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Australians like banning teens from social media. They just don’t think it’ll workBy David Irecki THE PHILIPPINES, a nation brimming with potential, is facing a productivity challenge. While the labor force is undeniably talented, it is experiencing an efficiency gap compared to its Association of Southeast Asian neighbors. The country’s productivity per worker of $24,830 pales in comparison to Singapore ($186,180), Malaysia ($71,100), and Indonesia ($28,630). However, generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) can be harnessed to raise productivity. Deloitte estimates the technology can save 16% of working time — or more than 11 billion hours — in the Asia-Pacific every week. This amounts to saving almost a whole day a week through the complete automation of certain tasks and augmenting processes when workers integrate AI into their workflows. AI deployments can benefit the country to the tune of P2.6 trillion (about $44.2 billion) annually, according to National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan. AI AGENTS — CATALYSTS FOR TRANSFORMATION As the Philippines embraces digitalization, the use of AI agents is essential to increasing productivity and remaining competitive in a rapidly evolving global market. These intelligent software entities represent a significant evolution in GenAI. Their ability to perform tasks autonomously, reason, and make decisions within their defined scope without human intervention empowers them to act independently and adapt to changing environments. As a result, organizations are able to leverage them more effectively for productivity and efficiency gains. AI agents can be used to improve customer service by providing instant support through chatbots — from answering frequently asked questions to resolving issues and ensuring customers receive timely assistance. In addition, they can support e-commerce by recommending products based on user preferences and analyzing buying behavior to deliver personalized experiences that boost sales. The AI market in the Philippines is growing rapidly, with a projected expansion of nearly 36% to reach $772.1 million this year. The adoption of AI-powered chatbots for customer service and data analysis across industries is becoming increasingly common. This trend is expected to continue as companies realize the cost-saving benefits and improved efficiency of AI-powered solutions. These examples only scratch the surface of the possibilities that AI agents can offer. Since AI agents can execute entire sequences of tasks on their own, there is an opportunity to move beyond passive applications of AI to a more proactive model. This transition from mere automation to “autonomous actions” could revolutionize decision-making processes as AI capabilities evolve from productivity tools to something that can actively manage interconnected business operations. AN AI READINESS BLUEPRINT This all sounds promising, but for AI agents to work effectively, think logically and make decisions, the quality of their training data is critical. Unfortunately, Boomi’s AI Readiness Assessment shows that 73% of organizations are still struggling with data readiness. The problem? Data that is fragmented, undiscoverable or simply unreliable, all of which could significantly derail organizations’ AI initiatives. Data is the backbone of AI. To use AI effectively, organizations need to have a solid data foundation in place, and that starts with fostering strong data quality and data liquidity. It is not just about having data, but rather which data is more important than others. The real advantage comes from providing AI with the right data at the right time and in the right form. Thus, to be AI-ready, organizations need a clear understanding — even a map — of where their data resides, what value it has, who owns it, and how it is generated, processed, secured, and governed. Only once this foundation has been laid can companies harness the potential of AI to turn raw data into useful information, which can then be transformed into actionable intelligence and tangible outcomes. STARTING WITH THE BASICS The journey towards enhanced productivity is contingent on how effectively Philippine organizations can connect their data, systems, and applications to fully harness the power of AI to bridge the productivity gap and foster innovation. Amid various business disruptions locally and globally, organizations that invest in data readiness will be well-positioned to future-proof themselves to achieve growth and success for a long time. David Irecki, Boomi Chief Technology Officer for APJ
Kimanzi, Zico handed Harambee Stars coaching roles on interimThe recently retired Andy Murray is going to team up with longtime rival Novak Djokovic as his coach, they both announced Saturday, with plans to prepare for — and work together through — the Australian Open in January. It was a stunning bit of news as tennis moves toward its offseason , a pairing of two of the most successful and popular players in the sport, both of whom are sometimes referred to as members of a so-called Big Four that also included Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal . Djokovic is a 24-time Grand Slam champion who has spent more weeks at No. 1 than any other player in tennis history. Murray won three major trophies and two Olympic singles gold medals and finished 2016 atop the ATP rankings. He ended his playing career after the Paris Summer Games in August. Both men are 37 and were born a week apart in May 1987. They started facing each other as juniors and wound up meeting 36 times as professionals, with Djokovic holding a 25-11 advantage. “We played each other since we were boys — 25 years of being rivals, of pushing each other beyond our limits. We had some of the most epic battles in our sport. They called us game-changers, risk-takers, history-makers,” Djokovic posted on social media over photos and videos from some of their matches. “I thought our story may be over. Turns out, it has one final chapter. It’s time for one of my toughest opponents to step into my corner. Welcome on board, Coach — Andy Murray.” Djokovic's 2024 season is over, and it was not up to his usual, high standards. He didn't win a Grand Slam trophy ; his only title, though, was meaningful to him: a gold medal for Serbia in singles at the Summer Games. Djokovic has been without a full-time coach since splitting in March from Goran Ivanisevic. “I’m going to be joining Novak’s team in the offseason, helping him to prepare for the Australian Open," Murray said in a statement released by his management team. "I’m really excited for it and looking forward to spending time on the same side of the net as Novak for a change, helping him to achieve his goals.” Their head-to-head series on tour includes an 11-8 lead for Djokovic in finals, and 8-2 at Grand Slam tournaments. Djokovic beat Murray four times in the Australian Open final alone — in 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2016. Two of the most important victories of Murray's career came with Djokovic on the other side of the net. One was in the 2012 U.S. Open final , when Murray claimed his first Grand Slam title. The other was in the 2013 Wimbledon final , when Murray became the first British man in 77 years to win the singles championship at the All England Club. Next year's Australian Open starts on Jan. 12. ___ AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis
Trump administration to review its relationship with PKK terror group: Turkish foreign ministerIf you’re an artist trying to sell your catalog — or an entertainment company trying to buy one — you should take a closer look at the attorneys who make up ‘s 2024 Top Music Lawyers list. From working on Beyoncé’s Renaissance tour and album to negotiating deals with Crocs and NASCAR for Luke Combs to linking K-pop kings like RM and Jung Kook with stars like Megan Thee Stallion and Usher, these are the dealmakers you need to know about. Lisa Alter & Katie Baron In the past 18 months, Alter and Baron have negotiated and closed $1 billion in deals. They have represented Primary Wave in the acquisitions of several catalogs, including Def Leppard, The Strokes, Ramones, James Brown, Isaac Hayes, Whitney Houston, Bob Marley and a share of Stevie Nicks’. The duo has helped other companies acquire more catalogs, including Iconic Artists Group (Rod Stewart, Joe Cocker), Influence Media Partners (Future, Blake Shelton, Enrique Iglesias), BMG Rights Management (Peter Frampton, ZZ Top) and Reservoir Media Management (Sonny Rollins, Louis Prima). “Pink Pony Club,” by Chappell Roan. “Houdini,” by Eminem New Kids on the Block Traffic John Branca, David Byrnes & David Lande From working on Beyoncé’s epic Renaissance tour and film as well as album — which snagged 11 Grammy nominations — to negotiating Pharrell’s deal with Focus Features and a new Adidas agreement, Ziffren Brittenham’s music department is in top form. They also negotiated a major deal for Barry Gibb’s Bee Gees catalog and Olivia Rodrigo’s GUTS tour, as well as her partnership with Gen Z-obsessed Stanley water bottles and lucrative Lancôme endorsement deal. “Exciting to view the opportunities through the lens of my Gen Z clients who are embracing the technology and finding interesting ways to create using it.” The Rolling Stones Tiffany Dunn Dunn has represented John R. Cash Revocable Trust in matters concerning Johnny Cash trademarks, copyright and more, from a collab with Jacques Marie Mage eyewear to the posthumous album to Cash’s statue at the U.S. Capitol, making the late icon the first musician to be honored in such a way. For Luke Combs, Dunn has worked on his collaborations with Crocs, NASCAR and NBC Sports; his partnership with Miller Lite; and his Nashville restaurant, Category 10. “At Six Flags. My first country show was Garth Brooks.” Damien Granderson Granderson represented Quality Control Music in its sale to K-pop power HYBE America, and he also reps triple Grammy nominee Raye, handling performance agreements for her shows at London’s O2 Arena, Coachella, and Royal Albert Hall. He also negotiates for J Balvin and Ne-Yo. “AI-powered tools make music creation, distribution and consumption more accessible and personalized while helping artists and businesses optimize their processes.” Fugees Stevie Wonder and Raye Palisa Kelley As sales of music catalogs have skyrocketed over the past few years, Kelley has emerged as the premier dealmaker in the arena. She’s helped acquire the catalogs of some of the biggest artists in the world, including Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj, Pat Benatar, Christine McVie, Nelly, Florida Georgia Line and Brad Paisley. Kelley has made deals for more than 55 catalogs and 29,000-plus songs across master recordings, publishing income streams and musical compositions. “ . I sit on the board of an organization that serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This K-drama about an attorney with autism is an entertaining production that leads with compassion.” “Not Like Us,” by Kendrick Lamar “Women of color in executive positions.” Christine Lepera Lepera is the litigator artists call when they need help in court, especially when it comes to copyright, trademark and contract disputes. She’s represented Universal Music Group, Drake, Katy Perry, Post Malone and Dr. Luke, among others. For Dua Lipa, she successfully obtained dismissal with prejudice of a copyright infringement case against the pop star and Warner Music Group for “Levitating,” Billboard’s No. 1 song of 2021; Lepera also won a summary judgment for Timbaland and other defendants on claims of infringement. “Texas Hold ‘Em,” by Beyoncé Donald S. Passman, J. Eugene (Gene) Salomon Jr. & Ethan Schiffres This trio’s clients mirror the Billboard charts — there’s Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish and Adele. For the latter, they worked on her Las Vegas and Munich residencies, while other deals include Green Day’s album and tour, as well as Pink’s latest live trek. The firm also negotiated the asset sale by Cher to Iconic Artists Group and represents Oscar-, Emmy- and Grammy-winning composer Ludwig Göransson for his work on and Childish Gambino’s latest album. They also count Stevie Wonder, R.E.M. and Adam Lambert as clients. “Women in the studio and in leadership positions.” Adrian Perry & Jonathan Sperling Perry and Sperling co-led a team of lawyers that represented a music company in one of the largest music catalog deals in the industry. With such clients as Sony Music, Disney, Amazon, the NBA and the NFL, Perry continues to be an authority on AI deals, digital content distribution issues, and data collection and licensing, while Sperling is a go-to litigator for labels in copyright and royalty disputes. “Personality Crisis,” by New York Dolls “Am Yisrael Chai,” by Eyal Golan Billie Eilish and Julian Casablancas Julian Petty Warner has been on a white-hot winning streak thanks to breaking new acts like Benson Boone and Teddy Swims, along with the continued success of Zach Bryan. And Petty is working across those new artist deals as well as renegotiations as the label’s executive vp and head of legal affairs. In addition, he negotiated Linkin Park’s partnership with Riot Games and continues to work on the Warner Music/Blavatnik Center for Music Business Fellowship Program at Howard University, established after the death of George Floyd and aimed at increasing the pipeline for Black executives in the music business. “Respect for its OGs. I realize it’s a youth-driven business, but there is a lot of talent and insight held by the legacy artists and older execs. We need to do a better job harvesting that institutional knowledge and talent.” “DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince. I vividly remember them rocking the house and strengthening my love for hip-hop.” Alexis Robinson & Daniel Schnapp For the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), Robinson and Schnapp negotiated multiyear licenses with Netflix, Spotify, BBC, Univision and more to publicly perform the repertory of musical works of the performing rights organization. The duo also put together numerous membership and financial incentive agreements for new and existing ASCAP members Lauryn Hill, SZA, Kacey Musgraves and Fall Out Boy. Other big clients include TikTok, Vevo and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Amy Winehouse and Kendrick Lamar Metallica and Post Malone Angela Marie Rogers After running her own firm for more than a decade, Rogers joined gamma. — the media and technology company and new wave record label — as head of business and legal affairs. There, she handles signings for partners like Usher, Snoop Dogg and Rebel Music’s Sexyy Red while also spearheading strategic partnerships. In addition, she led production legal services at Mass Appeal for the Hulu documentary , about the iconic Atlanta street party that took place during the ’80s and ’90s. “Still formulating.” “Creativity on the business side. The traditional major record label model and traditional independent distribution model need to change. That’s why I’m so excited about being part of gamma. Anything’s possible over here.” Jess Rosen Country music has always been one of music’s top genres, but in the past few years, these stars have dominated the pop scene and reached newer heights. Rosen has been working behind the scenes alongside the genre’s biggest acts, negotiating major tour deals for Kenny Chesney, Kacey Musgraves and Kane Brown, whose publishing catalog he also helped sell. Rosen — who secured more than 240 deals, collectively valued at more than eight figures, in the past year — also negotiated celebrity restaurant license deals for Brown and Miranda Lambert. “Summer Wind,” by Frank Sinatra Angela Martinez Martinez is the founder and sole operator of AngieLaw and represents some of the world’s biggest Latin acts, including Ozuna, Luis Fonsi, Feid, Sebastián Yatra, María Becerra and Alemán. In the past year, she continued to navigate the complexities of music law, closing a series of high-stakes agreements, including recording, publishing, distribution and asset purchase deals, collectively securing more than $130 million. “New technologies in music often meet resistance, as we saw with cassettes, CDs and digital music. While I understand concerns around AI, I believe the industry should focus on ways to monetize it and create unique fan experiences that only artists can provide. Embracing AI can open new opportunities without losing the personal connection central to music.” “Vanilla Ice, En Vogue and MC Hammer — don’t judge me!” Bobby Rosenbloum In the past year, Rosenbloum has orchestrated deals totaling more than $3 billion. He oversees music licensing and strategy for music AI companies like SourceAudio, Klay Vision, Songbird AI and Oy, as well as social media platforms like Meta, Snap, TikTok, X and Twitch. He’s on speed dial as outside music counsel for such top companies as Mattel, the Coca-Cola Co., Amazon Studios, Lululemon, Verizon Wireless, MLB and Apple Studios — just to name a few. And he serves as deputy general counsel of the Recording Academy and the Latin Recording Academy. “Espresso,” by Sabrina Carpenter (produced by our client Julian Bunetta). “Solutions for global music publishing licensing. The current fragmentation of the marketplace has made it far too difficult for new businesses to innovate.” Matthew Thompson Thompson assisted Warner Music Group in its recent reorg of Atlantic Records, including the elevation of 10K Projects founder Elliot Grainge to CEO. Thompson also helped WMG and its affiliates on a joint venture with 10K Projects, home to Ice Spice, Artemas and Trippie Redd. And he’s worked on big catalog acquisitions, including WMG acquiring the entire recorded music catalog of Yes. “Keep it out. Music is a deeply human creation and experience and should stay that way.” “Ability to connect emergent artists with fans. I know there are a ton of ways to make this happen, but so many young up-and-comers just never find their audience. It’s sad.” Debbie White Call White the queen of K-pop collabs. She’s represented HYBE — home to BTS — for seven years, and her recent deals include Jung Kook teaming up with Usher for “Standing Next to You”; RM and Megan Thee Stallion joining forces for “Neva Play”; and Jimin linking with NLE Choppa, JVKE and Muni Long on “Angel Pt. 1” and “Angel Pt. 2” from the soundtrack. She also worked on NewJeans’ global brand ambassadorship with Coca-Cola and is busy outside of the K-pop spectrum, handling deals for clients like Hello Sunshine, The Who, Duran Duran and Christina Aguilera, for her Las Vegas residency and an Airbnb partnership. “Fire for You,” by Cannons, and “A Sky Full of Stars,” by Coldplay. “Carpenters in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. However, the first concert I truly remember attending was Styx at Radio City Music Hall.” . THR Newsletters Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day More from The Hollywood ReporterMuslim Votes Matter: DMV Imams Urge Political Action for Global Justice
CT GOP lawmakers call for more resources ‘to investigate unmanned aircraft’ aka drones
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stock indexes fell Thursday following some potentially discouraging data on the economy . The S&P 500 slipped 0.5% for its fourth loss in the last six days. It’s a pause for the index, which has been rallying toward one of its best years of the millennium . The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 234 points, or 0.5%, and the Nasdaq composite sank 0.7% from its record set the day before. A report early in the morning said more U.S. workers applied for unemployment benefits last week than expected. A separate update, meanwhile, showed that inflation at the wholesale level, before it reaches U.S. consumers, was hotter last month than economists expected. Neither report points to imminent disaster, but they dilute one of the hopes that’s driven the S&P 500 to 57 all-time highs so far this year : Inflation is slowing enough to convince the Federal Reserve to keep cutting interest rates, while the economy is remaining solid enough to stay out of a recession. Of the two reports, the weaker update on the job market may be the bigger deal for the market, according to Chris Larkin, managing director, trading and investing, at E-Trade from Morgan Stanley. A surge in egg prices may have been behind the worse-than-expected inflation numbers. “One week doesn’t negate what has been a relatively steady stream of solid labor market data, but the Fed is primed to be sensitive to any signs of a softening jobs picture,” he said. Traders are widely expecting the Fed will ease its main interest rate at its meeting next week. If they’re correct, it would be a third straight cut by the Fed after it began lowering rates in September from a two-decade high. It’s hoping to support a slowing job market after getting inflation nearly all the way down to its 2% target. Lower rates would give a boost to the economy and to prices for investments, but they could also provide more fuel for inflation. A cut next week would have the Fed following other central banks, which lowered rates on Thursday. The European Central Bank cut rates by a quarter of a percentage point, as many investors expected, and the Swiss National Bank cut its policy rate by a steeper half of a percentage point. Following its decision, Switzerland’s central bank pointed to uncertainty about how U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s victory will affect economic policies, as well as about where politics in Europe is heading. Trump has talked up tariffs and other policies that could upend global trade. He rang the bell marking the start of trading at the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday to chants of “USA.” On Wall Street, Adobe fell 13.7% and was one of the heaviest weights on the market despite reporting stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected. The company gave forecasts for profit and revenue in its upcoming fiscal year that fell a bit shy of analysts’. Warner Bros. Discovery soared 15.4% after unveiling a new corporate structure that separates its streaming business and film studios from its traditional television business. CEO David Zaslav said the move “enhances our flexibility with potential future strategic opportunities,” raising speculation about a spinoff or sale. Kroger rose 3.2% after saying it would get back to buying back its own stock now that its attempt to merge with Albertsons is off . Kroger’s board approved a program to repurchase up to $7.5 billion of its stock, replacing an existing $1 billion authorization. All told, the S&P 500 fell 32.94 points to 6,051.25. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 234.55 to 43,914.12, and the Nasdaq composite sank 132.05 to 19,902.84. In stock markets abroad, European indexes held relatively steady following the European Central Bank’s cut to rates. Asian markets were stronger. Indexes rose 1.2% in Hong Kong and 0.8% in Shanghai as leaders met in Beijing to set economic plans and targets for the coming year. South Korea’s Kospi rose 1.6% for its third straight gain of at least 1%, as it pulls back following last week’s political turmoil where its president briefly declared martial law. In the bond market, the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield rose to 4.33% from 4.27% late Wednesday. AP Business Writers Matt Ott and Elaine Kurtenbach contributed.
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SMITHFIELD, R.I. (AP) — Malik Grant rushed for 204 yards and three touchdowns and Rhode Island beat Bryant 35-21 on Saturday to capture its first league title in 39 years. Rhode Island (10-2, 7-1 Coastal Athletic Association) secured the program's seventh title, with each of the previous six coming in the Yankee Conference. The Rams tied a program record for total wins in a season with 10, first set in 1984 and matched in 1985. Hunter Helms threw for 209 yards with one touchdown and one interception for Rhode Island. Grant also added his first touchdown reception of the season. Grant rushed for 47 yards on the first snap of the second half. He ran for 56 yards on the drive that ended with his 4-yard touchdown catch for a 20-14 lead. An interception by Braden Price on the ensuing Bryant possession set up another Grant rushing touchdown. Bryant scored in the fourth quarter to make it a one-score game, but a 15-play, 72-yard drive ended with a 3-yard touchdown run by Grant. Grant's 13 rushing touchdowns are tied for Rhode Island's single-season record set last season by Ja’Den McKenzie. Brennan Myer threw for 189 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions for Bryant (2-10, 0-8). Dylan Kedzior rushed for 80 yards and a touchdown, and Landon Ruggieri caught eight passes for 105 yards and a score. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballUniversity System of Georgia to ban DEI, commit to neutrality, teach Constitution
Edmunds: Five dream-worthy vehicles you wish you got for the holidaysEknath Shinde could be emerging as the real claimant to Bal Thackeray’s legacy
LONDON (AP) — Edinburgh Airport was shut down by an unspecified information technology issue Sunday afternoon, causing headaches for passengers at the start of the busy holiday travel season. All flights into and out of Scotland’s busiest airport were grounded at 4:15 p.m. local time, with some incoming flights diverted to Glasgow Airport about 50 miles away. Edinburgh airport said engineers were working to resolve the issue. “Passengers are asked to check the status of their flight with the airline they are flying with before traveling to the airport,’’ the airport said in a statement. The Associated Press
Sibeprenlimab is under clinical development by Visterra and currently in Phase III for IgA Nephropathy (Berger’s Disease). According to GlobalData, Phase III drugs for IgA Nephropathy (Berger’s Disease) have a 50% phase transition success rate (PTSR) indication benchmark for progressing into Pre-Registration. GlobalData tracks drug-specific phase transition and likelihood of approval scores, in addition to indication benchmarks based off 18 years of historical drug development data. Attributes of the drug, company and its clinical trials play a fundamental role in drug-specific PTSR and likelihood of approval. Sibeprenlimab overview Sibeprenlimab is under development for the treatment of IgA nephropathy (Berger's disease). It is administered through intravenous and subcutaneous routes. The drug candidate is a humanized Ig G2 monoclonal antibody developed based on hierotope technology. It acts by targeting the cytokine, A Proliferation Inducing Ligand (APRIL). It was also under development for the treatment of Henoch-Schonlein Purpura. Visterra overview Visterra, a subsidiary of Co Ltd, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that develops antibody therapies for the treatment of infectious diseases. The company’s pipeline products include VIS410, a monoclonal antibody designed to treat influenza A, VIS513, a monoclonal antibody for the treatment of dengue and VIS649, an anti-APRIL monoclonal antibody (mAb) for the treatment of Imumuglobulin A Nephropathy (IgAN). Visterra utilizes its hierotope platform to design and engineer antibody-based therapies that target specific regions and epitopes of pathogens. Visterra is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the US. For a complete picture of Sibeprenlimab’s drug-specific PTSR and LoA scores, This content was updated on 12 April 2024 From Blending expert knowledge with cutting-edge technology, GlobalData’s unrivalled proprietary data will enable you to decode what’s happening in your market. You can make better informed decisions and gain a future-proof advantage over your competitors. , the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article. GlobalData’s Likelihood of Approval analytics tool dynamically assesses and predicts how likely a drug will move to the next stage in clinical development (PTSR), as well as how likely the drug will be approved (LoA). This is based on a combination of machine learning and a proprietary algorithm to process data points from various databases found on GlobalData’s .Aurobindo Pharma, through a U.S. subsidiary, has entered into a collaboration and licence agreement with a global pharma major for development of specific products across respiratory therapeutic area and their commercialisation. The financials include an upfront payment of $25 million on the effective date of the agreement. The two entities have agreed to equally share the developmental costs with an overall cap of $90 million for Aurobindo, the Hyderabad-based generic drugmaker said in a filing on Saturday. Citing confidentiality clause in the agreement, it, however, did not disclose the pharma major’s name. The product development is estimated to span 3-5 years. The two entities will co-exclusively commercialise the products to be manufactured at the partner’s facility. The partner will have global manufacturing rights for the codeveloped and commercialised products. Aurobindo has an option to technology transfer at a future date. On rationale and benefits of the agreement, Aurobindo listed sharing of risks associated with product development as well as the cost of development; reduction in the gestational period for developing the product from scratch; and strengthening/ diversification of its existing product portfolio. Published - November 23, 2024 07:05 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit
Promised air defence systems now in Ukraine's hands, minister saysA recent study that recommended toxic chemicals in black plastic products be immediately thrown away included a math error that significantly overstated the risks of contamination, but its authors are standing by their conclusions and warn against using such products. Published in the peer-reviewed journal Chemosphere , experts from the nonprofit Toxic-Free Future said they detected flame retardants and other toxic chemicals in 85% of 203 items made of black plastic including kitchen utensils , take-out containers, children's toys and hair accessories. In a blog post, Joe Schwarcz, director of McGill University's Office for Science and Society in Canada, explained that the Toxin-Free Future scientists miscalculated the lower end of what the EPA considered a health risk through a multiplication error. Instead of humans being potentially exposed to a dose of toxic chemicals in black plastic utensils near the minimum level that the EPA deems a health risk, it's actually about one-tenth of that. (Dreamstime/TNS) The study initially said the potential exposure to chemicals found in one of the kitchen utensils approached the minimum levels the Environmental Protection Agency deemed a health risk. But in an update to the study, the authors say they made an error in their calculations and the real levels were "an order of magnitude lower" than the EPA's thresholds. The error was discovered by Joe Schwarcz, director of McGill University's Office for Science and Society in Canada. In a blog post, Schwarcz explained that the Toxin-Free Future scientists miscalculated the lower end of what the EPA considered a health risk through a multiplication error. Instead of humans being potentially exposed to a dose of toxic chemicals in black plastic utensils near the minimum level that the EPA deems a health risk, it's actually about one-tenth of that. Though Schwarcz said the risks outlined in the study aren't enough for him to discard his black plastic kitchen items if he had them, he agreed with the authors that flame retardants shouldn't be in these products in the first place. "The math error does not impact the study's findings, conclusions or recommendations," said Megan Liu, a co-author of the study who is the science and policy manager for Toxic-Free Future . She added that any traces of flame retardants or toxic chemicals in cooking utensils should be concerning for the public. Flame retardants are getting into commonly used items because black-colored products are being made from recycled electronic waste, such as discarded television sets and computers, that frequently contain the additives. When they're heated, the flame retardants and other toxic chemicals can migrate out. If you're wondering whether your old black plastic spoon or other utensils are a part of this group, Liu shared some more guidance. It's nearly impossible to know whether a black plastic product is contaminated. That's because these products that include recycled e-waste don't disclose a detailed list of all ingredients and contaminants in the product. Liu said it's also unclear how many types of flame retardants are in these black plastic products. Some of the products that researchers tested in this recent study "had up to nine different harmful chemicals and harmful flame retardants in them," she said. Anytime you're looking for the type of recycled plastic a product is made of you're going to look for a number within the chasing arrows (that form a triangle) logo. Recycling symbols are numbered 1 to 7 and we commonly associate the numbers with what we can toss in our blue recycling bins. The 1 through 7 numbers stand for, respectively, polyethylene terephthalate, high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene or Styrofoam, and miscellaneous plastics (including polycarbonate, polylactide, acrylic, acrylonitrile butadiene, styrene, fiberglass and nylon). The study found higher levels of toxic flame retardants in polystyrene plastic, which is labeled with the number 6, said Liu. There isn't a definitive timeline of when recycled electronic-waste started to be incorporated into black plastic products specifically, but e-waste started to get recycled in the early 2000s, Liu said. The way computers, cellphones, stereos, printers and copiers were being disposed of previously was to simply add them to a landfill without reusing salvageable parts. But as the National Conference of State Legislatures notes, electronics production required a significant amount of resources that could be recovered through recycling. Recovering resources such as metals, plastics and glass through recycling used a fraction of the energy needed to mine new materials. However, the study pointed out that flame retardants and other chemical contaminates have been detected in and near e-waste recycling facilities, in indoor air and dust at formal e-waste recycling facilities in Canada, China, Spain and the U.S. It also noted contamination in soil samples surrounding e-waste recycling sites in China and Vietnam. The safest nontoxic material options for kitchen utensil are wood and stainless steel. The 20th century brought airplanes, radio, television, the internet, and plastic. Lots of plastic. That plastic is now showing up on shorelines, forming islands in oceans, and generating mountains of translucent trash on land. Around 700 species of animals in the sea have been found to interact with plastic daily. Companies across every industry face pressure to reduce the amount of plastic they produce. Seventy-two percent of the world's largest have made voluntary commitments to reduce their plastic waste, according to a Duke University analysis. One industry, in particular, has greatly benefited from advancements in single-use plastic technology: the medical industry. Only in recent years have businesses and academics in the field begun to talk about minimizing their impact on our environment like beverage manufacturers and other consumer goods-producing businesses. Medical Technology Schools analyzed academic studies published in the National Library of Medicine , the American Medical Association , and news reports to shed light on the medical community's use of plastics through history, their environmental problems, and proposed solutions to reduce their impact. And the impact can be significant. A single hospital patient generates nearly 34 pounds of waste a day —as much as a quarter of it is plastic. The COVID-19 pandemic only worsened the problem. The pandemic pushed hospital capacity to the brink and led to a massive increase in personal protective equipment and medical supply usage. Medical-grade masks and other protective equipment like face shields, made mostly of nonrenewable plastics, were in high demand. In 2020, the World Health Organization estimated that the international need for PPE manufacturing would boost 40% to address the public health crisis. Hospitals needed an estimated 89 million masks, 76 million gloves, and 1.6 million goggles every month of the pandemic. To date, nearly 677 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered, each requiring their own plastic syringe, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Global consulting firm Frost & Sullivan estimated that the U.S. would produce a year's worth of medical waste in just two months due to the pandemic. The World Economic Forum warned that the COVID-19 crisis threatened to " stall and even reverse progress " to reduce large plastic waste. It's a challenge researchers acknowledge today as they search for solutions. Plastics introduced an era of ultraconvenience to the world. It makes our clothes. It's made bike helmets and airbags possible. And it's a cheap material to produce, meaning it's cheap for consumers too. Almost as importantly, it's durable and incredibly easy to make into complex shapes—a trait that helped plastics invented in the mid-20th century quickly replace more expensive metal and wooden goods. That adoption extended to the medical field, where the single-use nature of plastics represented a move toward more hygienic tools for physicians and hospitals. But it wasn't plastic's sanitary qualities that the industry first latched onto. Like so many other technical advancements, convenience and cost were the initial driving factors. That they were more conducive to creating a sterile environment for patients was a benefit that health care began to tout closer to the end of the 20th century. PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, replaced glass bottles previously used to hold IV solution and replaced rubber tubing used throughout hospital settings. Plastic has also become the go-to material for making syringes and catheters. Plastic products are generally made from chemicals derived from the oil and natural gas refining process. Chemists use those byproducts to create synthetic materials with malleable and durable chemical structures. The low cost of these materials has helped medical device-makers support better health outcomes for communities across the U.S. since the 1900s. No longer was health care priced at rates only the elite could afford—it was accessible to a much larger swath of the public. In the last decade, the U.S., in particular, has emerged as a massive market for medical plastics. The country generally accounts for nearly half of the global market for medical devices. Plastic's durability is not only a benefit but a detriment to the environment, as the material can take many years to deteriorate when it enters landfills or trashes oceans. Estimates vary widely, but scientists ballpark that depending on the kind of plastic and the environment in which it decomposes, it could take dozens to thousands of years to break down entirely. COVID-19, which remains a burden for health care systems, isn't the only force raising the stakes for a health care industry pressured to reduce reliance on plastics or find ways to reuse them. Global annual production of plastic has doubled in the last two decades , according to the Environmental Protection Agency. As the U.S. looks toward the future, its aging population is another factor that could exacerbate the rate at which medical plastics end up in landfills. People require more medical care as they age, and aging baby boomers are expected to place increased demand on the medical device industry. At the same time, governments are under pressure to lower health care costs, which have become unaffordable even for those insured . As recently as 2021, researchers lamented a lack of data on efforts to recycle medical plastics. Around 350 hospitals participate in Practice Greenhealth's Environmental Excellence Awards . Practice Greenhealth is an organization working to help hospitals increase their sustainability. It's one of the few sources of hospital sustainability data, and its roster of participating hospitals represents a small fraction of the more than 6,000 hospitals operating in the U.S. To meet the need to reduce plastic waste generation, some hospitals are moving away from using plastic in certain applications. Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center replaced health care workers' disposable plastic isolation gowns with reusable cloth gowns at its hospitals in the last decade, saving money and preventing literal tons of medical waste. It also implemented a process for sterilizing and incinerating the boxes that hold used needles, allowing them to be reassembled and reused in a health care setting. Recycling plastic medical waste is complicated by the potential for contamination and the need to separate contaminated and noncontaminated waste; once separated, they can be broken down with heat or treated with chemicals and reprocessed. However, using chemical methods to break down and dispose of plastics has drawbacks. Over 200 nongovernmental organizations signed a letter in 2023 urging the Biden administration to end federal support for methods like these, arguing they generate toxic pollutants. The Vinyl Council of Australia is working with hospitals to recover used materials made of PVC . The materials are broken down into tiny pieces, washed and heated at high temperatures, and remade into things used outside medical settings. In the U.S. and Europe, there's the Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council, a coalition of companies working in the health care device space that includes DuPont, Johnson & Johnson, and Medtronic. In 2021, the HPRC, advised by professionals at Kaiser Permanente and other health systems, rolled out a medical waste recycling pilot project with hopes of scaling it across more hospitals. Story editing by Ashleigh Graf. Copy editing by Paris Close. Photo selection by Clarese Moller. This story originally appeared on Medical Technology Schools and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. Sign up here to get the latest health & fitness updates in your inbox every week!
Black plastic kitchen utensil risks were overstated. But you should still toss them, group saysIf you’re an artist trying to sell your catalog — or an entertainment company trying to buy one — you should take a closer look at the attorneys who make up ‘s 2024 Top Music Lawyers list. From working on Beyoncé’s Renaissance tour and album to negotiating deals with Crocs and NASCAR for Luke Combs to linking K-pop kings like RM and Jung Kook with stars like Megan Thee Stallion and Usher, these are the dealmakers you need to know about. Lisa Alter & Katie Baron In the past 18 months, Alter and Baron have negotiated and closed $1 billion in deals. They have represented Primary Wave in the acquisitions of several catalogs, including Def Leppard, The Strokes, Ramones, James Brown, Isaac Hayes, Whitney Houston, Bob Marley and a share of Stevie Nicks’. The duo has helped other companies acquire more catalogs, including Iconic Artists Group (Rod Stewart, Joe Cocker), Influence Media Partners (Future, Blake Shelton, Enrique Iglesias), BMG Rights Management (Peter Frampton, ZZ Top) and Reservoir Media Management (Sonny Rollins, Louis Prima). “Pink Pony Club,” by Chappell Roan. “Houdini,” by Eminem New Kids on the Block Traffic John Branca, David Byrnes & David Lande From working on Beyoncé’s epic Renaissance tour and film as well as album — which snagged 11 Grammy nominations — to negotiating Pharrell’s deal with Focus Features and a new Adidas agreement, Ziffren Brittenham’s music department is in top form. They also negotiated a major deal for Barry Gibb’s Bee Gees catalog and Olivia Rodrigo’s GUTS tour, as well as her partnership with Gen Z-obsessed Stanley water bottles and lucrative Lancôme endorsement deal. “Exciting to view the opportunities through the lens of my Gen Z clients who are embracing the technology and finding interesting ways to create using it.” The Rolling Stones Tiffany Dunn Dunn has represented John R. Cash Revocable Trust in matters concerning Johnny Cash trademarks, copyright and more, from a collab with Jacques Marie Mage eyewear to the posthumous album to Cash’s statue at the U.S. Capitol, making the late icon the first musician to be honored in such a way. For Luke Combs, Dunn has worked on his collaborations with Crocs, NASCAR and NBC Sports; his partnership with Miller Lite; and his Nashville restaurant, Category 10. “At Six Flags. My first country show was Garth Brooks.” Damien Granderson Granderson represented Quality Control Music in its sale to K-pop power HYBE America, and he also reps triple Grammy nominee Raye, handling performance agreements for her shows at London’s O2 Arena, Coachella, and Royal Albert Hall. He also negotiates for J Balvin and Ne-Yo. “AI-powered tools make music creation, distribution and consumption more accessible and personalized while helping artists and businesses optimize their processes.” Fugees Stevie Wonder and Raye Palisa Kelley As sales of music catalogs have skyrocketed over the past few years, Kelley has emerged as the premier dealmaker in the arena. She’s helped acquire the catalogs of some of the biggest artists in the world, including Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj, Pat Benatar, Christine McVie, Nelly, Florida Georgia Line and Brad Paisley. Kelley has made deals for more than 55 catalogs and 29,000-plus songs across master recordings, publishing income streams and musical compositions. “ . I sit on the board of an organization that serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This K-drama about an attorney with autism is an entertaining production that leads with compassion.” “Not Like Us,” by Kendrick Lamar “Women of color in executive positions.” Christine Lepera Lepera is the litigator artists call when they need help in court, especially when it comes to copyright, trademark and contract disputes. She’s represented Universal Music Group, Drake, Katy Perry, Post Malone and Dr. Luke, among others. For Dua Lipa, she successfully obtained dismissal with prejudice of a copyright infringement case against the pop star and Warner Music Group for “Levitating,” Billboard’s No. 1 song of 2021; Lepera also won a summary judgment for Timbaland and other defendants on claims of infringement. “Texas Hold ‘Em,” by Beyoncé Donald S. Passman, J. Eugene (Gene) Salomon Jr. & Ethan Schiffres This trio’s clients mirror the Billboard charts — there’s Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish and Adele. For the latter, they worked on her Las Vegas and Munich residencies, while other deals include Green Day’s album and tour, as well as Pink’s latest live trek. The firm also negotiated the asset sale by Cher to Iconic Artists Group and represents Oscar-, Emmy- and Grammy-winning composer Ludwig Göransson for his work on and Childish Gambino’s latest album. They also count Stevie Wonder, R.E.M. and Adam Lambert as clients. “Women in the studio and in leadership positions.” Adrian Perry & Jonathan Sperling Perry and Sperling co-led a team of lawyers that represented a music company in one of the largest music catalog deals in the industry. With such clients as Sony Music, Disney, Amazon, the NBA and the NFL, Perry continues to be an authority on AI deals, digital content distribution issues, and data collection and licensing, while Sperling is a go-to litigator for labels in copyright and royalty disputes. “Personality Crisis,” by New York Dolls “Am Yisrael Chai,” by Eyal Golan Billie Eilish and Julian Casablancas Julian Petty Warner has been on a white-hot winning streak thanks to breaking new acts like Benson Boone and Teddy Swims, along with the continued success of Zach Bryan. And Petty is working across those new artist deals as well as renegotiations as the label’s executive vp and head of legal affairs. In addition, he negotiated Linkin Park’s partnership with Riot Games and continues to work on the Warner Music/Blavatnik Center for Music Business Fellowship Program at Howard University, established after the death of George Floyd and aimed at increasing the pipeline for Black executives in the music business. “Respect for its OGs. I realize it’s a youth-driven business, but there is a lot of talent and insight held by the legacy artists and older execs. We need to do a better job harvesting that institutional knowledge and talent.” “DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince. I vividly remember them rocking the house and strengthening my love for hip-hop.” Alexis Robinson & Daniel Schnapp For the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), Robinson and Schnapp negotiated multiyear licenses with Netflix, Spotify, BBC, Univision and more to publicly perform the repertory of musical works of the performing rights organization. The duo also put together numerous membership and financial incentive agreements for new and existing ASCAP members Lauryn Hill, SZA, Kacey Musgraves and Fall Out Boy. Other big clients include TikTok, Vevo and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Amy Winehouse and Kendrick Lamar Metallica and Post Malone Angela Marie Rogers After running her own firm for more than a decade, Rogers joined gamma. — the media and technology company and new wave record label — as head of business and legal affairs. There, she handles signings for partners like Usher, Snoop Dogg and Rebel Music’s Sexyy Red while also spearheading strategic partnerships. In addition, she led production legal services at Mass Appeal for the Hulu documentary , about the iconic Atlanta street party that took place during the ’80s and ’90s. “Still formulating.” “Creativity on the business side. The traditional major record label model and traditional independent distribution model need to change. That’s why I’m so excited about being part of gamma. Anything’s possible over here.” Jess Rosen Country music has always been one of music’s top genres, but in the past few years, these stars have dominated the pop scene and reached newer heights. Rosen has been working behind the scenes alongside the genre’s biggest acts, negotiating major tour deals for Kenny Chesney, Kacey Musgraves and Kane Brown, whose publishing catalog he also helped sell. Rosen — who secured more than 240 deals, collectively valued at more than eight figures, in the past year — also negotiated celebrity restaurant license deals for Brown and Miranda Lambert. “Summer Wind,” by Frank Sinatra Angela Martinez Martinez is the founder and sole operator of AngieLaw and represents some of the world’s biggest Latin acts, including Ozuna, Luis Fonsi, Feid, Sebastián Yatra, María Becerra and Alemán. In the past year, she continued to navigate the complexities of music law, closing a series of high-stakes agreements, including recording, publishing, distribution and asset purchase deals, collectively securing more than $130 million. “New technologies in music often meet resistance, as we saw with cassettes, CDs and digital music. While I understand concerns around AI, I believe the industry should focus on ways to monetize it and create unique fan experiences that only artists can provide. Embracing AI can open new opportunities without losing the personal connection central to music.” “Vanilla Ice, En Vogue and MC Hammer — don’t judge me!” Bobby Rosenbloum In the past year, Rosenbloum has orchestrated deals totaling more than $3 billion. He oversees music licensing and strategy for music AI companies like SourceAudio, Klay Vision, Songbird AI and Oy, as well as social media platforms like Meta, Snap, TikTok, X and Twitch. He’s on speed dial as outside music counsel for such top companies as Mattel, the Coca-Cola Co., Amazon Studios, Lululemon, Verizon Wireless, MLB and Apple Studios — just to name a few. And he serves as deputy general counsel of the Recording Academy and the Latin Recording Academy. “Espresso,” by Sabrina Carpenter (produced by our client Julian Bunetta). “Solutions for global music publishing licensing. The current fragmentation of the marketplace has made it far too difficult for new businesses to innovate.” Matthew Thompson Thompson assisted Warner Music Group in its recent reorg of Atlantic Records, including the elevation of 10K Projects founder Elliot Grainge to CEO. Thompson also helped WMG and its affiliates on a joint venture with 10K Projects, home to Ice Spice, Artemas and Trippie Redd. And he’s worked on big catalog acquisitions, including WMG acquiring the entire recorded music catalog of Yes. “Keep it out. Music is a deeply human creation and experience and should stay that way.” “Ability to connect emergent artists with fans. I know there are a ton of ways to make this happen, but so many young up-and-comers just never find their audience. It’s sad.” Debbie White Call White the queen of K-pop collabs. She’s represented HYBE — home to BTS — for seven years, and her recent deals include Jung Kook teaming up with Usher for “Standing Next to You”; RM and Megan Thee Stallion joining forces for “Neva Play”; and Jimin linking with NLE Choppa, JVKE and Muni Long on “Angel Pt. 1” and “Angel Pt. 2” from the soundtrack. She also worked on NewJeans’ global brand ambassadorship with Coca-Cola and is busy outside of the K-pop spectrum, handling deals for clients like Hello Sunshine, The Who, Duran Duran and Christina Aguilera, for her Las Vegas residency and an Airbnb partnership. “Fire for You,” by Cannons, and “A Sky Full of Stars,” by Coldplay. “Carpenters in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. However, the first concert I truly remember attending was Styx at Radio City Music Hall.” . THR Newsletters Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day More from The Hollywood Reporter