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Across many laboratories speed, accuracy, and data integrity, advanced technologies are transforming workflows and supporting critical medical decisions. Laboratories face mounting pressure to manage growing data volumes, optimise workflow efficiency, and uphold stringent standards of integrity and accuracy. This is where artificial intelligence (AI) can assist, helping research professionals reshape healthcare and science for the better. This is the view of Dr. Dror Kolodkin-Gal, founder of image integrity software Proofig AI . Kolodkin-Gal tells Digital Journal how AI is transforming laboratory operations across Europe. Healthcare remains a top priority in Europe, as highlighted by the EU4Health Programme, which aims to bolster health systems and enhance crisis preparedness across the continent. According to the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, nearly three quarters of current global medical decisions are dependent on laboratory test results. Automating routine laboratory tasks According to Kolodkin-Gal: “Traditional laboratory workflows often rely on a trial-and-error approach, where researchers repeat processes and experiments multiple times to achieve consistent results. This method, while effective, is highly time-consuming and labour-intensive, limiting the pace of scientific discovery. AI-driven automation offers a powerful solution, allowing laboratories to perform intricate tasks continuously and precisely, unhindered by human fatigue.” Examples of how this can be achieved, include: “Robotic systems enhanced with AI execute experiments with a level of consistency that manual methods simply cannot match, minimising human error and variability. Working around the clock, these systems accelerate research timelines and facilitate safer handling of hazardous materials, effectively reducing safety risks. Moreover, AI algorithms optimise workflows by identifying bottlenecks and suggesting adjustments, resulting in faster and more efficient experimentation processes.” Revolutionising data analysis in research When considering research, Kolodkin-Gal observes: “The power of AI extends beyond automation – it is pivotal in managing and analysing the vast datasets generated by modern experiments. AI algorithms can detect patterns, revealing correlations or anomalies that may otherwise go unnoticed, and can suggest promising research directions. In diagnosis studies, AI can analyse medical images and patient data to improve the identification of diseases, significantly reducing the time required to reach accurate findings.” Drawing on an example, Kolodkin-Gal cites: “A recent study in the UK found that AI systems used for breast cancer diagnosis led to a reduction in false positives and false negatives by 5.7 per cent and 9.4 per cent , respectively . In South Korea, researchers discovered that AI demonstrated a greater sensitivity in detecting breast cancer masses, achieving a rate of 90 per cent compared to 78 per cent for radiologists . Furthermore, AI outperformed radiologists in identifying early-stage breast cancer, with a detection rate of 91 per cent versus 74 per cent for traditional methods.” Advanced image analysis Image analysis has made considerable advances in helping with patient diagnosis. Kolodkin-Gal identifies: “This technology allows for the identification of subtle patterns and anomalies in images that may be imperceptible to the human eye, significantly enhancing research outcomes in fields such as biomedical sciences. Errors or misrepresentations in image investigations can compromise entire studies, leading to manuscripts retractions and undermining public trust in science.” As an example, Kolodkin-Gal states: “To tackle these challenges, AI-driven image proofing tools are being integrated into research and publication workflows. These tools automatically scan images to detect duplications, manipulations, and alterations.” Advantages Summing up the contribution of AI, Kolodkin-Gal finds: “ By automating routine tasks, enhancing data analysis and safeguarding image integrity, AI supports the overarching goal of strengthening Europe’s healthcare systems. Embracing AI innovations helps laboratories across Europe position themselves at the forefront of healthcare and research, driving advancements that will support better patient outcomes and safeguard public health for years to come.” Dr. Tim Sandle is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for science news.Tim specializes in science, technology, environmental, business, and health journalism. He is additionally a practising microbiologist; and an author. He is also interested in history, politics and current affairs.
In addition, the allocation of funds to support the construction of "Two Highs" and "Two News" aligns with China's broader development goals outlined in the 14th Five-Year Plan and the long-range objectives through 2035. By investing in strategic industries, promoting technological innovation, and fostering sustainable urbanization, the bonds will contribute to building a more resilient, inclusive, and competitive economy.
How Syria rebels' stars aligned for Assad's ousterBJP builds a broad caste coalition, garnering Maratha and OBC votesWang's remarkable achievement is a testament to his sheer talent and unyielding determination. With his precision shots, lightning-fast reflexes, and unmatched court awareness, Wang has become a force to be reckoned with on the international stage. His innovative playing style and ability to adapt to any situation have earned him admiration and respect from players and fans alike.
The resignation of Bashar al-Assad and the power struggle between the US and IsraelThe Louisville Cardinals host a ranked team for the second time this week when the No. 9 Duke Blue Devils pay a visit on Sunday, and the Cardinals hope for a better outcome in the teams' Atlantic Coast Conference opener. Louisville (5-3) has lost two straight, including an 86-63 thrashing at home by No. 23 Ole Miss in the SEC/ACC Challenge on Tuesday. The visiting Rebels shot 56.7 percent and dominated inside with a 48-26 edge on points in the paint. Tuesday's game was the first for coach Pat Kelsey's team without Kasean Pryor, who suffered a season-ending knee injury against Oklahoma in the Battle 4 Atlantis championship game. The 6-foot-10 senior wing, a transfer from South Florida, was a key player early on for Louisville, averaging 12 points and 6.1 rebounds per game and blocking eight shots in seven games. Pryor is the latest Cardinals player to go down with an injury. Before the season started, the school announced center Aly Khalifa and guard Kobe Rodgers would redshirt due to injuries. Then just two games into the season, Aboubacar Traore broke his arm and Koren Johnson injured his shoulder. Traore is expected back this season, but Johnson announced earlier this week that he would also redshirt this season and undergo surgery. Besides the injuries, the Cardinals are also struggling to hit 3-point shots, a key facet to Kelsey's offense. Louisville entered Saturday 340th nationally in 3-point shooting percentage at 27.3 percent and seventh nationally averaging 31.6 attempts per game. Despite the woes, Kelsey told reporters after the Ole Miss loss that he doesn't plan to change his offense, adding that he believes in his players. "The percentages even themselves out," he said. "This has happened before. I just don't want our guys to lose confidence, because I really, really believe in them. They'll bounce back and be better on Sunday." The Blue Devils (6-2) won their SEC/ACC Challenge game on Wednesday, beating No. 2 Auburn 84-78 in Durham. Duke overcame a 13-2 deficit to get the Quadrant 1 victory on its resume. Coach Jon Scheyer's team shot 50 percent from the field and committed just four turnovers. It was just the 14th time in program history the Blue Devils had four or fewer turnovers in a game. Freshman Cooper Flagg, a preseason All-American and a contender for national player of the year awards, leads the Blue Devils in scoring (16.6 ppg), rebounding (8.6 rpg), assists (4.1 apg) and blocked shots (1.4 per game). He scored 22, grabbed 11 rebounds and dished out four assists in the win against the Tigers, but it was another freshman who stole the show. Isaiah Evans came off the bench to score 18 points and hit 6 of 8 3-point shots. The guard averages 9.4 points per game but has only played in five games and has yet to play more than 17 minutes in a contest. Scheyer told reporters after the win that Evans provided a "special moment" when his team needed a lift. "To have that amazing courage to come into this game and do what he did -- I'm not sure if I've ever been a part of something like that in my years here," Scheyer said. --Field Level Media
SEOUL, South Korea — South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who stunned the world this week by declaring martial law, has narrowly avoided being impeached, as his party's lawmakers boycotted the parliamentary vote on his ouster Saturday. The motion by opposition lawmakers accused him of insurrection, calling his decree an unconstitutional self-coup. "The president has betrayed the trust of the people and has lost the right to carry out state affairs," the impeachment motion read. Thousands of protesters had gathered outside the National Assembly to cheer on his removal. Now protests are expected to build. "We will not give up. We will prevail," liberal opposition leader Lee Jae-myung said after the motion fell through. "By Christmas, we will bring people the end-of-year gift of restoring the country to normalcy." The liberal party said it would submit the motion again at the next parliamentary session on Wednesday — and every week after that until it passes. The question is whether enough members of Yoon's conservative ruling party will vote to oust him while he still has two-and-a-half years remaining in his term, potentially ceding the presidency to the liberal opposition. Impeaching Yoon requires the support of at least two-thirds of the 300-member National Assembly — or 200 votes. Because the opposition coalition holds 192 seats, impeachment requires eight or more votes from Yoon's conservative People Power Party. In the days following the martial law declaration, a handful of ruling party legislators had indicated they would at least consider impeachment. But only three of them showed up for the vote Saturday, with the remaining 105 leaving the plenary hall in protest. Outside the National Assembly, the crowd gathered to call for Yoon's removal let out a cry of frustration. Among them were citizens who had traveled from hours away and college students studying for exams in the throng while keeping one eye on the news. "Arrest Yoon Suk-yeol!" they chanted as they marched down the promenade. In declaring martial law Tuesday, Yoon railed against the opposition-controlled National Assembly, which he accused of being a "den of criminals" and North Korea-sympathizers. Gen. Park An-su, whom Yoon designated as his martial law commander, subsequently suspended all political activity and declared the media under the military's control. For many in South Korea , the move chillingly harked to the country's past military dictatorships. But three hours after Yoon's decree, legislators — many of them scaling the gates of the locked-down National Assembly — unanimously voted to overrule Yoon, requiring him to lift the decree. On Saturday morning, in a two-minute address to the nation, Yoon apologized for inconveniencing the public and said that he had been motivated by "desperation." While Yoon reportedly told his officials and party members that his decree was meant to send a message to an adversarial legislature — which has filed numerous impeachments against his appointees and moved to investigate his wife on charges of graft and stock manipulation — many, including his own party members, say they believe he had much more sinister motives. Han Dong-hun, the leader of the People Power Party, said that there were signs that the special forces soldiers who had stormed the National Assembly were acting on orders to arrest him and other legislators. Opposition leader Lee, whom Yoon narrowly defeated in the presidential election two years ago, has said the same. "We've confirmed that President Yoon ordered the arrest of major politicians on the grounds that they were anti-state forces," Han said at a party meeting Friday. "I don't think we can pretend like nothing happened." While stating that this was based on "credible" sources, Han did not elaborate, offering only that these plans would be made public in due time "through various channels." In a meeting with Han that same day, Yoon denied giving such an order, Han said. Hong Jang-won, a senior official at the National Intelligence Service, the country's spy agency , told lawmakers Friday that Yoon called him to order the arrest of several lawmakers, including party leaders Lee and Han. Spy chief Cho Tae-yong has disputed Hong's allegations. Yet even while condemning the martial law declaration as unconstitutional and acknowledging that Yoon must ultimately be removed from office, Han and most of his party allies balked at impeachment. For the South Korean conservatives, impeachment is their exposed nerve, and they have reason to tread lightly. The first and only South Korean president to be successfully impeached was conservative Park Geun-hye, who was later investigated and jailed on corruption charges. Her downfall splintered the conservative camp and opened a path for liberal successor Moon Jae-in, whose term conservatives refer to as "the lost five years." Crucial to the success of Park's impeachment was a bloc of conservative legislators who joined the opposition to vote in favor. It is why many party stalwarts are determined to avoid the same fate this time around. "We cannot have any more traitors surrendering to the enemy, like the time with Park Geun-hye," Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo wrote on social media Wednesday. Instead, Yoon's party members have floated more moderate solutions that would make way for Yoon's "orderly resignation," such as revising the constitution to shorten Yoon's term, transferring some of his presidential powers to the prime minister or forming a bipartisan Cabinet. In his recent public address, Yoon said he would leave his fate to the party, hinting that he may relinquish much of his authority to Han, should he avoid impeachment. The liberal opposition has rejected any alternatives to impeachment, calling Yoon a "ticking time bomb." "He is in a very troubling mental state right now. We don't have time to discuss something like 'an orderly resignation,' " liberal party spokesperson Yoon Jong-kun told reporters Saturday morning. "Only Yoon's immediate removal from official duties and impeachment can alleviate the anger of the people and South Korea' s plummeting international credit rating." The liberal party has said that it would propose the motion again Wednesday. "We are going to propose it repeatedly," Lee Jae-myung said, "until it goes through." ©2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit latimes.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The controversy arose when Trump, in a series of tweets and public statements, suggested that Zelensky's presidency was illegitimate and that he had not officially assumed power in Ukraine. Trump, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has been known to make inflammatory remarks aimed at undermining democratic leaders in Eastern Europe.
As the match against Arsenal draws near, the excitement and anticipation among fans are palpable. The prospect of witnessing two top teams go head-to-head in a battle for supremacy is a tantalizing one. Both sets of supporters will be out in full force, cheering on their respective teams and creating a vibrant atmosphere in the stadium.The Times view on chaos in France and Germany: Reversal of FortuneIn addition to the trailer release, fans are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Gourd Gift Box, a special edition package that promises exclusive in-game items, merchandise, and collectibles for avid fans of "Dark Mythology". The Gourd Gift Box has been generating buzz among the gaming community, with many speculating about its contents and release date.
The father's words poured out in a drunken slur, a mixture of regret, fear, and love. "Marriage is a trap, my dear girl," he continued, his voice breaking. "It's a web of responsibilities, expectations, and disappointments. I don't want you to suffer like I have. Stay free, stay wild, stay happy."Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming education, with schools and universities increasingly experimenting with AI chatbots to assist students in self-directed learning. These digital assistants offer immediate feedback, answer questions and guide students through complex material. For teachers, the chatbots can reduce their workload by helping them provide scalable and personalised feedback to students. But what makes an effective AI teaching assistant? Should it be warm and friendly or professional and competent? What are the potential pitfalls of integrating such technology into the classroom? Our ongoing research explores student preferences, highlighting the benefits and challenges of using AI chatbots in education. Warm or competent? We developed two AI chatbots – John and Jack. Both chatbots were designed to assist university students with self-directed learning tasks but differed in their personas and interaction styles. John, the “warm” chatbot, featured a friendly face and casual attire. His communication style was encouraging and empathetic, using phrases like “spot on!” and “great progress! Keep it up!”. When students faced difficulties, John responded with support: “It looks like this part might be tricky. I’m here to help!” His demeanour aimed to create a comfortable and approachable learning environment. Jack, the “competent” chatbot, had an authoritative appearance with formal business attire. His responses were clear and direct, such as “correct” or “good! This is exactly what I was looking for.” When identifying problems, he was straightforward: “I see some issues here. Let’s identify where it can be improved.” Jack’s persona was intended to convey professionalism and efficiency. We introduced the chatbots to university students during their self-directed learning activities. We then collected data through surveys and interviews about their experiences. Distinct preferences We found there were distinct preferences among the students. Those from engineering backgrounds tended to favour Jack’s straightforward and concise approach. One engineering student commented: Jack felt like someone I could take more seriously. He also pointed out a few additional things that John hadn’t when asked the same question. This suggests a professional and efficient interaction style resonated with students who value precision and directness in their studies. Other students appreciated John’s friendly demeanour and thorough explanations. They found his approachable style helpful, especially when grappling with complex concepts. One student noted: John’s encouraging feedback made me feel more comfortable exploring difficult topics. Interestingly, some students desired a balance between the two styles. They valued John’s empathy but also appreciated Jack’s efficiency. The weaknesses of Jack and John While many students found the AI chatbots helpful, several concerns and potential weaknesses were highlighted. Some felt the chatbots occasionally provided superficial responses that lacked depth. As one student remarked: Sometimes, the answers felt generic and didn’t fully address my question. There is also a risk of students becoming too dependent on AI assistance, potentially hindering the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. One student admitted: I worry that always having instant answers could make me less inclined to figure things out on my own. The chatbots also sometimes struggled with understanding the context or nuances of complex questions. A student noted: When I asked about a specific case study, the chatbot couldn’t grasp the intricacies and gave a broad answer. This underscored AI’s challenges in interpreting complex human language and specialised content. Privacy and data security concerns were also raised. Some students were uneasy about the data collected during interactions. Additionally, potential biases in AI responses were a significant concern. Since AI systems learn from existing data, they can inadvertently perpetuate biases present in their training material. Future-proofing classrooms The findings highlight the need for a balanced approach in incorporating AI into education. Offering students options to customise their AI assistant’s persona could cater to diverse preferences and learning styles. Enhancing the AI’s ability to understand context and provide deeper, more nuanced responses is also essential. Human oversight remains crucial. Teachers should continue to play a central role, guiding students and addressing areas where AI falls short. AI should be seen as a tool to augment, not replace, human educators. By collaborating with AI, educators can focus on fostering critical thinking and creativity, skills AI cannot replicate. Another critical aspect is addressing privacy and bias. Institutions must implement robust data privacy policies and regularly audit AI systems to minimise biases and ensure ethical use. Transparent communication about how data is used and protected can alleviate student concerns. The nuances of AI in classrooms Our study is ongoing, and we plan to expand it to include more students across different courses and educational levels. This broader scope will help us better understand the nuances of student interactions with AI teaching assistants. By acknowledging both the strengths and weaknesses of AI chatbots, we aim to inform the development of tools that enhance learning outcomes while addressing potential challenges. The insights from this research could significantly impact how universities design and implement AI teaching assistants in the future. By tailoring AI tools to meet diverse student needs and addressing the identified issues, educational institutions can leverage AI to create more personalised and effective learning experiences. This research was completed with Guy Bate and Shohil Kishore. The authors would also like to acknowledge the support of Soul Machines in providing the AI technology used in this research.Real Madrid's medical and fitness staff play a crucial role in ensuring that the players are in the best possible condition to face the rigorous demands of the upcoming matches. From tailored training programs to recovery strategies, every aspect of preparation is meticulously planned to minimize the risk of injuries. Butragueno emphasized that the club spares no effort in providing the necessary support to the players, enabling them to perform at their peak while staying as fit and healthy as possible.
Jude Bellingham scores for fourth game in a row to ease Real Madrid's Champions League elimination fears in 3-2 win over Atalanta - before England star gets a big hug Micah Richards in post-match interview1 Unstoppable Vanguard ETF I'm Stocking Up On in 2025 - The Motley FoolFurthermore, the diplomatic tensions between the United States and Spain highlight the challenges and complexities of navigating the international arms trade and military cooperation agreements. Both countries have longstanding partnerships and commitments to promoting security and stability in the region, but disagreements over the handling of sensitive military shipments can strain these relationships and undermine mutual trust and cooperation.The story of the female master's degree holder living in the remote village serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of human relationships, the power dynamics within communities, and the challenges faced by individuals who find themselves on the margins of society. It raises important questions about autonomy, agency, and the need for support systems to ensure the well-being of vulnerable individuals, especially those who may be unable to advocate for themselves.
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas’ education board voted Friday to allow Bible-infused teachings in elementary schools under optional new curriculum that could test boundaries between religion and public classrooms in the U.S. The material adopted by the Texas State Board of Education, which is controlled by elected Republicans, passed in a 8-7 final vote over criticism that the lessons would proselytize to young learners and alienate students of faiths other than Christianity. Supporters argued the Bible is a core feature of American history and that teaching it will enrich lessons. The vote allows schools in Texas, which has more than 5 million public school students, to begin using the material in kindergarten through fifth grade classrooms as early as next year. Republican lawmakers celebrated the vote, including Texas' powerful lieutenant governor, who has pledged to pass legislation next year that would follow Louisiana in trying to require schools to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms. Texas' approval “is an important step to boosting student outcomes statewide,” Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick posted on social media. What the material says Schools are not required to use the material, but those that do would receive extra funding from the state. In the newly approved kindergarten materials, one lesson on helping one’s neighbor instructs teachers to talk about the Golden Rule using lessons from the Bible. It also instructs the teachers to explain that the Bible is “a collection of ancient texts” and that its different parts are “the core books of the Jewish and Christian religions.” In a third-grade lesson about the first Thanksgiving, the material directs teachers to discuss how the governor of Plymouth said a prayer and gave a speech that included references to “several passages from the Christian Bible in the book of Psalms.” Teachers are then instructed to tell students the book of Psalms is a collection of songs, poems and hymns “that are used in both Jewish and Christian worship.” With the new curriculum, Texas would be the first state to introduce Bible lessons in schools in this manner, according to Matthew Patrick Shaw, an assistant professor of public policy and education at Vanderbilt University. Whether the lesson plans will be considered constitutional is up in the air, he said. Creating Bible-infused lessons The Texas Education Agency, which oversees public education for more than 5 million students statewide, created its own instruction materials after a law passed in 2023 by the GOP-controlled Legislature required the agency to do so. The lesson plans were publicly released this spring. “This curriculum is not age-appropriate or subject matter appropriate in the way that it presents these Bible stories,” said Amanda Tyler, executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty. Children who would read the material, she said, “are simply too young to tell the difference between what is a faith claim and what is a matter of fact.” Mary Castle, director of government relations for Texas Values, a right-leaning advocacy group, said there are “close to 300 common-day phrases that actually come from the Bible” and that students “will benefit from being able to understand a lot of these references.” A narrow vote More than 100 people testified at a board meeting this week that rung with emotion from parents, teachers and advocates. One Democrat on the board, Rebecca Bell-Metereau, said the inclusion of religions in addition to Christianity in the materials was not an “adequate attempt to change that bias.” “It seems to me like it is trying to place a Band-Aid on a gaping wound,” she said. One of the board members, Leslie Recine, is a Republican who was appointed to the board just weeks ago by Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to temporarily fill a vacant seat. She voted in favor of the curriculum. Days after her appointment, a Democrat who ran unopposed was elected to fill that same board seat starting next year. Bringing religion into schools Texas' plans to implement Biblical teachings in public school lesson plans is the latest effort by Republican-controlled states to bring religion into the classroom. In Louisiana, a law to place the Ten Commandments in all public classrooms was blocked by a federal judge earlier this month. Republican Gov. Jeff Landry signed the bill into law in June, prompting a group of Louisiana public school parents of different faiths to sue. In Oklahoma, the state's top education official has tried to incorporate the Bible into lesson plans for children in fifth through 12th grades. A group of teachers and parents recently filed a lawsuit to stop the Republican state superintendent's plan and his efforts to spend $3 million to purchase Bibles for public schools. ___ Lathan is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. ___ LaFleur reported from Dallas. Associated Press writer Jamie Stengle in Dallas contributed to this report. Nadia Lathan And Kendria Lafleur, The Associated PressTEANECK, N.J. (AP) — Dylan Jones had 22 points in Fairleigh Dickinson's 98-54 victory over Lehman on Saturday. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * TEANECK, N.J. (AP) — Dylan Jones had 22 points in Fairleigh Dickinson's 98-54 victory over Lehman on Saturday. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? TEANECK, N.J. (AP) — Dylan Jones had 22 points in Fairleigh Dickinson’s 98-54 victory over Lehman on Saturday. Jones shot 6 for 10 (6 for 9 from 3-point range) and 4 of 4 from the free-throw line for the Knights (4-7). Terrence Brown added 19 points while shooting 7 for 12 (2 for 5 from 3-point range) and 3 of 4 from the free-throw line and also had six rebounds, five assists, and six steals. Cameron Tweedy had 11 points and shot 4 of 5 from the field and 3 for 5 from the line. The Lightning were led in scoring by Kai Parris, who finished with 12 points. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar. Advertisement
YouTube’s AI-powered dubbing is now available to many more creators
To their surprise, hidden beneath layers of clothing and toiletries were a multitude of high-end luxury items, including designer handbags, watches, and electronics. The sheer quantity and value of these items far exceeded what was declared on the fake forms. It became evident that Mr. Smith and Ms. Johnson had gone to great lengths to conceal their extravagant purchases in an attempt to evade customs duties.
BEIRUT (AP) — Insurgents' stunning march across Syria accelerated Saturday with news that they had reached the suburbs of the capital and that government forces had withdrawn from the central city of Homs. The government was forced to deny rumors that President Bashar Assad had fled the country. The loss of Homs is a potentially crippling blow for Assad. It stands at an important intersection between Damascus and Syria’s coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus — the Syrian leader’s base of support and home to a Russian strategic naval base. The pro-government Sham FM reported that government forces took positions outside Syria’s third-largest city, without elaborating. Rami Abdurrahman who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said Syrian troops and members of different security agencies have withdrawn from the city, adding that rebels have entered parts of it. The capture of Homs is a major victory for insurgents, who have already seized the cities of Aleppo and Hama , as well as large parts of the south, in a lightning offensive that began Nov. 27. Analysts said Homs falling into rebel hands would be a game-changer. The rebels' moves around Damascus, reported by the monitor and a rebel commander, came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern part of the country, leaving more areas, including several provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters. The advances in the past week were among the largest in recent years by opposition factions, led by a group that has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the United Nations. In their push to overthrow Assad's government, the insurgents, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, have met little resistance from the Syrian army. For the first time in the country's long-running civil war, the government now has control of only three of 14 provincial capitals: Damascus, Latakia and Tartus. The U.N.’s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, on Saturday called for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition.” Speaking to reporters at the annual Doha Forum in Qatar, he said the situation in Syria was changing by the minute. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, whose country is Assad's chief international backer, said he feels “sorry for the Syrian people.” In Damascus, people rushed to stock up on supplies. Thousands went to Syria's border with Lebanon, trying to leave the country. Many shops in the capital were shuttered, a resident told The Associated Press, and those still open ran out of staples such as sugar. Some were selling items at three times the normal price. “The situation is very strange. We are not used to that,” the resident said, insisting on anonymity, fearing retributions. “People are worried whether there will be a battle (in Damascus) or not.” It was the first time that opposition forces reached the outskirts of Damascus since 2018, when Syrian troops recaptured the area following a yearslong siege. The U.N. said it was moving noncritical staff outside the country as a precaution. Assad's status Syria’s state media denied social media rumors that Assad left the country, saying he is performing his duties in Damascus. He has had little, if any, help from his allies. Russia, is busy with its war in Ukraine . Lebanon’s Hezbollah, which at one point sent thousands of fighters to shore up Assad's forces, has been weakened by a yearlong conflict with Israel. Iran has seen its proxies across the region degraded by regular Israeli airstrikes. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday posted on social media that that the United States should avoid engaging militarily in Syria. Pedersen said a date for talks in Geneva on the implementation a U.N. resolution, adopted in 2015, and calling for a Syrian-led political process, would be announced later. The resolution calls for the establishment of a transitional governing body, followed by the drafting of a new constitution and ending with U.N.-supervised elections. Later Saturday, foreign ministers and senior diplomats from eight key countries, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Egypt, Turkey and Iran, along with Pederson, gathered on the sidelines of the Doha Summit to discuss the situation in Syria. No details were immediately available. The insurgents' march Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said insurgents were in the Damascus suburbs of Maadamiyah, Jaramana and Daraya. Opposition fighters were marching toward the Damascus suburb of Harasta, he added. A commander with the insurgents, Hassan Abdul-Ghani, posted on the Telegram messaging app that opposition forces had begun the “final stage” of their offensive by encircling Damascus. HTS controls much of northwest Syria and in 2017 set up a “salvation government” to run day-to-day affairs in the region. In recent years, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has sought to remake the group’s image, cutting ties with al-Qaida, ditching hard-line officials and vowing to embrace pluralism and religious tolerance. The shock offensive began Nov. 27, during which gunmen captured the northern city of Aleppo, Syria’s largest, and the central city of Hama , the country’s fourth largest city. Opposition activists said Saturday that a day earlier, insurgents entered Palmyra, which is home to invaluable archaeological sites had been in government hands since being taken from the Islamic State group in 2017. To the south, Syrian troops left much of the province of Quneitra including the main Baath City, activists said. Syrian Observatory said government troops have withdrawn from much of the two southern provinces. The Syrian army said in a statement that it carried out redeployment and repositioning in Sweida and Daraa after its checkpoints came under attack by “terrorists." The army said it was setting up a “strong and coherent defensive and security belt in the area,” apparently to defend Damascus from the south. The Syrian government has referred to opposition gunmen as terrorists since conflict broke out in March 2011. Diplomacy in Doha The foreign ministers of Iran, Russia and Turkey, meeting in Qatar, called for an end to the hostilities. Turkey is a main backer of the rebels. Qatar's top diplomat, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, criticized Assad for failing to take advantage of the lull in fighting in recent years to address the country’s underlying problems. “Assad didn’t seize this opportunity to start engaging and restoring his relationship with his people,” he said. Sheikh Mohammed said he was surprised by how quickly the rebels have advanced and said there is a real threat to Syria’s “territorial integrity.” He said the war could “damage and destroy what is left if there is no sense of urgency” to start a political process. ____ Karam reported from London. Associated Press writers Albert Aji in Damascus, Syria and Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Baghdad contributed to this report. Bassem Mroue And Zeina Karam, The Associated PressIn conclusion, Haier's response to the recent rumors of layoffs serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying information before jumping to conclusions. The company's swift and decisive action in addressing the speculations demonstrates its commitment to open communication and employee well-being. As Haier moves forward, it will continue to focus on its core values of innovation, integrity, and people-first approach to ensure its continued success in the global market.
NoneInvestors look to Fed move for momentum Investors will likely look for more clarity on the US central bank’s upcoming monetary policy statement this week after the local bourse rebounded despite faster inflation in the Philippines last month. Trading platform 2TradeAsia.com said in an advisory over the weekend that analysts were expecting a rate cut by the US Federal Reserve this month, which could raise hopes of a similar move at home. “Any outcome that is not this [rate] cut is likely to stymie rallies for the rest of the month,” 2TradeAsia added. So far, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has slashed its benchmark rate by a total of 50 basis points to 6 percent. It has been hinting at another possible rate cut during its last meeting for the year to be held this month. The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) posted gains last week as it closed at 6,729 on Friday, up by 1.74 percent week-on-week. According to 2TradeAsia, the bourse brushed off the uptick in domestic inflation, especially since it settled at the lower end of the government’s target range. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that November inflation accelerated to 2.5 percent from 2.3 percent in October as commodities absorbed the impact of typhoons. At the same time, 2TradeAsia said the PSEi may not be as impacted as other markets by current global risks and uncertainties due to the Philippines being a domestic consumption-heavy country. 2TradeAsia sees the PSEi’s immediate support at 6,500 and resistance at 7,000 this week. —Meg J. Adonis INQ Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy .COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — Ethan Taylor's 21 points helped Air Force defeat Mercyhurst 82-48 on Sunday night. Taylor added 10 rebounds for the Falcons (2-4). Wesley Celichowski scored 14 points, going 6 of 11 and 2 of 3 from the free-throw line. Luke Kearney had 12 points and shot 4 for 5 from beyond the arc. The Lakers (4-3) were led by Aidan Reichert, who posted 11 points. Jeff Planutis added 10 points for Mercyhurst. Mykolas Ivanauskas also had seven points, six rebounds and three blocks. Air Force took the lead with 15:21 left in the first half and never looked back. The score was 31-24 at halftime, with Taylor racking up nine points. Air Force extended its lead to 45-26 during the second half, fueled by a 14-0 scoring run. Taylor scored a team-high 12 points in the second half as Air Force closed out the win. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
