mnl777 link

Sioux City Police Department sculpture to depict 'bond' between officers, community

In the latest episode of 'The OGs' show, Miami Heat legend (and former Lakers guard) Pat Riley was asked to pick between the Showtime Lakers and the Miami Heat superteam with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. Riley played a massive role in both title pursuits, but he says that the 1980s Lakers would come out on top. Fan question: "Your Heat vs your Lakers at peak who wins?" Pat Riley: "I'll be very honest with you. I think the 'Showtime' team of Scott, Cooper, Magic, Worthy, Kareem. Those five guys. It would be hard for any other five to beat them. I say this because of the greatness of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He was the one guy that you could not guard. You could double him, but you could not guard him. It'd be a great series and I'd go seven with it. Whoever's got the home-court advantage would probably win." Pat Riley has been on some of the greatest teams in NBA history, both as a player and as a coach/executive. Today, he's widely respected across the league for his experience, wisdom, and vast array of accomplishments. Riley's NBA journey began back in 1967 as the 7th overall pick. After three years with the Rockets, he finally landed with the Lakers, where he quickly became an important rotation player. In 1972, Riley won his first and only championship as a player alongside Wilt Chamberlain and Elgin Baylor. Riley took over as the Lakers head coach after retirement and led them during their most prosperous stretch to date: the Showtime era. With Magic Johnson , Michael Cooper, Mitch Kupchak, Kurt Rambis, and others, the Lakers were able to win five championships over eight years to establish one of the greatest dynasties in NBA history. That's not to mention Kareem Abdul-Jabbar , who Riley admits was the star of the show. His greatness alone made the Lakers nearly unbeatable at the time, with averages of 22.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game on 56.7% shooting. With 38,387 points scored, Kareem ranks second on the NBA's all-time scoring list. The "big three" Miami Heat may not have quite as much firepower but they could certainly put up a good fight in a hypothetical series. LeBron's arrival in 2010 made the Heat a powerful superteam and, along with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, won two championships for the city in four straight trips to the Finals. The Heat's famed 27-game win streak in 2013 marked the height of their powers and it's a level of dominance that hasn't been replicated since. While that Heat squad did not have Karem Abdul-Jabbar , they did have LeBron James in his prime, who many believe to be the greatest player ever. LeBron certainly would have posed a problem for the Showtime Lakers, but it wouldn't have done much to challenge Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The Heat, who were historically weak at the center position, would have had no answer to Kareem and his dominance on the post. When you look at it like that, it makes sense why Riley chose the Lakers over the Heat. Nowadays, of course, he's a Heat man through and through, but it won't stop him from calling things as he sees them. This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission.Traffic curbs in Gaya dist

Pakistan has joined a coalition of climate-vulnerable countries advocating for a global fossil-fuel non-proliferation treaty, which seeks an equitable transition away from coal, oil, and gas. The proposed treaty, designed to complement the Paris Agreement, emphasises the need for financial and technological support to ensure fair energy transitions for developing nations. Ranked among the top ten countries most vulnerable to the devastating impacts of climate change, Pakistan is the first nation in South Asia to engage with this initiative, and aims to address its severe climate challenges, such as catastrophic flooding and rising temperatures, while urging wealthier nations to lead the global energy transition, said a press release. Earlier this year, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif also underscored the importance of climate justice during COP29 and called for greater international support to foster the resilience and sustainability of vulnerable nations in the face of looming environmental threats. Back home, Pakistan has actively undertaken initiatives at the policy and implementation level to foster environmental sustainability. As part of its safeguarding efforts, the government has introduced the New Energy Vehicle (NEV) Policy, which aims at transitioning 30% of all new vehicles—both imported and locally manufactured—to electric power by 2030. The policy incorporates a variety of technologies, and the government has announced subsidies worth PKR 4 billion to encourage adoption. According to the National Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority (NEECA) of Pakistan, the transport sector alone accounts for 30% of the country’s total energy consumption, worth approximately $1.3 billion each month, which places significant strain on the economy and foreign exchange reserves. Environmentalists and automobile experts view the policy as a game changer for Pakistan’s energy and automobile sectors, and the environment. The transition could address Pakistan’s persistent air pollution woes, particularly the chronic smog problem plaguing urban centres. Widespread adoption of EVs can significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduce particulate matter, resulting in improved air quality and better public health. The policy is expected to drive innovation and modernization in the automobile sector, fostering long-term growth and sustainability. Local manufacturing of EVs is expected to significantly boost the economy while providing users with access to the latest vehicle models—an upgrade for Pakistani users who have long been compelled to purchase outdated models. While the government has introduced subsidies to encourage EV adoption, experts emphasize the need for further measures, such as tax breaks, and low-interest financing options, to make EVs accessible to a broader population. Such initiatives will augment Pakistan’s initiative in environmental protection and agency in ensuring climate justice globally.

Meta-analysis published in Annals of Surgery shows benefits of da Vinci surgery across seven oncologic procedures compared to laparoscopic and openAnalysis included 230 studies—a mix of randomized, prospective, and database research SUNNYVALE, Calif., Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ISRG The peer-reviewed Annals of Surgery published a meta-analysis of 30-day surgical outcomes across seven oncological surgical procedures , comparing robotic, laparoscopic, and open surgical approaches. The study covered a 12-year timeframe and analyzed 230 studies from 22 countries: 34 randomized controlled trials, 74 prospective studies, and 122 database reviews. Each surgical approach represented more than a million procedures. The meta-analysis, conducted by scientists from Intuitive and Massachusetts General Hospital, demonstrated multiple benefits for robotic surgery using Intuitive's da Vinci system as compared to laparoscopy and open surgery. "Robotic surgery with da Vinci showed fewer conversions, less blood loss, fewer blood transfusions, fewer readmissions and reoperations, and a shorter length of stay after 30 days," said Intuitive Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Myriam Curet, MD. "The editors at the Annals of Surgery thoroughly scrutinized and peer-reviewed this study prior to acceptance," said Curet. "The quality of scientific data we are seeing after decades of robotic surgery underscores the value that the da Vinci robotic approach continues to have for improved surgical care." Notable study results included: Da Vinci robotic cases were 56 percent less likely to convert to open surgery versus laparoscopy. Da Vinci robotic cases saw less blood loss versus open, comparable blood loss with laparoscopy. Da Vinci robotic cases were 21 percent less likely to require blood transfusions versus laparoscopy and 75 percent versus open. Da Vinci cases were 10 percent less likely to experience 30-day postop complications versus laparoscopy; 44 percent versus open. Da Vinci cases saw a half-day savings in hospital stay compared to laparoscopy and 1.9 days compared to open. Operative time for da Vinci cases was 17.7 minutes longer than laparoscopy and 40.9 minutes longer than open. "The data presented in our study describes the value of robotics in both the controlled clinical setting of randomized controlled trials and in the ‘real-clinical-world' of population-based studies," said Rocco Ricciardi, MD, MPH, lead study author and chief of colon and rectal surgery at the Massachusetts General Hospital. "Ultimately, demonstrating population-based gains with robotics allows us to determine value of robotic procedures for the average person who might need surgery." Traditional minimally invasive surgery offers many benefits but presents several technical limitations—notably lower quality vision and depth perception, camera instability, limited range of motion and dexterity due to the straight and rigid hand-held instruments, and it can take a severe physical toll on the surgeon. Intuitive technology introduced in the da Vinci surgical system has helped surgeons overcome many of those technological limitations via advanced 3DHD vision, wristed instrumentation, and greater precision, especially in deep, limited, or narrow areas of the body such as the chest, abdomen, and pelvis. There have been numerous studies comparing perioperative outcomes between robotic, laparoscopic, and open surgery but they have focused on individual procedures, which result in procedure-specific evaluations. Intuitive's study in the Annals of Surgery looked at randomized controlled trials, prospective cohort, and database studies published within the last 12 years, and it shows multiple benefits for robotic surgery using the da Vinci system compared to laparoscopic and open surgery, which may be useful to decision makers who are considering the use of robotics in a multi-specialty setting. The study scope focused on 30-day outcomes specific to oncology procedures that often require deep and narrow surgical access. It did not review oncologic outcomes. About Intuitive Intuitive ISRG , headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, is a global leader in minimally invasive care and the pioneer of robotic surgery. Our technologies include the da Vinci surgical system and the Ion endoluminal system. By uniting advanced systems, progressive learning, and value-enhancing services, we help physicians and their teams optimize care delivery to support the best outcomes possible. At Intuitive, we envision a future of care that is less invasive and profoundly better, where disease is identified early and treated quickly, so that patients can get back to what matters most. About da Vinci Surgical Systems There are several models of the da Vinci Surgical System. The da Vinci surgical systems are designed to help surgeons perform minimally invasive surgery and offer surgeons high-definition 3D vision, a magnified view, and robotic and computer assistance. They use specialized instrumentation, including a miniaturized surgical camera and wristed instruments (i.e., scissors, scalpels, and forceps) that are designed to help with precise dissection and reconstruction deep inside the body. For more information, please visit the company's website at www.intuitive.com . Important Safety Information Serious complications may occur in any surgery, including da Vinci surgery, up to and including death. Serious risks include, but are not limited to, injury to tissues and organs and conversion to other surgical techniques which could result in a longer operative time and/or increased complications. For summary of the risks associated with surgery refer to www.intuitive.com/safety . For product intended use and/or indications for use, risks, cautions, and warnings and full prescribing information, refer to the associated user manual(s) or visit https://manuals.intuitivesurgical.com/market . Individual outcomes may depend on a number of factors—including but not limited to—patient characteristics, disease characteristics, and/or surgeon experience. Contact Information Peper Long, Intuitive 202-997-7373 peper.long@intusurg.com © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Justin Schultz announced that he would retire immediately, effective Friday morning, for personal reasons. Schultz is a 34-year-old defenseman who played in 745 career games with 324 points (71 G, 253 A). Most recently, Schultz played for the Seattle Kraken , joining the team in 2022. He played in 143 games for the Kraken, scoring 60 points during his time with the team. Following the 2023-24 season, Schultz was an unrestricted free agent. He stated he sought a “unique opportunity in the later stages of his career” before signing with HC Lugano . He played in eight games with six assists for the team. My choice is strictly a personal one. I discussed this with my family and concluded that I should end my career here and return to Canada. I’m thankful to HC Lugano for their professionalism and respecting my choice, and I wish the club and the team to succeed again. Schultz was drafted in the second round, 43rd overall, by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2008 NHL Draft . Following his draft, Schultz continued playing with the University of Wisconsin. After becoming a free agent following his college career, Schultz signed with the Edmonton Oilers during the 2012-13 season. He went on to play in 248 games over four seasons for the Oilers with 101 points. Schultz was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in February of 2016 and was with them for five seasons. During this time, he scored 113 points over 234 games. In 2016, Schultz played in 15 Stanley Cup Playoff games, including all six of the Finals, to help Pittsburgh win the Stanley Cup. During the 2016-17 season, he scored 13 points over 21 playoff games, helping the Penguins win a second championship. Schultz also played for the Washington Capitals for two seasons, with 50 points over 120 games before signing with the Seattle Kraken. Congratulations and best of luck, Schultz! This article first appeared on Inside The Rink and was syndicated with permission.Lamar Jackson makes Beyonce admission ahead of halftime show at Ravens Christmas game

What surprised the CarExpert team the most during 2024AP Business SummaryBrief at 3:11 p.m. EST

After two Lone Star Conference wins, including defeating former No. 4 Lubbock Christian, Texas Woman's basketball team is ranked No. 2 in both national polls this week. TWU (9-1, 2-1) held steady at No. 2 on the Women's Basketball Coaches Association Top 25 Poll this week. On the D2CSC Media National Poll this week, the Pioneers moved up from No. 12 to No. 2. Grand Valley State (9-0) remained at No. 1 on both polls. On the WBCA Top 25, MSU Billings (9-1) remained at No. 3, Gannon (12-1) moved up to No. 4 from No. 6, and Bentley (9-1) remained in fifth place. On the D2CSC poll, Bentley moved up from No. 8 to No. 3, Cal State-Dominguez Hills (10-1) jumped from 10th to fourth, and Carson Newman (8-1) moved up one spot to No. 5. Each week, the D2CSC also releases a regional poll. After their win over Lubbock Christian (9-1), the Pioneers moved back into No. 1 in the South Central Region. LCU dropped to No. 2, and UT Tyler (6-1) fell one spot to No. 3. All three top teams received at least one first-place votes. The Pioneers average 65.4 points per game with an average scoring margin of 12.2 over their opponents. On average, the Pioneers are holding their opponents to 53.2 points per game, which ranks second in the LSC. TWU will not play again until Dec. 17 and 19, when the Pioneers travel to Western New Mexico and Sul Ross State for a pair of LSC road games. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request.India News Today Live Updates: Trending India News brings you the most significant stories and developments from across the nation, covering everything from politics and economy to culture and technology. Whether it's a major policy change, a groundbreaking legal verdict, or the latest in entertainment and sports, we ensure you don't miss out on the news that's shaping the nation. Our in-depth coverage and timely updates keep you informed about the trends that are making headlines in India today. Stay connected to the pulse of the nation with Trending India News. India News Today Live: Vande Bharats to get a bullet boost

Appian To Participate in Upcoming Investor Conferences

None