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Roku OS 11 Update
Roku has announced today the next version of its smart streaming operating system, Roku OS 11 and the new update will start arriving on Roku players, Roku TV, and peripherals in "the coming weeks" – Roku OS 11 brings several new personalization features, system interface improvements and many more. Here in this article, you'll know what's new features hidden inside Roku OS 11.0 Update.
Roku OS 11 Features
- Roku Photo Streams – OS 11 introduces a new feature called "Roku Photo Streams" with this feature users will be able to change their screensaver to display their own photography or images with Photo Streams. Not only will Photo Streams allow users to display photos from their desktop or mobile device on Roku, but users will also be able to share Streams with other Roku device owners as well. Once a Stream is shared, other Roku owners will be able to add to it, allowing everyone to collaborate on a shared album.
- Improvements to Roku Audio – Roku OS 11 adds an automatic speech clarity setting that Roku promises will make it easier to understand the dialogue. At the same time, the update introduces new sound modes – dubbed “Standard,” “Dialogue,” “Movie,” “Music” and “Night” – that you can access by pressing the Star button found on both Roku remotes and the company’s mobile app. As you might have already guessed, these modes allow you to tweak the sound profile of Roku-branded soundbars and speakers to better suit a specific situation.
- What to Watch – Roku OS 11 will also introduce a new “what to watch on Roku” menu, a personally curated hub added to the home screen menu that will suggest popularly and recently released TV and movies.
- Voice-enabled keyboards – Roku OS 11 brings a new voice-enabled keyboard to help users with device setup and channel logins. and these keyboards will be available in Spanish, German, and Portuguese in the US and other supported countries.


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BlackBerry 10 Smartphone Is Launching In The UK First?
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Want To Know Why BlackBerry 10 Smartphone Is Launching In The UK First?
When BlackBerry held its BlackBerry 10 launch event in NYC many people were wondering why BlackBerry was launching its first BlackBerry 10 smartphones in the UK immediately, with a U.S launch scheduled some time in March.
BlackBerry 10, the Z10 and the Q10 to be successful for BlackBerry to exist as a company. The smartphone maker has watched its market share drop dramatically over the last few years as Apple's iOS and Google's Android began to surpass BlackBerry in smartphone market share. In the U.S. BlackBerry has a current market share of 2 percent in the U.S. while Apple is at 25 percent. However, things are more favorable in the UK for BlackBerry, where it has a 12 percent market share versus Apple's 25 percent.
At the UK launch of BlackBerry 10, BlackBerry senior VP Andrew Bocking backed up that point by saying:
"The U.K. has been a key market for us for so long. We have over 8 million BlackBerry users today in the U.K. and we are very excited for them to be on the leading edge getting access to BB10 on the Z10."
BlackBerry is launching its first smartphones where it currently sees the most success and that is in the UK. If BlackBerry 10 is well received in the UK, it could have a greater impact in countries where the owners of UK carriers are present, than in the U.S. where carriers are self-contained.
Analysts are also surprised to see a major flagship smartphone get announced and be in UK stores the following day. It appears that carriers in the UK showed more initial support to BlackBerry than the carriers in the U.S. It will be interesting to see if BlackBerry 10 is a success in the UK and if that even translates in to how the U.S. reacts to BlackBerry's do-or-die smartphones.

domain: news


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App State alumnus creates Excessive Nation enterprise and tradition app – The Appalachian
Courtesy of Draba
When a former App State student attended an opening at the Nth Degree Gallery and Studios in Boone, he pondered how he’d ended up there in the first place. He was invited by a friend, which sparked curiosity for more accessible ways to find out about local events.
Davis Parker, a former App State student, recognized the need for a “hub” for local events, businesses and culture in the highlands, which formed the basis for the Draba app. Parker borrowed the name Draba after the Draba flower that blooms in difficult environments. This serves as a metaphor for the “blossoming” of new and local businesses.
From here, Parker began his journey to create Draba. The app is aimed at community members, tourists and companies.
“It’s like Instagram and Yelp have a baby,” said Drabas content developer Zachary Matheson.
The app, which is expected to be released in the first few weeks of February, will allow content creators and businesses to send content to their localized feed. Then users can vote for the company and content they would recommend to other community members. After the votes have been automatically counted by the app, Draba will show the winners.
Each company has links to their social media websites and contact information in the app.
Draba has been in the works since 2012 and has seen numerous changes and additions to his team.
When Parker moved to California in 2019 to participate in the Tech Futures Group, a group that helps with strategic planning for startups. He worked with Maddie Maurer, Draba’s marketing coordinator.
“I had a lot of time to get involved … Davis moved to California by chance, so I was his foot soldier here in Boone,” said Maurer.
One of the original ideas for Draba, then known as Tiger Vine, was introduced by Parker to the Clemson University community in 2015. On Tiger Vine, users could use tiger paws as voices to rate university-based events like donating blood and Greek life. The success of Tiger Vine helped inspire what is now known as Draba.
The Draba team used this dynamic to compete, participate in forums and introduce the idea to communities across the country. In 2019, the Valley Venture Mentors Accelerator decided for Draba to participate in a six month program that contributed to funding and support.
Parker describes this program as the “incubator” that she partnered with an entrepreneurship mentor.
“They helped us develop a business model and strategize deployment strategies,” said Parker. “We mainly focused on throwing in front of crowds.”
Draba is now available for seven cities in the Highlands as well as neighboring cities of Johnston City, Tennessee and Hickory. Once launched, the app will be available for both Apple and Android products. After that, the team hopes to expand beyond North Carolina.
Draba has been working on the full roll out since the team released its alpha version in 2019. The beta version brought in over 4,000 users and helped refine the current version that they expect to be even more successful.
Since the beta version, Parker and his team of three have been working with local companies to bring them to the app for free. Companies like CoBo Sushi Bar, Foggy Pine Books and FARM Cafe have dedicated themselves to the app.
Joseph Miller, owner of CoBo Sushi Bar and Black Cat Burrito, first heard about Draba while Parker was working at Black Cat.
“He started telling me (Draba) about it and how it would be different from other apps,” Miller said. “I think it helps local businesses and the community to unite. As Boone grows, we can share that notoriety, and when we grow together, everyone wins.”
Many Boone companies have secured future cohesion campaigns with the app, for example exclusive Draba products such as a Draba-based drink in the Tapp Room or Draba-inspired cookies at App Cookie Co.
The team hopes to benefit the community by partnering with and introducing nonprofits such as OASIS and Western Youth Network.
Draba is also supported by the City of Boone, the Boone Chamber of Commerce, and the Downtown Boone Development Association.
“I can absolutely promise you that we will never have any commercials,” said Parker.
Parker views this as one of many ways Draba is unique compared to its competitors.
Draba’s goal is to support both sides of the business / customer relationship: companies receive free advertising while customers have easier access to popular content.
Parker stated that one of the main goals of the app is to help the many local businesses that the highlands have to offer year round.
“During the summer, when students leave, these companies slump,” he said. “Hopefully we can get an economic upswing.”


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With the recent announcement of 100,000 job openings, Amazon has seen a boost in its stock.
Although the majority of the market is strikingly low, Amazon closed yesterday’s trading day at $2,283.32 per share — a boost of more than 5% from the previous day, when they’d closed at $2,168.87 per share. Amazon’s market cap is now over $1.1 trillion.
The last time Amazon reached an all-time high was in February, when it closed at $2,170.22 per share.
As of Wednesday, April 15, 1:13 pm EDT, Amazon stock has increased to $2,297.31.
- See also:
On March 16, Amazon announced in a press release that they would be making 100,000 full and part-time hires across their operations network to keep as many people as possible working during the pandemic. The company also promised an investment of over $350 million globally to increase pay for their teams during this crisis.
As more Americans follow physical distancing guidelines and stay-at-home orders, Amazon has seen an increase in orders around the country.


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In 2019 the number of international tourist arrivals had reached a record 1.5 billion, a growth of 4%. However, Covid 19 outbreak had an unprecedented economic impact on the world. In 2020 the numbers have dramatically decreased, estimating one billion fewer tourists than in 2019, which is a 74% decrease.
Impact on Global Economy
In 2019, the Travel and Tourism sector contributed 10.4% to global GDP, a share which
decreased to 5.5% in 2020 due to ongoing restrictions to mobility. This change presents a loss of USD 4,461 billion to the global GDP contribution
of the industry.
In 2019 the global number of jobs created by the industry amounted to
334 million, which made 1 in 10 jobs. According to
the WTTC (2021) 1 in 4 net new jobs were created by the travel and tourism industry during
2014-2019. However, in 2020 18.5% or 61.6 million jobs within the industry were lost globally.
This dropped the number down to 272 million travel and tourism jobs, which makes 1 in 11 jobs.
Industry before Covid-19
The travel industry has been continuously growing throughout the recent decades.
According to a study published in the Journal of Travel Medicine in 2017, it was considered one
of the world’s fastest growing economic sectors. In 2017 the UNWTO had
projected an average yearly increase of 3.3% in the industry worldwide.


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Now that's a bomb, to say the least! Read on to get more details....
So you might have thought that although Priyanka Chopra is achieving greater heights in Hollywood, but she surprisingly has NO films lined up in Bollywood. Is she out of work in India? Or has she stopped signing any more Hindi films? Well, you wish! But the truth is, maybe now is not the right time for PC to sign a film considering she is insanely busy with her Hollywood deals- Quantico season 2 and Baywatch. However, given that she is soon returning to India for a month, we hear she has already signed a whopping deal worth Rs 100 crore. Yes! Can you believe it?
As reported by Mumbai Mirror, Ms Chopra has been signed for 24 advertising campaigns, all of which will be shot in the next month and a half. She is guesstimated to make close to Rs 100 crore in these 40 days. In fact, among the companies who are shelling out the bounty for her includes a leading fruit beverage brand which alone has supposedly got her on board by paying a whopping Rs 6 crore. Well, now that's like a huge deal? The exotic babe could have utilised hewr 40 days break as a holiday but turns out PC isn't someone who will stop and breathe. Work comes first and obviously, if you are getting paid as much as Rs 100 crore in 40 days, who would want to sit back home and chill?
Indeed, this Desi Girl is setting all new standards in terms of success and it's got us really inspired. Your thoughts?
Stay tuned to BollywoodLife for the latest scoops and updates from Bollywood, Hollywood, South, TV and Web-Series.
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As the sun set on a balmy Saturday evening in north London, Martine Rose‘s anticipated homecoming show became the talk of the town. The evening marked her return to the British fashion scene following her momentous international debut at Pitti Uomo earlier this year.
Transforming the humble St. Joseph’s Community Centre into a lively runway, Rose paid homage to the undercurrents of London’s vibrant club culture. “In the earliest days of our city’s unique club scene, community spaces and ballrooms were the pulsing heart of youth culture,” she reminisced backstage, following the spectacle.
The show was much more than a tribute to fashion. It was a salient call to action to preserve community spaces. One community worker had conveyed to Rose, the possibility of the Centre’s closure. A poignant moment that underlined the urgency and relevance of her stance. “These centers are indispensable, they’re the lifelines of communities,” she passionately highlighted.
The atmosphere was electrifying, painted in shades of deep red. Round tables bore Martine Rose branded coasters, carrying humorous and quirky phrases. Industry leaders like Burberry‘s Daniel Lee were seated, sipping their drinks amidst this unique ambience.
Drawing upon traditional menswear pieces like waxed jackets, trench coats, and hi-vis vests, Rose ventured into uncharted territory. Her approach was marked by a radical rethinking of norms and a playful exploration of sexiness. “I absolutely relish in blurring gender lines. To me, it’s more than a fashion statement; it’s a provocative idea to relish in. The intersection of genders in clothing is both kinky and delightful,” she expressed, referring to the long pearl necklaces, hosiery socks, slinky camisoles, and lace-detailed boxer shorts.
Her collaboration with Nike produced an exciting range of tailored clothing set to be released in July 2023, a fashion-forward nod to the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup soccer games. Additionally, her recently-secured position as the first guest creative director at Clarks bore fruit in the form of reimagined classic shoe designs.
“Clarks’ shoes are embedded in British and Jamaican culture. The brand’s popularity in Jamaica, a Commonwealth country, has resulted in its transformation into a quality symbol. Its decontextualization gives it a mythic quality,” Rose shared in a recent interview with WWD. Her designs took the familiar, the loafers, Oxford shoes, and sandals, and reinterpreted them with an emphasis on comfort.
Martine Rose’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection is a celebration – a celebration of community, a celebration of creative reinterpretation, and a celebration of blurred gender lines. It’s an exploration into the realm of sexy, playful, and thought-provoking fashion. The importance of preserving community spaces and supporting their invaluable roles in society is underlined, making it a collection that goes beyond just fashion, addressing societal conversations.
Click on this link to read this article in French version


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The HTC Desire 600 has been officially unveiled by the Taiwanese firm, sporting a quad-core processor and mid-range tag.
Earlier today we reported on rumours which hinted at the Desire 600 and the Desire 200, and with one already becoming reality our hopes are high for the latter to follow suit soon.
We're impressed that the Desire 600 comes packing a 1.2GHz quad-core processor alongside a 4.5-inch qHD Super LCD2 display, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of internal storage, 8MP rear camera, 1.6MP front snapper, NFC and a 1860mAh battery.
HTC has pumped the Desire 600 full of goodies as well, including dual-front facing speakers which harness the BoomSound technology found in the flagship HTC One, front and rear facing cameras, Android Jelly Bean and the firm's new Sense 5.0 UI with BlinkFeed aggregator.
Not all good
Wrapped in a relatively compact 134.8 x 67 x 9.26mm chassis, weighing 130g and also sporting dual-SIM support, the Desire 600 is certainly a well equipped handset.
The bad news is the HTC Desire 600 is currently only pegged to go on sale in Russia, Ukraine and the Middle East and Asia region in June - with no word on any other potential markets.
That's really disappointing as on paper the HTC Desire 600 sounds like a winner (if the cost is right) but at least it may herald those features coming to other phones in the future.
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John joined TechRadar over a decade ago as Staff Writer for Phones, and over the years has built up a vast knowledge of the tech industry. He's interviewed CEOs from some of the world's biggest tech firms, visited their HQs and has appeared on live TV and radio, including Sky News, BBC News, BBC World News, Al Jazeera, LBC and BBC Radio 4. Originally specializing in phones, tablets and wearables, John is now TechRadar's resident automotive expert, reviewing the latest and greatest EVs and PHEVs on the market. John also looks after the day-to-day running of the site.


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The lucrative business of selling alcohol in Tallinn’s port area is ending as Estonian alcohol has become too expensive for Finns and Swedes.
Things are changing for the port area, known for a long time as the Baltic Sea vodka coast where Finns hauled entire shopping carts full of alcohol onto ferries bound for Helsinki. The Estonian government’s decision for a sharp alcohol excise duty hike has leveled prices on both sides of the Gulf of Finland and done away with the competitive edge of the area’s alcohol sellers.
One of the biggest casualties is the single Alcostock Cash & Carry shop on Lootsi street. Owner Madis Eensaar said that clients have been scarce lately. The previously profitable business has become an exercise in idling. “Some products cost the same in Finland.”
The reason for this development is Estonia’s excise duty hike. The shop’s turnover has been falling by 30-40 percent a year, with the decline believed to be even greater this year. “Our prices used to be the best sales argument, while they are no longer competitive,” Eensaar explained.
Companies the business of which relies less on port shops are better off. One such is Aldar Eesti OÜ that operates 35 SuperAlko, Cityalko, and Aldar Market shops all over Estonia. Four SuperAlko shops are located in the port.
The shops’ manager Imre Poll said that number of clients and turnover of port shops has fallen. He agreed with Eensaar in that Finns and Swedes believe alcohol has become too expensive in Estonia. A large part of the shops’ former clientele now shops at SuperAlko’s stores in Latvia.
“The Finns now organize trips to buy alcohol from Latvia – it is a growing trend,” Poll said. He added that only chains that also maintain shops outside the port area and are not solely dependent on tourists will survive.
Poll said he is convinced the number of Scandinavian shopping tourists will continue to fall as Estonia has acquired the reputation of a very expensive country.
Baltic sea shipping giant Tallink that maintains six shops in the port’s D-terminal and nearby has also admitted turnover is dwindling, although not as much. “The reason for a slight slump in sales is the considerable hike of the excise duty on light alcoholic beverages in Estonia that has led to some products, like beer for example, becoming more expensive. However, a price difference with Finland and Sweden still exists,” Aimar Pärna, head of Tallink Duty Free explained.
He said that cheap alcohol is not always the purpose of Finnish and Swedish passengers in Estonia.
Member of the board and sales director of one of Estonia’s leading alcohol producers, Saku Õlletehas, Jaan Härms also believes alcohol sales will drop by a few dozen percent in Estonia next year. The brewery will make up for the decline with sales in Latvia, but will lose Finnish buyers, BNS reports.
“The Finns already buy considerably less from Estonia; some do their shopping on the Latvian border, while a part of the market will simply disappear,” Härms said.
The excise duty on alcohol has been hiked twice this year: rates went up for all alcoholic beverages in February, while the duty on light alcoholic beverages went up again in July. The next hike is scheduled for February.
The Estonian Institute for Economic Research keeps track of foreigners’ alcohol purchases in Estonia. The institute’s calculations suggest foreign tourists bought 6.18 million liters of pure alcohol from Estonian shops last year and 6.1 million liters the year before. No data is available for this year yet.


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The University of Colorado athletic department will hold a garage sale in Balch Fieldhouse on the west side of Folsom Field from noon to 5 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m.until the end of the spring game Saturday. The game begins at 10:30 a.m. at Folsom Field.
Fans can purchase unused athletic equipment from CU’s inventory from recent years at discounted prices. Some of the equipment features the CU logo. There are no guarantees in regard to specific sizes being available.
There will be a limited number of game-worn jerseys available for the first time this year and on Saturday only, the department will sell a limited number of game-used gold helmets.


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The Alliance of Digital India Foundation (ADIF) has filed a petition earlier than the Competition Commission of India (CCI) by way of their attorneys at Sarvada Legal searching for interim aid from Google’s new PlayStore coverage which works into impact from March 2022. The matter is already being appeared into by the CCI for potential abuse of dominance by Google within the app market.
This aid has been sought by ADIF on behalf of App builders as Google’s new coverage will limit sure classes of apps to make use of solely Google Billing System (GBS) for accepting funds. This could be a problem for app builders as a result of GBS expenses 30% fee for all transactions on the Google Play Store, in comparison with 2% charged by different fee processing programs. There is a powerful case for searching for such aid as this new coverage, when it goes into impact subsequent March, would have a damaging impact on the working margins of a lot of startups and make their enterprise fashions infeasible.
The CCI had in November 2020 directed a probe by the Director General into the problem of obligatory use of Google Play Store’s fee system for paid apps & in-app purchases. The fee is of the prima facie view that such a coverage is unfair because it restricts the flexibility of app builders to pick out a fee processing system of their alternative.
In its petition to the fee, ADIF, which represents the pursuits of varied stakeholders comparable to startups, app builders, and so on. and espouses the target of enhancing the startup ecosystem of the nation, has said that the 30% fee charged by Google is extraordinarily excessive and unfair. However, the group mentioned that the core concern is the obligatory imposition of the Google Play Billing system and the exclusion of different strategies of fee.
“This will have a disastrous effect on India’s digital ecosystem by reducing choices available in the hands of app developers and users as well as harming the country’s innovation ecosystem by disrupting the cost structures and margins of multiple industries,” it mentioned.
While ADIF will help the continued inquiry by the Director General into the matter, it has been compelled to maneuver the applying for interim aid to guard the selection of app builders to make use of different fee programs with way more favorable phrases of service. Google’s new coverage will exclude competing fee service suppliers from the marketplace for funds for digital items consumed by way of Android gadgets.
“ADIF foresees that barring an order passed by this Hon’ble Commission to maintain status-quo until the completion of the ongoing inquiry, Google shall proceed to enforce its terms on the Play Store, thereby leading to adverse and irreversible consequences on India’s fledgling startup ecosystem,” mentioned Sijo Kuruvilla George, Executive Director, Alliance of Digital India Foundation.
Murugavel Janakiraman, the Founder and CEO of Matrimony.com, mentioned: “The matter is not as much about the percentage of commission charged as it is about the anti-competitive practice of forcing a payment option as well as of forcing out other payment providers. If not kept in check, such anti-competitive policies and gatekeeper commissions will be imposed on more and more categories, causing a disastrous effect on competition and prices in India.”
ADIF believes that if the established order shouldn’t be maintained pending the completion of the inquiry, Google will implement its phrases on the Play Store in March 2022, resulting in irreversible penalties for India’s startup ecosystem.


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Rain ruins bricks worth millions in Sudurpaschim Province
DHANGADHI: Brick producers in Sudurpaschim Province suffer loss worth millions due to rainfall.
Continuous rain since Friday in the province has damaged millions of raw bricks readied to be baked in the brick kilns of the province.
Around 400 million bricks are produced annually by nearly 90 brick industries in the province. However, the industries have failed to produce optimally this year due to the rain.
According to Birbal Bishwakarma, chairperson of Sudurpaschim Brick Entrepreneurs Association, the on and off downpour since December 14, 2019 has completely damaged the raw bricks creating a scarcity of bricks in the province.


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On June 12, 2021, the City of Dubuque Public Works Department, in partnership with the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency (DMASWA), held an electronics drop-off recycling event at the Municipal Services Center in Dubuque. In total, 237 people participated, recycling over 340 televisions and other household electronics, resulting in 19,000 pounds of material diverted… Read more
With its infinite life cycle, copper is a truly circular material that can be recycled over and over with no loss of its physical properties. With a global shift toward renewable resources and decarbonization, copper will play a key role in sustainable development. International Copper Association (ICA) members are invested in circular practices to meet future demand, close copper’s loop and increase recycling rates. Each person generates 270 kilograms, or 595 pounds, of waste annually. By 2050, experts expect this figure to grow 70 percent. That is more than double the population growth in the same period! Copper’s recyclability contributes to resource conservation, urban mining and recycling initiatives. Recycled copper already meets 35 percent of global copper demand. The current global end-of-life recycling rate for copper is 40 percent. In some parts of the world, such as the EU, China and Japan, more than half of all copper is recycled after use.
Eco friendly…sustainable…recyclable…green. There are many terms we use and we’re always interested in what new ideas the housing industry is utilizing. Could your house use a few upgrades in these areas? If so, you may find just what you’re looking for in today’s video as we bring you 15 Eco Friendly and Sustainable Houses for Living Green!
At Best Buy, we aspire to drive forward the circular economy by maximizing the value of the resources in consumer electronics. We do this by reducing product damage prior to customer use, extending the useful life of products through our repair and trade-in programs, and recycling to the highest-value commodity at a product’s end of life. Best Buy has been collecting consumers’ used electronics since 2009 through our in-store recycling program. The program is both solving a customer need and keeping potentially harmful materials out of landfills. We have collected more than 1.7 billion pounds of electronics and appliances, and we are on track to meet our goal of collecting 2 billion pounds by 2020. However, we still wanted to innovate and move the industry forward.
On July 8, at the Eco Forum Global Annual Conference in Guiyang, China, Circle Economy and ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability officially launch their partnership to accelerate the global transition to a circular economy through cities. In addition, the announcement also kicks off collaboration with ICLEI East Asia on developing the first regional partnership towards the practical implementation of the circular economy within East Asian and European cities.
For a society accustomed to the achievements of a linear economy, the transition to a circular economic system is a hard task even to contemplate. Although the changes needed may seem daunting, it is important to remember that we have already come a long way. However, the history of the waste hierarchy has taught that political perseverance and unity of approach are essential to achieving long term visions in supply chain management. Looking back, it is helpful to view the significance of the Lansink’s Ladder in the light of the sustainability gains it has already instigated.
edie has launched a new report that acts as a business blueprint of key considerations for the UK private sector to assist with efforts to reach net-zero carbon emissions. We know the net-zero carbon future we want to achieve. But how are we going to achieve it? Inspired by edie’s award-winning Mission Possible campaign, this Net-Zero Carbon Playbook inspires and empowers businesses to ramp up efforts across all areas of sustainable development to achieve net-zero. Produced in association with Centrica Business Solutions and featuring input from The Climate Group and edie’s Countdown to COP26 Festival partner O2, the report provides this unique insight and inspiration through the lens of five interconnected pillars related to the future of sustainable business: Energy, Resources, Mobility, The Built Environment, and Business Leadership. The document provides a net-zero carbon progress report across all of these areas; empowering businesses to take specific actions to accelerate that progress themselves.
Today I want to bring to the attention of the reader The Hera Group (Gruppo Hera), an Italian multi-utility that with its unique business strategy respects the environment while creating shared value to its customers. The company brings innovation on all fronts, from Circular Economy, Utility 4.0, Smart City, to Customer Experience. Let’s start from the beginning. Hera (Holding Energia Risorse Ambiente) was created in 2002 as the first Italian experiment in the combination of council-owned companies into a single multi-utility to optimize their respective assets and provide for efficient and integrated services to their customers. Hera is mainly a publicly-owned company, where the shareholder municipalities are united under a shareholders’ agreement.


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Milwaukee Tool says it upgraded key M12 Cordless Drilling and Fastening products.
The company will introduce six new drilling and fastening models this year, four of which will begin a transition to replace existing models on the market today.
One example, the 2462 M12 1/4-in. Hex Impact Driver will feature a new Milwaukee optimized mechanism, which delivers 1,000 in-lbs of torque and increases driving speed by up to 50%, the company claims.
The new tools will also feature upgraded ergonomics with narrow, soft contoured grips for maximum comfort during prolonged use, and an all metal reversible belt clip to quickly and easily hang the tool.
Milwaukee will continue to feature all metal chucks on their 12V drill/drivers and hammer drill /drivers -- a major competitive advantage, the company said. The tools will also continue to feature Redlink Intelligence for increased protection in abusive situations. All tools will be backed by a five-year warranty.
The new tools are compatible with the entire M12 System, now offering more than 50 cordless Lithium-Ion products.
The M12 Cordless system was introduced in 2007.


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NEW DELHI: Reliance’s JioPhone could lead to another round of revenue and margin pressure for carriers, analysts at Credit Suisse
have said, while those at Morgan Stanley
have termed it as a “good value phone” that can have several use cases in the rural markets.
In their first impression of the VoLTE feature phone
from Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Jio Infocomm, both global brokerages
said the Rs 1,500 device offers decent value for money
, highlighting the minimal buffering of live streaming of TV content on the phone and good-quality casting of content onto television.
While they pointed out the absence of YouTube and Facebook apps and NFC enablement, they were divided on the language support for voice assist feature — Credit Suisse said the feature supports all 22 Indian languages, but Morgan Stanley held that only Hindi and English were supported.
“Overall, the feature phone coming after reasonable success of the smartphone launch and with good specs for the phone itself should lead to another round of revenue and margin pressure for telcos,” said Sunil Tirumalai, research analyst at Credit Suisse. The 4G feature phone, which has started coming into the hands of consumers, is expected to be the next big disruptor in the telecom industry, which, for the past four quarters, has been engulfed in a brutal tariff war that has eroded revenues and profits of older players.
Reliance Jio had 129 million 4G smartphone users on its network at the end of August, which is about 80% penetration in the existing 4G handset market, said Morgan Stanley analysts. “Jio believes that of the nearly 500 million existing unique feature phone users in the country, over 50% of them pay monthly tariffs of Rs 150-200, and are the target market for JioPhone,” they said.
Relaince Jio, the latest entrant in India’s telecom sector, aims to complete the delivery of its 6 million JioPhones by Diwali. Jio had said last month it aims to deliver 100-150 million phones in the next six months (five million a week), but sources close to the firm had then said it was bracing for competition from other feature phone makers as well.
For instance Micromax, which has tied up with BSNL for launching an entry-level 4G VoLTE feature phone, Bharat One, in the first week of October at about Rs 2,000, will join the race for a share of the segment of basic phones created by JioPhone.


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The Billionaire Capital Of The World
The Billionaire Capital of the World is once again, Beijing. For the third year in a row, the Hurun Global Rich List has released a report showing that China has a staggering increase in billionaires.
China had an entire 210 new billionaires, with a current 819 total. In comparison to the US which ranks second, China has 40% more billionaires.
Beijing has become the ‘Billionaire Capital of the World’ for the third year running, according to the recently released Hurun Global Rich List 2018.
The capital city of China, Beijing is reported to have more rich men that any city in the world, with 131 billionaires. Five other Chinese cities, including Hong Kong, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hangzhou and Guangzhou were in the top 10 cities for 2018.
In America, New York is the only city that has made it to the top 10, with 92 billionaires. Regardless, seven out of the ten richest men are from the U.S. No Chinese billionaires have made it to the top 10, with the best being in 15th place globally, Poney Ma Huateng.
This incredibly rapid growth in billionaires in China suggests a highly alarming income inequality. According to a Peking University report, the rich own a third of the county’s fortune. The poorest population own just one percent of China’s wealth.
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Facts About the Galapagos
Most nature lovers who embark on wildlife holidays in Galapagos are familiar with the archipelago's most iconic wildlife species, which include the Giant Tortoise, the Lava Lizard, the Marine Iguana, the Galapagos Sea Lion, and the Blue-Footed Booby. But while the wildlife has been studied and documented extensively, there are also some lesser-known facts about these wonderfully unique species. For anyone planning wildlife holidays in the Galapagos, knowing a few of these before the trip may add
Top Producers in the Industry
You may not realize it but the music industry is really bit. So much so that it is worth more than twenty billion dollars. That’s right, more than twenty billion dollars. It is easy to see how many musicians are actually some of the richest people in the world. With that said, even though the musician is the star, there are actually a lot of people who work behind the scenes to bring you the music you love. A musician doesn’t do all the work themselves. Instead, they have a team of people wh
Different Potato Dishes
Whenever you are strapped for cash, cooking seems like the most challenging thing to do. It is especially difficult if you don’t have much time or ingredients. So you will be pleased to know that if you have a few potatoes, you can actually make a number of different dishes. That’s right, now you won’t only need potatoes but they are the star of the dish. You should also know that potatoes are carbohydrates. This means that you will actually get full really quickly. You will also stay full
Does Denim on Denim Look Good?
Although it might not seem like it men's fashion has come a long way. So much so that there are now fashion lines solely dedicated to men. With that said, you may find yourself having a few fashion issues from time to time. Don’t worry, this is completely normal. Everyone struggles with fashion every now and again. However, you should know that you aren’t alone and that there is in fact a few tips that could help you out. With that said, we are here to give you a few fashion tips on wearing
Desserts You Can Make in the Microwave
Everyone has their favorite desserts. This is why bakeries do so well. However, you may not always have the time to run down to the bakery when you have a craving. Now you may think that you can simply make something at home and well you can. However, sometimes you don’t want a big portion of dessert so making too much of it will simply seem like wasting. So where does this leave you? Well, you can still get your sweet craving taken care of by making a dessert in the microwave. Yes, that’s r


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- Made in India devices are incoming.
- It is believed that the company will launch four smartphones.
- Lava is also expected to launch a fitness tracker.
Lava the Indian smartphone brand and the company is working with other popular brands to develop smartphones but the same is not restricting the company to make its own products. The company recently launched an entry-level smartphone in the market of India. Now the company confirms to launch new products as soon as next year. So without making any further delay let’s dive into the article to check out all the available details of the same.
The company has shared a teaser video on the official Twitter handle and we can see Sunil Raina, President and Business Head, Lava Mobiles in the video and he is talking about changing the history in the mobile industry.
It is confirmed that the company is gearing up to host an event on January 7 where the company will announce new products and we believe that the devices are made in India and that’s why the company executive strengthening the word ‘never before’.
— Lava Mobiles (@LavaMobile) December 28, 2020
The company is believed to launch four new smartphones in India and we believe that the same will be coming with an affordable price tag and it is also expected that the company will launch a new fitness tracker and that means the company is getting into the wearable segment as well.
As of now, we don’t have any other information about the upcoming devices of the company but it is really great to see that the Indian brands are coming back into the game. As the Indian smartphone brand Micromax also came back into the Indian smartphone market recently.
We are looking forward to hear more about the same in the coming days and we recommend you to stay tuned with us for more interesting information from the world of Technology at your fingertips.
Read interesting news, reviews as well as tips & tricks on TechnoBugg website, and stay updated with the latest happenings of the tech world on the go with Technobugg App. Also follow on Google News and join our Telegram channel for the latest updates.


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As the United States observes Labor Day and financial markets take a brief hiatus on Monday, investors are gearing up for a packed week ahead. September kicks off with a bang, with a flurry of earnings reports and economic data poised to make waves. Among the standout performers this year is the tech-heavy Nasdaq, boasting a remarkable 34% gain, outstripping the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500.
Labor Day Closures
On Labor Day itself, U.S. stock and bond markets will remain closed, providing a moment of respite for traders and investors alike. The pause in trading serves as an intermission in a year marked by dynamic market shifts.
Goldman Sachs Unveils Communacopia + Technology Conference
Attention then shifts to Tuesday, when the Goldman Sachs Communacopia + Technology Conference takes center stage. This highly anticipated event will feature presentations by industry giants such as Nvidia, AMD, and Intuit. Investors will be eagerly tuning in for insights into these companies’ business strategies and their strides in the field of artificial intelligence.
Nvidia, in particular, stands out as a frontrunner in the AI sector. Its shares have skyrocketed, posting an impressive 230% gain this year, closing just shy of an all-time high at $487. The company’s consistent growth underscores the pivotal role of AI in shaping the future of technology.
Economic Data on the Horizon
The first week of September also promises a deluge of economic data. Key indicators include total vehicle sales, factory orders, and durable goods. These metrics will provide critical insights into the health and direction of the U.S. economy.
Earnings Reports and the Fed Beige Book
Wednesday promises to be a significant day, marked by earnings reports from GameStop, American Eagle Outfitters, and Dave and Buster’s Entertainment. These reports will offer a glimpse into the performance and strategies of these retail giants, shedding light on consumer trends.
Simultaneously, the U.S. Federal Reserve will release its Beige Book report. This comprehensive assessment of economic conditions across the nation’s 12 districts will be scrutinized by experts and investors, offering valuable context for economic decision-making.
Trade Balance and Jobless Claims
Wednesday continues to be eventful with the release of critical trade data, including imports, exports, and the trade balance. These figures play a pivotal role in assessing the nation’s global economic standing.
On the same day, jobless claims data will be unveiled, providing insights into the labor market’s resilience. Additionally, earnings reports from DocuSign and Smith & Wesson will be closely monitored, offering a diverse snapshot of corporate performance.
Mortgage Rates in Focus
With mortgage rates hovering at 7.23% for a 30-year fixed rate, housing and real estate markets are under scrutiny. These rates play a central role in shaping homebuyers’ decisions and the broader economy.
Kroger’s Impact on Inflation
On Friday, all eyes will be on Kroger as the nation’s largest grocer reports to shareholders. This event provides a unique window into the evolving landscape of inflation and its effects on consumer goods and grocery prices.
Closing with Wholesale Trade Data
The week concludes with the release of data on wholesale trade and inventory, giving analysts and investors a final piece of the puzzle to assess the overall economic landscape.
In a year characterized by resilience and rapid change, the U.S. financial markets are poised for a captivating week. From technology powerhouses to economic indicators, every development will contribute to the ongoing narrative of economic recovery and transformation. Stay tuned for a week that promises insights, challenges, and opportunities in the world of finance.
Download our app MadbuMax on the Apple App Store for the latest news and financial tools. Interested in getting your finances in order do not forget to check Dr. Paul Etienne’s best-seller book on personal finance. To access more resources, tools, and services please click here. Also, do not forget to follow Dr. Etienne on IG or Twitter.


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Bieber was seen shortly after Calvin Klein released photos from its spring ’16 global ad campaign featuring a shirtless Bieber.
Last month, Bieber switched out the Vans and opted for the latest Yeezy Boost 350 release in tan. For the past few months, during his “Purpose” promo tour, Bieber continually chose Vans as his go-to sneaker style. Since receiving Kanye West’s newest colorway, Bieber has been rocking the Yeezys, and with Yeezy Season 3 on its way, Bieber will have more to choose from.
Another new Vans look Bieber may invest in: the Vault by Vans spring ’16 collection. Leopard and zebra pony-hair prints are seen throughout the six-piece collection, which retails for $100 to $120.
Click through the gallery to see more photos of Bieber wearing Vans.


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Major Uber Shareholder Sues to Have Travis Kalanick Removed from Board
Uber is desperately trying to find a new CEO that can help steer the company out of the mud that cofounder Travis Kalanick left it in.
But at least one investor feels Uber isn’t quite ready for that change while Kalanik retains his board seat.
Benchmark, a major shareholder in the company, filed a lawsuit against Kalanick this week. The venture capital firm is seeking to remove him from the board.
Until an outcome is reached, the move is apt to stall Uber’s turnaround efforts.
“It puts the company in limbo and prevents them from moving forward,” Arun Sundararajan, author of The Sharing Economy, told Bloomberg. “This kind of fight is going to hurt Uber significantly in the short term.”
Benchmark was a major contributor in forcing Kalanick’s hand earlier this year when the infamous CEO abruptly resigned following intense pressure from investors. Uber says it has been looking to appoint a new chief in September, but this latest move will likely push that timeline back.
Not everyone agrees that Kalanick is ultimately bad for the company, including some employees who believe Uber would not be as big as it is today without him. Regardless, Uber seems to be just doing fine in his absence: the ride-hailing giant recently reached five billion trips taken on the platform and usage doesn’t appear affected by Uber’s scandals.


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Doro is pleased to announce its first partnership with Three UK. The network will be selling the Doro 6520 handset at a cost of £49.99 .
Billed as the ideal phone for seniors, the Doro 6520 is a 3G device with internet functionality. It can also be used for sending emails and enables users to access Facebook to socially connect with family and friends.
The device has all the core functions that make up Doro’s DNA including loud and clear sound, which is 3x louder than a standard mobile, Hearing Aid Compatibility, easy-to-use menus, adjustable font sizes and an assistance key.
The Doro 6520 has a larger 2.8inch screen for easier viewing of messages and social content. The device can also be managed using MyDoroManager.com. The user, can set up contacts, calendar events, the assistance button as well as share and back up photos to or from their computer.
Says Chris Millington, Managing Director of Doro UK and Ireland: “We’re extremely proud to say our handsets are now available to customers through every operator in the UK and all leading retailers.”


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Search by keywords: antibiotic
A project that aims to reduce the need for antibiotics in Egypt’s tilapia farming sector is gaining momentum.
Bacteriophages can prove an effective alternative to the use of antibiotics to tackle Vibrio infections in shrimp aquaculture, according to a new study.
This new program will open up an opportunity for pangasius to benefit the lowest anti-dumping duty, Chairman of Vietnam Pangasius Society Dương Quốc Nghĩa said.
Facing increasingly stringent product quality requirements, Vietnamese Tra fish exporters must comply with new standards for farming areas, breeding
Folium Science has developed a new partnership to extend the application of its “guided biotics” technology to farmed salmon.
To control fish bacteria diseases, feeding infected fish with approved, antibiotic-medicated feed is a general practice.
In the review, the researchers explore the benefits and constraints of bacteriophage therapy, identifying the potential treatment opportunities
Organic shrimp cultivation without using antibiotics is the new direction of development of farmers in Khánh Hòa.
Supplemental inulin can replace antibiotic use for growth promotion in broilers without altering the physiochemical properties of the meat produced, researchers
Shrimp producers can apply relatively simple in vitro analyses, like the ones used in this study, to help make adequate management decisions to reduce


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FedEx Express (FedEx) said on Tuesday that it is expanding its presence with its new Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa (MEISA) hub at Dubai World Central Airport (DWC) in Dubai South.
The facility was officially inaugurated by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline and Group, together with Raj Subramaniam, Chairman and CEO of FedEx Corporation, Richard W. Smith, President and CEO of FedEx Express, Airline and International, and Kami Viswanathan, President of FedEx Express MEISA.
The launch of the center marks a long-term investment of more than $350 million (Dh1.3 billion) in the UAE economy through infrastructure and technological advancements at the facility.
The 57,000 square meter facility incorporates advanced technologies including automated sortation systems that improve the efficiency, accuracy and speed of package processing and distribution from the facility. The center also has two automated high-speed X-ray machines equipped with artificial intelligence, to efficiently scan goods and improve security. Additionally, a 170 m2 cold storage area serves a wide range of temperature-sensitive shipments.
The facility meets Dubai Municipality’s green standards and includes a solar energy project and a building management system that helps ensure efficient energy use. Additionally, FedEx is leveraging the electric ground service fleet along with electric charging stations for pickup, delivery and employee vehicles.
“The opening of the FedEx MEISA center in Dubai South is a strategic milestone for Dubai’s aviation and logistics sectors, as it consolidates the emirate’s strong infrastructure, strategic location and ongoing efforts to improve global connectivity. As we continue to strengthen Dubai’s position as a leading business hub, this new facility underlines our commitment to supporting trade growth, perfectly aligning with our vision of economic diversification and innovation-driven development,” said Sheikh Ahmed.
“Given the UAE’s current status among the top five countries in global re-export operations, our regional center not only aims to serve the MEISA region, which represents approximately 45 percent of the world’s population, but is also a part crucial part of our global air network that connects 220 countries and territories,” said Richard W. Smith.
“At Dubai South, our mandate is to support the government’s economic diversification efforts through the different services and solutions we provide to local and international businesses, complemented by our state-of-the-art infrastructure. We are delighted to welcome the new FedEx facility, which will serve as a regional hub that will contribute to the growth of the emirate’s major sectors, aviation and logistics, while catalysing its role in the broader development of an economy. focused on innovation and technology,” Khalifa said. Al Zaffin, CEO of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South.


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This close-up look at consumer preferences and behaviours around the Dry January trend confirms a growing appeal and acceptance of no alcohol options among consumers and a signals lasting shift in the hospitality landscape.
Of consumers surveyed in December 2023 about their plans to participate in Dry January, just under half said yes, while just over half said no. But the reality painted a different picture. Of those who committed to Dry January, only 13% remained ‘dry’ by the end of the month, accompanied by a significant 72% dropout rate.
The new Pulse Report showcases the direct influence of such initiatives on consumer behaviour, with over half of consumers planning to drink alcohol again while moderating their intake after January. Over a third plan to abstain for the foreseeable future, while just 11% plan to go back to their normal alcohol consumption.
Traditional no-alcohol drinks were the most popular options for consumers cutting out or reducing their alcohol intake in January. Other categories benefited during Dry January as consumers drank water (45%) and soft drinks (34%) more than usual. But, what about the no alcohol alternatives making abstention and reduction of intake a more sophisticated proposition?
Mocktails emerged as the preferred choice, with a quarter of consumers drinking them the same amount as usual during Dry January, and a further quarter trying them for the first time during the month. No alcohol beer, no alcohol spirits and no alcohol wine shared similar approval rates.
These adaptations underscore the growing importance of offering diverse no alcohol drinks selections in venues to supply to evolving consumer preferences. It’s a pivotal opportunity for brands, suppliers and operators to innovate and meet consumer demands, marking a shift towards inclusivity and choice within the German On Premise.
Bilal Kaddouri, CGA by NIQ’s Client Solutions Director – Germany, said: “The data illustrates a year-round interest that goes beyond a month-long initiative. It’s imperative for drinks brands, suppliers, and venue operators to deeply comprehend and adapt to these changing appetites. Prioritising and enhancing the selection of no alcohol options can attract a broader audience, while also reinforcing the social allure of On Premise experiences amongst no and low alcoholic drinkers.”
You can download the full Germany On Premise Consumer Pulse Report for free here.
The On Premise Consumer Pulse Report provides a ‘temperature check’ of the channel and the consumers who visit bars and restaurants across all regions of Germany, looking into their On Premise behaviour over the past month and testing visit intention for the month ahead.
To learn more about CGA by NIQ’s unrivalled suite of services in Germany and how it can help your business, please email email@example.com.


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IFA president John Bryan has written to all the main retailers and dairies and called for an immediate liquid milk price lift for farmers, to off-set the huge feed cost increases which the 2012 winter milk prices simply do not cover.
“IFA has spent the last two to three months highlighting the plight of farmers to both retailers and processors, explaining the need for a 5c/l increase to sustain year-round quality locally produced fresh milk supplies, so far without any satisfactory response from dairies. This is simply not acceptable, and the patience of liquid milk suppliers is running out,” Mr Bryan said.
“The National Liquid Milk Committee will be meeting next week, and I have today written to all dairies and retailers to remind them that they cannot ignore the economic realities of producers, and must ensure a larger slice of market returns is paid to farmers to secure high quality locally produced, fresh milk supplies year-round,” he added.
“Today, farmers are putting down a clear marker. Dairies and retailers must take action now and return a higher milk price before the end of the month,” he said.
Full story in this week’s Tipperary Star


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The startup Alef Aeronautics, which plans to sell flying cars, already has 2,850 pre-orders for their Model A. The total sales amount will be more than $850 million. The cost of the car itself is $300 thousand. Alef is supported by Elon Musk, as well as his company SpaceX. CNBC writes about this.
► Subscribe to the Ministry of Finance telegram channel: main financial news
Alef Model A is essentially an aircraft that looks very similar to a ground plane automobile. This is where the startup will differentiate itself from competitors such as Lilium, a German air taxi startup, and the Chinese company Joby Aviation.
Company CEO Jim Duchovny said that their Alef Model A, judging by pre-orders, will be the most sold aircraft, ahead of such companies as Boeing, Airbus, Joby Aviation.
He also emphasized that the cost of their aircraft is high, since the company does not yet have large earnings. In the future, Alef plans to release other models, including ones for four people, which will be much cheaper.


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The UGM Faculty of Agricultural Technology strengthens international cooperation with Ehime University, Japan, in exploring food culture in Indonesia, especially in Yogyakarta.
This activity involved 12 students from the Faculty of Agriculture, Ehime University, accompanied by two lecturers, Professor Takuya Sugahara and Associate Professor Kosuke Nishi.
The event, lasting from September 1 to 5, 2023, included visits to traditional markets such as Beringharjo Market, Ngasem Market, several modern retail outlets, and food processing industries.
During the visits, the students had direct interactions with stakeholders in the fresh and processed food industries in the Yogyakarta area. They also had the opportunity to understand food distribution processes and food culture.
In addition to the visits, a joint seminar and student activity on food and culture were organized.
Students from the Faculty of Agriculture, Ehime University, and UGM Faculty of Agricultural Technology presented topics related to food culture, functional foods, and local foods from their respective countries.
They also engaged in discussions on these topics as a form of knowledge transfer between each other.
This five-day program aimed to provide a deeper understanding of the dynamics of food culture in Yogyakarta and Ehime and contribute to mutual benefits in developing knowledge in this field.
Dean of Agricultural Technology Faculty, Professor Eni Harmayani, welcomed this initiative.
She stated that this cooperation represents a collaboration and demonstrates the faculty’s commitment to expanding the knowledge and experience of its students.
She also emphasized that this activity benefits students as the young generation who will become “The Future Leaders” by expanding their international networks and connections.
“The UGM Faculty of Agricultural Technology and the Faculty of Agriculture, Ehime University, hope this cooperation will continue to grow and provide greater benefits, both for the two universities and the broader community,” said the dean.
Editor: Agung N


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If my great-grandfather, Thomas Edison, were alive today, I have no doubt he’d view Congress as most Americans do — with anger and disgust. His reasons would be personal, however. The House Republicans’ effort to stifle lighting innovation flies in the face of everything this great American innovator and path-breaking businessman stood for.
So what’s the light bulb kerfuffle about? Starting Jan. 1, the bulbs you buy must be more efficient and use less electricity, under a 2007 law signed by President George W. Bush.
Story Continued Below
This would have thrilled my great-grandfather. Edison was one of history’s most prolific inventors, with nearly 1,100 patents involving electricity, the phonograph, one of the first ticker tapes and much more.
Many, if not most, of his inventions involved making things work better and more efficiently. He would have been at the forefront of efforts to do the same with his light bulb. After all, innovation and invention defined him.
Somehow, though, this new efficiency law is being demonized and misrepresented by a small group of political ideologues in and out of Congress. They have spun a fear-mongering tale that has left some Americans confused and frightened. There are crazy claims that incandescent light bulbs will be banned, and that Big Brother government is running your life.
This is nonsense. The new standards don’t outlaw the incandescent bulb. Instead, they have spurred much needed innovation and improvements — the kind Edison loved. You are still able to buy incandescent bulbs. The difference is they will use less electricity and cut energy costs.
Luckily, House Republicans’ latest effort to derail this with a legislative rider that defunds enforcement for a few months amounts to little more than a speed bump on the road to the light bulb revolution.
Starting last Sunday, the new standards required manufacturers to make new 100-watt bulbs that use at least 28 percent less energy. The same goes for 75-watt bulbs in 2013 and 40- and 60-watt bulbs in 2014. This can save consumers real money; an estimated $100 to $200 per household each year — or $12 billion annually for the nation.


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By now, you probably have your salad bar game down to a science. Arugula, beets, feta, sunflower seeds and a touch of balsamic vinaigrette? A little bit of falafel if you want to feel fancy? Well, without bees, butterflies, beetles and their pollinating brethren, tough luck.
For the past two years, Whole Foods Market has temporarily removed all of the produce and dairy dependent on pollinators from one of its supermarkets to showcase the drastically different selections shoppers would have if the tiny animals disappeared. As part of this year's Share The Buzz campaign, the company removed 37 items that could become far harder to find at the salad bar if current declines in pollinator populations continue.
Story continues below.
"I think we need to consider pollinators as a staple in our supply chain," Errol Schweizer, Whole Foods executive global grocery coordinator, told The Huffington Post. "You take a look at the types of products that are pollinated ... I'm not sure how much of a grocery business there would be without them."
Nearly a third of all food produced worldwide is dependent on pollinators, from the familiar honeybee and butterfly, to lesser-known creatures like the hawk moth and firefly. But many populations of these winged creatures are in decline, despite efforts by the USDA and independent organizations to halt things like colony collapse and a vast drop in migrating monarch butterflies. Nearly a tenth of Europe's wild bees are at risk of extinction, and a government report released last year said honeybee populations have been dying at unsustainable rates.
Eric Mader, the pollinator program co-director for the Xerces Society, told HuffPost that the single most important thing anyone can do to help pollinators is simply plant local wildflowers.
"It seems like an overly simplistic solution, but it really is the most significant step that all of us can take, whether you're a farmer with a field or if you live in New York City and your only garden is a flowerpot," he said. "That one pot can hold a sunflower, and if every person puts a sunflower on their balcony, that's an entire garden right there."
So, what exactly would disappear without pollinators? Including favorites like chocolate (pollinated by tiny flies) and almonds (a honeybee creation), salad bar staples like broccoli, cucumbers and tomatoes could vanish. Take a look below, and if you're interested in learning more, you can head to your local Whole Foods store and party for the pollinators on Saturday, April 18.


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The Un-carrier is expanding 5G Home Internet to 81 more cities and towns in five states, providing millions with a new option for fast, reliable internet.
T-Mobile is at it again, hooking up 81 more cities and towns across Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma with increased access to 5G Home Internet! Today, T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) announced it has expanded the footprint of 5G Home Internet across these five states, where more than 1.1 million households still have no access to home broadband. With this latest expansion, T-Mobile Home Internet is available to nearly 5 million more homes. Today’s news follows recent Home Internet expansions in the Southeast, Texas, Midwest and South, bringing a new option for affordable, reliable home broadband to tens of millions of Americans.
Access to fast, reliable home broadband is no longer a luxury. But for too many communities, access to reliable home broadband is still incredibly limited. According to a recent study from the Greater Des Moines Partnership, 40% of Central Iowa homes report download speeds of less than 25 Megabits per second (Mbps), which does not meet the FCC’s definition of high-speed broadband, even though demand for bandwidth has grown at a rate of nearly 25% annually for the last two decades. In Oklahoma, it’s estimated that one in every four students doesn’t have high-speed internet access at home, as roughly 90% of Oklahoma’s school districts are located partly or entirely in rural areas. And in the urban core of Kansas City, MO, officials have gotten creative, launching a program for high school students to install internet in buildings across the city, just to bring basic, affordable connectivity to the city’s residents. It’s 2022. This is unacceptable.
With T-Mobile, more than 40 million households – a third of which are in rural America – are eligible for 5G Home Internet. They’ll get broadband speeds that handle multiple devices at the same time for working, streaming, zooming, online learning, gaming and more! And it’s just $50 per month with AutoPay. Or $30 per month for families with Magenta MAX, T-Mobile’s most popular phone plan – that’s what we call a win-win.
What People Are Saying
“Bravo! Extremely pleased that T-Mobile is committed to increasing home internet service to remove barriers throughout the Denver-Aurora metro area and beyond,” said Colorado Senator Rhonda Fields - District 29 Assistant Majority Leader. “Affordability and cost should never be a barrier to internet access. Diverse communities can achieve the vision of universal, abundant and affordable broadband with this T-Mobile service.”
“Residents across Iowa now have a new option when it comes to reliable home broadband thanks to T-Mobile Home Internet,” said State Rep. Brian Lohse, chair of the Iowa House Information Technology committee. “Access to home broadband is not a luxury, it is a necessity and I look forward to this continued partnership with T-Mobile as we continue to expand broadband access across our state.”
“I am elated that T-Mobile is expanding its Home Internet service in Colorado and providing a competitive option for home broadband,” said Colorado State Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet. “Broadband is an essential service and it’s critical that Coloradans have reliable and affordable options for staying connected. I applaud T-Mobile’s investment in this space and look forward to future broadband expansion to other parts of our great state.”
“T-Mobile’s 5G Home Internet investment in Oklahoma is a great step forward for many in Oklahoma who need faster speeds and improved internet access,” said Rep. Jeff Boatman. “I can’t thank them enough for their commitment and willingness to work alongside many others to improve internet access in the state.”
“Broadband expansion is vital to Missouri's future,” said Missouri State Senator Sandy Crawford. “T-Mobile’s expansion of its 5G internet service will help families in Sedalia get the speeds they need for both work and personal use. I appreciate their investment in Pettis County.”
“T-Mobile’s expansion of its 5G Home Internet service will help more Kansas families get the speeds they want for work, school and fun,” said Kansas Lt. Governor David Toland. “We are grateful for their investment in Kansas and hope to see it continue.”
“At T-Mobile, we’re all about disrupting broken industries. And the broadband industry is big-time broken. Millions across this country are being left behind, unable to participate in the digital economy and in virtual learning, all because they don’t have access to high-speed internet. That’s just ridiculous,” said Mike Katz, Chief Marketing Officer at T-Mobile. “So today, we’re giving nearly 5 million more homes across Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma a new, affordable option for fast, reliable 5G internet. With 5G Home Internet, along with efforts like Project 10Million, T-Mobile is doing real work to bridge the Digital Divide.”
About T-Mobile Home Internet
T-Mobile’s 5G Home Internet is wireless home internet for just $50 a month, up to 50% savings compared to the industry benchmark. It’s fast and reliable without all the traditional internet provider BS. And it runs on the same great network as T-Mobile for wireless.
- It’s a flat rate. No added taxes or fees, no equipment costs, no annual contracts and no price hikes.
- Setup is simple because it’s 100% wireless. Customers get a gateway in the mail, plug it in, download the app and connect in less than 15 minutes. No waiting for installation. No holes to drill.
- If you need support, T-Mobile’s dedicated team of experts is just a call or message away.
And now is the perfect time to sign up. Just last month, T-Mobile announced its latest Un-carrier move, aimed at tackling pain points that have plagued the broadband industry for decades. With Internet Freedom, customers can test drive Home Internet worry-free, break up with their provider at no cost because T-Mobile is covering early termination fees up to $500, lock in their price with Price Lock, and get exclusive deals through T-Mobile Tuesdays.
And for a limited time, customers can also get 50% off YouTube TV for one year with Home Internet and a Magenta MAX phone plan. And families with Magenta MAX can get Home Internet for just $30 a month.
5G Home Internet is available to more than 40 million homes nationwide. And now, millions more homes across Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma have access to 5G Home Internet too. Availability is based on network capacity, which is increasing all the time. Check if T-Mobile Home Internet is available for your home at https://www.t-mobile.com/isp.
- Cañon City
- Colorado Springs
- Fort Collins
- Fort Morgan
- Glenwood Springs
- Grand Junction
- Steamboat Springs
- Cedar Rapids
- Davenport-Moline-Rock Island
- Des Moines-West Des Moines
- Fort Madison-Keokuk
- Iowa City
- Mason City
- Omaha-Council Bluffs
- Spirit Lake
- Waterloo-Cedar Falls
- Dodge City
- Fort Leonard Wood
- Jefferson City
- Kansas City
- St. Joseph
- St. Louis
- West Plains
- Elk City
- Oklahoma City
Not available in all areas; customers ineligible for 5G Home or Business Internet may be eligible for 4G LTE or other fixed wireless options. During congestion, Home Internet customers may notice speeds lower than other customers due to data prioritization. For use only at location provided at activation. Credit approval required. AutoPay: $5/mo. discount may not reflect on 1st bill. Regulatory fees included in monthly service price for qualifying accounts. If canceling Home Internet service, return gateway or pay up to $370. $30/mo. for families with 2+ qualifying Magenta MAX lines and Home Internet Service. Via $20 monthly bill credit. Credits may take up to 2 bill cycles; credits will stop if you cancel any lines or change plans. Price Lock guarantees your regular monthly rate for your current qualified home internet service plan (excludes taxes/fees, limited-time promotions, per-use charges, third-party services, devices and network management practices). Test Drive: Cancel within 15 days of Home Internet service activation to receive refund via one-time bill credit. Contract Freedom: Allow 8 weeks. Paid via virtual prepaid MasterCard© issued by Sunrise Banks N.A., Member FDIC; card terms apply. Applies to early termination fees; other costs excluded. 50% off YouTube TV for one year: English base plan subscription automatically renews at $64.99/mo. after first year. $50 Streaming Device Rebate: Paid via virtual prepaid MasterCard, typically in 8 weeks.
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Having previously demonstrated a complete aversion to change, Zynga is now busily changing up policies if not its development philosophy to retain its fleeing top brass. Highlights include CEO Marc Pincus now drawing a $1 salary, while execs like Steven Chiang got a sizable bump, in Chiang’s case from $300K to $500K. Bonuses have also been increased, but they’re now more closely tied to performance as well.
Yet another studio will be packing it in, no doubt a victim of the contracting AAA landscape and general upheaval the industry is currently undergoing. Former Creative Assembly Australia, now known simply as Sega Studios Australia was responsible for Medieval 2: Total War and the London 2012 Olympics tie-in, which posted impressive sales numbers if nothing else.
While Hilco has been slated as the favourite out of HMV’s suitors, the deal was just finalised today, securing 2463 workplaces and 141 retail locations. Some changes reflecting larger music and film distributor involvement will be made, with the company expected to stock fewer consumer electronics and more media moving forward.
Earlier rumors suggested that the Xbox 720 could be an “always on” device, meaning that gamers will need an internet connection to play any game. This helps to prevent piracy, but issues from games like Diablo 3 and SimCity have proven the feature to be not worth it.
One of the most popular consoles of all time is the SEGA Dreamcast. Fans will want to get their hands on this Dreamcast Controller backpack.
The other day a leaked promotional image was spotted at a Best Buy which showed off the next DLC for Call of Duty: Black Ops 2. The leaked “Uprising” promotional image showed four new multiplayer maps as well as a new co-op zombies map called Mob of the Dead. And now Activision has announced the official details for its upcoming Uprising DLC pack, with a trailer.
Kickstarter backers of the new Ouya console which raised over $8.5 million via a successfully Kickstarter campaign, are now starting to receive their Ouya console and first reviews are of the Android games console are being published.
However it still seems that the Ouya console still has a little way to go before being ready for a retail launch later this year in June.
We know very little about Microsoft’s next Xbox. Here’s something we do know. Gamers don’t like games that require always on internet connectivity. For the most part, anyway. According to multiple sources the next Xbox might require gamers to have an always on internet connection just to play games on the console.
If you are patiently waiting to get your hands on the new Wikipad 7 Android games tablet, you will be pleased to hear that production of the Wikipad 7 has now started, and the first devices have started to roll out.
The new Wikipad 7 Android gaming tablet is powered by a NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-core processor, supported by 1GB of RAM and is fitted with a 7 inch screen sporting a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels.
You know Rovio for the Angry Birds series, but disgruntled avian games are not all they do. They are also responsible for Amazing Alex, which may not have gotten the same kinds of sales, but is still a fun game. The game has finally arrived on the Windows Phone Store.
Despite coming off a string of what in better times for the industry would be considered unqualified successes, Square Enix is not a company in the best of health. Shaken by a change of president and a sizable and unexpected “extraordinary loss”, not even the critically acclaimed Tomb Raider reboot and solid earner Hitman Absolution could drag it into profitability via its combined 7 million or so copies sold. Square Enix needs a win with yet another franchise reboot Thief 4, but the fact that it’s willing to drop a perennial marketing bullet point that even narrative-driven Tomb Raider enjoyed speaks volumes.
Disney announced yesterday that it is pulling the plug on LucasArts and many gamers were sad. Star Wars 1313 was just about to take off and it’s future became uncertain during yesterday’s announcement. Now it looks like the news isn’t good for the game. A LucasFilm representative confirmed the production for Star Wars 1313 has been halted.


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The unexpected rise between October and November came as online shopping boomed and food and household sales soared amid a retailer price war.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) sales volumes data continued to confound experts as it once more defied gloomier polls from the sector.
Experts had been forecasting a seasonally-adjusted fall of at least 0.4% from retailers in a month that saw well-known names MFI and Woolworths collapse into administration.
The ONS data have consistently surprised on the upside, while other research has suggested a far worse picture in the retail sector. Figures on Wednesday indicated high street sales had fallen to their weakest for 25 years, according to the latest CBI poll.
But Thursday's ONS data showed the steepest fall in three-month sales within department stores since records began 22 years ago in a sign that all is not rosy among retailers even in the more upbeat official statistics.
Sales of general stores, including department stores, dropped 3.8% in the three months to the end of November compared with a year ago.
A further indication of retail pain came as the ONS said that sales rose 1.5% year-on-year in November - the lowest annual rate since February 2006.
The ONS also revised sales volume figures downwards for the previous two months, with a fall of 0.3% in October against the 0.1% previous estimation and a drop of 0.6% in September compared with its initial 0.5% fall.
David Page, economist at Investec Securities, said high street activity was "bleak". He added: "December's ever more aggressive discounting and the cut in the main rate of VAT may boost December's sales. But this could be at the cost of the usual period of discounting post-Christmas. We fear for the retail outlook across the first quarter of 2009."Reuse content


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Olympic figure skater Sasha Cohen has launched a Kickstarter campaign with partner Scott Annan to raise money for a new sock brand. Snoxx Socks are colorful ankle looks with snaps that keep them together when they aren’t being worn. The duo is looking to raise $25,000 by May 20, with the goal of launching by summer. With the initial funds, the pair will debut a sock in black and white for men and women, and red and white for women and kids. The initial offering would be available online for $10 a pair. “I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit and have learned how great (and how difficult) it is to turn a dream into reality,” said Cohen in an email to potential supporters. For every $10,000 earned above the goal, Snoxx will unveil an additional color combo.
Fits Sock Co. and the National Park Foundation have teamed up to create a special-edition line for fall ’13. The collection — retailing for $19 a pair and inspired by vintage park posters of Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon and others — is an extension of the brand’s spring ultra-light casual crew in a super-fine 18.5 micron merino wool. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the National Park Foundation. “Fits’ new line of National Park-inspired socks gives us the opportunity to give back and also to remind us of these special places every day,” said Samantha Bild, marketing and design director at Fits Socks.
After much talk on his family’s reality series, the only Kardashian son finally has entered the fashion business with his own line of dress socks. The Arthur George by Robert Kardashian line launched exclusively at Neiman Marcus in November, with a fuller rollout slated for the future. Made in partnership with Universal Hosiery Inc., the $30-a-pair socks are woven from 100 percent Egyptian cotton. And for every pair sold, the brand will donate another to the Family Emergency Shelter Coalition, a charity for the homeless based in Southern California.
Hot Sox is painting itself in an artistic light. The men’s and women’s sock and legwear label launched its Fine Art Collection earlier this month, featuring seven styles inspired by iconic masterpieces such as Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa,” Edvard Munch’s “The Scream” and Sandro Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus,” each available in two colorways. Hot Sox will roll out three more looks in July, paying homage to Vincent Van Gogh’s “Starry Night,” Henri Matisse’s “The Dance” and Raphael’s Angels from “Sistine Madonna.” Retailing at $10 per pair for men and $8 per pair for women, the Fine Art Collection is carried at Nordstrom, Macy’s, HSN.com and on Hot Sox’s e-commerce site.


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Gartner released its quarterly shipment estimates for the PC market in Q1 2012. The results show that Apple is in third place with a 10.6 percent market share. The Cupertino company trails HP and Dell which has a 29 percent and 22.3 percent market share, respectively.
Gartner calculates that Apple shipped 1.6 million Macs in Q1 2012, which is a 3.8 percent increase from the same quarter in 2011. It doesn't beat HP which increased 6.6 percent year over year, but it is better than the overall US PC industry which declined 3.5 percent. These numbers include desktop PCs, notebooks and mini-notebooks, but does not include media tablets like the iPad.


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McCormick & Company (MKC) was added to our defensive portfolio on June 2018 and has weathered th...
Office Depot Stocks Up on Buybacks
12/18/2017 5:00 am EST
Office Depot (ODP) is the owner of OfficeMax and Office Depot store brands, and one of the largest suppliers of office products and services in the worlds, notes David Fried, Here's the latest from his The Buyback Letter, an advisory service which specializes in stocks undergoing buyback programs.
We last bought the $2.7 billion office-supply retailer Office Depot in May and sold it a few months later. It has risen to the top of our filter again.
Office Depot released plans to pivot the company "from a traditional office products retailer to a broader business services and technology products platform."
To make that happen Office Depot spent some $1.1 billion to buy CompuCom Systems, Inc., a provider of IT services, products and solutions for enterprise, small, and midsize businesses.
Analysts agree Office Depot was not going to survive as just a retailer of office products. Going into technology and tech support, in theory, gives it more to sell its existing customer base while also opening up new markets.
Office Depot launched a service called BizBox, a subscription-based business services platform to help startups and small businesses get off the ground.
The service assists with accounting, email marketing, CRM, payroll, HR, search marketing, asset management, social marketing, legal services, logo designs, website creation and hosting, and technical services.
ODP reported Q3 net income of $92 million, or profit of 17 cents per share. Adjusted earnings were 14 cents per share, which met Wall Street expectations. Revenue was $2.62 billion in the period, beating Street forecasts.
Sales fell to $2.62 billion, were hurt by hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, which disrupted its Puerto Rico and southeastern U.S. business. Office Depot has repurchased about 5.11% of its shares in the past 12 months.
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Are there health benefits to going vegan? (Source BBC News)
To mark the end of a turbulent year, we are bringing back some of our favourite stories for BBC Future’s “Best of 2020” collection. Discover more of our picks here.
The number of people cutting down on meat and dairy, or cutting these foods from their diets entirely, has been rising over the last decade. The number of vegans in the UK, for example, quadrupled between 2006 and 2018, according to research by The Vegan Society.
One common motivation for shunning steak and stilton and going vegan is the promised health benefits. The vegan diet is generally considered to be higher in fibre and lower in cholesterol, protein, calcium and salt than an omnivorous diet – but there are still misconceptions and concerns around cutting meat, fish, eggs and dairy completely from our diets.
One common concern is whether a vegan diet provides enough vitamin B12. B12 helps prevent nerve damage, and is found in meat, fish, eggs and dairy, but not in fruit or vegetables. It's recommended that adults consume 1.5 micrograms of the vitamin per day.
“A B12 deficiency can lead to neurological symptoms such as numbness, and it’s irreversible if the deficiency is present for too long,” says Janet Cade, of the Nutritional Epidemiology Group, School of Food Science and Nutrition.
Read more from The Vegan Factor on BBC Good Food
A recent study involving 48,000 people over 18 years compared the health of meat-eaters, pescatarians – who eat fish and dairy but not meat – and vegetarians, including some vegans. They found that people who eat vegan and vegetarian diets have a lower risk of heart disease, but a higher risk of stroke, possibly partly due to a lack of B12.
The researchers found that those who didn’t eat meat had 10 fewer cases of heart disease and three more strokes per 1,000 people compared with the meat-eaters. Researcher Tammy Tong, nutritional epidemiologist at the University of Oxford, says the higher risk of haemorrhagic stroke could be for several reasons.
Haemorrhagic stroke is caused by a bleeding in the brain. While low cholesterol is protective for heart disease and ischemic stroke, there’s some evidence showing that low cholesterol levels (associated with the vegan and vegetarian diet) may be linked to a small risk of haemorrhagic stroke.
It’s unlikely a vegan diet will cause an iron deficiency, says Springman, as long as your diet includes fruit and vegetables of every colour
“We’ve found that the vegan diet could be one of the healthiest diets, outperforming pescatarian and vegetarian, because the vegan diet is higher in fruit, vegetables and legumes and the health benefits from this compensate anything else,” says Springman.
He advises eating plenty of fruit and vegetables with a variety of colours, nuts, wholegrains and beans and lentils, as well as chia, hemp and flax seeds, which contain omega 3.


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Yorkshire Group was suspended yesterday after the dyes and chemicals maker said it would be unable to publish annual results by the April 29 deadline.
The company is in talks to sell its US-based textile dyes business for $8.74m (£4.9m) to America's Dyestar and is also revising its credit facilities. But the shares were suspended at 5.75p after it admitted "no definitive results" have yet emerged from the discussions.
A statement said: "As a result of these discussions and other delays to the process of finalising the company's accounts for the year to December 2003, the company will not be able to publish the results by April 29."
The board, led by chief executive and interim chairman Andrew Dick, said it hoped to be in a position to report the figures at the end of May. Yorkshire, which employs 176 in the UK and 300 worldwide, is also negotiating with lenders "to strengthen the group's financial position".
The company has been hit by fierce competition from China and India. It reported pre-tax losses of £19m in 2001 and £30m in 2002 on declining sales. In the six months to June 2003 pre-tax losses were £10.8m on sales of £45.4m. The shares have fallen steadily over the past five years from a high of 127p.


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AB InBev, Constellation Brands Seek Dismissal of LawsuitKaren Gullo
Anheuser-Busch InBev NV seeks dismissal of a private antitrust lawsuit alleging its $20 billion acquisition of Grupo Modelo SAB will lead to higher beer prices, while nine customers who filed the lawsuit asked a judge to postpone the deal.
Budweiser-maker AB InBev, the world’s largest beer company, agreed as part of the merger for winemaker Constellation Brands Inc. to buy the stake that Modelo holds in their joint U.S. distribution venture for $1.85 billion. AB InBev called the customers’ claims that the deal will allow it to control Constellation and conspire to raise beer prices “outlandish and completely unsupportable.” Constellation also asked a judge to dismiss the lawsuit.
AB InBev made binding commitments in the U.S. Justice Department-supported transaction to turn Constellation into a competing brewer that will produce and control all of Mexico City-based Modelo’s brands in the U.S., including Corona, the country’s biggest import, AB InBev said in filings yesterday in federal court in San Francisco.
The antitrust complaint “should be seen for what it is: the latest in a line of shakedown attempts by plaintiff’s counsel premised on baseless assertions of fact,” said Allen Ruby, AB InBev’s attorney.
Attorney Joseph Alioto, representing beer consumers in the antitrust lawsuit, said Constellation has been inclined to follow AB InBev’s price increases before the deal, and AB InBev will be running the brewery and supplying the beer production during the first three years of the transaction.
He asked U.S. District Judge Maxine Chesney to issue a temporary restraining order blocking the companies from completing the transaction today and make them show why the deal shouldn’t be put on hold while the lawsuit proceeds.
“The new Constellation is under-capitalized and highly leveraged, having incurred billions of dollars in additional debt in order to make the acquisition,” Alioto said in a court filing yesterday. “As such it will be in no position to maintain lower prices in the face of ABI constant pressure to increase prices.”
The acquisition was completed as scheduled this morning, so the temporary restraining order request is moot, Ruby said in a filing today.
The U.S. said its agreement with Leuven, Belgium-based AB InBev to turn Victor, New York-based Constellation into a competing brewer could save beer drinkers almost $1 billion a year because of lower prices.
Alioto has sued to block other deals, including the one that created United Continental Holdings Inc. and the merger of Southwest Airlines Co. and AirTran Holdings Inc.
The case is Edstrom v. Anheuser-Busch InBev NV, 13-cv-01309, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California (San Francisco).


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01 October 2020 | News
Biocard Pro COVID-19 Rapid Antigen kit is a chromatographic immunoassay for the qualitative detection of COVID-19 specific antigen present in human nasopharyngeal
Image credit- Trivitron
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has granted its approval to Chennai based Trivitron Healthcare to commercially launch their flagship product COVID-19 Rapid Testing Antigen (ag) Kit.
This Covid-19 testing kits will be branded as ‘Biocard Pro COVID-19 Rapid Antigen’ and is claimed to provide accurate results in just 7~10 minutes.
Individuals suspected to have been infected with the novel coronavirus (nCoV) can make use of the Biocard Pro COVID-19 Rapid Antigen kit to confirm their infection status.
Biocard Pro COVID-19 Rapid Antigen kit is a chromatographic immunoassay for the qualitative detection of COVID-19 specific antigen present in human nasopharyngeal. Using a nasal swab to get a fluid sample, antigen tests can produce results in minutes. As these tests are faster and less expensive than other popularly done PCR tests, antigen tests may be more practical to use for large numbers of people.
Technical Specification of Biocard Pro COVID-19 Rapid Ag test kit:
Rajesh Patel, Chief Executive Officer – IVD India, Trivitron Healthcare, on this occasion said - The main focus is to contribute in the global fight against COVID-19 through world class products and expertise in medical technology. Our Rapid antigen test is quicker than the available RT‑PCR based tests, as it takes approximately 7-10 minutes, compared to about five hours being taken by the RT-PCR based testing methods. Also, confirmation through antigen based tests does not require a sophisticated laboratory, which is a key requirement for RT-PCR tests.
Biocard Pro COVID-19 Rapid Antigen kit will be manufactured at Trivitron’s Chennai manufacturing facility at the rate of around 4.5-5 million tests per month. The company plans to distribute these kits to various government entities and private laboratories through various marketing channels.