Dearborn, Michigan: A visit to the first Arab-majority city in the US

 **Dearborn, Michigan: A Culinary and Cultural Journey through America's First Arab-Majority City**

Dearborn, Michigan is home to the largest mosque in North America (Credit: Alamy).

**Introduction: Exploring Dearborn's Rich Arab American Heritage**

Nestled just outside Detroit, Dearborn beckons travelers with its vibrant Middle Eastern flavors and a tapestry woven with Arab American culture. From bustling bakeries to historic landmarks, the city offers a unique glimpse into how Arab Americans have profoundly shaped its identity.

**A Culinary Oasis: Shatila Bakery and Beyond**

Step into Shatila Bakery, a beloved institution since the 1970s, where the aroma of freshly baked baklava and Egyptian meshabek fills the air. This culinary haven is just one gem in Dearborn's crown of Arab American-owned eateries, markets, and butcher shops, each offering a delectable journey through Lebanese, Egyptian, Yemeni, and Palestinian cuisines.

Shatila is one of Dearborn's most popular Middle Eastern bakeries (Credit: Dorothy Hernandez).

**Cultural Mosaic: Arab American Influence in Dearborn**

Discover the mosaic of Arab American influence lining Dearborn's streets, from bilingual signs to vibrant mosques and community centers. The city's rich tapestry is epitomized by the Arab American National Museum, a testament to the community's enduring legacy and contributions to American culture.

**Historical Roots: Ford Motor Company and Middle Eastern Immigration**

Delve into Dearborn's historical roots shaped by Henry Ford's visionary industrial empire and the influx of Middle Eastern immigrants in the early 20th century. Ford's recruitment of Arab workers laid the foundation for Dearborn's transformation from farmland to a thriving hub of Arab American culture.

**A City of Firsts: Celebrating Diversity and Heritage**

Celebrate Dearborn's status as the first Arab-majority city in the US, where cultural celebrations like Eid are honored as paid holidays, and the call to prayer echoes from mosque minarets. Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, where Muslim and Arab identities intersect, creating a vibrant and inclusive community.

**Embracing Dearborn's Cultural Tapestry**

Dearborn beckons travelers not just for its culinary delights but as a living testament to the enduring spirit of Arab American heritage. As you wander through its streets, savoring traditional dishes and embracing diverse traditions, you'll discover a city that proudly celebrates its roots while welcoming visitors to experience its rich cultural tapestry.

**Dearborn's Culinary and Community Tapestry: A Haven of Arab American Heritage**

**A Community's Evolution: The Growth of Arab American Enclaves**

Over the decades, Dearborn has blossomed into a vibrant hub of Arab American culture, fueled by a network of community establishments like doctors' offices, restaurants, and grocery stores. Matthew Jaber Stiffler highlights how continuous migration due to disruptions in home countries has kept Dearborn's community dynamic and welcoming.

Dearborn is home to the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and its car-building history is intrinsically linked with Arab Americans (Credit: Alamy).

**Generations of Migration: Stories of Family and Heritage**
Amanda Saab's family story mirrors the experiences of many in Dearborn. Born and raised in the city, Saab's parents were drawn by the promise of auto jobs and the existing community ties. Her journey from MasterChef contestant to founder of Chefs for Palestine reflects the city's spirit of resilience and support for global causes.

**Culinary Delights: Exploring Dearborn's Food Scene**

Dearborn's culinary landscape is a testament to its Arab American heritage, attracting food enthusiasts from across the Midwest. Saab's recommendations, from AlTayeb's hearty Lebanese breakfast to Tuhama's delectable chicken shawarma, showcase the diverse flavors that define Dearborn's dining experience.

People come from across the Midwest to eat at Dearborn's many Middle Eastern cafes and restaurants (Credit: Alamy).

**A Food Adventure: Must-Try Eateries in Dearborn**

Saab's favorite spots offer a glimpse into Dearborn's culinary richness. AlTayeb for breakfast delights, Tuhama's for flavorful shawarmas, and Shatila Bakery for heavenly baklavas and ice cream are just a few highlights. Butcher's Grille's innovative take on Middle Eastern cuisine adds another layer to Dearborn's food adventure.

**Embracing Hospitality and Heritage: Dearborn's Welcoming Spirit**

Dearborn's food scene isn't just about delicious meals; it's a reflection of the city's hospitality and generosity. Saab's praise for the community's kindness and support underscores Dearborn's role not just as a culinary destination but as a welcoming home for Arab Americans and visitors alike.

**Dearborn's Culinary Tapestry and Cultural Legacy**

As travelers explore Dearborn's culinary gems and hear stories of resilience and community, they embark on a journey that goes beyond food—it's a celebration of heritage, unity, and the enduring spirit of a city shaped by its people and their shared experiences.

**Exploring Dearborn's Cultural Landmarks**

**The Islamic Center of America: A Symbol of Faith and Inclusivity**
The Islamic Center of America stands as a prominent landmark, representing both faith and openness. Its impressive architecture, including golden domes and towering minarets, invites visitors of all backgrounds to appreciate Islamic artistry and spirituality. The mosque's role as a welcoming space for prayer and reflection reflects Dearborn's diverse and inclusive community spirit.

**American Moslem Society: A Historic Beacon of Unity**
Founded in 1937, the American Moslem Society is a testament to Dearborn's rich history and commitment to religious freedom. As the first mosque in the US to broadcast the adhan via loudspeaker, it symbolizes the city's embrace of cultural traditions while fostering interfaith dialogue and understanding. Guided tours offer insights into the mosque's significance and its role in shaping Dearborn's identity.

Al-Hadiqa, the Arab American National Museum's new heritage garden, showcases plants historically grown across the Arab world (Credit: Dorothy Hernandez).

**Arab American National Museum: Preserving Heritage and Narratives**The Arab American National Museum serves as a vital platform for preserving and celebrating Arab American heritage. Through engaging exhibits like "Coming to America" and "Making an Impact," visitors gain a deeper understanding of immigration journeys and the contributions of Arab Americans to US society. The museum's Al-Hadiqa heritage garden adds a botanical dimension, connecting stories of homeland with tangible plant life.

The Arab American National Museum is the only museum in the US dedicated to telling the Arab American experience (Credit: Alamy)

**Cultivating Connections Through Oral Histories**Shatha Najim's insights into the Al-Hadiqa garden underscore the power of plants in fostering connections to heritage and identity. The museum's oral history collection amplifies personal narratives, ensuring that Arab American experiences are authentically represented. In Dearborn's nurturing community, individuals find resonance in shared cultures and the creation of a new sense of home, bridging the past with the present.

**Embracing Diversity and Unity**
Dearborn's cultural landmarks and community initiatives reflect a harmonious blend of faith, heritage, and belonging. The city's embrace of diversity and unity shines through its iconic institutions, inviting visitors to explore, learn, and celebrate the vibrant tapestry of Arab American culture that defines Dearborn's identity.

Why belief in cancer fatalism can harm your health.कैंसर के भाग्यवाद पर विश्वास आपके स्वास्थ्य को नुकसान क्यों पहुंचा सकता है?

 **Breaking the Shackles of Cancer Fatalism: A Journey to Health**

**Introduction: The Grip of Cancer Fatalism**

Cancer, often feared as a death sentence, can trigger feelings of hopelessness and fatalism among individuals facing diagnosis. Leonora Argate's journey embodies the challenges and misconceptions surrounding cancer fatalism, shedding light on the psychological barriers to seeking timely healthcare interventions.

**The Fear and Reluctance: A Personal Encounter with Cancer**

Leonora Argate's discovery of a breast lump evoked deep-seated fear and hesitancy to confront a potential cancer diagnosis. Her initial reluctance to seek medical confirmation underscores the pervasive belief that cancer is incurable, leading to delayed screenings and treatment initiation.

**Navigating Hopelessness: The Role of Patient Navigators**

Argate's transition from fear to treatment initiation was facilitated by a patient navigator, a crucial support system guiding individuals through the complexities of cancer management. The collaboration between healthcare officials and organizations like the iCanServe Foundation in Taguig exemplifies the importance of holistic patient care in combating cancer fatalism.

**From Despair to Resilience: Argate's Journey to Remission**

Despite initial apprehensions, Argate underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and medication, ultimately achieving remission. Her resilience and access to comprehensive healthcare interventions highlight the transformative potential of early intervention and psychological support in challenging fatalistic beliefs.

**Understanding Cancer Fatalism: Psychological and Cultural Perspectives**

Psychologists and healthcare experts delve into the intricacies of cancer fatalism, emphasizing its multidimensional nature encompassing beliefs in divine control, helplessness, and acceptance of fate. Cultural nuances, such as the Filipino phrase "kung oras mo na, oras mo na," reflect fatalistic attitudes towards health outcomes, necessitating culturally sensitive interventions.

**Navigating the Paradox: Benefits and Pitfalls of Fatalism**

While fatalism may provide a sense of wellbeing amidst adversity, it also correlates with potentially harmful health behaviors, notably in cancer care. Studies reveal lower screening rates, treatment refusal, and complacency towards preventive measures, highlighting the detrimental impact of fatalistic attitudes on health outcomes.

Some types of cancer are highly treatable when they are caught early (Credit: Getty Images)

**Empowering Change in Cancer Narratives**

The narrative of cancer fatalism underscores the critical need for proactive education, psychological support, and culturally tailored interventions to empower individuals to overcome fatalistic beliefs and embrace timely healthcare interventions. By challenging misconceptions and fostering a sense of agency, we can navigate towards a future where cancer is viewed not as a predetermined fate, but as a challenge to be met with resilience and hope.

**The Pervasive Grip of Cancer Fatalism**

Cancer fatalism permeates societal beliefs, encompassing notions of inevitability and incurability that influence individual perceptions and behaviors towards cancer prevention and treatment. This article delves into the complexities of cancer fatalism, shedding light on its impact on health outcomes and the imperative for nuanced interventions.

**Dimensions of Cancer Fatalism: Inevitability and Incurability**

Laura Marlow, a senior research fellow, delineates cancer fatalism into two dimensions: inevitability and incurability. The former manifests as a belief in external forces causing cancer beyond control, while the latter perpetuates the notion that cancer equates to a death sentence, despite advancements in treatment and survival rates.

**Challenging Misconceptions: Addressing Inevitability**

Professor Samuel Smith emphasizes the need to dispel misconceptions surrounding cancer causes, countering the fatalistic view that "everything causes cancer." By promoting evidence-based preventive measures such as healthy lifestyle choices, the narrative shifts from helplessness to empowerment in cancer prevention.

**Embracing Hope: Overcoming Incurability Beliefs**

Marlow underscores the significance of overcoming beliefs in cancer incurability, especially as modern treatments offer improved survival outcomes. However, entrenched fatalistic perceptions hinder individuals from seeking timely screenings and interventions, hindering proactive health behaviors.

The children of parents with fatalistic attitudes to cancer tend to use suncream less frequently (Credit: Getty Images)

**Psychological Impact: Fear, Worry, and Fatalism**

Malgorzata Polnik, a psychotherapist, elucidates the emotional turmoil experienced by individuals upon receiving a cancer diagnosis, where the word "cancer" evokes profound fear and fatalistic beliefs. These cognitive and emotional responses can impede patient engagement in treatment discussions and decision-making processes.

**Empowering Change: Education and Support**

Despite structural barriers, cognitive and emotional responses play a pivotal role in shaping health-seeking behaviors. Smith's research highlights the prevalence of fatalistic beliefs, underscoring the need for targeted interventions addressing cancer worry, fear, and fatalism to enhance health outcomes.

**Navigating Towards Empowerment**

The journey towards overcoming cancer fatalism requires a multifaceted approach encompassing education, psychological support, and destigmatization of cancer diagnoses. By fostering a culture of empowerment, resilience, and hope, individuals can navigate cancer challenges with informed decision-making and proactive engagement in preventive measures and treatment options.

**Challenging Beliefs and Empowering Change**

Navigating the landscape of cancer fatalism requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond fatalistic beliefs to empower individuals with knowledge, support, and positive narratives. This article delves into strategies aimed at breaking down fatalistic views, enhancing health literacy, and fostering a supportive environment for cancer patients.

Fatalistic attitudes towards cancer can hinder healthy behaviours such as attending screenings (Credit: Getty Images)

**Empowering Conversations: Questioning Beliefs**

Psychotherapist Malgorzata Polnik adopts a proactive approach by engaging patients in reflective dialogue. By questioning the basis and impact of fatalistic beliefs, patients are guided towards a realization that these beliefs are often unfounded and detrimental to their well-being. This approach dismantles overwhelming fatalistic perspectives, paving the way for informed decision-making.

**Religious Beliefs and Health Behaviors**

Contrary to common assumptions, religious beliefs alone do not drive cancer fatalism. In fact, religious service attendance can correlate with increased cancer screening. However, extremes in religious interpretation may hinder adherence to scientific evidence-based health practices. Janine Pajimna emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between faith and evidence-based healthcare to promote vital health-seeking behaviors.

**Education as a Catalyst for Change**

Professor Samuel Smith underscores education as a pivotal factor in combatting cancer fatalism. Higher education levels correlate with reduced fatalistic views, highlighting the role of education in empowering individuals to make informed healthcare decisions. Addressing educational disparities and enhancing health literacy can bridge gaps in understanding and promote proactive health behaviors.

**Community-Level Interventions: Meeting People Where They Are**

Smith advocates for community-level interventions to address cancer fatalism effectively. Initiatives like roadshows and interactive events create opportunities for engaging conversations about cancer prevention and treatment. Bowel Cancer UK's innovative approach of using inflatable bowels at supermarkets exemplifies the effectiveness of community engagement in health education.

**Personal Narratives: Bridging Emotional Realities**

Personal stories, such as Leonora Argate's journey, play a pivotal role in bridging emotional realities and fostering hope. Argate's experience highlights the importance of familial support and patient navigation services in navigating the challenges of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Sharing positive stories can inspire others to seek timely medical care and overcome fatalistic beliefs.

**Conclusion: Cultivating a Culture of Empowerment and Support**

By addressing cancer fatalism through education, supportive interventions, and community engagement, we can cultivate a culture of empowerment and resilience. Empowering individuals with knowledge, debunking myths, and amplifying positive narratives are key steps towards fostering proactive health behaviors and improving outcomes for cancer patients.

NASA-Led Study Provides New Global Accounting of Earth’s Rivers.नासा के नेतृत्व वाला अध्ययन पृथ्वी की नदियों का नया वैश्विक लेखा-जोखा प्रदान करता है

 ** Unveiling Earth's River Dynamics: NASA's Novel Study**

The Colorado River supplies water to more than 40 million people as it snakes through seven U.S. states, including the part of southeastern Utah seen in this photo snapped by an astronaut aboard the International Space Station. The Colorado basin was identified in a NASA-led study as a region experiencing intense human water use.NASA

**Introduction: Unraveling Earth's Waterways**

In a groundbreaking study led by NASA researchers, a new global accounting of Earth's rivers has emerged, shedding light on water storage, discharge rates, and regions impacted by intensive water use. This study, recently published in Nature Geoscience, employs innovative methodologies to unravel the intricate dynamics of Earth's water cycle.

**Novel Methodology: A Fusion of Data and Models**

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California spearheaded this study, leveraging a unique approach that combines stream-gauge measurements with sophisticated computer models spanning approximately 3 million river segments worldwide. This integration of data and modeling techniques offers unprecedented insights into the flow of water across the planet.

**Quantifying Earth's River Water**

The study reveals that from 1980 to 2009, Earth's rivers collectively held an estimated volume of 539 cubic miles (2,246 cubic kilometers) of water, equivalent to half of Lake Michigan's water volume. While this constitutes a small fraction of the planet's fresh water, rivers have been pivotal in sustaining human civilizations throughout history.

A NASA-led study combined stream-gauge measurements with computer models of 3 million river segments to create a global picture of how much water Earth’s rivers hold. It estimated that the Amazon basin contains about 38% of the world’s river water, the most of any hydrological region evaluated.NASA

**Identifying Regions of Intensive Water Use**

The findings pinpoint regions facing depletion due to heavy water use, including prominent basins such as the Colorado River basin in the United States, the Amazon basin in South America, and the Orange River basin in southern Africa. These 'fingerprints' of intense water use underscore the critical need for sustainable water management practices.

**Challenges and Opportunities in Water Management**

Cédric David from JPL emphasizes the challenge of managing water resources amidst population growth and climate change. Understanding the total water storage in rivers is fundamental to effective water resource management and ensuring equitable access to water for all.

**Future Prospects: Enhancing Measurements with SWOT Satellite Data**

The study's estimates pave the way for comparison with data from the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite, launched in December 2022. SWOT's mapping capabilities offer enhanced measurements of human impacts on Earth's water cycle, providing invaluable insights for sustainable water management and environmental stewardship.

The NASA-led study estimated flow through 3 million river segments, identifying locations around the world marked by intense human water use, including parts of the Colorado, Amazon, Orange, and Murray-Darling river basins, shown as gray here.NASA

**Advancing Our Understanding of Earth's Water Cycle**

NASA's pioneering study not only deepens our comprehension of Earth's rivers but also underscores the urgent need for proactive water conservation and management strategies. By harnessing cutting-edge technologies and collaborative efforts, we can navigate the complexities of Earth's water cycle and safeguard this precious resource for future generations.

**Unveiling River Dynamics: 'Fingerprints' of Water Use**

**Deciphering Earth's River Systems**

A recent study led by NASA researchers has delved into the intricate dynamics of Earth's river systems, unveiling 'fingerprints' of water use that illuminate critical insights into global water management and conservation efforts. This study, spearheaded by lead author Elyssa Collins, presents a new paradigm in quantifying river water storage, discharge rates, and human impacts on freshwater resources.

**Amazon Basin: A Reservoir of Water**

The study identifies the Amazon basin as a colossal reservoir of water, holding approximately 204 cubic miles (850 cubic kilometers) of water, representing a staggering 38% of the global estimate for river storage. Additionally, the Amazon basin emerges as the primary contributor to ocean discharge, releasing 1,629 cubic miles (6,789 cubic kilometers) of water annually, accounting for 18% of the global discharge to the ocean.

**'Fingerprints' of Intensive Water Use**

The research unveils regions marked by 'fingerprints' of intense water management, where human water usage surpasses natural replenishment. Notable basins such as the Colorado, Amazon, Orange River, and Murray-Darling basin in southeastern Australia exhibit negative flows, indicating substantial human water withdrawals and management practices impacting river ecosystems.

**Revolutionizing River Quantification: A New Methodology**

Traditionally, estimating Earth's total river water has relied on outdated figures, hindering accurate assessments of water variability over time. This study pioneers a new methodology that combines simulated runoff from land surface models with gauge measurements from diverse river locations. By correcting inconsistencies and modeling runoff through high-resolution global maps, researchers achieve precise estimates of river storage, discharge rates, and monthly variations.

**Challenges and Innovations in River Assessment**

The study addresses challenges in river quantification, including limited observations in remote regions and uncertainties in land runoff estimates. Leveraging space imagery and advanced modeling techniques, researchers bridge the gap between large and small river assessments, providing a comprehensive understanding of global river dynamics.

**Implications for Water Management and Conservation**

By elucidating global river storage and discharge patterns, this study informs strategic water management decisions and conservation efforts. The ability to compare water flow and human drawdown across regions empowers stakeholders to prioritize conservation initiatives and ensure sustainable freshwater resources for future generations.

**Conclusion: Pioneering Insights into Earth's River Systems**

NASA's innovative study transcends traditional boundaries, offering a transformative perspective on Earth's river systems and their interactions with human activities. Through rigorous methodologies and interdisciplinary collaboration, we unveil the intricate tapestry of global water dynamics, paving the way for informed conservation strategies and resilient freshwater ecosystems.

**Title: Unveiling the Shadows of AI in Social Media: Bias and Errors in Photo Analysis**

**Title: Uncovering the Pitfalls of AI in Social Media: Biases and Errors in Image Analysis**

**Introduction**

In the digital age, where social media reigns supreme, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) has become ubiquitous. However, recent findings by digital privacy and security engineers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison shed light on a concerning aspect of AI implementation in popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram.

**The Discovery: Uncovering Bias and Errors**

Led by Kassem Fawaz, an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at UW–Madison, a team of researchers delved deep into the AI-based systems used by TikTok and Instagram to extract personal and demographic data from user images. Their investigation unveiled a startling reality — these systems can misclassify aspects of images, potentially leading to errors in age verification systems and introducing biases into digital platforms.

**Understanding AI Vision Models**

Many mobile applications leverage machine learning or AI systems known as "vision models" to analyze images on users' phones. These models not only aid in facial recognition but also play a crucial role in verifying users' ages. However, the scope of data collection extends beyond mere age verification; these models can gather demographic information, identify objects in photos, and even infer possible locations.

**Evolution of On-Device Processing**

Traditionally, the processing of such data occurred in the cloud, where vision models would send user data to offsite servers for analysis. However, with advancements in technology, smartphones are now equipped to handle machine learning tasks directly on the device. This shift not only optimizes cost for platforms but also expands the range of data that can be utilized and processed.

**Insights from the Researchers**

PhD student Jack West, along with fellow researcher PhD student Shimaa Ahmed and Professor Fawaz, emphasizes the significance of this transition to on-device processing. It allows for a closer examination of AI vision models and the types of data they collect and process, offering insights into potential biases and errors.

**Implications and Future Directions**

The implications of these findings are profound, raising concerns about the accuracy and fairness of AI systems in digital platforms. The research team's upcoming presentation at the IEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy in San Francisco in May 2024 underscores the urgency of addressing these issues. Their work, available on the preprint server arXiv, paves the way for further exploration and refinement of AI-driven technologies to mitigate biases and ensure data accuracy in the digital landscape.

**The Revelation: Unraveling Bias and Inaccuracy**

Their findings revealed a disquieting truth— these systems can misclassify elements within images, raising concerns about the accuracy of age verification systems and the emergence of biases within digital platforms.

**Diving into the Research**

The researchers meticulously examined the mobile apps of these platforms to discern the types of data extracted by their machine learning vision models from user images. A key focus was on assessing whether these models accurately discern demographic disparities and age variations among users.

**Upcoming Insights: IEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy**

The culmination of their efforts will be showcased at the prestigious IEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy in San Francisco in May 2024. This platform will serve as a conduit for disseminating their groundbreaking findings and sparking crucial conversations about the integrity of AI-driven systems in digital spaces. For those eager to delve deeper into this realm, the team's research is also available on the preprint server arXiv.

**Evolution of AI: From Cloud to Device**

The advent of machine learning or AI systems, known as "vision models," marks a transformative shift in how mobile applications analyze images on users' devices. Previously reliant on cloud-based processing, these models now harness the processing power of smartphones, enabling on-device machine learning. This not only streamlines costs for platforms but also broadens the scope of data collection and processing capabilities.

**Insights from the Frontlines**

PhD student Jack West, alongside fellow researcher PhD student Shimaa Ahmed and Professor Fawaz, offers insights into this paradigm shift. The shift to on-device processing empowers researchers to scrutinize AI vision models more closely, shedding light on the types of data collected and processed, and opening avenues for addressing biases and errors.

**Conclusion**

The journey into the complexities of AI-driven image analysis in social media unveils a multifaceted landscape, replete with challenges and opportunities. As technology continues to evolve, the imperative lies in fostering transparency, addressing biases, and ensuring the ethical use of AI in shaping our digital interactions.