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deCODE genetics: Complete recombination map of the human-genome, a major step in genetics

REYKJAVIK, Iceland, Jan. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Scientists at deCODE genetics/Amgen have constructed a complete map of how human DNA is mixed as it is passed down during reproduction. The map marks a major step in the understanding of genetic diversity and its impact on health and fertility. It continues 25 years of research at deCODE genetics into how new diversity is generated in the human genome, and its relationship to health and disease.

 

Bjarni V. Halldorsson and Kari Stefansson, scientists at deCODE genetics, discuss the paper: Complete recombination map of the human-genome, published in Nature today. The paper continues 25 years of research into how new diversity is generated in the human genome, and its relationship to health and disease.

The new map, appearing today in the online edition of Nature, is the first to incorporate shorter-scale shuffling, (non crossover) of grandparental DNA, which is difficult to detect due to the high DNA sequence similarity. The map also identifies areas of DNA that are devoid of major reshuffling, likely to protect critical genetic functions or prevent chromosomal problems. This insight offers a clearer picture of why some pregnancies fail and how the genome balances diversity with stability.

While this shuffling, known as recombination, is essential for genetic diversity, errors in the process can lead to serious reproductive issues. These failures can result in genetic errors that prevent pregnancies from continuing, helping to explain why infertility affects around one in ten couples worldwide. Understanding this process offers new hope for improving fertility treatments and diagnosing pregnancy complications.

The research also reveals key differences between men and women in how and where, the genome recombination occurs. Women have fewer non-crossover recombinatios, but their frequency increases with age, which may help explain why older maternal age is associated with higher risks of pregnancy complications and chromosomal disorders of the child. Men, however, do not show this age-related change, although recombination in both sexes can contribute to mutations passed to offspring.

Understanding the recombination process is also important in understanding how humans evolved as a species and what shapes individual differences, including health outcomes. All human genetic diversity can be traced to recombination and de novo mutations, DNA sequence present in the child but not in the parents. The map shows that mutations are elevated near regions of DNA mixing and consequently that the two processes are highly correlated.

Based in Reykjavik, Iceland, deCODE genetics is a global leader in analyzing and understanding the human genome. Using its unique expertise and population resources, deCODE has discovered genetic risk factors for dozens of common diseases. The purpose of understanding the genetics of disease is to use that information to create new means of diagnosing, treating and preventing disease. deCODE genetics is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN).

Video for public use:

https://vimeo.com/1037862873/90309f69c3

 

Kari Stefansson, Gunnar Palsson and Bjarni V. Halldorsson, scientists at deCODE genetics and authors on the paper, Complete recombination of the human-genome, published today in Nature.
Kari Stefansson, Gunnar Palsson and Bjarni V. Halldorsson, scientists at deCODE genetics and authors on the paper, Complete recombination of the human-genome, published today in Nature.

 

 

Forum 30: Advancing Global Standards for Medical Products of Human Origin

REDLANDS, Calif., Jan. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The International Council for Commonality in Blood Banking Automation (“ICCBBA”), in partnership with the Italian national competent authority for blood Centro Nazionale Sangue (“CNS”) and for cells/tissues Centro Nazionale Trapianti (“CNT”), hosted Forum 30 The MPHO Safety and Traceability Summit on 14-15 November 2024. The event convened over 100 health professionals, patients, regulators, and other stakeholders from 34 countries around the world. They addressed critical challenges and opportunities concerning safety, and traceability of Medical Products of Human Origin (MPHO). Key discussions highlighted the importance of global cooperation to safeguard patients and foster innovation in the application of these therapies. Celebrating ICCBBA’s 30th anniversary, the event reaffirmed the transformative role of the ISBT 128 Standard in ensuring the safety and traceability of MPHOs worldwide.

Forum 30 Summit
Forum 30 Summit

The event emphasized the life-saving and life-changing nature of MPHO, common characteristics of otherwise diverse therapeutic products and the importance of nurturing global cooperation in safeguarding patients receiving MPHO.

Discussions also emphasized technical interoperability to ensure safe management of MPHO and the need to address challenges through global regulatory alignment. Experience was shared of investigations of MPHO-related adverse events and how harm to recipients and healthcare professionals could be minimized.

The conference also celebrated the 30th anniversary of the founding of ICCBBA in 1995 and the continued evolution of the globally recognized ISBT 128 Standard, which provides unique coding and traceability standards for MPHOs.

Highlights and Action Steps

A diverse group of international experts presented on

  • The need for traceability to support MPHO safety and efficiency in their management
  • How technical innovation and informational interoperability supports safe access to MPHO
  • The need for global regulatory alignment to address evolving challenges in the therapeutic application of MPHO

Key announcements included the preparation by the World Health Organization (WHO) of a global strategy for MPHOs including regional consultations with member states. The goal is to present the strategy for adoption at the 2026 World Health Assembly.

Events like Forum 30 help strengthen international collaboration among standards development organizations, professional associations and governmental organizations to enhance implementation and global impact. Participants called for similar multi-stakeholder events like Forum 30 to be repeated at national or regional levels.

Executive Reflections

Eoin McGrath, ICCBBA Executive Director, emphasized the collaborative nature of the event: “The Forum 30 conference was designed to reflect the complex landscape of transplantation, with multiple stakeholders and actors all having a role to play. ICCBBA understands the importance of partnering with diverse organizations to advance safety and traceability of substances of human origin. Working with CNT and CNS was one of the success factors behind Forum 30 given their extensive experience and the high respect in which they are held by their peers in the European Union and further afield.”

CNS Director Vincenzo De Angelis, remarked on the significance of robust regulatory standards: “The critical importance of robust regulatory standards and traceability in the management of MPHOs was underscored as a cornerstone of patient safety. With human-derived products playing an integral role in modern medicine, ensuring their safe collection, processing, and distribution through stringent protocols is essential for protecting both donors and recipients, while fostering trust in healthcare systems worldwide. We were deeply honored to host this event where global experts gathered to advance the standards that safeguard lives and drive innovation in this vital field.”

CNT Director Giuseppe Feltrin highlighted Italy’s leadership in transplantation: “It has been an honor for the National Transplant Centre to host this meeting. Italy plays a strategic role in the safety and oversight of organs, tissues, and cells as a WHO collaborating center for the Notify Project. Our National Transplant Information System is at the forefront of this field, thanks to the systematic implementation of international standards like the ISBT 128 Standard, which ensures globally unique identification of donations and a robust data structure to safeguard patients and guarantee care traceability. Our aim is to continue investing in safety and oversight to strengthen the global leadership of Italy’s transplant network.”

A Path Forward

Discussions highlighted the necessity to facilitate collaboration, advocacy, and standardization to ensure safe, and administration of MPHOs globally. Through its continued partnership with the WHO and other stakeholders, ICCBBA is committed to supporting advances in safety, and traceability through standards to improve patient safety and global health outcomes. Presentations from the event will be made available on the Forum 30 website.

About ICCBBA
ICCBBA is the international standards organization responsible for the management and development of the ISBT 128 Standard.
The acronym ISBT was originally derived from the important role played by the International Society of Blood Transfusion in the development of the Standard. Today it expands as Information Standard for Blood and Transplantation. The number 128 reflects the 128 characters of the ISO/IEC 646 7-bit character set. The acronym ICCBBA is derived from the International Council for Commonality in Blood Banking Automation. ISBT 128 | ICCBBA

About CNS
The Italian national competent authority for blood and blood components acting as coordinator of the national system. Among others, it is responsible for regulatory blood inspectors’ qualification through training activities. Homepage – Centro Nazionale Sangue

About CNT
The Italian national competent authority for organs, tissues, cells, and MAR coordinating activities from donation to transplantation. Among others, it is responsible for regulatory inspector’s qualification through training activities. Trapianti (salute.gov.it)

 For the latest updates on the Forum 30 Summit
Subscribe to our ICCBBA newsletter at: https://www.isbt128.org/newsletter

For More Information
Forum 30 Homepage

Press Contact and other inquiries: 
Christina Salinas
Global Development Manager
ICCBBA
globaldevelopment@iccbba.org

 

The All-New Mazda CX-80 Officially Launched: A New Era of Mazda Premium Plug-in Hybrid SUVs in Indonesia Begins

JAKARTA, Indonesia, Jan. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — PT Eurokars Motor Indonesia (EMI), as the sole brand holder agent (ATPM) and official distributor of Mazda vehicles, proudly introduces The All-New Mazda CX-80, Mazda’s first Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) in Indonesia. The launch of this flagship premium SUV was announced by Ricky Thio, Chief Operating Officer of PT EMI, during a press conference on January 22, 2025, at Mazda Indonesia Headquarters.

The All-New Mazda CX-80 Officially Launched: A New Era of Mazda Premium Plug-in Hybrid SUVs in Indonesia Begins
The All-New Mazda CX-80 Officially Launched: A New Era of Mazda Premium Plug-in Hybrid SUVs in Indonesia Begins

The All-New Mazda CX-80 represents Mazda’s latest SUV, combining plug-in hybrid technology with a human-centric design concept. This vehicle offers an optimal balance between electrification systems and internal combustion engines, delivering superior fuel efficiency. The launch of this SUV marks Mazda’s consistent steps into the premium automotive segment, positioning The All-New Mazda CX-80 as the flagship model among Mazda’s SUV lineup.

The All-New Mazda CX-80 embodies Mazda’s philosophy of Jinba-Ittai – the harmony between car and driver – providing a dynamic and comfortable driving experience. This SUV invites drivers to connect physically and emotionally with the vehicle, creating precious moments with loved ones during every journey.

“Mazda continues to create vehicles that not only offer comfort and exceptional performance but also touch the heart. This philosophy is embodied in The All-New Mazda CX-80. As a flagship premium SUV with a 6-seater configuration and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle technology, The All-New Mazda CX-80 sets new standards in the SUV category, meeting and exceeding user expectations both in Indonesia and globally,” said Ricky Thio, COO of PT EMI.

The Essence of The All-New Mazda CX-80 Design

The All-New Mazda CX-80 is designed around three main principles:

1. Elegant and Beautiful Design

The All-New Mazda CX-80 adopts Mazda’s signature KODO Design philosophy, featuring sleek lines, a bold appearance, and a luxurious, comfortable cabin. The “Graceful Toughness” design concept harmonizes ruggedness with elegance in this SUV.

A long engine bay reflects strength, while the spacious cabin is designed for comfort. Bright trim lines around the windows enhance the cabin’s length, resembling sculpted metal.

The All-New Mazda CX-80 are available in two editions catering to different styles and preferences: Elite Edition and Kuro Edition.

Elite Edition: Features a chrome signature wing around the vertical grille with an insignia, creating a premium look also enhancing the aesthetic value of this SUV. Light-colored accents continue along the sides with chrome side trim and matching wheels. The interior boasts light nappa leather seats, woven fabric on the dashboard, and maple wood trim on the center console and door panels, creating an elegant atmosphere that indulges both the driver and passengers

Kuro Edition: Features a dark and bold character. A black chrome signature wing is paired with the vertical grille and insignia, creating a look that is both dynamic and elegant. On the sides, the blacked-out side mirrors, side signature trim, and wheels add a solid and assertive impression. The interior is also dominated by dark tones, with nappa leather seats combining black and brown, suede fabric on the dashboard, and metal wood trim on the center console and door panels, emphasizing a strong character that exudes luxury.

Mazda also introduces new color options such as Melting Copper Metallic and Artisan Red Metallic, which further highlight the beauty of the car’s design. Additionally, the iconic Mazda color, Soul Red Crystal Metallic, offers a vibrant impression, making it one of the brand’s key attractions.

2. Powerful and Direct Driving Feel

The All-New Mazda CX-80 is equipped with e-SKYACTIV PHEV technology, which serves as the ‘heart’ of its performance.

The SUV harmonizes a high-capacity lithium-ion battery, a powerful internal combustion engine, and an electric motor for optimal performance and efficiency.

The Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) technology in The All-New Mazda CX-80 enables seamless power transitions between the gasoline engine and the electric motor, enhancing fuel efficiency without compromising responsive performance. This innovation also delivers instant power, with battery charging conveniently possible at home or public charging stations. Its main components include:

  • A 2.5L gasoline engine producing 191 ps and 261 Nm torque
  • An electric motor delivering 175 ps and 270 Nm torque
  • A 17.8 kWh lithium-ion battery for primary power
  • An 8-speed transmission without a torque converter for smooth power delivery

Another advantage lies in the i-ACTIV All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, which ensures optimal performance across various road conditions, whether on highways, winding roads, or challenging terrains.

The Double Wishbone suspension at the front and multi-link suspension at the rear, combined with Kinematic Posture Control technology, deliver precise handling, stability, and maximum comfort for both drivers and passengers.

The Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) feature allows drivers to customize their driving experience with four selectable modes:

  • NORMAL Mode: For everyday comfort
  • SPORT Mode: Delivers more dynamic and aggressive responses
  • OFF-ROAD Mode: Facilitates navigation on challenging terrains
  • EV Mode: Optimizes the use of the electric motor for emission-free driving

With these innovative features and technologies, The All-New Mazda CX-80 provides a driving experience that is enjoyable, confident, and environmentally sustainable.

3. Exceptional Functionality

The All-New Mazda CX-80 offers an optimal cabin space with a three-row seating configuration that seamlessly combines functionality and aesthetics.

This SUV is designed to support a modern lifestyle, delivering comfort and luxury across all seating rows. The second row serves as a sanctuary for passengers, featuring captain seats and a center console that exudes exclusivity. To further enhance comfort, the cabin is meticulously designed to minimize vibrations and noise.

The flexible configuration of The All-New Mazda CX-80 allows the third-row seats to be folded flat, creating a flat floor that simplifies cargo loading. Its versatile design makes it ideal for various activities, from daily commutes to long-distance travel. The extended length and width of the third row offer extra space and easy access.

Mazda prioritizes safety with its advanced i-ACTIVSENSE technology, designed to prevent accidents and mitigate their impact. Key features include Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH) for optimal nighttime visibility, Smart Brake Support, Front Cross Traffic Alert (FCTA), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), ensuring comprehensive protection for drivers and passengers.

The Driver Attention Alert (DAA) and Driver Monitoring System track the driver’s condition, detecting signs of fatigue or lack of concentration, and providing early warnings to reduce accident risks. The 360° View Monitor facilitates the manoeuvring of a long vehicle like The All-New Mazda CX-80, offering a comprehensive view for easier navigation in tight spaces or during parking.

Additionally, the SUV features Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC), which maintains speed and distance from the vehicle ahead, providing extra comfort on long journeys. The Driver Personalization System allows drivers to find their ideal driving position for both comfort and safety.

The combination of advanced features in The All-New Mazda CX-80 makes it a premium SUV solution for those who value comfort, luxury, and style in every journey.

“With these three pillars, The All-New Mazda CX-80 embodies completeness—a vehicle that not only delivers comfort and functionality but also enriches its users’ lives (Mazda’s Brand Purpose: enrich life-in-motion for those we serve). The All-New Mazda CX-80 takes Mazda’s vision to the next level, presenting a premium SUV designed to meet the needs of those who appreciate perfection and prioritize quality time with loved ones,” concluded Ricky Thio.

Peace of Mind

Owners of The All-New Mazda CX-80 will enjoy added peace of mind through Mazda Indonesia’s after-sales services. This includes the 5-Years MyMazda Warranty or up to 150,000 kilometers (whichever comes first) and an 8-year lithium-ion battery warranty or up to 160,000 kilometers (whichever comes first). Additionally, a 3-Years MyMazda Service package or up to 60,000 kilometers (whichever comes first) is available, starting from the vehicle delivery date.

To complement this, owners of The All-New Mazda CX-80 will receive a Portable Charger Traveler, reinforcing its reliability anytime, anywhere.

Maximize “Jinba-Ittai” with AutoExe Performance Parts

The All-New Mazda CX-80 now features AutoExe performance parts, specifically designed to enhance vehicle performance and aesthetics without compromising Mazda’s distinctive characteristics. AutoExe products include Suspension Kits, Intake & Exhaust Kits, Bodysuit Kits, Styling Kits, and Interior Kits, offering personalization options for a more enjoyable driving experience.

With AutoExe performance parts, The All-New Mazda CX-80 boasts a more rugged and dynamic aesthetic while delivering impressive performance, all while retaining Mazda’s signature elegance. These products provide a thrilling driving experience, making it the perfect choice for both everyday commutes and spirited driving sessions.

Price and Availability
The All-New Mazda CX-80 is available at Mazda dealerships across Indonesia.

OTR Price Jakarta

Pilihan Warna

Rp. 1.199.900.000,-

 

**Includes a Portable Charger Traveler

*Special for The All-New Mazda CX-80, Premium Color options are available at no additional cost

 

1.  Jet Black Mica

2.  Platinum Quartz Metallic

3.  Deep Crystal Blue Mica

4.  Melting Copper Metallic

5.  Soul Red Crystal Metallic (Premium Colour)

6.  Machine Grey Metallic (Premium Colour)

7.  Rhodium White Metallic (Premium Colour)

8.  Artisan Red Metallic (Premium Colour)

“For more information about The All-New Mazda CX-80, please visit www.mazda.co.id.

About Mazda Indonesia

At Mazda, we believe in forging an emotional bond with the driver, as though our vehicles have a soul of their own. This philosophy is at the heart of our KODO – Soul of Motion design. Inspired by the graceful energy of a cheetah in full stride, KODO captures the essence of motion in its purest, most dynamic form — transforming that energy into breathtaking automotive design.

We discovered deeply that KODO’s origins lie in Japan’s timeless aesthetic sensibilities. Japanese craftsmanship has always celebrated the beauty of simplicity, an elegance that exudes dignity and sensuality.

Mazda defines these elements as “RIN” (self-restrained dignity) and “EN” (alluring sensuality) — two qualities that embody Japanese elegance. Together, they shape our vehicles’ distinctive, premium presence, as seen in the Mazda 2 Hatchback, Mazda 6, Mazda CX-5, and Mazda Biante. Each model is a testament to our commitment to design that moves you physically and emotionally.

As the Sole Agent and Exclusive Distributor of Mazda vehicles in Indonesia, PT Eurokars Motor Indonesia (PT EMI) — a proud member of the Eurokars Group — has been dedicated to delivering the Mazda experience to Indonesian drivers since 2017. This transition from PT Mazda Motor Indonesia marked the beginning of a new era for Mazda enthusiasts in the region.

Every Eurokars Mazda showroom is a comprehensive 3S Service Centre offering Sales, Service, and Spare Parts. A passionate and professional team supports our facilities, including customer service experts, sales specialists, and award-winning certified technicians. Recognised for their dedication and quality, our team ensures an unparalleled ownership experience, reflecting Mazda’s global commitment to excellence.

For further inquiries, please contact:

Marketing & Communication Department, PT Eurokars Motor Indonesia

Maropost accelerates Unified Commerce launch with the addition of two industry leaders

TORONTO, Jan. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Maropost, the Unified Commerce leader for fast-growing brands, announced a significant expansion of its C-suite with Peter Messana joining as President and Chief Operating Officer and Jason Ferrara stepping in as Chief Marketing Officer.

Under Messana and Ferrara’s direction, Maropost will accelerate the delivery of core functionality that unifies commerce, marketing, and helpdesk solutions, converting browsers to buyers and driving merchant growth.

Mid-market merchants are drowning in disconnected software. What started as a few essential tools has exploded into dozens of fragmented systems, each solving one problem while creating two more. Maropost’s Unified Platform cuts through this complexity, bringing marketing and commerce together in one seamless solution.

“At Maropost, we’re reinventing the commerce tech stack,” said Maropost CEO Ross Andrew Paquette. “Peter and Jason’s track record of successful business growth and customer obsession makes them ideal leaders for our next stage of growth.”

With deep ecommerce and SaaS experience, Peter Messana has led multiple ecommerce and tech organizations through record-breaking growth, boosting customer focus while driving brand awareness. As CEO of Searchspring, he integrated three companies, achieved a 22% increase in revenue, and elevated customer satisfaction, boosting the company’s Net Promoter Score from 0 to 40.

Jason Ferrara, a veteran tech executive and go-to-market strategist, has a proven record of driving growth for SaaS companies, including Full Circle Insights, Searchspring, and OutMatch. With expertise in scaling high-growth businesses, he played a key role in four exits. Ferrara’s talent for aligning sales, marketing, and customer strategies has consistently fueled growth. The newly expanded executive team is fast-tracking Maropost’s revolutionary Unified Commerce platform. By uniting once disjointed tools—from ecommerce and retail to marketing automation and customer support—mid-market merchants gain complete control of their operations while eliminating costly tech stacks and blind spots in their customer journeys.

About Maropost 

Maropost revolutionizes commerce technology by unifying the essential tools mid-market merchants need to operate, grow, and compete. By combining real-time commerce, marketing, and service data into holistic customer profiles, we empower business leaders and front-line teams to make smarter, faster decisions that drive conversion and elevate the customer experience.

More than 5,000 global commerce brands trust Maropost, including Blue Bell Creameries, Draper James, Luxottica, Sandro Paris, Scripps Media, UNTUCKit, and Victoria Beckham.  Being customer-obsessed earned us a spot on Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500 list and repeat “high performer” recognition on G2’s leaderboard. Learn more at maropost.com.

FriendliAI and Hugging Face Announce Strategic Partnership

  • Developers will be able to utilize FriendliAI’s accelerated generative AI infrastructure service to deploy and serve models in the Hugging Face Hub

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Jan. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — FriendliAI, a leader in accelerated generative AI inference serving, and Hugging Face today announced a strategic partnership that allows developers to utilize FriendliAI’s inference infrastructure service to deploy and serve models directly in the Hugging Face Hub.

FriendliAI Endpoints, the fastest GPU-based generative AI inference provider according to Artificial Analysis, is now available as a deployment option on the Hugging Face platform. Directly from any model page on Hugging Face, developers can now easily deploy models using FriendliAI’s accelerated, low-cost inference endpoints. This partnership leverages the convenience of Hugging Face’s platform alongside FriendliAI’s high-performance infrastructure, enabling developers to streamline their AI development workflow and focus on innovation.

Setting up and deploying generative AI models at production scale presents challenges such as complex infrastructure management and high operational costs. Friendli Dedicated Endpoints handles the hassle of infrastructure management, enabling developers to deploy and serve generative AI models efficiently on autopilot. Powered by FriendliAI’s GPU-optimized inference engine, Friendli Dedicated Endpoints delivers fast and cost-effective inference serving as a managed service with dedicated GPU resources and automatic resource management.

The addition of FriendliAI as a key inference provider advances Hugging Face’s mission to democratize AI, while furthering FriendliAI’s mission to empower everyone to harness the full potential of generative AI models with ease and cost-efficiency. With this partnership, FriendliAI becomes a strategic inference provider for Hugging Face.

“FriendliAI and Hugging Face share a vision for making generative AI, and further agentic AI, more accessible and impactful for developers,” said Byung-Gon Chun, CEO of FriendliAI. “This partnership gives developers on Hugging Face easy access to FriendliAI Endpoints, a fast, low-cost inference solution without the burden of infrastructure management. We’re excited to see what the amazing developer community at Hugging Face will build with our inference solution, and we look forward to any future opportunities to partner with Hugging Face to provide developers with even more powerful tools and resources.”

“FriendliAI has been at the forefront of AI inference acceleration progress,” said Julien Chaumond, CTO of Hugging Face. “With this new partnership, we will make it easy for Hugging Face users and FriendliAI customers to leverage leading optimized AI infrastructure and tools from FriendliAI to run the latest open-source or their custom AI models at scale.”

About FriendliAI

FriendliAI is the leading provider of accelerated generative AI inference serving. FriendliAI provides fast, cost-efficient inference serving and fine-tuning to accelerate agentic AI and custom generative AI solutions. Enjoy the GPU-optimized, blazingly fast Friendli Inference through FriendliAI’s Dedicated Endpoints, Serverless Endpoints, and Container solutions. Learn more at https://friendli.ai/.

About Hugging Face

Hugging Face is the leading open platform for AI builders. The Hugging Face Hub works as a central place where anyone can share, explore, discover, and experiment with open-source ML. Hugging Face empowers the next generation of machine learning engineers, scientists, and end users to learn, collaborate and share their work to build an open and ethical AI future together. With the fast-growing community, some of the most used open-source ML libraries and tools, and a talented science team exploring the edge of tech, Hugging Face is at the heart of the AI revolution.

Contacts:
Elizabeth Yoon, FriendliAI, press@friendli.ai

TraceLink Named to the 2025 RXinsider Pharmacy500 List for Excellence in Pharmacy Supply Chain Innovation

TraceLink recognized for advancing digitalization and orchestration in the pharmacy supply chain, ensuring safe and timely access to medications

BOSTON, Jan. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — TraceLink, the largest end-to-end digital network platform for intelligent supply chain orchestration, is honored to be named to the Pharmacy500 list for the second year in a row, recognizing 500 organizations that have made a significant impact on the U.S. pharmacy industry over the past year.

“As regulations like the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) reshape the industry, our focus remains on empowering our customers with transformative solutions that ensure compliance, enhance safety, and drive operational excellence,” said Shabbir Dahod, President and CEO of TraceLink. “This recognition reflects the trust that our growing digital network community places in TraceLink to help navigate the complexities of the modern supply chain while delivering impactful results to patients.”

TraceLink specializes in a comprehensive suite of platform services that address key challenges in the pharmaceutical industry, including DSCSA compliance, track-and-trace orchestration, pharmacy and supply chain inventory visibility, and targeted product recall identification. Furthermore, with the recent launch of OPUS, the Orchestration Platform for Universal Solutions, democratized access to end-to-end supply chain integration and orchestration is finally available for customers and trading partners that wish to propel their supply chain management function to new heights of innovation and efficiency.

Gregory Cianfarani, RPh, Founder and CEO of RXinsider, established the Pharmacy500 to honor companies and organizations that are making a meaningful impact on the pharmaceutical industry. According to Cianfarani, the award “celebrates those companies that are transforming the pharmacy landscape – whether by driving operational efficiencies or advancing exceptional patient care.”

In 2024, TraceLink welcomed more than 75 new pharmacy logos to its network, bringing the total number of pharmacy customers to more than 410. This growth reflects a strong demand for TraceLink’s innovative solutions, which are helping pharmacies streamline operations and ensure compliance in an increasingly complex regulatory environment. This impressive expansion showcases the widespread adoption of TraceLink’s solutions, as customers in the pharmaceutical supply chain industry continue to turn to the platform to enhance efficiency and navigate the evolving regulatory landscape.

With the Magnum release of the OPUS platform earlier this year, TraceLink set a new standard for compliance, supply chain integrity, and process optimization. This milestone innovation solidified TraceLink’s position as a leader in the industry, earning its well-deserved recognition among the top organizations driving transformation in the pharmacy supply chain.

To learn more about TraceLink solutions, visit: https://www.tracelink.com/.

About Rxinsider: 
Headquartered in West Warwick, Rhode Island, RXinsider is a pharmacist-founded marketing/communications (MARCOM) and market intelligence (INTEL) company focused on pharmacy operations and the companies supporting dispensing pharmacies. Through our publications, digital platforms, market research, and training resources, RXinsider educates pharmacy management and industry professionals on the products, services, and trends that impact pharmacy operations across the supply chain.

About TraceLink
TraceLink Inc. is the largest end-to-end intelligent supply chain platform for life sciences and healthcare, enabling end-to-end orchestration by connecting more than 291,000 healthcare and life sciences entities through its B2N Integrate-Once™ network. Leading businesses trust TraceLink to deliver complete global connectivity, visibility, and traceability of healthcare products, ensuring that every patient gets the medicines they need when needed, safely and securely. 

 

How does China ensure the Yellow River benefits the people?

BEIJING, Jan. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ —  A news report from People’s Daily Media Innovation: 

China’s top leaders on Monday reiterated the importance of ecological protection and high-quality development in the Yellow River Basin at this year’s first meeting of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

It was noted at the meeting that special attention will be paid to balance the relationship between water, population, food and energy, and promote a comprehensive green transformation of the development model.

The Yellow River, known as China’s “mother river” and the cradle of Chinese civilization, supplies water to 12 percent of China’s population and irrigates 17 percent of the country’s arable land. However, the Yellow River used to suffer from frequent dike breaks and course changes throughout its history.

Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, unremitting efforts have been made not only to harness the Yellow River, but also to promote ecological conservation and high-quality development in the Yellow River basin.

How does China manage to make such a river benefit its people? Here are some answers.

Photo
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1. Establishing a Sustainable Flood Control System for the Yellow River

The nation has successfully mitigated 12 major floods in the lower reaches of the Yellow River, each exceeding 10,000 cubic meters per second. This achievement is attributed to a combination of engineering systems, non-engineering flood prevention measures, and the collaborative efforts of people along the river. Consequently, the historical pattern of frequent breaches and course alterations in the lower reaches has been fundamentally transformed.

2. Comprehensive Flood Control Engineering: Upstream Retention and Downstream Drainage

A flood control engineering system has been developed, characterized by “upstream retention, downstream drainage, and lateral diversion on both banks.” This system incorporates water conservancy multipurpose projects, such as Sanmenxia and Xiaolangdi, standardized downstream levees, and flood retention areas at Dongping Lake and Beijin Dike.

3. Reinforcing Downstream Flood Control Infrastructure

The completion of a 1,371-kilometer standardized embankment system in the lower reaches of the Yellow River has significantly enhanced flood defense capabilities, with a flood control capacity of 22,000 cubic meters per second at the Huayuankou section.

4. Environmental Transformation: From Soil Erosion to Ecological Restoration

A total area of 268,800 square kilometers of water and soil erosion and 544,900 square kilometers of forest and grassland vegetation have been treated. Both area and intensity of soil and water erosion are “double decreased”, and water and wind erosion are “double reduced” as well.

5. Ecosystem Revitalization

Ecological water replenishment initiatives in areas such as the Yellow River Delta and Ulansuhai Nur have significantly contributed to the restoration of the Yellow River’s ecosystem. The bird species count in the Yellow River Delta has doubled from 187 in 1992 to 373 at present, rejuvenating this vital ecological zone.

6. Ecological Restoration and Water Management

Local authorities have carried out a special campaign to regulate illegal riverside occupation, mining, heap and construction, and more than 82,000 cases have been addressed along the shoreline of the Yellow River since 2019, effectively maintaining the order of water affairs.

7. Sustainable Water Regulation

Since 1999, the implementation of unified water flow management and scheduling in the Yellow River’s main stream has ensured continuous flow for 25 consecutive years through a multifaceted approach incorporating administrative, engineering, technical, economic, and legal measures.

8. Advancements in Hydrological Monitoring

With intensified application of new technologies and equipment, hydrological monitoring capabilities continue to improve. Meanwhile, with more hydrological stations and survey bases upgraded, the establishment of a modern rainwater monitoring and forecasting system has been accelerated.

9. Diversion of the Yellow River Water Supply

The construction of approximately 54,000 water storage, diversion, and pumping projects has ensured water security for 120 million mu of farmland, over 60 large and medium-sized cities, 340 counties (county-level cities/banners), and numerous energy bases across Shanxi, Shaanxi, Ningxia and Inner Mongolia. Despite accounting for only 2% of China’s river runoff, the Yellow River supports 12% of the national population and 15% of agricultural water demand.

Purchasers of Quantstamp QSP Tokens May Be Eligible for Payment from the Quantstamp Fair Fund

COSTA MESA, Calif., Jan. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The following statement is being issued by Simpluris, Inc., the SEC-appointed Fund Administrator.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Before the 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

In the Matter of Quantstamp, Inc.
Administrative Proceeding File No. 3-21535

This Notice is Pursuant to a Distribution Plan approved by the United States Securities and
Exchange Commission in the captioned matter.

If you purchased or acquired Quantstamp QSP tokens from October 1, 2017, through July 20, 2023, inclusive, you may be eligible for a distribution from the Fair Fund created in the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) administrative proceeding captioned above (the “Fair Fund”).

The Fair Fund is being distributed pursuant to a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) approved by the SEC. The Plan provides for the distribution of the Fair Fund to compensate investors based on their losses, due to the misconduct of Quantstamp, Inc. described in the SEC’s administrative proceeding, on the purchase of QSP tokens from October 1, 2017 through July 20, 2023. You can view and download a copy of the SEC’s order and the Plan on the Important Documents tab on the website for this matter:  www.QuantstampFairFund.com/documents.  

To be considered for eligibility for a Distribution Payment from the Fair Fund, you must timely submit a completed Claim Form online or via mail.  Claim Forms completed online must be submitted on or before 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (“EST”) on April 10, 2025. Claim Forms submitted via mail must be sent to the address provided on the Claim Form and postmarked (or if not sent by U.S. Mail, received) by April 10, 2025.

You may complete the Claim Form online here: www.QuantstampFairFund.com/form/claim. Alternatively, you may download a paper copy from of the Claim Form on the Important Documents page www.QuantstampFairFund.com/documents, or request a copy of the paper Claim Form from the Fund Administrator via email at info@QuantstampFairFund.com or by calling 833-215-6101, for submission by mail to the address set forth on the Claim Form.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Additional information regarding the Fair Fund, including copies of the Plan, the Plan Notice, the Claim Form, and other relevant documents may be found at www.QuantstampFairFund.com. You may request copies or seek additional information by contacting the Fund Administrator.

Email:               

info@QuantstampFairFund.com

Call:                 

833-215-6101

Write:               

Quantstamp Fair Fund

Fund Administrator

P.O. Box 25381

Santa Ana, CA 92799