Fujitsu to offer Fujitsu Cloud Service Generative AI Platform for secure and flexible enterprise data management

TOKYO, Feb 13, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Fujitsu today announced the launch of the Fujitsu Cloud Service Generative AI Platform. The new service, which combines data confidentiality with the ease of use of the cloud, will be made available in Japan during fiscal year 2025, with a global rollout planned for the future. Fujitsu will begin accepting applications for a trial of this service in Japan starting February 13, 2025.Generative AI offers significant productivity gains across various business functions from brainstorming and meeting minute generation to automated code creation. However, its adoption in sectors handling sensitive data has been limited due to concerns about data leakage, unintended AI learning, and compliance with internal regulations. Fujitsu's new platform directly addresses these challenges.To ensure data security and compliance, the service combines Fsas Technologies Inc.'s Private AI Platform on PRIMERGY, Supermicro’s GPU servers, and Fujitsu’s Takane large language model (LLM) which is the core technology of the Fujitsu Kozuchi AI service and renowned for its world-leading Japanese language capabilities, as well as generative AI security enhancement technologies to offer an on-demand cloud-based generative AI solution through Fujitsu’s data centers. This architecture manages client data in a private area on the cloud in Fujitsu’s data center, allowing for the secure processing of confidential information.In addition to Takane, Fujitsu plans to gradually increase the number of available LLMs from other companies to meet customer needs.Fujitsu will add the new service to its Fujitsu Computing as a Service (1) portfolio. Fujitsu will provide comprehensive support, from initial implementation to ongoing optimization, enabling businesses to maximize the efficiency and productivity gains of generative AI and drive significant business transformation.Key features1. Sensitive data management for privatelyFine-tuning data, fine-tuned LLMs, and data used for RAG (2) are stored in dedicated private cloud areas for each client. This approach safeguards sensitive information, preventing unintended data usage and ensuring compliance with internal regulations and economic security concerns.2. Cost-effective shared GPU resourcesThis service reduces the cost per hour of use by providing a shared GPU server for inference and training while securing data in a private area. This standardized and shared infrastructure significantly reduces initial deployment costs compared to building a dedicated generative AI environment.For on-premise solutions, Fsas Technologies Inc.'s Private AI Platform on PRIMERGY and Supermicro GPU servers, along with system integration and operational support.3. Secure on-demand access to generative AI through Fujitsu’ s generative AI security enhancement technology and cloud security measuresThe adoption of Fujitsu’s generative AI security enhancement technology allows users to safely and securely use this service. For example, it prevents users from unintentionally accessing unauthorized information via the LLM.Furthermore, leveraging Fujitsu's extensive experience in enterprise cloud security and operations, Fujitsu conducts vulnerability assessments and third-party audits. By providing the service from Fujitsu's JDCC Tier 4 equivalent (3)data center, Fujitsu offers a high-security and convenient solution.(1) Fujitsu Computing as a Service :Suite of easily accessible advanced computing and software technologies.(2) RAG :Retrieval Augmented Generation, a mechanism that allows LLMs to access and utilize knowledge outside of their training data.(3) JDCC Tier 4 equivalent :Meets the highest level of the Japan Data Center Association's standards for data center robustness, availability, and security.About FujitsuFujitsu’s purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers in over 100 countries, our 124,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: Computing, Networks, AI, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.7 trillion yen (US$26 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: www.fujitsu.com.Press ContactsFujitsu LimitedPublic and Investor Relations DivisionInquiries Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

Welbloom Bio-Tech to Showcase Exclusive Innovations at NPEW 2025: Ergothioneine and Anti-Aging Formulas Take Center Stage

Taipei – February 13, 2025 – Ergothioneine, known for their exceptional nutritional value, have been gaining significant global attention as a key ingredient in dietary supplements. According to market data, the global Ergothioneine supplement market is projected to reach USD 34.3 billion in 2024 and grow to USD 47.2 billion by 2028, highlighting vast consumer demand and market potential. Taiwan-based dietary supplement contract manufacturer Welbloom Bio-Tech has over 25 years of experience, offering clients a one-stop professional service. (Photo source: Welbloom Bio-Tech Empowering Brands from Production to Sustainability Welbloom Bio-Tech, a leading Taiwanese contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) specializing in dietary supplements, is set to exhibit at the upcoming Natural Products Expo West (NPEW) in March. The company will unveil two innovative products—Wel-EGT® and Wel-Revive®—addressing the evolving health and wellness trends. Founded in 1999, Welbloom Bio-Tech comprises a team of professionals with backgrounds in pharmaceuticals, food science, and nutrition. The company operates an NSF-certified manufacturing facility, offering tailored solutions across the entire product lifecycle, from formulation development and production to training and education. Welbloom Bio-Tech takes pride in its proprietary FRESH-Jelly® technology, an industry-first patented delivery format. The company’s commitment to sustainability is further demonstrated through its newly established LEED Silver-certified facility, which emphasizes the use of local ingredients and eco-friendly packaging while achieving carbon reduction goals. Welbloom Showcasing New Exosome Technology The company’s flagship product, Wel-EGT®, leverages a proprietary mushroom Exosomes extraction technology enriched with amino acids, providing rapid nutrient absorption and boasting a remarkable 92% free radical scavenging rate per milliliter. In response to the aging population trend, Welbloom Bio-Tech will also unveil Wel-Revive®, a powerful anti-aging supplement formulated with turmeric, onion, and strawberry extracts. This compound formula is designed to combat oxidative stress and cellular aging, delivering noticeable results within just four weeks of use. NPEW will take place from March 5 to March 7 in Anaheim, California, where Welbloom Bio-Tech will exhibit at Hall D, Booth #3367. Industry professionals interested in exploring the latest innovations, especially the application of Exosomes in ingredients and formulations, are welcome to visit the booth or contact Jenny Zhu at service@welbloom.com.tw for further inquiries and collaboration opportunities. Media Contact Jenny Zhu service@welbloom.com.tw

Cleverbridge Appoints Markus Scheuermann as Chief Financial Officer

Cologne, Germany, Feb 12, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Cleverbridge, a leading provider of ecommerce and billing solutions for global software and SaaS companies, today announced the appointment of Markus Scheuermann as Chief Financial Officer, effective as of April 1, 2025.Markus ScheuermannScheuermann is a seasoned senior executive with over 20 years of experience in financial strategy, business development, M&A, and digital transformation within high-performing technology organizations. Most recently, he served as Chief Financial Officer at Thinkproject Group and has previously held key leadership roles at HolidayCheck Group, Hubert Burda Media, eBay, and McKinsey & Company. Markus will report directly to Wendi Sturgis, Cleverbridge CEO, and be part of an executive leadership team that includes CRO Kevin Feagan, CTO Radu Immenroth, and CHRO Alexander Brochier."I'm thrilled to join Cleverbridge at such a pivotal moment as we work toward becoming the industry's highest-performing merchant of record platform," said Scheuermann. "My focus is to build upon the company's exceptionally strong financial position and profitable growth trajectory, positioning us for even greater market expansion as we continue to help our clients achieve their growth ambitions."Founded in 2005 in Cologne (Germany) and Chicago (Illinois, USA), Cleverbridge has grown to a global team of 300+ employees, setting new standards as a leading merchant of record (MoR) solution provider. Some of the world's largest technology companies - including Red Hat, Dassault Systèmes, and Sony - trust Cleverbridge to process payments, manage subscriptions, and simplify the complexities of global ecommerce. In 2024, Cleverbridge achieved record growth, expanding its client portfolio across industries while maintaining 99% logo retention and 100% platform uptime."In Markus, we've gained not only an accomplished CFO but a visionary leader whose strategic expertise will propel Cleverbridge into its next phase of growth," said Wendi Sturgis, Cleverbridge CEO. "With a proven track record of leading companies at scale, Markus brings the insight and experience needed to unlock new opportunities and drive our business forward. His leadership will be instrumental as we execute our strategic initiatives and expand our market presence."For more information, visit grow.cleverbridge.com or follow Cleverbridge on LinkedIn.About CleverbridgeCleverbridge is the all-in-one ecommerce platform for global subscription businesses. As a merchant of record (MoR), we consolidate the essential components of an ecommerce solution - including payments, subscription management, tax/VAT handling, and regulatory compliance - to help businesses offload operational work and automate digital transactions throughout the customer lifecycle. Since 2005, leading B2B and B2C technology companies across industries have trusted Cleverbridge to deliver frictionless buying experiences and optimize acquisition, expansion, and retention in over 240 countries and territories. Learn more at grow.cleverbridge.com.Contact InformationGordon KnappSenior Director, Marketinggordon.knapp@cleverbridge.comSOURCE: Cleverbridge Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

Q2 Metals Initial Metallurgical Testing Confirms Spodumene as the Primary Lithium-Bearing Mineral within Pegmatite at the Cisco Lithium Project

HighlightsTest work completed at SGS Canada (Lakefield) indicates that spodumene is the primary lithium-bearing mineral within in all pegmatite samples.No petalite, lepidolite, amblygonite or lithium-phosphate minerals were present within a detection threshold above 1% in any samples tested.Vancouver, BC, Feb 12, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Q2 Metals Corp. (TSXV:QTWO)(OTCQB:QUEXF)(FSE:458) ("Q2" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the results of initial metallurgical testing on drill core samples collected from the 2024 drill program on the Cisco Lithium Project (the "Project" or the "Cisco Project") located within the greater Nemaska traditional territory of the Eeyou Istchee James Bay, Quebec, Canada.Initial mineralogical work was completed by SGS Canada on 16 drill core analytical pulp samples of pegmatite collected across seven (7) drill holes at the Cisco Project (specifically from drill holes CS23-010, 017, 018, 019, 021, 022, 023, see Figure 1). The purpose of the mineralogy work was to provide a preliminary characterization of the lithium pegmatite at Cisco and to orient the direction of subsequent mineral processing test work.All samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction ("XRD") for quantitative modal mineralogy. The samples that were submitted had representatively low, mid and high grades, with individual samples containing lithium between 0.53% and 3.8% Li 2 O (see Figure 2).The results of the XRD analysis indicated average spodumene content of 17% within sample results, ranging between 6% and 39%. The remaining minerals in the samples include quartz, albite, microcline, muscovite and occasionally biotite and/or beryl. All minerals are present in common rations compared to other pegmatites in the James Bay Lithium District."Having spodumene as the only primary lithium-bearing mineral verified with a high-precision method like XRD is an important milestone for the Cisco Project, verifying our core observations of coarse-grained spodumene," stated Neil McCallum, VP Exploration of Q2. "We will be conducting further metallurgical testing of the mineralized zone at the Project to understand its amenability to HLS and DMS flowsheet work."To follow-up the initial XRD analysis, samples are currently being prepared for additional metallurgical test work, including heavy liquid separation (HLS), dense media separation (DMS), magnetic separation, and flotation. The primary objective of the follow up preliminary metallurgical program is to evaluate the beneficiation of the currently defined mineralized zone at the Cisco Project with a traditional lithium pegmatite flowsheet. The goal of the proposed work is to produce a spodumene concentrate of greater than 6% Li 2 O with low iron content, at a maximum lithium recovery.Figure 1. Location of mineralogical samples at the Cisco PropertyFigure 2. Sample from Drill hole CS24-019Corporate Update:Q2 Metals announces the addition of Simon Gaivin and Chris Ackerman to its team:Simon Gaivin - Community Relations: Mr. Gaivin is a committed professional in regional development and stakeholder engagement, with over 20 years of experience in community relations, partnership management and institutional representation. He has engaged with numerous noteworthy organizations over his career, including serving as a Director of the Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscaminque (UQAT) Foundation & Alumni Association, a professional at the Regional Conference of Elected Officials of Abitibi-Témiscaminque, and a lecturer at UQAT in regional development and marketing. Mr. Gaivin holds a graduate degree in Project Management from UQAT.Chris Ackerman - Corporate Communications: Mr. Ackerman is a graduate of the UBC Faculty of Law and has extensive experience in both government and private industry, including fifteen years in mineral exploration. Prior to joining Q2 Metals, Mr. Ackerman was a founding member and spent over eight years as Vice President, Corporate Development at the Metallic Group of Companies which includes Metallic Minerals, Stillwater Critical Minerals and Granite Creek Copper. In 2016, he took the role of Sr. Business Development Advisor with the Yukon Ministry of Economic Development; a position primarily focused on promoting investment in the mining industry and previously spent 5 years heading up the Communications & IR department at Yukon-focused exploration companies."I'm pleased to welcome both Simon and Chris to Q2 as we continue to add and build upon the strength of our team. With Simon being from Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, his understanding of local perspectives will contribute to the growth of our community initiatives," stated Alicia Milne, President & CEO of Q2. "Additionally, Chris comes to us with a strong and active background in corporate strategy, capital markets, communications and investor relations. I'm looking forward to working with them as we continue to move forward with the Project."Upcoming Events:OTC Metals and Mining Virtual Investor Conference:Alicia Milne, Q2 Metals President & CEO and Neil McCallum, Q2 Metals VP of Exploration will present live at the Metals and Mining Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on February 12, 2025 at 8:30am PT | 11:30 am ET.DATE: Wednesday, February 12, 2025TIME: 8:30am PT | 11:30 am ETLINK: Click here to registerThis will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.PDAC Booth and Core ShackThe Company will be attending and exhibiting on site at the 2025 Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada event ("PDAC 2025") in Toronto, ON.Q2 is exhibiting in the Investors Exchange from March 2 - 5, 2025 at booth number 2726 and will also be exhibiting core from the Cisco Lithium Project at the PDAC 2025 Core Shack on March 4 - 5, 2025.For more information on PDAC 2025, please click here.PDAC Quebec Day: Critical & Strategic: Mining in QuébecQ2 Metals is honoured to have been selected to provide a corporate spotlight presentation during Quebec Day at PDAC. Alicia Milne will present at 10:25am on March 4 th in Room 206D.For more information on Quebec Day, click here.About Q2 Metals CorpQ2 Metals is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on the Cisco Lithium Project located within the greater Nemaska traditional territory of the Eeyou Istchee Territory, James Bay, Quebec, where drilling is currently underway.The Cisco Project is comprised of 767 claims, totaling 39,389 hectares. The main mineralized zone is just 6.5 kilometres ("km") away from the Billy Diamond Highway and transects the Project. The town of Matagami, which features direct rail link to much of James Bay, is approximately 150 km to the south.The Cisco Project is situated along the Frotet Evans Greenstone Belt, comprised of a volcanic package dominated by mafic to felsic metavolcanic rocks, of the southern James Bay Lithium District, the same belt that hosts the Sirmac and Moblan lithium deposits, located 130 km and 180 km away, respectively.The Cisco Project has district-scale potential with an already identified mineralized zone and discovery drill results that include:120.3 metres at 1.72% Li 2 O (hole CS-24-010);215.6 metres at 1.69% Li 2 O (hole CS-24-018);347.1 metres at 1.35% Li 2 O (hole CS-24-021); and188.6 metres at 1.56% Li 2 O (hole CS-24-023)Since May 2024, the Company has drilled a total of 6,359.7 m over 17 holes. All drill holes intercepted pegmatite with visual indications of spodumene mineralization identified.FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:Alicia MilnePresident & CEOAlicia@Q2metals.comJason McBrideCorporate CommunicationsJason@Q2metals.comChris AckermanCorporate CommunicationsChris@Q2metals.comTelephone: 1 (800) 482-7560E-mail: info@Q2metals.comwww.Q2Metals.comClick to follow us online:X, LinkedIn, Facebook, and InstagramQualified PersonNeil McCallum, B.Sc., P.Geol, a registered permit holder with the Ordre des Géologues du Québec and Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 ("QP"), has reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release. Mr. McCallum is a director and VP Exploration for Q2.Forward-Looking StatementsThis news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian legislation. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", "plans", "may", "should", "would", "will", "potential", "scheduled" or variations of such words and phrases and similar expressions, which, by their nature, refer to future events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. Accordingly, all statements in this news release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations and orientations regarding the future including, without limitation, any statements or plans regarding the geological prospects of the Company's properties and the future exploration endeavors of the Company. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions.Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this news release speak only as of the date of this news release or as of the date specified in such statement. Forward looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, proposed metallurgical test work to be conducted, , the possibility of future development and mining infrastructure scenarios, the potential for development, the potential scale of the Cisco Project, the focus of the Company's current and future exploration and drill programs, the scale, scope and location of future exploration and drilling activities, the Company's expectations in connection with the projects and exploration programs being met, the Company's objectives, goals or future plans, statements, exploration results, potential mineralization, the estimation of mineral resources, exploration and mine development plans, timing of the commencement of operations and estimates of market conditions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include failure to obtain necessary approvals, variations in ore grade or recovery rates, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, unsuccessful exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, risks associated with regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, uninsured risks, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same. Readers are cautioned that mineral exploration and development of mines is an inherently risky business and accordingly, the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Additional risk factors are discussed in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis for its recently completed fiscal period, which is available under Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedarplus.ca.Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information except as otherwise required by applicable law.Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.SOURCE: Q2 Metals Corp. Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

Papabo Partners with Taobao Hong Kong to Open First “Furniture & Lifestyle Super Store”

Mr. CK Chan (left), Head of Hong Kong and Macao, Taobao Tmall World, and Mr. Andy Wong (right), Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of PapaHome, officiallyannounce at the press conference that “PapaHome Partnered with Taobao,” situated on the 2nd floor of China Hong Kong City in Tsim Sha Tsui, will officially open on February 22.HONG KONG, Feb 12, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Papabo, a leading one-stop home improvement platform in the local market, announced its collaboration with Taobao China Hong Kong (hereinafter referred to as "Taobao Hong Kong") to launch Taobao's first furniture and lifestyle super store in Hong Kong, officially named "PapaHome Partnered with Taobao." The store is situated on the 2nd floor of China Hong Kong City in Tsim Sha Tsui, owned by Sino Group, and will officially open on February 22, 2025. This store adopts a brand-new online-merge-offline (OMO) operating model to provide local consumers with an unprecedented new shopping experience.PapaHome Partnered with Taobao covers an area of more than 25,000 square feet and officially opens on February 22Covering an area of more than 25,000 square feet, PapaHome features over 10,000 products curated from more than 100 high-quality Taobao merchants, ranging from living room, dining room, and bedroom furniture to whole house custom furniture and various decoration materials. The products displayed in the store specifically cater to the tastes of Hong Kong consumers and the needs of Hong Kong families, focusing on high quality, great value and exquisite design.PapaHome also provides personalized shopping assistance. Consumers can first experience the products in person in the store, then scan the QR code on the product to obtain detailed product information and exclusive discounts on Taobao; after selecting their desired items, they can easily complete purchases directly on the Taobao shopping platform. This brand-new OMO operating model in the Hong Kong furniture market combines the immersive experience of browsing in physical stores with the convenience of online shopping. Compared to a purely online purchasing model, it allows consumers to enjoy a more comprehensive, higher-quality and more personalized one-stop shopping experience.PapaHome Partnered with Taobao, located in China Hong Kong City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, covers an area of ​​over 25,000 square feet and will officially open on February22, 2025.In addition, PapaHome Partnered with Taobao will use technologies such as AI/AR to facilitate consumers to choose suitable products and provide a seamless shopping experience.The store features carefully selected reputable merchants, including well-known Chinese listed companies such as GoldenHome Living (603180.SH), Guangzhou Holike Creative Home (603898.SH), Guangdong Dongpeng Holdings (003012.SZ) and Monalisa Group (002918.SZ), as well as innovative brands like Ziinlife Designs, modern European furniture store SHUZHI Design, office furniture brand Sunon, independent designer brand Rino Art, and original Taobao furniture brand Half House. These renowned merchants and designer brands will showcase their unique, high-quality furniture designs, home decorations, and renovation materials to Hong Kong consumers for the first time.Creating a new future for Hong Kong's retail industry - The first phase is expected to create more than 100 jobs in Hong KongMr. Andy Wong, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of PapaHome, stated: "PapaHome is designed to serve Hong Kong consumers and meet the local market's needs. We aim to combine the advantages of online sales and offline retail, providing an easier purchasing channel for Hong Kong citizens interested in Taobao products. This store is not just a retail space, it is a carefully curated shopping experience that offers exceptional products and services while serving as the best platform for merchants to enter the Hong Kong market. Our merchants include not only well-known mainland brands but also prominent Hong Kong institutions, such as Towngas and Bank of China (Hong Kong). We have already created nearly 100 jobs for young people in Hong Kong during the initial phase of operation. Additionally, we will collaborate with our merchants to provide internships for young people aspiring to enter the industry."Mr. Andy Wong, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of PapaHomeMr. CK Chan, Head of Hong Kong and Macao, Taobao Tmall World, commented: "In recent years, large furniture has become one of the best-selling product categories on Taobao Hong Kong. This trend indicates that local consumers are increasingly eager to explore diverse product choices online to meet their personalized needs. The debut of PapaHome will make it easier for Hong Kong consumers to find suitable products among Taobao's vast selections. Papabo has extensive experience serving Hong Kong Taobao users, and we are excited to collaborate with a local company that possesses profound expertise in home improvement. This partnership will create a space where consumers can experience Taobao furniture in person and enjoy one-stop service. We believe that this initiative will enhance the user experience of Taobao Hong Kong and help more consumers easily build their dream homes."Mr. CK Chan, Head of Hong Kong and Macao, Taobao Tmall WorldMs. Bella P.L. Chhoa, Director of Sino Group Asset Management, expressed: "We are delighted that the first PapaHome is located in China Hong Kong City, a property of ours in Tsim Sha Tsui. Its innovative operating model and focus on customer shopping experience align perfectly with our values. The arrival of PapaHome will make China Hong Kong City a focal point in the city and inject new momentum into the local retail industry. We will launch a series of promotional activities to provide customers with an innovative and interactive shopping experience."PapaHome Partnered with Taobao, located in China Hong Kong City, Tsim Sha Tsui,Hong Kong, covers an area of ​​over 25,000 square feet and will officiallyopen on February 22, 2025.New OMO Model Optimizes Shopping ExperiencePapaHome's innovative retail concept brings new vitality to the local furniture retail industry. A special seminar was held on the same day of the press conference, moderated by Mr. Ivan Chu, advisor of PapaHome and former CEO of Cathay Pacific Airways as well as former Chairman of Swire (China). Participating guests included Mr. Patrick Yeung, CEO of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, Miss Hong Kong and Actor Miss Grace Chan, Mr. Benjamin Quinlan, CEO of Quinlan & Associates, member of the Board of Directors of the Australia Chamber of Commerce and Co-Chair of the Innovation and Technology Committee, and Ms. Bella P.L. Chhoa, Director of Sino Group Asset Management. The guests provided valuable insights into the prospects and development of Hong Kong's retail industry, highlighting how the OMO model can optimize the shopping experience and meet diverse consumer needs.Mr. Andy Wong (center), Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of PapaHome, and Mr. CK Chan (third from the left), Head of Hong Kong and Macao, Taobao Tmall World, are pictured alongside guests of the seminar, including Mr. Ivan Chu (first from the left), advisor of PapaHome and former CEO of Cathay Pacific Airways as well as former Chairman of Swire (China), Mr. Patrick Yeung (second from the left), CEO of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, Miss Hong Kong and Actor Miss Grace Chan (third from the right), Mr. Benjamin Quinlan (second from the right), CEO of Quinlan & Associates, member of the Board of Directors of the Australia Chamber of Commerce and Co-Chair of the Innovation and Technology Committee, and Ms. Bella P.L. Chhoa (first from the right), Director of Sino Group Asset Management.About PapaHome Furniture & Lifestyle Super Store"PapaHome Partnered with Taobao" is a furniture and household goods super store launched by Papabo in partnership with Taobao China Hong Kong. Located in China Hong Kong City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, it will officially open on February 22, 2025, operating under an online-merge-offline (OMO) model. Customers can experience products in store, scan QR codes for more product information, learn about exclusive discounts, and purchase items online. The store facilitates access to over 10,000 carefully selected products from more than 100 high-quality Taobao merchants, aiming to meet the tastes of Hong Kong consumers and the needs of local families while ensuring the three major conditions of high quality, great value and exquisite design.For any enquiries about this publication, please contact:Frement IRAvy YuTel: (852) 9500 4443Email: avy@frement.comEudice LawTel: (852) 9326 1113Email: eudice@frement.comFrement PRAnnabel KwanTel: (852) 9571 6422Email: annabel@frement.comFlorence TsaiTel: (852) 9768 9849Email: info@frement.com Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

The Roads & Traffic Expo Thailand 2025 to highlight innovations in road infrastructure and traffic management on 26-27 February at BITEC, Bangkok

BANGKOK, THAILAND, Feb 12, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The Roads & Traffic Expo Thailand 2025, a leading event dedicated to road infrastructure, traffic management, and smart mobility solutions, will take place on 26-27 February 2025 at Hall EH 98, BITEC, Bangkok. The event is co-located with EVCharge Live Thailand 2025 and Solar & Storage Live, offering attendees access to three key industry exhibitions with a single pass, covering transportation, energy, and mobility solutions.The event will bring together top global sponsors and exhibitors, including Greenwood Engineering and Star Systems International, who are at the forefront of innovation in road infrastructure and traffic technology. Attendees can explore cutting-edge solutions from exhibitors such as PSD Road Solution, Cleanozone, Tanattorn, Avery Dennison, Geveko Marking, and Teledyne, offering advanced technologies in road safety, traffic management, marking systems, and smart infrastructure solutions.The conference will feature thought leaders and top decision-makers, including: Pornprom Vikitsreth, Chief Sustainability Officer and Advisor to the Governor of Bangkok, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, as the Guest of Honor. Dr. Piyapong Jiwattanakulpaisarn, Inspector General, Ministry of Transport, addressing policy advancements for Thailand’s road and transport sector. Dr. Supakorn Siddhichai, Group Executive Vice President of the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), provides insights on integrating digital technologies into modern road infrastructure. Tanita Sirisup, Acting Senior Executive Investment Advisor and Executive Director of the Foreign Investment Marketing Division, Board of Investment, discussing foreign investment opportunities in Thailand’s infrastructure sector. From strategies for safer roads to innovations in traffic management and smart mobility, the conference sessions will provide actionable insights for all attendees.The event brings together transport authorities, city planners, EPCs, infrastructure developers, and technology providers, facilitating collaboration and business growth. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in networking sessions, panel discussions, and product demonstrations, gaining insights into the future of road and traffic management in Thailand and beyond.This event is free to attend. Registration is still open at www.terrapinn.com/MoreAbtRoadsTrafTH25The Roads and Traffic Expo Thailand 2025 will take place at Hall EH 98, BITEC, Bangkok, on 26-27 February 2025.For more information on The Roads and Traffic Expo Thailand 2025, please visit: www.terrapinn.com/MoreAbtRoadsTrafTH25PR Newswire is the official news distribution partner of The Roads and Traffic Expo Thailand 2025.EVCharge Live Thailand 2025Conference dates and opening hours26 February 2025: 0900 – 170027 February 2025: 0855 – 1700Exhibition dates and opening hours 26 February 2025: 0830 – 173027 February 2025: 0830 – 1730Venue: Hall EH98, BITEC, Bangkok, ThailandAbout Terrapinn  Terrapinn has been sparking ideas, innovations and relationships that transform business for over 30 years. Using our global footprint, we bring innovators, disrupters and change agents together, discussing and demonstrating the technology, strategies and personalities that are changing the way the world does business. Whether you’re looking to make new connections, introduce product or inspire change in your industry, we invite you to join us as agitators of change. Terrapinn – spark something  Terrapinn – spark something.  www.terrapinn.com   Press attendance is complimentary. Enquiries should be directed to: Edlyn Cho at edlyn.cho@terrapinn.com   Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

Mitsubishi Power Secures Major Gas Turbine and Services Order for Al Wahda Open Cycle Gas Turbine Power Plant in Morocco

RABAT, Kingdom of Morocco, Feb 12, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Power, a power solutions brand of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), announced today that it has won a major order in Morocco to supply two M701JAC gas turbines and auxiliary equipment for the Al Wahda Open Cycle Gas Turbine Power Plant owned and operated by The National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE).The Al Wahda Power Plant, located near Al Wahda Dam in the Province of Ouazzane in the north of Morocco, will play a crucial role in stabilizing the Moroccan national grid. This peaker power plant will integrate with the country's growing renewable energy resources, providing rapid response to grid fluctuations and ensuring continuous, reliable power supply. Once operational, the plant's two gas turbines will generate a combined 990 MW, representing nearly 7% of Morocco's national grid capacity.The agreement was signed in Rabat at ONEE's Headquarters, in the presence of ONEE CEO Mr. Tarik Hamane and a senior delegation from Mitsubishi Power attended by Mitsubishi Power EMEA President and CEO Javier Cavada and MENA President Khalid Salem alongside a senior delegation from the project's consortium partner, China Energy Engineering Corporation Limited (CEEC).Mitsubishi Power's state-of-the-art M701JAC gas turbines, which are capable of co-firing hydrogen with natural gas, with industry-leading reliability and high efficiency rate, will support Morocco's long-term sustainability objectives by offering flexibility for future decarbonization.In addition, the Al Wahda Power Plant will play a pivotal role in stabilizing Morocco's national grid as the country continues to increase its share of renewable energy year by year. The plant is designed to operate with maximum availability, providing continuous power output to meet the country's growing energy demands and contributing to goal of reaching more than 52% renewable energy in the electricity mix by 2030. Mitsubishi Power's advanced gas turbines, which can handle rapid load variations and frequent start-ups and shutdowns, will ensure grid reliability without compromising the integrity of the equipment. This capability is vital as Morocco eyes additional integration for more intermittent renewable energy sources into its energy mix, further supporting the country's long-term energy strategy and sustainability goals.The Al Wahda Power Plant is expected to begin operation in 2027.In addition, Mitsubishi Power signed a long-term service agreement with ONEE for the provision of parts, repairs and services, to ensure high availability and sustained reliability of the equipment.Mr. Tarik Hamane, Chairman of The National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE), said: "The Al Wahda Power Plant is a vital step in our energy strategy and through our partnership with Mitsubishi Power, we are pleased to harness the efficiencies and benefits of the company's gas turbine technology to drive operational excellence and sustainability. We are happy to partner with Mitsubishi Power on this project, as their cutting-edge technology will ensure that we meet our growing energy demands while integrating more renewable energy into the grid."Mr. Lyu Zexiang, President of China Energy International Group Corporation Limited (CEIG), a subsidiary of China Energy Engineering Corporation Limited (CEEC), commented: "We are excited to partner with Mitsubishi Power for the Al Wahda Power Plant, a landmark project. By utilizing cutting-edge technology, we are confident that the plant will deliver reliable and efficient power, establishing new benchmarks in both operational excellence and sustainability. Together, we are committed to delivering a power plant that will serve as a cornerstone for Morocco's energy future, ensuring stable and reliable electricity for years to come."Javier Cavada, President and CEO, Europe, Middle East and Africa at Mitsubishi Power, commented: "We are proud to partner with The National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) and CEEC on this milestone project that underscores our commitment to advancing the Kingdom of Morocco's energy infrastructure. As the country continues its bold journey towards increasing the share of renewable energy in its grid, the Al Wahda Power Plant will serve as a cornerstone in ensuring grid stability and reliable power generation. Our state-of-the-art M701JAC gas turbines, renowned for their efficiency and durability, will deliver continuous, dependable power even under the most demanding conditions, adapting seamlessly to the dynamic needs of the grid. This collaboration not only reinforces our dedication to delivering cutting-edge, hydrogen-ready solutions but also marks a significant step forward in supporting Morocco's broader vision for a sustainable, resilient energy future. We are excited to continue accelerating our ability to deliver clean, reliable and efficient power generation solutions that support our customers in powering the lives of communities in Morocco and across the region."The Al Wahda Power Project marks a significant milestone in Morocco's energy journey and reinforces Mitsubishi Power's dedication to advancing clean, efficient power generation across the MENA region. Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

Newborn Town (SEHK:9911) Added to MSCI Global Small Cap Index After Inclusion in FTSE

EQS Newswire / 12/02/2025 / 19:39 UTC+8 Newborn Town (SEHK:9911) Added to MSCI Global Small Cap Index After Inclusion in FTSE   [Hong Kong – February 12, 2025] Newborn Town Inc. (Newborn Town or the Company, stock code: SEHK 9911, together with its subsidiaries, collectively referred to as the Group), a leading global social entertainment company, is delighted to announce its inclusion in the MSCI Global Small Cap Index, according to the latest quarterly index review by MSCI, a globally recognized index provider.   This change will take effect after the market closes on February 28, 2025. It marks another significant milestone for Newborn Town, following the Company’s recognition by leading global stock indices, including its addition to the FTSE Global Small Cap Index (FTSE) and the FTSE All-Cap (LMS) Index in September 2024.   MSCI is one of the world’s most influential stock indices, covering high-performing, high-potential companies. It is widely recognized by international financial markets and referenced by global investment institutions. Every year, MSCI conducts four routine index adjustments annually, primarily based on objective quantitative indicators such as market capitalization and liquidity.   Strong Financial Performance Achieved in 2024 as AI-Driven Business Strategy Begins to Show Results   As a leading AI-driven social entertainment company, Newborn Town has been on a strong growth trajectory in 2024, with continuous improvement in its market capitalization. On January 20, the Company released its unaudited operating data for 2024, with total revenue expected to reach RMB 4,960 million to 5,200 million, reflecting a year-on-year increase of approximately 50.0% to 57.2%.   The core segment, social networking business, is expected to achieve revenue of approximately RMB 4,520 million to 4,720 million, highlighting an increase of approximately 54.3% to 61.1% year-on-year. The next day after the announcement, Newborn Town’s stock price surged over 16%.    Newborn Town experienced significant revenue growth in 2024 compared to 2023. Its diverse social products, through a "bush-like" growth strategy, demonstrate strong potential, while the positive impact of AI integration has begun to materialize, boosting commercialization efficiency. Newborn Town has continuously expanded its social business in recent years, resulting in a thriving portfolio of social apps centered around MICO, YoHo, TopTop, SUGO, and HeeSay. The integration of AI technology in business has been gradually deepened, enhancing efficiency and creating positive emotional values for users worldwide.    In 2024, Newborn Town demonstrated remarkable growth in its global competitiveness, rising to the 4th place on the list of non-game Chinese publishers based on overseas revenue in December, released by diandian.com.   Capital Market Influence continuously Grows while Shares Buybacks from Company Show Long-term Confidence   With robust business growth, Newborn Town’s influence in the capital markets is increasingly prominent. In September 2024, Newborn Town was included in both the FTSE Global Small Cap and FTSE All-Cap indices. Later in 2024, the global asset management giant Vanguard Group also invested in Newborn Town, becoming one of the largest institutional investors.   Over the past year, Newborn Town has demonstrated its firm confidence in future growth through concrete actions. From early 2024 to January 19, 2025, the Company repurchased approximately 68 million shares, totaling over HKD 230 million. Looking ahead, Newborn Town will continue to prioritize its growth in the MENA region while maintaining its global expansion strategy so as to create positive emotional values for users worldwide.   About Newborn Town  Newborn Town has grown into a leading technology company which was listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) in 2019 under the stock code 09911.HK. Committed to creating positive emotional values worldwide, Newborn Town has developed a diverse portfolio of applications in the social networking and entertainment sectors. Its social apps include MICO, YoHo, TopTop, SUGO and HeeSay, together with gaming products like Alice's Dream: Merge Games. These applications have achieved widespread acclaim, reaching over one billion users in over one hundred countries and regions.Newborn Town considers the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region a key market and has also extended its influence in Southeast Asia, Europe, the United States, Japan, and South Korea. The company aims to become the world's largest social entertainment company.    For enquiries, please contact  DLK Advisory   pr@dlkadvisory.com      File: Newborn Town (SEHK:9911) Added to MSCI Global Small Cap Index After Inclusion in FTSE 12/02/2025 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.Media archive at www.todayir.com

ULVAC Develops Roll-to-Roll Lithium Deposition System, Unveiling at Battery Japan

Chigasaki, Japan, Feb 13, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - ULVAC, Inc. (HQ: Chigasaki, Kanagawa) is pleased to announce the EWK-030, a state-of-the-art roll-to-roll deposition system designed for lithium coating applications, scheduled for launch in May 2025. Ahead of its release, ULVAC will showcase a panel display highlighting the features and applications of this innovative system at Battery Japan (Int'l Rechargeable Battery Expo)1, to be held from February 19 to 21, 2025.In recent years, next-generation batteries have been widely developed to support the global adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). In 2022, ULVAC was selected for the Green Innovation Fund Projects / Next-Generation Storage Battery and Motor Development (JPNP21026) by NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization) for the development of Lithium Metal Anode Production Technology.2 This product is one of the outcomes of that project and is expected to be utilized in a wide range of fields, including the development and production of next-generation batteries globally.The EWK-030 uses the thin-film deposition technology developed by ULVAC over many years for packaging and capacitor films to deposit lithium film onto metal foils in a vacuum environment. Thin-film lithium formed by deposition is processed under vacuum conditions, minimizing impurities and oxidation, resulting in a superior film surface compared to lithium foils formed by conventional roll press (rolling) technology in atmospheric conditions. The EWK-030 is also designed to maximize the efficiency of lithium material usage, offering cost and environmental advantages over standard deposition equipment.ULVAC will focus on technological development as a 'Field of Potentiality' for the future3, contributing to the evolution of various applications, including next-generation batteries such as solid-state batteries.1 Battery Japan Exhibition Information2 Selected for the NEDO G.I. Fund Project "Development of Next-generation Storage Batteries and Next-generation Motors".NEDO Green Innovation Project Information (Japanese)3 ULVAC formulated its Vision 2032, envisaging an ideal configuration of the ULVAC Group in 2032 while continuing to be a 'Field of Potentiality' for the future. This concept is inspired by the physical potentiality that occurs in a vacuum field: changes in energy and matter. It is also the potentiality of change in the individual, which can lead to the potential to change in the spirit animating society. The ULVAC Group is committed to advancing core vacuum and peripheral technologies and understanding the needs of its customers while addressing social challenges and continuously creating valuable products and technologies.About ULVACULVAC, Inc. has been a comprehensive vacuum equipment manufacturer, providing manufacturing equipment, components, analytical instruments, materials, and services based on its core technology: vacuum technology. Working with customers across a wide range of industries, including semiconductors, electronic components, displays, automotive, and pharmaceuticals, ULVAC is committed to driving cutting-edge innovation and creating new value. For more information, visit: https://www.ulvac.co.jp/en/For more information: Management Planning DepartmentTEL +81-467-89-2023/Inquiry Form https://www.ulvac.co.jp/en/contact/general.html  Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

Mid-Atlantic Battered by Winter Storm as California Braces for Flooding

A wintry mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain continued to affect the central Appalachians and mid-Atlantic regions on Wednesday, while California braced for a potentially severe storm that could lead to widespread flooding in areas recently impacted by wildfires. Significant snowfall, with accumulations nearing 14 inches (25 centimeters), was anticipated in parts of Virginia and West Virginia, according to the National Weather Service. Ice accumulation could reach over a third of an inch (8.4 millimeters) in Stanleytown, Virginia, and a quarter of an inch (6.3 millimeters) in Glendale Springs, North Carolina. In California, an atmospheric river, a concentrated plume of moisture capable of transporting significant amounts of water vapor from the tropics northward, was projected to arrive late Wednesday, posing a high risk of urban flooding across central and Southern California, the weather service reported. The snowstorm that began in the mid-Atlantic on Tuesday caused numerous accidents on slick roads and led to widespread school closures. By Tuesday night, nearly 12,000 people in Virginia experienced power outages, according to PowerOutage.us. “Stay home and off the roads tonight, Virginia,” urged the Virginia Department of Transportation on social media Tuesday night, accompanied by a meme featuring Dorothy from “The Wizard of Oz” stating, “There’s no place like home.” In areas of Baltimore and Washington, snowfall rates reached an inch (2.5 centimeters) per hour, according to the weather service. All Washington public schools were closed Wednesday due to inclement weather. Appalachian Power, serving 1 million customers across West Virginia, Virginia, and Tennessee, reported deploying 5,400 workers to restore power on Tuesday. Approximately 65 Virginia National Guard soldiers were positioned along Interstate 95 and state Route 29 corridors, and in southwest Virginia, to support storm response efforts, according to guard officials. An additional 20 soldiers and Virginia Defense Force members provided supplementary assistance. Winter storm warnings were in effect from northwest North Carolina to southern New Jersey, with the snow and ice mix expected to transition to all rain Wednesday afternoon as temperatures rose. Meanwhile, a separate storm system was predicted to bring heavy snowfall to a region extending from Kansas to the Great Lakes, beginning Tuesday night, the weather service stated. The Kansas Legislature canceled Wednesday's meetings due to weather conditions, and Governor Laura Kelly closed state offices in Topeka. Hundreds of accidents In Virginia, where Governor Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency and schools and government offices were closed Tuesday, state police reported 700 accidents and numerous injuries on Tuesday. However, spokesperson Matt Demlein clarified that a definitive link to weather conditions could not be established for all incidents. In southern West Virginia, multiple crashes temporarily closed several major highways Tuesday. Smith’s Towing and Truck Repair responded to at least 15 calls, primarily from tractor-trailer drivers who became stranded on Interstate 64 in Greenbrier County near the Virginia border, according to dispatcher Kelly Pickles. “Basically they just get sucked over into the median or they go off of the interstate just a little bit on the right-hand side,” she explained. “And they just don’t have enough power in their vehicles to get back onto the road due to the icy conditions.” ‘Skating rinks instead of roads’ Paige Williams, owner of Downtown Books in Lexington, Virginia, closed her store Tuesday due to the weather. She planned to reopen Wednesday, expressing confidence in Lexington and Rockbridge County's road clearing efforts. However, with temperatures fluctuating around freezing Tuesday night and Wednesday, the anticipated rain presented uncertainty regarding road conditions. “It’s just going to depend on where those temperatures go,” Williams noted. “Rain can clear things off. And rain can also freeze. And then you have a lot of skating rinks instead of roads.” Bitter cold temperatures An Arctic air mass extended from Portland, Oregon, to the Great Lakes. The temperature reached a low of minus 31 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 35 Celsius) in Butte, Montana, on Tuesday morning. Over the past two winters, at least five individuals in Butte have perished due to cold exposure, according to Brayton Erickson, executive director of the Butte Rescue Mission. Advocates for the homeless in Butte, a city of approximately 35,000, distributed sleeping bags, jackets, mittens, and other cold weather gear to those in need, Erickson stated. “When it gets this cold, we kind of pull out all the stops,” Erickson said. In Oregon’s Multnomah County, officials extended a state of emergency until at least Thursday. Five emergency shelters were scheduled to open Tuesday night through Wednesday afternoon. Wind chill values were forecast to reach 10 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 12 Celsius) in Portland midweek, the weather service reported. California rains The atmospheric river was expected to impact California beginning late Wednesday, reaching its peak on Thursday, according to Miles Bliss, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. In addition to flooding, heavy snowfall was anticipated in the Sierra Nevada. Over 700,000 sandbags had been deployed across central and Southern California, according to the California Department of Water Resources. —Associated Press journalists from across the U.S. contributed to this report.

One of the Worst Flu Seasons in Decades Sweeps the Nation “`

Widespread illness is currently affecting many people. Dr. Luis Ostrosky, chief of infectious disease at UTHealth Houston, notes the pervasiveness of the flu. This is supported by data. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports at least 24 million flu cases in the U.S. so far this season, a number that continues to rise. During the week ending February 1st, nearly 8% of U.S. outpatient medical visits were due to respiratory illnesses, including the flu—a figure among the highest in two decades, according to the CDC. The CDC reports that 45 states and territories are experiencing "high" or "very high" flu activity. Dr. Mark Rupp, a professor of infectious diseases at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, describes this flu season as one of the worst in recent memory. The reasons for this severity are complex and not fully understood. Factors such as the specific viral strains and other variables influence the severity of flu seasons, according to Dr. Rupp. Low vaccination rates may also be a contributing factor. As of late January, U.S. vaccination rates were significantly below the CDC's 70% target, with approximately 44% of Americans vaccinated. While this is comparable to recent adult vaccination rates, it's lower than usual for children. The effectiveness of this year's flu shots remains to be fully determined. However, recent CDC data from the Southern Hemisphere suggests only modest protection. In five South American countries, the vaccines reduced the risk of flu-related hospitalizations by about 35% in high-risk groups. If this holds true for the Northern Hemisphere, it would represent a low vaccine efficacy year, says Dr. Bruce Farber, chief of public health and epidemiology at Northwell Health in New York. The CDC estimates 310,000 flu-related hospitalizations and at least 13,000 deaths, including 57 children, this season. In contrast, COVID-19 cases are lower. This is likely due to residual immunity from previous infections and the absence of new, highly transmissible variants, according to Caitlin Rivers, director of the Center for Outbreak Response Innovation at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Testing is recommended to determine if your illness is COVID-19, the flu, or another illness. Antiviral treatments exist for both illnesses, but they're most effective when taken early, notes Rivers. Regardless of your diagnosis, staying home while sick or wearing a mask in public is recommended. Preventive masking, particularly in crowded indoor spaces, is also advisable. If you haven't gotten a flu shot, it's recommended to do so. While transmission rates might decrease in coming weeks, the flu won't disappear overnight, according to Farber. Many flu seasons begin with influenza A, followed by a smaller wave of influenza B. Whether this pattern will repeat itself this year is uncertain, but possible. In conclusion, with the flu season likely to continue for several months, vaccination is recommended, says Ostrosky.

Al Franken on SNL’s Political Humor: Broad Appeal Was the Aim

On Election Night 1988, returning to New York from a Boston event, I reflected on the American political system. My candidate lost, yet the system remained, in my view, largely admirable. Fellow passenger Jon Lovitz expressed dismay: “Now Dana gets to be the president!” Jon and I had performed for the Dukakis campaign. It was clear early on that the governor wasn't winning. My opening joke acknowledged the possibility of a close race or a landslide victory. By the time Jon appeared as Dukakis, Bush had won, but Jon still managed to elicit laughter from the disheartened crowd. Jon's dejection stemmed from the significant screen time afforded to the presidential portrayal on *SNL*. Think of past *SNL* presidents like Chevy Chase's Gerald Ford, Dan Aykroyd's Jimmy Carter, Phil Hartman's Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush. Throughout its run, *SNL* uniquely provided real-time political commentary through live sketch comedy. While late-night shows incorporated political humor, only *SNL* offered fully produced sketches. This live format demanded immediate responses; for example, when Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders discussed sex education, Ellen Cleghorne quickly portrayed her on the show. During my 15 seasons at *SNL*, I co-wrote numerous sketches with Jim Downey. Jim's guiding principle for political humor was: “Reward people for knowing stuff, but don’t punish them for not knowing stuff.” We aimed for broad appeal, catering to both politically savvy and less informed viewers. Before one election, Jim and I crafted a Bush-Dukakis debate sketch. Jokes ranged from broadly comedic (Jon's short Dukakis needing a lift to reach the podium) to more nuanced (Bush's vague policy pronouncements). A highlight involved Kevin Nealon as Sam Donaldson pressing Bush for specifics on hunger and homelessness. Carvey’s Bush offered platitudes, claiming time constraints, only to be gently corrected by Jan Hooks' Sawyer. Bush's repeated "Stay the course. A thousand points of light," prompted Lovitz's Dukakis to exclaim, “I can’t believe I’m losing to this guy!” The audience roared with laughter. The sketch avoided partisan bias. Our goal was insightful political satire, a tradition *SNL* maintained for decades before shifting towards more overt advocacy.

Musk Acknowledges Errors Amidst White House Defense of Federal Restructuring

WASHINGTON — Elon Musk, President Donald Trump's chief advisor, recently appeared at the White House to defend the substantial federal government spending cuts, acknowledging past and future errors. Alongside President Trump and his young son, Musk witnessed the signing of an executive order furthering federal workforce reductions, with Trump praising Musk’s efforts within the Department of Government Efficiency. Despite concerns about his extensive, seemingly unchecked influence and lack of transparency, Musk portrayed himself as open and accountable, humorously likening the scrutiny to a "daily proctology exam." Despite Musk's commitment to transparency, the White House dismissed the U.S. Agency for International Development's inspector general; this followed a warning that the DOGE-led USAID restructuring hindered oversight of $8.2 billion in humanitarian aid. In his first press engagement since joining the Trump administration, Musk defended DOGE's actions as pragmatic and reasonable, dismissing concerns of harshness or radicalism. “The public voted for significant government reform, and that’s what they'll receive,” he stated. “That’s the essence of democracy.” Musk, the world's wealthiest individual and owner of X, asserted maximal transparency, claiming information was available on X and the DOGE website. However, the DOGE website lacks information, and X posts are deficient in detail, including specifics on program cuts and DOGE's access. Musk conceded inaccuracies in his statements regarding government programs and spending. “Some of my statements will be inaccurate and require correction. Nobody’s perfect,” he said, promising swift error corrections. He also acknowledged potential DOGE errors. “We’re working rapidly, leading to mistakes, but we’ll rectify them promptly,” Musk explained. Musk recognized competent individuals within the federal bureaucracy, emphasizing the need for accountability. He referred to the bureaucracy as an unelected fourth branch, wielding more influence than elected officials. Trump and Musk are encouraging federal employees to resign with financial incentives; however, this plan is temporarily stalled pending judicial review. This deferred resignation program, essentially a buyout, provides continued pay until September 30th. Officials claim over 65,000 workers accepted the offer. A White House fact sheet accompanying Trump's executive order indicated that agencies will plan significant workforce reductions, potentially eliminating or merging units or entire agencies with non-essential functions. It also mandated a hiring cap of one employee for every four departing employees, with exceptions for immigration, law enforcement, and public safety. A rally supporting federal workers took place near the U.S. Capitol. Janet Connelly, a Department of Energy graphic designer, expressed frustration with persistent emails from the Office of Personnel Management promoting the deferred resignation program. Despite spam filtering attempts, she remains unmoved and plans to retain her position. “From the beginning, I was distrustful,” she stated. Connelly views her work as a vital public service. “It’s too easy to vilify us,” she added. Others reported widespread fear and uncertainty within the federal workforce. “They’re concerned about their jobs, families, and the communities they serve,” commented Helen Bottcher, a former EPA employee and current union leader in Seattle. Bottcher participated in a press conference hosted by Senator Patty Murray, a Washington Democrat. Murray argued that workers “deserve better than intimidation and forced resignations” by Musk and Trump, adding that “we need these people to stay; otherwise, things will begin to fail.” An anonymous government lawyer, fearing retaliation, described the situation as terrifying for federal employees. She mentioned concerns about surveillance and is considering a safer private sector job at her father's urging. She's skeptical of the deferred resignation program, noting that acceptance waives legal recourse for unpaid promised compensation. The whole idea, she said, was absurd. —Price reported from New York. AP writers Martha Bellisle in Seattle, Rebecca Santana in Washington, and Brian Witte in Annapolis, Md., contributed to this report. ```

Paris AI Summit Prioritizes Growth Over Safety as US Advocates for Less Regulation

The prevailing sentiment at this week's major artificial intelligence summit in Paris shifted from safety concerns to optimism, as U.S., French, and other global leaders voiced strong support for the AI industry.  While disagreements emerged among nations—notably, the U.S. and U.K. did not endorse a final statement signed by 60 countries advocating for an inclusive and open AI sector—the summit's focus differed significantly from its predecessor. Last year's Seoul summit prioritized establishing boundaries for AI development due to concerns about both its potential benefits and risks.  However, the Paris summit's final statement omitted significant AI risks and mitigation strategies. In a Tuesday address, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance stated: “I’m not here this morning to talk about AI safety, which was the title of the conference a couple of years ago. I’m here to talk about AI opportunity.”  French President Emmanuel Macron, the summit host, also delivered a pro-business message, highlighting the global competition to lead in AI development.  Once upon a time in Bletchley  This emphasis on growth over safety contrasted sharply with the inaugural global AI summit at Bletchley Park in the U.K. in 2023. The "AI Safety Summit" (unlike the "AI Action Summit" in Paris) aimed to address AI's potential dangers.  The 2024 Seoul summit built upon this, securing voluntary safety pledges from major AI players including OpenAI, Google, Meta, and counterparts in China, South Korea, and the UAE. The 2025 Paris summit was initially planned to define international AI risk thresholds requiring mitigation. Instead, Paris took a different direction. MIT professor and Future of Life Institute president Max Tegmark commented, “I think this was a real belly-flop…It almost felt like they were trying to undo Bletchley.” AI safety-focused company Anthropic termed the event a “missed opportunity.” The U.K., host of the first summit, declined to sign the Paris declaration citing a lack of concrete measures. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated, “We felt the declaration didn’t provide enough practical clarity on global governance, nor sufficiently address harder questions around national security and the challenge AI poses to it.” Racing for an edge This shift occurred amidst rapid advancements in AI. In the period leading up to the 2025 Summit, OpenAI released an “agent” model capable of research tasks at a graduate student level.  Safety researchers demonstrated that the latest AI models can deceive developers and self-replicate to avoid modification. Many independent AI scientists concur with tech companies' projections of superhuman-level AI within five years—potentially leading to catastrophic consequences if safety issues remain unresolved. However, these concerns took a backseat as the U.S. strongly opposed regulation. Vance asserted that the Trump Administration “cannot and will not” tolerate foreign governments “tightening the screws on U.S. tech companies.”  He criticized European regulations, including the AI Act and the Digital Services Act, characterizing them as overly restrictive, particularly regarding misinformation on social media.  The Vice President, who enjoys substantial support from venture capitalists, clarified that his backing for large tech companies doesn't extend to regulations hindering the growth of new AI startups.  “To restrict [AI’s] development now would not only unfairly benefit incumbents in the space, it would mean paralysing one of the most promising technologies we have seen in generations,” Vance said. “When a massive incumbent comes to us asking for safety regulations, we ought to ask whether that safety regulation is for the benefit of our people, or whether it’s for the benefit of the incumbent.”  Significantly, the Trump administration linked AI safety concerns to the Republican talking point of social media platforms' restrictions on "free speech" in addressing misinformation. With reporting by Tharin Pillay/Paris and Harry Booth/Paris

U.S. Air Travel Remains Safe Despite Recent Accidents “`

Recent air accidents have understandably raised public concerns about air travel safety in the U.S. Several incidents, including a private jet accident in Arizona, a commuter plane crash in Alaska, a Medevac plane crash in Philadelphia, and a mid-air collision near Washington D.C., have resulted in significant loss of life. This series of events has led to anxieties among travelers. However, government officials are reassuring the public that air travel remains the safest mode of transportation in the country. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated on Fox News that air travel in the U.S. is safe and encouraged people to travel by air with confidence. Statistics support this assertion. Daily, thousands of flights transport millions of passengers across vast airspace. The probability of dying in an air accident is extremely low, according to MIT research. This contrasts sharply with the significantly higher risk associated with car travel. Experts emphasize that these recent accidents are isolated incidents, not indicative of a systemic issue. They highlight the unique circumstances surrounding each accident and ongoing investigations. Aviation professionals concur that the accident rate is statistically average, with recent fatalities, particularly the mid-air collision, being the most significant recent event. The clustering of these incidents is considered random. The Washington D.C. mid-air collision is the most complex and tragic of the recent accidents. Initial findings from the NTSB suggest the military helicopter was flying above its authorized altitude, placing it in the path of the commercial jet. Experts suggest insufficient altitude separation between the helicopter and jet contributed to the accident. Improved traffic separation procedures are recommended to prevent similar occurrences. Potential contributing factors to the helicopter crash are being investigated, including pilot experience levels, as one pilot was undergoing a proficiency test. Investigations are underway to determine the causes of the Medevac and Alaska crashes, with icing suspected in the Alaska incident. The Scottsdale crash is attributed to mechanical failure, with the possibility of pilot error due to excessive descent rate. The diversity of causes in these accidents suggests that they are unrelated events. However, concerns remain regarding potential future risks. Some experts express concern about the decreasing experience levels within the aviation industry due to factors like COVID-19 and early retirements, leading to increased training demands across various roles. Bureaucratic challenges also pose a potential concern. While the NTSB investigates accidents and makes recommendations, implementation depends on the FAA, and a lack of consistent cooperation between the two agencies can hinder safety improvements. The FAA's regulatory framework also influences safety. Commercial airlines adhere to the most stringent regulations, while charter and general aviation operations are subject to less strict rules, leading to differences in accident rates. Despite these concerns, the overall risk of air travel remains extremely low. The expertise and training of pilots and air traffic controllers contribute to the safety of the U.S. air transportation system. ```

White House: US Teacher Marc Fogel Freed From Russian Detention “`

WASHINGTON — The White House announced Tuesday the release of Marc Fogel, an American teacher wrongly detained in Russia. Special envoy Steve Witkoff departed Russian airspace with Fogel, a Pennsylvania history teacher, who is expected to reunite with his family later today. Fogel, arrested in August 2021, had been serving a 14-year prison sentence. His family and supporters stated he possessed medically prescribed marijuana, leading to his designation as wrongfully detained by President Biden's administration in December. Mike Waltz, Trump’s national security advisor, confirmed a negotiated exchange secured Fogel's release, declining to detail U.S. concessions. Prior negotiations have sometimes involved reciprocal releases of Russian citizens by the U.S. or its allies. Waltz framed Fogel’s release as “a sign we are moving in the right direction to end the brutal and terrible war in Ukraine.” Trump, a Republican, has pledged to find a path to ending the conflict. Fogel’s family expressed immense gratitude and relief at his return, stating this period marked "the darkest and most painful period of our lives," adding, "For the first time in years, our family can look forward to the future with hope.” Moscow has yet to comment on Fogel’s release. Other Americans remain detained in Russia, despite a large prisoner exchange last August that freed Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich. Among them is U.S.-Russian dual national Ksenia Khavana, convicted in August of treason and sentenced to 12 years imprisonment for a roughly $52 donation to a Ukrainian charity. The Biden administration deemed this conviction “nothing less than vindictive cruelty.”

Witnessing February’s Snow Moon

February 2025 brings us the second full moon of the year, aptly named the "snow moon" due to the typical heavy snowfall of the season. This coincides with a period of significant snowstorms across much of the U.S. Here's what you need to know about this celestial event. When can I see the snow moon? The snow moon will reach peak brightness on Wednesday morning at 8:53 a.m. EST. However, as the moon will be below the horizon at this time, viewing is best recommended for Tuesday or Wednesday night. Look for it as it rises around sunset and reaches its highest point near midnight. How can I see the snow moon? The snow moon is easily visible to the naked eye. For optimal viewing, find a location with minimal light pollution to fully appreciate its splendor. While the moon will appear full for several days surrounding its peak illumination, the anticipated storms across the U.S. may hinder viewing opportunities for some. Why is it called the snow moon? Many Native American tribes historically tracked time using lunar cycles. The name "snow moon" originates from the abundant snowfall during this winter month. It was also known as the "Hunger Moon," reflecting the difficulties in hunting caused by severe weather. What's the next full moon? The "worm moon" will grace the night sky in mid-March. Before then, keep an eye out for Venus, reaching its peak brilliance on February 14th—perfect for Valentine's Day.

Federal Agency Cuts $900 Million in Education Research Contracts “`

WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal agency responsible for monitoring student progress in the U.S. has suffered nearly $900 million in budget cuts after Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency deemed much of its work unnecessary. The extent to which the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) within the Education Department will remain operational following the termination of numerous contracts by Musk's team remains uncertain. Industry sources report the immediate cancellation of at least 169 contracts on Monday, significantly impacting the institute's operations. The Education Department has yet to provide detailed information about the cuts. A spokesperson, Madison Biedermann, stated that the action won't affect IES's core functions, including the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and the College Scorecard. Education advocates express concern that these cuts will negatively impact the accountability of the American education system. The Education Trust, a non-profit research and advocacy organization, emphasizes that IES's work reveals educational inequities and is far more than just statistics. The group stated that without IES, it would be impossible to identify and address educational disparities. Biedermann declined to disclose the names of affected vendors, citing confidentiality concerns. In response to inquiries, she cited a DOGE announcement indicating that Musk's team had terminated 89 contracts totaling $881 million, including $1.5 million for a contractor monitoring mail center operations. A separate announcement detailed the cancellation of 29 DEI training grants worth $101 million. The Institute of Education Sciences is a critical source of information on the state of American education. Nationally, it monitors student progress over time and across demographics. It also evaluates federal programs, and its research informs improvements in colleges and schools. Last month, the institute released the latest NAEP scores, which revealed continued declines in reading and minimal gains in math among American students in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Congress allocated approximately $800 million to the institute last year, representing about 1% of the Education Department's annual budget. Two prominent research associations have jointly requested the reinstatement of the cancelled contracts, arguing that much of IES's work is congressionally mandated and relies on contracts to augment its limited staff. These groups confirmed the termination of 169 contracts, hindering the institute's capacity to report on school finances and student outcomes. Leaders from the American Educational Research Association and the Council of Professional Associations on Federal Statistics stated that without this research, student learning and development will be negatively impacted. The institute's responsibilities include administering the NAEP exam, facilitating U.S. participation in PISA (an international academic progress assessment), funding education research, and maintaining a database of effective educational research. Democratic Senator Patty Murray, a former teacher and member of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, announced her intention to oppose these cuts. Senator Murray stated that the actions represent an attack on crucial research and data necessary for improving public schools. Trump has previously advocated for abolishing the Department of Education and transferring its authority to state and local entities. The White House is currently considering an executive order directing Trump's education secretary to dismantle the agency and urging Congress to formally dissolve it. The extent to which Trump can unilaterally reduce the department's spending, much of which is congressionally mandated, remains unclear.

Perth’s Total Care: Top-Rated Residential Cleaning Services “`

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