Top News on December 8: M-cap of six top firms jumps, Syria civil war, farmers protest, and more
Yasmine Farias Chavez attends the My Special Aflac Duck ® Delivery at Keaton's Child Cancer Alliance Thursday. The event marks nearly 200 ducks given to Keaton's in the past two years and more than 33,000 ducks distributed free of charge since the program began in 2018. (PRNewsfoto/Aflac) Yasmine Farias Chavez attends the My Special Aflac Duck ® Delivery at Keaton's Child Cancer Alliance Thursday. The event marks nearly 200 ducks given to Keaton's in the past two years and more than 33,000 ducks distributed free of charge since the program began in 2018. (PRNewsfoto/Aflac) Comforting robotic companions donated to pediatric cancer patients courtesy of Aflac ROSEVILLE Calif. , Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Children in Northern California now have a cuddly companion to bring them comfort through their cancer treatment journey. Aflac Incorporated , a leading provider of health supplemental insurance in the U.S. donated the robotic ducks to Keaton's Child Cancer Alliance in Roseville Thursday. The event marks nearly 200 ducks given to Keaton's in the last two years and more than 33,000 ducks distributed free of charge since the program began in 2018. "Approximately 26 children are diagnosed with cancer each day in the United States , including the brave 'Child Cancer Warriors' supported by Keaton's Child Cancer Alliance," said Ines Rodriguez Gutzmer , Aflac senior vice president and chief Communications officer. "These incredible children, and their families, embody determination and resilience – and most of all, as we saw today, their joyful spirit continues to shine. We're thankful to the team at Keaton's for allowing us to be a part of the great work they do each and every day. Together, we're making a difference in the lives of the children, their families and their communities." My Special Aflac Duck is a social robot powered by innovative technology that helps kids prepare for medical procedures, communicate their feelings, practice distraction techniques and more. The robotic companion was designed in consult with more than 100 children, families and medical professionals in conjunction with Empath Labs. A three-year study revealed that patients reported a reduction in distress, nausea, pain and procedural anxiety compared to those in the study who had not yet received a duck. In addition, parents and caregivers reported a reduction in stress and anxiety, showing how My Special Aflac Duck helps children's support system. The duck delivery Thursday coincided with Keaton's annual Operation Gobble, where more than 20 families received Thanksgiving meal kits. "We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with Aflac to ensure that young cancer warriors and their families receive the personalized support they need throughout their journey" said Jessica Alonso , Executive Director of Keaton's Child Cancer Alliance. "This generous contribution of My Special Aflac Ducks will have a meaningful impact on the children we serve. These comforting, interactive companions provide emotional support and help children navigate the complexities of treatment, bringing much-needed smiles and strength to families during some of their most challenging moments. Together, we are empowering those we serve to face cancer with courage and hope." Since its debut in 2018 , My Special Aflac Duck has received numerous awards; it was named one of Time Magazine's 50 Best Inventions and collected the Best in Show at CES and South by Southwest, among others. The My Special Aflac Duck program is a hallmark of Aflac's more than $184 million given toward pediatric cancer and blood disorder treatment, as part of the company's commitment to support the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta . Health care providers, support organizations and families can order My Special Aflac Duck free of charge for children 3 years or older who have been diagnosed with cancer or sickle cell disease at MySpecialAflacDuck.com . ABOUT AFLAC INCORPORATED Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL), a Fortune 500 company, has helped provide financial protection and peace of mind for more than 68 years to millions of policyholders and customers through its subsidiaries in the U.S. and Japan . In the U.S., Aflac is the No. 1 provider of supplemental health insurance products. 1 In Japan , Aflac Life Insurance Japan is the leading provider of cancer and medical insurance in terms of policies in force. The company takes pride in being there for its policyholders when they need us most, as well as being included in the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for 18 consecutive years (2024), Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies for 23 years (2024) and Bloomberg's Gender-Equality Index for the fourth consecutive year (2023). In addition, the company became a signatory of the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) in 2021 and has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index (2023) for 10 years. To find out how to get help with expenses health insurance doesn't cover, get to know us at aflac.com or aflac.com/espanol . Investors may learn more about Aflac Incorporated and its commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability at investors.aflac.com under "Sustainability." 1 LIMRA 2023 U.S. Supplemental Health Insurance Total Market Report Media contact: Jon Sullivan , 706-763-4813 or jsullivan@aflac.com Analyst and investor contact: David A. Young , 706-596-3264, 800-235-2667 or dyoung@aflac.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/my-special-aflac-duck-lands-in-the-sacramento-valley-302313728.html SOURCE Aflac
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In conclusion, Wang Chuqin's response to Falcon Eyes' challenge highlights the vital role of open communication, collaboration, and creativity in shaping the future of table tennis. By embracing new ideas and perspectives, players like Chuqin can inspire positive change and promote a more inclusive and equitable sporting environment for all. As the world of table tennis evolves, Wang Chuqin's voice will undoubtedly continue to resonate as a beacon of integrity and inspiration for generations to come.Notice of Convening Hearing
It is essential that we prioritize sleep as a non-negotiable pillar of self-care and wellness. Developing healthy sleep habits, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and optimizing our sleep environment, can help us reclaim control over our rest and recharge our bodies and minds.The decision to offer Salah a new contract reflects Liverpool's recognition of his importance to the team and their desire to ensure he remains a vital part of their plans for years to come. By securing Salah's future at the club, Liverpool has sent a strong message to their rivals that they are serious contenders for silverware and are not willing to let go of their key assets easily.None
In a world where beauty standards are constantly evolving and becoming more unattainable, many individuals are willing to go to great lengths to achieve the perfect appearance. Unfortunately, this pursuit of perfection can sometimes lead to dangerous consequences, as evidenced by the recent case of a woman who spent $18,000 on a leg beauty treatment at an unqualified clinic, only to suffer severe complications as a result.Embark on a journey of destiny with "Play Your Spirit: The Brave Souls," a unique soul card game where dreams are fulfilled with just one hand. Today marks the official release of this captivating game that combines strategy, creativity, and the power of the soul.
The singer, whose name has been kept confidential for privacy reasons, had been seeking relief from stress and muscle tension when she decided to visit the spa for a relaxing massage. Little did she know that her decision would have such devastating consequences. After the third massage session, she began experiencing numbness in her limbs and was rushed to the hospital where doctors confirmed that she had suffered a severe spinal injury that left her paralyzed from the waist down.As the announcement was made at the awards ceremony, the crowd erupted in cheers and applause, acknowledging the hard work and dedication that Liang Wang had invested in each match. Their journey to the top was not without challenges, but their perseverance and unwavering commitment to excellence have propelled them to the pinnacle of success. The accolade of Best Male Doubles of the Year was a fitting tribute to their extraordinary talent and undeniable contributions to the sport of badminton.
Moreover, investing in water infrastructure upgrades and modernization can also play a significant role in promoting water conservation. By implementing smart water meters, leak detection systems, and water recycling technologies, municipalities can reduce water losses, improve system efficiency, and encourage conscious water use among consumers. These advancements not only contribute to conservation efforts but also enhance the overall sustainability and resilience of the water supply system.A study of hot spots for collisions between ships and whales around the world, including Canadian waters, offers a map for measures to prevent the deadly strikes that could drive some species to extinction, one of the British Columbia-based authors says. Chloe Robinson said reported strikes represent a fraction of their true extent, and a lack of protection measures leaves whales vulnerable as global shipping expands. The study found shipping takes place across 92 per cent of the ranges for humpback, blue, fin and sperm whales worldwide, but measures to reduce vessel strikes have been implemented in less than seven per cent of high-risk areas. "That could really spell, you know, potential extinction for some of these species," said Robinson, director of whales for Ocean Wise, a B.C.-based organization that provided data for the paper published in the peer-reviewed journal Science. "A recent study estimated anything up to 20,000 whales are killed a year through ship strikes, globally, and that's just an estimate, a best-case estimate." Robinson said she was surprised to see Swiftsure Bank, off the west coast of Vancouver Island, emerge as a risk hot spot for strikes of fin, blue and humpback whales. The area is a "migration highway" for humpbacks, she noted. The study also identified a hot spot for the same three species in the Gulf of St. Lawrence between Quebec, New Brunswick and Newfoundland. "This is something that Ocean Wise has been looking into because a lot of the management measures occur offshore and not sort of within the Gulf of St. Lawrence itself and even the St. Lawrence Seaway, (which) leads down to the Great Lakes," she said. "That was a huge hot spot, which was really interesting for me." Robinson said there have been smaller studies on the risk of ship strikes in different regions, but the study published Thursday is the first to map the distribution of the four whale species, using a variety of data sources, then compare it with the Automatic Identification System, a tool used for tracking vessels worldwide. "This was really the first of its kind to map these two on top of each other," she said. The researchers found the highest levels of risk in the Indian, western North Pacific and Mediterranean, while it also identified high-risk areas in the eastern North Pacific, North and South Atlantic Ocean along with the South China Sea. The Southern Ocean was the only region that did not contain any ship-strike hot spots due to low levels of shipping, despite high use by whales, the study found. Robinson said the findings support a strong case for maritime authorities to adopt measures such as whale alert systems, speed limits and no-go zones. "We know where there are areas where there are lots of whales and lots of ships, so this is where we need to target for management," she said in an interview. Robinson said Canada is home to many "eyes on the water" and researchers exploring innovative techniques for monitoring whales. But the country lacks mandatory mitigation measures, and it's not alone. "Next to none of the measures globally are mandatory. So, having voluntary measures (is) great, provided people comply," Robinson said. Ocean Wise launched an alert system in 2018 that notifies large vessels of the presence of whales in Pacific Northwest waters, and Robinson said about 80 per cent of mariners from Washington state up to Alaska have signed up. The WhaleReport alert system mainly functions in what she describes as "inshore" waters around busy ports in Seattle, Vancouver and Prince Rupert. The Port of Vancouver has also seen a high rate of compliance for its ECHO program, Robinson noted. The program encourages vessels to take voluntary steps, such as slowing down or staying farther away from whales, in order to reduce underwater noise and the potential for strikes in busy shipping areas. Robinson favours a multi-pronged approach to reducing ship strikes, but she said one single measure she believes could have a big impact would be equipping vessels with an infrared camera to detect whales within several kilometres. "Maybe some mariners ... respond better to knowing there 100 per cent is a whale 200 metres in front of your vessel, versus, 'slow down, there might be a whale here.'" Robinson said such cameras can cost between US$50,000 and $75,000. But the cost was a "drop in the bucket" of major companies' profits, she said. The cameras also present a public-relations opportunity for businesses to advertise themselves as operating in a more whale-friendly manner, Robinson said. "I know people who have had to go and have therapy after killing a humpback whilst at the helm," she added. "I think there's a lot to be said (for) the long-term benefits of this kind of technology." The study also found areas with lower traffic that could provide refuge for whales, especially with added protections. It shows the Arctic Ocean, for example, has very few high-risk areas for vessel strikes, and Robinson said some researchers view it as potential sanctuary. But without protections, Robinson said Arctic waters could become the next high-risk hot spot as sea ice melts with climate change, opening up shipping routes. "Knowing the plans to expand shipping routes into these areas to cut shipping time, make things faster, right through prime whale habitat, I think this is a really good opportunity to get ahead of the issue before it becomes an issue," she said. Whales play crucial roles in their ecosystems, including cycling nutrients that support other species, and they're a boon for tourism, Robinson said. They're also "magical" creatures that people feel connected to, she said, and they remain vulnerable after many species were hunted to the brink of extinction. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 22, 2024. Brenna Owen, The Canadian Press
The recent escalation of hostilities between Israel and Syria comes amid heightened tensions in the region, fueled in part by the ongoing conflict in Syria and the presence of Iranian forces in the country. Israel has repeatedly expressed concerns about Iran's growing influence in Syria and its support for militant groups operating in the region.Shopping on Temu can feel like playing an arcade game. Instead of using a joystick-controlled claw to grab a toy, visitors to the online marketplace maneuver their computer mouses or cellphone screens to browse colorful gadgets, accessories and trinkets with prices that look too good to refuse. A pop-up spinning wheel offers the chance to win a coupon. Rotating captions warn that a less than US$2 (HK$15.60) camouflage print balaclava and a US$1.23 skeleton hand back scratcher are "Almost sold out." A flame symbol indicates a US$9.69 plush cat print hoodie is selling fast. A timed-down selection of discounted items adds to the sense of urgency. Welcome to the new online world of impulse buying, a place of guilty pleasures where the selection is vast, every day is Cyber Monday, and an instant dopamine hit that will have faded by the time your package arrives is always just a click away. It is an accelerating age for consumerism, one that Temu, which is owned by the Chinese e-commerce company PDD Holdings, and Shein, its fierce rival, supercharged with social media savvy and an interminable assortment of cheap goods, most shipped directly from merchants in China based on real-time demand. The business models of the two platforms, coupled with avalanches of digital or influencer advertising, have enabled them to give Western retailers a run for their money this holiday shopping season. Lisa Xiaoli Neville, a nonprofit manager who lives in Los Angeles, is sold on Shein. The bedroom of her home is stocked with jeans, shoes, press-on nails and other items from the ultra-fast fashion retailer, all of which she amassed after getting on the platform to purchase a US$2 pair of earrings she saw in a Facebook ad. Neville, 46, estimates she spends at least US$75 a month on products from Shein. A US$2 eggshell opener, a portable apple peeler and an apple corer - both costing less than US$5 - are among the quirky, single-use kitchen tools taking up drawer space. She acknowledges she doesn't need them because she "doesn't even cook like that." Plus, she's allergic to apples. "I won't eat apples. It will kill me," Neville said, laughing. "But I still want the coring thing." Shein primarily targets young women through partnerships with social media influencers. But the Shein-focused content also includes videos of TikTokers saying they're embarrassed to admit they shopped there and critics lashing out at fans for not taking into account the environmental harms or potential labor abuses associated with products that are churned out and shipped worldwide at a speedy pace. Neville has already picked out holiday gifts for family and friends from the site. Most of the products in her online cart cost under US$10, including graphic T-shirts she intends to buy for her son and jeans and loafers for her daughter. All told, she plans to spend about US$200 on gifts, significantly less than US$500 she used to shell out at other stores in prior years. "The visuals just make you want to spend more money," she said, referring to the clothes on Shein's site. "They're very cheap and everything is just so cute." Unlike Shein, Temu's appeal cuts across age groups and gender. The platform is the world's second most-visited online shopping site, software company Similarweb reported. Customers go there looking for practical items like doormats and silly products like a whiskey flask shaped like a vintage cellphone from the 1990s. Temu recently advertised Black Friday bargains for some items at upward of 70 percent off the recommended retail price. Making a purchase can quickly result in receiving dozens of e-mails offering free giveaways. The caveat: customers have to buy more products. Both Shein and Temu have set up warehouses in the United States to speed up delivery times and help them better compete with Amazon, which, in turn, is trying to erode their price advantage through a new storefront that also ships products directly from China. ASSOCIATED PRESSMANSFIELD, Mass., Nov. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 3Daughters, Inc., a clinical development company fueling evolutionary healthcare for women, is proud to be honored as a 2024 Eddy Award winner at the Massachusetts Innovation Network Celebration and Awards night on November 20. This prestigious award, which counts industry leaders like Genzyme and Insulet among past recipients, recognized 3Daughters for its innovative frameless IUD and integrated system that is intended to replace the outdated T-shaped plastic-framed IUDs. Current IUDs are associated with significant insertion pain that scares women away from getting one of the most effective forms of birth control. The Eddies program, a highly competitive innovation showcase, spanned eight months and featured nearly 100 startups across diverse sectors. The event concluded in a live pitch competition, where 3Daughters was recognized as a finalist and standout innovator, spotlighting the company's contributions to advancing solutions for women's health, a sector that continues to receive less than 1% of total R&D funding. "This recognition by the Massachusetts Innovation Network is a testament to the innovative design of our IUD and integrated system and the pressing need for improved options for contraception and women's health,” said Mary Beth Cicero, CEO of 3Daughters. "Millions of women rely on birth control for decades of their lives, yet the barriers they face, such as pain during IUD insertion, have gone largely unaddressed. At 3Daughters, we are committed to breaking these barriers and delivering solutions that are truly innovative and prioritize women's needs.” 3Daughters' innovative technology platform is based on physics and geometry and is designed to deliver targeted therapy into the uterus. Our lead product, 3D-001 , is a frameless, non-hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) combined with the patented SliderTM (inserter/retriever), in essence an integrated system, to eliminate steps and pain points as well as dangling strings need for removal, to make it easier for physicians and less painful for women. This sophisticated integrated system represents a marked departure from the traditional and outdated T-shape framed IUDs that are available now and have a 'fear factor' due to insertion pain and other problems. The Eddies program is renowned for connecting startups with mentorship, entrepreneurial resources, and commercialization opportunities. This milestone recognition comes as 3Daughters pursues a Series A financing of $15 million to fund the advancement of 3D-001 into Phase 1 clinical trials next year. About 3Daughters 3Daughters is a clinical development company focused on evolutionary healthcare for women where cutting-edge research and innovation is desperately needed. The Company's technology platform is based on physics and geometry to deliver targeted therapy to the uterus. The first product, (3D-001), is a frameless, magnetic, non-hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) for long-acting contraception that conforms to a woman's body. Combined with our unique, patented SliderTM system (for insertion and retrieval), we will eliminate the most painful steps in the insertion process as well as the nuisance factor of strings (needed for removal). 3Daughters' vision is to solve difficult health issues for women, particularly significant, and neglected, problems. 3Daughters plans to radically disrupt the IUD market by addressing the major adoption barrier - insertion pain. This pain is associated with all current rigid, plastic T-shape framed IUDs on the market and prevents women from selecting one of the most effective forms of birth control. Visit 3daughtershealth.com for more information. About the Eddies The Eddies, organized by the Massachusetts Innovation Network , celebrates the best of New England innovation, supporting startups in their journey toward scaling and commercialization. Winners represent the region's most promising innovators across diverse sectors, from life sciences to cleantech. Contact Louis Scotti Senior Vice President, Business Operations & Corporate Development [email protected]
On the other hand, housing prices experienced a slight decline, with a 0.1% decrease compared to the previous month. This was partly attributed to the government's efforts to stabilize the real estate market and control housing prices.The traditional retail model has long been characterized by a complex supply chain that often results in inflated prices and a lack of transparency for consumers. The “Spring Dawn Plan” seeks to address these challenges by cutting out the middlemen and connecting consumers directly with the manufacturers through a streamlined online platform. This not only eliminates unnecessary markups but also allows for greater control over the quality and authenticity of the products being offered.