OUR VIEW: PHN book project represents expansive view of health care

Arts & Culture, Books

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IF it seems odd for a health care provider to focus on putting books in the hands of children, Dr. George Garrow begs to differ.Garrow, CEO of Primary Health Network, takes a holistic view of health care.“Health is much more than what happens in the doctor’s office,” he said last January in an interview with The Herald. “Health is what happens when you leave the doctor’s office.”
In Garrow’s vision, “health care” includes encouraging children to read and learn. That was the impetus behind the education hub Primary Health Network unveiled Wednesday at its organization headquarters in Sharon.In a prelude to Wednesday’s grand opening, Primary Health Network Charitable Foundation, the organization’s charity funding arm, solicited book donations. The foundation now has approximately 5,000 books that will be distributed to 18 of its centers.The education hubs is the latest in a series of Primary Health Network initiatives that may not seem to directly involve health care. At the same time, those programs promote wellness.In August, Primary Health, collaborated with Buhl Park to install a “Buddy Bench” along the shore of Lake Julia to encourage interaction and combat loneliness. Plaques emblazoned with unusual questions are mounted on rocks near the bench to encourage conversation.The Buddy Bench’s point is to promote emotional wellness, which is associated with physical wellness. U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued a call warning about loneliness as a public health crisis,

Hopes increase for Alzheimer’s cure as scientists grow human brains in space

Science and Health

In a groundbreaking development, scientists aboard the International Space Station (ISS) have successfully grown tiny human brains, or organoids, in space to aid in the search for treatments for neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and spinal cord injuries.This experiment could revolutionize research on these currently untreatable conditions by providing an accurate model for testing new treatments.The low gravity environment of space played a crucial role in enabling the growth of human brain organoids in just 72 hours-an accomplishment that would typically take months on Earth. These organoids, clusters of cells that replicate the structure and function of a human brain, allowed researchers to explore new methods of curing neurological diseases with remarkable speed and precision.The experiment was led by Axonis Therapeutics, a biotechnology company that developed a promising new gene therapy using viral vectors to target and treat the central nervous system (CNS). These viral vectors, which are modified viruses, could offer new hope for treating diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and spinal injuries by delivering beneficial gene therapies directly to CNS cells.How does the treatment work?Gene therapy has long been seen as a potential treatment for many neurological disorders. Axonis’ treatment involves using viral vectors to introduce a fluorescent protein gene into neurons, which would cause them to glow neon green if successfully delivered. Initial tests of the therapy on mice showed promising results, but the next crucial step was testing in an accurate human model. That’s where the ISS came in.On Earth, CNS cells grow in two-dimensional layers due to gravity, making it challenging to replicate the complex, three-dimensional structure of brain cells. In space, however, the lack of gravity allowed the cells to form three-dimensional brain organoids, creating a far more accurate representation of human brain tissue.In August 2023, Axonis sent a cargo of frozen materials-including viral vectors, mature neurons, and astrocytes (support cells for neurons)-to the ISS. The materials were injected into a specialized culturing system known as BioCell, where they were exposed to the viral vectors. Researchers hoped the viral vectors would insert the fluorescent protein gene into the neurons, causing them to glow if successful.In just 72 hours, the experiment yielded astounding results. The neurons formed into complex three-dimensional structures and began to glow, confirming that the gene therapy had been successfully delivered. “We were able to both validate the gene therapy targeting ability and show that we rapidly formed 3D assembloid models of the human brain,” said Shane Hegarty, co-founder and chief scientific officer of Axonis Therapeutics.

COCC’s Small Business Development Center, Bend Chamber set to welcome SBA official for downtown Bend visit

Business News

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Small Business Development Center at Central Oregon Community College and the Bend Chamber of Commerce said Friday they are honored to host U.S. Small Business Administration Portland District Director Martin Golden for a visit to downtown Bend next Monday and Tuesday, ahead of Small Business Saturday.

This special visit from the SBA marks a significant recognition of the thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem east of the Cascades. As part of their annual Small Business Saturday® campaign, the SBA will tour several downtown Bend businesses that have benefited from COCC’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and community support.

“Small Business Saturday has become America’s call to action to support the backbone of our economy and heart of our communities – our small businesses,” said SBA Administrator Isabel Guzman. “America’s incredible entrepreneurs create jobs, drive innovation, and strengthen our communities, shaping the unique character of neighborhoods across America.”

The SBA’s visit underscores the critical role local organizations play in fostering small business growth. COCC’s SBDC has long been a pillar of support for aspiring entrepreneurs and established businesses, providing expert advising, workshops, and connections to vital resources.

“Seeing the growth and success of Central Oregon’s business community is a proud moment for our team at COCC’s Small Business Development Center,” said Jennifer Gould, director of COCC’s SBDC. “It’s inspiring to witness how the determination of local entrepreneurs, supported by advising and resources, helps create a thriving and resilient business ecosystem.”

“The strength of our local economy comes from collaboration,” added Katy Brooks, CEO and President at the Bend Chamber. “When organizations like COCC’s SBDC, the Chamber, and city officials work together, we build a foundation where businesses not only survive but truly flourish. These partnerships are what make our community and economy stronger.”

The visit will feature tours of several prominent small businesses in downtown Bend, all of which have partnered with COCC’s SBDC for advising and other services. Among the businesses highlighted are Bronwen Active Jewelry, Good Drop Wine Shop, Lark Mountain Modern, Dudley’s Bookshop and Café, and Haven Home Style.

Notable attendees will be Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler, city council members and representatives from local organizations such as the Bend Chamber, the Bend Downtown Business Association, Biz Oregon, and COCC.

This visit also serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting local businesses year-round. COCC, the Bend Chamber, and the SBA encourage Central Oregonians to “Gift Big and Shop Local™” this holiday season. Every purchase strengthens the backbone of the community and celebrates the innovation and resilience of local entrepreneurs.

‘MathAlive!’ exhibit comes to the Science Museum of Virginia

Science and Health

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) -Looking for something educational and fun to do?A new exhibit does both at the Science Museum of Virginia.MathAlive! opened up in September and shows us that math is all around our daily lives. This exhibit shows us how math shapes everything around us, from music and sports to architecture and security. There are more than 30 immersive activities to engage in here. They bring math to life by exploring various concepts, including fractions, scale, percentages, volume, etc.There is a build-your-own-skateboard station, a robot rally where guests can navigate planets, an extreme weather forecasting station and so much more.This is perfect for the little ones in school struggling with math or even adults.“As a science museum, of course, we are trying to promote STEM,” said Timshel Purdum, Virginia C. Ellett, Director of Education. ”Science technology engineer and math, and we noticed if you Google math. Like the pictures come up, they’re all sad kids, and we’re like math is fun, we need to help math, so we saw this exhibit and were like we have to bring this here.” This exhibit is for all ages. Many families interacted with each other while playing some of these games. “We’ve been noticing that kids and grown-ups are just enjoying. The snowboarding one has been uber-popular. There’s even one with 360 cameras that sees you in all different angles that you can email to yourself self, and they love that one,” said Purdum. This exhibit will be open until Jan. 12.To get tickets and more information, you can visit their website.Copyright 2024 WWBT. All rights reserved.

Are Same-Day Small Business Loans a Good Idea?

Business News

Are Same-Day Small Business Loans a Good Idea?Money & InvestingTraditional business financing can take a long time due to documentation requirements, interviews, and processing time.Some small businesses can’t wait that long. They need funding for short-term needs, such as cash flow shortfalls, emergency equipment repairs, or inventory restocking.Same day small business loans can help here, thanks to their fast funding, straightforward applications, and accessibility. However, they have some downsides to keep in mind.This article compares the pros and cons of same-day small business loans to help you see if they’re right for your needs.Pros of Same-Day Small Business LoansQuick Access to FundsSame-day small business loans offer rapid access to funding which can be crucial for businesses with short-term needs or financial emergencies, especially if they don’t have a line of credit or significant cash reserves.For example, if you need to cover a short-term drop in cash flows, or repair equipment that breaks down unexpectedly, same-day funding can bridge the gap and minimize negative financial consequences.Convenient Application ProcessesSame-day small business loan applications tend require less documentation than traditional financing since speed is emphasized. Furthermore, same-day lenders may be available online. These two factors make same-day funding applications faster and more convenient than traditional financing sources. Busy small business owners don’t have to take a significant time to get the loan they need.Accessible to More BorrowersSame-day lenders often provide loans to business owners with a broader range of credit scores and may not require a minimum number of years in business. This can make financing more accessible to early-stage businesses or business owners building their credit.Same-day lenders may place more weight on things like company financials or let you use collateral to secure the loan to qualify.Cons of Same-Day Small Business LoansHigher Potential APRsThe Annual Percentage Rate, or APR, represents the cost of borrowing funds. It includes interest rates and other fees.Same-day small business loans tend to charge higher interest and more fees, meaning they have a higher APR. This can make your borrowing more expensive. That said, the high APR may be worth it in certain situations. For example, if a key piece of equipment breaks down and grinds business to a halt, quick financing may be the best solution to resume business.Lower Borrowing LimitsSame-day business financing tends to come in smaller loan amounts since the lender does not have as much information on your business nor as much time to evaluate it.This may not be sufficient for larger needs, such as buying new equipment or renovating one of your locations.Shorter Repayment TermsSame-day business loans are generally short-term, meaning they don’t last more than one year. A shorter loan timeline results in a higher monthly payment since you must repay the whole loan in less time.Such a short repayment period and high monthly payments can put a heavy strain on your cash flow and may make it harder to pay off the debt on time.The Verdict: Should You Get a Same-Day Small Business Loan?Same-day small business financing is quick, convenient, and accessible to more borrowers. However, same-day financing costs more than traditional financing while offering lower borrowing limits and shorter repayment terms.Ultimately, if the benefit of borrowing outweighs these costs, same-day small business financing could be worth it. Carefully evaluate the ROI of your planned loan use and study the same-day financing costs to ensure this loan type fits your needs.

Finance Minister Proposes the Development of Liberia’s Owned Version of Doing Business Survey

Business News

Monrovia -Liberia; The Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan has underscored the need for the country to develop its own version of the “Doing Business Survey”.

He said, the survey should not be because the IMF and World Bank ask us to do it, but it should be propelled by the necessity of doing it as a country.

He added that a Liberian Government- Business Dialogue will provide the platform for engagement with heads of State Owned Enterprises from which specific goals can be earmarked with the hope of achieving in a specific period of time.

The Fiscal Boss then committed to a regular quarterly meeting with the Liberian Business Authority and the Liberian Chamber of Commerce.

The Minister said he considers the meeting as a “top policy engagement” with the aim of listening to the various ideas on how to improve the country’s business climate.

He suggested that for government to improve the business environment, “we (the government need to take some actions, but we need to plan the actions that we take.” He said his intention is to engage with the private sector actors, work with them and act.

Minister Ngafuan further disclosed that there are several policies being developed by the government but the biggest among them is the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development which is the successor to the Pro-Poor Agenda for Development.

He said government has considerably engaged partners and other stakeholders in the formulation of the country’s five years national development plan.

Additionally, Minister Ngafuan revealed that in the formulation of the FY2025, the government took significant actions in addressing the constraints to growth which he believes will unlock the country’s business potentials.

Expounding on the constraints, he said, for example, in certain regions due to inaccessibly (owing to deplorable roads) there is excess supply of certain goods that far surpasses demand.

Liberia’s Finance Minister Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan spoke as Guest, Thursday, November 21, at the Liberia Chambers of Conference Business Luncheon.

The Luncheon was attended by several partners including US Ambassador Mark Toner, EU Head of Delegation Ambassador Nona Deprez, and several Liberian private sector leaders.
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is Quintana Roo University Accredited in USA?

Technology

is Quintana Roo University Accredited in USA?No. The Universidad de Quintana Roo (UQROO) is a public university in Mexico, officially recognized and accredited by the Mexican Secretariat of Public Education (Secretaría de Educación Pública).All University However, UQROO does not hold accreditation from U.S. accrediting bodies.In the United States, accreditation typically becomes managed by regional and national accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Since UQROO operates under the Mexican education system, it does not fall under the jurisdiction of U.S. accrediting agencies.Despite the absence of U.S. accreditation, degrees from UQROO can still be recognized in the United States. Recognition often involves an evaluation process by credential assessment organizations, which compare foreign degrees to U.S. educational standards. These evaluations are commonly required for employment, further education, or professional licensure in the U.S.If you’re considering using a degree from UQROO in the United States, it’s advisable to consult with potential employers, educational institutions, or licensing boards to understand their specific requirements for foreign degree recognition.is Quintana Roo University Accredited in USA?is UQROO safe?The Universidad de Quintana Roo (UQROO) prioritizes the safety and well-being of its students and staff. The university has implemented several initiatives to promote a secure campus environment:UQRoo…Pasos Seguros Program: This program includes activities such as the “Violence in Dating” workshop, aimed at educating students on recognizing and preventing relationship violence. SaladeprensaCivil Protection Measures: UQROO maintains a dedicated Civil Protection department that monitors potential natural threats, such as hurricanes, and provides timely information and guidance to the university community. UqrooThe TimesIn summary, UQROO actively works to ensure a safe campus environment through various programs and measures. However, students and visitors should remain aware of the broader regional safety context and take appropriate precautions when traveling or engaging in off-campus activities.is UQROO safe?Colleges Ranking Index by Rebellion Researchis it safe?Yes. The Universidad de Quintana Roo (UQROO) is a legitimate public university in Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico. Established in 1991, it offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. The Mexican Secretariat of Public Education (Secretaría de Educación Pública) officially recognizes UQROO, affirming its accreditation.All UniversityUQROO maintains a commitment to quality education. In 2018, the university received national recognition from the Secretariat of Public Education for its efforts in external evaluation and accreditation, achieving that 93.19% of its higher education students enrolled in quality programs.SaladeprensaThe university also holds certifications meeting international standards. In 2016, the Spanish Association for Standardization and Certification (AENOR) audited UQROO’s administrative and management processes, confirming their effectiveness and adherence to the ISO 9001:2008 standard.SaladeprensaUQROO’s Division of Health Sciences, established in 2010, offers programs in Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy. These programs have undergone accreditation processes to ensure they meet national and international educational standards.SaladeprensaIn summary, UQROO operates as a legitimate and accredited institution within Mexico’s higher education system. Its official recognition, commitment to quality education, and adherence to international standards underscore its credibility.Colleges Ranking Index by Rebellion ResearchFind Ranking & Overview 2024 Mexico UniversityDivision Educational Top 10 best Uni