Tuesday, April 30, 2019

The We Company Announces Confidential Submission of Draft Registration Statement for Proposed Initial Public Offering



NEW YORK-Tuesday 30 April 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- The We Company (“WeWork”) announced that it has confidentially submitted an amended draft registration statement on Form S-1 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) relating to an initial public offering of its common stock. WeWork initially submitted its Form S-1 with the SEC in December 2018. This process will enable WeWork to make the decision to become publicly traded, subject to market and other conditions.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. Any offers, solicitations of offers to buy, or any sales of securities will be made in accordance with the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("Securities Act"). This announcement is being issued in accordance with Rule 135 under the Securities Act.

Contacts

Press
Press@wework.com

Investors
Investors@wework.com

Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/the-we-company-announces-confidential-submission-of-draft-registration-statement-for-proposed-initial-public-offering/en

DEWA Adds 700MW to M-Station, Largest Power and Desalination Plant in UAE

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates-Tuesday 30 April 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance, and President of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), inaugurated the extension project of M-Station in Jebel Ali, the largest power and desalination plant in the UAE.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, noted that the total cost of M-Station with its extension reached AED 11,669 billion with a current production capacity of 2,885 megawatts (MW) and 140 million gallons of desalinated water per day. The expansion cost AED 1,527 billion and added new generating units with a capacity of 700MW. The extension design has a 90% fuel efficiency rate. This project has been completed with over 20 million Safe Man Hours without Lost Time Injury.

Al Tayer thanked DEWA’s partners, especially Siemens, which implemented the project and Mott MacDonald, the project consultant.

“The completion of the Jebel Ali M-Station expansion marks another milestone in the long history of Siemens and DEWA as strategic partners. It’s a testament to what we can achieve with innovation and technology to support society and economic growth in the UAE,” said Dietmar Siersdorfer, CEO, Siemens Middle East and UAE.

Before the extension, M-Station generated 2,185MW of electricity from 6 Siemens F-model gas turbines, each with a capacity of 255MW, 6 Doosan Waste-Heat Recovery Boilers for steam generation, 3 Alstom steam turbines with a capacity of 218MW each. The Project included construction of 16 fuel-oil storage tanks, each with a capacity of 20,000 cubic metres and totalling 320,000 cubic metres of fuel-oil storage. The station generated 140 MIGD from 8 Fisia desalination units, deploying Multi-Stage Flash (MSF) distillation technology, each with a capacity of 17.5 MIGD and two dual-fuel-fired auxiliary boilers.

 The expansion project comprises of two dual-fuel gas turbine generators each with a capacity of 263.5 MW, two Waste Heat-Recovery Boilers for steam generation and a back pressure steam turbine from Siemens with capacity of 173 MW. The expansion’s design increased the plant’s fuel efficiency to 85.8%, which is one of the highest rates worldwide. DEWA’s  total production capacity is currently 11,100 MW of electricity and 470 MIGD of water production.

Contacts
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA)

Ribal Dayekh / Ahmed Albanna       

+97143222405 / +971552267222                             

ribal.dayekh@dewa.gov.ae / ahmed.albanna@dewa.gov.ae          

https://www.aetoswire.com/news/dewa-adds-700mw-to-m-station-largest-power-and-desalination-plant-in-uae/en

Leva Debuts at Arabian Travel Market with LEVA Mazaya Centre

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates-Monday 29 April 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

Leva Hotels made their debut presence at the Arabian Travel Market 2019 in Dubai, showcasing their newly unveiled 4-star property on Sheikh Zayed Road. Leva has emerged as one of the leading players in the hospitality segment bringing a fresh thought and approach to engage with today’s millennial traveller.

Each year ATM sees about 40,000 attendees and has been the biggest Middle Eastern travel event for 25 years now. The exhibition provides travel industry professionals with an incredible opportunity to showcase their products and services to potential clients and partners and makes it a conducive hub to develop new business opportunities and partnerships.

“ATM is a great opportunity for hoteliers and hospitality professionals to engage extensively with clients and make their presence felt in the industry. We would like to invite visitors of ATM including guests, travel agents and mice executives to get a sneak-peak into the essence of LEVA as a brand and our newly launched LEVA Mazaya Centre.” J.S. Anand, Founder of LEVA Hotels said.

“We would also like to invite developers, investors and even other brands to partner with us to benefit from the fast-growing hospitality and tourism industry in the region.” Anand added.

The flagship property LEVA Mazaya Centre located in the heart of Dubai on Sheikh Zayed road, boasts of 178 rooms, full day dining restaurant, roof top pool with breath-taking views of the city, a spa and a gym. Every room in this upscale property has a unique structure that has been carefully designed to offer a wide variety of customizations to the guests to choose from.

LEVA as a brand also offers a unique operations and management model for 3-star and 4-star hotels making it transparent and more profitable for developers and investors to work with them.

 For more details visit: www.stayleva.com                    

About Leva - The word ‘Leva’ (derived from the Latin word ‘Levatio’) itself means comfort and this property is nothing but a physical manifestation of that very principle. Designed for the contemporary traveller, Leva is a confluence of great hospitality and aesthetics. Where a traveller stays forms a considerable part of their trip, and it is not just a functional aspect of finding room and board. They travel to make memories, that a hotel’s facilities and services are an essential part of as the overall experience will linger on long after the billing is done. With this philosophy, Leva aims to charm its guests with a blend of art and creativity, modern functional interiors, value pricing and impeccable service. Contemporary in its architecture, functionality and design, the trademark Leva warmth will greet you like a soothing breeze and be at your service from the moment you set foot in the property.

Contacts

Absolute Communications

Royston Rodrigues

Roystonr@absolutecg.net

Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/leva-debuts-at-arabian-travel-market-with-leva-mazaya-centre/en

I Squared Capital Names Gautam Bhandari and Adil Rahmathulla Managing Partners



MIAMI-Tuesday 30 April 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Board of Directors of I Squared Capital has announced the appointment of Gautam Bhandari and Adil Rahmathulla as Managing Partners. Sadek Wahba, Chairman & Managing Partner of I Squared Capital, said: “It is a great pleasure on a personal and professional basis to make this announcement. We have known each other for over 14 years and, together with our colleagues, have built I Squared Capital into a vibrant platform with over $13 billion of assets under management. The next stage offers exciting growth opportunities and I look forward to working with Gautam and Adil over the coming years to execute on our long-term strategy.”

I Squared Capital is an independent global infrastructure investment manager focusing on energy, utilities, telecommunications and transport in the US, Latin America, Europe and Asia. The firm is headquartered in Miami with offices in Hong Kong, Houston, London, New Delhi, New York and Singapore.

Contacts

Andreas Moon, Managing Director and Head of Investor Relations
+1 (212) 339-5339 | andreas.moon@isquaredcapital.com


Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/i-squared-capital-names-gautam-bhandari-and-adil-rahmathulla-managing-partners/en

Brexit Uncertainty Could Draw More Attention to Dubai Real Estate Market

Dubai, United Arab Emirates-Monday 29 April 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

The Dubai Real Estate market is likely to be impacted by UK’s uncertainty to stay or exit the European Union (EU).

The ambiguity of the exit plan and the rejection by the British Parliament of the idea of a Brexit without a deal, could pose a serious risk to the British economy in general and would also increase the risk levels on all current and potential Real Estate investments in UK.  This improbability has also affected UK’s position as a top real estate destination with real estate prices gradually starting to decline.

Global investors have long been considering London and some other parts of UK as a “Safe Haven,” for real estate investment, and this decision could affect investors globally and in the Gulf looking to possibly invest in hotels, malls, private places and luxury hotels.

The current situation has also impacted real estate prices which are facing an all time low. The annual growth of UK house prices in January was at its slowest level for nearly six years, while in February, it recorded a slow rise of only 0.4 percent. Additionally, demand for homes declined again in the month of March- this being the eight straight month.

This impact to the UK’s real estate scene is rapidly turning investors to Dubai’s market which is experience an increase in the number of inquiries of investment institutions on investment opportunities in real estate, especially in luxury homes and villas. 

With Asian investors yet again vying the Dubai residential investment landscape and laws facilitating the foreign ownership of businesses outside the free zones, global investors are increasingly been drawn to the market in the Gulf. Additionally, with relatively low interest rates, and the increase of economic activity associated with Expo 2020, Dubai is expected to draw approximately 25 million visitors from across the globe. Foreign investors owning a real estate investment value ranging between 5 to 10 million dirhams will also now be eligible for a long-stay visa.

With relatively exciting opportunities awaiting investors in the Dubai Real Estate market, the uncertainty revolving around UK’s exit from the EU could be a situation property agents in Dubai should consider taking advantage of.

Contacts
SAHARA Communications

Wafa Ahmad, Senior Consultant, +97143298996, +971569474164

w.ahmad@saharapr.com / www.saharagcc.com



https://www.aetoswire.com/news/brexit-uncertainty-could-draw-more-attention-to-dubai-real-estate-market/en

Frost & Sullivan appoints Sarwant Singh as the Regional Leader for Middle East, Africa and South Asia

Dubai, United Arab Emirates-Monday 29 April 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

Frost & Sullivan has appointed Sarwant Singh as the Regional Leader for Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA). He will assume this responsibility in addition to his current role as the company’s Global Head of the Mobility, Aerospace, Defence & Security Practice.

Sarwant brings with him over two decades of experience in strategic consulting and advisory to Fortune 1000 companies, public sector enterprises and multilateral organisations in the mobility and advanced technologies sectors. His counsel has been sought by the Prime Minister’s Office in the UK; international organisations like UNIDO; leading global automotive manufacturers; private equity firms, and investment banks. A former member of the World Economic Group’s Automotive & Transport Council, he is now on the Advisory Board of Nissan, Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) and Leeds University Business School.

Commenting on the appointment, Aroop Zutshi, Global President & Managing Partner, Frost & Sullivan said, “The Frost & Sullivan Board is pleased to appoint Sarwant as the Regional Leader for MEASA. This region has been a vital contributor to the company’s growth and successful performance. His appointment reflects our commitment to continue driving profitable growth across all our business units, augmenting our research and consulting expertise, and strengthening our value proposition across the region.”

Sarwant’s forte lies in corporate strategy, R&D, product planning, market intelligence, mergers & acquisitions, public policy planning, and corporate venturing. Recent advisory services engagements have focused on digital transformation strategies, including opportunities presented by digitised sales and marketing, data monetisation, and Internet of Things (IoT)-based business models. A charismatic futurist who combines engineering acumen with strong commercial experience, he is oft invited to industry forums and client events as a keynote speaker to share his thought leadership.

“Frost & Sullivan has fired on the twin engines of growth and innovation to successfully navigate the challenges presented by digital and technology-driven disruption,” said Sarwant. “I look forward to being a part of Frost & Sullivan’s transformative journey in MEASA, strengthening our imprint of growth and innovation and fostering deeper, more meaningful engagements with our clients across the region.”

A prolific writer, his book, “New Mega Trends,” is a best seller in 30 countries. His forthcoming projects include two more thought leadership pieces on the Mega Trends that will shape economic, political, social & cultural dynamics in South Asia and the Middle East. He is also a regular contributor to several leading publications and is a columnist on Forbes.com. An avid sports enthusiast, Sarwant follows the Indian cricket team, Kings XI Punjab and Arsenal FC, and plays golf, cricket and squash regularly.



About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today's market participants. For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community. Contact us: Start the discussion

http://ww2.frost.com



Twitter: @Frost_Sullivan & @Frost_MENASA
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/frostsullivan-measa

Contacts
Frost & Sullivan

Anita Chandhoke, Corporate Communications – Middle East

M: +919916133311; P: +918067028020

E: achandhoke@frost.com


https://www.aetoswire.com/news/frost-amp-sullivan-appoints-sarwant-singh-as-the-regional-leader-for-middle-east-africa-and-south-asia/en

4K Market Maestro BenQ Unveils Two 4K HD-PRO Projectors With DCI-P3 Color Gamut In The Middle East

CinePrime W2700 and W5700 Are Designed To Create Incredible Clarity In Short Distance Projection For Home Cinema

Dubai, United Arab Emirates-Thursday 25 April 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

The global leader in DLP projectors, BenQ, launched the first of its kind projector, CinePrime W2700 in the UAE. CinePrime W2700 is the world’s first 4K DLP projector with DCI-P3 colour designed for home theatres with short distance projection. BenQ also launched another model in the same series, W5700. This futuristic DLP projector offers flawless image quality with incredible colour performance and personalised customizability for top-notch home entertainment. Both these advanced projectors guarantee long-lasting CinematicColor with projector-optimised HDR-PRO™ support and individual factory colour calibration.

On the launch of their latest devices, W2700 and W5700 in the region, BenQ’s Managing Director for the Middle East and Turkey, Manish Bakshi said, “We are delighted to launch the products that we have carefully designed to enable our consumers to leap into the future of home cinema. Being the first projectors of their kind, W2700 and W5700 have put BenQ on the forefront of moving forward. It is such innovations that has made BenQ the No. 1 brand in 4K projector category in Asia Pacific and Middle East and Africa with over 48.26% market share.”

BenQ now has a total of 10 4K models with 4 laser models within the 4K range, amplifying the brand’s leadership position in the 4K segment.

Equipped With Vivid UHD Premium 4K Resolution and DCI-P3 Color Gamut

Both the CinePrime models, W2700 and W5700 deliver true 4K performances with 3840x2160 resolution and 8.3 million distinct pixels for each frame. The projectors produce excellent clarity and definition by utilising a pristine 4K-optimized optical system with six structured groups of all-glass lens elements for brilliant light transmission.

Unlike other projectors, W5700 and W2700 blend real 4K resolution with the digital cinema industry’s high DCI-P3 colour standard to develop the ideal setting to enjoy the latest 4K Blu-rays in brilliant colours. Leveraging the BenQ-exclusive CinematicColor technology, W5700 provides 100% coverage of the super wide DCI-P3 colour space and 100% of Rec. 709 while the W2700 covers 95% of DCI-P3 and 100% of Rec. 709, backed by individual factory colour calibration reports ensuring Delta E≤3 colour accuracy.

The unique projectors have been designed to breathe lifelike quality into 4K performances with proprietary HDR-PRO technology precisely optimised for projection. They support both HDR10 and HLG formats, so HDR-PRO incorporates auto colour and tone mapping techniques to offer superior brightness and contrast ranges as well as ideal image optimisation. This brings out stunning 4K clarity and depth for vividly original and realistic video quality to enhance home entertainment.

Immense Personalization With Advanced Adjustability and Installation Flexibility

These latest projectors, W2700 and W5700 are perfect for those seeking sophisticated and customised cinema experiences. They are both equipped with BenQ proprietary CinemaMaster Video+ technology that brings commercial quality digital cinema experiences into living rooms with motion-adaptive 4K pixel enhancement and spectacular colour enhancement.

Both the projectors come in a modern, compact profile and are lightweight. The BenQ CinePrime projectors facilitate tailored AV personalisation with a versatile short throw, big zoom, and lens shift for a wide range of home cinema experiences. While the W5700 provides a generous 1.6X big zoom and 2D H/V lens shift, the W2700 features 1.3X big zoom, vertical lens shift, as well as CinemaMaster Audio+ 2 for powerful and convenient integrated audio to enhance your home theatre experience.

Powered by ultimately durable Digital Light Processing, the 2015 Academy Award of Merit Oscar® winning technology used in 90% of the world’s digital cinemas, both W5700 and W2700 deliver long-lasting picture quality with accurate colours and razor-sharp clarity without requiring maintenance or degrading.

To find out more about BenQ projectors, please visit BenQ.com.

Contacts
Absolute Communications

Royston Rodrigues

Roystonr@absolutecg.net


https://www.aetoswire.com/news/4k-market-maestro-benq-unveils-two-4k-hd-pro-projectors-with-dci-p3-color-gamut-in-the-middle-east/en

Enterprise Integration Middleware Leader, Fiorano Software, Announces Release of Fiorano Platform 12.0

New Version to Improve Server Performance, Support Open APIs with Add-ons for Open Banking and PSD2


PALO ALTO, Calif.-Thursday 25 April 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Fiorano Software, a leader in Integration Middleware, API Management and peer-to-peer distributed systems, announced today the release of version 12.0 of the Fiorano ESB and API Management platform. The latest release with new adapters and tools includes enhanced and optimised features to improve performance of its servers delivering a more productive SOA and API Management deployment with a significant incremental return on investment.

The platform offers a unified profile to run all Fiorano Servers in a single process and ships with several new adapters including a Kafka Connector, DynamoDB, AS4Connector, SMPPSend and WebSockets. Users can now import Event Processes directly from the Dashboard and optimize CRC processes by fetching components from local repositories. The new platform provides a new HTML5 dashboard, monetisation and security policies like JWT/JWS for API Management while supporting Open API specifications, OpenId Connect and time-based accessing and quota policies along with information about the geographical location of the requests’ origination.

According to Atul Saini, CEO & CTO, Fiorano Software, “With APIs at the forefront in all verticals including banking and financial services, Fiorano 12 serves as the onramp to digitalization via new add-on Accelerator packs for the PSD2 regulation and Open Banking, helping banks deliver regulatory conformance virtually out-of-the-box. The PSD2 Accelerator provides banks a single-stack, integrated and quick-to-implement environment consisting of all the components required to deliver PSD2 ASPSP Interfaces. We cater banks in all geographies with support for Open Banking UK, Berlin Group & STET guidelines.”

About Fiorano –

Fiorano Software, a Silicon Valley based USA (California) Corporation is a trusted provider of Enterprise Integration Middleware, high performance messaging and peer-to-peer distributed systems, since 1995. Fiorano operates through its worldwide offices and a global network of technology partners and value-added resellers.

Global companies including AT&T Wireless, Boeing, Federal Bank, L'Oréal, NASA, Rabobank, Bank of Kigali, Commercial Bank of Africa, Aboitiz Power, Canadia Bank, US Coast Guard and Vodafone have deployed Fiorano to drive innovation through open, standards-based, event-driven real-time solutions yielding unprecedented productivity.

Contacts

Sumit Kuhite
+1 650 326 1136
mediarelations@fiorano.com

Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/enterprise-integration-middleware-leader-fiorano-software-announces-release-of-fiorano-platform-120/en

Monday, April 29, 2019

Masimo Announces First CE-marked Third-party Masimo Open Connect® Module for the Root® Patient Monitoring and Connectivity Hub

NEUCHATEL, Switzerland-Monday 29 April 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Masimo (NASDAQ: MASI) and Mdoloris Medical Systems announced today the CE marking of the Mdoloris Analgesia Nociception Index (ANI®) module for the Masimo Root® Patient Monitoring and Connectivity Hub, the first commercially available result of a Masimo Open Connect® (MOC) third-party partnership, between Mdoloris and Masimo.

Masimo’s unique approach to medical technology integration through Masimo Open Connect partnerships addresses some of the major barriers to new technology adoption in patient monitoring. The Root platform’s open architecture and advanced connectivity enable third-party companies to bypass barriers and the time it takes for traditional multi-parameter monitor integration by controlling their own Root integration projects. Third parties can then independently develop, obtain regulatory approvals, and commercialize their own external MOC-9® module or MOC-C® app for Root using Masimo’s MOC software development kit and support from Masimo’s engineering and distribution teams.

Joe Kiani, Founder and CEO of Masimo, said, “We are proud to announce ANI, the first commercially available third-party MOC-9 module for Root, the first of many to come. With the ongoing expansion of its capabilities, Root becomes a more powerful bedside platform than ever. We believe that Root with Masimo Open Connect can do for patient monitoring what the PC did for computing: speed up the patient monitoring innovation cycle, reduce the cost of patient monitoring, and prolong the useful life of the equipment hospitals invest in.”

“We are delighted to be able to announce that ANI is now cleared for sale in the EU,” said Fabien Pagniez, Founder and CEO of Mdoloris Medical Systems. “We consider Masimo to be the most innovative company in the patient monitoring space and we believe Root offers a unique and compelling solution for implementing our ANI technology.”

ANI on Masimo Root has not received 510(k) clearance and is not available for sale in the United States.

@MasimoInnovates | #Masimo

About Masimo

Masimo (NASDAQ: MASI) is a global leader in innovative noninvasive monitoring technologies. Our mission is to improve patient outcomes and reduce the cost of care. In 1995, the company debuted Masimo SET® Measure-through Motion and Low Perfusion™ pulse oximetry, which has been shown in over 100 independent and objective studies to outperform other pulse oximetry technologies.1 Masimo SET® has also been shown to help clinicians reduce severe retinopathy of prematurity in neonates,2 improve CCHD screening in newborns,3 and, when used for continuous monitoring with Masimo Patient SafetyNet™ in post-surgical wards, reduce rapid response activations and costs.4-6Masimo SET® is estimated to be used on more than 100 million patients in leading hospitals and other healthcare settings around the world,7 and is the primary pulse oximetry at 9 of the top 10 hospitals listed in the 2018-19 U.S. News and World Report Best Hospitals Honor Roll.8 In 2005, Masimo introduced rainbow® Pulse CO-Oximetry technology, allowing noninvasive and continuous monitoring of blood constituents that previously could only be measured invasively, including total hemoglobin (SpHb®), oxygen content (SpOC™), carboxyhemoglobin (SpCO®), methemoglobin (SpMet®), Pleth Variability Index (PVi®), and more recently, Oxygen Reserve Index (ORi™), in addition to SpO2, pulse rate, and perfusion index (Pi). In 2014, Masimo introduced Root®, an intuitive patient monitoring and connectivity platform with the Masimo Open Connect® (MOC-9®) interface, enabling other companies to augment Root with new features and measurement capabilities. Masimo is also taking an active leadership role in mHealth with products such as the Radius-7® wearable patient monitor, iSpO2® pulse oximeter for smartphones, and the MightySat™ fingertip pulse oximeter. Additional information about Masimo and its products may be found at www.masimo.com. Published clinical studies on Masimo products can be found at http://www.masimo.com/evidence/featured-studies/feature/.

ORi has not received FDA 510(k) clearance and is not available for sale in the United States. The use of the trademark Patient SafetyNet is under license from University HealthSystem Consortium.

About Mdoloris Medical Systems

Mdoloris (www.mdoloris.com), a medical devices manufacturer, was created in June 2010 out of 23 years of academic research performed in Lille University hospital, France. It has an international representation in more than 64 countries and a scientific, technical and medical acknowledgement. Mdoloris has so far developed three products, all able to continuously assess the pain level of patients (the ANI technology for patients older than two years old, the NIPE technology for neonates, and the PTA technology for pets). Its innovative technologies provide clinical added value for clinicians who are not able to communicate with their patients in order to personalize pain medications and avoid known side effects due to over- and under-dosage of such drugs. More than 1,200 devices are now used by anesthesiologists and intensivists worldwide and more than 140,000 patients have benefited from Mdoloris’ technologies. Mdoloris’s standalone monitor promoting its innovative adult technology has received 510(k) clearance through the HFVI brand in the US under the number K142969. Mdoloris recently closed a nine-million euro fundraising round in order to keep developing new-to-the-world technologies that always keep one target in mind: helping clinicians improve the quality of care.

References

Published clinical studies on pulse oximetry and the benefits of Masimo SET® can be found on our website at http://www.masimo.com. Comparative studies include independent and objective studies which are comprised of abstracts presented at scientific meetings and peer-reviewed journal articles.
Castillo A et al. Prevention of Retinopathy of Prematurity in Preterm Infants through Changes in Clinical Practice and SpO2 Technology. Acta Paediatr. 2011 Feb;100(2):188-92.
de-Wahl Granelli A et al. Impact of pulse oximetry screening on the detection of duct dependent congenital heart disease: a Swedish prospective screening study in 39,821 newborns. BMJ. 2009;Jan 8;338.
Taenzer AH et al. Impact of pulse oximetry surveillance on rescue events and intensive care unit transfers: a before-and-after concurrence study. Anesthesiology. 2010:112(2):282-287.
Taenzer A et al. Postoperative Monitoring – The Dartmouth Experience. Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation Newsletter. Spring-Summer 2012.
McGrath SP et al. Surveillance Monitoring Management for General Care Units: Strategy, Design, and Implementation. The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety. 2016 Jul;42(7):293-302.
Estimate: Masimo data on file.
http://health.usnews.com/health-care/best-hospitals/articles/best-hospitals-honor-roll-and-overview.
Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, in connection with the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, among others, statements regarding the potential effectiveness of Masimo Root®. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations about future events affecting us and are subject to risks and uncertainties, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control and could cause our actual results to differ materially and adversely from those expressed in our forward-looking statements as a result of various risk factors, including, but not limited to: risks related to our assumptions regarding the repeatability of clinical results; risks related to our belief that Masimo's unique noninvasive measurement technologies, including Masimo Root, contribute to positive clinical outcomes and patient safety; risks related to our belief that Masimo noninvasive medical breakthroughs provide cost-effective solutions and unique advantages; as well as other factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of our most recent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), which may be obtained for free at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, we do not know whether our expectations will prove correct. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of today's date. We do not undertake any obligation to update, amend or clarify these statements or the "Risk Factors" contained in our most recent reports filed with the SEC, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under the applicable securities laws.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190428005012/en/

Contacts
Masimo
Evan Lamb
949-396-3376
elamb@masimo.com

Mdoloris
Pierrick Niewiadowski
pierrick.niewiadowski@mdoloris.com




Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/masimo-announces-first-ce-marked-third-party-masimo-open-connectregnbspmodule-for-the-rootregnbsppatient-monitoring-and-connectivity-hub/en

Gen Re Consolidates International Property & Casualty Management

COLOGNE, Germany-Monday 29 April 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Effective May 1, 2019 and subject to regulatory approvals, Gen Re’s international direct property and casualty reinsurance business and the broker market business handled through the Faraday platforms will be overseen by Andrew D’Arcy as Head of Gen Re International Property & Casualty. Mr. D’Arcy will relinquish the role of Faraday CEO and will join the General Reinsurance AG Executive Management Board.

Tom Shelley will assume the role of Faraday CEO and Chris Thorne will assume the position of Faraday Chief Underwriting Officer. Gen Re Chairman Charles Shamieh will join the Faraday Board of Directors.

Gen Re and Faraday will continue to offer their highly rated reinsurance and insurance solutions in their respective markets.

About Gen Re
Gen Re delivers reinsurance solutions to the Life/Health and Property/Casualty insurance industries. We work closely with our clients to understand their strategic and operational goals, offering a wide range of products, tools and resources that aim to promote our clients’ ongoing growth and success.

Gen Re is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies and has earned superior financial strength ratings from each of the major rating agencies. We take our commitments very seriously. And with $14 billion in capital and $6 billion in premiums, we only make promises we can keep. www.genre.com

Contacts
Sabine Denné
Head of Global Marketing & Client Communications
denne@genre.com


Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/gen-re-consolidates-international-property-amp-casualty-management/en

Andersen Global Marks Growth to 50 Countries with Collaborating Firm in Zambia

SAN FRANCISCO-Thursday 25 April 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Andersen Global announced it achieved a new milestone today in its continuing growth with the addition of Mulenga Mundashi Kasonde Legal Practitioners (MMKLP). MMKLP, a law firm in Zambia, has signed a Collaboration Agreement with Andersen Global. The international association now has presence in 50 countries through its member and collaborating firms.

Led by five partners, MMK has been advising clients in corporate mergers and acquisitions, tax, litigation, and labor and industrial resolutions since 1999. The firm is now one of the largest law firms in Zambia in its twentieth year. The collaborating firm will be the eleventh location in Africa for Andersen Global.

“We’ve had the opportunity to advise on some of the highest profile financial events for Zambia in modern history,” said Michael Mundashi, MMKLP Managing Partner. “One of the things that keeps us moving forward is the desire to provide even more for our local and international clients. Collaborating with Andersen Global will allow us to provide that next level of deep local expertise in every region of the world.”

The addition of MMKLP brings the number of countries with a legal presence through the member and collaborating firms of Andersen Global to 41.

“The 50 country mark is a significant one for our global organization and all the Partners who work so hard to build the kind of association that everyone wants to be a part of,” said Mark Vorsatz, Andersen Global Chairman and Andersen Tax LLC CEO. “The fact that we are able to expand our legal services to touch over 40 countries across five continents allows us to really offer comprehensive business solutions on a global scale. Michael and the professionals at MMK share our values of seamless service and transparency, and I look forward to adding them to our team.”

Andersen Global is an international association of legally separate, independent member firms comprised of tax and legal professionals around the world. Established in 2013 by U.S. member firm Andersen Tax LLC, Andersen Global now has more than 4,000 professionals worldwide and a presence in over 139 locations through its member firms and collaborating firms.

Contacts
Megan Tsuei
Andersen Tax
415-764-2700

https://www.aetoswire.com/news/andersen-global-marks-growth-to-50-countries-with-collaborating-firm-in-zambia/en

Solidia Technologies Surpasses Four Million Kilograms of Carbon Impact in Cement and Concrete

 Emissions reduction in cement production and capture of CO2, equal to 24% of cement mass during concrete curing, reduces carbon footprint up to 70%



PISCATAWAY, N.J.-Wednesday 24 April 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The carbon impact of Solidia Technologies® cement and concrete has surpassed four million kilograms (8.8 million lbs) through the combination of emissions reduction and carbon capture achieved during production. Solidia’s technology allows for a 30% reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions (245 kg) in the production of cement. Coupled with the capture of an additional 240 kg of CO2 during the CO2-curing process in concrete, equal to 24% of the cement mass, Solidia’s systems can reduce the carbon footprint of cement and concrete by up to 70%.

 “We’re proud to celebrate Earth Day with a measurable and proven impact on the environment, while offering meaningful value to industry and with the potential to do so much more,” said Solidia President and CEO Tom Schuler. “Our technology impacts both ends of the global carbon challenge by lowering emissions and capturing and safely sequestering CO2 in an industry large enough to move the needle.”

Solidia takes a giant step that will leave a small footprint. When applied globally, each year it will reduce:

    the carbon footprint of concrete by up to 70%, equaling 1.5 gigatonnes or ~4% of the world’s CO2 emissions;
    water usage up to 100%, avoiding the consumption of three trillion liters of fresh water consumed in the production of ordinary Portland cement (OPC)…enough to fill one million Olympic swimming pools;
    energy consumption at cement plants equal to ~260 million barrels of oil (or 67 million tonnes of coal);
    landfills by eliminating at least 100 million tonnes of concrete waste; and
    emissions of mercury, nitrogen oxide and sulfur oxide.

Concrete is the world’s second most utilized substance, exceeded only by the consumption of water. Over 30 billion tonnes of concrete, containing approximately three billion tonnes of OPC, are manufactured and used every year. Cement production is the second largest industrial CO2 polluter, representing 5 to 7% of the world’s total CO2 emissions.

Solidia transforms CO2 into a valuable global commodity. Within five years, Solidia’s need for CO2 will more than double the existing CO2 market.

Using the same raw materials and existing equipment as traditional concretes, Solidia Concrete™ products are higher performing, cost less to produce, and cure in less than 24 hours. Solidia is introducing Artificial Intelligence into concrete production, an industry first that dramatically upgrades process and quality control.

“We are scaling technologies that will bring one of the world’s oldest and largest industries into the 21st century,” explained Schuler. “Our higher-performing, aesthetically enhanced products solve problems that plague the industry, on top of a superior sustainability profile. The industry will pivot to Solidia because we have made adopting sustainable innovation smart business with measured and proven value and impact.”

Based in Piscataway, N.J. (USA), Solidia’s investors include Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Bright Capital, BASF, BP, LafargeHolcim, Total Energy Ventures, Oil and Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI) Climate Investments, Air Liquide, Bill Joy and other private investors. Follow Solidia Technologies at www.solidiatech.com and on LinkedIn, YouTube and Twitter: @SolidiaCO2.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190423005253/en/

Contacts

Ellen Yui, 301-332-4135
ellenyui@yuico.com


Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/solidia-technologies-surpasses-four-million-kilograms-of-carbon-impact-in-cement-and-concrete/en

Brightline Initiative and Duke Corporate Education Collaborate to Advance People-centric Strategy Execution

NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa.-Wednesday 24 April 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Brightline™ Initiative announced a new research collaboration with Duke Corporate Education (Duke CE), part of Duke University and a premier global provider of leadership development.

The two partners will explore key principles, guidelines, and practices required to leverage the organization’s most importance source of competitive advantage – its people – to close the costly and wasteful gap between strategy design and delivery.

Prof. Tony O’Driscoll of Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and Research Fellow with Duke CE will lead this research effort with the Brightline team.

“I am very thankful to Brightline for providing us the opportunity to dedicate focused time and attention to understand what organizations must do more, better and differently to bridge the growing gulf between strategy design and delivery,” Prof. O’Driscoll explains. “As the world becomes more connected and complex, we must critically examine the roles that leadership, collaboration, culture and self-interest are playing to cultivate a more proactive and agile strategic capability.”

Dr. Edivandro Conforto, Head of Strategy Research at Brightline, says “Despite the existing body of research and many books about strategy, our most recent research showed that senior leaders still struggle to leverage the organization’s most valuable asset, their people. We hope this research will shed light on how senior leaders and executives can make better decisions about collaboration trade-offs, culture aspects, leadership and people’s behaviors, when implementing their strategies.”

Brightline’s Executive Director Ricardo Vargas notes: “Brightline welcomes Duke CE as an academic and research partner in 2019. In our interactions with senior leaders and executives, we have found that people are the most important asset for an organization. Yet, they are also the most misunderstood and require the most empowerment. The human angle has been a vital area of inquiry for the Brightline Initiative since its foundation. This collaboration will definitely advance the ideas expressed in Brightline’s People Manifesto and the Guiding Principles. We are very excited to partner with Duke CE to uncover new insights to help leaders in this area.”

The research will be published in a detailed report and provide a toolkit and guide for senior executives to recommend how to put people at the heart of their strategic efforts.

About Brightline Initiative

The Brightline™ Initiative is a coalition led by the Project Management Institute (PMI) together with leading global organizations dedicated to helping executives bridge the expensive and unproductive gap between strategy design and delivery. Learn more at www.brightline.org.

Brightline Coalition

Project Management Institute (PMI) – Boston Consulting Group – Bristol Myers Squibb – Saudi Telecom Company – Lee Hecht Harrison – Agile Alliance – NetEase

Academic and Research Collaboration

MIT Consortium for Engineering Program Excellence – Technical University of Denmark – University of Tokyo Global Teamwork Lab – Insper – Duke Corporate Education

About Duke Corporate Education

Part of Duke University, Duke Corporate Education (Duke CE) is a premier global provider of leadership development offerings. Duke CE is a blend of a business and university - but distinct from both. Duke CE brings an outcomes-driven focus to client services and real-world insight into the challenges leaders face globally, delivering in more than 80 countries around the world. From its university heritage, Duke CE brings academic rigor and in-depth research. Learn more at www.dukece.com.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190423005087/en/

Contacts
Brightline Initiative
Dr. Edivandro Carlos Conforto
Head of Strategy Research
edivandro.conforto@brightline.org

Duke Corporate Education
Christine Robers
Chief Marketing Officer
christine.robers@dukece.com

Professor Tony O’Driscoll
Research Fellow, Duke Corporate Education
to15@duke.edu

https://www.aetoswire.com/news/brightline-initiative-and-duke-corporate-education-collaborate-to-advance-people-centric-strategy-execution/en

Aptorum Group Limited Announces Repurchase of USD13,500,000 Outstanding Convertible Bonds Due 2019



HONG KONG-Wednesday 24 April 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Aptorum Group Limited (NASDAQ: APM) (“Aptorum” or the “Company”), a pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of therapeutic and diagnostic technologies to tackle unmet medical needs, announced today that the Company, in a privately-negotiated transaction, repurchased all outstanding US$13,500,000 in aggregate principal amount of the 8.00 per cent. convertible bonds due 2019 (“Convertible Bonds”) from Peace Range Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Adamas Ping An Opportunities Fund LP, together with certain subscription right to subscribe up to the principal amount of the Bond at a US$12.17 (subject to adjustment) on or before December 17, 2019 (“Subscription Right”).

The total consideration of the repurchase of the Convertible Bonds and the Subscription Right was US$13.6 million in cash, excluding accrued interest. The repurchase of the Convertible Bonds and Subscription Right was executed by Aptorum Investment Holding Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Aptorum Group Limited. Pursuant to the repurchase, Aptorum Group would not have any outstanding group liabilities in respect of the Convertible Bonds or Subscription Right.

About Aptorum Group Limited

Aptorum is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to developing and commercializing a broad range of therapeutic and diagnostic technologies to tackle unmet medical needs. Aptorum is pursuing therapeutic and diagnostic projects in neurology, infectious diseases, gastroenterology, oncology and other disease areas; on the other hand, it also houses projects focused on non-therapeutic areas such as surgical robotics as well as the operations of its medical clinic in Hong Kong, Talem Medical, with the initial focus on treatment of chronic diseases resulting from modern sedentary lifestyles and aging population.

For more information about the Company, please visit www.aptorumgroup.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes statements concerning Aptorum Group Limited and its future expectations, plans and prospects that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. For this purpose, any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “could,” “intends,” “target,” “projects,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” or “continue,” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. Aptorum has based these forward-looking statements largely on its current expectations and projections about future events and trends that it believes may affect its business, financial condition and results of operations.

These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions including, without limitation, risks related to its announced management and organizational changes, the continued service and availability of key personnel, its ability to expand its product assortments by offering additional products for additional consumer segments, Aptorum Group Limited’s anticipated growth strategies, anticipated trends and challenges in its business, and its expectations regarding, and the stability of, its supply chain, and the risks. These are disclosed in Aptorum Group Limited’s reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Form 20-F and any subsequent filings, available at www.sec.gov. Readers are urged not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Aptorum does not intend to update any forward-looking statement contained in this press release to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date hereof.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and it does not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of Aptorum Group Limited and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of Aptorum Group Limited.

Contacts

Enquiries:
Investor Contact:
Sabrina Khan, Chief Financial Officer
Tel: +852 2117 6611
Email: investor.relations@aptorumgroup.com

Media Contact:
Tel: + 852 2117 6611
Email: info@aptorumgroup.com

Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/aptorum-group-limited-announces-repurchase-of-usd13500000-outstanding-convertible-bonds-due-2019/en


Sunday, April 28, 2019

Aptorum Group Establishes Smart Pharma to Focus on Computational Repurposed Drug Discovery for Orphan and Unmet Diseases

SINGAPORE-Wednesday 24 April 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Aptorum Group Limited (Nasdaq: APM) today announced the establishment of a new subsidiary group, Smart Pharma (“SmartP”), which operates its novel computational repurposed drug discovery, modeling and validation platform, together referred to as the “Smart-ACTTM” platform.

Smart-ACTTM stands for Accelerated Commercialization of Therapeutics and encompasses state-of-the-art technology in systematic screening of existing approved drug molecules against selected therapeutic targets. Specifically, the Smart-ACTTM platform comprises of a network of modules and processes that simulate the effectiveness of drug molecules against diseases for outcome prediction and selection. The Smart-ACTTM platform will initially focus on the screening drug molecules for orphan diseases or unmet medical needs.

To date, SmartP has, under the recently established Smart-ACTTM platform, successfully screened 1,615 compounds against 3 therapeutic target proteins which are related to poor prognosis of neuroblastoma (“NB”). NB is a type of cancer that forms in certain types of nerve tissue and most frequently in the adrenal glands as well as spine, chest, abdomen or neck. The preliminary results from the Smart-ACTTM platform have now identified a number of potential repurposed drug candidates that could show promise against such disease. SmartP will next move on to conduct further in vitro and in vivo validation of these candidates through collaboration with Aptorum Group Limited to assess and validate the candidates’ usage for such new indication.

Drug repurposing typically involves the use of an approved drug or a drug under development for an indication than that for which it was originally developed. The safety profiles and CMC perspectives of these drug molecules are typically well-established and therefore drug repurposing represents a lower risk approach for drug discovery/development. One of the better-known examples of successful drug repurposing is thalidomide, which was originally developed to treat morning sickness but withdrawn from the market due to its birth defect side effects. Later, it was repurposed for the treatment of multiple myeloma.

SmartP targets to discover up to 10 repurposed drug candidates per annum under the Smart-ACTTM platform, which will continue to develop and enrich its library of intellectual property for such discoveries.

Further information on the Smart-ACTTM platform can be found on our website: http://www.smtph.com.

Founder of Aptorum Group and Smart Pharma, Mr. Ian Huen, commented: “Our Smart-ACTTM platform is a novel tool that we believe completely transforms the drug repurposing and discovery industry which traditionally relied on scattered and serendipitous discoveries. Instead, our Smart-ACTTM platform is based on computerized processes to perform systematic screening and prediction of drug molecules to accelerate the commercialization of therapeutics, with initial focus on orphan diseases and unmet medical needs. Aptorum Group is very excited with the development of Smart Pharma, with whom it will be actively seeking collaboration and co-development opportunities with the wider industry.”

About Aptorum Group Limited

Aptorum Group Limited (Nasdaq: APM) is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to developing and commercializing a broad range of therapeutic and diagnostic technologies to tackle unmet medical needs. Aptorum Group is pursuing therapeutic and diagnostic projects in neurology, infectious diseases, gastroenterology, oncology and other disease areas as well as non-therapeutic areas such as surgical robotics and the operations of its medical clinic in Hong Kong, Talem Medical, with the initial focus on treatment of chronic diseases resulting from modern sedentary lifestyles and aging population.

For more information about Aptorum Group Limited, please visit www.aptorumgroup.com.

About Smart Pharma

Smart Pharma’s holding company, SMTPH Limited, and its group companies are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Aptorum Group Limited, focuses on deploying its Smart-ACTTM platform to revolutionize pharmaceutical discovery and development.

For more information about Smart Pharma, please visit www.smtph.com.

Disclaimer and Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes statements concerning Aptorum Group Limited and its future expectations, plans and prospects that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. For this purpose, any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “could,” “intends,” “target,” “projects,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” or “continue,” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. Aptorum Group has based these forward-looking statements largely on its current expectations and projections about future events and trends that it believes may affect its business, financial condition and results of operations. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions including, without limitation, risks related to its announced management and organizational changes, the continued service and availability of key personnel, its ability to expand its product assortments by offering additional products for additional consumer segments, the company’s anticipated growth strategies, anticipated trends and challenges in its business, and its expectations regarding, and the stability of, its supply chain, and the risks more fully described in Aptorum Group’s Form 20-F and other filings that Aptorum Group may make with the SEC in the future. Aptorum Group assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contacts
For Aptorum Group Limited
Contact
Investor Relations and Media
Tel: +852 2117 6611
Email: investor.relations@aptorumgroup.com
Website: http://www.aptorumgroup.com

For Smart Pharma
Contact
Information Request
Tel: +852 2117 6611
Email: info@smtph.com
Website: http://www.smtph.com

https://www.aetoswire.com/news/aptorum-group-establishes-smart-pharma-to-focus-on-computational-repurposed-drug-discovery-for-orphan-and-unmet-diseases/en

Ashcroft Announces Acquisition of Rüeger SA and Stiko BV



STRATFORD, Conn.-Sunday 28 April 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Ashcroft Inc. (Ashcroft) announced the planned acquisition of Swiss-based Rüeger Holdings SA (Rüeger) and Dutch-based STIKO Meetapparatenfabriek B.V. (Stiko), both manufacturers of specialty temperature and pressure measurement products. The transaction is expected to close in the coming days.

Rüeger is a recognized leader in highly engineered temperature and pressure measurement products, with locations in Switzerland, Germany, China and Malaysia. Rüeger’s high reliability measurement solutions include a comprehensive array of mechanical and electronic measurement instruments. Rüeger’s innovation has spanned over 75 years leading to the development of multi-point temperature sensors for critical Refining and Petrochemical reactor applications, and proprietary technology for extremely high accuracy temperature sensing up to 1050°C.

Stiko is a specialized manufacturer of temperature and pressure measurement instruments as well as laboratory calibration products based in Roden, Netherlands. Founded over 50 years ago, Stiko’s customized products are tailored for safety critical applications in the Subsea, Oil/Gas, Marine, Pharmaceutical and Food/Beverage markets.

Steven A. Culmone, President and CEO of Ashcroft stated, “I am excited to announce the acquisition of Rüeger and Stiko by Ashcroft Inc., leveraging the power of strong global brands and adding an impressive portfolio of highly engineered products and solutions. This will enhance our value to worldwide customers and will accelerate our penetration into our served markets.

Ashcroft’s focus on protection of our customers’ people, processes and profits will be reinforced with this merger and allow for aggressive execution of global growth.

This is a very exciting opportunity for the company, for our employees, our partners and customers. Our greatest assets have always been our people, and by this acquisition we will continue to strengthen the quality of that asset.”

Bernard Rüeger, Chairman of Rüeger Holdings SA stated, “We are very confident that the Rüeger brand will continue to grow successfully within Ashcroft, thanks to new market synergies around the world and the complementary nature of our respective products.”

ABOUT ASHCROFT

Ashcroft was founded over 165 years ago with a mission to protect our customers with a brand recognized for reliability and innovation in the fields of pressure and temperature measurement. Ashcroft maintains operations in the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, China and Singapore along with over 235 channel partners in 55 countries supporting our customers around the world. Ashcroft is headquartered in Stratford, CT, USA and is a subsidiary of Nagano Keiki Co., Ltd. based in Tokyo, Japan.

http://ashcroft.com

ABOUT RÃœEGER & STIKO

https://rueger.com https://stiko.com

Contacts

Sheila Nevins
VP Human Resources
T +01 203 385 0612
E sheila.nevins@ashcroft.com

Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/ashcroft-announces-acquisition-of-ruumleger-sa-and-stiko-bv/en

P&G Partners to Improve Environmental Impact and Smallholder Livelihood in Palm Oil Supply Chain

CINCINNATI-Sunday 28 April 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- In celebration of Earth Week and to further its commitment to drive a more sustainable future, the Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG) announced a new collaboration with Malaysia Institute for Supply Chain Innovation (MISI), International Plant Nutrition Institute (IPNI) and Yara International to help improve the livelihood of smallholders within the P&G palm supply chain in Malaysia. After a successful pilot ran between 2015 and 2018, the Company is expanding the program that partners with independent palm oil smallholders to increase their overall fruit yields through the training and implementation of best-in-class, and more sustainable agricultural practices.

P&G is committed to the responsible sourcing of palm and has declared livelihood improvement for the palm oil smallholders as one of its Ambition 2030 environmental sustainability goals. Today, smallholders provide about 40% of the world’s palm oil supply, however many of them have limited knowledge or access to agricultural resources to help maximize their crop.

The pilot was focused on assessing the baseline capability of around 2000 smallholder farmers in the state of Johor, Malaysia. Given its success, the program is expanding to create 250 learning farms which will be embedded in a P&G-led innovation system. These farms will serve as community resource centers to drive scale and diffusion of good agricultural practices for up to 10,000 smallholders within the next five years. The goal is to improve yields by 30-50%, improve the livelihood of the smallholder farmers and ensure sustainable practices in the P&G palm oil supply chain.

“We believe we can be a force for good and a force for growth. This program illustrates our commitment to driving long-term sustainability efforts,” said Jack Ryan, Vice President, P&G Chemicals. “We are proud of the work we are doing in Malaysia because it is the right thing to do for the local community and the global consumers we serve who want more sustainable products.”

The farmers of the 250 learning farms will have direct access to agronomists and sustainability field officers and receive hands-on technical advisory support. Together, they will work to implement best-in-class farm operations management including harvesting optimization, nutrient plans and budget management. In return, these smallholders will act as resource trainers and scale the effort to other farmers in their community.

P&G believes this effort is helping move the smallholders in the right direction and is setting them up for long-term success. Sustainability of the system is underpinned by a common and shared vested interest of smallholders, oil palm processors and fertilizer supply chains. The goal is to increase productivity of farms and to meet the continued demand for sustainable palm oil and palm kernel oil.

About Procter & Gamble

P&G serves consumers around the world with one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Always®, Ambi Pur®, Ariel®, Bounty®, Charmin®, Crest®, Dawn®, Downy®, Fairy®, Febreze®, Gain®, Gillette®, Head & Shoulders®, Lenor®, Olay®, Oral-B®, Pampers®, Pantene®, SK-II®, Tide®, Vicks®, and Whisper®. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and information about P&G and its brands.

About MISI (Malaysia Institute for Supply Chain Innovation)

Located in Shah Alam, Malaysia near Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysia Institute for Supply Chain Innovation (MISI) is one of the six centers in the MIT Global SCALE (Supply Chain and Logistics Excellence) Network. The institute was launched as a joint initiative between the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the government of Malaysia. The MIT Global SCALE Network is an international alliance of leading edge research and educational organizations, dedicated to the development and dissemination of global innovation in supply chain and logistics.

About Yara

Yara grows knowledge to responsibly feed the world and protect the planet, to fulfill our vision of a collaborative society, a world without hunger and a planet respected. To meet these commitments, we have taken the lead in developing digital farming tools for precision farming and work closely with partners throughout the whole food value chain to develop more climate-friendly crop nutrition solutions. In addition, we are committed to working towards sustainable mineral fertilizer production. We foster an open culture of diversity and inclusion that promotes the safety and integrity of our employees, contractors, business partners, and society at large. Founded in 1905 to solve the emerging famine in Europe, Yara has a worldwide presence with about 17,000 employees and operations in over 60 countries. In 2018, Yara reported revenues of USD 12.9 billion. www.yara.com

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190426005048/en/


Contacts

P&G Contact:
Robyn Schroeder
P&G Global Communications
Email: Schroeder.rm@pg.com


Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/pampg-partners-to-improve-environmental-impact-and-smallholder-livelihood-in-palm-oil-supply-chain/en

5 Modern Residences That Preserve and Showcase Artisanship



HONG KONG-Sunday 28 April 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- HONG KONG: K11 ARTUS

Following the launch of the hotly anticipated Rosewood Hong Kong in the art and design district Victoria Dockside, entrepreneur Adrian Cheng will unveil K11 ARTUS in the third quarter of this year, marking his fledging K11 group’s first luxury residence for rental, one with a social agenda to preserve fast-disappearing traditional craftsmanship. In the communal spaces is where the artisanal-living concept is truly apparent, filled as they are with pieces that have been produced in collaboration with K11 Craft & Guild Foundation, the latest of Cheng’s cultural initiatives, which seeks to protect craftsmanship techniques from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Rare Chinese artisanal objects created exclusively for K11 ARTUS are on display and available for sale with the proceeds going back to the charity to support Chinese craftsmen, from wooden furniture made using the age-old baibaoqian technique of inlaying engraved objects with precious stones, to porcelains with guangcai, vibrant hand-painted porcelain that combines elements of east and west. K11 ARTUS will also host year-round salons featuring leading cultural figures, adding an unexpected intellectual component to the facilities, while an experiential space will be carved out to showcase the best of Chinese craft heritage. From an architecture perspective, the bulk of the 287 short- and long-stay residences have been designed by Andre Fu, with a jaw-dropping harbour view from its sinuous balconies. There are also three penthouses created by Joyce Wang, Fiona Barratt and nemaworkshop.

MUMBAI: SOHO HOUSE MUMBAI

Though it is the 23rd member of the Soho House family, Soho House Mumbai, which opened earlier this year, is already a firm favourite of members and Mumbai’s glitterati alike. Colourful as the city in which it is situated, the hybrid member’s club/hotel is decorated in a riot of patterns and fabrics, with many of the furnishings and objects sourced from craftspeople discovered during the Soho House design team’s journeys through New Delhi, Jaipur and, of course, Mumbai. Custom commissions include cane seating, block-printed curtains and stunning lampshades made from vintage saris that become the focal point of each room. In a screening room, armchairs utilise mohair, while hand-printed fabrics from Rajasthan aid in sound-proofing. Of course, you can expect everything else you’d find in the typical Soho House, whether it’s a branch of Cecconi’s or the impressive art collection, which features pieces by the likes of Bharti Kher and Subodh Gupta.

CHIANG MAI: RAYA HERITAGE

A boutique hotel property in Chiang Mai, Raya Heritage takes its design cues from the 13th century Lanna kingdom, with artisanal furnishings that range from teak mirrors and ceramic tiles to fabrics sourced from local weaving co-ops and dyed with pigments made from indigenous trees. With fabrics and furniture conceived by the one and only Bill Bensley, the suites-only property itself is the brainchild of Bangkok architect Boonlert Hemvijitraphan, and features just 38 rooms, which overlook the Ping River. While the facilities are state of the art, both the structure and the finishing touches feature handcrafted elements – the signature restaurant, for example, is named Khu Khao, after the threshing baskets once used by northern Thai rice farmers, and these handwoven baskets are incorporated into the venue’s decor as chandeliers. In the rooms, baskets, wood carvings and pottery are made by artisans from surrounding local villages.

LONDON: THE CONDUIT

The Conduit may be a members’ club, but it’s one with a purpose beyond hobnobbing with like-minded and equally affluent and connected individuals – it hopes to raise social consciousness and allow its members to participate actively in philanthropy and responsible living (founding members, after all, include Christiane Amanpour and Amnesty International’s Salil Shetty). Its design ethos is an interesting one, subscribing to a Scandinavian aesthetic but incorporating African artisanal crafts, under the deft hands of Russell Sage Studio and Cavendish Studio, and no doubt with the guidance of co-founder Paul Van Zyl, a human-rights lawyer whose entrepreneurial efforts include the artisan-designed luxury clothier Maiyet. With The Conduit’s conscious agenda in mind, all the furniture and objects were sourced from NGOs and craft collectives in Africa that create wares as a means of social upliftment, from angora tapestries woven by a Swazi women’s group to ceramics that hail from Mamelodi in Pretoria, South Africa.

FUDING: SPRINGING STREAM

This restoration project-cum-guesthouse certainly isn’t for the luxury set, and it’s got hardly any gratuitous furnishings to speak of, but its construction certainly prizes practical, transferable artisanal skills. Springing Stream is situated in a poverty-stricken Chi Xi, and was a showcase project by Beijing firm WEI Architects, which refurbished a derelict house, transforming it into a bed and breakfast as an example of how villages can use revitalised properties as an income source. Local materials and local builders were engaged to use primitive traditional construction methods to erect the structure, employing techniques such as mortise-and-tenon wood structures and utilising special transformational window-door framing, with much of the original discarded building reclaimed for use in the new project. The result is a curvaceous and architecturally breathtaking home for guests that is entirely replicable in other villages.

Writer: Christina Ko

Hong Kong-based writer and editor Christina has covered the luxury scene for over a decade. She writes on topics ranging from beauty and wellness to arts and culture. Formerly the editorial director of Prestige Hong Kong, she now contributes to various publications including Hong Kong Tatler, SCMP, Discovery and Silverkris, as well as working with clients such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, Estee Lauder and Lane Crawford.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190426005291/en/

Contacts

Chance Communications
Karen Liang
karen@chancecomm.com


Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/5-modern-residences-that-preserve-and-showcase-artisanship/en

Fakih IVF acknowledges UAE’s new legislation on assisted reproduction techniques

The UAE government has issued a draft law on medical assistance for reproduction that allows embryo, egg and sperm freezing

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, -Tuesday 23 April 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

Fakih IVF Fertility Center lauded the Federal National Council’s (FNC) decision on passing a draft law on medical assistance for reproduction that allows embryo, egg and sperm freezing. The draft legislation aims to offer hope to couples unable to conceive, by improving their chances of getting pregnant. Additionally, the law encourages promoting children’s health while also highlighting the UAE’s as a global leader in fertilisation and assisted reproduction.

Prasanth Manghat, CEO and Executive Director, NMC Health Plc. said, “The UAE has always been a pioneer in advocating best healthcare standards, and the implementation of this new law will serve as a great step to help couples achieve their dream of parenthood. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the government for considering this new legislation. As one of the leading ferltility clinic’s in the country, we ensure that procedures related to freezing are carried out in accordance to the regulations of this law”

Dr Michael Fakih, Medical Director of Fakih IVF Fertility Center said, “At Fakih IVF Fertility Center, each couple is assessed, and a treatment plan is designed specifically to cater to their requirements. Embryo freezing is a good alternative to preserving fertility.  It allows women to harvest their eggs when they are most viable and healthy and research suggests that the best time to freeze eggs would be anywhere between 20-30 years of age.”

Fakih IVF Fertility Center, is one of the leading Infertility, Gynecology, Obstetrics, Genetics and IVF Centers in the GCC region having a full-service Genetics Laboratory, offering screening of hereditary diseases, chromosomal abnormalities and gender selection.

Contacts
SAHARA Communications

Noor Abdelhafez

Account Executive

Tel: +971 4 329 8996   

Mob: +971 50 6946519

n.hafiz@saharapr.com

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Velodyne Lidar, Nikon Announce Manufacturing Agreement for Mass Production of Velodyne Lidar Sensors

Nikon’s High-Volume Manufacturing Advances Velodyne Lead in Global Lidar Sensor Market


SAN JOSE, Calif.-Saturday 27 April 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Velodyne Lidar, Inc. today announced an agreement with Nikon Corporation, under which Sendai Nikon Corporation, a Nikon subsidiary, will manufacture lidar sensors for Velodyne with plans to start mass production in the second half of 2019. The partnership cements Velodyne’s manufacturing plan and expands its lead in the global lidar sensor market.

“Mass production of our high-performance lidar sensors is key to advancing Velodyne’s immediate plans to expand sales in North America, Europe, and Asia,” said Marta Hall, President and CBDO, Velodyne Lidar. “With this partnership, Velodyne affirms its leadership role in designing, producing, and selling lidar for worldwide implementation. For years, Velodyne has been perfecting lidar technology to produce thousands of lidar units for autonomous vehicles (AVs) and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). It is our goal to produce lidar in the millions of units with manufacturing partners such as Nikon.”

Velodyne is the leading supplier of lidar sensors to the automotive industry with more than 250 customers globally.

Beyond AVs and ADAS, Velodyne will leverage Nikon’s mass manufacturing prowess as lidar sales expand within other emerging markets. Accelerated by its partnership with Nikon, Velodyne’s low cost lidar solutions will benefit a range of business segments, including robotics, security, mapping, agriculture, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

“Working with Nikon, an expert in precision manufacturing, is a major step toward lowering the cost of our lidar products. Nikon is notable for expertly mass-producing cameras while retaining high standards of performance and uncompromising quality. Together, Velodyne and Nikon will apply the same attention to detail and quality to the mass production of lidar. Lidar sensors will retain the highest standards while at the same time achieving a price that will be more affordable for customers around the world,” said Hall.

Nikon invested USD 25 million in Velodyne last year and now aims to combine Nikon’s optical and precision technologies with Velodyne’s lidar sensor technology. Since the investment, both companies have been investigating a business alliance that includes collaboration in technology development and manufacturing.

This manufacturing agreement represents the initial phase of the Velodyne/Nikon business alliance. The companies will continue to investigate further areas of a wide-ranging and multifaceted business alliance.

About Velodyne Lidar

Velodyne provides the smartest, most powerful lidar solutions for autonomy and driver assistance. Founded in 1983 and headquartered in San Jose, Calif., Velodyne is known worldwide for its portfolio of breakthrough lidar sensor technologies. In 2005, Velodyne’s Founder and CEO, David Hall, invented real-time surround view lidar systems, revolutionizing perception and autonomy for automotive, new mobility, mapping, robotics, and security. Velodyne’s high-performance product line includes a broad range of sensing solutions, including the cost-effective Puck™, the versatile Ultra Puck™, the perfect for L4-L5 autonomy Alpha Puck™, the ultra-wide angle VelaDome™, the ADAS-optimized Velarray™, and the groundbreaking software for driver assistance, Vella™. To learn more about lidar, please visit Velodyne’s Lidar 101 webpage.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190425005236/en/

Contacts

Sean Dowdall
Landis Communications Inc. for Velodyne Lidar, Inc.
(415) 286-7121
velodyne@landispr.com

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Biomedical Software Startup BostonGene Secures $50M in Series A Financing from NEC

- Proceeds to Support Scaling and Advancement of Precision Medicine Computing Platform for Cancer Treatment -

TOKYO & BOSTON-Saturday 27 April 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701) and BostonGene Corporation (BostonGene), a Boston, Mass-based biomedical software company, today announced a US$50M series A strategic investment in BostonGene by NEC.

BostonGene, a pioneer in the use of biomedical software for advanced patient analysis, has discovered, developed, and patented a holistic approach to cancer treatment by defining the optimal therapy combination for individual patients, with a particular focus on immuno- and targeted therapies. BostonGene’s solution includes:

  • Genome and transcriptome sequencing methods to create a patient’s molecular profile.
  • Algorithms that estimate the immune fitness and cancer characteristics of a patient.
  • A continuously updated expert-curated and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven database of cancer research and clinical information.
  • Cloud-native software that delivers a patient-prioritized list of best treatment options based on comprehensive data analysis of the tumor and its microenvironment.

Founded in 2015, BostonGene has evaluated its solution utilizing extensive data in close collaboration with many leading cancer centers across the U.S., and has a robust intellectual property portfolio.

The funding will allow BostonGene to accelerate its long-term strategy, enable the expansion of the company’s development efforts, advance its collaboration programs, and support the growth of its talented and diverse team.

“As demonstrated by its remarkable growth and early widespread adoption, BostonGene is leading the precision medicine market in the innovation and development of a mission-critical computing platform,” said Osamu Fujikawa, Senior Vice President and Head of the Business Innovation Unit at NEC Corporation. “NEC and BostonGene share a common vision of the immense potential of an AI-driven approach to cancer immunotherapy. Leveraging the strengths of both companies we will be able to improve the survival rate and quality of life for cancer patients.”

“Transforming and personalizing medicine, from treating a diagnosis to treating the person, is becoming a reality with BostonGene’s unique breakthrough platform. Our early successes validate the market need and the potential of our solution to truly transform cancer treatment and dramatically improve patients’ chances for survival and quality of life. An investment of this magnitude will support our vision, mission and strategy, as well as the formation of synergies with the NEC Health Tech business to create meaningful new opportunities,” said Andrew Feinberg, President and CEO of BostonGene.

About NEC Corporation
NEC Corporation is a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies that benefit businesses and people around the world. The NEC Group globally provides "Solutions for Society" that promote the safety, security, efficiency and equality of society. Under the company’s corporate message of “Orchestrating a brighter world,” NEC aims to help solve a wide range of challenging issues and to create new social value for the changing world of tomorrow. For more information, visit NEC at http://www.nec.com.

About BostonGene Corporation

BostonGene Corporation is pioneering the use of biomedical software for advanced patient analysis and personalized therapy decision making in the fight against cancer. BostonGene’s unique solution performs sophisticated analytics to aid clinicians in their evaluation of viable treatment options for each patient's individual genetics, tumor and tumor microenvironment, clinical characteristics and disease profile. BostonGene’s mission is to enable physicians to provide every patient with the highest probability of survival through optimal cancer treatments using advanced, personalized therapies. For more information, visit BostonGene at http://www.BostonGene.com.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190424006170/en/

Contacts

Media Contacts:


BostonGene
Erin O’Reilly
+1-781-366-7049
Erin.Oreilly@BostonGene.com

NEC Corporation               
Joseph Jasper
Corporate Communications Division

j-jasper(at)ax.jp.nec.com


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Dubai Debuts Pioneering Aesthetics Hospital

CosmeSurge will launch a cutting-edge hospital that promises the best in cosmetic and aesthetic surgery


Dubai, United Arab Emirates-Tuesday 23 April 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

CosmeSurge, one of the region’s most trusted brands for cosmetic and aesthetic procedures, will soon launch the region’s maiden state-of-the-art cosmetic and aesthetic surgery hospital in the UAE.

The hospital, which is said to cost AED 40 million, aims to cater to the increasing demand of cosmetic surgeries amongst residents, and at the same time to bolster medical tourism across the region. Located next to Burj Al Arab, the hospital is expected to open its door to the public in May this year.

“We are glad to see the expansion of CosmeSurge with the opening of its new state-of-the- art hospital. This brand integrates squarely with NMC Healthcare’s overall strategy and we are confident that the level of services, expertise, equipment and technology is in line – or of an even higher standard – to the likes of similar clinics anywhere in the US or Europe," said Prasanth Manghat, CEO and Executive Director NMC Healthcare.

 “Moving forward, our aim is to provide holistic care across the full range of cosmetic services in the MENA region,” he added. NMC Healthcare is the UAE’s largest healthcare provider.

World-class hospital CosmeSurge is set to become the first choice for the UAE’s citizens,  residents and tourists for the latest technology and techniques, and will be equipped with two operating theatres, VIP rooms, an emergency room and a pharmacy. With Hollywood stars setting the benchmark for beauty and confidence, CosmeSurge aims to stay at the forefront of international beauty and surgery trends, and to always ensure exceptional standards of pre- and post-procedural care.

CosmeSurge’s in-demand surgeons, along with a staff comprising more than 100 highly qualified employees, will ensure patient safety and confidentiality at all times since they are trained to adhere to international medical procedures and protocols.

With its fresh, welcoming, contemporary design, the hospital will also house an upmarket café to cater to its patient and visitor’s needs. Spanning over 2,944sqm, the facility includes both outpatient and inpatient services, with ample parking for everyone.

Patients will have access to treatments and services such as plastic surgery, dermatology, aesthetic services and body contouring, as well as advanced diagnostic treatments such as radiology, pathology, intensive care unit (ICU) and pharmacy. Once open, the hospital also aims to host conferences and events that will be helmed by specialised doctors and clinicians from across the region.

With CosmeSurge’s philosophy of experience, excellence and expertise, the clinic has touched over a million lives so far, and the launch of the new hospital will ensure they continue their legacy of enriching lives.

Currently, CosmeSurge operates an impressive chain of cosmetic clinics providing more than 60 cosmetic treatments for different areas of the body across 14 clinics in the UAE.



About CosmeSurge

Founded in 2002, CosmeSurge is one of the region’s most trusted brands for cosmetic procedures. CosmeSurge offers modern, high quality dermatology and plastic surgery treatments, and dentistry, at fourteen clinics in the GCC.

The clinics are staffed by highly qualified plastic surgeons, dermatologists and aestheticians.

At its state-of-the-art facilities, CosmeSurge provides the highest level of clinical care and service and the full range of cosmetic and dermatology services, with over sixty cosmetic treatments for different areas of the body.

CosmeSurge’s clinics in the UAE are in Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Ras Al Khaimah, Ruwais and Fujairah. CosmeSurge also has a clinic in Muscat, Oman, and one on London’s Harley Street; and it is forging partnerships with leading experts in Los Angeles and other overseas cities.

CosmeSurge is a part of NMC Health Plc. - the largest private sector healthcare provider in the region and the 3rd largest globally. With a worldwide network of over 200 healthcare facilities, NMC has earned the trust of millions and continues to serve communities across 19 countries with its bench-strength comprising of 2000 doctors and 20000 other staff members.

Contacts

SAHARA Management Consultancy

Maria Tayem, Senior Account Manager, +971501714347, +97143298996
m.tayem@saharapr.com / www.saharagcc.com

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Saturday, April 27, 2019

ABS, Google Cloud and SoftServe Partner to Demonstrate Feasibility of AI-enabled Corrosion Detection

Project combines automatic structural anomaly detection and remote inspection for improved monitoring

HOUSTON-Saturday 27 April 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ABS, Google Cloud and SoftServe completed a pilot project applying artificial intelligence (AI) models to detect levels of corrosion and coating breakdown on ships and offshore structures.

The project successfully demonstrated the accuracy of AI in detecting and assessing structural anomalies commonly found during visual inspection. AI techniques could be further used to analyze images over time to understand corrosion and coating breakdown trends.

“Digital innovation in AI will change how surveys and maintenance strategies are executed, driving more condition-based approaches to class and maintenance,” said ABS Chairman, President and CEO, Christopher J. Wiernicki. “We are building a future in which digital tools can remotely assess the condition of a ship or offshore unit, and automatically detect and measure coating breakdown and other structural issues, improving safety and reliability.”

"We are excited to team with Google Cloud and SoftServe to effectively apply AI technology to the marine and offshore industries," said ABS Deputy Chief Digital Officer, Kashif Mahmood. “By combining our deep domain experience in offshore and marine structures with Google Cloud’s extensive knowledge of AI applications and SoftServe’s development capabilities, we were able to take this idea from concept to reality.”

Interested in learning more? Join us at OTC in Houston, May 6 – 9, to experience AI-enabled corrosion detection.

About ABS

ABS, a leading global provider of classification and technical advisory services to the marine and offshore industries, is committed to setting standards for safety and excellence in design and construction. Focused on safe and practical application of advanced technologies and digital solutions, ABS works with industry and clients to develop accurate and cost-effective compliance, optimized performance and operational efficiency for marine and offshore assets.

(www.eagle.org)

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190424005822/en/

Contacts

ABS Media Relations
Gareth Lewis
glewis@eagle.org


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Leading P&G Brands Including Pampers, Ariel and Herbal Essences Expand Leadership in Responsible Consumption

PARIS-Friday 26 April 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG) today detailed the roadmap and actions its leadership brands are taking to increase positive impact on society and the environment through its “Brand 2030” criteria. Today at the Sustainable Brands Paris conference, senior Company officials presented a forward-looking framework, including innovation strategies that will inspire and enable responsible consumption for the five billion consumers served by P&G each day. P&G leading brands including Pampers®, Ariel® and Herbal Essences® are progressing in adopting this framework with actions and commitments that will help accelerate sustainable lifestyles.

“Consumers are no longer willing to compromise performance for living sustainably and they expect brands to take meaningful action in solving some of the most complex challenges facing the world,” said Marc Pritchard, P&G’s Chief Brand Officer. “This is why P&G is focused on reinventing marketing to use the reach and voice of our brands as a force for good and a force for growth. We want our brands to be growing and creating value while having a measurable, long-term, positive impact on society and the environment.”

The Brand 2030 criteria are spread over two areas, each outlining concrete actions brands can take to become a “force for good and force for growth”:

    Brand Ambition where brands place strategic social or environmental commitments at the heart of their consumer experience, helping to address a societal challenge where they can uniquely and meaningfully contribute.
    Brand Fundamentals where brands innovate across product and packaging, leverage their voice to promote social and environmental sustainability and are transparent about their ingredients and safety science while reducing their supply chain impacts.

Examples of how P&G leading brands are already adopting the criteria through articulating their ambitions and implementing plans include:

The Ariel Ambition is to re-invent a better clean to consume 50% less resources in key impact areas such as energy and water by driving product, service and packaging innovation. The Ariel Fundamentals include its latest packaging commitments, as announced today, such as striving to make all its packaging recyclable by 2022 and to reduce 30% plastic packaging by 2025. In addition, Ariel is using its voice to help shape a future of equals through campaigns like “Partage des taches” in France and “Share the Load” in India, which support the idea of men and women equally sharing housekeeping tasks.

The Herbal Essences Ambition is to enable everyone to experience the positive power of nature and to support biodiversity for the benefit of people and the planet. Beyond this, Herbal Essences is leading the way in sharing comprehensive information about its ingredients, transparently explaining their 4-step safety process and being recognized by PETA as a cruelty free brand. Herbal Essences bio:renew is the first global hair care brand to have its botanicals endorsed by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, a world leading authority on plants. Herbal Essences is also leveraging its voice to promote the launch of packaging designed to help the visually impaired and beach plastic bottles in its largest market, the US.

The Pampers Ambition is to give millions of babies the opportunity for happy healthy development, collaborating with healthcare professionals, parents and NGOs. As part of P&G’s Brand 2030 Fundamentals, Pampers is introducing its ‘7 Acts for Good’ including the following concrete actions: Keep innovating towards more sustainable diapering solutions to progress towards 30% less1 diapering materials used per baby over their diapering time. By innovating and using more effective materials, the brand has reduced the average weight of its diapers by 18%2 already in the past 3 years, with the same trusted dryness. Lead recycling3 for diapers and wipes and committing to launch recycling facilities in 3 cities by 2021. In partnership with UNICEF, Pampers has helped eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus in 24 countries. In March 2019 one more country – Chad, has now eliminated this disease, resulting in an estimated 880,000 newborn lives4 saved since 2006.

“The Brand 2030 criteria demonstrate leadership for brand leaders by defining what it means for an individual brand to enable responsible consumption. They ensure a thorough, long-term integration of meaningful and measurable social and environmental impacts into the overall brand strategy and experience – versus a singular brand-sponsored cause marketing initiative or activating just a slice of the marketing mix,” said KoAnn Vikoren Skrzyniarz, Chief Executive Officer of Sustainable Brands.

“We engaged with several external stakeholders to help craft the criteria,” said Virginie Helias, P&G Chief Sustainability Officer. “We wanted to create criteria that would make SDG12 tangible for brands, holding them accountable to drive progress towards taking responsible consumption to the next level. With our brands we are serving five billion people worldwide, giving us the unique opportunity and responsibility to not only delight people through superior product performance, but to also promote conversations, influence attitudes, change behaviours and make sustainable lifestyles at scale a global reality.”

About P&G’s Approach to Citizenship

The Company’s corporate Citizenship programs support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and focus on Ethics and Corporate Responsibility, Environmental Sustainability, Community Impact, Gender Equality and Diversity and Inclusion. The Brand 2030 criteria are requirements for individual brands that are in addition to the corporate programs. For more information on P&G’s Citizenship efforts, read P&G’s 2018 Citizenship Report here.

About Procter & Gamble

P&G serves consumers around the world with one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Always®, Ambi Pur®, Ariel®, Bounty®, Charmin®, Crest®, Dawn®, Downy®, Fairy®, Febreze®, Gain®, Gillette®, Head & Shoulders®, Lenor®, Olay®, Oral-B®, Pampers®, Pantene®, SK-II®, Tide®, Vicks®, and Whisper®. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and information about P&G and its brands.

About Sustainable Brands Paris

Sustainable Brands is the first worldwide community of innovation and sustainability brands and organizations. The world’s most influential brand in CSR arrives in France for the first time April 23 to 25, 2019. The conference includes a disruptive format to reinvent brand commitment and open new perspectives.

1 Vs. a typical disposable diaper
2 Vs. Pampers most sold diapers in 2016.
3 The recycling technology was invented by Fater, a JV of P&G and Angelini (which makes Pampers in Italy).
4 Based on WHO and UNICEF estimated figures as of Feb 2019

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190424005170/en/


Contacts

P&G Media Contacts:
Becky East
H&K Strategies
+44 7785 990159
Becky.East@hkstrategies.com

Eleni Papadimitriou
P&G Communications
+41792077166
papadimitriou.e@pg.com


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