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At Googles I/O developer conference, the company announced that its releasing the second public beta of Android 13 today. The beta comes with a number of new features and user controls, along with updates to privacy and security.

With Android 13, Google says its giving users more control over what personal information they share and more detailed control over what files apps can access. Instead of permitting access to Files and media, there are two new categories you can control access to: Photos & videos and Music & audio. The company is also rolling out a new option that lets you select the exact photos or videos you want to grant an app access to, as opposed to having to share your entire media library with an app.

Image Credits: Google

Google is also looking to give users more control over how they engage with apps and notifications, as apps must get your permission before sending you notifications in Android 13. The company is also reducing the number of apps that require your location. For instance, users will no longer have to grant location to apps to enable Wi-Fi scanning.

Although users already receive an alert when an app accesses their clipboard, Android 13 will go beyond this and automatically delete your clipboard history after a short period of time to prevent apps from seeing old copied information. Google also plans to introduce a new unified Security & Privacy settings page in Android 13 that provides a clear indicator of your safety status while also offering suggestions that will enhance your security.

Image Credits: Google

Last year, Google introduced the Material You experience, where when you change your wallpaper, the entire Android 12 experience changes to match its colors. With Android 13, Google plans to roll out pre-made color variants that will apply a color scheme across the entire OS. The company is also extending the color-theming of app icons beyond Google apps. Starting with Pixel devices, users will be able to toggle on the Themed apps setting to have all supported apps match their phones colors.In addition, Google is introducing a new media control that tailors its look based on the music that youre listening to.

Google notes that personalized within Android 13 goes beyond aesthetics and also focuses on other areas, such as language preferences. Users will be able select different languages for each app. The new feature will be useful for people who are multilingual and use different languages depending on specific situations.

For example, you might enjoy social media in one language, but bank in another, Google said in a blog post. Android 13 helps you use language as fluidly as you do in real life, so you can select a different language preference for each of your apps in Settings.

Image Credits: Google

As for tablets, Google is building on Android 12Ls update that optimized the layout for bigger screen devices. With Android 13, Google is going to introduce better multitasking capabilities for tablets through an updated taskbar that can be used to easily switch your single tablet view to a split screen. Google is also adding palm detection, which will prevent triggering unintended actions when your hand is resting on the screen. The new feature will be useful for people who use their tablets to write or draw using a stylus pen.

Lastly, Google plans to update more than 20 of its apps to be a better fit for larger screens. Many third-party apps, such as TikTok, Facebook and Zoom, will be revamped for larger screens.

The company says users can find many of these new features today in the second beta of Android 13. Google also teased that theres more in store for Android 13, such as features that shape modern standards for audio and video like HDR video, Spatial Audio and Bluetooth Low Energy Audio.

Originally posted here:
Android 13 Beta 2 is rolling out today with new user controls, privacy features and more - TechCrunch

Sign up for The Brief, our daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news.

A federal appeals court on Wednesday reinstated a Republican-backed Texas law that prohibits large social media companies from banning users over their political viewpoints.

The decision hands a win to Republicans who have long criticized social media platforms such as Twitter for what they call anti-conservative bias disapproval that was amplified when President Donald Trump was banned from Twitter for violating the platforms rules on inciting violence during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol.

The order did not evaluate the law on its constitutionality but instead allows the law to go back into effect while the case proceeds in district court, according to a statement from one of the plaintiff groups. The ruling came from a three-judge panel on the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals which is often considered the most conservative appeals court in the country and was not accompanied by a written opinion explaining the decision at the time of publication.

Two large industry trade groups that represent companies such as Google and Twitter sued to block the law last fall.

In December, a federal district court judge ruled in favor of the groups and blocked the law while the lawsuit continues, reasoning that the First Amendment protects a companys right to moderate content and called parts of the law prohibitively vague. As a result, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton appealed the district judges decision to the circuit court.

Passed during a special session last year, House Bill 20 also requires social media platforms with more than 50 million monthly users to publicly disclose information about content removal and account suspensions.

HB 20 is an assault on the First Amendment, and it's constitutionally rotten from top to bottom, Chris Marchese, counsel for the NetChoice industry trade group, tweeted after the ruling. So of course we're going to appeal today's unprecedented, unexplained, and unfortunate order by a split 2-1 panel.

The decision comes as businessman Elon Musk is poised to buy Twitter and possibly remake the companys moderation policies a move that conservatives have cheered. Musk recently said he would reinstate Trumps account if the acquisition is completed.

Sadly, we have a handful of people in America today who want to control the town square, who want to control social media and want to enforce silence, state Sen. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, said in support of the bill last year. If you have a viewpoint different from theirs, they want to shut you up. Thats not the American way, and that is not the Texas way.

The law does not provide any specific civil penalties for breaking the law, besides allowing users to sue to recuperate their court costs from the company found in violation. The law also empowers the attorney general to pursue violations.

The Texas attorney generals office said in a tweet late Wednesday that the appeals court made the right decision and said it would continue defending the Texas law.

Disclosure: Google has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here.

Tickets are on sale now for the 2022 Texas Tribune Festival, happening in downtown Austin on Sept. 22-24. Get your TribFest tickets by May 31 and save big!

Continued here:
Texas law prohibiting social media companies from banning users over their viewpoints reinstated by appeals court - The Texas Tribune

Google has previewed a forthcoming launch of afeature it calls My Ad Center that will give people more control of the ads they see across Search, Discover, and YouTube.

The move, in theory, will encourage people to engage more often withads and advertisers, while improving the user experience.

My Ad Center, scheduled for release later this year, allows people to control the ads they see and manage privacy settings, eitherdirectly from the ads or through the My Ad Center hub. It will tie into their Google account.

Eventually, Google plans to release My Ad Center controls to all Google owned-and-operatedproperties, including Gmail.

Every ad seen on Google properties will have the same entry point to make the change through My Ad Center, explained David Temkin, senior director of productmanagement ads privacy and user trust at Google, during a press briefing.

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This is a major step forward in terms of clarity, accessibility and control, Temkin said. Usershave told us loud and clear it makes them feel better about their ad experience when they are in control.

"We think this gives users control over the algorithm," Temkin said --byallowing My Ad Center to block an ad, see who paid for it, and learn why they were served a specific ad based on activity or information shared with Google. There is also a place to indicate when theuser wants to see more or less on a given topic or brand -- perhaps from brands the user favors or wants to know more about.

It allows people to find things such as personalized movie,commerce, and news recommendations. He said these are not targeting categories, but topic categories for ads that people want to see more of less often.

We are not changing how data isused, he said. We are giving users a whole lot more control.

When asked if and how Topic segment targeting for Chrome used by advertisers for ad targeting impacts the MyAd Center topic category for users, Temkin saidthe My Ad Center categories are about the topic categories, and the Topics targeting for advertisers is about the inferred interest of users.

It will not impact the display network, but we do intend to [apply it to] all Google owned-and-operated properties over time, he said.

The inferred categories are based onmachine-learning technology. The information can be verified by the user by going into the My Ad Center hub.

With all the work were doing in the Privacy Sandbox, it will not bepossible, because of all the removal of third-party cookies, for anything on google.com to affect settings across the web, he said. The controls on sites other than Google -- thecontrols will be in a given site or app from that publisher or app developer, or platform level, inside of Chrome or inside of Android like Privacy Sandbox -- choose your topics.

Thedata collected from My Ad Center will not become accessible to advertisers -- at least not at first -- but it will influence the brands targeting.

Read the original:
Google To Give Users Control Of Ad Content They See Across Its Properties 05/12/2022 - MediaPost Communications

In overdose, cyproheptadine may cause central nervous system depression and sedation, as well as anticholinergic syndrome.

Apetamin is a syrup consisting of L-lysine, cyproheptadine, and B vitamins (thiamine, pyridoxine, nicotinamide, and dexpanthenol) that is produced by Indian pharmaceutical company TIL Healthcare Pvt Ltd.1 Cyproheptadine is available by prescription only in the United States,2 but Apetamin syrup is being sold illegally on social media platforms and other online sources as an unregulated weight-gain supplement.3 It has gained media attention in recent years, with social media influencers promoting it as a supplement for body enhancement, promising an hourglass figure that UK National Health Service (NHS) officials have described as unobtainable and biologically unsafe.3

The misuse of cyproheptadine as a figure enhancer is occurring on an international scale. A 2019 case report from India describes a man who gained 15 kg of weight during a 1-year period while taking a gym-tonic pill composed of cyproheptadine and dexamethasone that was illicitly prescribed by his gym instructor for weight-gain purposes.4 Another recent study, this one from the Democratic Republic of Congo, describes the C4 Phenomenon: In Kinshasa, cyproheptadine is sold as an appetite stimulant under the name C4 and promoted as a way to obtain a rounded physical appearance.5 More than two-thirds of the population surveyed reported using C4 over the past 6 months, with use found to be more common among women and those with lower educational levels.5 Almost half of users reported that it had been recommended to them by their friends, and more than 90% reported self-prescribing.5

NHS leaders in the United Kingdom have urged social media platforms such as Instagram to shut down accounts promoting or selling Apetamin, given significant concerns about its potential physical and mental health effects, particularly on young women and girls, to whom such content is predominantly targeted.3

Cyproheptadine: A Review

Cyproheptadine is a first-generation antihistamine with antiserotonergic, anticholinergic, and sedative properties.2 It has been in medical use since the 1960s and is approved by the FDA for the treatment of various allergic conditions.2,6 In the 2000s, it was studied for its orexigenic effects in undernourished children, with variable results.6 It has been used as an off-label treatment for a wide range of psychiatric conditions, including serotonin syndrome, akathisia, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitorinduced sexual dysfunction. It has also been investigated for possible use in the treatment of nightmares in posttraumatic stress disorder, insomnia secondary to stimulant use, behavioral control in autism spectrum disorders, and neuropsychiatric sequelae of efavirenz.7

Safety Concerns

A retrospective review of the French Pharmacovigilance Database by Bertrand et al examined all reported adverse effects of cyproheptadine since its first distribution in France in 1985 and concluded that it can be considered a safe drug.6 During this 35-year period, a total of 93 adverse effects (AEs) were reported, which were primarily neurological and hepatic in nature, with drowsiness representing the most common AE; hepatotoxicity was found to be uncommon.6

The suggested initial dosing for the treatment of FDA-indicated conditions compared with the manufacturers suggested daily dose of Apetamin is outlined in Table 1.1,2

Keep in mind, however, that individuals using illicitly obtained Apetamin as a weight-gain supplement may not adhere to these dosing recommendations. One case report from 2020 describes a woman who reported drinking Apetamin syrup directly from the bottleto maximize its reported figure-enhancing effects; after 6 weeks of daily use, she developed autoimmune hepatitis.8

Additionally, given that the illicit sale of Apetamin on social media is inherently unregulated, buyers cannot be certain that the product they are receiving is consistent with the formula reported by the manufacturer or that the product has not been adulterated with other substances. Consumption of unknown quantities of Apetamin presents the risk of unintentional cyproheptadine overdose. The maximum daily dose of cyproheptadine by age is outlined in Table 2.2

In overdose, cyproheptadine may cause central nervous system depression and sedation, as well as anticholinergic syndrome, with symptoms such as dry mouth, dilated pupils, and flushing.2 A 2011 review of the characteristics of intentional cyproheptadine overdoses indicated that approximately 40% of cases were asymptomatic, whereas 17% developed anticholinergic delirium presenting as acute psychosis.9 The average dose ingested was lower for asymptomatic patients than for patients who developed delirium, at 49.8 mg and 188 mg, respectively.9

In addition, the weight gain associated with Apetamin use also presents a risk of developing obesity, which is in itself a risk factor for a range of health conditions including hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and osteoarthritis.5

Clinical Considerations for Psychiatric Providers

Given that Apetamin misuse is occurring on a global scale, it is important for psychiatric providers worldwide to be aware of the risks this agent presents so that they are prepared to appropriately counsel patients. As influencers on social media platforms appear to be predominantly targeting young women and girls in their promotion of Apetamin, awareness is particularly important for providers treating children and adolescents.

Although the study from Kinshasa suggests that potential risk factors for use include female gender and lower educational levels,5 further research is needed into what other factors may place someone at greater risk for use. Providers may wish to consider screening patients with a known history of eating disorders, body dysmorphic disorder, or other body imagerelated concernsparticularly patients who are known to use social media platforms. Providers may also simply consider including Apetamin in their routine questioning of young women about medication and herbal supplement use.

In addition to the risks described, psychiatric providers should also keep in mind that for patients who are prescribed monoamine oxidase inhibitors, cyproheptadine has the potential to prolong anticholinergic effects.2

Dr Betterly is a resident physician in the Department of Psychiatry at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr Barghini is an assistant professor of clinical psychiatry and behavioral science and director of the Psychiatry Residency Program in the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University in Philadelphia.

References

1. Appetite stimulants. TIL Healthcare. Accessed January 27, 2022. https://tilhealthcare.com/appetite-stimulant/

2. Cyproheptadine. Package insert. Teva Pharmaceuticals USA; 2009.

3. Murdoch C, Powis S, Wallace K. Letter to Instagram from Claire Murdoch regarding the drug Apetamin. UK National Health Service. May 3, 2021. Accessed January 27, 2022. https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/letter-to-instagram-from-claire-murdoch-regard-the-drug-apetamin/

4. Bawaskar HS, Bawaskar PH, Bawaskar PH. Gym tonic and quadriparesis. J Assoc Physicians India. 2019;67(10):85-86.

5. Lulebo AM, Bavuidibo CD, Mafuta EM, et al. The misuse of cyproheptadine: a non-communicable disease risk behaviour in Kinshasa population, Democratic Republic of Congo. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy. 2016;11:7.

6. Bertrand V, Massy N, Vegas N, et al. Safety of cyproheptadine, an orexigenic drug. analysis of the French National Pharmacovigilance Data-Base and systematic review.Front Pediatr. 2021;9:712413.

7. Badr B, Naguy A. Cyproheptadine: a psychopharmacological treasure trove? CNS Spectr. Published online February 26,2021.

8. Garland V, Kumar A, Theisen B, Borum ML. Apetamin hepatotoxicity: potential consequences of purchasing a body enhancement drug off the internet. ACG Case Rep J. 2020;7(6):e00398.

9. Chu FK. Review of the epidemiology and characteristics of intentional cyproheptadine overdose in Hong Kong. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2011;49(7):681-683.

Go here to see the original:
Under the Influence: Misuse of Apetamin, the Illicit Social Media Weight-Gain Drug - Psychiatric Times

Philadelphia 76ers big man Joel Embiid had a painful night on Tuesday, as he hurt his back and re-aggravated his orbital fracture during a Game 5 loss to the Miami Heat in their second-round playoff series. To add insult to injury, Embiid was then asked by reporters about his reaction to reports that the Denver Nuggets' Nikola Jokic will be named MVP.

Embiid said that he wasn't surprised about the news, and had been expecting the result ever since a straw poll by ESPN's Tim Bontemps towards the end of the regular season showed most voters were leaning towards Jokic. As a result, he was not particularly upset.

Still, Embiid shared some broader thoughts about the voting process and who gets a vote. It's worth going through the latter part of his response.

"Obviously, congrats to Nikola, he deserved it. He had an amazing season. There's no right or wrong. There was a lot of candidates. It could have gone either way. Giannis, Devin Booker being on the best team in the league by far, so I guess every year it's all about whatever you guys decided, whatever fits the narrative as far as who's going to win."

Embiid is correct in that there were a bunch of deserving candidates. It ended up turning into a two-man race between him and Jokic, but Giannis Antetokounmpo easily could have won his third trophy and you could easily make a case for Devin Booker as the best player on the best team.

And while it's never explicitly acknowledged, there is a narrative aspect to the award. Team success, players' career arcs and past results matter; it's not strictly a "best player in the league" designation. That's why LeBron James doesn't have 10 MVPs and no matter how great Jokic is next season he has zero chance of winning. Ironically, the narrative aspect is why Embiid is probably going to win it next season as long as he stays healthy.

"But to me, the only thing I'll say about these awards is that, until, I don't know how to explain it. I go back to what I heard on a podcast. Bill Simmons basically saying 'f--- Jalen Green.' If you're going to allow these type of people to vote on these awards, that's not fair. What if Jalen Green was in a position to earn a supermax, or I don't know, an All-Star appearance? You've got someone sounding like that and has a lot of power. He can sway a lot of other media members and you got someone saying that type of stuff, I don't think it's fair. I don't think it's OK."

This is only somewhat related to the actual MVP discussion and seems like a general shot at the media. It's also worth noting that this specific Simmons quip that keeps being referenced was a (perhaps ill-advised) joke that has been taken completely out of context. But Embiid's larger point about the problems with award voting having financial implications for players is widely shared.

"That's really the only thing I'll say about those awards. I'm not mad. The last two years in a row I've put myself in that position. It didn't happen. It's almost like at this point, it's whatever. Whatever happens, happens. Last year I campaigned about it, this year I answered questions when I was asked, and the next, you know, few years before I retire it's almost like I don't know what else I have to do to win it. To me it's just whatever. It's all about -- not that I wasn't focusing on the bigger picture but it's really time to really put all my energy into the bigger picture which is to win the whole thing."

Embiid wondering what he has to do to win MVP is certainly fair, as he was more than deserving this season. But in truth, he did what he was supposed to do and controlled what he could control. The only thing he did "wrong" was playing this well during the same season as two other historically great players.

The more interesting aspect of this quote is Embiid acknowledging how much he had been thinking about MVP. He may not have been upset about the actual result, but it's clear the whole process was weighing on him to some extent. Perhaps a weight will be lifted from his shoulders if he can stop worrying about it next season.

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76ers' Joel Embiid says he isn't mad about not being MVP, but doesn't know what he has to do to win it - CBS Sports