Researchers Use AI Tools to Uncover Connections Between Radiotherapy for Lung Cancer and Heart Complications

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25 August 2024

Equipment for Radiotherapy of Cancer in a Hospital — Photo by Jo McNamara on Pexels

Researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital, a founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system, have used artificial intelligence tools to accelerate the understanding of the risk of specific cardiac arrhythmias when various parts of the heart are exposed to different thresholds of radiation as part of a treatment plan for lung cancer. Their results are published in JACC: CardioOncology.

“Radiation exposure to the heart during lung cancer treatment can have very serious and immediate effects on a patient’s cardiovascular health,” said corresponding author Raymond Mak, MD, of the Department of Radiation Oncology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. “We are hoping to inform not only oncologists and cardiologists, but also patients receiving radiation treatment, about the risks to the heart when treating lung cancer tumors with radiation.”

The emergence of artificial intelligence tools in health care has been groundbreaking and has the potential to positively reshape the continuum of care, including informing treatment plans for patients with cancer. Mass General Brigham, as one of the nation’s top integrated academic health systems and largest innovation enterprises, is leading the way in conducting rigorous research on new and emerging technologies to inform the responsible incorporation of AI into care delivery.

For patients receiving radiation therapy to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), arrhythmias or irregular rhythms of the heart can be common. Because of the close proximity of the heart to the lungs and with NSCLC tumors being near or around the heart, the heart can receive collateral damage from radiation dose spillage meant to target the cancer tumors. Prior studies have found that this type of exposure to the heart is associated with general cardiac issues. However, this nuanced study demonstrated that the risk for different types of arrhythmias can vary significantly based on the pathophysiology and cardiac structures that are exposed to different levels of radiation.

In order to classify the types of arrhythmias that are associated with cardiac substructures receiving radiation, researchers conducted a retrospective analysis on 748 patients in Massachusetts, who were treated with radiation for locally advanced NSCLC. The arrhythmia subtypes cataloged included atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, other supraventricular tachycardia, bradyarrhythmia, and ventricular tachyarrhythmia or asystole.

The team’s statistical analyses indicated that about one out of every six patients experienced at least one grade 3 arrhythmia with a median time of 2.0 years until the first arrhythmia. Grade 3 classifications are considered serious events that likely need intervention or require hospitalization. They also found that almost one-third of patients who experienced arrhythmias also suffered from major adverse cardiac events.

The arrhythmia classes outlined in the study did not entirely encompass the range of heart rhythm issues that are possible, but the authors note that these observations still create a better understanding of the possible pathophysiology pathways and potential avenues for minimizing cardiac toxicity after receiving radiation treatment. Their work also offers a predictive model for dose exposure and the type of expected arrhythmia.

For the future, the researchers believe that radiation oncologists should collaborate with cardiology experts to better understand the mechanisms of heart injuries and their connection to radiation treatment. In addition, they should take advantage of modern radiation treatment to actively sculpt radiation exposure away from the specific cardiac regions that are at high risk for causing arrhythmias. According to Mak, this study, alongside previous research, will help with surveillance, screening, and informing radiation oncologists on which parts of the heart to limit radiation exposure to, and in turn, mitigate complications.

“An interesting part of what we did was leverage artificial intelligence algorithms to segment structures like the pulmonary vein and parts of the conduction system to measure the radiation dose exposure in over 700 patients. This saved us many months of manual work,” said Mak. “So, not only does this work have potential clinical impact, but it also opens the door for using AI in radiation oncology research to streamline discovery and create larger datasets.”

Source: BWH

Hindus Have No Lobby Here

By

Robert Johnson

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23 August 2024

Dutch Hindus are raising awareness about the plight of their fellow believers in Bangladesh. They hold radical Muslims responsible for a recent surge in violence against Hindus in that country. “Strange that our government responds so weakly.”

Hindus in Bangladesh are under attack by Islamists and have no voice, say Dutch Hindu activists. Therefore, they want to make themselves heard: “When you see temples being set on fire and idols being urinated on, it does something to you,” says Nawin Ramcharan (27), an active member of SOHAM, the Hindu advocacy organization in the Netherlands. Ramcharan, along with a few fellow activists, shares his story in an office in The Hague. “We noticed that in the news coverage from and about Bangladesh, there is hardly any mention of the suffering of Hindus.”

What’s going on? This month, the disgraced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh after weeks of student protests that were met with a heavy-handed response. Following Hasina’s departure, chaos erupted. According to Hindu spokespersons, radical Muslims looted Hindu shops, homes, and temples—Hindus make up a minority of 13 million in this densely populated, predominantly Islamic country of 169 million people. According to the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (BHBCUC), Hindus were attacked in 52 of the 64 districts.

The situation has mostly calmed down now. The elderly economist and Nobel Prize winner Muhammad Yunus (84) has been asked to clean up the mess and guide the transition to a new era. “Yunus is a puppet of the United States, where he lived for a long time,” says Mohnish Sharma (49), director of consulting firm MS Advisory. “The US wants to expand its influence in the region because oil transports to Russia and China pass through this area. According to Hasina, she had to leave because she refused to allow a US military base on St. Martin, a strategically located island in the Bay of Bengal.”

Nawin Ramcharan is “not convinced” by Sharma’s observation that geopolitics played a role in the ousting of the authoritarian Prime Minister Hasina. “But I don’t rule it out either.”

How exactly all of this fits together is unclear. What will surprise many Dutch people the most is the involvement of these Dutch Hindus with developments in Bangladesh, a distant country that is not exactly in the news every day. Glenn Doerga (26), a law lecturer at the Holland University of Applied Sciences, explains: “The Dutch see us as Hindustanis, originating from Suriname. But Hindustanis can be Hindu, Muslim, and sometimes Christian. We Hindus are a religious community, spread worldwide, and we feel solidarity with our fellow believers elsewhere.”

Mohnish Sharma: “Our ancestors come from British India. They were brought to Suriname as contract laborers, but ultimately, our roots are in South Asia.”

The fact that the fate of the Hindus in Bangladesh, whose numbers have significantly decreased over the years, is hardly discussed here is, according to the interlocutors, due to poor lobbying. Sharma: “Hindus in the Netherlands can organize themselves culturally and religiously, but politically, they don’t make a fist. They prefer to fit the image of well-integrated, respectable doctors, lawyers, and accountants. Very different from Muslims, who, for example, through Denk, ask all sorts of questions about Gaza.”

Glenn Doerga: “An interview with me about Bangladesh appeared on TikTok, and a Hindu girl responded: ‘I don’t want to speak out about this because you quickly get labeled as Islamophobic and Hindu nationalist.’ Dutch Hindus are as modest as Indo-Dutch people.”

In India, Bangladesh’s neighboring country with 1.1 billion Hindus, Hindu nationalism became mainstream under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Indian media extensively reported and expressed outrage over the attacks on their ‘Hindu brothers and sisters’ in Bangladesh, committed by Muslims—a group with which Modi’s India has problematic relations.

Nawin Ramcharan: “Those reports from Indian media were largely dismissed as fake news in the West. Why? Because it’s Muslims who are accused of violence? But when Hamas claims something, it’s readily accepted by editors.” He shows responses from Minister Veldkamp (NSC) of Foreign Affairs to questions from PvdA/GL. “Here, Veldkamp writes: ‘Multiple sources indicate that there is online disinformation about the violence against Hindus. It is therefore difficult to determine the scale of the violence.’ Well, I’ve seen exactly three videos that went viral debunked by Deutsche Welle. Many of the other images were definitely authentic and current.”

At a solidarity rally last week in The Hague, a few dozen people condemned the ‘genocide of Hindus’ in Bangladesh. Minister Veldkamp questions in his response to the House of Representatives whether the violence against Hindus—and also against the small Christian community in Bangladesh—was solely ‘religious in nature.’ After all, many Hindus in Bangladesh supported the party of the disgraced Sheikh Hasina. So, it could just as well be political retribution.

Be that as it may, Dutch Hindu activists continue to raise the alarm. Mohnish Sharma: “The number of Hindus in Bangladesh has dramatically declined in recent decades. Under pressure from the advancing Islam, people converted, or Hindus fled to India. India’s Prime Minister Modi also warns about it: Islam is expansive. The same goes for the Netherlands. Islam has also established itself in all layers of society here. Maybe that’s why we hear and read so little about the misdeeds of Muslims in Bangladesh?”

Sudan: Over a dozen more areas at risk of famine as fighting impedes aid

By

United Nations News

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23 August 2024

Sudan: Over a dozen more areas at risk of famine as fighting impedes aid

The Zamzam camp houses about 500,000 displaced persons and is located near North Dufur’s besieged capital, El Fasher, which has witnessed some of the fiercest fighting since the start of the war between rival militaries Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) last April.

An estimated 10.7 million people have been displaced within Sudan, and a further 2.1 million have sought refuge in neighbouring countries. The fighting has also precipitated an acute hunger crisis, with almost 26 million struggling to secure daily meals.

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Access very difficult

In an exclusive interview with UN News, Leni Kinzli, Head of Communications at the World Food Programme (WFP) in Sudan, told Abdelmonem Makki that as many as 13 other areas across the war-ravaged country are also at risk of famine.

These are areas with active conflicts such as in Darfur, Kordofan and Khartoum, which are worsening by the day and making assessments very difficult, she said.

“Access to the camps that are inside El Fasher, where fighting continues to intensify day by day between the paramilitary RSF and the SAF, make it extremely difficult to access,” she added.

Catastrophic hunger in Khartoum

She said that some 90,000 are facing catastrophic levels of hunger in the capital Khartoum, which just 18 months ago was a bustling city without concerns over food security.

“Now there are areas in Khartoum where we are hearing that people are just surviving on mixing whatever kind of cereals they have with water and drinking that once per day to survive.”

Ramping up assistance

WFP is ramping up emergency assistance efforts, focusing on those suffering from severe hunger across the country. The agency aims to reach and support up to 8.4 million people by the end of the year.

“We are now aiming to provide around 100,000 hot meals per month and continuing to build off of that to increase the assistance. We have also registered a longer list of financial service providers through which we can provide cash-based assistance,” Ms. Kinzli said.

“[However,] one of the challenges with cash-based assistance since the onset of this crisis has been the liquidity and banking crisis that has also struck Sudan,” she added.

The agency is also helping set up community kitchens and working with local non-governmental organizations (NGOs)

“We are looking at every means to get assistance to people who need it in both in-kind emergency food rations as well as through cash and also working through community kitchens,” she said.

We cannot give up hope

Ms. Kinzli emphasized the world cannot give up hope when it comes to the Sudan crisis, stressing that “we certainly can deliver at the scale required”.

“If we can get assistance to these areas, especially to people who are trapped by conflict and especially to the areas that are at risk of famine, we can prevent many deaths and we can prevent mass starvation and widespread malnutrition,” she said.

At the same time, the warring parties should keep the interests of Sudanese people at heart, she urged.

“No matter what, WFP will continue to do whatever we can, no matter the circumstances, to support and provide assistance to people where they need it the most.”

World News in Brief: Sudan aid breakthrough, rights in Afghanistan, Myanmar displacement continues

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United Nations News

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22 August 2024

World News in Brief: Sudan aid breakthrough, rights in Afghanistan, Myanmar displacement continues

World Food Programme (WFP) trucks carrying sorghum, pulses, oil and rice destined for 13,000 people at risk of famine in Kereneik, West Darfur, made the crossing on Tuesday evening local time.

WFP reports that it has food and nutrition supplies for around 500,000 people ready to move swiftly through the newly re-opened route.

“The re-opening of the Adre crossing is critical for the effort to prevent famine from spreading across Sudan, and it must now stay in use”, said WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain.

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Race to avoid starvation

“I want to acknowledge all parties for taking this vital step to help WFP get lifesaving aid to millions of people in desperate need”.

She said agencies urgently need to reach every corner of Sudan with food assistance through humanitarian corridors as well as border crossings: “This is the only way to avoid widespread starvation.”

The Adre crossing from Chad is the most effective and shortest route to deliver humanitarian assistance into Sudan – and particularly the Darfur region – at the scale and speed required to respond to the huge hunger crisis.

Since Adre’s official closure in February, WFP was able to operate just two convoys via the Adre crossing – one in March and one in April and since then needs have only grown, as the rival militaries battle for control of the devastated nation.

UN expert vows to advocate for Afghan human rights following ban on entry

The UN independent human rights expert for Afghanistan has expressed concern over the Taliban’s commitment to end its clampdown on basic rights there, following their announcement that they will not permit his entry into the country.

Special Rapporteur, Richard Bennett, said he has always engaged with the de facto authorities transparently and has been effective in assessing the country’s human rights situation and providing recommendations for improvement where needed.

“As an UN-appointed independent expert, I take my responsibilities very seriously,” Mr. Bennett said. “I urge the Taliban to reverse their decision and reiterate my willingness and availability to travel to Afghanistan.”

Committed to the people

The UN expert says he will continue to engage with the people of Afghanistan “both inside and outside the country, as well as other relevant stakeholders, noting that I have not travelled to Afghanistan for over a year.”

Mr. Bennett also committed to further documenting human rights violations and providing suggestions for improvement.

“I remain committed to the people of Afghanistan and to supporting a stable, inclusive and prosperous country at peace with itself and its neighbours,” he said.

Special Rapporteurs are appointed by the Human Rights Council to serve in their individual capacity, independent of the UN system and national governments. They are not UN employees and do not receive a salary.

Displacement rife across Myanmar

The deteriorating situation in three regions of Myanmar where fighting between military government forces and opposition rebels is intensifying is driving up displacement, the UN Spokesperson warned on Wednesday.

“Reports we are receiving show intensifying hostilities in Rakhine have caused casualties and new displacement, notably in Maungdaw Township, on the border with Bangladesh”, said Stéphane Dujarric.

An estimated 20,000 people were reportedly displaced from three downtown Maungdaw areas on 5 August while more people are reportedly fleeing across the border now.

In northern Shan state, there has been a resurgence of fighting since late June, with an estimated 33,000 people displaced from four townships, he added.

“There are also reports of civilian casualties; homes and other structures have also been destroyed according to the information we’re getting.”

Funding falling short

Torrential monsoon rains since the end of June are aggravating the already dire humanitarian situation with around 393,000 impacted.

The 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, which aims to reach some 5.3 million people across the country has only received 23 per cent of the amount requested – just over $225 million.

“Despite the challenges, some 2.1 million people across Myanmar were reached by UN and other humanitarian partners during the first half of this year. They received assistance such as food, health, nutrition, and water and sanitation support”, Mr. Dujarric concluded.

OSCE Urges Immediate Action Amid Surge in Religious Hate Crimes Across Europe

By

Juan Sanchez Gil

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22 August 2024

religious hate crimes - Woman suffering, Leaning on a Bench — Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels

Vienna, August 22, 2024 – Religious Hate Crimes – On the occasion of the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, there is a significant focus on the rising number of hate crimes in the OSCE region. This issue was emphasized in a statement by the Personal Representatives of the OSCE Chair in Office, stressing the immediate action required to address growing religious intolerance and discrimination.

In their pointed message, the representatives expressed “deep concern at the alarming level of hate crime and acts of violence based on religion or belief across the OSCE region.” This assertion is not without basis. The statement highlighted a disturbing increase in intolerance towards Muslims, noting that “the high and increasing number of reported incidents of intolerance, violence, and discrimination against Muslims” is a testament to the deep-seated roots of anti-Muslim hatred exacerbated by xenophobia in several countries.

Since the series of Hamas terror attacks in October 2023, there has been an increase in anti-Semitic sentiments. The repercussions of these incidents, combined with the persisting tensions in the Middle East have instilled a sense of fear, among communities residing in various OSCE nations. The representatives noted that these conditions have forced individuals to “hide their Jewish identity in public,” a stark indicator of the present threats to personal freedom and security.

It’s evident that religious hate crimes aren’t limited to any group. “Acts of intolerance against Christians and members of other religions or beliefs continue unabated,” the statement claims, emphasizing the connection between these actions and extreme nationalism, racism and prejudice. These intersections present dangers to various social groups, such, as women, immigrants, Roma and Sinti communities.

A significant contributor to this worrying religious hate crimes trend is the role of social media. The representatives warned that social media platforms are instrumental in “promoting and amplifying these acts and expressions of intolerance and xenophobia,” often inciting violence through the dissemination of false information. They emphasized that while freedom of expression is foundational to democracy, it should not serve as a shield for unchecked hatred that targets individuals’ physical and emotional well-being.

The consequences of unchecked violence based on religion or belief extend beyond immediate physical threats. These acts “risk the erosion of our basic democratic values and principles,” posing a long-term threat to social cohesion, peaceful coexistence, and societal security.

In their closing remarks, the OSCE representatives made a resounding call to action. They encouraged participating States to fortify efforts in safeguarding freedom of religion and belief, urging the implementation of “comprehensive measures enabling the effective reporting, recording, and prosecution of hate crime.” Moreover, they emphasized the necessity of legislative and enforcement measures alongside appropriate victim support, when suffering religious hate crimes.

The statement underscored that “freedom of religion or belief is specifically acknowledged as an integral aspect of the OSCE’s comprehensive concept of security,” reinforcing its vital role in countering discrimination and prejudice. The representatives expressed readiness to assist participating States with the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) in fostering respect for freedom of thought, conscience, religion, or belief.

The joint call was echoed by Rabbi Andrew Baker, Ambassador Evren Dağdelen Akgün, and Dr. Regina Polak, each representing a focus on combating various facets of intolerance and discrimination. Their unified stance serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing efforts required to ensure a secure, inclusive future for all religions and beliefs within the OSCE region.

Council of Europe pays respects to the victims of terrorism

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22 August 2024

place of the republic, beautiful flowers, nature — Photo by nicolasdebraypointcom on Pixabay

Terrorism and violent extremism continue to injure and kill thousands of innocent people each year. Terrorist attacks, and the violent and hateful ideologies that drive them, are contrary to the fundamental values of our societies and an affront to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

On the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, the Council of Europe pays respects to the victims, survivors and families who have been injured, traumatised or lost their lives by heinous acts of terrorism worldwide.

We also pay tribute to those who help support the victims of terrorism, from first responders to law enforcement and the dedicated institutions, professionals, and associations, who provide long-term assistance and care.

The Council of Europe Network of single contact points for the exchange of procedural information regarding the legal standing of victims of terrorism makes it possible for countries to exchange procedural information concerning the legal standing of its citizens who are victims of a terrorist attack. Our guidelines for public and private sector authorities on preparedness and emergency responses to the immediate aftermath of terrorist attacks, provide practical advice on core aspects of national emergency responses.

Find out more about the Council of Europe’s counter-terrorism work.

More on the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism | United Nations

Belgium’s Battle Against Drugs and Alcohol Abuse: A New Hope Emerges

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22 August 2024

KingNewsWire. Belgium’s fight against alcohol and drugs abuse, has been highlighted by an article at the Freedom Magazine, the Voice of the Church of Scientology. The Foundation for a Drug-Free World, supported by Scientology, leads educational initiatives to expose substance abuse dangers. Central to that story is Julie Delvaux’s inspiring journey from someone surrounding the milieu to a compelling advocate, propelled by L. Ron Hubbard’s insights on drug threats.

Brussels, Belgium, 22nd Aug 2024 – Freedom Magazine, has just published a compelling article about the pervasive grip of alcohol and drug abuse on Belgium, which is likened to the mythical monster Bullebak⁽¹⁾, an analogy that intentioned to underscore the country’s struggle with substance dependency.

This journalistic piece highlights the extensive impact of these issues on Belgian society, introducing the inspiring and transformative actions led by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World and its volunteers to combat them.

An important but small country, Belgium has a population of 11.7 million, and yet faces a significant challenge with 1.1 million individuals consuming alcohol daily, and a staggering number grappling with alcohol abuse. This is a situation that grows bigger and bigger as substance use bridges to illicit drugs, contributing to over 60,000 drug-related crimes annually. In such an environment of widespread addiction, “I really saw how bad the drug problem was in my country and how ‘normal’ drugs are,” said Julie Delvaux, the protagonist of today’s story.

The original article draws attention to how Julie Delvaux, a Belgian young woman who, after a personal encounter with drugs being used among her friends, became a pivotal figure in the fight against this societal menace. Her journey to activism illuminates a path of awareness and education as vital tools in curbing drug abuse and even getting out of such a world before it is too late.

Julie’s activism with the activities and materials proposed and produced by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World marked a turning point in her life. Emphasizing education without judgment, the Truth About Drugs booklets provide factual insights about the effects of drugs, empowering individuals to make informed choices. Julie, alongside her peers, leverages Belgium’s cultural affinity for biking, music, and magic to disseminate these educational materials across the nation, reaching numerous cities through engaging events that merge entertainment with advocacy.

A significant highlight of their campaign was the strategic focus on Antwerp, Europe’s drug trafficking nexus. Here, Julie’s efforts were bolstered by collaboration with the Church of Scientology, amplifying her initiative’s impact through open houses and public events.

Throughout the campaign, the teachings of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard resonate, particularly his assertion:

“The planet has hit a barrier which prevents any widespread social progress—drugs and other biochemical substances. These can put people into a condition which not only prohibits and destroys physical health, but which can prevent any stable advancement in mental or spiritual well-being“.
L. Ron Hubbard

This quote encapsulates the profound societal implications of drug abuse, echoing the urgency and necessity of initiatives like Julie’s.

According to the report by Freedom and her very own episode at “Voices for Humanity” of the Scientology Network, Julie and her team’s unwavering commitment has touched 14% of the population in Belgium, sparking awareness and fuelling a movement to promote a drug-free lifestyle among young people. Her journey symbolizes a beacon of optimism, highlighting the impact achievable through community-driven initiatives.

The piece from Freedom Magazine goes beyond recounting Belgium’s challenges; it celebrates the power of education and grassroots efforts in addressing societal issues. Julie Delvaux’s narrative advocates for a shift towards prevention and transparency in combating substance abuse, offering hope for a future free from drugs, in Belgium.

First published through KingNewsWire.

*(1) Bullebak is a mythical monster:

The Bullebak is a mythical monster from Dutch folklore. It is often described as a terrifying creature used by parents to frighten children into good behavior, much like the boogeyman in other cultures. The specific appearance and characteristics of the Bullebak can vary, as it is more of a legendary creature than one with a standardized description. The term is generally used to refer to a menacing or fearsome being that lurks in the shadows, ready to pounce on misbehaving children.

Why are we bookmarking things and never checking back?

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21 August 2024

Why are we bookmarking things and never checking back?

Without a doubt, many of us, upon opening our Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, or any other social media account and looking at the saved files section, would find dozens of saved but forgotten links to articles, videos, and other materials. This action can be called “bookmarking”— a process during which we can save various online content and then easily find it in one place. But how does it happen that we save and accumulate so much, yet never return to it?

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Do we know the purpose behind saving these links?

When examining the act of bookmarking within the context of consciously choosing to save information seen online, it can be linked to a deliberate decision and intention to use the saved link in the future. This indicates that the user wants to systematize and organize information so that it can be easily found and used according to their needs.

However, today, there is a growing risk and trend of accumulating large amounts of information: various social content, website links, or emails that are often stored in an unorganized manner and without a specific purpose. This behavior has already been given a term by psychologists and researchers — “digital hoarding”.

Hoarding as an action is not new to researchers, as there have always been people who hoard books, receipts, and many other physical items. However, these habits are gradually shifting into the digital realm and becoming a new challenge. The constant saving of emails, reels, and articles may seem harmless, but it can lead to uncontrollable behavior and more serious consequences than might appear at first glance.

What drives the hoarding of digital material?

The act of saving certain content and never returning to it is a familiar experience for many, but this is usually not a serious problem. However, the increasingly uncontrollable desire—or the emerging compulsion—to constantly save everything you see online that piques your interest may appears from underlying psychological issues.

Firstly, when a person encounters certain material, they often do not control their decision and choose to save the content. They frequently feel that not saving it will cause anxiety, a sense of discomfort, and doubt that they will need the material in the future, but when the time comes, they may not have access to the necessary information.

The second reason why digital content is often hoarded is emotional attachment. This reason is more closely related to personal files, such as emails or photos, where it is difficult to let go because the person feels a sense of loss.

How to tell if you are a digital hoarder?

Dr. Richard Brown outlines five signs that can help determine whether any of us are digital hoarders. Firstly, it’s the constant accumulation of digital material, such as a full email inbox or disorganized saved files, with the thought that they might be needed. Secondly, you don’t delete unused material that was saved but never reviewed. Thirdly, it’s difficult to find what you need among the abundance of saved files. Fourthly, there is an emotional attachment, making it hard to delete unused files. Fifthly, you save files across multiple platforms or devices to ensure access.

Final Word

While hoarding physical or digital materials may seem harmless and almost a universal behaviour, everyone should carefully consider whether the saved information is necessary and if it will be useful and needed in the future.

Written by Agnė Vaišnoraitė

Sources: UCLA Health, Psychology Today

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World Humanitarian Day: EU provides aid globally and protects local aid workers

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21 August 2024

Statement by the High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell and Commissioner Janez Lenarčič on 2024 World Humanitarian Day

World Humanitarian Day: EU provides aid globally and protects local aid workers

August 19 marked World Humanitarian Day, which is an opportunity to celebrate the indispensable and tireless life-saving efforts of aid workers worldwide. When crises erupt and conflicts arise, humanitarians are among the first ones on the spot delivering emergency assistance to those affected. Recent world crises like Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East have sadly shown that all too often it is aid workers who pay the highest price for their efforts. 2023 was the deadliest year on record for aid workers, and 2024 is likely to follow the same tragic trend.

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Aid workers deployed

Many aid workers are deployed under the EU’s commitment to provide humanitarian assistance to people hit by human-induced disasters and natural hazards around the globe. It has been delivering on this humanitarian aid commitment for over 30 years, in over 110 countries, reaching millions of people across the globe each year. Indeed, the EU – EU countries and institutions collectively – is among the leading donors of humanitarian aid in the world, with an initial humanitarian budget for 2024 of €1.8 billion.

EU humanitarian aid covers intervention areas such as  food  and  nutrition,  shelter,  healthcare,  water and sanitation, and education in emergencies. It is channelled impartially to affected populations, regardless of their race, ethnic group, religion, gender, age, nationality or political affiliation and focuses on the most vulnerable. A network of EU humanitarian experts in over 40 countries worldwide enables close monitoring of crisis situations and relief operations.

Recent major EU humanitarian aid initiatives include:   

Launching EU Humanitarian Aid Bridge flights to channel aid to the most difficult to reach areas. These Air Bridge flights have proven a lifeline to channel aid to Ethiopia during the Tigray crisis, to the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as to delivering assistance to the people of Gaza more recently. 
Developing global stockpiles of aid – the European Humanitarian Response Capacity – hosted in Latin America, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe to be able to send aid faster to crises zones, such as in the aftermath of the earthquake in Türkiye and Syria in 2023.

Moreover, through the biggest ever operation under the Civil Protection Mechanism, the EU has provided Ukraine with 149 000 tonnes of humanitarian aid and coordinated the evacuation of over 3 500 Ukrainian patients to hospitals across Europe.

To help protect local aid workers around the globe, the EU has established the Protect Aid Workers initiative that assists those who have fallen victim to attacks or other security incidents while on duty with legal aid and rapid financial grants. The first of its kind, the mechanism has distributed 25 grants to humanitarian workers in need of support, worth over €240,000, since February 2024. Through the initiative, the EU aims to create a safety net for local aid workers who often have limited resources and cannot rely on the protection of large international organisations.

For more information

EU humanitarian aid

Protect Aid Workers

EU Humanitarian Aid Bridge

Poland’s Former Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki Eyes Leadership of European Conservatives and Reformists

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20 August 2024