TOP 10: The BEST beaches in India

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Last updated on: February 22, 201312:47 IST

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Travel website TripAdvisor recently announced its list of top beaches in India that were chosen by millions of travellers across the world. Check out which beach destinations made it to the top ten list.

With one of the world's longest coastline, the beach options in India are countless. So the good folks at Tripadvisor put together this consolidated list of beaches in India you absolutely must visit. Is your favourite beach on the list?

About 8km from Vishkhapatnam is the pristine Rishikonda Beach offers everything a no-frills beach should. Enjoy the meandering road that leads to the beach, spread out your mats and soak in the beauty with a chain of hills on one side and the ocean on the other.

Best time to go: October - March

Hire an auto rickshaw from Agonda or ride down on a scooter you've hired and head to this breathtaking beach with its fresh sweet water lagoon. A largely unspoilt beach, Cola offers a perfect getaway from the bustle of city life with little else but the sun and the sea.

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TOP 10: The BEST beaches in India

Beaches take a severe battering

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SMASHED: Broken pipes at Shelly Beach as a result of the stormy seas. Re

NORTH Coast beaches have copped a battering for the second time in three weeks.

And the impacts will be devastating in terms of erosion.

Ballina Environment Society president Fiona Folan said it was "pretty sad" situation for beaches in the Ballina Shire.

"Scientists have been warning for years that climate change is not just about sea level rise," she said.

"It's also about increased frequency and intensity of weather events like this.

"It does have an impact on the beaches.

"The beaches here were severely impacted by sand mining last century, and rehabilitation failed after the mining stopped.

"The beaches are still suffering ... weather events like this do have long-term impacts on our coast."

Ms Folan said Sharpes Beach at Skennars Head was now down to its "last little bit" of dune.

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Beaches take a severe battering

Astronomy Algorithms Help Diagnose Aggressive Tumors

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Featured Article Academic Journal Main Category: Breast Cancer Also Included In: Medical Devices / Diagnostics;Cancer / Oncology;MRI / PET / Ultrasound Article Date: 22 Feb 2013 - 3:00 PST

Current ratings for: Astronomy Algorithms Help Diagnose Aggressive Tumors

The teams, from Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, and the Department of Oncology and the Institute of Astronomy at the University of Cambridge in the UK, describe how they adapted the astronomers' image analysis algorithms and tested them on 2,000 breast tumors in a study published online on 19 February in the British Journal of Cancer.

The current method of analyzing tumor aggressiveness relies on skilled pathologists looking down microscopes to spot subtle differences in staining of tumor samples. A computerized approach could speed up this process quite significantly.

The techniques are not unlike those used in immunohistochemistry (IHC), where pathologists gaze down microscopes to pick out subtle differences in staining of tumor cells to distinguish different proteins.

Lead author Dr Raza Ali, a pathology fellow from the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, says in a statement:

"We've exploited the natural overlap between the techniques astronomers use to analyse deep sky images from the largest telescopes and the need to pinpoint subtle differences in the staining of tumour samples down the microscope."

Co-author Nicholas Walton, from Cambridge's Institute of Astronomy, says:

"It's great that our image analysis software, which was originally developed to help, for instance, track down planets harbouring life outside of our Solar system, is now also being used to help improve the outlook for cancer patients, much closer to home."

Each sample went through two assessments: one using manual image analysis with pathologists looking down microscopes, and the other where a computer, equipped with the adapted algorithms, analyzed the images automatically.

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Astronomy Algorithms Help Diagnose Aggressive Tumors

Astronomy algorithms help detect aggressive cancers

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Cancer researchers are teaming up with astronomers using computerized algorithms designed for viewing distant galaxies to spot biomarkers that can indicate the aggressiveness of a tumor, Medical News Today reported.

The method pathologists currently use for finding out the aggressiveness of a tumor involves looking through a microscope at a stained tumor sample to identify different proteins and cell changes. A computerized system would speed up the process.

In a study published in the British Journal of Cancer, teams from the Cancer Research U.K. Cambridge Institute, and both the Department of Oncology and the Institute of Astronomy at the University of Cambridge in the U.K. looked at more than 2,000 breast cancer tumors to determine the levels of three proteins known to be biomarkers for aggressive cancer.

"We've exploited the natural overlap between the techniques astronomers use to analyze deep sky images from the largest telescopes and the need to pinpoint subtle differences in the staining of tumor samples down the microscope," lead author, Dr. Raza Ali, a pathology fellow from the Cancer Research U.K. Cambridge Institute, said in a statement.

Researchers analyzed each tumor sample both manually with a pathologist using a microscope and automatically with a computer using adapted algorithms. When they compared the results, they found the computer algorithms came to the same conclusion as the pathologists up to 96 percent of the time.

"The results have been even better than we'd hoped; with our new automated approach performing with accuracy comparable to the time-consuming task of scoring images manually, after only relatively minor adjustments to the formula," said Ali.

The researchers now plan to do a large-scale, international study, using tumor samples from more than 20,000 breast cancer patients.

"Modern techniques are giving us some of the first insights into the key genes and proteins important in predicting the success or failure of different cancer treatments, said senior author Carlos Caldas, a professor at the Cancer Research U.K. Cambridge Institute. But before these can be applied in the clinic, their usefulness needs to be verified in hundreds or sometimes thousands of tumor samples."

New methods are already helping researchers analyze up to 4,000 images a day, Caldas added.

Click here for more on this study from Medical News Today.

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Astronomy algorithms help detect aggressive cancers

NH Trade Center launches aerospace, defense group

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CONCORD, N.H. (AP) -- New Hampshire is starting a program that will aim to unite the hundreds of companies in the state involved in the aerospace and defense industries.

The International Trade Resources Center at the state Division of Economic Development is starting the program next month.

Program manager Tina Kasim says the Aerospace and Defense Export Consortium will focus on boosting sales in an increasingly competitive global market.

"We have identified about 300 companies around the state from Madison to Lisbon to the Upper Valley and southern New Hampshire that make components for these industries," Kasim said. "They produce the tiniest components to sophisticated parts for these industries and, in some cases, are the only companies in the world that have perfected technology that no one else has. New Hampshire needs a strong presence to be able to compete."

Kasim said while domestic sales are lagging because of cutbacks, there is increased demand for parts and components in other countries.

"This is a prime time for New Hampshire companies to connect with the international market," she said.

Funding to establish the consortium is provided through the state Trade and Export Promotion program; in its second year, New Hampshire received nearly $300,000 to help businesses begin or increase export activities.

Presentations to introduce the consortium are scheduled for 10 a.m. March 5 at Great Bay Community College in Portsmouth and 1 p.m. March 7 at the Department of Resources and Economic Development in Concord.

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NH Trade Center launches aerospace, defense group

Stretching Physiology, Techniques and More – Video

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Stretching Physiology, Techniques and More
This Seminar-on-Demand by Peggy Lamb, MA, LMT, NCTMB, focuses on a part of massage therapy that is frequently left out -- the table stretches that are an integral part of rehabilitative and Swedish massage. Skilled stretching techniques re-educate muscles and restore healthy resting lengths, as well as add variety to a bodywork session. With proper body mechanics, stretching is easy on the therapist #39;s body and decreases strain on the hands. Stretching also adds an element of expansion into a bodywork session for both the therapist and the client. When we #39;re stretched we feel longer, wider, more alive.

By: HomeCEUConnection

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Stretching Physiology, Techniques and More - Video

Bryan County to celebrate National Nutrition Month

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DURANT March is National Nutrition Month, making it an opportune time for communities, families and individuals to eat better for improved health.

The first step toward creating a healthier Bryan County is having families right here our friends, neighbors and ourselves choosing to eat better and become more active, said Renee Wyrick Nutrition & Fitness Coordinator of Bryan County.

Created 40 years ago by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, National Nutrition Month is a worthwhile celebration because healthier eating can help Oklahomans lead stronger, more active lives.

Families and individuals can use the month as a springboard to start or build upon healthier eating habits, such as filling half of ones plate with fruits and vegetables, and cutting back on salt and sugar.

Simple yet effective nutrition tips can be found at ShapeYourFutureOK.com, a free resource presented by the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust and Oklahoma State Department of Health that encourages Oklahomans to eat better, move more and be tobacco free.

The website also features links to other nutrition, fitness and tobacco control resources, including one to SuperTracker, a new online tool created by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help people keep track of their own diet, calories and physical activity.

A balanced, nutritious diet can help reduce the risk of chronic and potentially fatal illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and some forms of cancer.

One-third of Oklahomans are obese, which makes us one of the most obese states in the country, said Keith Reed, director of the Oklahoma State Department of Healths Center for the Advancement of Wellness. Its critical that every person, business, school and community group do their part to promote better health for Oklahoma. Planning or participating in National Nutrition Month activities is a great place to start.

Citizens also can ask local leaders to adopt policies that encourage healthier food and beverage choices in communities, schools and workplaces.

The Bryan County Turning Point Coalition is ready to help cities, businesses, schools and afterschool programs put policies in place that will improve the health of our local residents, said Jerry Speck. A healthier workforce and healthier families will make our communities stronger and more attractive to new and expanding businesses.

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Bryan County to celebrate National Nutrition Month

More Nutrition Professionals Needed To Monitor Athlete's Dietary Needs

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By Karina Imran

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 21 (Bernama) -- More food and nutrition professionals are needed to monitor the athlete's optimal dietary intake pattern, said Special Adviser to the Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Dr Ramlan Abdul Aziz.

He said this was important for the focus was no longer confine to elite athletes, instead all levels of athletes.

"Although we already have nutrition officers, they cater only for elite athletes.

"We need to instil a healthy dietary pattern to athletes at a young age as early between 10 and 12 years because we need to prepare the second echelon to take over from senior athletes in future," he told Bernama.

Dr Ramlan, who was former National Sports Institute (NSI) chief executive officer, said when he started work as a medical officer at the institute in 1990, there was only one nutrition officer to keep watch on the athlete's dietary needs.

"Nutrition officers can help athletes maintain a well-balanced diet in order to compete at the high levels.

"They are equipped with knowledge and expertise on nutritional needs and diet, but in the areas of specialisation in certain sports, they must have in-depth knowledge to gain the athletes' trust," he said.

Asked whether national athletes consume balanced diet, Dr Ramlan said he doubted it due to lack of exposure that could enlighten them on the importance of adopting a healthy eating pattern.

"However, it is too late to enlighten them now. That is why I encourage young athletes to be given the exposure," he said, adding that young athletes should know what, how much and when to eat so that it would become second nature to them.

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More Nutrition Professionals Needed To Monitor Athlete's Dietary Needs

40 Days Of DIY Microbiology Part Four – Video

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40 Days Of DIY Microbiology Part Four
This time around, it #39;s pure observation over several hours of time on day one of the sealed slide. The slide was created on October 10th, 2013, as a sealed wet mount intended for very long duration observation totalling weeks or even months of time. This was just day one. There #39;s lots more footage - and discoveries - to come! Rick NR417

By: NightRunner417

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40 Days Of DIY Microbiology Part Four - Video

EPR Interviews Lonza at PDA 7th Annual Pharmaceutical Microbiology Conference – Video

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EPR Interviews Lonza at PDA 7th Annual Pharmaceutical Microbiology Conference
Lakiya Wimbish, Lonza, discusses Lonza #39;s Pyrogene trade; Recombinant Factor C (rFC) Assay with regard to Endotoxin Detection. Freddy White, Director, European Pharmaceutical Review interviews Lakiya Wimbish, Product Manager, Lonza at PDA 7th Annual Global Conference on Pharmaceutical Microbiology.

By: LonzaGroup

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EPR Interviews Lonza at PDA 7th Annual Pharmaceutical Microbiology Conference - Video

Legionella colonies on agar plates – Video

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Legionella colonies on agar plates
Legionella are the causative agents of the Legionnaires #39; disease (lung infection). These bacteria are growing in water distribution systems and infection is produced by inhalation of contaminated aerosols. Fifty-eight different species have been described until Y2012 but 90% of infections are due to L. pneumophila. We thank Dr. Valeria Gaia (Cantonal Institute of Microbiology, Bellinzona, Switzerland, www4.ti.ch ) for some strains of Legionella presented in this video.

By: Jenni Bernard

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Legionella colonies on agar plates - Video

Why sourdough bread resists mold

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Public release date: 21-Feb-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Jim Sliwa jsliwa@asmusa.org 202-942-9297 American Society for Microbiology

Sourdough bread resists mold, unlike conventionally leavened bread. Now Michael Gaenzle and colleagues of the University of Alberta, Edmonton, show why. During sourdough production, bacteria convert the linoleic acid in bread flour to a compound that has powerful antifungal activity. The research, which could improve the taste of bread, is published online ahead of print in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology.

The major benefits from the research are twofold: better tasting bread, says Gaenzle, because "preservatives can be eliminated from the recipes, and because sourdough bread has a more distinct and richer flavor compared to bread produced with yeast only;" and novel tools to control fungi in malting and plant production, via treatment of seeds with the anti-fungal fatty acids.

Genuine sourdough bread differs from ordinary bread in having an extra fermentation step, over and above yeast fermentation. This step is mediated by lactic acid bacteria, typically of the genus Lactobacillus, says Gaenzle.

In the study, "we offered linoleic acid to lactobacilli and screened for organisms producing potent antifungal activity," says Gaenzle. The investigators then fractionated the metabolites to isolate and identify compounds with antifungal activity. "The identification was a bottleneck in the research project," says Gaenzle. "In collaboration with analytical chemists, we had to develop novel methods for identifying the compounds."

L. hammesii produced substantial quantities of hydroxylated monounsaturated fatty acids which the researchers found strongly inhibited mold formation. A second antifungal fatty acid produced by cereal enzymes contributes to the antifungal activity of sourdough.

"The two compounds and their formation by cereal or microbial enzymes had been described previously, but their antifungal activity and their generation in food production was unknown," says Gaenzle. These new findings, he says, were "a step towards understanding how and why lactobacilli metabolize fatty acids. This could be useful in the long term to improve our understanding of the biology of these organisms."

###

A copy of the manuscript can be found online at http://bit.ly/asmtip0213a. Formal publication of the article is scheduled for the second March 2013 issue of Applied and Environmental Microbiology.

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Why sourdough bread resists mold

Longevity – With The Beatles …. and Business

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Last week saw the 50th anniversary of the recording of The Beatles first album "Please, Please Me". This set me thinking about the enduring legacy of The Beatles music as compared with the long tail of one hit wonders that typify the music business. Given that new businesses rarely last 50 days let alone 50 years, it also made me think about some comparisons with businesses that have longevity.

Perhaps one single fact that we learn in business from the example of The Beatles is that managers (and people in general) are rather bad at foresight. After recording fifteen tracks for Decca records, the group were told that "guitar groups are on their way out" and "the Beatles have no future in show business." Decca instead chose a group called the Tremoloes, who were local and would not cost as much money. In business, Sony missed the digital revolution probably because they had a record company.

Beatles Business Lesson # 1 : The question for the smart leader is:

"What long range future trends are we about to miss, because of our investment in the present and the past?"

The Beatles flexed musical styles within the context of pop music and broke many boundaries of what could be considered to be pop music at the time. We can hear their influence in ELO, some of Prince's orchestrated work, Oasis, Kurt Cobain, Siouxsie and The Banshees, Paul Weller, Blur and so on. Perhaps this has ultimately helped them maintain longevity, as others have built their music on the 'safe scaffolding' of what they did. It probably also helped that they stopped making records before sliding inexorably down the other side of their 'innovation S curve'. See attached picture.

The challenge to modern businesses, leaders and entrepreneurs is to change what you are doing even when there is apparently no need to do so, at the top of your 'S Curve'.

Beatles Business Lesson # 2 : The question for the smart leader is:

"Where are you on your S Curve?"

What other business lessons can we learn from The Beatles? Post your thoughts here.

To learn more about Business Excellence tamed with music, you may like to try mynew online learning programme "The Music of Business". Claim a 50% discount voucher (7+ hours of top quality learning for just $65 instead of $125)HERE. for more details check thisslideshare deck. Or get yourself a copy of the new bookThe Music of Business.

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Longevity - With The Beatles .... and Business

Longevity Global Inc Introduces MigWeld 303P Pulse Mig Welder

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Hayward, Ca (PRWEB) February 22, 2013

Longevity Global Inc., providing customers with best quality welding equipment at competitive prices, has introduced MigWeld 303P pulse Mig welders. It is the latest in the Longevity IGBT MIG welder line. This welder machine is newly designed for industrial welding applications. With a new improved internal wire feed system and spool gun compatibility, the MigWeld 303P competes with top model Mig welders in the industry.

The welder requires 3 phase 220V power supply which can be found in most industrial applications or generators. The spokesperson for LONGEVITY conveyed to its loyal customers, We offer a full line of welding equipment for both Do-It-Yourself (DIY) and professional welding purposes. Most of our equipment comes with an unmatched warranty of 5-Years on both parts and labor.

He further claimed, Through innovation, experience, and engineering, we provide customer with affordable and reliable welding machines in all ranges of production from the garage users, to pipe welders, and ship builders. Our warranty is tailored to the end users, and our customer support is unmatched.

Some welding machines such as TIG welders are a bit more complicated to use than other types of welding machines; however, these tend to serve the purpose well. Nevertheless, providing the most durable and the smoothest bonds when welding TIG aluminum, TIG welders from the company are all set to make great inroads in the industry.

With Longevity producing affordable TIG welders for sale, all individuals including hobbyists can finally afford high quality TIG aluminum welding equipment.

About the company: Longevity Global Inc is recognized worldwide for providing reliable Welding, and power generating equipment. Since its inception 2001, LONGEVITY has earned the slogan, "The Power to Last" through innovation, customer satisfaction, and industry leading production. LONGEVITY welding, cutting, and power generating equipment has exceptional quality and durability achieved through our R and D department, our no excuse DOA policy, and our rigorous testing procedures led by our engineers. LONGEVITY also samples products to the top welders in the United States to receive crucial feedback, which drives our innovation.

For more information, visit http://www.longevity-inc.com

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Longevity Global Inc Introduces MigWeld 303P Pulse Mig Welder