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Slot glad to end Liverpool's 15-year Madrid 'pain'The gaming world is abuzz with excitement as it braces for the arrival of two groundbreaking virtual reality headsets: the Pico4 Ultra and Meta Quest 3. Set to redefine immersive experiences, these devices promise to elevate the boundaries of what players can explore and achieve in digital realms. Pico4 Ultra is touted as a significant leap in VR technology, integrating cutting-edge advancements that enhance visual clarity and user comfort. With its high-resolution display and sophisticated motion tracking system, players can expect incredibly realistic graphics without the common pitfalls of motion sickness. The headset comes equipped with an array of sensors and a sleek, ergonomic design that makes extended gaming sessions both enjoyable and intuitive. On the other hand, Meta Quest 3 offers a new level of interactivity in virtual spaces. It builds upon the robust framework of its predecessors, integrating advanced AI capabilities that can adapt to individual gaming styles and preferences. Players are promised not only an extraordinary interface but also a smoother integration of augmented reality features, allowing for seamless blending of the real and digital worlds. Together, Pico4 Ultra and Meta Quest 3 represent a substantial shift toward a future where virtual and augmented realities are no longer separate entities but intertwined experiences. As technology continues to advance, this fusion offers a glimpse into a future where the possibilities of VR and AR extend beyond gaming, impacting education, training, and even social interactions. Keep your eyes peeled, as this is just the beginning of a new digital frontier. Virtual Reality Showdown: Pico4 Ultra vs. Meta Quest 3 As the virtual reality (VR) industry takes monumental strides forward, the upcoming launch of the Pico4 Ultra and the Meta Quest 3 has sparked considerable intrigue among tech enthusiasts and gamers alike. These devices are not just promising to enhance immersive gaming experiences but are also setting the stage for new applications in various fields. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes these VR headsets revolutionary: Features and Innovations Pico4 Ultra: The Pico4 Ultra is heralded for its superior visual clarity, courtesy of a high-resolution display that minimizes pixelation even in demanding scenes. Incorporating an advanced motion tracking system, the headset ensures smoother and more realistic interactions, reducing the chance of motion-induced discomfort—a common concern with earlier VR devices. Moreover, its ergonomic design is optimized for comfort, enabling prolonged use without strain. The headset also boasts a suite of sensors that enhance the overall user experience by accurately tracking movement and orientation. Meta Quest 3: Built upon the robust foundation of its predecessors, the Meta Quest 3 introduces advanced AI-based adaptability, tailoring the VR experience to individual user preferences. One of the standout features is its integration with augmented reality (AR), offering dynamic overlays that blend digital elements with physical environments. This opens up possibilities not just within gaming, but in applications such as remote collaboration, interactive learning, and immersive storytelling. Use Cases and Applications These VR headsets are poised to transcend traditional gaming. In education, they can create immersive learning experiences that transport students into interactive historical events or scientific simulations. In training environments, they can provide realistic simulations for professionals in medical, military, and technical fields, enhancing skill acquisition and safety. Furthermore, the growing trend of virtual social spaces could see these devices becoming central to digital gatherings and remote meet-ups. Market Analysis and Predictions The increasing accessibility and declining costs of VR technology are driving a substantial market expansion. Analysts predict that the demand for VR headsets like the Pico4 Ultra and Meta Quest 3 will soar, as more industries recognize the value of immersive experiences. With technological advancements, such headsets might soon be commonplace in households across the globe. Security and Privacy Considerations Given the deeply immersive and personal nature of VR, security and privacy are paramount. Both the Pico4 Ultra and Meta Quest 3 are expected to incorporate rigorous data protection measures. This includes end-to-end encryption for online interactions and robust privacy controls to manage personal data, addressing growing consumer concerns over digital security in a connected world. Sustainability and Environmental Impact Sustainability is a growing concern in tech manufacturing. Companies behind these headsets are reportedly investing in eco-friendly production methods, from sourcing recyclable materials to minimizing carbon footprints during manufacturing. As consumer awareness around environmental impact increases, such initiatives can enhance brand image and customer loyalty. As we stand on the cusp of yet another digital evolution, the Pico4 Ultra and Meta Quest 3 are more than just gaming gadgets; they are precursors to a future where the lines between reality and virtuality increasingly blur. To explore more about VR technologies, visit Meta and Pico .
Heavy travel day off to a rough start after American Airlines briefly grounds all flights
The new performance benchmarks showcase RNGD's ability to meet industry-leading throughput demands for Llama 3.1 models, including the 8B and 70B variants, with additional optimizations already in progress. The company also announced key software features that bring advanced optimization for customers currently sampling RNGD hardware in their production environments. These achievements represent the first phase of Furiosa's vision for AI infrastructure that overcomes the inherent limitations of GPUs. RNGD delivers winning throughput metrics with Llama 3.1 8B and 70B : Building on the AI-native Tensor Contraction Processor (TCP) architecture of RNGD , Furiosa is redefining real-world AI deployments, delivering unmatched performance, programmability, and power efficiency. Furiosa's RNGD recently achieved a throughput of 3,200–3,300 Tokens per Second (TPS) when running the LLaMA 3.1- 8B model. In single-user scenarios, RNGD consistently delivers 40–60 TPS performance. Additionally, RNGD demonstrates exceptional power efficiency, consuming 181W per card, with further optimization efforts underway. Rather than excessively boosting per-user performance, the company aims to maintain performance levels exceeding typical text-reading speeds (10–20 TPS or higher) while optimizing for multi-user environments and achieving a balanced performance approach. Furiosa is advancing the performance and efficiency of the LLaMA 3.1- 70B model. With just two RNGD cards, LLaMA 3.1- 70B can be executed effectively. Currently, a single server supports up to 100 concurrent user queries, with ongoing optimizations aiming to achieve 8,000 TPS per server when equipped with 8 RNGD cards. With the release of SDK v2024.3.0, Furiosa will expand the range of preloaded models. The SDK will also include support for tensor parallelism, enabling seamless processing across multiple elements without requiring model modifications, and a torch.compile, providing the foundation for executing customized models. Integration with HuggingFace Optimum will further empower customers to leverage a broader variety of models. Advanced optimization tools delivered to early RNGD customers: Building on these milestones, domestic and global enterprise customers are conducting tests with Furiosa to find a more efficient solution for scaling the inference of their self-developed models, compared to their existing setup. Their objective is to manage TCO effectively as they prepare for large-scale AI adoption. Furiosa plans to provide a high-quality AI development environment through a powerful and user-friendly SDK optimized for RNGD. The SDK v2024.1.0, currently available through the Early Access Program (EAP), is designed to handle high-performance processing of multiple LLM serving requests. It incorporates optimization techniques such as PagedAttention, Block KV Cache, and Continuous Batching, while also supporting various token sampling methods, including Greedy, Beam Search, and Top-k/p. These features allow developers to seamlessly create AI services customized to meet a wide range of requirements. The SDK and online sample will be available after the release of v2024.3.0. Furiosa remains committed to delivering the most sustainable AI deployment solutions through rigorous optimization at an unprecedented pace. "With RNGD now in customers' hands, we are accelerating the next generation of frontier LLMs to unlock emerging Agentic AI applications—bringing advanced reasoning capabilities to enterprise verticals, all at dramatically lower costs," said June Paik , Co-Founder and CEO of FuriosaAI. Furiosa Expands Global Footprint with Strategic Leadership Appointment Furiosa is scaling production and expanding its leadership team with the appointment of Alex Liu as Senior Vice President of Product and Business. A Technology Emmy Award winner and co-founder of NETINT Technologies, Alex brings over 20 years of expertise in startup management, technology innovation, and strategic leadership. At NETINT, he spearheaded groundbreaking achievements, including the development of the world's first VPU SoC, setting new industry benchmarks and securing the prestigious 2024 Technology Emmy Award. At Furiosa, Alex will lead global product management, go-to-market strategies, and partnerships to drive innovation and align the company's AI-native technologies with a vision to empower the development of planet-scale AI infrastructure. RNGD is currently sampling with customers, and mass production will ramp up in partnership with TSMC for 2025 availability. To learn more about Furiosa, please visit https://furiosa.ai/ . About FuriosaAI FuriosaAI is a semiconductor company dedicated to creating sustainable AI computing solutions that make powerful AI accessible to all. With its innovative Tensor Contraction Processor architecture, FuriosaAI is revolutionizing the AI hardware landscape, offering unparalleled efficiency and programmability for the most demanding AI workloads. For more information, please visit https://furiosa.ai/ . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/furiosaai-ends-2024-on-a-high-note-llama-3-1-performance-sdk-release-leadership-expansion-302336756.html SOURCE FuriosaAIManchester United criticised over ‘offensive’ price increase for match tickets
Lewis scores 21, Marist beats Binghamton 69-51Israeli hospital says Netanyahu has undergone successful prostate surgeryBiden will decide on US Steel acquisition after influential panel fails to reach consensus WASHINGTON (AP) — A powerful government panel has failed to reach consensus on the possible national security risks of a nearly $15 billion proposed deal for Nippon Steel of Japan to purchase U.S. Steel. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States on Monday sent its long-awaited report to President Joe Biden, a longtime opponent of the deal. Some federal agencies represented on the panel were skeptical that allowing a Japanese company to buy an American-owned steelmaker would create national security risks. That's according to a U.S. official familiar with the matter. Both Biden and President-elect Donald Trump opposed the merger and vowed to block it. Nippon Steel says it is confident the deal will go ahead. Nissan and Honda to attempt a merger that would create the world's No. 3 automaker TOKYO (AP) — Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda have announced plans to work toward a merger that would catapult them to a top position in an industry in the midst of tectonic shifts as it transitions away from its reliance on fossil fuels. The two companies said they signed an agreement on integrating their businesses on Monday. Smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors agreed to join the talks. News of a possible merger surfaced earlier this month. Japanese automakers face a strong challenge from their Chinese rivals and Tesla as they make inroads into markets at home and abroad. What a merger between Nissan and Honda means for the automakers and the industry BANGKOK (AP) — Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan will attempt to merge and create the world’s third-largest automaker by sales as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels. The two companies said they had signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday and that smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors also had agreed to join the talks on integrating their businesses. Honda will initially lead the new management, retaining the principles and brands of each company. Following is a quick look at what a combined Honda and Nissan would mean for the companies, and for the auto industry. Survey: Small businesses are feeling more optimistic about the economy after the election A survey shows small business owners are feeling more optimistic about the economy following the election. The National Federation of Independent Businesses’ Small Business Optimism Index rose by eight points in November to 101.7, its highest reading since June 2021. The Uncertainty Index declined 12 points in November to 98, following October’s pre-election record high of 110. NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg said small business owners became more certain about future business conditions following the presidential election, breaking a nearly three-year streak of record high uncertainty. The survey also showed that more owners are also hoping 2025 will be a good time to grow. American Airlines briefly halts flights nationwide after technical issue American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical issue just as the Christmas travel season kicks into high gear. American flights were cleared to fly by federal regulators about one hour after the ground stop order was issued Tuesday. Just before 7 a.m. Eastern time, the Federal Aviation Administration ordered all American Airlines flights grounded in the U.S. at the airline’s request. American had reported a technical issue affecting its entire system with millions traveling for the holiday. The groundings couldn’t come at a worse time for the millions of travelers expected to fly over the next 10 days. Nordstrom to be acquired by Nordstrom family and a Mexican retail group in $6.25 billion deal Century-old department store Nordstrom has agreed to be acquired and taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal. Nordstrom shareholders will receive $24.25 in cash for each share of Nordstrom common stock, representing a 42% premium on the company’s stock as of March 18. Nordstrom’s board of directors unanimously approved the the proposed transaction, while Erik and Pete Nordstrom — part of the Nordstrom family taking over the company — recused themselves from voting. Following the close of the transaction, the Nordstrom Family will have a majority ownership stake in the company. Stock market today: Wall Street holds near breakeven ahead of Christmas Stock indexes are edging higher in morning trading on Wall Street as gains for some Big Tech stocks make up for weakness elsewhere in the market. The S&P 500 was up 0.4% Tuesday. Chip company Broadcom was again helping to pull the index higher. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite was up 0.7%. American Airlines fell 1.2% after the airline briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical issue. Treasury yields rose. U.S. markets will close at 1 p.m. Eastern and stay closed Wednesday for Christmas. An analyst looks ahead to how the US economy might fare under Trump WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump won a return to the White House in part by promising big changes in economic policy — more tax cuts, huge tariffs on imports, mass deportations of immigrants working in the United States illegally. In some ways, his victory marked a repudiation of President Joe Biden’s economic stewardship and a protest against inflation. It came despite low unemployment and steady growth under the Biden administration. What lies ahead for the economy under Trump? Paul Ashworth of Capital Economics spoke recently to The Associated Press. The interview has been edited for length and clarity. American consumers feeling less confident in December, Conference Board says American consumers are feeling less confident in December, a business research group says. The Conference Board said Monday that its consumer confidence index fell back in December to 104.7 from 112.8 in November. Consumers had been feeling increasingly confident in recent months. The consumer confidence index measures both Americans’ assessment of current economic conditions and their outlook for the next six months. The measure of Americans’ short-term expectations for income, business and the job market tumbled more than a dozen points to 81.1. The Conference Board says a reading under 80 can signal a potential recession in the near future. Stock market today: Wall Street rises at the start of a holiday-shortened week Stocks closed higher on Wall Street at the start of a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 rose 0.7% Monday. Several big technology companies helped support the gains, including chip companies Nvidia and Broadcom. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.2%, and the Nasdaq composite rose 1%. Honda's U.S.-listed shares rose sharply after the company said it was in talks about a combination with Nissan in a deal that could also include Mitsubishi Motors. Eli Lilly rose after announcing that regulators approved Zepbound as the first prescription medicine for adults with sleep apnea. Treasury yields rose in the bond market.
What many finance teams want for the holidays this year is an automated back office. As the calendar years’ worth of PYMNTS Intelligence studies have shown, accounts payable (AP) and accounts receivable (AR) automation are increasingly becoming key areas of focus for businesses looking to eliminate manual B2B processes and corral their disorganized tech stacks. AP and AR automation tools are helping organizations streamline workflows, improve cash flow, and reduce costs. But what are the actual business processes being impacted by AP and AR automation, and how does each individual step compare to traditional methods ? The short answer is, it depends; and the long answer is, it’s complex. The B2B payments landscape is a sophisticated one where one size never fits all. Yet as financial infrastructures become more digital and interconnected — and CFOs and treasurers demand real-time insights into working capital — automation is increasingly being eyed as a way to transform B2B business functions that have traditionally been a cost center into ones that can serve as a strategic enabler of growth. The future of B2B payments lies in embracing digital innovations and automation technologies to unlock efficiency, security and scalability. This makes it crucial for business to understand just what they are looking to get out of AP or AR automation — and then going out and getting it. Read more: OCR’s Key Role in Scaling Paperless Invoicing and AP/AR Automation Transforming AP Processes from Invoice to Payment PYMNTS Intelligence finds that businesses continue to struggle with AP systems that rely predominantly on inefficient, manual processes. 63% of CFOs say their companies’ AP functions have encountered delays. Invoice capture; approval workflows; payment scheduling; fraud detection and compliance; and reporting and reconciliations are all AP workflows that are being fundamentally reshaped by automation. Invoice data entry, a key AP workflow, is traditionally manual, prone to errors and time-consuming. Automation helps eliminate this bottleneck compared to traditional methods in large part by using innovations such as optical character recognition (OCR) and machine learning (ML) to capture invoice data instantly, ensuring consistency and transparency while reducing processing times. Manual routing of invoices for approvals often creates delays and lacks visibility. Automated workflows solve this by routing B2B invoices based on predefined rules, sending reminders to expedite approvals, and providing real-time tracking of progress. Missed discounts and late fees are also common with manual payment scheduling. Automation addresses this by prioritizing payments to capture early payment discounts, ensuring on-time payments to strengthen vendor relationships and integrating with treasury systems for optimal cash flow management. Manual reconciliation is also infamously error-prone and labor-intensive. Automated systems streamline reconciliation processes, provide real-time dashboards for insights into spending trends and make month-end closing faster and more accurate. Read more : ERP Innovations Are Rebooting the Back Office as Organizations Modernize Speeding Up the Cash Flow Cycle by Optimizing AR Processes PYMNTS Intelligence finds a lack of transparency around AR workflows can lead to accounting teams operating in the dark, resulting in payment hurdles, inefficiencies and hidden costs that go unchecked. Invoice generation, payment collection, customer communication, dispute management and reporting and analytics are all areas where AP automation can provide significant benefits compared to legacy methods. Manually creating invoices can be inconsistent and time intensive. Automation works to ensure invoices are generated automatically, accurately reflecting real-time data from contracts and purchase orders. Traditional payment collection methods like checks are slow and delay cash inflows. Automation helps introduce multiple digital payment options, including virtual cards , which can reduce days sales outstanding (DSO) and accelerate cash flow. At the same time, resolving invoice disputes traditionally involves time-consuming back-and-forth communication. Automated systems help to streamline this process with centralized workflows, faster resolutions and transparent tracking of dispute statuses compared to legacy methods. Similarly, manually following up on overdue payments often leads to inefficiencies. Automation enables personalized reminders and notifications, enhancing customer experience and improving collection rates while maintaining a clear log of all interactions. Automation also provides real-time insights into receivables, predictive analytics to forecast cash flow and detailed reports that support strategic decision-making. With granular improvements across each step, businesses can remain competitive and thrive in today’s increasingly digital economy.Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed his pride in the progress India has made in the health and fitness sectors, highlighting various government initiatives promoting wellness and sports. Addressing the 117th episode of his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat,' PM Modi said, "In this winter season, several activities related to sports and fitness are being organised across the country. I am happy that people are making fitness a part of their daily routine." He noted the growing enthusiasm for sports across India, citing examples like skiing in Kashmir and kite flying in Gujarat . He also praised campaigns such as 'Sunday On Cycle' and 'Cycling Tuesday,' which are encouraging more people to adopt cycling as a fitness activity. Highlighting a unique initiative, PM Modi spoke about the first-ever Bastar Olympics, describing it as a revolution in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, an area once plagued by Maoist violence. "A new revolution is taking shape in Bastar through the Bastar Olympics. It is a matter of great joy for me that this dream has come true. The mascot of the Bastar Olympics, the 'Wild Water Buffalo' and 'Hill Myna,' reflects the rich culture of Bastar. The defining mantra of this sports Mahakumbh is 'Karsay Ta Bastar Barsaye Ta Bastar,' which means 'Bastar will play, Bastar will win,'" he said. The Prime Minister highlighted the participation of 1.65 lakh players from seven districts in the Bastar Olympics, calling it "a proud story of the resolve of our youth." He mentioned the wide range of sports featured, including athletics, archery, badminton, football, hockey, weightlifting, karate, kabaddi, kho-kho, and volleyball, where young players have showcased exceptional talent. PM Modi also shared inspiring stories from the Bastar Olympics of participants, including -- Kari Kashyap, a silver medalist in archery; Payal Kawasi, who won a gold medal in javelin throw; Punem Sanna, a wheelchair racer from Dornapal in Sukma who transitioned from being under Naxal influence to winning medals; Ranju Sori, an archer from Kodagaon and the chosen 'Bastar Youth Icon.' "The Bastar Olympics is not just a sports event. It is a platform where development and sports are merging, where our youth are honing their talent and building a new Bharat. I urge all of you to encourage such sports events in your area, share stories of local sports talent using 'Khelega Bharat, Jeetega Bharat,' and give young players the opportunity to progress," he said. Turning to the health sector, PM Modi highlighted two significant achievements that have drawn global attention. "Both these successes have been achieved in the field of health. The first is in the fight against malaria, a challenge humanity has faced for over 4,000 years. At the time of Independence, malaria was one of our biggest health concerns. It ranks third among infectious diseases killing children between one month and five years of age. Today, I can proudly say that India has collectively and strongly fought this challenge," he said. Quoting a World Health Organization report, he stated, "India has seen an 80 per cent reduction in malaria cases and deaths between 2015 and 2023. This achievement is significant and a result of everyone's participation. From every corner of the country, people contributed to this success." He cited examples of community-driven efforts, such as the tea garden workers in Jorhat, Assam, who successfully used technology and social media to combat malaria, and the public campaigns in Haryana's Kurukshetra, where street plays and radio messages educated people about mosquito breeding prevention. The Prime Minister also highlighted progress in the fight against cancer, referencing a study by the medical journal The Lancet. "The chances of starting cancer treatment on time in India have increased significantly. Timely treatment, which means starting treatment within 30 days, has been greatly supported by the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. This scheme has enabled 90 per cent of cancer patients to start treatment on time," he said. He explained that financial barriers previously discouraged poor patients from seeking timely cancer diagnosis and treatment. "Now, the Ayushman Bharat Yojana has become a pillar of support, reducing financial problems in cancer treatment and encouraging people to come forward for timely care," he added. PM Modi emphasised the role of increased awareness, timely action, and assurance in battling cancer. "This achievement is a collective effort of our healthcare system, doctors, nurses, technical staff, and citizens. With everyone's support, our resolve to defeat cancer has become even stronger," he said. "There is only one mantra to fight cancer – Awareness, Action, and Assurance. Awareness means understanding cancer and its symptoms, action means timely diagnosis and treatment, and assurance means the belief that every possible help is available for patients," he concluded. ( With inputs from IANS) Ayushman Bharat scheme is godsend, says cancer-stricken family from Vadodara PM Modi, HM Shah, others pay tributes to former PM Manmohan Singh PM Modi takes stock of 8 big infra projects worth Rs 1 lakh croreNone
‘Living in a home that damages health the norm for far too many older people’
After three years, is finally back. The South Korean thriller is returning this December with seven new episodes packed full of stressful, murderous children’s games that will make you question your own morality. Created, written and directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, “Squid Game” first premiered in September of 2021. The dystopian thriller quickly became a hit, jumping to the top of Netflix’s internal charts to become its most-watched series of all time. The series was renewed in the summer of 2022 before it won six Primetime Emmys. Now it’s officially back with a whole new cast of characters and a slew of new challenges to give you nightmares. Wondering when you can watch new episodes? Here’s everything you need to know about how to watch “Squid Game” Season 2 on Netflix. This new installment of the South Korean thriller will premiere on Dec. 26, the day after Christmas. All episodes will be available that day. The second season of “Squid Game” will premiere on Netflix on Dec. 26 at 3 a.m. ET / 12 a.m. PT. Altogether, there will be seven hourlong episodes in this new season. Previously, Season 1 had nine episodes. The third and final season of the series will premiere in 2025. It’s unknown how many episodes will be in this upcoming installment, but we know that Season 3 was filmed at the same time as Season 2. It’s expected that this upcoming season will pick up right after the events of the second season. The post appeared first on .EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — Justin Jefferson might be weary of all the safeties shadowing his every route, determined not to let the Minnesota Vikings go deep, but he's hardly angry. The double and triple coverage he continually faces, after all, is a sign of immense respect for his game-breaking ability. The strategy also simply makes sense. “I would do the same," Jefferson said. "It’s either let everybody else go off or let Justin go off. I’m going to let everybody else go off. That would be my game plan.” When the Vikings visit Chicago on Sunday, they're expecting the usual heavy dose of split-safety coverage designed to put a lid on the passing attack and force them to operate primarily underneath. “We see that every week: Teams just have different tendencies on film, and then when we go out on the field they play us totally different,” Jefferson said, later adding: “I don’t really feel like anyone else is getting played how I’m getting played.” Jefferson nonetheless is second in the NFL in receiving yards (912) behind Cincinnati's Ja'Marr Chase, his former college teammate at LSU. Last week, Jefferson set yet another all-time record by passing Torry Holt for the most receiving yards over the first five seasons of a career. Holt logged 80 regular-season games and accumulated 6,784 yards for St. Louis. Jefferson has 6,811 yards — in just 70 games. “I want to go up against those single coverages. I want to go have my opportunities to catch a deep pass downfield, just one-on-one coverage, like a lot of these other receivers get," Jefferson said. "It’s definitely difficult going up against an extra person or an extra two people, but it is what it is and the concepts that we’re drawing up and the ways that we’re trying to get me open, it definitely helps.” With fellow tight end Josh Oliver ruled out of the game on Sunday because of a sprained ankle, T.J. Hockenson is certain to have his heaviest workload since returning from knee surgery four weeks ago. He's also certain that Jefferson will continue to see persistent double-teams. “It puts it on us to make some plays and do some things to get them out of that,” Hockenson said. Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell has been forced to dig deeper into the vault of play designs and game plans to help keep quarterback Sam Darnold and the offense on track. O'Connell said after Minnesota's 12-7 win at Jacksonville, when Darnold threw three interceptions to precipitate a safer strategy down the stretch, that he superseded his play-calling role with the wisdom of a head coach to help win that game. "Not just the egomaniac of wanting to score points and constantly show everybody how smart we are. There was a mode that I think you have to go into sometimes to ensure a victory,” O'Connell said on his weekly show on KFAN radio. Taking what the defense gives is usually the shrewdest strategy. “You’ve got to really implement some new things and some things that maybe you didn’t come across during your early coaching years whether as a coordinator or position coach or even when you’re responsible for a small area of the game plan as a younger coach," O'Connell said. "You really have to kind of look outside the lens of always what you see on tape.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
Jefferson keeps seeing double as Vikings aim to stay focused on overall offensive productionFanSided’s Chris Landers pitched a perfect break-glass-in-case-of-emergency QB option for Tigers head football coach Brian Kelly, since after losing Bryce Underwood to Michigan it can accurately be called an emergency in Baton Rouge right now, and his LSU offense: Louisiana’s own Arch Manning. Landers proposed the bombshell transfer portal possibility while operating under the hypothetical that Quinn Ewers returns to Texas. “Brian Kelly is a man in need of a lifeline right now, with his LSU team reeling after three straight losses and top 2025 QB Bryce Underwood flipping his commitment to Michigan on Thursday night,” Landers prefaced before saying, “And what a lifeline Manning would be, a guy who was just as sought-after as Underwood coming out of high school — and who just so happened to grow up nearby in New Orleans? “The Tigers weren't on Manning's initial list of finalists, which could be a sign that Manning is looking to get a little bit further away from home. But they have the recent track record in QB development, having put Jayden Daniels (and soon Garrett Nussmeier) into the NFL and churning out great receivers on a regular basis. There isn't much behind Nussmeier for 2025, and if Manning becomes available, LSU could take all that Underwood money and simply redirect it to the next best thing.” Horns247’s Chip Brown reported on November 21 that Ewers is expected to declare for the 2025 NFL draft. “I spoke to two sources close to Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers on Wednesday night who said they expect Ewers to enter the 2025 NFL Draft after this season, meaning Saturday's game against Kentucky (2:30 p.m., ABC) would be Ewers' last regular-season home game as a Longhorn,” Brown wrote. Manning would represent a dramatic upswing for a Kelly-led program with practically no narrative wins to stand in recent months besides early-season wins over Ole Miss and South Carolina. In truth, LSU is supposed to win those matchups every year given the program’s pedigree. With all that said, Manning could do worse than a school that turned two recent transfers, Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels, into Heisman winners.
Chang Zheng 12, ZhuQue-2E fly maiden missions; Hainan spaceport and mega constellations expand
It's no secret: when we savour a delicious piece of fish or a platter of seafood, we're not just consuming valuable omega-3s and vitamin D. Alongside these benefits come less appetising elements – countless micro- and nano-plastics. These plastic particles, measuring less than 5 millimetres, enter our oceans through human waste and penetrate the food chain . According to an Ifremer study , around 24,400 billion microplastics are floating on the ocean's surface. These particles are found in all marine organisms – from microalgae to fish, which occupy higher levels of the food chain. This phenomenon not only threatens marine ecosystems but also raises concerns about potential risks to human health. What exactly do we know about the accumulation of these pollutants in marine life and the dangers they pose to human health? Micro- and nano-plastics: an invisible threat Since the 1950s, plastic production has grown exponentially, reaching 58 million tonnes in Europe in 2022 alone. This has led to massive amounts of waste. Over time, wind, waves, sunlight and microorganisms break down larger plastic waste into microplastics (1–5 mm) and nanoplastics (smaller than 100 nanometers), which now contaminate all parts of the environment, including the air, soil, and water. The process by which these plastics accumulate in organisms across different levels of the food chain is known as 'bioaccumulation'. Research from our laboratory reveals that in aquatic environments, micro- and nano-plastics are ingested by a wide range of species – from microalgae at the base of the food chain to top predators like eels. The impact on marine life These ingestions have serious consequences. Studies show that microplastics can cause toxic effects in marine animals. For instance, in mussels, microplastics can block digestive systems, activate immune responses, cause DNA damage and interfere with the expression of genes essential to various cellular functions. The severity of these effects depends on the plastics' size, composition, degree of degradation and any harmful chemical additives they may contain. Plastics often contain high levels of phthalates, which are endocrine disruptors . These chemicals can interfere with hormonal systems, posing risks not just to marine life but potentially to humans as well. Risks to human health Plastics ingested by marine animals inevitably make their way into our food supply. Frequent seafood consumers are estimated to ingest thousands of microplastic particles annually. Although research on the precise health effects on humans is ongoing, some troubling hypotheses have emerged. Once inside the human body, these particles may cause damage similar to that observed in fish. Studies on human cells indicate that micro- and nano-plastics can disrupt cellular functions in ways akin to the effects seen in marine organisms. Scientists are particularly concerned about the toxic impacts of plastic additives. Additionally, micro- and nano-plastics can act as carriers for pathogens or bacteria, potentially increasing the risk of infectious diseases. The urgency to tackle plastic bioaccumulation in the food chain cannot be overstated. By taking swift action to limit plastic usage and improve recycling technologies, we can slow the progression of this environmental and health crisis. Amélie Châtel , Professeur en Ecotoxicologie aquatique, Université catholique de l'Ouest This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article .
Manchester United’s decision to put up the cost of all members’ match tickets to £66 for the remainder of the season has been labelled “offensive” by the club’s leading supporters’ group. Manchester United Supporters’ Trust (MUST) revealed the club had informed the fans forum that changes to certain ticket policies will take effect immediately “and that this price will apply for kids and over-65s as well as adults”. The news comes as the club confirmed the cost of paying off former manager Erik ten Hag and his staff was £10.4million, while a release clause to bring in new head coach Ruben Amorim and his staff amounted to £11m. The figures were part of a longer version of the club’s first-quarter accounts which were released to the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday. United and Everton fans are set to stage a protest against ticket prices ahead of their Premier League clash on Sunday. Supporters are being asked to gather next to the trinity statue outside Old Trafford to support the Football Supporters’ Association’s ‘Stop Exploiting Loyalty’ campaign. As well as increasing prices generally, fans are unhappy about the removal of concession tickets for certain groups. An MUST statement read: “Suffice it to say that the idea that the fans must pay their ‘fair share’ for the club’s excesses and/or mismanagement — and above all, the Glazers’ lack of investment over two decades — is offensive. “We fans have done everything we have been asked. We have cheered the players on even in the face of substandard performance. “We have objected to this action in the strongest possible terms, both for the action itself and the complete lack of consultation, which is a step backward based on the process we had agreed with the club before INEOS’ arrival. “Over the coming days MUST will be seeking urgent discussions with the club to get them to listen to fans’ concern at this policy. “United fans have sucked up a lot. We will not be silent on this and we need to be prepared to resist any attempts to further drive up ticket prices.” Supporters’ group The 1958 said along with United and Everton, both Liverpool and Manchester City supporters will also display an FSA banner ahead of their match on Sunday. “With 19 out of 20 Premier League clubs increasing ticket prices this season, FC58, Everton, Liverpool and City supporters will display the FSA banner to raise awareness that any future season ticket price increases, removal of concessions, and treating match-going supporters as an easy target to make quick revenues will not be tolerated,” the fans’ group said. “With the discussions around the rebuild or redevelopment of Old Trafford, we need to send a message to the club that we are laser focused on keeping football affordable and looking after our loyal, match-going fan base. “Manchester United have announced that they will be selling tickets to members for the remainder of the season at a minimum of £66 irrespective of if you are under 16, youth, OAP or disabled, which is a clear exploitation of the loyal fan base and their first move towards dynamic pricing.”
AP News Summary at 7:26 p.m. ESTShai Gilgeous-Alexander overcame a slow start to score 41 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder powered to a 123-105 home win over the Washington Wizards on Monday. The Thunder extended their regular-season winning streak to eight, their longest winning streak since January 2018. Oklahoma City hasn’t had a longer streak since the 2013-14 season. Though the Monday game featured the Thunder, with the top record in the Western Conference, against the team with the worst record in the NBA, it was far from a cake walk. Gilgeous-Alexander had just two points in the first quarter, when he attempted just three shots. However, Gilgeous-Alexander got going in the second quarter, including kicking off a 15-0 Oklahoma City run with a 3-pointer. The surge turned the Wizards’ eight-point lead into a seven-point margin for the Thunder. It was a lead Oklahoma City would not relinquish, though Washington kept it close deep into the third quarter. The Wizards pulled within one with less than three minutes remaining in the third, but Gilgeous-Alexander attacked the basket at the other end, converting a three-point play to stretch the margin. The play wound up kickstarting a 22-2 run as Washington went more than eight minutes without a field goal. Gilgeous-Alexander finished 14 of 25 from the field and made all 10 of his free throws. Jalen Williams added 17 points for Oklahoma City, scoring 11 in the first quarter. Isaiah Hartenstein (16 points, 11 rebounds) and rookie Ajay Mitchell (16 points, 12 rebounds, both career highs) each had a double-double. It was Mitchell’s first career double-double and the 10th in 13 games this season for Hartenstein. Jordan Poole led Washington with 31 points and seven assists. Carlton Carrington scored 14 points, Jonas Valanciunas logged 12 points and 16 rebounds, Malcolm Brogdon also had 12 and Kyshawn George scored 11. Oklahoma City outscored the Wizards 66-36 in the paint. The Wizards have lost 21 of their last 23 and have dropped 12 consecutive road games. Oklahoma City has won three consecutive games since falling in the NBA Cup final to the Milwaukee Bucks. That loss did not count in the regular-season standings. Washington was without a couple of key pieces. Bilal Coulibaly, who has been surging of late, missed the game because of right groin soreness while rookie Alexandre Sarr was out due to lower back soreness. Related Story AFG College with University of Aberdeen holds alumni gala dinner Alfardan Medical with Northwestern Medicine provides outstanding healthcare in QatarSebastian Zapeta, 33, who federal immigration officials said is a Guatemalan citizen who entered the US illegally, was arraigned in Brooklyn criminal court. He appeared briefly before a judge and wore a white jumpsuit over a weathered black hooded sweatshirt. He did not speak. He will remain jailed ahead of his next court date on Friday. The apparently random attack occurred on Sunday morning on a stationary F train at the Coney Island station in Brooklyn. Police said on Tuesday that identification of the victim was still “pending at this time”. Authorities say Zapeta approached the woman, who was sitting motionless in the train car and may have been sleeping, and used a lighter to set her clothing on fire. The woman quickly became engulfed in flames, while the suspect then sat at a bench on the subway platform and watched, according to police. Video posted to social media appeared to show the woman standing inside the train ablaze as some people look on from the platform, and at least one officer walks by. NYPD chief of transit Joseph Gulotta said that several officers had responded to the fire and one stayed to keep the crime scene “the way it’s supposed to be” while the others went to get fire extinguishers and transit workers. They were eventually able to douse the fire, but “unfortunately, it was too late”, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said — the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. During Zapeta’s court hearing on Tuesday, Assistant District Attorney Ari Rottenberg said Zapeta at one point fanned the flames on the woman using his shirt. He said a 911 call from a subway rider helped identify Zapeta. Mr Rottenberg added that under interrogation Zapeta claimed he did not know what happened, noting that he consumes alcohol. But he alleged that Zapeta identified himself to interrogators in images related to the attack. Zapeta was taken into custody on Sunday afternoon while riding a train on the same subway line after police got a tip from some teenagers who recognised him from images circulated by the police. A Brooklyn address for Zapeta released by police matches a shelter that provides housing and substance abuse support. The shelter did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Federal immigration officials said Zapeta had been previously deported in 2018 but at some point reentered the US illegally. The crime — and the graphic video of it that ricocheted across social media — deepened a growing sense of unease among some New Yorkers about the safety of the subway system in a city where many residents take the subway multiple times each day.
