ADAGENE UNVEILS POSTER PRESENTATIONS OF CLINICAL DATA FOR TWO NOVEL ANTIBODY PROGRAMS

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 23 (Bernama) -- Adagene Inc (Adagene), a platform-driven, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, has announced two poster presentations featuring clinical data for its anti-CD137 agonist, ADG106, and anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody, ADG116, at the European Society for Medical Oncology Immuno-Oncology Congress (ESMO-IO) 2021.

“These clinical data from two of our ongoing NEObody™ clinical programs showcase the importance of our pioneering approach to target a unique epitope and reflect the dynamic interactivity between an antibody and antigen,” said Co-founder, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Adagene, Peter Luo, Ph.D.

“The pharmacodynamic biomarker findings from our ongoing ADG106 trial with the anti-PD-1 toripalimab reinforce the potential synergistic combination for strong T-cell activation. 

“For our novel anti-CTLA-4 program, data from the ongoing dose escalation of ADG116 monotherapy support the robust safety profile and dose dependent T-cell activation in both hot and cold tumors, suggesting potential clinical benefit following our translational studies.”

The conference abstracts are expected to be published on the ESMO-IO website on Dec 2, and posters available on Dec 6 in advance of the hybrid meeting being held virtually and in Geneva, Switzerland from Dec 8 to 11, according to a statement.

Both the ADG106 and ADG116 programs use Adagene’s innovative NEObody technology, which enables targeting of unique and highly conserved epitopes against a broad range of antigens.

These species cross-reactive antibodies not only have the potential to reveal new biological functions of the targets, but also facilitate preclinical studies using various immune intact animal models, resulting in high fidelity translation from preclinical to clinical studies.

 The company is also developing an anti-CTLA-4 antibody, ADG126, using its SAFEbody® precision masking technology.

More details at https://investor.adagene.com.

-- BERNAMA

INNIO SHAPES ENERGY TRANSITION WITH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 23 (Bernama) -- While efforts to transform the energy system are being ramped up, the demands placed on energy generation are increasing as well. 

On one hand, there are fluctuations in power generation due to the volatility of renewable energy. On the other hand, the demand for energy is continually increasing due to growing levels of electrification.

At the same time, coal and nuclear power plants are more often being replaced by smaller on-site power plants, according to a statement.

As a company that is helping to shape the energy transition, INNIO is offering innovative solutions to meet these complex challenges.

Thanks to their excellent controllability, short start-up times, and high efficiency, INNIO Jenbacher’s flexible combined heat and power (CHP) systems support a secure, affordable and climate-friendly energy supply.

In order to best utilise their potential and optimise systems as a whole, INNIO has developed the innovative energy management solution called myPlant Optimization.

“With our innovative ‘myPlant Optimization’, we offer a comprehensive software-based solution that understands the real challenges of plant operators while also helping to shape the energy transition,” said President & Chief Executive Officer of INNIO, Olaf Berlien.

“We use artificial intelligence to help our customers in key regions, such as Germany, to adjust their power and heat generation according to the current availability of renewables so production can be aligned with demand.”

The energy management solution was developed in close collaboration with customers.

Managing Partner of Blumendorf Bio-Energie, Martin Buchholz, explained: “The Jenbacher energy management schedules are individually tailored to our plant. They show us clearly and simply when and how much output we will be trading on the electricity market.”

With its Jenbacher and Waukesha products, INNIO helps to provide communities, industry, and the public access to sustainable, reliable and economical power ranging from 200 kW to 10 MW.

More details at www.innio.com.

-- BERNAMA

NODLE JOINS FIRST POLKADOT PARACHAIN AUCTION TO SUPERCHARGE IOT CONNECTIVITY

As Polkadot’s largest relay chain network with 320,000 mobile downloads, Nodle enters the first ever Polkadot crowdloan process to obtain a newly released parachain

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov 22 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Nodle, one of the world’s largest ecosystems of connected devices, today announced their entrance into Polkadot’s inaugural parachain slot auction and crowdloan. Nodle provides infrastructure, software, and data access to the Internet of Things (IoTs) using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) on existing smartphones. Polkadot is a blockchain ecosystem that recently opened for developers to register their projects on their parachains, enabling access to its strong native userbase and interoperability with other blockchains—like Ethereum.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211119005287/en/

 

Nodle expects that achieving a parachain will dramatically empower its next-generation IoT capabilities around connectivity, machine-to-machine payments, air-quality monitoring, asset tracking, a way to authenticate and secure devices, and more. This also should enable all other chain ecosystems which are interoperable with Polkadot to benefit from Nodle’s vast network—including the millions of nodes connecting to up to 30 million IoT devices and sensors every day.

When anyone contributes to the Nodle parachain crowdloan by locking their Polkadot tokens (DOT), they will receive NODL rewards from an allocated pool of 850 million NODL — that’s 23% of the total Nodle reserves or 10% of Nodle Mainnet. After two years, all DOT contributions will be automatically returned to the contributors, in addition to the Nodle token (NODL) rewards they will earn. To receive all of the details and participate, visit Nodle’s Parachain webpage here: https://parachain.nodle.com

“Nodle is thrilled to join the Polkadot parachain movement, which we believe is at the forefront of Web 3.0 and blockchain innovation,” said Nodle Chief Blockchain Officer, Eliott Teissonniere. “Our robust IoT network will join ranks with other systems for secure, symbiotic relationships. Nodle will supply its revolutionary decentralized network technology, while seeking new product frontiers, by building products with other parachain DeFi products like decentralized exchanges (DEXs), smart contract platforms, decentralized identity solutions, and bridges to other networks.”  

“Nodle is making its Decentralized Wireless (DeWi) network and apps composable with many services from other chains, and having a parachain will provide us with a way to make this interoperability a reality,” said Nodle CEO and Founder Micha Benoliel. “Nodle conducted interoperability tests with other parachains, like the Acala Network, earlier this year so we understand the power of this opportunity. Achieving a Polkadot parachain represents the expansion of our Web 3.0 ambitions and will accelerate how the Nodle network interacts with the entire Polkadot blockchain ecosystem.”

About Nodle

Nodle is a decentralized IoT (Internet of Things) network on Polkadot providing secure, low-cost connectivity, and data liquidity to connect billions of IoT devices worldwide. The Nodle network is powered by millions of Bluetooth-enabled smartphones that earn Nodle Cash (NODL). Nodle’s powerful IoT stack allows multiple uses including connecting and securing physical assets, tracking lost or valuable items, capturing sensor data, and authenticating security certificates. Nodle provides insights for consumer electronics manufacturers, enterprises, smart cities, the finance industry and more. Since its creation in 2017, Nodle has become one of the world’s largest wireless networks by number of base stations. Join #TheCitizenNetwork by downloading the Nodle Cash app for iOS or Android. 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=41665

USCELLULAR OFFERS SYNCHRONOSS CONTENT TRANSFER ACCELERATES IN-STORE DEVICE ACTIVATION

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 19 (Bernama) -- Anticipating a busy holiday season for new mobile phone sales, UScellular, the fourth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, is now offering Synchronoss Content Transfer, a solution that gives UScellular store associates the ability to easily and quickly move content from a customer’s old mobile device to a new one at no cost to the customer.

Content Transfer from Synchronoss Technologies Inc, a global leader and innovator of cloud, messaging and digital solutions, is designed to streamline the onboarding of new devices by providing a means for digital content – including photos, videos, contacts, call logs, music, documents, messages and settings – to be effortlessly transferred between mobile phones and tablets.

Synchronoss Chief Commercial Officer, Chris Hill said that always-on access to digital content was no longer a “nice to have” but a “must have” as consumers increasingly integrate mobile devices into their day-to-day lives.

“Consumers have two expectations when purchasing a new device: One is that they will not lose any of their important digital data when switching hardware. The second is that they will have access to their data as soon as the new mobile device is connected to the network.

“Our cross-platform application satisfies both of those needs by making new device activation practically seamless for subscribers,” he said in a statement.

The Content Transfer solution is an easy-to-use application spanning devices and operating systems and replaces the need for in-store equipment. It can also significantly reduce the amount of time a customer spends in a store when activating a new device.

“As we continually seek new ways to enhance our customer experience, we see the Synchronoss solution as an important addition to our customer service toolbox,” said Eric Jagher, Senior Vice President of Consumer Sales and Operations at UScellular. 

The Synchronoss website provides additional information about Content Transfer and other Synchronoss onboardX tools that allow mobile operators to drive service adoption and deliver the customer experience that subscribers want.

For more information, visit www.synchronoss.com.

-- BERNAMA

BANDAI SPIRITS CO LTD OF TOKYO HOLDS 'TAMASHII NATION ONLINE 2021', NOV 19-21

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 18 (Bernama) -- Under the flagship brand of adult target audience collectibles, ‘TAMASHII NATIONS’, BANDAI SPIRITS CO LTD of Tokyo will be holding the online event ‘TAMASHII NATION ONLINE 2021’ from Nov 19 to 21.

‘TAMASHII NATION’ is an event held once a year since 2008, featuring the latest in figures targeting the adult audience, according to a statement.

This year, the event will be powered by MIRAIKEN studio led by BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.

MIRAIKEN studio was established in 2021 as a standalone base of operations powered with the latest in equipment available in Japan to create and transmit the next generation in entertainment using technologies such as xR and real-time motion capture.

The event will be featuring approximately 550 hero and robot figures from the ‘MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM’ series, ‘MACROSS’ series, ‘KAMEN RIDER’ series, the ‘TIGER & BUNNY 2’ television anime that will be aired in 2022, and more, with approximately 180 figures new to the line-up.

Online initiatives such as multi-channel streaming programmes, access to a PIP function that enables viewing of videos while looking at the displays, use of a live commerce function to seamlessly purchase featured products, a 360-degree-view figure display function, comment posting function, and more can be enjoyed right at the viewer's fingertips.

The online event will be held in the virtual city, ‘TAMASHII NATION VIRTUAL WORLD’. Within this world are three display areas -- ‘Robot City’, ‘Live Action City’, and ‘Anime & Game City’. These cities will feature a ‘station’ for every featured product and brand where event participants can view a variety of themed products.

The visual concept for ‘TAMASHII NATION VIRTUAL WORLD’ was designed by Yohei Takamatsu who worked as art director for a number of Studio Ghibli titles and also cooperatively handled the art direction for ‘The Boy and the Beast’.

-- BERNAMA

2021 JEONJU KIMCHI CULTURE FESTIVAL SIZZLES IN CITY OF TASTE

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 18 (Bernama) -- A festival where participants can learn to make Kimchi is cooking up a storm in Jeonju, the ‘city of taste’.

Jeonju City announced the 2021 Jeonju Kimchi Culture Festival, an event organised by Jeonju Food Integrated Support Center, is held online and across the city area including Jeonju Stadium from Nov 2 to 30.

Held for the third time this year, Jeonju Kimchi Culture Festival is staged in different locations at different times considering the COVID-19 situation. While last year’s festival provided the Kimchi making (Kimjang) experience programme only as a Drive-Thru event, it is held as both a Drive-Thru and an onsite event this year.

According to a statement, the festival offers 12 programmes including Kimchi making, Kimchi sharing, Kimchi culture tour, and other specialised programmes.

The Kimjang experience, the main programme, is held as a Drive-Thru event on Nov 19 with 450 family-unit participants. On Nov 20 and 21, 150 families, in groups of 25 families per session, will experience Kimchi making at Jeonju Stadium. In addition, Kimjang experience for multicultural families and overseas students is provided at Jeonju Kimchi Cultural Center and each university.

On Nov 19 and 20, the Kimchi sharing event is held. Organisations and groups in Jeonju donate Kimchi to the neglected class. The programme also includes a 'Kimchi Sharing with Story' event where participants can send Kimchi to the people who they want to express gratitude to or the neighbours in need.

A Jeonju Agricultural Technology Center official said: “Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the excellence of Kimchi on human health has been verified across the world.

“As much as so, we prepared this festival to help participants experience and learn about Korea’s traditional culture of Kimchi making, which has been registered as the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.”

-- BERNAMA

KDDI & SUPERSHIP TO LAUNCH NEXT-GENERATION DIGITAL ADVERTISING PLATFORM THAT PRIORITIZES CUSTOMER PRIVACY

TOKYO, Nov. 18, 2021 /Kyodo JBN-AsiaNet/--

- "Reaching Lifestyle-relevant Audiences at Scale without Cookies" -   KDDI CORPORATION (referred to as "KDDI" below), Supership Holdings Inc. (referred to as "Supership Holdings" below) and Supership Inc. (referred to as "Supership" below), all based in Tokyo, are jointly developing a next-generation digital advertising platform (referred to as "the platform" below) for scheduled launch in January 2022. The platform will prioritize data privacy while serving highly relevant advertising based on customer lifestyles.   At the core, patented technology provided by Novatiq Ltd. (referred to as "Novatiq" below), headquartered in Wales, the UK, enables advertisers to activate audiences using only permission-based data.   KDDI, Supership Holdings and Supership will integrate the platform with Supership's advertising platform to provide optimized digital marketing for advertisers.   Overview of new digital advertising platform: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M106894/202111123299/_prw_PI1fl_kSUCjIK7.jpg     To date, using third-party data (*1) to reach audiences based on customer interests and needs across websites and apps has been a mainstream practice in digital marketing. However, from a data privacy protection viewpoint, this is globally becoming more problematic, as much of this third-party data originates from tracking customer behavior with cookies or advertising IDs (referred to as "ADID" below) without consent. This situation demands new marketing methods that don't rely on the utilization of such third-party data.   The platform protects the customer's data privacy by generating a transient one-time token (referred to as "ad delivery ID" below) (*2) for each website or mobile app interaction combined with KDDI's permission-based attribution (e.g. gender, age group, etc.). It enables advertisers to serve highly relevant ads using only permission-based data, ensures that customer privacy is protected, and supports effective marketing.   KDDI, Supership Holdings and Supership will utilize this new technology in their aim to spread the use of digital ad delivery that prioritizes privacy.   For more information, please refer to the following:   About the platform   1. Features (1) Privacy-first platform: - The platform serves highly effective digital advertising through the utilization of original ad delivery IDs that aren't dependent on cookies or ADIDs.   - Ad delivery IDs are randomly generated when websites and apps are accessed to ensure ad delivery IDs aren't saved on customer devices such as smartphones and computers. In addition, customer action histories aren't tracked or collected across websites and apps.   (2) Realization of digital ad delivery relevant to customer's lifestyle: - The platform connects permission-based first-party data (*3) from the KDDI Group to the ad delivery ID using IP addresses in an intermediate step. This cohort information (gender, age group, etc.) is used to determine which ad is delivered.   - While taking data privacy into consideration, advertisers can reach audiences with highly relevant digital advertisements based on customer lifestyle.    (3) Service provided via Supership's ad platform which sees 35bn monthly impressions: - The platform built on Novatiq's patented technology will be provided via Supership's DSP (ScaleOut) and SSP (Ad Generation).   - SSP (Ad Generation) is a multifaceted platform centering around mobile apps. It boasts a wealth of inventory, and delivers ads to customers through premium media.   - Supership Holdings entered into a capital and business alliance (*4) with Novatiq in June 2021. This agreement gives the Supership Group the exclusive rights to use Novatiq's patented technology in Asia.   *Only permission-based data is utilized. Data handling complies with all relevant laws and regulations to ensure appropriate information security. In addition, any personally identifiable data such as the names of individuals, addresses including street numbers, telephone numbers, and email addresses are not utilized.   For details regarding data usage or the ad delivery system, please refer to the privacy portal: https://www.kddi.com/corporate/kddi/public/privacy-portal/   2. Launch date: January 2022   3. Fees: For inquiries regarding fees, please contact Supership Inc.   4. Contact information: Supership Inc. Web inquires: https://supership.jp/business/cookieless-ads_en     (Reference)   About Novatiq Novatiq is a leading identity and audience activation platform empowering publishers, brands and telcos to reach their audiences at scale and provide better customer experiences -- all while prioritizing privacy. Using patented, privacy-first technology, Novatiq enables the creation of IDs based on pseudonymised first-party data, including fully consented customer intelligence from telco operators. This new approach to consented IDs puts privacy first, improves user-experience, drives better campaign performance, and enables a new generation of personalized digital services. The company has multiple patents, and is ISO 27001-certified and rigorously compliant with global privacy standards.   https://novatiq.com/   Notes:   (*1) Data provided by third parties that don't have a direct relationship with the customer.   (*2) Ad delivery identifiers are randomly generated when ad spots with modules are displayed on the platform. The module generates or transmits ad identifiers by utilizing a program equipped with part of an ad spot provided by Supership. Apps and web services other than those provided by KDDI are also embedded.   (*3) Data that businesses collect/store after receiving customer permission.   (*4) Supership Holdings' news release (June 1, 2021): Supership Group and Novatiq Ltd. form Capital and Business Alliance to Develop Next-Generation Digital Advertising Platform for Cookie-less World   https://supership-hd.jp/news/20210601/     Source: Supership Holdings Inc.   http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=41632

Mining ecosystem innovator Titan declares Lumerin Token whitelisting

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 16 -- Titan, an innovator in the mining ecosystem, has announced the whitelisting for its Lumerin Token (LMR), which is an important first step in making the token available for use.

Developed by Titan, Lumerin is a peer-to-peer protocol that will make Bitcoin hashpower a tradable, liquid financial commodity unlocking mining profitability and increasing access to capital and investments for crypto miners and others who need access to hashpower.

The Lumerin token sale KYC & Registration will begin Nov 16, followed by the token sale starting on Dec 1.

"Titan is donating significant development effort and time to the Lumerin open source project and is actively looking for strategic partners to further develop this technology.

“As a result of this announcement, we can now move forward with our vision to create a global marketplace for hashpower for Bitcoin and proof-of-work mining pools.

“This will help to relieve the current market pressures and allow anyone to truly harness the power of crypto," said Titan CEO, Ryan Condron in a statement.

The Lumerin Token will be an integral part of the Titan hashpower marketplace and its functionality and utility will support the efficient creation of both hashpower smart contracts as well as support the Lumerin Validator nodes in creating a secure, decentralised, and trustless environment.

Companies and individuals who need hashpower, but do not want to invest the funds required for crypto mining IT infrastructure, can buy/sell it on the Titan marketplace.

In addition, using financial derivatives/futures and services for lending, custody, OTC, and trading, the mining ecosystem can create more income and investment growth than ever before.

-- BERNAMA

JUNIPER RESEARCH: FLASH CALLING AUTHENTICATION TO NEAR 128 BILLION CALLS GLOBALLY BY 2026; THREATENING NETWORK OPERATORS' SMS REVENUE

BASINGSTOKE, England, Nov 16 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A new study from Juniper Research has revealed a new threat to network operator revenue through flash calling.

Flash calling authentication leverages mobile voice networks to authenticate a user or transaction via an originating phone number. The last few digits of this phone number are then automatically used for authentication, rather than a user inputting a code manually that was delivered by SMS.

The new study, Flash Calling Authentication: Impact Analysis & Market Forecasts 2021-2026, predicts flash calling has potential to threaten a significant part of operators’ SMS business messaging revenue. Many operators are still unable to identify flash calling traffic and cannot fully monetise it. The report found that the number of calls used for flash authentication will near 130 billion globally by 2026; rising from less than 60 million in 2021. This represents an astonishing growth of over 185,000% in the next 5 years.

Juniper Research recommends that operators quickly implement solutions that can identify this traffic. The move to flash calling is being driven by the low cost of termination, a convenient user experience, and a diminished threat of fraud.

For more insights, download our free whitepaper: Flash Calling’s Impact on Business Messaging

Operators’ SMS Business Messaging Under Threat

The report predicts that authentication-based SMS revenue will reach $39 billion globally in 2022; representing 5% of total operator-billed revenue. As enterprises migrate their authentication traffic to voice, operators must protect SMS revenue by adopting voice firewalls that can detect unmonetised flash calling and attain flash calling revenue.

Report author Sam Barker remarked: “Flash calling services have potential to disrupt SMS technology to an unprecedented degree. Operators need to support services over both SMS and flash calling, and a failure to do so will lead to reduced revenue from authentication.”

In terms of market adoption, OTT applications such as Imo have already announced their intentions to launch flash calling services. The report anticipates that flash calling will provide OTT applications with a significant platform to migrate SMS business messaging traffic to their services over operator-based services.

Flash Calling Authentication market research: https://www.juniperresearch.com/researchstore/operators-providers/flash-calling-authentication-research-report

Download the whitepaper: https://www.juniperresearch.com/whitepapers/flash-calling-impact-on-business-messaging

Juniper Research provides research and analytical services to the global hi-tech communications sector, providing consultancy, analyst reports and industry commentary. 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=41600

CLOUDFLARE MAKES IT EASY FOR DEVELOPERS TO BUILD ANY APPLICATION ON ITS INDUSTRY-LEADING SERVERLESS PLATFORM

 Surpasses more than two million applications across Cloudflare’s global platform and announces new tools, integrations, and partnerships

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov 16 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Cloudflare, Inc. (NYSE: NET), the security, performance, and reliability company helping to build a better Internet, today announced new tools and integrations to make developing applications simple, flexible, and fast. Now developers will be able to connect to their existing databases such as MySQL, MongoDB, Prisma, or Postgres alongside Cloudflare’s own tools like Durable Objects to easily and intelligently store and access data at the edge. This solves a major problem for developers–managing data–and makes it easier than ever to build any type of application, no matter the complexity, compliance requirements, or performance needs.

The promise of serverless computing is to allow developers to focus on writing code and solving challenges for their customers, without having to worry about configuring and managing infrastructure. However, while a serverless environment is meant to make development easier, solutions that exist today still create challenges for developers when it comes to working with data. Connecting or migrating databases to serverless solutions is a complex challenge that developers have to solve, taking time and energy away from building applications. Today, Cloudflare is making it easy for developers to connect their existing databases to Cloudflare Workers® and also allowing developers to use new and innovative data technologies to utilize data.

“The promise of serverless computing is its simplicity, and that promise draws hundreds of developers to sign up for Cloudflare Workers every day to power their businesses, websites, and applications,” said Matthew Prince, co-founder and CEO of Cloudflare. “We are constantly investing in making the platform the fastest, most flexible, and easy to use serverless platform on the market. That's why these new tools and partnerships are grounded in our belief that any developer in the world should be able to connect their data to build any type of application on Cloudflare, period.”

Cloudflare’s developer platform, including Cloudflare Workers, helps developers deploy code instantly across Cloudflare’s global network spanning more than 250 cities in over 100 countries for exceptional performance, reliability, and scale. Since 2017, more than 350,000 developers have built on Cloudflare’s developer platform and more than two million applications have been launched using Cloudflare Workers. The platform was also recently named as a Leader in The Forrester New Wave™: Edge Development Platforms, Q4 2021 report.

“Cloudflare Workers has been a game changer for LendingTree,” said John Turner, Application Security Lead, LendingTree. “We can run JavaScript asynchronously within or alongside a client session, manipulate data, and make decisions, without impacting performance or availability. No other solution offers this functionality.”

"Our customers and employees require a fast and reliable experience. Cloudflare Workers creates a seamless experience for our developers without impacting performance for our end users,” said Hamidreza Khamjani, Application Services, NOV Inc. (National Oilwell Varco). “Cloudflare Workers enables innovation by providing tomorrow's technology to yesterday's legacy code."

As developers continue to build increasingly complex applications, they require more ways to store and access their data from Cloudflare’s edge. Today Cloudflare is announcing three new ways for developers to utilize data in Cloudflare Workers:

Durable Objects: Now anyone can run complex applications entirely at the edge

First, Cloudflare is making Durable Objects generally available to all. The biggest challenge with working on distributed systems is not just handling data — it’s scaling access to that data. With Durable Objects, Cloudflare has created an innovative access pattern for data that offers extreme scale and effortless data sovereignty compliance without added complexity for developers. Durable Objects lets developers implement previously complex applications, like collaborative whiteboarding, game servers, or global queues, in just a few lines of code.

Database Partnerships: Connect your databases directly to Cloudflare’s edge

Second, Cloudflare announced new partnerships with MongoDB and Prisma to help developers expand their access to data from Cloudflare’s edge. With access to MongoDB Atlas–the leading hosted document database in the cloud–developers can build complete applications that require a rich query language. The addition of the Prisma Data Platform gives developers an easy-to-use, modern data layer that lets developers connect to MySQL, Postgres and SQL Server while abstracting away the difficulties of working across database platforms.

Database Connectors: Seamlessly integrate Cloudflare Workers with relational databases

Finally, Cloudflare announced Database Connectors allowing developers to connect directly to classic relational databases, including MySQL and PostgreSQL. This allows developers to use their existing tools while benefiting from the scalability and developer experience of Cloudflare Workers. To learn more, sign up to join the waitlist.

To learn more about Cloudflare Workers, please check out the resources below:

• Full Stack Week Landing Page
• Durable Objects Blog
• Database Partnerships Blog
• Relational Database Connectors Blog
• Forrester Landing Page

About Cloudflare

Cloudflare, Inc. (www.cloudflare.com / @cloudflare) is on a mission to help build a better Internet. Cloudflare’s suite of products protect and accelerate any Internet application online without adding hardware, installing software, or changing a line of code. Internet properties powered by Cloudflare have all web traffic routed through its intelligent global network, which gets smarter with every request. As a result, they see significant improvement in performance and a decrease in spam and other attacks. Cloudflare was named to Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top Company Cultures 2018 list and ranked among the World’s Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company in 2019. Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, Cloudflare has offices in Austin, TX, Champaign, IL, New York, NY, San Jose, CA, Seattle, WA, Washington, D.C., Toronto, Lisbon, London, Munich, Paris, Beijing, Singapore, Sydney, and Tokyo.


CLOUDFLARE MAKES IT EASY FOR DEVELOPERS TO BUILD ANY APPLICATION ON ITS INDUSTRY-LEADING SERVERLESS PLATFORM

Kioxia provides PCIe® 4.0 performance to everyday gamers, PC users

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 16 -- Kioxia Corporation, a world leader in memory solutions, announced it has bolstered its lineup of PCIe® 4.0 solid state drives (SSDs) with the addition of the KIOXIA BG5 Series.

Designed to bring a suitable balance of performance, cost and power to everyday gamers and PC users, the KIOXIA BG5 Series is built with a PCIe® 64 GT/s interface (Gen4 x4 lanes) and accelerated by Kioxia’s fifth-generation BiCS FLASH™ 3D flash memory technology.

As a virtual multi-LUN (VML)-enabled client SSD, the KIOXIA BG5 Series unlocks back-end flash performance while maintaining affordability, making it an especially attractive option for a wide range of commercial and consumer notebooks and desktops.

KIOXIA BG5 SSDs also support the latest matured Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology to realise a finely optimised DRAM-less SSD.

The KIOXIA BG5 ships in a compact M.2 2230 single-sided, thermally optimised form factor enabling mobility and work-from-home lifestyles. M.2 2280 single-sided form factor versions are also available.

According to a statement, the KIOXIA BG5 Series is available in capacities of 256, 512 and 1024 gigabytes (GB), and is now sampling to key industry partners and customers.

Key features include up to 3,500 MB/s sequential read and 2,900 MB/s sequential write; up to 500,000 IOPS random read and 450,000 IOPS random write; and, Power Loss Notification signal support to protect data against forced shut downs.

Kioxia is committed to uplifting the world with ‘memory’ by offering products, services and systems that create choice for customers and memory-based value for society.

-- BERNAMA

GEORGE CLINICAL SCIENTIFIC LEADERS HIGHLIGHT RENAL RESEARCH DURING ASN KIDNEY WEEK

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 15 (Bernama) -- New kidney and metabolic research involving George Clinical teams and scientific leaders has received global attention during the 2021 American Society of Nephrology’s Kidney Week including contributions featured as abstracts, poster sessions, publications and presentations.

Despite the restrictions of a global pandemic, meaningful renal clinical research has advanced with the support of the organisation over the past year with a broad set of studies concluding or continuing in chronic kidney disease (CKD), IgA nephropathy (IgAN), and a large-scale pooled analyses on kidney health outcomes.

Scientific leaders Vivekanand Jha, MD and Hiddo Jan L Heerspink, PhD authored posters, oral abstracts and spoke on panels of international interest.

Demonstrating the depth and breadth of ongoing renal research, Professor Jha’s contributions included the Effects of daprodustat on Hemoglobin and Quality of Life in Patients with CKD: Results of the ASCEND-NHQ, a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study for which George Clinical provided scientific leadership and project operations.

Professor Heerspink’s widespread renal progress evaluated new therapies for IgAN, the effects of multiple medications for patients with CKD and biomarkers that can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of new renoprotective drugs.

“This impressive collection of studies represent not only the vanguard of renal clinical research but also meaningful progress in the field that will positively impact patient care and advance subsequent research for years to come,” said Chief Medical Officer Maria Ali in a statement.

In addition, the work of several other George Clinical scientific leaders and cross-functional teams was also presented.

They comprised Dr Jonathan Barratt’s work with The ALIGN study, a Phase 3, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of Atrasentan in patients with IgAN for which George Clinical provides scientific leadership, and Dr David Wheeler’s work on the effects of canagliflozin (CANA) on kidney outcomes.

George Clinical is a leading global clinical research organisation founded in Asia-Pacific driven by scientific expertise and operational excellence.

For more information, visit https://www.georgeclinical.com.

-- BERNAMA

Spotify buys digital audiobook global leader Findaway

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 -- Spotify Technology S.A. (the company) has announced entering into a definitive agreement to acquire Findaway, a global leader in digital audiobook distribution. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Together, Spotify and Findaway will accelerate Spotify’s entry into the rapidly growing audiobooks industry, enabling faster innovation and bringing audiobooks to Spotify’s hundreds of millions of existing listeners.

Findaway’s technology infrastructure will enable Spotify to quickly scale its audiobook catalogue and innovate on the experience for consumers, simultaneously providing new avenues for publishers, authors and independent creators to reach new audiences globally.

According to a statement, the acquisition positions Spotify to revolutionise the space in the same way as music and podcasts, powering content to reach a wide audience on its global platform.

“It is Spotify’s ambition to be the destination for all things audio both for listeners and creators. The acquisition of Findaway will accelerate Spotify’s presence in the audiobook space and will help us more quickly meet that ambition,” said Gustav Söderström, Spotify’s Chief Research & Development Officer.

“We’re excited to combine Findaway’s team, best in class technology platform, and robust audiobook catalogue, with Spotify’s expertise to revolutionise the audiobook space as we did with music and podcasts.”

Meanwhile, Findaway Founder & CEO, Mitch Kroll said: “Together with Spotify, we have the opportunity to innovate and democratise the audiobook ecosystem.”

Kroll will report to Nir Zicherman, Head of Audiobooks at Spotify, with the transaction expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2021.

-- BERNAMA

AKWEL: REVENUE FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 2021

 Paris, France, Nov 12 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --    

Wednesday 10 November 2021

REVENUE FIGURES FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 2021

AKWEL (FR0000053027, AKW, PEA-eligible), the automotive and HGV equipment and systems manufacturer specialising in fluid and mechanism management, posted consolidated revenue of €699.1m over the first nine months of 2021, up by 7.7% compared to the same period last year.

Against a backdrop of tensions on commodities and electronic components, volumes remained at low levels for the global automotive industry, compared with a third quarter of 2020 characterised by a strong catch-up effect. Q3 revenue fell by 19.3%.

Products & Functions revenue (-17.2% compared with the third quarter of 2020) however records the performance by business days outstripped the performance during the second quarter, which is a first. The Oil, Fuel, Cooling and Mechanisms businesses achieved double-digit growth, while the Washing product line posted a significant decline.

Net cash (excluding lease obligations) fell during the third quarter by €4.8m, primarily due to the increase in inventory, but remained at a high level at the end of September 2021 at €98.3m.

Visibility on production volumes in the global automotive industry is still extremely poor. The target of a rise in annual revenue remains a lofty goal that is increasingly difficult to achieve. In this context, and bolstered by a solid model and a favourable financial position, AKWEL is continuing to prepare for its long-term growth by pursuing its investments in sales growth and new mobility solutions.

An independent, family-owned group listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange, AKWEL is an automotive and HGV equipment and systems manufacturer specialising in fluid management and mechanisms, offering first-rate industrial and technological expertise in applying and processing materials (plastics, rubber, metal) and mechatronic integration.

Operating in 20 countries across every continent, AKWEL employs more than 10,500 people worldwide. 

Euronext Paris – Compartment B – ISIN: FR0000053027 – Reuters: AKW.PA – Bloomberg: AKW:FP 

Attachment

·         2021-11-10_AKWEL_CA-T3-2021_short_EN 

SOURCE : Akwel

--BERNAMA

ZENFOLIO ACQUIRES FORMAT TO EXPAND SERVICES FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS

Menlo Park, California, Nov 12 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zenfolio, the leader in creative and business solutions for photographers, announced that it has acquired Format, a major website-building platform and marketplace based in Toronto, Canada, used by professional photographers and artists worldwide. Both companies offer Software as a Service (SaaS) business solutions – Zenfolio since 2006 and Format since 2010. Combined, these two market leaders provide the most comprehensive service offering to photographers and artists, leveraging their respective brands and complementary strengths.

John Loughlin, Zenfolio CEO, shared the rationale for bringing the two companies together. “We deeply respect the Format brand, their employees and community, and the business they have built,” he stated. “This combination will expand the capabilities and services offered to our respective customers.”

Lukas Dryja, Format CEO and Co-Founder, shared his enthusiasm for the merger. “Since creating Format, we have cared deeply about our community and team,” he said. “Partnering with Zenfolio is a tremendous opportunity for both. The Format community will benefit from Zenfolio’s extensive technology services while Zenfolio customers will have access to world class tools and designs to showcase their work online.”

The Format acquisition continues a strategy launched by Zenfolio three years ago to reimagine the company. Zenfolio recently unveiled a new cloud-based technology platform using artificial intelligence and machine-learning that is redefining the business of photography. Zenfolio leads the industry in workflow automation, helping photographers manage and grow their businesses, while spending more time behind the lens.

“Bringing together two leading platforms for photographers allows us to accelerate the development of new services by taking best in breed features and capabilities and making them available to customers of both companies,” Loughlin explained.

The two brands will initially operate in parallel, each retaining its current employee workforce and subscription base. Format will continue to be headquartered in Toronto. Zenfolio headquarters will continue to be located in Menlo Park, California.

About Zenfolio

Zenfolio Inc., a Centre Lane Partners company, offers advanced business solutions enabling photographers to easily show, share and sell their images. For the past 15 years, Zenfolio has proudly served photographers around the globe.

About Format

Format empowers professional photographers and creatives by transforming them into successful entrepreneurs. Founded in 2010 in Toronto, Canada, Format is a proudly self-funded company with a remote team distributed globally.

Vista Point Advisors acted as the exclusive advisor to Format in its sale to Zenfolio.

Attachment

• Zenfolio, the leader in creative and business solutions for photographers

Zenfolio
pr@zenfolio.com 

Source: Zenfolio 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=41561

AJC TO HOST BIMP-EAGA VIRTUAL SYMPOSIUM SERIES

“New Business Opportunities and Creating Sustainable Socio-Economic Landscape in BIMP-EAGA” on Nov 18, Nov 25, Dec 2, and Dec 9.

TOKYO, Nov 11 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- The ASEAN-Japan Centre (AJC) will organize a series of virtual symposium on Brunei Indonesia Malaysia Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area or BIMP-EAGA on November 18 and 25, and December 2 and 9, 2021. The theme of the virtual symposium series is “New Business Opportunities and Creating Sustainable Socio-Economic Landscape in BIMP-EAGA”.

The BIMP-EAGA was launched in 1994 to spur development in remote and less developed areas in the four participating Southeast Asian countries. These areas are geographically far from the national capitals, yet strategically close to each other. These states and provinces account for over 60% of the land area of the BIMP-EAGA countries; yet they make up less than 20% of their population and 18% of the labor force.

The symposium series would focus on four of the five strategic pillars of BIMP-EAGA VISION 2025 namely, Connectivity, Food Basket, Environment, and Socio-cultural and Education*. Based on the perspectives of Free and Open Indo-Pacific and ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific which share many relevant fundamental principles, the symposium series aims to give both BIMP-EAGA and Japanese stakeholders an occasion to discuss and better understand the challenges as well as the business opportunities in the region. The symposium series also hopes to be able to present possible areas of collaboration for Japan - BIMP-EAGA and transform the challenges of socio-economic development into new business opportunities.

The first session of the series will be on Thursday, 18 November 2021 as below. Details of the rest of the sessions will be announced in due course on the AJC website. (https://www.asean.or.jp/en/)

*A symposium to discuss BIMP-EAGA Tourism is scheduled to be held aside from this symposium series. Details will be announced on AJC website in due course.

1^st Session of “New Business Opportunities and Creating Sustainable Socio-Economic Landscape in BIMP-EAGA”
- Connectivity Pillar -

Date/Time:

Thursday, 18 November 2021, 10:50 AM - 02:10 PM (Japan time)

Venue:

Zoom Online

Program:

• Opening Ceremony
  Welcome Remarks
    Dr. HIRABAYASHI, Kunihiko, Secretary General of ASEAN-Japan Centre
  Message
    Mr. MIYAKE, Shingo, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Japan
  Keynote Address
    Dr. Airlanga Hartarto, Minister, Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, Republic of Indonesia

• Presentations on Connectivity Pillar –Recent Developments, Challenges and Opportunities
  Transportation Linkages (Presenter: Malaysia)
  ICT (Presenter: Malaysia)
  Energy (Presenter: Indonesia)
  Trade & Investment (Presenter: Philippines)
  BIMP-EAGA Connectivity and Japan – A case of infrastructure cooperation by Tobishima Construction

Organizer:

ASEAN-Japan Centre

Co-organizer:

BIMP-EAGA Secretariat

Capacity:

300 people

Language:

English and Japanese (Simultaneous interpretation)

Registration:

Free
Please register from the link below to participate:
https://data.asean.or.jp/form/seminar/app_seminar.aspx?id=34373260
(Click on “English” on the top right corner of the website)
For participants outside Japan, instead of your telephone number please use 0000000000 in filling up the registration form. 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=41557

25 YEARS OF MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE FOR WOMEN: MARY KAY ASH FOUNDATION℠ MARKS MILESTONE ANNIVERSARY

Charitable Organization Unveils New Name, Logo, Website, Rebranding and First-Ever Foundation Annual Report

DALLAS, Nov 11 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- In celebration of its 25^th anniversary and guided by Mary Kay Ash’s dream to enrich the lives of women worldwide, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation^SM released its first-ever Foundation Annual Report, as well as a new name, logo website and rebranding. Since 1996, the Foundation has contributed more than $80 million to organizations aligned with its two-fold mission: funding research for cancers affecting women and ending domestic violence and gender-based violence against women and girls.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211110005237/en/

 

For more than two decades, the Foundation has continued to innovate as a global charitable leader focused on women. To commemorate its milestone anniversary, the organization made a slight name change from The Mary Kay Foundation^SM to Mary Kay Ash Foundation^SM to improve search engine optimization. In addition, the Foundation unveiled a new logo and website, rebranding and the first-ever Mary Kay Ash Foundation^SM Annual Report. The report gives an overview of the 2020 initiatives in the United States and around the world. Key findings in the report include:

• In 2020, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation^SM awarded grants totaling $1,825,000 to causes in the U.S. and those that will make a difference throughout the world via the Innovative/Translational Cancer Research Grants and the International Post-Doctoral Fellowship Cancer Research Program. Since 1996, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation^SM has supported innovative cancer research and clinical trials to find a cure for cancers affecting women by awarding more than $25 million for over 250 cutting-edge projects at leading medical schools and research institutions worldwide.

• Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a devastating increase was reported in domestic violence across the world in 2020. This pandemic within a pandemic stretched domestic violence shelters to their limits. The Mary Kay Ash Foundation^SM awarded emergency grants totaling $1,000,000 to support domestic violence frontline workers – the first responders for women and children. In an effort to expand a global commitment to eradicate gender-based domestic violence, Mary Kay Inc. and the Mary Kay Ash Foundation^SM joined forces with the United Nations Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women and CARE USA, humanitarian global leaders. Since 2000, the Foundation has donated more than $58 million to ending gender-based violence. The effort has supported over six million women and girls seeking shelter and services from abuse.

“Twenty-five years ago, my grandmother, Mary Kay Ash, created the Foundation that continues to remain at the heart of Mary Kay Inc., company employees and independent beauty consultants who strive to uphold her vision of making the world a better place for women and their families,” said Ryan Rogers, Chief Investment Officer and Vice President of the Mary Kay Ash Foundation^SM Board of Directors. “While the Mary Kay Ash Foundation^SM planted its roots in Texas and watched them spread across the United States, much like the company itself, the work of the Foundation knows no borders. We envision a world where women are empowered, healthy and safe. On this milestone anniversary, we continue our steadfast commitment to women worldwide and are reminded of how truly honored we are to continue doing my grandmother’s work.”

For more information, visit marykayashfoundation.org.

About the Mary Kay Ash Foundation^SM

Guided by Mary Kay Ash’s dream to enrich the lives of women everywhere, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation^SM raises and distributes funds to invest in breakthrough cancer research to find a cure for women-related cancers and ending domestic violence against women. Since 1996, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation^SM has contributed more than $80 million to organizations aligned with its two-fold mission. In addition, the Foundation supports awareness initiatives, community outreach programs, and advocates for legislation to ensure women are healthy and safe. Together, we can make the world better for women. To learn more about how to educate, advocate, volunteer and donate, and join life-saving work to support and empower women, visit marykayashfoundation.org, find us on Facebook and Instagram, or follow us on Twitter. 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=41544

Vonage: Half of global consumers increase business digital engagement since pandemic

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 10 -- Vonage has announced new research revealing that about half (47 per cent) of consumers worldwide have increased their use of digital channels to engage with businesses and service providers over the past 12-18 months.

In addition, 87 per cent expect to maintain or increase this level in the next 6-12 months, according to a statement from the global leader in cloud communications helping businesses accelerate their digital transformation.

In Asia, consumers have significantly increased their use of digital channels to engage with businesses and service providers since the outbreak of COVID-19 – 52 per cent (retail & ecommerce), 51 per cent (education), 49 per cent (banking & finance), 46 per cent (healthcare services), 43 per cent (media, gaming & online dating) and 31 per cent (transportation & travel).

In the next 6-12 months, 44 per cent will continue to increase their digital engagement with retail and ecommerce service providers, followed by education and banking & financial services (42 per cent), healthcare (38 per cent), media, gaming & online dating (36 per cent) and transportation & travel (34 per cent).

Vonage’s 10th Global Customer Engagement Report, based on a survey of 5,000 consumers from 14 countries, uncovered just how much the pandemic accelerated the global adoption of newer communication channels while increasing fragmentation in channel preferences, especially in the ways that consumers interact with organisations.

The research highlights changes over the past two years that reinforce the need for businesses and service providers to transform their customer engagement strategies to become more agile and adapt to permanent changes accelerated by the COVID era.

Consumers who embraced new and emerging channels of communication during the pandemic did not revert to old habits. Customer engagement has permanently changed and there will be no return to the pre-2020 era.

The usage of digital channels (video, chatbots, non-SMS messaging apps, etc.) has grown considerably, while more traditional channels (mobile voice calls, email) have held steady.

Since January 2020, globally, there has been a 300 per cent growth in the number of people who prefer to connect with businesses via video. Emerging communication channels that saw an increase in preference include messaging via social messaging apps and chatbots.

-- BERNAMA

TOKYO-BASED INVADE CO., LTD. STARTS "NILE BEAUTY" SERVICE ALLOWING ONLINE BUSINESS MATCHING WITH BEAUTY COMPANIES ACROSS GLOBE 24/7 ALL YEAR LONG

 TOKYO, Nov. 10, 2021 /Kyodo JBN-AsiaNet/ --

"NILE BEAUTY," started by INVADE Co., Ltd. based in Tokyo, is a completely new community service where beauty companies from all over the world can gather and do business matching online. Through information such as companies, products, and content articles, INVADE is creating places where "company and company" and "company and individual" can meet online.   (Logo: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M106890/202111093045/_prw_PI1fl_FIsmi7Ax.jpg)     (Image1: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M106890/202111093045/_prw_PI2fl_DrwWJzBO.jpg)     (Image2: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M106890/202111093045/_prw_PI3fl_7b78m8r6.jpg)     (1) It significantly reduces the cost and time spent on exhibiting and participating in domestic and international exhibitions.   (2) It is possible to find a potential business partner 24/7 all year long, without worrying about the time difference.   (3) A multilingual function facilitates business negotiations with companies in other countries.   https://beauty.nile.inc/service   By displaying at "NILE BEAUTY," the exhibitor can post company information, product information, and various content articles for access by registered companies. Also, when registering as a business negotiation company (negotiator), he/she can easily browse the information of exhibiting companies at any time, and store the information. After matching, the exhibitor and negotiator can chat with each other.   Click here for the NILE introduction video: https://beauty.nile.inc/about   Currently, a great promotion campaign is in progress to commemorate the grand opening of the service. Please see here for details: https://beauty.nile.inc/service   The worldwide business matching service "NILE BEAUTY" will significantly change the way people think about exhibitions, how they approach potential partners, and the conventional business that has emphasized face-to-face contact over the years. Please find new business partners through "NILE BEAUTY."   Official website: https://beauty.nile.inc     Source: INVADE Co., Ltd.   http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=41536