#HRP software

[accenthrp]

Simplifying Employee Communication with HR Letters

Accent Consulting HR Letters Management Software allows managers to quickly draft and send documents to employees, improving response times and minimizing the chances of human error in critical documentation.

Call and Whatsapp our Experts @ 9999143778

[theworldibuilt4you]

Sonny? Can you hear me...?

I hope you didn't get too hurt back there, everything happened so fast... You're probably trying to get some rest right now - I mean hell, you weren't even in any fighting condition to begin with. That being said, I'm sorry to bother you with this...

It's just... Kinito got hurt real bad back there. Apparently, Jade took a pretty important file in her attack, some sort of emotional dampener patch you made for his R.R.A software before his release. He went to go restore it with a backup, but... it was missing.

Look, I know it's a huge ask, especially after what he did to you. But you saved him back there, so it's clear you want him alive - whether it be out of concern or some ulterior motive I don't know, but you don't seem to want him dead.

I'd say no rush, but... he's not exactly handling it well. Doesn't seem... stable.

I don't want you straining yourself more than you already have, so if there's anything the lot of us out here can do to help, just say the word and we'll try our best. ❤️

-🐍

...

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[industrynewsupdates]

Exploring Market Dynamics in the Immunohistochemistry Market

The global immunohistochemistry (IHC) market was valued at USD 2.33 billion in 2022 and is projected to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8% from 2023 to 2030. This growth is largely driven by the increasing adoption of automation and machine learning technologies in immunohistochemistry, alongside the launch of advanced technological solutions in the field. The evolution of IHC protocols has led to heightened demand for these techniques in disease diagnosis. Furthermore, the rise in product approvals and the introduction of innovative IHC systems designed for diagnosing diseases are also fueling market expansion.

For example, in August 2021, the FDA granted approval for Roche’s VENTANA MMR RxDx Panel, which is intended to identify dMMR solid tumor patients who are eligible for anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. Companies are actively launching new products to enhance their market presence, contributing to revenue growth. A case in point is Roche’s introduction of the DISCOVERY Green HRP kit in March 2021, which facilitates the detection and profiling of biomarkers and cell populations in tissue-based research. This kit can be used in conjunction with other detection kits, thereby increasing the multiplexing capacity for both in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Additionally, in March 2023, Paige integrated AI algorithms from Mindpeak into its platform for quantifying IHC biomarkers. Mindpeak specializes in image analysis software and has developed AI algorithms specifically for analyzing IHC slides of lung and breast tissue, which are now accessible on the Paige platform. However, traditional IHC technology is typically restricted to single parametric evaluations of samples.

Gather more insights about the market drivers, restrains and growth of the Immunohistochemistry Market

Product Insights

Delving into product segmentation, the antibodies segment emerged as the market leader in 2022, accounting for a substantial 40.96% share of the overall market. This dominance can be attributed to the critical role that antibodies play in disease diagnosis and drug testing. Monoclonal antibodies, along with various antibody-related products such as Fc-fusion proteins, antibody fragments, and antibody-drug conjugates, have established themselves as the predominant product class in terms of usage rates. The versatility of antibodies allows them to be utilized across a wide array of applications, including but not limited to pathology, neuropathology, and hematopathology. This broad applicability reinforces their significance in both clinical and research settings.

Looking ahead, kits are projected to expand at the fastest CAGR throughout the forecast period. The increasing preference for kits is largely due to their ability to streamline the IHC procedure. By eliminating the need for meticulous selection of appropriate combinations of antibodies and stains for specific tissue samples, kits significantly reduce the time and effort required for the IHC process. The compact nature and ease of use associated with these products are expected to drive their adoption further.

IHC kits are especially valuable in academic institutions and research laboratories, where researchers often require these products in smaller quantities for conducting specialized studies. As research initiatives continue to grow and evolve, there is a corresponding increase in the use of IHC assays, contributing to the overall growth of the kits segment. This trend is particularly relevant as more institutions recognize the importance of IHC in developing targeted therapies and conducting advanced research in various medical fields.

In summary, the global immunohistochemistry market is poised for significant growth driven by advancements in technology, increased demand for accurate diagnostic tools, and the expanding range of applications for IHC products. The ongoing development of innovative solutions, along with the strategic launch of new products by key players, will likely continue to shape the market landscape, presenting ample opportunities for growth and expansion in the coming years. As the field of immunohistochemistry continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly play an increasingly vital role in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases, particularly in oncology and personalized medicine.

Order a free sample PDF of the Immunohistochemistry Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.

[artbyrobot]

Hardest Part of the Project

I recently had an associate disagree with me that if I push through this phase of the project I'll be home free. He said he thinks the AI relating to robot balance and sensory input and physical execution based on sensory feedback will be the hardest part. While I agree that will be time consuming, I don't think it will be nearly as "hard".

My instinct is that those purely software challenges are not as "hard" for several reasons. First of all, consider that in 2009 a Japanese institute of technology - mere students, solved all of those challenges with HRP-4C which would walk and dance and everything and this was just student coders doing this in their spare time while maintaining their entire class load as well. In my view, the hardest part of the project is maintaining personal belief that I will succeed and not giving up like 99% of others have who set out on this bipedal android dream. There is a massive up front money and time investment and EVERYONE tells you this cannot be done and you are delusional. Pushing past the initial design challenges and hardware development to get a functioning prototype is then the hardest part by far. Once you have a working design that overcomes cooling issues, noise issues (runs silently), space issues (can fit all the crap that has to fit) and all the parts and assembly is of high quality and successful, and you had to learn and half master about a dozen fields to get here mind you, ONLY THEN are we talking about advanced AI implementation to synchronize it all and bring it all to life properly in the ways you mentioned. Well consider this: by the time you are in that phase, you already have proven to the world you are not delusional, have a amazing piece of technology - bird in hand, and now have immense confidence and momentum going into the AI phase where balance and walking and whatnot challenges are faced off with. This is SO MUCH EASIER since excitement and morale are at all time highs, you no longer have overwhelming apathy or nay-saying from all sides on your dream, and you have built a massive fan-base rooting for you. So even if the complexity or time investment may be higher on the challenges you mentioned, the morale boost and momentum make that phase easier since it is not the implementation challenges that are hardest but the motivation and persistence and perseverance against all odds and emotionally bearing all the nay-saying and hating that is hardest. Also the fear of the unknown and fear that you will just never make it or will die long before the project could take off fears etc. Overcoming all of that is the real challenge of something like this.

[lanshengic]

A single-chip UWB IC brings new possibilities to automotive ultra-wideband applications

【Lansheng Technology News】What will the next generation of automotive UWB solutions look like? You will definitely be able to find the answer from NXP’s newly launched Trimension™ NCJ29D6 ultra-wideband IC. This fully integrated automotive single-chip UWB family combines next-generation secure and precise real-time positioning capabilities with short-range radar capabilities to address multiple use cases with a single system, including secure car access, child presence detection, intrusion alerts, gesture recognition and more.

NXP’s Trimension™ NCJ29D6 is a fully integrated single-chip pulse wireless ultra-wideband low-energy transceiver IC that complies with IEEE802.15.4 HRP UWB PHY and IEEE802.15.4z BPRF/HPRF UWB PHY standards. It is designed for safe ranging and radar applications in automotive environments.

This new automotive UWB IC family includes two products:

◆ NCJ29D6B: This is the next generation UWB device for secure car access control, providing enhanced ranging performance, lower system cost, higher security and one-stop software.

◆ NCJ29D6A: This is the industry's first automotive device that combines ranging and short-range UWB radar functions into a single chip and uses an integrated MCU.

Obviously, the launch of Trimension™ NCJ29D6 can help developers create more innovative automotive UWB use cases, which also means that OEM manufacturers can use a single UWB IC to meet diverse application needs, such as child legacy detection (CPD), intrusion Alarms, seat belt reminders, digital keys, smart car access control systems, live body detection (LOD), kick sensor systems (used to open the trunk), etc.

Lansheng Technology Limited, which is a spot stock distributor of many well-known brands, we have price advantage of the first-hand spot channel, and have technical supports.

Our main brands: STMicroelectronics, Toshiba, Microchip, Vishay, Marvell, ON Semiconductor, AOS, DIODES, Murata, Samsung, Hyundai/Hynix, Xilinx, Micron, Infinone, Texas Instruments, ADI, Maxim Integrated, NXP, etc

To learn more about our products, services, and capabilities, please visit our website at http://www.lanshengic.com

[dailyconstructionfacts]

What Is Construction Technology? 5 Technologies Changing the Construction Industry

Introduction

Construction technology has played a critical role in pushing the sector toward more intelligent practices and effective procedures over the last ten years. The transition from manual spreadsheets and paper procedures to automated and collaborative PMIS systems has been made possible by the digital transformation of major industry participants. And in the highly competitive climate of today, it is crucial to use cutting-edge solutions to boost corporate development via the use of linked assets, useful analytics, and data-driven operations.

Construction organizations have updated their operations to bridge the gap between the field and the office thanks to the most recent digital technology. Today, project performance is optimized using digital technologies, and on-time delivery is guaranteed. Construction is gradually adopting a number of crucial technologies, including cloud computing, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence. By 2023, the market for construction technology software is expected to reach more than US$2.7 billion, according to industry analysts.

The U.S. construction sector recovered from the pandemic-caused worldwide slump in 2020, even breaking pre-pandemic levels in 2021. According to data cited by Dodge Data & Analytics, overall construction in the United States is expected to increase by 8% in 2022, surpassing even the 10-year high market growth levels. Keeping that in mind, let’s examine five advancements in construction technology that will fuel this expansion in 2022.

What Is Construction Technology?

The technology used specifically in the construction business is referred to as “construction technology” as a whole. Smart equipment, autonomous robotics, virtual reality, 5G, and IoT are a few examples of this.

Construction technology is described as “the collection of innovative tools, machinery, modifications, software, etc. used during the construction phase of a project that enables advancement in field construction methods, including semi-automated and automated construction equipment” by the Construction Industry Institute.

Here is the list of 5 construction technology changing the construction industry;

1. BIM Software

Construction managers, for example, may generate intelligent 3D models of their projects while also designing smart processes based on them. As a consequence, this technology has improved the whole construction process, from planning and design to building maintenance. 

2. 3-D Printing Houses

3D printing is one of the amazing construction technology that has advanced significantly over the years, to the point that many construction businesses have found how to print a whole house quicker and cheaper than the old approach by utilizing this precise software and technology. In the United States, the first 3D-printed house sold for less than $10,000 (roughly £7,509). A further 50 3D printed homes are now being created in Mexico, adding to the industry’s transformation. This, in turn, will make house ownership more accessible for everyone. Another stage in the building industry’s adaptation to new technology breakthroughs.

3. Exoskeletons

To support the transformation of the home construction sector, 50 more 3D printed homes are now being built in Mexico. Everyone will thereafter be able to afford to purchase a house thanks to this. Another milestone in the building sector’s effort to catch up with emerging construction technology.

4. Humanoid Labourers

Japanese researchers have created a humanoid labor technology named HRP-5P in response to the ongoing labor shortage that affects numerous businesses globally. The humanoid robot HRP-5P can work alone to do simple manual activities like drywall installation or bricklaying.

Along with HRP-5P, additional built-in robots such as the Automated Track Loader, or ATL, TyBot, Doxel AI, and many more have made significant strides in robotics. Each of which has unique qualities and tasks, These include:

Doxel AI -using robots and artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor site progress with real-time, actionable data using a range of different technology features such as High tech Cameras, LiDAR, and drones.

TyBot – an autonomous rebar-tying robot designed to augment and reduce labor requirements in the most critical path activity of bridge deck construction

ATL – developed to excavate smaller construction sites using a range of different technology features such as augmented GPS and LiDAR.

5. Connected Hardhats

This construction technology also has the capacity to detect worker falls and initiate an emergency call to first responders. The accuracy of the data gathered also enables improved evaluations of site errors to better avoid repetitions and aid in lowering overall health and safety concerns and dangers on site before they arise.

Bottom Line

All the construction technology have one thing in common: in order to be managed, controlled, and monitored, they must be linked, either to one another or to a central location. Here, connection takes on the role of a facilitator since none of these technologies would function without it. The sites where we require this technology to function are often distant or difficult-to-reach places due to the nature of development, so your regular methods of communication may not be suitable. Any sort of bandwidth is available from UK Connect, from fiber to quick, dependable cellular access.

[lupine-publishers-lojpcr]

Lupine Publishers | A Hmsh2 c.2332 T>A Mutation and Membrane-hMSH2/ TCRγδ/NKG2D-Mediated Cytotoxicity of Human Vγ9vδ2 T Cells in Ovarian Serous Cystadenocarcinoma

Lupine Publishers | LOJ Pharmacology & Clinical Research

Abstract

Membrane human MutS homologue 2 (mhMSH2) is a well-characterized endogenous ligand for human Vγ9Vδ2 T cells, but its germline gene expression in mhMSH2-overexpressing ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma (OSC) cells and tissues is unclear. Herein, we discovered a silent hmsh2 c.2332 T>A mutation in the OSC HO8910 cell line (GenBank accession no.MG674653) and identified serval novel soluble forms of hMSH2 protein from its whole cell protein extracts and culture supernatant. The mhMSH2/ TCRγδ/NKG2D-mediated recognition and cytotoxicity of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells were validated in mhMSH2/6-overexpressing SKOV3 cells. Positive expression of cytoplasmic and/or membrane hMSH2/6, cytoplasmic and/or nuclear hMSH3 and complete loss of nuclear expression of hMSH2 was observed in all examined ovarian cancer tissues. The clinical significance of the novel hmsh2 c.2332 T>A mutation, the soluble full-length and truncated forms of hMSH2 proteins, and the complete loss of nuclear hMSH2 protein expression in OSC development and human Vγ9Vδ2 T cell-mediated anti-OSC immunity remain to be further elucidated.

Keywords: Hmsh2; Mutation; Membrane hMSH2; Vγ9Vδ2 T cells; Ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma.

Abbreviations: hMSH2: Human MutS Homologue 2; MMR: Mismatch Repair; M: membrane; EBV: Epstein-Barr virus; OSC: Ovarian Serous Cystadenocarcinoma; ATCC: American Type Culture Collection; IHC: Immunochemistry; mAb: monoclonal Antibody; FCM: Flow Cytometry; PFA: Paraformaldehyde; FITC: Fluorescein Isothiocyanate; DAPI: 4’,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole; LS: Lynch Syndrome.

Introduction

Human MutS homologue 2 (hMSH2), a critical element of the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) system, is normally localized in the nucleus of host cells and dimerizes with hMSH3 or hMSH6 (hMSH3/6) to form complexes that participate in DNA damage and cell apoptotic signaling. Inherited or acquired defects in the hmsh2 gene or protein lead to dysfunctional correction of errors in DNA synthesis and duplication, the cell cycle and Ig isotype switching of B cells and thus have a close association with the genesis of many types of tumors [1,2]. In our published study, we reported a broad overexpression of membrane hMSH2 (mhMSH2) in a series of epithelial tumor cell lines and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)- transformed B lymphoid cells [3]. mhMSH2 overexpressed on malignant cells was subsequent characterized as a stress-inducible endogenous protein ligand for human Vγ9Vδ2 T cells, a subset of innate immune cells that play a crucial role in antitumor/antiviral immunity and autoimmunity [3-5]. The induction of ectopic mhMSH2 expression on renal carcinoma cells by oxidative stress via the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathways with interleukin-18 promotion was subsequently revealed, but the systemic expression of hmsh2 gene in mhMSH2- overexpressing carcinomas is still unknown [6]. There are 238,700 estimated new cases of ovarian cancer and 151,900 deaths per year worldwide, and thus, this disease is the fifth most common cause of female cancer-related death in the United States in 2018 [7,8]. Among the 4 subtypes of ovarian cancer (high-grade serous, endometrioid, clear cell ovarian carcinomas and non-epithelial subtypes), Ovarian Serous Cystadenocarcinoma (OSC) is the most common and lethal type in women [9]. Previously, we reported the unusual ectopic mhMSH2 expression on the human OSC cell lines HO8910 and SKOV3 and the specific binding of mutated mhMSH2 on SKOV3 cells to synthesized OT3 peptides of human Vδ2 TCR [3,10]. In this work, we further elucidated the hmsh2 gene mutation and ectopic subcellular protein expression in HO8910 cells and the mhMSH2-mediated recognition and cytolytic effects of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells towards SKOV3 cells. The abnormal subcellular distribution of hMSH2/3/6 in different subtypes of ovarian cancer tissues was demonstrated by immunochemistry (IHC).

Materials and Methods

Cell lines, culture medium and tumor tissues

HO8910 cells (OSC) were maintained in RPMI-1640 complete medium (Invitrogen, Shanghai, China). SKOV3 (OSC) and HK-2 (proximal tubular cell line derived from normal kidney) cells were cultured in 10% FBS DMEM/F12 medium (Niuyin, Beijing, China). All cell lines were purchased from the Cell Culture Center of the Institute of Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and confirmed to have no mycoplasma contamination before use. Expansion and subset separation of effector human Vγ9Vδ2 T cells were carried out as we previously described [3]. Ovarian cancer tissues belonging to different histotype (OV-1, serous adenocarcinoma; OV-2, embryo sinus carcinoma; OV-3, cyst-myxomatous adenoma) were freshly obtained from Peking Union Hospital with informed consent provided by the patients. The use of human tissues for research was also approved by the ethics committee of the Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics (2015020917).

Gene sequencing of hmsh2 in HO8910 cells

Appropriate numbers of HO8910 cells in the logarithmic growth phase were collected for total mRNA extraction and cDNA reverse transcription. The target hmsh2 gene was amplified using fragment PCR as we described in Subcellular hMSH2 expression is aberrant in membrane-hMSH2-overexpressing cervical, lung and gastric cancer cell lines and tissues (article in progression). Three PCR products with predicted lengths (990, 1250 and 1549bp) were purified and introduced into the pGEM-T easy vector (Promega, USA). Recombinant plasmids were positively selected and characterized by Not I digestion before gene sequencing. Human msh2 variants in HO8910 cells were screened by alignment with the full-length hmsh2 sequence (NM_000251) using Laser gene 7 software.

Soluble full-length and truncated forms of hMSH2 in the whole cell extracts and culture supernatant of HO8910 cells

Soluble forms of hMSH2 protein in the complete protein extracts and the cell culture supernatant of HO8910 cells were simultaneously separated by SDS-PAGE and blotted with antihMSH2 McAb (65021-1 Ig, 1:500, Proteintech Group, USA) and with goat anti-mouse IgG/HRP secondary antibody (1:5000, Zhongshan Jinqiao Company, China). 𝛽-actin was blotted as endogenous reference control (MW 43 kDa).

Growth curves of HO8910 cells

For growth curves of both OSC cell lines, appropriate numbers of trypsin-digested HO8910, SKOV3 and HK-2 cells were planted in 24-well plates in triplicate and cultured for 8 consecutive days in a 5% CO2 atmosphere at 37°C. Growth curves of the examined cell lines were obtained by using the cell counting method. The expansion rates of target OSC cells were compared with that of HK-2 control cells.

Quantitative real-time PCR for hmsh2 mRNA expression in HO8910 cells

The human msh2 gene transcription levels in HO8910, SKOV3 and HK-2 cells were comparatively analyzed by qRT-PCR. The results were processed with Sequence Detector Version 1.2 (Applied Biosystems, USA) and Sigma Plot 11.0 as we previously described [3].

Ectopic membrane, cytoplasmic and nuclear expression of hMSH2 in HO8910 cells

The membrane, cytoplasmic and nuclear hMSH2 expression in HO8910, SKOV3 and HK-2 cells were further investigated by laser confocal microscopy with different fixation reagents. The target cells (2-3×105) were cultured overnight on pre-autoclaved glass cover slips in a 24-well format, properly fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde (PFA) or ice-cold methanol for 10-15 min and blocked with 0.5% BSA for 30 min at 4°C before labeling with specific anti-hMSH2 (N- 20, Santa Cruz Biotechnology, USA) polyclonal antibody or rabbit IgG and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated goat antirabbit secondary antibody (Zhongshan Jinqiao Company, Beijing, China). The nuclei of the examined tumor cells were stained with 4’,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) (1:1000, Sigma, USA) before being mounted on a Leica DMIRE2 inverted microscope (objective, 40×; numerical aperture, 1.25).

Participation of mhMSH2/TCRγδ/NKG2D in Vγ9Vδ2 T cell-mediated anti-OSC immunity

For further analysis of the role of mhMSH2 in human Vγ9Vδ2 T cell-mediated anti-OSC immunity, effector Vγ9Vδ2 T cells were incubated with SKOV3 cells at different ratios (effector: target [E: T] 20:1, 10:1, 5:1 and 2.5:1). Cytotoxicity was measured with the LDH method, as we previously described [3]. For cytotoxicity blockade assays, target OSC cells were pretreated with anti-hMSH2 (N20, Santa Cruz Biotechnology), anti-NKG2D (149810, R&D Systems) and anti-TCRγδ (B1.1, Immunotech, France) antibodies before incubation with effector Vγ9Vδ2 T cells at different E:T ratios (20:1, 10:1, 5:1 and 2.5:1). The blockade cytotoxicity was measured and compared to that of the rabbit IgG blockade control group. Target SKOV3 cells were stained with anti-hMSH2, anti-hMSH3 and anti-hMSH6 antibodies to confirm the cell surface expression of hMSH2/3/6 antigens before cytotoxicity and antibody-blocking cytotoxicity assays.

Subcellular hMSH2/3/6 Distribution In OSC Tissues

For IHC analyses, freshly collected ovarian cancer tissues were classically made into paraffin sections (3-4 μm in thickness) after proper neutral formalin fixation. The biopsies were heated at 60°C overnight and gradient dehydrated with methanol before antigen retrieval in boiled citrate buffer, followed by overnight incubation with purified mouse anti-hMSH2 monoclonal antibody (mAb) (clone G219-1129,1:200), mouse anti-hMSH3 mAb (clone 52, 1:20), mouse anti-hMSH6 mAb (clone 44, 1:30) (BD Pharmingen, USA) or isotype-matched mIgG1 at 4°C in a moist environment after 3% H2O2 treatment. The coloration was developed with PV9000 reagents (Zhongshan Jinqiao Company, Beijing, China) and captured with a Leica DM3000 imaging system.

Statistical Analysis

GraphPad Prism 7.2 (GraphPad Software, Inc., La Jolla, CA, USA) was used for statistical analysis and data plotting. Data are presented as the mean ± SD. Differences between/among groups were compared with Student’s t-test (two-tailed) or one-way ANOVA, P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Hmsh2 gene sequencing and soluble full-length and truncated hMSH2 protein blotting

 The PCR products of hmsh2 in HO8910 cells were 990, 1250 and 1549 bp in length (Figure 1A). By aligning the spliced full gene sequence with hmsh2 (NM_000251), we observed a point mutation (hmsh2 c.2332 T>A) in the HO8910 cell line (Figure 1B). It was a silent mutation that did not alter the primary structure of hMSH2 protein. The gene sequencing data of mutated hmsh2 in HO8910 cells were submitted to GenBank (Accession number: MG674653) for release. No additional gene mutation of hmsh2 was found in other mhMSH2-overexpressing epithelial tumor cell lines (data not shown here). By SDS-PAGE separation and western blots, several soluble forms of hMSH2 proteins were identified from the whole HO8910 cell protein extract [including the full-length form (MW ~105 kDa) and four truncated variants (MW~70, ~62, ~55 and ~40 kDa)] and the cell culture supernatant (MW~88, ~68 kDa) (Figure 1C).

Hmsh2 gene transcription and ectopic cytoplasm/ membrane expression

The growth and proliferation of both OSC cell lines were depicted with growth curves determined by cell counting assays. Both HO8910 cells and SKOV3 cells achieved rapid growth on day 5 and expanded much faster than the normal control HK-2 cells (Figure 2A). The mRNA expression of hmsh2 was slightly decreased in SKOV3 cells but substantially elevated in HO8910 cells compared with HK-2 cells (Figure 2B). Further detection of the ectopic membrane overexpression of hMSH2 on target OSC cells with laser confocal microscopy showed that both HO8910 and SKOV3 displayed different degrees of green fluorescence on the cell surface after labelling with a specific anti-hMSH2 antibody. The cell surface green fluorescence was much stronger on SKOV3 cells than on HO8910 cells. No green fluorescence was observed on normal control HK-2 cells (Figure 2C, the upper panels of pictures). The subcellular distribution of hMSH2 in HO8910 and SKOV3 cells was further determined by confocal microscopy with ice-cold methanol fixation. The membranes of both cells displayed different degrees of green fluorescence. The density of green fluorescence in the cytoplasm and the nuclei of SKOV3 cells was much stronger than that of HO8910 cells. There was no green fluorescence observed in HK-2 cells (Figure 2C, the lower panels of pictures).

 Previously, we identified the membrane-overexpressed hMSH2 on several epithelial tumor cell lines as a stress-inducible endogenous protein ligand for human Vγ9Vδ2 T cells [3,6]. Herein, mhMSH2-mediated recognition and cytotoxicity of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells towards target OSC cells were confirmed by cytotoxicity and independent specific antibody blockade cytotoxicity assays. mhMSH2 overexpression on OSC targets was validated with flow cytometry (FCM) before cytotoxicity and cytotoxicity blockade assays (Figure 3A). At E:T ratios of 20:1, 10:1, 5:1 and 2.5:1, the cytotoxic efficiency of effector human Vγ9Vδ2 T cells against target SKOV3 cells was 53%, 26%, 23% and 12%, respectively (Figure 3B). The ectopic mhMSH2-mediated recognition and cytotoxicity could be strongly blocked by specific anti-hMSH2, anti-NKG2D or anti-TCRγδ antibodies at different E:T ratios, indicating the participation of mhMSH2 in Vγ9Vδ2 T cell-mediated anti-OSC immunity by NKG2D/γδ TCR recognition (Figure 3C).

 Subcellular distribution of hMSH2/3/6 in OSC tissues

As shown in Table 1, all ovarian cancer cells displayed positive ectopic cytoplasmic and/or membrane hMSH2/6 expression and cytoplasmic and/or nuclear hMSH3 expression, while loss of nuclear expression of hMSH2 was observed in all 3 categories of ovarian cancer tissues. Strong and clear cytoplasmic and/or membrane hMSH2/3/6 expression was strikingly observed in ovary cyst-myxomatous adenoma nests (Figure 4A). Total loss of nuclear expression of hMSH6 was found in 66.67% (2/3) of the examined ovarian cancer tissues (Figure 4A). hMSH2/3/6 expression showed substantial heterogeneity among individual ovarian cancer patients (Figure 4B).

 Discussion

Human msh2 is one of the most crucial genes involved in the DNA MMR pathway and was strongly associated with increased tumor mutational burden in a multivariate analysis [11]. Recent studies have shown that high hMSH2 expression is significantly associated with smoking, while low hMSH2 expression is an indicator of MMR deficiency in lung adenocarcinoma [11]. The high expression of hMSH2 accompanied by increased PD-L1 expression and CD8+ T cell infiltration therefore leads to the development of a prominent immunotherapy-responsive microenvironment for lung adenocarcinoma and acts as a potential surrogate biomarker of tumor mutational burden to identify immune checkpoint blockade responders in this disease [11]. Moreover, recent studies revealed that MSH2-MSH6 played a crucial role in activation-induced deaminase-initiated antibody diversity by recognizing uracil(s) in the Ig gene loci to generate DNA breaks [12]. Many studies have identified mutations in hmsh2 as diagnostic and/or prognostic factors in carcinomas not only in the US and Canada but also in the Middle East and China [13-15]. Human msh gene mutations also have strong potential as novel candidate triple-negative breast cancer predisposition genes and are closely associated with acute adverse events and survival in rectal cancer patients receiving postoperative chemoradiotherapy [16-19]. Pathogenic or likely pathogenic germline mutations in pms2, msh2 or msh6 were detected in 0.5% (6/1,179) of lung cancer patients [18]. In this study, we screened a novel mutation in the gene sequence of hmsh2 at c.2332 T>A in the OSC cell line HO8910. This is a silent mutation that theoretically does not result in a change to the amino acid sequence of hMSH2 protein or to the phenotype of HO8910 cells. However, a rapid expansion and a strong increase in hmsh2 mRNA expression were observed in this cell line compared with the control cell line. Moreover, several soluble full-length or truncated variants of hMSH2 proteins were observed in the whole cell protein extract and the culture supernatant of HO8910. We deduce that these altered biological characteristics of HO8910 cells and the genesis of OSC might be linked to the hmsh2 c.2332 T>A variation, as evidence showed that germline mutations of hmsh2 and its family members were closely associated with the pathogenesis of Lynch syndrome (LS). For example, hmsh2 c.2152 C>T alteration has been recently reported as a founder mutation in Portugal; its high proportion implies combined screening for this mutation and some other previously reported founder mutations will be helpful in the genetic testing of Portuguese families with suspected LS [19]. The occurrence and clinical significance of hmsh2 c.2332 T>A and soluble full-length and truncated forms of hMSH2 proteins in clinical OSC patients remain to be clarified in the future.

Compared with HO8910 cells, SKOV3 cells displayed stronger ectopic membrane and nuclear expression of hMSH2 in laser confocal microscopy and FCM analyses, suggesting better membrane anchoring and a more efficient nuclear importing system in SKOV3 cells. The ability of the notably overexpressed mhMSH2 on SKOV3 cells to promote human Vγ9Vδ2 T cell-mediated recognition and cytotoxicity via TCRγδ/NKG2D receptors towards target OSC cells was later validated by independent cytotoxicity and specific antibody blockade cytotoxicity assays, providing further evidence for mhMSH2 functioning as an OSC-associated self-antigen (ligand) for human Vγ9Vδ2 T cells in anti-ovarian cancer immunity [10]. In the absence of information/data demonstrating that the observed mutation impacts function, one cannot determine if the mutation is physiologically relevant. In further investigations on the subcellular distribution of hMSH2 and its companion proteins in ovarian cancer tissues, we found that all examined ovarian cancer specimens (serous adenocarcinoma, embryo sinus carcinoma, cystmyxomatous adenoma) displayed positive ectopic cytoplasmic and/or membrane hMSH2/6 expression and cytoplasmic and/or nuclear hMSH3 expression, and total loss of nuclear expression of hMSH2/6 commonly occurred in almost all of the ovarian cancer tissues. Considering the high hmsh2 gene transcription and the loss of nuclear distribution of hMSH2 protein in HO8910 cells, we hypothesized that the nuclear importing system of hMSH2 and/ or hMSH6 protein was dysfunctional. By contrast, recently, it has been reported that a high overall rate (16.2%) of MMR deficiency was surprisingly observed in ovarian endometrioid carcinoma and was significantly associated with increased IFOG (International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology) grade and CD8+ intraepithelial lymphocyte infiltration but not with cancer-specific death [19]. These findings suggest a promising future in which loss of nuclear expression of hMSH2 and/or hMSH6 protein may function as effective screening/diagnostic markers or therapeutic targets for different subtypes of ovarian cancers and as endogenous immune ligands not only for Vγ9Vδ2 T cells [20]. We expected that a human cell-based assay system for functional testing of hMSH2 and its family members will facilitate the identification of highrisk ovarian carcinoma patients and the generation of individual autoantigen-targeted immunotherapies for OSC.

Conclusion

In this study, we identified a silent hmsh2 c.2332 T>A mutation (GenBank accession no. MG674653) along with serval novel soluble truncated forms of hMSH2 variants in HO8910 cells and validated the mhMSH2/TCRγδ/NKG2D-mediated recognition and cytotoxicity of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells against mhMSH2/6-overexpressing SKOV3 cells. We also demonstrated the abnormal subcellular distribution of hMSH2/3/6 in the examined ovarian cancer tissues. The clinical significance of the critical findings in OSC genesis and human Vγ9Vδ2 T cell-mediated anti-OSC immunity remain to be further investigated.

 https://lupinepublishers.com/pharmacology-clinical-research-journal/pdf/LOJPCR.MS.ID.000142.pdf

https://lupinepublishers.com/pharmacology-clinical-research-journal/fulltext/a-hmsh2-c2332-ta-mutation-and-membrane-hmsh2-tcr%CE%B3%CE%B4-nkg2d-mediated-cytotoxicity-of-human-v%CE%B39v%CE%B42-t-cells-in-ovarian-serous-cystadenocarcinoma.ID.000142.php

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[accenthrp]

Payroll Outsourcing: Simplifying Workforce Management with Accent HRP

What is Payroll Outsourcing?

Payroll outsourcing is the process of delegating payroll-related tasks to a third-party service provider. These tasks include salary calculation, tax deductions, compliance, statutory filings, employee benefits, pay slip generation, and more. It enables businesses to focus on their core operations while ensuring that employees are paid accurately and on time. Accent HRP offers a robust payroll outsourcing solution that combines automation, compliance, and personalized support tailored to your business needs.

Benefits of Payroll Outsourcing

Accuracy

Reduces errors in calculations and statutory deductions.

2. Time-Saving

Frees HR and finance teams from repetitive payroll tasks.

3. Cost-Efficient

Minimizes the need for dedicated in-house payroll teams and software.

4. Compliance Assurance

Keeps you updated with changing tax laws and labor regulations.

5. Confidentiality

Secures employee payroll data with encrypted systems.

6. Scalability

Adapts effortlessly as your workforce grows.

Accent HRP Payroll Outsourcing ensures streamlined processes with maximum accuracy and full regulatory compliance.

Pros and Cons

Pros -

Saves time and operational costs.

Reduces payroll errors and risks.

Ensures timely compliance with labor laws.

Offers expert support and industry best practices.

Scales with your business growth.

Cons -

Dependence on a third party.

Transitioning may require initial time and effort.

Requires trust in data confidentiality.

Accent HRP mitigates these concerns with dedicated client managers, strict SLAs, and bank-grade data security protocols.

Legal Norms in Payroll Outsourcing

Payroll in India is governed by several legal regulations. Non-compliance can lead to penalties and reputational damage. Key legal norms include -

Income Tax Act - Accurate TDS calculations and timely return filings.

Provident Fund (PF) & ESI - Correct contributions and statutory submissions.

Minimum Wages Act & Payment of Wages Act - Ensures fair and timely compensation.

Shops and Establishment Acts - State-specific rules must be followed.

Accent HRP ensures full legal adherence through automated rule engines, regular compliance updates, and expert review mechanisms.

Why Accent HRP is Different

Accent HRP stands out in the payroll outsourcing landscape due to its -

End-to-End Customization - Tailored payroll workflows to suit every industry and organization size.

Integrated Solutions - Payroll links seamlessly with attendance, leave, and compliance modules.

Multi-Country Support - Supports payroll across multiple regions and taxation systems.

Advanced Analytics - Real-time dashboards and reports for informed decision-making.

Accent HRP is more than a service provider—it's a strategic payroll partner.

FAQs

Q: Is my employee data safe with Accent HRP? A: Yes, data is protected with advanced encryption, firewalls, and compliance protocols.

Q: Can payroll be customized for different employee categories? A: Absolutely. You can define salary structures and policies based on roles or regions.

Q: What if payroll rules change? A: Accent HRP regularly updates the system based on government notifications to ensure ongoing compliance.

Q: Does it include statutory reports? A: Yes, you receive detailed statutory reports including PF, ESI, PT, TDS, and Form 16.

Conclusion

Payroll outsourcing is a strategic decision that offers measurable advantages in terms of accuracy, compliance, and efficiency. With Accent HRP, you get more than a payroll processor—you gain a trusted partner that simplifies complex payroll operations while ensuring legal compliance and operational excellence. Whether you're a startup or a large enterprise, Accent HRP is your key to payroll peace of mind.

[monkeyandelf]

Iran introduced its most advanced humanoid robot

Little is known about the achievements of Iranian scientists in the field of robotics. Perhaps the most famous was the Surena series of humanoid robots developed by researchers at the University of Tehran. The first model was born just over 10 years ago. Later, improved versions were created - Surena II and Surena III. The latest achievement of Iranian robotics is Surena IV, which was attended by more than 50 researchers led by Professor Agil Yussefi-Coma. According to him, an advanced robot can more accurately track objects, and his new hands have greater dexterity. Custom foot force sensors help Surena move on uneven surfaces by adjusting the angle and position of each leg. Movement speed increased from 0.3 to 0.7 km / h. In its design, it is comparable to some of its more well-known brothers - UBTECH, Walker, Asimo, Talos, Hubo, AIST and HRP-2.

Surena IV has many axes of movement, especially on the arms. The team greatly simplified the design by integrating small but powerful drives into it. As a result, the weight of the new humanoid robot with an increase of 1.7 m was only 68 kg. For comparison, its predecessor Surena III weighed 98 kg with a height of 1.9 m. Another feature is the robot controller. The control loop now runs at a higher frequency (200 Hz), thanks to the FPGA boards. Sensors include stereo cameras, 6-axis ankle force / torque sensors, encoders on all joints, and an inertial measurement unit (IMU). The text-to-speech system allows the robot to recognize people's speech and generate its own response. To make all sensors, controllers, and actuators work together, the researchers equipped Surena IV with their own operating system, ROS. They also used Gazebo, Choreonoid, and MATLAB software to simulate robot movements under various conditions - including walking backwards, sideways, turns and rises after a fall. Read the full article

[japangabby]

Robots

Japan has a growing robot industry and has created some incredible things. These types of robots include but are not limited to: Humanoid Entertainment Robots, Androids, Animal (four-legged) Robots, Social Robots, Guard Robots, and many more.  

They have many uses for these robots and they can be seen a lot in everyday life. Researchers across Japan have unveiled increasingly sophisticated robots with different functions, including a talking office receptionist, a security guard and even a primary school teacher. The newest model of domestic helper, AppriAttenda, is developed by Toshiba. This is a robot that can fetch containers from a refrigerator by using its two arms and moves on wheels. 

The purpose in creating such robots is to make older people's lives easier when they have to manage alone. The robots could help them with basic tasks inside the house.The Japanese scientists in robotics have also created the first robotic fashion model, the HRP-4C, a female-robot that is capable of strutting a catwalk, smiling, blinking, and pouting.Fumio Miyazaki, an engineering science professor at the Toyonaka Campus of Osaka University, stated that Japanese scientists can provide thousands of humanoids that could be working alongside humans by the end of the 2020s, if that is what the society wants.

Japan has the most industrial robots, over a quarter of a million robots as an effort to reduce high labor costs and support further industrial mechanization. Japan wants robotics to be for their 21st century economy what automobiles were for the 20th. Robots are also seen as a solution to the declining birthrate and shrinking workforce, a great problem of the Japanese society. Although the number of workers that a robot could replace varies on the type of industry, a robot may do the job for several workers and can provide an answer on the nation's declining work force and will weigh heavily on future pension and health care programs.

Some Japanese Robots:

A company called Connected Robotics has created a lot of cool robots, making several that are automated for food production. One of them is called the ‘OctoChef’, which makes fried octopus balls, and another called Reita which serves ice cream. On top of this, they also have a robot named Lorraine (shown below Reita) which automatically makes breakfast. 

The Cube is a robot produced by PLEN robotics,”which the company describes as a “portable, personal assistant robot.” The Cube is a robot designed to respond to human interaction, mimicking our own movements and motion. The device is equipped with a smart camera, motion tracking, facial recognition, and speech recognition tech that, combined, powers cutting-edge functionality.”

While not a robot specifically, the company Ascent Robotics provides AI-based software for robotics and autonomous vehicles. Ascent’s research team has focused on developing advanced neural models and machine learning algorithms to power intelligent vehicles.The Ascent team recently raised over $16M in funding in March of 2018; they continue to work with many different types of technology partners in the automotive industry to develop the technology.

Notes:

The existence and widespread use of robots in japan gives me a few interesting ideas for projects - especially concerning how machines are being used to replace people, which could cause some conflict. I also like how there is such a wide range of robots available - some are cute, some are more humanoid and some resemble animals. 

[juniperpublishers-robotics-blog]

Short Review of Network Based Humanoid Robot Platform- Juniper Publishers

Abstract

In this paper, network based humanoid robot platform is shortly reviewed. This type of humanoid robot uses network resources through network connections. And it can offer high-quality intelligent services to human beings without limitations in terms of system resources. Furthermore, the application areas can be very wide because it can use unlimited physical resources through the network.

Index Terms : Network based humanoid robot

Introduction

A humanoid is a robot able to complete movements and guarantee performance similar to those of a human being [1]. In the humanoid robotics area, one of the most challenging goals is to give intelligence to a humanoid to enable it to function intelligently, because a humanoid can communicate with human beings intuitively.

Many researchers have tried to create a humanoid that is more intelligent and serviceable. Until now, however, most researches have been focused on the development of a stable biped walking type of humanoid. A study using various approaches to improve the biped walking ability and intelligence of humanoid robots has been reported. Several humanoid robot platforms have been developed that considered their mechanical design and software architecture. WABIAN [2], ASIMO [3], QRIO [4], HUBO [5], MAHRU [6,7] and HRP [8] are some of the more well-known humanoids. They are shown in Figure 1a-1f, respectively.

With the development of humanoid technology, the complexity of the humanoid robot system has increased dramatically. Aside from an increased variety of mechanical parts, the architecture of the

humanoid software has gained crucial relevance.

Different from a normal robot system, humanoids have a large set of basic behaviors and can perform various tasks. Thus, to make a humanoid more intelligent and serviceable, the humanoid must integrate various intelligent software programs into a single humanoid system. However, a powerful intelligent software for the intelligence function entails a very complex and time-consuming task. Moreover, the humanoid must concurrently run much more intelligent software such as for face recognition and voice recognition. As the intelligent software becomes more and more complicated and needs more system resources, the inner space of a humanoid becomes too narrow to load enough processing units into it. Also, the power source and weight limitation of a humanoid make it difficult to load enough system resources into it to make the humanoid highly intelligent. Thus, the integration of an intelligent software into the humanoid becomes more and more challenging. In the traditional robot software design, monolithic programming is used. With monolithic programming, however, it is  difficult to realize the reusability of robot software. Also, a high-performance intelligent software is difficult to integrate in a robot system because of its complexity and hardware limitations. The modern robot software uses multiple functional components such as a face recognition component, a navigation component, and a voice recognition component. Thus, the main purpose of the architecture of a robot software is to provide a flexible and reliable communication mechanism for data exchange between the components. For today's robot applications, middleware systems are mostly used to accomplish this task [9,10].

Acknowledgement

This research was supported by Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Education (No. 2017R1D1A1B03031467).

For more open access journals please visit: Juniper publishers

For more articles please click on: Robotics & Automation Engineering Journal

[letscreateafricaorg]

New post in LET'S CREATE AFRICA (L.C.A.): the dedicated customer care software (Vital). The jobholder will be responsible for creating/adapting scientific materials and modules The jobholder will be responsible for presenting nutritional trainings to key external stakeholders as required by the business unit (this can include but is not restricted to veterinarians, breeders, Universities, KOLs) The jobholder will be responsible for training internal stakeholders (associates) including but not limited to: on-boarding, new product uplift training, sales representative and consumer care teams The jobholder will support marketing/sales and digital teams during product launches/product focusses providing training and technical materials as required The jobholder will support regulatory affairs teams when product knowledge is required The jobholder will support consumer care teams with veterinary/product quality issues/issues management as required The jobholder will serve as scientific spokesperson as required The jobholder will provide technical/product support and represent IQVIA at local conferences/exhibitions/ Congresses. The jobholder will develop veterinary diagnostic services depending on local needs The jobholder will serve as scientific spokesperson with scientific and trade media as required Education & Professional Qualification Doctor in Veterinary Medicine, Bachelor of Veterinary Science (or Equivalent) In clinic experience (preferably 2+ years) as practitioner Veterinary Industry Experience desirable Knowledge/Experience Excellent communication and presentation skills (oral and written) Excellent PC skills (Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint etc.) Ability to work alone without close supervision but also able to function well as a team player Veterinary/Scientific knowledge important Evidence of external veterinary and scientific networks desirable Key Functional Competencies & Technical Skills (3-5) (Distinguish any preferred competences at the end of the list & notate them as “preferred”) Veterinary & Scientific knowledge Communication skills (verbal & written)/Presentation Skills Ability to collaborate with various functions Ability to capture & leverage knowledge Planning and Priority Setting Ability to deal with pressure and retain composure Closing date: 31 May 2019 Method of Application Should you meet the criteria, please submit your application. If you have any further questions, please email Thapi Mokose on Mmathapelo.Mokose@quintiles.com. [5/30, 10:27] Nelson Komba: http://bit.ly/2KhZr3j [5/30, 10:28] Nelson Komba: Project Officer (4 positions) , Kenya Red Cross Society. Job location: Siaya, Isiolo, Narok & Lamu County Job Summary The principal function of the post holder is to support in the management of day-to-day activities of High Risk Pregnancy Project (HRP) . The Post holder will support in the implementation of HRP Project in close collaboration with MOH in respective counties. Education Qualifications 1.A Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health, Nursing, Epidemiology, Health information Management systems, Community Health or social sciences. Essential experience 1. Minimum 2 years related experience in implementation of public health programs, MNCH, RH or Health systems strengthening. 2. Previous experience in implementation of RH or MNCH programs 3. Working experience at field level with recognized Organization with expertise in Community health interventions 4 Experience in implementation of projects in multi-stakeholders environment. Essential Knowledge 1. Sound knowledge and skills in data collection and management. 2. Proven ability to multi-task across various planning and implementation processes. 3. Demonstrated knowledge, competency and professional skills on the public health aspects of infectious disease control, epidemic and pandemic preparedness and response. Essential Skills 1. Analytical Skills 2. Data analysis and reporting skills 3. Public speaking and presentation 4. http://bit.ly/2WB8ino

[scannerly]

Journal: March 9, 2001

• Buy 500 shares of DiamondCluster International (DTPI) at 14 3/4 limit, order good until cancelled. • Buy 1,400 shares of GTSI Corp. (GTSI) at 4 3/4 limit, good until cancelled. • Buy 10,000 shares of Criimi Mae (CMM) at a 75-cents limit, good until cancelled. • Buy 800 shares of Senior Housing Properties Trust (SNH) at a 10 limit, good until cancelled. • Buy 1,000 shares of London Pacific Group (LDP) at $6.65 limit, good until cancelled.

A diamond in the value rough As a value investor, one of my favorite places to look for value is among the most out-of-favor sectors in the market. In order to obtain maximum margin of safety, one must buy when irrational selling is at a peak. Ideally, illiquidity and disgust will pair up in tandem pugilism. Ben Graham suggested bear markets offer such an opportunity. Right now, technology is in a bear market. One of the key themes is that business customers are putting off purchase decisions today in order to minimize expense in the near term -- and hence protect near-term earnings guidance. In the long run, this is a bad management decision, and in the long run the purchases that need to be made will be made.

The major software makers have been hit, as has nearly any company selling high-ticket items to big business. The market has visited particular scorn on the e-consulting companies, which have been lumped into one basket and simply heaved overboard. Within this sector, there are a variety of companies, however, and the stronger ones cater nearly entirely to blue-chip businesses. The ones that catered to dot-coms in particular are suffering quite severely, and rightly so. The stronger ones, however, have big cash balances and dot com exposure in the low single digits -- they have also demonstrated a capability of managing a business for positive returns on investment, and hence come off more credible l to intelligent executives of top corporations.

Based on an analysis of accounts receivable quality as well as cash conversion cycles, two e-business integrators stand out as among the best. One is Proxicom (PXCM); the other is DiamondCluster (DTPI). Both have demonstrated the ability to produce positive cash flow while growing significantly, but more importantly, both have extremely minimal exposure to questionable clients such as dot-coms. Their clients -- Fortune 500 companies -- will indeed eventually return to the prudent path of spending on high return on investment projects.

Of these two, my favorite is DiamondCluster. DiamondCluster has the best margins and working capital management in the business, despite working with blue chip clients that often demand favorable credit terms. The management team is quite strong, and in the coming quarters nearly half their business will come from overseas -- primarily from Europe and Latin America and away from the North American meltdown. Dot-com exposure is less than 2%. Moreover, their developing expertise in wireless, from working with Ericsson (ERICY) in Europe, will prove quite handy when wireless eventually takes off here in the United States.

Wireless is one area of telecom that continues to hold promise. Many of the biggest carriers worldwide have already spent billions on licenses that have not been developed. These carriers will not be able to delay long purchasing the consulting services needed to realize a return on such a large investment. DiamondCluster is very well-positioned in that area.

The balance sheet is pristine, with more than $150 million cash (over $5/share) and no debt. In fact, the stock has some history, having been punished severely during the October 1998 meltdown, only to rebound twenty-fold before crashing once again. This is a stock that is fundamentally illiquid and tends to provide opportunities within its tremendous price ranges.

Management continues to maintain a no-layoffs policy, and tends to promote from within. These features are unique in the industry and foster stability within the company that can only benefit it in relation to its peers. The competitive landscape includes IBM (IBM), a formidable e-services competitor. However, DiamondCluster has demonstrated an ability to win many of the biggest clients and is in the process of developing a branded reputation as well. Success with big clients is the biggest selling point when speaking with other big clients. The human-relations culture fostered at DiamondCluster (industry-low turnover is just 11%), the blue-chip client base, and the fundamental cash return on investment mindset that management constantly evokes all set it far apart from many of its weaker, struggling competitors. Unlike commodity staffing, high-level business consulting is very susceptible to branding, and DiamondCluster has been making the right moves to create an effective brand.

In any consultancy, human resources management is key. By not laying off consultants, management is signaling to the highest quality candidates out there that DiamondCluster offers stability and financial strength. This lowers turnover as well as costs, and helps DiamondCluster to the best margins in the industry. This also allows DiamondCluster to be most ready when the economy revs up once again and competitors are once again scrambling for talent.

Backing out the excess cash, DiamondCluster trades for around 10-times newly lowered estimates. It reached cash profitability at a lower revenue threshold than any of its competitors, and it will remain solidly profitable despite the current downturn. As a value investor, I am quite used to buying cyclicals as the downturn looks most dire -- but before the actual bottom is hit. Traditionally, cyclical stocks begin their bull rally well in advance of the actual business bottom. I believe that DiamondCluster is poised for such a rally.

There is some price risk here. Other high-tech consultancy stocks have plummeted to levels approximating their cash holdings, and DiamondCluster may in fact do that too. To date, the quality of the business has actually provided DiamondCluster stock some price protection relative to its lesser peers. But what I believe we are seeing is a short-term catharsis from the lack of visibility for recovery. The illiquidity of the stock as well as the momentum shareholder base simply aggravates the fall. Most value investors would not touch something called DiamondCluster, and hence price support is vanishing. I have seen the stock fall as much as 5% on a few hundred shares, only to see others follow and dump thousands of shares because the stock fell 5%.

The stock is hence something of a falling knife rapidly accelerating its descent. Technically speaking, the only support flows from the bottom of a channel uptrend extending back to early 1997 and a recent bounce off $14 1/2.

Fundamentally, the metrics look good. The company has been able to maintain revenues per billable of about $350,000 -- over 50% higher than several prominent comparables. Expect a cyclical lull in this figure as the company refuses to cut headcount during the downturn, but as mentioned before long-term investors should welcome this attitude.

However, the intrinsic value of this company is double current levels even using conservative long-term growth estimates well below those provided by the company. A key factor in these sorts of companies is management, and in this case management is reacting exactly how I would like them to -- as owners interested in the long-term prosperity of the business. The stock is now priced as if earnings will grow only 10% annually for the next 10 years, before falling to about 6% growth. A share buyback is underway, as it should be. Whenever a company has an opportunity to purchase $1 dollar of intrinsic value for 50 cents, it should do so. The company has ample cash to amplify the buyback, and ought to do so when the current allotment is completed.

For the record, management continues to target annual 30% revenue growth long-term, and earnings per share growth approximating 25%. They are looking across the valley. Intelligent investors would never take these growth rates, extrapolate a value from them, and call out "margin of safety." But intelligent investors should be able to also look across the valley and see an opportunity for capital appreciation in a long-term hold from these levels.

The industry may see some consolidation. Anecdotal reports are that foreign firms looking to snap up American technology expertise are already scouting out various targets among the e-business consulting walking dead and wounded. Proxicom seems particularly susceptible here. I am not expecting DiamondCluster to sell out, but depressed shares composed 1/3 of cash are generally attractive targets. Buy 500 shares at 14 3/4 limit, good until cancelled.

Other buys Also, buy 1,400 shares of GTSI (GTSI) at 4 3/4 limit, good until cancelled. This stock is a holdover from last round. A supplier of technology equipment to the government, it remains a net net (selling at a discount to net working capital less all liabilities) despite a tremendous change in the business for the better, with expected earnings in excess of $1 per share.

Buy 800 shares of Senior Housing Properties Trust (SNH) at 10 limit, good until cancelled. This is another holdover from last round. A high dividend payout on this health-care REIT and an improving regulatory and financial climate due to recent budget changes continue to

make the stock attractive. Warren Buffett bought stock in HRPT Properties (HRP), which has the same management as Senior Housing and which is also Senior Housing's largest shareholder.

Buy 10,000 shares of Criimi Mae (CMM) at a 75-cents limit, good until cancelled. This is a stock of a finance company coming out of bankruptcy soon and worth at least $1.25/share and with only slightly different assumptions a little over $2/share. This is one of the slightly innocent bystanders forced into bankruptcy by the Long Term Capital Management crisis of 1998. This one's complicated and has recently been under selling pressure from a convertible preferred issue that has been converting. Penny stock is a pejorative term that happily makes people not want to look deeper, but the market cap is greater than GTSI, which trades above $5 regularly, and the enterprise value is much greater still.

Buy 1,000 shares of London Pacific Group (LDP) at $6.65 limit, good until cancelled. This is an ADR representing an ownership stake in a London insurance company and asset manager that uses its float in part for venture capital activities. The company has had a tremendous track record, and many of its companies not taken public have been acquired, resulting in large stakes in companies like Siebel Systems (SEBL). The extensive list of companies it has helped fund include LSI Logic (LSI), Atmel (ATML), Linear Technology (LLTC), Oracle (ORCL), AOL Time Warner (AOL) and Altera (ALTR), among others. Currently trading at a substantial discount to the net asset value, the stock should in fact mirror the value of its public and private holdings plus the value of its $5 billion asset management operations. It is also important to realize that a soft IPO market does not result in losses -- the company simply must keep its private companies private a little longer. Similarly, mark-to-market losses on public securities are simply paper losses until realized.

[constructionfirm]

Technologies Are Revolutionizing Construction Industry

Technology is changing the world. Almost every single thing we touch on a daily basis has been influenced by technology. Our cell phones, the tiny computers we keep in our pockets, have 100,000 times the speed of an early personal computer.

Our homes are “smart.” If someone rings our doorbell, we can see and talk to them from our desk at work. We can tell Alexa or Google Home to play music without lifting a finger, and we’ll have access to millions of songs.

We’re getting to the point where soon we won’t even have to drive our cars anymore. Driverless cars aren’t a matter of “if” anymore, but a matter of “when.” We’re already started to phase out the need for gasoline, with countries and companies alike pledging to commit to electric vehicles, phasing out the demand for fossil fuels.

Machines are predicted to take 800 million jobs by 2030. What people will do after machines have those jobs is another story for another article.

There is one industry in particular that’s known for its hard work, sweat, and manual labor. Working from sun up to sun down, getting dirty, getting tired, but getting the job done. When you picture the construction industry, I bet you don’t imagine a computer or any type of technology. I bet the first thing that pops into your head is a rugged construction worker wearing a construction hat, holding a hammer, covered in dust and dirt with a 5 o’clock shadow. There’s nothing technological about that.

But cutting edge technology has indeed been used in the construction industry for many years, particularly in the design phase (using models prior to construction for locating conflicts is an industry standard)

Now the construction industry is embracing new, revolutionary technologies in the building side of things as well. Considered as the “final frontier” for technological breakthroughs, construction companies are joining the rest of the world in the new age of technology. And as an industry that added 282,000 new jobs just last year, there will be plenty of people to use the technology.

In this article, we’ll break down how technology is shaping construction, and what we can expect moving forward.

Autodesk Hops On The Construction Bandwagon

Autodesk calls itself the software company for people who make things. Sounds like a perfect fit for construction companies, right? Autodesk makes software that enables people to create everything from cars to houses to cities to your favorite summer blockbusters.

But that’s just the beginning.

They also make the technology that can talk to robots, 3D print the latest fashions, and even fold DNA. They claim to make the software for “tomorrow.”

Lately, they’ve been pushing the construction industry to come into tomorrow with them. Recently, they purchased a company called PlanGrid for a cool $875 million. At its core, PlanGrid helps people work together. It helps general contractors, subcontractors, and owners in commercial, heavy civil and other industries collaborate in real time on projects.

It gives users access to project plans, checklists, tasks, progress photos, daily field reports, submittals, and a laundry list of other features. It has helped over 12,000 people complete more than one million construction projects.

And because one company wasn’t enough, Autodesk also purchased another construction software platform called BuildingConnected for the comparatively low price of $275 million. BuildingConnected will give Autodesk a network of 700,000 construction-related professionals that help real estate companies and construction firms find qualified workers and manage the bidding process.

Like PlanGrid, which took paper plan books and digitized them for construction sites, BuildingConnected modernizes the planning and management part of the construction process. Before BuildingConnected, companies managed their construction projects with complex Excel spreadsheets. BuildingConnected offers a much more simplified version to manage your projects and improve communication between project participants.

The acquisitions will help Autodesk expand its presence in the construction industry, which represents a $12 trillion market opportunity. Autodesk plans to integrate PlanGrid and BuildingConnected with its existing software Autodesk Revit and Autodesk BIM 360 construction management platform. The Rise Of The Humanoid

With the rise in technology comes an increase in efficiency. Efficiency comes in a variety of forms. Sometimes it’s a new app or a streamlined system. Sometimes it comes in the form of a humanoid. That’s right, a humanoid.

The dictionary defines a humanoid as having human characteristics or form; resembling human beings. In this case, the humanoids are robots, and they’re being used to help with construction.

Japan’s Advanced Industrial Science and Technology have built what they are calling the “HRP-5P”, a humanoid bot that can handle a variety of construction tasks when there’s a shortage of staff or there are serious hazards.

The HRP-5P bot stands 6 feet tall with two arms, and two legs. It’s the latest in its family of androids that began in 1998 with the HRP-1. The bot uses a mix of environment detection, object recognition, and precise movement planning to perform complex tasks, such as install drywall by itself. It can hoist up the boards and then fasten them with a screwdriver without any assistance.

The robots don’t move as freely as humans, but they do have numerous joints that flex to degrees that you won’t see in actual humans. It doesn’t always look the most natural while it’s working, but that doesn’t make it any less effective.

The HRP-5P is methodical, but it is far from quick due to its tendency to take baby steps and act cautiously. The potential here is still enormous. In addition to typical construction work like hanging drywall, the robots can be used to build things like aircraft and large ships.

Japan made the robots in an attempt to make up for its lack of a workforce, with its population aging and the birthrate declining. However, robots can do much more than add to the workforce in Japan. They have the potential to change the way the entire world approaches construction.

Here’s a short video if you want to see the robot in action:

https://youtu.be/XSg1dVPdYhA SAM

After the HRP-5P, comes SAM. SAM isn’t a humanoid like the HRP-5P, but he serves a purpose just as crucial as the humanoid. SAM stands for semi-automated mason, and it’s a robotic bricklayer – a robotic bricklayer that can lay bricks up to 3x faster than it’s human counterparts.

SAM isn’t looking to take the jobs of humans; he’s just looking for a spot on the team. A human mason can lay about 300 to 500 bricks a day. SAM can lay down between 800 to 1,200 bricks in a day. If you have one human plus one SAM, you’ll get the productivity of four or more human masons.

In this human-robot team, SAM will perform the mundane tasks, like picking up the bricks, applying mortar, and placing them where they are supposed to go. SAM’s human counterparts will set up the worksite, lay the bricks in difficult areas, and handle the aesthetic details, like cleanup.

In its current form, SAM is best suited to work on massive flat walls – the kind of walls found in colleges, hospitals, and other large scale sites. However, some detailed work can be performed. For example, SAM can emblazon a company logo on a brick wall by following a pixelated map of the image. It can also create textured looks to wall faces.

Here’s a short video if you want to see the SAM in action:

Increased Safety

Perhaps the most important thing to come from the rise of technology in the construction field is an increase in safety. The safety of the construction workers should always be the top priority, and thankfully new technology is making the workers safer than they’ve ever been. Here are five ways technology is making construction sites safer.

Centralized Safety Reports Even today, most construction sites still use paper to file safety reports. This makes it extremely difficult for site managers to determine the best ways to make their sites safer since they have to dig through a mountain of paperwork.

Fortunately, things are finally starting to change. More and more construction sites are entering their safety reports into computer databases.

Now site managers have access to computer programs that monitor trends after gathering all the safety reports generated in a particular region. With this information at their disposal, site managers can make informed decisions that will ensure worker safety and help avoid safety issues that have repeated themselves in the past.

Drones Ranging from surveillance to inspections, drones are being used on construction sites for a variety of reasons — the most important being to keep the sites as safe as possible.

By identifying potential hazards and performing quick worksite inspections, drones are making construction sites safer than they’ve ever been. They also ensure the safety of construction workers by allowing supervisors to monitor workers throughout the day. Wearables Wearable technology enables the tracking and monitoring of people working in hazardous environments, making them safer. Businesses across the globe are implementing wearables in their work environments because of the impact it can have on overall safety.

With the help of wearables, businesses can detect things like gas, heat, a lack of movement by the workers, etc. If problems arise, nearby co-workers and management are notified immediately. This increases the chances of workers receiving immediate medical attention, which in turn leads to quicker recoveries and an increased chance of survival.

Mobile Technology Technology that has been around for a number of years are finally starting to penetrate the construction field to make construction sites safer. Smartphones, combined with cloud technology and mobile apps, are entirely digitizing the safety processes. With smartphones, contractors no longer need to wait several weeks to get phone service to the construction site. Everyone is carrying around phone service in their pockets.

Safety checklists and approvals can be completed in realtime using smartphones. The digitization of safety processes via smartphones ensures smarter output, increased productivity, and real-time detection of conflicting activities.

Managers and co-workers can also keep tabs on what everyone on the job site is doing with mobile devices, limiting collisions and accidents that are common occurrences at construction sites.

The Dawn Of A New Era

It may have taken a little longer than expected, but the construction industry is finally utilizing technology to make things more efficient, more profitable, and most importantly, safer. We had to wait for it, but it appears like it’s going to be worth the wait.

With tech companies getting involved in the construction field and humanoid construction robots on the horizon, we are in for a wild ride. Who knows what the next decade will hold.

Article republished with permission. Original text available here

[terryblount]

NBlood, Blood port based on EDuke32, is now available for download

Duke4’s forum member ‘NukeYKT’ has released NBlood; a Blood port that is based on EDuke32. NBlood comes with support for multiplayer (though it’s not stable yet), features software and OpenGL (polymost) renderers, CD audio, accurate FM OPL3(SB/AdLib) emulation and support for DEF/HRP.

It will be interesting to see whether this free offering – it requires the original Blood files so you won’t be able to play the game by simply downloading this port – will be better than the official remaster version of Blood that is currently under development.

All you have to do in order to install NBlood is extract its content (that you can download from here) to a new directory and copy the following files from Blood 1.21 to NBlood folder:

BLOOD.INI

BLOOD.RFF

BLOOD000.DEM-BLOOD003.DEM

GUI.RFF

SOUNDS.RFF

SURFACE.DAT

TILES000.ART-TILES017.ART

VOXEL.DAT

You can then launch the game and if you want to use CD audio tracks instead of MIDI, you can provide FLAC/OGG recordings in following format: bloodXX.flac/ogg, where XX is track number. Make also sure to enable Redbook audio option in sound menu.

And… well… that’s it. Now imagine if someone could release an ESRGAN AI-enhanced texture pack for it. Oh boy, that would  be awesome so here is hoping that someone out there reads it and starts working on such a project!

NBlood, Blood port based on EDuke32, is now available for download published first on https://touchgen.tumblr.com/

[legit-scam-review]

Malaysian Government Reportedly Still Undecided on Whether to Legalize Crypto

The Malaysian government is reportedly still undecided whether to legalize cryptocurrencies, English-language local media New Straits Times reports on Jan. 12.

When answering a query about whether digital currencies are currently legal or illegal, Khalid Abdul Samad, the Malaysian federal territories minister, reportedly said:

“At the moment, the answer is neither legal nor illegal as the situation is still unclear.”

Samad also pointed out that while he was involved in the launch of Harapan Coin (HRP) — a proposed political cryptocurrency — he wasn’t appointed as finance minister, noting that the the matter therefore does not fall under his jurisdiction.

In December 2018, as Cointelegraph reported, Malaysia’s finance regulator and central bank issued a joint statement in which they confirmed they were setting up regulation on cryptocurrency and initial coin offering (ICO) assets.

Samad has also reportedly previously proposed to Bank Negara Malaysia and Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to use the digital currency, Harapan Coin, for government transactions.

However, as Cointelegraph reported in November last year, a Malaysian Member of Parliament had urged the government to implement proper cryptocurrency regulations before undertaking the Harapan Coin cryptocurrency project.

Cointelegraph explained in a dedicated analysis in December 2018 that as much as 30 percent of the funds raised for the project were destined for the system’s administrators — who remain effectively anonymous.

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