Day: December 24, 2021

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Omicron Reported in Japan’s Fukuoka; France’s COVID-19 Infections Top 100,000

TOKYO/PARIS — Japan’s Fukuoka prefecture has confirmed its first infection with the Omicron variant of the coronavirus, its governor Seitaro Hattori said Saturday.

The case was a result of possible community transmission as the infection route was unclear, Hattori told a news conference.

France recorded a record high of 104,611 COVID-19 infections Saturday, breaking the 100,000 threshold for the first time since the pandemic began as the omicron variant continued its rapid spread.

Health authorities said the number of COVID patients in intensive care went up by 28 to 3,282.

In the meantime, Israel has ordered 100,000 units of Pfizer Inc’s anti-viral COVID 19 pill Paxlovid for people aged 12 and older at risk of severe illness, an Israeli official said on Saturday, confirming a television report.

Channel 12 TV said Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett agreed the deal in a phone conversation with Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla. There was no immediate confirmation from the company.

The first oral and at home treatment for COVID-19, Paxlovid was nearly 90% effective in preventing hospitalizations and deaths in patients at high risk of severe illness, according to data from Pfizer’s clinical trial. Recent lab data suggests the drug retains effectiveness against the Omicron variant, it said.



Source: Voice of America

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Canceled Flights Snarl Holiday Plans for Thousands

NEW YORK — Airlines continued to cancel hundreds of flights Saturday because of staffing issues tied to COVID-19, disrupting holiday celebrations during one of the busiest travel times of the year.

FlightAware, a flight-tracking website, noted nearly 1,000 canceled flights entering, leaving or inside the U.S. Saturday, up from 690 flights scrapped on Friday. Over 250 more flights were already canceled for Sunday. FlightAware does not say why flights are canceled.

Delta, United and JetBlue had all said Friday that the omicron variant was causing staffing problems leading to flight cancellations. United spokesperson Maddie King said staffing shortages were still causing cancellations and it was unclear when normal operations would return. “This was unexpected,” she said of omicron’s impact on staffing. Delta and JetBlue did not respond to questions Saturday.

According to FlightAware, the three airlines canceled more than 10% of their scheduled Saturday flights. American Airlines also canceled more than 90 flights Saturday, about 3% of its schedule, according to FlightAware. American spokesperson Derek Walls said the cancellations stemmed from “COVID-related sick calls.” European and Australian airlines have also canceled holiday-season flights because of staffing problems tied to COVID-19.

For travelers, that meant time away from loved ones, chaos at the airport and the stress of spending hours standing in line and on the phone trying to rebook flights. Peter Bockman, a retired actor, and his daughter Malaika, a college student, were supposed to be in Senegal on Saturday celebrating with relatives they hadn’t seen in a decade. But their 7:30 p.m. flight Friday from New York to Dakar was canceled, which they found out only when they got to the airport. They were there until 2 a.m. trying to rebook a flight.

“Nobody was organizing, trying to sort things out,” he said, faulting Delta for a lack of customer service. “Nobody explained anything. Not even, ‘Oh we’re so sorry, this is what we can do to help you.'”

Their new flight, for Monday evening, has a layover in Paris, and they are worried there will be issues with that one as well. They have already missed a big family get-together that was scheduled for Saturday.

FlightAware’s data shows airlines scrapped more than 6,000 flights globally for Friday, Saturday and Sunday combined as of Saturday evening, with almost one-third of affected flights to, from or within the United States. Chinese airlines made up many of the canceled flights, and Chinese airports topped FlightAware’s lists of those with most cancellations. It wasn’t clear why. China has strict pandemic control measures, including frequent lockdowns, and the government set one on Xi’an, a city of 13 million people, earlier this week.

Air China, China Eastern and Lion Air, an Indonesian airline with many canceled flights, did not respond to emails Saturday.

Flight delays and cancellations tied to staffing shortages have been a regular problem for the U.S. airline industry this year. Airlines encouraged workers to quit in 2020, when air travel collapsed, and were caught short-staffed this year as travel recovered.

To ease staffing shortages, countries including Spain and the U.K. have reduced the length of COVID-19 quarantines by letting people return to work sooner after testing positive or being exposed to the virus.

Delta CEO Ed Bastian was among those who have called on the Biden administration to take similar steps or risk further disruptions in air travel. On Thursday, the U.S. shortened COVID-19 isolation rules for health care workers only.

 

Source: Voice of America

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Clashes in Northeast Somalia Force Thousands to Flee

MOGADISHU — Clashes between two rival factions of the security forces in a port city in northeast Somalia have forced hundreds of families to flee their homes, a local official said Saturday.

The fighting has for several days rocked Bosaso, the commercial capital of the semi-autonomous state of Puntland in the country’s northeast.

“Thousands of the residents in the Bosaso town fled … as sporadic fighting was going on in some parts of the town,” local official Abdirizak Mohamed told Agence France-Presse.

“Most people decided to leave their houses after the warring sides used heavy machine guns and mortars”, mostly from two of the town’s neighborhoods, he said.

Mohamed said it was not clear exactly how many people had quit the town on the shores of the Gulf of Aden, but he estimated it was “hundreds of families.”

On Thursday, the United Nations’ humanitarian agency OCHA had said it was “extremely concerned” about the escalation in violence that had led thousands to flee in search of safety.

“With the fighting in Bosaso town continuing … more than half of the city’s population has reportedly been displaced from their homes,” OCHA representative for Somalia, Adam Abdelmoula, said in a statement.

He added that the fighting also had uprooted families already displaced by previous unrest.

“Some 40 percent of 70,000 internally displaced persons hosted in Bosaso town are also reported to have experienced secondary displacement,” Abdelmoula said.

Located on the northernmost tip of Somalia, Puntland is one of the restive Horn of Africa country’s five semi-autonomous states.

Source: Voice of America

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CHTF 2021 to Kick off This Month Showing Latest Trends in Hi-tech World

SHENZHEN, China, Dec. 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The 23rd China Hi-Tech Fair (CHTF 2021) will be open on December 27-29, 2021 at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center and Shenzhen World Convention & Exhibition Center, while the virtual exhibition will last five days from December 27 to 31. As China’s largest, most effective and influential tech event, CHTF is a platform for international exchanges and cooperation in the fields of economy and technology.

Themed “Advance Quality Development and Build a Novel Development Pattern”, CHTF 2021 will feature exhibitions, conferences and business networking events. The display categories will include IT, Environmental Protection & Energy, Construction Innovation, New Materials, Smart Healthcare, and Semiconductor Display. International exhibitors representing Belt & Road countries will be the highlights.

Conferences will include the China Hi-Tech Forum, technical seminars, business salons, product launches, and B2B meetings. Guest list: https://www.chtf.com/english/Conferences/GuestSpeaker

This year’s virtual exhibition will bring together exhibitors and visitors from around the world.

If you are enthusiastic about high-tech trends or have investment and purchase intentions, CHTF 2021 warmly welcomes you to visit the fair. Free admission badges are available by registering on CHTF’s official website. Key visitors will be granted with our special services including official catalogues, VIP rest areas, working lunches, souvenirs and seat reservations for important forums and activities. To register: http://cis.chtf.com/#!/login_en

Official Website: https://www.chtf.com/english/

Facebook: @CHTFChina

LinkedIn: @China Hi-tech Fair

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Maypharm Launches a New Professional set HAIRNA for Hair Loss Solution

SEOUL, South Korea and NEW YORK, Dec. 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Maypharm is known as a manufacturer of recently successfully launched Metox botulinum toxin with a 2nd generation technological advantage and meNnus PLA filler for collagen regeneration, now is focusing on a new professional set HAIRNA for Hair Loss Solution.

New Hair Product Line consists of 5 products, a main one HAIRNA EXOSOME AMPOULE (5ml x 5 vials) with exosomes, effective in hair loss treatment; HAIRNA HAIR FILL (2.5ml), essential for hair loss prevention & normalization and additional trio of supportive HAIRNA products, which are HAIRNA SHAMPOO (300ml), HAIRNA TREATMENT (200ml) and HAIRNA TONER (150ml) to help with scalp care, hair loss issue and damaged hair cure.

HAIRNA Scalp Care Solution Line

All HAIRNA products were reported to the KFDA and recognized for their stability without any irritation during all the clinical trials. Particularly, HAIRNA EXOSOME BOOSTER AMPOULE was additionally tested to see how it improved the scalp skin, elasticity, and hair loss, and the results were satisfying.

It contains 37,000 ppm of exosome, a key ingredient to relieve hair loss symptoms, and is surprisingly effective in treating alopecia areata.

It is a product that both men and women who experience hereditary and stress-related hair loss can use directly by penetrating the scalp using an MTS needle, created especially for HAIRNA Ampoules, rather than just topical application. The exosome ingredient itself is highly effective in hair loss since the process of absorption starts right from the scalp.

HAIRNA HAIR FILL with copper, panthenol and vitamin B complex works as an antioxidant for hair by normalization hair growth cycle and prevents hair loss; prevents oxidative damage to hair follicle cells by suppression of free radicals; supplies moisturization for elasticity and shining effect.

HAIR FILL benefit is found in synergy of exosome, growth factors and active ingredients which in total strengthen scalp barrier and prevent hair loss. After balancing the unhealthy scalp, hair fill helps improving the overall scalp condition and maintaining effect for a long time.

HAIRNA SHAMPOO, TREATMENT, and TONER contain main ingredients that prevent hair loss such as L-menthol, Dexpanthenol, and Salicylic Acid, which are effective in cooling scalp heat, removing sebum and dead skin cells, moisturizing, and relieving hair loss symptoms.

Maypharm has announced HAIRNA on The Times Square Spectacular digital billboard in New York in December, 2021.

HAIRNA in New York

Maypharm is well recognized as a wholesale distributor and manufacturer around the world in Central America, Middle East, South and South-Eastern Asian countries, Europe, particularly, in China, UK, Russia, USA, Mexican market.

“While we are becoming well known as a manufacturer of Metox, we thoroughly concentrate on taking a global position on HAIRNA now. HAIRNA Full Line is available on various global online platforms, including Amazon, Shopee, Q10, Lazada.

Visit a website for a detailed information: http://www.maypharm.co.kr.

Contact: maypharm@maypharm.co.kr

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Global Review 2021: GWM Speeds Up Globalization

BAODING, China, Dec. 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Despite the tough situations of COVID-19 pandemic and chip shortages, GWM is speeding up its pace of globalization. It has participated actively in several international auto shows and released a number of featured models, showing the world an ever-expanding momentum of its globalization strategy.

GWM Speeds Up Globalization

This year, GWM’s sales network has covered over 60 countries. In order to accelerate the implementation of its strategy in Europe, GWM has established a subsidiary in Munich, Germany, and set up its European headquarters. At the same time, in order to constantly develop the global market, the company has expanded its sales to Southeast Asia, South America, Europe, North Africa, and other regions. These initiatives demonstrated GWM’s global competitiveness in the international arena.

Furthermore, GWM acquired and has put into operation new plants in Thailand and Brazil, respectively, which provide sufficient production capacity for its global markets. After seven months of preparations and improvements, GWM put into operation the Rayong Plant in Thailand in June and provided advanced production technology, driving forward the development of the local automobile industry. Two months later, it signed an acquisition agreement with Daimler AG’s factory in Brazil. The conclusion of this agreement will enable GWM to cover Brazil and the whole South America.

In terms of technology research and development, GWM established Zhangjiagang (China) Technology Center in February this year, which is the second R&D center established by GWM based on its globalization strategy. GWM has tens of thousands of R&D and design personnel worldwide so far, with R&D achievements especially in technological breakthroughs of the L.E.M.O.N. platform, the Coffee Intelligence platform, and the TANK platform.

Based on the positioning of a global smart technology company, GWM has constantly strengthened the user-centered philosophy. It places highly emphasis on the experience of global users and is gradually adapting to the locale cultures worldwide. In Thailand, as Loy Krathong is one of the most important traditional festivals, a local version of Valentine’s Day, that carries people’s wishes and prayers for life, GWM has well integrated into the life of local users by creating the super water lamp. In Chile, GWM has focused on the user groups enjoying adventures and joined self-driving reality shows with Luis Andaur, a famous local adventurer.

Thanks to the outstanding achievements in above all aspects, GWM is listed among the Top 50 Chinese Global Brand Builders in 2021, according to a joint report by Google and Kantar Brand Z.

“The only way for auto brands to surpass competitors in the real sense is to strengthen their own advantages rapidly in the next three to five years”, said Jack Wei, chairman of GWM, at the 2025 Strategy Global Launch Conference. It is expected that the company’s global annual sales target of 4 million vehicles will be achieved in 2025.

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Automation Anywhere to Acquire FortressIQ to Reimagine Intelligent Automation

Redefining the future of AI-powered intelligent automation and process discovery

BANGALORE, India, Dec. 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Automation Anywhere, a global leader in robotic process automation (RPA), today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire cloud pioneer FortressIQ, a leading process discovery and mining company based in San Francisco.

Combining FortressIQ with Automation Anywhere will usher in a new era of intelligent automation by enabling organizations to accelerate automation initiatives and transform in a digital-first world.

“The Fortress IQ team are the pioneers of process intelligence, making this a perfect match,” said Mihir Shukla, CEO and Co-Founder, Automation Anywhere. “Together, Automation Anywhere and FortressIQ will reshape the future of automation, changing the way our customers automate, adapt, and accelerate as they pursue digital transformation initiatives. I’m thrilled to welcome FortressIQ to the Automation Anywhere family once the transaction closes.”

“Automation Anywhere is a global leader of the RPA revolution, and nearly two decades later, is reimagining automation to be cloud-native, intelligent, and designed for every person in every company,” said Pankaj Chowdhry, CEO and Founder, FortressIQ. “We share a vision to deliver and automate at scale, as well as share common values to help customers succeed on a trusted platform. This will change the industry, and I’m excited about what we can automate next.”

Building the Automated Company, Together

Demand for robotic process automation has skyrocketed as the pandemic endures and companies look for new ways to streamline business processes. Process intelligence, as part of RPA, is essential, helping companies identify, map, and analyze the multi-dimensional processes that extend across hundreds of applications and hundreds of thousands of employees.

With the acquisition of FortressIQ, Automation Anywhere will advance its AI-powered, cloud-native Automation 360 platform with process discovery, intelligence, and optimization that can scale to any system or application across any vertical. The new capabilities offer built-in intelligence that provides fast, accurate visibility on which processes can and should be automated.

“Today, organizations are focusing on improving cycle times and overall operating performance to ensure that inefficiency does not get in the way of successful transformation,” said Maureen Fleming, Program Vice President, IDC Intelligent Process Automation Research. “Tools aimed at providing insights about where a process and its individual tasks are holding back overall operating performance are becoming the de facto starting point for automation and improvement projects. Integrating process insights with automation planning and development speeds up time to value while improving the accuracy and completeness of the resulting automation.”

Automating low-value, manual tasks can free up time and resources that can then be used by organizations to adapt to changing business conditions. Automation Anywhere customers have collectively implemented nearly 3 million automations, with leading companies deploying tens of thousands of bots throughout their organizations, primarily in the cloud.

Interact with Automation Anywhere:

About Automation Anywhere
Automation Anywhere is the world’s #1 cloud automation platform, delivering intelligent RPA solutions globally across all industries to automate end-to-end business processes, for the fastest path to enterprise transformation. The company offers the world’s only cloud-native platform combining RPA, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and analytics to automate repetitive tasks and build enterprise agility, freeing up humans to pivot to the next big idea, build deeper customer relationships and drive business growth. For additional information, visit www.automationanywhere.com.

Automation Anywhere and Automation 360 are trademarks/service marks or registered trademarks/service marks of Automation Anywhere, Inc. in the United States and other countries.

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Sungrow Powers Expo 2020 Dubai with Clean Energy

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Dec. 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Sungrow, the global leading inverter solution for renewables, announced recently it supplied 2.8 MW of its commercial & industrial (C&I) PV inverter solutions to over 40 buildings including the Thematic Districts Buildings, Al Wasl Plaza Parcel Buildings, France Pavilion at the Expo 2020 Dubai, demonstrating its contribution to minimizing the carbon footprint of the expo and further leading a sustainable path to the future.

After eight years of planning, the Middle East’s first world’s fair opened on October 1st, 2021 in Dubai. The pandemic-delayed expo is expected to last until the end of March, 2022 and will draw both visitors and global attention to this desert-turned-dreamscape.

The 2.8 MW project can generate 630,000 kWh of clean electricity per month, which highlights the innovation of harvesting solar power to a global audience. The dazzling buildings at the expo feature diversified scales and shapes, posing challenges like shade for PV plants. The string inverter solution Sungrow supplied ranges from 36 kW to 110 kW, boasting multiple MPPTs, enabling a high-power generating yield despite the impact of shade. The high protection capability makes the inverter robust in the Middle East, as it’s vulnerable to extreme heat. With compact and highly integrated designs, the inverter solution streamlines installations and O&M, making it an ideal match to the C&I market.

The project’s Design and EPC Empereal Energy and Services, headquartered in Singapore, maintains operations and projects in India, the Middle East and the USA. “The safe operation of the projects are of vital concern to us as it’s related to every audience. We chose Sungrow as a valued partner because projects it powers work stably, being free of hassle and the easily accessible technical support. Together with Sungrow, we endeavor to deliver one of the most sustainable World Expos ever,” said Manoj Divakaran, CEO of Empereal.

“Sustainability is an important concept for Expo 2020 Dubai. We’re proud to partner with Empereal and be part of the fabulous PV project at the expo as all of our actions are geared towards creating positive environmental impacts on the regional and global scale,” said Alvin Shi, Managing Director of Sungrow MENA. Shi also mentioned that the Company took first place in market share in the UAE and supplied a growing number of landmark projects including a DEWA 900 MW project in Dubai and a Al Dhafra 1.5 GW project in Abu Dhabi.

The Expo 2020 Dubai offers a platform to forge a united worldwide effort to build a more sustainable and prosperous future. As one of the most energetic PV and ESS pioneers, Sungrow keeps committing to global carbon neutrality with more cutting-edge products and solutions applied.

About Sungrow

Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd (“Sungrow”) is the world’s most bankable inverter brand with over 182 GW installed worldwide as of June 2021. Founded in 1997 by University Professor Cao Renxian, Sungrow is a leader in the research and development of solar inverters, with the largest dedicated R&D team in the industry and a broad product portfolio offering PV inverter solutions and energy storage systems for utility-scale, commercial, and residential applications, as well as internationally recognized floating PV plant solutions. With a strong 24-year track record in the PV space, Sungrow products power installations in over 150 countries. Learn more about Sungrow by visiting www.sungrowpower.com.

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