Source: Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Colchester, VT. – October 14, 2009 – Stefan Balaz, PhD, Chair and Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences’ Vermont Campus, has been awarded a five-year grant from the National Institutes of Health in the amount of $1,350,000. Dr Balaz and his team will develop an approach that will model how chemicals are transported and accumulate in biological membranes, helping researchers predict how new drug candidates are likely to behave in the body.The results of the research will be combined with modeling of protein binding and incorporated into software, tentatively called cell-QSAR. Once the software is available, researchers will need only sketch the drug’s structure to understand the rate at which it will be transported through the membranes of the body. The transport rate is critical to determining whether a drug will be distributed throughout the body or if it is more likely to remain close to the location where it was administered.Allowing researchers to model how potential new drugs will act in the body will decrease the time-to-market for these drugs as well as the costs associated with research and development. One area where these factors are particularly critical is in the development of cancer drugs.“Using this software, researchers will be able to predict the behavior of drugs, even before making a compound. For example, for a chemical that is to be injected close to a tumor, the software will indicate whether it will surround and fight the tumor or whether there are risks to other organs in the body,” said Dr. Balaz. “Our approach will be key to identifying the structure and properties responsible for a drug’s movement in the body and will propose how the molecules should be modified to achieve the desired distribution. This knowledge is extremely important in developing drugs that will effectively treat disease and minimize the adverse effects to the patient.”Robert A. Hamilton, Pharm.D., Associate Dean and Chief Administrative Officer of ACPHS-Vermont added, “In addition to helping address Vermont’s existing pharmacist shortage, the College is committed to developing an advanced pharmaceutical and biomedical research program. The awarding of this NIH grant to Dr. Balaz is indicative of the research we will be conducting in Vermont. We look forward to announcements of future grants and awards.”Prior to joining ACPHS-Vermont, Dr. Balaz was a member of the faculty at North Dakota State University for more than ten years, where he was twice named “Researcher of the Year.” His research results have been summarized in more than 140 papers and recognized with the prestigious Ebert Prize from the American Pharmacists Association. Dr. Balaz is an elected board member of the Cheminformatics and QSAR Society, serves on editorial boards of several journals and reviews grant applications for NIH and other agencies.The project described was supported by Grant Number 1R01GM080508-01A2 from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences. The content in solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institute of General Medical Sciences or the National Institutes of Health.About Albany College of Pharmacy and Health SciencesFounded in 1881, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is a private, independent institution committed to the advancement of health. The College has academic programs and research activities spanning the full spectrum of pharmacy and health sciences – from drug discovery to patient care. Nearly 1,600 ACPHS students are pursuing a wide range of career pathways in health related fields through degree programs in pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, biomedical technology and health and human sciences. The College’s main campus is located in Albany, New York; its satellite campus is in Colchester, Vermont. For more information, please visit www.acphs.edu(link is external).
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park may have reopened, but Shenandoah National Park is still closed
Today, the answer is giant Hokkaido gypsy moths, which were spotted last week in Washington state, prompting Gov. Jay Inslee to issue an emergency proclamation. The moths are native to Asia and “could cause serious, widespread damage to our country’s landscape and natural resources,” if they become established, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says. Tennesseans that want to come together while staying apart are invited to participate in a virtual 5K race organized by Tennessee State Parks on World Bee Day, May 20. The virtual race can be run or walked from any location. The registration fee is $20, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Tennessee State Park Honey Project, which helps establish honeybee hives in state parks across the state. Here’s a dangerous question to ask these days: What’s next? On their website, the park says they are working on a phased approach to reopening once the health and safety of all visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners can be ensured. No reopening date has been announced, but visitors are asked to check the website for updates. While the eastern U.S. has been home to gypsy moths since the 1860s, the Hokkaido gypsy moth is a separate species. If the Hokkaido gypsy moth becomes fully established and spread widely in the United States, “it could affect forests and landscape trees and shrubs in the invaded range,” University of Maryland entomologist Michael Raupp told USA TODAY. The fee includes a finisher’s medal and certificate, both of which will be sent to the participant by mail, and a virtual bib that will be emailed. Contestants can complete the race at any point between May 17-23. Register for the virtual 5K here: https://honeyprojectvirtual5k.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=13476. 
Two national parks flank either end of the Blue Ridge Parkway, but only one of them has reopened after shutting down to slow the spread of Covid-19. Great Smoky Mountains National Park began a phased reopening on May 9, but Shenandoah National Park is still closed to the public for now, including Skyline Drive and all trails, including the Appalachian Trail. Tennessee State Parks Hold Virtual 5K Race A pandemic, murder hornets and now… giant gypsy moths Great Smoky Mountains National Park may have reopened, but Shenandoah National Park is still closed
Wells Fargo, corporate governance, and incentives
4SHARESShareShareSharePrintMailGooglePinterestDiggRedditStumbleuponDeliciousBufferTumblr Wells Fargo.We’ve read the headlines, and many of you have read NAFCU President and CEO Dan Berger’s thoughts on the issue.At the end of the day, we have a wonderful opportunity to show America how we’re different.But why? And how are we different?It is a complex answer – not tailor-made for sound bites and simple page advertisements.The answer is our corporate governance.Corporate governance, and corporate structure, are strange, yet powerful concepts. How an organization makes its decisions greatly affects how it goes about its business. That’s why you’ll find privately-owned businesses think twice before going public. Dealing with a board and outside investors takes away one’s flexibility. continue reading »
Can cooperatives revitalize our democracy?
As I reflect back on a week that included Voter Registration Day and the passing of Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, I find myself wondering about the role that cooperatives can play in helping democratic systems live up to their promise.After all, the foundation of our democracy is civic participation. I subscribe to the notion that democracy is a fragile institution—it only works when citizens understand how to meaningfully participate and engage in the democratic process on a local level. That engagement must happen continually and in a variety of contexts, not just every four years at the ballot box, where the media and two-party system encourage polarization, anger, and a lack of empathy for those with different views.Sadly, since the 1960s, civic engagement has been on the decline, as detailed in Robert Putnam’s seminal book, Bowling Alone. Americans have been retreating into their houses, jobs, families, and devices. The number of Americans practicing democracy—for example, on the board of their church, or in their local parent-teacher association—has plummeted dramatically, and even moreso since COVID-19. Cooperatives are one tool for teaching democracy through doing. continue reading » ShareShareSharePrintMailGooglePinterestDiggRedditStumbleuponDeliciousBufferTumblr
Germany stamps authority on Lufthansa with $9.8 billion lifeline
Berlin, which has set up a 100 billion euro fund to take stakes in companies struck by the coronavirus crisis, said it plans to sell the Lufthansa stake by the end of 2023.“When the company is fit again, the state will sell its stake and hopefully … with a small profit that puts us into a position to finance the many, many requirements which we have to meet now, not only at this company,” Scholz added.Conditions of the deal include the waiver of future dividend payments and limits on management pay, Lufthansa said, adding that the government will also fill two seats on its supervisory board, with one becoming a member of the audit committee. Germany threw Lufthansa a 9 billion euro (US$9.8 billion) lifeline on Monday, agreeing a bailout which gives Berlin a veto in the event of a hostile bid for the airline.The largest German corporate rescue since the coronavirus crisis struck will see the government get a 20 percent stake, which could rise to 25 percent plus one share in the event of a takeover attempt, as it seeks to protect thousands of jobs.Lufthansa has been locked in talks with Berlin for weeks over aid it needs to survive an expected protracted travel slump, with the airline wrangling over how much control to yield in return for financial support. Silent participationUnder the bailout package, details of which were earlier reported by Reuters, the government will also inject 5.7 billion euros in non-voting capital, known as a silent participation.Part of this could be converted into an additional 5 percent equity stake, either to protect Lufthansa against a hostile takeover or in case coupon payments of 4 percent in 2020 and 2021, increasing to 9.5 percent by 2027, are missed by the airline.“This (bailout deal) will prevent Lufthansa from being sold out,” Economy Minister Peter Altmaier said, adding that it would help to save thousands of jobs but did not include any extra environmental conditions on top of planned measures.Lufthansa will separately receive a 3-billion-euro three-year loan from state-backed KfW and private banks.The state’s WSF rescue fund plans to refrain from exercising voting rights at regular shareholder meetings under the bailout deal, which still requires approval by shareholders as well as the European Commission, Lufthansa said.Altmaier declined to give details about the remaining sticking points in negotiations with the European Commission, but he said he was convinced that Brussels would give the green light for the bailout.“We liaised with Brussels on all big rescue packages with which we avoided millions of unemployed and prevented a lot of companies from bankruptcy. They were all approved at the end… so this gives me hope that we’ll also find a solution in this case,” Altmaier told ARD public television.Germany is still discussing with Europe’s competition watchdog which airport slots it will have to give up to ensure the bailout does not hamper competition, a person close to the matter said.“Scrutiny is extremely thorough as it is the first large equity-based bailout in the pandemic,” the source said.German newspaper Handelsblatt reported that Chancellor Angela Merkel told fellow conservatives during a closed-door meeting on Monday that Berlin would fight to ensure that remedies were not too stringent.Topics :
Germany’s central government has spent decades offloading stakes in companies, but remains a large shareholder in former state monopolies such as Deutsche Post and Deutsche Telekom. Berlin also still has a 15 percent holding in Commerzbank, which it took on during the global financial crisis.Other airlines including Franco-Dutch Air France-KLM and US carriers American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines have also sought state aid after the coronavirus hit global travel.Germany’s Finance and Economy Ministries said on Monday that Lufthansa, whose shares closed up 7.5 percent at 8.64 euros, had been operationally healthy and profitable with good prospects, but had run into trouble because of the pandemic.“The support that we’re preparing here is for a limited period,” Finance Minister Olaf Scholz said of the deal, under which Germany is buying new shares at the nominal value of 2.56 euros apiece for a total of about 300 million euros.
Sale highlights strong but ‘more rational’ market
The home at 4 Indiana St, Sunnybank Hills.A LOWSET home has sold under the hammer in Sunnybank Hills as the suburb moves towards a more balanced market.Owen Chen, of Place Estate Agents Sunnybank, said the four-bedroom property at 4 Indiana St sold for $870,000 at auction.Mr Chen said the home attracted eight registered bidders and an opening bid of $700,000.More from newsCrowd expected as mega estate goes under the hammer7 Aug 2020Hard work, resourcefulness and $17k bring old Ipswich home back to life20 Apr 2020“Four of the buyers were active and it was quite a good auction and a good result,” he said.“The property was so attractive to buyers because it was presented beautifully and it was also in a very good location.”The home is on a quiet street within walking distance of Sunnybank Hills State School, Pinelands shopping centre and public transport.Mr Chen said most of the buyers who showed interest in the property were owner occupiers looking to upgrade from within the local area.He said Sunnybank Hills was an area in high demand but buyer activity was “more rational” than experienced earlier in the year. “The market is more balanced and we get an average of four to five people registering for auctions,” he said.
McDermott completes first two jackets for Qatar Petroleum’s North Field
Qatar Petroleum has announced the completed fabrication of the first two jackets required for offshore facilities as part of its North Field Expansion (NFE) Project aimed to further develop one of the world’s largest offshore gas fields. Source: Qatar PetroleumQP said on Wednesday that this mega project would increase Qatar’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) production capacity from 77 million tons per annum (Mtpa) to 110 Mtpa by 2024. Qatargas is executing this mega project on behalf of Qatar Petroleum.Commenting on this occasion, Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, the President and CEO of Qatar Petroleum, and Chairman of the Qatargas Board of Directors, said: “The successful, on-schedule completion of the first two jackets is a testament to our commitment to putting the various NFE project components in place, on time, and with the highest safety and quality standards.”Minister Al-Kaabi added, “I would like to congratulate Qatargas and McDermott on this milestone achievement and to thank their collaboration with Qatar Petroleum in building these jackets in such a short time.”A ceremony was held to mark this milestone in Batam, Indonesia, in the presence of Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chief Executive Officer of Qatargas, Amer Mohd Al Theyab, Chargé d’Affaires of the State of Qatar in Indonesia, and executives from Qatar Petroleum, Qatargas, and McDermott.Sheikh Khalid said, “I would like to congratulate everyone at Batam and the entire NFE team for safely and successfully delivering these first two jackets. It was very challenging to meet our schedule for sail-away and I have been delighted with the drive, teamwork and flexibility demonstrated by everyone to meet this goal. It clearly portrays the shared values of Qatargas and McDermott in areas of safety, quality, and high-caliber workforce.”Qatargas’ CEO said, “I am delighted to note that this has been achieved safely, with over 1 million man hours without any lost time Injuries.”The NFE project’s Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Installation contract for the jackets was awarded to McDermott in April 2019. McDermott was also awarded the Front End Engineering and Design contract for the associated topsides and pipelines in May 2019.Earlier this week, QP said that the contribution from Qatar’s giant North Field in the Persian Gulf was expected to boost Qatar’s LNG production to 126 million tons per annum by 2027. This is a 64% increase from the current 77 mtpa.Spotted a typo? Have something more to add to the story? Maybe a nice photo? Contact our editorial team via email. Also, if you’re interested in showcasing your company, product or technology on Offshore Energy Today, please contact us via our advertising form where you can also see our media kit.
Gay or Straight? When others decide for you* – Part Two
Miriam Grossman MD 21 February 2013 I discovered a support group for men in reparative therapy that met monthly in a Los Angeles home.The “Circle of Men” welcomed me as a guest one evening. There were about twenty guys, young and not so young, seated comfortably in the living room.I had one question: what is their message to the mental health profession? They were eager to be heard.Adam started off: “I am angry that I didn’t know about this therapy for seventeen years. When I discovered it, it was such a liberating sense of relief. In six years I have changed beyond my wildest dreams.”“Therapists told me for years that this is my identity, and I should embrace it,” a middle-aged man with a wedding band said, “but that never felt right to me. Now I consider it just one part of me — a part I don’t have to accept.“I have chosen the long, hard way instead of the short, easy way,” a young man named Greg told me, “and that choice is right for me.”And there was this from Hector: “The old warrior went out and fought battles for land or power. The new warrior fights a bigger battle — the battle within. This is our choice. What gives you the right to take it away?”I was captivated by their strength and integrity. If only Malik could meet these remarkable individuals!I had an idea: Invite these men to come and speak to my colleagues at the counseling center. Have them describe their journeys to therapists who are convinced that therapy for unwanted same sex attraction is a dangerous scam.Here’s a chance for open discussion of an urgent topic, I thought. Here’s a chance for students like Malik to find hope and support. And the men were all for it; “Just tell us when and where — we’ll be there,” they promised. What a great plan!Boy, was I naive.“Sounds fascinating,” the director told me. “But the University wouldn’t go for it.”And that was it. So much for intellectual debate. So much for diversity, multiculturalism, and tolerance. And so much for a patient’s right to self-determination.http://www.miriamgrossmanmd.com/gay-or-straight-when-others-decide-for-you-part-two/
Cricket News Ball-tampering row: Dinesh Chandimal appeals against ICC’s suspension
For all the Latest Sports News News, Cricket News News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Sri Lanka cricket team skipper Dinesh Chandimal on Thursday appealed against the ICC’s decision to suspend him from the third Test of the ongoing tour of the West Indies due to ball-tampering.ICC charged Chandimal for ball tampering during the second Test against West Indies after video evidence showed that he applied saliva to the ball just after putting sweet in his mouth.The 28-year-old pleaded not guilty to the charge, and attended the official hearing where match referee Javagal Srinath handed him the maximum punishment – a two match suspension points and a fine of 100 per cent match fee.”Dinesh Chandimal has appealed against the match referee’s findings that saw him suspended for one Test after being found guilty of changing the condition of the ball,” the ICC said on its twitter handle.During a hearing held at the end of the Test, Chandimal admitted putting something in his mouth but failed to recall what it was. The hearing was held in the presense of the Sri Lanka team management as well as the match officials.”After reviewing the footage of the incident, it is clear that Dinesh applied an artificial substance to the ball, namely saliva containing the residue of something he had in his mouth, an action which is prohibited under the ICC Code of Conduct,” Javagal Srinath commented on his decision.”The ICC fully supports the match officials in their decision and will continue to do so in any other such instances,” said ICC Chief Executive David Richardson, backing the Playing Control Team. 
Organisers of Access Bank Lagos City Marathon Plan for 2020 Edition
The 2020 edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is guaranteed to be a spectacular one following the assurances given by the organizers and sponsors alike at a media parley held on Wednesday at the Press Center at the Lagos State secretariat, Alausa.Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Ltd and the consultant to the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, Bukola Olopade, confirmed the new status of the Lagos Race which has now been accorded a Silver Label and he thanked everyone i has contributed to the huge success.“I am very glad about the success we have recorded as far as the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is concerned, I remember when we wanted to start this journey four-five years ago, not many gave us a chance to succeed but under five years we have become the first marathon that has been given a Silver Label” Olopade noted. “We are very grateful to the Lagos State government for their unflinching support, our headline sponsor Access Bank as well as the other sponsors who have all been unrelenting, I can assure you that we would not be reduced on the standards we have already set but instead, expect an even better race in 2020,” the former Ogun States Sports Commissioner assured.Olopade also announced that the sponsors have already purchased over 50,000 forms for runners while a good number of numbers have independently paid to be part of the fifth edition of the Lagos marathonHead, Communications & External Affairs at Access Bank Plc, Ameachi Okobi, said the bank is very happy to be part of the success story that the Lagos Marathon has become.He said: “We have found this platform incredible not just in terms of return on investment but we are helping to change the narrative of Nigeria and even Africa that something good and worthwhile can indeed come from this part of the world.“When you think about a marathon, so many things come to mind, the road, security, the runners and other things but since edition one till four, the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon has not recorded any major incidence and that is not a mean feat.“I can boldly say this marathon is now a major fixture in every serious runner’s calendar so it means we are doing a lot of things right and we can only get better.”The Lagos State Sports Commission, Sola Aiyepeku, reiterated that support of the state government Access Bank Lagos City Marathon as he noted that the event has manifold positive effects and benefits.He said: “I am proud to be part of the first Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, I must say I am even more happy that it has grown bigger than we ever imagined in less than five years”“Lagos State will always support events like this, apart from helping improving tourism, the youth in the state now look forward to this annually.“I must commend Nilayo Limited because they have helped revive the culture of marathon and it is now spreading across Nigeria”The General Manager for the Marathon, Yusuf Alli, confirmed that a good number of Gold and Silver Label runners have been confirmed for the 2020 edition of the Access Bank Lagos City billed for February 8.Share this:FacebookRedditTwitterPrintPinterestEmailWhatsAppSkypeLinkedInTumblrPocketTelegram