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The new research from eye care nonprofit Orbis International, supported by Heidelberg Engineering, shows how telemedicine improves outcomes for children with retinoblastoma through e-learning and virtual mentorship NEW YORK , Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Orbis International announces new research that finds telemedicine can improve care for children with retinoblastoma, a form of childhood cancer that can lead to blindness. The study, published in JCO Global Oncology , is the first to show that virtual mentor-mentee relationships through Cybersight , Orbis's free telemedicine and e-learning platform, not only improves lives, but can save them by successfully transferring skills to eye care professionals in low- and middle-income countries. Each year, about 9,000 children worldwide are diagnosed with retinoblastoma, but only 40% survive beyond three years. This is because 92 percent of these children live in low-and-middle-income countries, where retinoblastoma patients face late diagnosis and limited access to eye care. This groundbreaking research was supported by Heidelberg Engineering, a global leader in advanced imaging solutions. Their funding has been crucial in delivering e-learning webinars, alongside advancing research through Orbis's Cybersight platform. "Retinoblastoma can be treated if caught early, but too often, it's not diagnosed until it's too late," said Dr. Hunter Cherwek , Vice President of Clinical Services and Technologies at Orbis International. "Many low- and middle-incomes countries don't have enough resources to provide proper care, but technology offers a solution. This study shows that telemedicine can improve health outcomes for children, especially in remote areas where pediatric eye doctors are scarce." Cybersight has long been used to diagnose and treat diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity, and other eye diseases, but this is the first research on its impact on retinoblastoma. The groundbreaking study explored whether Cybersight Consult – a component of the Cybersight platform that connects mentee doctors with expert mentors for advice on complex clinical cases – could improve care and treatment for retinoblastoma. Researchers also examined how virtual mentoring helps eye care professionals build expertise in retinoblastoma over time. Researchers conducted a retrospective review of 653 Cybersight retinoblastoma consultations undertaken by 38 different mentees from 2004 to 2023. They found significant improvements in knowledge-sharing over this 20-year period, especially in three areas: understanding and recording patient symptoms, classifying the disease's type and how advanced it is, and the results of treatment for both the patient and their eye health. Cybersight's virtual mentorship approach helped mentees gain critical skills to treat retinoblastoma, especially in regions with few eye care resources. Cybersight provides training, mentoring, and online courses to eye care professionals around the world. The platform has helped train eye care professionals in nearly every country and territory and counts around 15% of the world's ophthalmologists as registered users. The study reveals the potential of using communication and digital technologies to help children around the world see – and survive. About Orbis International Orbis is an international nonprofit delivering sight-saving programs in over 200 countries and territories worldwide so that individuals, families, and communities can thrive. Currently, around 1 billion people across the globe live with completely avoidable blindness and vision loss. For over four decades, Orbis has been tackling this challenge by building strong and sustainable eye care systems that leave a lasting legacy of vision. Orbis runs dedicated in-country programs in Africa , Asia , the Caribbean , and Latin America ; develops and implements innovative training and technology, including an award-winning telemedicine and e-learning platform, Cybersight ; and operates the world's first and only Flying Eye Hospital , a fully accredited ophthalmic teaching hospital on board an MD-10 aircraft. For the past 11 consecutive years, Orbis has achieved Charity Navigator 's coveted four-star rating for demonstrating strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency, placing Orbis in the top 3% of U.S. charities. For the past three years, Orbis has earned GuideStar 's platinum Seal of Transparency. Since 2022, Orbis has earned "accredited charity" status from the Better Business Bureau by meeting all 20 of their standards for charity accountability. To learn more, please visit orbis.org . MEDIA CONTACT Jenna Montgomery Manager, Global Communications and Marketing jenna.montgomery@orbis.org View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/study-finds-telemedicine-improves-care-for-children-with-eye-cancer-302337562.html SOURCE Orbis International
Daily Post Nigeria NEMA warns against bush burning in Harmattan period Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport News NEMA warns against bush burning in Harmattan period Published on December 12, 2024 By Enahoro Iyemefokhai The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has warned members of the public against bush burning during the harmattan period to avoid the destruction of property and loss of life. DAILY POST reports that the NEMA Head of Operations, Edo Office, Ojuedene Kenoma, gave the warning at the training of officials of local governments and volunteers in Edo State on disaster prevention, response, and control measures. Kenoma said the training was aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness, response, and recovery at the grassroots level. He opined that disasters such as tanker accidents, fire outbreaks, or other emergencies do not wait for the opportune moment. “It is essential that “we foster a culture of preparedness, awareness, and response across every level of society, especially at the grassroots level.” “This workshop is a critical step toward empowering our communities with the knowledge and tools they need to respond to disasters.” “By training and mobilising volunteers within these communities, our Director-General Zubaida Umar is building a network of emergency responders who can take swift and effective action when emergencies arise.” “The workshop is aimed at raising public awareness, particularly around the high risks associated with tanker accidents and fire outbreaks, both of which present significant challenges in Edo State,” he said. He further explained that NEMA is taking disaster management to the grassroots by training local government officials and volunteers at the grassroots level. He added that the agency expects the participants to cascade the training down to the grassroots and sensitise the local population on how to prevent and respond to fire incidents. One of the resource persons, Superintendent Asimu Sumaila, in his lecture that safety is everybody’s responsibility and that the knowledge of fire one has determines the chance of survival when it happens. Sumaila explained that 80 per cent of fire incidents happen as a result of carelessness and negligence by individuals. He said that in fighting fire disasters, one has to know the right solution to use, as using the wrong solution can create more problems. He stated that the solution to extinguish ordinary fire is different from PMS (petrol) fire. “Most people leave their houses without removing appliances from the socket or turning them off, and while burning refuse, people will not be there to control it. The embers from that fire can flow in different directions and ignite fires elsewhere,” he said. He, however, cautioned the people against leaving their appliances on when leaving home and against bush burning, especially near residential areas, as it can destroy houses and result in loss of lives. Related Topics: Bush burning harmattan NEMA Don't Miss Ogun seeks strategic partnership with Power Africa to revolutionise energy access You may like Provide relief materials to victims of Ibadan building collapse – Olubadan tasks NEMA, SEMA Flood victims groan in Kogi, as NEMA visits IDP camps Over 1m Nigerians affected by flood, 634,035 displaced NEMA NEMA releases updates on flood devastation Benue IDPs: Gov Alia allegedly orders seizure of relief materials donated by NEMA to Rep Terseer Ugbor NEMA warns of impending floods in Rivers Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media Ltd
Hyderabad : As the Congress government in Telangana completed one year in office, a wave of discontent has emerged among its Muslim cadre and the larger Muslim community. Despite the party’s promises of inclusivity, the absence of Muslim representation in the state Cabinet has sparked frustration, leading to the formation of the Telangana Congress Muslim Forum (TCMF). This newly established body, headed by M.A. Basith is determined to press the Congress leadership for equitable representation and justice for the minority community. For the first time in Telangana’s history, the Muslim community finds itself entirely excluded from the state Cabinet and key administrative posts. Thirteen months into the Congress-led government, former Minister Mohammed Ali Shabbir remains the sole visible Muslim figure in the administration, serving as the Adviser to the Government on Minority Affairs. The glaring lack of representation has not only alienated the community but also cast doubts on the Congress party’s commitment to its minority voters. Speaking on the issue, Basith expressed the TCMF’s deep disappointment. “The absence of Muslim ministers or significant appointments in government departments is unacceptable. It goes against the principles of inclusivity and secularism that the Congress party claims to uphold,” he said. In response to this marginalization, a group of Muslim Congress leaders who were upset with the state of affairs convened to form the TCMF. Their objective is to represent the community’s demands and ensure that Muslims have a stake in governance. At a recent meeting at Gandhi Bhavan, the party’s headquarters, TCMF members resolved to escalate their demands to the party’s High Command and state leadership. “Chief Minister, A. Revanth Reddy, himself stated that he admired a fighting spirit, and therefore, we believe there is nothing wrong in demanding our rightful share,” Basith said. Key among their demands is the inclusion of two Muslim leaders in the Cabinet, one of whom should hail from Hyderabad. “Hyderabad has always been a hub of Muslim leadership, and neglecting its representation is a betrayal of the community,” said Basith, who is also an AICC member. The TCMF has called for a package for minorities and proposed a series of measures to ensure fair representation. These include: 1. Three MLC seats: The Forum has demanded that two of these be reserved for Sunni leaders and one for the Shia community. 2. Minority chairperson: The vacant post of Minority Chairperson of the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) should be filled immediately, with the appointee being an educated and capable individual. 3. Government Boards and Corporations: The TCMF seeks adequate representation for Muslims in various Boards and Corporations, emphasizing the need for appointments at higher levels, such as party heads of different zones of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). 4. Cabinet Rank for Hyderabad leader: The forum insists on granting a Cabinet rank to a Hyderabad-born Muslim leader, recognizing the city’s significance and its Muslim population. To further its cause, the TCMF plans to launch various initiatives aimed at strengthening the community and fostering inclusivity. Among these are the establishment of a Muslim Clerics Advisory Block, a Muslim Society Block, and a Research Block. These units will provide expert guidance on community issues and propose actionable policies to the government. “We aim to eliminate polarization between communities and build a spirit of togetherness,” Basith stated, emphasizing the forum’s broader vision of social harmony. The TCMF also sought a significant boost to the promotion of the Urdu language, emphasizing its cultural and historical importance. Additionally, it demanded that Muslim Congress leaders be given appropriate representation and prominence during all public events organized by the party. While the TCMF hopes to resolve the matter through dialogue and negotiations, it has not ruled out the possibility of resorting to Gandhian-style Satyagraha. This protest, if undertaken, would serve as a reminder of the Congress party’s historical roots in the freedom movement and its obligation to uphold justice and equality. The demands of the TCMF pose a challenge for the Congress government in Telangana. With the state’s Muslim community playing a crucial role in elections, ignoring their grievances could have long-term political repercussions. On the other hand, addressing the TCMF’s demands could help rebuild trust and reinforce the party’s secular credentials. As the TCMF prepares to intensify its efforts, the onus lies on the Congress leadership to demonstrate its commitment to diversity and fair representation. For the Muslim community in Telangana, the coming months will determine whether their voices are heard or if they remain sidelined in the political landscape.rsity and fair representation. For the Muslim community in Telangana, the coming months will determine whether their voices are heard or if they remain sidelined in the political landscape.Article content ‘Tis the season to start shopping for loved ones – family, friends, and colleagues you care about – and perhaps putting something for yourself under the tree this year. Recommended Videos Hey, there is a sales tax freeze, after all. And if it’s a tech toy you want to give, there’s no shortage of sleek screens, great games, and smart home-related gear worthy of your consideration. The following are a few thought-starters to suit varying budgets and tastes. For (cold) music lovers You’ve heard of Bluetooth, but what about a Blue Toque? Dress warm for the winter and still take calls and hear your tunes. As the name suggests, the $59 Caseco Blu Toque Cable Knit Bluetooth Beanie is a Bluetooth-enabled toque with built-in headphones that you wirelessly stream music, podcasts, audiobooks or calls from your nearby smartphone – all controlled via onboard controls. Battery life tops six hours between charges. Remove the electronics from its small inside pouch before washing. For budding astronomers (or insomniacs) Project an “out of this world” moving image onto your bedroom ceiling with the Govee Star Light Projector ($89). Capable of creating a stunning 650-square-foot image with a button press on the app (or on the unit itself), with 16 million colours, flowing aurora effects, and 52 scene modes. There are optional white noise tracks, too, and it’s a Bluetooth speaker, if you want to play your own songs. For avid readers Gift the gift of reading with Amazon’s new Kindle Paperwhite (from $185) and Kindle Paperwhite Kids (from $215), both with sharp, anti-glare, 7-inch screens. Now with 20% faster page turns, the new Kindles are also waterproof, so you can take it to the beach, pool, or a bubble bath. An optional backlight lets you read in bed without disturbing anyone. The Paperwhite Kids model also includes a protective folio screen, parental controls, and six months of the Amazon Kids+ service that offers a ton of free content. For gamers on the go The versatile Nintendo Switch ($399) can be played at home on your big-screen TV (in its dock, included), perhaps in a multiplayer match with the family, but it can also be played on the go, such as in the backseat of a car on a road trip, via its built-in screen. A holiday bundle includes the Nintendo Switch console, a digital copy of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and a 12-month individual membership to the Nintendo Switch Online subscription service, to play with others over the internet ($100 value). For online shoppers After connecting the $29 Chamberlain Smart Garage Control to your existing garage door system, use the free myQ app (iPhone or Android) to open and close your garage door, anywhere in the world, so you’ll never have to worry about accidentally leaving the garage door open. Or set an open and close schedule. This small doohickey works with Amazon Key In-Garage Delivery, an exclusive Prime member benefit that protects your packages from porch pirates and inclement weather. For thrill seekers From $399 (for 128GB), the new Meta Quest 3S lets you experience mind-blowing 360-degree virtual reality content. Plus, this device supports augmented reality (AR), too, since you can also see the real-world around you in some apps and games (like aliens hiding behind your sofa). Beyond games, Meta Quest 3S is also great for fitness and meditation exercises, chat rooms, virtual concerts and more. It includes a downloadable copy of Batman: Arkham Shadow. For fitness and health nuts Among several other features, Apple Watch can gauge your heart health, track sleep and fitness, show notifications, stream music, and let you pay for items at retail by simply waving your watch over a contactless sensor. Apple Watch Series 10 (from $549) offers a thinner design, bigger and better display, new colours and band options. If you’re shopping for an Android user, the Pixel Watch 3 (from $479) is a stellar pick. For AI lovers (or don’t know it yet) Powered by Google’s ChromeOS, this 14-inch HP x360 laptop (from $699) delivers an enhanced Chromebook experience, with a vibrant touchscreen display that bends back to become a tablet – and twice the storage, speed and memory compared to a regular Chromebook. Google AI tools let you get more done in less time, including handy features like Help Me Write and Magic Editor (to fix up your photos). The Intel Core-powered laptop has an all-day battery, B&O audio, and integrated Google Play store. For speed demons Now available in Ontario and Quebec, TELUS PureFibre is a 100% fibre optic connection to your home that yields internet speeds up to 1.5 gigabits per second (yes, that’s superfast), and complimentary professional installation of award-winning Wi-Fi 6 technology. These kinds of speeds are ideal for 4K streaming, online gaming, and support for multiple devices on the network at the same time (without any lag). TELUS PureFibre Internet starts from $79/month, when bundling with TELUS mobility. For the person who has everything The RayNeo Air 2S ($439) “XR” glasses house twin Micro-OLED 1080p displays that mimic a 201-inch picture for binging TV shows and blockbuster movies – on a plane, in bed, anywhere. And since these 16:9 screens each boast a 120Hz refresh rate, they’re also ideal for fast-moving videogames and sports. Weighing 78 grams and with four integrated speakers, these glasses work with a host of USB-C devices, including newer iPhones, Android devices, computers and game consoles. For nomadic TV bingers For public viewing, on the other hand, the Epson EpiqVision Mini EF22 Portable Smart Laser Projector ($999) produces a superbright image, up to 1000 lumens of colour and white brightness – and no lamp to replace. The 360-swivel stand lets you beam the up-to-150-inch image against a wall or ceiling, or to the backyard for summer movie nights. The Google TV platform is built-in with thousands of apps, such as popular Paramount+ streaming service with exclusive TV shows and movies (from $6.99/month). For serious home theatre enthusiasts Available in six screen sizes ranging, from 42 to 83 inches, and with multiple mounting options, the LG OLED evo C4 TV (from $1,299) features a stunningly sharp display, AI-powered upscaling and a Smart TV powered by webOS. Self-lit pixels create perfect black levels and luminous colours, and so it’s easy to see why OLED is the most desirable panel technology on the market. Along with being ultra-slim and light, the glare-free picture looks great from any angle, so there’s not a bad seat in the room. – Marc Saltzman is the host of the Tech It Out podcast and the author of the book, Apple Vision Pro For Dummies (Wiley)