Japan's Nissui now exports bacteria count application

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 30 (Bernama) -- An application to count the number of bacteria (colonies) cultured in CompactDry (TM) is now available for specific overseas customers from August 2018.

Launched by Japan-based Nissui Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, the global service of colony counter called @BactLAB (TM) is currently undergoing its trial operation.

The company aims to reduce the workload of food hygiene management, improve and network the QC and QA for suppliers, manufacturing sites and the company's headquarters.

After registering as a member on the app or service web, users can photograph colonies cultured in CompactDry (TM) via a smartphone or personal computer, upload the photo and confirm colony counting several seconds later.

Nissui Pharmaceutical said in a statement that the counting result may have a deviation of around 8 per cent, subject to the image resolution. Even if the colony count is ‘0’, the result does not indicate ‘negative’.

CompactDry (TM) is a major product of inspection reagents used for food quality inspection and sanitary control of manufacturing facilities. It is a dry and simple culture medium culturing with only 1mL of sample solution without requiring the preparation of culture medium.

The app is using the Amazon Web Service and artificial intelligence technology and currently accessible for some specific customers on Android, iOS or PC. More details on https://www.nissui-pharm.co.jp/english/

-- BERNAMA

Canada´s CoinField broadens global reach

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 30 (Bernama) – CoinField, Canada’s most advanced Bitcoin and cryptocurrency exchange is expanding its international reach with new coins for trading, acceptance of new fiat currencies, across-the-board fee reductions and revolutionised matching engine technology.

In September, there will be eight new coins for trading – Zcash (ZEC), 0x (ZRX), Golem (GNT), OmiseGO (OMG), Zilliqa (ZIL), Augur (REP), Basic Attention Token (BAT) and Salt (SALT).

CoinField said in a statement that four of the new fiat currencies – Euro (EUR), British pound sterling (GBP), Japanese yen (JPY) and United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) – could now be directly deposited into accounts to finance cryptocurrency trades.

Also, as part of its drive to become the main trading platform in Canada while also building its global market share, CoinField will soon be reducing some of its trading and funding fees and waiving others altogether. A new schedule will be published in the near future on CoinField’s website.

CoinField chief technology officer, Reza Bashash said: “Our matching engine is now powered by an enterprise-level technology capable of up to 75,000 trading transactions per second and more than 1.5 million API calls per second.

“We have been extremely focusing on R&D as our vision is to become the most advanced independent cryptocurrency exchange globally.”

The upgraded matching engine will be CoinField’s outward-facing signature, declaring it has become one of the world’s most advanced cryptocurrency exchanges. More details on https://www.coinfield.com

SIMEX Inc announces beginning of public offering at US$20 per share

 

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 23 (Bernama) --  SIMEX Inc announces the beginning of the public offering of its convertible preferred shares in the amount of 10 million shares at the price of US$20 (RM82) per share. (1US$ = RM4.10)

Shares offering is officially registered in accordance to SEC requirements. The raised funds will be used towards increasing the liquidity of the cryptocurrency and digital assets exchange platform which is also developing  the technology of trading in "one account" mode, marketing and further development of the platform.

Simex said in a statement the sale of shares could be made for cryptocurrencies such as BTC, ETH, Litecoin, Dash and EOS.

Purchase could be made through the smart-contract by purchasing of SMX tokens, the tokens are convertible to Simex's preferred shares in the ratio of 20 tokens per 1 preferred share.

SMX Token allows you to reduce the commissions when trading on the Simex Exchange depending on the balance of the user's account up to zero pe cent.  

The token also gives the right to have discounts purchasing any products and services within the platform.

The board of directors decided to pay 40 per cent of the corporation profit annually on these preferred shares until the common share price reaches US$40 (RM164) on the stock market. After that the corporation has a right to force to convert  preferred shares into common shares at the ratio of 1:1.

This offer will last until March 1, 2019 or until the shares are fully sold out.

American Retail Group Inc, also known as Simex Inc is the public corporation organized in the State of Nevada, U.S. Details about the offer on https://simex.global

--BERNAMA

RF IDEAS APPOINTS MENYA NSANZUMUCO AS INTERNATIONAL PRE-SALES ENGINEER

ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill., Aug 29 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RF IDeas, Inc., a leading innovator and manufacturer of employee badge and credential readers for in-building applications such as computer access, identification and secure print, today announced the appointment of Menya Nsanzumuco as International Pre-Sales Engineer, effective immediately. Based in London, Menya Nsanzumuco will provide pre-sales technical and business support to new and existing customers, partners, distributors and systems integrators throughout the EMEA and APAC regions.  
 
“Menya’s rich technical background paired with his innate ability to relate to customers makes him a strong choice for this role,” said Tod Besse, Senior Vice President – Global Sales and Marketing. “As RF IDeas looks to strengthen our investment in the Europe and international markets, Menya’s role will be crucial in ensuring the satisfaction of our global clientele.”
 
Menya has more than ten years of experience in remote, field, installation and software technical sales. Throughout his tenure, Menya has worked for several Fortune 100 companies including Xerox Scanners, General Electric and most recently Philips Health Systems UK and Ireland where he served as a Remote Support Engineer, providing remote and on-line support to key customers and partners.  Menya has a Master’s Degree in Electronics Engineering with Satellite Engineering from the University of Surrey and is fluent in English and French.
 
About RF IDeas

RF IDeas, Inc. is a leader in the employee badge and card reader space for healthcare, manufacturing, government and enterprise. Partnering with leading technology companies, RF IDeas readers enable innovative solutions for single sign-on, secure printing, attendance tracking and other applications that require authentication. RF IDeas is a subsidiary of Roper Technologies. For more information about RF IDeas solutions, visit the Knowledge Center at https://www.rfideas.com/knowledge-center.
 
RF IDeas^® and pcProx^® are registered trademarks of RF IDeas, Inc. All other trademarks, service marks and product or service names are property of their respective owners.
 
Media Contact

Arlene King
Marketing Manager
Ph: (866) 439-4884 Ext: 480
E: Marketing@RFIDeas.com
 
SOURCE: RF IDeas
 
--BERNAMA

NESTLÉ AND STARBUCKS CLOSE DEAL FOR THE PERPETUAL GLOBAL LICENSE OF STARBUCKS CONSUMER PACKAGED GOODS AND FOODSERVICE PRODUCTS

VEVEY, Switzerland & SEATTLE, Aug 28 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Nestlé and Starbucks Corporation today announced the closing of the deal granting Nestlé the perpetual rights to market Starbucks Consumer Packaged Goods and Foodservice products globally, outside of the company’s coffee shops.
 
Through the alliance, the two companies will work closely together on the existing Starbucks range of roast and ground coffee, whole beans as well as instant and portioned coffee. The alliance will also capitalize on the experience and capabilities of both companies to work on innovation with the goal of enhancing its product offerings for coffee lovers globally.
 
“This partnership demonstrates our growth agenda in action, giving Nestlé an unparalleled position in the coffee business with a full suite of innovative brands. With Starbucks, Nescafé and Nespresso we bring together the world’s most iconic coffee brands,” said Mark Schneider, Nestlé CEO. “The outstanding collaboration between the two teams resulted in a swift completion of this agreement, which will pave the way to capture further growth opportunities,” he added.
 
The agreement significantly strengthens Nestlé’s coffee portfolio in the North American premium roast and ground and portioned coffee business. It also unlocks global expansion in grocery and foodservice for the Starbucks brand, utilizing the global reach of Nestlé.
 
“This global coffee alliance with Nestlé is a significant strategic milestone for the growth of Starbucks,” said Kevin Johnson, president and ceo of Starbucks. “Bringing together the world’s leading coffee retailer, the world’s largest food and beverage company, and the world’s largest and fast-growing installed base of at-home and single-serve coffee machines helps us amplify the Starbucks brand around the world while delivering long-term value creation for our shareholders.”
 
Approximately 500 Starbucks employees in the United States and Europe will join the Nestlé family, with the majority based in Seattle and London. The international expansion of the business will be led from Nestlé’s global headquarters in Vevey, Switzerland.
 
The agreement covers Starbucks packaged coffee and tea brands, such as Starbucks®, Seattle’s Best Coffee®, Teavana^TM/MC, Starbucks VIA® Instant, Torrefazione Italia® coffee and Starbucks-branded K-Cup® pods. It excludes Ready-to-Drink products and all sales of any products within Starbucks® coffee shops.
 
Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained herein are “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the applicable securities laws and regulations. Generally, these statements can be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “feel,” “forecast,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “project,” “should,” “will,” “would,” and similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These statements are based on information available to Starbucks as of the date hereof, and Starbucks actual results or performance could differ materially from those stated or implied, due to risks and uncertainties associated with its business. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, fluctuations in the U.S. and international economies and currencies, our ability to preserve, grow and leverage our brands, potential negative effects of incidents involving food or beverage-borne illnesses, tampering, adulteration, contamination or mislabeling, potential negative effects of material breaches of our information technology systems to the extent we experience a material breach, material failures of our information technology systems, costs associated with, and the successful execution of, the company’s initiatives and plans, the acceptance of the company’s products by our customers, the impact of competition, as well as general economic and industry factors such as coffee, dairy and other raw materials pricing and availability, successful execution of internal performance and expansion plans, fluctuations in U.S. and other international economies and currencies, the impact of initiatives by competitors, the effect of legal proceedings, and other risks detailed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 1, 2017. The Company assumes no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180827005623/en/
 
Contact

Nestlé SA
Investors
Luca Borlini, +41 21 924 38 20
or
Media
Christoph Meier, +41 21 924 22 00
Josh Morton (US), +1-571-457-5262
or
Starbucks
Press
Sanja Gould, +1-206-318-7100
press@starbucks.com
 
Source : Starbucks Corporation
 
--BERNAMA

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Bittech offers world´s first miner for NeoScrypt algorithm

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 28 (Bernama) --  BITTECH Ltd is offering world’s first miner in the new Bittech NS miner for NeoScrypt algorithm.

The new Bittech NS miner’s performance makes 63.2MH/s (equivalent to 55 Nvidia GTX1080 GPUs) with power consumption at only 1250W.

The price is US$1,890 (RM7,749) while the earning power is US$30 (RM123) as of August 29. (1US$ = RM4.10)

Bittech said in a statement the new miner is powered by 24 chipsets and has a regular appearance common to all other Bittech units and is fitted with 1600W Murata/Artesun power adapter.

All miners are covered by 180-days warranty and will be available in the mid of October 2018.

The company is going to establish four large data centers in Canada, Iceland, Estonia and Russia. It has started the construction of Russia’s data center for 9000 miners with the total processing power of 21MW in April 2018. The company will lease a part of its premises to its customers under colocation agreements.

--BERNAMA

Toshiba releases 14TB and 12TB helium-sealed hard disk drives

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 28 (Bernama) – Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation released new Enterprise Capacity 14TB and 12TB helium-sealed SAS HDD models.  

The MG07SCA Series further illustrates Toshiba’s capability to advance the design of HDD storage devices for cloud-scale server and storage infrastructure and to realize more cost-effective data-protection, data-retention, content serving and digital archiving.

The series features 7,200 rpm performance, a SAS 12Gbit interface and advanced format sector technology.

Toshiba said in a statement the hard disk drive boasts an industry-leading, 9-disk helium-sealed design and 14TB of conventional magnetic recording capacity for optimum compatibility.

The innovative 9-disk helium-sealed design utilizes Toshiba’s precision laser welding process and a special top-cover design seals helium inside the drive offering high capacity and low power profile to the product.

The 14TB SAS model offers approximately a 40 per cent increase in maximum capacity over Toshiba’s prior MG06 10TB SAS models.

“The Toshiba 14TB model is able to provide approximately 55 per cent (W/G) lower operating power profile over the previous 10TB model, resulting in total cost of ownership (TCO) benefits for today’s dense storage platforms and cloud-scale service-solution architectures,” said General Manager of Storage Products Sales & Marketing Division at Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation, Shuji Takaoka.

“Only helium-sealed HDD technology is able to deliver these customers’ TCO benefits with an amazingly low acquisition cost per GB,” Takaoka added.

The models are now available for sampling. More details on https://toshiba.semicon-storage.com

Facebook Messenger provides better connection for investors in Singapore on U.S markets

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 27 (Bernama) -- Retail investors in Singapore now able to get the information on U.S. financial market updates, investor education, research and trading through Facebook Messenger with TD Ameritrade’s chat bot by TD Ameritrade Singapore Pte Ltd.

Powered by artificial intelligence (AI) technology and backed by live client service support, the chat box provides local retail investors way to access the U.S. equity markets and their investments in the most natural and conversational way, a statement said.

TD Ameritrade’s chat bot for Messenger is augmented by human support, making it a true hybrid experience. When appropriate or necessary, client support specialists can intervene in multiple ways including interacting directly with the client.

Managing director of TD Ameritrade Asia, JB Mackenzie said the company have solid growth in trading in the Singapore market as a result of its client’s high engagement rate. Its Asia-based clients are eight times more active than its U.S. clients, placing a third of their trades through mobile.

Connecting with TD Ameritrade through Messenger, investors in Singapore can access on-demand market information, news and events as well as receive quotes and sector information presented in visual format with charts and graphs.

It also enable the investors to get updates on U.S. markets, indices and sectors, track company events, learn about investing with educational videos and get answers to frequently asked questions or chat with an automated agent or a live human agent any time.

TD Ameritrade is a U.S.-based leader in trading technology and solutions for individual investors. It is the first to leverage artificial intelligence to offer trading via bot. More details at https://www.amtd.com.

Mumbai´s realty firm reaches out to Singapore with launch of SGD 4.4 billion property

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 27 (Bernama) -- Mumbai’s leading realty firm -- Omkar Realtors and Developers -- will launch mixed-use realty hubs with an estimated SGD 4.4 billion (RM13.2 billion) topline revenue under the brand name -- Omkar International District (OID). (1 SGD = RM3.00)

The OID is the first-ever such development of about 65 acres within the key micro market of Mumbai, India. The Expression of Interest (EOI) for the residential inventory on offer is available now with key channel partners (CPs) in the Singapore market, a statement said.

Senior vice-president of the mid-sized conglomerate at Omkar Realtors, Rahul Maroo said the project’s EOI has opened to an encouraging response from the investors and end-users community within India and key International markets including Singapore.

From its International inventory allocation of 150+ units, they have already crossed 90-plus EOI consents from GCC, UK, Hong Kong and Singapore. The NRI investors particularly from the Singapore market are keenly eyeing inventory in areas with upcoming infrastructure developments such as Metro, Monorail and new link roads.

The mixed redevelopment undertaken by Omkar Realtors will see a record 10 million sq. ft development with six million sq. ft. for residential development while balance four million sq. ft. will be retail and commercial development.

The key target customer groups in this micro market spans SME’s, trading community, corporate professionals, media & entertainment industry. The location is one of the most sought after by Mumbai’s film and television fraternity including artistes and production houses.

More information at www.omkar.com

LG Chem to supply Brackish Water reverse osmosis membranes in US

 

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 23 (Bernama) -- LG Chem --  a leading contender of Sea Water (SW) reverse osmosis (RO) -- awarded with three contracts to supply Brackish Water (BW) RO membranes to major utilities in the U.S.

President of IT&E Materials Division in LG Chem, Cheoldong Jeong said the company has made great progress in BW RO business in both municipal and industrial sectors after launching BW RO product line two years ago.

In August 2018, LG Chem received a contract to supply replacement membranes to the Silicon Valley Advanced Water Purification Center -- the largest plant of its kind in northern California and the focal point of the Santa Clara Valley Water District’s recycled water expansion.

It also received a contract to supply 3,170 energy saving BW ES elements in June to the Ground Water Replenishment System --  the world’s largest indirect potable reuse facility -- in the Orange County Water District, a statement said.

LG Chem has won a replacement bid in April for the Edward C. Little Water Recycling Facility in the West Basin Municipal Water District following a successful on-site trial last year and supplied anti-fouling BW AFR membranes to the facility.

With the recent success, LG Water Solutions was honored with Distinction in the Water Technology Company of the Year at GWI’s 2018 Global Water Awards. More information at http://www.lgwatersolutions.com.

-- BERNAMA 

A.M. BEST AFFIRMS CREDIT RATINGS OF KOREA P&I CLUB

HONG KONG, Aug 27 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A.M. Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a-” of Korea P&I Club (KP&I) (South Korea). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.
 
The ratings reflect KP&I’s balance sheet strength, which A.M. Best categorizes as strong, as well as its strong operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management. The ratings also reflect the wide range of support the club receives from the South Korea government.
 
KP&I’s balance sheet strength is underpinned by risk-adjusted capitalization at the strongest level, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). Although the growth rate of free reserves in 2017 slowed because of the reduced earnings from exchange rate losses, the five-year average growth rate stands high at 11%. The club’s low underwriting leverage and conservative investment profile also support its strong capitalization.
 
KP&I has maintained highly profitable operating performance with the five-year average return on equity of 10% with a modest level of volatility. However, the club experienced a sharp drop of net income in 2017 mainly due to the impact of exchange rate movement on its underwriting and investment performance.
 
With its business primarily concentrated in Korea, KP&I maintains about 16% of market share based on premium within the domestic market. Amid the prolonged recession in the shipping industry and increasing competition, multiple initiatives are on the way to secure its market position: strategic partnership with a member of International Group of P&I Clubs, new business opportunity under the government’s plan to build new vessels to support Korean shipping industry, and overseas expansion plan.
 
KP&I’s risk management capabilities are considered appropriate given its risk profile. The club follows strict underwriting guidelines and maintains conservative reinsurance strategy.
 
KP&I was founded in 2000 under the Ship-Owners’ Mutual Protection and Indemnity Association Act. The club benefits from various support from the South Korea government pivoting on its strategic role in the long-term development of the country’s marine infrastructure, which serves as a positive rating factor.
 
Negative rating actions could occur if there is a material decrease in the club’s risk-adjusted capitalization or sustained deterioration in its operating performance.
 
Ratings are communicated to rated entities prior to publication. Unless stated otherwise, the ratings were not amended subsequent to that communication.
 
This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on A.M. Best’s website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see A.M. Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Understanding Best’s Credit Ratings. For information on the proper media use of Best’s Credit Ratings and A.M. Best press releases, please view Guide for Media - Proper Use of Best’s Credit Ratings and A.M. Best Rating Action Press Releases.
 
A.M. Best is a global rating agency and information provider with a unique focus on the insurance industry. Visit www.ambest.com for more information.
 
Copyright © 2018 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
 
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Kofax A Leader in Aragon Research Tech Spectrum for Workflow And Content Automation

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 23 (Bernama) -- Kofax -- a supplier of software to automate and digitally transform information intensive processes -- has been named a Leader in the Aragon Research Tech Spectrum for Workflow and Content Automation, 2018 by Aragon Research.

The new report recognises and evaluates technology vendors that Aragon viewed as key to enable enterprises to accelerate and digitise document processes and transactions, a statement said.

The Workflow and Content Automation (WCA) is a new category of content that focuses on automating document processes and transactions. It represents a shift in the market, away from human creation of documents and toward machine creation and routing.

Aragon has identified Kofax as “an ideal choice for WCA initiatives, in part due to complex workflows associated with mission-critical document processes”.

Kofax is also noted for being “strategically focused on processes that link key customer engagement experiences with backend processes to provide end-to-end visibility, efficiency and faster customer fulfillment”.

The Aragon Research Tech Spectrum for Workflow and Content Automation is segmented into three sectors (Leaders, Contenders and Promising) -- representing high and low on both product/service performance and strategy dimensions.

Kofax’s broad range of software and solutions can be deployed in the cloud or on premise and include robotic process automation, business process management, multichannel capture and other critically important capabilities. More details at https://www.kofax.com.

-- BERNAMA

AIR CANADA ADVANCES ITS PRODUCT DISTRIBUTION CAPABILITIES WITH NDC EXCHANGE CONNECTION

NDC Exchange Enables Airline to Connect Directly to a New Distribution Ecosystem

DULLES, Va., Aug 23 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ATPCO and SITA today announced that launch customer Air Canada processed its first NDC (New Distribution Capability) production transaction via NDC Exchange, a platform that simplifies the adoption of the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) NDC standard.

NDC is a new standard aimed at enabling the travel industry to transform the way services are retailed to corporations as well as leisure and business travelers. It provides greater product differentiation, quicker time-to-market, access to full and rich content and delivers a more transparent shopping experience.

NDC Exchange is a community platform that facilitates the real-time connectivity between airlines and sellers (GDSs, travel agents, aggregators, OTAs, CBTs and TMCs) so that they can exchange messages easily and cost effectively. NDC Exchange supports shopping, booking, and servicing workflows and enables the cross-selling of ancillary services between airlines, and airlines and sellers. It normalizes messages regardless of version or format, creating interoperability across the distribution ecosystem. Travel sellers can access multiple airlines via NDC Exchange, hence lowering the cost of their implementation.

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The Hartford to acquire Navigators Group for US$2.1 billion in cash

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 24 (Bernama) –  The Hartford has signed a definitive agreement to acquire all outstanding common shares of The Navigators Group Inc –  a global specialty underwriter, for US$70 (RM287) a share or US$2.1 billion (RM8.61 billion) in cash. (1US$ = RM4.10).

Headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut, U.S , The Hartford is a leader in property and casualty insurance, group benefits and mutual funds.

The transaction has been approved by the boards of directors of both companies and is subject to approval by Navigators’ shareholders and other customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. It is expected to close in the first half of 2019.

Founded in 1974, Navigators is recognized as a market leader in the global marine, construction and energy industries, as well as in U.S. excess casualty and surplus lines.

In addition to an established presence at Lloyd’s, the company also has growing underwriting operations in Europe, Asia and Latin America, a statement said.

The Hartford’s President, Doug Elliot said: “This transaction combines two organizations with disciplined underwriting cultures and a shared commitment to innovation, financial performance and attracting and retaining top talent.

He said the company will leverage a more complete product and service offering through a best-in-class distribution network enabled by their combined underwriting, claim capabilities and risk engineering and enhanced by The Hartford’s strong brand.

Navigators President and Chief Executive Officer, Stanley A. Galanski said: “By joining The Hartford and leveraging the strength of its balance sheet and quality of its core commercial insurance products, we will create exciting opportunities to deliver enhanced value to our brokers and policyholders.”

Citigroup Global Markets Inc acted as lead financial advisor to The Hartford, with Deutsche Bank Securities Inc also providing financial advice. Mayer Brown provided legal counsel to The Hartford. More details at https://www.thehartford.com

-- BERNAMA

THE IASLC 19TH WORLD CONFERENCE ON LUNG CANCER ARRIVES IN TORONTO, CANADA

DENVER, Aug 23 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

What: The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) presents the IASLC 19th World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) on September 23-26, 2018, in Toronto, Canada. The WCLC is the world’s largest meeting dedicated solely to lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies, and is expected to convene over 7,000 researchers, physicians, specialists, patients, advocates and industry members from around the world.

The WCLC’s scientific program features a line-up of global leaders in the field. Presentations focus on cutting-edge science, including the latest breakthroughs in targeted therapies and immunotherapies; advances in screening, early detection and staging; prevention and smoking cessation efforts; patient advocacy initiatives; and much more. Collaboration across disciplines and borders is a meeting highlight. The WCLC’s scientific program is available to review online.

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KASHA CACY APPOINTED GLOBAL CEO OF ENGINE

NEW YORK, Aug 23 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Data-driven marketing solutions company Engine today announced the appointment of Kasha Cacy as the company’s global chief executive officer, a new position. Effective Sept. 4, Cacy will oversee Engine’s 17 offices across North America, the UK, Europe and Asia-Pacific, leading the company’s marketing solutions offering, from insights and content to distribution and technology.

Cacy joins Engine from UM, the full-service marketing and media agency network of IPG Mediabrands, where she served as U.S. CEO. She will be based out of Engine’s headquarters in New York, and will report to Engine Executive Chairman Paul Caine.

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BIOCELL COLLAGEN® OFFERS SCIENTIFIC SESSION AT VITAFOODS SINGAPORE

Quality increasingly important in Asia’s collagen market SEESTERMAN, Germany, Aug 21 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Asia’s collagen market is booming but consumers in the region are increasingly demanding quality and scientific substantiation. This will be the key message from category leaders BioCell Technology International GmbH at Vitafoods Asia (September 11-12 in Singapore). Collagen is long established as an ingredient in Asia’s beauty from within market, and its benefits for joint health add to its appeal for the region’s consumers, for whom healthy aging is an increasingly important goal. What makes BioCell Collagen® unique is that it is a highly bioavailable naturally occurring matrix of Hydrolyzed Type II collagen, chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid. Multiple human clinical studies have demonstrated its benefits for joint health and skin beauty. In one study of 80 people it was confirmed safe and effective and, compared to a placebo group, significantly promoted joint comfort and mobility. The results corroborated an earlier trial which found that it promoted joint comfort by as much as 40%. There are also proven benefits for healthy aging and beauty. One study found that daily ingestion of BioCell Collagen® for 12 weeks led to a 13% reduction in wrinkles and a 76% reduction in dryness and skin scaling. An overview of this growing body of research will be presented at Vitafoods Asia by Dr Vincenzo Boldrini, Scientific Manager of Sochim International, which performs clinical evaluations of the efficacy of health and nutrition products. Suhail Ishaq, President of BioCell, said: “High quality collagen provides a unique and comprehensive nutraceutical solution for joint health, skin beauty and healthy aging. The Asian market is thriving, but as elsewhere, consumers are increasingly looking for clinically proven ingredients. Biocell is committed to quality and we’re proud that the benefits of our collagen are backed up by robust scientific evidence.” BioCell Collagen® is available in a Halal version certified to Malaysian Standard 1500 (MS 1500) by the Halal Quality Control/ Halal Certification Germany, which is recognized globally as the most developed Halal certification program in the world and provides a benchmark for Halal schemes globally. About BioCell Collagen® BioCell Collagen is a clinically tested dietary ingredient that promotes active joints, youthful-looking skin, and healthy connective tissues. BioCell Collagen contains a patented composition of naturally occurring hydrolyzed collagen type II, chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid in a highly absorbable matrix form that has been the subject of numerous human clinical trials, including trials on safety, efficacy, and bioavailability. For more information and a directory of where to buy products made with BioCell Collagen®, visit www.BioCellCollagen.com. About BioCell Technology BioCell Technology is a research, product development, branding, and marketing company that manufactures innovative, science-based raw material ingredients that have applications in dietary supplements, functional foods and cosmetics. The company licenses its branded ingredients to leading consumer packaged goods companies for use in their finished products. For more information visit www.BioCellTechnology.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180820005598/en/ Contact For more information or to arrange a meeting at Vitafoods Asia, contact: Ingredient Communications Steve Harman +44 (0)7538 118079 steve@ingredientcommunications.com Source : BioCell Technology --BERNAMA

SONOS ANNOUNCES DATE FOR FISCAL THIRD QUARTER 2018 EARNINGS CONFERENCE CALL

SANTA BARBARA, Calif., Aug 21 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sonos, Inc. (“Sonos”) (Nasdaq: SONO) today announced that after market close on Monday, September 10, 2018, the company will report financial results for the fiscal third quarter ended June 30, 2018 in a letter to shareholders, which will be made available on the investor relations section of its website. In addition, the company will host a conference call and Q&A to discuss the results on the same day at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

A live webcast and replay of the conference call and Q&A will be accessible at: https://investors.sonos.com/news-and-events/default.aspx. The replay will be available for at least one year following completion of the call.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=32512

A.M. BEST DOWNGRADES CREDIT RATINGS OF NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED; PLACES UNDER REVIEW WITH NEGATIVE IMPLICATIONS

SINGAPORE, Aug 20 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A.M. Best has downgraded the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) to C (Marginal) from B (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) to “b” from “bbb” of National Insurance Company Limited (National) (India). Additionally, A.M. Best has placed these Credit Ratings (ratings) under review with negative implications.

The ratings reflect National’s diminished balance sheet strength, which A.M. Best categorizes as adequate, as well as its marginal operating performance, neutral business profile and weak enterprise risk management (ERM).

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=32504

WILLIS LEASE FINANCE COMMITS TO OFFERING OF $373.4 MILLION IN FIXED RATE NOTES

NOVATO, Calif., Aug 17 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: WLFC) (“Willis”), a leading lessor of commercial jet engines, announced today that its wholly-owned subsidiary Willis Engine Structured Trust IV (“WEST IV”), has priced $373.4 million in aggregate principal amount of fixed rate notes (the “Notes”). As previously announced, the Notes will be issued in two series, with the Series A Notes to be issued in an aggregate principal amount of $326.8 million and the Series B Notes in an aggregate principal amount of $46.7 million. The Notes will be secured by, among other things, WEST IV’s direct and indirect interests in a portfolio of 55 aircraft engines and one airframe. The planned closing date is August 22, 2018.

The Series A Notes will have a fixed coupon of 4.750%, an expected maturity of approximately eight years, an expected weighted average life (based on certain modeling assumptions) of 6.3 years and a final maturity of 25 years and Series B Notes will have a fixed coupon of 5.438%, an expected maturity of approximately eight years, an expected weighted average life (based on certain modeling assumptions) of 6.3 years and a final maturity of 25 years. The Series A Notes will be issued at a price of 99.99504% of par and the Series B Notes will be issued at a price of 99.99853% of par.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=32494

Toshiba unveils next-generation 650v power MOSFETs

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation (Toshiba) has launched a new series of next-generation 650V power MOSFETs.

The enhancement mode device is ideal for use in modern high-speed power supplies, due to the reduced capacitance in the design.

Toshiba said in a statement the newly launched MOSFETs can be used in server power supplies in data centers, solar (PV) power conditioners, uninterruptible power systems (UPS) and other industrial applications.

The first device in the DTMOS VI series is the TK040N65Z -- a 650V device that supports continuous drain currents up to 57A and 228A when pulsed.

The new device is housed in an industry-standard TO-247 package, ensuring compatibility with legacy designs as well as suitability for new projects.

The new device already entered its mass production and shipments process.

Toshiba will continue to expand their product lineup to meet market trends and help improve the efficiency of power supplies and systems. More details on https://toshiba.semicon-storage.com