invites Father out to lunch, another to a daughter's birthday party. Father listens to members, offers advice, and makes jokes about the older members of the church. He is the type of man that could handle himself in any situation- from the jungles of Vietnam to tea time with with the elderly.
Father Vasilios wanted to be a priest since boyhood, but life took him in different directions before he made his final vows to the church. Now 72, Father Vasilios has been a priest for 33 years, and has spent 3 of those at St. John the Baptist.
"I used to have a motorcycle business. I've been in the film business. I was in the army, and it was difficult. Life is tough. Not gonna say I had it easy, but all the doors were open for me all the time," the Reverend said.
As an altar boy, Father Vasilios always wanted to stay in the church. However, dyslexia prevented him from completing his Orthodox studies. Instead, Father Vasilios went to a technical high school before being shipped out to Vietnam. Frustrated and confused, Father Vasilios asked God, "If you want me to be a priest, why am I going to Vietnam to die?"
When it seemed like God would not respond, Vasilios changed his question. "Just tell me how big you are, that's all I wanna know." Father Vasilios continued saying that he, "didn't doubt that there was a God, I just didn't know how big he was."
Over the years, the Father got his answer. He was a hero in the war. With God's protection, Father Vasilios risked his life to help his fellow troops.
"I got blown up by a landmine in Vietnam. I just got my ears blown out, think about that, I got thrown back ten feet, fifteen feet, nothing. So, how come, ya know? I saved about three or four guys from killing themselves. I caught a snipe VC. I mean, I can't tell you though." Father Vasilios said.
Over time troops started to know and hear about Father Vasilios, they started calling him "Billy the Greek." Many thought he was crazy but Father Vasilios never thought twice about his decisions, led by the Holy Spirit, he just did what he believed was right.
"I was nuts, but I wasn't nuts. I did what I believed was right to do. So if you do what is right to do then your not nuts. You just do what you believe is right to do. And that's what I did," Vasilios said.
After the war Father's work ethic and and sense of duty opened many doors in the workplace. From owning a motorcycle garage to working in film production, Father cared less about what he did, but how he did it. But while his duties were constantly changing, his heart always remained with God.
Deciding that it was finally time to return to the church, Father entered Seminary and became a priest at the age of 39. After a lifetime of experience, Father Vasilios is now able to look back and understand the answer to his original question: "how big is God?" Father Vasilios concludes that he would not be the priest he is today without the experiences of his youth.
Members of the church admire and appreciate the fact that Father is both wise and relatably human. He often teaches in stories, using the hardships and victories of his past as direction for the futures of others.
During coffee hour after the service Father Vasilios sits with a mix of children, youth, and elderly men and women. People come and go, kissing Father Vasilios on the cheek as they leave. "Stay outa trouble, call me though," Father Vasilios says to each person, "and I mean it."
Despite its small size, St John the Baptist is an important part of the Orthodox community in New York. While churches in America struggle with scandals and maintaining tradition in the face of modernity, St John The Baptist has remained strong.
On Sunday, March 18th, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of American paid a visit to the church. In his sermon, the Archbishop explained the story of the demon possessed boy in Matthew 17. He asked the congregation to pay more attention to their faith, and to ask the question, "do I believe?" The sermon was short and simple, it was a reminder of the importance of what it means to be human in a world of doubt. The Archbishop left with a simple piece of advice, to pray like the book of Mark, "I believe, Lord help my unbelief."
The sermons, and the church in general, is dynamic but simple. It ties together the paradox of an ancient religion in a modern society. Denise Malleos encourages younger generations to attend the church because, she says, "it's the original church." And in a century harkened by technological advances and social fluidity, St John the Baptist is able to preserve a timeless message for a modern crowd.
During a Sunday morning sermon Father Vasilios highlighted the fact that the Orthodox church is at times, at odds with modern society. This is especially true in New York City, where a secular culture tends to be diametrically opposed to the concept of ancient wisdom, particularly that of first century Christendom.
While there is constant debate surrounding the importance of conserving tradition, whether in politics or religion, the members of St. John the Baptist do not find their tradition disconcerting.
As a member kissed the Father's hand on her way out the door, she asked him where he would like to go eat lunch later that afternoon. Father Vasilios said to pick whichever spot she liked the most, and "just text me." She responded, "Okay father, I'll just have a Bloody Mary while I wait."
CultureWes Parnell January 7, 2019 fall2018mag
A Basketball Season Preview
CampusLiza Vandenboom January 14, 2019 Lizavandenboom, Secondary Feature
Make What Feels Good
CultureEdison Cummings December 18, 2018 fall2018mag, edisoncummings, Secondary Feature


text:
May 28, 2019 mario
© Reuters. Pedestrians are reflected on an electronic board showing stock prices outside a brokerage in Tokyo
By Andrew Galbraith
SHANGHAI (Reuters) – Asian shares edged up on Tuesday lifted by gains in China and as auto firms climbed on merger news, but broad uncertainties over trade and economic growth kept a lid on gains.
MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan gained 0.31%, and U.S. rose 0.19% to 2,837.25.
Chinese blue-chips rose 1.02% a day after data showed Chinese industrial firms' profits shrank in April, which is expected to prompt more government stimulus to support the slowing economy.
A planned increase in the weighting of Chinese A-shares in MSCI indexes after the market close later on Tuesday also boosted shares.Seoul's added 0.13%, while Australian shares were up 0.45%. Japan's stock index gained 0.39%.
Despite the day's gains, Joanne Goh, Asia equity strategist at DBS in Singapore, said that broad market sentiment remained uncertain ahead of a possible meeting between the Chinese and U.S. presidents at the G20 summit next month.
"There's still a lack of direction in the markets in terms of all the different asset classes," she said.
"You actually see Chinese bond yields are ticking up, but that shouldn't be the case because we are expecting stimulus and bond yields should start to come off…there's quite a lot of uncertainty in the markets right now."
Ten-year Chinese government bond futures for September delivery, the most-traded contract, jumped 0.26% on Tuesday after having dropped as much as 0.71% the day before, after China's takeover of a troubled bank sparked concerns of wider financial risks.
"With economic indicators mixed and trade war risks lingering, the bias is still tilted towards loose monetary policy to cushion growth. We think that the rise in longer-term (Chinese) govvie…yields is probably not warranted," DBS analysts said in a note.
The equity market gains in Asia followed a relatively light session in Europe on Monday, with UK and U.S. financial markets closed for holidays.
European auto shares had rallied after Italian-American carmaker Fiat Chrysler confirmed it had made a "transformative merger" proposal to French peer Renault (PA:) in a deal which would create the world's third-biggest carmaker. That sector rally spilled into Asia with Mitsubishi Motors Corp in Japan adding 4.31% and Nissan Motor Co gaining 2.51%.
Shares in Hong Kong-listed Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd jumped 6.11%. Provisional results from EU elections also buoyed markets after pro-union parties kept a firm grip on power in elections to the European Parliament. The pan-European added 0.22%.
"Although Eurosceptic and anti-establishment parties didn't win as many seats as expected, their influence has increased significantly. This could have implications for the political color of key EU positions," said Rodrigo Catril, senior FX strategist at National Australia Bank.
"The Parliament composition is also likely to have implications on the priority agenda for future EU reform, particularly with respect to things like immigration, fiscal spending and fiscal union," he added, noting a decrease in bond yields pointed to continued risk aversion.
The yield on benchmark 10-year German Bunds fell to -0.147% on Monday, its lowest since September 2016.
On Tuesday, U.S. yields were also lower. Benchmark yielded 2.3061%. The two-year yield touched 2.1661%.
Trade worries remain high on investors' list of concerns. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that Washington was not ready to make a deal with Beijing but he expected one in the future, while at the same time pressing Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to even out a trade imbalance with the United States.
The dollar was barely weaker against the yen at 109.47, and fell 0.13% against the euro, with the common currency buying $1.1181.
The , which tracks the greenback against a basket of six major rivals, was 0.20% higher at 97.806.
In commodity markets, oil prices wavered after rising more than 1% on Monday on tensions in the Middle East and OPEC-led supply cuts, as well as continuing Russian supply disruptions after a contamination problem discovered last month.
was 0.1% lower at $70.04 per barrel, having earlier dipped below the $70 mark, and U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude added 0.82% to $59.11 per barrel.
was down 0.12% at $1,283.21 per ounce.
, which on Monday touched $8,939.18, its highest in more than a year, was up 0.3% at $8,797.4, turning around from an earlier drop. The cryptocurrency topped $8,000 for the first time since July 2018 on May 13.
May 28, 2019 Peter Lee
© Reuters. Pedestrians are reflected on an electronic board showing stock prices outside a brokerage in...
© Reuters. FILE PHOTO: Worker gestures as a crane lifts goods for export onto a cargo...


Oh Crap Potty Training is Jamie Glowacki's 6-step, proven process to get your toddler out of diapers and onto the toilet that has already worked for tens of thousands of kids and their parents.
Here's the good news: your child is probably ready to be potty trained EARLIER than you think (ideally, between 20–30 months), and it can be done FASTER than you expect (most kids get the basics in a few days—but this method has you covered even if it takes a little longer).
Oh Crap Potty Training can solve all of the common issues around potty training. This isn't theory, you're not bribing with candy, and there are no gimmicks.
Buy "Oh Crap Potty Training" by clicking the image above.
Jamie Glowacki, aka "The Pied Piper of Poop" developed the Oh Crap Potty Training method. Jamie first learned to potty train kids over 10 years ago while a social worker, both in San Francisco and Rhode Island. She worked with dual diagnosis moms and as a parent educator, teaching potty training was part of her job, not the hot button issue it is today. When her son was 22 months, she ducked out of her mom circles for a week to potty train. She was still unaware of the modern cultural potty drama until every person exclaimed that it was IMPOSSIBLE to potty train A BOY at 22 MONTHS! She did and he did and suddenly he was a rock star on the playground. People started asking her how she did it everywhere she went. She started holding classes and helping parents individually.
When I say Jenny has the patience of a saint, I'm not exaggerating. Jenny is almost miraculous in knowing how to talk parents down from the cliff of potty training troubles. She knows the right questions to ask and more importantly, the right times to listen. Jenny is one of the first Oh Crap! Experts and I was able to work directly with her with over 100 clients. I watched her patiently guide strung out parents through some of the craziest situations out there. Having worked through many of the biggest potty training problems with her own daughter, Jenny completely understands how crazy potty training can make you. Once you choose to consult with Jenny, you will immediately feel you are in the best hands.


After this session, I will forever recommend doing a bridal session either before or after your wedding! Not all venues have the perfect spot for portraits, so by doing a bridal shoot, you can go to an amazing location, during golden hour, and you don't have to worry about hurrying so that you can attend to your guests. And not to mention, you get to wear your wedding dress more than once, and after spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on that beautiful dress, why not get your money's worth out of it!
I'm so glad Sydney & Ben decided to get some bridals done by me, because I'm loving how these photos turned out. Not to mention they were so nice! I let them know that it was going to be freezing and windy at Greens Peak, and they were still all for doing them. And let me tell you, it. was. freezing! But in the end, completely worth it. The first photo in this gallery was featured on Oars and Beanies on Instagram, and it was the first photo of mine to ever get featured!