What is a Transportation Management System? | Oracle

A TMS can help any business plan, execute, and optimize the physical movement of goods.

Planning. A TMS helps the business select the optimal mode of shipment and the best carrier, based on cost, efficiency, and distance, including optimizing multi-leg carrier routes. A strong TMS can provide visibility into every stage of the supply chain, and together with global trade management functionality, it can also provide information on trade and tariffs, and if there are any potential delays that may happen because of customs and other trade regulations.

Execution. The execution features of transportation management systems vary widely but can include matching loads and communicating with carriers, documenting and tracking shipments, and assisting with freight billing and settlement. Some advanced TMS solutions also provide track and trace servicesenabling real-time information exchange among carriers, distributors, warehouses, and customers. Such advanced systems may also have the functionality to handle complex international logistics, including providing proper import and export documentation making sure shipments are trade compliant.

Optimization. TMS optimization capacities usually include the ability to measure and track performance with reports, dashboards, analytics, and transportation intelligence.

Visit link:

What is a Transportation Management System? | Oracle

Posted in Tms

Frequently Asked Questions About TMS at The Johns Hopkins …

Why does rTMS work?

rTMS(repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation) has been shown to produce changes in neuronal activity in regions of the brain implicated in mood regulation, such as the prefrontal cortex. As each magnetic pulse passes through the skull and into the brain, this induces brief activity of brain cells underlying the treatment coil.

The frequency of pulse delivery also influences whether brain activity is increased or decreased by a session of rTMS. Recent studies also suggest that stimulation over the left and right sides of the brain can have opposite effects on mood regulation.

Antidepressant medications and psychotherapy are the first line treatments for major depression. These treatments, however, do not work for all patients. In these instances, rTMS might be used as an alternative treatment, or to augment antidepressant medications or psychotherapy. Patients who have failed to achieve an adequate response from antidepressants, or who are unable to tolerate medications, might consider rTMS therapy.

Because rTMS uses magnetic pulses, before beginning a treatment, patients are asked to remove any magnetic-sensitive objects (such as jewelry, credit cards). Patients are required to wear earplugs during treatment for their comfort and hearing protection, as rTMS produces a loud clicking sound with each pulse, much like an MRI machine. Patients are seated during each session of rTMS.

During the first rTMS session, several measurements are made to ensure that the TMS coil will be properly positioned over the patients head. Once this is done, the TMS coil is suspended over the patients scalp. The TMS physician then measures the patients motor threshold, by administering several brief pulses. The motor threshold is the minimum amount of power necessary to make the patients thumb twitch, and varies from individual to individual. Measuring the motor threshold helps the physician personalize the treatment settings and determine the amount of energy required to stimulate brain cells.

Once the motor threshold is determined, the coil is then brought forward so that it rests above the front region of the patients brain. Treatment is then commenced. During the treatment, patients will hear a series of clicking sounds and will feel a tapping sensation under the treatment coil.

Motor threshold is not checked at every treatment but may be reassessed if there is concern it may have changed, for example, because of a change in medication.

rTMS is always prescribed by a TMS physician. At Johns Hopkins, all TMS physicians are specifically TMS credentialed by the Hospital. The initial motor threshold is always determined by a TMS physician. The treatment itself is administered by an experienced TMS technician under the supervision of the TMS physician or by the TMS physician.

The TMS technician or physician will always be present to monitor the patient during the treatment. The patient can stop a treatment at any time by asking the staff member present.

rTMS therapy involves a series of treatment sessions. Treatment sessions vary in length depending on the TMS coil used and the number of pulses delivered but typically last around 30 40 minutes. Patients receive TMS 5 days a week. A typical course of rTMS is 4 to 6 weeks. However, this can vary depending on an individuals response to treatment.

Unlike ECT, rTMS does not require any sedation or general anesthesia, so patients are fully awake and aware during the treatment. There is no recovery time, so patients can drive home afterwards and return to their usual activities.

rTMS is well-tolerated and associated with few side-effects and only a small percentage of patients discontinue treatment because of these. The most common side-effect, which is reported in about half of patients treated with rTMS, is headaches. These are mild and generally diminish over the course of the treatment. Over-the-counter pain medication can be used to treat these headaches.

About one third of patients may experience painful scalp sensations or facial twitching with rTMS pulses. These too tend to diminish over the course of treatment although adjustments can be made immediately in coil positioning and stimulation settings to reduce discomfort.

The rTMS machine produces a loud noise and because of this earplugs are given to the patient to use during the treatment. However, some patients may still complain of hearing problems immediately following treatment. No evidence suggests these effects are permanent if earplugs are worn during the treatment.

rTMS has not been associated with many of the side-effects caused by antidepressant medications, such as gastrointestinal upset, dry mouth, sexual dysfunction, weight gain, or sedation.

The most serious risk of rTMS is seizures. However, the risk of a seizure is exceedingly low. At Johns Hopkins, we follow up-to-date safety guidelines that are designed to minimize the risk of seizures. While rTMS is a safe procedure, it is important to point out that because it is a new treatment, there may be unforeseeable risks that are not currently recognized.

Patients with any type of non-removable metal in their heads (with the exception of braces or dental fillings), should not receive rTMS. Failure to follow this rule could cause the object to heat up, move, or malfunction, and result in serious injury or death. The following is a list of metal implants that can prevent a patient from receiving rTMS:

Download Patient Screening Form for Metal

Existing evidence to date suggests that patients who are less treatment-resistant respond better to rTMS than those who are highly treatment-resistant. However, there is much yet to be learned about particular variables that may impact response to rTMS. Researchers are presently conducting clinical studies to evaluate who will benefit most from rTMS therapy. For example, there is a lot of interest in evaluating whether rTMS with antidepressant medications is more effective than rTMS alone.

rTMS is one of the brain stimulation treatments for depression offered at Johns Hopkins. Before scheduling you for treatment, you must first be evaluated by one of our TMS psychiatrists to determine if rTMS would be safe and appropriate for you.

If you reside locally and are interested in being evaluated for outpatient rTMS treatment, or to learn more about our program, please contactMichael Tibbs.

See the original post:

Frequently Asked Questions About TMS at The Johns Hopkins ...

Posted in Tms

Transportation Management System (TMS) | Teknowlogi

Logistics and AI The Future of Transportation Management Systems

A successful transportation management strategy can be the difference between insolvency and maximized profits. Moreover, Operations headaches and bothersome, persistent bottlenecks can bog down an otherwise homogeneous logistics environment. The Logistics Expert System (LES) is a substantial leap forward in the evolution of Transportation Management Systems (TMS). Expert systems that leverage artificial intelligence (AI) have already proven critical to the operation of finance and healthcare infrastructures. The ability to emulate the decision-making ability of human experts as quickly as the data can be gathered has revolutionized these industries. So too will logistics be disrupted by these amazing technologies both now and in future iterations of transportation management strategies that leverage AI.

To identify problems and patterns, analyze better alternatives, and react on-the-fly to changing conditions, expert systems with AI today represent a competitive edge. Before long, such means will surely become standard business best practice for logistics operations. One in the logistics arena would be wise to stay abreast of the state-of-the-art concerning these notable developments.

Read more:

Transportation Management System (TMS) | Teknowlogi

Posted in Tms

What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?

What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?

The basics of TMS:

TMS is a neuromodulatory technique which applies magnetic pulses to the brain via a coil. An electric current is delivered to the coil, which acts as the magnetic field generator in the procedure. The generated magnetic field inducesan electrical current in the brain. Different coil types are used to elicit different magnetic field patterns, and using more focal points can elicit a deeper magnetic field to stimulate deeper cortical layers. Stimulation is typically applied at a sufficient intensity to trigger action potentials in proximate neurons. For example, TMS over the motor cortex can result in a finger twitch. Applying several pulses of TMS in a row is called repetitive TMS or rTMS. The timing of the pulses can determine how the brain changes in response. rTMS can sometimes disrupt how a brain region is working, leading to what is called a functional lesion. This selective interference gives it credence in therapies aiming to modulate the relative excitability of a brain region. Additionally, when combined with other neuroimaging techniques, TMS can be used to map behavior related circuitry with spatial and temporal precision.1 rTMS can lead to lasting changes in brain function which is why it is used for treatment. Long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) are the implicated cellular mechanisms behind rTMS. Some areas TMS is currently being explored include: stroke rehabilitation, parkinsons, depression, migraine, pain management, and auditory hallucination.

What is the TMS device look like?

A TMS stimulator is the size of mini-fridge and has a power cable. It will have various controls on it to adjust stimulation parameters such as pulse intensity, number of pulses, and pulse frequency. The coil looks like one or more loops. For example, a figure-8 coil is two touching loops. A cable connects the coil to the stimulator. The coil is held over the head (the part to be stimulated) by the hand of the operator, or by a mechanical arm.

Credit: Harvard TMS Course

What does TMS feel like? What are the side-effects?

Repetitive TMS is a noninvasive form of brain stimulation used for depression. Unlike vagus nerve stimulation or deep brain stimulation, rTMS does not require surgery or implantation of electrodes. And, unlike electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), rTMS doesnt cause seizures or require sedation with anesthesia. According to Mayo Clinic2, rTMS is generally considered safe and well-tolerated. However, it can cause some side effects.

Common side-effects effects of TMS stimulation are related to discomfort on the scalp. This discomfort should go away after the TMS session. Rarely, someone might faint or have a seizure while undergoing stimulation. Other potential side effects include: a transient confusion related to disruptions in cognition, hearing, or vision.

Side effects are generally mild to moderate and improve shortly after an individual session and decrease over time with additional sessions. According to Mayo Clinic, side effects may include:

Your doctor can adjust the level of stimulation to reduce symptoms or may recommend that you take an over-the-counter pain medication before the procedure.

Serious side effects are rare. According to Mayo Clinic, uncommon side effects may include:

More study is needed to determine whether rTMS may have any long-term side effects.

Where can I get TMS?

In the United State rTMS has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of some kinds of depression. You can use the free tool below to find doctors and clinicswho provide TMS treatment:

Find a TMS Provider

Credit: Magstim

References:

1Siebner, H. R., Bergmann, T. O., Bestmann, S., Massimini, M., Johansen-Berg, H., Mochizuki, H., & Pascual-Leone, A. (2009). Consensus paper: combining transcranial stimulation with neuroimaging.Brain stimulation,2(2), 58-80.

2Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018, November 27). Transcranial magnetic stimulation. Retrieved February 4, 2019, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/transcranial-magnetic-stimulation/about/pac-20384625

More:

What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?

Posted in Tms

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) at The Johns …

TMS is a non-invasive method of brain stimulation that relies on electromagnetic induction using an insulated coil placed over the scalp, focused on an area of the brain thought to play a role in mood regulation. The coil generates brief magnetic pulses, which pass easily and painlessly through the skull and into the brain. The pulses generated are of the same type and strength as those generated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines. When these pulses are administered in rapid succession, it is referred to as repetitive TMS or rTMS, which can produce longer lasting changes in brain activity.

rTMS has been shown to be a safe and well-tolerated procedure that can be an effective treatment for patients with depression who have not benefitted from antidepressant medications or cannot tolerate antidepressant medications due to side-effects.TMS was FDA-cleared in 2008 and now is widely available at clinics and hospitals across the country.

We are pleased to announce that the Johns Hopkins Brain Stimulation Program is now offering Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS) utilizing the H-coil, which is a novel rTMS tool that enables direct stimulation of deeper and larger brain volumes. This coil is designed to affect extensive neuronal pathways, including deeper cortical regions and fibers targeting subcortical regions, without a significant increase in the electric field induced in superficial cortical layers (Levkovitz et al., 2015).

In addition to dTMS, the Brain Stimulation program continues to offer conventional TMS using the figure-of-8 coil.

rTMS therapy is not appropriate for all patients. Before scheduling you for treatment, you must first be evaluated by one of our TMS psychiatrists to determine if rTMS would be safe and appropriate for you.

If you reside locally and are interested in being evaluated for outpatient rTMS treatment, or to learn more about our program, please contactMichael Tibbs.

Sample TMS consent formPatient metal screening form

Read the rest here:

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) at The Johns ...

Posted in Tms

Bonafont Launching Transplaces Advanced Software-as-a …

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Transplace, the premier provider of logistics technology and services, today announced a new contract with Bonafont, a healthy water bottle brand in the Danone global food and beverage portfolio, for its state-of-the-art Transportation Management System (TMS). Transplaces TMS will allow real-time visibility into the leading Mexican water brands entire transportation network. The TMS presents comprehensive data, such as track-and-trace of shipments throughout Mexico, transportation service metrics, and other critical business intelligence to speed decision-making, improve supply chain strategies, and address Bonafonts role in Danones unwavering commitment to sustainable business practices.

We chose to partner with Transplace because of their great success with other major corporations here in Mexico, said Pedro Urow, Mexico VP of Operations at Bonafont. We have seen impressive examples of the ways Transplace has lowered logistics costs and increased fleet utilization by maximizing vehicle capacity and eliminating empty kilometers. Transplace will automate our data entry and manual processes to save time and labor costs, while increasing efficiencies across our transportation network.

Transplace offers an award winning, multitenant TMS as a software-as-a-service (SaaS) product or as part of a managed transportation solution. The Transplace TMS offers a combination of power, scalability, integration, and affordability, allowing shippers to rapidly deploy the platform to reduce transportation costs, improve service levels, automate processes, streamline execution, and lower operational risk. The dynamic dashboards provide key performance indicators, along with a graphical 360-degree view of all shipments at all times. With Transplaces TMS, Bonafont will improve overall on-time pick-up, along with delivery and tender acceptance levels. The comprehensive, cloud-based TMS spans the core functionality of planning, execution, and settlement across all modes with strong analytics, performance management, and optimization.

We have over 700 team members in our Mexico operations who understand the nuances of each region and local market to drive successful logistics strategies, said Frank McGuigan, CEO of Transplace. As a part of Danone, we know Bonafont is committed to reducing its carbon footprint, and we look forward to supporting their sustainability efforts. Our TMS will optimize Bonafonts dedicated fleets, boost transportation network performance, and streamline supply chain management.

Connect with a Transplace expert to learn more about innovations in logistics management services in North America and Europe: transplace.com/transplace-contact.

About Transplace

Transplace is a technology and services company that hosts a proprietary logistics platform and provides engineering and execution services for global shippers. The platform and service offering deliver process automation, network optimization, and transparency driving an improved service and cost position. Transplace also provides value-added services through our strategic capacity services business (truck brokerage and intermodal) and our border management business, which includes customs brokerage and logistics services on the Mexican border. With over 1,000 customers and $11 billion of Freight Under Management (FUM) in North America alone, and a growing client base in Europe, Transplace continues to deliver the intelligent solutions that grow and differentiate the supply chains of its customers. To learn more visit http://www.transplace.com or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Follow the company on Twitter, Facebook and the Transplace Industry Blog:https://twitter.com/transplace https://www.facebook.com/transplace/ https://blog.transplace.com/

Go here to read the rest:

Bonafont Launching Transplaces Advanced Software-as-a ...

Posted in Tms

Strategy Systems Expands Integration with Trucker Tools, adds Book It Now to TMS Platform – DC Velocity

RESTON, VA and BENTONVILLE, AR JULY 9, 2020 Trucker Tools today announced that Strategy Systems has gone live with Trucker Tools Book It Now automated load-booking for carriers, adding to its portfolio of integrations with the company and enhancing the digital freight management tools and resources available to customers of its flagship StrategyLive TMS platform.

Bentonville, Arkansas-based Strategy Systems provides StrategyLive, a complete, cloud-based, integrated portfolio of software applications and services for freight brokerages firms. Its designed to streamline the full cycle of freight management processes from carrier search and load entry to tracking, billing, payroll, mapping, carrier qualification and digital carrier relationship management. For mid- to small trucking fleets the company also provides a suite of software tools for managing the everyday tasks of running a trucking company.

Trucker Tools provides the Smart Capacity suite of real-time shipment visibility, trip planning, freight-matching, digital document management and automated booking tools for freight brokers, independent owner-operators and small-fleet truckload carriers

With the launch of Book It Now, Strategy Live expands its collaboration with Trucker Tools. The company previously had integrated and embedded into its StrategyLive TMS platform, Trucker Tools Smart Capacity predictive freight-matching and carrier management module, as well as its automated truckload shipment visibility and real-time, en-route load tracking solutions.

All are integrated with the Trucker Tools Mobile Driver App, the truckload industrys most popular smartphone-based digital management resource, which in addition to Book It Now, has 17 of the most-sought after features and functions drivers want for managing their business while on the road. The app has been downloaded and installed by nearly 950,000 independent owner-operators and is actively used by some 140,000 micro-carrier fleets. Book It Now, Smart Capacity and the GPS time-stamped shipment visibility features are fully embedded within Strategy Systems TMS.

We find more and more that small fleets and independent operators, who are the backbone of the truckload market, want to cut down on phone calls and texts, and use more simplified, automated tools to manage the booking and broker engagement process, said Dave Stevens, vice president, Strategy Systems. Book it Now was designed with this goal in mind. It complements our earlier integrations and provides a faster and easier transaction process which benefits both drivers and StrategyLive customers.Strategy Systems has been a clear leader providing superior transportation management software solutions for the mid-sized broker and small-fleet market, noted Prasad Gollapalli, founder and chief executive of Trucker Tools. We are proud to yet again expand our relationship, supporting their platform with complementary applications that increase the productivity and value of their solutions, and enable even better driver engagement.

Some 90 percent of truckload market carriers are independent owner-operators and small fleets of 10 trucks or less. The multi-functional, GPS-enabled multi-party mobile app is available for both Android- and Apple-powered smartphones and is provided free of charge to independent truckers and small fleets.

For more information, visit http://www.strategysystems.com or http://www.truckertools.com

About Trucker Tools: Trucker Tools, based in Reston, Va., is the leading provider of trip planning, shipment visibility, predictive freight matching and automated booking solutions for the transportation industry. Its ground-breaking Smart Capacity platform uses accurate, real-time data and powerful algorithms to optimally match freight by predicting when and where capacity will become available, days in advance. The companys popular driver smartphone app has been downloaded by some 900,000 owner operators and small-carrier fleets to access information and services conveniently while on the road. Included in the smartphone app is Book it Now, the industrys first digital load booking app that automates and streamlines the load search and booking process for drivers and brokers, saving time and money. Trucker Tools load tracking solution is a robust feature in the app that connects drivers with carriers and freight brokers, automating the provision and collection of real-time shipment tracking and eliminating manual check calls. Visit Trucker Tools at http://www.truckertools.com or contact us directly at: sales@truckertools.com.

Media Contact: Gary Frantz, Trucker Tools, (925) 594-1434. gary@gnfcomms.com

Visit link:

Strategy Systems Expands Integration with Trucker Tools, adds Book It Now to TMS Platform - DC Velocity

Posted in Tms

Texas Motor Speedway ready to welcome fans back to the racetrack – WFAA.com

Gov. Greg Abbott's executive order allows the track to operate at 50 percent capacity this weekend when it hosts the OReilly Auto Parts 500.

Leaders at the Texas Motor Speedway are excited about the return to the racetrack. Gov. Greg Abbott's executive order allows the track to operate at 50 percent capacity this weekend when it hosts the OReilly Auto Parts 500.

Our sport just lends itself to be able to do this, whereas other sports, football and hockey and basketball, may have some problems because of the physical, body to body contact, Texas Motor Speedway president Eddie Gossage said.

We have a plan that we developed with the help of medical care professionals. We submitted it to the state, they reviewed it at the Department of Health and they like the plan, Gossage said. "They agree with this. Its a good solid plan to make sure were taking care of the fans."

The track is taking a number of precautions, including spacing out seats to ensure no one is close to anyone outside their household. Masks are required by anyone 10 years old and older. TMS has posted nearly 10,000 signs reminding fans of the importance of social distancing.

Given the size of the venue, Gossage is hopeful the weekend will be very safe.

You can fit four-and-a-half footprints of the Cowboys stadium in our infield, Gossage said. Thats how big it is.

Abbott signed off on the race, allowing for fans in a recent executive order.

"Texans are eager for sporting and entertainment events to return, and this is a great step towards that goal," Abbott wrote. "As we continue to open Texas, it is essential that we do so in a way that keeps Texans safe and limits the spread of COVID-19. Texas Motor Speedway has put a tremendous amount of work, time, and energy into ensuring that this race meets all the necessary safety and health standards, and I applaud them for this effort.

Gossage said as long as fans help them out, things will work out well.

Do your part and be personally responsible as well and this will be just fine, Gossage said. If people will follow directions it will work just fine everybody will be just great.

More on WFAA:

Read the original post:

Texas Motor Speedway ready to welcome fans back to the racetrack - WFAA.com

Posted in Tms

Global Talent Management Software (TMS) Expected to Reach Highest CAGR by 2025| COVID-19 Impact Analysis: Cornerstone Ondemand, IBM, Lumesse, Oracle,…

This detailed and well synchronized research report about the Talent Management Software (TMS) market is the most significant, up-to-date, ready-to-refer research analysis that allows readers to draw substantial market specific cues that eventually remain crucial growth influencers in the Talent Management Software (TMS) market , more specifically under the influence of COVID-19 implications that have visibly impacted normal industry process in multiple ways, leaving a trail of tangible implications.

This well-conceived, well-compiled and thoroughly documented research report on the Talent Management Software (TMS) market is dedicated to offer a detailed output to mirror the impact analysis rendered by the COVID-19 outbreak since the turn of 2020. Thus, this thorough, meticulously crafted research report is in place to aid vital market specific decisions amongst relevant stakeholders who remain key influencers in directing favorable growth trajectory in the Talent Management Software (TMS) market more specifically under the influence of COVID-19 outbreak and concomitant developments, affecting the Talent Management Software (TMS) market in a myriad tangible ways.

This study covers following key players:Cornerstone OndemandIBMLumesseOraclePeoplefluentSkillsoftSabaSAP SuccessfactorsTalentsoftHalogen

Request a sample of this report @ https://www.orbismarketreports.com/sample-request/61728?utm_source=Puja

The report is mindfully designed to influence impeccable business discretion amongst notable stakeholders in the Talent Management Software (TMS) market, comprising research analysts, suppliers, market players and participants, notable industry behemoths and the like who remain visibly influenced by the ongoing market developments especially under the influence of COVID-19 implications. The report is targeted to offer report readers with essential data favoring a seamless interpretation of the Talent Management Software (TMS) market. The report also incorporates ample understanding on numerous analytical practices such as SWOT and PESTEL analysis to source optimum profit resources in Talent Management Software (TMS) market.

Access Complete Report @ https://www.orbismarketreports.com/global-talent-management-software-tms-market-size-status-and-forecast-2019-2025?utm_source=Puja

Market segment by Type, the product can be split into Professional ServicesTraining And EducationSupport And Maintenance

Market segment by Application, split into BFSIHealthcareIT And TelecomRetailManufacturingEducationGovernmentMedia And Entertainment

The report in its subsequent sections also portrays a detailed overview of competition spectrum, profiling leading players and their mindful business decisions, influencing growth in the Talent Management Software (TMS) market.In this latest research publication on the Talent Management Software (TMS) market, a thorough overview of the current market scenario has been portrayed, in a bid to aid market participants, stakeholders, research analysts, industry veterans and the like to borrow insightful cues from this ready-to-use market research report, thus influencing a definitive business discretion.

Some Major TOC Points:1 Report Overview2 Global Growth Trends3 Market Share by Key Players4 Breakdown Data by Type and ApplicationContinued

Besides assessing details pertaining to production, distribution and sales value chain, this detailed research output on the key-word market specifically highlights crucial developments across regions and vital countries, also lending a decisive understanding of the upcoming development scenario likely to be witnessed in the Talent Management Software (TMS) market in the near future.

Therefore, to enable and influence a flawless market specific business decision, aligning with the best industry practices, this specific research report on the Talent Management Software (TMS) market also lends a systematic rundown on vital growth triggering elements comprising market opportunities and barrier analysis.

For Enquiry before buying report @ https://www.orbismarketreports.com/enquiry-before-buying/61728?utm_source=Puja

About Us : With unfailing market gauging skills, has been excelling in curating tailored business intelligence data across industry verticals. Constantly thriving to expand our skill development, our strength lies in dedicated intellectuals with dynamic problem solving intent, ever willing to mold boundaries to scale heights in market interpretation.

Contact Us : Hector CostelloSenior Manager Client Engagements4144N Central Expressway,Suite 600, Dallas,Texas 75204, U.S.A.Phone No.: USA: +1 (972)-362-8199 | IND: +91 895 659 5155

Go here to read the rest:

Global Talent Management Software (TMS) Expected to Reach Highest CAGR by 2025| COVID-19 Impact Analysis: Cornerstone Ondemand, IBM, Lumesse, Oracle,...

Posted in Tms

Idiotic political turf war puts lives at risk: Letters to the editor – Echo Pilot

Lawmakers should not question science amid pandemic.

I found myself totally dismayed upon reading "Mask mandate reignites turf war" in the Erie Times-News on July 3. The article quoted some state representatives as stating, "We live in a free society, people can make decisions for themselves" and "I feel it is up to your personal choice whether or not to abide by this mandate."

Overall, I can agree with these statements with the huge exception that this mindset is promoting many people to buck wearing masks in public, encouraging people to potentially infect all of the people around them.

The article also stated, "Five House Republicans issued a statement questioning the science behind using a mask to contain the virus." This even raises my concern as to the level of intelligence in our House of Representatives. I dont feel anyone has the right to potentially pass along COVID-19, possibly leading to the serious illness and even death of others.

Wearing masks does not prevent the wearer from getting COVID-19, but does help stop the spread to others. If it were the other way around, fine, do whatever you want, but who wouldnt even voluntarily wear a mask to protect others? Unfortunately, the self-centered and severely partisan society we live in today seems more important than showing respect and kindness to others.

They are placing peoples health and even lives at risk in fighting this idiotic political turf war. Shame on these state representatives and all of the people refusing to wear a mask in public.

Gay Marie Catania, Erie

We express our faith best

through words and deeds

I agree with Charles Adamzycks recent letter. Sharing the love of Jesus by our actions and words are the best ways to share our faith. But this is not a forum to preach.

Brennan Manning said that the greatest cause of atheism are Christians who honor him with their lips but not with their lives. That is what people find unbelievable. But in my letters that the editors of the Erie Times-News graciously allow me to share, I try to show that faith and science can coexist.

I try to influence those who are sitting on the fence, so to speak. And yes, maybe I can influence atheists because their souls matters to me. Lee Stroebel, author of "The Case for Christ" and "The Case for Faith," was an atheist who investigated the claims made by Christians.

He came to the conclusion that there is a creator and that he became a man to lead us back to our true home.

There are clues to Gods existence that support my faith, but in reality Ive experienced Gods presence, his overwhelming love, answered prayers and even miracles. I would like to encourage anyone who doubts their faith to investigate the clues of a creator and of the empty tomb.

By the way, the song "Amazing Grace" was written by John Newton, a former atheist. I dont understand why mankind prefers the created over the creator and the temporary over the eternal.

We can see whats happening in society today. Mankind is deciding what is moral without knowing the moral lawgiver (God). The world needs to turn to God for healing.

Dave Heintzel, Erie

To defeat Trumpism, we

must defeat Mike Kelly

As the HMS Trump begins its overdue and well-deserved descent to the bottom of the sea (attaching the "USS" designation to the name feels wrong, even in jest), some elected GOP officeholders are finally showing signs of donning life jackets and jumping ship.

Its not yet clear how the U.S. representative for Pennsylvanias 16th District, our Mike Kelly, is going to play this. Studying the worsening polls, he may try to recast himself as an independent sort, radiating moderation and common sense.

If he goes this route, dont be fooled. Mike Kelly is not one of those reluctant supporters of Donald Trump, duty-bound to respect his partys choice. Kelly has always been full-bore MAGA, an early and painfully visible toady. Kelly is Trump; Trump is Kelly.

I subscribe to the notion that it wont be enough to merely defeat Trumpism in November. It must be sunk with an overwhelming and historic defeat. If not, the vestiges of Trumpism always with us will remain lurking just below the surface.

The Democrats have nominated an excellent first-time candidate to run for the 16th District seat. Please vote for Kristy Gnibus on Nov. 3 and send Trump, Kelly and Trumpism back to the muddy bottom of the American psyche, where they belong.

Richard Boler, Erie

Originally posted here:

Idiotic political turf war puts lives at risk: Letters to the editor - Echo Pilot

Global Plaque Psoriasis Treatment Market to Witness Rapid Development During the Period 2017 2025 – Jewish Life News

Plaque psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune inflammatory disorder which leads to overproduction of skin cells. The skin is characterized by inflamed, raised, scaly, red plaques and lesion. The intensity and frequency of psoriasis are affected by environmental factors such as sun exposure, smoking, HIV infection, and alcoholism. Metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease are common in psoriasis patients. Psoriasis increases the chances of myocardial infarction in younger psoriasis patients by three folds.

Moreover, severe psoriasis leads to 3.5 years reduced life expectancy in males relative to individuals without psoriasis. Psoriasis arthritis is a distinct syndrome which occurs in one-third of psoriasis patient with the onset of rheumatic arthritis.

Psoriasis plaque are distinguished by three features, an infiltrate featuring T-cells, the extravagant growth of poorly differentiated keratinocytes and the presence of dilated dermal blood vessels. Most of the introduced therapies for psoriatic were developed as to target T-cells or their inflammatory mediators including cytokines, receptors, and ligands.

Plaque Psoriasis Treatment Market: Dynamics

The demand for plaque psoriasis treatment market is expected to boom with the increasing number of pipeline psoriasis molecule and the number of biologics being launched. Janssen Biotec is seeking for the market approval of Guselkumab. The molecule is in the Phase III trial as a subcutaneous administered therapy for the treatment of plaque psoriasis.

Moreover, Gelantin Therapeutics Inc. announced positive data from its phase 2 study of its drug GR-MD-02 to treat moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. The company is now seeking for strategic partnership for its drug development program.

The advent of biologics has also shifted the preference from systemic therapy to meet the existing need. The systemic therapy suppresses the entire immune system as the clinician needs to do routine laboratory monitoring because of myelosuppression, hematologic side effects and increased renal and liver toxicity. Moreover, the systemic therapy is also contraindicated in nursing mothers, pregnant women, and individuals with kidney and liver diseases.

Around 125 million people worldwide have psoriasis out of which 80%, have plaque psoriasis. The need for safe plaque psoriasis therapy in children is essential as about one-third of the psoriasis cases are in children. Etanercept was approved by the DA as an extended indicated for children of age 4 and above.

To remain ahead of your competitors, request for a sample [emailprotected]

https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/16069

Plaque Psoriasis TreatmentMarket: Segmentation

On the basis therapy the plaque psoriasis treatment market can be segment as:

Phototherapy and systemic therapy should only be used in cases where a topical treatment is inadequate. Novel systemic treatments are now being introduced where a range of biologics are sed. The mode of treatment follows a psoriasis treatment ladder. Initially, topical treatment is given, if the skin fails to respond then phototherapy is given. The third step involves the use of systemic treatment which may be through the administration of pills or injection.

On the basis drug class the plaque psoriasis treatment market can be segment as:

To receive extensive list of important regions, Request Methodology here @

https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/methodology/16069

TNF- inhibitor was the first class of biologics which were successful in delivering the treatment while still maintaining the safety profile. Enbrel was the first molecule to be approved followed by Remicade and Humira. The introduction of these molecules increased the overall sales of the psoriasis drugs and also increased the physicians comfort and familiarity.

Plaque Psoriasis TreatmentMarket: Region-wise Outlook

North America region dominates the plaque psoriasis market owing to the increasing approval of pipeline drugs and supplemental biologics. In November 2016, the FDA approved supplemental biologics license for the use of Etanercept for children aged four and older having moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. The approval is the first of its kind indicated for the treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Amgen had performed a year-long phase 3 study and 5-year open-label extension testing for the approval.

AsiaPacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region owing to the huge population base and changing lifestyle habits such as smoking. Moreover, the global market players are also exploring the developing market. Novartis launched its Cosentyx in Japan for the treatment of psoriasis arthritis in adults who are not adequately responding to systemic therapy.

You Can Request for TOC Here @

https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/16069

Plaque Psoriasis TreatmentMarket: Market Players

Company manufacturer is converting innovative research into a new therapy by constantly investing in research activities. The number of drugs approved for plaque psoriasis is constantly increasing the number of treatment options for the physician and patients. Eli Lillys interleukin inhibitor was approved by the FDA, second molecule to be approved after Novartis Cosentyx.

Some of the plaque psoriasis treatment market contributors are Allergan, Johnson and Johnson, Amgen, Abbvie, Eli Lilly, Dermira Inc., Novartis, Galectin Therapeutics, Cellceutix Corporation and Biogen Inc., Bayer.

Read more:

Global Plaque Psoriasis Treatment Market to Witness Rapid Development During the Period 2017 2025 - Jewish Life News

Sorting Out the Many Mimickers of Psoriasis – Medscape

Of the many psoriasis mimicker clinicians are likely to encounter, atopic dermatitis is likely the most common one, especially the nummular eczema variant form.

"It has an earlier age of onset, usually in infancy, and can occur with the atopic triad that presents with asthma and seasonal allergies as well,"Israel David "Izzy" Andrews, MD, said at the virtual Pediatric Dermatology 2020: Best Practices and Innovations Conference. "There is typically a very strong family history, as this is an autosomal dominant condition, and it's far more common than psoriasis. The annual incidence is estimated to be 10%-15% of pediatric patients. It has classic areas of involvement depending on the age of the patient, and lesions are intensely pruritic at all times. There is induration and crust, but it's important to distinguish crust from scale. Whereas crust is dried exudate, and scale is usually secondary to a hyperproliferation of the skin. Initially, treatments (especially topical) are similar and may also delay the formalized diagnosis of either of the two."

Another psoriasis mimicker, pityriasis rosea, is thought to be secondary to human herpesvirus 6 or 7 infection, said Dr. Andrews, of the department of dermatology at Phoenix Children's Hospital. It typically appears in the teens and tweens and usually presents as a large herald patch or plaque on the trunk. As the herald patch resolves, smaller lesions will develop on the trunk following skin folds. "It's rarely symptomatic and it's very short-lived, and clears within 6-12 weeks," Dr. Andrews noted. "It can present with an inverse pattern involving the face, neck, and groin, but sparing the trunk. This variant, termed inverse pityriasis rosea, can be confused with inverse psoriasis, which has a similar distribution. However, the inverse pattern of pityriasis rosea will still resolve in a similar time frame to its more classic variant."

Pityriasis lichenoides can also be mistaken for psoriasis. The acute form can present with erythematous, scaly papules and plaques, but lesions are often found in different phases of resolution or healing. "This benign lymphoproliferative skin disorder can be very difficult to distinguish from psoriasis and may require a biopsy to rule in or out," Dr. Andrews said. "It can last months to years and there are few treatments that are effective. It is typically nonresponsive to topical steroids and other treatments that would be more effective for psoriasis, helping to distinguish the two. It is thought to exist in the spectrum with other lymphoproliferative diseases including cutaneous T-cell lymphoma [CTCL]. However, there are only a few cases in the literature that support a transformation from pityriasis lichenoides to CTCL."

Seborrheic dermatitis is more common than atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, but it can be mistaken for psoriasis. It is caused by an inflammatory response secondary to overgrowth of Malassezia yeast and has a bimodal age distribution. "Seborrheic dermatitis affects babies, teens, and tweens, and can persist into adulthood," he said. "Infants with cradle cap usually resolve with moisturization, gentle brushing, and occasional antifungal shampoos." Petaloid seborrheic dermatitis can predominately involve the face with psoriatic-appearing induration, plaques, and varying degrees of scales. "In skin of color, this can be confused with discoid lupus, sarcoidosis, and psoriasis, occasionally requiring a biopsy to distinguish," said Dr. Andrews, who is also an assistant professor of pediatrics at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Another psoriasis mimicker, pityriasis amiantacea, is thought to be a more severe form of seborrheic dermatitis. It presents with concretions of scale around hair follicles that are highly adherent and are sometimes called sebopsoriasis. "It may be associated with cutaneous findings of psoriasis elsewhere, but may also be found with secondarily infected atopic dermatitis and tinea capitis; however, in my clinical experience, it is most often found in isolation," he said. "There may be a seasonal association with exacerbation in warm temperatures, and treatment often consists of humectants like salicylic acid for loosening scale, topical steroids for inflammation, and gentle combing out of scale."

Infections can also mimic psoriasis. For example, tinea infections are often misdiagnosed as eczema or psoriasis and treated with topical steroids. "This can lead to tinea incognito, making it harder to diagnose either condition without attention to detail," Dr. Andrews said. "On the body, look for expanding lesions with more raised peripheral edges, and central flattening, giving a classic annular appearance. It's also important to inquire about family history and contacts including pets, contact sports/mat sports (think yoga, gymnastics, martial arts), or other contacts with similar rashes." Work-up typically includes a fungal culture and starting empiric oral antifungal medications. "It is important to be able to distinguish scalp psoriasis from tinea capitis to prevent the more inflammatory form of tinea capitis, kerion (a deeper more symptomatic, painful and purulent dermatitis), which can lead to permanent scarring alopecia," he said.

Bacterial infections can also mimic psoriasis, specifically nonbullous impetigo and ecthyma, the more ulcerative form of impetigo. The most frequent associations are group AStreptococcus, methicillin-susceptibleStaphylococcus aureusand methicillin-resistantS. aureus.

Dr. Andrews closed his presentation by noting that tumor necrosis factoralpha inhibitorinduced psoriasiform drug eruptions can occur in psoriasis-naive patients or unmask a predilection for psoriasis in patients with Crohn's disease, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, or other autoinflammatory or autoimmune conditions. "They may improve with continued treatment and resolve with switching treatments," he said. "Early biopsy in psoriasiform drug eruptions can appear like atopic dermatitis on pathology. When suspecting psoriasis in a pediatric patient, it is important to consider the history and physical exam as well as family history and associated comorbidities. While a biopsy may aide in the work-up, diagnosis can be made clinically."

Dr. Andrews reported having no financial disclosures.

This article originally appeared onMDedge.com.

See the rest here:

Sorting Out the Many Mimickers of Psoriasis - Medscape

India clears a psoriasis drug for COVID-19, and a tiny US biotech’s shares soar – BioPharma Dive

Dive Brief:

The battle against the new coronavirus is being waged on multiple fronts, from vaccines to prevent infection to other drugs meant to treat and manage COVID-19's many complications.

One of those complications is an overactive immune response, seemingly similar to cytokine release syndrome or CRS, which can cause potentially deadly damage to the lungs or other organs.

Researchers and scientists have been testing other anti-inflammatory drugs against that damaging immune response,but thus far have yet to succeed. The Sanofi and Regeneron arthritis drug Kevzara has failed to deliver a clear benefit in clinical trials, while a similar drug from Roche came up short in a small Italian study after flashing promise earlier.

A larger, more rigorous Actemra trial is still underway, as are tests of the cancer therapies Jakafi and Calquence.

The only drug that has conclusively been shown to reduce death in a large trial of hospitalized COVID-19 patients is the steroid dexamethasone.

But that study, called RECOVERY, didn't look at whether patients where suffering from immune responses characteristic of CRS.Indeed, the mass repurposing of drugs to target COVID-19 related CRS has alarmed some experts, fearful of causing more harm than good.

A JAMAeditorial published in late June highlighted that what is being defined as "cytokine storm" isn't fully understood, and treating those patients with drugs that indiscriminately suppress the immune system "raises concerns about impaired clearance of SARS-CoV-2 and increased risk for secondary infections."

Yet Indian drugmaker Biocon, the developer of plaque psoriasis drug called itolizumab, has claimed success in a study of 30 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 who have CRS and moderate to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. Bioconreported that in a controlled trial, all 20 people who got itolizumab and standard treatment recovered. Three of the 10 on standard treatment alone died. Decreases in various key markers of inflammation as well as measures of oxygen levels were seen in itolizumab patients as well, according to the company.

Biocon has not provided specifics yet, however, making its claims impossible to fully assess. Still, the results were encouraging enough for the Indian government to clear use of itolizumab in very sick COVID-19 patients. That, along with additional data being generated in Cuba, where the drug was discovered, "could pave the way for discussions with regulators and other government agencies to pursue clinical development and funding in the U.S.," wrote SVB Leerink analyst Thomas Smith.

Results from an open-label, uncontrolled 24-patient study in Cuba currently under a peer review at the journal Immunity & Ageing found that itolizumab appeared to significantly reduce levels of the inflammatory protein IL-6 in the blood. The Cuban government in May also credited the use of itolizumab for an apparent reduction in deaths from COVID-19 among its citizens, though those results didn't come from a randomized, controlled trial.

Unlike Actemra and Kevzara, which inhibit an inflammatory protein called IL-6, Itolizumab blocks CD6, a protein found on the surface of many immune cells, among them effector T cells that drive inflammation in a variety of diseases. The drug was approved in India in 2013 to treat chronic plaque psoriasis under the brand name Alzumab. Equillium has since licensed rights in the U.S., Canada, New Zealand and Australia and has been aiming to develop it for a number of inflammatory conditions like asthma and lupus.

In light of the news from India, Equillium said it plans to ask the Food and Drug Administration to start a global randomized trial of itolizumab. Equillium shares more than doubled, to over $8 apiece, though that's still less than the $14 per share price at which the company went public in 2018.

Equillium had to stall testing of itolizumab which it calls EQ001 due to the pandemic. But it said Monday that those trials have now resumed.

Excerpt from:

India clears a psoriasis drug for COVID-19, and a tiny US biotech's shares soar - BioPharma Dive

SkinBioTherapeutics targets the promising skin microbiome market – Proactive Investors UK

The life sciences firm studies how to enhance and reintroduce the good bacteria on the skin

() has set out to make the skin feel and look better by studying the bacteria that live on its surface.

While most people know about the importance of having a healthy gut microbiome, the benefits of reinforcing good bacteria [probiotics] to the skin are yet to be discovered by the wider public.

But its a promising path: according to a Fortune Business Insights, the global probiotics market will reach US$74.7bn by the end of 2025 and the skin is going to be at the forefront of this growth.

The life sciences firm was spun out from () in 2015 and Opti remains the majority shareholder with a 29.8% stake.

SkinBioTherapeutics proprietary technology SkinBiotix is patented in various countries and based on studies conducted by Catherine ONeill and Andrew McBain at The University of Manchester.

The AIM-listed company is exploring five avenues of development: medical biotics; pharmabiotics; access biotics; cosmetics; and cleanbiotics.

Medical focuses on wound healing while pharma is analysed for prescribed treatment for skin conditions.

The two have a longer development path due to the regulatory hurdles to be crossed.

Access biotics, though, has recently passed major milestone through a partnership with Dutch firm Winclove Probiotics to develop a food supplement to alleviate symptoms of psoriasis.

The product, called AxisBiotix, may be ready for the shelves within a year.

The pair, which started collaborating in February, have already came up with the first formulation and are ready to enter a study on humans eight months ahead of schedule.

The whole access biotics project is to look at the pathways, what happens in the gut and how it manifests on the skin, so there are multiple places we could have started from, eczema, acne or psoriasis, chief executive Stuart Ashman told Proactive.

We chose psoriasis because its a particularly aggressive condition, it affects about 3% of the global population and there is no cure.

Many sufferers have had to enter complete coronavirus isolation because they take immunosuppressants to control the psoriasis outbreaks.

During a global pandemic the last thing in the world is suppress your immune system, you actually want that firing on all cylinders, so we firmly believe that its very, very important to get this into the community as quickly as possible, Ashman added.

Elsewhere,Ashmans team have been working with speciality chemical producer () since November to design and manufacture ingredients for the cosmetics market.

The initial target was enhancing the barrier effect of the skin to stop infections, but during the human safety studies the researchers came across significant anti-ageing indications, too.

The life sciences firm is providing its technology to the FTSE 100 companys unit Sederma, while SkinBioTherapeutics gets access to Sedermas huge base of customers, including prestigious brands such as Chanel, Garnier and LOreal.

Sederma has slowly restarted operations following a halt at the beginning of lockdowns, though there has been no material delay on their joint work.

Finally, infection control in both the home and the hospital environment has also taken on a new degree of urgency following the COVID-19 outbreak.

The skin is a very complicated surface, but it is just a surface, so we are doing the same thing on a non-living surfaces such as an operating table or bedsheets, explained Ashman.

In this application, the scientists are looking at how they can prevent the latching of bad bacteria onto surfaces.

Looking at the numbers, SkinBioTherapeutics is currently in the research and development phase, so its still pre-revenue.

First sales are estimated to come in around two years, which would be November 2021 for the deal with Croda and February 2022 for Winclove, although the timeline for the latter has now compressed significantly.

Cash at the end of June was around 2.1mln.

At current cash burn we do have a two-year window however, as we commence commercialisation and we start new rapid access trials, we will start burning cash a little faster, Ashman concluded.

Its going to be very busy. Regardless of what Covid-19 throws at us, we are looking to find all routes possible to get this psoriasis product into the hands of those that need it and progress on the other areas.

At 19.4p, the company is valued at 25mln.

More here:

SkinBioTherapeutics targets the promising skin microbiome market - Proactive Investors UK

Scientific Solution for Sensitive Skin: Perricone MD Announces New Hypoallergenic CBD Sensitive Skin Therapy Collection – PRNewswire

SAN FRANCISCO, July 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Perricone MD continues its dedication to breakthrough, science-backed skincare solutions with a new collectionfeaturing 99% pure Cannabidiol (CBD), sourced in the United States, as the featured active ingredient. Drawing from loyal brand fan requests for a true sensitive skin care line, Perricone MD took innovation with CBD to the next level with the introduction of the Hypoallergenic CBD Sensitive Skin Therapy Collection.

Known for its soothing and calming benefits, CBD is a naturally-derived, powerful antioxidant that helps revitalize the look of stressed and problematic skin. Unlike other CBD products on the market, Perricone MD intentionally innovates with 99% Cannabidiol isolate to embrace the powerful ingredient in its most potent and pure form for maximum benefits. Other brands often use full- and broad-spectrum CBD, which contain impurities. With the combination of 99% pure Cannabidiol and other clean ingredients like Buriti Oil and Cherimoya Fruit Extract, this ultra-gentle regimen provides the ultimate relief for angry, irritated skin.

"We have led the category with CBD skincare innovation since 2017, first with our CBx for Men franchise, then with the addition of CBD to our Cold Plasma Plus+ Advanced Serum Concentrate in early 2020. As the ingredient has become more mainstream and widely accepted, we have decided to expand our portfolio through the introduction of Hypoallergenic CBD Sensitive Skin Therapy," says Robert Koerner, Perricone MD's Chief Marketing Officer. "We consistently hear from customers experiencing irritation that ultimately takes a toll on the skin's appearance, resulting in stressed and problematic texture. We are thrilled to be able to offer the collection as an effective solution for the angriest, stressed and irritated skin."

Recognized and approved by the National Psoriasis Foundation, the regimen is also suitable for individuals living with psoriasis and other severe sensitive skin conditions. "The National Psoriasis Foundation Seal of Recognition identifies products that have been created or are intended to be non-irritating and safe for people living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis," said Stacie Bell, Ph.D., chief scientific and medical officer, National Psoriasis Foundation. "With the addition of these products, we are excited to offer our psoriasis patient community an expanded number of quality products recognized to soothe symptoms specific to psoriasis."

Specifically developed for those with sensitive skin, the collection is non-comedogenic, dermatologist-tested and free of the 26 known allergens as well as fragrance, gluten, sulfates, silicones, parabens, formaldehyde, butylene- and propylene-glycol, PEG, phthalates, BHA and BHT.

The four-piece collection consists of the following:

Boasting impressive clinical results, the four-week study on the regimen showed improvement to skin barrier function, radiance, hydration, texture, tightness and elasticity. Additionally, the overall appearance of crepiness, fines lines and wrinkles was reduced**.

The Hypoallergenic CBD Sensitive Skin Therapy Collection is now available onSootheskin.PerriconeMD.com, available at Ulta Beauty, Ulta.com, Dillards.com, Macy's, Macys.com, EC Scott and ECScottgroup.com by early August.

*Based on a consumer study on 102 people over 28 days.**Based on a clinical study with 40 females over 28 days after using the full collection.

About Perricone MD

We Pick Up Where Nature Left Off.For over two decades, Perricone MD has been based around a three-tier, holistic skin and wellness system. It consists of an anti-inflammatory diet, essential dietary supplements and potent topical skincare solutions backed by some of the most powerful ingredients on the planet. Perricone MD was created by Dr.Nicholas Perricone, whoseNew York Timesbest-sellerThe Wrinkle Cureintroduced the world to the benefits of an anti-inflammatory lifestyle.Perricone MD is driven by the pursuit of fearless innovation and a stubbornly uncompromising spirit of excellence."We continuously seek the truth in unlocking the powerful science behind healthy-looking skin, from the inside out and outside in."

Perricone MD products feature some of the most potent ingredients on the planet that replenish the building blocks of healthy-looking skin, picking up where nature left off. The brand's award-winning patented sciences include: H2 Energy Complex, Nrf2 Antioxidant Support Complex, DMAE, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin C Ester, Acyl-Glutathione, and Neuropeptides. Perricone MD products are available onPerriconeMD.com, as well as UltaBeauty, Nordstrom, Dillard's, Lord & Taylor,Neiman Marcus, QVC and Sephora, and other leading specialty stores in the US. Perricone MD products are also available in more than 34 countries around the world in prestige retailers.

SOURCE Perricone MD

http://PerriconeMD.com

View original post here:

Scientific Solution for Sensitive Skin: Perricone MD Announces New Hypoallergenic CBD Sensitive Skin Therapy Collection - PRNewswire

Is more rare earths processing about to be lost offshore? – @AuManufacturing

Comment by Peter Roberts

Australian Strategic Materials (ASM) Korean research and development partner, ZironTech has successfully produced a kilogramme of neodymium metal alloy.

While this would normally be seen as a win for Australia the fact that production took place in ZironTechs laboratory in South Korea rings alarm bells.

Neodymium is a critical rare earth used with iron and boron to create powerful permanent NIB magnets for computers, cell phones, medical equipment, toys, motors, wind turbines and audio systems.

There are few sources of rare earths outside China and recent supply chain disruptions have shown the wisdom of onshoring rare earths processing based on Australian minerals.

During the covid-19 pandemic Australias biggest rare earths producer Lynas Corporation was forced to close its Malaysian processing facilities.

That company is now relocating some processing closer to its Mt Weld mine in Western Australia.

Lynas should never have been allowed to site such strategic operations offshore, but now the prospect is that ASMs Australian raw materials will lead to the same result, with value adding this time in South Korea.

The joint venture between ASM, a subsidiary of listed Alkane Resources, and ZironTech is targeting 45 per cent less energy use in its rare earth metallisation process than in traditional processes.

The creation of the alloy is the first stage of production, with the next step electrorefining to produce a 99.9 per cent purity Nd metal to be completed this month.

Following that a commercial pilot plant sited in South Korea will process larger quantities of neodymium and praseodymium metal alloys.

Praseodymium is another rare earth primarily used as an alloying agent to produce high strength metals, including those used inside jet engines.

ASM managing director David Woodall said: This is a major milestone in ASMs integrated strategy that includes clean metal production for all products from the development of the Dubbo Project in Central West NSW.

Integration of metal production into ASMs business is consistent with the Australian Governments objective of adding value within Australia, while ensuring supply security of these critical materials to global and Australian manufacturing sectors.

It is simply not apparent how overseas processing can be classed as adding value within Australia, nor how it ensures supply in case of disruption to supply chains.

This story has been edited to clarify the ownership of the processing IP, which is by South Korea.

Picture: Australian Strategic Materials/1kg Neodymium (87%) metal alloy

Subscribe to our free @AuManufacturing newsletter here.

Read the original here:

Is more rare earths processing about to be lost offshore? - @AuManufacturing

Immigration Minister’s message to work visa holders offshore: stay where you are for the time being – Stuff.co.nz

The Minister for Immigration has a message for the majority of temporary visa holders stuck offshore: stay where you are for the time being.

Iain Lees-Gallowway, in an interview withRadio Taranatoday, said there was a lack of opportunity to safely let back in temporary visa holders mostly because of a large influx returning New Zealand citizens and residents.

"Whatwe're seeing is as the number of Covid-19 cases around the world continues to increase, New Zealand citizens and residents who perhaps initially decided to stay in the country where they were are increasingly deciding to come back home to New Zealand," Lees-Galloway said.

MONIQUE FORD / STUFF

Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway.

"And that really limits our ability to take people who are on visas, particularly temporary visas.

READ MORE:* New border exceptions in place, but many will have to wait for a while to reunite with loved ones*Government suspends compassionate exemptions from managed isolation*Coronavirus: 'Our expectations have not been met' says PM*PM offers ray of hope for work visa holders stranded overseas to be able to return to their lives in NZ*No quick return to New Zealand in sight for migrant workers stuck overseas, says Immigration Minister*Work visa holders stranded overseas share heartbreak stories*Migrant workers stuck overseas on temporary visas share their plight of waiting to be let back in

"So for the time being, the message to temporary visa holders is unfortunately there is no opportunity to expand the number of people who can come into the country," Lees-Galloway said.

"We have limited exceptions, for humanitarian purposes, for family reunification and for people who offer a significant economicimpact on New Zealand.

"Butfor the vast majority of temporary visa holders, for the time being, the message has to be to stay where they are, and whilst we're working on increasing the capacity for managed isolation, for nowthat managed isolation is largely being taken up by New Zealand citizens and residents."

Lees-Galloway was in Auckland this week, and met with migrant community leaders on Monday, before the interview inTaranastudios earlier today, Tuesday, July 14.

In a later live video, Lees-Galloway pointed out why Immigration New Zealand was not able to extend the visas of temporary visa holders who were stuck overseas.

"One of the things that we are concerned about is that an essential skills visa, which is what most people hold, is issued in order to fill a particular role, where we can demonstrate that the particular role is not one that New Zealanders can fill.

"If weautomaticallyextend all those visas now, you may find that people may hold a visa even ifa jobthatno longer exists," Lees-Galloway said.

"That is certainly a concernfrom agood immigration perspective and also for the vulnerability of the people themselves - if they come to New Zealand and they have no job, and no source of income, that makes them very vulnerable to things like exploitation.

"This is not to say that we completely dismiss the idea of doing some kind of extensions for people who are offshore, but that is one of the big questions that we need to have a good answer to, which is how do we ensure that expending visas doesn't actually work against our immigration policy, but secondlyit doesn't actually put people into a position where they are extremely vulnerable," he said.

Lees-Galloway emphasised the firm view the government held about the border closure and restrictions that were in place.

"I make no apology for the border closurein New Zealand, that is what is protecting everybody in New Zealand - you, me, and the team of five million from Covid-19.

"So we've got to be realistic about what the prospects are for the people who are currently offshore.

"What I have said, and I do want to do is produce a plan that demonstrates to people how we will sequence the return to New Zealand of people who hold temporary visas," Lees-Galloway said.

"We know it's frustrating, incredibly frustrating for all of us, especially for the temporary visa holders that we can't give a timeline, but we can't give a timeline because the virus clearly has not peaked, we've seen somethinglike a 100,000 new cases of the virus around the world every single day.

"We can't predict what's going to happen with the flow of New Zealanders back into the country,whenwe do see that flow start to reduce, then that willpotentiallyopen up spaces in managed isolation, and that is the time we can potentially try an opportunity for temporary visa holders toreturn.

"I get that it's frustrating,I get that there are people in really difficult circumstances, I do feel for them, I wish it wasn't the case."

Asked about thedelays in theprocessingresidency applicationsand the backlog of cases at Immigration New Zealand offices, Lees-Galloway said he was satisfied that the "priority" and "non-priority" were nowmoving.

"Immigration New Zealand has a planning range, they are meeting that planning range;in the last 18-month planning range they issued 52,000 residencies, and that was within the planningrange the government had set," Lees-Galloway said.

"Immigration New Zealand are meeting the government's expectations of issuing a number of visas within that planning range.

"The challenge we are having at themomentis that the number of applications coming in is much higherthanexpected, and that automatically means the wait is going to increase.

He denied that INZ was facing a staff shortage.

"Immigration New Zealand has put enough resources into the processing of residency visas to meet the government's planning range, that's what is asked of them and that's what they are doing."

Lees-Galloway said hehaddiscussed a range of issues with migrant community leaders in Onehunga on Monday.

"We had a long conversation about all the challenges we're facing at a time when the whole world is facing a massive global pandemic.

"And every country in the world is dealing with the question of border closures, who is able to travel in out of their country and obviously a lot of conversationabout the impact that has had on people, and the real human impact that has had on people's lives," Lees-Galloway said.

He reiterated that the border closure was the "single best protection that New Zealand hasagainst Covid-19".

"The fact that we are doing such a good job makes us very popular and people all around the world -New Zealand citizens, people who hold residency visas, people who hold temporary visas - all want to come here because they see us as a progressive, successful country that has done a great job of suppressing the virus and where there's a lot of opportunities.

"Obviously, in order to continue protecting everybody in the community that is here in New Zealand now, we have to limit the number of people that are able to come in to the country."

Read the original post:

Immigration Minister's message to work visa holders offshore: stay where you are for the time being - Stuff.co.nz

rsted Seeking New Location for Skipjack Interconnection Hub – Offshore WIND

Offshore wind developer rsted has decided against constructing the interconnection facility for the Skipjack wind farm at Fenwick Island State Park in Sussex County, Delaware, US.

In July 2019, rsted entered into a non-binding memorandum of understanding with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) to construct the interconnection facility on a portion of a site within Fenwick Island State Park.

Following the completion of more thorough evaluations of the area proposed for the facility, rsted has determined that a large portion of the site is comprised of undisturbed wetlands.

Accordingly, rsted has notified DNREC that it will no longer pursue plans to build the interconnection facility at Fenwick Island State Park as initially proposed.

A new interconnection site will be announced in the coming weeks, the developer said.

Constructing an interconnection facility on a site with such an extensive presence of undisturbed wetlands runs contrary to rsteds deeply-held commitment to building our business sustainably, said Brady Walker, Mid-Atlantic Market Manager for rsted.

The Skipjack Wind Farm will deliver significant environmental and economic benefits to the Delmarva region, from good-paying jobs to renewable energy for tens of thousands of homes. However, rsted is committed to constructing the wind farm and associated infrastructure in a way that seeks to mitigate potential adverse impacts on local ecosystems and communities.

Located 19 miles off the Maryland-Delaware coast, the 120 MW Skipjack Wind Farmwill feature GE Haliade-X 12 MW wind turbines, subject to final agreed and signed contract, and all required project approvals.

rstedwill developthe project at Marylands first offshore wind energy staging center at Tradepoint Atlantic, Baltimore County.

The wind farm is scheduled to be operational by the end of 2023.

See the original post here:

rsted Seeking New Location for Skipjack Interconnection Hub - Offshore WIND

Hermitage Offshore Services Ltd. (NYSE:PSV) Announces Forbearance Agreement with the Lenders to its $132.9 Million Term Loan Facility – Yahoo Finance

HAMILTON, Bermuda, July 09, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hermitage Offshore Services Ltd. (NYSE:PSV) (Hermitage Offshore, or the Company) announced today that it has executed a forbearance agreement (the Forbearance Agreement) to its $132.9 Million Term Loan Facility dated January 14, 2020 (the Term Loan Facility) with DNB Bank ASA and Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (publ) (together, the Lenders) and DNB Bank ASA, as agent and security agent. While the Forbearance Agreement does not address the long-term liquidity and restructuring needs of the Company, pursuant to the terms of the Forbearance Agreement, the Lenders have agreed to forbear from exercising any of their rights and remedies under the Term Loan Facility and any other finance agreements related to the Term Loan Facility in the event of a default by the Company until July 31, 2020.

As previously announced, the outbreak of the novel coronavirus coupled with the collapse in the price of crude oil has resulted in a significant and abrupt deterioration in the financial condition of the Company. These events have given rise to substantial doubt about the Companys ability to continue as a going concern. As a result, the Company has engaged Perella Weinberg Partners andSnapdragon Advisory AB as financial advisors and Proskauer Rose LLP as legal counsel to analyze restructuring alternatives and has been in ongoing discussions with the Lenders in an effort to address these issues.

About the Company

Hermitage Offshore Services Ltd. is an offshore support vessel company that owns 23 vessels consisting of 10 platform supply vessels, or PSVs, two anchor handling tug supply vessels, or AHTS vessels, and 11 crew boats. The Companys vessels primarily operate in the North Sea and the West Coast of Africa. Additional information about the Company is available at the Companys website http://www.hermitage-offshore.com, which is not a part of this press release.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Matters discussed in this press release may constitute forwardlooking statements. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides safe harbor protections for forwardlooking statements in order to encourage companies to provide prospective information about their business. Forwardlooking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are other than statements of historical facts. The Company desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words believe, expect, anticipate, estimate, intend, plan, target, project, likely, may, will, would, could and similar expressions identify forwardlooking statements.

The forwardlooking statements in this press release are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including without limitation, managements examination of historical operating trends, data contained in the Companys records and other data available from third parties. Although management believes that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond the Companys control, there can be no assurance that the Company will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections. The Company undertakes no obligation, and specifically declines any obligation, except as required by law, to publicly update or revise any forwardlooking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Important factors that, in the Companys view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include the strength of world economies and currencies, general market conditions, including fluctuations in charter rates and vessel values, changes in demand in the offshore support vessel (OSV) market, changes in charter hire rates and vessel values, demand in offshore supply vessels,the length and severity of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the results of the Companys discussions with its lenders, the Companys operating expenses, including bunker prices, dry docking and insurance costs,governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities as well as potential liability from pending or future litigation, general domestic and international political conditions, potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents or political events, the availability of financing and refinancing, vessel breakdowns and instances of off-hire and other important factors described from time to time in the reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contacts:

Hermitage Offshore Services Ltd.+377 9798 5717 (Monaco)+1 646 432 3315 (New York)Web-site: http://www.hermitage-offshore.com

Go here to read the rest:

Hermitage Offshore Services Ltd. (NYSE:PSV) Announces Forbearance Agreement with the Lenders to its $132.9 Million Term Loan Facility - Yahoo Finance

Older South Africans are taking their wealth and pensions offshore – BusinessTech

In the current precarious economic climate, South African residents over age 55, who invested in retirement annuities (RAs), preservation funds or pensions, are increasingly transferring their investments to living annuities with offshore equity exposure.

Claudia Mendes, international financial planner at Sable International, considers the argument for going offshore.

South African residents find themselves investing in a country that has a concentration of resource stocks and a volatile currency.

With South Africa being 1% of the global stock market sell-offs globally have a habit of hurting both the SA equity market and the currency at the same time, said Mendes.

This double whammy effect has hurt too many retirement accounts for South Africans.

Most people are not aware that when funds move from a retirement annuity or pension covered by the Pension Funds Act and pension regulations into a living annuity, these funds are no longer constrained by Regulation 28.

While your pension funds are accumulating in South Africa, they are bound by this investment restriction, which allows only 30% of the fund to be invested offshore.

Once your pension funds go into the living annuity environment, however, you have retired and are no longer bound by Regulation 28, so you can take your living annuity offshore.

Finding the right portfolio solution

The South African equity market had period of time when it has performed well in global terms.

That hasnt been the case for well over a decade now. Its impossible to tell where the fastest growth will come from over the next decade but theres a 99% chance its not going to be in South Africa.

Therefore in order to generate returns South African investors need offshore assets preferably in diversified low cost form, Mendes said.

Holding offshore assets does however, create a liability matching problem. i.e. the dividends from offshore companies are in a different currency to the spending being done in local ZAR.

Most portfolios should however, hold a portion of assets in fixed income portfolios. Fixed income reduces the overall portfolio risk and generates income yield needed in retirement, Sable said.

Global fixed income portfolios currency see very low yields as the largest debt issuers in the worlds (The US, UK, Europe and Japan) all have very low interest rate environments.

These low interest rates are likely to stay low in the medium term, said Mendes.

South African fixed income on the other hand (corporate and sovereign) offers a good risk adjusted yield that is matched to the currency being spent by the retiree, she said.

The combination of offshore equity and local fixed income generates a goldilocks combination of total return in hard currency and natural yield in local currency.

What does this mean for an SA resident retiree?

Looking at the data

The Covid-19 market panic is in full bloom, said Mendes. The South African market took a knock of -30% and the rand fell 25% against the dollar and 15% against the pound.

The Sable Living Annuity portfolio holding 60% in offshore equity and 40% in local South African bonds rises by 5.62%.

Looking at a five-year return period

The power of compounding hard currency returns becomes even more clear over longer time periods, Mendes further noted.

Below is a view of the performance of this 60% offshore equity 40% local fixed income portfolio in the global market over the past five years.

The table quickly makes stark the underperformance of SA equity vs global equity and even when compared to local rand cash compounded returns.

This illustrates the importance of building portfolios for a range of possible outcomes rather than a single expectation, which is why our risk-rated model portfolios are built with a mix ofhigh-risk, high-return global equities and lower-risk, lower return global bonds in mix thats suitable for each client, Mendes said.

The conclusion that can be drawn from the above charts is that with the right portfolio you can have a cost effective, globally diversified solution for your living annuity that also mitigates the volatility of the local currency.

Who can best benefit from an offshore living annuity?

If you are a South African resident and over the age of 55 you have the option to transfer your Living Annuity to one that invests directly into offshore funds.

You just need to ensure that the offshore/onshore portfolio you choose is optimised for both your personal situation and fluctuating market conditions, said Mendes.

Read: This little tax-haven island off England is has become a popular spot for South Africans to invest

Go here to read the rest:

Older South Africans are taking their wealth and pensions offshore - BusinessTech