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  • Echo360 2025 e³ Tech Grants Program

    Echo360 2025 e³ Tech Grants Program

    Over $100,000 in financial and technology grants awarded globally to support educators and innovation

    NEW YORK, July 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Echo360, the global leader in transformative learning and AI-powered education technology, today announced the recipients of its 2025 e³ Tech Grants Program, awarding more than $100,000 in combined financial and technology support to educators and researchers worldwide. Now in its fifth year, the e³ Tech Grants Program reinforces Echo360’s ongoing commitment to advancing transformative teaching and learning through targeted investment and hands-on resources.




    Echo360's e3 Grants Program awarded over $100,000 in financial and technology grants to institutions across North America, EMEA, and APAC regions.






    Echo360’s e3 Grants Program awarded over $100,000 in financial and technology grants to institutions across North America, EMEA, and APAC regions.

    “As educational institutions face mounting financial stress, from flat or declining funding to enrollment volatility, every dollar counts,” said Murad Velani, President and CEO of Echo360. “Our 2025 grant awards demonstrate how Echo360 stands shoulder to shoulder with educators, equipping them not only with needed funding, but with technologies and training that amplifies instructional innovation around the world.”

    Echo360 Grantmaking: Legacy of Support
    Since 2021, Echo360 e³ Tech Grants have advanced edtech learning equity, engagement, and evidence through two types of awards:

    1. Impact Grants: Financial support for empirical pedagogical research and proof–of–concept projects
    2. Innovation Grants: Technology access grants, offering the EchoSystem AI enriched platform, including GoReact, the market leading AI Video Assessment tool.

    This reflects a long-standing commitment by Echo360 to fund innovation and supply tools that scale across classrooms, labs, and corporate training environments globally.

    Higher Ed Under Pressure
    Colleges and universities around the world continue to grapple with daunting financial headwinds. A 2025 Fitch Ratings report warns many U.S. institutions face “deteriorating” finances due to enrollment declines and rising costs. In the U.K., the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA) notes one in three schools operates at a deficit. Meanwhile, Australia’s Universities Accord highlights financial sustainability as a sector-wide concern.

    “The Echo360 grant is enabling us to create high-quality, multi-angle videos that we anticipate will transform how physiotherapy students engage with complex manual techniques,” said Julie Bayliss, Lecturer in the Curtin School of Allied Health and 2025 grant recipient. “We believe that this technology will give students the flexibility to learn at their own pace while ensuring equitable access to expert demonstrations; something we couldn’t have achieved without this support.”

    2025 e3 Tech Grant Highlights
    Recipients of the 2025 awards span three regions:

    APAC:

    • Murdoch University
    • RMIT University
    • La Trobe University
    • University of Queensland
    • Queensland University of Technology
    • Curtin University
    • Australian Catholic University
    • Australian National University
    • Swinburne University of Technology
    • Unitec
    • Box Hill Institute

    EMEA:

    • St. George’s University of London
    • Queen Mary University
    • University of Nottingham

    NORTH AMERICA:

    • Allen University
    • Gallaudet University
    • Loyola Marymount University
    • Colorado State University
    • Schreiner University
    • University of Houston–Clear Lake
    • Saint Michael’s College
    • Northampton Community College
    • Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine
    • Capital University
    • Wilkes Community College
    • University of Nebraska Medical Center
    • Virginia Commonwealth University School of Nursing
    • Forsyth Technical Community College

    Full grant details and application information available at www.echo360.com/company/grants.

    About Echo360
    Echo360 is the global edtech leader enabling transformative learning experiences for education and business through the Echosystem™, the world’s first and only enterprise Learning Transformation Platform™ (LTP™). Serving over 2,000 customers and 5 million learners, instructors, trainers, and frontline workers across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC, Echo360 integrates content creation (EchoInk™), video management (EchoVideo™), engagement (EchoEngage™), and assessment (EchoExam™)—now extended by GoReact’s AI-powered video-based skill assessment and feedback. Echo360; Transforming Learning.

    About e3 Tech Grants: The e³ Formula
    Echo360’s global commitment is embodied in these core values:
    – Equity – Ensuring every learner is supported regardless of environment or access
    – Engagement – Promoting active, immersive learning experiences
    – Evidence – Driving innovation through measurable outcomes

    CONTACT INFORMATION:
    Jeff Peterson
    Echo360
    612-859-0488
    [email protected]

    SOURCE echo360

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  • Earwax Secretions May Help Detect Parkinson’s Disease

    Earwax Secretions May Help Detect Parkinson’s Disease

    Odors from earwax may help distinguish individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) from those without the condition, a new study suggests.

    Researchers found that four volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in ear canal secretions significantly differed between participants with and without PD.

    The compounds — ethylbenzene, 4-ethyltoluene, pentanal, and 2-pentadecyl-1,3-dioxolane — may represent potential biomarkers. An artificial intelligence olfactory (AIO)-based screening model used in the study identified those with PD with 94% accuracy.

    “The accuracy of the model really surprised us,” study investigator Hao Dong, Research Center for Frontier Fundamental Studies, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, China, MD, told Medscape Medical News.

    However, the study was a “small-scale, single-center experiment,” he noted in a press release.

    “The next step is to conduct further research at different stages of the disease, in multiple research centers, and among multiple ethnic groups in order to determine whether this method has greater practical application value,” Dong said.

    The findings were published online recently in Analytical Chemistry.

    Unique Odor Profile

    “Our team has long been engaged in the detection of [VOCs] secreted by the human body. By chance, we came across reports on the detection of sebum VOCs for Parkinson’s,” Dong said.

    Sebum, the oily substance secreted by the skin, may carry a distinct scent in individuals with PD. In a 2019 study cited by Dong, researchers noninvasively collected sebum samples from the upper backs of 64 participants. The findings suggested that samples from those with PD contained compounds associated with a unique odor profile.

    Dong and his team began with a confirmatory experiment using sebum samples collected from the upper back, as in the original study. However, they found that earwax was easier to collect and had a more stable chemical composition. These findings led them to focus on earwax in the current study.

    Ear wax also contains sebum. But unlike sebum on the surface of the skin, which is exposed to various factors that can degrade it. In contrast, sebum on skin inside the ear canal is protected.

    Dong’s study included 209 participants, 108 of whom had a diagnosis of PD. Ear canal secretions were collected from all participants using swabs and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

    Results showed that ear canal secretions from participants with PD contained 196 distinct VOCs compared with 168 VOCs in those without PD. Interestingly, no two participants had identical VOC profiles.

    A Disease ‘Fingerprint’?

    “In this case, VOC components could be used as a ‘fingerprint’ for disease identification,” the researchers wrote.

    Adjusted analyses identified four VOCs that significantly differed between participants with and without PD: ethylbenzene, 4-ethyltoluene, pentanal, and 2-pentadecyl-1,3-dioxolane.

    The investigators trained the AIO system using VOC data. By combining gas chromatography-surface acoustic wave sensors with a convolutional neural network (CNN) model, the AIO system achieved up to 94.4% accuracy in distinguishing participants with PD from those without.

    In addition, the CNN model demonstrated a high level of performance with an area under the curve of 0.98, well above the 0.8 threshold considered strong by the researchers.

    “Further enhancements to the diagnostic model could pave the way for a promising new PD diagnostic solution and the clinical use of a bedside PD diagnostic device,” the investigators wrote.

    For now, Dong said the study’s takeaway message for clinicians is that “the potential of volatile organic compounds secreted by the skin as biomarkers for Parkinson’s disease has been further verified.”

    The study was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, “Pioneer” and “Leading Goose” R&D Program of Zhejiang Province, and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities. The investigators reported having no relevant financial relationships.

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  • Kickboxer Shukhratova Rukhshona accepts a two-year period of ineligibility for her anti-doping rule violation

    Kickboxer Shukhratova Rukhshona accepts a two-year period of ineligibility for her anti-doping rule violation

    The ITA reports that kickboxer Shukhratova Rukhshona has agreed¹ to the consequences for her anti-doping rule violation (ADRV).

    The kickboxer provided a sample collected during an unannouced in-competiton doping control performed on 11 April 2025, which yielded an adverse analytical finding² (AAF) for furosemide. Furosemide is listed under class S5. Diuretics and Masking Agents according to the prohibited list of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). It is prohibited at all times (in- and out-of-competition) and is classified as a specified substance. Furosemide can be used by athletes to excrete water for rapid weight loss.

    The athlete did not challenge the ADRV and agreed with the consequences proposed by the ITA. Accordingly, the case was resolved via and acceptance of consequences.

    The athlete’s period of ineligibility is from 23 May 2025 (date of the provisional suspension) until 22 May 2027. In addition, all the athlete’s competitive results as from 11 April 2025 are disqualified.

    The decision may be challenged before the appeal division of the Court of Arbitration of Sport by the parties with a right of appeal in accordance with Article 13.2.3 of the WAKO anti-doping rules.

    The ITA will not comment further on this case

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  • Intuit Introduces Ground-Breaking Virtual Team of AI Agents to Fuel Growth for Businesses :: Intuit Inc. (INTU)

    Intuit Introduces Ground-Breaking Virtual Team of AI Agents to Fuel Growth for Businesses :: Intuit Inc. (INTU)





    AI agents and trusted AI-enabled human experts available in Intuit QuickBooks assist businesses with saving time, making smarter decisions, and driving better money outcomes

    MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
    Intuit Inc. (Nasdaq: INTU), the global financial technology platform that makes Intuit TurboTax, Credit Karma, QuickBooks, and Mailchimp, today announced a transformative set of proactive Intuit AI agents that will dramatically improve how businesses run and grow. These agents will automate workflows and when combined with human experts will deliver real-time insights and improve cash flow for businesses.

    This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250701338560/en/

    A more powerful QuickBooks on the Intuit platform with new AI agents.

    The new AI agents, embedded in the Intuit platform, create a more powerful QuickBooks that provides businesses with a virtual team working on their behalf while the customer is always in control. The agents transform how work is done and help customers grow, completing workflows across customer relationship management, financial analysis, payments, accounting, and more, saving businesses up to 12 hours a month.1 Their ability to seamlessly connect data across multiple applications proactively gives customers a 360-view of their business metrics and overall performance – all in one place. The result: 78% of customers say Intuit’s AI makes it easier for them to run their business; and 68% state it allows them to spend more time growing their business.2 These AI agents are also able to work along-side trusted AI-enabled human experts to provide businesses with additional expertise and support.

    “Intuit’s AI-driven expert platform is transforming how businesses run and grow with first-of-its-kind agentic AI experiences,” said Sasan Goodarzi, Intuit CEO. “When our vast amounts of data and AI capabilities are combined with the power of trusted human experts, Intuit’s uniquely designed, integrated platform unlocks next-level efficiencies, profitability, and growth for businesses.”

    These new, done-for-you experiences are part of a completely redesigned and personalized QuickBooks web layout. The homepage is transformed into a striking display of customizable widgets with a powerful business feed that shows real-time intelligent insights, recommendations, and summarizes the workflows and tasks completed by the AI agents. Customers can seamlessly collaborate with human experts and connect to additional Intuit products, services, and third-party apps to truly realize the benefits and power of one integrated platform that drives next-level business efficiencies and growth, all in one place. In addition to the new web experience, the QuickBooks mobile app also has a new, modern interface that delivers the benefits of AI agents on the go.

    Introducing Intuit AI agents: A virtual team that does virtually everything

    Intuit’s new AI agents will help businesses – at every stage – scale, enabling them to grow on a platform they know and trust. The AI agents complete day-to-day tasks, including managing customer leads, tracking payments, sending invoices, and reconciling a business’s books. In addition, new, integrated collaboration tools allow a business owner and their accountant to seamlessly communicate and work together in QuickBooks. With the automation of workflows, collaboration with trusted experts, and the ability to deliver real-time, personalized, and actionable insights, businesses move faster, operate smarter, and uncover greater efficiencies and growth.

    • Payments Agent: Optimizes and grows cash flow by getting businesses paid an average of 5 days faster3 with tailored acceleration strategies that predict late payments, automate invoice tracking, and create and send invoices and reminders.

    • Accounting Agent: Automates bookkeeping and transaction categorization, and assists in reconciliation, delivering cleaner, more accurate books.

    • Finance Agent: Provides a comprehensive approach to the financial management of growing, mid-market businesses with robust reporting, KPI analysis, and scenario planning and forecasting based on performance and peer benchmarking, helping finance teams make smart decisions to achieve financial goals.

    “I need more time to be able to invest back into my business,” said Kurtis Graham, founder, COSIGN Enterprises, LLC. “Intuit’s AI can help me save several hours a month and drive revenue for my business. That’s a win-win for my business.”

    Customer Hub: AI agents that strengthen relationships and fuel business growth

    The Customer Hub, included in most QuickBooks Online plans, will provide two new virtual agents that automate and streamline the sales and customer relationship management (CRM) process, managing new leads and existing customers in one place to deliver delightful customer experiences and stronger relationships.

    • Customer Agent: Sources leads, drafts personalized email responses, suggests and schedules meetings based on engagement data, and tracks every customer opportunity in the sales cycle.

    • Marketing Agent: Coming later this year, it will automate audience management, campaign execution, and content creation to deliver impactful acquisition and retention marketing campaigns via Mailchimp.

    Intuit AI agents for growing businesses

    In the coming months, Intuit AI agents will be available for larger and growing businesses to tackle more complex tasks and boost productivity even further, enabling these businesses to scale with speed.

    • Payroll Agent: Proactively collects time and attendance data from your employees and runs payroll when you say so.

    • Project Management Agent: Manages project quotes, milestones, and budgets so businesses stay on track.

    For more than 40 years, Intuit has been leading the industry in delivering impactful customer experiences that help millions of consumers and businesses put more money in their pockets, helping them achieve their business and financial goals with less effort and complete confidence. The launch of Intuit’s transformational AI agents is the latest innovation powered by Intuit’s platform, bringing artificial intelligence and human intelligence together to power prosperity for its customers. Now, businesses and their accountants have access to a virtual team that saves them time, simplifies the day-to-day running of a business, and helps accountants more confidently and quickly advise clients on key decisions.

    Availability

    The new web and mobile interfaces, integrated AI agents and human experts, and Customer Hub will start rolling out on July 1 to a range of QuickBooks Online products and customers in the US.

    About Intuit

    Intuit is the global financial technology platform that powers prosperity for the people and communities we serve. With approximately 100 million customers worldwide using products such as TurboTax, Credit Karma, QuickBooks, and Mailchimp, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to prosper. We never stop working to find new, innovative ways to make that possible. Please visit us at Intuit.com and find us on social for the latest information about Intuit and our products and services.

    Money movement services are provided by Intuit Payments Inc., licensed as a Money Transmitter by the New York State Department of Financial Services. For more information about Intuit Payments’ money transmission licenses, please visit https://www.intuit.com/legal/licenses/payment-licenses/.

    Feature availability varies by product.

    Experts only available with QuickBooks Live.

    1. 45% of customers save 12 hours each month on monthly bookkeeping with the new AI-powered bank feed. Based on a survey commissioned by Intuit of QuickBooks Online customers using the new AI-powered bank feed features as of April 2025.

    2. Based on a survey commissioned by Intuit of QuickBooks Online customers using Intuit Assist as of November 2024.

    3. Based on U.S. Intuit Assist Beta customers using outstanding invoice notifications and AI-drafted invoice reminder features, compared to customers sending standard invoice reminders to the same customers, from January 2024 to August 2024. Not available in QuickBooks Online Advanced.

    This information is intended to outline our general product direction, but represents no obligation and should not be relied on when making a purchasing decision. Additional terms, conditions and fees may apply with certain features and functionality. Eligibility criteria may apply. Product offers, features, and functionality are subject to change without notice.

    Jen Garcia, Intuit

    Jennifer_garcia@intuit.com

    Source: Intuit Inc.

    Released July 1, 2025

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  • Snail Games Expands Indie Portfolio with the Launch of Robots at Midnight and Zombie Rollerz: The Last Ship

    Snail Games Expands Indie Portfolio with the Launch of Robots at Midnight and Zombie Rollerz: The Last Ship

    Snail, Inc.

    CULVER CITY, Calif., July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Snail, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNAL) (“Snail Games” or the “Company”), a leading global independent developer and publisher of interactive digital entertainment, announced the launch of two new indie titles, Robots at Midnight and Zombie Rollerz: The Last Ship, in the month of June. These releases mark a strategic expansion into distinct game and player demographics, showcasing Snail’s ongoing commitment to fostering creativity and innovation across its global portfolio.

    Robots at Midnight, developed by Toronto based studio Finish Line Games, represents Snail Games’ strategic entry into a younger segment of the gaming market. Designed as an accessible, entry-level Souls-like game, it introduces the genre’s core mechanics in a more user-friendly format, lowering the barrier to entry for wider appeal. The game specifically targets the younger Gen Z and Gen Alpha players who are just beginning to engage with more complex gameplay experiences. Backed in part by Canada Media Fund, the game is led by studio co-founder Daniel Posner, whose background in education and interactive media bridges entertainment and learning. To celebrate the launch of Robots at Midnight and the 2.1M+ viewer minutes watched on Twitch, the team is hosting a community event where players can win DIY robot kits encouraging real world creativity inspired by in-game exploration. For Snail Games, its investment in games like Robots at Midnight is a long-term strategy to captivate the next generation of gamers and creators. With Gen Alpha projected to become the most digitally fluent and commercially influential generation to date, early engagement aims to build brand loyalty and position the Company to meet the future demands of an evolving global market.

    Zombie Rollerz: The Last Ship, developed by Zing Games, comes from a seasoned studio with a track record of success; its previous titles, including the predecessor Zombie Rollerz: Pinball Heroes, have collectively surpassed 10 million downloads. The latest installment in the Zombie Rollerz franchise blends fast-paced roguelite mechanics with tower defense survival strategy to deliver a highly replayable, content-rich experience. With a positive Steam rating at launch and a distinctive visual style that appeals to casual and core gamers alike, Zombie Rollerz: The Last Ship demonstrates the strength of Zing Games’ IP and Snail’s ability to identify and scale high-performing indie titles.

    Together, Robots at Midnight and Zombie Rollerz: The Last Ship exemplifies Snail Games’ strategic focus on widening its portfolio and deepening market penetration across multiple player segments. By introducing accessible gameplay in an underserved genre to engage Gen Alpha players and scaling emerging IPs, Snail is actively expanding its presence across diverse markets. These launches reflect a deliberate approach to portfolio diversification – one that balances genre innovation, long-term revenue opportunities, and global audience growth as Snail continues to evolve and embrace the next-generation of interactive entertainment.

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  • World’s first GPS-only satellite docking mission launched into orbit

    World’s first GPS-only satellite docking mission launched into orbit

    In a significant advancement for autonomous spacecraft operations, AVS US, in collaboration with Cornell University and the University of North Dakota (UND), successfully launched two small satellites aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. 

    The mission, named UND ROADS (Rendezvous and Operations for Autonomous Docking and Servicing), aims to achieve the world’s first fully autonomous docking between small spacecraft using only satellite navigation signals.

    Aim to dock using just GPS 

    Developed at AVS’s facility in Lansing, New York, and supported by Cornell’s Space Systems Design Studio, UND ROADS is a direct evolution of Cornell’s earlier PAN (Pathfinder for Autonomous Navigation) project. 

    While PAN faced launch delays and operational challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, it introduced the concept of affordable, GPS-based satellite rendezvous using CubeSats. 

    AVS and UND have since expanded on that foundation, enhancing both the hardware and software for reliability in orbit.

    “AVS and UND took what I thought was a sound idea and executed it with much more rigor,” said Mason Peck, principal investigator of PAN and professor of astronautical engineering at Cornell. 

    “We always wanted to see this fly. Thanks to this partnership, it finally has.”

    The ROADS mission employs two small spacecraft equipped with magnetic docking interfaces and onboard differential GPS (DGPS) navigation. 

    Unlike traditional docking systems that depend on costly sensors and cameras, ROADS relies exclusively on GPS signals and shared satellite-to-satellite communication. 

    If successful, this minimalist approach could drastically lower the cost and complexity of future orbital servicing, inspection, and assembly missions.

    World’s first fully autonomous CubeSat docking 

    AVS, originally founded in Europe and known for its work in nuclear fusion, space, and particle accelerator technologies, entered the US market in 2019. 

    Its rapid integration into the American aerospace sector included supplying technology to national labs like the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source. 

    The ROADS mission marks AVS’s first complete spacecraft development effort in the US as a prime contractor.

    “Cornell’s PAN gave us a deceptively simple concept for a very difficult technical challenge,” said Ramon Blanco Maceiras, AVS US head of space. 

    “By combining that with AVS’s previous spaceflight and in-orbit servicing experience, we delivered these satellites in under two years—a remarkably fast timeline for a mission of this complexity.”

    The spacecraft, now in low Earth orbit, has begun system verification procedures. Rendezvous and docking are planned for later this year. 

    A successful demonstration could serve both civilian and defense interests, including NASA’s goals for autonomous satellite servicing and the Department of Defense’s need for resilient space logistics.

    “This demonstration supports key US strategic objectives and could redefine space operations,” said Blanco Maceiras. 

    “It’s a stepping stone to in-orbit repair, refueling, self-assembling megastructures, and even the first city in space.”

    A technical paper co-authored by AVS, Cornell, and UND will be presented at the 2025 Small Satellite Conference in August, outlining the mission architecture, navigation algorithms, and docking technologies used in this pioneering effort.

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  • Press Release – ISSI Celebrates Somalia’s Independence Day

    Press Release – ISSI Celebrates Somalia’s Independence Day

    Press Release 
    ISSI Celebrates Somalia’s Independence Day
    July 01, 2025

    The Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East & Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), in collaboration with  Pakistan Africa Institute for Development and Research (PAIDAR), organized an event to celebrate Somalia’s Independence  Day. The proceedings,  which began with the national anthems of Pakistan and Somalia,  were moderated by Ms. Amina Khan, Director CAMEA. Speakers included Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General ISSI; Mr. Yasin Mire Mohamud, Deputy Head of Mission of Somalia to Pakistan; Mr. Shahid Ali Seehar, Ambassador of Pakistan to Djibouti (accredited to Somalia); and Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman BOG ISSI. The Chief Guest on the occasion was Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, President PAIDAR, and the Keynote Speaker was Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan, Additional Secretary (Africa), Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed praised the “blood-cemented solidarity” between Pakistan and Somalia, recalling Pakistan’s peacekeepers martyred in Mogadishu and military aid during the 1978 Ogaden conflict as proof that “Islamabad has always stood by Mogadishu in its hour of need.”He urged the Foreign Office to reopen Pakistan’s embassy in Mogadishu and pledged to lead a think tank delegation there. With both Pakistan and Somalia on the UN Security Council, he called for deeper cooperation in security, trade, and education, noting Pakistan hosts the largest cohort of Somali students worldwide. “Together we will build a better tomorrow,” he concluded.

    Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General ISSI, recalled the historic significance of July 1, 1960, when the union of British and Italian Somaliland gave birth to the Somali Republic, a landmark in Africa’s decolonisation and a symbol of the Somali people’s aspirations for freedom,  dignity and sovereignty.  Ambassador Sohail noted the longstanding Pakistan-Somalia ties rooted in mutual respect, shared faith, and people-to-people links, recalling that Pakistan was among the first to recognise Somalia’s independence. He also highlighted the invaluable services rendered by Pakistani peacekeepers in Somalia as part of Pakistan’s commitment to international peace and security, as well as Somalia’s security and stability.

    Ambassador Sohail Mahmood further highlighted strong educational ties, with a number of Somali students studying in Pakistan and now contributing significantly to efforts for national development in their homeland. Stressing the importance of trade and economic ties, he underscored the need to enhance the interface between business communities and chambers of commerce. He also noted shared positions at forums like the UN and OIC and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepen collaboration with Somalia under the ‘Engage Africa’ policy. Given Somalia’s strategic location, he said it plays a key role in regional peace and maritime security. He expressed ISSI’s readiness to expand academic and policy collaboration with Somali institutions and appreciated the support of the Africa Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and PAIDAR.

    Ambassador Hamid Asghar emphasized Africa’s vast untapped potential in trade, investment, and cooperation, urging Pakistan to deepen its engagement with the continent. He highlighted Somalia’s strategic location and stressed that peace and governance are key to its progress. Citing Pakistan’s support through NADRA’s ID project and peacekeeping efforts, he called for a Preferential Trade Agreement and joint ventures in sectors like pharmaceuticals, ports, and agriculture. He also appreciated the vibrant Somali community in Pakistan and proposed expanding scholarships and cooperation rooted in shared values and faith.

    Ms. Amina Khan, Director CAMEA, marked Somalia’s Independence Day as a tribute to the resilience and pride of its people. She reaffirmed Africa’s central place in Pakistan’s ‘Engage Africa’ policy and CAMEA’s commitment to deepening ties with Somalia. Highlighting Pakistan’s historic support and shared positions at multilateral forums, she also acknowledged the vibrant Somali diaspora in Pakistan. She called for greater collaboration in trade, investment, training, and institutional development based on mutual respect and shared goals.

    Mr. Yasin Mire Mohamud, Deputy Head of Mission of Somalia to Pakistan, described the occasion as a tribute to Somalia’s progress, built on the sacrifices of its forefathers. He highlighted recent advancements in governance, infrastructure, education, and healthcare, as well as growing business and investment. He called the joint election of Somalia and Pakistan to the UN Security Council a shared milestone. Expressing gratitude, he recalled Pakistan’s vital support during Somalia’s civil war and its role in peacekeeping and diplomacy, including backing the lifting of the arms embargo in 2023. He affirmed Somalia’s resolve to build a secure and prosperous future.

    Ambassador Shahid Ali Seehar extended warm greetings to the Somali nation and highlighted the historic and growing ties since Somalia’s independence in 1960. He noted the strong convergence of views, especially as both countries currently serve as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council. He mentioned Pakistan’s support, including a US$14 million grant for Somalia’s National ID System and increased scholarships for Somali students. Appreciating Somalia’s backing at multilateral forums, he called for greater cooperation in counterterrorism, boosting trade beyond US$72 million, and exploring maritime connectivity.

    Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, in his vote of thanks, stated that Pakistan has great love and affection for Somalia. He added that a large Somali diaspora is benefiting from Pakistan’s educational facilities. He affirmed that there are no impediments in Pakistan-Somalia relations and these are expected to grow significantly in the future.

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  • From reaction to resolution: The future of allergy treatment | News | Notre Dame News

    From reaction to resolution: The future of allergy treatment | News | Notre Dame News

    Twelve-year-old Lauren Eglite was thrilled to attend a Notre Dame football game with her father, Erik, in 2017, even though her acute peanut allergy demands constant vigilance.

    She was even more excited when the stadium’s brand-new video board aired an NBC Fighting For story about Basar Bilgicer’s research into blocking peanut allergens from triggering immune system overreactions. She asked her father, a drug company executive and Notre Dame business school alumnus, if this might be an opportunity to get involved with a solution to a condition that had complicated her life since childhood.

    “I remember to this day her looking at that screen and turning to me,” Dr. Erik Eglite said. “She said, ‘Daddy, can I meet him? I really want to do something about it.’ This kid actually did that.”

    It was a bold request, but Bilgicer didn’t hesitate after Dr. Eglite reached out. The Notre Dame professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering invited the whole Eglite family to his lab and explained his complex research in overwhelming detail.

    The coincidence of that video playing to the right audience of two has led to immense mutual benefits. Nearly eight years later, Bilgicer and Eglite have partnered to form a company called Artin Immunology that aims to turn Bilgicer’s peanut allergy research into a blockbuster drug.

    Read the story

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  • Abnormal anorectal manometric and sensory functions in patients with functional anorectal pain | BMC Gastroenterology

    Abnormal anorectal manometric and sensory functions in patients with functional anorectal pain | BMC Gastroenterology

    Our findings have contributed to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of this condition. We identified abnormalities in rectal sensitivity, anorectal pressure dynamics, and defecation-related anorectal dyscoordination in FARP. Additionally, We explored the psychological characteristics of patients with FARP and found that comorbid mood disorders are common in patients with FARP. Our findings provide a basis for the diagnosis and treatment of FARP.

    Changes in the properties of the rectal wall and abnormalities in neural afferent pathways and central processing may all cause changes in rectal sensation. In terms of rectal sensory function, we found that when compared with controls, patients with FARP had significantly reduced sensation thresholds for desire to defecate, urgency to defecate and maximum tolerable sensation, indicating rectal hypersensitivity. Visceral hypersensitivity is a hallmark of IBS and manifests as reduced pain thresholds as a result of rectal distension and enhanced perception of bowel lumen distension, and studies have demonstrated a correlation between pain thresholds and the severity and frequency of pain symptoms [23]. FARP and irritable bowel syndrome are both centrally mediated FGIDs, and the mechanisms via pain that occur in these conditions may be similar. Several studies have shown that patients with IBS have lower initial sensation and initial pain thresholds and that visceral hypersensitivity to intestinal dilatation correlates with symptom severity [24,25,26]. Our findings suggest that visceral hypersensitivity is an important pathophysiological mechanism of FARP. Although the findings regarding first sensation were not statistically significant, patients with FARP showed an overall trend toward reduced sensation threshold, which might be related to the material in the expanded balloon used in our examination to assess rectal sensation. Rectal sensory thresholds are influenced by the stiffness of the rectal balloon. This balloon was mounted on a manometry catheter, and its tension might directly affect rectal compliance [27]. In future studies, we plan to investigate rectal sensory thresholds in patients with FARP further by using non-compliant polyethylene balloons and constant pressure or by means of electrical stimulation.

    In this study, resting anal pressure and maximum anal squeeze pressure were significantly lower in the patients with FARP than in the controls, and the pelvic floor muscles were predominantly flaccid, which is consistent with previous findings [28]. Some investigators have focused on FARP associated with abnormal anorectal pressure. The correlation between abnormal anorectal pressure and anal pain is controversial, with few relevant reports in the literature. However, it is generally believed that anal levator ani syndrome is mostly caused by spasm of the pelvic floor muscles and elevated annal resting pressure and that an overactive anal sphincter muscle causes chronic pain. Grimaud et al. have suggested that chronic idiopathic anal pain may be caused by persistent abnormal contraction of the external anal sphincter and that this pain can be relieved by biofeedback treatment to relax the external anal sphincter and reduce muscle spasm and neuropsychological stress [23, 29]. We found that the anal resting pressure was lower in patients with FARP, which was the opposite of previous findings and might reflect the epidemiological characteristics of FARP. In our study, 72.14% of FARP patients were female, mainly perimenopausal patients, which is consistent with the characteristics of FARP patients in the study of Atkin GK et al. [30]. Most of these women had a history of pregnancy and childbirth, with obstetric damage to the anal sphincter and pubic nerves, damage to the tissues supporting the pelvic floor muscles, decreased muscle function, decreased hormone levels, and loss of elastin, manifesting as reduced pelvic floor muscle strength and decreased muscle tone [31, 32]. Weakness or spasm of the pelvic floor muscles is thought to be one of the pathophysiological bases for chronic pelvic pain [33].

    During testing, we identified paroxysmal, transient, periodic sphincter spasms with elevated pressure in some patients with FARP, which might explain the spasm-related pain that occurs in these patients. Proctalgia fugax is short and episodic and is usually considered to be pain caused by abnormal smooth muscle contractions [34, 35, 36]. Some studies have shown that botulinum toxin injections relax the anal sphincter or levator ani muscle, but their therapeutic effect is inconsistent. The mechanism underlying anal sphincter or levator ani muscle tension in FARP remains unclear.

    Some studies reported that the majority of patients with functional defecation disorders had anal levator muscle pressure pain and that their defecation disorders were improved with biofeedback treatment, suggesting that rectoanal incoordination of defecation is the pathophysiology of levator ani syndrome [37]. Interestingly, this hypothesis was consistent with our finding of paradoxical contraction of the anal sphincter during defecation in 76.92% of men with FARP. Defecation coordination disorders are manifested by insufficient rectal impulsion or abnormal anal canal relaxation during defecation. Chronic pain over time may cause the patient to fear defecation, which further increases pelvic floor muscle coordination disorders. Therefore, pelvic floor muscle dysfunction may be one of the causes of FARP.

    Our findings indicate that anal resting pressure is positively correlated with sensory thresholds. The anal resting pressure mainly reflects the pressure of the internal anal sphincter (smooth muscle), so it is inferred that there may be a correlation between rectal sensitivity and smooth muscle pressure, but the mechanism of action needs to be investigated further. In contrast, the pathogenesis of FARP in patients with high anal resting pressure may be pain caused by smooth muscle spasms.

    In our study, most patients with FARP exhibited symptoms of anxiety and depression. Although no significant gender differences were observed in anxiety and depression scores, female patients tended to report higher levels of these symptoms than males. Currently, Gut-brain interaction disorder is the most widely accepted theory regarding the pathogenesis of FGIDs. These disorders are often associated with psychiatric comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety, and these mood disorders cause gastrointestinal symptoms [38]. Anxiety states are widespread in patients with irritable bowel syndrome, and psychological factors may influence the persistence and perceived severity of these symptoms, which are significantly associated with pain levels and physical symptoms. Women’s anxiety, depression, and somatization are more obvious [39, 40]. Pain intensity is closely related to emotional symptoms. Pain has been shown to cause emotional disorders, and emotional disorders can exacerbate pain [41]. Whether pain is a somatic manifestation of psychological disorders and whether chronic pain is the main cause of emotional problems requires further research. Although our study did not find a correlation between mood and pain, it provides a basis for guidelines for the management of mood disorders in patients with FARP, which may include central neuromodulators, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and other central nervous system-targeted agents.

    There were several imitations in our study. First, as a retrospective study, we were unable to obtain complete data on VAS scores, HAM-A scores, and HAM-D scores. A prospective study is needed to further investigate the anorectal physiological characteristics of FARP. Second, we did not assess the structure and function of the pelvic floor muscles in patients with FARP using a combination of pelvic floor ultrasound and defecography. Although HARM can aid in understanding the physiological features of the anus and rectum, it is better to be combined with other examinations to improve the diagnostic system for FARP, clarify its etiology and pathogenesis.

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  • BBC chief faces questions over failure to pull live stream of Bob Vylan IDF chant | BBC

    BBC chief faces questions over failure to pull live stream of Bob Vylan IDF chant | BBC

    The BBC’s director general is facing questions over why he did not pull the live-stream footage of Bob Vylan after being informed during a visit to Glastonbury of the chants calling for the death of Israeli soldiers.

    Tim Davie, who has led the BBC for nearly five years, was told of the chanting of “death, death to the IDF [Israel Defense Forces]” by Bob Vylan’s vocalist after it had been broadcast live on the BBC on Saturday afternoon.

    He was at the festival in Somerset on a visit to meet presenters and production staff when he was told that the chanting had been aired.

    “At that point he was clear it should not feature in any other Glastonbury coverage,” a BBC spokesperson said. The decision was taken that the footage of Bob Vylan would not be made available on the broadcaster’s on-demand service.

    But the live stream of the West Holts stage where Bob Vylan performed continued to be aired for a number of hours after the incident, allowing anyone watching the broadcast live to rewind it.

    The band put out a statement on Tuesday saying they were “not for the death of Jews, Arabs or any other race or group”. In an Instagram post they said: “Today a good many people would have you believe a punk band is the number one threat to world peace. Last week it was a Palestine pressure group, the week before that it was another band.

    “We are not for the death of Jews, Arabs or any other race or group of people. We are for the dismantling of a violent military machine. A machine whose own soldiers were told to use unnecessary lethal force against innocent civilians waiting for aid. A machine that has destroyed much of Gaza.

    “We, like those in the spotlight before us, are not the story. We are a distraction from the story and whatever sanctions we receive will be a distraction.”

    The Irish rap trio Kneecap, including the member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who appeared in court earlier this month charged with a terror offence, took to the stage directly after Bob Vylan and led chants of “Free Palestine”. Their performance was not livestreamed.

    The BBC did not offer any explanation for the decision made after consultation with Davie.

    The broadcaster has already issued an apology on behalf of its staff running the live operations for failing to pull away from the performance of Bob Vylan during the chanting, describing the scenes as “utterly unacceptable”.

    A BBC spokesperson said: “The director general was informed of the incident after the performance and at that point he was clear it should not feature in any other Glastonbury coverage.”

    Sir Ephraim Mirvis, the chief rabbi, said the incident was a “national shame”.

    He wrote on X: “The airing of vile Jew-hatred at Glastonbury and the BBC’s belated and mishandled response, brings confidence in our national broadcaster’s ability to treat antisemitism seriously to a new low.

    “It should trouble all decent people that now, one need only couch their outright incitement to violence and hatred as edgy political commentary, for ordinary people to not only fail to see it for what it is, but also to cheer it, chant it and celebrate it. Toxic Jew-hatred is a threat to our entire society.”

    Avon and Somerset police said on Monday they had launched an investigation into both performances after reviewing video footage and audio recordings. A senior detective has been appointed to lead the investigation.

    A police spokesperson said: “This has been recorded as a public order incident at this time while our inquiries are at an early stage.

    “The investigation will be evidence-led and will closely consider all appropriate legislation, including relating to hate crimes.”

    Jonathan Reynolds, the business secretary, said he had been shocked by the behaviour of some at the festival.

    He told BBC Radio 4’s Today: “There are some lessons, I think, for broadcasters from this, but let’s also not shy away from the issue, which is people in a crowd glorifying violence.

    “I don’t think it’s something we’d associate with any music festival, but it’s a wider societal problem.

    “It’s possible, I think, to be completely concerned by the scenes in Gaza and not stray into the kind of behaviour and endorsement that we saw with that performance.

    “And I’m deeply shocked to be honest, that people would even not realise what I think they’re participating in when they do that.”

    Writing on Instagram, Pascal Robinson-Foster, who performs under the name Bob Vylan, wrote: “Teaching our children to speak up for the change they want and need is the only way that we make this world a better place …

    “Let us display to them loudly and visibly the right thing to when we want and need change. Let them see us marching in the streets, campaigning on ground level, organising online and shouting about it on any and every stage that we are offered.”

    The band is due to perform on 5 and 6 July at Victoria Warehouse in Manchester. The Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester & Region has urged the venue to call off the show.

    A Greater Manchester police spokesperson said: “We are aware that Bob Vylan will be performing in Manchester at the weekend.

    “Greater Manchester is famous for promoting music of all genres and we welcome all artists to our region. However, we will act immediately on any reports of commentary or actions that could be breaking the law.”

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