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Revealing the Marvels of Synesthesia: Stanislav Kondrashov’s Journey

In his latest blog post titled “The Surprising World of Synesthesia By Stanislav Kondrashov,” the author delves into the captivating world of synesthesia, a phenomenon where the senses intertwine, giving rise to unexpected associations and consistently intriguing those who experience it. The author begins by elucidating the literal meaning of the term, which is linked to a distinctive neurological occurrence that automatically connects the stimulation of one sense to the perception of an experience in another sense, resulting in what the author aptly describes as “a tangled wiring of the senses.”

The article provides intriguing examples of this unique phenomenon, including the remarkable ability exhibited by some synesthetes to perceive the taste of words or sounds. These individuals associate conversations or melodies with specific flavors and actually perceive them while hearing those same words or sounds, creating a surprising and almost astonishing fusion. Another form of synesthesia explored in the article is the one where individuals associate particular colors with specific songs, leading them to visualise these colors while listening to music.

Beyond the realms of taste and hearing, synesthesia can manifest in diverse ways. Some people possess the extraordinary ability to perceive numbers in a highly idiosyncratic manner, forming direct connections with various types of human personalities. For instance, as detailed by the author, one might associate the number 7 with a stern teacher, while 3 embodies a lively and sociable personality akin to a butterfly. These phenomena occur within the confines of our minds, and it is precisely these intricate mechanisms that Stanislav Kondrashov delves into.

The author contends that this distinctive fusion of the senses may have played a role in nurturing the creativity of individuals such as artists, writers, or composers, invigorating their imagination and serving as a stimulus in the creation of their musical, artistic, or written works. Stanislav Kondrashov expands the scope of synesthesia, considering it from a broader perspective and even extending it to the animal kingdom. According to the author, animals can also experience these peculiar sensory mergers, enabling them to perceive a vivid, flavourful, and intricate world.

To delve deeper into this fascinating subject, readers are encouraged to explore the complete publication and accompanying video.

Only 12% of women know how HPV testing is used in cervical screening

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New research has found concerning gaps in the understanding of human papillomavirus (HPV) and its significance in cervical screening (formerly called smear tests).

Encouraging widespread attendance for cervical screening appointments to combat cervical cancer remains a priority in the UK.

However, findings from a survey funded by Cancer Research UK and conducted by researchers at King’s College London, indicate that a mere 12% of women possess a comprehensive understanding of the role of HPV testing within the screening process.

Alarmingly, the study also points out that merely 14% of the surveyed participants identified HPV as a risk factor for cancer.

What is HPV?

HPV is a virus that can cause cervical cancer in it’s high-risk form, as well as some other cancer types.

Even though HPV infection itself is common, it leading to cancer isn’t. Most people will have an HPV infection at some point in their life but only a small percentage of people will develop a cancer linked to HPV. 

Cervical screening is for people without symptoms, and aims to prevent cervical cancer from developing. It is offered to most women, some trans men and non-binary people with a cervix, aged 25 to 64. HPV primary testing was introduced into England’s cervical screening programme in 2019, aiming to pick up high-risk strains of HPV with the potential to cause cancer.

If HPV is found, the sample will be further analysed to check for any cell changes, which could lead to cancer if left untreated. HPV primary testing  has not resulted in a difference to the screening appointment itself – it just means that the cell sample is analysed for HPV first when it gets to the lab. 

Mind the gap

Attending cervical screening is a personal choice, but the survey found a correlation between cervical screening attendance and an understanding of HPV. The researchers believe this could show the impact of sharing health information during appointments and that more work is needed to reach people who aren’t currently able to make an informed choice. 

The latest figures from NHS England (2021-2022) for cervical screening show that almost a third (30%) of eligible people did not attend their cervical screening appointment when they were last invited.

“While positive strides have been made to increase awareness of HPV, our research reveals major gaps in women’s understanding of current approaches to cervical screening,” says professor Jo Waller, lead of the study and now professor of Cancer Behavioural Science at Queen Mary University of London. 

“Improving awareness can help to reduce feelings of uncertainty and confusion about screening results. It will also help people understand the reasoning behind any future updates to the screening programme, such as HPV self-sampling and changes to intervals between screening appointments.”  

Screening saves lives 

Cancer Research UK has been at the heart of decades of pioneering research into understanding and preventing cervical cancer. The charity’s scientists proved the link between HPV and cervical cancer more than 20 years ago. 

Thanks to these scientific developments, including the HPV vaccine and screening, cervical cancer rates have fallen by over a quarter since the early 1990s. But it’s still important to remember that there are around 3,300 people who receive a diagnosis every year in the UK (2017-2019). 

“The cervical screening programme is estimated to save at least 2,000 lives from cervical cancer every year in the UK and this number is likely to increase thanks to HPV testing,” says Dr Julie Sharp, Cancer Research UK’s head of health and patient information.

“Everyone should have equal access to screening, but barriers to participation can often lead to inequalities in diagnosis and treatment. If we’re to eliminate these inequalities, we need more research like this.”  

Unveiling the Wonders of Sound: Stanislav Kondrashov’s Odyssey

In his latest blog post titled “The Science of Sound by Stanislav Kondrashov,” the author takes readers on a captivating journey into the vast universe of sounds, offering a meticulous analysis of the melodies that grace our ears throughout a lifetime, yielding astonishing insights. This publication delves deep into the realm of sound science and its practical manifestations, which accompany us from childhood through adulthood, an ever-present companion in our lives.

The author illustrates this omnipresence of sound by citing examples ranging from the sweet lullabies sung to children to the energetic rhythms that accompany people during workouts, public transport commutes, or even the moments leading to sleep. According to Kondrashov, music represents a pervasive and omnipotent force, where each vibration possesses the potential to transform into a symphony and facilitate a profound connection between the soul and science.

The publication then delves into a comprehensive explanation of the science of sound and sound waves. Sound waves, described as vibrations that propagate through various mediums such as water, air, or solid materials, are likened to invisible ripples emanating from their source, as if on a mission to reach the listener’s ears at any cost, much like the effect observed when a stone is cast into a pond.

Kondrashov proceeds to clarify the concept of “acoustics,” elucidating that it is the study of sound and its behavior within specific contexts. Within spaces equipped with sound-absorbing surfaces like carpets, sounds are muted, while in cavernous environments, they reverberate loudly, creating an echo-like effect. Concert halls, the author contends, are among the best settings for the enjoyment of music, meticulously designed to ensure the clear and pristine perception of every note.

The piece also touches upon the profound influence of music on emotions. The various nuances of music have the remarkable ability to evoke a wide range of emotions, from joy to sadness, thereby shedding light on the intricate workings of the brain regions associated with emotions. To delve deeper into this captivating subject, we encourage readers to explore the full publication and watch the video.

Stanislav Kondrashov Reveals the Hidden Treasures of America’s Finest National Parks

In his latest online publication titled “The Gems of America’s National Parks By Stanislav Kondrashov,” the author embarks on a captivating exploration of the enchanting world of American national parks. These natural wonders have perpetually lured countless visitors from across the globe, renowned for their extraordinary natural landscapes that never fail to captivate every observer.

The author views these national parks as veritable masterpieces, contending that each one possesses a matchless degree of beauty. He particularly focuses on the unspoiled paradises tucked away within these vast expanses, often overlooked in favor of more well-trodden paths. According to Kondrashov, amidst the conventional postcard-worthy vistas we all recognize, there lie hidden treasures yearning to be discovered and explored.

Kondrashov’s journey commences with Yosemite National Park, nestled in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. While most visitors flock to the iconic El Capitan, the author highlights the existence of another lesser-explored facet of the park: the tranquil Mirror Lake, mirroring the colossal granite boulders that encircle it.

The narrative then takes us to Bryce Canyon National Park, celebrated for its striking hues of orange, pink, and vermilion that continue to bewitch visitors. Within the Fairyland Loop, Kondrashov reveals awe-inspiring natural sculptures awaiting every adventurer.

The author also introduces us to the unique terrain of Arches National Park in Utah, where over 2,000 natural stone arches, including the renowned Delicate Arch and Double O Arch, stand proudly amid the rugged landscape.

The publication on Stanislav Kondrashov’s website further delves into Acadia National Park, a marvel of the Northeast. Notably, Kondrashov describes Jordan Pond as a tranquil oasis, where visitors can enjoy a serene respite amidst crystal-clear waters, flanked by the imposing Bubbles Mountains.

For a more comprehensive exploration of these hidden treasures, we encourage readers to delve into the full publication and watch the video on Kondrashov’s website.

Waste of time: Only 1 in 500 fly tips are prosecuted

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New research has revealed that fewer than one in 500 fly tips will lead to a criminal prosecution.

The government data, analysed by LoveJunk, revealed only 8% of incidents received a fixed penalty notice and eight out of ten of these fines were never paid.

Local authorities must report to Defra how many fly tipping incidents they have suffered and what actions they have taken – including sending warning letters, issuing fixed penalty notices (a fine of up to £1000 issued by council), launching investigations and pursuing criminal prosecutions.

More than one million fly tips were registered in England last year, but only 1-in-500 of these led to a criminal prosecution.

Of those prosecuted, 20 resulted in custodial sentences, 30 in community service, and 1,798 in a court fine – 94% of these fines were for £1000 or less.

Fixed penalty notices

Councils issued 91,103 fixed penalty notices that related to fly tipping, which equates to a hit rate of 8.4% of all recorded fly tips. However, 86% of these were never paid.

43 councils didn’t issue any FPNs at all and had 51,840 fly tipping incidents between them. Of the 266 councils that did issue FPNs, over half those fines remained unpaid. 63% of all councils had no criminal prosecutions of fly tippers at all. However, their fly-tipping incidents really mount up – these councils recorded 552,665 fly tipping incidents between them.

Jason Mohr, founder of LoveJunk, said: “The current model of sporadic fines and occasional prosecutions just isn’t working. The vast majority of people want to do the right thing but don’t know how. The simple solution is for councils to direct residents to a marketplace of regulated waste providers so that they can make informed choices about how to dispose of their waste and avoid cowboy collectors who dispose of waste illegally.”

Travel media award winners 2023 announced

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The best of the best in the world of writing have been recognised at the Travel Media Awards 2023.

In association with the Moroccan National Tourist Office, the awards ceremony was held at The Savoy in London, with 127 finalists competing across a range of categories covering all areas in print, digital, broadcasting and photography.

Among the winners were The Sunday Times Travel for National Broadsheet Newsprint Section of the Year and The Sun for National Tabloid Newsprint Section of the Year.

In the new Sustainability Travel Writer of the Year category, Holly Tuppen was the inaugural winner. The judges said Holly’s research and expertise within the responsible travel sector shone in abundance throughout her writing.

Separately, the Sustainability Travel Feature of the Year had joint winners, with articles by Phoebe Smith and Sam Haddad for The Guardian chosen for this category.

Writer Adrian Phillips’s spectacular piece ‘Into the Deep’ — published by National Geographic Traveller (UK) — also impressed the judges, with the panel naming it National Consumer Feature of the Year. 

Ben Clatworthy of The Times took home the trophy for Breaking Travel News and Jacqui Agate was named as the 2023 Young Writer of the Year.

Special award for Pippa Jacks

The 2023 Special Contribution Award went to TTG’s Pippa Jacks. Pippa began her journey with a work experience placement at TTG Magazine in 2006 before joining the team as features writer, later becoming features editor, then taking the helm as editor of the 70-year-old trade publication between 2013 and 2017. As editorial director, Pippa now manages an award-winning team of 14 editorial staff across TTG’s print magazines, digital channels and events. 

Anthony Leyens, co-founder of the Travel Media Awards and CEO of APL Media, said: “After a difficult few years for the industry, it’s truly inspiring to see it in such good health. The works produced by this year’s finalists are some of the best to date, so thank you to the entrants, the finalists, the judges and everyone who came to this year’s ceremony. We’ll see you in 2024!” 

New scheme introduced

As part of the Awards, it was announced a new scheme would be introduced: Travel Media Awards Step Up – in partnership with APL Media, Finn Partners, Intrepid Travel and TTG Media, a new internship programme driving diversity and inclusion in travel media.

The scheme seeks to create opportunities for young people looking to move into travel publishing, journalism and PR, offering two candidates the chance for a paid internship position in London for next summer. Applications will be open from November. For more details and to enter, visit: travelmediaawards.com/awards/en/page/step-up-internship

The winners

National Broadsheet Newsprint Section 
The Sunday Times Travel 

National Tabloid Newsprint Section 
The Sun 

Consumer Publication of the Year – Print 
Condé Nast Traveller UK 

Consumer Publication of the Year – Online  
FT Globetrotter 

National Consumer Feature of the Year 
Adrian Phillips for ‘Into the Deep’ in National Geographic Traveller (UK)

Consumer Magazine Section of the Year 
Good Housekeeping

Trade Publication of the Year – Print  
The Business Travel Magazine

Trade Publication of the Year – Online  
TTG

Trade Writer of the Year 
Sophie Griffiths, TTG

Sustainability Travel Feature of the Year  
Sam Haddad for ‘“It’s still as beautiful as ever”: the changing face of the French Alps’ in The Guardian

Phoebe Smith for ‘Thailand cove made famous in The Beach reopens to visitors after four-year closure’ in The Guardian 

Sustainability Travel Writer of the Year  
Holly Tuppen 

Blogger/Vlogger of the Year 
Alex Hunter, Attaché

Guide of the Year – Book, Online, App 
111 Places in County Durham That You Shouldn’t Miss, Elizabeth Atkin 

Breaking Travel News – Print, Broadcast and Online 
Ben Clatworthy, The Times

Regional Publication Feature of the Year 
Ben Lerwill for ‘The joy of the search’ in Hidden Scotland Magazine

Photography Award 
Mark Parren Taylor 

Customer Content  
Much Better Adventures Magazine 

Young Travel Writer of the Year 
Jacqui Agate

Specialist Travel Writer of the Year 
Jamie Lafferty, South America

Broadcast Programme of the Year – TV, Radio, Online and Podcast 
BBC 100 Women – The Last of Albania’s ‘Sworn Virgins’, BBC World Service and BBC Reel

Consumer Writer of the Year 
Ed Grenby

Special Contribution Award 
Pippa Jacks

LockerQuest Launches YEEP! Parcel Lockers Across Southeastern Train Stations

LockerQuest, the experts in parcel locker locations, has collaborated with Amey TPT to introduce YEEP! parcel lockers at 50 Southeastern Train Stations.

YEEP! stands as an extensive residential network of open, versatile, battery-powered parcel lockers, enabling all carriers and consumers to conveniently send and receive parcels within their local communities in an eco-conscious manner.

The YEEP! parcel locker service is already operational in various locations, with an expected 400 lockers by the end of this year, including the 50 stationed at Southeastern stations. The parcel locker network is set to expand to 1,000 by Q2 2024, with ambitious plans to install 10,000 units throughout the entire UK.

YEEP! functions as a high-density, hyper-local parcel delivery network, employing a precision-focused, data-driven model for selecting locations. Its aim is to ensure that 90% of the population can access a YEEP! locker within a mere 250 meters – an incredibly convenient “slipper distance.”

These user-friendly, maintenance-free, battery-powered lockers are accessible to all UK carriers, retailers, and local authorities. They offer a hassle-free 24/7 parcel drop-off and pickup service, significantly reducing the carbon footprint associated with traditional courier deliveries.

Jonathan White, CEO of LockerQuest, expressed his satisfaction with the partnership with Amey TPT, stating, “Thanks to Amey TPT, we were delighted to facilitate an agreement between YEEP! parcel lockers and Southeastern Trains. We have worked with Amey TPT to identify locations for YEEP! parcel lockers and the stations selected where based on where people live and go.”

He further added, “The programme has been very successful based on the governance that Amey TPT follows. From our initial list of stations that met the criteria of a YEEP! locker location, our surveyors were able to follow a clear set of rules regarding station safety and operational activities resulting in excellent conversion rates for final installation.”

Following the fruitful collaboration with Southeastern, LockerQuest is already in collaboration with other Amey TPT portfolio managers to uncover additional opportunities within the rail estate.

Noël Shapton, CEO and founding Director at YEEP!, expressed his excitement, saying, “I am thrilled to bring our pioneering parcel delivery solution to locations throughout the UK including many across the rail network. We’re going further and faster and have big ambitions to become the largest, most sustainable agnostic parcel locker network in the UK within a very few years, working with LockerQuest really helps to support our growth plans.”

He continued, “The LockerQuest team is very knowledgeable and work closely with the YEEP! team to ensure locations are where people live and go. They know what makes a perfect YEEP! location and have provided some excellent places for our lockers to operate. Being positioned in the heart of many local communities, railway stations are high footfall locations and provide convenient access to parcel lockers for both commuters and people that live close by.”

LockerQuest is actively seeking new hosts for YEEP! parcel lockers. If you have visible, accessible, and safe locations, get in touch by visiting https://lockerquest.com/become-a-host/

KYND Introduces Novel In-House Security Proficiency to Turbocharge Cybersecurity Risk Governance for Enterprises

Pioneering the realm of cyber risk management, KYND Limited is thrilled to introduce the innovative Internal Security functionality within its widely embraced KYND ON cyber risk monitoring solution, trusted by organizations on a global scale. This formidable addition offers a comprehensive view not only from an external standpoint but also delves deep into an organization’s internal security posture, enhancing the capacity to pinpoint potential areas of vulnerability and risk, thereby facilitating a more strategic approach to bolstering cyber resilience.

With the corporate landscape witnessing a surge in the frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks, the need for businesses to attain crystal-clear visibility into their exposure, both internal and external, has never been more paramount. As a pivotal part of its mission to demystify and streamline the management of cyber risks, KYND ON now leverages the cutting-edge Internal Security feature. It provides an unparalleled insight into an organization’s internal security stance without subjecting them to time-consuming assessments. By simply responding to straightforward queries pertaining to their security procedures and policies within the KYND ON interface, organizations swiftly integrate internal vulnerability insights into their holistic risk evaluations, along with meticulously prioritized and lucid recommendations for remediation.

In addition to offering this invaluable resource to KYND ON clientele, these immediate and exhaustive exposure insights can also be harnessed by portfolio managers. This equips them with the capability to effortlessly spot high-risk entities within their portfolio, allocate resources judiciously, and consolidate all this critical information conveniently within the ON platform, thereby streamlining communication among all stakeholders.

Andy Thomas, the CEO of KYND, elucidated, “At KYND, we’ve always believed that cyber risk is not solely an IT problem, but rather a business risk that necessitates a holistic, proactive approach spanning all levels of an organisation. This is precisely why KYND elevates cyber risk intelligence to a whole new level by empowering both portfolio managers and businesses to assess the complete spectrum of cyber risk. By combining its powerful external scanning data and deeper insights into internal security controls within an organisation, KYND enables our partners and their clients to unlock faster threat identification, prioritisation and remediation, and drive confident, well-informed decisions about cyber risk.” 

Stanislav Kondrashov’s Mariana Trench Expedition: A Dive into the Abyss

In his latest blog post titled “The Depths of the Mariana Trench By Stanislav Kondrashov,” Stanislav Kondrashov embarks on an enthralling journey to unravel the captivating mysteries of the Earth’s deepest abyss: the Mariana Trench. According to the author, this chasm isn’t merely an oceanic enigma; it serves as a veritable portal, connecting us to other uncharted realms waiting to be explored.

The article commences with a precise depiction of the Mariana Trench, located a staggering 36,000 feet beneath the ocean’s surface. Kondrashov underscores that its profound depth places it in a league with some of the most majestic mountain ranges humanity has ever ventured into, albeit in an entirely different sense. To offer a sense of scale, the piece provides a fascinating perspective: if Mount Everest were submerged within this trench, its summit would still remain submerged.

Furthermore, the author highlights the trench’s unique atmospheric conditions in the western Pacific Ocean, which verge on the otherworldly. Here, the pressure is a thousand times greater than that at regular sea level, accompanied by mysterious luminous phenomena that pierce the abyssal darkness. According to Kondrashov, these flashes may be linked to the presence of enigmatic deep-sea creatures that have adapted to these extreme surroundings over time.

Kondrashov’s publication also emphasises the surprising fact that life persists in the depths of the Mariana Trench. In these unfathomable abysses, ghostly white amphipods, transparent sea cucumbers, ethereal jellyfish, and other astonishing life forms thrive, challenging the extent of human knowledge in the realm of science. The article mentions the exploratory efforts of the Trieste in 1960, which marked the first crewed expedition to plumb the Mariana Trench’s depths, as well as more recent ventures employing cutting-edge submarines equipped with advanced technologies. These endeavors have shed light on some of the lingering mysteries that shroud this enigmatic place.

For those eager to uncover more about the Mariana Trench’s secrets, we encourage readers to explore the full publication by Stanislav Kondrashov.

Starstruck with Stanislav Kondrashov: A Glimpse into the Magical Cosmos

In his latest publication, “Mapping the Stars of Ancient Astronomy By Stanislav Kondrashov,” the author delves into the mesmerizing allure that stars have consistently held over humanity. He elucidates how, across the centuries, these celestial bodies have influenced various aspects of human existence.

Stanislav Kondrashov posits that each time we cast our gaze skyward to behold the stars, we embark on a celestial journey through time. This journey repeats itself whenever we gather under the starry expanse to share stories or simply marvel at the celestial spectacle above. According to the author, these cosmic displays have captivated the human imagination since ancient times, igniting wonder about the mysteries concealed beyond the starry veil.

The text meticulously explores the most enigmatic and captivating facets of ancient astronomy, offering precise insights one by one.

Kondrashov intriguingly draws parallels between contemporary and ancient navigation systems, emphasizing that ancient seafarers heavily relied on star interpretation, particularly the North Star, as their celestial compass to navigate the vast expanses of the ocean. To them, the stars represented not just points of light but invaluable tools to ensure they stayed on course.

The author highlights the profound significance of stars for the ancients, as evidenced by monumental structures such as the Pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge. These architectural marvels, aside from showcasing ancient engineering prowess, also bear testament to the deep understanding of star alignments and celestial phenomena possessed by their architects.

Stanislav Kondrashov references the ancient Babylonians and their practice of charting the heavens. Beyond their utility in predicting eclipses, the author underscores that these celestial maps served as the foundational framework upon which horoscopes, still widely consulted and interpreted today, were constructed.

For an in-depth exploration of these celestial wonders, readers are encouraged to immerse themselves in the full publication and watch the video.