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Driezen, et al. 2020. Self-reported exposure to secondhand smoke and support for complete smoking bans in multiunit housing among smokers from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom [show abstract ▼] [hide abstract ▲] [access full article]
Involuntary exposure to secondhand smoke most frequently occurs at home, which is problematic for residents of multiunit housing (MUH). The primary objective of this study was to estimate the extent of secondhand smoke incursions into the homes of MUH smokers who banned smoking in their homes but lived in buildings where smoking is allowed.
We used data from Wave 9 of the International Tobacco Control Four Country Survey. We estimated 1) the prevalence of complete smoking bans among smokers living in single-family homes vs MUH in the United States (n = 3,208), Canada (n = 1,592), and the United Kingdom (n = 1,403) from 2013 to 2015; 2) the extent of secondhand smoke incursions into the homes of MUH smokers who banned smoking in their units but lived in buildings that allow smoking; and 3) MUH smokers' preferences for complete smoking bans in MUH. Weighted multivariable logistic regression estimated the country-specific adjusted prevalence of all outcomes.
Overall, 53.0% of smokers living in single-family homes completely banned smoking in their homes, compared with 44.8% of smokers in MUH. Across all 3 countries, only 27.8% of MUH smokers reported that smoking was completely prohibited in their building. A similar percentage of MUH smokers who banned smoking in their home but lived in buildings allowing smoking reported a secondhand smoke incursion into their home in the United States (29.9%; 95% CI, 20.4%–41.5%), Canada (38.4%; 95% CI, 26.7%–51.6%), and the United Kingdom (24.7%; 95% CI, 15.7%–36.7%). Across all 3 countries, 36.1% (95% CI, 33.4%–38.9%) of smokers in MUH reported they preferred a complete smoking ban in all building areas.
A need remains to educate MUH operators and residents about the benefits of comprehensive smoke-free policies.
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Cheng, et al. 2020. Costs of vaping: Evidence from ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey [show abstract ▼] [hide abstract ▲] [access full article]
Study objectives: To compare the prices paid for nicotine vaping products (NVPs) and supplies among current NVP users to prices paid for cigarettes among current smokers.
Data: The 2016 International Tobacco Control Four Country Vaping and Smoking Survey (4CV1). Key measures included: (1) self-reported prices paid for reusable NVPs (eg, rechargeable devices with cartridges and tank system devices with e-liquids) in the 3-month period prior to the survey among current NVP users, (2) prices paid for disposable NVPs, cartridges and e-liquids purchased in the last 30 days among current NVP users and (3) self-reported prices paid for cigarettes among current smokers.
Results: Disposable NVP price was higher than the price of a comparable unit for combustible cigarettes in England (EN), USA and Canada (CA). Prefilled cartridge price was higher than the price of a comparable unit of cigarettes in USA and CA, but lower in EN and Australia. E-liquid price was consistently lower than the price of a comparable unit of cigarettes across four countries. For start-up costs, price of a rechargeable device is approximately 3–5 times higher than a pack of cigarettes in four countries.
Conclusion: NVP prices were generally higher than prices of combustible cigarettes, especially the high upfront NVP devices. The high upfront costs of purchasing a reusable NVP may discourage some smokers from switching to vaping. However, the average lower costs of cartridges and e-liquids relative to a package of cigarettes make switching to a NVP an attractive alternative to smoking in the long term so long as smokers switch completely to vaping.
Craig, et al. 2020. Awareness of marketing of heated tobacco products and cigarettes and support for tobacco marketing restrictions in Japan: Findings from the 2018 International Tobacco Control (ITC) Japan Survey [show abstract ▼] [hide abstract ▲] [access full article]
Japan is one of the world's largest cigarette markets and the top heated tobacco product (HTP) market. No forms of tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship (TAPS) are banned under national law, although the industry has some voluntary TAPS restrictions. This study examines Japanese tobacco users' self-reported exposure to cigarette and HTP marketing through eight channels, as well as their support for TAPS bans. Data are from the 2018 ITC Japan Survey, a cohort survey of adult exclusive cigarette smokers (n = 3288), exclusive HTP users (n = 164), HTP-cigarette dual users (n = 549), and non-users (n = 614). Measures of overall average exposure to the eight channels of cigarette and HTP advertising were constructed to examine differences in exposure across user groups and products. Dual users reported the highest exposure to cigarette and HTP advertising. Tobacco users (those who used cigarettes, HTPs, or both) reported higher average exposure to HTP compared to cigarette advertising, however non-users reported higher average exposure to cigarette compared to HTP advertising. Retail stores where tobacco or HTPs are sold were the most prevalent channel for HTP and cigarette advertising, reported by 30-43% of non-users to 66-71% of dual users. Non-users reported similar exposure to cigarette advertising via television and newspapers/magazines as cigarette smokers and dual users; however, advertising via websites/social media was lower among non-users and HTP users than among cigarette smokers and dual users (p < 0.05). Most respondents supported a ban on cigarette (54%) and HTP (60%) product displays in stores, and cigarette advertising in stores (58%).
Cummings , et al. 2020. The past is not the future in tobacco control [show abstract ▼] [hide abstract ▲] [access full article]
In this paper we have attempted to identify missed opportunities to change the trajectory of smoking and smoking caused diseases in America over the past 100 years. Many of the missed opportunities identified are due to the actions of cigarette manufacturers who misled the public about the dangers of cigarette smoking, the addictiveness of nicotine, and the feasibility of providing lower risk alternative nicotine delivery products to addicted smokers. An important lesson learned from the past is that treating all tobacco/nicotine products as equivalently harmful is counterproductive to public health as it only serves to protect the most lethal nicotine product - cigarettes. Since 2000, the evolving marketplace of lower risk nicotine products combined with regulatory authority over tobacco products represents a new opportunity to dramatically transform the cigarette business in ways that were never imagined when the war on tobacco was raging decades ago. However, this requires embracing risk-proportionate regulation, taxation policies, and providing consumers with accurate public messaging on product relative risks. A regulatory framework based on sound science that encourages and rewards new or existing manufacturers to invest in consumer acceptable lower risk products to replace cigarettes needs to be encouraged. The past is indeed not the future in smoking control, but it may be difficult to escape the past unless a realignment of market forces and policies can be achieved.
Xu, et al. 2020. Reasons for regularly using heated tobacco products among adults current and former smokers in Japan: Findings from 2018 ITC Japan Survey [show abstract ▼] [hide abstract ▲] [access full article]
The market growth of heated tobacco products (HTPs), such as IQOS, Ploom TECH, and glo, has increased dramatically in Japan since 2016. Little is known about the reasons why current and former smokers are using HTPs. The data for this cross-sectional study were from the 2018 (Wave 1) International Tobacco Control (ITC) Japan Survey, a national web-based survey of 4500 people, including 658 current HTP users, of whom 549 were concurrently smoking cigarettes and 109 were former smokers. The most common reasons for regularly using HTPs were: beliefs that HTP are less harmful than cigarettes to themselves (90.6%) or to others (86.7%), enjoyment (76.5%), and social acceptability (74.4%). About half of current smokers (55.1%) reported using HTPs because these products might help them quit smoking. However, a near-equal percentage (52.0%) of current smokers reported using HTPs to replace some of the cigarettes they smoked so that they did not have to give up smoking altogether. If smokers are using HTPs to complement rather than quit their smoking, then the harm reduction potential of HTPs suggested by the toxicity studies will be diminished.
Taylor, et al. 2020. Changes in responses to nicotine vaping product warnings and leaflets in England compared with Canada, the US, and Australia: Findings from the 2016-2018 ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Surveys [show abstract ▼] [hide abstract ▲] [access full article]
Background and aims:
In May 2017, black-and-white text nicotine addiction warning labels ('warnings') and health and safety leaflets ('leaflets') became mandatory for nicotine vaping products (NVPs) in England, in accordance with the European Union's Tobacco Products Directive. We compared changes over time in noticing warnings and leaflets, recall of warnings about nicotine and concerns about using NVP due to noticing warnings in England, compared with Canada, the US and Australia, where no warnings and leaflets were mandated.
19005 adult (aged 18+) NVP users, smokers and quitters of cigarettes and NVP from the 2016 and 2018 International Tobacco Control Four Country Smoking and Vaping Surveys in England, Canada, the US and Australia, recruited via probability and non-probability sampling.
Noticing warnings increased in England from 4.9% (2016) to 9.4% (2018) (adjusted OR/AOR=1.64, 95% CI=1.15-2.36); this change was larger than changes in Canada (AOR=2.51, 95% CI=1.71-3.69) and the US (AOR=2.22, 95% CI=1.45-3.39). Recall of a nicotine warning increased in England from 86% (2016) to 94.9% (2018) (AOR=5.50, 95% CI=1.57-19.27) but not significantly elsewhere. Noticing leaflets increased in England from 14.6% (2016) to 19.1% (2018) (AOR=1.42, 95% CI=1.15-1.74); this change was larger than in Canada (AOR=1.42, 95% CI=1.12-1.79), the US (AOR=1.55, 95% CI=1.17-2.06) and Australia (AOR=1.51, 95% CI=1.02-2.22). Among those noticing warnings, concern about NVP use did not change significantly between 2016 and 2018 (all countries p>0.081).
Introduction of mandatory NVP warnings and leaflets in England was associated with small increases in noticing them but not with changes in concerns about NVP use.
White, et al. 2020. Reasons for stopping e-cigarette use amongst smokers: Findings from the 2018 ITC New Zealand Survey [show abstract ▼] [hide abstract ▲] [access full article]
Gravely, et al. 2020. The association of e-cigarette flavors with satisfaction, enjoyment, and trying to quit or stay abstinent from smoking among regular adult vapers from Canada and the United States: Findings from the 2018 ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey [show abstract ▼] [hide abstract ▲] [access full article]
Introduction: This study examined whether non-tobacco flavors are more commonly used by vapers (ecigarette users) compared to tobacco flavor, described which flavors are most popular, and tested whether flavors are associated with: vaping satisfaction relative to smoking, level of enjoyment with vaping, reasons for using e-cigarettes, and making an attempt to quit smoking by smokers.
Methods: This cross sectional study included 1,603 adults from Canada and the US who vaped at least weekly, and were either current smokers (concurrent users) or former smokers (exclusive vapers). Respondents were categorized into one of seven flavors they used most in the last month: tobacco, tobacco-menthol, unflavored, or one of the non-tobacco flavors: menthol/mint, fruit, candy, or 'other' (e.g. Coffee).
Results: Vapers use a wide range of flavors, with 63.1% using a non-tobacco flavor. The most common flavor categories were fruit (29.4%) and tobacco (28.7%), followed by mint/menthol (14.4%) and candy (13.5%). Vapers using candy (41.0%, p<0.0001) or fruit flavors (26.0%, p=0.01) found vaping more satisfying (compared to smoking) than vapers using tobacco flavor (15.5%) and rated vaping as very/extremely enjoyable (fruit: 50.9%; candy: 60.9%) than those using tobacco flavor (39.4%). Among concurrent users, those using fruit (74.6%, p=0.04) or candy flavors (81.1%, p=0.003) were more likely than tobacco flavor users (63.5%) to vape in order to quit smoking. Flavor category was not associated with the likelihood of a quit attempt (p=0.46). Among exclusive vapers, tobacco and non-tobacco flavors were popular; however, those using tobacco (99.0%) were more likely than those using candy (72.8%, p=0.002) or unflavored (42.5%, p=0.005) to vape in order to stay quit.
Conclusions: A majority of regular vapers in Canada and the US use non-tobacco flavors. Greater satisfaction and enjoyment with vaping is higher among fruit and candy flavor users. While it does not appear that certain flavors are associated with a greater propensity to attempt to quit smoking among concurrent users, non-tobacco flavors are popular among former smokers who are exclusively vaping. Future research should determine the likely impact of flavor bans on those who are vaping to quit smoking or to stay quit.
Implications: Recent concerns about the attractiveness of e-cigarette flavors among youth have resulted in flavor restrictions in some jurisdictions of the United States and Canada. However, little is known about
the possible consequences for current and former smokers if they no longer have access to their preferred flavors. This study shows that a variety of nontobacco flavors, especially fruit, are popular among adult vapers, particularly among those who have quit smoking and are now exclusively vaping. Limiting access to flavors may therefore reduce the appeal of e-cigarettes among adults who are trying to quit smoking or stay quit.
Li, et al. 2020. Are health conditions and concerns about health effects of smoking predictive of quitting? Findings from the ITC 4CV Survey (2016-2018) [show abstract ▼] [hide abstract ▲] [access full article]
Limited research has investigated the relationship between multiple health conditions and subsequent quitting activities at the population level. This study examines whether nine health conditions and concerns related to smoking are predictive of quit attempts and success among those who tried.
Data came from the International Tobacco Control Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey conducted in Australia, Canada, England and the US. A total of 3998 daily smokers were surveyed in 2016 and recontacted in 2018. Respondents were asked in 2016 whether they had a medical diagnosis for depression, anxiety, alcohol problems, obesity, chronic pain, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and chronic lung disease, and whether they had concerns about past/future health effects of smoking. Outcomes were quit attempts and success (having been abstinent for at least one month between surveys).
Across all four countries, 44.4% of smokers tried to quit between the two survey years, and of these 36.8% were successful. Concerns about past (adjusted odds ratio, AOR=1.66, 95% CI: 1.32–2.08, p<0.001) and future effects of smoking (AOR=2.17, 95% CI: 1.62–2.91, p<0.001) and most health conditions predicted quit attempts, but were mostly unrelated to quit success, with concerns about future effects (AOR=0.59, 95% CI: 0.35–0.99, p<0.05), chronic lung conditions (AOR=0.56, 95% CI: 0.37–0.86, p<0.01) and chronic pain (with a trend) being associated with lower success.
Having a major chronic health condition does, generally, motivate making quit attempts, but in some cases it is associated with failure among those who try. More effective cessation support is required for these high priority groups.
Yimsaard, et al. 2020. Gender differences in reasons for using electronic cigarettes and device characteristics: Findings from the 2018 ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey [show abstract ▼] [hide abstract ▲] [access full article]
Little is known about why males are more likely to use electronic cigarettes (ECs) compared to females. This study examined gender differences in reasons for vaping and characteristics of EC used (device type, device capacity, e-liquid nicotine strength, and flavour).
Data from 3938 current adult (18+ years) at-least-weekly EC users who participated in Wave 2 (2018) ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey in Canada, the United States, England, and Australia. Results: Of the sample, 54% were male. The most commonly cited reasons for vaping in females were 'less harmful to others' (85.8%) and in males were 'less harmful than cigarettes' (85.5%), with females being more likely to cite 'less harmful to others' (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=1.64, p=0.001) and 'help cut down on cigarettes' (aOR=1.60, p=0.001) than males. Significant gender differences were found in EC device type used (χ2=35.05, p=0.043). Females were less likely to report using e-liquids containing >20 mg/ml of nicotine, and tank devices with >2ml capacity (aOR=0.41, p<0.001 and aOR=0.65, p=0.026, respectively) than males. There was no significant gender difference in use of flavoured e-liquids, with fruit being the most common flavour for both males (54.5%) and females (50.2%).
There were some gender differences in reasons for vaping and characteristics of the product used. Monitoring of gender differences in patterns of EC use would be useful to inform outreach activities and interventions for EC use.
Our findings provide some evidence of gender differences in reasons for vaping and characteristics of EC used. The most common reason for vaping reported by females was 'less harmful to others', which may reflect greater concern by female vapers about the adverse effects of second-hand smoke compared to male vapers. Gender differences might be considered when designing gender sensitive smoking cessation policies. Regarding characteristics of EC products used, we found gender differences in preferences for e-liquid nicotine strength and device capacity. Further studies should examine whether the observed gender differences in EC use reasons and product characteristics are predictive of smoking cessation. Furthermore, studies monitoring gender-based marketing of ECs may be considered.
Miller, et al. 2020. Awareness, trial, and use of heated tobacco products among adult cigarette smokers and e-cigarettes users: Findings from the 2018 ITC Four Country Smoking & Vaping Survey [show abstract ▼] [hide abstract ▲] [access full article]
To evaluate heated tobacco product (HTP) awareness, trial and current use among adult cigarette smokers and vaping product users in four countries with varying regulations governing HTP sales.
Data came from Wave 2 of the ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey, collected from February to July 2018. Respondents were current and former smokers and/or users of vaping products (18 years or older) from Canada (CA; n=3778), England (EN; n=4848), the USA (US; n=2846) and Australia (AU; n=1515). At the time of the survey, only Canada and England permitted the sale of contemporary HTPs (eg, IQOS).
Overall, 30.2% of respondents reported being aware of HTPs (CA=30.4%; EN=31.0%; US=30.2%; AU=27.4%; p=0.346), 2.4% had ever tried HTPs (CA=3.3%; EN=2.4%; US=2.0%; AU=0.9%; p=0.001) and 0.9% currently used HTPs at least monthly (CA=0.8%; EN=1.2%; US=0.7%; AU=0.2%; p<0.001). Trial and current use were higher among those who concurrently smoked and vaped (at least monthly) versus other nicotine use categories (trial: 10.9% v. 1.2%-2.0%, p><0.001; current use: 8.4% v. 0.1%-1.0%, p><0.001). In multivariable analyses, HTP awareness did not differ across countries, whereas odds of trial and current use were lower where HTPs were unavailable. Odds of HTP trial did not differ by regulatory environment when restricting analysis to HTP-aware concurrent smokers-vapers.
Approximately one third of respondents were aware of HTPs, even in the USA and Australia, where contemporary HTPs were not yet on the market. Trial and use were uncommon, except among concurrent smokers-vapers. Restrictions on availability may have limited HTP use generally, but less so for concurrent smokers-vapers.
Gravely, et al. 2020. Changes in smoking and vaping over 18 months among smokers and recent ex-smokers: Longitudinal findings from the 2016 and 2018 ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Surveys [show abstract ▼] [hide abstract ▲] [access full article]
This descriptive study of smokers (smoked at least monthly) and recent ex-smokers (quit for ≤2 years) examined transitions over an 18 month period in their smoking and vaping behaviors. Data are from Waves 1 (W1: 2016) and 2 (W2: 2018) of the ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey, a cohort study of adult (≥18+) smokers, concurrent users (smoke and vape), and recent ex-smokers from Australia, Canada, England, and the United States (US). Respondents (N = 5016) were classified according to their smoking and vaping status, which resulted in eight subgroups: (1) exclusive daily smokers (2) exclusive non-daily smokers; (3–6) concurrent users (subdivided into four groups by each combination of daily/non-daily smoking and daily/non-daily vaping); (7) ex-smokers who vape; (8) ex-smokers not vaping. The analyses focused first on describing changes between groups from W1 to W2. Second, transition outcomes were assessed based on changes in smoking and vaping between W1 and W2. Transitions focused on smoking were: no change in smoking (continued smoking at the same frequency); decreased smoking; increased smoking; discontinued smoking; relapsed (ex-smokers at W1 who were smoking at W2). Transitions focused on vaping were: initiated vaping; switched from smoking to vaping. Overall, this study found that the vast majority of smokers were smoking 18 months later. Non-daily smokers were more likely than daily smokers to have discontinued smoking (p < 0.0001) and to have switched to exclusive vaping (p = 0.034). Exclusive non-daily smokers were more likely than exclusive daily smokers to have initiated vaping (p = 0.04). Among all W1 daily smokers, there were no differences in discontinued smoking between daily smokers who vaped (concurrent users) and exclusive daily smokers; however, concurrent users were more likely than exclusive daily smokers to have decreased to non-daily smoking (p < 0.001) or to have switched to vaping by W2 (p < 0.001). Among all W1 non-daily smokers, there were no significant differences in increased smoking or discontinued smoking between concurrent users or exclusive smokers. Most ex-smokers remained abstinent from smoking, and there was no difference in relapse back to smoking between those who vaped and those who did not.
Sutanto, et al. 2020. Perceived relative harm of heated tobacco products (IQOS), e-cigarettes, and cigarettes among adults in Canada: Findings from the ITC Project [show abstract ▼] [hide abstract ▲] [access full article]
Tobacco companies have introduced heated tobacco products (HTPs), such as IQOS, which may compete with e-cigarettes among smokers interested in switching to potentially reduced-risk products. Non-smokers may also start using IQOS if they believe this product is less harmful than other nicotine products. Smokers' and non-smokers' decisions may be driven by relative harm perceptions of emerging nicotine products. We aimed to examine relative harm perceptions between IQOS, e-cigarettes, and cigarettes, among nicotine product users and non-users.
We conducted a web survey with Canadian respondents (aged >/ 20 years; n=268) in September-October 2018. Perceptions about relative harm between IQOS (available for sale since 2017 and subject to the same comprehensive marketing restrictions as cigarettes in Canada), e-cigarettes, and cigarettes, were assessed among nonusers (n=79), exclusive smokers (n=78), exclusive e-cigarette users (n=32), and dual users (n=79). Multiple logistic regression explored the association between relative harm perceptions and nicotine-use status, adjusting for sociodemographic variables.
Over half of respondents perceived IQOS as equally or more harmful than e-cigarettes (53.7%), while almost a quarter either reported IQOS as less harmful than e-cigarettes or were uncertain (22.7% and 23.5%, respectively). Two-thirds of respondents (65.7%) perceived e-cigarettes as less harmful than cigarettes, yet only half (48.1%) perceived IQOS as less harmful than cigarettes. Both exclusive and dual e-cigarette users, but not exclusive smokers, had higher odds of perceiving IQOS as more harmful than e-cigarettes and less harmful than cigarettes compared to non-users.
Most nicotine users and non-users perceive differential health risk across IQOS, e-cigarettes, and cigarettes. Although e-cigarettes are generally viewed as less harmful than cigarettes, the perceived harm of IQOS was unclear.
Levy, et al. 2020. England SimSmoke: The impact of nicotine vaping on smoking prevalence and smoking-attributable deaths in England [show abstract ▼] [hide abstract ▲] [access full article]
Background and Aims: Whereas the use of nicotine vaping products (NVPs) is widespread, their impact on smoking prevalence is controversial. This study considered the potential impact of NVPs on smoking prevalence in England.
Design: Indirect simulation model. The England SimSmoke model is validated through 2012, before NVP use became more widely used by smokers. Because information on NVP‐related transitions is limited, an indirect method is used; the difference in observed smoking prevalence (reflecting NVPs) is compared with a 2012–2019 counterfactual No‐NVP scenario (without NVPs) to estimate the impact of NVPs on smoking and smoking‐attributable deaths.
Setting: England, 2000–2019.
Participants: Nationally representative sample of population.
Measurements: England's population, mortality rates and smoking prevalence estimates from three national surveys and tobacco control policies.
Findings: Between 2000 and 2012, SimSmoke projected a decline in age 18+ smoking prevalence of 23.5% in men and 27.0% in women. These projections, as well as those by specific age groups, were generally consistent with findings from the three national surveys. Comparing 2012–2019 relative reduction in age 18+ prevalence from the Annual Population Survey (males, 27.5%) with the model‐predicted No‐NVP reduction (males, 7.3%), the implied NVP‐attributable relative reduction in adult smoking prevalence was 20.2% (95% CI, 18.8%–22.0%) for males and 20.4% (18.7%–22.2%) for females. The NVP‐attributable reduction was 27.2% (22.8%–31.6%) for males and 31.7% (27.4%–36.5%) for females ages 18–24 and 18.6% (15.2%–21.8%) for males and 15.0% (11.1%–18.8%) for females ages 25–34, with similar reductions for ages 35+. The implied reduction in smoking prevalence between 2012 and 2019 equates to 165 660 (132 453–199 501) averted deaths by 2052. Other surveys yielded smaller, but relatively consistent results.
Conclusions: An indirect method of simulation modelling indicates that substantial reductions in smoking prevalence occurred in England from 2012–2019 coinciding with the growth in nicotine vaping product use.
Aleyan, et al. 2020. Evaluating the impact of introducing standardized packaging with larger health warning labels in England: findings from adult smokers within the EUREST-PLUS ITC Europe Surveys [show abstract ▼] [hide abstract ▲] [access full article]
Introduction: The European (EU) Tobacco Product Directive (TPD) was implemented in May 2016 to regulate the design and labelling of cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco. At the same time, the UK introduced standardized packaging measures, whereas Germany, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Spain did not. This study examines the impact of introducing standardized packaging in England using a quasi-experimental design.
Material and Methods: Data from adult smokers in Waves 1 (2016; N=9547) and 2 (2018; N=9724) from the International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation surveys (England) and EUREST-PLUS surveys (Germany, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Spain) were used. Generalized estimating equations were used to estimate changes in pack/brand appeal, salience of health-warning labels (HWLs) and perceived relative harm of different brands in England (where larger HWLs and standardized packaging were implemented), vs. each EU country (where only larger HWLs were implemented).
Results: There was an increase in the percentage of respondents from Germany, Hungary and Poland reporting they did not like the look of the pack (4.7%, 9.6%, and 14.2%, respectively), but the largest increase was in England (41.0%). Moreover, there was a statistically significant increase in the salience of HWLs in Hungary, Poland and Romania (17.0%, 13.9%, and 15.3%, respectively), but the largest increase was in England (27.6%). Few differences were observed in cross-country comparisons of the perceived relative harm of different brands.
Conclusions: Findings suggest that standardized packaging reduces pack appeal and enhances the salience of HWLs over and above the effects of larger HWLs. Findings provide additional evidence and support for incorporating standardized packaging into the EU TPD.
Papadakis, et al. 2020. Quitting behaviours and cessation methods used in eight European Countries in 2018: Findings from the EUREST-PLUS ITC Europe Surveys [show abstract ▼] [hide abstract ▲] [access full article]
We examined quit attempts, use of cessation assistance, quitting beliefs and intentions among smokers who participated in the 2018 International Tobacco Control (ITC) Europe Surveys in eight European Union Member States (England, Germany, Greece, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania and Spain).
Cross-sectional data from 11 543 smokers were collected from Wave 2 of the ITC Six European Country (6E) Survey (Germany, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Spain—2018), the ITC Netherlands Survey (the Netherlands—late 2017) and the Four Countries Smoking and Vaping (4CV1) Survey (England—2018). Logistic regression was used to examine associations between smokers' characteristics and recent quit attempts.
Quit attempts in the past 12 months were more frequently reported by respondents in the Netherlands (33.0%) and England (29.3%) and least frequently in Hungary (11.5%), Greece (14.7%), Poland (16.7%) and Germany (16.7%). With the exception of England (35.9%), the majority (56–84%) of recent quit attempts was unaided. Making a quit attempt was associated with younger age, higher education and income, having a smoking-related illness and living in England. In all countries, the majority of continuing smokers did not intend to quit in the next 6 months, had moderate to high levels of nicotine dependence and perceived quitting to be difficult.
Apart from England and the Netherlands, smokers made few quit attempts in the past year and had low intentions to quit in the near future. The use of cessation assistance was sub-optimal. There is a need to examine approaches to supporting quitting among the significant proportion of tobacco users in Europe and increase the use of cessation support as part of quit attempts
Chung-Hall, et al. 2020. Support for e-cigarette policies among smokers in seven European countries: Longitudinal findings from the 2016–18 EUREST-PLUS ITC Europe Surveys [show abstract ▼] [hide abstract ▲] [access full article]
The 2016 European Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) required Member States (MS) to implement new regulations for electronic cigarettes (ECs). We conducted a longitudinal study to assess changes over 2 years in smokers' support for EC policies and identify predictors of support in seven European countries after TPD implementation.
Prospective cohort surveys were conducted among adult smokers in Germany, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Spain and England in 2016 (n = 9547; just after TPD) and 2018 (n = 10 287; 2 years after TPD). Multivariable logistic regression models employing generalized estimating equations assessed changes in support for four EC policies, and tested for country differences and strength of key predictors of support.
Banning EC use in smoke-free places was supported by 53.1% in 2016 and 54.6% in 2018 with a significant increase in Greece (51.7–66.0%) and a decrease in Spain (60.1–48.6%). Restricting EC/e-liquid nicotine content was supported by 52.2 and 47.4% in 2016 and 2018, respectively, with a significant decrease in England (54.2–46.5%) and Romania (52.5–41.0%). An EC promotion ban was supported by 41.1 and 40.2%. A flavour ban was supported by 33.3% and 32.3% with a significant increase in Hungary (34.3–43.3%). Support was generally higher in Poland, Hungary and Greece vs. England. Support was lower among dual and EC-only users, and low-income smokers.
Smokers in all countries strongly supported banning EC use in smoke-free places and restricting nicotine content after TPD implementation, with no clear trends for changes in policy support.
Gravely, et al. 2020. European adult smokers' perceptions of the harmfulness of e-cigarettes relative to combustible cigarettes: Cohort findings from the 2016 and 2018 EUREST-PLUS ITC Europe Surveys [show abstract ▼] [hide abstract ▲] [access full article]
This study presents perceptions of the harmfulness of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) relative to combustible cigarettes among smokers from six European Union (EU) countries, prior to the implementation of the EU Tobacco Products Directive (TPD), and 2 years post-TPD.
Data were drawn from the EUREST-PLUS ITC Europe Surveys, a cohort study of adult smokers (≥18 years) from Germany, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Spain. Data were collected in 2016 (pre-TPD: N = 6011) and 2018 (post-TPD: N = 6027). Weighted generalized estimating equations were used to estimate perceptions of the harmfulness of e-cigarettes compared to combustible cigarettes (less harmful, equally harmful, more harmful or 'don't know').
In 2016, among respondents who were aware of e-cigarettes (72.2%), 28.6% reported that they perceived e-cigarettes to be less harmful than cigarettes (range 22.0% in Spain to 34.1% in Hungary). In 2018, 72.2% of respondents were aware of e-cigarettes, of whom 28.4% reported perceiving that e-cigarettes are less harmful. The majority of respondents perceived e-cigarettes to be equally or more harmful than cigarettes in both 2016 (58.5%) and 2018 (61.8%, P > 0.05). Overall, there were no significant changes in the perceptions that e-cigarettes are less, equally or more harmful than cigarettes, but 'don't know' responses significantly decreased from 12.9% to 9.8% (P = 0.036). The only significant change within countries was a decrease in 'don't know' responses in Spain (19.3-9.4%, P = .001).
The majority of respondents in these six EU countries perceived e-cigarettes to be equally or more harmful than combustible cigarettes.
Kahnert, et al. 2020. Effectiveness of tobacco warning labels before and after implementation of the European Tobacco Products Directive: Findings from the longitudinal EUREST-PLUS ITC Europe Surveys [show abstract ▼] [hide abstract ▲] [access full article]
Tobacco product packaging is a key part of marketing efforts to make tobacco use appealing. In contrast, large, prominent health warnings are intended to inform individuals about the risks of smoking. In the European Union, since May 2016, the Tobacco Products Directive 2014/40/EU (TPD2) requires tobacco product packages to carry combined health warnings consisting of a picture, a text warning and information on stop smoking services, covering 65% of the front and back of the packages.
Key measures of warning label effectiveness (salience, cognitive reactions and behavioural reaction) before and after implementation of the TPD2, determinants of warning labels' effectiveness and country differences were examined in a longitudinal sample of 6011 adult smokers from Germany, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Spain (EUREST-PLUS Project) using longitudinal Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) models.
In the pooled sample, the warning labels' effectiveness increased significantly over time in terms of salience (adjusted OR = 1.18; 95% CI: 1.03–1.35), while cognitive and behavioural reactions did not show clear increases. Generally, among women, more highly educated smokers and less addicted smokers, the effectiveness of warning labels tended to be higher.
We found an increase in salience, but no clear increases for cognitive and behavioural reactions to the new warning labels as required by the TPD2. While it is likely that our study underestimated the impact of the new pictorial warning labels, it provides evidence that health messages on tobacco packaging are more salient when supported by large pictures.
Kyriakos, et al. 2020. Awareness and correlates of noticing changes to cigarette packaging design after implementation of the European Tobacco Products Directive: Findings from the EUREST-PLUS ITC Europe Surveys [show abstract ▼] [hide abstract ▲] [access full article]
The European Tobacco Products Directive (TPD), which went into effect in May 2016, regulates packaging design and labelling of cigarettes and roll-your-own (RYO) tobacco. The aim of the current study was to examine whether smokers and recent quitters in six European Union (EU) countries (Germany, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Spain) reported noticing TPD-related changes to packaging, and correlates of noticing these changes.
Cross-sectional data from the Wave 2 of the ITC 6 European Country Survey in 2018 after implementation of the TPD. Bivariate analyses included adult smokers (n = 5597) and recent quitters (n = 412). Adjusted logistic regression analyses were restricted to the subset of current smokers (n = 5597) and conducted using SAS-callable SUDAAN.
Over half of smokers (58.2%) and 30% of quitters noticed at least one of five types of TPD related pack changes. Over one-quarter of all respondents noticed changes to health warnings (30.0%), standardized openings (27.7%), minimum pack unit size (27.9%), and the removal of tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide information (26.7%) on packaging. Cross-country differences were observed across all measures, with noticing all pack changes markedly lower in Spain than the other countries. Correlates of noticing specific pack changes included sociodemographic characteristics, smoking behaviours and related to packaging.
This is one of the first cross-country studies to examine the extent to which TPD changes to cigarette and RYO tobacco packaging are being noticed by smokers and recent quitters. Findings indicate that the majority of smokers noticed at least one type of pack change, but this varied across countries and sub-populations.
Lotrean, et al. 2020. Awareness and use of heated tobacco products among adult smokers in six European countries: Findings from the EUREST-PLUS ITC Europe Surveys [show abstract ▼] [hide abstract ▲] [access full article]
The study assessed awareness and use of heated tobacco products (HTPs) and factors that influenced these issues among cigarette smokers from six European countries in 2016 (Wave 1) and 2018 (Wave 2).
A survey was conducted among a nationally representative sample of cigarette smokers aged 18 years or older from Germany, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Spain in 2016 (N = 6011) and 2018 (N = 6027; 53% of smokers from the previous wave were retained, regardless of smoking status and dropouts were replaced by a replenishment sample of smokers). Data were collected through face-to-face interviews. Estimates were produced using weighted data. The study presents the cross-sectional results.
Awareness of HTPs increased from 8% to 17% between the two waves. At Wave 1, 1.1% of the smokers declared having used HTPs at least once during their lifetime; and at Wave 2, this increased to 1.9% (around 1% or less in four countries, except for Greece and Romania where it was around 4%). Factors associated with HTPs use among those who had ever heard about these products at Wave 1 were country of residence, being a daily cigarette smoker and ever use of electronic cigarettes. At Wave 2, ever use of HTPs was significantly higher among those who had tried to quit smoking combustible cigarettes in the last 12 months, had tried electronic cigarettes during lifetime and perceived HTPs as less dangerous than combustible cigarettes; the country of residence was also associated with HTPs use.
This study offers insights into the behaviours and perceptions of European adult smokers regarding HTPs, an important emerging issue in the field of tobacco control.
McDermott, et al. 2020. Social norms for e-cigarettes and smoking: Associations with initiation of e-cigarette use, intentions to quit smoking and quit attempts: Findings from the EUREST-PLUS ITC Europe Surveys [show abstract ▼] [hide abstract ▲] [access full article]
Social norms have received little attention in relation to electronic cigarettes (EC). The current study examine social norms for EC use and smoking tobacco, and their associations with (i) initiation of EC use, (ii) intention to quit smoking and (iii) attempts to quit smoking.
Cross-sectional and longitudinal data analysis from Waves 1 and 2 of the ITC 6 European Country Survey and corresponding waves from England (the ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey). Current smokers at baseline, who heard of ECs and provided data at both waves were included (n = 3702). Complex samples logistic regression examined associations between the outcomes and descriptive (seeing EC use in public, close friends using ECs/smoking) and injunctive (public approves of ECs/smoking) norms, adjusting for country, demographics, EC use and heaviness of smoking.
In longitudinal analyses, seeing EC use in public at least some days was the only social norm that predicted initiation of EC use between waves (OR = 1.66, 95%CI = 1.08–2.56). In the cross-sectional analysis, having an intention to quit was associated with seeing EC use in public (OR = 1.37, 95%CI = 1.04–1.81) and reporting fewer than three close friends smoke (OR = 0.59, 95%CI = 0.44–0.80). There was no association between any social norm and making a quit attempt between waves.
Initiation of EC use is predicted by seeing EC use in public, which was also associated with greater intention to quit smoking. Friends' smoking was associated with lower intention to quit. These findings may allay concerns that increased visibility of ECs is renormalizing smoking amongst current smokers.
Nikitara, et al. 2020. Changes in electronic cigarette use and label awareness among smokers before and after the European Tobacco Products Directive implementation in six European countries: Findings from the EUREST-PLUS ITC Europe Surveys [show abstract ▼] [hide abstract ▲] [access full article]
Article 20 of the European Tobacco Product Directive (TPD), which went into effect in May 2016, regulates electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) in the European Union (EU). The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in e-cigarette use, design attributes of the products used and awareness of e-cigarette labelling and packaging among smokers from six EU Member States (MS) before and after TPD implementation.
Data come from Wave 1 (2016, pre-TPD) and Wave 2 (2018, post-TPD) of the ITC Six European Country Survey among a sample of smokers and recent quitters who use e-cigarettes from six EU MS. Weighted logistic generalized estimating equations regression models were estimated to test the change in binary outcomes between Waves 1 and 2 using SAS-callable SUDAAN.
In 2018, current daily/weekly e-cigarette use among adult smokers was just over 2%, but this varied from the highest in Greece (4%) to lowest in Poland (1.2%). From Waves 1 to 2, there was a significant increase in respondents reporting noticing and reading health and product safety information on leaflets inside e-cigarette packaging (8.39–11.62%, P < 0.001). There were no significant changes between waves of respondents reporting noticing or reading warning labels on e-cigarette packages/vials.
E-cigarette use among smokers in these six EU countries is low. Although reported noticing and reading leaflets included in the packaging of e-cigarettes increased significantly from before to after the TPD, there was no significant change in reported noticing and reading of warning labels. Findings indicate the importance of continued monitoring of TPD provisions around e-cigarettes.
Nogueira, et al. 2020. Do smokers want to protect non-smokers from the harms of second-hand smoke in cars? Findings from the EUREST-PLUS ITC Europe Surveys [show abstract ▼] [hide abstract ▲] [access full article]
There is currently no comprehensive legislation protecting non-smokers and children from second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure in private cars at the European Union (EU) level. This study aims to assess smokers' support for smoke-free cars legislation in six EU countries.
Data come from the EUREST-PLUS ITC Europe Surveys: Wave 1 (2016, n = 6011) and Wave 2 (2018, n = 6027) conducted in Germany, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Spain. Support for smoke-free cars carrying pre-school children and non-smokers and voluntary implementation of smoke-free cars were assessed among adult smokers. Generalized estimating equations models were used to assess changes in support between waves.
In 2018, 96.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) 95.4–97.0%] of the overall sample supported smoke-free legislation for cars carrying pre-school children, representing an increase of 2.4 percentage points in comparison to 2016. Smoke-free legislation for cars transporting non-smokers was supported by 85.2% (95% CI 83.1–87.1%) of smokers' in 2016 and 90.2% (95% CI 88.6–91.7%) in 2018. Among smokers who owned cars, there was a significant 7.2 percentage points increase in voluntary implementation of smoke-free cars carrying children from 2016 (60.7%, 95% CI 57.2–64.0%) to 2018 (67.9%, 95% CI 65.1–70.5%). All sociodemographic groups of smokers reported support higher than 80% in 2018.
The vast majority of smokers in all six EU countries support smoke-free legislation for cars carrying pre-school children and non-smokers. This almost universal support across countries and sociodemographic groups is a clear indicator of a window of opportunity for the introduction of comprehensive legislation to protect non-smokers and children from SHS exposure in cars.
Vardavas, et al. 2020. Transitions in product use during the implementation of the European Tobacco Products Directive: Cohort study findings from the EUREST-PLUS ITC Europe Surveys [show abstract ▼] [hide abstract ▲] [access full article]
The emergence of new types of tobacco and tobacco-related products on the European Union (EU) market has precipitated the possibility for both poly-tobacco use and transitions between products. In the EU, the regulatory environment has shifted with the implementation of the European Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) in May 2016, which may influence consumer transitions between products.
The aim of this paper was to examine trends and transitions in tobacco products from 2016 to 2018 -before and after implementation of the TPD in the EU. Data come from Wave 1 (preTPD) and Wave 2 (post-TPD) of the EUREST-PLUS ITC Six European Country Survey, a cohort study of adults who at the time of recruitment were smokers from six EU countries- Germany, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Spain. D (N = 3195). Bivariate and logistic regression analyses of weighted data was conducted using SAS-callable SUDAAN
Overall, among those who smoked factorymade cigarettes (FM) only at Wave 1, 4.3% switched to roll-your-own tobacco (RYO) only. Among RYO only users at Wave 1, 17.0% switched to FM only, however compared to all other countries, respondents from Hungary had the highest percentage of FM only users at Wave 1 switch to RYO only at Wave 2 (18.0%).
The most prominent transition overall was from smoking RYO exclusively at Wave 1 to smoking FM tobacco exclusively at Wave 2, however this varied across countries. As the tobacco control regulatory environment of the EU develops, it is important to continue to monitor transitions between types of products, as well as trends in cessation.
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International Tobacco Control (ITC) Policy Evaluation Project
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Email: itc@uwaterloo.ca
Phone: +1 519-888-4567 ext. 43597
© 2020 The International Tobacco Control Evaluation Project


HKMBA is embarking on an initiative to promote safety and cooperation between other trail users and bikers.
Hong Kong's natural beauty draws thousands of outdoors enthusiasts out from the cramped city and into the hills every weekend, with hikers and mountain bikers being the primary users. Most of the time these two get along, treating each other with respect. But sometimes this is not the case.
We at HKMBA are aware that some people see bikers as a danger to hikers on the trails. We also know this is the opinion of a small minority of hikers. The Agriculture Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) says it gets complaints from hikers about bikers on the trails, but not many Most encounters between the two groups are usually pleasant and friendly.
The AFCD says there has never been an accident and injury between a hiker and biker in the 15 years since the trails were first opened to mountain bikes which proves a point.
We realize, like any other sport that there will be some people who disregard etiquette and may pose a threat to the others on the trail, but these kinds of riders are few and it is up to other riders to educate them .
Mountain bikers, must be diligent about safety and cooperation between hikers and bikers. To this end HKMBA has created a safety poster ( Share The Trails Poster) which explains what both a hiker and biker should do when approaching each other on the trail. You can print this PDF document and give to friends, outdoor shops, schools, hikers or anyone else who you think may benefit from this information.
To make it a safe environment for everyone, we have been diligently looking for alternative trail options in the parks to alleviate congestion on trails heavily used by bikers and hikers. We know there are easy solutions to dramatically improve the trail network by using international trail building methods as well as by using abandoned trails that are little used by hikers in more remote areas of the park.
HKMBA is committed to the safe and enjoyable use of our country parks.


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lidarose9
3.2k Excellent
Amber: A Rill Woman Goes to Gel
lidarose9 replied to David T. Cole's topic in Teen Mom
I don't know what's worse, Amber with a machete or David with his arsenal. And both with hair-trigger tempers, an attitude of entitlement, and kids around. I suspect that Andrew is on the spectrum. A lot of times stalkers are guys that just don't know when to give up and back off. He seems like he's not great at picking up those little interpersonal signals that tell people how to behave. He always seems half there to me, like he is bored or his mind is wandering and it's hard for him to focus on Amber, which she picks up on and resents. I think that might help explain why he hooked up with her. He didn't see the very obvious red flags that are so obvious to everybody else. (No disrespect meant to people on the autism spectrum.) I don't know where, but I got the impression he comes from a family with money that was basically supporting him. He lived "at home" in their "family home" -- and so I doubt if he was after Amber's money. But I have no idea why any man would be attracted to her if not for the money. His family must have been appalled when he took up with her -- they are not high-tailing it to the tabloids and Twitter, are they? I suspect they are waiting for this to blow over, hoping it's just a phase. I don't doubt or question Andrew's love for that baby. But you never hear them talk about how much his folks love that baby or the gifts they sent or how they're going out to CA so James can see Nana and Poppa. Does he have siblings? No visiting aunts and uncles or cousins.
8.8k replies
Gary needs to know everything that goes on with Amber as it pertains to the safety of his daughter. Depending on what he finds out, he may need to get a restraining order or change their custody arrangements. Of course he'd want to be there to see and hear it all for himself. Giving Amber a hug and his "thoughts and prayers" tweet are probably less a show of support as just simple decent behavior. Gary has generally always taken the high road. Also, Amber is fucking scary and unstable. He has to keep things civil with that maniac or maybe she'll come over to his house with a machete.
Jenelle: Birther Of 3, Mother To None
lidarose9 replied to DangerousMinds's topic in Teen Mom 2
I think this is a good idea. It's not enough to stop watching the show or clicking on her clickbaits. People need to contact the companies who are paying Jenelle and tell them they will never use their products or patronize their businesses, and will do everything possible to spread the word about it.
19.9k replies
S08.E05: Baby Fever
lidarose9 replied to druzy's topic in Teen Mom
Absolutely. This is the truth.
lidarose9 replied to PrincessPurrsALot's topic in Other Dramas
I am late to the party, but I couldn't bear to watch this so soon after Chernobyl cuz I just *knew* it would suck, and it does. omg I don't drink, but this would be perfect for a drinking game: every time the camera zooms in on someone's sticky fingers or people coughing or children breathing and the music swells.... I get it, all right? Move along to the next trope, please. The music is horrible. The dialogue is hilariously bad. The human interest twaddle is just awful. The sick father! The loving but scared husband! Honey, you wanna save the world and I just wanna protect the kids! And the sexism, haha isn't it quaint? How can something as sophisticated and artful as Chernobyl exist in the same continuum as this drek? Both set in the 1980s, yet what is never self conscious in one is heavy-handed in the other. AND THAT GUY'S HAIR. There just is no excuse for that, ever. But it was nice to see that guy from Justified. Nick Searcy.
That 911 operator sounded so disgusted. Jenelle: blah blah blah blah blah blah blah <long silence> Operator: .... Alright.
S06.E04: The Moose
lidarose9 replied to Quilt Fairy's topic in Alone
This episode's title meant I had to watch the whole episode with the sound off reading the subtitles, ready to put my hand up so I didn't have to see or hear a moose die. I guess the joke's on me.
They have to verbally confirm that it's actually you: "Are you Jenelle Eason?" and you answer, "Yes, I am." Then they can hand you the papers.
lidarose9 replied to garnetarden's topic in Other Dramas
I'm a big John Le Carre fan and have read most of his books and I'm delighted to see the remakes. (Unfortunately I was not a fan of the recent remake of The Night Manager. Somehow it all just felt so improbable, off kilter. Nothing against Tom Hiddleston. Maybe I should try it again.) Anyhow, I recorded this back in November and yet somehow forgot about it and just found it on my DVR. So I finally watched it. I absolutely loved it. I did not feel that it was too long: I appreciated how unhurried it was and I think now that compressing it into a 2-hour movie must have been a real challenge. I am particularly impressed with Florence Pugh. What a brilliant performance! Her face is so expressive. She can say so much without speaking. I will watch for her in the future. When I saw the film with Diane Keaton back in the day, I was very drawn in by Charlie's story. Much as I loved Florence Pugh's performance, there was an emotional neediness in Keaton's Charlie that was lacking in the miniseries. She was a struggling nobody actor who was singled out for this wonderful opportunity in Greece -- wa hoo! Then this romantic stranger singles her out, seduces her, makes her fall in love with him. She wanted so much to believe it. Then when she is taken for her "interview" and they systematically destroy the fiction she's adopted about her identity, her life -- they break her down. Someone here asked that question: Why does Charlie go along with this at all? I must say in the mini-series that is not clear. But in the movie, you can see it plainly: all that hopeful joy, thinking she was having this great good luck, this fairy tale romance – but then boom, the bubble is burst. Keaton visibly deflates, and of course that is when she was most vulnerable, so that's when Kurtz springs the trap. Klaus Kinski was absolutely wonderful. This scene is one of the few quibbles I have with the miniseries: the interrogation and "audition" with Marty fell a little flat for me. But that was minor. (Fascinating to note the mastermind behind all this is named Kurtz. We know that name from the man who went too far and lost his moral bearings in Heart of Darkness and Apocalypse Now.) The fact that people argue about the Israeli vs. Palestinian issue after seeing this show tells you how effective it was. I'm sure that was John Le Carre's hope. The book was written at a time when Americans were largely sympathetic to Israel, and Palestinians were seen as terrorists. (I realize that's a blatant generalization.) It is interesting to see this story now, in today's context, where so many people have a more sympathetic attitude toward the Palestinians. John Le Carre did a masterful job of showing both sides of the story, and this miniseries did justice to it. As the point-of-view character, Charlie shows us very well how both sides make a compelling argument for their positions. If she's searching for moral high ground, she finds none. They all have dirty hands. I also found the settings, costumes, hairstyles, even eyeglasses were spot on for the era. I felt the direction and cinematography were wonderful. It did get a bit muddled now and then changing locations, how much time had elapsed, etc. but I was able to keep up OK. My only real quibble is with the last 15 minutes or so: Charlie's reactions in those last few minutes as she was forced to confess to Khalil. Somehow even after all these years, I remember the scene in the film: him demanding from her, "Who are you?" and her tiny voice answering, "I'm nobody." And then his sudden, merciless murder. It was absolutely devastating to Charlie, to see Khalil basically executed right in front of her eyes. In the mini-series, Charlie's reaction just didn't work for me. Her tears seemed a bit by the book. And in the movie, Charlie is literally destroyed emotionally by that climax. She'd been deliberately manipulated into falling in love with Joseph, then sent into a situation where she was again seduced into caring about people, and even developed feelings (if only sympathy and some admiration) for Khalil -- only to see them all killed as a direct result of her actions. It drove her to a breakdown. I found it a bit incredible that Miniseries Charlie seemed to take it all in stride. I also did not understand the gift box she got while she was recuperating. And I felt it was bizarre to see her track down Gadi in Germany and go seek him out to resume their love affair, apparently unfazed by her experiences. It felt a little too pat, a bit cliche, and out of character for them both. But again, overall I absolutely loved it and was blown away by Florence Pugh. My comparisons with the movie are beside the point, but if you did enjoy this miniseries, you might want to dredge up the movie and watch it just to compare. I remember walking out of the theater back in 1984, standing around in the street with my friends, dazed, more than just a little overwhelmed. It blew my mind how both sides were cold-hearted killers, and how Charlie had been such a pawn.
S06.E02: Tainted
I noticed this too and have wondered if it is the camera. Self-consciousness, trying to be funny, or trying to look at ease using some tool or weapon -- or just generally distracted (is the camera angle right? did I remember to put on my pants? is the red light on? how much battery did that one have left?). Like people who step off the edge of the Grand Canyon taking a selfie.
I didn't miss the "meet n greet" episode. That always bores me. I agree Donny should not have been there. Also I was not impressed with his shelter at all, unless it was meant to tide him over while he built his real one. These people are going to need a serious shelter in that kind of cold. Like some of the ones we've seen in past seasons: with a floor, with a door, with a fireplace/chimney or firepit, with a safe food storage area away from the actual shelter. Sheltered from the wind, not too exposed, where the snow won't bury it, or flood if it warms up and the snow melts. When that brutal cold and wind gets started, they are going to need sturdy walls, serious insulation and a nonstop fire burning. I'm thinking of that couple two seasons ago where she actually built a for-real log cabin. Food storage will be critical. You need so many more calories in the bitter cold. As miserable as V.I. was, it never got that cold. This is going to be a challenge even for experienced outdoorsy types. People who have never experienced bone-chilling cold day after day have no clue how paralyzing it is.
Does anybody know did that guy Tim actually break his leg last week?
Media for The Terror
lidarose9 replied to SilverStormm's topic in The Terror
Don't get it. I thought the Terror was the name of the ship. This just sounds like another American Horror Story.
S08.E01: Walking on Eggshells
Am I the only one who thought Ryan looked high at dinner?
The worst thing about that picture with the cupcakes is the forced, unnatural smile on Jace's face. That so-called letter from Maryssa: notice the "Dear Jenelle" on top is in red, while the rest is in orange. And it's a sheet of paper torn out of a notebook. This is not a Mother's Day card. This is someone who was forced to sit down and write an apology letter in her school notebook. Later when Jenelle decided to post it online, she was forced to go back and write Dear Jenelle at the top so all Jenelle's fans would know it was for her. Because its only real value was as a PR tool. Also note how Maryssa several times writes "I do care". You only say that if you've been saying, "I don't care" a lot and you've had it thrown back in your face. I can see Maryssa using that phrase a lot. It's something kids say when they're afraid of getting in trouble, if they're being accused of not being grateful enough, if they're afraid to express a preference, if they're being threatened with punishment. Also, Kaiser's note: His dad calls him Mister Hulk. His dad doesn't want him to eat too much candy. His dad gets mad when he eats candy. How much you wanna bet David yells at Kaiser for eating too much and fat-shames him?

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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IEEE YP SL
StudPro
StudPro 4.0
StudPro Report
UPSKILL SRI LANKA 2021
AI-Driven Sri Lanka
IEEE Young Professionals Sri Lanka by Pamudi Guruge
1 Comment	/ LETs talk, Upskill Sri Lanka 2021 / By Kavinda Athapaththu
IEEE Young Professionals Sri Lanka was established in October 2011. Having a history of almost 10 years, this is an essential part of the IEEE Sri Lanka section. This group consists of IEEE members and volunteers who have graduated from their first professional degree within the past 15 years. IEEE Young Professionals is a global community of people who want to improve their professional image, grow their global network, interact with peers locally, and give back to their community. The group members are encompassed with recent university graduates and experienced professionals and entrepreneurs so, there is a high level of diversity.
What do I expect from IEEE Young Professionals Sri Lanka?
I expect it to abide by its vision and mission, word-to-word: "To be the leading professionals and industries in Sri Lanka" and to "Increase the industry members' involvement in the organization and enhancing the recognition for the organization among the industries to attract and benefit fresh graduates". We, as undergraduates expect to be unveiled into the world as fresh graduates in the coming future and receive an occupation that is best fitted to our qualifications and expectations. Therefore, I expect IEEE Young Professionals Sri Lanka to enable such things for the future generation. Because the upcoming world is in our hands.
What do I hope to accomplish if I join the "IEEE Young Professionals Sri Lanka"?
If I were to be a part of IEEE Young Professionals Sri Lanka, it would most definitely be a strong backup for my future, because we have a long way to go and I believe that this society shapes its members in every aspect possible for a better tomorrow. It also hosts many programs and workshops to aid the youngsters to carry on with their journey. As for me, I participated in "Upskill Sri Lanka 2021" which really is a great place to begin our professional values with the help of industry experts who've experienced them first hand. Moreover, IEEE Young Professionals Sri Lanka conducts a program called "StudPro Career Fair", which has apparently commenced in 2017 and has been continuing since. It provides IEEE student members a strong platform to encourage student members to continue with their IEEE membership as Young Professionals by exposing their talent to the industry. Reading about the event a bit, I came across that undergraduates like us and also graduate job seekers are exposed to prospective employers. It in fact provides the perfect ground work for committed undergraduates and graduates to reach out to reputed companies in the country.
It is clearly evident that IEEE Young Professionals Sri Lanka contributes to the society greatly by providing opportunities to the young talents of Sri Lanka. Joining such an amazing group of people would be a major turning point in one's life, as will be mine.
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The former Democratic congressman who nominated Communist 2nd. Lt. Spenser Rapone to West Point is now disavowing Rapone's recent comments, which range from attacks on Secretary of Defense James Mattis to calls for political violence.
Former Democratic Rep. Jason Altmire of Pennsylvania told The Daily Caller News Foundation that Rapone's long history of extremist tweets, which include calling Mattis an "evil, vile f****," is shocking, disappointing and abhorrent.
Applicants to West Point must receive a nomination for their applications to be considered.
Those nominations usually come from senators or representatives. In this case, it came from Altmire, who served as a member of Congress in Pennsylvania's 4th congressional district from 2007 to 2013.
Rapone's father, a local politician in Pennsylvania, explicitly disavowed his son's political views Tuesday in a Facebook post.
Richard L. Rapone explained that Spenser tried to join West Point straight out of high school, but was not accepted.
Spenser then enlisted in the Army and deployed to Afghanistan, after which point he again applied to West Point.
This time around, West Point accepted him.
Rapone has a long background of support for far-left extremism, even going so far as to promote communism while in uniform.
In response, the Army has opened an investigation into Rapone for his social media comments.
Next Apparently, We've Been Lied To Again! Islamic State Caliph al-Baghdadi Releases Audio After Being Reported Dead 4 Times!


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Q: Can't resize canvas/scale using Fabric.js I need to display a large canvas as a smaller one for the purposes of good user interaction, but uploading a large canvas later. I am using Fabric.js and am trying the Canvas css trick where you set the width/height for the canvas in HTML and then set it via CSS to smaller one as documented here:
fabric.js resize canvas to fit screen
When I attempt to resize as follows, it makes the canvas 300x150 (default canvas) and doesn't respect my CSS.
HTML:
<canvas id="c"></canvas>

JavaScript:
var canvas = new fabric.Canvas('c', {
        });

canvas.width = 1000;
canvas.height = 1000;

CSS:
#c {
    width: 650px;
    height: 436px;
}

How can I adjust the "size" of the canvas the user interacts with while maintaining the "actual size" of the larger canvas via fabric.js? I am using bootstrap as well and am unsure if this would have any impact.

A: Replace your javascript code with:
 var canvas = new fabric.Canvas('c', {});
    canvas.setWidth(1000) ;
    canvas.setHeight(1000);

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Klear allows you to identify top influencers on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube & Blogs. The CMU community is made up of 65% Women, mostly from United States (24.7%) and Spain and like sharing from antena3.com and marca.com. These are their leaders..
"Happiness is not a goal, it's a way to go." Support to Got7(Mark-마크), Stray Kids (Hyunjin-황현진)???


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Venice Street Legends To Perform At O'Brien's Main Street Tuesday Night:
The Venice Street Legends perform this Tuesday, March 26 at O'Brien's Irish Pub (2941 Main Street, Santa Monica) from 10 pm to 1 am.
This classic country/funk/rock band performs memorable melodies by super stars such as Johnny Cash and June Carter, Janis Joplin as well as Willie Nelson and more.
Together Greg Cruz, lead vocalist/guitarist and Kathy Leonardo put on a rousing show.
The Venice Street Legends also features Peter Hromadko on stand up bass and Mitch Montrose on drums. Cruz has been working as a Venice musician since 1989.
He mastered blues guitar backing the late James Mitchell Jr. and then he learned the country style while on tour across America with the late Paschel Feltner.
Leonardo puts on a show like no other performer as she has worked on Broadway. Her funny patter and interactions with not just the audience, but also the band, keeps audiences coming back.
Her rendition of the Patsy Cline classic "Crazy" is heartfelt and wistful.
She aptly switches from being a bawdy bodacious blues mama with a dark sultry voice to bearing her tender side featuring a lighter more vulnerable voice.
For more information, visit www.kathyleonardo.com.
By mirrormmg March 25, 2013


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Guthrie's Dominant Pitching Performance Leads Cookies & Cream to 3-1 Win Over Ham Slams
Guthrie, who allowed only two hits in a complete game win, delivers a pitch to Josh of the Ham Slams
Guthrie scattered only two hits over six innings, earning a complete game win, and also went 3-for-4 at the plate to lead Cookies & Cream past the Ham Slams. EWL veteran Joey hit his first home run of the 2017 season and went 2-for-4 as Cookies & Cream took hold of second place in the standings.
Guthrie cruised through the top of the first, retiring Dan and Dustin in order. He tripled with one out in the bottom of the first, but Cookies couldn't drive him in, as Erich was retired for the second out, stranding the runner.
Guthrie continued to roll in the top of the second, sending Josh and Steve down consecutively, and he would get all of the run support he would need in the bottom half of the inning.
Joey led off the inning with a solo homer, putting Cookies & Cream ahead 1-0. Jordan followed with a single, and Guthrie drove him in with his second consecutive triple of the game, making the score 2-0. Two batters later, Joey hit a one-out double, scoring Guthrie from third, and Cookies led 3-0. Josh, the Ham Slams starter, then retired Jordan for the second out, ending the Cookies rally.
Josh delivers a pitch to Guthrie, who tripled in the at-bat to score Jordan from first and put Cookies & Cream ahead 2-0
Dan led off the top of the third with a triple, but Guthrie buckled down and retired Dustin and Josh with short fly outs, stranding the runner and ending the inning.
Guthrie led off the bottom of the third with a single, and he moved from first to third on an Erich double. Joey came to the plate with no outs and two runners in scoring position. He flew out to Steve in deep left field foul territory, and when Guthrie tried to tag and score on the play, Steve pegged him, completing the double play.
Joey went 2-for-4 with his first home run of the 2017 season after a long power draught
Guthrie continued to deal in the top of the fourth, sending Steve and Dan down in order, and he had retired eight of the first nine batters that he had faced.
Jordan led off the bottom of the fourth with a single, but was caught trying to extend the hit into a double, making the first out of the inning. Josh then retired Guthrie to end the inning.
The Ham Slams would get on the board in the top of the fifth, when Josh provided his own run support. With one out, he crushed a solo homer to right, making the score 3-1. Guthrie got the next batter, Steve, to fly out to the mound, and the Slams trailed by two runs.
Josh retired the Cookies & Cream side in order in the bottom of the fifth, sending Erich and Joey down, and the Slams would need two runs in the top of the sixth to extend the game.
Guthrie remained on the mound, and he made quick work of the Ham Slams. Dan grounded out to left for the first out of the inning, and Guthrie struck out Dustin for the second out of the inning, ending the game with the score 3-1.
The win moved Cookies & Cream to 5-4 on the season, and the loss dropped the Ham Slams to 4-5.
W: Guthrie (1-1)
L: Josh (1-3)
Tags: 2017, Cookies & Cream, Ham Slams, May, Week 5
← Erich Hits for Cycle as Cookies & Cream Roll Past Eastbound & Dahn 15-1
Miller Throws Three-Hitter and Homers Twice as Questionable Outfit Roll Eastbound & Dahn 11-1 →


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Last Known Whereabouts Returns to Northfield
March 10, 2011 Art TownRoss Currier
This group got its start in Northfield. Then they moved on to bigger and better things (like touring Iowa and Illinois). Now they're back, making their only Northfield appearance (at least until an upcoming major local music festival). Last Known Whereabouts, Saturday night at the Cow.
Thursday, March 10: Artist Lecture – Michon Weeks, 7 p.m., Dittman Center 305 on the St. Olaf College campus; Women Make Movies, 7 p.m., Viking Theater on the St. Olaf College campus; Savage/Love and Tongues, 7:30 p.m., Haugen Theater on the St. Olaf College campus; Peter Diggins and Friends, 8 p.m., Contented Cow; and Matthew Griswold, 8 to 11 p.m., Tavern Lounge.
Friday, March 11th: New Moon Trio, 5 p.m., Contented Cow; YMCA Kids Night, 6 to 9 p.m., Northfield Armory; Women Make Movies, 6:30 p.m., Buntrock Commons on the St. Olaf College campus; Dance Party, 7:30 p.m., Northfield Arts Guild; Study Hall, 8 to 11 p.m., Tavern Lounge; Potluck and the Hot Dishes, 8 p.m., Contented Cow; Rock 'n' Roll Revival, 8 p.m., Northfield Middle School; Dirty Petrov, 11 p.m., Contented Cow.
Saturday, March 12th: Occasional Jazz, 5 p.m., Contented Cow; Savage/Love and Tongues, 7:30 p.m., Haugen Theater on the St. Olaf College campus; Rock 'n' Roll Revival, 8 p.m., Northfield Middle School, Last Known Whereabouts, 8 p.m., Contented Cow; and Derek, 8 to 11 p.m., Tavern Lounge.
Sunday, March 13th: Rock 'n' Roll Revival, 2 p.m., Northfield Middle School; Guest Recital, Cellist Arek Tesarczyk and Pianist Claudia Chen, 4:30 p.m., Urness Recital Hall on the St. Olaf College campus; and Northern Roots Session, 7:30 p.m., Contented Cow.
← NDDC Board Visits Northfield Arts Guild	What if there was a flood and you weren't ready? →
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©2021 Northfield Downtown Development Corporation


Blockchain technology is completely transforming the function of traditional financial institutions, from how payment transactions are made, to how money is raised on the private market.
The centralised data that banks use, is the reason delays are experienced when transferring money. The processing and confirmation of every detail in the transaction is needed to transfer money from one account to another. Due to its distributed ledger, blockchain allows the other side to receive the transferred money from the very moment it is transferred and simultaneously update the database for all the parties.
Blockchain brings everyone to the highest level of accountability by ensuring that the data is reliable, secure and well synchronised amongst all the participants in the transaction. There are no missed or delayed transactions, no human or machine-made errors; no transactions are done without consent from all the parties, or any mismatch and discrepancies in the past data. Blockchain as a mechanism is totally transparent and incorruptible.
Blockchain's ability to assess many different data points without actually revealing the information, means that banks can closely track the required information and run computations on it without taking the risks of storing the information themselves.
Our partners, Augmate, are set to become the world's premiere IoT and wearable solutions provider, utilising blockchain technology for the ultimate in security, data privacy and device management. To find out more, please click here.


Gran Turismo fans are people of near-infinite patience. Series developer Polyphony Digital has announced that Gran Turismo Sport, the latest entry in the long-running racing series, will be delayed to 2017.
Other than the delay announcement itself, there has been no definitive release date announced as of yet. Gran Turismo Sport is a PlayStation 4 exclusive.


The mayor of St Edmundsbury opened a brand new £50,000 games facility at a Bury St Edmunds primary school this week.
Margaret Marks was invited to the start of Hardwick Primary School's Healthy Living Week and picked up her tennis racket to celebrate the launch of the new Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA).
The new MUGA allows children to take part in activities in all conditions and weathers.
Daryl Jones, headteacher, said: "We encourage our children to be active, fit and healthy and having this facility enables us to provide outdoor sports throughout the year, so we are not confined to the playground in the winter months.
"The MUGA is used all time for PE lessons and by our sports coaches at lunchtime, where up to 200 pupils per week are participating in a lunchtime sports club.


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Savings: make the most of UK rate rises by switching accounts
Inertia or an excess of trust results in billions of pounds languishing in accounts paying little or no interest
Tesco Bank is offering five-year fixed-rate bonds with a 4.95% rate. Photograph: Murdo MacLeod/The Guardian
Rupert Jones
Sat 22 Oct 2022 03.00 EDT
Savings rates are continuing to rise, with best-buy deals offering 5%-plus, so if your money is earning a pittance, now is the time to switch to a better-paying account.
Research issued this week found that while there are a growing number of fairly decent deals emerging, almost £270bn is languishing in accounts paying no interest at all. It also found that fewer than a third of people have switched accounts in the past 12 months, while about half have not switched for five years or longer or have never switched.
Most consumers will be pleased that savings rates are continuing to improve, particularly amid the uncertainty surrounding the stock market, says Rachel Springall at the data firm Moneyfacts. The FTSE 100 index was down almost 8% on a year-to-date basis on Thursday.
Fixed interest rate-paying accounts provide a clear, guaranteed return for savers during these unprecedented times, and the top-paying fixed-rate bonds "are reaching heights not seen for many years", fuelled in part by challenger banks competing to bring in cash, she adds. For example, at the time of writing you could earn 5.05% and 4.95% respectively with five-year fixed-rate bonds offered by Close Brothers Savings and Tesco Bank.
The good news is that variable rates on easy access accounts and cash Isas have improved
However, with savings rates set to continue rising – the Bank of England is expected to increase the base rate by perhaps 0.75 percentage points on 3 November – this arguably isn't the best time to tie up your cash in a longer-term fixed-rate bond.
Shorter-term savings bonds, such as those lasting for a year, may be a better bet. Top-paying one-year bonds at the time of writing included a Kent Reliance deal paying 4.45%.
That said, with the cost of living crisis raging, many savers will be keen to keep their cash close to hand, where they can get at it easily. The good news is that variable rates on easy access accounts and cash Isas have improved. Skipton building society has the Double Access Saver paying 2.55%, while Ford Money has the Flexible Saver paying 2.5%.
Banks and building societies often don't pass on the full amount of a base rate rise; they may opt to pass on just some of it, or none of it, and sometimes customers have to wait weeks or even months for them to act.
However, some providers have been doing the decent thing.
At HSBC, some chunky savings rate rises took effect this week, with the bank saying that this was the fifth rate increase announcement this year.
Research found that fewer than a third of people have switched accounts in the past 12 months. Photograph: Tek Image/Getty Images/Science Photo Library RF
Investec has just upped the rate on its competitive Fixed Rate Saver account from 4.15% to 4.36% (it went up from 3.9% to 4.15% on 4 October). This account has a one-year term and the minimum balance is £5,000, so it certainly won't be for everyone. Also, you won't be able to make any withdrawals until the year is up.
Nationwide this week announced fresh rate increases for all its off-sale variable-rate savings accounts, taking effect on 1 November. Some rates will increase by up to 1.2 percentage points. So, for previous issues of its Triple Access Online Isa (11-13) and Triple Access Online Saver (12-14) there will be rate increases of between 0.6 and 1.2 percentage points, meaning they will now pay 2% (Isa) and 2.1% (Saver).
Other accounts won't get as much as that. For example, for all instant access accounts, including Instant Access Saver, Instant Isa Saver and Cashbuilder, there will be rate rises of between 0.05 and 0.15 percentage points to either 0.3%, 0.4% or 0.5%, depending on the amount saved.
The research on switching was commissioned by the investment firm Hargreaves Lansdown. It found that the most common reason people gave for not moving their money was that rates were too low to bother with, followed by people trusting their bank so not wanting to leave, and thinking that switching was just too much hassle. While the first of those reasons may have been true until a little while ago, it is arguably not true now.
UK cost of living crisis


This image of Pluto and its largest moon, Charon, was taken by the Ralph color imager aboard NASA's New Horizons spacecraft on April 9 and downlinked to Earth the following day. It is the first color image ever made of the Pluto system by a spacecraft on approach. The image is a preliminary reconstruction, which will be refined later by the New Horizons science team.
Clearly visible are both Pluto and the Texas-sized Charon. The image was made from a distance of about 71 million miles (115 million kilometers)-roughly the distance from the Sun to Venus. At this distance, neither Pluto nor Charon is well resolved by the color imager, but their distinctly different appearances can be seen. As New Horizons approaches its flyby of Pluto on July 14, it will deliver color images that eventually show surface features as small as a few miles across.