Latest news with #Bischof
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bayern seal deal with Hoffenheim for Bischof to join Club World Cup squad
Bayern seal deal with Hoffenheim for Bischof to join Club World Cup squad Tom Bischof has been cleared to represent Bayern Munich at the upcoming Club World Cup. The Bavarians had already announced that the central midfielder would join on a free transfer from Hoffenheim, with his contract officially beginning on July 1. Advertisement However, according to Kicker, Bayern have now reached an agreement with Hoffenheim on a €300,000 transfer fee that allows the 19-year-old to join the squad early and take part in the tournament. The fee could increase through bonus payments if Bayern perform well in the competition, the report adds. Bischof, 19, made his senior debut for Germany in Sunday's 2–0 defeat to France.
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Report: Germany debutant Bischof to join Bayern for Club World Cup
(L-R) Germany's Tom Bischof, Thilo Kehrer, David Raum and Robin Koch in action during the final training session of the German national soccer team ahead of Wednesday's UEFA Nations League semi-final match against Portugal. Federico Gambarini/dpa Germany debutant Tom Bischof will reportedly be eligible to join Bayern Munich for the upcoming Club World Cup after the Bundesliga champions agreed to pay a fee to his previous club Hoffenheim. Kicker sports magazine said on Sunday night that Bayern will pay around €300,000 ($342,000) to have the teenager available before July 1. Advertisement The ruling body FIFA has a special transfer window running until Tuesday for the 32 clubs participating at the month-long tournament in the United States which kicks off on Saturday. Players contracts normally end on June 30 and start on July. Bayern have reportedly in a similar way secured the service of Germany defender Jonathan Tah, who arrives on a free transfer from Bayer Leverkusen. But in this case the fee is said to be up to €4 million. Bayern - who are yet to confirm the reports - play their first match at the Club World Cup on Sunday against Auckland City, with Boca Juniors and Benfica their other opponents in the group stage. Midfielder Bischof made his national team debut on Sunday when he came on in the 65th minute for future Munich team-mate in the Nations League match for third place which they lost 2-0 against France. Advertisement Coach Julian Nagelsmann named Bischof "a super lad, a very, very good character." He said it was also noted that Bischof helped the physios clean up their equipment, speaking of "small gestures which I take notice of." "I hope that he retains this normal, down-to-earth mentality" after the move to Munich, Nagelsmann said, speaking of "a very, very big" step. "He has a lot to offer and is a very, very fine footballer. Of course he still has steps to take. But after the week of training, he deserved his debut," Nagelsmann said. "My strong wish is that he stays as normal as possible. Then he also has a great chance of having a good career."
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
OCT Europe: Small and mid-sized sponsors demand smart and reliable partnerships
One of the key challenges in clinical trial operations today is maintaining a trustworthy and reliable relationship with partners, vendors, and sites, says Sarah Bischof, Head of Clinical Developments at invIOs, a private biotech company developing next-generation cancer therapies. At a closing panel discussion on the first day of the Outsourcing in Clinical Trials (OCT) Europe 2025 meeting, Dr. Claudia Hesselmann, Founder and CEO of ARENSIA, an early phase clinical trial partner, reproached the current inefficiencies in clinical trials. She stated that 'efficiency in clinical research could be improved at least by 80%' if only counterparts demonstrated greater initiative and accountability, actively questioning existing limitations rather than accepting established practices. In her opinion, one of the best regulatory environments to conduct clinical trials is Moldova, which has a ten day fast-track review timeline for clinical trials of all phases. As the Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS) portal was implemented in the European Union, the authorities in Moldova wanted to attract more clinical trials and drive innovation in the country and become as competitive as other countries such as Australia, said Hesselmann. Moldova's regulatory bodies are an example of how proactive agencies are essential to implement changes that can drive efficiencies, she said. While discussing their experience with CTIS, Bischof shared that when submitting trial protocols for immunotherapies and autologous cell therapy trials through the new EU Clinical Trials Regulation (CTR) with their contract research organisation (CRO), her team was faced with new administration and documentation burdens with new workflows, portals, and registration processes. With the new CTR implementation, Bischof observed lesser flexibility in terms of responding for trial sites and manufacturing because of the tight deadlines, such as twelve calendar days to provide the request for information. Data protection for confidential documentation with the new directive created a need to re-adapt trial strategies to redact and protect their data. Early preparation for CTIS submission is crucial because delays may lead to compliance issues, and the a cross-functional coordination of all teams from regulatory to legal is needed to meet these tight deadlines, Bischof shared. However challenging this was, Bischof stated that she would not go back to the old CTR directive because the timelines are more defined in this new directive, leading to improved trial planning. Still, companies without centralised clinical operations are finding it harder to adapt, and success depends on changes to internal processes, retraining teams, and updating document templates, she noted. Hesselmann highlighted that in her experience from the site's perspective, she has observed a dramatic difference in whether the sponsor has an operational team. 'The sponsor has a different approach to timelines because they own the compound, whereas the CRO does not,' said Hesselmann. In small to mid-sized biopharma companies, resources are limited; however, according to Hesselmann, even a single clinical trials operation leader from the sponsor side can make a meaningful difference in the smooth clinical trial execution. Diving into the topic of limited resources of small and mid-sized companies, both speakers acknowledged the high turnover rate amongst key project managers, scientists, and regulatory staff in the industry, which results in project disruption, uncertainty and disengagement. Hesselmann said that sites see a very high turnover rate, especially on the CRO side, with 'even three to four manager changes in one project,' which negatively affects the project continuity. 'Staff retention in the industry is a huge problem, not only on the programme manager level but even on the monitoring level', she added. In some cases, the dedication of the site staff and principal investigator (PI) hinge on the project leader's commitment. Bischof agreed that when faced with staff turnover as a small and mid-sized company, there is a need to redesign roles to encourage multi-skilling and cross-functional collaborations. Further, she noted that it is important to empower trans-functional market scaling strategies to the remaining team as well as to be agile and adapt fast in terms of structure and processes. The biggest operational challenge of small and mid-sized companies lies in the selection and management of CROs and other vendors as well as the implementation of patient-centric approaches. Hesselmann pointed out that 'the site should not be put in the unfortunate position of inviting patients for screening, only to send them home due to randomisation system failures or other technical or decisional issues caused by the sponsor, CRO, or vendors.' To conclude the panel, Bischof noted that external partnerships can temporarily ease the load with long-term headcount gaps and a transparent empathetic leadership can retain trust during transition periods, while Hesselmann stressed the importance of possessing a problem-solving mentality when faced with limited resources. The 15th Annual Outsourcing in Clinical Trials Europe took place in Barcelona, Spain from 29-30 April. "OCT Europe: Small and mid-sized sponsors demand smart and reliable partnerships" was originally created and published by Clinical Trials Arena, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Mainers mark 250th anniversary of Paul Revere's ride
Apr. 18—With a strong, clear voice, Libby Bischof read the opening lines of the poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow that solidified Paul Revere's place in U.S. history. "Listen, my children, and you shall hear, Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere ..." A history professor at the University of Southern Maine, Bischof kicked off a public reading of "Paul Revere's Ride" on Friday evening in Portland's historic Eastern Cemetery on Munjoy Hill. Bischof was one of 10 readers who took turns reciting the epic poem, stanza by stanza, as the sunlight faded on the 250th anniversary of patriot's famous ride. About 50 history buffs and curious passersby gathered for the event organized by Spirits Alive and the Maine Historical Society. "If you, like me, had to memorize this as a child, you're welcome to say it along with me," Bischof announced before the recitation got underway. The reading was one of many events held nationwide to mark the start of a yearlong celebration, including a reading of the poem Friday morning in the Hall of Flags at the State House in Augusta by Portland Youth Poet Laureate Yashaswini Derisala. Lanterns were lit across Maine, including in the Portland Observatory, and bells were rung in South Portland, Gorham and beyond as part of the Let Freedom Ring national celebration of the American Revolution "against tyranny and for liberty and justice for all." James Barter, a retired longshoreman and school custodian, attended the Portland reading. He grew up on Munjoy Hill and lives in Falmouth. "I wanted to hear the poem," said Barter, 73. "It sounded like a good social gathering and I'm feeling patriotic, I guess. It's a poem, but it really did happen." In South Portland, about 20 people ventured out on the granite breakwater to Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse to ring the bell at the top of the tower at 6 p.m. Friday. Part of the Let Freedom Ring event, it was organized locally by the Friends of Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, the Portland Friends Meeting of Quakers and the Maine Council of Churches. "Maine has this cool connection because Longfellow was from Maine," said Rev. Jane Field, the council's executive director. And several Maine churches have bells that were made by Revere's foundry, she said. The celebration of Revere's ride also comes at an opportune time, Field said, when the public needs to be reminded of the sacrifice and drive that it took for American patriots to win independence. "Paul Revere was a powerful, independent person who took a big risk to stand up against tyranny and for liberty and justice," Field said. "We need that now more than ever. We're in a battle for the soul of our democracy. "But he wasn't just a lone rider," she continued. "He was part of an organized group. It's important to remember that we need to coordinate and collaborate to get things done." Amanda Brooks, 30, of Brownwood, Texas, was at the lighthouse with two sisters, one of whom came to Maine for a work conference. The chiming was a peaceful reminder of the progress the United States has made in the last 250 years, she said. "It was really beautiful," Brooks said. One Maine church that has a Revere bell is First Parish Congregational Church in Gorham. Founded in 1750, the church was built in 1798 and the bell was installed in 1822. Senior Pastor Christine Dyke organized a bell ringing at 6 p.m. that was attended by about 40 community members of all ages. "We had a party," Dyke said afterward. "A bunch of us went up in the steeple. The rope hangs all the way down to the vestibule, so people young and old were taking turns ringing the bell. It was a lot of fun." Copy the Story Link
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Yahoo
WNC's hidden gem: sprawling rainforest of waterfalls is among most biodiverse in NC
In October 2012, a kaleidoscope of monarch butterflies flew over the brand-new Gorges State Park Visitor Center, where then-superintendent Steven Pagano and Park Ranger Kevin Bischof were moving in supplies from a strip mall down the road. Fewer than 15 years before, this sprawling Appalachian temperate rainforest near the South Carolina border — home to a third of Western North Carolina's rare or endangered species — was set to be developed for its natural resources by Duke Energy, its rivers and waterfalls funneled through a vast network of hydroelectric plants, Pagano said. Facing opposition from the community and controversy over some of the projects, Duke decided to sell the property to protect the watershed. North Carolina State Parks stepped in, purchasing the land in April of 1999, according to Pagano. At the southern edge of the Blue Ridge Escarpment, moisture drifting up from the Gulf of Mexico falls on the 8,000-acre temperate rainforest, bringing roughly 90 inches of rain a year to feed four landmark rivers: the Tompson, Toxaway, Horsepasture and Whitewater, Bischof explained. Mist from must-see cascades like the Whitewater, Rainbow, Turtleback and Windy waterfalls create a microclimate haven for rare species. Among the unique landscape, a fern typically found in Asia grows within the forest's interior. "They don't show up anywhere else in the country, only in Asia, which is quite amazing," Pagano said, his love for the park evident in his voice. More: Haywood County land acquisition conserves land for wildlife, clean water and scenic views As the park's first-ever superintendent, all Pagano had to work with was "a piece of paper with a survey on it" and an electric pencil sharpener, he said. Most of his 19 years as superintendent was spent with development plans and building, growing the park into the recreational oasis it is today. Baring a name referring to the deep gorges created by the area's rivers, Gorges State Park features some rough terrain, making it difficult to build trails to the park's more remote waterfalls. Pagano, who is now the president of the Friends of Gorges, had hoped to build more trails in the park and is now talking with staff about how the nonprofit can help with trail construction and maintenance. The park currently features 56 miles of hiking trails. More: 7 Western NC locations to put on your 2025 bucket list, among most beautiful in NC Standing on the porch in 2012, watching the monarchs flutter over the land, Pagano and Bischof realized the park rests along the butterfly's migratory route. A seed of an idea was planted: a festival celebrating the butterflies. After stints as superintendent at Mount Mitchell and Grandfather Mountain state parks, Bischof came back to Gorges as superintendent in 2021 and floated the idea of changing the park's annual fall celebration into what is now the Mountain Monarch Festival. The festivity is held each year during the monarch's migration in late September to the high elevation fir forests of Mexico's Neovolcanic Mountains. The event is meant to bring attention to the endangered species' declining numbers. The day features crafts, food trucks, educational programming and vendors. More: 5 popular waterfalls to check out in WNC, plus tips to stay safe The park, located in Transylvania County about an hour and 15 minutes southwest of Asheville, is built to fit a wide array of outdoor recreational needs, from rugged backcountry camping, to RV stays and camper cabins. Many families come with children and grandparents to camp overnight by using all three options from primitive to comfortable, Bischof pointed out. Park visitation has steadily increased over the past couple of years, jumping from about 180,000 in 2022 to 203,000 in 2023 — the first year the park surpassed 200,000 visitors, according to Bischof. Before Tropical Storm Helene hit, the park was on pace to beat that record but fell to 192,000 due to the park being closed during its busiest month in October. The park reopened in November after fixing some damage to the trails. In a short 30-minute hike on Bearwallow Falls Trail, visitors can see Upper Bearwallow Falls — a tumbling river sliding down an angled rock outcrop amid the trees. The popular Rainbow and Turtleback falls are also nearby. Though the trailhead is on state park land, hikers pass onto U.S. Forest Service property during the strenuous 1.5 miles one way to Rainbow Falls, Bischof said. A smaller waterfall called Ted's Falls can be found along the Auger Hole Trail, a 7.2-mile strenuous path that can be hiked, biked or ridden on horseback. Though beautiful, waterfalls can be deadly if visitors don't follow safety precautions. People may be tempted in the summer by low water levels to wade across the river, but moss-covered rocks are slippery and may prove disastrous. Bischof issued a reminder that state parks do not allow swimming in undesignated areas, including waterfalls. Never hike, walk or swim near the top of a waterfall. Park officials ask visitors please to stay on designated trails and hiking areas since many rare, vulnerable plants live on thin soils and wet rocks. Additional details on hiking trails can be found at: The park also features numerous areas to fish, picnic, bike on 17 miles of trail, or go for a 12-mile horseback ride. There are no fees to access Gorges State Park for day use, only for camping, certain event permits and facility reservations. Pets are also allowed in the park and at campsites but must be leashed and are not allowed in the buildings. More information on the park can be found at: More: One waterfall in Western North Carolina has claimed more victims by far More: 16-year-old Charlotte girl drowns in accident at Rainbow Falls in Pisgah National Forest Ryley Ober is the Public Safety Reporter for Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at rober@ and follow her on Twitter @ryleyober This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Gorges State Park is a hidden gem among WNC mountains
