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Net Demand For Housing Loans Increased In Euro Area

Net Demand For Housing Loans Increased In Euro Area - Get More Info Here
Net Demand For Housing Loans Increased In Euro Area - Get More Info Here


Net demand for housing loans increased further in the fourth quarter of 2019, driven mainly by the low general level of Interest Rates, while favourable housing Market prospects and Consumer confidence also contributed positively.

Net Demand For Housing Loans Increased In Euro Area - Get More Info Here
Net Demand For Housing Loans Increased In Euro Area – Get More Info Here

According to the January 2020 euro area bank lending survey (BLS), net demand for housing loans increased further in the fourth quarter of 2019, driven mainly by the low general level of Interest Rates, while favourable housing market prospects and Consumer confidence also contributed positively.

The use of alternative sources of finance continued to have a slightly negative effect on demand, the BLS report stated.

The European Central Bank in a press release stated that euro area banks described that regulatory or supervisory action continued to have a strengthening impact on their capital positions in the 2nd half of 2019, as well as a tightening impact on credit standards across all loan categories (with further tightening expected over the next six months).

Respondent banks also reported that non-performing loans (NPLs) had a small tightening impact on credit standards for loans to enterprises and Consumer credit in the second half of 2019 (and a broadly neutral impact on credit standards for housing loans), the bank stated.

It further said that risk perceptions and risk aversion were the main drivers of the tightening impact of NPL ratios.

The euro area bank lending survey (BLS), which is conducted 4 times a year, was developed by the Eurosystem in order to improve its understanding of banks’ lending behaviour in the euro area.



Who Benefits The Most From Switching Tobacco Cigarettes To E-Cigarettes? Men or Women?

Who Benefits The Most From Switching Tobacco Cigarettes To E-Cigarettes? Men or Women?
Who Benefits The Most From Switching Tobacco Cigarettes To E-Cigarettes? Men or Women?

Scientists in their study titled “Cardiovascular Effects of Switching From Tobacco Cigarettes to electronic Cigarettes” found that females benefited from switching more than males did in every between-group comParison.

Who Benefits The Most From Switching Tobacco Cigarettes To E-Cigarettes? Men or Women?
Who Benefits The Most From Switching Tobacco Cigarettes To E-Cigarettes? Men or Women?

Researchers sought to determine the early vascular impact of switching from Tobacco Cigarettes (TC) to Electronic Cigarettes (EC) in chronic smokers.

The study found after a randomized control trial that people who switched from smoking cigarettes to vaping experienced significant improvement in endothelial function.

Researchers in their study titled “Cardiovascular Effects of Switching From Tobacco Cigarettes to Electronic Cigarettes” found that females benefited from switching more than males did in every between-group comparison.

Within one month of switching from TC to EC, there was a significant improvement in endothelial function and vascular stiffness, study stated.

Females benefited from switching more than males did in every between-group comparison. Those who complied best with EC switch demonstrated the largest improvement.

However, there was no difference in vascular effects between EC with and without nicotine within the study timeframe, said researchers.

Researches also said that longer follow-up is required to determine whether males also benefit to the same level as females do and whether these changes seen are sustained and to assess the impact of nicotine in EC.

There are many different EC devices available in the market, and we tested only 1 device for consistency of effect, they stated.

Future comparative studies among different devices are required, researchers said.

From a vascular health perspective, recommendations of switching from TC to EC could be considered a vascular harms reduction measure, they said.

Further investigation is required on the long-term cardiovascular (CV) and non-CV effects of these devices, researchers added.

By 2050, Gender Equality Could Create An Extra 10.5 Mn Jobs In EU – Learn More About The Report

By 2050, Gender Equality Could Create An Extra 10.5 Mn Jobs In EU - Learn More About The Report
By 2050, Gender Equality Could Create An Extra 10.5 Mn Jobs In EU - Learn More About The Report

Gender equality could bring an extra 10.5 million jobs and 3.15 trillion in GDP (Gross Domestic Product) in EU by 2050.

By 2050, Gender Equality Could Create An Extra 10.5 Mn Jobs In EU - Learn More About The Report
By 2050, Gender Equality Could Create An Extra 10.5 Mn Jobs In EU – Learn More About The Report

As the world changes, new challenges to gender equality are emerging, according to the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE).

The EIGE stated that it has been examining the impact of digitalisation, with the 2020 Gender Equality Index planned to focus on issues such as the effect of technology on the workplace.

Gender equality is written into the EU’s founding treaties, yet we are still far from the finish line, the EIGE said as it accomplished 10 years.

It said that gender equality could bring an extra 10.5 million jobs and 3.15 trillion in GDP (Gross Domestic Product) by 2050.

Equal does not mean identical, which is why EIGE has built a library of gender mainstreaming resources to help policymakers take women and men’s different needs into consideration, the EIGE’s report specified.

In 2020, EIGE will release a gender budgeting toolkit to help the EU and Member States ensure women and men benefit equally from public resources, the Institute added.

EIGE was set up to help the EU Institutions and Member States root out persistent inequalities between women and men.

EIGE’s production of comparable and reliable data enables policymakers to integrate gender equality into all policy areas, from the economy to climate change.

Net Demand For Housing Loans Increased In Euro Area – Get More Info Here

Net Demand For Housing Loans Increased In Euro Area - Get More Info Here
Net Demand For Housing Loans Increased In Euro Area - Get More Info Here

Net demand for housing loans increased further in the fourth quarter of 2019, driven mainly by the low general level of Interest Rates, while favourable housing market prospects and consumer confidence also contributed positively.

Net Demand For Housing Loans Increased In Euro Area - Get More Info Here
Net Demand For Housing Loans Increased In Euro Area – Get More Info Here

According to the January 2020 euro area bank lending survey (BLS), net demand for housing loans increased further in the fourth quarter of 2019, driven mainly by the low general level of interest rates, while favourable housing market prospects and consumer confidence also contributed positively.

The use of alternative sources of finance continued to have a slightly negative effect on demand, the BLS report stated.

The European Central Bank in a press release stated that euro area banks described that regulatory or supervisory action continued to have a strengthening impact on their capital positions in the 2nd half of 2019, as well as a tightening impact on credit standards across all loan categories (with further tightening expected over the next six months).

Respondent banks also reported that non-performing loans (NPLs) had a small tightening impact on credit standards for loans to enterprises and consumer credit in the second half of 2019 (and a broadly neutral impact on credit standards for housing loans), the bank stated.

It further said that risk perceptions and risk aversion were the main drivers of the tightening impact of NPL ratios.

The euro area bank lending survey (BLS), which is conducted 4 times a year, was developed by the Eurosystem in order to improve its understanding of banks’ lending behaviour in the euro area.

How Much Of The Earth’s Surface Is Covered With Water? – Find The Answer Here

How Much Of The Earth’s Surface Is Covered With Water? – Find The Answer Here
How Much Of The Earth’s Surface Is Covered With Water? – Find The Answer Here

Approximately 72% of the Earth’s surface is covered with water and only 3% of this water is suitable for uses like drinking and irrigation

How Much Of The Earth’s Surface Is Covered With Water? – Find The Answer Here
How Much Of The Earth’s Surface Is Covered With Water? – Find The Answer Here

About 72% of the Earth’s surface is covered with water and only 3% of this water is suitable for uses like drinking and irrigation, according to statistics of Live Science,

Water sources are under stress and the situation is expected to get worse because of climate change.

According to an estimate, by 2030 half of Europe’s river basins could be affected by water scarcity.

The report says that urbanization, Population growth and tourism have all contributed to the water shortages and droughts that are increasingly affecting many areas of Europe, especially the Mediterranean region.

Do You Know How Much Of The Earth’s Surface Is Covered With Water?
Do You Know How Much Of The Earth’s Surface Is Covered With Water?

In order to secure Europe’s freshwater supplies for the years to come, the members of the environment committee backed on 21 January 2020 an informal agreement reached with the Council on a proposal for the reuse of waste water.

Across the EU, water shortages and droughts have increased dramatically in recent decades. They are likely to become more frequent and more severe in the future.

Around the Mediterranean region, about 20% of the population lives under constant water stress and in summer, over 50% of the population is affected by water stress.

Europe needs a supportive framework for water reuse.

In a Circular Economy, water reuse plays a key role, bringing significant environmental, social and economic benefits.

There is high potential for increased water reuse but awareness of the benefits of this technology is low., and Europe lacks an adequate supportive framework for water reuse.

According to AMEC , stronger regulatory and financial incentives could help Europe reuse more than 6,000 million m³ of water every year by 2025.

France is one of the Member States with highest potential for more reuse, as 7.7 million m³ of waste water treated and reused.

Learn How Indian Farmers Benefit From PM-KISAN Scheme


Learn How Indian Farmers Benefit From PM-KISAN Scheme
Learn How Indian Farmers Benefit From PM-KISAN Scheme

PM-KISAN Scheme inaugurated by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 24th February, 2019 which provides for transfer of an amount of Rs. 6000/- per year in three equal instalments each of Rs. 2000/- directly into the bank account of beneficiary farmer families.

The Scheme initially covered only small and marginal farmer families with land holding up to 2 hectares as beneficiaries, subject to certain exclusion criteria for higher income status.

The Government later extended the scheme with effect from 1st June 2019 to all farmer families irrespective of land holding size, subject to applicable exclusions.

Since the launch of PM Kisan till now about 8.12 crore farmer families have been benefitted and more than Rs. 48,937 crore has been released under the scheme.

A new facility has been provided on PM-KISAN Web-portal (www.pmkisan.gov.in) through ‘farmers’ Corner’ Link to facilitate the farmers for self registration, edit  his/her name in PM-Kisan data base as per Aadhar Card, access the beneficiary list and status of payment.

The farmers are being facilitated for self registration and data correction through Common Service Centers.

Learn about other Important India’s Farmer Welfare Schemes.

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana (PM-KMY).

India’s Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana (PM-KMY) inaugurated by the nation’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 12th September, 2019 provides for payment of minimum pension of Rs.3000/- per month to the eligible small and marginal farmers on attaining the age of 60 years.

It is voluntary and contributory pension scheme, with entry age of 18 to 40 years.

The monthly contribution by farmer ranges between Rs.55 to 200.

Central Government will contribute an equal amount in the pension scheme.

Till now 19, 19, 802 beneficiaries have been registered.

Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) for Kharif  2019-20 season and Rabi Crops of 2019-20 increased.

The Indian Government has announced an increase in MSP for Kharif 2019-20 season.

MSP of Paddy increased by Rs.65 per quintal, Jowar by Rs.120 per quintal, Bajra by Rs.50 per quintal, Ragi by Rs.253 per quintal and Maize by Rs.60 per quintal.  MSP of Tur, Moong and Urad pulses raised by Rs.125, Rs.75 & Rs.100 per quintal respectively.

MSP of Groundnut up by Rs.200 per quintal, Sunflower seed by Rs.262 per quintal, Nigerseed by Rs.63 per quintal, Medium staple cotton by Rs.105 per quintal, Long staple Cotton by Rs.100 per quintal, Soybeen (yellow) by Rs. 311 per quintal and Sesamum by Rs. 236 per quintal.

The Government has announced the increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) for Rabi Crops of 2019-20 to be Marketed in Rabi Marketing season (RMS) 2020-21.

The MSP of Wheat and Barley increased by Rs. 85 per quintal each, Gram by Rs. 255 per quintal, Lentil by Rs. 325 per quintal, Rapeseed & Mustard by Rs. 225 per quintal and Safflower by Rs. 270 per quintal.

e-NAM –One Nation One Market.

421 new mandis have been approved for integration under the e-NAM. Along with these, FPOs have also been on-boarded on e-NAM portal and they have started uploading their produce for trading from their premise.

Further, 23 Warehouses of CWC located in 11 districts of AP have been declared as Deemed Market under agriculture Produce and Livestock marketing (APLM) Act which will facilitate trading in future through these warehouses on e-NAM portal.

Other Initiatives:

25 Seed-Hub Centres have been sanctioned across the country for increasing availability of quality seeds of Nutri-Cereals (Millets) and the first instalment of Rs.723.00 lakh has been released.

During current year (2019-20), 12.40 lakh Soil Health Card has been distributed to farmers under Model Village Project.

Under Farm Mechanization 1,44,113 machineries have been distributed and 2300 Custom Hiring Centres have been established during current year (2019-20).

During 2019-20, 32,808 machineries have been distributed and 8662 Custom Hiring Centres have been established under Crop Residue Management Programme.

Muti lingual mobile app “CHC-Farm Machinery” was launched, which helps the farmers for getting rented farm machinery and implements through Custom Hiring Service Centres (CHC) in their area.  As on date, 41,992 CHCs with 1,33,723 Agricultural machinery for renting out are registered on this Mobile app.  Total 1,12,505 farmers as users are registered on this Mobile App.

During current year (2019-20) 73,658 hectare additional area has been covered under Horticulture Crops and 59 Nurseries have been established, India’s agriculture & Farmers Welfare Ministry stated on 7th January.



Net Demand For Loans To Enterprises Declined In Euro Area


Net demand for loans to enterprises declined in the fourth quarter of 2019 (the first time this had been seen since the fourth quarter of 2013), despite banks expecting it to remain stable overall.

Net Demand For Loans To Enterprises Declined In Euro Area - Learn More
Net Demand For loans To Enterprises Declined In Euro Area – Learn More

According to the January 2020 euro area bank lending survey (BLS), net demand for loans to enterprises declined in the fourth quarter of 2019 (the first time this had been seen since the fourth quarter of 2013), despite banks expecting it to remain stable overall.

That decline in net demand was broadly based across a number of larger and smaller euro area countries, the report stated.

Demand for loans to enterprises continued to be supported by the low general level of Interest Rates and, to a lesser extent, M&A activities, said the report.

In contrast, financing needs for fixed Investment ceased to contribute positively to firms’ loan demand, the report added.

The BLS reports that credit standards for Consumer credit and other lending to households tightened further, despite expectations that they would remain broadly unchanged.

Risk perceptions (relating to both the general economic situation and the firm-specific situation) continued to have a tightening impact on the credit standards applied to loans to enterprises, the survey report specified.

Looking ahead to the first quarter of 2020, banks expect credit standards for loans to enterprises to remain unchanged, while they expect credit standards to tighten for housing loans and to ease for Consumer credit and other credit to households, the report added.

The euro area bank lending survey (BLS), which is conducted 4 times a year, was developed by the Eurosystem in order to improve its understanding of banks’ lending behaviour in the euro area.



Who’s Better In Mathematics? Girls or Boys? – Here’s What Study Discovered

Who’s Better In Mathematics? Girls or Boys? – Here’s What Study Found
Who’s Better In Mathematics? Girls or Boys? – Here’s What Study Found
Who’s Better In Mathematics? Girls or Boys? – Here’s What Study Found
Who’s Better In Mathematics? Girls or Boys? – Here’s What Study Found

A brand-new study, that measured 3-10-year-old children’s neural development with functional magnetic resonance imaging during naturalistic viewing of mathematics education videos, has discovered that the boys and girls showed significant gender similarities in neural functioning.

The researchers stated that that women are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers owing to biological differences.

They said that some scientists have hypothesized that women and men differ in their pursuit of careers in STEM owing to biological differences in mathematics aptitude.

However, little evidence supports such claims, they said.

Some studies of children and adults show gender differences in mathematics performance but in those studies it is impossible to disentangle intrinsic, biological differences from sociocultural influences, researchers stated.

As part of the early Biology of mathematics and gender study, researchers tested for gender differences in the neural processes of mathematics in young children.

They measured 3–10-year-old children’s neural development with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during naturalistic viewing of mathematics education videos.

They also implemented both frequentist and Bayesian analyses that quantify gender similarities and differences in neural processes.

Across all analyses girls and boys showed significant gender similarities in neural functioning, indicating that boys and girls engage the same neural system during mathematics development.

By 2050, Gender Equality Could Bring An Extra €3.15 Trillion In GDP To EU, Says Report





Gender equality could bring an extra 10.5 million jobs and 3.15 trillion in GDP (Gross Domestic Product) in EU by 2050.

By 2050, Gender Equality Could Bring An Extra €3.15 Trillion In GDP To EU, Says Report
By 2050, Gender Equality Could Bring An Extra €3.15 Trillion In GDP To EU, Says Report

As the world changes, new challenges to gender equality are emerging, according to the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE).

The EIGE stated that it has been examining the impact of digitalisation, with the 2020 Gender Equality Index planned to focus on issues such as the effect of Technology on the workplace.

Gender equality is written into the EU’s founding treaties, yet we are still far from the finish line, the EIGE said as it accomplished 10 years.

It said that gender equality could bring an extra 10.5 million jobs and 3.15 trillion in GDP (Gross Domestic Product) by 2050.

Equal does not mean identical, which is why EIGE has built a library of gender mainstreaming resources to help policymakers take Women and men’s different needs into consideration, the EIGE’s report specified.

In 2020, EIGE will release a gender Budgeting toolkit to help the EU and Member States ensure Women and men benefit equally from public resources, the Institute added.

EIGE was set up to help the EU Institutions and Member States root out persistent inequalities between Women and men.

EIGE’s production of comparable and reliable data enables policymakers to integrate gender equality into all policy areas, from the Economy to Climate Change.







Net Demand For Housing Loans Increased In Euro Area, Says Report





Net demand for housing loans increased further in the fourth quarter of 2019, driven mainly by the low general level of Interest Rates, while favourable housing Market prospects and Consumer confidence also contributed positively.

Net Demand For Housing Loans Increased In Euro Area, Says Report
Net Demand For Housing Loans Increased In Euro Area, Says Report

According to the January 2020 euro area bank lending survey (BLS), net demand for housing loans increased further in the fourth quarter of 2019, driven mainly by the low general level of interest rates, while favourable housing market prospects and Consumer confidence also contributed positively.

The use of alternative sources of finance continued to have a slightly negative effect on demand, the BLS report stated.

The European Central Bank in a press release stated that euro area banks described that regulatory or supervisory action continued to have a strengthening impact on their capital positions in the 2nd half of 2019, as well as a tightening impact on credit standards across all loan categories (with further tightening expected over the next six months).

Respondent banks also reported that non-performing loans (NPLs) had a small tightening impact on credit standards for loans to enterprises and Consumer credit in the second half of 2019 (and a broadly neutral impact on credit standards for housing loans), the bank stated.

It further said that risk perceptions and risk aversion were the main drivers of the tightening impact of NPL ratios.

The euro area bank lending survey (BLS), which is conducted 4 times a year, was developed by the Eurosystem in order to improve its understanding of banks’ lending behaviour in the euro area.







Is It Possible To Predict Whether a Person Could Die Within a Year? Scientists Say YES

Is It Possible To Predict Whether a Person Could Die Within a Year? Scientists Say YES
Is It Possible To Predict Whether a Person Could Die Within a Year? Scientists Say YES

Scientists have developed an artificial intelligence model that predicts whether a person could die within a year.

Is It Possible To Predict Whether a Person Could Die Within a Year? Scientists Say YES
Is It Possible To Predict Whether a Person Could Die Within a Year? Scientists Say YES

Researchers at the United States’ Geisinger Health System have developed an Artificial Intelligence (AI) model that predicts whether a person could die within a year.

Geisinger researchers have found that artificial intelligence can examine electrocardiogram (ECG) test results to recognize patients at risk of developing a potentially dangerous type of arrhythmia with an irregular heartbeat or of dying within a year.

In two studies, researchers used more than 2 million ECG test results from archived medical records within the Geisinger system to train deep neural networks — advanced, multi-layered computational structures — to predict irregular heart rhythms, known as atrial fibrillation (AF), before they developed, Geisinger stated in a release.

Atrial fibrillation is associated with an increased risk of Heart Attack and stroke, it said.

In 1.1 million ECGs from more than 237,000 patients who had not yet developed AF, the researchers used highly specialized computational hardware to train a deep neural network to analyze 15 segments of data.

They found that within the top 1% of high-risk patients, as predicted by the neural network, 1 out of every 3 people was diagnosed with AF within a year.

The model predictions also demonstrated longer term prognostic significance, as the patients predicted to develop AF had a 45% higher hazard rate in developing AF over the next 25 years of follow-up compared to the lower risk patients.

Want To Know Which Are The Most Counterfeited Euro Banknotes? Find The Details Here





Nearly 308,000 counterfeit euro banknotes were withdrawn from circulation in the 2nd half of 2019.

The €20 and €50 notes continued to be the most counterfeited banknotes.

The data says that most counterfeits (96.4%) were found in euro area countries.

Want To Know Which Are The Most Counterfeited Euro Banknotes? Find The Details Here
Want To Know Which Are The Most Counterfeited Euro Banknotes? Find The Details Here

According to European Central Bank’s data, approximately 308,000 counterfeit euro banknotes were withdrawn from circulation in the 2nd half of 2019, an increase of 22.7% when compared with the 1st half of 2019 and 17.6% more than in the 2nd half of 2018.

In the second half of 2019, the €20 and €50 notes continued to be the most counterfeited banknotes, jointly Accounting for over 70% of all counterfeits.

The data specified that most counterfeits (96.4%) were found in euro area countries.

The rest were found in non-euro area EU Member States (3.0%) and in other parts of the world (0.6%).

There are around 24 billion euro banknotes in circulation, with a total value of close to €1.3 trillion, says the European Central Bank’s data.

You can check your notes by using the simple “feel, look and tilt” method described in the “The €uro” section of the ECB’s website and on the websites of the national central banks.

If you receive a suspect banknote, compare it directly with one you know to be genuine.

If your suspicions are confirmed you then should contact the police or your national central bank or your own retail or commercial bank.

The Eurosystem supports law enforcement agencies in their fight against currency counterfeiting.







Are E-cigarettes Less Harmful Than Tobacco Cigarettes? Scientists Say YES

Are E-cigarettes Less Harmful Than Tobacco Cigarettes? Scientists Say YES
Are E-cigarettes Less Harmful Than Tobacco Cigarettes? Scientists Say YES

Scientists in their study titled “Cardiovascular Effects of Switching From Tobacco Cigarettes to electronic Cigarettes” found that females benefited from switching more than males did in every between-group comParison.

Are E-cigarettes Less Harmful Than Tobacco Cigarettes? Scientists Say YES
Are E-cigarettes Less Harmful Than Tobacco Cigarettes? Scientists Say YES

Researchers sought to determine the early vascular impact of switching from Tobacco Cigarettes (TC) to Electronic Cigarettes (EC) in chronic smokers.

The study found after a randomized control trial that people who switched from smoking cigarettes to vaping experienced significant improvement in endothelial function.

Researchers in their study titled “Cardiovascular Effects of Switching From Tobacco Cigarettes to Electronic Cigarettes” found that females benefited from switching more than males did in every between-group comparison.

Within one month of switching from TC to EC, there was a significant improvement in endothelial function and vascular stiffness, study stated.

Females benefited from switching more than males did in every between-group comparison. Those who complied best with EC switch demonstrated the largest improvement.

However, there was no difference in vascular effects between EC with and without nicotine within the study timeframe, said researchers.

Researches also said that longer follow-up is required to determine whether males also benefit to the same level as females do and whether these changes seen are sustained and to assess the impact of nicotine in EC.

There are many different EC devices available in the market, and we tested only 1 device for consistency of effect, they stated.

 Future comparative studies among different devices are required, researchers said.

From a vascular health perspective, recommendations of switching from TC to EC could be considered a vascular harms reduction measure, they said.

Further investigation is required on the long-term cardiovascular (CV) and non-CV effects of these devices, researchers added.

For The First Time, Researchers Detected Photoinitiators In Breast Milk – Is It a Serious Health Concern?

For The First Time, Researchers Detected Photoinitiators In Breast Milk – Is It a Serious Health Concern?
For The First Time, Researchers Detected Photoinitiators In Breast Milk – Is It a Serious Health Concern?

Researchers in their study have detected the photoinitiators in human breast milk. Photoinitiators are compounds used in the ink of many types of food packaging.

For The First Time, Researchers Detected Photoinitiators In Breast Milk – Is It a Serious Health Concern?
For The First Time, Researchers Detected Photoinitiators In Breast Milk – Is It a Serious Health Concern?

For the first time, researchers have detected the photoinitiators (PIs) in human breast milk.

Photoinitiators are compounds used in the ink of many types of food packaging.

A research paper titled “Photoinitiators in Breast Milk from United States Donors: Occurrence and Implications for Exposure in Infants” states that researchers have detected PIs in human breast milk, although they say the levels consumed by breastfeeding infants are unlikely to be a health concern.

Photoinitators are compounds used in the ink of many types of food packaging. The substances have been shown to migrate into food and, when consumed, show up in human blood serum.

As part of the study, researchers used mass spectrometry to analyze breast milk samples collected from about 60 women.

They detected 15 different photoinitators at a wide range of concentrations: from 0.46 ng/mL to 81.7 ng/mL. Benzophenone (BP) –– a potential carcinogen –– comprised 79% of the total photoinitators and was detected in 97% of the breast milk samples.

The scientists in their study noticed that BP is a natural product also present in fruits such as grapes, which could have contributed to the levels in milk.

Based on infants’ average milk consumption at different ages, the research team estimated that infants younger than 1 month have the highest daily intake of photoinitators.

The researchers however claimed that the maximum amount of BP ingested as calculated by the researchers would still be about four times lower than the safe level set by the European Food Safety Authority.

They further said that the future studies should explore potential risks caused by simultaneous exposure to several photoinitators.

Here’s How Much Worth of Illicit Drugs The EU Authorities Have Tackled In 2019?

Here’s How Much Worth of Illicit Drugs The EU Authorities Have Tackled In 2019?
Here’s How Much Worth of Illicit Drugs The EU Authorities Have Tackled In 2019?

Authorities in European Union Member States tackled illicit drug trafficking worth over €2.8 billion in 2019.

About €2 billion in criminal assets were frozen and over a thousand weapons, mobile phones, laptops and cars were seized, the report stated.

Here’s How Much Worth of Illicit Drugs The EU Authorities Have Tackled In 2019?
Here’s How Much Worth of Illicit Drugs The EU Authorities Have Tackled In 2019?

The European Union (EU) Member States tackled illicit drug trafficking worth over €2.8 billion in 2019, according to EUROJUST data.

Approximately €2 billion in criminal assets were frozen and over a thousand weapons, mobile phones, laptops and cars were seized, the report stated.

As per the data, a total of 2 686 suspects were arrested or surrendered to other Member States, through action days, coordination meetings and other judicial support provided by Eurojust.

EU Authorities Seized Over €2.8 Billion Worth of Illicit Drugs In 2019
EU Authorities Seized Over €2.8 Billion Worth of Illicit Drugs In 2019

According to the data, the volume of drugs involved in Eurojust cases comprised of 788 133 kilos of synthetic drugs, 28 585 kilos of cocaine, 9 224 kilos of heroin and 41 283 kilos of cannabis.

In total, 21 323 victims of crime were concerned in cases referred to Eurojust by Member States in 2019. 800 agreements were made on the most effective strategy to prosecute suspects.

The report specified that the Eurojust organised 27 coordination centres in 2019, during which major coordinated judiciary and law enforcement actions were taken, at the request of and in close cooperation with authorities in Member States.

The total number of cases grew by 17% in 2019 to 7 804, of which nearly half were newly opened, the report stated.

This figure is more than double the number of cases dealt with in 2014 (3 401).

Net Demand For Loans To Enterprises Declined In Euro Area – Learn More

Net Demand For Loans To Enterprises Declined In Euro Area - Learn More
Net Demand For Loans To Enterprises Declined In Euro Area - Learn More

Net demand for loans to enterprises declined in the fourth quarter of 2019 (the first time this had been seen since the fourth quarter of 2013), despite banks expecting it to remain stable overall.

Net Demand For Loans To Enterprises Declined In Euro Area - Learn More
Net Demand For Loans To Enterprises Declined In Euro Area – Learn More

According to the January 2020 euro area bank lending survey (BLS), net demand for loans to enterprises declined in the fourth quarter of 2019 (the first time this had been seen since the fourth quarter of 2013), despite banks expecting it to remain stable overall.

That decline in net demand was broadly based across a number of larger and smaller euro area countries, the report stated.

Demand for loans to enterprises continued to be supported by the low general level of Interest Rates and, to a lesser extent, M&A activities, said the report.

In contrast, financing needs for fixed investment ceased to contribute positively to firms’ loan demand, the report added.

The BLS reports that credit standards for consumer credit and other lending to households tightened further, despite expectations that they would remain broadly unchanged.

Risk perceptions (relating to both the general economic situation and the firm-specific situation) continued to have a tightening impact on the credit standards applied to loans to enterprises, the survey report specified.

Looking ahead to the first quarter of 2020, banks expect credit standards for loans to enterprises to remain unchanged, while they expect credit standards to tighten for housing loans and to ease for consumer credit and other credit to households, the report added.

The euro area bank lending survey (BLS), which is conducted 4 times a year, was developed by the Eurosystem in order to improve its understanding of banks’ lending behaviour in the euro area.

Does Running, Even Just Once a Week Improve Life Span? Study Says YES





Researchers in their study discovered that any amount of running is linked to a significantly lower risk of death from any cause.

The study however discovered that it is not clear how good running is for staving off the risk of death from any cause and particularly from cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Does Running, Even Just Once a Week Improve Life Span? Study Says YES
Women running. Back view. Human body part.

Is Running, Even Just Once a Week Better Than No Running? Here’s What Researchers Found

According to a new study, any amount of running is linked to a significantly lower risk of death from any cause.

The study that published in the “British Journal of Sports Medicine” however discovered that it is not clear how good running is for staving off the risk of death from any cause and particularly from cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Researchers claimed that their meta-analysis showed that running participation is associated with 27%, 30% and 23% lower risk of all-cause, cardiovascular and cancer mortality respectively, compared with no running.

A meta-regression analysis showed no significant dose–response trends for weekly frequency, weekly duration, pace and the total volume of running, they said.

Increased rates of participation in running, regardless of its dose, would probably lead to substantial improvements in Population health and longevity, the findings showed.

Any amount of running, even just once a week, is better than no running, but higher doses of running may not necessarily be associated with greater mortality benefits, researchers added.







Is Head-shaking To Get Rid of Water From Ears Harmful To Brain? Scientists Say YES

Is Head-shaking To Get Rid of Water From Ears Harmful To Brain? Scientists Say YES
Is Head-shaking To Get Rid of Water From Ears Harmful To Brain? Scientists Say YES

Scientists in their study discovered that shaking the head to drain trapped water from the ears can cause brain damage.

Researchers stated that the trapped water can lead to an ear infection as well as damage to the ear canal.

Is Head-shaking To Get Rid of Water From Ears Harmful To Brain? Scientists Say YES
Is Head-shaking To Get Rid of Water From Ears Harmful To Brain? Scientists Say YES

Researchers at Cornell University in their study found that shaking the head to drain trapped water from the ears can cause brain damage.

Researchers stated that the trapped water can lead to an ear infection as well as damage to the ear canal.

According to researchers report titled “Acceleration-induced water ejection in the human ear canal,” one-end closed hydrophobic glass tubes of varying diameters were used as a simplified model of the ear canal.

Then, the tube is dropped onto a spring to mimic the shaking strategy, researchers stated.

Results revealed that the critical acceleration to remove the water from the ear canal strongly depends on the volume and the position of trapped liquid inside the tube.

Researchers found that the critical acceleration is on the order of 10 g, which may cause serious damage to the human brain.

The critical acceleration tends to be much higher in smaller sized tubes which indicates that shaking heads for water removal can be more laborious to children due to their small size of the ear canal, compared to adults.

Water entering the ear canal is a common problem during swimming, showering or other water sports.

A common way for emptying water from the ear canal is to shake the head, where the force created due to the head jerk helps push the water out.

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