Latest news with #Shivji
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Sharks might be spending less time in Florida. That's actually not good.
Fishermen sometimes complain that they munch their catch before they can get it into their boat, and every so often, one might bite a swimmer or surfer. But as far as the health of our oceans go, sharks are vital – and seeing fewer of them, as new research projects, might have 'catastrophic' consequences. 'We've noticed that with ocean warming, sharks are leaving these regions later on in the year because they're very temperature driven,' said Maria Manz, the lead author of a new study that tracked the migratory behavior of six shark species within the Mid-Atlantic Bight, a coastal region stretching from Massachusetts to North Carolina. Manz, a doctoral candidate at Stony Brook University in New York, and colleagues from seven other U.S. institutions used National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data to create a model to project how their observations would play out on a grander scale. If the ocean surface temperature warms by 2.01 degrees Celsius, for example, species like the sandbar shark would arrive in Florida almost a month later than they used to. Under current projections, that could become reality within the next five to 25 years if fossil fuel usage is unabated, the path we're on under current US policies. If that happens, sharks also might not stay as long or not swim as far south as Florida at all. Local coastal waters would turn too hot for them, while the beaches of the Carolinas, for example, might feel just right. Already, Florida Atlantic University documented that Florida's blacktip shark numbers decreased by almost 60 percent between 2011 and 2019, from a peak of 12,128 individuals to 4,955. What could a shift in shark migration of population mean for the marine ecosystem? Mahmood Shivji, director of Nova Southeastern University's Guy Harvey Research Institute and a leader in shark research, cautioned that he was unaware of studies that detailed the exact effect a decline of sharks would have. But he had no doubt that a limited presence of these major predators would have wide-ranging, potentially catastrophic ramifications on the entire foodweb. Sandbar, dusky and blacktip sharks, for example, are among larger shark species whose preferred prey include groupers and snappers, whose numbers might increase. While that might initially sound like good news to fishermen 'it's not just about enabling you to catch more fish so you can take it home,' Shivji said. An excess of larger, predatory fish would decrease the numbers of the smaller fish, crustaceans, and mollusks they eat. If there's few of those smaller fish, others down the food web might thrive — a cascading effect that might be felt all the way to the bottom of the chain. 'The entire normal balance, the way things have been, sort of historically, evolutionarily, all that changes, and what impact that is going to have downstream – of course, nobody really knows,' Shivji said. At the bottom of the food chain, for example, a decline in species that eat blue-green algae could, theoretically, increase the chances of toxic algae blooms, Shivji said. Major blooms in 2019 already prompted Gov. Ron DeSantis to create a task force, sicken around 80,000 Americans a year, and are linked to a range of diseases, including Alzheimer's and liver damage. Removing top predators like shark will have a cascading effect, Shivji said. 'There's no doubt about this.' There's also no doubt that these changes to migratory behavior of sharks, as well as countless other species across the planet, are happening quickly. Ecosystems don't have enough time to adapt, he said. 'These are definitely big changes and when changes happen quickly, they tend to be catastrophic.' This climate report is funded by Florida International University, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the David and Christina Martin Family Foundation in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners. The Miami Herald retains editorial control of all content.
Miami Herald
15-07-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
Sharks might be spending less time in Florida. That's actually not good.
Fishermen sometimes complain that they munch their catch before they can get it into their boat, and every so often, one might bite a swimmer or surfer. But as far as the health of our oceans go, sharks are vital – and seeing fewer of them, as new research projects, might have 'catastrophic' consequences. 'We've noticed that with ocean warming, sharks are leaving these regions later on in the year because they're very temperature driven,' said Maria Manz, the lead author of a new study that tracked the migratory behavior of six shark species within the Mid-Atlantic Bight, a coastal region stretching from Massachusetts to North Carolina. Manz, a doctoral candidate at Stony Brook University in New York, and colleagues from seven other U.S. institutions used National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data to create a model to project how their observations would play out on a grander scale. If the ocean surface temperature warms by 2.01 degrees Celsius, for example, species like the sandbar shark would arrive in Florida almost a month later than they used to. Under current projections, that could become reality within the next five to 25 years if fossil fuel usage is unabated, the path we're on under current US policies. If that happens, sharks also might not stay as long or not swim as far south as Florida at all. Local coastal waters would turn too hot for them, while the beaches of the Carolinas, for example, might feel just right. Already, Florida Atlantic University documented that Florida's blacktip shark numbers decreased by almost 60 percent between 2011 and 2019, from a peak of 12,128 individuals to 4,955. What could a shift in shark migration of population mean for the marine ecosystem? Mahmood Shivji, director of Nova Southeastern University's Guy Harvey Research Institute and a leader in shark research, cautioned that he was unaware of studies that detailed the exact effect a decline of sharks would have. But he had no doubt that a limited presence of these major predators would have wide-ranging, potentially catastrophic ramifications on the entire foodweb. Sandbar, dusky and blacktip sharks, for example, are among larger shark species whose preferred prey include groupers and snappers, whose numbers might increase. While that might initially sound like good news to fishermen 'it's not just about enabling you to catch more fish so you can take it home,' Shivji said. An excess of larger, predatory fish would decrease the numbers of the smaller fish, crustaceans, and mollusks they eat. If there's few of those smaller fish, others down the food web might thrive — a cascading effect that might be felt all the way to the bottom of the chain. 'The entire normal balance, the way things have been, sort of historically, evolutionarily, all that changes, and what impact that is going to have downstream – of course, nobody really knows,' Shivji said. At the bottom of the food chain, for example, a decline in species that eat blue-green algae could, theoretically, increase the chances of toxic algae blooms, Shivji said. Major blooms in 2019 already prompted Gov. Ron DeSantis to create a task force, sicken around 80,000 Americans a year, and are linked to a range of diseases, including Alzheimer's and liver damage. Removing top predators like shark will have a cascading effect, Shivji said. 'There's no doubt about this.' There's also no doubt that these changes to migratory behavior of sharks, as well as countless other species across the planet, are happening quickly. Ecosystems don't have enough time to adapt, he said. 'These are definitely big changes and when changes happen quickly, they tend to be catastrophic.' This climate report is funded by Florida International University, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the David and Christina Martin Family Foundation in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners. The Miami Herald retains editorial control of all content.
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
Shrawan spirit sweeps city as women flock to markets
Patna: As the holy month of Shrawan begins on Friday and continues till August 9, women across Patna are preparing for the monthlong rituals by adorning themselves with the traditional "solah shringar" and performing Shiva worship. While married women observe fasts and offer prayers for the well-being of their husbands, unmarried girls also fast to fulfil their wishes. Rinku Singh, a dupatta seller, said, "Every year Shrawan has different trends. This year, 'moss green' is the crowd favourite." He added that cotton remains the most preferred material, given the humidity and frequent rains while silk is usually avoided. A bangle seller at Maurya Lok said green is considered Lord Shiva's favourite colour. The display of green glass and lac bangles is prominent across shops, not just for aesthetics but because wearing green is believed to bring prosperity to married life and symbolises the seasonal greenery and growth in vegetation. Despite concerns about online shopping cutting into their sales, Shayan and Sourav, who run their 25-year-old family business of accessories, say Shrawan remains a highly profitable season. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Seniors Are Ditching Finger Pricks with This Breakthrough Monitor Thelifeh Undo "Our regular customers still come to the shop. Online shopping hasn't made a big dent yet. Sundays are the busiest, as women prepare for Monday's Shivji puja. On such days, we make profits of Rs 10,000–Rs 15,000," said Shayan. Nilu Mishra, a customer buying green bangles, noted, "Only married women wear green bangles and bindis as they symbolise marriage. Unmarried women wear green clothes and apply mehendi (henna) on their hands." Another customer, Anuradha Kumari, added, "Married women gift bangles and vermillion to one another in the community. It is believed to bring good luck and abundance." Temples across Patna are also gearing up for the devotional surge. Women begin queueing as early as 4am for jal abhishek and rudra abhishek, which continue till late evening. Sonu Kumar, a member of Anisabad Shiv Mandir, said, "The temple has been cleaned and painted. It will be lit in green, and sound systems are ready. The community contributes every year to the celebration of Shrawan." At Shri Shiv Mandir, Boring Road, priest Umesh Kumar Dwivedi said the temple sees over 1,000 devotees every Monday during the month. Mahavir Mandir, one of Patna's largest temples, offers one-hour rudra abhishek slots. These are booked for Rs 2,310 on regular days and Rs 2,750 on Mondays, with bookings starting as early as May to reduce rush. "Around 1,300 bookings have already been made," said K Sudhakaran, the temple's campus superintendent. A fourth shivling on the second floor will be inaugurated on Friday, the first day of Shrawan.
Cision Canada
14-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
123Dentist Appoints Jeff Leger CEO to Lead Next Phase of Growth - Founder Dr. Amin Shivji Moves to Executive Chair Français
VANCOUVER, BC, May 14, 2025 /CNW/ - 123Dentist, one of Canada's largest and fastest-growing dental support organizations (DSOs), announced today that Jeff Leger, most recently President of Shoppers Drug Mart, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, effective July 2, 2025. He will report to Founder and current CEO Dr. Amin Shivji who will assume the role of Executive Chair and actively focus on driving the company's clinical strategy and vision. Mr. Leger, a pharmacist by profession, brings a critical understanding of the Canadian healthcare ecosystem. He spent nearly two decades with Shoppers Drug Mart, including seven years as President of the national network of more than 1,300 pharmacist-owned locations with over 50,000 employees—a cornerstone of Canadian healthcare. His track record includes spearheading customer experience transformation, scaling a high-performing franchise model, and integrating new healthcare services, including pharmacist-led clinics and national rehabilitation programs. "Jeff's appointment marks an inflection point for 123Dentist," said Dr. Shivji. "He is a proven leader with unmatched experience scaling complex healthcare networks while remaining grounded in values and community. I look forward to partnering with him in my new role as Executive Chair as we continue to grow and deliver exceptional care to patients across Canada." Mr. Leger's appointment follows a comprehensive search process. Dr Shivji and the Board prioritized finding a visionary, values-driven CEO with the experience to lead 123Dentist into its next phase of national expansion and operational excellence. "I'm honoured to join a company with such a strong reputation for clinical integrity, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to patient care," said Mr. Leger. "I'm excited about the opportunity to work closely with Dr. Shivji and the entire team, to build on this foundation and help scale 123Dentist into the largest and most respected dental community and organization in the country." Founded in 2017, 123Dentist has grown rapidly under Dr. Shivji's leadership, providing centralized support services—marketing, HR, technology, finance, and operations—while maintaining the clinical autonomy and patient-first approach that remains core to its model. This leadership transition is part of 123Dentist's long-term strategy to strengthen its position as a national leader in dentistry, ensuring continued innovation, expansion, and support for its partners and patients. About 123Dentist 123Dentist is a leading Canadian dental support organization. Established in 2017 by dentists to help other dentists deliver exceptional patient care, it has grown from 14 clinics in British Columbia to more than 400 partner clinics nationwide, supported by 7,000 team members and serving over two million patient visits annually. The company empowers clinical teams through a centralized support model, helping partners focus on care while benefiting from operational scale.123Dentist operates support centres in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal. Visit to learn more about partnership opportunities.
India Today
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Exclusive: Suniel Shetty defends patriotism in cinema amid ‘propaganda' debates
Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty is set to play a warrior in 'Kesari Veer,' a film which will bring to life the untold story of warriors who fought to protect the Somnath Temple from invaders. In an exclusive chat with India Today, the actor opened up about the importance of making historical films, especially for the younger generation. "I honestly believe India is a beautiful country, and we all need to stand up and say that this is my country, my state, and these are my heroes, and their stories. I think in the last few years we have seen a number of historical films being made and people are relating to them. They are talking about our rich cultures, festivals, and celebrating our history. I am seeing that change in my house, so I am sure it's also happening across," Shetty said. He also emphasised that the change is also happening in terms of storytelling. He shared how Gujarat has always been known as the place for business, food, family, dandia and festivities, but this is for the first time the story of heroes who stood up against the Mughals and fought for their people, temples and even Shivji is being told from the state. He also discussed the flip-side of telling such stories from the past in current times that could lead to divisiveness in society, something that we saw during 'Chhaava.' When asked if films like these could attack secularism in society, inciting hate towards one community, he said, 'Not at all, at least not our film. Never once has there been anything spoken against a community. There is no hatred. The film is about India being one country, and how together we can come together to secure our culture, or belief and our world. Hinduism and the Sanatan dharma are not about a religion, about dharma and karma. It all boils down to being empathetic towards each other. That's also the beauty of our film, where they did not want outsiders to spread hatred in the country. And this is what the current situation also demands from all of us." On a final note, we asked Suniel Shetty how a lot of films today on nationalism or wars are termed 'propaganda' or 'jingoistic'. Having also been part of films like 'Border,' the actor replied, "I feel I am doing my duty towards my country. I am an actor in uniform, be it reel or real. That's how I look at it, from a positive perspective. If someone keeps abusing my motherland, I will never let that happen. However, if it's an internal thing, our efforts would be to protect every Indian. And the one who truly loves their country is the one who speaks out when they see something wrong." Kesari Veer will hit cinemas on May 23.
