Sharjah Book Authority ad campaign ‘brings people together with humour’

Arts & Culture, Books

[embedded content]Sharjah Book Authority has revealed hero videos of its latest advertising campaign titled ‘It Starts With a Book’, which demonstrates how books bring people together using humour and has been created in line with the theme of the upcoming 43rd edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF).
Rolled out across cinemas in the UAE, including VOX cinemas and Novo Cinemas, as well as its digital platforms such as Instagram, X, Meta, and YouTube, the campaign was created by production house BigFoot Films and creative agency NNC for the Sharjah Book Authority.

Commenting on the insight behind the campaign, Mohamed Nader, the Chief Digital Officer of NNC, said, “The campaign was meant to be simple yet powerful: everything starts with a book. Just as life begins at birth, every journey, curiosity, and dream that follows can be sparked by the knowledge within a book. Books and reading have always been classic sources of knowledge, but over time, this message became so familiar that it lost its impact. We wanted to bring it back to life by connecting it to everyday conversations in a fresh and intriguing way that makes the audience engaged throughout.”
Instead of simply saying, “You can find it in a book,” the campaign named the exact book and page, offering people a tangible, intriguing reference that aimed to spark curiosity.
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“Our approach centred around relatable scenarios such as football, environmental issues, content creation, debates on flat earth theory, and even discussions about the control that AI has on our lives. Each scenario ended with a surprising twist, reminding us that while these might be everyday topics, sometimes you really do need books to approach them the right way,” Nader added.
The campaign tagline, ‘It Starts With A Book,’ aimed to capture the timeless role of books as the foundation of knowledge, inspiration and creating connections.
Nader explained, “Across history, books have been the catalyst for new ideas, guided discoveries, and shaped our understanding of the world. From ancient wisdom to modern advancements, every meaningful insight often begins in the pages of books.”
“In today’s world, where quick answers are everywhere, this message serves as a reminder: while information might be easy to access, true depth and wisdom still begin within books. So whether you’re curious about a trending topic or navigating daily life, remember: if you’re looking for real and in depth-understanding, it starts with a book,” he concluded.
CREDITS:
Client: Sharjah Book Authority
Creative agency: NNC
Production house: BigFoot Films 

Scientists Develop Unique Nanosensor for Diagnosing Cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease

Science and Health

Researchers at the National University of Science and Technology MISIS have created a unique non-invasive nanosensor for measuring copper levels in the body in real time. According to them, this opens up new possibilities for diagnosing and treating diseases such as Alzheimer’s and cancer.The results were published in the journal Analytical Chemistry.Measuring copper levels in the body plays a crucial role in diagnosing and treating diseases related to copper metabolism disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Wilson’s disease, Menkes syndrome, and various types of cancer. Additionally, accurately determining copper content is essential for assessing the effectiveness of new copper-containing drugs and studying their accumulation in body tissues, the researchers explained.NUST MISIS specialists have developed a universal, high-precision sensor capable of measuring physiological concentrations of copper in real time. It has been successfully used to determine copper content in various biological samples, ranging from individual cells to entire organs, the researchers reported. They stated that this development opens up new perspectives for diagnosing and monitoring diseases related to copper metabolism disorders.According to the scientists, the new sensor has several advantages over existing analogs: it is more accurate, provides real-time results, and makes the measurement process less invasive. The uniqueness of this development lies in the creation of the first nanoscale universal sensor capable of measuring in both microscopic objects sized 10-100 microns and in entire organs, the authors of the study explained. Other existing sensors were typically designed for specific tasks and were significantly larger, which severely limited their application, especially in biomedical research.”Previously, such studies required a large number of animals since the measurement procedure was invasive and necessitated tissue sample collection at multiple time points. The new sensor allows for multiple measurements on the same animals, significantly reducing the number of experimental animals needed and enhancing the accuracy and completeness of the obtained data,” said Roman Timoshenko, an engineer at the scientific research laboratory of biophysics at NUST MISIS.He added that this development already enables more precise monitoring of copper levels in studies of diseases related to copper metabolism disorders.During the research, nanosized quartz capillaries modified with carbon, gold, and a special compound for specific copper binding were used. The detection principle is based on the electrochemical oxidation and reduction reaction of copper, recorded through cyclic voltammetry.”The team of researchers at NUST MISIS, led by Candidate of Physical and Mathematical Sciences Alexander Yerofeev, has been working for several years on creating innovative technologies for medicine that will simplify the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases in the future – Alzheimer’s, Wilson’s disease, Menkes syndrome, and various types of cancer. The new high-precision sensor for measuring copper levels in the body developed by our scientists has several advantages over existing analogs: it is more accurate, less invasive, and provides quicker results,” said Alevtina Chernikova, rector of NUST MISIS.The next step for the scientists is to integrate the sensor into a compact device designed for long-term monitoring of metals in living organisms.

Amid China challenge in Indo-Pacific, US & Philippines sign military information & technology pact

Technology

The US and Philippines have signed a military pact to share classified information and technology, enhancing defense cooperation amid rising tensions with China in the Indo-Pacificread moreUS and Philippine defence chiefs signed an agreement Monday on sharing classified military information and technology, as the long-time treaty allies deepen cooperation in a bid to counter Chinese influence in the region.US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin signed the deal with his Philippine counterpart Gilberto Teodoro at the start of a visit to Manila that will also include a meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos.The General Security of Military Information Agreement allows for the sharing of classified information that could benefit a US ally’s national defence, and streamlines the sale of certain classified technologies, officials said.AdvertisementAustin and Teodoro did not make any remarks at the signing ceremony, but the Philippine defence department said the document was “a critical step to enhance information sharing and deepen interoperability between the Philippines and the US”.It comes as the Marcos government pushes back against Beijing’s territorial claims over most of the South China Sea and as president-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to office.China has brushed aside an international ruling that its claims have no legal basis, and has deployed navy and coast guard vessels that Manila says harass its vessels and stop them accessing some reefs and islands in the waters.This has led to violent confrontations that have resulted in injuries to Filipino personnel and damage to their vessels in the past 18 months.That has sparked concern the United States could be drawn into an armed conflict due to its mutual defence treaty with the Philippines.The Philippine defence department said Austin is due to visit the western island of Palawan on Tuesday for a meeting with Filipino forces responsible for patrolling the South China Sea and defending outposts.(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.)

Evo: Scientists create new AI model that not only decodes DNA but can even design one

Science and Health

The Evo can design DNA sequences to manipulate cell functions, create new genes, and even develop an entirely new CRISPR gene-editing systemread moreA team of bioengineers, computer scientists, and AI specialists from the Arc Institute and Stanford University joined hands to develop an AI-based model which is capable of decoding and designing genetic sequences. In their research paper published in the journal Science, the group elucidated the factors that went into designing and building the innovative model.While listing multiple possible uses of the model, the researchers named it Evo. Meanwhile, Christina Theodoris, with the Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, published a perspective piece on it in which she suggested that the development of Evo could have major implications for medical research along with treating several diseases in the future.AdvertisementThe Evo can design DNA sequences to manipulate cell functions, create new genes, and even develop an entirely new CRISPR gene-editing system. As per the research paper, the “multimodal machine learning model” has been trained on “2.7 million evolutionarily diverse microbial genomes in order to decode and design DNA, RNA, and protein sequences from the molecular to genomic scale” with unparalleled accuracy.The ‘Rosetta Stone’ of biologyIt is pertinent to note that this is the first foundation model trained to design DNA to this extent. It has been described by the Arc Research Institute in Palo Alto, where it was developed, as the “Rosetta Stone” of biology.As per the paper, EVO uses deep learning techniques to efficiently process long sequences of genetic data. This allows it to develop an understanding of the interplay of the genetic code. The model can predict how small DNA changes can affect the evolutionary fitness of an organism and generate realistic, genome-length sequences more than one megabase in length that greatly surpass prior models.As per the study, EVO is equipped with seven billion parameters and uses frontier, deep-learning architecture to model biological sequences at a single-nucleotide resolution.“Further development of large-scale biological sequence models like Evo, combined with advances in DNA synthesis and genome engineering, will accelerate our ability to engineer life,” the researchers concluded.

is UCNE Uni accredited in USA?

Technology

is UCNE Uni accredited in USA?No, not accredited in the USA!While Universidad Católica Nordestana (UCNE) is accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (MESCyT) in the Dominican Republic, it does not hold accreditation from U.S. accrediting agencies.U.S. Department of State This means that degrees obtained from UCNE may not automatically be recognized by U.S. institutions or employers.If you’re considering using a degree from UCNE in the United States, it’s essential to have your credentials evaluated by a recognized credential evaluation service. The U.S. Department of State recommends consulting organizations such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE) for this purpose.U.S. Department of State These evaluations can determine the equivalency of your degree to U.S. educational standards.Keep in mind that acceptance of foreign degrees varies by institution and employer. Some may require additional coursework or examinations to recognize your qualifications fully. Therefore, it’s advisable to contact the specific U.S. institutions or employers you’re interested in to understand their requirements regarding foreign degrees.is UCNE Uni accredited in USA?is Nordestana legit?Yes, the Universidad Católica Nordestana (UCNE) in the Dominican Republic is a legitimate institution. Established in 1978, UCNE operates as a private, non-profit university affiliated with the Christian-Catholic religion.University of Central Nicaragua The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (MESCyT) of the Dominican Republic officially recognizes UCNE, confirming its adherence to national educational standards.UCNEUCNE offers a range of programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees, including pre-bachelor’s degrees (such as certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation degrees) and bachelor’s degrees across various fields of study.University of Central Nicaragua The university maintains a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations, with an acceptance rate ranging from 90-99%, indicating a least selective institution.University of Central NicaraguaProspective students can trust that degrees obtained from UCNE, recognized and respected within the Dominican Republic. The university’s longstanding history and adherence to educational standards make it a reputable choice for higher education in the region.is UConn Stamford worth it?A great school!is UCNE Dominican Republic legit?Yes, the Universidad Católica Nordestana (UCNE) in the Dominican Republic is a legitimate institution. Established in 1978, UCNE operates as a private, non-profit university affiliated with the Christian-Catholic religion.4ICUThe Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (MESCyT) of the Dominican Republic officially recognizes UCNE, confirming its adherence to national educational standards.Whed.netUCNE offers a range of programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees, including pre-bachelor’s degrees (such as certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation degrees) and bachelor’s degrees across various fields of study.4ICUThe university maintains a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations, with an acceptance rate ranging from 90-99%, indicating a least selective institution.4ICUProspective students can trust that degrees obtained from UCNE, recognized and respected within the Dominican Republic. The university’s longstanding history and adherence to educational standards make it a reputable choice for higher education in the region.is Uconn Safe?Yes, the University of Connecticut (UConn) prioritizes campus safety through comprehensive measures and dedicated services. The Division of University Safety encompasses the UConn Police Department, Fire Department, Emergency Management, and Environmental Health & Safety. These departments collaborate to maintain a secure environment for students, faculty, and staff.University SafetyUConn’s Police Department operates as a fully functional law enforcement agency with the same statutory authority as any municipal police department in Connecticut. They provide 24/7 patrols, emergency response, and crime prevention programs across all campuses.UConn PoliceThe university employs a campus-wide Alert Notification System, known as UConnALERT, to inform the community of emergencies, their severity, and appropriate actions to take. Students, automatically registered to receive alerts using information provided in the Student Administration System. In addition, encouraged to keep their contact information up-to-date.University of ConnecticutAdditionally, UConn offers resources such as the LiveSafe app, which enables users to report safety concerns, access emergency information, and communicate directly with campus safety officials.University SafetyWhile UConn implements robust safety protocols, it’s essential for individuals to remain vigilant and proactive in personal safety practices. The university provides safety tips and encourages the community to report any suspicious activities promptly.University of Connecticut Fire SafetyOverall, UConn’s commitment to safety, combined with active community participation, contributes to a secure campus environment.

Mammootty and Mohanlal project: Fahadh Faasil is NOT replaced in the film

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Mammootty and Mohanlal are gearing up to reunite onscreen after a long gap of 11 years, for the upcoming project directed by Mahesh Narayanan. Fahadh Faasil was confirmed to be part of the multi-starrer right from its initial stages. Even though later it was rumored that Asif Ali might replace him in the film, the recent updates suggest that the Aavesham actor is still very much a part of Mammootty and Mohanlal’s big-budget venture.Mammootty, Kunchacko Boban fly to Sri LankaAs reported earlier, Mohanlal arrived in Sri Lanka last week and reportedly started filming for his portions in Mahesh Narayanan’s film. Mammootty, however, reportedly stayed back for the weekend owing to personal commitments. But the recent updates suggest that the leading man has finally flown to Sri Lanka today (November 18, 2024), along with his co-star, Kunchacko Boban. The project is expected to have its official launch immediately after the megastar joins the location of the film.
Fahadh Faasil is NOT replaced in the projectFahadh Faasil spotted at a recent eventIf the recent updates are to be believed, Fahadh Faasil has not exited from the upcoming Mahesh Narayanan directorial, as reported earlier. The recent reports suggest that Asif Ali has not replaced the Aavesham actor in the film. According to the grapevine, Fahadh is now all set to join the highly anticipated project’s first schedule in Sri Lanka, along with Mammootty, Mohanlal, and Kunchacko Boban. However, nothing much has been revealed about the talented actor’s role in the film, yet.
More updatesAlong with Mammootty, Mohanlal, Fahadh Faasil, and Kunchacko Boban, the highly anticipated project is expected to feature some of the finest actors of contemporary Malayalam cinema in pivotal roles. A leading actress in South cinema and a young Malayalam actress has been roped in to play female leads in the film. Manush Nandan is the DOP. Gopi Sundar is rumored to be in talks to compose the music score for the project. Mahesh Narayanan himself is expected to handle the editing. The untitled project, bankrolled by Mammootty Kampany, is expected to be shot in multiple schedules that will span over six months.

Philippines, United States sign military intelligence-sharing deal

US & Canada

Manila, Philippines —  The Philippines and the United States signed on Monday a military intelligence-sharing deal in a further deepening of defense ties between the two nations facing common security challenges in the region. Visiting U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin signed the agreement with his Philippine counterpart, Gilberto Teodoro, at Manila’s military headquarters where both…

Trump picks Big Tech critic to head communications regulator FCC

Technology

Unlock the White House Watch newsletter for freeYour guide to what the 2024 US election means for Washington and the worldDonald Trump has nominated Brendan Carr to head the Federal Communications Commission, handing a vociferous critic of Big Tech the job of regulating television, internet services and radio in the US. The president-elect announced the nomination late on Sunday, describing Carr, already the most senior Republican commissioner on the FCC, as “a warrior for Free Speech” who would “end the regulatory onslaught that has been crippling America’s Job Creators and Innovators”.While the FCC does not directly regulate large tech groups, it oversees parts of the sector such as broadband access and net neutrality.Carr has previously suggested curbing the legal protections for internet publishers enshrined in Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which shields online platforms from legal liability over content posted by users. He also authored a chapter in Project 2025, the controversial manifesto from the conservative Heritage Foundation think-tank. Last week, he accused Meta, Alphabet, Apple and Microsoft of being part of a “censorship cartel” that has “silenced Americans”.The nomination of Carr could be a boost for billionaire Elon Musk, whose Starlink satellites business has sought permission to orbit closer to Earth to better compete with broadband providers. Carr has also supported allocating hundreds of millions of dollars in state subsidies to help Musk build Starlink’s network. Trump has pledged to bring the FCC, an independent regulatory agency, “back under Presidential authority, as the Constitution demands”, although media executives question whether he would be able to do this in practice.Press freedom campaigners have warned that Trump’s incoming administration could lead to a more hostile environment for the media, either overtly by regulation or through White House threats and favours.During the campaign trail, Trump repeatedly threatened TV news channels such as CBS, NBC and Fox with revoking broadcast licences, and described the US press as “actually the enemy of the people”.Jessica Rosenworcel, current chair of the FCC, was forced during the election campaign to state that “the Commission does not revoke licenses for broadcast stations simply because a political candidate disagrees with or dislikes content or coverage”. She pointed to the First Amendment of the US Constitution, which protects freedom of speech and freedom of the press.Carr on Sunday said “broadcast media have had the privilege of using a scarce and valuable public resource — our airwaves. In turn, they are required by law to operate in the public interest. When the transition is complete, the FCC will enforce this public interest obligation.”