Politecnico di Milano: Project for innovation in Nanotechnology is the winner of ERC Starting grant – Science Business

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Politecnico di Milano has won a new Starting Grant issued by the European Research Council (ERC), the European Unions programme that funds scientific research. Funds have been awarded to project B3YOND (acronym for Beyond nanofabrication via nanoscale phase engineering of matter), coordinated by Edoardo Albisetti, which proposes innovations in the nanomanufacturing scene.

The term designates the overall processes and techniques, which underpin the creation of new materials and devices bymanipulating matter with very high precision standards(in the range of one billionth of a millimetre!). These techniques have been an extraordinary stimulus for the development of nanoscience and of nanotechnology over the past decades. They seem to have achieved physical limitations that can only be overcome with original and entirely innovative approaches.

The aim of Albisettis project B3YOND is to innovate the nanotechnological approach by proving the efficacy of a new processing method calledphasic nano-engineering.A heat source of nanometric dimensions is positioned and shifted with the utmost precision on the materials surface in order to induce controlled phasic changes. Phasic manipulation of the material will allow to control its physical properties (e.g., electrical resistivity and conductivity, or magnetism) with unprecedented mastery. This innovative method will be used to develop a new class of artificial nanomaterials and devices for nanoelectronics and spintronics.

The project will be conducted at the Department of Physics, in partnership with PoliFab, Politecnico di Milanos micro and nanomanufacturing centre.

Counting 386 funded projects (amounting to a total of ca. 164,295,670 euro), Politecnico di Milano ranks as the first Italian university for the number of Horizon 2020 projects it has won.

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Fruit flies’ protective corneal coatings reproduced | Research – Chemistry World

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A nanoscale replica of the coating that protects the eyes of fruit flies that retains its anti-reflective and anti-adhesive properties has been developed by a team of reserchers at the University of Geneva. This new nano-coating, which is comprised of the protein retinin and corneal wax, could find applications in contact lenses, medical implants and textiles.

The researchers were able to produce retinin cheaply by using genetically modified bacteria, and then purifying it and mixing it with various commercial waxes and coating glass and plastic surfaces. They also showed that their nano-coating can be deposited on other surfaces such as wood, paper, metal and plastic.

Our work identifies how multifunctional nano-coatings are created in nature and translates this knowledge into technological applications, the scientists explained. They noted that they achieved this through a combination of mathematical simulation, phylogeny, genetics, biochemistry and forward engineering.

The bio-inspired nano-coatings proved to be stable, even after 20 hours of washing. However, the material was easily damaged by detergent or scratching, and the researchers suggest that technological enhancements could make it stronger. Its anti-reflective properties have already caught the attention of contact lens manufacturers, and its anti-adhesive properties could be of interest to medical implant manufacturers.

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Fruit flies' protective corneal coatings reproduced | Research - Chemistry World

Toy Insider unveils its Hot 20 List of the year’s most wished-for toys – FOX43.com

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Industry experts recommend planning ahead and starting your holiday shopping before you've even finished carving pumpkins due to changes brought on by COVID-19.

Attention, shoppers. The first of 2020's trending toy lists for the upcoming holiday season is upon us.

The Toy Insider,a trusted go-to resource for parents and gift-givers, unveiled its expert picks for the best kids toys and gifts in its 15th annual holiday gift guide.

The guide's Hot 20 list consists of the most wish-for items of the year.

The STEM 10 (a list of science, math, technology and engineering toys) and the 12 Under $12 (a list of affordable toys packed with play value and unboxing experiences) are also available at toyinsider.com.

Shopping for holiday gifts will look different this year as the Coronavirus pandemic continues: social distancing guidelines are still in place, limiting the number of in-store shoppers; retailers are starting holiday promotions earlier; and consumers are increasingly conscious of their spending during a tough economic year.

"This holiday shopping season will be unlike any other," said Laurie Schacht, Chief Toy Officer of Toy Insider. "It will be in your best interest to plan ahead and grab these hot toys before you start carving out your pumpkins.

"Playtime offers a powerful way of coping with the world we live in, and the wide assortment of toys we reviewed for this year's holiday gift guide showcase the innovative, creative and affordable ways toymakers are serving the needs of families during challenging times.

This years hand-picked selections represent an extensive variety of open-ended toys to keep kids busy; screen-free playthings filled with educational value; toys that promote diversity, sustainability, and accessibility; and affordable toys that fit any budget, among many more categories that are sure to please kids of all ages this holiday season.

0-2 years

Pick fruits and vegetables, play with the light-up juicer, spin the honey jar, turn the lights on and off, and more with this two-sided interactive kitchen and garden. Includes more than 30 removable pieces and 125 songs, sounds, and phrases.

This puppy features head movements, paw buttons, songs, and real-time responses to help teach babies about animals, food, feelings, letters, and numbers. It features three levels of play to grow with babies: babble, talk, and music.

3-4 years

This colorful truck features sounds, seven Blippi phrases, and a working lever to collect bins and dispose of the pretend trash. Comes with an exclusive Blippi figure.

Press the buttons on Joshs guitar to activate the plush Blue, who will dance along to music from the show and wiggle her ears. Press the guitar strings to speed up or slow down Blues dancing.

This set features multiple layers of unboxing with more than 35 surprises, including Color Reveal Barbie and Chelsea dolls, three Color Reveal Pets, a long-haired wig, slumber party accessories, pet accessories, and more.

Assemble this vibrant nano Flash habitat with snap-together track pieces and obstacles. Comes with three newly designed, light-up nano Flash that move at twice the speed, plus four additional nanos.

Kids can dance along with Baby Shark to seven fun songs and popular remixes. Features Dance Detection technology and three game modes to get kids moving, and even helps teach ABCs and 123s.

Transform the PJ Masks Seeker into a 3-foot-tall Headquarters featuring five levels of play, a lights and sounds control board, drop-down ramps, a ground-level exit ramp, and a cage. Includes a Catboy figure and a Cat-Car.

This stealth dojo storage case is filled with martial arts-themed surprises, including six exclusive mystery figures, a ninja star spinner, a foam ninja sword, a headband, and more. Kids can be just like Ninja Ryan with this set.

Touch the top of The Childs head to activate more than 25 sound and motion combinations. Become the interactive creatures protector and pretend to harness the power of the Force as The Child closes its eyes, raises its arms, giggles, and more.

5-7 years

This kid-friendly camera features more than 20 animated backgrounds that set the stage for creative videos. It also includes on-screen editing capabilities and comes with a green screen and a tabletop tripod/selfie stick.

Build a level inspired by the Super Mario video games, then play through the level with the interactive LEGO Mario figure. Collect coins for your best score, then rebuild to create new challenges.

Discover Present Pets, the only gifts that unbox themselves! Unboxing on Oct. 1.

Each of the articulated dolls in the Rainbow High collection Ruby Anderson, Poppy Rowan, Sunny Madison, Jade Hunter, Skyler Bradshaw, and Violet Willow comes with two complete outfits and mix-and-match fashion accessory pieces.

Squeakee is an interactive balloon dog pet that kids can train and feed. Hell listen and respond with more than 60 sounds and movements activated by voice commands and multiple touch sensors.

This 18-inch dolls hair is specially designed with curl power. Kids can wash it with real products and style it in different ways, such as puffs and box braids. Zoe empowers kids to learn to love the hair theyre born with.

8+ years

This customizable Beystadium has four sections for multiple ways to play. Comes with two Beyblade Burst launchers with Hypersphere battling tops that can climb up ramps and drop in from the Brick Plane for head-to-head collisions.

Load the pen with real chocolate, then draw, write, and fill the candy molds. The colorful, edible creations harden in minutes and the included warming tray keeps the chocolate melted.

The first board game adaptation of the classic Pokmon Trading Card Game makes gameplay an easy-to-learn family experience. Two players can battle with the three included 60-card decks, featuring Raichu, Charizard, and Mewtwo.

Build to battle with the largest and most heavily armed Snap Ship. Follow the instructions to create two different crafts using 124 interchangeable pieces, including an action-ready UJU piece. Includes two pilot figures.

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DiOX carbon free DWR and anti-viral treatments launch in Turkey – Innovation in Textiles

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18th September 2020, London

DiOX, part of Liquid-Nano, a global company which develops protective coatings using emerging nanotechnologies, has produced high performance fabric coatings which offer water and oil repellency as well as anti-viral properties. Diox entire product portfolio is now being made available through Kem-Color, in Istanbul, Turkey.

The coatings include a flagship DiOX D1, a carbon free (C) DWR coating which has been independently tested to AATCC22 giving exemplary water repellent performance up to 40 washes, DiOX says. The nano-scale Silica Dioxide technology has been developed to be applied as a finishing chemical either through pad or spray and DiOX has worked with both mills and machinery manufacturers to ensure simple and easy implementation.

DiOX D4 is a QUATS based anti-viral coating that is one of the few treatments that has been independently tested against mammalian coronavirus, which is the closest surrogate to SARS-COVID available, DiOX adds. Tests carried out by Cambridge Universitys department of chemical engineering and biotechnology have shown that D4 reduces surface virons by 97% within an hour and 99.99% in four hours and continues to be effective up to 20 washes.

DiOX D4 is already being applied to LiquidNano masks by Akbaslar in Bursa, Turkey.

Dr. Graham Christie, senior lecturer at Cambridge Universitys department of chemical engineering and biotechnology oversaw the tests of DiOX D4 and commented: We followed the industry standard testing for viruses on material (ISO18184:19) but made some critical adaptations to give it a more real-world relevance. This included conducting splash tests with the inoculum to mimic sneezing to ensure the tests were as rigorous as possible. We also used a mammalian Coronavirus as the inoculum, although we expect this material will be effective against many viruses, it is this class of viruses that the world is obviously watching right now.

D4 is also effective against the usual array of bacteria, fungus and mildew making it not only an ideal treatment for apparel fabric but also wider textiles being used in upholstery, carpets and mattresses, explains DiOX.

Commenting on the deal, Kem-Colour GM, Cengiz Kahraman said: The DiOX product portfolio fits in very well with our current range of finishing chemicals and dyes. There is no doubt the demand for the products in the DiOX range is significant, and brands are in dire need of proven anti-viral and carbon free DWR so were looking forward to a very busy time and were ready to go now.

DiOX is now ready for testing by mills, and independent test results from accredited labs and academic intuitions are all available, the company sayss. Working with some mills and machinery manufacturers, DiOX is also building a comprehensive library of performance across its products with a number of fabrics and substrates.

Dave Evans, DiOX lead said: Behind every overnight success is always a lot of hard work and perseverance, which sums up the last 12 months with DiOX. We are market ready with a commercially compelling portfolio of products which are all based on four main pillars. EPIC stands for Environmental, Performance, Implementation and Cost and in each of these elements we aim to be best-in-class.

We are really pleased to form what I am sure will be a highly successful collaboration with Kem-Color and we are on the hunt for territory-exclusive partnerships that can bring DiOX to market.

http://www.liquidnano.com

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Thin and ultra-fast photodetector sees the full spectrum – Science Codex

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Researchers have developed the world's first photodetector that can see all shades of light, in a prototype device that radically shrinks one of the most fundamental elements of modern technology.

Photodetectors work by converting information carried by light into an electrical signal and are used in a wide range of technologies, from gaming consoles to fibre optic communication, medical imaging and motion detectors.Currently photodetectors are unable to sense more than one colour in the one device.

This means they have remained bigger and slower than other technologies, like the silicon chip, that they integrate with.

The new hyper-efficient broadband photodetector developed by researchers at RMIT University is at least 1,000 times thinner than the smallest commercially available photodetector device.

In a significant leap for the technology, the prototype device can also see all shades of light between ultraviolet and near infrared, opening new opportunities to integrate electrical and optical components on the same chip.

*New possibilities*

The breakthrough technology opens the door for improved biomedical imaging, advancing early detection of health issues like cancer.

Study lead author, PhD researcher Vaishnavi Krishnamurthi, said in photodetection technologies, making a material thinner usually came at the expense of performance.

"But we managed to engineer a device that packs a powerful punch, despite being thinner than a nanometre, which is roughly a million times smaller than the width of a pinhead," she said.

As well as shrinking medical imaging equipment, the ultra-thin prototype opens possibilities for more effective motion detectors, low-light imaging and potentially faster fibre optical communication.

"Smaller photodetectors in biomedical imaging equipment could lead to more accurate targeting of cancer cells during radiation therapy," Krishnamurthi said.

"Shrinking the technology could also help deliver smaller, portable medical imaging systems that could be brought into remote areas with ease, compared to the bulky equipment we have today."

*Lighting up the spectrum*

How versatile and useful photodetectors are depends largely on three factors: their operating speed, their sensitivity to lower levels of light and how much of the spectrum they can sense.

Typically, when engineers have tried improving a photodetector's capabilities in one of those areas, at least one of the other capabilities have been diminished.

Current photodetector technology relies on a stacked structure of three to four layers.

Imagine a sandwich, where you have bread, butter, cheese and another layer of bread - regardless of how good you are at squashing that sandwich, it will always be four layers thick, and if you remove a layer, you'd compromise the quality.

The researchers from RMIT's School of Engineering scrapped the stacked model and worked out how to use a nanothin layer - just a single atom thick - on a chip.

Importantly, they did this without diminishing the photodetector's speed, low-light sensitivity or visibility of the spectrum.

The prototype device can interpret light ranging from deep ultraviolet to near infrared wavelengths, making it sensitive to a broader spectrum than a human eye.

And it does this over 10,000 times faster than the blink of an eye.

*Nano-thin technology*

A major challenge for the team was ensuring electronic and optical properties didn't deteriorate when the photodetector was shrunk, a technological bottleneck that had previously prevented miniaturisation of light detection technologies.

Chief investigator Associate Professor Sumeet Walia said the material used, tin monosulfide, is low-cost and naturally abundant, making it attractive for electronics and optoelectronics.

"The material allows the device to be extremely sensitive in low-lighting conditions, making it suitable for low-light photography across a wide light spectrum," he said.

Walia said his team is now looking at industry applications for their photodetector, which can be integrated with existing technologies such as CMOS chips.

"With further development, we could be looking at applications including more effective motion detection in security cameras at night and faster, more efficient data storage", he said.

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New Thin and Ultra-Fast Photodetector can See the Full Spectrum of Light – AZoOptics.com

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Written by AZoOpticsSep 23 2020

Scientists have created the worlds first photodetector that can visualize all shades of light, in a prototype device that profoundly shrinks one of the most underlying elements of contemporary technology.

The function of photodetectors is to convert data carried by light into an electrical signal. They are used in a broad range of technologies, right from medical imaging to gaming consoles, fiber optic communication, and motion detectors.

At present, photodetectors are incapable of sensing more than one color in a single device. This means they have continued to remain slower and bigger than other technologies, similar to the silicon chip, that they combine with.

The new highly-efficient broadband photodetector built by RMIT University scientists is at least 1,000 times thinner than the smallest photodetector device available in the market.

In a major leap for the technology, the prototype device is also capable of seeing all shades of light between near-infrared and ultraviolet, paving the way for new opportunities to incorporate optical and electrical components on the same chip.

The innovative technology also paves the way for better biomedical imaging, improving early detection of health problems like cancer.

According to Vaishnavi Krishnamurthi, the studys lead author and Ph.D. researcher, in photodetection technologies, creating a thinner material would mean compromising on performance.

But we managed to engineer a device that packs a powerful punch, despite being thinner than a nanometre, which is roughly a million times smaller than the width of a pinhead.

Vaishnavi Krishnamurthi, Study Lead Author and PhD Researcher, RMIT University

In addition to reducing the size of medical imaging equipment, the ultra-thin prototype opens the door for low-light imaging, more effective motion detectors, and possibly faster fiber optical communication.

Smaller photodetectors in biomedical imaging equipment could lead to more accurate targeting of cancer cells during radiation therapy. Shrinking the technology could also help deliver smaller, portable medical imaging systems that could be brought into remote areas with ease, compared to the bulky equipment we have today.

Vaishnavi Krishnamurthi, Study Lead Author and PhD Researcher, RMIT University

The level of usefulness and versatility of photodetectors are largely dependent on three factors:their sensitivity to lower levels of light, their running speed, and the amount of the spectrum that can be detected by them.

Normally, when engineers have attempted to enhance the capabilities of a photodetector in one of those areas, at least one of the other features has been reduced. Existing photodetector technology depends on a stacked structure of three to four layers.

Individuals can visualize a sandwich made with bread, cheese, butter, and another layer of breadand irrespective of how good they are at squashing it, the sandwich will invariably have the same thickness of four layers, and if a layer is removed, the quality would be compromised.

The team from RMIT Universitys School of Engineering rejected the stacked model and explored how to use a nano thin layer (only a single atom thick) on a chip.

Most significantly, they did this without reducing the photodetectors speed, visibility, or low-light sensitivity of the spectrum.

The prototype device can deduce light ranging from deep ultraviolet to near-infrared wavelengths, rendering it sensitive to a wider spectrum than a human eye.

And it does this more than 10,000 times faster than the blink of an eye.

A huge challenge for the researchers was to make sure that optical and electronic properties did not decline when the size of the photodetector was reduceda technological bottleneck that had formerly inhibited the miniaturization of light detection technologies.

Professor Sumeet Walia, chief investigator and Associate explained that the material usedtin monosulfideis economical and naturally abundant, making it advantageous for optoelectronics and electronics.

The material allows the device to be extremely sensitive in low-lighting conditions, making it suitable for low-light photography across a wide light spectrum.

Sumeet Walia, Chief Investigator and Associate Professor, RMIT University

Walia added that his team is currently exploring industry applications for their photodetector, which can be combined with present-day technologies, like CMOS chips.

With further development, we could be looking at applications including more effective motion detection in security cameras at night and faster, more efficient data storage, Walia concluded.

Krishnamurthi, V., et al. (2020) Liquid-metal synthesized ultra-thin SnS layers for high-performance broadband photodetectors. Advanced Materials. doi.org/10.1002/adma.202004247.

Source: https://www.rmit.edu.au

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New Thin and Ultra-Fast Photodetector can See the Full Spectrum of Light - AZoOptics.com

Avoiding the downsides of transportation technology Produce Blue Book – Produce Blue Book

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While there is no disputing the pros of high-tech tools in transportation, there are some cons, and privacy is one of them.

The issue was raised with the implementation of electronic logging devices or ELDs, as some drivers considered them very intrusive, like having Big Brother in the cab. Newer tools take this a step further, and are, well, very up close and personal.

Candid cameraJesus Sandoval managing member of Sandoval Trucking, LLC, BB #:166654 in Kerman, CA, is particularly enthusiastic about one of Samsaras updates: in-cab cameras.

When it comes to safety, the tool has multiple functions. If a driver hits the brakes, the camera is activated. We get an email and alert if theres an accident, and the program creates a file of the incident.

A recent innovation is that the camera faces both directions, he says. It can pick up if the driver becomes drowsy or is doing something he shouldnt be doing. Admittedly, the drivers dislike it, and some of the older ones resist technology. The systems are pricey, but theyre good to have.

Just like with ELDs, which are now in widespread use, the benefits generally outweigh the drawbacks and complaints, from paperwork and efficiency to tracking and safety concerns.

For cameras, although there is a loss of privacy, they can also protect drivers during incidents like theft or accidents. With the majority of trucking accidents, the fault of other motorists, having a visual record of the event is a huge benefit to drivers and carriers.

Added valueMark Petersen, vice president of temperature-controlled transportation at Eden Prairie, MN-based C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc., BB #:100586 views ELDs as a stepping stone to possibilities: ELDs help identify waste in the form of time we can extract, but theres even more we can do, he says.

Amy Childress, vice president of marketing and planning for cargo solutions at Boise, ID-based Emerson Cargo Solutions, BB #:194324 agrees. Emersons GO Bluetooth Plus Logger app was launched in 2019 with multiple uses.

It enables customers to read internal temperatures in a wide variety of perishable products, Childress explains.

Once a shipment reaches its destination, temperature monitoring data captured from the GO Bluetooth Logger is transferred wirelessly to Bluetooth-enabled Android and iOS phones and tablets. Data is received up to 100 feet away, eliminating the need for proprietary readers and software.

Additionally, she says, The mobile app enables quick access to information, which is ideal for monitoring internal temperatures of products on international shipments where third-party locations are unable to install reading equipment. Receiving locations can easily view critical temperature data directly from their mobile phone and can distribute reports to key stakeholders.

For its part, C.H. Robinson is also keen to help its drivers see the value of using ELDs and tech tools. Technology is only as good as the data provided. As an incentive for drivers to provide complete data, all C.H. Robinson contract carriers are automatically enrolled in our Carrier Advantage Program.

To determine their tier within the program, an overall service score is used to benchmark contract carriers in two areas: automated updates and on-time performance. Contract carriers who go the extra mile earn rewards such as access to freight they want, fuel savings, and discounts on our QuickPay options.

This is a multi-part feature adapted from the Transportation and Logistics supplement to the July/August 2020 issue of Produce Blueprints.

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Avoiding the downsides of transportation technology Produce Blue Book - Produce Blue Book

Technology Catch-Up: Construction Industry Strives to Adapt, Adopt, Reshape – Inside Unmanned Systems

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Drones that tie rebar. Robots that make roadway repairs. Machines that perform earthwork with little or no human intervention. These are just a sampling of the robotic solutions many believe can influence and improve construction performance and safety, as a key part of transforming how the industry works.

In its Worldwide Robotics and Drones Spending Guide, International Data Corporation (IDC) forecasts a worldwide $128.7 billion in global spending for robotics systems and drones in 2020, with construction taking a good share of the investment lead. Construction robotics spending has a predicted 25.2 percent compound annual growth rate between 2019-2023.

But will that be enough to reverse familiar industry woes that include delays and cost overruns, low margins and still too-high risk, and limited process improvement? Constructions productivity growth rate has run just 1 percent annually for the past two decades, a recent McKinsey & Company report noted.

Experts emphasize the need to blend transformation and technology. We need a modern renaissance that re-defines how we think about the build process, said John Voeller, an ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) White House Fellow who provided technical advice to Congressional policy makers and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Voeller, who also is a retired senior vice president and chief technology officer for Black & Veatch, the massive global engineering and construction firm, continued: We have to find a way to deliver value beyond the familiar get things done so we can move on to the next job approach. Its a shift that requires a different mental mindset.

Integration is key to this shift. Technology is just an enabler, said Scott Crozier, general manager of Trimbles Civil Engineering and Construction Division. In this time of transformation, industry professionals must understand how their business, operations and tools need to connect if we are to reverse decades-long practices and ingrained inefficiencies.

Again, theres reason for optimism. According to that McKinsey report, A combination of sustainability requirements, cost pressure, skills scarcity, new materials, industrial approaches, digitalization and a new breed of player looks set to transform the value chain. Consolidation and internationalization will create the scale needed to allow higher levels of investment in digitalization, R&D and equipment, and sustainability as well as human capital.

Leading construction professionals, equipment manufacturers, OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) and innovators worldwide are doing their part, with new thinking, processes, practices and data applications.

Imagine if you could deliver an entire building on 200 trucks, put it together in seven days, then walk away. Thats the scenario posited by Tomislav igo, vice president of VDC at Clayco, a Chicago-based industry-leading turnkey real estate, architecture, engineering, design-build and construction firm. Its one he believes is entirely possible if the industry alters its mindset and processes.

We can vastly improve construction methods if our engineering processes and quality controlled processes get to the level of the manufacturing industry, igo said. If an aircraft manufacture can assemble a plane from parts manufactured in 50 different locations, theres no reason that we cant. Almost 60 percent of the cost of a building is labor and equipment. We have to establish the processes and procedures that will allow for us to be exact in execution.

To better address performance improvements, Clayco established two sub-entities that are purposely built to foster quality control: VDC and technical assurance. VDC is monitoring modeling and collaboration; the technical assurance group is made up of project execution experts from across the industry who monitor data quality as part of every project.

I believe the only way to move forward is to change our relationships within the organization and focus on integration, igo continued. The more we focus on that, the easier it will be to apply technologies that work. Clayco is already seeing impressive results, particularly on design-build projects. Our jobs are delivered at far more aggressive schedules. Weve reduced [information] access time by 80 percent by enabling technology.

Improved processes and practices through technology enablement are perhaps best seen in the earthworks and site prep sector. Todays earthmoving machines and road-paving systems incorporate telematics, machine-guidance and machine-control systems (2D and 3D), and/or on-board wireless connections to transmit site data with ease and speed from jobsite to office.

According to Mordor Intelligences Construction Machinery MarketGrowth, Trends and Forecast (2020-2025), the construction machinery market will grow by a compound annual rate of 7.5 percent between 2020-2025. Digitalization, connectivity and automation are making a substantial impact here. For example, Calgary, Canada-based Integrated Sustainability, a sustainable infrastructure delivery and operations company, is seeing visible improvement with the use of machine control and, more recently, autonomous systems. By leveraging data, crews are increasing production in the neighborhood of 30 to 45 percent.

Growth through efficiency and productivity is being realized at John Deere, according to Product Manager Andrew Kahler. If we look at prime grading machines like motor graders and dozers, were seeing 40-60 percent adoption ratedriven by the significant productivity improvement gained with automation.

A utility construction and site development contractor based in northeastern Florida is leveraging John Deeres SmartGrade Technology on its dozers. Its construction managers estimate they are saving $2,000 a day as compared to conventional methods with no machine control. One of the bigger challenges with earthwork is maximizing [machine] productivity, Kahler added. With dozers, overloading the blade causes track slippage while underloading leaves material behind. The deep integration of SmartGrade automates blade loading to minimize the number of passesit automatically balances the blade load with the machines pushing capability to avoid track slip while maximizing the amount of material the dozer pushes with every pass.

Automated earthwork activities may be seen as low-hanging fruit, but they provide layers of capability on the quest for autonomy. Kahler: There are systems such as surround view cameras, object detection systems and escalating alerts to improve operators situational awareness that will help operator productivity and safety in the near termand set the foundational elements for the future state of autonomy.

Kahler sees the day when an operator will be responsible for managing multiple machines on the jobsite. Once you have decision automation in place with minimal input required from an operator, you have the opportunity for one operator to manage multiple machines, he added. Mass excavation could involve dozers, excavators and articulated dump trucks working together to move dirt on an autonomous jobsite. Its a repetitive operation in a controlled environment and one that could be good fit for autonomy in the future.

As a leading innovator in accelerated computing, NVIDIA sees growing adoption of the low-power, high-performance edge computing Jetson platform designed for AI-enabled applications in robotics, healthcare, construction, smart cities and more. For instance, Japans Komatsu, one of the worlds largest construction and mining equipment manufacturers, is using the Santa Clara, California-based companys Jetson Edge AI platform to impart intelligence to construction machines including haul trucks, excavators, dump trucks, etc. On the portable side, Doxel AIs compact tread-based autonomous robot incorporates Jetsons powerful deep learning capabilities to process and quantify visual data. Thus, the Redwood City, California, companys product provides project managers with valuable insights on actual jobsite progress in real time relative to planned schedule and budget.

Murali Gopalakrishna, head of product management, autonomous machines and general manager for robotics at NVIDIA, sees considerable interest and investment in autonomous solutions. AI and machine learning are critical to providing real value to the construction space. Komatsu, for instance, is looking to AI to help contractors build megaprojects by bringing autonomy to construction tasks. More importantly, by coordinating man and machines, AI can make the Genba construction zone safer for workers on the ground. To drive continued growth using these benefits of AI will depend on the construction industry finding a unified way to leverage the diverse data gathered on job sites.

To augment human-based inspections on jobsites, Sarcos Robotics Guardian S robot provides video, voice and data communication as a mobile, cloud-connected internet of things (IoT) and sensor platform for inspection and surveillance. The company is leveraging machine learning, AI and enhanced sensors to deliver advanced analytics and predictive maintenance. ULC Robotics is using similar AI and machine learning capabilities to advance its Robotic Roadworks and Excavation System (RRES), an all-electric robotic platform for carrying out end-to-end roadworks such as utility excavations. The Salt Lake City ULC is developing the road robot in partnership with SGN, a gas distribution company in the United Kingdom. Equipped with underground sensing, the robot cuts the road surface, performs vacuum excavation, works on the pipe or other asset, then backfills and reinstates the surface. RES will undergo field trials in the first quarter of 2021.

Derek Smith, lean innovation manager for international contractor Mortensons Civil Group, believes solar and wind projects are ideal proving grounds for autonomous equipment and data management best practices. These [renewable sites] are typically very large and in remote areas, so staffing can be tricky. As well, tasks such as turbine foundation excavation are very repetitive. The idea of a robotic excavator capable of digging those foundations is very appealing.

With that in mind, Mortenson has worked closely with industrial automation company Built Robotics for several years to assess the feasibility and deployment of autonomous capabilities for excavators. Results from the most recent implementationa wind farm development projectwere impressive. Using a smaller excavator, 21 of 229 holes were done fully autonomously and in about 10 hours each from digging the hole to finishing the pedestrian and equipment ramps. While Mortenson operators can dig foundations in about five hours with a bigger piece of equipment, the opportunity to use multiple excavators at the same time opens the door for impressive productivity gains and a safer, less physically demanding workload. Our operators can monitor more than one robotic excavator and these machines can feasibly run 24 hours, Smith said.

At first, operators were hesitant to accept the autonomy. Our operators work closely with [Built Robotics] engineers to develop the optimal excavation strategy, from digging the hole to managing the spoils, Smith added. We made them part of the process and reinforced that these machines are a supplement to their job and minimize wear and tear on their bodies from long shifts sitting in a cab. Now, theyre really excited.

Mortensons next autonomous system implementation will involve trenching on solar jobs for wiring and cables, and will begin this year.

In a quest to assess the practicality and best practices for deployment of autonomous systems, a consortium of Skanska Norway, Volvo Construction Equipment, research organization SINTEF and construction software company Ditio is using the massive, three-year E16 highway project in Norway as a living lab to explore how machine learning, route optimization and AI could eventually replace supervisors using walkie talkies. As Lars Horn, project leader with Skanska Norway, stated, Once the algorithms can handle the simple tasks, supervisors will have more time available to use their skills to solve the most demanding bottlenecks.

Drone spending is anticipated to reach $1.4 billion in construction this year alone. While predominantly used to survey sites and perform volume calculations, these flying robots are capable of much more.

On the topic of UAS, White House Fellow Voeller pointed to the need for more advancements, such as 25-pound payload units that can stay aloft for 30-45 minutes, or a drone that can be partnered with a battery rack system that allows the drone to return home, swap batteries without human intervention and then return to its work.

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology are seeking to establish the framework for developing such next-generation, technology-enhanced solutions. The lab has already used small-scale aerial drones as tools for exploring potential benefits to safety managers within construction jobsites. The CONECTechLab at the School of Building Construction is collaborating with Rotor X and OptimAero on a research program to develop a drone capable of flying five miles carrying a 100-pound load. A version of the drone was tested at Fort Benning, Georgia, earlier this year.

We see particular value in last-mile logistics on a jobsite, associate professor Javier Irizarry said. Instead of forklifts or heavy equipment being used to move tools, materials and supplies, these systems equipped with autonomous navigation could provide near-real-time services.

While predominantly used to survey sites and perform volume calculations, these flying robots are capable of much more, and technology-adept companys such as Balfour Beattys Texas-based commercial construction group are actively exploring new opportunities.

The Balfour Beatty group has gone from one pilot to 10 in the last year, and has provided drone capabilities on all 10 of its currently active projects. Were seeing drones come full circle in terms of capabilities, Dominic Corrado, the companys director of construction technology, said. Not long ago, it was primarily used for taking jobsite images, with little value to improving the construction process. Now we can program automated flight routes and automatically produce point clouds. Its truly a democratized platform from which we can leverage all the information gathered.

Corrados group uses a geographic information system (GIS)-enabled platform to support flight planning, image processing and analysis. Instead of having to figure out a coordinate system and translate data into intel, he added, everything happens automatically. Simply put, its easier to leverage the data.

Corrado also sees the addition of layers to the drone-enabled data gathering. Beyond volume calculations, project progress tracking and site logistic planning, application developers are introducing new capabilities that provide real intel, such as the active identification of sleeves or rebar placement, which opens the door for improved quality control.

As reported in FMIs Big Data=Big Questions for the Engineering and Construction Industry Report, 95.5 percent of all data captured (including from drones) goes unused, 13 percent of construction teams working hours are spent looking for project data and information, and 30 percent of engineering and construction companies are using applications that dont integrate with one another.

Consequently, the adoption of technology will require the construction industry to rethink its normal practices, focusing on better data management, not application adoption.

Balfour Beattys Corrado sees advancements such as tablets that incorporate a LiDAR laser scanner as a facilitator for delivering a more digitally connected environment. The availability of LiDAR on a common platform will open up the LiDAR sensor to the whole app development marketplace. Its going to be a shot of nitro for the LiDAR industry that I believe will democratize the gathering and use of the data. With that kind of development infusion, a robotic system that uses LiDAR will see tremendous evolution in the way data is gathered, transmitted and, most importantly, assimilated.

Mortensons Smith summarized: Our challenge is to gather, process, sort and make it accessible in a single point of location where we can analyze and make decisions. Were pushing technology integration to facilitate a virtual living, breathing jobsite. Its all about telling the story about data thats collected. If you cant tell the story, you cant make effective decisions.

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Technology Catch-Up: Construction Industry Strives to Adapt, Adopt, Reshape - Inside Unmanned Systems

Blue California To Start Production of New Nature-based Bitter Blocker Technology – GlobeNewswire

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Capacity for Goodness - Blue California Flavors & Fragrances

Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.and Bedford, Mass., Sept. 23, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blue California, a vertically integrated technology company that designs and produces sustainable ingredient solutions for the food, beverage, and supplement industry, announced jointly, with biotech innovator Conagen, the patent filing for a new, nature-based bitter blocker technology to improve the taste of a wide range of consumer products.

Blue California is the commercial partner, rapidly scaling and securing global regulatory approvals for its new bitter blocking technology which will be marketed under the Sensegen brand.

The Blue California Flavor and Fragrance Division will use the new technology to develop custom food and beverage solutions at its newly launched state-of-the-art Blue California Creative Center in southern California.

The possibilities are unlimited and our inspired and talented team customize ingredient solutions to meet this unmet market need, said Kathy Oglesby, head of flavors and fragrances at Blue California.

Conagen has made impressive investments in its capabilities of high-throughput identification, design and screening to develop the natural novel compound portfolio for taste modulation specifically with this new installment of bitter blockers, said Dr. David Nunn, vice president of research and development at Conagen.

Bitterness is one of the basic tastes. There is a high amount of variability in sensitivity to bitterness, and many consumers find it unpleasant. Studies show that 25-30% of the population are bitter-blind (bitter non-tasters), while 45-50% are bitter-average, and 20-30% are bitter-sensitive (bitter super-tasters).

As the consumer demand grows for health and wellness products with more natural and functional ingredients, the need for bitter reduction and mitigation of off-notes is required to satisfy the taste sensitivity of 70% of the population who will be averse to the bitter tastes.

The bitter blocker technology has unique efficacy across a range of classic bitterants that are highly popular in todays food and beverage landscape including coffee, unsweetened cocoa, tea, tonic, energy drinks, and other drinks and snacks containing plant proteins, cannabinoids, and vitamin supplements.

At the Blue California Creative Center, we are creating exciting new flavors for the next generation of great tasting, clean label solutions for traditionally bitter products, said Oglesby.

Blue California has a long-standing partnership with biotechnology innovator Conagen. Conagen is focused on developing sustainable, nature-based ingredients which improve on existing options in the market or which represent completely novel ingredient solutions.

About Blue California and Conagen

Blue California provides innovative ingredient solutions to global partners. With more than 20 years of innovation success, our ingredients are used in commercial products and applications in the industries of nutrition, personal care, healthy aging and wellness, functional food and beverage, and beauty. http://www.bluecal-ingredients.com

Conagen is making the impossible possible. Our scientists and engineers are bettering humankind and the world by employing advanced synthetic biology tools for the bioproduction of high-value ingredients for food, nutrition, flavor and fragrance, pharmaceutical, and renewable materials industries. http://www.conagen.com

Reference: Data on bitter tasters

https://www.ifis.org/blog/supertasters

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Calian Selected to Provide Science and Technology Services for Department of National Defence Safety and Security Program – GlobeNewswire

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OTTAWA, Sept. 23, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Calian Group Ltd. (TSX: CGY) has been selected by the Department of National Defence (DND) to provide as and when requested Science and Technology (S&T) research capabilities.

The Company has been awarded the contract under the Canadian Safety and Security Program (CSSP) at Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC), DNDs national leader in defence science and technology.

Calian will support technology services for CSSP and about 21 federal departments and agencies, providing the ability to scale up Canadas science and technology capabilities to meet specific operational requirements.

The contract has a term of up to five years and is valued at approximately $18 million over the full five-year period. Calian has partnered with C3 Human Factors, CogSim Technologies, SimFront Simulation Systems, CAE and Lansdowne Technologies to deliver the contract.

Having been a part of the team that delivered the previous version of this contract, Calian is very pleased to be selected to lead this fantastic team as we support the Government of Canadas science and technology expertise for public safety and security programs, said Gordon Youngson, Vice President, Engineering and Technical Services. We are looking forward to engaging on some very important and exciting projects in the coming years.

This exciting new contract supports Calian's continued growth and customer retention. With customer retention as the first pillar of our four-pillar growth framework, delivery excellence continues to be a focus for all of our customers, said Kevin Ford, President and CEO. Calian is honoured to provide a wide range of trusted services and solutions to the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces, and broadly support Canadas overall defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged.

About CalianCalian employs over 3,400 people in its delivery of diverse products and solutions for private sector, government, and defence customers in North American and global markets. The companys diverse capabilities are delivered through four segments: Advanced Technologies, Health, Learning and Information Technology. The Advanced Technologies segment provides innovative products, technologies and manufacturing services and solutions for the space, communications, defence, nuclear, government and agriculture sectors. The Health segment manages a network of more than 1,800 health care professionals delivering primary care and occupational health services to public and private sector clients across Canada. Learning is a trusted provider of emergency management, consulting and specialized training services and solutions for the Canadian Armed Forces and clients in the defence, health, energy and other sectors. The Information Technology segment supports public- and private sector customer requirements for subject matter expertise in the delivery of complex IT and cyber security solutions. Headquartered in Ottawa, the Companys offices and projects span Canada and international markets.

For further information, please visit our website at http://www.calian.com, or contact us at ir@calian.com

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------DISCLAIMER

Certain information included in this press release is forward-looking and is subject to important risks and uncertainties. The results or events predicted in these statements may differ materially from actual results or events. Such statements are generally accompanied by words such as intend, anticipate, believe, estimate, expect or similar statements. Factors which could cause results or events to differ from current expectations include, among other things: the impact of price competition; scarce number of qualified professionals; the impact of rapid technological and market change; loss of business or credit risk with major customers; technical risks on fixed price projects; general industry and market conditions and growth rates; international growth and global economic conditions, and including currency exchange rate fluctuations; and the impact of consolidations in the business services industry. For additional information with respect to certain of these and other factors, please see the Companys most recent annual report and other reports filed by Calian with the Ontario Securities Commission. Calian disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. No assurance can be given that actual results, performance or achievement expressed in, or implied by, forward-looking statements within this disclosure will occur, or if they do, that any benefits may be derived from them.

Calian Head Office 770 Palladium Drive Ottawa Ontario Canada K2V 1C8Tel: 613.599.8600 Fax: 613-592-3664 General Info email: info@calian.com

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Rackspace Technology supports gohenry’s global expansion with migration to Google Cloud – GlobeNewswire

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LONDON, Sept. 23, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rackspace Technology (NASDAQ: RXT), a leading end-to-end multicloud technology solutions company, has supported gohenry with its global growth plans by migrating its IT environment to Google Cloud, delivering enhanced security and scalability for the next-generation money app.

Since migrating 99% of its services to Google Cloud, gohenry, the prepaid Visa debit card and app designed exclusively for 6-18-year-olds, doubled its customer base between 2018 and 2020, reaching one million customers. It also sharply increased its revenue year-on-year with latest reports showing an annual turnover of 13 million in 2019 as families increasingly look to cashless solutions to help children become skilled in money management.

As a premier partner for Google Cloud, with over 370+ technical certifications, Rackspace Technology supported gohenry throughout the entire migration process. The Google Cloud migration provides gohenry with the confidence to grow its business at scale and speed, knowing its infrastructure will support the companys and its customers changing needs.

gohenry is now leveraging several services within Google Cloud including Google Kubernetes Engine, Google Cloud Composer, Google Cloud Storage and BigQuery along with additional management tools like Terraform, which are allowing the company to manage its quality of services to be automatically scaled as required. Experts from Rackspace Technology have provided gohenry with a custom multicloud environment - a hybrid set up which allows them to connect public cloud environment to private cloud to securely support their payments application.

With around the clock monitoring, Rackspace Technology also ensures gohenry customers have full, secure service availability particularly crucial given the need for data integrity of its young customers.

Additionally, by working with Rackspace Technology, gohenry has improved its cost optimisation by only provisioning the required resources, enabling automated alerts for unusual spikes in usage and analysing insights to support improved cost savings in the future.

16-18-year olds today are digital natives. According to our 2019 Youth Economy Report, they are choosing technology over cash and this trend will only become more prominent, Louise Hill, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer at gohenry explained. When it comes to the immediacy and availability of service, they just expect what they need to be there and working. Having a technology partner like Rackspace Technology is therefore vital to ensure our services are scalable, secure, and immediately available. Thanks to this partnership, we are confident that we can empower our young customers to be ambassadors of a new cashless society.

After what is already a long-standing relationship with gohenry, we are delighted to be working alongside the company during this next exciting stage in its growth, said Mahesh Desai, Chief Relationship Officer EMEA, Rackspace Technology. Its move to Google Cloud is vital for laying the foundation of an ever-increasing digital society in preparation for the next generation of digital natives.

gohenry has plans to automate further functionalities that it has implemented with Google Cloud. This will support its move towards a cloud native approach that will empower it to be more innovative and agile in the future as the team continually develops new banking solutions that meet the changing expectations of customers.

About Rackspace Technology

Rackspace Technology is a leading end-to-end multicloud technology services company. We can design, build and operate our customers cloud environments across all major technology platforms, irrespective of technology stack or deployment model. We partner with our customers at every stage of their cloud journey, enabling them to modernise applications, build new products and adopt innovative technologies.

About gohenry

Launched in the UK in 2012, gohenry is a prepaid Visa debit card and app with unique parent controls designed exclusively for 6-18 year-olds to help them learn good money habits in an increasingly cashless society.

gohenrys innovative app gives young people the freedom to learn and take charge of their own spending and saving in a safe environment, while the app's parent version allows parents to guide kids through the early stages of digital finance.

Having expanded into the US with Mastercard, gohenry is building a global movement of over one million users who fiercely believe that being good with money is a vital life skill.

For more information please visit gohenry.co.uk, or gohenry.com in the US.

In the UK the gohenry card is issued by IDT Financial Services Limited pursuant to a license from Visa Europe. IDT Financial Services Limited is a regulated bank, licensed by the Financial Services Commission, Gibraltar. Registered office: 57-63 Line Wall Road, Gibraltar. Registered No. 95716.

In the US the gohenry card is issued by Community Federal Saving Bank, member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard International.

Media ContactDevika MistryRackspace Technology Corporate Communicationsdevika.mistry@rackspace.co.uk

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Nokia says it’s focused on tech and customers, but political fights complicate things – CNBC

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SINGAPORE Against a backdrop of rising tensions between the United States and China, Finnish telecom equipment maker Nokiasays it's focusing on areas it can control such as its technology and customers, a senior executive said Wednesday.

"From Nokia's perspective, we have to focus on the areas that we can control. What we can control are our own technology, our own go-to market and making sure that the service providers that we are supporting have continuous services and supply of the equipment and technology into their customer base," Jae Won, head of Asia Pacific and Japan at Nokia, said on CNBC's "Squawk Box Asia."

"The various geopolitical issues does provide some complications but as far as we are concerned, we focus on the technology that we can develop and we focus on the customers and the business opportunities that 5G and Industry 4.0 will provide for the future," he added.

The U.S. and China are fighting to dominate in new technologies, including artificial intelligence, quantum computing and 5G, whichrefers to the next generation of high-speed mobile internet that provides faster data speeds and more bandwidth. In fact, China has stepped up efforts to reduce foreign-reliance on high-end chips by investing heavily into its domestic semiconductor market.

Some experts have said in recent years that the U.S.-China rivalry could lead to the emergence of two internets.

Often referred to as a "splinternet," it is the possibility that the internet might be fragmented and governed by separate regulations such as those in the U.S. and in China and run by different services. If such a split were to occur, it would force technology companies to rethink their operational strategies in various markets, depending on which side each market is aligned with.

Nokia is one of the largest telecom equipment suppliers in the world, behind market leader Huawei. As countries rush to develop and roll out their 5G infrastructure, Nokia, alongside Sweden's Ericsson and South Korea's tech titan Samsung, is set to be one of the immediate beneficiaries in a U.S.-led campaign against China's Huawei.

The Chinese tech company is at the heart of the U.S.-China tech rivalry.

Not only is Huawei banned from participating in the 5G infrastructure in the U.S., its access to certain high-end technologies made in the U.S.or tech made using U.S. equipment, has been restricted. Washington has also urged allies to cut Huawei off from their own 5G infrastructure. Huawei is banned in Japan, Australiahas barred it from selling 5G equipment and most recently, the U.K.announced it will ban the company from its 5G networks.

Won said Nokia is supplying 5G equipment to telcos in Asia-Pacific, including South Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and most recently in Singapore. "The momentum in this region for 5G is very strong and we expect this momentum will continue into 2021 and beyond," he said.

But the Finnish firm this month suffered a setback: Reuters reported that Nokia lost out to Samsung on a $6.64 billion contract to supply 5G equipment to Verizon in the U.S.

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Structural Health Monitoring Market with COVID-19 Impact by Technology, Offering, Vertical, and Geography – Global Forecast to 2025 -…

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DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The "Structural Health Monitoring Market with COVID-19 Impact by Technology (Wired, Wireless), Offering (Sensors, Data Acquisition Systems, and Software & Services), Vertical (Civil Infrastructure, Energy, Aerospace), and Geography - Global Forecast to 2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The overall structural health monitoring market is expected to grow from USD 1,748 million in 2019 to USD 2,878 million by 2025, at a CAGR of 14.1% between 2020 and 2025.

The major drivers for the market growth are automation and standardization in maintenance & repair of civil infrastructure in the post-COVID-19 period, loss of lives and capital due to catastrophic failure of infrastructure in recent years, increasing capital investments in structural health monitoring across various countries worldwide, stringent government regulations pertaining to the sustainability of structures, aging infrastructure and superior benefits associated with structural health monitoring, and declining cost of structural health monitoring systems.

Wireless structural health monitoring technology expected to grow at the highest CAGR between 2020 and 2025

The market for wireless structural health monitoring systems is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Wireless sensors used in the structural health monitoring system are autonomous data acquisition nodes to which traditional structural sensors, such as strain gauges, accelerometers, linear voltage displacement transducers, and inclinometers, could be attached. A wireless sensor network provides numerous advantages over the wired sensor network in terms of deployment, management, and cost. Wireless sensors could be used to identify the defects within bridges, buildings, dams, tunnels, aeronautics, and wind energy solutions.

The aerospace & defense vertical is most impacted sector during COVID-19 in 2020 however expected to grow at the highest rate as compared to other verticals during the forecast period.

The monitoring system, which is equipped with various sensors, provides a detailed picture of the condition of an aircraft. Monitoring systems monitor and analyze the integrity of structures and capture aircraft component positioning feedback through continuously monitoring various parameters such as strain, temperature, stress, and loads. A large number of aircraft remain in service beyond their actual operational life. Aging aircraft are subject to cracks because of fatigue and corrosive environment. With the help of structural health monitoring, it is easy to determine if any structural damage has occurred, the timing of occurrence, and the place of damage. On the basis of such critical data, decisions regarding the structures are made.

The structural health monitoring market in APAC expected to grow at the highest rate between 2020 and 2025

The structural health monitoring market in Asia Pacific (APAC) is expected to grow at the highest CAGR between 2020 and 2025. This growth can be attributed to the rapid infrastructure building activities being undertaken in APAC, mainly China, India, and Japan, where structural health monitoring paves the way for the modernization of infrastructure. The massive expansion of the civil infrastructure is another reason for the higher growth of structural health monitoring technology in the region. The wireless structural health monitoring technology is also expected to witness a high growth rate owing to the increasing adoption of smart sensors with remote monitoring capabilities, thereby reducing human intervention and costs.

Market Dynamics

Drivers

Restraints

Opportunities

Challenges

Company Profiles

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/h1fodm

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Keysight Works with Qualcomm Technologies and SGS to Advance Testing of Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything Technology – Business Wire

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SANTA ROSA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS), a leading technology company that helps enterprises, service providers and governments accelerate innovation to connect and secure the world, announced that the company is working with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and SGS to help advance testing of cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) technology.

The three companies focused on test cases covering radio frequency (RF) and radio resource management (RRM) performance verification of devices used for vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) deployment scenarios. The test cases, based on 3rd generation partnership projects (3GPP) Release 14 specifications, support C-V2X test plans prescribed by the OmniAir Consortium and the Global Certification Forum (GCF). In August 2020, SGS used Keysight's RF/RRM DVT & Conformance Toolset and the Qualcomm Snapdragon Automotive 4G Platform to verify initial test cases at the certification companys lab in San Diego. The Snapdragon Automotive 4G Platform is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

Keysights collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies and SGS will help accelerate timelines for the wider automotive industry to adopt reliable communications protocols and technologies, helping to shape the future of transportation, logistics and mobility, said Lucas Hansen, senior director at Keysight Technologies. Were pleased to support the C-V2X ecosystem with conformance test solutions that support both GCF and OmniAir validation criteria.

The automotive industry is in the process of implementing C-V2X technology to improve safety for drivers and passengers in moving vehicles, as well as pedestrians in transit.

As a result of the advancements in C-V2X tests and field trials, were witnessing a surge in the technology needed in vehicles that support real-time information sharing which is critical to deterring accidents, avoiding obstacles and broadcasting road-condition updates, said Prashant Dogra, vice president, engineering at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. The Snapdragon Automotive 4G Platform features integrated C-V2X and global navigation satellite system technology designed for precise timing and location.

These key working relationships, such as the one weve established with Keysight and Qualcomm Technologies enable SGS to deliver effective products and services that meet our clients evolving requirements, said David Chu, vice president for CRS Electrical & Electronics at SGS. As the first test house to complete initial C-V2X testing supporting both OmniAir and GCF test plans, SGS is well-positioned to serve an ecosystem of device makers with timely certification services.

Our members, including Keysight, Qualcomm Technologies and SGS, will contribute to the verification of new C-V2X test cases at the upcoming OmniAir Global Plugfest, to be held across six test laboratories in Europe, Asia and North America, from September 28th to October 15th, said Jason Conley, executive director of OmniAir Consortium. Towards the end of 2020, OmniAir will incorporate over three hundred test cases into a new, independent third-party C-V2X test and certification program.

Keysight's conformance test platforms enable hardware and software providers to validate compliance of C-V2X devices to standards set by 3GPP. Keysight's connected car solutions support a wide range of technologies, including 5G, C-V2X, DSRC and GNSS, to improve reliability, cybersecurity and safety in an increasingly complex world.

About Keysight Technologies

Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS) is a leading technology company that helps enterprises, service providers and governments accelerate innovation to connect and secure the world. Keysight's solutions optimize networks and bring electronic products to market faster and at a lower cost with offerings from design simulation, to prototype validation, to manufacturing test, to optimization in networks and cloud environments. Customers span the worldwide communications ecosystem, aerospace and defense, automotive, energy, semiconductor and general electronics end markets. Keysight generated revenues of $4.3B in fiscal year 2019. More information is available at http://www.keysight.com.

Qualcomm and Snapdragon are trademarks or registered trademarks of Qualcomm Incorporated.

Additional information about Keysight Technologies is available in the newsroom at https://www.keysight.com/go/news and on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.

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Keysight Works with Qualcomm Technologies and SGS to Advance Testing of Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything Technology - Business Wire

Ocutrx Vision Technologies Continues to Innovate in the AR Industry and is Granted Third & Fourth Patents for Visual Field Testing & Dynamic…

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Ocutrx Vision Technologies Oculenz AR headset with rendering of Dynamic Opacity pixel occlusion

An alpha-matte layer containing pixels can turn varying degrees of opaqueness, much like an exterior shadow that is onto the AR lens. In other words, it puts a sunglasses type shade behind just the virtual image while leaving portions around that image see-through.

IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 23, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ocutrx Vision Technologies, LLC, an augmented/extended reality manufacturing company, announced today the issuance of its third and fourth awarded patents by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. The third patent, titled System and Method for Correction of Vision Defects Using Augmented Reality Glasses covers the companys visual field perimetry testing technology. This eye examination takes place in the augmented reality (AR) head mounted unit (HMU) to detect damaged retinal tissue called scotomas existing in central and peripheral vision which may be caused by various medical conditions such as advanced macular degeneration (AMD).

The fourth patent covers what Ocutrx calls Dynamic Opacity titled Wearable Image Manipulation and Control System with Dynamic Opacity Augmentation in Augmented Reality Glasses a technology which is essential to the broader application of AR beyond gaming, and important to the AR industry as a whole. The patent covers technology which solves a common AR problem of being able to see projected virtual images or video in an AR headset in high-lighting conditions or daylight settings. An alpha-matte layer containing pixels, which turn varying degrees of opaqueness, are controlled to match, much like an exterior shadow, the reflected image the person sees inside the headset. In other words, it puts a sunglasses type shade behind just the virtual image while leaving portions around that image see-through.

We are incredibly pleased to add these important patents to our Intellectual Property portfolio and the value of our company. The allowance of these patents serves to affirm our belief that the technologies we are developing will transform the future of augmented/extended reality and expand the bounds of optical technologies as we now know it, said Michael Freeman, CEO/CTO of Ocutrx Vision Technologies.

The Visual Field Test patent teaches that by using a display controller in the headset to provide a visual field test to a patient, using both static and kinetic perimetry testing processes to identify the area of damage, medically known as a scotoma on the patients retina. As a result, the digital headset creates a retinal map of exactly where the analog retinal scotoma is located in a patients eyes as if it was projected onto the Oculenz display screen.

To aid AMD patients, the Oculenz then activates its two 4K cameras mounted within the device, taking video of what the patient should be seeing from the real world: real-reality (RR), Then, the software controller combines and modifies the RR streaming video buffering the frame-by-frame video images with the retinal scotoma map of each eye of the patient. Then, when the original video frames are displayed to the patient in the headset the buffer pixel-shifts the RR video to outside the scotoma, so that none of the information is displayed to the part of the patients retina where the scotoma exists. This permits a patient with AMD to see what would normally be hidden by the scotoma in their vision.

The head mounted visual-field test is a huge step forward because previously a patient had to go to an Ophthalmologists office and take the same test on a machine thats half the size of a refrigerator. Now, with the Oculenz HMU the test can be taken by the patient at home, as often as the patient needs to, with the results being instantaneously available to the patients physician for immediate interpretation and further diagnosis by the doctor. Alternatively, the algorithms measure each test and reports to the Ophthalmologist when the scotoma has enlarged, or a new area of defect is detected.

The fourth patent uses the method of putting an occlusive shadow behind the projected virtual image through controlled pixels which exist on an alpha-matte lens while the virtually displayed images are being reflected into the eyes. Each pixel can be controlled in varying degrees of opaqueness gradation which Ocutrx calls AR Dynamic Opacity (ARDO). ARDO is included in all the Oculenz headsets for patients, and in the ORlenz AR/XR headset for surgeons. The ARDO overcomes bright-light conditions by making the virtual image more visible than the RR in front of it.

Another feature of the fourth patent is a particularly important feature to the AR sector as a whole and involves the application of foveated rendering to AR visualizations. The part of the invention leverages the natural operation of the fovea in the human eye, with mechanical and software applications in the AR/XR HMUs to get the most out of the resolution of virtual images and graphics. The Ocutrx patent teaches a method where the optical engine mimics the attributes of the human eye concentrating the highest-resolution in the center of the eye-box and a lower resolution on the periphery. These elements work together to display a higher-than-native display resolution projected onto the fovea and macula, where most of a persons high-acuity vision exists, while the user sees the virtual images in the lens periphery in a lower resolution which matches more closely their own peripheral perceptual acuity.

Ocutrx Vision Technologies is transforming the way AR/XR can be applied in medical devices for surgeons and patients, alike, said Dr. Linda Lam MD, MBA, Chief Scientific and Strategy Officer at Ocutrx. Being able to match the resolution of the human eye with a symbiotic resolution in the headset is a major step forward in making augmented reality the most usable for medical applications.

The company plans to bring more pending patents to market once approved. Ocutrx currently has 4 patents awarded and 49 international patents filed and 20 US patents pending. Freeman, himself, has well over 60 patents awarded to his credit in seven different scientific sectors.

For more information about Ocutrx and its remarkable ARWear technology, please visit http://www.ocutrxtech.com.

About Ocutrx

With corporate headquarters in Irvine, Calif., and a research and development labs in Colorado Springs, CO and Tulsa, OK, and a new office in London, England, Ocutrx is a new breed of Augmented/Extended Reality manufacturing company focusing on the best-connected, lightest-weight, highest-resolution AR headset, housing the largest field-of-vision in the market. The Ocutrx AR headsets boast 60 pixel-per-degree resolution, which is the highest resolution the human eye can see at 20/20. Ocutrx is focused on AR/XR as a medical device for surgeons and patients alike to deliver an extended reality experience to both. At a time when worldwide applications for easy-to-wear and easy-to-use AR solutions are being touted as the next big thing after smartphones, Ocutrx is creating impactful, revolutionary ARWear for the medical sector.To learn more about Ocutrx and its ground-breaking technology, please visit the company website atwww.oculenz.com.

Media Contact:Brenlyn DAmore Bastion Elevate (for Ocutrx Vision Technologies)brenlyn@bastionelevate.com949-899-3135

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/96a867c5-067a-48a1-bc16-0d0a37b8419b

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Ocutrx Vision Technologies Continues to Innovate in the AR Industry and is Granted Third & Fourth Patents for Visual Field Testing & Dynamic...

Bioclinica Partners with GI Reviewers in Developing Advanced Technologies – PRNewswire

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PRINCETON, N.J., Sept. 23, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --Bioclinica, an integrated solutions provider of clinical life science and technology expertise, delivering powerful insight into clinical trial development in bringing new therapies to people worldwide, today announced a strategic partnership with Daniel Mishkin, MD, and GI Reviewers, LLC to develop technology for the interpretation and analysis of colonoscopy videos in clinical trials of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease.

The partnership includes Bioclinca's acquisition of existing technology and intellectual property (IP) developed by GI Reviewers as well as a development collaboration to further extend the technology using machine learning/deep learning methods.

Clinical trials in IBD use colonoscopy examinations to identify the target patient population as well as to evaluate treatment efficacy. Many trials have been successfully completed using central reading of colonoscopy videos to more reliably assess study endpoints. Nevertheless, the variability of central reading can be high even when performed by expert readers.

"Based on our initial investigation, we believe computer automation has a high potential of improving the reliability of central interpretation of colonoscopy videos in UC and Crohn's disease trials," said Bioclinica's Chief Science Officer, Thomas Fuerst, PhD. "This can be done by both assisting expert readers with an enhanced reading environment as well as through automated computer-based assessments of disease severity that are objective and repeatable."

The exploding application of machine learning in medical imaging is transforming its use in both the clinical and research settings. Particularly in clinical trials, computer-based analysis and interpretation of images can greatly improve the accuracy and reproducibility of imaging endpoints used to assess treatment outcomes. Bioclinica's Chairman and CEO, Euan Menzies, said, "At Bioclinica we are making a large investment in the application of machine learning methods to the challenges facing our customers in the clinical trial arena. I am excited by the opportunities created by combining our imaging and technical expertise with subject matter experts like Dr. Mishkin and forward-thinking clients looking to bring novel methods to their research programs."

Bioclinica and GI Reviewers have collaborated to provide high quality central reading in IBD trials since 2012. "Given our common interest in improving IBD trials and ultimately helping patients, in addition to our long and successful collaboration, Bioclinica is the perfect partner to advance this research," said Dr. Mishkin, CEO of GI Reviewers. Bioclinica will continue to partner with GI Reviewers and their team of accomplished gastroenterologists for central reading services in clinical trials.

About BioclinicaBioclinica is an integrated clinical life science solutions provider, delivering powerful insight into clinical trial development, assuring greater client success in bringing medical therapies to market for people around the world. Through deep medical, scientific and technology expertise, we provide medical imaging and cardiac safety services; clinical adjudication; randomization and trial supply management and optimization; electronic and eSource data capture; site and patient payments; clinical trial management software; and drug safety solutions. Bioclinica's global team of life science experts serve more than 500 pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and device organizations including the top 20 biopharmaceutical companies and leading CROs through offices in North America, Europe, and Asia. For more information, visitwww.bioclinica.com.

SOURCE Bioclinica

https://www.bioclinica.com

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Bioclinica Partners with GI Reviewers in Developing Advanced Technologies - PRNewswire

LVHSchuylkill Donates Lifesaving Technology to Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation – LVHN News

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N13308_1200x628_Digital_LVH S AED donation to Boy Scouts2

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BY MICHAEL PECKMAN

It is a partnership that can save lives. Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)Schuylkill has partnered with the Hawk Mountain Council, Boy Scouts of America by donating four AEDs (Automatic External Defibrillators) to the Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation.Health and safety officers will distribute these devices throughout the reservation in the event an emergency medical need arises.

In an emergency, there is no time to lose, says Bill Reppy, LVHSchuylkill President.The Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation provides services to so many from its remote camp location.We are very proud to be able to donate these devices to the Hawk Mountain Council to be used, should an emergency arise.

The Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation located in Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania, provides programming to almost 4,000 youth and adults on an annual basis.This includes weeklong summer camp, day camp, STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) programs, school- based outdoor education programs, church retreats, weekend camping and more.Covering 743 acres, the Scout Reservation is a key to the Hawk Mountain Council providing leadership, character development, citizenship training and personal fitness programs to over 6,500 youth each year.

The Hawk Mountain Council, Boy Scouts of America provides the nations foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, which helps young people be Prepared. For Life. The Hawk Mountain Council is composed of nearly 6,500 youth members between the ages of 5-21 and approximately 2,400 volunteers in Berks, Schuylkill and Carbon counties.

For more information on the Hawk Mountain Council please visitwww.hmc-bsa.org

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CIA launches lab mechanism to drive technology innovation – Homeland Preparedness News

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Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) officials said the department has launched its CIA Labs, its first lab mechanism designed to drive science and technology breakthroughs amid intelligence challenges.

Some phenomenal innovations have come from CIA over the years, and with CIA Labs, were now better positioned to optimize developments and further invest in our scientists and technologists, Dawn Meyerriecks, head of CIAs Directorate of Science and Technology, said. In an evolving threat landscape, CIA Labs will help us maintain our competitive edge and protect our nation.

The initiative integrates into a legion of more than 300 federal labs and establishes the CIA as a research partner for other labs, academia, and industry in disciplines spanning from artificial intelligence and biotechnology to quantum computing and advanced materials and manufacturing.

The effort also enables officers to obtain patents and licenses for intellectual property developed while working at the CIA and provides internship and externship opportunities.

Authorities indicated CIA Labs research areas would include advanced materials and manufacturing; artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics; bioscience and biotechnology; distributed ledger/blockchain-enabled technologies; virtual and augmented reality; high performance and quantum computing; future wireless and telecommunications technologies; and robotic, autonomous, and human interface systems.

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CIA launches lab mechanism to drive technology innovation - Homeland Preparedness News

Beyond Limits Nabs $133M to Drive Global Expansion of AI Technology – HIT Consultant

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What You Should Know:

Beyond Limits, an AI provider that uniquely uses 45technologies developed at Caltech and NASAs Jet Propulsion Lab to providebusiness intelligence for healthcare raises $133M in funding.

Beyond Limits AI predictive model is helpinghealthcare professionals fight against COVID-19 including determining thepercentage of patients that may need ventilators and ECMO in the ICU anddialysis units.

BeyondLimits, an LA-based industrial and enterprise-grade AI technology company built for the most demanding sectors, including energy, utilities, and healthcare, today announced a milestone Series C funding round with $113 million closed and another approximately $20 million committed. This round is led byGroup 42, a prominent AI and cloud computing company, andbp ventures, an existing two-time investor and customer of the company.

BeyondLimits Cognitive AI applieshuman-like reasoning to solve problems, much like how humans form conclusionsusing inference and logic. This unique approach combines encoded humanknowledge with available data sources, allowing systems to adapt and continueto operate in situations where data may be in short supply or missingaltogether. As a result,BeyondLimits customers are able to elevateoperational insights, improve operating conditions, enhance performance atevery level, and ultimately increase profits as a result.

How Beyond Limits is Applying AI in FightAgainst COVID-19

The company recently built a Beyond LimitsCoronavirus Dynamic Predictive model to help healthcare and governmentalleaders predict the impact of COVID-19 on people, medical facilities, andregional recovery plans. The model enables planners to determine logisticalresponses at national, state, and county levels, as well as estimate theeffects of mobility on infectivity.

Beyond Limits collaborated with renowned medicalexperts from around the world combining their knowledge and expertise withadvanced AI technology and modeling/programming capabilities from the companysorigins at the Caltech Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

The dynamic Beyond Limits model leverages COVID-19 casedata obtained from a database compiled by the Center for Systems Science andEngineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University, in Baltimore, MD, USA. Thisdatabase is used to predict resource supply and demand; enabling planners todetermine logistical responses at national, state, and county levels. The modelpredicts infection rates, hospitalization rates, and the percentage of patientsthat will require ICU, ventilators, ECMO, or dialysis care.

Expansion Plans

The $133M funding will be used to expandBeyondLimits business both in the United States and abroad, including the launch ofBeyondLimitsAsia, with regional headquarters in Singapore and operations in Hong Kong, Taipei, and Tokyo and further expansion across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. The funding will also accelerateBeyondLimits Cognitive AI application development and SaaS product portfolio and fuel theBeyondLabs R&D program.

Today we are seeing unprecedented, world-wide demand for systems that gobeyondthe limitations of conventional AI, said AJ Abdallat, CEO and Founder ofBeyondLimits. Our cognitive software has the ability to understand situations and place problems in real-world contexts as well as to learn over time. Were excited to help more customers by applying our unique and powerful AI approach to solve some of the toughest problems facing industries and the world today.

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ByteDance says it will not transfer algorithm and technology to Oracle as part of TikTok deal – CNBC

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The logos of the Chinese video portal TikTok and the US software and hardware manufacturer Oracle Corporation can be seen on a smartphone and screen on September 14, 2020 in Berlin, Germany.

Thomas Trutschel | Photothek | Getty Images

GUANGZHOU, China ByteDance will not transfer algorithms and technologies to Oracle as part of a deal announced over the weekend to keep social media app TikTok operating in the U.S.

President Donald Trump said heapproved a deal on Saturday that will see the creation of a U.S.-headquartered firm called TikTok Global with Oracle and Walmart taking minority stakes. Oracle will become TikTok's secure cloud provider and host U.S. user data.

But the deal does not entail any transfer of algorithms and technologies, according to a statement from ByteDance on Monday. The company said Oracle can instead check the source code.

"The current plan does not involve the transfer of any algorithms and technologies.Oracle has the authority to check the source code of TikTok USA," ByteDance's statement said, according to a CNBC translation.

Source code forms the basis for applications and software. Allowing inspections of source code is common practice to address local data security concerns.

TikTok's recommendation algorithm has been a key driver behind its growth, helping to suggest other videos to users and keep them hooked within the app.

ByteDance also confirmed that it would do a small round of pre-IPO (initial public offering) financing. TikTok Global will become an 80% holding subsidiary of ByteDance as a result, giving it majority control. As part of the Oracle and Walmart deal, the companies said they would work toward a public listing in the U.S. within a year.

Over the weekend, Trump said the new TikTok Global will "have nothing to do with any outside land, any outside country, it will have nothing to do with China. It'll be totally secure. That'll be part of the deal."

Beijing-based ByteDance's majority ownership of TikTok appears to contradict that. But ByteDance is 40% owned by U.S. venture capital firms, so the Trump administration can technically claim TikTok Global is now majority owned by U.S. money.

Last month, as the TikTok deal appeared to be coming to a conclusion, China threw a spanner in the works byupdating its list of technologiessubject to export restrictions. One of the technologies on the list related to recommendation algorithms. After Beijing made this move, ByteDance said it would comply with the rules.

Washington claimed that TikTok represents a national security threat because it collects American users' data which could be accessed by Beijing. TikTok has repeatedly denied this and says it stores the data of Americans in the U.S. with a backup in Singapore.

In August, Trump issued an executive order that would have banned transactions with ByteDance and effectively shut down TikTok in the U.S. That was set to come into effect on September 20. But the Department of Commerce said in a statement that it has delayed that by a week.

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ByteDance says it will not transfer algorithm and technology to Oracle as part of TikTok deal - CNBC