Despite the mixed reactions from players, the developers of "Phantasm Beast Paru" have stood by their decision to revamp the summoning mechanism. In a statement released alongside the update, they explained that the change was necessary to keep the gameplay fresh and engaging for both new and existing players. They also hinted at upcoming features and updates that will further enhance the gameplay experience for everyone.Victoria's major regional hospitals are still showing financial red flags, with some also failing to provide the healthcare they pledged to provide, ACM can reveal. or signup to continue reading An analysis of the health services' 2023-24 annual reports, as well as their statements of priority - the contracts they sign with the Victorian government - showed many recorded operating deficits running into the tens of millions of dollars. It showed others were bailed out by the government with even greater sums, while some recorded huge deficits even after equally large bailouts. But the analysis showed a handful of services were also falling well short of their activity targets: the amount of clinical care they have contractually agreed to provide over the year. ACM has published since February, 2024 of Victoria's regional hospital system and to meet their activity targets. As these services negotiate with the government over their 2025 budgets and activity levels, the documents show most are still struggling to keep both their healthcare and budget under control. Nearly every major regional hospital in Victoria recorded a substantial deficit in 2023-24. ACM used the net result from transactions, which tallies revenue from transactions against expenses. The Department of Treasury and Finance calls it "a summary measure of the ongoing sustainability of operations". Bendigo Health notched a $27 million deficit, Goulburn Valley Health $42 million, Northeast Health Wangaratta $12 million and Albury Wodonga Health $51 million. The only two large regional health services with a surplus were Grampians Health ($44 million) and South West Healthcare ($27 million). But they were both only in the black because they each had money for their hospital redevelopments - $113 million for Grampians Health and $65 million for South West Healthcare - sitting on their ledger. Several services also received huge amounts of "supplemental funding" to keep them afloat during the year. Bendigo Health received $46 million, Northeast Health Wangaratta $28 million, and Albury Wodonga Health $55 million. Grampians Health received more than $75 million in supplemental funding. This was nearly four times the bailout funding received by Barwon Health in Geelong, a health service 50 per cent larger than Grampians Health. The data also showed every major regional health service failing to keep the required amount of cash on hand to pay staff and run its healthcare operations. The government mandate is for each service to have 14 days' operating cash available. Goulburn Valley Health and Albury Wodonga Health had just seven days' cash. South West Healthcare had 10. Northeast Health Wangaratta had two days' available cash. Both Grampians Health and Bendigo Health refused to say how many days' cash they had, but confirmed it was less than 14. ACM asked several of the health services what they were doing to get their budgets under control. Bendigo Health said it was still negotiating with the government over its 2024-25 budget, but was "committed to operating sustainably, ensuring that it delivers its promised activity while maintaining a balanced budget". South West Healthcare CEO Craig Fraser said the service had negotiated a "break even operational budget for 2024-25" with the government. "While it will require continued close budget management, we are confident it can be achieved placing us in a better financial and operational position," Mr Fraser said. Grampians Health didn't discuss its budget, but said it would "continue to work with the Department of Health to achieve financial sustainability". Albury Wodonga Health did not respond. Over the past year, we have improved access to care, particularly in the regional locations. The state government said its for 2024-25 had allowed a "reset" of health service budgets. The government has increased the funding it provides for each healthcare activity, which it said would offer health services a "fair price", paving the way for "greater financial certainty and stability to the sector". It also created a new entity, Hospitals Victoria, to keep the health services on a tighter financial leash. "We're working with health services to ensure every dollar is spent on delivering the frontline care Victorians need," a spokesperson said. A comparison of each health service's annual report with its statement of priority revealed several services delivering much less clinical care than promised. The statement of priority lists the contracted activity target, while the annual report records the actual number of activity units delivered. Each unit is worth about $5000 in funding to the health service. A big operation like a knee or hip replacement might cost five units, while a simple colonoscopy would cost just 0.4 units. The documents showed Grampians Health fell 5400 units (about $27 million or 2700 surgeries) short of its 2023-24 target. Goulburn Valley Health fell 6838 units short (about $34 million or 3400 surgeries), while South West Healthcare fell 4512 units short ($22.5 million or 2250 surgeries). The activity shortfalls are particularly concerning when 61,000 Victorians remain on the state's planned surgery wait lists and emergency department wait times are than metropolitan Melbourne. ACM understands South West Healthcare's outpatient activity shortfall was less severe than the figures reported in its statement of priority. Mr Fraser said the service treated 1200 more inpatients in 2023-24 than the year prior, as well as 7000 extra outpatients. A Grampians Health spokesperson said the organisation had "improved access to care, particularly in the regional locations, and enhanced care options though increased cross-campus collaboration". "Like many health services, Grampians Health is experiencing high demand and increasing numbers of complex cases," the spokesperson said. Correspondent covering key issues across regional Victoria, based in Melbourne. Correspondent covering key issues across regional Victoria, based in Melbourne. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! 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In conclusion, the case of Zong Ze's company's infringement on the Wahaha trademark and deceptive marketing practices highlights the importance of integrity and compliance with intellectual property laws. It is crucial for businesses to operate ethically and transparently to build trust with consumers and uphold the integrity of the market. Violating these principles not only leads to legal consequences but also risks irreparable damage to a company's reputation and credibility.
Will Riley scored a game-high 19 points off the bench as No. 25 Illinois shrugged off a slow start to earn an 87-40 nonconference victory over Maryland Eastern Shore on Saturday afternoon in Champaign, Ill. Morez Johnson Jr. recorded his first double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds, Kylan Boswell posted 13 points and Tomislav Ivisic contributed 11 for Illinois (4-1). Coming off a 100-87 loss to No. 8 Alabama on Wednesday, the Illini led by as much as 52 despite hitting just 10-of-40 3-point attempts. Jalen Ware paced Maryland Eastern Shore (2-6) with 10 points before fouling out. Ketron "KC" Shaw, who entered Saturday in the top 20 of Division I scorers at 22.3 points per game, went scoreless in the first half and finished with seven points on 2-of-11 shooting. The Hawks canned just 22.1 percent of their shots from the floor. Illinois broke out to a 6-0 lead in the first 2:06, then missed its next six shots. That gave the Hawks time to pull into an 8-8 tie on Evan Johnson's 17-foot pullup at the 12:21 mark. That marked Maryland Eastern Shore's last points for more than seven minutes as the Illini reeled off 17 straight points to remove any suspense. Johnson opened the spree with a basket and two free throws, Ben Humrichous swished a 3-pointer and Tre White sank a layup before Kasparas Jakucionis fed Ivisic for a 3-pointer and an alley-oop layup. Jakucionis set up Johnson for a free throw, then drove for an unchallenged layup to make it 25-8 with 5:15 left in the first. Evan Johnson snapped the visitors' dry spell with a driving layup at the 4:56 mark, but Illinois went on to establish a 35-15 halftime lead on the stretch of 11 offensive rebounds that turned into 12 second-chance points and 13 points off UMES' 10 turnovers. Maryland Eastern Shore needed nearly four minutes to get its first points in the second half as Illinois pushed its lead to 42-15. The Illini margin ballooned all the way to 70-24 on Boswell's driving layup with 8:11 to go. --Field Level MediaDespite the controversies surrounding the Best XI of the Year, one thing is certain - the world of football will always have differing opinions on who deserves to be recognized as the best in their respective positions. As fans continue to debate and dissect the selections made by FIFA, one can only hope that the discussions will lead to a greater appreciation of the talent and skill displayed by the players on the field.
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The rapid growth of Beidouyin China's user base is a testament to the company's commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and a customer-centric approach, Beidouyin China has emerged as a leader in the field of remote connectivity, offering a wide range of solutions that cater to the diverse needs of businesses and individuals.Medical devices companies in the country are of the view that investments and job opportunities will spearhead the growth of this sector. As one of the fastest growing within the healthcare ecosystem, valued at $15.35 billion in 2023, and expected to grow over $20 billion by 2029, India can be the fourth largest Asian medical devices market after Japan, China, and South Korea. Arvind Vaishnav, head, Philips Innovation Campus and Innovation Partnerships--Growth region, Philips, said "The emphasis on automation across healthcare is likely to increase globally. There is a concerted effort towards addressing staff shortages and relieving staff of repetitive tasks and processes. We are already witnessing this with generative AI functioning as a virtual assistant, organizing clinical notes and simplifying ways patient information is communicated across teams. It is also now apparent that AI will be adopted beyond automation. It is proven that AI can help simplify complex diagnostics, enabling less experienced professionals to provide high-quality care with confidence. Imagine, AI embedded in ultrasound systems. It allows physicians to detect, diagnose and monitor cardiac conditions more confidently and efficiently. From a technology perspective, new technologies for minimally invasive procedures are becoming more advanced. This implies the need for physicians to collect and analyze data from a wide range of sources, such as live X-ray images, 3D ultrasound, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), to name a few all the while closely monitoring the patient. Hence, integration of systems, software and devices will become increasingly important, he added. In 2025, technology trends in healthcare will transition towards managing health outside of the hospital. Advances in technology solutions is expected to support remote detection of patient health risks based on vital signs and other data, said Vaishnav. According to Hariharan Subramanian, managing director, Siemens Healthcare, "India is on track to become a global leader in medical device manufacturing. By scaling up domestic production of high-quality medical equipment, the country will reduce its reliance on imports, achieve self-sufficiency, and stimulate economic growth. Fuelled by rising demand, there is a boost to local production of high-quality devices, and the integration of digital and AI technologies. Moreover, a renewed emphasis on research and development is driving innovation, resulting in safer, more sustainable, and accessible healthcare solutions. With a growing export market on the horizon, the MedTech sector is expected to create significant employment opportunities, nurturing a new generation of experts who will spearhead India's future healthcare innovations, he added. “We have built a strong infrastructure that promotes collaborative innovation, encourages open research and development, and drives manufacturing excellence. Our Innovation Hub, currently under construction in Bengaluru, will set standards for the workplace of the future. The new campus aims to intensify collaboration and creativity, coupled with environmentally friendly, sustainable, energy-efficient solutions. An investment of almost Euro 200 million makes it the largest site of Siemens Healthineers globally in terms of built-up area”, said Subramanian. Himanshu Baid, managing director, Poly Medicure, said, "India's med-tech sector is writing a new chapter in global healthcare innovation. The focus on domestic manufacturing, skill development, and healthcare infrastructure has laid the groundwork for India to emerge as a leader in cutting-edge med-tech solutions.” To build on this momentum, it is imperative for companies to step up their investments in R&D and innovation. The future belongs to those who can develop transformative technologies that address the healthcare needs of a dynamic and diverse world. By addressing key supply chain challenges and fostering a culture of innovation, India is poised to set new benchmarks in global healthcare, creating a legacy of excellence and better health outcomes for all, said Baid.
A full-body dining experience like no other, complete with stunning, panoramic views. Once upon a time, it wasn’t so hard to find revolving restaurants that perched atop the department store rooftops and towers of Japan’s skylines. They were an ultimate combination of quirky dining and spectacular views . Fast forward to today, and most have spun out of existence with less than ten left still turning. So, when fate brought our Japanese-language reporter K. Masami near one of these last spinning bastions of Showa-era charm, she couldn’t resist rolling in for a bite. However, she wasn’t prepared for the extra twist that was thrown her way on the journey to Cosmos in Kobe . What started as a typical outing took an interesting turn when Masami alighted the train at Sumaurakoen Station . Right away, she was greeted by a ropeway ticket machine. In a mountainous country like Japan, ropeways are quite a common sight, but it was the mention of something far less ordinary that really threw her for a spin: a mysterious contraption known only as a “carlator” . Intrigued, she picked up a round trip ticket for 1,200 yen (US$8) and ventured forth, gliding skyward on the ropeway towards the unknown. Stepping out of the upper station, Masami’s eyes locked onto a peculiar system: a cross between a ski lift and an escalator , but with a solid floor. The name “carlator” suddenly made a lot of sense: a portmanteau of “car” and “escalator”. Reassured by the floor’s stability—a comforting upgrade from dangling ski lifts—she climbed aboard, ready for a smooth ride. The operator instructed her to “hold on tightly” and, before she could process the advice, the carlator jolted into motion with a force better suited for launching rockets into orbit . As it rattled up the slope, her confidence in its stability was shaken, along with her seat and belongings. Clinging on tightly, she could only hope that nothing was jostled out of the car. After a bumpy but strangely memorable ride, Masami arrived at the three-story building that housed Cosmos , where every floor radiated retro charm. The first floor boasted a vintage jukebox (which she now deeply regrets not trying), the second floor featured a small arcade with nostalgic games , and the third floor was the main attraction: the revolving restaurant itself . Unfamiliar with how revolving restaurants operate, Masami initially expected the rotation to pause so diners could hop on and off. However, as she watched it steadily spin, she quickly realized there was no need . At a leisurely pace of one full rotation every 55 minutes , Cosmos gives you plenty of time to sip, snack, and soak in the 360-degree views without feeling rushed. ▼ The outer ring with the tables and chairs rotates (回る); the counter does not (回らない) Masami opted for a melon soda float (650 yen) and a hot sandwich (600 yen) from the central cashier before settling into her seat to watch the world roll by. As the restaurant slowly rotated, offering ever-changing panoramic views, retro music played softly in the background, wrapping the experience in a cozy, luxurious tranquility. With a delicious meal in her stomach and an almost full rotation, Masami returned her dishes and prepared for descent. Walking to the ropeway was, of course, an option, but the oddly therapeutic, full-body vibration of the carlator had got her addicted . With ticket in hand, she hopped aboard once more, shaking and rattling her way down the mountain like an enthusiastic human maraca . Whether you’re a fan of quirky dining experiences or just curious to step back into a slice of Showa-era nostalgia, Cosmos is a must-visit . While it’s not the only rotating restaurant still standing, many others have stopped spinning , making this spot a rare gem. Although a few have recently resumed their rotations , the trend toward converting city rooftops into green spaces means revolving restaurants, as well as rooftop amusement parks , are unlikely to see a comeback anytime soon. So, if you’re in the area, don’t miss your chance to experience this one-of-a-kind dining adventure . Cafe information Kissa Cosmos / 喫茶コスモス Address: Hyogo-ken, Kobe-shi, Suma-ku, Ichinomiya-cho, 5-chome, 3-ban, 2-go 兵庫県神戸市須磨区一ノ谷町5丁目3番2号 Open 10:10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (last order 3:30 p.m.) Closed Tuesdays Website Photos ©SoraNews24 ● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter ! [ Read in Japanese ]By Kemberley Washington, CPA, Bankrate.com (TNS) As the end of the year approaches, now’s the time to start preparing for filing your 2024 tax return in 2025. When it comes to tax strategies, generally Dec. 31 is the deadline to make changes that might lower your tax bill. One major exception is the deadline for contributing to a Roth or traditional IRA : You have until April 15, 2025, to make a contribution to a Roth or traditional IRA for tax year 2024. If you qualify for deductible IRA contributions , then a contribution to your traditional IRA can reduce your taxable income for 2024. Here are tips and strategies to prepare now for the 2025 tax-filing deadline. If you had significant changes in your life in 2024 — maybe you got married or divorced, started your own business, or had to claim unemployment benefits — your taxes may be more complicated. As a result, you might need to hire a certified public accountant (CPA), enrolled agent (EA) or other tax professional to prepare and file your taxes. If you decide to hire someone, it’s best to start planning for that sooner rather than later. Waiting until the calendar flips to April could cost you. The average fee for a professional to prepare and file a simple Form 1040 tax return, with no itemized deductions, is about $220, according to a survey by the National Society of Accountants in 2020-2021, the most recent data available. But that amount rises quickly for more complex returns, and varies depending on where you live. For example, a Form 1040 with itemized deductions costs an average of $432 in states on the Pacific Coast, compared with $285 in New England. No matter where you live, prices usually rise as the tax deadline approaches, so it’s smart to start searching for a tax pro soon. If you’re uncomfortable doing your taxes on your own and can’t afford a CPA, enrolled agent or other tax pro, or to pay for tax software , there are free options to consider. The IRS currently offers three ways to prepare your taxes for free: •With the IRS Free File program, the IRS partners with for-profit tax-software companies that offer free tax-prep software to eligible taxpayers so they can file their federal tax returns for free. Some taxpayers may also qualify for a free state tax filing, depending on the software provider. In January, the IRS will announce the income limit to qualify for the program for the 2025 tax season (for filing 2024 tax returns). For the 2024 tax season (2023 tax returns), taxpayers’ adjusted gross income (AGI) couldn’t exceed $79,000. •The IRS also offers its Direct File program, a free tool that allows you to file your federal income tax return directly with the IRS at no cost. The program supports simple tax returns and is available only in certain states. Check to see if you qualify here. •Another free-filing option is the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. IRS-certified volunteers offer free basic tax preparation in person to people who earn less than $67,000 a year, are disabled or whose English is limited. The IRS has an online location tool for hundreds of free tax preparation sites in the U.S. (the locator tool is updated from February through April). Some VITA sites also offer online tax-prep assistance. Now is a good time to create an IRS online account. If you want to see your Form 1040 from last year, or you’re missing a prior year Form W-2 or mortgage interest statement, you can find your documents using this free tax tool. Another benefit of creating an IRS online account is that it allows you to quickly obtain your prior year’s tax information without sitting on the phone for hours with an IRS representative, says Carl Johnson, a certified public accountant in New Orleans. An IRS online account also lets you view your account balance and payment history for each year. You can also create a payment plan to settle your federal income tax debt within minutes. If you’re 73 years old and have enjoyed watching your 401(k) or IRA grow tax-free without touching it, remember that the IRS is going to want its share each year. That means you’ll have to make withdrawals — and pay income tax. If you turned 73 in 2024, plan to take your required minimum distribution (RMD) at the latest by April 1, 2025. Read this IRS bulletin for more information. The amount of your RMDs is based on your age and the year-end values of your retirement accounts. A Roth IRA has two big tax advantages over a traditional IRA : Qualified withdrawals are not considered income for federal (and usually state) tax purposes, and you don’t have to take distributions from a Roth every year once you reach age 73. Converting a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA may save you money in the long run. Just know that when you convert an IRA to a Roth, it’s considered taxable income, which will raise your tax bill for that year. Generally, it’s best to convert to a Roth IRA when you’re in a low-income year. As tax season approaches, many people start receiving phone calls, emails and texts from entities claiming to be the IRS. Be wary, and understand that these are scams. Typically, the IRS will mail you a notice before using any other method of communication to notify you concerning issues with your tax return. The IRS won’t reach out via social media or text messaging. Relatedly, the IRS warns taxpayers to be careful when choosing a tax preparer. Taking time to vet your tax preparer is crucial to protect yourself from tax scams and fraud. Before hiring a tax professional, search that person’s name in the IRS database of federal tax return preparers to avoid dishonest “professionals.” “Taxpayers should check the tax professional’s credentials,” Johnson says. Tax pros without credentials “may take questionable positions without any degree of scrutiny or fear of losing their access to the profession,” Johnson says. Taxpayers who don’t file a tax return and owe a tax bill, or who file but don’t pay their tax bill on time, risk severe penalties. The IRS can even seize assets if necessary. Respond quickly if the IRS has been sending you letters because it found an error on your return or claims you owe back taxes. Typically, the IRS will send you a notice if you have a balance due, changes were made to your tax return, or the agency needs additional information. “If you ignore a collection letter from the IRS, you may face wage garnishments, liens, bank levies, and other adverse action. And in some cases, the amount due may increase for failure to respond,” Johnson says. Keep in mind the IRS does offer installment plans and other payment plans. Make copies of your correspondence and use only the U.S. Postal Service, the postmark from which is your proof of timeliness when responding. But whatever you do, don’t ignore the IRS because this may cause more issues in the future. ©2024 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Alongside waiving their buyout option, Inter Milan have negotiated a deal with Napoli that includes a percentage share of any future transfer fee involving Esposito. This move indicates that Inter Milan still see value in Esposito and are keen to profit from any potential future transfer involving the talented midfielder.
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