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Okinawa and Tacita set up joint venture for production of futuristic electric two-wheelers and power train – Manufacturing Today India

Posted: May 23, 2022 at 11:44 am

Okinawa Autotech and Italian manufacturer Tacita entered into a joint venture to form a new company that will be based in India and will commence production in 2023. The main purpose of the new Joint Venture is to pursue, for both companies, the goal of lowering the use of fossil fuels as well as establishing themselves in the future as a top player in the world of electric two-wheelers.

The joint venture between Okinawa, a leading electric two-wheeler manufacturer from India with Tacita, the Italian manufacturer of electric and performance motorcycles will consist of two product lines, scooters and motorcycles. Both lines are meant for the domestic and international markets. The year 2023 range will include a scooter and a high-end performance motorcycle. The entire range will be equipped with the best connectivity systems on the market having Okinawa technology. Tacita will provide the powertrain controller, motor, battery packs and BMS, the result of over 10 years of research and development and testing in extreme conditions which makes them excel in making state-of-the-art high-performance products.

The next steps of the new-born company will be during 2022 going up to the first half of 2023 for the design, development, patenting and finally the tests on the road. The design will be developed in Italy at the TACITA headquarters with Okinawa professional technicians and Italian team for the development of the powertrain, battery packs and BMS.

Road tests will be carried out both in India and Italy in all weather conditions; to the frost of the Winter Alps to the humidity of the Indian monsoons. Part of the tests should include an inaugural voyage from Okinawa headquarters in India to the Tacita headquarters in Italy. The goal for both companies is and has always been to offer extremely reliable, pleasant and usable products for maximum customer satisfaction.

Tacita has offerings for recreational, competitive off-roads, and electric superbikes with a holistic no-emission engine. Tacita designs and manufactures its own Power Train, controller, motor, and battery pack with BMS, leading to the consequent manufacture of true machine or real off-road. Leveraging Tacitas capabilities, the bikes would go into production early next year at the second facility of Okinawa in Rajasthan.

Carbon emissions are leading to global warming at an alarming pace. India emitted 2.88 Gt CO2 in 2021. As per the data by the Centre for Science and Environment, the level is pegged to touch 4.48 Gt by 2030 and India plans to cut it by 1 Gt for the same period. This indicates a pressing need for transitioning to renewable energy. Electric mobility can aid in taking a step towards reducing carbon footprint to create a clean and green economy.

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Best AV Receivers in 2022 – Futurism

Posted: at 11:43 am

Three components are required to create a home theater system: a TV (or projector), speakers, and an AV (audio / video) receiver. An AV receiver is the piece that connects the source of your audio a record player, for instance to your speakers. This piece of equipment can also carry a video signal from a game console, Blu-ray player, or PC to your television.

What makes AV receivers special is they can handle both tasks at the same time. If youre playing a video game, the AV receiver can route audio to the speakers and video to your television without any lag. AV receivers may not get as much attention as a big-screen 4K TV or floor-standing speakers, but its just as important, so dont skimp out when you get one. If youre setting up your first home theater system, or upgrading the one you already have, having the best AV receiver is a good place to start.

Best Overall: Marantz NR1711 Best Budget: Sony STRDH190 Best for Gaming: Pioneer Elite VSX-LX105 Best for Streaming: Denon PMA-600NE

Our AV receiver recommendations are based on a mix of research and hands-on testing. Below are the factors we considered most highly when deciding which AV Receivers to include in this buyers guide.

Inputs: The amount of inputs an AV receiver has will determine how many components can be hooked up to it at the same time. Modern AV receivers are typically equipped with several HDMI ports, RCA (red, yellow, and white) ports, and ports that allow you to add a subwoofer to your system. You probably wont upgrade your AV receiver very often, so its very important to choose one that has enough inputs to handle all of your gear.

Phono Amp: Some AV receivers have a built-in phono preamp, which means they can amplify the sound of a turntable to a listenable level. Many newly made record players have a built-in phono preamp, but many older ones dont. High-end turntables are specifically designed without a preamp because the companies are totally focused on making sure the table itself is as good as possible. The bottom line is that if you care about listening to records, you should get an AV receiver with a phono amp.

Wireless Connectivity: An AV receivers inputs are important, but we also like models that allow you to stream media to them wirelessly over Bluetooth or WiFi. Lets face it, its convenient to stream music from your phone to your speakers, so you should think about getting an AV receiver that supports this feature.

Stereo or 5.1: The world of AV receivers can be broken down into two categories: Stereo and 5.1.

Stereo AV receivers can be connected to two speakers and a subwoofer in many cases and are a good option if you dont have a lot of space for speakers in your home theater. Stereo AV receivers are also a good choice if youre primarily going to listen to music, which is generally mixed in stereo only.

A 5.1 AV receiver can be connected to five speakers, plus a subwoofer, which allows you to listen to music, watch movies, and play games in surround sound. The media youre enjoying needs to have a surround-sound audio mix in order for you to take full advantage of all five speakers, and youll need enough space for all that hardware, but we think its worth the investment for serious movie lovers and gamers. The level of audio immersion you experience from a 5.1 surround-system is truly incredible, and getting the right AV receiver is key.

Maximum Video Resolution: An AV receiver can pass a video signal between your source component and TV, but make sure to get one that supports resolutions up to 4K for the best experience. If you get an AV receiver that only supports full HD video, you wont be able to watch 4K movies or play games in 4K on your 4K TV. The AV receiver will require you to lower your source components video output resolution, which in turn will make whatever youre trying to enjoy look blurrier than it should on your TV.

Size: AV receivers can get very large, which is cumbersome if youre trying to set up a home theater system in a smaller space. Weve done our best to find AV receivers of different sizes to help you find the one that best fits your area.

Why It Made The Cut: In terms of performance, features, and industrial design, Marantzs NR1711 has no peers.

Specs: Type: 5.1 Phono Preamp: Yes Wireless Connectivity: Yes

Pros:

Compact size Support for 8K video passthrough and Dolby Atmos Smarthome support

Cons: Expensive Cumbersome menu navigation

If not for its fairly steep (though totally justified) price, Marantzs NR1711 is the only AV receiver wed recommend.

Marantz clearly took the time to study the most significant complaints people have with AV receivers, and addressed them. That starts with size: The NR1711 is an extremely compact piece of tech. In fact, its the only model in this guide that would fit comfortably in the media console we typically use for testing. Other receivers would have to sit on the side of our system, but the NR1711 slid right onto the shelf.

Surprisingly, Marantz didnt have to cut any important features to achieve the NR1711s smaller footprint. Its outfitted with five HDMI ports, six sets of RCA ports, three sets of component inputs, a phono preamp, an Ethernet jack, and an antenna port to catch radio waves. We tested multiple inputs during our time with the NR1711, and it never let us down. Audio sounded clear through the HDMI and phono inputs, and 4K video was delivered to our TV without a hitch.

Our only complaint is that youll likely need to jump through menus on your TV and this receiver if you want to play 4K games with HDR (high dynamic range) enabled. In our case, this capability required turning the HDMI ports on our TV to their enhanced mode, and scrolling through the NR1711s barebones-but-usable user interface to make sure 4K/8K video passthrough was enabled. This is annoying, but if you have the correct cables and a little patience, it wont take very long.

We tested the NR1711 by listening to audio in stereo (two speakers), 5.1 surround-sound (six speakers), and Dolby Atmos (eight speakers), and never had any issues. The receiver immediately noticed what audio was being sent from the source, and played it without any futzing around. The AV receivers front display would broadcast what type of audio was playing, so it was easy to see if we were accidentally playing the stereo version of a song that was available in the Dolby Atmos format. In every case, music, movies, and video game soundtracks sounded incredible. This is due, in part, to the Q-Acoustics speakers we were using, but the NR1711 did a lot of the heavy lifting. Again, our only frustration was having to navigate through the settings menu before playing games.

This AV receiver supports both Bluetooth and AirPlay 2, a WiFi media streaming technology that allows you to directly connect Apple products the iPhone, iPad, or Mac to your TV, speaker, or other device. In our experience, both technologies are implemented well here. We had no trouble finding, selecting, and streaming both audio and video to the NR1711 from an iPhone and iPad. Wireless streaming will always be a nice-to-have feature, especially if this AV receiver is located in your living room, where you may want to relax with some music after a long day, or entertain friends. On that note: If you like vinyl, youll be happy to hear the NR1711 has a phono preamp built in, so you can connect your turntable directly with no additional components necessary.

We like that Marantz took the time to design the NR1711 with support for 8K video passthrough and Dolby Atmos, two cutting-edge technologies you can read a little more about later in this guide. Neither of these audio and video standards are mainstream right now, but they will be over time, and its a smart idea to invest in an AV receiver that supports both to avoid the hassle of upgrading.

We couldnt find any significant faults with the NR1711 in the several months weve had to extensively test it, but this level of performance does come at a fairly steep cost. Its price tag is totally justified based on what the NR1711 has to offer this may end up being the only AV receiver you have to buy, frankly but something to keep in mind. If price isnt your top priority run, dont walk, to pick one up.

Why It Made The Cut: The Sony STRDH190 offers more than youd expect from a budget-priced AV receiver, and comes with both speaker cables and banana plugs.

Specs: Type: Stereo Phono Amp: Yes Wireless Connectivity: Yes

Pros: Bluetooth support Built-in phono preamp Comes bundled with accessories

Cons: No HDMI ports No video passthrough

If all you want to do with your AV receiver is listen to music, which was the original idea for this type of device, look no further than the Sony STRDH190. This receiver has a phono input, four sets of RCA inputs, and an antenna port. It cant pass video from your source components to your TV, but thats not what this AV receiver was designed to do.

The STRDH190s inputs are complemented by a phono input, so you can easily use it with a record player, and support for Bluetooth, so you can stream music to it wirelessly from any device. These arent features youll find in many budget-priced AV receivers, so it was nice to see them here. Another nicety is that Sony includes both speaker cable and banana plug (a type of connector that makes it easy to connect speakers to the AV receiver).

This AV receiver can only play music in stereo, which is the dominant way music is mixed, or mono if youre listening to music from the 1960s and 1970s. If you like listening to surround-sound mixes of select albums, youll have to look elsewhere. Yes, the STRDH190 is a little barebones, but we felt it was important to recommend an AV receiver thats budget priced and specifically designed to meet the needs of music lovers. This AV receiver absolutely deserves a place in your living room or music listening room of choice.

Why It Made The Cut: If you want to play the highest-fidelity games in surround sound, the Pioneer Elite VSX-LX105 should be a core component of your setup.

Specs: Type: 5.1 Phono Amp: Yes Wireless Connectivity: Yes

Pros: A wide range of inputs Up to 8K video passthrough Support for Dolby Atmos

Cons: Large size Expense

If not for its big size, Pioneers Elite VSX-LX105 would have been a big contender for our best overall pick in our guide.

Its packed to the gills with inputs: six HDMI ports, four sets of RCA inputs, a phono preamp, one optical audio input, and an Ethernet jack. The HDMI ports can pass through both 4K and 8K inputs, so the latest PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X games should look phenomenal on your TV, with no loss in quality from the system to your set.

The Elite VSX-LX105s video capabilities are complemented by support for every form of surround sound, including Dolby Atmos for the best-possible experience. We like that Pioneer clearly labeled which speaker inputs to use for each speaker (right, left, surround, height, etc.) so you know youll be setting it up properly. If you like wireless audio and video streaming, the Pioneer Elite VSX-LX105 should be the first AV receiver you should consider. It supports Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, and has a built-in Chromecast, which allows you to easily stream audio and video directly from an Android device.

This is the only AV receiver were recommending that has support for a smart assistant in this case the Google Assistant built right into the device. This allows you to stream audio and video from any major service totally hands free. You can also use the Google Assistant to change the AV receivers current input, or adjust settings like volume without having to reach for the remote. Little convenience features like this help the Elite VSX-LX105 stand out, and you may find yourself relying on them more often than youd think.

The Elite VSX-LX105 doesnt have any significant downsides, but its fairly large size may be an issue in smaller spaces. Thats understandable, considering how much technology Pioneer fit inside this receiver, but it may cause an issue depending on the size of your media console. This stereo receiver is also fairly expensive, but again, youre getting quite a lot for your money, so its a fair deal.

If you want a smart AV receiver thats built to handle the latest games, Pioneers Elite VSX-LX105 is a rock solid choice.

Why It Made The Cut: Onkyos TX-8270 mix of wired and wireless connectivity options make it a great option for anyone who wants to stream their media and doesnt mind listening in stereo.

Specs: Type: Stereo Phono Amp: Yes Wireless Connectivity: Yes

Pros: Support for every wireless audio streaming technology 4K video passthrough Built-in Chromecast

Cons: Stereo only, which may be bothersome to gamers

Onkyos TX-8270 supports the same set of wireless streaming technologies as our other premium AV receiver recommendations, but at a far lower price.

While were recommending the Onkyo TX-8270 for its wireless streaming abilities, its still got a bunch of physical inputs. This AV receiver has four HDMI inputs, a phone input, three AV inputs, one Ethernet jack and two optical audio inputs. This means you can easily hook up all of your main audio and video components to the Onkyo TX-8270 and likely have one or two left over.

Now its onto the main event: wireless media streaming. The Onkyo TX-8270 supports Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, and has a built-in Chromecast. It doesnt matter what device you have, or which streaming service you prefer using, the Onkyo TX-8270 will be able to work with it. Because this AV receiver can pass through audio and video in 4K, you shouldnt lose any quality when streaming media from your devices.

The main difference between the Onkyo TX-8270 and, say, the Marantz NR1711 is that this is a stereo-only AV receiver. If youre short on space, or dont care about surround sound at all, this wont be an issue. If you like to play games, however, you may miss the lack of 5.1 or Dolby Atmos support. You should also consider the fact that the Onkyo TX-8270 doesnt support 8K video passthrough. Again, this limitation doesnt matter right now, but could be an issue down the line. If you dont mind the fact that the Onkyo TX-8270 isnt totally future proof, that shouldnt be an issue.

If youre in the market for a stereo AV receiver thats designed for the wireless world, and compact enough to fit into most media consoles, the Onkyo TX-8270 is an outstanding choice.

Here are the features youll want to weight when making your decision:

8K Video Passthrough: Were just getting to the point where its easy to find true 4K videos on streaming services and discs, but 8K TVs have already started appearing on the market. If you want to live on the bleeding edge, consider getting an AV receiver that can pass through 8K video without any reduction in video quality. This wont be necessary today, but could help extend the life of your AV receiver.

Dolby Atmos: This audio technology can be considered the next generation of surround sound. Instead of mixing audio to come through a specific speaker, engineers can program sound in a 3D space. A Dolby Atmos audio setup requires you to invest in speakers that point upward (or downward if theyre installed in a ceiling), so sound can hit your ears from in front of you, behind you, and above you.

When done well, a Dolby Atmos audio mix can sound far more realistic than a 5.1 audio mix. If this sounds interesting to you, or you plan on building a Dolby Atmos setup speaker by speaker, you need to get an AV receiver that supports this feature.

Yes. You can select whichever speakers you want when deciding how to build your home audio system, and connect them to any AV receiver you get. If you upgrade your receiver, youll be able to keep the speakers, and vice versa.

If youre replacing an old AV receiver, we recommend reading our guide on how to responsibly dispose of e-waste.

Yes. To successfully play 4K video through an AV receiver, youll need to get HDMI 2.1 cables. Frustratingly, these cables are physically identical to the older ones you may currently be using. Weve had luck using these HDMI 2.1 cables during our AV receiver testing, and recommend replacing your old cords to ensure you have the best experience.

AV receivers are an overlooked electronic device to most people, but they fill so many important functions if youre setting up a home theater. The ability to connect all of your source components to a single device, and control your whole setup with one remote, is very gratifying once you take the time to hook everything up. Were also happy to recommend AV receivers because they dont need to be upgraded very often or, frankly, at all for most people which is something of a rarity in the world of electronics.

Well be honest, itll probably take you a full afternoon to fully configure your AV receiver, especially if you just got an entirely new set of speakers, but the extra effort will be totally worthwhile. If youre setting up a home theater, youre probably prepared to spend a pretty penny on a nice TV and great-sounding speakers, but dont skimp on the AV receiver. One weak link in your setup will bring down the quality of the entire entertainment system.

This post was created by a non-news editorial team at Recurrent Media, Futurisms owner. Futurism may receive a portion of sales on products linked within this post.

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Apple Car Might Look Like A Futuristic Spaceship And It Will Be Powered By Virtual Reality – Optic Flux

Posted: at 11:43 am

Starting last year, there have been a few reports about an Apple automobile. Even while we actually know that the company is working on an electric automobile, we havent heard of any specific characteristics it will have.

The reported EV, based on the most recent claim, will have virtual reality technology. But theres a caveat: pertaining to the newest Apple patent, it wont sport any window panels.

Virtual reality should be included in the Apple Car, a product of the computer giant. While the study states that the self-driving vehicle would continue to employ virtual reality tech, it appears that it will not encourage the usage of windows.

Many individuals, especially those whove been monitoring each Apple Car story in the news, were taken aback by this rumor. Certainly, its odd to think that the future generation of automobiles might delete the elements that we see now.

A dismal automobile from the tomorrow is what it seems to be. Despite its futuristic appearance, some individuals find it unnerving since they cant see the external world when using it.

The EVs VR based environment would be significantly enhanced by the use of a Virtual reality headset, according to the document. Video conversations while on the go are likely to benefit from the usage of this particular gadget.

In addition, this headgear device may be used by passengers to enjoy games or music streams on the go.

Worth noting that the patent argues that the VR headset might be an efficient tool for combating travel sickness caused by the windowless layout, which should be taken into consideration.

Seeing what Apple has planned for this vehicle is exciting. We still dont know whether Apple plans to produce this alleged electric car, despite the fact that the giant has filed a patent for it.

Not all patents are certain to become legitimate products in the long term, even if theyve been granted. The corporation may only use it as a starting point for new innovations or developments.

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Type 2 diabetes and genetics: What is the link? – Medical News Today

Posted: May 21, 2022 at 7:00 pm

Recently published research in Nature Genetics featured the most diverse genetic study on type 2 diabetes.

While scientists are aware of certain factors that may increase a persons risk of developing type 2 diabetes, one major question is what role genetics plays.

Researchers from the US and England collaborated to analyze the DNA profiles of thousands of people of varying ancestries. In doing so, they not only identified new genes that contribute to type 2 diabetes, but they also became a step closer to developing a genetic risk score for the disease.

Type 2 diabetes occurs when a persons body does not make enough or use insulin effectively, making it difficult for the body to regulate blood sugar levels. It can be life threatening if someones blood sugar levels get too high or low.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that around 37 million Americans have diabetes, and around 90-95% of these people have type 2 diabetes.

According to the American Diabetes Association, a person with type 2 diabetes may experience some of the following symptoms:

If a person suspects they have type 2 diabetes, they can consult with their physician, who can order a blood test to check for the disease.

There is not a cure for type 2 diabetes, but people with the disease can manage their blood sugar levels by taking medications and avoiding foods that spike blood sugar levels.

While there is a lot of research on type 2 diabetes, much of it has primarily targeted people of European ancestry.

Risk scores derived from one ancestry often do not transfer well to others, explained Professor Nathan Tucker in an interview with Medical News Today. Inclusion of diverse ancestries helps us understand the mechanisms of the risk, improving the probability of successful therapeutic development.

Prof. Tucker is an assistant professor and genetics core manager at Masonic Medical Research Institute in Utica, NY.

The authors also noted that genetic risk scores provide unreliable prediction when deployed in other population groups.

The researchers accessed data from other studies to create the Diabetes Meta-Analysis of Trans-Ethnic association studies (DIAMANTE) Consortium. They analyzed the genetic makeup of 180,834 individuals with type 2 diabetes and compared it to 1,159,055 people without diabetes.

The scientists placed people in 1 of 5 groups: European ancestry (51.1%); East Asian ancestry (28.4%); South Asian ancestry (8.3%); African ancestry (6.6%); and Hispanic ancestry (5.6%).

By comparing the DNA of the people with type 2 diabetes to those without, the researchers were able to identify more than 200 loci that were genetically significant in terms of developing the disease.

According to the National Human Genome Research Institute, a locus (or loci in the plural form) is a physical site or location within a genome (such as a gene or another DNA segment of interest.).

This study identifies 237 genomic regions that are associated with altered risk of type 2 diabetes, with nearly 100 evidence-based targets that are prioritized for the next stages of therapeutic development, Prof. Tucker explained.

The researchers also identified genes that may contribute to developing type 2 diabetes.

We have now identified 117 genes that are likely to cause type 2 diabetes, 40 of which have not been reported before. That is why we feel this constitutes a major step forward in understanding the biology of this disease, says Professor Anubha Mahajan.

Dr. Mahajan is a human genetics researcher and professor at the University of Oxford in England.

The sheer magnitude and diversity of this study create enormous potential for being able to one day identify a persons genetic risk for type 2 diabetes.

Inclusion of diverse ancestries helps us understand the mechanisms of the risk, improving the probability of successful therapeutic development, Prof. Tucker commented.

Dr. Brian Fertig, the Founder and President of the Diabetes and Osteoporosis Center in Piscataway, NJ, also spoke with MNT regarding the study.

The findings of this study are not surprising because diagnostic and therapeutic stratifications are too often overly simplified as one size fits all, Dr. Fertig said.

Dr. Fertig also thought the study emphasized the importance of diversity and inclusion in research.

This data underscores the need for a precision, personalized and dynamic scale of medicine, as its rare to see two diabetics with the same clinical and biochemical profile, Dr. Fertig commented. Every individual is unique and as such should have individualized treatment plans.

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Identification of candidate genes associated with bacterial and viral infections in wild boars hunted in Tuscany (Italy) | Scientific Reports -…

Posted: at 7:00 pm

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Can a Hangover Improve Your Mental Health? These People Think So – VICE UK

Posted: at 7:00 pm

You may have heard of the concept of a good hangover. In 2019, for instance, VICE writer Tom Usher tweeted that hangovers are actually quite nice if you're in the right environment. This caused outrage among some and agreement among others, but, as it turns out, the relief of a hangover can sometimes go deeper than being really in bed watching Takeshi's Castle with a Solero or tucking into a tub of Chinese takeaway at 11AM.

Enter: r/hangovereffect, a subreddit which showed up in 2018. The about section reads: A community that feels relief from hangovers and are looking for answers as to why. Most of us are diagnosed with ADHD and exhibit depression, anxiety and fatigue but feel complete remission from all symptoms when hungover from alcohol. If you feel the same way, join us and let's find a cure.

As of today, the subreddit has around 7,700 members who claim that hangovers have been beneficial for their mental health. The posts range from the inspiring to the academic, with people sharing anecdotes and theories about what they call the hangover effect. Often, users are very specific, with posts relating to the pharmacological attributes of alcohol and its effects on the brain. Others are more revelatory. Anyone else noticed not only feeling great but also looking great? wrote one user recently.

One such member is Dylan, 32, from Asheville in North Carolina. Dylan started getting an inkling that he had a peculiar reaction to alcohol in his early twenties. My friends would wake up feeling sick, but Id just feel two steps down from satori [a Japanese Buddhist term for awakening]. Everything was alright it eased my depression, my anxiety, he says.

Alex, 30, lives in New York City. He says he has depression, anxiety and undiagnosed ADHD. His experiences sound similar to Dylans, with a heavy night of drinking making way for a newfound sense of self. I was calm, empathetic, emotional, not anxious, he says.

For Anna, 38, from Toronto, hangovers would make her much happier and more content. The next day my depression would go away. I would feel like a completely different person, she says. For someone who had been on various antidepressants for years, to little effect, being hungover felt like a total relief.

All three are wary of using this particular hack day-to-day and none are frequent drinkers. Drinking every single day would come with its own set of problems, says Alex.

Anna used to drink regularly while working at bars, before stopping completely. It became a bit of a habit for combating anxiety, she says. These days, she drinks socially maybe once a week.

Across the subreddit more generally, there are stories of tactically inducing a hangover without being totally destroyed. One member claims that drinking 200ml of vodka (four double measures) just before bed allows them to feel hungover, but also clear in the head the next day. Alex says that while he doesnt really drink alcohol at home, if I had something important on tomorrow, occasionally Id prompt a social engagement to happen tonight.

Many members also try out different supplements and various experiments in the hope they might find ways to replicate the hangover effect without getting wasted. It's not clear what will work yet, it seems like everyone's got different theories, says Anna, who only discovered the subreddit last week. Shes decided to start experimenting with creatine and glycine two supplements often used by bodybuilders. Some users have claimed these supplements help lift brain fog and help them feel better.

Alex claims that high doses of vitamin C helped a little bit. But then that kind of dissipated.

Dylan, meanwhile, has a whole fucking long list of things hes tried over the years, with varying success. Hes even gone as far to track down some Memantine online a medication usually used to treat Alzheimers disease. Hes been taking the medication, unprescribed, for over a year.

My life has been incredibly improved. I have no complaints. Every day my PTSD, depression and anxiety are getting better, he says. He believes the Memantine works because it inhibits NMDA receptors essentially, it decreases abnormal activity in the brain. Through what he calls extensive self-research, Dylan believes that those who experience the hangover effect might have hyperactive NMDA receptors, which is why the medication helps.Memantine is like a diet ketamine, almost, in that you can function on it, he says.

The amount of casual theorising and DIY experimenting away from medical supervision and regulation is concerning for obvious reasons. One rule of the subreddit is that all theories about the hangover effect must be backed up by scientific sources where possible, and that people should try to write in a critical and scientific way. However, this can be tricky when you consider that most of the members are presumably not scientists, nor medical experts. For many, though, this subreddit has become a last resort. You cant exactly go to your GP and say, I feel better when Im hungover!

Melissa Herman, Ph.D, is an Assistant Professor at the Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies. While she agrees that unregulated experiments should be avoided, she says that there could be some truth to the hangover effect, for some people. Its an area that clearly needs further research.

My guess is that the positive symptom relief that they're feeling is because the alcohol is acting on different circuits that are dysregulated in their specific condition, she explains. By circuits, Herman is referring to the groups of neurons inside our brains. Without getting too scientific, neurons are what send messagesto our nervous systems, and one persons messaging system might be quite different to the nexts.

Targeting those circuits is a huge field in neuroscience right now, and there are clinical trials underway, looking at human genetics. So I think there will be positive movement in this area. If not immediately, then one day.

That said, Herman warns against using alcohol to achieve the hangover effect and expresses concern about people cherry picking and that not looking holistically means the brain could be harmed in other ways by some of these experiments.

Alcohol is a really potent pharmacological compound and it affects many parts of the brain, she adds. In other words, sure, alcohol might make some people less anxious the next day. But it can also cause brain cells to die and brain tissue to shrink. In fact, its associated with 2.8 million deaths each year worldwide and is also more generally known for causing anxiety the morning after hence the term hanxiety. One study found around 22.6 percent of participants reported anxiety during a hangover.

Still, for a lot of people, the hangover effect is clearly a very real and confusing conundrum. Hopefully, in the near future, the thousands of people in this subreddit wont have to choose between being hungover or miserable and anxious. Until then, *clinks glasses*.

@_rhysthomas_

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Libertarians, Democrats to hold joint town hall in New Albany – Evening News and Tribune

Posted: at 6:56 pm

NEW ALBANY On Wednesday, state and federal Democratic Party and Libertarian Party candidates will take part in a town hall in New Albany.

Democrats at the event will include Tom McDermott, mayor of Hammond and a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate; Destiny Wells, a candidate for Indiana Secretary of State; Rita Fleming, an incumbent candidate for District 71 state representative, and Nick Marshall, a candidate for Indiana Senate District 45.

The Libertarian Party of Indiana is also expected to have candidates at the forum.

The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the 40/8 Hall at 1101 221 Albany St. in New Albany.

The Indiana Democratic Party in a news release stated that the states Libertarian and Republican parties were asked to take part in the town hall series, which includes stops across the state. Democrats said in the news release the Republican Party declined to participate.

There is no set theme for the town halls. Indiana Democrats have a plan to address the kitchen-table issues important to voters, and from issues like inflation and law enforcement funding to education and broadband, candidates and elected officials will answer as many questions as possible during a 90-minute conversation, the news release states.

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Letter to the editor: Libertarians are not naive – BayToday.ca

Posted: at 6:56 pm

People would be hired for their ability- not arbitrarily by race, colour, gender, and religion

Editor's note: Mr.Trusslerwrites in responsetoLetter to the editor:Freedom and Democracy.

-----

To the Editor

Trevor Schindeler has never given thought that our unparalleled standard of living is because of competition.

Without competition there is monopoly and un-accountability: monopolies made possible by trade and professional unions.

Unions should also have to compete for members.Why should anyone be forced to belong to a union to practice his or her trade and profession? This universal acceptance is one of the biggest curtailments of our freedom. (freedom to work)

Libertarians believe in competition. They would not replace education, health care, or any other sovereign monopoly with a private system but would allow the private sector to compete and hold all accountable.

People would be hired for their ability- not arbitrarily by race, colour, gender, and religion.

People who are able should help themselves and their families and those unable to do so receive non-political government help and assistance.

Everyone should be given the necessary assistance to survive and prosper, not just catering to the fittest or those who succeed on a level playing field.

Mr.Schindeler: Libertarians are not naive.

Paul TrusslerNorth Bay

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Election file: Lockdowns abused the rights of Sudburians, Libertarian candidate says – The Sudbury Star

Posted: at 6:56 pm

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'I have no other choice but to speak up in defence of the people of Sudbury'

By Adrien Berthier

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My name is Adrien Berthier and I am seeking election as Sudburys Libertarian candidate.

I live and work in Sudbury and owe so much of my personal growth to the people of Sudbury. I own salesacorn.ca and Jeesen. I love the fusion of urban and wilderness that Sudbury offers.

I am seeking election because of the loss of personal freedoms that we have been experiencing over the last couple of years. The knee-jerk reaction to lockdowns deprived people of the right to earn a living, to visit dying or severely ill family members and created an underclass of second-class citizens. It also discriminated against certain members of our society, forcing people to wear masks non-stop the entire day to participate in society despite the health concerns.

What we have lived through is a crime against humanity and our politicians, through lack of backbone, have failed us. Our politicians either kept silent during the human rights abuses occurring around them or worse, they were proudly complicit in the events through which we have lived.

Since our politicians are unwilling to defend the freedoms that our society has historically been built on, I have no other choice but to speak up in defence of the people of Sudbury. If we keep voting for the big three parties, nothing is going to change. Its time to make our votes count and either prevent the big three parties from gaining control or at least send them a message that citizens are not livestock on a farm, that politicians are meant to be our servants and serve the people they represent.

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My top priority would be to prevent the loss of freedom from ever happening again so that our children and youth can know what it is like to live in a free society without fear of what their own government might do to them next.

Our health-care system is completely broken. I say this from my own experiences with health care in this city. Our hospital is clearly too small for the needs of our community, but I do not believe that expanding it and pouring more and more resources into a broken system is going to help.

Its time that we look for creative solutions. We need to put our top minds together to brainstorm new ideas. We could look at freeing up all the health care tax dollars collected for each person and spending that money right here in Sudbury.

We could look at reducing the management burden of our hospital, we could look at adding more private clinics for many procedures, freeing up the burden on the system, but most of all, I would reach out to our nurses and doctors and ask them what needs to be done.

I believe that if Laurentian university is unable to figure out a way to restructure or be self-supporting, then maybe we should be looking toward other options. Paying professors more, reducing management and bureaucracy may help to save Laurentian. All options should be on the table to save the university and continue serving the people of Sudbury.

A French-language university in Sudbury would be great. If tuition can be raised to support such a venture, I would support it.

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The drug problem in Sudbury is heartbreaking and I have watched it grow worse year by year. Although I am not in support of spending taxpayer money on safe injection sites my heart goes out to the people afflicted with addictions.

If the safe injection sites could also be somehow combined with other programs, that would give people hope again and give them a clear plan to move forward with their lives and become productive citizens again. I would be supportive of anyone with addictions that really wants to overcome their situation and is willing to demonstrate their willingness with action.

I would be supportive of completing the widening of Highway 69. The important thing here is to have a plan and to steadily follow it through to the end.

To lower prices like gas prices and other goods, we need to produce more. That means more industry, more small business and more entrepreneurs. By producing more goods and services and supporting local solutions, we can drive inflation rates down.

Reducing the size of the government burden on the taxpayers shoulders and emphasizing private solutions can drive down inflation and increase employment. We need to lower taxes, reduce the number of people employed by government and reduce the amount of red tape and paperwork involved in running small businesses.

Reducing the cost of housing in Sudbury is a key issue that comes down to reducing government fees, and government controls over the housing market. We need landlord rights to protect small landlords rights over their own property. By making private property and investing in housing stock a more attractive option, we would quickly increase inventory and pull pricing down for everyday renters.

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Increasing the number of options for tenants would provide not only more choice but also better rates as more and more people compete to invest in housing. Making rents more affordable and bringing up the quality and standards of the rental inventory available would be a win for the poor.

Creating jobs in Sudbury could be done by teaching entrepreneurship to high school students and encouraging entrepreneurs as much as possible. Making Sudbury more self-reliant and innovative would reduce our reliance on government support and encourage more employment.

I would like to see the creation of a charitable foundation in Sudbury to restore the soil and waters of our forests and lakes. Restoring self-sustaining ecologies in Sudbury and bringing back our beautiful wild landscapes would be a good idea.

I am also offering to donate 25 per cent of my MPP salary to the Sudbury Food Bank and am challenging all the other candidates to do the same thing.

Adrien Berthier is the candidate for the Libertarian Party in Sudbury.

sud.editorial@sunmedia.ca

Twitter: @SudburyStar

Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion and encourage all readers to share their views on our articles. Comments may take up to an hour for moderation before appearing on the site. We ask you to keep your comments relevant and respectful. We have enabled email notificationsyou will now receive an email if you receive a reply to your comment, there is an update to a comment thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information and details on how to adjust your email settings.

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Al Cross: As primary voters move GOP farther right, will others follow? – Courier Journal

Posted: at 6:56 pm

Al Cross| Opinion Contributor

Tuesdays primary elections in Kentucky reflected increasing polarization of the two political parties.

The Republican Party kept moving right, with the victories of several candidates who campaigned primarily on cultural issues and against government overreach.

The Democratic Party kept moving left, with the U.S. Senate primary victory of former state Rep. Charles Booker of Louisville, probably the most liberal nominee for major statewide office that Kentucky has ever produced.

Booker vowed on election night, Were gonna blow Rand Paul out, but defeat of the two-term libertarian Republican would be one of the greatest upsets in American political history, given the strong Republican trend in Kentucky.

For Subscribers: 5 takeaways from the 2022 Kentucky primary election. (Hint: The first one is 'money wins')

A more likely impact is that of the wins of seven or so Republican primary candidates who emphasized personal liberty (the major exception being a womans right to an abortion), showing that voters GOP primary voters, at least care less about the status and influence of their state legislators than the lawmakers would like to think.

That was obvious in Northern Kentucky, which saw three of its four-state House committee chairs defeated: Reps. Sal Santoro (Transportation), Ed Massey (Judiciary) and Adam Koenig (Business Organizations and Professions). Respectively, they lost to Marianne Proctor, Steve Rawlings and Steven Doan. One common theme was opposition to Democratic Gov. Andy Beshears pandemic restrictions.

In a region where legislative district lines cut across municipalities and even neighborhoods, the liberty candidates consistent cultural themes may have created a tide that lifted all their boats, former Kentucky secretary of state Trey Grayson of Northern Kentucky said on KETs election-night show (where I was also a panelist).

Northern Kentucky also drove the result in an open state Senate race, in which former senator Gex (jay) Williams of Verona, endorsed by libertarian U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie, defeated three more mainstream candidates: well-funded Phyllis Sparks, also of Boone County; and Calen Studler and Mike Templeman of Frankfort.

Williams, who gave up a Senate seat to run for Congress in 1998, is now in an interesting matchup with Teresa Barton of Frankfort, who was unopposed for the Democratic nomination. After serving as Franklin County judge-executive, Barton ran the state Office of Drug Control Policy for Republican Gov. Ernie Fletcher and supported him for re-election, but didnt change parties. She may be Democrats only hope to pick up a state Senate seat, in a newly drawn district that is 5 to 4 Democratic in voter registration but seems clearly Republican in recent voter performance.

Several liberty candidates lost. The biggest failure was Andrew Cooperrider of Lexington, who led protests against Beshears restrictions and petitioned the legislature to impeach him. He lost to Sen. Donald Douglas of Nicholasville, who was propped up financially and legislatively by Republican leaders who didnt want another liberty fire-breather like Sen. Adrienne Southworth of Lawrenceburg in the Senate. Two other impeachment petitioners also lost, to Reps. Samara Heavrin of Leitchfield and Kim King of Harrodsburg.

Kentucky Republican leaders have tried to steer the state party away from the national partys growing fever swamps of conspiracy theories and misinformation; they know that the hundreds of thousands of Kentucky Democrats who joined the GOP officially or unofficially because of Donald Trump may not want to go as far as the liberty candidates and culture warriors would go. Perhaps the best example of that is how the Republican-controlled General Assembly soft-pedaled the pseudo-issue of critical race theory in the last legislative session, passing a bill that only alluded to it.

Still, candidates who campaigned against pandemic restrictions and other alleged government overreach had enough success Tuesday that they may lead Republican candidates for governor to double down on the issue as they run against Beshear next year, even though the governor built his strongly positive rating during the crisis period of the pandemic. The Williams-Barton race could be a strategic indicator of just how far right you can go and still win.

More: Rand Paul and Charles Booker nab US Senate primary wins and will face off in November

Republicans are beginning a crowded and potentially fractious primary for governor, in which the nuances of cultural issues could be decisive. Attorney General Daniel Cameron and Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles are running partly on their active opposition to Beshears pandemic mandates, and former U.N. ambassador Kelly Craft has indicated that she will do likewise if she runs, as expected. The liberty candidates success will surely encourage like-minded Rep. Savannah Maddox of Dry Ridge to run.

As the GOP sorts itself out, opposition to Beshear will be the glue that holds the party together in Kentucky through 2023, Republican consultant and commentator Scott Jennings said on KETs primary coverage. (Jennings says hes neutral in the governors race.) But looking a year ahead, Beshears pandemic-driven approval ratings appear to be holding steady, and what works in Republican primaries will not necessarily work in general elections. Voters in November should give us a clearer picture.

Al Cross, a former Courier Journal political writer, is professor and director of the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues at the University of Kentucky. He writes this column for the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism. Reach him on Twitter @ruralj.

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