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The company, known for its forward-thinking approach to shareholder benefits, announced the groundbreaking offer as part of their latest campaign to engage investors and reward their loyal shareholders. This bold move was met with enthusiasm from the investment community, as the promise of a year's worth of free phone bill added an extra incentive for investors to consider buying shares in the company.

Unveiling the Magical World of "Soul Heroes: Play Your Card Right" - A Game of Dreams Written with a Single HandNEW YORK (AP) — In a string of visits, dinners, calls, monetary pledges and social media overtures, big tech chiefs — including Apple’s Tim Cook, OpenAI’s Sam Altman, Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg and Amazon’s Jeff Bezos — have joined a parade of business and world leaders in trying to improve their standing with President-elect Donald Trump before he takes office in January. “The first term, everybody was fighting me,” Trump said in remarks at Mar-a-Lago . “In this term, everybody wants to be my friend.” Tech companies and leaders have now poured millions into his inauguration fund, a sharp increase — in most cases — from past pledges to incoming presidents. But what does the tech industry expect to gain out of their renewed relationships with Trump? Clearing the way for AI development A clue to what the industry is looking for came just days before the election when Microsoft executives — who’ve largely tried to show a neutral or bipartisan stance — joined with a close Trump ally, venture capitalist Marc Andreessen, to publish a blog post outlining their approach to artificial intelligence policy. “Regulation should be implemented only if its benefits outweigh its costs,” said the document signed by Andreessen, his business partner Ben Horowitz, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and the company’s president, Brad Smith. They also urged the government to back off on any attempt to strengthen copyright laws that would make it harder for companies to use publicly available data to train their AI systems. And they said, “the government should examine its procurement practices to enable more startups to sell technology to the government.” Trump has pledged to rescind President Joe Biden’s sweeping AI executive order, which sought to protect people’s rights and safety without stifling innovation. He hasn’t specified what he would do in its place, but his campaign said AI development should be “rooted in Free Speech and Human Flourishing.” Easier energy for data centers Trump’s choice to head the Interior Department, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, has spoken openly about the need to boost electricity production to meet increased demand from data centers and artificial intelligence. “The AI battle affects everything from defense to healthcare to education to productivity as a country,′′ Burgum said on Nov. 15, referring to artificial intelligence. “And the AI that’s coming in the next 18 months is going to be revolutionary. So there’s just a sense of urgency and a sense of understanding in the Trump administration′′ to address it. Demand for data centers ballooned in recent years due to the rapid growth of cloud computing and artificial intelligence, and local governments are competing for lucrative deals with big tech companies. But as data centers begin to consume more resources, some residents are pushing back against the world’s most powerful corporations over concerns about the economic, social and environmental health of their communities. Changing the antitrust discussion “Maybe Big Tech should buy a copy of ‘The Art of The Deal’ to figure out how to best negotiate with this administration,” suggested Paul Swanson, an antitrust attorney for the law firm Holland & Hart. “I won’t be surprised if they find ways to reach some accommodations and we end up seeing more negotiated resolutions and consent decrees.” Although federal regulators began cracking down on Google and Facebook during Trump’s first term as president — and flourished under Biden — most experts expect his second administration to ease up on antitrust enforcement and be more receptive to business mergers. Google may benefit from Trump’s return after he made comments on the campaign trail suggesting a breakup of the company isn’t in the U.S. national interest, after a judge declared its search engine an illegal monopoly . But recent nominations put forward by his transition team have favored those who have been critical of Big Tech companies, suggesting Google won’t be entirely off the hook. Fending off the EU Cook’s notoriously rocky relationship with the EU can be traced back to a 2016 ruling from Brussels in a tax case targeting Apple. Cook slammed the bloc’s order for Apple to pay back up to $13.7 billion in Irish back taxes as “total political crap.” Trump, then in his first term as president, piled on, referring to the European Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, who was spearheading a campaign on special tax deals and a crackdown on Big Tech companies, as the “tax lady” who “really hates the U.S.” Brussels was eventually vindicated after the bloc’s top court rejected Apple’s appeal this year, though it didn’t stop Cook from calling Trump to complain, Trump recounted in a podcast in October. Trump hosted Cook for a Friday evening dinner at the president-elect’s Mar-a-Lago resort, according to a person familiar with the matter who was not authorized to comment publicly. Neither Apple nor the Trump transition team has commented on the nature of their discussions. Making amends? Altman , Amazon and Meta all pledged to donate $1 million each to Trump’s inaugural fund. During his first term, Trump criticized Amazon and railed against the political coverage at The Washington Post, which billionaire Bezos owns. Meanwhile, Bezos had criticized some of Trump’s past rhetoric. In 2019, Amazon also argued in a court case that Trump’s bias against the company harmed its chances of winning a $10 billion Pentagon contract. More recently, Bezos has struck a more conciliatory tone. He recently said at The New York Times’ DealBook Summit in New York that he was “optimistic” about Trump’s second term, while also endorsing president-elect’s plans to cut regulations. The donation from Meta came just weeks after Zuckerberg met with Trump privately at Mar-a-Lago. During the 2024 campaign, Zuckerberg did not endorse a candidate for president, but voiced a more positive stance toward Trump. Earlier this year, he praised Trump’s response to his first assassination attempt. Still, Trump in recent months had continued to attack Zuckerberg publicly. And Altman, who is in a legal dispute with AI rival Elon Musk, has said he is “not that worried” about the Tesla CEO’s influence in the incoming administration. Musk, an early OpenAI investor and board member, sued the artificial intelligence company earlier this year alleging that the maker of ChatGPT betrayed its founding aims of benefiting the public good rather than pursuing profits.

Furthermore, the meeting outcomes have been seen as a reaffirmation of China's commitment to opening up and reform, with a continued focus on creating a more favorable business environment for both domestic and foreign enterprises. Institutions have lauded the measures aimed at improving market access, protecting intellectual property rights, and enhancing the rule of law, which are expected to further attract investment and promote economic growth.

"Discover the dynamic intersection of pharmaceuticals and medical devices, where innovative drug-device combinations are revolutionizing healthcare. BCC Research Study Projects 9.1% CAGR, with Market Growth from $129.4 Billion in 2024 to $199.8 Billion by 2029" BOSTON , Dec. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the latest study from BCC Research, the demand for Global Markets for Drug-Device Combinations is expected to grow from $129.4 billion in 2024 to nearly $200 billion by the end of 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2029. Drug-device combinations combine pharmaceutical drugs with medical devices to improve the effectiveness of treatments and convenience for patients. This report provides a thorough analysis of the market for drug-device combinations, analyzing trends from 2021, estimates for 2024, and projections from 2024 to 2029. It explores the future potential of these products, examines the competitive landscape, and covers regulatory aspects, market drivers, challenges, opportunities , and emerging technologies. The report also assesses the market shares of the leading companies. This report will prove to be valuable for all companies in the market, including recent entrants, government agencies, and other organizations interested in drug-device combinations. It offers insights into the markets of various regions, making it useful for companies looking to expand their geographic reach. Interesting Facts about Drug-Device Combinations Smart Biomaterials : Smart biomaterials are transforming precision medicine by responding to the body's signals to release drugs exactly when needed. Advances in nanotechnology and gene therapy are making personalized drug delivery more effective, improving patient outcomes and reducing side effects. This technology shows promise for treating conditions like Alzheimer's and certain cancers. Innovative Drug Delivery Solutions : The company ArQ-Bios is tackling the challenges of delivering high-dose, high-viscosity, and high-volume medications. Its innovative device designs allow patients to administer treatments at home easily and accurately, reducing the risk of errors. This is especially important as the demand for home-based care and self-administered biotherapeutics continues to grow. To gain more insights into Global Markets for Drug-Device Combinations, click here Factors contributing to the growth of this market include: Wide range of potential applications : Combination products, which integrate drugs and medical devices, have a wide range of potential applications. These products can be used in many medical fields They can be used for targeted drug delivery in cancer treatment, to provide controlled release of medications for chronic conditions, or combine diagnostic tools with therapies for more personalized healthcare. Growing prevalence of chronic diseases . : More people are being diagnosed with chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease , and cancer. This growing prevalence is due to factors such as aging populations, unhealthy lifestyles, and better diagnostic tools. As these long-term illnesses become more common, there is a greater need for effective treatments and healthcare solutions to manage them. Integrating homecare trends with drug delivery advance: Patients are gaining more control over their own healthcare due to trends in homecare and advanced drug delivery technologies. These advances allow patients to administer their treatments at home, making healthcare more convenient and accessible. This integration means patients can manage their conditions more effectively without frequent visits to healthcare facilities. Request a Sample Copy of Global Markets for Drug-Device Combinations Report Synopsis Market Segmentation The global market for drug-device combinations can be segmented by: 1. Product Type Drug/biologic-device combination products Drug/biologic-device combination products include a range of items such as drug-eluting stents (DES) for keeping arteries open, prefilled syringes (PFS) for easy injections, inhalers and nebulizers for respiratory treatment, wound care products for faster healing, implants for various medical needs, antimicrobial catheters to prevent infections, transdermal patches for continuous drug delivery through the skin, and photodynamic therapy for targeted treatments. These products combine medications with medical devices to enhance treatment effectiveness and patient convenience. Drug-biologic combination products Drug-biologic combination products include antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), which link antibodies to drugs for targeted cancer treatment, and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), which are designed to specifically target and neutralize harmful pathogens or cancer cells. These products combine the benefits of biologics with drugs to enhance treatment precision and effectiveness. 2. Application: Applications for drug-device combinations include areas such as cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, respiratory conditions, and wound care products. It also includes oncology for cancer treatment, orthopaedic diseases for bone and joint issues, and other specialized areas. This report on drug-device combinations addresses the following questions: Innovative Startups CraniUS : Based in Baltimore, Md. , CraniUS is a neuroscience-focused startup developing a groundbreaking device that delivers medicine directly to the brain. This innovative implant bypasses the blood-brain barrier using a novel wireless charging system, making it highly effective for treating chronic brain diseases. In October 2022 , CraniUS raised $19.4 million in a Series A funding round from private investors. Emergent BioSolutions : Emergent BioSolutions' announced that Narcan Naloxone HCl Nasal Spray 4 mg became available over-the-counter nationwide and online starting in September 2023 . Easy accessibility to this type of product is crucial for responding to opioid emergencies, especially given the high rate of overdoses from synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Narcan Nasal Spray can help reverse opioid effects while emergency services are on the way. Leading companies in the market include: SMITH+NEPHEW TERUMO CORP. STRYKER MEDTRONIC JOHNSON & JOHNSON SERVICES INC. BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORP. Becton Dickinson B. BRAUN SE ABBOTT 3M Related reports include: Conventional and Alternative Pain Treatment Markets : This report includes a detailed competitive analysis, market drivers, restraints, opportunities, and emerging technologies. The market is segmented by pain management type into pharmaceuticals and devices and by application into pain types such as orthopedic, surgical, and cancer pain. The market is divided into the regions of North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , Latin America , and the Middle East and Africa , with specific country data provided. Market projections extend to 2029. Chronic Disease Management: Therapeutics, Device Technologies, and Global Markets : This report segments the market by product type (pharmaceuticals, biologics, medical devices, and digital therapeutics), application (disease categories such as cancer and cardiovascular conditions), end user (hospitals, home care), and geographic region ( North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW). The report also examines market drivers, restraints, opportunities, and the competitive landscape, including the market shares of leading companies. Directly purchase a copy of the report from BCC Research. For further information or to purchase, please contact [email protected] . About BCC Research BCC Research reports provide objective, unbiased measurement and assessment of market opportunities. Our industry analysts' goal is to help you readers make informed business decisions, free of noise and hype. Contact Us Corporate HQ: 50 Milk St., Ste. 16, Boston, MA 02109, USA Email: [email protected] , Phone: +1 781-489-7301 For media inquiries, email [email protected] or visit our media page for access to our market research library. Data and analysis extracted from this press release must be accompanied by a statement identifying BCC Research LLC as the source and publisher. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2183242/BCC_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE BCC Research LLC

Child specialists have warned parents against giving their babies antibiotics without a prescription by qualified medical personnel. They noted that the indiscriminate use of antibiotics in babies was not only harmful but eventually made infections difficult to treat as the drug became resistant to infections, leading to higher costs of treatment, long hospital stays, and deaths. The paediatricians also warned parents against giving their babies antibiotics in an attempt to prevent infections, asserting that such practice was harmful. In exclusive interviews with PUNCH Healthwise, the child experts and researchers on Antimicrobial Resistance, urged parents to take their babies to certified healthcare practitioners before giving them medications. The experts spoke in light of World AMR Awareness Week commemorated on November 18 to 24 every year. The theme for this year is, “Educate. Advocate. Act now.” According to the World Health Organisation, WAAW is a global campaign that is celebrated annually to improve awareness and understanding of AMR and encourage best practices among the public, health practitioners and policymakers to reduce further emergence and spread of AMR. Antimicrobial Resistance, AMR, occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to medicines, making infections harder to treat and further increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death. The WHO notes that antimicrobials are antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and antiparasitic medicines used to prevent and treat infections in humans and animals. The United Nations Children’s Fund states that in 2019, out of the 1.27 million deaths directly linked to AMR, 254,000 were children mostly under the age of five, representing a disproportionate share of AMR-related deaths globally. It adds that this figure was equal to one child dying nearly every two minutes. The Global Research on Antimicrobial Resistance reports that in 2019, 4.95 million people suffered and died from drug-resistant infections globally. It also reported that Nigeria had about 64,500 AMR-related deaths and 263,400 AMR-associated deaths. Providing insight into the issue, a Professor of Paediatrics at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Aishatu Gobir, said that antibiotics should only be given to babies after proper investigations and clear indications for their use. She asserted that the common cold, also known as acute coryza, was a viral infection and babies don’t need antibiotics for its treatment. “Babies with cold need to be given plenty of fluids and breast milk, and steam inhalation is recommended for nasal blockage. Antibiotics are not necessary,” the don said. Gobir, who is the pioneer Provost of the College of Medicine, Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila Orangun, Osun State, further stated that the indiscriminate use of antibiotics led to the emergence of drug resistance. “Indiscriminate use of antibiotics leads to unnecessary drug pressure and the emergence of drug resistance. This is aside from side effects from the antibiotics. From the public health perspective, indiscriminate use of antibiotics results in higher costs of treatment, higher morbidity such as prolonged hospital stays and higher death rates. “Those who use antibiotics indiscriminately can have drug-resistant infections leading to more deaths and complications,” the paediatrician said. Continuing, Gobir advised, “Babies shouldn’t be fed antibiotics. Babies need breastfeeding only from birth to six months. After six months, complementary feeds will be added such as pap, moinmoin etc.” Related News Six out of 10 children with sickle cell anaemia risk stroke – Paediatricians ‘Babies born to smoking parents risk leukemia’ NAFDAC warns of substandard antimalaria, antibiotics in circulation On her part, a Professor of Paediatrics at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Joy Ebenebe, noted that babies should only be given antibiotics based on the prescription of an appropriate healthcare professional. She noted such prescriptions should be based on the existence of bacterial infection or suspected clinical bacterial infection. The don further stated that babies on antibiotics should be given the correct and prescribed dosage and urged parents to refrain from sharing such medications with other babies presenting with similar symptoms. “Other important measures that need to be taken when antibiotics are prescribed to a baby, include making sure that the antibiotic, for example, if it is prescribed for seven days, is given for seven days and not for two. “Also, it should not be shared with other siblings. Some people have the habit of sharing antibiotics prescribed to one child in the hospital with other children. This means that so little is taken, fuelling the ground for antimicrobial resistance development,” the paediatrician said. She further asserted that since most colds and flu were due to viral infections, babies with such conditions should not need antibiotics. “We do know that a good number of common colds and flu are due to viral infections, meaning that antibiotic use will not be effective. But it will expose the antibiotics to the development of resistance because you are using it indiscriminately,” Ebenebe said. She asserted that the indiscriminate use of antibiotics posed the risk of developing resistance, making simple bacterial infections severe, leading to the spread of infections and even premature death. The paediatrician further noted that antibiotic resistance gave room for the multiplication of minor infections the body’s immune system could naturally fight, leading to serious infections. The don warned parents against the indiscriminate use of antibiotics, advising them to take ill babies to certified healthcare professionals for proper evaluation and treatment. “Some mothers have the bad habit of giving antibiotics to their babies for prevention against infection. This is a very dangerous practice that breeds antimicrobial resistance. “So my message to mothers is to stop buying over-the-counter antibiotics. Stop practising self-medication. If your child is sick, take your child to go and see a qualified healthcare practitioner,” Enenebe warned. Also, a Professor of Medical Microbiology at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Samuel Taiwo, emphasised that parents who gave their babies antibiotics without a healthcare practitioner’s prescription exposed them to danger. The researcher on Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Prevention and Control said, “Remember that the body has a lot of normal organisms, billions of organisms are in the gut. Antibiotics that are not warranted can distort the balance of this normal flora which will affect the child one way or the other. “Many times these antibiotics when not given properly can cause the bacteria flora in the body to develop resistance and when the child develops infections, such a child will not respond to the antibiotics again. If such a child has something like diarrhoea, such a child can spread that resistant infection to another child. “So, parents giving antibiotics to their children without medical authorization create harm to the child and when such a child grows up can develop resistance and can spread the resistance to other children in the society and the parents themselves.” Speaking on WAAW, Taiwo urged parents to only give antibiotics to children when and as prescribed by a doctor. “Also, try as much as possible to maintain proper hygiene and hand washing habits. When this is done, you are taking away microorganisms that might be in your hand because the organisms are usually much in the hands. So, regular hygiene and hand washing would minimise the rate at which infection occurs. If there is no infection, there won’t be a need for the use of antibiotics. “We also tell parents to follow the instructions that are given by the doctor. If the prescription is for five days, give the antibiotic for five days. If you are to give it three times a day, give it three times a day. When you give an underdose, the chance of resistance is also very high,” the don said. The AMR advocate further warned parents against keeping leftover antibiotics and giving them to another child who develops symptoms similar to their child’s.

In conclusion, the confirmation of a policy turning point at the December Political Bureau Meeting is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the Chinese economy, with institutions highlighting the strategic measures aimed at stabilizing and improving the macroeconomic situation, promoting domestic consumption, fostering innovation, and enhancing openness and reform. As the world continues to navigate through challenging times, the decisions made at the meeting are poised to play a crucial role in shaping the economic trajectory not just in China but also globally.UK spy agency releases annual Christmas card puzzle to uncover future codebreakers

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Ukraine is slowly losing the three-year conflict on the battlefield. Russia is slowly losing the economic conflict at a roughly equal pace. The Kremlin’s oil export revenues are too low to sustain a high-intensity war and nobody will lend Vladimir Putin a kopeck. Russia’s overheated, military-Keynesian war economy looks much like the dysfunctional German war economy of late 1917, which had run out of skilled manpower and was holed below the waterline after three years of Allied blockade – as the logistical failures of the Ludendorff offensive would later reveal. Vladimir Putin’s war has crippled Russia’s economy. Credit: AP Photos Putin’s strategic victory in Ukraine was far from inevitable a fortnight ago and it is less inevitable now after the Assad regime collapsed like a house of cards , shattering Putin’s credibility in the Middle East and the Sahel. He could do nothing to save his sole state ally in the Arab world. “The limits of Russian military power have been revealed,” said Tim Ash, a regional expert at Bluebay Asset Management and a Chatham House fellow. Turkey is now master of the region. Turkish forces had to step in to rescue stranded Russian generals. Even if Putin succeeds in holding on to his naval base at Tartus – a big if – this concession will be on Ottoman terms and sufferance. “Putin now goes into Ukraine peace talks from a position of weakness,” said Mr Ash. When Trump won the US elections in 2016, corks of Golubitskoe Villa Romanov popped at the Kremlin. There were no illusions this time. Anton Barbashin from Riddle Russia says Donald Trump imposed 40 rounds of sanctions on Russia, belying his bonhomie with Putin before the cameras. He has since warned that Putin will not get all of the four annexed (but unconquered) oblasts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhia. The Kremlin had banked on a contested election outcome in the US, followed by months of disarray that would discredit US democracy across the world. The polite interregnum has been a cruel disappointment. Barbashin says Russia’s leaders expect Trump to issue ultimatums to both Kyiv and Moscow: if Volodymyr Zelensky balks at peace terms, the US will sever all military aid; if Putin drags his feet, the US will up the military ante and carpet-bomb the Russian economy. That economy held up well for two years but this third year has become harder. The central bank has raised interest rates to 21 per cent to choke off an inflation spiral. “The economy cannot exist like this for long. It’s a colossal challenge for business and banks,” said German Gref, Sberbank’s chief executive. Sergei Chemezov, head of the defence giant Rostec, said the monetary squeeze was becoming dangerous. “If we continue like this, most companies will essentially go bankrupt. At rates of more than 20 per cent, I don’t know of a single business that can make a profit, not even an arms trader,” he said. If the Saudis again decide to flood the world with cheap crude to recoup market share – as many predict – oil will fall below $US40 and Russia will spin out of economic control. Credit: AP The resurrection of the Soviet military industrial complex – to borrow a term from Pierre-Marie Meunier, the French intelligence analyst – is cannibalising the rest of the economy. Some 800,000 of the young and best-educated have left the country. The numbers slaughtered or maimed in the meat grinder are approaching half a million. Russia’s digital minister says the shortage of IT workers is around 600,000. The defence industry has 400,000 unfilled positions. The total labour shortage is near 5 million. Anatoly Kovalev, head of Zelenograd Nanotechnology Centre, said his industry was crippled by lack of equipment and could not replace foreign supplies. “There is a shortage of qualified specialists: engineers, technologists, developers, designers. There are practically no colleges and technical schools that train personnel for the industry,” he said. Total export earnings from all fossil fuels were running at about $US1.2 billion ($1.9 billion) a day in mid-2022. They have fallen for the last 10 months consecutively and are now barely $US600 million. The Kremlin takes a slice of this for the budget but it is far too little to fund a war machine gobbling up a 10th of GDP in one way or another. Oil tax revenues slumped to $US5.8 billion in November, based on a Urals price averaging near $US65 a barrel. That price could fall a lot further. Russia is facing an incipient price war with Saudi Arabia in Asian markets. Putin is raiding the National Wealth Fund to cover the shortfall. Its liquid assets have fallen to a 16-year low of $US54 billion. Its gold reserves have dropped from 554 to 279 tonnes over the last 15 months. The fund is left with illiquid holdings that cannot be crystallised, such as an equity stake in Aeroflot. The long-awaited rally in oil prices keeps refusing to happen. JP Morgan said excess global supply next year would reach 1.3 million barrels a day due to rising output from Brazil, Guyana, and US shale. Rosneft’s Igor Sechin has told his old KGB friend Putin to brace for $US45-$US50 next year. Adjusted for inflation, that matches levels that bankrupted the Soviet Union in the 1980s. The purpose of the G7’s convoluted oil sanctions was – until a month ago – to eat into Putin’s revenue without curtailing global oil supply and worsening the cost of living shock in the West. This has been a partial success. Russia had to assemble a shadow fleet of tankers and ship oil from Baltic and Black Sea ports to buyers in India and China, who pressed a hard bargain. The International Energy Agency estimates that the discount on Urals crude has averaged $US15 over 2023 to 2024, depriving Putin of $US75 million a day in export revenues. ‘The economy cannot exist like this for long. It’s a colossal challenge for business and banks.’ Russia can get around technology sanctions but its systems are configured to Western semiconductors. These chips cannot easily be replaced by Chinese suppliers, even if they were willing to risk US secondary sanctions, which most are not. The chips are bought at a stiff premium on the global black market and are unreliable. Ukrainian troops have noticed that Russian Geran-2 drones keep spinning out of control. The Washington Post reports that laser-guided devices on Russia’s T-90M tanks have “mysteriously disappeared”, greatly reducing capability. The industry ministry has been trying to develop analogues to replace chips from Texas Instruments, Aeroflex and Cypress but admitted in October that all three tenders had failed. Alexey Novoselov from the circuits company Milandr said Russia could not obtain the insulator technologies needed to make chips of 90 nanometers or below. It is the dark ages. The US tightened the noose three weeks ago, imposing sanctions on Gazprombank and over 50 Russian banks linked to global transactions. This has greatly complicated Russia’s ability to trade energy and buy technology on the black market. It briefly crashed the rouble, now hovering at around 100 to the dollar. Chinese banks have stopped accepting Russian UnionPay cards. The Chinese press says exporters have pulled back from Russian e-commerce sites such as Yandez or Wildberries because payment fees through third-parties no longer cover thin profit margins. Some have been unable to extract their money from Russia and are facing large losses. Few foresaw the sudden and total collapse of the Soviet regime, though all the signs of economic decay and imperial overreach were there to see by 1989. Putin’s regime is not yet at this point but it would only take one more change in the Middle East to bring matters to a head. If the Saudis again decide to flood the world with cheap crude to recoup market share – as many predict – oil will fall below $US40 and Russia will spin out of economic control. The Ukraine war may end in Riyadh. Telegraph, London The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning .The scent itself is described as a captivating blend of citrus notes, spicy undertones, and woody-amber accents, evoking a sense of confidence and determination. The fragrance is designed to leave a lasting impression, much like the indelible mark that Trump has left on the political landscape.

One of the key aspects of the new economic policy is the emphasis on unconventional measures to counteract economic fluctuations. In traditional economic theory, countercyclical policies mainly focus on adjusting fiscal and monetary levers to stabilize the economy. However, in the current complex global economic environment, these conventional tools may not be sufficient to effectively manage all the challenges that arise. Therefore, there is a growing recognition of the need for innovative and unconventional measures to supplement existing policy instruments.Andrew RT Davies' decision to quit as Welsh Conservative leader in the Senedd in the face of a split among Tory politicians triggers a potential leadership contest, with no clear frontrunner to take over. It has been assumed in Welsh political circles for a while that a number of Tory MSs are interested in the leadership. As of late on Tuesday only one candidate had come forward - Darren Millar. In theory the group could coalesce around one candidate, and no contest will happen. Whoever wins will lead their party into crucial Senedd elections in 2026, where polling has recently suggested the party is in fourth place, behind Plaid, Labour and Reform. Davies quit on Tuesday after he narrowly won a vote of no confidence , with nine votes for and seven against. He has ruled himself out of the contest. Conservative chief whip Darren Millar was first out of the blocks on Tuesday afternoon. Promising to unify the Welsh Conservatives, the MS was first elected in 2007. Millar is a strong media performer who has been thought of as a leadership contender in the past, but has never run before. Millar made his name making punchy contributions on the Welsh health service when he was the party's NHS spokesman, particularly on North Wales' Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. He is a trustee of a Christian charity, the Evan Roberts Institute, which has attracted controversy for its association with a pastor called Yang Tuck Yoong, who was criticised for homophobic views . Millar has said he does not endorse those views. Millar is the only individual in this list who supported Andrew RT Davies in the vote of confidence - the rest of those below opposed him on Tuesday. There is a big element of speculation with the other names in this list - including Tory Shadow Transport Minister Natasha Asghar. Based in Newport, Natasha Asghar entered politics after the death of her father , the late MS for South Wales East Mohammad Asghar in 2020, winning election to the Senedd the next year. She was the first woman of colour to be elected to the Welsh Parliament, and made a BBC list of 100 inspiring and influential women from around the world in 2021. Asghar, who serves the same region, has shown ambition before when she made a bid to stand to be Conservative candidate for London mayor . The former TV presenter hit the headlines before she was elected after a YouTube video emerged showing her pretending to interview leading sportsmen - she said she was practising her editing . One Conservative MS thought to be interested in becoming leader is Tom Giffard. The MS for South Wales West was elected in 2021 after a selection process where he beat the incumbent Suzy Davies for a favourable place on a regional list . Giffard grew up between Swansea and Carmarthenshire, and learned Welsh as a second language. He led the Bridgend Conservative group for four years before joining the Senedd. He is thought to be respected in the wider Westminster Conservative party. Giffard speaks for the party on culture, tourism and sport. In 2023 he gave a speech about darts in the Welsh Parliament generated by the ChatGPT AI system - he said he made the speech to show how advanced the technology had become. At a time some Tory activists want to see the Senedd abolished, Sam Kurtz is solidly from the pro-devolution wing of the Conservative party. Back in 2022 he went against Tory policy and called for a larger Senedd, saying the current set up with 60 members "doesn't feel like it works properly" . Like the outgoing leader Andrew RT Davies his roots are in farming - born and raised on a farm outside Fishguard in north Pembrokeshire. He is currently chair of the Pembrokeshire Federation of Young Farmers Clubs, and worked as a reporter before becoming a parliamentary aide. He is seen as a potential leadership candidate but it is not clear if he is interested. Sam Rowlands was elected to the Senedd in 2021 to represent the North Wales region in Cardiff Bay. He has had experience as a frontline local politician in the past, having previously led Conwy council. Before that, he worked as a credit risk manager for HSBC bank. Rowlands was born in Bangor and grew up in Penygroes, near Carmarthen, until he moved to Abergele aged nine. He currently holds the high profile shadow health spokesman position and were he to win the leadership his more understated approach would be in marked contrast to Andrew RT Davies. Rowlands had proposed a law to give every state school pupil the chance to go to an outdoor education centre, which ultimately failed to get the Senedd's support. Any runners and riders will need nominations from three other Tories submitted by 17:00 GMT on 5 December. If there are more than two candidates, the group will need to hold secret ballots until it is just two. If there are two candidates, then a ballot of the party membership will take place. The winner will not technically be the leader of the Welsh Conservatives as a whole - unlike Scotland, the leader only leads the group of Tories in the Senedd. They will be the leader of the opposition in the Senedd, however, taking on Eluned Morgan at her weekly first minister's questions. Additional reporting by Adrian BrowneCoatesville’s Susan Springsteen wins coveted spot to compete at 2024 Global TiE Women Pitch Summit in India

In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the "Wu Bai Rock Opera: Nanjing Station" concert serves as a reminder of the importance of being cautious and informed when purchasing tickets for live events. While the allure of witnessing a legendary musician's final performance may be tempting, it is crucial to weigh the risks and benefits before making a decision. By approaching the ticket-buying process with vigilance and discernment, concert-goers can navigate the current situation with confidence and peace of mind.In the world of celebrities, every move they make seems to capture the public's attention. Recently, actress Xiaohua made headlines once again, this time for giving her husband, actor Xiangzuo, a haircut that lasted for half an hour without causing any damage to his hair. Their casual yet intimate hairdressing session has sparked interest and admiration among fans and onlookers alike.Billions of People to Benefit From Technology Breakthrough ThatEnsures Freshwater for the World

Palantir CEO Alex Karp joked the software giant was like a "cult" — minus the sex and drugs. He says Palantirians tend to be "snobby" about their intellect and aren't easily persuaded by orders. "My success has been getting Palantirians to believe that my ideas are theirs," Karp says. Palantir CEO Alex Karp acknowledged that working at the company can feel a bit like a "cult. Employees share a like-minded drive that can occasionally raise eyebrows from those outside, he said. Advertisement "It's a rare cult with no sex and very little drugs — and we're not poisoning anyone," he joked during an interview with investor Stanley Druckenmiller. Karp spoke about his coming book, " The Technological Republic ." Cofounder Peter Thiel is an "artist" when it comes to appointing leaders, Karp said, and attracting top engineering talent has always been the company's strong suit. Related Video Accenture CMO Jill Kramer talks about how generative AI will enhance, not diminish, the power of marketing: video The founding team started by calling their smartest friends, and the talent pool quickly compounded. Early employees tended to be "very high-mission, very high rigor, very low pay, very high-equity — we lived together," Karp said. "It just was a really cool vibe, and there was nothing like it." The company was "hated" by the outside venture capital world, Karp said — but it was a welcome dynamic that reminded him of his childhood. Karp's parents were unusual, but it was a happy home. (He's previously described them as hippies who took him to protests .) And if outsiders considered his parents "freaks," Karp said, that just made them "even happier." Today, Palantirians are "snobby" when it comes to intellect — though not about where they went to school, Karp said. They're also "not convinced by orders." The culture is one of low authority that prizes self-starters. Advertisement "My success has been getting Palantirians to believe that my ideas are theirs," Karp said, adding that lateral hiring can be difficult at the company, where respect is hard-earned. It's also a relatively small team of 3,600 employees, and Karp doesn't harbor ambitions of massively scaling the head count — thanks in no small part to AI, which has meant "you can power whole industries with 100 people," he said. Palantir did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider. Advertisement Palantir has had an explosive year, with its stock up around 350% so far this year. In a recent earnings call, Karp attributed the company's growth to an AI revolution and said its success had silenced longtime critics.

( MENAFN - GetNews) When deciding between PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) and PERT (polyethylene of raised temperature resistance) pipes for underfloor heating systems, it's essential to weigh their properties, installation methods, costs, and durability. Both materials are widely used in modern underfloor heating systems, but they have distinct characteristics that make them suitable for different scenarios. Overview of PEX and PERT Pipes PEX pipes are made from cross-linked polyethylene, a durable material created by chemically altering polyethylene to form stronger bonds. This cross-linking improves the pipe's strength, flexibility, and resistance to temperature extremes. PERT, on the other hand, is a non-cross-linked polyethylene material specially engineered to withstand elevated temperatures. While PERT lacks the cross-linking of PEX, its design compensates with high-temperature stability and flexibility, making it a popular choice in underfloor heating systems. Durability and Longevity One of PEX's most significant advantages is its exceptional durability. Thanks to its cross-linked structure, PEX can handle extreme conditions, including higher pressures and wider temperature fluctuations. It is less prone to cracking or damage under stress, making it an excellent choice for long-lasting installations. PERT, while durable, is generally considered slightly less robust than PEX. Its linear structure, though resistant to high temperatures, may not perform as well under intense pressure or in conditions involving frequent temperature cycling. For standard domestic heating systems where these extremes are less common, PERT's durability is often sufficient. Ease of Installation PERT pipes are known for their superior flexibility, which simplifies installation. They are easier to bend and maneuver, making them particularly useful in complex underfloor heating layouts. PERT also doesn't require the special tools needed for working with PEX. For installers seeking a straightforward process, PERT is often a preferred option. PEX, although flexible, has more memory, meaning it tends to spring back to its original shape. This can make it slightly more challenging to work with during installation. PEX pipes also require additional fittings and tools for proper connections, which could add to installation time and costs. Temperature Resistance and Performance Both PEX and PERT are designed to handle the temperature ranges typical of underfloor heating systems. However, PEX can endure higher temperature peaks and greater pressure, which may be necessary for some demanding installations. In contrast, PERT's performance is optimized for consistent temperature conditions, making it an efficient choice for residential systems. Cost Considerations PERT pipes are generally more cost-effective than PEX pipes. This price advantage, combined with easier installation, can make PERT the better option for budget-conscious projects. However, for installations where long-term performance and resistance to extreme conditions are priorities, the slightly higher cost of PEX may be justified. Conclusion Both PEX and PERT have their advantages for underfloor heating systems. Choose PEX if durability, long-term performance, and resistance to extreme conditions are your primary concerns. It is especially well-suited for larger or more complex systems. Choose PERT if ease of installation, flexibility, and cost-efficiency are top priorities, particularly for residential setups with stable temperature demands. Ultimately, the decision should be guided by the specific requirements of your project and your budget. When choosing the best material for underfloor heating systems, ensuring the pipes are free from surface flaws is crucial to prevent potential leaks or weak points that could compromise performance. Our underfloor heating pipe surface flaw inspectors are designed to provide precise, high-speed detection of defects in PEX, PERT, and other heating pipes. These advanced machines utilize cutting-edge technology, such as high-resolution cameras and sensors, to identify scratches, cracks, and irregularities during the manufacturing process. By ensuring only flawless pipes are used in underfloor heating installations, our inspectors enhance the overall reliability and safety of heating systems. Whether you choose PEX or PERT, relying on pipes that pass rigorous inspection ensures a longer lifespan and fewer maintenance concerns for your underfloor heating setup. MENAFN17122024003238003268ID1109004752 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.The bench strength for Real Madrid is equally formidable, with the likes of Sergio Ramos, Ferland Mendy, Federico Valverde, and Rodrygo all waiting in the wings to make an impact if called upon.Pep Guardiola denies rumours of a rift with Kevin De Bruyne