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Welcome to the Promo2day Community, where we feature software giveaways, computer discussion, along with a fun, safe atmosphere! If your reading this it means you are not yet registered. You will need to Register before you can make posts, chat or enter the forum giveaways. Be sure to also visit the Help/FAQ page.

  Wise Registry Cleaner 9.54.624 & Portable Version Released
Posted by: mrtrout - 03-07-2018 , 11:11 PM - Forum: Freeware - No Replies

https://www.wisecleaner.com/download.html        Wise Registry Cleaner 9.5.4
Free Registry Cleaner and Optimizer
Last updated: 2018-03-07
Size: 2.71 MB
Windows XP, Vista, 
Win7/8/10
(both 32-bit and 64-bit)

Free Download
Portable Version    : 100% Scanned Malware Free & Clean With AVG Antivirus Free & Digital Signature : ( Lespeed Technology Ltd.)

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  Wise Driver Care 2.3.301.1010 Released
Posted by: mrtrout - 03-07-2018 , 11:08 PM - Forum: Freeware - No Replies

https://www.wisecleaner.com/download.html         Wise Driver Care 2.3.301
Free Windows driver updater and downloader
Last updated: 2018-03-07
Size: 7.65 MB
Windows XP, Vista, 
Win7/8/10
(both 32-bit and 64-bit)

Free Download   : 100% Scanned Malware Free & Clean With AVG Antivirus Free & Digital Signature : ( Lespeed Technology Ltd.)

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  EagleGet Portable Edition v2.0.4.30 Released
Posted by: mrtrout - 03-07-2018 , 11:05 PM - Forum: Freeware - Replies (4)

http://forum.eagleget.com/viewtopic.php?id=3499        Administrator

Registered: 2012-12-02
Posts: 1,493
Dear All,

EagleGet Portable Edition v2.0.4.30 has been released. If you prefer portable apps, please try out the latest EagleGet Portable now.

EagleGet-Icon.png

Highlight
1. Fixed the download size from google driver
2. Fixed the schedule issues in queues
3. Improved the download speed. 
4. Improved the batch download.
5. Improved the media sniffer.
6. Fixed other minor bugs.


Downoad EagleGet 2.0.4.30 Portable (Updated:March 7, 2018)

How to use EagleGet Portable: http://www.eagleget.com/download-eagleget-portable/

Download now: http://dl.eagleget.com/latest/EagleGetP … 0.4.30.zip


Size: 10.1 MB (10,637,176 bytes)
MD5: A2C39F301E254E307D5193B0A9A3A938
SHA1: 19B63F05EC49DA2265B804A7580D9FA207D5E941
CRC32: 147C92D0  : 100% Scanned Malware Free & Clean With AVG Antivirus Free & Digital Signature : ( Beijing Pu Technology Limited)

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  Icecream PDF Split&Merge 3.45 Released
Posted by: mrtrout - 03-07-2018 , 10:57 PM - Forum: Freeware - No Replies

https://icecreamapps.com/PDF-Split-and-M...gelog.html        PDF
Split&Merge
Download
VERSION: 3.45 SIZE: 19.0MB
3.45
7 Mar 2018
Latest version
HiDPI support added  : 100% Scanned Malware Free & Clean With AVG Antivirus Free & Digital Signature : ( Icecream Apps Ltd)

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  Icecream PDF Converter 2.80 Released
Posted by: mrtrout - 03-07-2018 , 10:54 PM - Forum: Freeware - No Replies

https://icecreamapps.com/PDF-Converter/changelog.html        PDF
Converter
Download
VERSION: 2.80 SIZE: 126MB
2.80
7 Mar 2018
Latest version
JPG to PDF conversion quality fix
TIFF to PDF conversion fix
PDF to Image quality settings fix  : 100% Scanned Malware Free & Clean With AVG Antivirus Free & Digital Signature: ( Icecream Apps Ltd)

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  DVDFab Passkey Lite 9.2.3.1 Released
Posted by: mrtrout - 03-07-2018 , 10:43 PM - Forum: Freeware - No Replies

https://ja.dvdfab.cn/download.htm?trackID=footer        Passkey
Free download
Windows 10 / 8.1 / 8/7 / Vista / XP

v 9.2.3.1 | 10.3 MB

Change log      March 07, 2018
Passkey 9.2.3.1 Updated!
New: Added the support for a new BD-J protection as found on My Little Pony.
Fix: Improved the could decryption procedures for DVDs.   : 100% Scanned Malware Free & Clean With AVG  Antivirus Free & Digital Signature: ( Fengtao Software Inc.)

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  Auslogics BoostSpeed 10.0.6.0 Released
Posted by: mrtrout - 03-07-2018 , 10:39 PM - Forum: Paid - No Replies

https://www.auslogics.com/en/software/boost-speed/       Auslogics BoostSpeed - Version History
10.0.6.0
Improved support for the EDGE web browser.
Search for and removal of invalid shortcuts will now work better.
Fixed incorrect detection of website shortcuts.
Processing of large-volume disk drives has been enhanced.
The program will now work correctly with several Opera browsers installed simultaneously.
Some GUI issues have been resolved.
Fixed some minor bugs.  : 100% Scanned Malware Free & Clean With AVG Antivirus Free & Digital Signature: ( Auslogics Labs Pty Ltd)

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  Giveaway - SOUND FORGE Audio Studio 12 (5 months)
Posted by: AAU - 03-07-2018 , 12:23 PM - Forum: External Giveaways/Freebies - Replies (2)

Quote:The audio editor SOUND FORGE Audio Studio 12 sets a new benchmark in audio and sound editing. Produce audio material in studio quality and in up to 32-bit/384 kHz resolution and apply over 20 professional filters and effects. With the innovative new restoration suite, the latest generation of this software offers professional audio restoration and cleaning at the highest level. The audio editor contains an impressive range of new features - for both beginners and studio professionals alike. Access innovative functions such as Slice Editing for a simplified, flexible audio editing workflow. Cuts can be modified and faded in at a later stage. SOUND FORGE Audio Studio 12 includes an impressive range of plug-ins, well thought out workflows and CD authoring functions according to industry standards.

http://www.softpedia.com/get/Multimedia/...udio.shtml

Entry open until March 19th, 2018 at 9:00 AM GMT, after which all licenses will be sent out via email.

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  FocusKONTROL v 1
Posted by: ahmed - 03-07-2018 , 09:16 AM - Forum: External Giveaways/Freebies - No Replies

[Image: kSMwuIp.jpg]

About:

FocusKONTROL is designed to motivate you to achieve your goals and desires.
This easy to use software reaffirms your desires and keeps your mind focused by constantly motivating you with the visual remindersof your goals from your desktop. It has been known that visual stimulation has always been more powerful than written reminders, which is the basis for the success of the focusKONTROL software.
Here’s how it works…
You start by simply installing the FocusKONTROL software onto your computer. Then you provide it with a series of messages and/or images that help you to remember your goal:

  • Smile puts others at ease
  • Rich people think big. Poor people think small.
  • Stretch your neck Rest your eyes
  • In next 20 days I’ll quit gambling forever
  • Take a break every hour
  • This year I’ll buy red one Corvette
  • I am like a magnet to money
  • I replace negative thoughts with positive
Giveaway Page:
https://sharewareonsale.com/s/free-focus...0-discount
&
Here:
https://sales.promo2day.com/?page_id=5
OR

:arrow:
SOS Exclusive Installer(Registration built-in)
http://downloads.sharewareonsale.com/fil...ONTROL.exe

Directions:

VT:
https://www.virustotal.com/#/file/1c6c57.../detection
(0/66) Clean

Terms and Conditions
  • This is a 1-computer lifetime license, for noncommercial use
  • No free updates; if you update the giveaway, it may become unregistered
  • You get free tech support
  • You must download the installer before the giveaway has ended
  • May not be resold
  • Developed By:SuperNovaSoft
  • Supports Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8/8.1, and 10 (32-bit and 64-bit)

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  Advanced Recent Access 5.0
Posted by: ahmed - 03-07-2018 , 09:02 AM - Forum: Giveaway of the day - No Replies

[Image: 0VK5Lva.jpg]

About:
See more properties of the recent resources, such as path, size, type, date modified and date created.

Key Features:

  • Shows path, size, type and date modified/created;
  • Automatically records accessed times;
  • Automatically deletes nonexistent resources;
  • Filters recent resources by types;
  • Automatically remembers the order, width and sorting of the columns;
  • Can hide the unwanted properties.
Please note: Single License (1 PC) (Lifetime License WITHOUT Upgrades) is included in this version.

Giveaway Page:
https://www.giveawayoftheday.com/advance...access-2/#
OR

:arrow:
Direct Download(GAOTD Unwrapped)
https://www.upload.ee/files/8143949/Adva...8.zip.html

VT:
https://www.virustotal.com/#/file/1752eb.../detection
(0/67) Clean

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  AVG Free Antivirus 2018 Review (The PC Security Channel)
Posted by: mrtrout - 03-07-2018 , 07:17 AM - Forum: Video Reviews - No Replies



AVG Free Antivirus 2018 Review      
The PC Security Channel [TPSC]
Published on Mar 6, 2018
AVG Free Antivirus 2018: This Review includes a detection ratio test, unknown malware execution and a ransomware test. How does the behavior blocker stack up against unknown encryptors? Are my documents still intact by the end of the review? Find out.

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  Leawo Blu-ray Player (Share & Win More Leawo Product)
Posted by: ahmed - 03-07-2018 , 06:44 AM - Forum: External Giveaways/Freebies - Replies (1)

[Image: M8gaTL8.jpg]


Promotion Page:
http://www.leawo.org/promotion/special-offer/?ub

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  Google Chrome 65.0.3325.146 Released
Posted by: mrtrout - 03-07-2018 , 06:20 AM - Forum: Freeware - Replies (1)

https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/         Stable Channel Update for Desktop
Tuesday, March 6, 2018
The Chrome team is delighted to announce the promotion of Chrome 65 to the stable channel for Windows, Mac and Linux. This will roll out over the coming days/weeks.
Chrome 65.0.3325.146 contains a number of fixes and improvements -- a list of changes is available in the log. Watch out for upcoming Chrome and Chromium blog posts about new features and big efforts delivered in 65.
Security Fixes and Rewards
Note: Access to bug details and links may be kept restricted until a majority of users are updated with a fix. We will also retain restrictions if the bug exists in a third party library that other projects similarly depend on, but haven’t yet fixed.
 This update includes 45 security fixes. Below, we highlight fixes that were contributed by external researchers. Please see the Chrome Security Page for more information.
 [$5000][758848] High CVE-2018-6058: Use after free in Flash. Reported by JieZeng of Tencent Zhanlu Lab on 2017-08-25
[$5000][758863] High CVE-2018-6059: Use after free in Flash. Reported by JieZeng of Tencent Zhanlu Lab on 2017-08-25
[$3000][780919] High CVE-2018-6060: Use after free in Blink. Reported by Omair on 2017-11-02
[$3000][794091] High CVE-2018-6061: Race condition in V8. Reported by Guang Gong of Alpha Team, Qihoo 360 on 2017-12-12
[$1000][780104] High CVE-2018-6062: Heap buffer overflow in Skia. Reported by Anonymous on 2017-10-31
[$N/A][789959] High CVE-2018-6057: Incorrect permissions on shared memory. Reported by Gal Beniamini of Google Project Zero on 2017-11-30
[$N/A][792900] High CVE-2018-6063: Incorrect permissions on shared memory. Reported by Gal Beniamini of Google Project Zero on 2017-12-07
[$N/A][798644] High CVE-2018-6064: Type confusion in V8. Reported by lokihardt of Google Project Zero on 2018-01-03
[$N/A][808192] High CVE-2018-6065: Integer overflow in V8. Reported by Mark Brand of Google Project Zero on 2018-02-01
[$4000][799477] Medium CVE-2018-6066: Same Origin Bypass via canvas. Reported by Masato Kinugawa on 2018-01-05
[$2000][779428] Medium CVE-2018-6067: Buffer overflow in Skia. Reported by Ned Williamson on 2017-10-30
[$2000][798933] Medium CVE-2018-6068: Object lifecycle issues in Chrome Custom Tab. Reported by Luan Herrera on 2018-01-04
[$1500][799918] Medium CVE-2018-6069: Stack buffer overflow in Skia. Reported by Wanglu & Yangkang(@dnpushme) of Qihoo360 Qex Team on 2018-01-08
[$1000][668645] Medium CVE-2018-6070: CSP bypass through extensions. Reported by Rob Wu on 2016-11-25
[$1000][777318] Medium CVE-2018-6071: Heap bufffer overflow in Skia. Reported by Anonymous on 2017-10-23
[$1000][791048] Medium CVE-2018-6072: Integer overflow in PDFium. Reported by Atte Kettunen of OUSPG on 2017-12-01
[$1000][804118] Medium CVE-2018-6073: Heap bufffer overflow in WebGL. Reported by Omair on 2018-01-20
[$1000][809759] Medium CVE-2018-6074: Mark-of-the-Web bypass. Reported by Abdulrahman Alqabandi (@qab) on 2018-02-06
[$500][608669] Medium CVE-2018-6075: Overly permissive cross origin downloads. Reported by Inti De Ceukelaire (intigriti.com) on 2016-05-03
[$500][758523] Medium CVE-2018-6076: Incorrect handling of URL fragment identifiers in Blink. Reported by Mateusz Krzeszowiec on 2017-08-24
[$500][778506] Medium CVE-2018-6077: Timing attack using SVG filters. Reported by Khalil Zhani on 2017-10-26
[$500][793628] Medium CVE-2018-6078: URL Spoof in OmniBox. Reported by Khalil Zhani on 2017-12-10
[$TBD][788448] Medium CVE-2018-6079: Information disclosure via texture data in WebGL. Reported by Ivars Atteka on 2017-11-24
[$N/A][792028] Medium CVE-2018-6080: Information disclosure in IPC call. Reported by Gal Beniamini of Google Project Zero on 2017-12-05
[$1000][797525] Low CVE-2018-6081: XSS in interstitials. Reported by Rob Wu on 2017-12-24
[$N/A][767354] Low CVE-2018-6082: Circumvention of port blocking. Reported by WenXu Wu of Tencent's Xuanwu Lab on 2017-09-21
[$N/A][771709] Low CVE-2018-6083: Incorrect processing of AppManifests. Reported by Jun Kokatsu (@shhnjk) on 2017-10-04
 We would also like to thank all security researchers that worked with us during the development cycle to prevent security bugs from ever reaching the stable channel.
As usual, our ongoing internal security work was responsible for a wide range of fixes:
Many of our security bugs are detected using AddressSanitizer, MemorySanitizer, UndefinedBehaviorSanitizer, Control Flow Integrity, libFuzzer, or AFL.
[819271] Various fixes from internal audits, fuzzing and other initiatives
If you're interested in Enterprise relevant information please look through the Enterprise Release Notes for Chrome 65.
Thank you,
Krishna Govind

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  Pale Moon27.8.1 Released
Posted by: mrtrout - 03-06-2018 , 11:31 PM - Forum: Freeware - Replies (1)

http://www.palemoon.org/releasenotes.shtml          Pale Moon: Release notes
27.8.1 (2018-03-06)
This is a small update to address some breaking issues.

Changes/fixes:
Backed out the NSPR/NSS update from 27.8.0 for causing crashes, general operational instability and handshake issues.
Disabled TLS 1.3 draft support by default, because with the NSS backout we only support an older draft right now that is no longer current and may cause connectivity issues. You can manually re-enable it at your own risk in about:config by setting security.tls.version.max to 4.   :  http://www.palemoon.org/palemoon-win32.shtml   Download Pale Moon x86 - 27.8.1
New this release: Details about this update can be found in the Release notes.
These downloads are the most compatible version of Pale Moon.

Minimum System Requirements:
Windows Vista*/Windows 7/8/10/Server 2008 or later
Windows Platform Update (Vista/7) strongly recommended
A processor with SSE2 instruction support
256 MB of free RAM (512 MB or more recommended)
At least 150 MB of free (uncompressed) disk space

*Our support for Windows Vista is limited. Please consider upgrading your O.S. if you are having trouble with the browser.
Download locations
File size for the installer is 31.2 MiB

SHA-256: de079b2dab585ff28fa83e0b155944f76e1f2aea4b310c753a353d6d4421e413
(to check your download, you can use a tool like WinHasher)
GPG/PGP signature: [Sig]

Link (click to download)
Description
Pale Moon logo
Pale Moon mirror #1 (EU)
Direct download link
Pale Moon logo Pale Moon mirror #2 (US)
Direct download link
Pale Moon logo Pale Moon mirror #3 (Asia)
Direct download link
Download Crew logo
Download Crew
Download link at the top of the page (next to the title)
FileHorse logo FileHorse
Download link at the top-right of the page
FileCroco logo FileCroco

100% Scanned Malware Free & Clean With Comodo Internet Security Premium (Not Digitally Signed )

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  Registry DeleteEx v1.1 Released
Posted by: mrtrout - 03-06-2018 , 10:50 PM - Forum: Freeware - No Replies

http://www.novirusthanks.org/products/re...-deleteex/          Registry DeleteEx v1.1
Registry DeleteEx is a small Windows OS software application that can delete locked registry keys and locked registry values via a kernel-mode driver. Some malware may lock/protect registry keys by changing the registry permissions or by using API hooking techniques. With this little tool you can successfully delete almost any registry key and value that can’t be deleted with Regedit or via traditional methods. Use this tool with caution, if you delete system registry entries your PC will be unbootable.

For Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10 (32\64-bit)       Delete Locked Registry Keys
Delete locked registry keys and values that show errors like “Cannot delete registry key” or “Error while deleting registry key”. It’s very frustrating when you encounter “locked” keys/values because they absolutely refuse to be deleted, even in cases when you run as Admin and even take ownership of the key itself. Regardless of security permissions in place, this tool can effortlessly delete locked registry keys and values.

Delete Registry Keys
Effectively delete locked registry keys and locked registry values.

Cannot Delete Key
Delete registry keys that show error “Cannot delete key: Error while deleting key.”

Recursive Deletion
You can also recursively delete all registry subkeys (and all values found).

Malware Removal
This tool can be used to delete registry entries locked by malware or rootkits.

No Spyware\Adware
The program is free from spyware, adware or other pests, nothing extra is installed.

Free to Use      Product Details
Version 1.1
Last Updated March 6, 2018
Operating System For Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10 (32\64-bit)
Category Malware Removal Tools
License Type Freeware
File Size 1.3 MB  : 100% Scanned Malware Free & Clean With Comodo Internet Security Premium & Digital Signature: ( NoVirusThanks Company Srl)  (On Comodo Trusted Vendors List Of Safe Applications & Trust Vendor & Digitally Signed Software Too)

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  FlexiPDF Professional 2017 for 4.99$
Posted by: tarekma7 - 03-06-2018 , 01:58 PM - Forum: Hot Deals & Discounts - No Replies

http://softmaker.com/go/flexiww

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  Baisvik Disk Cleaner v 3.3.7.76
Posted by: ahmed - 03-06-2018 , 09:05 AM - Forum: External Giveaways/Freebies - Replies (1)

[Image: 6wEn8df.png]

About:
Utility for disks cleanup from unnecessary files that slow down performance of your computer and occupy disk space without any sense. You don’t need to worry about your data, since the program is absolutely safe and allows you to remove only really junk files.

WHY USE BAISVIK DISK CLEANER 3?
Baisvik Disk Cleaner allows you to protect your Internet privacy, optimize your computer, and release considerable space on the disk. Thanks to user-friendly interface, the program can be used by both professionals and inexperienced users.

Fast Disk Scan
Thanks to the «Fast Scan» function Baisvik Disk Cleaner saves your time. In this mode the program searches for junk files in places where statistically they get accumulated more often.

Safe Disk Cleanup
Baisvik Disk Cleaner doesn’t remove files necessary for you. Therefore, it’s safe to use.

59 categories for disk scan
Baisvik Disk Cleaner contains 59 special categories for scanning that allow you to find a considerable number of junk files in various disk places.

More than 80 masks for disk scan
The Program contains over 80 file masks for full disk scan. It allows you to remove the greatest possible quantity of junk files.

Friendly interface
Baisvik Disk Cleaner was designed to be as simple as possible in use. Even inexperienced users can perform disk cleanup by several clicks.


Giveaway Page:
https://sharewareonsale.com/s/free-baisv...0-discount
&
Here:
https://sales.promo2day.com/?page_id=5
OR
:arrow:
SOS Exclusive Download & License:


Terms and Conditions:
  • This is a 1-computer 1-year license, for noncommercial use 
  • No free updates; if you update the giveaway, it may become unregistered
  • No free tech support
  • You must redeem the license key before this offer has ended
  • May not be resold
  • Developed By:Baisvik
  • Supports Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8/8.1, and 10 (32-bit and 64-bit)

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  SoftOrbits Video Watermark Maker [for PC]
Posted by: ahmed - 03-06-2018 , 09:02 AM - Forum: Giveaway of the day - Replies (3)

[Image: 3aY9kNb.jpg]

Just by thinking of having to undergo the daunting and time-consuming process of video production could definitely be overwhelming. And with such hardwork, seeing your video get stolen or tampered would be the last thing you want to witness, right? In such scenario, watermarking is the best solution to resort to.
In simple terms, Video Watermark Maker is a tool that basically attaches watermark, which then completes the process of the copyright protection as well as authenticity. With such tool, you can protect your file from being illegally copied by whoever, thereby keeping your product intact and secured.

Features and Benefits:

  •     Easy application of protection and branding of your videos;
  •     Customizable and disappearing watermarks;
  •     Branding your videos including YouTube videos;
  •     Embedding either picture or text watermarks;
  •     Powerful batch processing;
  •     Automated watermark scaling.
With the incredible characteristics there is with Video Watermark Maker, users, especially companies, could simply achieve fascinating benefits such as:
  •     Improved security, protection and authenticity of all video files designated even for public viewing;
  •     Effortlessly enhance company branding and exposure through the use of embedded watermarks in company video With the  use of such software, incorporating watermarks in your company-produced videos can be simply done.
You just have to prepare for the exact file, which can be your company logo/brand, a statement or whatever you wish, you want to use as your watermark. And since customization is highly possible with such software, deciding for the complete look of your watermark could be done without a fuss. Doing this process protects any video from being copied and/or stolen by unauthorized personnel.

Giveaway Page:
https://www.giveawayoftheday.com/video-w...aker-1-4/#
OR

:arrow:
GOATD Direct Download(Included Special Installer)
https://www.upload.ee/files/8139939/Vide...a.zip.html

Registration:
https://www.softorbits.com/actions/getfr...0-%20gaotd

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  Free Easy Screen OCR - Grab text from your screenshot
Posted by: steven - 03-06-2018 , 07:50 AM - Forum: Freeware - Replies (4)

Hi, everyone. 

I would like to introduce my new freeware: Easy Screen OCR, which won 4.5 starts in Softpedia. You can take a snapshot by this program and extract text from the image with its OCR capability.

The reason why I develop such program is here.

Have fun! I hope this tool could improve your productivity.

Features:

  • 1. Powered by Google OCR which guarantees high recognition accuracy.

  • 2. Support more than 100 languages.

  • 3. Less than 8MB. The OCR process is in the cloud.

  • 4. Customize keyboard shortcuts to take a snapshot.

  • 5. Save snapshot as PNG/JPG/BMP/PDF.
Website: https://easyscreenocr.com

[Image: extract-text-from-image.gif?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1]

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  Lassa fever: The killer disease with no vaccine
Posted by: mrtrout - 03-06-2018 , 06:05 AM - Forum: Off Topic Chat - No Replies

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-43211086         Lassa fever: The killer disease with no vaccine
By Dr Charlie Weller
Head of Vaccines, Wellcome Trust
5 March 2018     Since the beginning of the year, Nigeria has been gripped by an outbreak of a deadly disease. Lassa fever is one of a number of illnesses which can cause dangerous epidemics, but for which no vaccine currently exists.

Lassa fever is not a new disease, but the current outbreak is unprecedented, spreading faster and further than ever before.

Health workers are overstretched, and a number have themselves become infected and died.

The potentially fatal disease is a so-called "viral haemorrhagic fever", which can affect many organs, and damage the body's blood vessels.

But it is difficult to treat.

Most people who catch Lassa will have only mild symptoms such as fever, headache and general weakness. They may have none at all.

However, in severe cases, it can mimic another deadly haemorrhagic fever, Ebola, causing bleeding through the nose, mouth and other parts of the body.

Lassa fever normally has a fatality rate of about one per cent. But in the Nigerian outbreak it is thought to be more than 20% among confirmed and probable cases, according to the country's Centre for Disease Control.   Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria
22%

fatality rate among confirmed and probable cases

1081 suspected cases (1 January - 25 February)

90 deaths

14 health care workers affected in six states

Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and World Health Organization
Getty
About 90 people are thought to have died so far, but the true number may be much higher, because Lassa is so hard to diagnose.

Women who contract the disease late in pregnancy face an 80% chance of losing their child, or dying themselves.

In the early stages it's almost impossible to distinguish from other common diseases like malaria and dengue.

With no readily available test, the only way to confirm a diagnosis is to analyse a blood or tissue sample in one of small number of specialised laboratories.

The disease was first identified in the Nigerian town of Lassa in 1969, after an outbreak in a mission hospital.

It has since been seen in many West African countries including Ghana, Mali and Sierra Leone.

Multimammate rodents spread Lassa virus via their urine and droppings
However, this outbreak is causing particular concern because the number of cases is unusually high for the time of year.

Health officials are working to understand why.

Outbreaks can be influenced by seasonal weather conditions, which affect the numbers of the virus's natural host - the multimammate rat.

These small mammals are common across West Africa, where they easily find their way into homes.

Another possibility is that the high number of cases reflects heightened public awareness.

Or it's possible that something about the virus has changed.

Most people catch Lassa fever from anything contaminated with rat urine, faeces, blood or saliva - through eating, drinking or simply handling contaminated objects in the home.

Authorities have banned the consumption of raw garri, a popular Nigerian food, which it says can spread Lassa fever
It can also pass from person to person through bodily fluids, meaning healthcare workers and people taking care of sick relatives without protective equipment are particularly at risk.

The incubation period for Lassa is up to three weeks. Researchers are trying to work out whether - like Ebola - Lassa can stay in the body and be passed on through sexual contact even after illness subsides.

Nigeria has a strong public health system, and is used to dealing with epidemics like this.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is working with Nigerian authorities to help coordinate the response and the UK government has deployed a team of experts from its Public Health Rapid Support Team.

Those living in affected areas are being advised to take basic precautions: blocking holes that may allow rats to enter their homes, disposing of rubbish in covered dustbins, and storing food and water in sealed containers.

People are advised to wear protective gloves when caring for anyone who may have Lassa fever, and to carry out safe burial practices.

Despite these measures, the fight against Lassa - and other infectious diseases - is hampered by a lack of effective medical tools like diagnostic tests, treatments and vaccines.

It is likely that a vaccine could be found for Lassa - reducing the possibility of an outbreak becoming a global health emergency - but as with other epidemic diseases that mainly affect poorer countries, progress has stalled.

Vaccine development is a long, complex and costly process. This is especially true for emerging epidemic diseases, where a prototype vaccine can usually only be tested where there is an outbreak.

A new organisation called CEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations) - set up in 2017 with financial support from the Wellcome Trust, national governments and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation - hopes to accelerate vaccine production.

Lassa is one of the diseases on its hit list and it's hoped one or more promising vaccines will be ready for large-scale testing in the next five years.

Ebola claimed more than 11,000 lives across West Africa in the 2014-2015 outbreak
The WHO has drawn up a list of other serious, but often poorly understood diseases, with the potential for devastating outbreaks, including MERS, Nipah, Rift Valley Fever and, of course, Ebola.

It plans to highlight gaps in our knowledge of these diseases and to begin further research.

But research alone isn't enough.

Stronger health systems are needed in the countries where epidemics are most likely to arise.

This could mean building better healthcare facilities and training staff to recognise and respond to outbreaks.

It will also mean working with communities to understand how to identify outbreaks at an early stage and prevent their spread.

About this piece

This analysis piece was commissioned by the BBC from an expert working for an outside organisation.

Dr Charlie Weller is head of vaccines at the Wellcome Trust, which describes itself as a global charitable foundation working to improve health for everyone. Follow her at @DrCharlieWeller.

Edited by Jennifer Clarke.

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