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Project acronym ADNABIOARC
Project From the earliest modern humans to the onset of farming (45,000-4,500 BP): the role of climate, life-style, health, migration and selection in shaping European population history
Researcher (PI) Ron Pinhasi
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN, NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, DUBLIN
Summary The colonisation of Europe by anatomically modern humans (AMHs) ca. 45,000 years before present (BP) and the transition to farming ca. 8,000 BP are two major events in human prehistory. Both events involved certain cultural and biological adaptations, technological innovations, and behavioural plasticity which are unique to our species. The reconstruction of these processes and the causality between them has so far remained elusive due to technological, methodological and logistical complexities. Major developments in our understanding of the anthropology of the Upper Palaeolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic, and advances in ancient DNA (aDNA) technology and chronometric methods now allow us to assess in sufficient resolution the interface between these evolutionary processes, and changes in human culture and behaviour. The proposed research will investigate the complex interface between the morphological, genetic, behavioural, and cultural factors that shaped the population history of European AMHs. The PI s interdisciplinary expertise in these areas, his access to and experience of relevant skeletal collections, and his ongoing European collaborations will allow significant progress in addressing these fundamental questions. The approach taken will include (a) the collection of bioarchaeological, aDNA, stable isotope (for the analysis of ancient diet) and radiometric data on 500 skeletons from key sites/phases in Europe and western Anatolia, and (b) the application of existing and novel aDNA, bioarchaeological and simulation methodologies. This research will yield results that transform our current understanding of major demographic and evolutionary processes and will place Europe at the forefront of anthropological biological and genetic research.
The colonisation of Europe by anatomically modern humans (AMHs) ca. 45,000 years before present (BP) and the transition to farming ca. 8,000 BP are two major events in human prehistory. Both events involved certain cultural and biological adaptations, technological innovations, and behavioural plasticity which are unique to our species. The reconstruction of these processes and the causality between them has so far remained elusive due to technological, methodological and logistical complexities. Major developments in our understanding of the anthropology of the Upper Palaeolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic, and advances in ancient DNA (aDNA) technology and chronometric methods now allow us to assess in sufficient resolution the interface between these evolutionary processes, and changes in human culture and behaviour. The proposed research will investigate the complex interface between the morphological, genetic, behavioural, and cultural factors that shaped the population history of European AMHs. The PI s interdisciplinary expertise in these areas, his access to and experience of relevant skeletal collections, and his ongoing European collaborations will allow significant progress in addressing these fundamental questions. The approach taken will include (a) the collection of bioarchaeological, aDNA, stable isotope (for the analysis of ancient diet) and radiometric data on 500 skeletons from key sites/phases in Europe and western Anatolia, and (b) the application of existing and novel aDNA, bioarchaeological and simulation methodologies. This research will yield results that transform our current understanding of major demographic and evolutionary processes and will place Europe at the forefront of anthropological biological and genetic research.
Project acronym ALH
Project Alternative life histories: linking genes to phenotypes to demography
Researcher (PI) Thomas Eric Reed
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK - NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, CORK
Summary Understanding how and why individuals develop strikingly different life histories is a major goal in evolutionary biology. It is also a prerequisite for conserving important biodiversity within species and predicting the impacts of environmental change on populations. The aim of my study is to examine a key threshold phenotypic trait (alternative migratory tactics) in a series of large scale laboratory and field experiments, integrating several previously independent perspectives from evolutionary ecology, ecophysiology and genomics, to produce a downstream predictive model. My chosen study species, the brown trout Salmo trutta, has an extensive history of genetic and experimental work and exhibits 'partial migration': individuals either migrate to sea ('sea trout') or remain in freshwater their whole lives. Recent advances in molecular parentage assignment, quantitative genetics and genomics (next generation sequencing and bioinformatics) will allow unprecedented insight into how alternative life history phenotypes are moulded by the interaction between genes and environment. To provide additional mechanistic understanding of these processes, the balance between metabolic requirements during growth and available extrinsic resources will be investigated as the major physiological driver of migratory behaviour. Together these results will be used to develop a predictive model to explore the consequences of rapid environmental change, accounting for the effects of genetics and environment on phenotype and on population demographics. In addition to their value for conservation and management of an iconic and key species in European freshwaters and coastal seas, these results will generate novel insight into the evolution of migratory behaviour generally, providing a text book example of how alternative life histories are shaped and maintained in wild populations.
Understanding how and why individuals develop strikingly different life histories is a major goal in evolutionary biology. It is also a prerequisite for conserving important biodiversity within species and predicting the impacts of environmental change on populations. The aim of my study is to examine a key threshold phenotypic trait (alternative migratory tactics) in a series of large scale laboratory and field experiments, integrating several previously independent perspectives from evolutionary ecology, ecophysiology and genomics, to produce a downstream predictive model. My chosen study species, the brown trout Salmo trutta, has an extensive history of genetic and experimental work and exhibits 'partial migration': individuals either migrate to sea ('sea trout') or remain in freshwater their whole lives. Recent advances in molecular parentage assignment, quantitative genetics and genomics (next generation sequencing and bioinformatics) will allow unprecedented insight into how alternative life history phenotypes are moulded by the interaction between genes and environment. To provide additional mechanistic understanding of these processes, the balance between metabolic requirements during growth and available extrinsic resources will be investigated as the major physiological driver of migratory behaviour. Together these results will be used to develop a predictive model to explore the consequences of rapid environmental change, accounting for the effects of genetics and environment on phenotype and on population demographics. In addition to their value for conservation and management of an iconic and key species in European freshwaters and coastal seas, these results will generate novel insight into the evolution of migratory behaviour generally, providing a text book example of how alternative life histories are shaped and maintained in wild populations.
Project acronym ANICOLEVO
Project Animal coloration through deep time: evolutionary novelty, homology and taphonomy
Researcher (PI) Maria McNamara
Summary What does the fossil record tell us about the evolution of colour in animals through deep time? Evidence of colour in fossils can inform on the visual signalling strategies used by ancient animals. Research to date often has a narrow focus, lacks a broad phylogenetic and temporal context, and rarely incorporates information on taphonomy. This proposal represents a bold new holistic approach to the study of fossil colour: it will couple powerful imaging- and chemical analytical techniques with a rigorous programme of fossilisation experiments simulating decay, burial, and transport, and analysis of fossils and their sedimentary context, to construct the first robust models for the evolution of colour in animals through deep time. The research will resolve the original integumentary colours of fossil higher vertebrates, and the original colours of fossil hair; the fossil record of non-melanin pigments in feathers and insects; the biological significance of monotonal patterning in fossil insects; and the evolutionary history of scales and 3D photonic crystals in insects. Critically, the research will test, for the first time, whether evidence of fossil colour can solve broader evolutionary questions, e.g. the true affinities of enigmatic Cambrian chordate-like metazoans, and feather-like integumentary filaments in dinosaurs. The proposal entails construction of a dedicated experimental maturation laboratory for simulating the impact of burial on tissues. This laboratory will form the core of the world's first integrated 'experimental fossilisation facility', consolidating the PI's team as the global hub for fossil colour research. The research team comprises the PI, three postdoctoral researchers, and three PhD students, and will form an extensive research network via collaborations with 13 researchers from Europe and beyond. The project will reach out to diverse scientists and will inspire a positive attitude to science among the general public and policymakers alike.
What does the fossil record tell us about the evolution of colour in animals through deep time? Evidence of colour in fossils can inform on the visual signalling strategies used by ancient animals. Research to date often has a narrow focus, lacks a broad phylogenetic and temporal context, and rarely incorporates information on taphonomy. This proposal represents a bold new holistic approach to the study of fossil colour: it will couple powerful imaging- and chemical analytical techniques with a rigorous programme of fossilisation experiments simulating decay, burial, and transport, and analysis of fossils and their sedimentary context, to construct the first robust models for the evolution of colour in animals through deep time. The research will resolve the original integumentary colours of fossil higher vertebrates, and the original colours of fossil hair; the fossil record of non-melanin pigments in feathers and insects; the biological significance of monotonal patterning in fossil insects; and the evolutionary history of scales and 3D photonic crystals in insects. Critically, the research will test, for the first time, whether evidence of fossil colour can solve broader evolutionary questions, e.g. the true affinities of enigmatic Cambrian chordate-like metazoans, and feather-like integumentary filaments in dinosaurs. The proposal entails construction of a dedicated experimental maturation laboratory for simulating the impact of burial on tissues. This laboratory will form the core of the world's first integrated 'experimental fossilisation facility', consolidating the PI's team as the global hub for fossil colour research. The research team comprises the PI, three postdoctoral researchers, and three PhD students, and will form an extensive research network via collaborations with 13 researchers from Europe and beyond. The project will reach out to diverse scientists and will inspire a positive attitude to science among the general public and policymakers alike.
Project acronym ARCHAIC ADAPT
Project Admixture accelerated adaptation: signals from modern, ancient and archaic DNA.
Researcher (PI) Emilia HUERTA-SANCHEZ
Summary With the advent of new sequencing technologies, population geneticists now have access to more data than ever before. We have access to thousands of human genomes from a diverse set of populations around the globe, and, thanks to advances in DNA extraction and library preparation, we now are beginning to have access to ancient DNA sequence data. These data have greatly improved our knowledge of human history, human adaptation to different environments and human disease. Genome-wide studies have highlighted many genes or genomic loci that may play a role in adaptive or disease related phenotypes of biological importance. With these collections of modern and ancient sequence data we want to answer a key evolutionary question: how do human adaptations arise? We strongly believe that the state-of-the-art methodologies for uncovering signatures of adaptation are blind to potential modes of adaptation because they are lacking two critical components – more complete integration of multiple population haplotype data (including archaic, ancient and modern samples), and an account of population interactions that facilitate adaptation. Therefore I plan to develop new methods to detect shared selective events across populations by creating novel statistical summaries, and to detect admixture-facilitated adaptation which we believe is likely a common mode of natural selection. We will apply these tools to new datasets to characterize the interplay of natural selection, archaic and modern admixture in populations in the Americas and make a comparative analysis of modern and ancient European samples to understand the origin and changing profile of adaptive archaic alleles. As a result our work will reveal evolutionary processes that have played an important role in human evolution and disease.
With the advent of new sequencing technologies, population geneticists now have access to more data than ever before. We have access to thousands of human genomes from a diverse set of populations around the globe, and, thanks to advances in DNA extraction and library preparation, we now are beginning to have access to ancient DNA sequence data. These data have greatly improved our knowledge of human history, human adaptation to different environments and human disease. Genome-wide studies have highlighted many genes or genomic loci that may play a role in adaptive or disease related phenotypes of biological importance. With these collections of modern and ancient sequence data we want to answer a key evolutionary question: how do human adaptations arise? We strongly believe that the state-of-the-art methodologies for uncovering signatures of adaptation are blind to potential modes of adaptation because they are lacking two critical components – more complete integration of multiple population haplotype data (including archaic, ancient and modern samples), and an account of population interactions that facilitate adaptation. Therefore I plan to develop new methods to detect shared selective events across populations by creating novel statistical summaries, and to detect admixture-facilitated adaptation which we believe is likely a common mode of natural selection. We will apply these tools to new datasets to characterize the interplay of natural selection, archaic and modern admixture in populations in the Americas and make a comparative analysis of modern and ancient European samples to understand the origin and changing profile of adaptive archaic alleles. As a result our work will reveal evolutionary processes that have played an important role in human evolution and disease.
Project acronym ATMEN
Project Atomic precision materials engineering
Researcher (PI) Toma SUSI
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITAT WIEN
Summary Despite more than fifty years of scientific progress since Richard Feynman's 1959 vision for nanotechnology, there is only one way to manipulate individual atoms in materials: scanning tunneling microscopy. Since the late 1980s, its atomically sharp tip has been used to move atoms over clean metal surfaces held at cryogenic temperatures. Scanning transmission electron microscopy, on the other hand, has been able to resolve atoms only more recently by focusing the electron beam with sub-atomic precision. This is especially useful in the two-dimensional form of hexagonally bonded carbon called graphene, which has superb electronic and mechanical properties. Several ways to further engineer those have been proposed, including by doping the structure with substitutional heteroatoms such as boron, nitrogen, phosphorus and silicon. My recent discovery that the scattering of the energetic imaging electrons can cause a silicon impurity to move through the graphene lattice has revealed a potential for atomically precise manipulation using the Ångström-sized electron probe. To develop this into a practical technique, improvements in the description of beam-induced displacements, advances in heteroatom implantation, and a concerted effort towards the automation of manipulations are required. My project tackles these in a multidisciplinary effort combining innovative computational techniques with pioneering experiments in an instrument where a low-energy ion implantation chamber is directly connected to an advanced electron microscope. To demonstrate the power of the method, I will prototype an atomic memory with an unprecedented memory density, and create heteroatom quantum corrals optimized for their plasmonic properties. The capability for atom-scale engineering of covalent materials opens a new vista for nanotechnology, pushing back the boundaries of the possible and allowing a plethora of materials science questions to be studied at the ultimate level of control.
Despite more than fifty years of scientific progress since Richard Feynman's 1959 vision for nanotechnology, there is only one way to manipulate individual atoms in materials: scanning tunneling microscopy. Since the late 1980s, its atomically sharp tip has been used to move atoms over clean metal surfaces held at cryogenic temperatures. Scanning transmission electron microscopy, on the other hand, has been able to resolve atoms only more recently by focusing the electron beam with sub-atomic precision. This is especially useful in the two-dimensional form of hexagonally bonded carbon called graphene, which has superb electronic and mechanical properties. Several ways to further engineer those have been proposed, including by doping the structure with substitutional heteroatoms such as boron, nitrogen, phosphorus and silicon. My recent discovery that the scattering of the energetic imaging electrons can cause a silicon impurity to move through the graphene lattice has revealed a potential for atomically precise manipulation using the Ångström-sized electron probe. To develop this into a practical technique, improvements in the description of beam-induced displacements, advances in heteroatom implantation, and a concerted effort towards the automation of manipulations are required. My project tackles these in a multidisciplinary effort combining innovative computational techniques with pioneering experiments in an instrument where a low-energy ion implantation chamber is directly connected to an advanced electron microscope. To demonstrate the power of the method, I will prototype an atomic memory with an unprecedented memory density, and create heteroatom quantum corrals optimized for their plasmonic properties. The capability for atom-scale engineering of covalent materials opens a new vista for nanotechnology, pushing back the boundaries of the possible and allowing a plethora of materials science questions to be studied at the ultimate level of control.
Project acronym AYURYOG
Project Medicine, Immortality, Moksha: Entangled Histories of Yoga, Ayurveda and Alchemy in South Asia
Researcher (PI) Dagmar Wujastyk
Summary The project will examine the histories of yoga, ayurveda and rasashastra (Indian alchemy and iatrochemistry) from the tenth century to the present, focussing on the disciplines' health, rejuvenation and longevity practices. The goals of the project are to reveal the entanglements of these historical traditions, and to trace the trajectories of their evolution as components of today's global healthcare and personal development industries. Our hypothesis is that practices aimed at achieving health, rejuvenation and longevity constitute a key area of exchange between the three disciplines, preparing the grounds for a series of important pharmaceutical and technological innovations and also profoundly influencing the discourses of today's medicalized forms of globalized yoga as well as of contemporary institutionalized forms of ayurveda and rasashastra. Drawing upon the primary historical sources of each respective tradition as well as on fieldwork data, the research team will explore the shared terminology, praxis and theory of these three disciplines. We will examine why, when and how health, rejuvenation and longevity practices were employed; how each discipline's discourse and practical applications relates to those of the others; and how past encounters and cross-fertilizations impact on contemporary health-related practices in yogic, ayurvedic and alchemists' milieus. The five-year project will be based at the Department of South Asian, Tibetan and Buddhist Studies at Vienna University and carried out by an international team of 3 post-doctoral researchers. The research will be grounded in the fields of South Asian studies and social history. An international workshop and an international conference will be organized to present and discuss the research results, which will also be published in peer-reviewed journals, an edited volume, and in individual monographs. A project website will provide open access to all research results.
The project will examine the histories of yoga, ayurveda and rasashastra (Indian alchemy and iatrochemistry) from the tenth century to the present, focussing on the disciplines' health, rejuvenation and longevity practices. The goals of the project are to reveal the entanglements of these historical traditions, and to trace the trajectories of their evolution as components of today's global healthcare and personal development industries. Our hypothesis is that practices aimed at achieving health, rejuvenation and longevity constitute a key area of exchange between the three disciplines, preparing the grounds for a series of important pharmaceutical and technological innovations and also profoundly influencing the discourses of today's medicalized forms of globalized yoga as well as of contemporary institutionalized forms of ayurveda and rasashastra. Drawing upon the primary historical sources of each respective tradition as well as on fieldwork data, the research team will explore the shared terminology, praxis and theory of these three disciplines. We will examine why, when and how health, rejuvenation and longevity practices were employed; how each discipline's discourse and practical applications relates to those of the others; and how past encounters and cross-fertilizations impact on contemporary health-related practices in yogic, ayurvedic and alchemists' milieus. The five-year project will be based at the Department of South Asian, Tibetan and Buddhist Studies at Vienna University and carried out by an international team of 3 post-doctoral researchers. The research will be grounded in the fields of South Asian studies and social history. An international workshop and an international conference will be organized to present and discuss the research results, which will also be published in peer-reviewed journals, an edited volume, and in individual monographs. A project website will provide open access to all research results.
Project acronym CanCoop
Project Understanding the Proximate Mechanisms of Canine Cooperation
Researcher (PI) Friederike Range
Host Institution (HI) VETERINAERMEDIZINISCHE UNIVERSITAET WIEN
Summary Although it is clear that human collaborative skills are exceptional, elucidating similarities and differences of proximate processes underlying cooperative interactions between non-primate and primate taxa may have important implications for our understanding of cooperation in humans and non human-animals via a profound knowledge of 1) socio-cognitive skills as adaptations to specific environments and/or 2) the evolutionary background and origin of our own skills. The closely related wolves and dogs constitute the ideal non-primate model to implement this approach, since cooperation is at the core of their social organization and they are adapted to very different environments. I propose a series of experiments with wolves (N = 20) and identically raised and kept dogs (N= 20) that will focus on cognitive processes closely linked to the emotional system such as empathy, inequity aversion and delayed gratification that are thought to be involved in triggering and maintaining primate cooperation. In Part 1 of the project, we will investigate whether and to what extent these processes are present in canines, while in Part 2 we will elucidate how they influence partner choice in cooperative interactions. Using social network theory, we will integrate knowledge about animals' emotional tendencies and cognitive abilities to model canine cooperation. This is an important step towards unifying theoretical and empirical approaches in animal behaviour. CanCoop incorporates innovative methods and a novel approach that has the potential to elucidate the interactions between proximate and ultimate processes in regard to cooperation. The nature of CanCoop guarantees public and media attention needed for proper societal dissemination of the results, which will be relevant for animal behaviour, social sciences, wildlife and zoo management.
Although it is clear that human collaborative skills are exceptional, elucidating similarities and differences of proximate processes underlying cooperative interactions between non-primate and primate taxa may have important implications for our understanding of cooperation in humans and non human-animals via a profound knowledge of 1) socio-cognitive skills as adaptations to specific environments and/or 2) the evolutionary background and origin of our own skills. The closely related wolves and dogs constitute the ideal non-primate model to implement this approach, since cooperation is at the core of their social organization and they are adapted to very different environments. I propose a series of experiments with wolves (N = 20) and identically raised and kept dogs (N= 20) that will focus on cognitive processes closely linked to the emotional system such as empathy, inequity aversion and delayed gratification that are thought to be involved in triggering and maintaining primate cooperation. In Part 1 of the project, we will investigate whether and to what extent these processes are present in canines, while in Part 2 we will elucidate how they influence partner choice in cooperative interactions. Using social network theory, we will integrate knowledge about animals' emotional tendencies and cognitive abilities to model canine cooperation. This is an important step towards unifying theoretical and empirical approaches in animal behaviour. CanCoop incorporates innovative methods and a novel approach that has the potential to elucidate the interactions between proximate and ultimate processes in regard to cooperation. The nature of CanCoop guarantees public and media attention needed for proper societal dissemination of the results, which will be relevant for animal behaviour, social sciences, wildlife and zoo management.
Project acronym ChronHib
Project Chronologicon Hibernicum – A Probabilistic Chronological Framework for Dating Early Irish Language Developments and Literature
Researcher (PI) David Stifter
Host Institution (HI) NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND MAYNOOTH
Summary Early Medieval Irish literature (7th–10th centuries) is vast in extent and rich in genres, but owing to its mostly anonymous transmission, for most texts the precise time and circumstances of composition are unknown. Unless where texts contain historical references, the only clues for a rough chronological positioning of the texts are to be found in their linguistic peculiarities. Phonology, morphology, syntax and the lexicon of the Irish language changed considerably from Early Old Irish (7th c.) into Middle Irish (c. 10th–12th centuries). However, only the relative sequence of changes is well understood; for most sound changes very few narrow dates have been proposed so far. It is the aim of Chronologicon Hibernicum to find a common solution for both problems: through the linguistic profiling of externally dated texts (esp. annalistic writing and sources with a clear historical anchorage) and through serialising the emerging linguistic and chronological data, progress will be made in assigning dates to the linguistic changes. Groundbreakingly, this will be done by using statistical methods for the seriation of the data, and for estimating dates using Bayesian inference. The resultant information will then be used to find new dates for hitherto undated texts. On this basis, a much tighter chronological framework for the developments of the Early Medieval Irish language will be created. In a further step it will be possible to arrive at a better chronological description of medieval Irish literature as a whole, which will have repercussions on the study of the history and cultural and intellectual environment of medieval Ireland and on its connections with the wider world. The data collected and analysed in this project will form the database Chronologicon Hibernicum which will serve as the authoritative guideline and reference point for the linguistic dating of Irish texts. In the future, the methodology will be transferable to other languages.
Early Medieval Irish literature (7th–10th centuries) is vast in extent and rich in genres, but owing to its mostly anonymous transmission, for most texts the precise time and circumstances of composition are unknown. Unless where texts contain historical references, the only clues for a rough chronological positioning of the texts are to be found in their linguistic peculiarities. Phonology, morphology, syntax and the lexicon of the Irish language changed considerably from Early Old Irish (7th c.) into Middle Irish (c. 10th–12th centuries). However, only the relative sequence of changes is well understood; for most sound changes very few narrow dates have been proposed so far. It is the aim of Chronologicon Hibernicum to find a common solution for both problems: through the linguistic profiling of externally dated texts (esp. annalistic writing and sources with a clear historical anchorage) and through serialising the emerging linguistic and chronological data, progress will be made in assigning dates to the linguistic changes. Groundbreakingly, this will be done by using statistical methods for the seriation of the data, and for estimating dates using Bayesian inference. The resultant information will then be used to find new dates for hitherto undated texts. On this basis, a much tighter chronological framework for the developments of the Early Medieval Irish language will be created. In a further step it will be possible to arrive at a better chronological description of medieval Irish literature as a whole, which will have repercussions on the study of the history and cultural and intellectual environment of medieval Ireland and on its connections with the wider world. The data collected and analysed in this project will form the database Chronologicon Hibernicum which will serve as the authoritative guideline and reference point for the linguistic dating of Irish texts. In the future, the methodology will be transferable to other languages.
Project acronym CODEX
Project Decoding Domesticate DNA in Archaeological Bone and Manuscripts
Researcher (PI) Daniel Gerard Bradley
Summary Through animal domestication humans profoundly altered their relationship with nature, controlling the breeding of their major food sources for material, social or symbolic profit. Understanding this complex process is a compelling research aim. There is a need to develop new high-resolution genetic tools to put flesh on the bones of this two-millenium long transition. These will take advantage of very recent advances: targeted next generation DNA sequencing, high throughput screening of expertly provenanced archaeological samples, and emerging knowledge of modern cattle, sheep and goat genome science plus their genetic geographies. Combining these, this proposal will develop an ancient DNA data matrix that will be unparalleled in archaeological science. These data will unlock the key genetic changes that accompany the domestic state and the breeding structures that are a consequence of human management. It will also identify the wild and proto-domestic populations that later herds emerge from. A more precise geography and timing of the key changes will enable richer contextualising inform our assessement of why these changes take place. The 10,000 year matrix for each species will function as a standard spatiotemporal reference grid on which any subsequent bone or animal artefact may be placed i.e. via genetic postcoding. Exceptional discontinuities in the matrix will highlight points of strong historical interest such as the emergence of new trade networks, migrations and periods of economic turbulence - perhaps driven by climate fluctuations or plagues. The final work objectives will focus on diachronic sample assemblages selected to have particular import for both historical events and transitions in material culture. For example, manuscript vellum samples will give a uniquely dated series that will enable correlation of genetic change with historical studies of the timing and impact of past animal plagues (e.g. in C 14th and C 18th Europe).
Through animal domestication humans profoundly altered their relationship with nature, controlling the breeding of their major food sources for material, social or symbolic profit. Understanding this complex process is a compelling research aim. There is a need to develop new high-resolution genetic tools to put flesh on the bones of this two-millenium long transition. These will take advantage of very recent advances: targeted next generation DNA sequencing, high throughput screening of expertly provenanced archaeological samples, and emerging knowledge of modern cattle, sheep and goat genome science plus their genetic geographies. Combining these, this proposal will develop an ancient DNA data matrix that will be unparalleled in archaeological science. These data will unlock the key genetic changes that accompany the domestic state and the breeding structures that are a consequence of human management. It will also identify the wild and proto-domestic populations that later herds emerge from. A more precise geography and timing of the key changes will enable richer contextualising inform our assessement of why these changes take place. The 10,000 year matrix for each species will function as a standard spatiotemporal reference grid on which any subsequent bone or animal artefact may be placed i.e. via genetic postcoding. Exceptional discontinuities in the matrix will highlight points of strong historical interest such as the emergence of new trade networks, migrations and periods of economic turbulence - perhaps driven by climate fluctuations or plagues. The final work objectives will focus on diachronic sample assemblages selected to have particular import for both historical events and transitions in material culture. For example, manuscript vellum samples will give a uniquely dated series that will enable correlation of genetic change with historical studies of the timing and impact of past animal plagues (e.g. in C 14th and C 18th Europe).
Project acronym DAFINET
Project Dynamic Attitude Fixing: A novel theory of opinion dynamics in social networks and its implications for computational propaganda in hybrid social networks (containing humans and bots)
Researcher (PI) Michael QUAYLE
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), SH3, ERC-2018-STG
Summary Understanding the coordination of attitudes in societies is vitally important for many disciplines and global social challenges. Network opinion dynamics are poorly understood, especially in hybrid networks where automated (bot) agents seek to influence economic or political processes (e.g. USA: Trump vs Clinton; UK: Brexit). A dynamic fixing theory of attitudes is proposed, premised on three features of attitudes demonstrated in ethnomethodology and social psychology; that people: 1) simultaneously hold a repertoire of multiple (sometimes ambivalent) attitudes, 2) express attitudes to enact social identity; and 3) are accountable for attitude expression in interaction. It is proposed that interactions between agents generate symbolic links between attitudes with the emergent social-symbolic structure generating perceived ingroup similarity and outgroup difference in a multilayer network. Thus attitudes can become dynamically fixed when constellations of attitudes are locked-in to identities via multilayer networks of attitude agreement and disagreement; a process intensified by conflict, threat or zero-sum partisan processes (e.g. elections/referenda). Agent-based simulations will validate the theory and explore the hypothesized channels of bot influence. Network experiments with human and hybrid networks will test theoretically derived hypotheses. Observational network studies will assess model fit using historical Twitter data. Results will provide a social-psychological-network theory for attitude dynamics and vulnerability to computational propaganda in hybrid networks. The theory will explain: (a) when and how consensus can propagate rapidly through networks (since identity processes fix attitudes already contained within repertoires); (b) limits of identity-related attitude propagation (since attitudes outside of repertoires will not be easily adopted); and (c) how attitudes can often 'roll back' after events (since contextual changes 'unfix' attitudes).
Understanding the coordination of attitudes in societies is vitally important for many disciplines and global social challenges. Network opinion dynamics are poorly understood, especially in hybrid networks where automated (bot) agents seek to influence economic or political processes (e.g. USA: Trump vs Clinton; UK: Brexit). A dynamic fixing theory of attitudes is proposed, premised on three features of attitudes demonstrated in ethnomethodology and social psychology; that people: 1) simultaneously hold a repertoire of multiple (sometimes ambivalent) attitudes, 2) express attitudes to enact social identity; and 3) are accountable for attitude expression in interaction. It is proposed that interactions between agents generate symbolic links between attitudes with the emergent social-symbolic structure generating perceived ingroup similarity and outgroup difference in a multilayer network. Thus attitudes can become dynamically fixed when constellations of attitudes are locked-in to identities via multilayer networks of attitude agreement and disagreement; a process intensified by conflict, threat or zero-sum partisan processes (e.g. elections/referenda). Agent-based simulations will validate the theory and explore the hypothesized channels of bot influence. Network experiments with human and hybrid networks will test theoretically derived hypotheses. Observational network studies will assess model fit using historical Twitter data. Results will provide a social-psychological-network theory for attitude dynamics and vulnerability to computational propaganda in hybrid networks. The theory will explain: (a) when and how consensus can propagate rapidly through networks (since identity processes fix attitudes already contained within repertoires); (b) limits of identity-related attitude propagation (since attitudes outside of repertoires will not be easily adopted); and (c) how attitudes can often 'roll back' after events (since contextual changes 'unfix' attitudes).


text:
A 'FunDay' with Gaurav Oswal: On entrepreneurship, sports training and going slow
Sandhya Ramachandran | May 08, 2019
Even as a little kid, Gaurav Oswal would run to the ground opposite his house to play sports. He was passionate about cricket, football and hockey and anybody who observed him concluded that here was a sportsman in the making. And making their predictions come true, Gaurav soon began playing on the national level in college. Today, Gaurav is an entrepreneur.
So, how does one go from playing national level hockey one day to working on a startup idea the next?
Gaurav also had an injury in 2012–2013 which reduced his involvement with playing hockey. But that was not the only reason. "I wouldn't say it was a direct switch," Gaurav clarifies, "I needed to do something of value to the society. It is this feeling which actually drives me even today and the major reason why I got into entrepreneurship."
Around this time, one of Gaurav's fellow co-founders observed the way kids in Singapore were being trained to play a variety of sports. In comparison, India did not have enough facilities to train kids at sports at a young age. Seeing this, Gaurav and his partners decided to find solutions at the grassroots level. And FunDay Sports was born.
The FunDay Way
Today FunDay Sports is the largest provider of sports training for children over two and under the age of eight years in India. FunDay has both in school and after-school programs to get kids excited about sport and physical activity. They use fun and excitement in a safe, creative and non-competitive environment, or what they term "The FunDay Way" to train kids in six different sports — artistic gymnastics, athletics, basketball, cricket, football and floor gymnastics.
Focusing on an atypical target group of 3–8 year olds, FunDay's training is based on long term athlete development which emerges from the 'play for life' philosophy. Generally sports, even in schools, is aimed at the kids over five. So, how did FunDay decide to cater to the age group rate of between three and eight other? Gaurav elaborates, "In India, we believe a three-year-old child can learn four languages. But we don't believe they can learn a sport. This is actually the age when they pick up skills and learn things. This niche is completely left unattended by all coaching institutes and sports clubs in India. Kids are not getting exposed to sports at a very young age. So, Funday is catering to them. Just like you are given the option of science, math, history and geography, we expose them to a variety of sports options at school. You might not like something and you might like something. But, you realize what you are good at. So, if you start early as a country, you are going to have better players. More importantly you will have more number of people playing for a longer duration longer of time. That is the major goal — that everyone should play for life. Getting champions is a byproduct which will eventually happen."
Building a sports startup in a tech world
An innovative product for the market, FunDay Sports is an outlier in an environment saturated with tech startups. How did they manage to break into the market? "We brought to India a model which didn't exist before. This is neither a traditional business nor a new e-commerce app. But, my co-founders and I understood that kids were getting addicted to mobiles, tablets, etc., at a very young age. Outdoor play had decreased and schools didn't offer structured play at this age. It took us time to create a different way of teaching sports to young kids. And during this period, not many understood what we were doing.
I had completed my Engineering from National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), Surathkal. My friends and I secured high-paying jobs in the IT sector. But I chose to leave all that and work on Funday sports. My family and friends didn't understand what motivated me to do this. People offering seed capital preferred technology startups. So initially, it took us a long time to convince people to understand that multi-sports at the preschool level is important and a need. We had to educate principals and parents first," Gaurav shares.
The journey began in 2013 when FunDay employed experts on children, national-level sports coaches and sports experts to work on the curriculum, in consultation with the Australian Sports Commission. But it was a road uphill. In 2015, with the launch of their after-school center for the kids, they realized that the body structure, eating patterns, etc., was different for kids in India. The first year of their launch was focused on mellowing the curriculum, creating age-appropriate activities, and trying a lot of iterations. And how did this evolve? "Some schools approached us asking if we can start testing this program with them. That's how the school business started," Gaurav reveals, "And, in the last 4 years, we have begun catering to 200+ preschools without really marketing the product a lot. Now, there is an acceptance, a lot of demand. We see that parents are looking for these activities. And the most important part is the amount of love that kids have shown towards play."
On hiring Indian sportswomen as FunDay coaches
FunDay Sports also creates opportunities for women in the workforce by hiring national-level female athletes as coaches. "It was a very conscious decision to hire women as coaches. Preschools usually have a lot of restrictions and 3-year-olds tend to connect better and faster with women. Also, the whole sports fraternity, especially women who play sports lack employment opportunities in the country. Initially, we hired only national level sports players. One of our head coaches who's been with us for 4 years now used to be a hockey central forward for the Maharashtra state team. Despite playing in 22 national camps, she had no employment opportunities. We hired her and it has been a very successful journey. She's the best coach we have who has trained a lot of people."
Building slow and with intent
Gaurav believes in going slow. "Everything is moving around so fast in the world of apps. But being in the service industry, we believe in going slow but acting aggressively when needed. This is a on-ground service business. It takes time to set up things. So the first thing one needs to ensure is that you have right people to maintain the quality. For instance, in our first year at Bangalore, we worked with six schools. In the second year, this increased it by a small factor to 15 schools because we still needed time to set up the schools and get the right kind of people to support us, build a network etc. This year — the fourth in our journey — we are working with 60 schools. We have aggressively expanded only once we have had the strength to grow and the manpower to maintain the pace and quality. We have had options to get funded, but we made a conscious decision to grow at our pace. And that is how we have become what we are today." Refreshing perspective from a 26-year old.
Advice for millennials
Gaurav feels positive that the borders and restrictions for millennials to enter the startup ecosystem are breaking down. "We're seeing a lot more people getting into entrepreneurship. So many tech entrepreneurs are traveling around the world or settling in South East Asian countries. This is creating a lot more opportunities for a lot more people. The Internet has been the major reason why this is happening and that's great." And his advice to other millennials? He says, "College students are still crazy about multi-national companies. It surprises me! They are looking forward to jobs when they can create things. So we need to create awareness of the startup culture. When you get to know more of these success stories you will try something on your own which is very important in today's world. And, there has to be more encouragement from institutions in the form of seed funding, incubation centers, etc. to help students start something. Once they get the flavor of this and get support, I think people, especially millennials, will start creating."

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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A message from the CEOs of The SimplyBiz Group to Member Firms on the COVID19 crisis
"COVID19 has brought an unprecedented period of uncertainty, anxiety and a level of disruption that will affect clients and businesses across the globe.
"We remain wholly committed and capable to continue supporting the businesses of our Member Firms fully through these challenging times.
"The SimplyBiz Group has invested significantly in fintech and a state-of-the-art digital services platform that will enable us to continue to provide firms who use our services with the software, the support, the knowledge and essential learning and skills they will need now, and in the future.
"The support and enhancement of our fintech platform will continue and accelerate; putting market leading state of the art technology at the fingertips of our Members, and providing them with our fantastic team for support and training as usual. Only yesterday, we held a digital training session with over 100 financial advisers, covering the enhanced use of back office technology.
"We will be constantly communicating with Members on a regular basis to ensure they are up to speed on CPD qualifying virtual events, the latest compliance information and various ways in which we can support technology and digital capabilities. We will be with our Members every step of the way.
"Clients will now, possibly more than ever, need adviser reassurance and expertise to cope with enormous disruption and the most difficult decisions. The SimplyBiz Group will continue to serve Members fully, and we will continue to put the leading software and services at their disposal to keep them compliant and successful, even in the most challenging times.
Neil Stevens and Matt Timmins
Joint Group CEOs"


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Pinto delighted with fantastic win over JDT
Ooi Kin Fai
Melaka United
Perak v Johor Darul Ta'zim
Yashir Pinto is proving to be a hit with Perak after his contributions helped the Bos Gaurus to inflict Johor Darul Ta'zim's first league defeat
BY OOI KIN FAI Follow on Twitter
It is not always the easiest of step-up to be made coming from the Premier League to the Super League. While only one division above, the difference and the gap can be overwhelming for some. Fortunately for Perak, Yashir Pinto is taking to it like a duck to water.
In the match against reigning league champions, Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), Pinto was again deployed on the left side of the attacking trident and the Palestinian couldn't be more instrumental in helping the Bos Gaurus to an inspiring 2-1 win.
"I'm very happy because I scored and helped the team win the game. Just enjoy this moment and tomorrow we start to think the next game," said a jubilant Pinto after the match.
Pinto had opened the scoring in the 7th minute of the first half when he collected a great lofted pass from Faton Toski to slide the ball in from a tight angle. He was also the quickest to react in the second half when Farizal Marlias spilled Thiago Aquino's free kick that led to Vladislav Mirchev scoring the winning goal.
"Unlucky for me because I had the chance to score but lucky also that Mirchev was there and he scored. For me the most important is to help the team to win and I'm very happy with this," added Pinto.
Played out in front of a packed Perak Stadium, Pinto's contribution helped send the fans home happy. More so since the fans were barred from being present in Perak's last two home matches. While proud of his own achievement, Pinto points out that it was a more important result collectively.
"Yes [happy with his performance], of course but most important is the team. We do everything today to win this game but it was very difficult. The team is very strong together," explained Pinto.
Perak will next travel to Jengka to take on Felda United on the 25 February.
Perak 2-1 JDT: Southern Tigers falls to their first league defea
Zaquan puts aside bond with Aidil for 90 minutes
PREVIEW: Perak and JDT looking to stamp their mark
Copyright © 2021 Goal (Bahrain English) All rights reserved. The information contained in Goal (Bahrain English) may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without the prior written authority of Goal (Bahrain English)


Locals and Tourists alike love our location for Kayak and Paddle Board rentals. The Capri Fish House is conveniently located on Johnson Bay where you will find easy access to mangrove trails and public sandbars.
Take off from our private beach for a fun-filled day of Kayak and/or Paddle Boarding. Pick up a lunch on site and one of our local maps and head out through the mangroves, or paddle to a nearby local sand-bar or just around in the bay.
We have Paddle Boards, Single Kayaks, and Tandems available for half day (3 hours) or full day(6 hours) rental. Reservations not available.
Got a question? Give us a call at (239) 389-5555.


Very nice! Great use of scraps!
Thanks so much Gray Barns Designs!
Such a terrific idea!! I always hate to waste those wee triangles but haven't been clever enough to come with an idea – thank you for sharing yours.


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Tag: Africa Travel
Posts Tagged Africa Travel
For Subscribers Special Feature
Global DMC Partners Releases Results and Key Findings of Q4 Meetings & Events Survey
Global DMC Partners (GDP), the premier, one-stop global resource for virtual, hybrid and in-person events , today shared the results of its Q4 Meetings & Events Pulse Survey. Conducted from December 3-29, 2020, the survey polled 242 respondents from the meetings and events industry. Of these, 93 percent were planners versus vendors or suppliers. The survey had respondents from nearly every part of the globe, with the majority from the United States (57 percent), and the United Kingdom (28 percent). Participants were primarily third-party/independent planners (53.3 percent), as well as association planners (8.3 percent) and those in pharma, technology, and insurance. Global DMC Partners President & CEO, Catherine Chaulet, shared key insights and data from GDP's Q4 Meetings & Events Pulse Survey during the company's virtual 2021 Trends & Panel Discussion that took place on Wednesday, January 27 to an audience of nearly 350 attendees. Key insights from the responses included: – A clear shift towards hope for face-to-face meetings to resume in the latter part of 2021 with most planners (53 percent) now predicting that their in-person meetings and events will resume sometime in Q3 & Q4 2021.– General health and well-being of planners and their family and friends is the top concern now, as opposed to fear/uncertainty, travel & government restrictions, and job security in Q3 2020.– 92 percent believe a vaccine is the most important factor in bringing back face-to-face events, an increase of 10 percent from Q3 2020. Biggest COVID-19 Crisis ConcernThere was a notable change in…
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Five ways data can shape your corporate travel programme in 2021
Data remains the industry's lodestar In a 2021 – hopefully post-COVID – world, we can expect data to become 'the old answer to new questions in travel'. The uncertainty faced by the entire sector in COVID's wake has given rise to many 'new questions', particularly around the nature and length of the industry's recovery, but also around consumer behaviour, booking trends and necessary changes to travel policies. Bonnie Smith, GM of FCM, Flight Centre's global travel management company, believes that data has been at the heart of advancements in the travel industry over the last few years – and that data will continue to guide travel management companies (TMCs) and travel managers as they navigate a post-COVID landscape: "TMCs use data to get a really good overview of a company's travel needs, preferences, expenses, spend and return on investment. But equally important, data helps us analyse risk – and track behaviour and trends." For Smith, data is a powerful tool which can: Inform future-focussed travel management solutions Through the use of automation, blended technology, and advanced data analytics, TMCs are going to play a critical role in a company's future travel decisions. "There's no doubt," says Smith, "that concerns around COVID health and safety are going to put corporate travel under a critical lens for the foreseeable future, especially when it comes to the necessity of travel and the need for safe, considered travel solutions." A TMC can look at your company's travel history, the current environment and data-backed predictions…
Who's responsible for your safety when you're on a business trip?
Business as usual has been flipped on its head in 2020. What was for many companies second nature—sending employees across country and continent to meet with clients and colleagues, sign new business and share knowledge—has become a more measured and complex exercise. Business trips are being classified as essential or non-essential, travel budgets have been re-evaluated, and duty of care is front and centre. While duty of care has always been a priority, a company's actions to manage traveller risk more often occurred behind the scenes. That has changed over the course of this year with employees taking a more active role in their personal health and wellbeing and calling for greater policy transparency and reassurance of their safety. Even before COVID-19, travel risks were growing increasingly difficult to predict. All it takes is a lost passport, misunderstanding with local authorities or unforeseen natural disaster to derail a perfectly planned business trip. Add a pandemic and ever-shifting travel restrictions and it becomes evident why some businesses are grappling with their heightened duty of care obligations. It's important that as small businesses resume their business travel programmes in 2021, they thoroughly reassess the processes, suppliers, tools and resources they have in place to help employees travel safely and seamlessly. However, while much of this responsibility naturally falls on the company, the traveller also carries responsibility and must act in accordance with the duty of care policy. Oz Desai, GM Corporate Traveller, sheds some light on where the line lies between an…
Special Feature Top Destinations
10 Things About… Fez
Fez is home to both the oldest continuously functioning university in the world and the best preserved old city (medina) in the Arab civilization.
1. Getting There
Saïss Airport, take a bus or a taxi, or make use of the shuttle service. The train that links the city to Oujda, Tanger and Casablanca and the road system is in good condition.
2. Getting Around
Taxis are a good option for tourists as fares are regulated and there is a reliable bus service.
3. Where to Stay
Riad Fes is a popular choice. Blending old-school opulence with modern touches, this hotel also offers a great rooftop terrace with views of the Atlas Mountains. The Barcelo is lovely while the Riad Doha offers great value.
4. Eating Out
Riad Rcif has a great selection of tagines and cous cous dishes and a chocolate pudding to die for. If you're craving Italian, Le 44 Café has the best Bolognese in the city and an amazing atmosphere. L'Amandier Palais Faraj has great service and even better views. Both international and Moroccan cuisine is served here so there are plenty of options. Nagham Café is well-priced and a beautiful terrace looks straight onto the mountains.
5. Things to Do
Café Clock stages various traditional music concerts, including sufi drumming, while traditional dancing can be found at Restaurant Al Fassia. Merenid Tombs are quite a climb above the city but well worth the views.
6. Shopping
If you navigate the medina alleyways with patience and humour, you will find amazing choices of woodwork, leatherwork, pottery, jewellery, mosaic tiling, brass and copperware, textiles, rugs and drums.
7. About town
The ancient Roman site of Volubilis is a UNESCO World Heritage site and includes ruins of a basilica, temple and triumphal arch as well as some beautiful mosaics. Nestled within the Atlas Mountains you'll also find the ski resort of Ifrane.
8. History & Culture
Fez takes its name from the pickaxe that Idriss the First used to draw the lines of the city in 789 AD, on the banks of the Jawhar River. Two large autonomous quarters made up the original town, founded by Idriss I and Idriss II (his son). Ten centuries of architecture is visible in and around the city, especially in the medina, including a number of religious, civil and military monuments.
9. Language
Darija (the Moroccan Arabic dialect), but many people speak French. English is developing among the younger peoples. In the countryside outside Fez many people speak Berber dialects.
10. One last thing
Morocco is a Muslim country so all due respect should be shown, particularly when in the medina and in the consumption of alcohol.
10 Things About… Oran
Described as the commercial, industrial, and educational centre of western Algeria, Oran is Algeria's second largest city and once home of fashion icon Yves Saint Laurent.
Oran Es Sénia Airport and can also be reached by ferries from Europe; from the ports of Marseilles, Sète, Alicante and Almería.
Taxis and buses can be used to get around. Once in the city centre, it is an easy and pleasant walk with plenty of stunning architecture
Royal Hotel Oran is beautiful and Le Meridien Oran Hotel's monolithic structure dominates the skyline and offers some great views. Hotel le Raja is suited to a modest budget.
Restaurant les Gazelles has a view to die for and excellent seafood. La Calypso has delicious pizza, while It Side is an affordable Turkish restaurant.
Cathédrale de St Louis. From afar, the building, which sits atop a hill, looks impressive but is actually closed up and derelict. Visit Bey's Palace and Pasha's Mosque. For a little history, try the Musée National Ahmed Zabana
Oran is a great place for shopping, offering everything from mall trawling, specialist boutiques, markets and bazaars. Les Arcades is a shopping zone housing food, clothing and souvenir stores, while Mdin Jdidait is a large market where the locals do their shopping. Corniche, or Front de Mer, inspired by Nice's seafront, is a perfect place for an amble.
The Murdjajo hill is quite a climb but is worth it for the views overlooking the city. As if that wasn't enough, your real reward for the climb is the beautiful Santa Cruz church, built by the Spanish in the 16th century and, above it, the Santa Cruz Fortress, built by the Marquis de Santa Cruz in 1563.
Established by Moors in the year 903 and since has changed hands many times. It has been variously owned by the Spanish, the Turks, the French and the Vichy Government during World War II.
Algerian Arabic and Berber are the native languages with Kabyle being the most spoken Berber language in the country.
Though mostly peaceful, demonstrations taking place, there is an increasing threat of terrorism, but it is generally safe in Algiers and other main cities like Oran.
10 Things About… Moroni, Comoros
According to pre-Islamic legend, the Comoros archipelago was formed when a Genie dropped a jewel in the ocean, which became the Karthala volcano that in turn formed the islands of the Comoros.
Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport and yachts can be chartered from various points on mainland Africa. Be aware that all visitors need a visa to enter the Comoros Islands.
You can drive on your own if you have an international drivers license, otherwise you can hire a taxi, use a bicycle or walk. Try to avoid travelling at night as potholes and animals are a hazard.
Retaj Moroni Hotel, Cristal Itsandra Beach Hotel or for a less pricey option, Jardin de la Paix.
Moroni is a varied and flavoursome affair. Seafood is an obvious staple on local menus; the well-known Restaurant des Arcades, for instance, does a great lobster. Chez Babou Restaurant is great for Indian food while Café de la Paix makes a delicious calamari and octopus!
The nightlife is Moroni is almost non-existent. Medina is made up of narrow and maze-like alleyways. Ancienne Mosquée du Vendredi is a beautiful and popular tourist spot. Itsandra Beach is roughly 3km from the town centre and offers white pristine sands and deep blue ocean.
The Comoros region is the world's largest producer of ylang-ylang and is a big producer of vanilla. Local spices are therefore a great buy. The Volo Volo Market is an excellent place to buy handcrafted jewellery, scarves and woodcrafts
Mount Karthala wasteland is a haven for bird lovers, as well as hikers and mountain bikers. The views from the top are spectacular. Mitsamiouli and Moludja Beach has plenty of snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities.
Muslim, Swahili and Arab influences dominated until European colonization took hold.
French and Arabic are the official languages of Comoros, while Comorian or Shikomor are also spoken by locals
The Comoros is a predominantly Muslim region so it is important to dress modestly and show the requisite respect at religious sites.
10 Things about… Nacala
One of my favourite places to be,Nacala is a beautiful small town serving the deepest natural port on the east coast of Africa.
The only airline currently making scheduled flights to Nacala is Mozambique Airlines (LAM) plus car hire services.
Roads in the town are not all up to scratch so do take care, especially during periods of rain. Hiring a car is probably your best option as public transport options are limited.
Nacala Plaza Business Design Hotel, Afrin Nacala Hotel or Casa de Hospedes Muzuane are great options to try out!
For the best pizza in Nacala, you can't go wrong with Libelula Restaurant. O Barqueiro Beach Bar Restaurant is situated right on the beach and good food, good drinks and amazing sunsets. There is no better place to relax than The Thirsty Whale, attached to Kwalala Lodge
Baía Azul Restaurante & Barpub hosts great outdoor street parties. Cathedral of Nacala and Mesquita Central de Nacala should definitely be on your list. Moz Adventures Nacala offers everything from whale watching, scuba diving and fishing to kayaking, snorkelling and wake boarding.
Fresh produce and fruit can be procured from local markets while Estúdio Criativo Nacala is a good place to look for locally-made crafts and souvenirs.
Neighbouring city Pemba is renowned for its Portuguese colonial architecture as well as its water sports and diving opportunities. A coral reef lies close to shore.
Pemba was a major trading base for Arab traders since the eighth century. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is connected to the mainland by a concrete bridge. The people of Nacala are of Chewa, Nyanja, Tumbulo, Yao, Sena, Tonga, Asian, European and Ngonde descent.
The prevailing religions are Christianity and Islam and the official languages are Chichewa and English
Mozambique is a relatively low-risk country to travel in. The risk for Malaria is high all year round so precautions are essential. It also gets blisteringly hot, so make sure you have plenty of sun protection and water.
10 Things About… Banjul, The Gambia
A bright, vibrant jewel on the West African coast, this country is a geographic curiosity. It is Africa's smallest nation. Banjul is situated on St Mary's island at the mouth of the Gambia River.
Banjul International Airport or the Ferry service.
Car hire at the airport, taxis, bicycles and quad bikes.
Try out these options.. Laico Atlantic, Ngala Lodge or the Carlton hotel which is a cheaper alternative.
Ngala restaurant has a great view of the Atlantic. Karsten's Smiling Coast restaurant is certainly worth trying. The Clay Oven in Bakau is described as the best Indian restaurant.
Wander the streets of Banjul to see examples of Arabian influence. War Memorial, Arch on Independence Drive and of course the International Roots Festival.
If you have a soft spot for shopping, Albert Market on Liberation Avenue is the place to be.
African Heritage Center, King Fahad Mosque and Oyster Creek are great places to see.
Formerly named Bathurst, its history includes being chosen as a NASA space shuttle emergency landing area. The Banjul International Airport was originally a World War 2 allied airfield.
English is the official language in schools and public offices but Wolof is widely spoken. Due to its proximity to Senegal you will find people are fluent in French too.
The Banjul Challenge is a banger rally that runs from England, Spain, Morocco and through the Sahara to Banjul. It follows a similar route to the more famous banger event "Dakar Rally"
Will the Zimbabwe Attacks Deter the Country's Tourism Potential?
Miriro Matema
After last week's military attacks in Zimbabwe's capital, a question mark looms over the continued growth of the country's dynamic tourism industry. Tourists have been here before over the last two decades, but what does this mean for the citizens, the economy and the potential the former bread basket of Africa has in tourism
The three day attack on citizens came as a result of a protest to the announcement of a fuel increase. This saw police and soldiers open fire on fleeing citizens, flogging and the arrest of predominantly male citizens. A recorded 12 were confirmed dead, while over 200 were seriously wounded.
In a statement, Mthuli Ncube, Finance Minister, reiterated that "the economic reform agenda is a very serious one, but also we are determined to see it through," he said in an interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
"This (unrest) is part of the pain in terms of the reform roadmap," he said.
"The truth is we've had 20 years of economic decay and morass, and we're determined that we fix this and move Zimbabwe to the next level."
That is reassuring for tourists already on the ground, but a question mark hangs over the fallout of this latest attack and what the future holds for citizen unrest.
That atrocity was the catalyst for a dramatic plunge in the fortunes of Zimbabwe's tourism industry. Foreign governments warned citizens against travel to the country, major tour operators cancelled packages, and hotels — particularly in Victoria Falls – were left empty.
The reality is, an increase in fuel will have a significant impact on Zimbabwe's tourism sector. From the cost of flights and accommodation to the tours available as some business owners may not have the capacity to keep their operations running.
While time will tell whether the tourism industry will pick up in the next few months, it is with hope that the strategic plan is a fortified one to revitalize destination marketing efforts.


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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Our collection of hotels for families in Sardinia is an excellent choice for a holiday. Hotels that respond to the needs of families, combining opportunities for relaxation and serenity with unforgettable, fun experiences for children and parents alike. Many services are tailormade for the whole family, from mini clubs to a wide range of entertainment, from babysitting options to special swimming pools for the youngest guests. Buggies are often available, as are high chairs and bottle facilities at certain restaurants. Parents can also enjoy sunbathing, relaxation, strolling on the beach or being pampered in the wellness centres and spa. Browse now our catalogue of family-friendly hotels to find family deals and child free places 2017!


how can I find a way to?
Unable to resolve my love of shoes (which are almost all leather) and my repulsion of the destruction caused by the leather industry, I had to think pretty hard. It just occurred to me that when I buy leather shoes from GoodWill I just paid a company to keep them out of the landfill (not to mention all the other great things that company does which I like to support). When I buy leather shoes from a new-stuff store, I pay the company that will order the replacement (indirectly, asking someone to go kill another cow please and pour the dyes and other toxic water chemical treatments into our water supply; and god knows all the effects on all the people involved). I don't like the idea of paying someone to live a life of killing animals; or to help create a world of living among the carcasses (ie., you can see youtubes of discarded skins piled along side the Ganges). Still I am very attached to what I am used to. Although I haven't eaten cow since the 1980's, etc. I have a very long way to go.
I just bought a 1968 Raleigh, made in England. It is, IMO, a thing of beauty. Built from a strong heritage of dependance on the bike as the main mode of transportation, the way it rides is like a sculpted extension of the body. The bike store successfully kept these out of the landfill. The salesperson mentioned, it isn't another mass produced item just shipped across the world, it has been giving rides for decades now. No mistaking, I am a big fan of genius green manufacturing processes when they happens; reinventing that wheel can be one of the greatest ways to help the environment.
I looked at the long lines of new bikes also in the store; so many emblazoned with large, loud, brave fonts and there was my black, elegant, simple, creaky beauty. Too bad I did have to listen to the salesperson who had taken the time to listen to me; I didn't know before I arrived how much pleasure this old thing would bring me.
How many discoveries are out there waiting for us to take the time to listen, think and see? So many thanks to Thich Nhat Hanh for saying, all the conditions for happiness are right here in this precious moment. We can for example, think of the eyes. We can see how lucky we are to have eyes that work. And like an xray we can use the ray of mindfulness to go through the entire body that way.
In what experiences do you have patience? What steals it away? When wanting mind becomes so strong it can mean we miss seeing that on the way to getting what we want we got lots of what we didn't want. We can create all these unnecessary and unwanted experiences in the veracious grasping and clinging to getting something we want. If we just want it a little, we can see, oh there is all this about the way in which we are getting there…that is the patience, noticing all the stuff about the way we get there and caring for that too.
I think during in-patience we stop seeing the moment we're helping create on the way. I think it happens when we are wanting something so badly that it makes us blind.
That blindness is a pretty uncomfortable because of the tension that you could fall into a pot hole at any moment. When we are just plainly seeing what is, there is security in that and that feels very good. Even if what we are seeing isn't pleasing, we know it's temporary. Seeing what is, also means seeing it is all temporary. How can we cling so hard to what is fleeting? There is the notion that there is nothing to hold on to.
If we can get familiar with all the moments we have of wishlessness or patience, it to helps us recreate them. I think patience happens when we have this deep sense of no where to be, no where to go. Like in that moment we don't have to be a movie star. We can still work hard for that just not that we HAVE to be that or ELSE.
This one is taking some thinking for me. I am thinking are we all like a part of an ocean, the waves are showing up and changing constantly and everything being a part of everything (literally we are all a swarm of molecules and energy) there is no one separate self.
I think it's important to add you are doing that with a lot of compassion and non-judging.
There is a concept in Buddhism that your consciousness can be released after the body dies and not return to a new body, instead stay out of the cycle of samsara and move into a great and beautiful other realm.
I created this play list via Youtube of my favorite of his talks. At about 33 minutes of the one titled Awakening the Heart, he describes how the tops of the trees blowing in a huge storm (look like the tree will fall) are like the mind in a strong emotion (like anger or fear); the base of the tree (look like the tree will stand strong deeply rooted) are like the abdominal area where you have deep breath. When in the middle of a strong emotion if you can bring awareness to your deep breath it transforms your experience. The emotion doesn't last no matter what you do, if you do a mindfulness practice in that moment or not. He relates the concern about youth suicide and people losing themselves to an overwhleming emotion. Learning and practicing coming back to breath can save people from so much needless pain (the 2nd arrow). It is a great talk. The other two are shorter and also great. Please enjoy them. We are so lucky to have the chance to listen to talks on Youtube.
Brooks has been meditating for many years. His books have mindfulness all through them. He inspires you to see what your feeling tone is and what your stories are about your stuff – this clear seeing and compassionate approach takes you from where you are and creates empty new fresh spaces for the actual you to be in. He inspired so many old me's and old stories about me to walk out the door (with the stuff going to goodwill). The stuff was holding the old stories that I had to realize just weren't me anymore. Immediately the actual me had more room to be. His books are truly amazing. We are so lucky he picked this to do. I am so grateful for his approach and his work. Also enjoy his blog.
Nearing my 400th yoga class now, I have fallen in love with this song often played by various teachers at the studio. Translation: May all beings (Loka) everywhere (Samasta) be happy (Sukhino) and free (Bhavantu) .
Here it is as sung by Girish.


Jessica picked Dirty Little Secret by The All-American Rejects, while Rosie went for Colours by Genevieve. Both Margaret and Sophie picked songs from Beyoncé's Lemonade, which can be streamed on Tidal.
Rosie has been knitting like a fury! She's made one, not very useful sock, a hat with ears, and a Mystery Knit-Along elf!
Sophie is teasing us all with her raspberry macaroon tart and chocolate idiot cake!
Obviously you will now want to hear more from Margaret and Sophie every week – you're only human! Hop to it and subscribe to their newsletter, Two Bossy Dames!
Best podcast name or best podcast name? Best podcast name.
Our Dames recommend ColourPop cosmetics and Glossier's Balm Dotcom.
And now, some embedded videos!


News has hit this morning about the fact that Khloe Kardashian is pregnant.
Uncharacteristically, she's yet to confirm or deny the rumours on any of her social media outlets. The question remains still, if she IS pregnant, who is the father?
Scott Disick is happy to speak out, posting a photo that is clearly taking the mickey out the situation; Khloe on the front of a US magazine announcing her pregnancy, with five potential fathers pictured below - Scott is one of them.
His comment is simply 'fingers crossed'… take that as you will.


VPIRG is working to hold corporate owners accountable for the clean-up of the contaminated site and for the safe closure of Vermont Yankee.
After years of hard work, Vermont Yankee is set to close at the end of 2014. VPIRG pushed the Public Service Board for the state of Vermont to have a greater voice in the decommissioning process. Entergy has announced that cleaning up Vermont Yankee could cost $1.24 billion, and now estimates that the plant will sit idle for two decades before the process begins.
The good news is that the troubled plant will not be producing more radioactive waste in the mean time, and the highly dangerous fuel rods will be removed from the storage pool and put into safer dry cask storage. There remain a number of areas in which the State, through the Public Service Board, will have an opportunity to shape the decommissioning process, and VPIRG will work to watch-dog the next phase of Vermont Yankee's life.