View Comments Agricultural Burglar Arrested October 20, 2024 – Ventura County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on October 10, 2024, a suspect of multiple burglaries from agricultural areas was arrested during an in-progress burglary at a business in the 3800 block of Doris Avenue in unincorporated Oxnard. On October 10, 2024, at approximately 11:30 p.m.,…
Women are being charged thousands of dollars a year for laser therapies to treat symptoms of menopause despite a crackdown by the medical device regulator and studies showing they are no more effective than a placebo.When fractional carbon dioxide (CO₂) laser therapies, sold under names such as MonaLisa Touch and FemiLift, first emerged as a treatment for menopause symptoms a decade ago, initial studies reported improvement in up to 90 per cent of patients.But Dr Fiona Li, an obstetrics and gynaecology researcher at the University of NSW, said numerous studies since had shown women who received laser therapy did not report a substantial improvement in symptoms compared to women who received a “sham” treatment mimicking the procedure.The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) this year reviewed all laser devices used for vaginal rejuvenation “in response to emerging safety signals”.Credit: Adobe“What you’re paying for really is a marginal improvement compared to a placebo treatment,” Li said.Li will present a follow-up study at the World Congress on Menopause in Melbourne on Monday, building on the growing body of evidence questioning the value of the treatment. Clinics charge up to $US2700 ($4000) per course and often recommend the procedure is repeated every six to 12 months, Li said.In 2021, Li’s team conducted a double-blind trial where neither the patients nor the clinicians knew whether they were using the laser or sham treatment. They found no meaningful difference between the two.Fiona Li, conjoint associate lecturer at the University of NSW.When 25 women were given the laser treatment again for the latest study, this time aware they were receiving the real laser, they perceived a small but noticeable improvement in symptoms compared to when they didn’t know which treatment they’d received.The therapies target symptoms including dryness, itching, urinary urgency and painful intercourse. Around 15 per cent of women will experience these symptoms in perimenopause, and up to 50 per cent report some form of physical discomfort within three years of menopause.
A team of scientists at the University of Illinois discovered naturally-occurring DNA-protein hybrid molecules last month, a breakthrough that could revolutionize genome editing (artificially altering DNA) and precision medicine.
There are four basic building blocks in biology: lipids (fats), amino acids (proteins), nucleic acids (such as DNA) and carbohydrates. The team — consisting of Zeng-Fei Pei, Natalia Vior, Lingyang Zhu, Andrew Newman and Satish Nair, a professor in LAS — found a naturally-occurring “biohybrid” molecule that combines the properties of nucleic and amino acids — a quality that offers many possible benefits toward medical and genetic innovation.
“Proteins have the ability to do chemistry, nucleic acids have the ability to target specific regions to also carry this information; we found a molecule that has both properties,” said Nair. “You can make your protein go exactly where you want it to go. You can also turn genes on and off by making so-called artificial transcription factors.”
The team originally collaborated with scientists at the John Innes Centre in Norwich, England, looking for bacteria that could help bind metals, when the group made the discovery.
Nair also said that biohybrids could change treatment of diseases that are caused by erratic long non-coding RNA strands.
“What you can do with a biohybrid molecule is attach something that’ll base pair to a long non-coding RNA, and then the protein portion will probably either chew it up … or make it inactive by having it bind to it and destroying its function,” Nair said.
Long non-coding RNA strands are responsible for many biological functions, including cell differentiation and cell death. Malfunctioning long non-coding RNA is associated with cardiovascular diseases, neurological diseases and cancers, but since they are nucleic acids, the strands are considered untargetable by current medicine. This could change with biohybrid molecules.
While scientists have been synthetically producing biohybrid molecules for years now, the process is painstaking and therefore impossible to upscale. Nair and his team’s discovery of a naturally-occurring biohybrid molecule means this process could theoretically be offloaded entirely to the bacteria that can produce them.
“Bacteria have the capability of making all kinds of intricate things, from antibiotics to anticancer drugs,” Nair said. “We’re able to confirm that many, many soil bacteria have the capacity to make this molecule.”
Nair and his team will continue to work on the genetic applications of this discovery. They are planning to work through the Office of Technology Management to attempt to commercialize the “world of possibilities” that the molecule could be used for.
For a more in-depth look into the nature of the study, Nair and his colleagues’ findings are also published on nature.com.
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Illustration by Ruth Macapagal`
Today the old adage “change is the only constant” has never rung truer. As the founder of a global strategy and management consulting firm, I recently encountered a financial services giant that starkly illustrated a critical pitfall facing large organizations today—the peril of bureaucratic rigidity.
When my team and I engaged with this behemoth, we were met with an organization so entrenched in its ways, so beholden to outdated processes, that it was clear they were on a trajectory toward obsolescence. Despite their size, their inability to adapt swiftly to market changes made us question whether our efforts could truly effect the necessary transformation.
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This encounter is not unique. Many large organizations fall into the trap of becoming slaves to their own processes. What starts as a framework to ensure efficiency and consistency morphs into a monolithic barrier to innovation and agility. This rigidity can be fatal, particularly in an era where flexibility and speed often trump sheer scale.FEATURED STORIES
The hidden cost of bureaucracy
Historically, we’ve seen giants topple due to their inability to adapt. Kodak, for example, clung to traditional film while the world embraced digital photography. Similarly, Blockbuster failed to pivot in the face of streaming technology, allowing Netflix to revolutionize home entertainment.
The crux of the issue lies in a fundamental shift in the business environment. Economies of scale, once a significant advantage, are no longer the primary determinant of success. Today’s winners are those who can pivot quickly, innovate constantly and remain agile in the face of change. Companies like Amazon, with its “Day One” mentality, exemplify this approach, constantly reinventing themselves to stay ahead.Article continues after this advertisement
The cultural element of innovation vs. bureaucracy
One major advantage of my company being global is the diverse perspective we bring to each client. My team and I blend a broad, global outlook with an intimate understanding of local cultures. This unique combination allows us to frame problems and challenges within a proper global context, crafting solutions that elevate our clients to the next level with ease and speed.Article continues after this advertisement
Different cultures around the world naturally foster either an innovation mindset or a bureaucratic one. The United States, for example, is renowned for its pragmatic, entrepreneurial approach, contributing to Silicon Valley’s status as a global innovation hub. This region marries Californian playfulness with a business mindset, creating a fertile ground for tech giants.
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In contrast, countries like Germany, Switzerland and some Southeast Asian nations such as the Philippines, lean towards bureaucratic tendencies, making it challenging for larger organizations to embrace agility.
The Middle East, though evolving with innovation hubs like Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia, generally remains rooted in traditional corporate structures. However, these countries are now prioritizing innovation, with Oman serving as a contrasting example where traditional mindsets still contribute to bureaucratic tendencies.
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Our global insight, coupled with local expertise, empowers us to navigate these cultural nuances. We understand how an innovation-friendly environment can be a game-changer for our clients. By recognizing and adapting to these cultural differences, we can devise strategies that foster innovation and agility, propelling our clients toward success in a complex, interconnected world.
Examples of successful turnarounds
My team and I have turned many slow dinosaurs into agile jaguars. If you know how, it is definitely possible. Companies can successfully rejuvenate themselves by embracing a startup mentality.
The global business landscape is full of many successful examples. For instance, Microsoft underwent a cultural shift under Satya Nadella’s leadership, breaking down silos and fostering a more collaborative, innovative environment. Similarly, Ford revitalized its culture by focusing on transparency and lean decision-making, transforming from a legacy automaker into a more agile company.
My team and I have seen that even the most established organizations can avoid the pitfalls of bureaucracy with the right leadership and strategy. The key lies in fostering a culture that values speed, collaboration, and continuous innovation.
A case study: Bureaucracy in action
We once had a client, a successful billionaire business owner, who envisioned a groundbreaking deal poised to catapult his company to new heights. However, as the proposal moved through various departments, the layers of bureaucracy began to distort the original vision. Each department added its own requirements and procedures, creating a complex web of red tape that deviated from the owner’s intent. The deal, once promising, was on the brink of collapse due to this bureaucratic quagmire.
If you suspect that your company has fallen prey to the silent killer of bureaucracy, it’s crucial to take decisive action. Begin by conducting a thorough audit of your processes to identify bottlenecks and redundancies. Encourage open communication across departments to ensure alignment with the company’s core objectives. Empower employees to challenge inefficient practices and propose innovative solutions.
Similarly, Nokia offers another cautionary tale. Once a leader in mobile phones, Nokia failed to adapt quickly to the smartphone revolution, clinging to outdated systems and processes. This bureaucratic inertia allowed competitors like Apple and Samsung to overtake Nokia, which struggled to regain relevance.
Your ‘Five to Thrive’
In the modern business environment, agility, not size, determines success. Bureaucracy can be a silent assassin, stifling the very dynamism that fuels growth. By prioritizing flexibility, empowering employees, and embracing innovation, business leaders can ensure their organizations not only survive but thrive in the long term.
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So, how can business leaders avoid the trap of bureaucratic stagnation? Here are five practical steps:
Prioritize flexibility over rigidity. Foster a culture that values adaptability. Encourage employees at all levels to challenge the status quo and propose improvements.
Streamline processes. Regularly review and refine workflows to eliminate redundancies. Keep structures lean to maintain agility.
Empower decision-making. Decentralize authority to enable faster responses. Train teams to make informed decisions without excessive oversight.
Encourage innovation. Advocate for a fail-fast approach, where experimentation is rewarded, and learning from failures is part of the process. Encourage cross-functional collaboration to spark creative solutions.
Leverage technology. Embrace new technologies to streamline operations and gain a competitive edge. Digital transformation is no longer optional; it’s essential for survival.
EDITORS’ PICK
Peter Florentzos was recruited into real estate by someone who could see his ability to provide excellent customer care.Florentzos first came to know Peter Crowther as a customer in his fish and chip takeaway shop at Pineland Plaza in Sunnybank Hills. Long displaying an entrepreneurial spirit, Florentzos bought the business at age 20, soon forging strong community ties that would lead him to establish relationships like the one with Crowther.
Now, the two are longtime colleagues – Crowther the director of LJ Hooker Property Partners and Florentzos an agent and partner in the business – but back then, it was a friendship forged over frequent lunchtime conversations that led Crowther to recognise Florentzos’ potential as an agent.
“I was always interested in real estate from a young age, having bought my first home at 18,” Florentzos told REB. But it was Crowther’s assurance in his skills that made him begin to consider it as a career.
“One day I ran into Peter, as I did on numerous occasions, and during our conversation a lot of people were walking past and saying hello to me, and Peter realised that I knew a lot of people within the community,” Florentzos said.
When he decided to close the business in 2001 and find a new career path, Crowther wasn’t the only one who came knocking, with Florentzos’ strong local ties leading to a number of opportunities. But his interest in real estate, coupled with the comfort he felt with the team Crowther had built, convinced him that joining the LJ Hooker team was the right move.
It helped that Crowther told him he’d already ordered the new recruit a tie.
Starting out in the agency, Florentzos recalled that he found the job a change and yet similar to the hospitality business he had been running.
“I have always loved looking after people and for this, real estate was a perfect fit,” he explained.
He said he soon learnt that the job was about more than just good customer service, rather he is now in an industry where success rests on “customer care”.
This skill propelled the agent’s success, leading him to grow from new starter to business partner in the LJ Hooker agency within just six years.
Moving into a leadership position, he soon found that his people-centric focus helped him not only deliver results for clients, but maintain strong community relationships and cultivate the next generation of real estate leaders.
“Just as I love the ‘care’ aspect of real estate, passing on my knowledge and experience to the next generation of agents is something I am just as passionate about. I give back to the network by offering training and mentoring sessions within the industry, and I am always available to talk and offer guidance or advice should anyone within the industry need my help,” he shared.
His dedication to his team as well as the network under which it is housed is apparent to his peers, and led him to be recognised recently with the brand’s highest honour.
Christine Mikhael, CEO of the LJ Hooker Group, noted his collegial generosity specifically when bestowing him with the network’s 2024 Sir Leslie Hooker Award, which is given to an individual who “represents the heart and soul of the organisation”.
“Peter is not just a leader in his office but also a role model within the LJ Hooker Group network as a guest trainer and mentor, generously sharing his expertise, guidance and support to others,” she said.
Mikhael noted that though Florentzos now serves in a leadership role, he is far from being finished with his own educational journey.
“He understands continuous learning, always looking for new ways to expand his knowledge and improve skills,” Mikhael added.
According to the real estate veteran, this dedication to honing his own skill set is part of what keeps him working as an agent, as it’s in “being on the frontline” with clients that still ultimately fuels the passion he discovered on entering the business over two decades ago.
“Helping people to find their next home, whether it be upsizing for the growing family or downsizing to a simpler lifestyle, meeting and assisting people at all stages in their life, was what I found the most rewarding,” he said.
Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets across Spain’s Canary Islands on Sunday, calling for restrictions on mass tourism that they argue is overwhelming their archipelago.
Under the slogan “The Canary Islands have a limit,” protests began at midday in key tourist areas on all seven main islands of the Atlantic region. Demonstrators marched through popular sites like the convention centre in Maspalomas (Gran Canaria), Fuerteventura’s only water park, and the nightlife area of Playa de las Americas on Tenerife’s southwestern coast.
Waving the Canary Islands’ white, blue, and yellow flags, the protesters slow-marched past tourists in Playa de las Americas, chanting and whistling as they passed outdoor terraces. Some demonstrators also rallied on the beach, declaring, “This beach is ours,” as tourists looked on.
The latest demonstrations follow similar protests in April, where locals voiced their discontent against a tourism model they claim benefits investors at the expense of the environment and local residents. Critics argue that mass tourism drives up housing costs and forces many into unstable jobs.
Authorities estimate that around 10,000 people participated in protests across the islands, with the largest gathering of 6,500 in Tenerife.
The Canary Islands, located off the northwest coast of Africa, are known for their volcanic landscapes and sunny climate, making them a popular spot for northern European tourists. Last year, a record 16.2 million visitors arrived, up 10.9 percent from 2022—over seven times the islands’ population of approximately 2.2 million. Protesters argue that such levels are unsustainable, straining the islands’ limited resources. This year’s figures suggest a potential to surpass last year’s record.
The largest tourist markets for the Canaries are the UK and Germany, although many visitors also come from mainland Spain. Despite tourism providing employment for 40% of the local population and contributing to 36% of the region’s GDP, many residents say they do not see the benefits.
According to the European Anti-Poverty Network, one in three Canary Islanders is at risk of poverty, and 65% struggle financially. The figures, presented to the regional parliament last week, highlight the ongoing economic challenges facing locals.
While some tourists expressed support for the protests, anti-tourism protests have become more frequent across Spain, the world’s second-most visited country after France, as authorities seek to balance the interests of residents with the lucrative tourism sector, which accounts for 12.8% of Spain’s economy. In response, Barcelona has announced plans to ban all holiday apartments by 2028, while Seville intends to cut off water supplies to unlicensed tourist properties.
Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565Visit Shots! nowThe story of a Wigan author’s marathon battle to rescue his late dad’s classic car is set to be published at the end of the month.Maggie, A Lifelong MG Love Affair, chronicles author Tom McCooey’s restoration story, in every sense of the word, as he races against time to resurrect his parents’ wedding car after a 36-year hibernation.And it has proved a therapeutic process for the Billinge-born 37-year-old who admits to taking the death of his father Will from heart failure at the age of just 58 a decade ago very badly.Read MoreSAD: what is seasonal affective disorder, symptoms to look out for this winter a…Author Tom McCooey with his new book, Maggie – A lifelong MG love affair, which details his journey restoring an old MG Magnette, which has been in the family for generations and getting it back on the road. A tale of restoration from love to grief and back again.To celebrate the book’s launch, both the writer and the car will be at The North West Museum of Road Transport in St Helens, on Sunday November 3.The event starts at 10am and copies of the book will be available to buy.Told through the view from the passenger and driver’s seats of the cars throughout Tom’s life, this love affair with the road – and Maggie – has not always been smooth.Tom, a former Wigan Observer and Wigan Today sports reporter, said: “It made no sense to take the project on from a practical point of view, it was too far gone.The front cover of Tom McCooey’s new book, Maggie – A lifelong MG Love Affair“But I was desperate to honour my dad, and this is a story of restoration in more than one sense, as it is about relationships and finding perspective from those around you.“I started writing about the MG as a way of processing losing my dad, never intending to have a book, but we ended up with a lasting tribute.”Special educational needs specialist teacher Will had long been a car enthusiast and the MG was his pride and joy, but it developed a relatively minor fault around the time that Tom was born and it was put away in a garage with the intention of “getting round to the repairs sometime.”But parental duties took precedence for so long that Will never did return to the vehicle and there it sat in the family garage.Tom McCooey under the bonnet of the MG he calls MaggieTom says that while he had always liked cars he had no knowledge of how to repair or restore them.He said: “But the car became symbolic of my dad and I began tinkering and learning, thinking that I can’t make anything worse so long as I didn’t break anything. ”If I really got stuck I would consult friends. (Former Wigan Observer chief photographer) Gary Brunskill has been particularly helping, especially now it’s restored and needs maintaining.”My passion for cars grew as the work continued. It’s sad that my dad hasn’t been around to see that. It stings that I have not been able to share that passion with him.”Now a senior lecturer in journalism at Liverpool John Moores University, Tom has previously penned two books on his beloved Wigan Warriors, and turned his attention to motoring journalism shortly after inheriting his dad’s MG.Will McCooey, Tom’s dad with the MG pictured in 1982And he hopes that his opening up about his emotions and other experiences will be of health benefit to others.Tom said: “I had wondered how far I should go in expressing my feelings but the publisher just said I should write it as if no-one else were there, so quite a lot has come out.”Challenging your emotions as a man is more in vogue – I hope permanently – and deemed more socially acceptable these days. Perhaps some men struggling with bereavement or other issues can find something useful from this, maybe it will help them to speak rather than bottle things up. You do learn to live with those issues.”As far as the 68-year-old car is concerned, Tom gets out in it as much as possible.”You don’t go to all that trouble to restore it then stow it away again. I use any excuse to give it a run-out.”There were some tough points during the restoration when I did consider selling it but I talked my way out of it and there’s no way I would do that now.”It’s part of me, my dad and my family and it turned out to be the ‘vehicle’ for the story’s plot.”David Simister, the editor of Classic Car Weekly, said: “Tom’s resurrection of an MG that’s been in his family for generations is a story that should inspire all budding classic car nuts.“His enthusiasm for Maggie shines through the many highs and lows of this huge undertaking, which he writes about with a deft honesty that chronicles the many challenges of a first-time restorer.”It’s a delight to see this wonderful piece of ‘50s history firmly back on the road, where it belongs.”The book will be available via Scratching Shed Publications from October 31.Scratching Shed co-director Phil Caplan said: “This is more than just a memoir, or a story of restoration of a classic car, something that has become more popular since the advent of programmes like Bangers and Cash.”Combining the two elements, it’s about the diversions of life that get in the way of and delay passion projects, a son paying homage to his father.“It’s about relationships, dealing with grief and finding perspective and true value, not of the monetary kind.“It will appeal to those who love MGs as much as readers who can relate to a project that saw each small victory uncover another seemingly insurmountable problem.”Continue Reading
Ajman: The Ajman Tourism Development Department (ATDD) has officially kicked off a promotional tour to China. The delegation is led by HE Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director General of the ATDD, and will encompass visits to major cities including Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Beijing. The visit concludes on October 26, 2024.
The primary objective of the tour is to explore and cultivate collaboration opportunities, forge tourism partnerships with industry operators and leaders, and sign agreements and memorandums that will enhance tourism ties between Ajman and China.
The delegation will showcase Ajman’s latest tourist attractions and projects, aiming to position the Emirate as a premier global tourism destination.
HE Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi underscored the Department’s commitment to fostering international cooperation and establishing new communication channels both globally and regionally. Alhashmi highlighted that, “Our promotional tour to China aims to bolster strategic partnerships with key players in the Chinese tourism sector. By exploring new avenues for collaboration and sharing expertise, we aspire to facilitate sustainable economic tourism development.”
Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi | Image Credits: ATDD| Cropped by ET
Ajman experienced a surge in Chinese tourists in 2024, with international visitors making up 72 percent and resident tourists accounting for 28 percent. This marks a significant increase in visitor numbers compared to 2023.
The Chinese market has emerged as one of the top 10 source markets for Ajman this year, highlighting the growing interest in the Emirate as a travel destination.
The promotional tour is designed to achieve several strategic goals, including enhancing global awareness of Ajman as a unique tourist destination, offering exclusive experiences to the Chinese market, and fostering partnerships with global stakeholders in the tourism sector.
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