lalim NoneWafer Vacuum Handling Robots Market Analysis By Top Keyplayers - RORZE Corporation, DAIHEN, Hirata Corporation, Yaskawa, Sinfonia Technology, Kawasaki Robotics, Nidec (Genmark Automation), JEL Corporation, Cymechs Inc, Robots and Design (RND), RAONTEC Inc

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GEORGETOWN — Jody Wingate likes to fix things. He's a handyman by trade, and when he finds kids who can't afford skateboarding equipment, he does his best to fix that situation, too. "We incorporate skateboarding as a way to focus their attention on good things and get them away from bad things," Wingate said. "We work with crisis kids. I do it during the week as much as I can, and I get to give kids who need skateboards that can’t afford it ... Our motto is ‘Do good things,’ and that’s what we do. ... I try and make kids happy and it’s the best thing in the world." Wingate is the Lowcountry ambassador for The Heart of Stoke Foundation , a nonprofit organization that helps underserved children through the provision of no-cost skateboarding equipment. Wingate recently donated skateboarding equipment to students at Maryville Elementary School in Georgetown, which is where he also attended elementary school. He also teaches skateboarding on Sunday mornings. Georgetown's paper mill closing hurt her friends. So she got presents for the entire 8th grade. South Carolina is one of five states that has a Heart of Stoke chapter. Wingate coaches at a skate park in Myrtle Beach, but he is trying to get one built in Georgetown. Vince Canfora is the founder and executive director of The Heart of Stoke Foundation. He started the organization about two years ago, and it took off from there. "Social media got ahold of what I was doing, and in six months, we were in five states because it just kind of exploded," Canfora said. "It took on a life of its own." The foundation then started to develop programs. The First Push Initiative is one that the foundation does in South Carolina. The group partnered with Sea Haven for Youth in Myrtle Beach and the program helps kids build self-esteem, establish a sense of pride and set goals. SC's third-largest school district just hired a superintendent. Here's why he was picked. In Fort Worth, Texas, the foundation has a program called Operation Ability, which holds quarterly skate park clinics for kids with special needs and disabilities. The Heart of Stoke Foundation is developing a third program called Operate Family Drop-In, which will help veterans rebuild bonds with their kids after deployments through skateboarding. Canfora said it’s rewarding to see the kids develop a sense of community with each other. "These are the kids that don’t gravitate towards traditional sports," Canfora said. "So if you’re a kid in middle school [or] high school and you play baseball, basketball, football from the time that you're 8 until you decide to stop, you’re put on these teams, and they say, 'Here’s your friends.' ... Well, kids that don’t gravitate towards those sports often have trouble developing that peer support group, and that’s where we come in." Canfora also likes how accessible skateboarding is, with kids possibly getting to get skate with professionals on any given day. "If you're a football player, you can't go play football with the Dallas Cowboys," Canfora said. "You might be able to attend a camp, but you’re not going to randomly show up at a skate park and have half of the team be there. Skateboarding is incredible." On Jan. 20 from 6:30-10 p.m., the foundation will have its second annual Heart of Stoke Caddy Day Topgolf Tournament at Topgolf Myrtle Beach . Tickets are $30 per player or $150 for a team of six, with all proceeds going to The Heart of Stoke Foundation programming. First place wins $1,000, second earns $500 and third gets $250. "People often ask, 'How do you know which kids to give to?'" Canfora said. "Well, we know because we were those kids. We grew up as those kids and we know that skateboarding got us through some of the darkest times of our lives." 5 things to know about Coastal Carolina's 1st appearance in the Myrtle Beach BowlThey say life comes at you fast, and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has experienced that in a major way in the last couple weeks. Just days after making his first career start in a win over the New York Giants , Penix announced on Instagram he had gotten engaged to long-time girlfriend Olivia Carter. Penix posed while holding a massive bouquet of roses, while Carter flashed her new ring to the camera. Both were smiling ear to ear, as you can see below. Michael Penix Jr. proposed to his now-fiancée Olivia on Christmas Eve. Been a life-changing couple of weeks for Penix. IG: o.carter & themp9 pic.twitter.com/Yq4d1Kqx6h The news of the engagement comes just days after Michael Penix was handed the reins to the Falcons’ offense , following some struggles from incumbent starter Kirk Cousins. “After review we have made the decision Michael Penix Jr. will be the Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback moving forward,” head coach Raheem Morris said in a statement. “This was a football decision and we are fully focused on preparing the team for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants.” The former first-round draft pick made his first start count, too. Though he didn’t account for a touchdown, Penix threw for 202 yards and helped lead the Falcons to a 34-7 win over the Giants at a time when every win is vital toward securing a potential playoff berth. He did throw an interception in the win. Still, the future seems bright for the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Even Nick Saban seems high on the prospects for Michael Penix as he gets his first real shot at action in Atlanta. “Michael Penix’s opportunity to spend three quarters of the season as a backup, no pressure, just learn, learn how to be a professional. I think he has a much better chance to succeed,” Saban said. “The guy has great ability. He’s got the right mindset. He’s a good guy. He’s going to be a good leader in the league. “So I think he has a better chance to be successful. Now, is it going to be instant? Maybe not. But I think a much better chance than he would’ve had if he’d have had to come in and start right off.” This article first appeared on 5 GOATs and was syndicated with permission.

AP Sports SummaryBrief at 6:09 p.m. EST

Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel gets 5-year contract extension

NoneOne dead in Ecuador, Peru ports closed amid massive waves

Biden regrets leaving presidential race, thinks he could’ve beaten Trump: reportNone

Princeton 66, Rutgers 49

Who Owns the World’s Biggest Gold Mines?One person died in Ecuador and ports closed across Peru as massive waves up to four meters (13 feet) high pummeled the region, officials said Saturday. Many beaches along the central and northern stretches of the Peruvian coastline were closed to prevent risk to human life, local authorities said. Waves there submerged jetties and public squares, sending residents fleeing to higher ground, according to images on local media. In neighboring Ecuador, the National Secretariat for Risk Management said a body was recovered in the coastal city of Manta. "The Manta Fire Department reported that, at 6:00 am, the body of a missing person was found lifeless in the Barbasquillo sector," the agency announced on social media. Peru closed 91 of its 121 ports until January 1, the National Emergency Operations Center said on its X social media account. The municipality of Callao, close to the capital Lima and the location of the country's main port, closed several beaches and barred tourist and fishing boats from venturing out. "These waves are being generated thousands of kilometers away from Peru, off the coast of the United States," navy Captain Enrique Varea told Channel N television. "They are waves generated by a persistent wind on the surface of the ocean that is approaching our coasts," he said. Dozens of small fishing boats and businesses near the sea were affected, according to images broadcast on television and social networks. axl/rmb/nro/acbInstead, Quinn's Commanders are in the thick of the playoff race even after consecutive losses provided something of a speed bump, while the Cowboys' season has fallen apart . Dallas (3-7) visits Washington (7-4) on Sunday in a franchise role reversal for the NFC East rivals. "For me and for the guys, man, it’s Washington-Dallas Week, let’s get down," Quinn said. “I don’t make one (game) too often bigger than another. I just think they’re all really important, and we absolutely go after it as hard as we can.” Quinn, defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. and a handful of former Dallas players have been part of Washington's turnaround, including pass rusher Dante Fowler, defensive end Dorance Armstrong, center Tyler Biadasz and receiver Noah Brown, who famously caught rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels' Hail Mary toss for the game-winning touchdown last month to beat Chicago . Armstrong has followed the Cowboys' downfall since leaving in free agency, saying simply, “It’s not good.” And that was before a piece of their stadium's roof fell Monday night before their fifth consecutive loss , a 34-10 blowout by Houston . Injuries, including starting QB Dak Prescott's torn hamstring that led to season-ending surgery, have been the backdrop for Dallas' forgettable year. Coach Mike McCarthy, who's approaching the end of his contract and possibly his tenure, said he and his staff are “going to stay the course” and play who's available. That means Cooper Rush again getting the nod in place of Prescott, though McCarthy said a package of plays could open up to get 2021 No. 3 overall draft pick Trey Lance into the game. “Cooper’s been there for a little minute, so he knows the system really good," said Fowler, who leads the Commanders with 8 1/2 sacks. "Trey Lance is really good with his legs, and he’s a dynamic quarterback, as well. You don’t want to go out there half-stepping against those guys because they do play good football, as well.” The Commanders have played far better football than the Cowboys so far this season, so much that the home team is a 10 1/2-point favorite on BetMGM Sportsbook. Washington has never been more than a nine-point favorite against Dallas in any game going back to at least 2003, according to BetMGM. The Cowboys could get a bit of a spark with the anticipated return of receiver Brandin Cooks, who has seen way too much sorrow around him since he last played in Week 4. “Get guys playing at a high level, playing fun, playing free, and having a great time out there,” Cooks said. “That’s what I’m not seeing right now. I think we can go out there and be more joyful in our process.” There's plenty of joy in Washington, with the playoffs still on the line, unlike Dallas. “It’s definitely cool to be in that type of position rather than being on the other side," Fowler said. “Just cool to see what Coach Quinn has just done since he came here with this team and getting a group of guys to come together and play as one.” Daniels gets a reset A rib injury knocked Daniels out of a rout of Carolina on Oct. 20, and while he did not miss a game, the 23-year-old has not been as dangerous or effective since. The No. 2 pick out of LSU and reigning Heisman Trophy winner has completed 59.5% of his passes the past four games after 75.6% before getting injured, and he has had his average rushing yards cut nearly in half from 53.1 to 27.5. Quinn insists Daniels is not injured and pinned the regression on a lack of practice time in recent weeks. Daniels also said he's good to go after some extra rest following a 26-18 loss at Philadelphia on Thursday, Nov. 14. “The mini bye, I think it just helps everything, just to reset your mind and get ready for the second half of the season,” Daniels said. “I was able to reset and refocus, restart.” OL shuffle The offensive line has been a problem all season for the Cowboys. Now it’s a major injury concern. Perennial All-Pro right guard Zack Martin and promising young left guard Tyler Smith sustained ankle injuries on the same drive in the fourth quarter for the Cowboys against the Texans. Neither returned. Rookie left tackle Tyler Guyton re-injured his shoulder trying to run with a fumble after Rush had the ball knocked out of his hand trying to throw. Asim Richards has already filled in for Guyton several times as the first-round draft pick has battled various injuries. T.J. Bass and Brock Hoffman (Virginia Tech) were the replacements at guard. Like Guyton and Smith, all three fill-ins are 25 or younger. It’s possible veteran tackle Chuma Edoga, the projected starter at left tackle before injuring a toe in training camp, could make his season debut. “With Zack, he’s a keystone for our offensive line," McCarthy said. "That will be a big one. But it’s more opportunity for these young players who haven’t played a lot and are getting a lot of work." Running questions McCarthy said the Cowboys “took a step backward, clearly” running the ball against Houston after making progress the previous couple of games. Rico Dowdle, now the clear lead back after ineffectiveness and off-field drama from Ezekiel Elliott, had just 28 yards on 10 carries, and the Cowboys finished with 64 yards. They allowed 141 yards, including 109 and three touchdowns by Joe Mixon, and have the NFL's second-worst rushing defense. Washington's Brian Robinson Jr. has already set a career high with seven TD runs and could be in for a lot of carries. “I look forward to running the ball any time,” Robinson said. “I’m prepared, I’m ready and if it happens like that, I’m ready for it."

The Oyo State Government has commenced a two—day training on Robotic, Coding and Artificial Intelligence for Public, Private Secondary and Primary School Students across the state. The workshop, organized by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology was in collaboration with Coderena EDTECH, an educational outfit that promotes education for youth and digital literacy, with a focus on robotic, coding and artificial intelligence. Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Salihu Adelabu, while declaring the training open on Wednesday at the Government College, Apata , Ibadan, said that the initiative was aimed at equipping students with the necessary skills to thrive in a technology-driven world. He submitted that the workshop is a starting point to develop students in various schools in Oyo state in the area of robotic, coding and artificial intelligence. The commissioner explained that it was important for individuals, particularly those in the teaching profession, to acquire knowledge about the emerging issues, technology and innovation to be able to compete favorably among their peers. Speaking further at the event that featured the symbolic presentation of donated Robots and First LEGO league challenge kits sets worth Millions of Naira to twenty beneficiary schools, Prof. Adelabu, expressed the readiness of the state government to partner with credible private organizations to develop the education sector of the state. He noted that the Education Ministry will continue to consider and include registered private schools in Oyo state in the government’s laudable intervention programmes , saying that students in both the private and public schools deserve equal opportunity. In his remarks, the Board Chairman, Coredina EDTECH, Mr. Niyi Femi expressed concern over the inability of individuals to take advantage of technology at their disposal. He hinted that the workshop would enable participants understand how best to make use of the critical materials to be given to them at the end of the workshop to solve problems in their immediate environments, and also prepare them for a mock competition on robotic, and artificial intelligence in Oyo state and National championship. He lauded the leadership of the Oyo State Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology for the support and cooperation received till date , while describing the workshop as a platform to close the gap between private and public school students. Speaking on behalf of the participants, Salaudeen Al-ameen , from Oyo State School of Science, Ogbomoso , Olalere Favour , Loyola College, Ibadan and Alaka Balikis , School of Science, Oyo , said their participation is a rare opportunity, saying it would enable them to know more about technology and artificial intelligence in particular.

LA JOLLA, Calif., Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MediciNova, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company traded on the NASDAQ Global Market (NASDAQ:MNOV) and the Standard Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (Code Number: 4875), today announces the study update and interim analysis results from the Company’s COMBAT-ALS Phase 2b/3 clinical trial of MN-166 (ibudilast) in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) will be presented at the 35th International Symposium on ALS/MND held December 6-8, 2024 in Montreal, Canada. The highlights of the presentation, titled, “ COMBAT-ALS Phase 2b/3 Trial of MN-166 (Ibudilast) in ALS: Trial Update and Interim Analysis Results” ( Abstract # 302), include: MediciNova CMO and Director Kazuko Matsuda commented, "The interim analysis showed a positive correlation between the 6-month and 12-month data. We considered a change in the treatment period, decided to continue the trial with the current treatment plan based on the DSMB's recommendation. We believe these results will be valuable in designing studies for rapidly progressing diseases like ALS. As of mid-November 2024, over 200 patients have been enrolled and more than 180 patients assigned, if we continue to actively enroll in the COMBAT-ALS study, we expect to complete patient assignments by June 2025 with trial results expected in 2026. Concurrently, we have been supporting continued treatment for those patients wishing to continue MN-166 treatment after the 6-month open-label phase via the FDA's Expanded Access Program (EAP). Next year, the NIH-funded, large-scale Expanded Access Program trial is set to begin, and we look forward to the opportunity to provide access to MN-166 to more ALS patients.” About MN-166 (ibudilast) MN-166 (ibudilast) is a small molecule compound that inhibits phosphodiesterase type-4 (PDE4) and inflammatory cytokines, including macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). It is in late-stage clinical development for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), progressive MS (multiple sclerosis), and DCM (degenerative cervical myelopathy); and is also in development for glioblastoma, Long COVID, CIPN (chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy), and substance use disorder. In addition, MN-166 (ibudilast) was evaluated in patients that are at risk for developing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). About MediciNova MediciNova, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a broad late-stage pipeline of novel small molecule therapies for inflammatory, fibrotic, and neurodegenerative diseases. Based on two compounds, MN-166 (ibudilast) and MN-001 (tipelukast), with multiple mechanisms of action and strong safety profiles, MediciNova has 11 programs in clinical development. MediciNova’s lead asset, MN-166 (ibudilast), is currently in Phase 3 for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) and is Phase 3-ready for progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). MN-166 (ibudilast) is also being evaluated in Phase 2 trials in Long COVID and substance dependence. MN-001 (tipelukast) was evaluated in a Phase 2 trial in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and a second Phase 2 trial in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is ongoing. MediciNova has a strong track record of securing investigator-sponsored clinical trials funded through government grants. Statements in this press release that are not historical in nature constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the future development and efficacy of MN-166, MN-001, MN-221, and MN-029. These forward-looking statements may be preceded by, followed by, or otherwise include the words "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "can," "could," "may," "will," "would," “considering,” “planning” or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, risks of obtaining future partner or grant funding for development of MN-166, MN-001, MN-221, and MN-029 and risks of raising sufficient capital when needed to fund MediciNova's operations and contribution to clinical development, risks and uncertainties inherent in clinical trials, including the potential cost, expected timing and risks associated with clinical trials designed to meet FDA guidance and the viability of further development considering these factors, product development and commercialization risks, the uncertainty of whether the results of clinical trials will be predictive of results in later stages of product development, the risk of delays or failure to obtain or maintain regulatory approval, risks associated with the reliance on third parties to sponsor and fund clinical trials, risks regarding intellectual property rights in product candidates and the ability to defend and enforce such intellectual property rights, the risk of failure of the third parties upon whom MediciNova relies to conduct its clinical trials and manufacture its product candidates to perform as expected, the risk of increased cost and delays due to delays in the commencement, enrollment, completion or analysis of clinical trials or significant issues regarding the adequacy of clinical trial designs or the execution of clinical trials, and the timing of expected filings with the regulatory authorities, MediciNova's collaborations with third parties, the availability of funds to complete product development plans and MediciNova's ability to obtain third party funding for programs and raise sufficient capital when needed, and the other risks and uncertainties described in MediciNova's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and its subsequent periodic reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K. Undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. MediciNova disclaims any intent or obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements. INVESTOR CONTACT : David H. Crean, Ph.D. Chief Business Officer MediciNova, Inc info@medicinova.com

The world welcomes the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire, but worries remain

NEW YORK (AP) — Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, is reversing its diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, joining a growing list of major corporations that have done the same after being targeted by conservative activists. PUBLICIDAD The changes, confirmed by Walmart on Monday, are radical and include not renewing a five-year commitment to a racial equity center created in 2020 after the murder of George Floyd at the hands of the police, to withdrawing from a prominent gay rights index. And when it comes to race or gender, Walmart will not give priority treatment to suppliers. PUBLICIDAD Walmart's measures highlight the increasing pressure that American companies are facing as they continue to navigate the consequences of the June 2023 Supreme Court ruling in the United States that ends affirmative action in college admissions. Emboldened by that decision, conservative groups have filed lawsuits with similar arguments against companies, targeting workplace initiatives such as diversity programs and hiring practices that prioritize historically marginalized groups. On the other hand, political commentator and conservative activist Robby Starbuck has been challenging corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, calling out specific companies on the social media platform X. Several of these companies have subsequently announced that they are pulling back their initiatives, including Ford, Harley-Davidson, Lowe's, and Tractor Supply. But Walmart, which employs 1.6 million workers in the United States, is the one that has done it the most. "Starbuck wrote in X, 'This is the biggest victory so far for our movement to end certain overly progressive measures in American companies,' adding that he had been in conversation with Walmart." Walmart confirmed to The Associated Press that it will better control the items it sells through third parties to ensure they do not contain sexual and transgender products targeted at minors. This would include chest binders intended for young people going through a gender transition, the company said. The retailer based in Bentonville, Arkansas, will also review grants for Pride events to ensure they are not financially supporting sexualized content that may be inappropriate for children. For example, the company wants to make sure a family-friendly area is not next to a drag show at a Pride event, the company stated. In addition, Walmart will no longer consider race and gender as a litmus test for improving diversity when offering contracts to suppliers. The company stated that it did not have quotas and will not have them in the future. It will not collect demographic data when determining financial eligibility for those grants. Walmart also stated that it would not renew a racial equity center that was established through a five-year, $100 million philanthropic commitment from the company with the mandate, according to its website, of "addressing the root causes of the disparities experienced by Black and African American individuals in education, health, finance, and criminal justice systems." And they would stop participating in the annual Human Rights Campaign benchmark index that measures workplace inclusion for LGBTQ+ employees. "We have embarked on a journey and we know that we are not perfect, but every decision comes from the desire to promote a sense of belonging, to open doors to opportunities for all our associates, customers, and suppliers, and to be a Walmart for everyone," the company said in a statement. The changes come shortly after former President Donald Trump's electoral victory, who has criticized DEI initiatives and has surrounded himself with conservatives who share similar views, including his former advisor Stephen Miller, who leads a group called America First Legal that has challenged DEI corporate policies. Trump appointed Miller as deputy policy director in his new cabinet. A spokesperson for Walmart said that some of their policy changes have been in progress for some time. For example, they have been phasing out the use of the term DEI in job postings and communications, and have started using the term "belonging" instead. They have also begun making changes to their supplier program following the Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action. Some have urged companies to maintain their DEI policies. Last month, a group of Democrats in Congress appealed to the leaders of the Fortune 1000, saying that DEI efforts give everyone a fair chance to achieve the American dream.