Two recent UC San Francisco studies have shown that adaptive deep brain stimulation (aDBS) offers personalized, 24/7 care for Parkinson’s disease through an implanted device. Unlike regular DBS, which delivers constant pulses, aDBS uses AI to monitor brain activity and adjust treatment based on symptom fluctuations. This marks a major advancement in the management of Parkinson’s disease, reflecting the growing impact of digital health technologies on patient care, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
According to GlobalData, the global market for neurological devices was valued at $12.5 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.60% to reach $20.9 billion by 2033. This growth underscores the increasing importance and demand for advanced diagnostic and monitoring technologies in neurology, including those targeting Parkinson’s disease.
Cynthia Stinchcombe, Medical Devices Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The market for neurological devices is witnessing significant growth and diversification. The increasing integration of advanced technology in the management of neurological disorders fits into the broader industry shift towards precision medicine, as reflected in the FDA’s recent push for innovative solutions in Parkinson’s disease management.”
UC San Francisco studies from 2023 and 2024 show that aDBS, a self-adjusting brain implant, can improve movement and sleep for Parkinson’s patients. Using AI-driven technology, the device monitors brain activity and delivers precise electrical pulses to alleviate symptoms in real-time. In trials, it reduced symptoms by 50%, with results published in August 2024, highlighting its potential for long-term Parkinson’s management.
GlobalData projects that with the continuous advancements in technology and the introduction of innovative therapies, the landscape of neurological devices is set to transform, offering new hope to millions affected by neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s.
Stinchcombe adds: “The integration of innovative medical technologies emphasizes the crucial role of advancements in contemporary healthcare. As the landscape of medical treatment evolves, particularly with these sophisticated systems, a promising shift is being witnessed towards more personalized and effective treatment strategies for neurological conditions.”
GlobalData’s analysis reflects the recent emphasis on wearable technologies and digital health apps—such as those leveraging Apple Watch data to monitor Parkinson’s symptoms—indicating a parallel innovation trajectory. While wearable technologies facilitate continuous monitoring outside clinical settings, sophisticated tools like Boston Scientific’s software enhance therapeutic interventions, offering a holistic approach to disease management.
Stinchcombe concludes: “In the face of an aging population and a rising incidence of Parkinson’s disease, the advancements being witnessed are encouraging for those affected. As the industry continues to focus on both proven and novel solutions, emerging technologies are pivotal in broadening the horizons of neurology diagnostics and improving patient outcomes. Together with the FDA’s initiative to enhance AI-driven diagnostics, these advancements are poised to dramatically improve the landscape of neurology.”
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Commencement notice for Land (Compulsory Sale for Redevelopment) (Amendment) Ordinance 2024 gazetted Commencement notice for Land (Compulsory Sale for Redevelopment) (Amendment) Ordinance 2024 gazetted ******************************************************************************************
The Government published in the Gazette today (October 10) the Land (Compulsory Sale for Redevelopment) (Amendment) Ordinance 2024 (Commencement) Notice (the Commencement Notice), which specifies that the Land (Compulsory Sale for Redevelopment) (Amendment) Ordinance 2024 (the Amendment Ordinance) will come into operation on December 6, 2024. The Commencement Notice will be tabled at the Legislative Council (LegCo) for negative vetting on October 16, 2024. To promote private companies to redevelop aged and dilapidated private buildings in Hong Kong, the LegCo passed the Amendment Ordinance on July 18, 2024, to update and streamline the statutory compulsory sale regime under the Land (Compulsory Sale for Redevelopment) Ordinance (Cap. 545) (LCSRO) in four directions, namely (1) lowering the compulsory sale application thresholds; (2) facilitating multiple adjoining-lot compulsory sale applications; (3) streamlining the legal process of compulsory sale regime; and (4) enhancing support for affected minority owners. A spokesperson for the Development Bureau (DEVB) said, “The Amendment Ordinance aims to expedite the consolidation of private property interests so as to facilitate the redevelopment of old and dilapidated buildings, thereby tackling the safety risk of those buildings and improving people’s livelihood. At the same time, legal protection of the interests of minority owners has been enhanced.” In addition to the statutory safeguards, the Dedicated Office of Support Services for Minority Owners under Compulsory Sale (DOSS) set up under the DEVB and the Support Service Centre for Minority Owners under Compulsory Sale (SMOCS), a wholly owned subsidiary set up by the Urban Renewal Authority, both came into operation on August 27, 2024. The SMOCS, which is accountable to the DEVB and supervised by the DOSS, provides one-stop enhanced support services to minority owners at various stages of the compulsory sale application process, so as to help them understand their statutory rights and obtain professional advice. Public education activities and publicity programmes are being rolled out to enhance public understanding of the LCSRO and the services of the SMOCS. To help different stakeholders (in particular minority owners) to better understand the requirements of the law, as well as the content and practical application of the provisions of the amended LCSRO, the DEVB will soon publish a guidance note to explain the main provisions of the amended LCSRO in plain language with illustrative examples to serve as a practical reference for the industry, professionals and the general public. The DEVB will also in due course seek the LegCo’s approval to provide additional manpower resources to the Lands Tribunal to cope with the increased workload arising from the implementation of the Amendment Ordinance, and to set up a loan guarantee scheme for the Government to provide guarantee to assist eligible minority owners in obtaining bank loans to address their cash flow problems arising from the engagement of legal and other professionals to deal with compulsory sale litigation.
Ends/Thursday, October 10, 2024Issued at HKT 11:00
Half of Lebanon’s public schools have been turned into shelters for forcibly displaced people in the past two weeks, disrupting children’s education for the sixth consecutive year and increasing the threat to their long-term physical and mental wellbeing, Save the Children said.
Lebanon’s Ministry of Education said that Israeli airstrikes have forced about 40% of Lebanon’s 1.5 million pupils from their homes and postponed the start of the school year for public schools from 14 October to 4 November.
At least 500 public schools – about half of Lebanon’s public schools – are now being used ascollective shelters-, following escalating violence on 23 September that led to thedisplacementof over 1.2 million people, or about one fifth of the population.
This marks the sixth year of significant disruptions to education for children in Lebanon, with theWorld Bankestimating that it will take Lebanon generations to recover from these successive shocks to children’s education.
Save the Children said children in Lebanon have been hit by multiple complex crises for decades, without being able to fully recover, including the COVID19 pandemic, political instability, the Beirut port explosion, economic downturns and theteachers’ strikein 2023.
Since October 2023, escalating cross-border hostilities have resulted in over 2,000 people being killed, including about 127 children, and at least 10,000 injured in Lebanon.
Salim-, 45, is a father of three boys aged 12, 16 and 17 from the south of Lebanon. In the past year, his family was forced to relocate eight times. The family is now staying at a school used as a collective shelter in Bekaa, eastern Lebanon, sharing a classroom with another family. He said:
“Every time we thought this was it, and we could settle down, take a breath, we were forced to move again. None of my children have received a proper education since 2020. Now, all they care about is making sure we’re safe and together. I never wanted this for them. I wanted them to have the freedom to dream, to chase after those dreams when the time was right, and to live their lives to the fullest. But now, all I want is for them to survive. Dreams have been replaced by basic survival. Food, education, and medication, these things have become distant luxuries.”
Sawsan-, 27, was displaced to the same school with her two children, aged four and five. She said:
“It’s been a year like this, a year of my children waking up to the sounds of Israeli bombs exploding around us. A year of uncertainty. We left on 26 September after our village was attacked. We spent two days on the road, desperately searching for safety and shelter until we arrived at this school. At first, my children were confused and unsure. “We’re going to live in a school?” they asked. “Does that mean we’ll study here too?”
Erin Wall, Education Technical Advisor at Save the Children Lebanon, said:
“Education during conflict plays a crucial role in providing a sense of normalcy and routine for children, but schools are now closed once again, and most non-formal education activities halted in the last two weeks. This only adds to the children’s distress as they lose access to the comfort of their friends and teachers, the structure of safe learning spaces and the routine support services they can find in schools. If schools stay closed, we expect compounded learning losses, with children unable to read and write, leading to a higher risk of drop-out and lower learning achievement overall, not to mention social isolation and disconnection. This will significantly affect children’s wellbeing, development, and ability to learn, limiting their opportunities for the future.”
Save the Children is committed to ensuring children can access their right to a quality education even in times of crisis. Since hostilities escalated in October 2023, Save the Children has reached more than 2,100 displaced children through delivery of emergency learning activities, provision of critical non-specialized psychosocial support and social emotional learning activities, and distribution of educational materials.
Jennifer Moorehead, Country Director of Save the Children in Lebanon said:
“Countless parents are telling us that one of their top priorities is for their children to get back to school, which does not surprise us. Education is one of the most essential factors necessary for the recovery and future of children – and the country. Schools also offer an important entry point for children to be referred to other essential services like healthcare, mental health support or child protection services. Every day away from the classroom, is a growing threat to children’s long-term physical and mental wellbeing. Schools should only be used as shelters as a last resort, and for the shortest possible period. We call for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further suffering and protect children’s right to education.”
Save the Children has been working in Lebanon since 1953. Since October 2023, we’ve been scaling up our response in Lebanon, supporting displaced Lebanese, Syrian and Palestinian children and families, and now have escalated an emergency response throughout the country in 161 collective shelters. Since October 2023, we’ve supported more than 100,000 people, including 40,000 children, with cash, blankets, mattresses and pillows, food parcels, water bottles and kits containing essential hygiene items.
Currently, Save the Children is scaling up its Education in Emergency response and related child protection support for displaced families inside and outside collective shelters, focusing on ensuring learning continuity and wellbeing support.
Notes
– “Collective shelters” are pre-existing buildings and structures where large group of displaced people find shelter for a short time while durable solutions are pursued. A variety of facilities may be used as collective centres – community centres, town halls, hotels, gymnasiums, warehouses, unfinished buildings, disused factories. Infrastructure and basic services are provided on a communal basis or access to them is made possible.
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, attended the 27th ASEAN-China Summit, which took place this morning in Vientiane, Lao PDR. The Summit was attended by the ASEAN Leaders or their representatives, the Premier of the State Council of China, and the Secretary-General of ASEAN. Timor-Leste attended as Observer.
The Leaders reviewed the progress of ASEAN-China cooperation and discussed its future direction, particularly on advancing the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The Leaders adopted a Joint Statement on Deepening Cooperation in People-to-People Exchanges, in line with the theme of the ASEAN-China Year of People-to-People Exchanges. The Leaders also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest and concern.
The post Secretary-General of ASEAN joins the 27th ASEAN-China Summit appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.
A Senate committee, which has a Labor majority, has recommended the bill be passed with amendments. The government is expected to accept the committee’s suggestions.
What did the committee find and what does this mean for caps on international student numbers?
The Greens’ dissenting report completely rejected the idea of caps. The Greens don’t have the Senate numbers to block them, but they may find common ground with the Coalition on some amendments to influence the final outcome.
Caps by provider and location are meant to reduce pressure on accommodation and other services, especially in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. This is a key goal of the bill and other recent changes to international student policy.
But course-level enrolment caps are not necessary to achieve this.
As the inquiry report notes, most international students do not stay in Australia permanently. So they should be allowed to choose courses based on their own interests and job opportunities in their home countries.
The report also notes significant administrative issues involved with setting and monitoring caps for the more than 25,000 courses on offer to international students.
But the report does not take these points to the logical conclusion of recommending no caps on courses. Instead, it proposes no course caps for universities or TAFEs. Non-university higher education providers and non-TAFE vocational education providers could still be subject to course-level caps.
After the report was released, Education Minister Jason Clare cited advice about some vocational providers offering courses that “don’t give [students] a real qualification”.
Coalition senators may seek the full removal of course caps from the bill – in the Senate report, they criticise what they call the “appalling treatment of many private higher education and [vocational education and training] providers”. With support from the Greens, course caps could be stopped.
That would require amendments to the original bill, which the Senate inquiry also recommends. This change is unlikely to face any Senate obstacles.
An earlier date for announcing caps
The bill requires caps to be announced by September 1 in the year before the caps apply, except for this year when the deadline is December 31.
This date was criticised because international students receive offers before September. Education providers need to know their caps before they start making offers.
The Senate report recommends a July 1 announcement instead.
Huge powers for the minister
As drafted, the bill gives the minister extraordinary personal power to set international student caps. It sets no limit on the reasons for setting caps. It requires no consultation prior to setting caps, other than the minister for education consulting the minister for skills.
The Senate report suggests improvements to this process. The education minister would also need to consult the immigration minister and the regulators for vocational education and higher education.
The report also says education providers should be consulted on the initial setting of enrolment limits each year. With around 1,500 providers registered to offer courses to international students, this consultation may need to be with their representative groups.
More scrutiny for the caps?
The bill has a dual system for setting caps. One of these is via a “legislative instrument”, which the minister makes. This can be disallowed by either house of parliament and is the only limit on the minister’s power.
But the bill also allows the minister to bypass the parliament with a “notice” to education providers. This has the same practical effect as the legislative instrument.
The bill’s explanatory memorandum (the document to help readers understand legislation), offers a benign explanation for this. It says the minister will only exercise the power of using a notice in limited circumstances. Its examples include when the education provider has supplied additional student accommodation, or needs to expand to take students from other providers that have gone out of business.
Nothing in the bill, however, limits the use of capping by notice.
In a submission to the inquiry, I recommended requiring parliamentary scrutiny of the way caps are set. The legislative instrument would set out rules and formulas for calculating the cap. The notice to education providers would have to apply these rules and formulas to their specific circumstances.
The Senate committee majority, however, recommended a much weaker form of scrutiny. It suggested replacing the notice with a “notifiable instrument”. This would ensure the provider’s cap was publicly available. The notices, by contrast, only go to to the affected education provider, the Department of Education, and the relevant regulator.
A notifiable instrument would allow more public scrutiny of the minister’s decisions, for people who keep an eye on the government’s legislation website. But it falls well short of a system in which parliament is always directly notified of caps and given the power to intervene.
A turning point
The Senate inquiry partly answers some criticisms or weaknesses of the bill. It’s likely the bill will next be debated when parliament sits in November.
But whatever views people hold on capping international students – and with the student visa holder population nearing 700,000 there is a case for moderation – we are witnessing a major turning point in higher education.
This bill, in combination with planned controls on domestic student enrolments, signals the demise of student choice and university autonomy. A new era of bureaucratic control from Canberra is arriving.
Andrew Norton is employed by the Australian National University, which has announced major job cuts that it partly blames on the capping of international student enrolments.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced it has been recognized by Interbrand, a global brand consultancy, as a “Global Top 5” brand for the fifth year in a row. Interbrand releases its list of “Best Global Brands” each year, and on this year’s list, it was revealed that Samsung’s brand value reached $100.8 billion and grew by 10% year-on-year.
The significant increase of Samsung Electronics’ brand value was driven by growth in the AI industry, particularly its leadership in on-device AI and competitiveness in the semiconductor sector. Since its first top five ranking in 2020, Samsung Electronics has experienced an impressive 62% growth over four years and remains the only Asian business among the global top five brands.
“This year’s substantial brand growth is a direct result of our holistic approach to AI and efforts to put this powerful technology into the hands of Samsung users around the world,” said YH Lee, President and Head of the Global Marketing Office at Samsung Electronics. “Moving forward, we will lean even further into the qualities that our users have come to both love and expect.”
Company Recognized for On-Device AI, enhanced connected experiences and AI Leadership
According to Interbrand, Samsung Electronics’ evaluation was positively influenced by the following:
Deployment of AI technologies in key products and leadership in the on-device AI market
Enhanced connected experiences through AI-enabled platforms and products
AI leadership based on its competitiveness in the semiconductor sector
Implementing a consistent brand strategy in the global market
Ongoing commitment to a more sustainable future.
This year, under the vision of AI for All, Samsung is expanding its portfolio of products infused with AI technologies to enhance customer experiences. With the release of the Galaxy S24 series, Samsung has been leading the mobile AI. It has also launched AI TVs equipped with AI processors and AI upscaling while introducing Bespoke AI appliances that empower user’s daily life.
The company is expanding the SmartThings ecosystem to provide a unified connectivity experience, enabling not just its own products, but also various third-party devices. This integration offers substantial benefits that go beyond more convenience, including energy conservation and family care.
As a leader in the semiconductor industry, Samsung is making bold investments in R&D to meet rising AI demand and — with innovative memory products like DDR5, GDDR7, HBM3E, LPDDR5X, 9th Gen V-NAND, Exynos SoC, high resolution image sensor— is proactively addressing server and on-device AI needs.
As for brand strategy, the company has been recognized for delivering consistent brand values and build authentic relationships with customers.
Additionally, Samsung focuses on implementing environmentally conscious activities and initiatives by adopting various recycled materials across a wide range of product categories. It has participated in global initiatives and collaborated with industry leaders with focus on goals such as reducing carbon emissions associated with device usage. Samsung Electronics’ sustainability efforts as well as fostering a diverse corporate culture have also received positive evaluations.
Samsung’s Recognized Efforts in Each Business Division
Mobile
Leading the mobile AI era with Galaxy AI following the release of the Galaxy S24 series
Making the new Galaxy AI upleveled by the unique Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 foldable experience
Strengthening leadership in the health AI with the release of the Galaxy Ring and new Galaxy Watch series
Networks
Strengthening leadership in virtualized Radio Access Network (vRAN) and Open RAN
Leading the technical standardization of 6G
Consistently innovating technologies to support various 5G use cases, including streaming and gaming
Enhancing partnerships with customer companies and communicating the sustainability aspects of Samsung’s network technology
Visual Display
Solidifying global leadership in the TV and soundbar markets
Consistently innovating with products like AI TVs, MICRO LED displays, and the Music Frame
Innovating the viewing experience with cutting-edge technologies, including AI upscaling and Active Voice Amplifier Pro
Positioning itself as a core gaming partner through various partnerships
Strengthening security and privacy through Samsung Knox
ACT’s Finance spokesperson Todd Stephenson is slamming Wellington City Council after this afternoon’s vote to stop the sale of its 34% stake in Wellington Airport.
“Today’s decision is a complete departure from reality. Wellington’s infrastructure is failing, rates are through the roof, and the Council’s debt ceiling is about to burst, yet the council is stuck playing sharemarket games,” says Mr Stephenson.
“There is no good reason for a council to partially own an airport.
“Councils must focus on delivering the basic public services they are responsible for: making sure roads are maintained, water systems work, and buses run on time. Instead, Wellington’s council is forcing higher rates onto its residents and exposing them to an unacceptable level of risk by having so much money locked up in one asset.
“As the Council was making its decision today, brown wastewater wasliterally spewing into the harbour. If that isn’t sending a clear enough message to councillors about how misplaced their priorities are, then next year’s local body elections can’t come soon enough.”
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Speech by SITI at LSCM Logistics Summit 2024 (English only) Speech by SITI at LSCM Logistics Summit 2024 (English only) ***********************************************************
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the LSCM Logistics Summit 2024 today (October 10):萬部長 (Deputy Director-General of the Youth Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Ms Wan Ning), 謝書記 (Deputy Secretary of the CPC Working Committee of Nansha Development Zone, Guangzhou Mr Xie Wei), Alan (Chairman of the Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre (LSCM), Professor Alan Lam), Simon (Chief Executive Officer of the LSCM, Mr Simon Wong), distinguished speakers and guests, ladies and gentlemen, Good morning. It is my great pleasure to join you today again at the LSCM Logistics Summit, the annual signature event that brings together industry experts, business leaders, and academics to exchange ideas on the latest developments in innovation and technology (I&T) and to promote technology adoption. In recent years, we have witnessed remarkable advancements in I&T that have accelerated our efforts in building a smart city and bolstering the digital economy. This Summit, themed “The New Era of Digitalisation: From Smart City to Digital Economy”, represents a much-welcome opportunity to explore how the evolving technologies are shaping and digitalising Hong Kong and the entire Greater Bay Area (GBA). Promoting digital economy and smart city development in Hong Kong is one of our major strategic directions as set out in the Hong Kong I&T Development Blueprint promulgated in late 2022. Smart Mobility and Smart Living are also key areas in smart city development. Paying heed to these strategies and priorities, the Government works closely with our key stakeholders such as the LSCM to collaborate on the I&T adventure. The LSCM is an active partner in our endeavours on smart city development. It participates in a number of pilots and proofs-of-concept involving government bureaux and departments. A notable example is the development of the Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosks. The kiosks currently support around 70 public services from the Government, covering tax, company registration, property and vehicle, among others. Setting up in various GBA Mainland cities such as Zhuhai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, these kiosks facilitate access to Hong Kong’s public services for residents and enterprises in the GBA Mainland cities, doing away with the need for in-person visits and providing significant convenience. The LSCM’s efforts have gained wide recognition both locally and internationally, as evident by the eight awards they received at the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva in April this year, including the self-service kiosk I shared just now. Other award-winning solutions cover a broad range of technologies such as satellite signal monitoring and Internet of things. All these demonstrate the strong capability and creativity of the LSCM, and represent a testimony to Hong Kong’s strengths and commitment to turning our vision of becoming an international I&T centre into reality. I am excited to learn that the LSCM will expand its collaboration networks by signing three MOUs with three leading research institutes from Mainland China respectively covering different fields of information technology such as software and container logistics. I am confident that these collaborations will inject new impetus into the LSCM’s work to generate more breakthroughs in the areas of smart city-related solutions. Ladies and gentlemen, the development of a smart city will remain a priority of the Government. Collaboration will be the key. We will continue to join hands with our partners in the public and private sectors to push forward the smart city development of Hong Kong. Before I close, I wish you all a rewarding experience at the LSCM Summit 2024. Thank you very much.
Ends/Thursday, October 10, 2024Issued at HKT 11:45
MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
Artistic director of the Moscow Oleg Tabakov Theatre and Sovremennik Vladimir Mashkov spoke about plans for the new season at a meeting of both troupes. He took up the post of director of the second theatre quite recently – in June of this year.
Premieres
In the new season, the Oleg Tabakov Theatre will return to the stage “The Elder Son” based on the play by one of the main Soviet playwrights of the 1970s, Alexander Vampilov. The plot revolves around two young people who missed the last train from an unfamiliar city. They decided to stay the night in the first house they came across and dropped in on musician Andrei Sarafanov, who was raising his son and daughter alone. One of the uninvited guests introduced himself as his illegitimate child.
“Director Alena Lapteva has begun rehearsals with new performers, and the work is progressing quite quickly. The play will return to the stage very soon,” said Vladimir Mashkov.
In the near future, they will begin rehearsing a play with the working title “Callsign Silence”. The idea for it arose during the work of the Tavrida art cluster laboratory, when the author of the play Oleg Antonov, together with the director and actor Sevastian Smyshnikov, met with participants in a special military operation.
“The performance will be staged with the support of the Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives. This is the first work in which artists from two theaters will take part,” the artistic director noted.
The performance dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War will also feature actors from both troupes. They will be joined by students from the Oleg Tabakov Moscow Theatre School.
In addition, there are plans to create a performance for the 90th anniversary of Oleg Tabakov’s birth. It will be “An Ordinary Story” – in the second half of the 1960s, the production became an important cultural event in the life of Moscow. Then, Galina Volchek transferred Ivan Goncharov’s novel to the stage of “Sovremennik”, and Oleg Tabakov played one of the main roles and received the USSR State Prize for it. Later, in 1990, he himself staged this performance – already in his own theater.
“This production was the most important in Oleg Pavlovich’s life. It is brilliant, incredibly modern, endowed with feelings, energy, love, passion – everything that accompanies our life. I think it would be a good study,” Vladimir Mashkov noted.
The Oleg Tabakov Theatre and Sovremennik are preparing other performances for the new season; they promise to announce details about them later.
Exhibitions, cinema, excursions
In December, the Sovremennik Theatre Museum, which opened this year, will open an exhibition dedicated to the showing of The Government Inspector, where Galina Volchek once shone in the role of Anna Andreyevna. On December 19, the actress would have turned 91. “Perhaps on this day, in honor of her memory, we will perform the play The Government Inspector,” said Vladimir Mashkov.
The museum will also host a series of lectures dedicated to the founders of the theater and what it is living today. The plans also include walking tours of the theater quarter on Chistye Prudy.
Already next year, several exhibitions dedicated to the 90th anniversary of Oleg Tabakov’s birth will be organized. They are expected to take place in Zaryadye Park, on Tverskoy Boulevard and in some other places. In addition, a documentary film dedicated to the life and work of the actor is being prepared.
The theatre school operating at the Oleg Tabakov Theatre will now also be at Sovremennik.
“The theatre is an organism that is constantly evolving. And its heart is the theatre school, which now exists at two theatres. The students recently staged the play ‘Guardians’ – in my opinion, it is very interesting,” said the artistic director.
It is dedicated to famous theatre figures – Vladimir Nemirovich-Danchenko, Mikhail Chekhov, Vsevolod Meyerhold, Maria Knebel, Yevgeny Vakhtangov, Georgy Tovstonogov and Oleg Efremov. According to Vladimir Mashkov, “The Guardians” will be shown to the audience very soon.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
On October 21, the State Budgetary Institution “Small Business of Moscow” (MBM), with the support of the capital’s Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovative Development, will hold a conference “The Path to the Client’s Heart” for capital businessmen and anyone who wants to start their own business.
Conference participants will learn how to manage reputation in social networks, analyze customer needs, increase their loyalty and work with the customer base. In addition, entrepreneurs will be able to receive individual expert consultations in the mentor lounge.
The business program will begin with speeches by speakers. The deputy chief operating officer of an online reputation management agency will tell how entrepreneurs can work with brand reputation on the Internet. The head of the sales department of a social media and mass media monitoring and analysis system will explain how to build communications with clients and develop your product based on feedback.
The event will continue with a thematic session “Customer experience for the self-employed”, a workshop “Customer base is the main asset of your business” and an individual mentoring lounge, which will take place from 17:00 to 19:00.
The workshop will be conducted by a business coach, owner of several companies in the field of retail, services and consulting. Its participants will learn to measure the main indicators of their business, form a client base and segment it, define the goals of marketing activities for each group of clients and create promotional events for these purposes.
Within the framework of the mentoring lounge, experts, including the founder of women’s clothing brands, the chief specialist of a consulting company, and a patent attorney, will conduct individual consultations and suggest optimal solutions to the problems facing businessmen.
The conference will be held on October 21 from 12:00 to 19:00 in the pavilion “Art. Technograd” at the address: Prospekt Mira, house 119, building 318. Participation is free, you can register on the MBM portal. To attend the workshop and receive expert advice in the mentor lounge, you must register in advance; the number of places is limited.
Support for businessmen is provided within the framework of the national project “Small and medium entrepreneurship and support for individual entrepreneurial initiative”. More information about this and other national projects implemented in Moscow can be found here find out here.
State Budgetary Institution “Small Business of Moscow”, subordinate To the Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovative Development of the City, helps people open and develop their own businesses in the capital. In business service centers, everyone can learn about financial and non-financial measures of state support.
Free educational and business events are held for entrepreneurs: forums, seminars, trainings, conferences, which help to improve professional competencies and find like-minded people.
You can also get advice on opening and running a business and learn more about current measures to support entrepreneurs in Moscow on the MBM website and by phone: 7 495 225-14-14.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
A useful online service has appeared for Moscow entrepreneurs, which will help them to quickly assess the main indicators of their company and find out how they affect its financial stability. It was developed and launched by the center for assistance with financing of the Moscow Guarantee Fund. The service is intended for representatives of small and medium businesses who are going to apply to a bank for a loan or factoring, receive a bank guarantee, open a letter of credit account or arrange leasing.
The service conducts pre-scoring — a study of indicators that banks take into account when working with applications from legal entities and individual entrepreneurs. Based on the assessment results, businessmen will receive an electronic report with recommendations on how to eliminate the identified problems.
It is very easy to use the service. An entrepreneur needs to go to the Moscow Guarantee Fund website in the “Business” section and select the option “Request scoring”. On the page that opens, you must specify what type of loan he needs, clarify the goals and amount of financing. Information about the company and its activities will be filled in automatically from analytical sources. If necessary, this information can be specified independently.
The application will take a few minutes to process. An electronic report will appear on the screen. It will list the main factors that affect the company’s financial stability. Among them are such parameters as industry risks, timely payment of taxes and wages, compliance with the rules for participation in procurement, and many others. The report can be downloaded and saved on your computer.
Based on the assessment results, the businessman will also be offered to learn about city support measures that his company may qualify for. The service will automatically compile a selection of grants and benefit programs for him. It will open in a new window.
In addition, entrepreneurs will be offered to ask questions to service specialists or leave a request for a guarantee from the Moscow Guarantee Fund. All these services can be completed online on the website. They are provided free of charge.
Financing Assistance Center Subordinate to the Moscow Guarantee Fund To the Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovative Development of the City of Moscow. It opened in the spring of 2022. The center introduces representatives of small and medium-sized businesses to preferential lending programs and other support measures provided by the capital. Entrepreneurs can receive professional advice on issues of obtaining loans, securing transactions with sureties, and selecting a suitable form of financing. Since the opening of the center, its specialists have processed over six thousand applications from entrepreneurs.
Information on current preferential financing programs, limits of these programs in banks and products Moscow Guarantee Fund can be obtained on weekdays from 09:00 to 18:00 by phone: 7 495 926-26-95.
Detailed information on the support measures that the city provides to entrepreneurs is available on the portal State Budgetary Institution “Small Business of Moscow”. There you can find useful online services for businessmen, choose a training seminar and read materials about current changes in legislation, financial literacy and ways to promote products.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Public encouraged to build mental health-friendly work environment in support of World Mental Health Day 2024 Public encouraged to build mental health-friendly work environment in support of World Mental Health Day 2024 ******************************************************************************************
The Department of Health (DH) today (October 10) supports World Mental Health Day 2024 and encourages members of the public to collaboratively create a mental health-friendly work environment inclusive of and accepting persons in mental recovery. The World Federation for Mental Health has designated October 10 annually as World Mental Health Day to raise global awareness and mobilise efforts in support of mental health. World Mental Health Day 2024, with the theme “It is time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace”, encourages employers and employees to champion mental health in the workplace. Sixty per cent of the global population is in employment and employees spend 60 per cent of their time in the workplace. Mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, are pervasive in workplaces globally, impacting productivity, attendance, and overall performance of employees. Good mental health means not only the absence of mental disorders, but also the ability to cope with normal stressors in life, realise one’s potential, and contribute to society. A mental health-friendly work environment can benefit both employers and employees in many ways, including enhanced talent attraction and retention for employers, elevated work performance and productivity for employees, as well as increased public recognition and support for the company or organisation. Employers and employees can collaboratively create a mental health-friendly workplace environment through different measures, including adjusting office hours and encouraging staff to seek early professional help if needed. Enterprises or organisations should firmly avoid discriminatory and labelling practices. After appropriate treatment, persons in mental recovery can also perform well in workplace, co-operate with colleagues and contribute to the team. The Government encourages private, public, educational and non-governmental organisations to sign the Mental Health Workplace Charter organised jointly by the Department of Health, the Labour Department and the Occupational Safety and Health Council to promote mental health in the workplace in order to improve the general mental health of employees in their workplace as well as the organisation’s productivity. Employees experiencing mental distress from depression or anxiety should seek early assistance. They can call the Government-fully-funded, one-stop Mental Health Support Hotline 18111 to obtain immediate emotional and mental health support as well as appropriate referral depending on the individual’s need. Separately, the Government launched the Healthy Mind Pilot Project at three District Health Centre (DHC)/District Health Centre Expresses in August this year to offer free initial mental health assessments to members of the public on a trial basis at the community level. Members preliminarily assessed to have mild symptoms of depression or anxiety will be referred to non-governmental organisations for further assessment and follow-up, so that they can receive appropriate support at an early stage. For details, please refer to the website of DHC (www.dhc.gov.hk/en/mental_health). The Advisory Committee on Mental Health and the DH have jointly implemented a mental health promotion and public education initiative “Shall We Talk”, with an aim to step up public awareness of mental well-being. The “Shall We Talk” initiative provides mental health-related information through an array of channels, such as a one-stop dedicated website, social media pages and campaigns, TV and radio programmes, as well as various offline events. Apart from providing the public with information on mental health and advice on dealing with mental distress, the one-stop website also compiles a series of mental health hotlines and support services to enable those in need to seek help. For more information on mental health, please visit http://www.shallwetalk.hk.
Ends/Thursday, October 10, 2024Issued at HKT 13:00
Headline: Panasonic Verifies that nanoe(TM) (Hydroxyl Radicals Contained in Water) Technology Inhibits Hazardous Substances Contained in Haze Caused by Air Pollution in Southeast Asia
Osaka, Japan – Panasonic Corporation (https://www.panasonic.com/global/home.html) (hereinafter referred to as Panasonic) today announced that it has conducted joint research with the Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), under the supervision of Professor Sheikh Ahmad Zaki, verifying that nanoe (hydroxyl radicals contained in water) technology inhibits up to 95% of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contained in PM2.5, a component of smoke pollution (haze) that is worsening in Southeast Asia. In addition to the five types of PAHs already verified,*2 the inhibitory effects of nanoe (hydroxyl radicals contained in water) technology on three types of PAHs have been newly revealed.
99% of the world’s population lives in areas that do not meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) air quality guideline levels,*3 and the adverse health effects of air pollution have become a significant issue. In particular, urgent measures are needed to combat haze in Southeast Asian countries. Haze is caused by smoke pollution from large-scale slash-and-burn farming and forest fires in regions like Sumatra Island, and it contains hazardous substances known as PAHs. PAHs are difficult to decompose, making them prone to spread by wind, and it has been reported that they bioaccumulate in crops.*4Furthermore, numerous research findings indicate that certain PAHs can elevate the risk and incidence of adverse events, including reduced lung function, worsened asthma, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.*5 Note that this joint verification was intended to examine the effects of nanoe on chemical substances that cause these symptoms and does not guarantee effects on the symptoms themselves.
Under the supervision of Professor Sheikh from MJIIT, the Company conducted tests by irradiating nanoe (hydroxyl radicals contained in water) particles on three types of PAHs (naphthalene, fluorene, and acenaphthene),*6 which account for large proportions in the mass of haze. As a result, inhibitory effects were verified for all three types. Note that these verification results are based on the test conditions described below and do not demonstrate the effectiveness in a real-world environment.
Panasonic aims to contribute to society by providing safe and secure spaces, and will continue to evolve nanoe (hydroxyl radicals contained in water) technology and pursue its future potential.
■Key points of this verification
Aims to verify the inhibitory effects of nanoe (hydroxyl radicals contained in water) on the three types of PAHs that account for particularly large mass ratios in haze.
■Comments of Professor Sheikh Ahmad Zaki from Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology*8
Haze is a serious social issue in Southeast Asia. As human activities, which had slowed down during the COVID-19 pandemic, begin to pick up again, there is a risk that damage will worsen due to increased haze emissions. Haze contains various substances, and PAHs are considered highly hazardous to both humans and the environment. In this verification, we were able to demonstrate the effectiveness of nanoe (hydroxyl radicals contained in water) technology against the three types of PAHs that are commonly found in haze. Based on these verification results, nanoe (hydroxyl radicals contained in water) technology is anticipated to be a promising solution for enhancing the living environment in Southeast Asia, which is suffered by haze.
■Principle of nanoe (hydroxyl radicals contained in water) generation
Figure 4 nanoe (hydroxyl radicals contained in water) generator
nanoe (hydroxyl radicals contained in water), which is approximately 5 to 20 nanometers in size and contains hydroxyl radicals, is generated by cooling the atomizing electrode with a Peltier element, creating water through the condensation of moisture in the air, and applying a high voltage between the atomizing electrode and the counter electrode (Figure 4).
Notes:*1: The eight types of PAHs include benzo[a]pyrene, benz[a]anthracene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene, and dibenz[a,h]anthracene, which were previously tested, along with naphthalene, fluorene, and acenaphthene, which were tested this time.*2: [Press release] “Nanoe” effectively breaks down PM2.5 components and inhibits growth of fungi attached to Yellow Sand (January 16, 2014)”Nanoe” effectively breaks down PM2.5 components and inhibits growth of fungi attached to Yellow Sand | Appliances | Products & Solutions | Feature Story | Panasonic Newsroom Global https://news.panasonic.com/global/stories/668*3: Reference: Ambient (outdoor) air pollution. WHO. 2024-09-13*4: Reference: WHO Regional Office for Europe, “Human health effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as ambient air pollutants: report of the Working Group on Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons of the Joint Task Force on the Health Aspects of Air Pollution.”, 2021.*5: Reference: Nor Azura Sulong et al. “Distribution, sources and potential health risks of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in PM2.5 collected during different monsoon seasons and haze episode in Kuala Lumpur,” Chemospher, vol.219, pp. 1-14, 2019.*6: Reference: Jiraporn Chomanee et al. “Physicochemical and toxicological characteristics of nanoparticles in aerosols in southern Thailand during recent haze episodes in lower southeast Asia,” Journal of environmental sciences, vol.94, pp. 72-80, 2020.*7: Calculated by Panasonic*8: Panasonic requested the Professor to provide comments on nanoe (hydroxyl radicals contained in water), which were posted after editing.
Inquiries:
Living Appliances and Solutions Company, Panasonic CorporationDevices Products Business Unit, Beauty and Personal Care Business DivisionTelephone: +81-(0)749-27-0485 (available 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays)
About Panasonic Corporation
Panasonic Corporation offers products and services for a variety of living environments, ranging from homes to stores to offices and cities. There are five businesses at the core of Panasonic Corporation: Living Appliances and Solutions Company, Heating & Ventilation A/C Company, Cold Chain Solutions Company, Electric Works Company and China and Northeast Asia Company. The operating company reported consolidated net sales of 3,494.4 billion yen for the year ended March 31, 2024. Panasonic Corporation is committed to fulfilling the mission of Life Tech & Ideas: For the wellbeing of people, society and the planet, and embraces the vision of becoming the best partner of your life with human-centric technology and innovation. Learn more about Panasonic: https://www.panasonic.com/global/about/
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Art Cotterell, Research Associate, School of Regulation and Global Governance, Australian National University
Artist’s concept of the docked Apollo and Soyuz in 1975.David Meltzer/NASA
In recent years, a new “space race” has intensified between the United States and China. At a campaign rally last weekend, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump invoked this rivalry when declaring the US will “lead the world in space”, echoing Democratic counterpart Vice President Kamala Harris.
But what is this latest “race” about, and are there pathways to common ground? History suggests these do exist. As a space governance specialist, I argue our future depends on it.
The ‘race’ to the Moon
Lunar missions have become synonymous with a “space race”. During the Cold War, the US and Soviet Union’s competition to achieve that first “one small step” on the Moon was a symbolic and strategic quest for political, technological, military and ideological dominance on Earth.
Geopolitical tensions are again moving off-Earth. The US and China are leading separate missions which aim to return humans to the Moon. One goal is to further scientific research. But space mining and economic expansionism are also driving these efforts.
Mining water ice could produce oxygen, drinking water and rocket fuel – all vital for sustaining lunar exploration and beyond. The Moon may also contain rare earth metals used in everyday electronics, and a rare non-radioactive isotope, helium-3, for nuclear power.
Space mining could lead to a concerning “lunar gold rush” or trade war with nations and private actors in space. Resources mined off-Earth are predicted to be worth trillions of dollars.
The US has a longer history of demonstrated space-faring capabilities, investments and partnerships. Yet China is catching up. While the US made its first uncrewed landing on the lunar south pole this year, China has made several landings. In June this year, China’s Chang’e 6 mission returned with the first rock and soil samples from this sought-after region of the Moon.
International Space Station’s Expedition 72 crew pose for a portrait on September 29 2024. For the past two decades, the ISS has been a great example of space collaboration. NASA Johnson
Thirteen other nations are participating in the China-led International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) in collaboration with Russia. Senegal joined last month.
With no membership overlap between the two initiatives, new “space blocs” are emerging, reflective of global power dynamics.
The Artemis Accords and ILRS are currently not legally binding, but they will be influential in shaping space governance in the 21st century. This is because treaty-making in the United Nations’ Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS, established in 1959) hasn’t kept pace with the latest developments and actors in space.
We’re at a critical juncture. It’s important the emergence of these new “space blocs” doesn’t escalate into a contest over whose space governance approach prevails. Not only could this increase the risk of conflict on the lunar surface itself, but it could even fuel geopolitical instability and military competition on Earth.
History shows we can work together
Space has fostered cooperation even between superpower rivals during tense geopolitical times. During the Cold War, the US and Soviet Union cooperated on space governance, laws, science and technologies. This built mutual trust and eased tensions.
Within COPUOS, nations worked together to agree on what became the first of multiple foundational space law treaties, the Outer Space Treaty in 1967. It prohibits placing nuclear weapons in space and national appropriation claims over celestial bodies like the Moon.
More recently, NASA’s International Space Station (ISS) has been an orbiting testament to coexistence. Astronauts from the US, Russia and other partners have conducted over 3,000 experiments in microgravity.
Humanity has much to lose if global superpowers don’t cooperate on space governance. There is a real and growing risk of exporting and exacerbating our earthly conflicts in space. This will invariably increase tensions on Earth.
The US and China need to explore opportunities to open dialogue between the Artemis Accords and ILRS. There are some similarities in their separate planned activities, governing principles and guidelines already.
To make this happen, the US will need to revisit the 2011 Wolf Amendment, a law that restricts NASA from using its funding to cooperate with China, without congressional approval. But China has no equivalent and recently expressed its willingness to cooperate, including sharing its rock and soil samples.
Sharing scientific information may help find initial common ground before further discussions on space governance. This could even move towards agreeing on landing sites or a lunar time zone. If a rescue mission is ever necessary on the Moon, having some compatible technology through interoperability would make it much easier.
The US and China do actively engage in COPUOS, including in the working group on space resources. Yet treaty-making is often slow moving. This means greater opportunities for communication, consistency and certainty on space governance are imperative. This could even support multilateral efforts.
Perhaps a joint lunar research mission between the US and China – in the spirit of the Apollo-Soyuz docking – can still happen in the future.
In the meantime, the world needs to see space not only in terms of a “race”. It’s also an opportunity to improve international relations, benefiting our future humanity on Earth and, one day, beyond.
Art Cotterell does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Sampo plc, stock exchange release, 10 October 2024 at 8:30 am EEST
Sampo plc’s share buybacks 9 October 2024
On 9 October 2024, Sampo plc (business code 0142213-3, LEI 743700UF3RL386WIDA22) has acquired its own A shares (ISIN code FI4000552500) as follows:
Sampo plc’s share buybacks
Aggregated daily volume (in number of shares)
Daily weighted average price of the purchased shares*
Market (MIC Code)
5,692
40.73
AQEU
43,507
40.74
CEUX
1,612
40.72
TQEX
41,556
40.73
XHEL
TOTAL
92,367
40.73
*rounded to two decimals
On 17 June 2024, Sampo announced a share buyback programme of up to a maximum of EUR 400 million in compliance with the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 (MAR) and the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052. On 16 September 2024, the Board of Directors of Sampo plc resolved to increase the share buyback programme to EUR 475 million. The programme, which started on 18 June 2024, is based on the authorisation granted by Sampo’s Annual General Meeting on 25 April 2024.
After the disclosed transactions, the company owns in total 8,316,283 Sampo A shares representing 1.51 per cent of the total number of shares in Sampo plc, taking the issuance of shares on 16 September 2024 into account.
Details of each transaction are included as an appendix of this announcement.
On behalf of Sampo plc, Morgan Stanley
For further information, please contact:
Sami Taipalus Head of Investor Relations tel. +358 10 516 0030
Distribution: Nasdaq Helsinki Nasdaq Stockholm Nasdaq Copenhagen London Stock Exchange The principal media FIN-FSA DEN-FSA http://www.sampo.com
MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University – 4th year students with Faculty of Geology and Geophysics, NSU — Polina Anisova, Valeria Belitskaya, Irina Voronina, Arina Goryacheva, Ksenia Gladysheva and Kristina Raiko — took part in the 28th Far Eastern Energy Forum “Sakhalin Oil and Gas”. This major event brought together leading industry experts to discuss current issues of energy development and the region’s ecology.
At the forum, students attended lectures and seminars on offshore projects, hydrocarbon production and processing, logistics issues, sales markets, and the professional development of young specialists. During the plenary session, the results of 30 years of work in the field of offshore projects were considered, as well as strategies for developing the energy sector in Sakhalin and the Far East. Liquefied natural gas technologies, support measures for oil and gas projects, and the role of interaction between science and industry in the process of developing and implementing innovations were discussed.
In addition to the business program, the participants were able to enjoy a rich cultural and entertainment program: exhibitions, concerts and excursions made the forum even more memorable. This year, a special track for young people was organized, within the framework of which NSU students met with company representatives and HR managers, leaving their resumes for possible employment.
— The forum left a deep impression — the atmosphere was filled with energy and innovation. Excitement for the future and the desire to develop were felt in every conversation. We felt how important it is to exchange experience and knowledge in our field, and the opportunity to directly interact with professionals inspired new ideas and undertakings. The cultural program added bright colors, allowing us not only to study, but also to relax, find like-minded people and strengthen connections. It was a unique experience that charged us with optimism and confidence in our future, — Irina Voronina shared her impressions of the forum.
In addition to the business part, the students were also able to enjoy the natural beauty of Sakhalin Island.
— Sakhalin Island captivated us with its stunning mountains, beautiful beaches and green forests. The region’s desire for development is also clearly visible. Sakhalin left vivid memories and a feeling that this place combines a rich history and a dynamic future, — Irina notes.
The Sakhalin Oil and Gas Forum became a unique opportunity for our students not only to deepen their professional knowledge, but also to establish useful contacts for further development in the energy industry.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Nokia to publish third-quarter and January-September 2024 interim report on 17 October 2024
10 October 2024 Espoo, Finland –Nokia will publish its third-quarter and January-September 2024 interim report on 17 October 2024 at approximately 8 a.m. Finnish time (EEST). The report will be made available on the Nokia website immediately after publication.
Nokia only publishes a summary of its financial reports in stock exchange releases. The summary focuses on Nokia Group’s financial information as well as on Nokia’s outlook.
The detailed, segment-level discussion will be available in the complete financial report hosted at http://www.nokia.com/financials. A video interview summarizing the key points of our Q3 results will also be published on the website. Investors should not solely rely on summaries of Nokia’s financial reports, but should also review the complete reports with tables.
Analyst webcast
Nokia’s webcast will begin on 17 October 2024 at 11.30 a.m. Finnish time (EEST). The webcast will last approximately 60 minutes.
The webcast will be a presentation followed by a Q&A session. Presentation slides will be available for download at http://www.nokia.com/financials.
Media representatives can listen in via the link, or alternatively call +1-412-317-5619.
About Nokia At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.
As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.
With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future. Media inquiries Nokia Communications, Corporate Email: Press.Services@nokia.com
Based on stakeholder interviews, it considers the trends, value chains, and opportunities for each of the high potential sectors and explores how Georgia can leverage its location, favorable business environment, and free-trade agreements. Emphasizing the need for greater innovation and strong government support, it recommends taking a “Team Georgia” approach that centers on building an ecosystem to improve export promotion, increase target market access, and support exporters.
Publication of transparency notification(s) received by KBC Group NV
(art. 14, 1st section of the Act of 2 May 2007 concerning the disclosure of significant participations)
Summary of the notification(s)
KBC Group NV has received an updated transparency notification on 7 October 2024, which states that BlackRock has a stake of 4.37% in KBC Group (total voting rights and equivalent financial instruments). The reason for the update is a change in the structure of the BlackRock group*.
Content of the notification(s)
The notification(s) contain(s) following information:
Reason for the notification(s): “acquisition or disposal of the control of an undertaking that holds a participating interest in an issuer”
Notification(s) by: BlackRock, Inc.
Persons subject to the notification requirement: see annex
Date(s) on which the threshold is crossed / notification is updated: 1 October 2024.
Threshold that is crossed: KBC Group’s Articles of Association set a notification threshold of 3% of the total number of voting rights. In addition, the legal thresholds of 5% or any multiple thereof also apply. The reason for this notification is not the crossing of a threshold, but a change in the structure of the BlackRock group*.
Denominator (number of shares KBC Group NV): 417 305 876
Notified details: see annex.
Chain of controlled undertakings through which the holding is effectively held: See “11: Full chain of controlled undertakings through which the holding is effectively held” in the PDF-file(s) on http://www.kbc.com (see below).
The relevant notification(s) is (are) available at http://www.kbc.com > Investor relations > Shareholder information > Shareholder structure.
* As a result of the acquisition of Global Infrastructure Partners there has been a change to BlackRock’s group Structure. Upon the close of the transaction BlackRock, Inc. was renamed BlackRock Finance, Inc. and a NewCo became the publicly listed company with the name BlackRock, Inc.
For more information, please contact:
Kurt De Baenst, General Manager, Investor Relations, KBC Group E-mail: IR4U@kbc.com
Viviane Huybrecht, General Manager, Corporate Communication/Spokesperson, KBC Group E-mail: pressofficekbc@kbc.be
The brief highlights the substantial presence of Indigenous Peoples in Asia and the Pacific and the importance of traditional knowledge and genetic resources for climate action, food security, and medicine, as well as language diversity and cultural heritage. It explains the shortfalls of existing FTAs and why they should be based on informed consent, equitable benefit sharing, and full source disclosure in patents. It details how some FTAs have included traditional knowledge and genetic resources and shows how trade deals can help Indigenous Peoples benefit from greater regional cooperation.
Daiichi Sankyo has recently announced the final two-year follow-up data from the German cohort of the MILOS study. The MILOS study is a real-world investigation into the use of bempeodoic acid for managing high cholesterol levels. Bempedoic acid and its fixed dose combination with ezetimibe, with or without other lipid therapies, have been shown to significantly reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) levels in patients with hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidaemia. Hence, bempedoic acid in combination can advance dyslipidemia treatment, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
Conducted across Germany, patients LDL-C levels were measured at pre-treatment, year one, and year two. Over the two-year period, LDL-C levels showed a mean reduction from 3.1 mmol/L at pre-treatment to 2.0 mmol/L at year two, representing an average decrease of 30.3%. The safety profile of bempedoic acid observed in this real-world population was consistent with that seen in the CLEAR clinical trials.
Dr Shireen Mohammad, Senior Cardiovascular & Metabolic Disorders Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The market for bempedoic acid in the dyslipidemia space is highly competitive, with several established players such as statins and PCSK9 inhibitors. However, bempedoic acid offers several advantages over these therapies, including a different mechanism of action and a lower risk of adverse effects such as muscle pain and liver toxicity. As such, bempedoic acid is expected to see significant growth in the dyslipidemia market, particularly in patients who are unable to tolerate or do not respond to other lipid-lowering therapies.”
Several Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) from GlobalData have expressed that the combination of bempedoic acid and ezetimibe has the potential to become a widely used treatment option. Particularly in patients with statin intolerance, this may lead to the consideration of combining bempedoic acid with ezetimibe as an alternative treatment option.
KOLs from GlobalData have also highlighted the unmet need for effective triglyceride-lowering therapies in the field of dyslipidemia. High triglyceride levels are a common lipid abnormality that is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. While current standard-of-care therapies for dyslipidemia, such as statins, are effective at lowering LDL cholesterol levels, they have limited efficacy in lowering triglyceride levels.
Dr Mohammad concludes: “There is an unmet need for better therapies to specially target high triglyceride levels, and this study offers promising prospects for effective dyslipidemia treatments.”
Advances in gene editing, such as the FDA approval of Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ Casgevy (exagamglogene autotemcel) in December 2023 for the treatment of beta thalassemia and sickle cell disease, have fueled significant interest in innovative epigenetic drugs. Against this backdrop, the total value of series A venture financing for epigenetic drugs almost doubled from $172 million in 2019 to $342 million in 2024 year-to-date (YTD) and observed a 375% increase from 2023, reveals GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
GlobalData’s Pharma Intelligence Center Deals Database reveals that companies developing epigenetic drugs received over $1 billion in total series A venture financing from 2019 to 2024YTD. Over half of these companies are headquartered in the US.
Epigenetic drugs modify genetic material, resulting in heritable changes in gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. Current marketed epigenetic drugs in blood cancers include Celgene’s Vidaza (azacitidine), Eisai’s Dacogen (decitabine) and Merck & Co’s Zolinza (vorinostat). However, these drugs act in a genome- and tissue-wide manner, resulting in off-target effects and subsequent toxicity.
Alison Labya, Business Fundamentals Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Biotech startups are developing a new generation of epigenetic drugs with improved gene specificity to enhance efficacy, tolerability, and target indications beyond oncology. These drugs aim to provide safer alternatives to other methods of gene editing, such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), by not cutting into the DNA.”
The 2024YTD already witnessed most of series A venture financing for epigenetic drugs within the last five years. In March 2024, Avenzo Therapeutics raised $150 million in the largest round of series A financing for epigenetic drugs in the last five years to develop its CDK2 inhibitor ARTS-021, currently in Phase I/II for solid tumors and HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer.
In January 2024, Moonwalk Biosciences secured $57 million in seed and series A financing to develop its epigenetic discovery platform technology. In July 2022, Epicrispr Biotechnologies raised $55 million in series A financing to advance its preclinical pipeline and further drug discovery, using its CRISPR-based epigenetic platform technology with adeno-associated virus (AAV) as a delivery vector.
Labya concludes: “Epigenetic drugs are key to precision medicine, offering tailored treatments with improved patient outcomes and reduced off-target effects. Investors are demonstrating a focus on precision medicine, leading to an increase in early-stage investment in epigenetic drug development.
“However, companies developing innovative epigenetic drugs must overcome challenges including maintaining durable effects on gene expression, delivery of large drug components to target tissues, and demonstrating safety and efficacy in clinical trials to enable market success.”
Note: Data in the chart includes all announced and completed series A venture financing deals globally from 2019 to 2024 YTD. It includes deals where at least one drug involved in the deal is an epigenetic drug with an innovator drug type, where discovery, preclinical, phase I, phase II, phase III, pre-registration, and marketed development stages are considered. Includes deals that have disclosed their deal value in the public domain.
Innovation in the global spinal fusion market is driven largely by advancements in navigation and imaging technologies. These innovations have enhanced surgeons’ abilities to accurately identify the source of back pain and to visualize the surgical area during a procedure, improving the precision of spinal fusion operations. Currently, pedicle screw systems hold the largest share of the global spinal fusion market. However, interbody devices, particularly those made from PEEK (polyether ether ketone), are quickly catching up and set to dominate the spinal fusion market, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
According to GlobalData, interbody devices have shown steady growth in recent years, with devices using PEEK technology showing the strongest growth. This trend is expected to continue, with the global PEEK interbody market registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9% during 2023-33.
Thomas Fleming, Medical Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “In comparison, the overall global spinal fusion market is predicted to experience a CAGR of 2.3% over the same period, indicating relatively strong growth for PEEK interbody devices. These projections suggest that while traditional devices maintain their impact on the market, interbody devices will play an increasingly significant role in shaping the future of spinal fusion.”
Spinal fusion is primarily used to decompress and stabilize the spine, in the lumbar, cervical, and thoracic regions. Indications for spinal fusion include conditions such as degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, trauma, and spinal tumors. Lumbar fusions dominate the market, with more than half of the patients being over the age of 50.
Fleming concludes: “The growth in the global spinal fusion market is driven by the increase in the elderly population, particularly in North America. In the US, around 35% of the population is over the age of 50, and spinal fusion procedures are most prevalent among this demographic. With evolving demographics driving the spinal fusion market, developing technologies will define the leading devices in the market.”
Despite the phenomenal growth of ecommerce during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, the premium beauty sector in Southeast Asia is experiencing notable growth within physical retail environments, through collaboration with omnichannel brand-builders. Companies can adapt to this trend and position beauty as a significant driver of revenue in their retail strategy, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
Jaya Dandey, Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The premium beauty sector in Asia’s physical retail is thriving, driven by a combination of strong consumer demand, innovative retail strategies, and an increasing emphasis on personalized shopping experiences. The high single-digit growth rates of prestige beauty categories is notable even in the context of broader retail performance, where beauty products are often seen as high-margin categories that outperform other areas such as food sales.”
Tim Hill, Key Account Director, SE Asia, GlobalData, notes: “Consumers are becoming more discerning, not only regarding product quality, but also in terms of the shopping experience. They like to try multiple products in person before making an informed choice, especially in the premium domain where prices can run high. Though companies are eager to leverage these consumer preferences and enter the market, they sometimes face infrastructural challenges. A key strategy to overcome this is to partner with omnichannel players such as beauty ecommerce giants, which are increasingly moving into the physical retail space. Individual consultation stalls in these stores promote customer engagement with a wide variety of brands.
“The ability to integrate online and offline experiences will be vital for survival in this rapidly changing landscape. Maintaining a robust omnichannel presence allows retailers to connect with consumers across various platforms, including online and physical stores. This strategy not only caters to different shopping preferences but also ensures that brands remain accessible to a wider audience. A hybrid approach allows these companies to leverage their online success while maintaining a physical presence, creating a seamless shopping experience for consumers.
“Southeast Asia is home to a burgeoning upper middle class, who are eager to splurge on luxury beauty. They are more aware of international brands, and given their higher disposable incomes, they are willing to spend on premium beauty products. GlobalData 2024 Q2 Consumer Survey reflects this, wherein about 25% of respondents deemed low price as good value for money while purchasing beauty and grooming products, and a much higher 34% responded that high-quality ingredients represent more value for money^.”
Luxasia, Southeast Asia’s leading network in beauty and luxury, has enabled market entry and penetration for several brands. It recently captured the Vietnamese market by launching escentials, an omni-retail concept for luxury fragrances, in one of the country’s prestigious malls. Similarly, premium skincare brand SK-II launched a unique concept store at the Mid Valley Megamall in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Indian beauty ecommerce giant Nykaa is actively expanding its physical retail spaces across the nation.
Dandey concludes: “By returning to the essentials of the beauty industry—where sensorial experiences are paramount—brands can cultivate customer loyalty in a competitive market. As the premium beauty sector evolves, embracing omnichannel strategies and personalizing experiences will not only ensure success but also foster enduring relationships with discerning consumers, shaping a vibrant future for beauty retail.”
^GlobalData 2024 Q2 Consumer Survey – Asia and Australasia, published in July 2024, with 6,506 respondents
China’s central bank announced Thursday that it has decided to set up Securities, Funds and Insurance companies Swap Facility (SFISF), with the initial scale of 500 billion yuan (about 71 billion U.S. dollars) for “the healthy and stable development of the capital market.”
The SFISF, which is the first monetary policy tool created by China to support the capital market, will allow eligible securities, funds and insurance companies to use their assets including bonds, stock ETFs and holdings in constituents of the CSI 300 Index as collateral in exchange for highly liquid assets such as treasury bonds and central bank bills, the People’s Bank of China said in a statement.
The scale of the SFISF could be expanded depending on the development of the situation, according to the central bank.
Starting Thursday, applications from eligible securities, funds and insurance companies will be accepted.
As a long-term institutional arrangement, the SFISF is conducive to enhancing the resilience of China’s capital market and curbing herd behavior and other pro-cyclical actions, thus helping maintain market stability, authoritative sources were quoted by Xinhua’s financial newspaper, China Securities Journal, as saying.
The new tool can also boost the participation of non-bank institutions, improve the transmission efficiency of monetary policy in the capital market, and contribute to the balanced development of bond, stock and other markets, according to the sources.
The SFISF is a swap of assets and will not expand the scale of base currency issuance, the China Securities Journal report noted.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Banking (Capital) (Amendment) Rules 2023 (Commencement) Notice 2024 (Commencement Notice) was gazetted today (October 10) to appoint January 1, 2025, as the commencement date for Parts 3 and 5 of the Banking (Capital) (Amendment) Rules 2023 (BCAR).
The BCAR was approved by negative vetting of the Legislative Council in February 2024. Its main purpose is to incorporate the Basel III final reform package promulgated by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) into local legislation. Part 3 of the BCAR provides for amendments in relation to credit risk, the output floor, operational risk and sovereign concentration risk. Part 5 of the BCAR deals with amendments in relation to market risk and credit valuation adjustment (CVA) risk.
A Government spokesperson said, “The full implementation of Basel III standards will ensure the resilience of our banking system to financial shocks, and reinforce Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre.”
A Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) spokesperson said, “The HKMA has given due consideration to the views of the banking industry in determining the local implementation timeline for the Basel III final reform package. Its full adoption will ensure that the regulatory framework in Hong Kong remains aligned with international standards agreed by the BCBS.”
The Commencement Notice will be tabled before the Legislative Council next Wednesday (October 16) for negative vetting.
The brakes have been put on contractor and consultant spending and growth in the public service workforce, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.
“Workforce data released today shows spending on contractors and consultants fell by $274 million, or 13 per cent, across the public sector in the year to June 30.
“Over the course of the year, the number of public servants grew slightly to 63,537 but the details reveal a year of two halves – ballooning growth under the last government offset by a 3.3 per cent reduction under this government.
“The annual increase of 0.7 per cent, or 421 employees, compares to average increases of almost 5 per cent over the previous five years.
“This shows the steps the Government is taking to restore discipline to public expenditure and drive more value for money are working. The growth in public service numbers in the first half of 2023/24 was largely due to the decisions, work programmes and priorities of the previous government.
“The latest data also reflects a shift of back-office resources to the frontline.
“There has been a 10.8 per cent decline in the number of clerical and administrative staff and an 8.3 per cent drop in policy advisors.
“This has been offset by increases in service delivery roles, including a 16.9 percent increase in contact centre workers who are often the first point of contact for members of the public. There has been a 5.7 per cent increase in the number of inspectors and regulatory officers and a 1.5 per cent increase in the number of social, health and education workers.”
Nicola Willis says she expects the downward trend to continue.
“The 3.3 percent decrease in the overall size of the public service between December and June aligns with the Government’s commitment to a public service focused on performance and the delivery of essential services for New Zealanders.
“We’ve had to make some tough decisions. I feel for anyone who has lost their job, but no government can live beyond its means indefinitely, and we have to restore discipline to public spending by spending taxpayers’ money as carefully as they do.”
The Crown accounts for the 2023/24 year underscore the need for the Government’s ongoing efforts to restore discipline to public spending, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.
The Financial Statements of the Government for the year ended 30 June 2024 were released today.
They show net core Crown net debt at the end of the financial year was $175 billion, or 42.5 per cent of GDP. That was less than the 43.1 per cent forecast in the Budget, but still represents an increase of $118 billion in only five years.
Core Crown spending in 2023/24 was $139 billion, we are now spending $58 billion more than when the last National-led government left office.
The operating balance before gains and losses (OBEGAL) was a deficit of $12.9 billion – the fifth deficit in a row. The OBEGAL deficit was $1.8 billion more than forecast in the Budget, due to worse-than-expected results from Crown entities and state-owned enterprises.
“Government spending has skyrocketed over the last six years and so has government debt,” Nicola Willis says.
“The coalition Government is committed to driving more value from government spending, getting the books back in surplus and starting to bring down net debt as a proportion of gross domestic product.
“The accounts also show the corrosive impact of low growth and low productivity on the government’s financial performance.
“The coalition Government is determined to drive economic growth which is why it is focusing on lifting education and skills development, boosting trade and investment, investing in science and innovation, improving regulation and competition, and building an enduring infrastructure pipeline.”
Nicola Willis says it is also important to note that, while the Government didn’t set the Budget for 2023/24, it made decisions in the mini-Budget and in Budget 2024 that improved OBEGAL by $1.1 billion in the just-completed year.
“Future Budgets will continue to demonstrate our respect for taxpayers and good stewardship of public money.”
The next major fiscal announcement is the Half Year Update and Budget Policy Statement which will be released on Tuesday 17 December.
SEYCHELLES, Victoria, Oct. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As part of the broader WOO Ecosystem, which includes the WOOFi protocol, a leading decentralized exchange, and WOO X, a global centralized exchange, the WOO Innovation Hub is excited to announce a strategic partnership with SphereX, a cutting-edge decentralized exchange (DEX) known for redefining digital asset trading with its meme-focused order-book perpetual exchange. This collaboration aims to bring innovation and excitement to decentralized finance (DeFi) while making advanced trading tools accessible to a wider audience.
SphereX sets itself apart as one of the first decentralized exchange designed with meme culture at its core, catering to traders who enjoy the fast-paced world of crypto memes while maintaining serious trading functionalities. The platform combines the freedom of DeFi with an innovative order-book perpetual trading model, delivering high-performance, on-chain security and capital efficiency. With off-chain matching for rapid execution and on-chain settlement for secure trades, SphereX provides a fun yet professional environment for DeFi enthusiasts.
The cooperation between WOO Innovation Hub and SphereX is built on a shared vision to enhance DeFi accessibility and improve capital efficiency across chains. SphereX’s multi-chain launch marks just the beginning, with plans to expand its reach to even more blockchain networks, driving innovation and inclusivity in the DeFi landscape.
Abby Huang, WOO Innovation Hub Lead, said: “SphereX’s unique approach to combining the viral excitement of meme culture with professional-grade decentralized trading is something we’re excited to support. This collaboration allows WOO Innovation Hub to foster even more creativity in the DeFi space, while SphereX’s meme-driven order-book model adds a fresh layer of engagement and entertainment for our users.”
SphereX stands out by addressing key issues in the current DeFi landscape, such as fragmentation and centralization, while making trading fun and engaging. Their order-book perpetual exchange, designed for meme traders, allows users to access cross-margin trading and enjoy seamless trade execution through off-chain matching. By adding an element of humor and creativity to high-stakes trading, SphereX creates a trading environment that is both inclusive and enjoyable.
Kai, SphereX CEO stated: “Collaborating with WOO Innovation Hub is a major milestone for SphereX as we continue to expand our vision of making decentralized trading not only fun and fast but also highly scalable. With WOO’s extensive ecosystem and their unwavering commitment to innovation, we’re excited to collaborate in reaching new audiences and transforming the way people engage with DeFi.”
About WOOFi WOOFi is a leading decentralized exchange (DEX) with over $42B in cumulative trading volume and more than 250k monthly active users. It supports 11 blockchains and offers a diverse range of products, including earn vaults, simple swaps, cross-chain swaps, and perpetual futures. The native token of WOOFi, WOO, can be staked to share 80% of all protocol fees.
About SphereX SphereX is a cutting-edge decentralized exchange (DEX) designed to make crypto trading accessible, secure, and user-friendly for everyone. By prioritizing decentralization, SphereX ensures that users have full control over their assets, with transparent and low-cost transactions. Committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive community, SphereX embodies the spirit of Robin Hood, providing financial opportunities for all, especially those new to crypto trading or with limited resources. Join the SphereX community today and experience the future of decentralized finance.
Disclaimer
The content above is neither a recommendation for investment and trading strategies nor does it constitute an investment offer, solicitation, or recommendation of any product or service. The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or professional advice of any kind.
Cryptocurrencies involve significant risk and are NOT suitable for the majority of investors. The value of digital currencies can be extremely volatile, and you should carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite before participating in any staking or investment activities. We strongly recommend that you seek independent advice from a qualified professional before making any investment or financial decisions related to cryptocurrencies. We shall in NO case be liable for any loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from the use of or reliance on the information contained in this article.
The collaboration between WOO and SphereX highlighted in the content above does not indicate in any way that WOO provides, or will provide financial service. WOO does NOT endorse, guarantee or provide advice for any products or services of its business partners. This cooperation shall in no event be interpreted as an assurance or guarantee for the listing of any tokens, whether presently existing or to be generated in the future, on WOO X or any associated exchange platforms, nor does it imply any commitment from WOO X to list any tokens on its platforms or others. The decision to list any tokens is governed by and subject to a series of separate criteria and procedures, independent of this cooperation or business partnership.
Nothing in this article or any related content shall be construed to create or suggest the existence of a partnership, joint venture, agency relationship, or any form of legal association between WOO and SphereX. Each party is an independent entity, acting solely in its own capacity, and is responsible for its own actions, decisions, and associated risks. The collaboration mentioned does not imply any form of shared liability or financial obligation, and each party will bear its own risks and responsibilities. Furthermore, this article should not be interpreted as providing any guarantees regarding the outcome of any business ventures or collaborations mentioned, nor shall be an indication of guaranteed success or profitability for either WOOFi, WOO X or SphereX, or any of their business partners.
