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The JTC Furniture Hub @ Sungei Kadut will be the first specialised, high-rise and multi-tenanted development to bring furniture companies and related service providers together, says Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry Lee Yi Shyan.
A specialised high-rise development for the furniture industry will be set up at Sungei Kadut to help Singapore firms operate more efficiently, Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry Lee Yi Shyan said on Friday (Mar 13).
He said the JTC Furniture Hub @ Sungei Kadut will be the first specialised, high-rise and multi-tenanted development to bring furniture companies and related service providers together. Through clustering, companies can redesign their business processes to maximise operational efficiency.
The Singapore Furniture Industries Council (SFIC) will manage a training institute within the hub, along with a design lab and a showroom for both trade visitors and the general public, added Mr Lee, who is also Senior Minister of State for National Development.
JTC is developing a new generation of industrial space with shared facilities as a key feature to help various industries. For instance, companies located in JTC’s new Food Hub can make use of a shared integrated cold room warehouse.
Speaking at the opening of the International Furniture Fair Singapore 2015 (IFFS) and the 32nd ASEAN Furniture Show (AFS), Mr Lee said Singapore’s furniture industry has maintained a healthy growth rate over the years due to constant upgrading efforts and focus on creating value in design and branding.
Last year, the industry’s revenue rose by 2.8 per cent to reach an estimated S$6.3 billion.
Below are the speech delivered by Lee Yi Shyan
It is a pleasure to join you at the opening of the International Furniture Fair Singapore 2015 (IFFS) and the 32nd ASEAN Furniture Show (AFS). I am told that this year’s edition is even larger than last year’s – with over 480 exhibitors from 39 countries. My heartiest congratulations to the Singapore Furniture Industries Council (SFIC) – the organiser of the two shows.
Staying competitive amidst a changing economic landscape
2. As an export-oriented industry, our furniture industry has maintained a healthy growth rate over the years. The industry’s revenue rose by 2.8% from 2013 to reach an estimated $6.3 billion in 2014 while maintaining productivity growth. This is the result of their constant upgrading efforts and focus on creating value in design, branding and pursuit of qualities in their products.
3. As Singapore’s economy goes through the current phase of restructuring, the furniture industry and other industry verticals have to quicken the pace of change to stay ahead of competition. Let me explore with you, possible ways forward for the industry to re-invent and transform itself.
Growth opportunities in urbanising Asia
4. In the coming two decades, Asia will continue to urbanise. Existing cities will grow larger, new cities will spring up. When people purchase new homes, they will need furniture. If they live in large houses, they will need certain type of furniture. If they live in apartments like us in Singapore, they will need furniture which is space-saving, multi-purpose, elegant but functional, and compatible with modern and digital lifestyle.
5. Hence if we zoom in to furniture best suited for apartment living, we ought to have specialist expertise in space solutions. Our firms in this segment are no longer furniture manufacturers, but specialists in space solutions drawing upon design and incorporating innovations.
Creating unique value
6. Having an understanding of what export markets need is therefore critical to our firms’ ability to provide furnishing solutions to the end customers. As connected smart devices become ubiquitous, it is hard to imagine a large piece of sofa or bed in the middle of the room remaining “unconnected” and “dumb”. Question is what do we need to add, to make it useful to the end customers?
7. Jackson Global, a specialist manufacturer of window covering systems, has designed a new series of smart curtain and blinds systems with the use of light and humidity sensors. The system responds to external environmental conditions such as the amount of sunlight and moisture, and draws by itself to maintain an optimal indoor temperature and lighting for home users.
8. Just a few days ago, I also read that IKEA is beginning to market tables or desks that can charge up your smart phones. Perhaps someone is looking at embedding touch-screen tablets on the coffee table? Or wardrobe mirrors that analyses your mood or make-up needs for a particular day?
9. Sometimes the best way to create value is to “borrow” ideas from other industry verticals.
10. Apple Watch is an example. Apple is working with medical institutions to use Apple Watch as data collection device for health and fitness research. It is also working with banks and commercial partners to enable Apple Watch as a payment device. This is Apple’s attempt to make its new smart watch indispensable for individuals embracing digital lifestyles. What would our furniture designers do to create furniture solutions that fit right into the lifestyles of smart living or an aging population?
Growing sales in the international market
11. For our local firms to grow, internationalisation is an important pathway. Our industry players have internationalised for many years – nearly all have established overseas production bases, and have been exporting to Asia, Europe and the Americas.
12. But to stand out from the competition is never easy. Local customization is often needed to capture a significant share of the market.
13. Consider the example of Scanteak. They collaborated with OutofStock, a Singaporean design studio, to create a unique line of home furniture called “Prologue” that is tailored to the Japanese way of living. Market response has been positive and Scanteak continues to enjoy steady revenue growth in Japan.
14. Having knowledge of export markets is also important for market entry. Sitra Holdings, Ewins and Getz Brothers are companies with complementary products – Sitra offers outdoor timber products, Ewins offers natural veneer cladding, and Getz offers interior flooring materials. Last year, they came together to conduct a feasibility study of the Philippines market. They are now engaging an in-market consultant to help them seek deals and arrange business matching meetings with prospective clients in the Philippines.
Ample government support
15. At the company level, furniture firms should make full use of Capability Development Grant (CDG). I am encouraged to see the furniture industry’s receptiveness towards building new capabilities. In the last 3 years, more than 60 projects from the Singapore furniture industry have been supported with CDG.
16. For example, Matsushita Greatwall, a manufacturer and distributor of bedding products such as King Koil mattresses, invested over $1 million in high-tech machinery to streamline and automate its mattress production line using the CDG. This has allowed the company to achieve manpower savings of 16 per cent while simultaneously attaining a 20 per cent increase in output.
17. To further strengthen our furniture industry, I am pleased to announce that JTC will be setting up a JTC Furniture Hub @ Sungei Kadut. The Furniture Hub will be the first specialised high-rise and multi-tenanted development to cluster furniture companies and related service providers together. Through clustering, they can redesign their business processes to maximise operational efficiency.
18. Within the hub, SFIC will be managing a training institute, design lab and a showroom for both trade visitors and the general public. Having these co-located with our industrialists will foster collaborations and strengthen the furniture industry ecosystem. The hub will help local enterprises improve productivity, enhance competitiveness, and establish Singapore as an ideal sourcing location for the furniture industry.
19. IE and SPRING Singapore have been working with SFIC to develop initiatives that will help transform the industry’s capabilities in innovation, design and exports through the LEAD programme. I would also encourage SFIC and companies within the industry to make use of other resources, such as our Centres of Innovations, research institutes under A*STAR, our universities, and facilities under the DesignSingapore Council, to research on user interface ergonomics, environmental friendly materials and advanced construction methods. There are unlimited possibilities.
20. Our economy has reached an inflexion point. We need to quicken our restructuring and create much greater value through product innovation and higher productivity. I look forward to SFIC’s continued leadership to make this quantum leap toward the future, together. Thank you.


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Netflix has been in the news a lot lately as reports circulate that up to 30% of available bandwidth in the US is taken up by streaming Netflix customers. Helping matters along is the consistent media coverage of the broader Internet TV trend. Both social and traditional media channels are coming at the subject from different angles, but the net effect is a TrendSignal boost to all parties involved.
Whether its Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Hulu, the overall Internet TV trend is holding its own at 70 points for the March media period, with a solid rank position among competing technology trends. There’s plenty of room for growth (Internet TV is currently down 5 positions at 22nd within its Technology Trend peer group) and April looks like a good month as Amazon and Hulu gain media attention around their in-house series production efforts.
Also on the horizon are the efforts of Intel to get into the market with their yet unnamed “over the top” box service. So, lots of announcements and media attention in the next few weeks. Our Technology Trend Report has all the underlying topics and trends while our separate Technology Brands and Internet Brands reports cover the most important players.

domain: news


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Recently, the chief executive of Nike joined a string of top executives in slamming Donald Trump’s immigration ban, and called the policy a threat to values that are at the multinational sports retailer’s core. Mark Parker said that Nike believes in a world where everyone celebrates the power of diversity.
“Regardless of whether or how you worship, where you come from or who you love, everyone’s individual experience is what make us stronger as a whole,” he wrote.“This is a policy we don’t support.”
The company has followed up with a new 90-second spot that “encourages people to take the fairness and respect they see in sport and translate them off the field,” according to a release. The ad features LeBron James, Serena Williams, Kevin Durant, Megan Rapinoe, Dalilah Muhammad, Gabby Douglas, and Victor Cruz. Actor Michael B. Jordan appears briefly and provides the ad’s voiceover. The soundtrack is a new recording of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” from Alicia Keys, who can also be seen in the spot.
The initiative “is centered on using Nike’s voice and the power of sport to inspire people to take action in their communities, with Nike leading by example with its recently announced partnerships with world-class organizations [PeacePlayers International and Mentor: The National Mentoring Partnership] dedicated to advancing this work.”
Nike has also announced plans to donate $5 million in 2017 to “numerous organizations that advance equality in communities across the U.S., including Mentor and PeacePlayers.”
Just do it, Y’all…


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Divinity: Original Sin developer Larian Studios has indefinitely postponed one of its upcoming projects. The studio announced that the tactics game Divinity: Fallen Heroes is now postponed with no new release date announced. Larian was working with Danish developer Logic Artists on the game.
“It is with a profound sense of regret that today we announce Divinity: Fallen Heroes has been put on hold, as we fondly celebrate the work done so far,” Larian said in a message posted to Twitter.
— Larian Studios (@larianstudios) October 15, 2019
Fallen Heroes was announced in March 2019, though Larian was working with Logic Artists for more than a year before the game was officially announced. It was due for release in November 2019, but that is no longer going to happen.
Larian will place its focus now on the ongoing development of Baldur’s Gate 3, while Logic Artists is working on its own new game called Expeditions. “We’re sorry for the players excited for Fallen Heroes, who will have to wait an unspecified period of time, but we strongly believe that bringing Fallen Heroes to fans should be done in a timeline that allows it to be developed soundly.”
Logic Artists said in the joint statement, “It’s always said to put an exciting project on hold, but sometimes the realities of development and release schedules simply assert themselves in ways that are outside anyone’s control.”
While Fallen Heroes might not be coming anytime soon, you can always go back and play Original Sin 2–it is one of GameSpot’s favorite games ever.
In our review, we gave the game a 10/10, and the title went on to be one of our favorites of 2017. It’s definitive edition is also one of our best reissued games of 2018. A Nintendo Switch version launched in September 2019.
Go to Source
Author: Eddie Makuch


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Maersk, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, MSC, and Ocean Network Express are discussing the setup of a new non-profit body the aim of which will be to pave the way for digitalisation.
According to the founding members, this is to be done through creating common information standards that will be openly available and free of charge to all stakeholders involved in the initiative.
The association has no intent of developing or operating any digital platform. It will also not discuss any commercial or operational matters.
The association will kick off its works in early 2019 (granted it gets the regulatory approvals if any will be needed).
"MSC believes that we've reached the point in the carrier world where we need something that is common, open and done in the framework of a neutral and non-profit association. By collaborating on standardized solutions, we think that's the best way to respond to shippers' demands for technology and innovation, thus shaping the future of the shipping industry. […] Together, we gain traction in delivering technological breakthroughs and services to our customers compared to working in our own closed silos," André Simha, CIO, MSC, and spokesperson of the group, said.
Adam Banks, Chief Technology & Information Officer, A.P. Moller-Maersk, added, "A joint set of technical standards will ensure interoperability and enable all parties to concentrate on value adding differentiation as we move the container shipping industry towards further digitalization. Ultimately this will benefit all parties in our customers' supply chains."
"Ocean Network Express sees a wave of innovation technology development in shipping and logistics industry over the recent years which can bring good opportunity to the whole industry for digital transformation. But, at the same time, we’re a little bit cautious about adopting new technology by individual company since there is no common standard in the market which may be ending up with re-integrating work among all stakeholders in the supply chain. With this mind, we feel it would be necessary to do some discussion and collaboration on the area of new technology and innovation to establish common IT standard and governance for the industry to streamline and digitize shipping process in a modern way," Noriaki Yamaga, Managing Director, Corporate & Innovation, Ocean Network Express, also said.


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It’s usually the furniture and decor that play the starring role in luxury interiors. A home’s materials—flooring, walls, millwork—are often under-appreciated supporting players that do way more than they’re given credit for. But along with the many shifts of the past year, people are becoming much more attuned to all the components that go into creating a space.
“Overall, our clients don’t want anything too precious,” says Enrique Vela, director of interiors at Olson Kundig. “The global pandemic has highlighted the importance of easy-to-clean surfaces and materials—it doesn’t make sense to have anything too delicate that might be ruined by chemical and cleaning agents.”
That doesn’t mean those materials still can’t look luxurious. From kitchens and bathrooms to more unexpected uses, here’s what Vela—along with Cavin Costello of Arizona-based architecture firm The Ranch Mine and architect and designer Stephanie Goto—are seeing emerge as the key material trends this year.
Wild for Wood
“Wood has seen a resurgence in all parts of the home,” says Costello. “More people are aware of its positive psychological effects and are wanting to use more in their spaces, whether on ceilings, walls, floors, or for built-ins.” In addition to white oak and walnut for interior finishes, the most popular varieties he’s seeing right now are treated woods such as Accoya, Lunawood, and Thermory, which are more durable and sustainable choices.
Vela agrees that sustainability is influencing people’s decisions. “We’ve seen a big shift away from exotic, tropical, or slow-growing hardwoods—clients are more attuned to the impact of using these materials and want to make more sustainable choices.” Many of Olson Kundig’s recent projects feature natural textured or brushed finishes. “Brushed oak and larch are especially lovely—they have lots of texture and expressive grain patterns,” he says. “Bleached walnut seems to be a common choice, as well as ash, especially in furniture as an alternative to oak. It’s really beautiful in its natural/blond state, and when blackened too.”
“Utilizing wood in its natural state without embellishment is powerful,” Goto says. “A muse for furniture and architecture, Hinoki—Japanese cypress used to create the most famous temples of Japan—is a strong, subtly aromatic tree with a natural antibacterial quality.”


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It costs a pretty penny, but you’re paying for the best
Full, in-depth, Australian review
Apple in pictures
We got our hands on Apple's new HomePod smart speaker. Here's a peek at what to expect.
Sometimes it's the small things that make the biggest difference.
Eight years since its debut, Apple's iPhone has changed and conquered the smartphone market. Here are some interesting facts you might not know about the iPhone.
From using Siri to muting notifications to saving battery life, here are some of the most useful Apple Watch tips and tricks you should learn.
Apple’s built-in Safari browser may be the most popular among Mac users, but Google’s nearly ubiquitous Chrome is not far behind.
Despite navigating its first fourth-quarter without a new iPhone in a nearly decade, Apple still managed to eke very slight growth.
Apple has sent out invitations for a special online event on October 13, which will likely see the launch of the iPhone 12.
Apple has announced Apple One, its first service subscription service, will be available in Australia and New Zealand later this year. An exact launch date is unconfirmed, with the company saying it’ll launch in the spring.
Safari 14 offers expanded tab management, website Touch ID authentication, a new privacy report and additional customisation options.
It's easy to tell the difference between any two Apple iPads if you know where to look.
You upgraded to the latest version of iOS, but now you need to revert back? Here are the instructions.
Tabs will help clean up your windows and make it easier to find what you need.
Parent and reader Karen Haas has a new iPod touch owner in the family. She writes:
Though Apple had said it would deliver the public beta of its upcoming OS in July, that month came and went without a release.
If our round-up of the best Apple and Android smartphones you can find for under $400 and $500 wasn’t good enough for you, here’s our latest list of the top 10 best Android and Apple phones you can find for under $300.
Here’s how to safely clean your AirPods Pro, keep them looking sharp and in working order for as long as possible.
In-display fingerprint sensors might be one of 2019's hottest smartphone trends but the level of security and convenience they offer simply can't beat FaceID.
Only have $500 to spend on your next smartphones? Don't sweat. In 2019, you've got a ton of great options.
Whitepapers about Apple
With iOS 8, Apple has acknowledged the need for tighter IT controls through its addition of business-ready MDM features. But alone, they aren’t enough to meet enterprise security requirements. Get 5 tips to consider with new iOS 8 features.
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Study: Diet Supplement Helps People Sleep
JOHN YDSTIE, Host:
NPR's Richard Knox reports.
RICHARD KNOX: First, let's get straight on how not to take melatonin, according to the new study.
CHARLES CZEISLER: Melatonin taken at the typical time most people take melatonin, which is before nighttime sleep, did not improve their sleep. And that's probably why melatonin has a mixed reputation.
KNOX: To determine when a melatonin pill does work to improve sleep, Czeisler and colleagues locked 36 healthy young volunteers, one at a time, in a windowless, soundproof room, away from all contact with the outside world, for 21 days. Then they used light and darkness cycles to really screw up their circadian clocks.
CZEISLER: We shifted the person's timing of when they slept four hours earlier. It would be like traveling from Anchorage to New York and making that kind of a shift every day, traveling further and further eastward and going around and round the globe.
KNOX: This was necessary to separate melatonin's role as a re-setter of people's biological clocks from its function as a sort of reverse alarm clock that signals time to sleep. When the study subjects took even a tiny dose of melatonin during the time when their natural melatonin levels were low, that is, when their bodies thought it was daytime, they slept better.
CZEISLER: If we increase blood levels of melatonin during the daytime, when the body doesn't release melatonin, we do improve the ability of participants to sleep during the daytime.
KNOX: Their sleep efficiency improved. That's the amount of time they actually slept while they were in bed.
CZEISLER: Our study shows that if they were taking melatonin when they were attempting to sleep during the daylight hours, they'd get an extra half an hour of sleep.
KNOX: Dr. Thomas Roth says a half hour more sleep is a big deal.
THOMAS ROTH: It's very important to understand, sleep loss is cumulative.
KNOX: Roth is a leading sleep researcher at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. He says people generally run up a sleep deficit during the workweek.
ROTH: Most of us, because we lose about a half hour of sleep a night, sleep longer on weekends.
KNOX: But for those who want to act on these findings, there's a problem. There's no way to tell whether the bottles of melatonin you buy in the drugstore or health food store actually contain any melatonin.
ROTH: By and large, the products in health food stores are not governed by anybody. There's no agency which sort of defines what's in there.
KNOX: Richard Knox, NPR News, Boston. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.


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AlertMe, the home energy monitoring service, has unveiled a tool that allows web users to see how much energy the UK is using as a whole.
The AlertMe Swingometer rocks backwards and forwards as the nation increases and decreases its energy use, and depicts energy savings for specific geographic regions on a 'heat map'.
Web users who have subscribed to AlertMe's energy service, which allows users to monitor their energy usage from anywhere in the world with an internet connection, can view their individual Swingometer through the AlertMe online dashboards.
"As 29 percent of the country's total energy consumption occurs in the home, it is important for consumers to understand their role in reducing the UK's carbon footprint," said the company.
Pilgrim Beart, co-founder and CEO of AlertMe, said that by making energy usage visible to consumers, consumption in the home can be reduced by as much as 20 percent.


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now on eventbrite.
The summit is the first annual mobile event of its kind in Israel - focusing on mobile innovation and showcasing promising startups and technologies. The agenda includes keynotes from top speakers, panels on the hot topics in the mobile space and a very groovy startup contest.
A limited number of super early bird tickets are available now at the summit registration page. So hurry to grab those, and don't forget to use the MoMoTLV members code that was sent to the FB group.
Startups who want to present at the summit and get a chance to impress our judges from Navteq, RIM (BlackBerry) and other top mobile experts are welcome to register to the contest here till May.15. Winners get great exposure opportunities and nifty prizes!
The summit is part of a week packed with innovation and hi-tech events in Israel. We'll have two MobileMonday events that week (One on Monday in Tel Aviv and one on Wednesday in Jerusalem). In addition the HTIA annual conference will take place in the 2 days following the summit. And for the gamers among you, there's also the Israeli Game Dev Day 2011 on May.29
See you at the Israel Mobile Summit 2011!


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Struggling German Visual Solutions Firm Eyevis Acquired By Chinese LED Giant Leyard
April 17, 2018 by Dave Haynes
The big LED display manufacturer Leyard, based in China, has acquired the German video wall and display cube company eyevis – giving the company a greater sales and marketing foothold in western Europe and into the Middle East.
The announcement names both Leyard and Portland, OR-based Planar (which Leyard acquired) as the companies leading the deal. It is no particular surprise because eyevis was working its way through insolvency proceedings in Germany last year, so something needed to happen – either re-investment or being bought.
“This acquisition demonstrates our ongoing commitment to further geographic expansion and investment, specifically in Western Europe,” says Marco Bruines, CEO of Leyard EMEA. “It’s a great opportunity to bring together Leyard, Planar and eyevis’ strengths and resources in customer service and distribution to build the world’s leading visual solution products for our existing customers and new markets.”
“We are excited about integrating into a larger corporate environment and the enhanced possibilities for further development and sales opportunities,” says eyevis Chief Technology Officer Heiko Schaich. “It will provide a path for future growth and bring stability to our partners and customers after the strenuous times eyevis has experienced in recent months.”
Credit to the CTO to not saying everything’s been super-duper, and conceding things have been, using his term, strenuous.
The deal is expected to finalize within this calendar quarter. No terms were announced.


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Aji Ichiban, one of the largest and most beloved snack food franchises in Hong Kong, has closed all stores in the city.
According to local broadcaster RTHK, a spokesman for the snack chain said the fall in tourist numbers caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has made it impossible for the company to continue operating.
He said that its final four branches in the city closed last night, after their leases expired. The spokesman added that there were around 10 frontline staff working at the outlets and they were aware of the news of the stores’ closing beforehand.
Established in 1993, the chain has become popular among locals and tourists, with shoppers able to mix and match different snacks including pork and beef jerkys, wasabi peas, jellies and chocolates.
Despite having a Japanese character in its Chinese name, Aji Ichiban is not a Japanese franchise.
It fell out of popularity in recent years due to the products getting more expensive and customers no longer being able to mix and match the snacks.
Many netizens are now lamenting not only the loss of the store’s beloved snacks but also a source of many fond childhood memories.
Some also expressed concerns about the choice of snacks for those in jail, as the brand’s pork and beef jerkys were one of only a few types of snacks they are allowed to receive from friends and family.
On Tuesday evening, the Hong Kong Correctional Services updated its website with black pepper beef jerky or honey pork jerky from Wan Yuen listed as approved snacks in place of the jerkys from Aji Ichiban.
Aji Ichiban is the latest victim of the pandemic-era difficulties faced by many in the retail and F&B industries.
Just last week, the operator of the Jumbo Floating Restaurant in Aberdeen announced its exit from the city after 46 years.


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As India is among world's fastest growing paper markets, domestic paper industry is also worried that the rich raw material base of the country will become vulnerable if imports are not curbed.
"The infamous price crash in poplar wood (wood widely used in manufacturing of paper and cheap plywood) market could happen this time, in pulpwood (timber grown with the purpose of making wood pulp for paper production)," cautions Piare Lal, General Secretary, Agro Forestry Farmers Association (AFFA).
In four poplar-growing states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, assets worth Rs 1,800-crore has been wasted between 2001-2005 due to lack of timely market-intervention from the government.
Panic-stricken poplar farmers had uprooted even one-year-old saplings in their plantations. Plywood industry still faces acute raw material crisis as the once-bitten poplar farmers are yet to gather confidence.
This time the Jalandhar-based farm outfit AFFA, representing four lakh agro-forestry farmers, has approached the Director General of Safeguards (under Ministry of Finance) for curbing imports. They have also sent a petition to the ministry of finance.
"About 85% of pulpwood used by integrated pulp and paper mills is supplied by about two lakh farmers in India," Piare Lal told FE.
Industrial wood is cultivated in almost all states, but Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Punjab are the main producers. Scarcity of raw material has also shaken the paper mills, as availability of local pulpwood is in jeopardy.
Coated paper imports in the first quarter have gone up by as much as 70%, compared to the last quarter of 2008-09, according to data available with Indian Paper Manufacturers Association (IPMA).
Import prices collapsed in the six months from weighted average CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value of $817 a tonne in September 2008 to $680 a tonne in February 2009.
Correspondingly, the import of coated paper from China has gone up from 13345 MT in January-March 2009 quarter to 19165 MT in April-June 2009 period. The consuming industry sees the Chinese imports as much as farmer livelihood issue as a sourcing issue.
Traditionally, about 80% of the needs of wood-based industries are fed by locally produced wood, but unhindered imports are slowly changing this.
However, the governments policy response to the problem is hardly consistent. Even when DG, (Safeguards), granted a provisional safeguard duty of 20% ad valorem on all imports of uncoated paper and copy paper early this year, the Board of Secretaries had not accepted it.
A petition on imposing safeguard duty on uncoated paper imports was turned down on November 5, 2009. Farmers are also skeptical in getting any favourable response to the petition.


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In a testament to their hard work and dedication, TransferWise co-founders Taavet Hinrikus and Kristo Käärmann, were proclaimed winners of this year’s Ernst and Young UK Entrepreneur of the Year award.
TransferWise set out to shake up the online money transfer scene, with a goal of exposing just how much banks were charging for hidden fees to send money abroad. A blog page on the official website gives more insight into major banks and their exchange rates for transfers.
Kristo Käärmann discussed winning the award and the company’s dedication to their vision of cheaper international transfer. “It’s a great achievement by the whole team to win an EY Entrepreneur of the Year award. Right now we’re saving customers more than £22 million each month, but really we’re only at the beginning of our mission of making the world of finance a little fairer. Our goal is to bring low-cost, fast and fair international money transfers to everyone who needs to send money abroad.”
The award receives well over 10,000 global nominations every year, with the criteria made up of: innovation, strategic direction, entrepreneurial vision, financial performance, passion, and social impact. The EotY awards cover 145 cities in 60 countries, and is a great honor for any business to accept.
Dave Hales, a partner sponsor at the EotY awards, spoke of being massively impressed by the company’s idea of change within an industry. “They are a great example of the entrepreneurial spirit being shown by many new businesses that we are seeing in the UK. Their continued growth and success shows what UK entrepreneurs can and do achieve, and demonstrates why we must continue to encourage and support businesses like TransferWise.”
The London-based company are a huge inspiration to young entrepreneurs with a strong vision, by motivating forward-minded youth to not wait until the “right time” to start a business, but begin with enough capital and dive head first. Furthermore, 2015 is an encouraging time for any would-be entrepreneurs as the internet, aided by online store creators from companies such as 1&1, has made online selling much simpler and more user-friendly. For one, these sites mirror the hassle-free setup wizards found on today’s software, meaning that any budding entrepreneur with a tech aversion can still feel comfortable making an online store.
That said, entrepreneurship isn’t solely the notion of selling as much as possible, but seeking out flaws within an industry and implementing change for the better – just like TransferWise achieved with their aim of altering online transfers overseas.
In fact, the company is backed by renowned billionaire and entrepreneur Richard Branson, who recently shared his top 10 tips for success along with some pearls of wisdom: “Fun is one of the most important – and underrated – ingredients in any successful venture. If you’re not having fun, then it’s probably time to call it quits and try something else. If your staff are having fun and genuinely care about other people, they will enjoy their work more and do a better job. Find people who look for the best in others, praise rather than criticize, and love what they do.”
Branson’s tips in summary:
- Follow your dreams and just do it
- Make a positive difference and do some good
- Believe in your ideas and be the best
- Have fun and look after your team
- Don’t give up
- Make lots of lists and keep setting yourself new challenges
- Spend time with your family and learn to delegate
- Try turning off the TV and get out there and do things
- When people say bad things about you, just prove them wrong
- Do what you love and have a sofa in the kitchen


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German FinTech Turf -Michael Gastauer and Black Banx
Until recently, Germany had a good reputation in the financial sector although its banking industry has significant structural problems. All the more reason to be proud of Wirecard. The DAX-listed German fintech managed by the two Austrians Markus Braun and Jan Marsalek seemed to be the superstar in the booming market of next-generation payment processors. Until it collapsed. But there are several dubious German fintechs and payment processors that are active in the worldwide cybercrime scene. Michael Gastauer and his group of companies should be mentioned here.


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Happy Earth Day 2013! To celebrate Earth Day, we decided to take a look at our green stats and see the impact that Userful's sustainable computing model has had in enviromental savings over the past 11 years.
Since 2002, we've saved our customers over 779,853,322 kWh in energy savings, equal to taking 604,386 tonnes of CO2 out of the air!
Putting that into perspective, it would be like taking 104,565 cars off the road or planting 149,972 acres of trees - like covering Paris with trees 6x over, or covering all of Tokyo or Mumbai with trees.
Our latest software, Userful Multiplatform is even more flexible and allows much more in terms of cost and environmental savings for our customers. Check out our Earth Day press release to get the whole story...


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Matthew Hattersley has been appointed national fleet sales manager for Volkswagen UK, based in Milton Keys, northwest of London.
Hattersley has served in several roles for Volkswagen Group brands in the UK, most recently as national fleet sales manager for Czech manufacturer ŠKODA UK. His previous positions include Volkswagen UK supply manager and national used car manager.
A graduate of Loughborough University in Leicestershire, England, Hattersley holds a bachelor’s degree in automotive retail management.
Originally posted on Automotive Fleet


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•PeckShield, a well-known blockchain security firm, reported that there is a serious threat when staking ApeCoin [APE] and Bored Ape Yacht Club [BAYC] tokens.
•Santiment’s data showed that the volume of APE has risen lately and Dune Analytics revealed that 46.14 million APE have been deposited in BAYC’s pool.
•Holders of both tokens are encouraged to watch out for potential exploiters to avoid losing their assets.
Risk Warning for ApeCoin and BAYC Stakers
PeckShield Alert, the renowned blockchain security firm, recently released a tweet warning holders of ApeCoin [APE] and Bored Ape Yacht Club [BAYC] tokens about an imminent risk associated with staking these assets. As an example of this danger, PeckShield mentioned that one user lost his BAYC token and $60,000 worth of APE to an exploiter after participating in NFT Liquidity Pools (LP). The alert urged holders to be cautious when providing their digital assets into smart contracts for trading purposes.
Growing Popularity of Staking APE Tokens
Staking ApeCoin became popular among the crypto community in December 2022 due to its lucrative rewards for those holding NFTs linked with APE. Notably, BAYC holders receive the largest share of these rewards and there is a specifically dedicated pool for both tokens. However, with the newfound risk linked with staking activity on LP pools, participants must be extra careful when depositing up to 10,094 APE into these pools.
High Volume Entering The APE Ecosystem
Data from Santiment showed that a lot of volume had entered the ApeCoin ecosystem as at 8 April 2021 with its peak reaching 104.29 million before its subsequent dropoff. This considerable rise in volume implied increased transactions on the network which consequently aligned with spikes in other related metrics such as circulation rate; Dune Analytics recorded 62.45 millionAPEs used over seven days prior to press time.
Mitigating Risks Linked With Staking
To protect against potential losses from exploiters or arbitrageurs while participating in NFT pools activities, PeckShield Alert advised users not to sell their NFTs if they had already staked APEs therein; this would ensure that they don’t get tricked into giving away their valuable digital assets without gaining any returns whatsoever. Additionally, investors were encouraged to properly research any trading activity before committing funds so as not to fall victim to any malicious actors or schemes online..
Overall, although staking provides attractive rewards and benefits for holders of certain tokens like APE and BAYC , it is important that investors take preventive measures such as being vigilant while engaging in such activities so as not lose their hard-earned crypto resources through exploitation or deceitful practices online


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Fed President Jerome Powell reiterated in the United States Senate that it is necessary to pull out all the stops if necessary to combat the corona crisis.
The Dow-Jones index was 0.2% lower at 24.469 points around 8.30 pm. The broad S&P 500 rose 0.3% to 2,961 points and Nasdaq technology exchange gained 0.8% at 9,310 points.
The price of crude oil in the US kept the upward trend above $ 30 a barrel. This has dampened the turbulence of the past month.
Home Depot slipped 3% after disappointing numbers from the largest DIY chain in the United States. The company faced higher personnel costs related to leave and bonuses and is withdrawing its expectations for this year. Turnover did increase. The smaller industry colleague Lowe’s seems to be pulled down.
Walmart headed 2.4% higher. The supermarket benefited from the hammering of Americans in the corona crisis and saw online sales rise sharply. Profitability was under pressure from higher costs, such as cleaning and staff safety.
Kohl’s dipped 5.7%. The department store chain has suffered a loss in the recent period because many stores were closed against the virus outbreak, with sharply reduced turnover. Kohl’s is reopening stores.
On a macroeconomic level, it was reported that home construction in the US fell again very sharply in April due to the virus outbreak and measures to combat the disease. As a result, many construction projects came to a halt. The number of homes under construction plummeted by more than 30 percent compared to March when a sharp decline was also seen.


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NEW YORK — Publishers Weekly on Monday tapped New York Post publishing columnist Sara Nelson as editor-in-chief in a bid to revitalize the 133-year-old trade pub.
Nelson replaces current editor and former librarian Nora Rawlinson, who had helmed the magazine since 1992.
“I’ve been reading it for 20 years,” said Nelson. “I want to see how it can be modernized but still keep its seriousness about the business.”
Nelson, who also has worked as a columnist at the New York Observer and as an editor at Glamour and Inside.com, said she plans to bring a journalistic sensibility to the magazine and the Web site and that she plans to break news.
“It has tremendous credibility in the marketplace. What we need to do is make it livelier,” she said.
Publishers Weekly has been hurt in recent years by a soft book market that has strained the budgets of major U.S. publishers.
Popular on Variety
Book sales in the last quarter were especially sluggish, with adult hardcover sales in October falling 17.1% from a year earlier.
Meanwhile, consolidation in both publishing and retail has diminished the pool of advertisers for PW and other outlets covering the book world.
“More books are being published, but fewer are being read,” said publisher William McGorry. “The pressures on booksellers make it a challenging economic climate. Our role is to address those issues and invite perspective from the industry.”
Publishers Weekly, with a paid circulation of 24,000, also is facing new competition from VNU, which owns book retail tracking service Nielsen BookScan and pre-publication review outlet Kirkus Reviews and is launching online news service Thebookstandard.com.
Publishers Weekly is part of the media division of Reed Business Information, which includes book publishing trade outlets Criticas magazine, Library Journal and School Library Journal, as well as Variety and Daily Variety.


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A new digital Trump ad slams Biden over his “then you ‘aint black” comment.
It also uses Kamala Harris’ own words against former Vice President Biden. Harris, ironically, is considered an early favorite to be picked as Biden’s running mate according to prediction markets.
— Team Trump (Text TRUMP to 88022) (@TeamTrump) May 22, 2020
Trump’s reelection campaign is launching a $1 million digital ad buy underscoring former Vice President Joe Biden’s remarks that that African-American voters “ain’t black” if they are undecided on him vs. Trump.


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As cost of policyholders’ contributions to claims increase by up to 47% - drivers are urged
to consider the total costs of car insurance
- The average compulsory excess for theft claims has risen by 47% in the last 12 months1
- Compulsory excesses for accidental damage and fire claims have increase by 26%, on average
- GoCompare Car Insurance’s free excess protection will pay-out up to £250 for qualifying car insurance claims2.
- 43% of Brits didn’t switch any of the 10 most popular financial products in the last year.
- 88% of Brits are looking to make savings on essential outgoings and bills in 2021.
- GoCompare warns blind loyalty to financial product providers and utility companies collectively costs Brits £billions in overpriced premiums.
- Reminder to check home insurance policy for valuable emergency cover
- 26% of buildings insurance policies automatically include home emergency cover
- 49% offer cover as an additional extra
40% of Brits facing a financially ‘very difficult’ year
GoCompare Car Insurance summarises key information and help for motorists
With fears of another Beast from the East, GoCompare has tips on how to protect your bubble
- 16% of Brits have started 2021 with a credit card debt and 12% will remain in debt all year.
- 24% of Brits know they could save money on their card and loan interest, but only 9% switched credit cards last year.
- GoCompare Money provides tips on managing credit card debt.
- Wellbeing support made standard for those arranging life insurance through GoCompare
- ONS figures show that adults experiencing depression doubled in 2020
According to new research1 from GoCompare Money, 88% of Brits are looking to make savings on essential outgoings and bills in 2021, including the grocery bill, TV, mobile and internet contracts and car insurance costs.
But Brits have just seven weeks to change their ways in the New Year!
- Lose weight, save the environment and get off social media – Brits plan for 2021.
- Mental health resolutions top for almost a third
- Seven weeks – the average length of time New Year’s Resolutions last.
- A quarter pledge to sort out finances and cut back spending.
- Less time on social media is now bigger resolution than cutting back on drinking or smoking.
- Not seeing friends & family and loved ones catching coronavirus top Brits’ concerns this Christmas
- Over a third of Brits are worried that 25 December 2020 won’t feel like Christmas
- Health is a key concern – including Covid-19 and mental health issues
- Financial worries include finding enough work, affording Christmas, and paying winter bills
- GoCompare Money shares advice for those experiencing financial difficulties
- Festive foods, drink and plants can be toxic to cats and dogs.
- Pet owners are urged to be careful in their choice of Christmas decorations.
- Antifreeze, frozen water, and frostbite - white Christmas hidden dangers for pets.
- GoCompare Pet Insurance offers tips on how to pet-proof your Christmas.


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The engine room fire aboard the boxship NYK Delphinus is under control and a commercial tug has taken the vessel in tow, bound for Oakland.
Natural gas equipment and logistics company New Fortress Energy has purchased two Maersk Drilling jackup rigs, and it says that it plans to convert them into mobile LNG liquefaction plants.
With India fighting a deadly second wave of Covid-19, South Korean shipping line HMM has announced that it will charge $1 for each container containing medical supplies sent to the nation, with vessel space and equipment assigned top priority.
Covid-19: No foreign crew aboard ships from India allowed to ‘sign off’ onto Malaysian ports, says Wee
In order to stem Covid-19 cases, vessels from India docking in all Malaysian ports are not allowed to “sign off” their crew of any nationality into Malaysia during the nationwide movement control order (MCO) from May 12 to June 7, said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
Some Indian ports are feared to face shutdowns during the country’s devastating wave of COVID-19 cases, including major ports handling shipments from China. Chinese logistics companies worry that the suspended operations might cause further delays in shipments of emergency medical equipment and cargo.
As part of the Standard Club’s continuing commitment to safety at sea and focus on seafarer wellbeing, this year the Club has partnered with the Mission to Seafarers, alongside Wallem Group to support the 2021 Seafarers Happiness Index report.
Work is already well underway in preparation for one of the most popular and keenly anticipated events on the shipping industry calendar, The Maritime Standard Awards 2021. It can be confirmed that the Awards will take place on Monday November 22nd in Dubai, UAE.


text: No more wondering or speculation, Nokia's CEO just announced on the Q3 earnings call that its first MeeGo device won't be coming this year. In no uncertain terms, Stephen Elop said that Nokia's, "First MeeGo device will be a 2011 event." A device rumored to be the N9, pictured above. In general communications about new Nokia products will be made far closer to product availability. Elop added that his first impression of Nokia's MeeGo work "inspires both confidence and excitement." Let's hope so, in Q1 2011 Nokia's MeeGo smartphone OS will be battling resurgent webOS and Windows Phone 7 devices in addition to the Android, iOS, and BlackBerry incumbents at the high-end of the market.


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The biggest search going on at Google these days has nothing to do with the company's search engine. Instead, the top search may involve finding a way to pay the massive fine that the FTC could soon levy.
Although the amount won't be of a wholly detrimental or company-collapsing magnitude, the penalty will definitely sting. That's according to published reports Friday that indicate Google may be fined ten million dollars... or more.
The penalty stems back to the company's alleged creation and deployment of false code meant to willfully work around user privacy settings in Safari - Apple's web browser.
The fine could amount to more than $10 million dollars, said the person, who declined to be identified because the talks are confidential. The fine would be the first by the FTC for a violation of Internet privacy as the agency steps up enforcement of consumers’ online rights.


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McDonald’s is an American staple. Whether you dine there or not, you can’t deny its popularity. There are more than 31,000 McDonald’s restaurants worldwide serving dollar menuaires everywhere. According to AOL News, some aren’t too pleased with McDonald’s world domination. Like a blast from the Salem witch trials past, a group of artists and activists in Finland staged a Ronald McDonald beheading. The activists are a part of the “Food Liberation Army” and kidnapped the Ronald McDonald statue from its Helsinki, Finland location after showing false documentation. Neither McDonalds nor the police could save Ronald McDonald before he met his match with a custom-made guillotine. The slightly disturbing “Saw” style kidnapping videos can be found at www.freeronald.org and an interview with a member of the Food Liberation Army can be found on www.npr.org.
Beard-growing, beer-drinking and buck-naked Belgians
After the amazing revolution in Egypt, citizens in Belgium are doing the same, kind of. According to BBC News and AOL News, Belgians continue their presenting a tongue-in-cheek type of revolution. Feb. 17 marked the country’s wait for a government at 249 days after its deadlock June elections. As an homage to the event, 249 Belgians plan to get naked in Ghent. Also, free beer and French fries will be served in various cities. As if that isn’t cool enough, one of Belgium’s most popular actors, Benoit Poelvoorde, has started the initiative of growing a beard for Belgium. Like the popular “No Shave November,” Belgians will hide their razors until a government exists.


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It was once standard for credit card companies to offer perks such as extended warranties, price protection and complimentary car rental insurance to their cardholders. Many of these extras are now disappearing, which is leaving consumers wondering why these benefits are being eliminated.
Lack of Use
One of the primary reasons card issuers are cutting perks is that cardholders aren't using them. Chase, Discover and Citi all cited "lack of use" as a reason to cut features. It costs creditors money to offer benefits, such as a best price guarantee, and if their card members aren't utilizing these services, there is no point spending the money.
Credit card companies have also stated they would rather spend money on programs that interest cardholders, such as cash back rewards, low interest and no annual fee.
However, the issue may not be a lack of interest in these benefits. It could be that cardholders do not know about the services offered by their credit card company. According to recent research from Marketing Strategies, 80% of consumers are unclear about the benefits that accompany their credit card, and 52% "know little or nothing" about additional credit card features.
Another reason credit card companies have dropped services, such as price protection, is the rise of third-party apps that automatically search the Internet for better deals on products. For example, when you purchase something online, Paribus and Earny both look for better prices on the items you purchased. If they find a better deal, you will be issued a refund. Earny takes a 25% cut of the refund, but Paribus is free. Since these services are automatic and easy-to-use, they are a better option than credit card price protection for many consumers.
What Benefits Are Disappearing?
Which perks are credit card companies dropping? As of February 2018, Discover stopped providing return guarantee, purchase protection, extended warranty protection, auto rental insurance and flight accident insurance. As of April 2018, Chase removed price protection, return protection and trip cancellation coverage. Finally, as of July 2018, Citi stopped offering roadside assistance, travel and emergency assistance and lost baggage protection on some of their cards.
Other major card issuers, such as Capital One and American Express, have not yet announced any cuts in cardholder perks, but it is possible this trend will take place with additional credit card companies.
If you are curious about the additional perks your credit card offers, log in to your account online or via the card company's mobile app to see the benefits you have. Many perks, such as flight cancellation insurance, can save you money when you travel, and benefits such as car rental insurance can keep you from purchasing additional insurance coverage when you rent a vehicle.
Provided by LowCards.com


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A recent study has discovered a shocking lack of GDPR awareness among UK businesses, even in the boardroom, with the punishing regulation merely months away.
Research found that only 10 per cent of UK boardrooms are involved in the compliance process at this crucial moment, while 73 per cent of UK businesses do not know the full potential extent of GDPR fines.
Shockingly, this research from Trend Micro also exposes that 56 per cent of UK businesses do not know that email marketing databases count as personal information that requires robust protection.
Combined with this lack of GDPR understanding, 88 per cent of UK businesses express confidence that their data security measures are first rate, and cannot be further improved.
Rik Ferguson, VP Security Research at Trend Micro, said: “The lack of knowledge demonstrated in this research by enterprises surrounding GDPR is astounding. Birth dates, email addresses, marketing databases and postal addresses are all critical customer information, and it’s concerning that so many British businesses – despite their confidence – are unaware of that… If businesses aren’t protecting this data, they aren’t respecting the impending regulation – or their customers – and they definitely aren’t ready for GDPR.”
While the Trend Micro research presents troubling statistics, the recruitment specialist Robert Half recently released findings showing a spike in hiring from UK CIOs to bolster teams in preparation for the arrival of GDPR.
“With just nine months to go before it comes into force, GDPR should be the biggest boardroom issue of the moment. But the findings suggest it’s the elephant in the British boardroom. If organisations don’t take the regulation seriously, they could be subject to a fine that’s a significant portion of global revenue. The task for the C-Suite now is to see GDPR as a business issue rather than a security issue, before it gets to that stage,” said Ferguson.


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Pressure BioSciences Inc (OTCMKTS:PBIO) said Thursday that its second quarter saw strong consumables sales and serious momentum from the launch of its water-soluble CBD manufacturing system.
In a statement accompanying the company’s latest numbers, Pressure BioSciences CEO Richard Schumacher said, “Due to the poor water solubility of today’s oil-based CBD products, most ingested CBD is flushed from the body, leaving little of the product to provide its beneficial properties.
“After much diligence and analysis, we concluded that we have the expertise and experience to successfully address this critical issue. Consequently, we pulled significant hours away from many of our staff over the past few months and had them focus on the development of an instrument system — based on our patented UST platform — that would increase the water solubility, and thus the absorption, of CBD Oil. We succeeded; the result of that success is the BaroShear K45 processing system.”
The current absorption rate for orally consumed CBD is typically below 10%, but the company said the BaroShear K45 system could deliver up to a 90% rate.
Schumacher said the company expects demand for the system to grow.
“The CBD market is expected to hit $20 billion by 2024. There are currently hundreds upon hundreds of companies in this field. To survive, companies will need to differentiate themselves from the competition by delivering the highest quality products possible. Such products would undoubtedly need to have high water-solubility, absorption, and bioavailability. This is exactly what we intend to deliver.”
Schumacher concluded: “We have already begun to pre-sell limited quantities of the BaroShear K45. Units sold over the coming weeks will be delivered and installed in early 2020. We believe that such sales will have a significant impact on 2020 total revenue, potentially resulting in more than twice the total revenue of 2019.”
For the quarter ended June 30, the Pressure Bio’s revenue declined 19% to $518,700, compared to $638,800 for the same period in the previous year. Sales of consumables shot up 43% to $91,400 in the second quarter, compared to $64,100 in the same period in the previous year.
“We believe that revenue from our BaroFold platform contract services will continue to increase, and that the decline in PCT platform instrument sales observed over the past two quarters caused in part by our focus on the development of the BaroShear K45 will end, and that we will see an increase in PCT product sales over the second half of 2019,” said Schumacher.
Pressure BioScience's shares closed at $2.25 on Thursday.
Contact Uttara Choudhury at [email protected]
Follow her on Twitter: @UttaraProactive


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is smooth and continuous over the entire range.
could result in health impacts over the long term.
Yet, according to industry estimates, there are only 150 million incandescent dimmers representing an enormous, untapped market opportunity for O2Micro s Free Dimming
technology, which is inherently simple and works with any non-dimming
The technology adjusts light intensity smoothly, making it an eye-friendly dimming
A report by head of highways and municipal Gwyn Morris Jones found that dimming
rather than switching off would save pounds 147,565 a year compared to pounds 59,230 and reduce carbon emissions by 930 tonnes over 10 years compared to 515 tonnes over five years.
However, it is believed that global dimming
caused the droughts in Ethiopia in the 1970s and 80s where millions died, because the northern hemisphere oceans were not warm enough to allow rain formation.
is the result of pollutants in the air deflecting the sun's rays away from the Earth.
Now, analyses by Kaufman and his colleagues indicate that dimming
was much stronger in some regions than in others.
com has added a new market research report: Global Automotive Auto Dimming
Mirrors Market 2014-2018 https://www.
LEDs' benefits--energy efficiency, durability, high-quality and aesthetically-pleasing light--have been well documented, but those in the field have also experienced their share of issues with the technology, particularly as it relates to dimming
the lights in Cardiff will cause more accidents ("And the lights go dim", Echo, February 11).
Earlier this year, a team based at the Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics in Tubingen, Germany, suggested that the star OGLE-TR-3, which appears to undergo periodic dimming
, has a closely orbiting planet (SN: 5/10/o3,p.
CLEVELAND -- The new UltraStart([R]) T8 0-10V Programmed Start Dimming
Electronic Ballasts from GE Consumer & Industrial help companies move beyond traditional energy efficiency and take energy management strategies to new heights.
Although some LED light sources are as smooth-dimming
as incandescent lamps, others can exhibit a wide range of bewildering and less-than-desirable dimming
erratically, to shifting in color as they dim, to having a very limited dimming
range, to producing flicker or noise, to producing no light at all, to simply not dimming
Auto Business News-1 May 2008-Hyundai equips 2008 Genesis with Gentex's auto dimming
rearview mirrors(C)2008 ENPublishing - http://www.


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New ‘ON AIR’ studio builds industry resilience with virtual creativity, courtesy of Panasonic ProPTZ 4K cameras
In a bid to build industry resilience and help local business spark virtual creativity, Sydney Masonic Centre (SMC), Create Engage and Audio Visual Events (AVE) collaborated to deliver ON AIR, a state of the art semi-permanent studio offering the forefront of audio visual and virtual event capabilities.
The imperative to isolate and physically distance through COVID-19 threw calendars into disarray as conferences, plays and festivals were forced to postpone, or abandon events all together. As restrictions began to lift, the inability to meet in groups or host crowds at in-person events due to ongoing social distancing measures has meant many local businesses, associations and performance groups have struggled to continue operating as normal.
In a bid to build industry resilience and help local business spark virtual creativity, Sydney Masonic Centre (SMC), Create Engage and Audio Visual Events (AVE) collaborated to deliver ON AIR, a state of the art semi-permanent studio offering the forefront of audio visual and virtual event capabilities, harnessing the power of Panasonic AW-UE150 Pro PTZ Cameras & Controllers.
Located in the heart of the Sydney CBD, the ON AIR studio re-imagines the future of professional events and creative performances. Using three Panasonic AW-UE150 ProPTZ cameras, the studio space provides users with access to leading technology to stream their message to the community, their staff or customers, virtually during a time of travel restrictions and social distancing.
Until now, these types of production studios have been limited in existence, with most organisations opting for a more traditional and familiar style of venue or event space for production. In the current operating climate, there is a clear appetite for these alternative spaces. Since it's opening the studio has been booked out by clients for months, opting for half-day or full-day sessions. With the support of innovative Panasonic solutions, the ON AIR studio has turned an unused conference room into a fully-booked livestream and recording studio.
AVE made the decision to incorporate three Panasonic ProPTZ AW-UE150 cameras, operated by one central AW-RP150 controller. Already familiar with the Panasonic ProPTZ cameras from other venues and setups around the country, the AVE operations team can now quickly and seamlessly organise each camera angle during rehearsal, improving efficiency at the operations desk as the event requires just one operator for all three 4K cameras.
The technology utilised within the studio also enables operators to adhere to social distancing measures, without compromising video and image quality.
General Manager at AVE, Paul Keating, emphasised that the construction and design strategy for the ON AIR studio was centred around reliability and flexibility due to the global pandemic.
“The use of the Panasonic ProPTZ camera system within the studio has enabled us to deliver our clients live streams with very high production,” said Mr Keating.
"We have stocked a range of Panasonic ProPTZ cameras and controllers for years, and the use of pre-sets within the AW-RP150 enables perfect repeatability and control over each camera’s setting. Our technical operators enjoy working with them during shows and clients love the results, flexibility and cost savings these products deliver."
“The health and safety of our team and clients has remained of utmost importance during the COVID-19 pandemic. The use of three Panasonic cameras with one central controller allows us to reduce the number of people required in studio, and respect social distancing needs. This also allowed us to carefully manage client budgets at a time when many organisations are looking for efficiencies across their operations,” said Mr Keating.
Scott Cooper, Director of Sales at SMC Conference & Function Centre also said, “the refitting of this space at the Sydney Masonic Centre has allowed us to continue supporting local artists and business pursuing their creative passion and utilising streaming services. With uncertainty around ongoing restrictions of business travel, some organisations have also considered hosting national and international conferences with us too. It really is an incredibly unique and versatile space which will fulfil a range of needs in the months – and maybe years – to come.”
With an impressive list of ongoing events and conferences, the ON AIR studio has been receiving great reviews from its clients, including Blackmores Group, Salesforce, Vinnies CEO Sleepout and Palliative Care Australia.
Through the use of the ON AIR studio, Vinnies CEO Sleepout transformed their annual fundraising event from a state-based physical event to a national online platform, connecting 1,500 CEO's to an audience of 5,000 people. Palliative Care Australia – which runs Palliative Care Week in May each year – was able to creatively sidestep the inconvenience of COVID-19 distancing measures to transition their annual in-person convention to a livestreamed Q&A style event hosted by ABC broadcaster Dr Norman Swan, reaching audiences across the nation.
For more information on the ON AIR studio, visit https://www.onairstudio.com.au
About Panasonic ProPTZ cameras
Panasonic Professional Pan/Tilt/Zoom (ProPTZ) remote controllable cameras offer the highest quality optics; smooth, precise and quiet operation; and high grade sensors and digital signal processing. These functions combine with IP control, IP video streaming and PoE power, to make remote production possible without compromising on the final result.
These functions have made Panasonic ProPTZ cameras the most popular choice for many applications. Remote broadcast studios, web studios, visual radio, music festivals, music halls, live events and corporate seminars can all benefit – with remote operability allowing resources to be deployed efficiently, while also permitting cameras to be mounted where an operator may not be able to work.
Read more insights…
New Media Production Suite provides access to multiple functions on a single GUI screen for highly intuitive and efficient on-site video production
TrackingMaster has worked alongside Panasonic to install a cutting-edge camera system into Johannes Kepler University Linz lecture hall, taking hybrid teaching to a new level.
Panasonic PTZ cameras enable sports coaches to analyse performance and make critical decisions to enhance training and make those marginal gains that improve competition times.
Magna Systems has signed a partnership agreement to represent and sell specialised Panasonic Connect products in Australia. As a result of the new agreement, Magna’s focus will be centred around Panasonic’s Kairos IT/IP Platform, AW-UE160K 4K integrated camera, 4K studio cameras and the Panapod elevation unit.
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Much like Apple, Amazon is known for its ecosystem via which the company tries to contain the users within its universe. Everything they build is connected to their existing products and can easily be linked to any of the future products company plans. Whether it is the retail store, Amazon Prime, or their cloud platform, Amazon has ensured that it acts as a one-stop shop to teh netizens. While being a one-stop shop for entertainment related services as well as a plethora of other products ensures longer retention of users, which is directly proportional to the dough an Internet-based company generates, it also provides necessary ‘user trends’ to Amazon based on which the company launches new services and integrates them.
In a yet another move to integrate its services, Amazon has now made Cloud Drive available on its Instant Video app for PlayStation, LG and Samsung products.


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Safelite Group, vehicle glass services and recalibration company and owner of Safelite AutoGlass, announced it acquired Pro Tech Auto Glass, servicing western Pennsylvania, southern New York and eastern Ohio. The transaction closed on Friday, August 26, 2022.
“Founded in 1972, Pro Tech Auto Glass is committed to their people, their customers and providing high-quality work,” said Renee Cacchillo, president and CEO of Safelite Group. “We’re proud to welcome their associates to our business.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to utilize the skills and talents of their team while honoring the company’s impressive legacy,” Cacchillo added. “Together, we will deliver the personal care and memorable customer service we’re known for through our Safelite AutoGlass brand in every community.”


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Seattle police arrested a man in the University District early Tuesday morning after he crawled into a home naked.
Though the nights are longer in the Pacific Northwest during the holidays, the joy and childlike wonder of sparkly lights makes the night sky bright! Come out and enjoy one of these festive holiday traditions.
Get the girlfriends together for University Villages’ Holidate extravaganza! An opportunity for you to shop the stores you love at Seattle’s University Village, plus give back to Seattle’s Ronald McDonald House, to help children being treated at Seattle Children’s and their families.
Trying to eat healthy? If you are looking for a vegan or vegetarian lunch spot, we have many in Seattle. With our area’s access to great fruits and vegetables, there’s no reason not to enjoy a meatless, satisfying lunch at one of these locations.
Children’s clothing, furniture and home decor and tea, all new stores opening (and now open) in Seattle’s University Village open air shopping center!
Puget Sound is hopping this weekend with festivals celebrating cheese, Chinese culture and arts and crafts. Plus, the Seattle International Film Festival kicks off, and it’s Armed Services Day. There’s plenty to do in the Seattle area May 18 – 20. Don’t miss out.
University Village is an upscale, open-air shopping mall in the University District of Seattle. The UVillage is continuing to expand, and folks are pretty excited about what will be opening soon!
This weekend will be filled with cars and pedestrians, the Bite of Seattle, Mariners and Sounders games, and lots of festivals. Here are a couple of things to keep in mind.
Since opening as the Queen Anne Thriftway in 1971, the Metropolitan Market has expanded to six Puget Sound grocery stores, and for the next month, they want you to help them celebrate.


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© Mike Mozart/Jeepers Media/Flickr
Monster Beverage Corporation has announced plans to launch its first flavoured alcoholic malt beverage product in its 2022 second quarter financial results.
The beverage will be called The Beast Unleashed (6% abv) and will initially be available in four flavours.
“We are planning to launch our first flavoured malt beverage alcohol product leveraging Monster’s brand equity late in the 2022 fourth quarter…Our innovation pipeline of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages is robust and exciting,” said Rodney C Sacks, chairman and co-chief executive officer.
The new alcoholic offering will initially be offered in 16-ounce single-serve cans and a variety pack of 12-ounce sleek cans.
The Beast Unleashed will launch through beer distributors in the United States through a phased state launch approach, with the goal of being national by the end of 2023.
© FoodBev Media Ltd 2022
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Mackie Designs plans cuts at Woodinville plant
Published 10:00 pm, Friday, July 18, 2003
Mackie Designs Inc. said yesterday it plans to lay off about 200 workers and end most manufacturing at its Woodinville plant.
The maker of audio equipment such as mixers said it will keep its headquarters in Woodinville, including such corporate functions as sales and marketing, finance, engineering and product research and development. About 150 to 200 employees will remain.
But Mackie intends to shift production of high-volume lower-priced products to outside contractors, mainly overseas. Production of speakers will be shifted to Mackie plants in Massachusetts and Italy. Manufacturing of high-end, low volume products will be done by local outside contractors, said spokesman Kyle Ritland.
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"It's far more efficient to do (manufacturing) in other places."
Mackie hopes to cease most manufacturing at Woodinville by the end of September; the warning notices filed with the state Employment Security Department said layoffs will start Sept. 8. Ritland said severance and retraining for the laid-off workers are being put together. The only manufacturing to be left in Woodinville is production of prototypes.
Mackie Designs' principal product line is audio mixers, used everywhere from home studios to major movie and recording studios. The company was founded by Greg Mackie in 1990, and it went public in 1995 at $12 a share.
But the company has struggled in recent years. Sales fell from $57.2 million in the first quarter of 2001 to $40.5 million in the first quarter of this year, and Mackie has reported eight consecutive quarters of per-share losses. The stock has been delisted from Nasdaq and trades at around $1.09 a share.
Ritland said sales of Mackie products have been affected by the economy along with other consumer goods, but the company plans to introduce new products this year. "We feel like we've turned the corner."
Mackie occupies two buildings in Woodinville, one owned by Greg Mackie, the other leased by the company. Ritland said the company will likely sublease space it doesn't need.


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ZTE N880E Would be The First Non-Nexus Device to Get Android 4.2
It was reported earlier that the N880E would be ZTE’s first Android 4.1 smartphone and the company has taken one step further by planning to release an Android 4.2 update. This would be the first Android 4.2 handset released by a Chinese manufacturer. The N880E is currently available in China and it has been sold in about 1 million units.
It is unfortunate that the new OS isn’t matched by cutting hardware specs. The N880E has 1GHz Qualcomm MSM7627A, 4” WVGA display, 512MB of RAM, 3Mp rear-facing camera, microSD card slot, 4GB of onboard storage and a relatively sizable 1650mAH battery.
However, we could see this as ZTE’s preliminary attempt to bring more Android 4.2 handsets into the market. Android 4.2 debuted very recently with the LG – Google Nexus 4 and updates are available immediately for Google Nexus 7 tablet and the older Samsung Galaxy Nexus smartphone. We could expect ZTE to apply only light cosmetic changes on the Android 4.2.


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08/26 update below. This article was originally published on August 24
Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will divide opinions thanks to a combination of price increases and modest design changes. And now we know more about the most controversial of them all, thanks to Apple.
observer By 9to5Mac, the code in the newly released iOS 17 beta 7 refers to a so-called “Action Button,” which will replace the beloved mute switch on both iPhone 15 Pro models.
The code exposes improved haptic feedback patterns, specifically for toggling silent mode off and on. Historically, iOS would receive a simple haptic notification when users activated silent mode, but there was no such feedback when it was deactivated. After all, such feedback was unnecessary, since users were using a physical switch to silence their phones.
This all changes with a solid-state action button that doesn’t have any physical movement, and the phone will need to notify users when mute is on and off. Furthermore, 9to5Mac notes that the new tactile pattern for switching silent mode “feels like one solid tap” — all of which adds up to its edge.
While it’s nice to see Apple considering the possibility of using an action button, discovering additional haptic feedback will only serve to strengthen the conviction of users who feel its inclusion is unnecessary. The mute switch has become a muscle memory for millions of iPhone owners around the world.
But there are pluses. Previous iOS 17 beta code revealed that the action button would be customizable with a wide range of potential functions: accessibility, shortcuts, silent mode, camera, flashlight, focus, speaker, translation, and voice memos. It remains to be seen if multiple functions can be assigned to different pressure combinations, pressures, or gestures.
Furthermore, the solid state button should be more durable than the mute switch, collect less dirt and grime and have increased water resistance. If done properly, it should be profitable for buyers, and I expect Apple to offer it on all iPhone 16 models if customer feedback is positive.
In addition to this leak, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max (possibly renamed Ultra) will move to a titanium body, and will feature standard thin bezels, ultra-fast USB-C ports, and the next-generation 3nm A17 chip, while the Pro Max will exclusively get Apple’s first 10x optical zoom lens.
The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will get an iPhone 14 Pro-inspired upgrade with a Dynamic Island design, A16 chip and an identical 48MP primary camera, but they’ll likely avoid the steep price hikes heading for the Pro models.
Update 08/26: The full range of iPhone 15 Pro colors has been revealed thanks to a new design a leak From 9to5Mac.
Keeping in mind the endless rumors of recent months, the site reports that Apple will shake up the finishes of the Pro lineup by introducing the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max in new Navy Blue and “Titan Gray” finishes (the latter with a natural titanium look) side by side. With strong silver and space black.
Surprisingly, Apple will get rid of the gold color it had sold for five years, starting with the iPhone XS in 2018. Gold had proven very popular back then, especially in China, and was considered one of the untouchable options in the lineup. iPhone.
The news also puts to rest a long-running confusion about the supposed dark red color that was hotly supposed to debut on the new Pro models. This was repeatedly denied by trusted insider Unknownz21, who insisted that dark blue would be the new hero’s color, another feather in their cap.
More on Forbes


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Singapore’s case of collective sales fever continues to grip the Southeast Asian financial hub, as yet another record-breaking housing site headed towards the market, with this one potentially yielding up to 1,500 homes. Also in the news this weekend, Dalian Wanda’s biggest cinema operator has won a deal to open a theatre in Saudi Arabia and a major mainland developer has redesigned a big Brisbane project. All these stories and more await you below.
Another residential development that could smash the collective sale record currently held by Farrer Court is The Dairy Farm, if it obtains the requisite approval from owners and is successfully sold.
Owners of the freehold development – now comprising 477 residential units and 10 retail shops – are holding an extraordinary general meeting this Saturday to approve the terms of the collective sale agreement and method of apportionment on sale proceeds. Read more>>
Chinese-backed residential developer R&F Property has announced plans for a seven-building West End apartment project.
The developer has entirely redrawn plans for the 1.6-hectare site which runs between Hockings and Donkin streets. Brisbane developer Pointcorp had previously received approval for a seven-building, 981-apartment development on the site. Read more>>
China’s Red Star Macalline Group Corp Ltd said it plans to buy back HK$4.6 billion ($585 million) of its Hong Kong-listed shares to boost earnings per share and as it feels its stock price does not reflect its earnings performance.
The furniture store and shopping mall operator said it will offer HK$11.78 per share, a 17.6 percent premium to the previous close, to buy up to 388.92 million shares, or 9.9 percent of its total issued share capital. Read more>>
AMC Entertainment Holdings, controlled by China’s Dalian Wanda, was granted the first cinema license in Saudi Arabia and plans to open 100 theatres with the country’s Public Investment Fund.
AMC, the world’s largest exhibitor, and the Development & Investment Entertainment Co., a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s PIF, plan to open as many as 40 cinemas within five years and 60 more by 2030, according to a statement on Wednesday (April 4) from the Leawood, Kansas-based company. Read more>>
CapitaLand is partnering leading e-payment players to launch an all-in-one e-payment service – dubbed StarPay – that will cover over 2,500 stores in 17 malls across Singapore.
The partnerships announced on Thursday will integrate five e-payment modes in StarPay: GrabPay, NETSPay, DBS PayLah!, American Express and Alipay. Read more>>


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More and more masks are appearing on the faces of commuters in Shanghai. Drug stores like Watsons were sold out of hand sanitizer, a relatively novel product in China. The line for a popular storefront that sells roasted ducks on Huaihai Road, which in the early evening sometimes holds a hundred people, had just a dozen waiting at 5 pm one Sunday soon after the outbreak began.
A new strain of avian flu has begun to take a toll on the Chinese economy. Authorities in Hangzhou and Nanjing slaughtered birds and halted trading at poultry markets on Sunday, echoing a move by Shanghai the previous day.
The market responded quickly to news of the outbreak, with Chinese stocks traded in Hong Kong and New York plunging on concerns of reduced economic growth. As of noon on Monday, the Shanghai index was down about 0.7%, while the Hang Seng index was relatively flat after falling 2.7% on Friday to its lowest level since November. On April 5, Chinese stocks in New York traded at the biggest discount to the S&P 500 Index since 2008, while the Bloomberg China-US Equity Index, which measures the most-traded Chinese companies in the US, fell 1.8%.
The experience of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) panic one decade ago prompted investors to react more surely to news of this outbreak. Shares of Chinese companies involved in the farming of eggs, poultry and pigs were among the first to suffer, including Chuying Agro-pastoral (002477.SZ), Henan Shuanghui Investment (000895.SZ) and Hunan New Wellfull (600975. SHA). Authorities have declared well-cooked eggs and chicken safe to eat, but many consumers are still avoiding it.
Travel stocks also declined, led by China Southern Airlines (ZNH.NYSE, 600029.SH, 1055.HKG). Shares of Air China (AIRC.NYSE, AIRC.LON, 60111.SH, 0753.HKG), Cathay Pacific (0923.HK), Singapore Airlines (C6L.SGX) and Australia-based Qantas Airways (QAN.FRA, QAN.ASX) fell on Friday, as did Chinese travel website Ctrip.com International (CTRP.NASDAQ, CTRP.FRA). Home Inns & Hotel Management (HMIN.NASDAQ), a Chinese budget hotel chain, and New Oriental Education & Technology Group, a private educational company, both saw their stocks suffer on concerns Chinese will avoid travel or large gatherings. Citi Research forecast in a report today that insurance, airlines, consumer staples and retailing sectors would all be negatively affected.
The crisis boost some stocks, however, especially certain healthcare companies. Shares of BioCryst Pharmaceuticals (BCRX.NASDAQ), the North Carolina-based maker of an influenza drug called Peramivir, soared 29% on April 5 after Chinese regulators said it was expediting approval of the drug as an effective alternative for patients who could not inhale or take drugs orally. Roche Holding AG also stood to benefit after Shanghai authorities stressed that the virus was sensitive to its drug, Tamiflu. Shanghai officials also mentioned that a Chinese herb called banlangen, the root of a woad plant, could help to ward off the disease, leading to a boom in sales for the product.
Booming sales for other cures of questionable efficacy are sure to follow: During SARS in 2003, many stores sold out of vinegar and face masks, and consumers hoarded salt in 2011 following rumors that iodine in the salt would protect them against radiation from the Japanese Fukushima nuclear disaster.
Keep calm and carry on
It’s not yet clear how serious the current outbreak will prove to be, for both the public and investors. It may be merely an opportunity for investors to take profits or make new bets on short-term stock price shifts, or it could grow into a pandemic that will significantly stifle economic activity.
Ting Lu, chief greater China economist at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, emphasized in a note on Friday that investors are right to be cautious, as the current outbreak is worse than previous cases of bird flu. Some scientists say the disease has the markings of an easily transmissible virus, and that if it mutates into a form that can be passed from person to person, its health and economic toll will rise.
China’s lack of transparency makes it difficult to differentiate between precaution and panic, and that is undoubtedly heightening public anxiety. Official news and announcements have been slow and scarce, and the public was already on edge after an armada of dead pigs was found in the river that supplies much of Shanghai’s drinking water. So far, however, this strain of bird flu looks far less devastating than SARS, which started in Hong Kong in late 2002. China’s National Health and Family Planning Commission insists that confirmed human infections of the H7N9 are “isolated”.
Roughly one decade ago, SARS killed about one-tenth of the 8,000 people it infected worldwide and caused economic growth to fall from 10.8% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2003 to 7.9% year-on-year in the second quarter. If the current disease worsens, Lu wrote he may lower his forecast for second-quarter GDP to less than 8% from 8.1% previously.
Even so, past experiences indicate that the negative economic impact from epidemics will not last long, Lu wrote. The economy rebounded quickly after the disease was contained in June. Lu’s message to investors is much like the Chinese government’s message to its people: Now is not the time to panic.


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Last week China shut down a key terminal at is Ningbo-Zhoushan port, the third busiest port in the world, after one worker was found to be infected by Covid. This move will likely put further pressure on an already stretched supply network. China has implemented a “zero tolerance” approach towards Covid, some warn that this may not be the last closure at a port as long as Beijing continues to take this stance.
The latest wave of port congestion in eastern China could further drive up container shipping rates, which recently topped $20,000 per 40-foot box for the first time on the critical China-U.S. route as rising retailer orders ahead of the peak U.S. shopping season added strain to global supply chains
Foreign demand for Chinese-made products has remained strong — both by companies’ accounts and official data. The customs agency said in the first half of the year, exports to the European Union rose 35.9% from a year ago to $233 billion, while those to the U.S. climbed 42.6% to $252.86 billion.
From the Suez Canal congestion in March to the re-emergence of Covid cases around a major Chinese export hub in Guangzhou in June, logistical disruptions have hit global trade one after the other. Many goods can’t be shipped out, said Fang Xueyu, vice president of international marketing and general manager for Asia-Pacific at Chinese home appliance company Hisense.
“Inventory levels will be retailers’ primary concern as they are faced with the decision to either have limited or no stock of certain items or manage higher costs associated with air shipping good instead” said Dawn Tiura CEO, Sourcing Industry Group. She also added “container capacity will likely get more expensive, and shippers will likely pass costs on to consumers, heating up global inflation further ahead of the key holiday season”
Marro from the EIU also pointed to disruptions which will be compounded by key demand ahead of the holiday season. “Interruptions to trade not only pose problems for shipping and consumers, but also manufacturers who rely on critical imported components,” he said.
A cargo ship carrying containers is seen near the Yantian port in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, China, where congestion may take six to eight weeks to clear, according to some analysts [File: Martin Pollard/Reuters]


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Thanks to spikes in home deliveries and in takeaways, India’s QSR segment that accounts to about 5% of the overall Rs 4.23 lakh crore food services business, has regained about 60% of its pre-pandemic business.
Smaaash, that has cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar as its brand ambassador, is shutting shop amid a financial crisis exasperated by the pandemic and the company has sent emails to malls and employees about the closure, said two of them.
Apple to launch India webstore on September 23, one of the few foreign cos to sell online before offline
India will be the 37th country where Apple will have its own ecommerce site.
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), Abu Dhabi-based Mubadala Investment Company, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), L Catterton and KKR are likely to pick up stakes in the retail venture as well.
While this development strengthens the online-to-offline distribution network, in some cases it has brought these stores in conflict with malls in which they are situated. Mall owners want these sales to be classified as ‘in-store’ sales and are demanding a share in the revenue.
Einola’s departure comes at a challenging time when retailers including H&M in India are battling low sales due to an unprecedented pandemic that has severely hurt fashion brands.
Most non-compete agreements run for three-five years but financial compulsions may have led to a longer period, experts said. “It is also fairly common for the old management to continue after the acquisition,” said Ashish Kumar Singh, managing partner of Capstone Legal.
More than a dozen global and Indian sellers on both platforms said Ajio is already in the reckoning and many of their businesses have reached almost half of what they do on Myntra, which Walmart owns through Flipkart.
The Social and Smoke House Deli restaurants in New Delhi's Connaught Place are shutting after its owner Impresario failed to renegotiate favourable rent after the lockdown, according to three people familiar with the development.
Five executives aware of the business projections said the two companies expect consumers will increasingly do their festive-season shopping online due to the pandemic, a trend evident in the success of recently concluded promotions earlier this month.
Like Da Milano, a host of small-to-medium Indian brands, including Chumbak, Meena Bazaar and Metro Brands, are either shutting outlets or freezing expansions even as they are ramping up their ecommerce verticals.
The government of the National Capital Territory has held online meetings with some of the companies and written letters to the others, to check if they were willing to partner in the Mukhyamantri Ghar Ghar Ration Yojana, two people familiar with the matter said.
Last week, Flipkart announced the launch of its hyperlocal services called ‘Flipkart Quick’ in various parts of Bengaluru, where consumers can book a two-hour delivery of about 2,000 products like grocery, fresh items and smartphones, among other electronic items.
Earlier this month, Domino’s Pizza started stationing food trucks in various societies in Gurgaon, Noida and Bengaluru among other cities where, displaying its hygienic way of preparing food and allowing consumers to take delivery.
Barely weeks after its launch of Saffola Honey, rival Darbur has filed a case in the Delhi High Court alleging that the Mumbai rival has “imitated” the bottle, trade-dress, label and packaging of Dabur’s honey. Dabur alleges that Marico has copied the shape of the bottle, its yellow cap, dome-shaped label, usage of honey combs on the label including other similarities, according to the court documents.
The Bengaluru-based retailer also shuttered a substantial number of its Unlimited stores and virtually exited markets in north India.
As part of its post-Covid-19 strategy, the Tata Starbucks joint venture plans to open about a dozen drive-through outlets in India in a year, according to two people familiar with the company’s plans.
The French luxury brand asked the court for an ad interim injunction restraining Club Factory and its agents from importing, distributing and selling products bearing the group's trademarks including Louis Vuitton, the LV logo, Toile monogram pattern, Damier pattern and flower pattern, according to court documents.
Fabindia's other board members include Vinta Bali, former MD of Britannia Industries and Sean Sovak of Lighthouse Funds.
On Tuesday, the company's human resources department sent an email to its employees that the staff should “not succumb to rumours and neither we should make irresponsible comments,” according to an employee who has seen the communication.


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Two more retailers joined the chorus touting bargain Thanksgiving Dinner costs as the Farm Bureau says inflation boosted prices far above average. And Duda is testing new platforms for connecting consumers to branded fresh produce.
- Numerator’s data shows high grocery inflation
- Walmart serves up savings on Thanksgiving meal
- Farm Bureau survey shows Thanksgiving dinner cost up 14%
- Lidl’s Thanksgiving Basket allows shoppers to buy traditional holiday meal for less than $30
- Aldi promotes traditional Thanksgiving meal for less than $30
- Duda Farms invests in online product purchasing tool