The article discusses the evolution of hockey analytics, highlighting the increasing sophistication in data collection and statistical analysis that allows for better assessment of players' performance. It mentions the historical use of basic statistics like 'plus-minus' and contrasts it with modern techniques that utilize video analysis, digitized archives, and advanced metrics such as 'expected goals'. The article features insights from experts like Namita Nandakumar and Shane Jensen, who explain the challenges and advancements in the field. It also touches on the contributions of fans and amateurs to the growing pool of hockey data and visualizations, such as shot maps and color-coded rink diagrams, which help in understanding game dynamics and player contributions beyond traditional metrics.

Central Vietnam is utilizing mangrove forests as a natural defense against coastal storms and erosion. In Quang Nam and Thua Thien-Hue provinces, initiatives are underway to reforest and protect mangrove areas. Local residents, like Le Thi Huong, benefit from the mangroves, using them for livelihoods such as material for thatched roofs. The nipa palms, which are not native to the region, have been recognized for their protective qualities against natural disasters. Government-funded projects support the planting and maintenance of these forests. Landscape architect Ngo Anh Dao has implemented an ecological embankment model in Triem Tay Village to combat erosion with a 'soft approach'. Additionally, the Tam Giang - Cau Hai Lagoon has seen efforts to plant sonneratia forests to protect the land and support local fisheries, offering economic benefits and enhancing biodiversity. The article highlights the balance between ecological preservation and economic advantages for local communities.

The article by Yen Duong discusses North Carolina's ranking in the Commonwealth Fund's annual report on state health systems, where it stands at 34th, slightly up from 35th in 2018. The report highlights the increase in deaths from suicide, alcohol, and drug overdose across the U.S., with North Carolina experiencing a doubling of drug overdose deaths from 2005 to 2017. The lack of Medicaid expansion in the state is cited as a significant factor in its inability to effectively address the opioid crisis and health disparities. The article also notes the rise in healthcare costs nationwide, with North Carolinians spending more than the national average on health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Disparities in access to healthcare, particularly mental health services, are also discussed as contributing factors to the state's health challenges. The report does not provide solutions but aims to inform policymakers and stakeholders about the issues.

The article discusses the advancements in data collection and statistical analysis in ice hockey, which are making it easier to evaluate players' performances. With new technologies, such as video analysis, and more sophisticated statistical tools, analysts can now create data-rich maps of the rink to identify successful shots and strategic passes. Namita Nandakumar, a co-author of a review on hockey analytics, highlights that beyond goals and assists, there are other consistent aspects of the game that can be measured. The article also touches on the role of advertising in supporting free content like that provided by Quality Digest.

In Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, an entrepreneur named Hoang Tuan Anh has created a 'rice ATM' that dispenses free rice to those affected by job loss due to the COVID-19 lockdown. The country has implemented a 15-day social distancing program, leading to the temporary layoff of many workers. The rice ATM provides a 1.5kg bag of rice, enough to feed a family for a day. This initiative comes as a relief to many, including Nguyen Thi Ly's family, who have not received sufficient support from the government's stimulus package. The rice ATMs have also appeared in other cities like Hanoi, Hue, and Danang. Anh, who previously donated smart doorbells to hospitals, hopes to offer a sense of food security and community support through this difficult time.

The article by Yen Duong and Rose Hoban discusses the affordability of Obamacare plans, highlighting that many North Carolinians could be eligible for free bronze plans after tax credits. However, the high deductibles of these plans mean that they may not be the best option for everyone, especially those who expect to need healthcare services. Adam Zolotor from the North Carolina Institute of Medicine and Mark Van Arnam from the NC Navigator Consortium advise consumers to carefully consider their options and possibly consult with enrollment counselors. The article also notes that enrollment numbers are down from the previous year, which could be due to the elimination of the individual mandate and an improved job market. The recent winter storm has also impacted enrollment events, leading to concerns about meeting the enrollment deadline.

The article discusses the contributions of mathematician Rachel Ward in improving MRI efficiency through applied mathematics. Ward, along with her colleague Deanna Needell, developed a solution to determine the most informative angles for MRI imaging, which won them the Institute for Mathematics and its Applications Prize. Ward's career is highlighted, including her tenure as a professor at the University of Texas at Austin and her various accolades such as the Simons Foundation Fellowship. The article also covers her work in compressed sensing, a technique that has applications in image processing and data compression, and her insights into adaptive gradient descent, an algorithm used in machine learning and AI. Ward's interdisciplinary approach and collaboration with other researchers are emphasized as key to her success.

The article discusses a report by the American Medical Association and Manatt Health, which highlights the North Carolina Medical Society's Project OBOT, an initiative to support providers treating opioid use disorder with medication-assisted treatment (MAT). The report praises North Carolina for increasing access to MAT, non-opioid pain management, and naloxone distribution. It also advocates for Medicaid expansion and insurance parity. Project OBOT has trained additional doctors to prescribe MAT and is working to overcome barriers such as DEA scrutiny and the lack of support in electronic health records. The initiative has also formed a pharmacy network to reduce the cost of MAT for patients and is looking to expand its formulary. The AMA report includes recommendations for Medicaid expansion, ensuring mental health parity, improving healthcare networks, managing pain with various treatments, expanding naloxone access, and evaluating policies.

Scientists at the Flatiron Institute in New York City have conducted a study on the nuclei of fruit fly cells to understand the biophysical processes behind nuclear wrinkling, which is linked to aging and disease. The study, published in Nature Physics, observed the dynamic nature of wrinkles in the nuclei of fruit fly nurse cells, which grow significantly to support an oocyte. Using high-resolution, three-dimensional live imaging, the researchers characterized the wrinkles and their dynamics. The study's findings could help decipher the relationship between genes and the geometry of cell nuclei. Jasmin Imran Alsous, developmental biologist at the Flatiron Institute, and Jörn Dunkel, a professor at MIT, were key contributors to the research, with Nicolas Romeo, now at the University of Chicago, performing the spectral analysis of the nuclear surfaces.

Researchers at the Flatiron Institute's Center for Computational Neuroscience (CCN) in New York City have developed a new theory that advances the understanding of how the brain classifies objects, such as distinguishing cats from dogs. The theory, which builds upon the manifold capacity theory created by SueYeon Chung in 2018, describes the geometric and statistical relationships in neural networks that underpin classification tasks. Chung, a senior author, and Albert Wakhloo, the first author, found that classification and disentanglement in recognition tasks are correlated. Their findings suggest that well-organized manifolds can improve classification performance. The theory has been applied to data from a deep neural network designed for vision tasks and has shown accurate predictions. This research could help improve the efficiency and robustness of artificial neural networks and provide insights into how the brain and AI systems function.