China’s Xi to lead Macau handover anniversary celebrationsNew York Gov. Kathy Hochul has proposed a one-time $300 payment to individuals earning $150,000 or less, and $500 to couples making $300,000 or less, her office announced Monday. In what would be the state’s first “Inflation Refund,” Hochul wants to send about 8.6 million New Yorkers a few hundred dollars starting in fall 2025 if approved by the legislature, an official press release stated. Around $3 billion in taxpayer funds would be allocated for the payments, which the governor called a “break” for her constituents. “Because of inflation, New York has generated unprecedented revenues through the sales tax — now, we’re returning that cash back to middle class families,” Hochul said. “My agenda for the coming year will be laser-focused on putting money back in your pockets, and that starts with proposing Inflation Refund checks of up to $500 to help millions of hard-working New Yorkers. It’s simple: the cost of living is still too damn high, and New Yorkers deserve a break.” The press release explained that New York residents who “recently filed tax returns will be eligible for the payment.” “Taxpayers who are single, head of household, or married filing separately, will be eligible if their income was no greater than $150,000. Resident couples filing jointly will be eligible if their income was no greater than $300,000,” Hochul’s office stated. In an X post announcing her proposal, Hochul said there are no “loopholes” or “BS,” — “Just money you can use to pay the bills”:PM Modi Asks States To Focus On Startup Growth, Compliance Simplification, Obesity Controlpromo code haha777 。

Republican lawmakers in Connecticut Sunday called for more law enforcement resources to be dedicated to the state and the northeast region “to investigate unmanned aircraft.” The call came two days after a Republican Connecticut state senator Friday declared reports of sightings of possible unauthorized drones over Fairfield as “ very unsettling to public safety and security , both here in Fairfield and elsewhere” and a federal lawmaker called for an FAA briefing on the issue. It also came as reports of sightings mounted across the northeast region of the country, including in Massachusetts. Cropping up on local news and social media sites around Thanksgiving, the saga of the drones reported over New Jersey has reached incredible heights, the Associated Press reported. Republican lawmakers Sen. Paul Cicarella, Sen. Tony Hwang, Sen. Jeff Gordon and Sen. Stephen Harding said in a joint Sunday statement, “This unsettling drone activity is becoming increasingly more widespread. In Fairfield. On the CT-MA border. This situation clearly merits urgency. The public is alarmed.” “We must ensure the safety of the northeastern U.S.’s infrastructure and our residents. That requires transparency and frequent communication,” they said. Multiple federal agencies have said they do not see any threat to national security or public safety. The reports arose of drones being seen in Fairfield last week, including with people in the area sharing videos on social media, with commentary. “What the heck....there is one, two, three right here,” a user posted on X, noting her husband has a drone and they don’t fly “this far and this quiet.” “This is weird to say but it was like they were disguised as planes. Even filming this video as it got closer to me i go “oh wait thats a plane” and stop filming, but then i realized I don’t live near an airport and this thing was low!,” she wrote on X. A request for comment was sent to a spokesperson for the governor’s office. The state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection also is closely monitoring recent reports of drone activity in Connecticut, according to Commissioner Ronnell A. Higgins. He said Friday that he directed the Connecticut State Police and the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security to investigate any unusual reports of larger drones flying at night. “We understand that people are anxious and they want to know what’s going on,” Higgins said Friday. “After the reports out of New Jersey and other states, we want to assure Connecticut residents that we are fully engaged, and we take reports of suspicious sightings seriously. As is our practice in Connecticut, we are working with our local, state and federal partners, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Transportation Safety Administration.” Higgins noted the FBI and Department of Homeland Security released a joint statement stating that they “have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or public safety threat or have foreign a nexus. The FBI, DHS and our federal partners, in close coordination with the New Jersey State Police, continue to deploy personnel and technology to investigate this situation and confirm whether the reported drone flights are actually drones or are instead manned aircraft or otherwise inaccurate sightings.” “It appears that many of the reported sightings are actually manned aircraft, operating lawfully. There are no reported or confirmed drone sightings in any restricted air space,’’ the joint DHS/FBI statement said. The GOP lawmakers said Sunday that “President Biden and Congress must direct additional federal law enforcement resources to CT and the surrounding region. “Local and state law enforcement already have limited resources,” the lawmakers said. “They are struggling to add drone enforcement to all of their existing duties. We need more federal support to help our state and local authorities.” Hwang, R-Fairfield, former chairman of the Public Safety & Security Committee had said on Friday that he agrees with U.S. Sen. Blumenthal, “who advocates for shooting drones down, if necessary, to get answers and accountability.” Hwang also then noted that the Pentagon “says any action taken against drones is a decision for local law enforcement. As state legislators, we must support that.” Blumenthal had called for mysterious drones spotted flying over sensitive areas in New Jersey and other parts of the Mid-Atlantic region to be “shot down, if necessary,” even as it remains unclear who owns them. “We should be doing some very urgent intelligence analysis and take them out of the skies, especially if they’re flying over airports or military bases,” Blumenthal said Thursday as concerns about the drones spread across Capitol Hill. Blumenthal said Friday that he wrote to the Federal Aviation Administration , Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and U.S. Department of Defense “sharing his concerns regarding the recent reporting of drone activity in the New England airspace, including Connecticut, and requesting a briefing on how the agencies’ plan to address safety and security concerns.” “The proliferation of reported drone activities in this region raises significant safety and security concerns for both commercial and private aviation as well as national security concerns,” Blumenthal wrote, according to a statement. “Incidents involving drones interfering with aircraft operations have increased, posing a real and substantial risk to passengers, crews, and others in the vicinity. And, I am particularly concerned about the potential for these unmanned aerial vehicles – many of which are as large as a car— to disrupt air traffic and, more alarmingly, to be used maliciously to threaten national security.” People in the New York region are also concerned that the drones may be sharing airspace with commercial airlines, Blumenthal said Thursday, demanding more transparency from the Biden administration. Hwang said Friday, “What we have is a lack of information at all levels of government. It’s really a breakdown of communication. Without that vital communication, you lose the public’s confidence, you get speculation and you get fear.” “We must be proactive, not reactive. That requires full transparency, accountability, and honest public conversations to arrive at a resolution and a plan to deal with this immediately,” he said. “To ensure public safety and confidence, we need a threat assessment as soon as possible.” Fox News also reported, “Several drones were reportedly spotted in the skies above a Connecticut suburb Thursday night, adding to recent sightings that have perplexed residents and raised questions about possible national security and public safety concerns.” “We as lawmakers will continue to be in close contact with law enforcement officials to help get essential information to the public,” Hwang said. “It is critical that the FAA take immediate and comprehensive action to ensure the safety of the airspace. I therefore request that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provide briefing regarding a comprehensive plan, coordinated with interagency partners, on addressing these concerns. This briefing should cover all details available regarding these drones as to ownership, operation, impacts on aviation, national security, and privacy,” Blumenthal wrote. Higgins noted that drone operation “is regulated under federal law and users must comply with specific conditions. Commercial drone pilots must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate. The Transportation Safety Administration is responsible for security at airports and the Federal Aviation Administration is responsible for the policies and regulations surrounding national airspace and aircraft to include airports.” He also said drones are considered aircraft. The White House said Thursday that a review of the reported sightings shows that many of them are manned aircraft being flown lawfully. White House National Security spokesman John Kirby said there were no reported sightings in any restricted airspace. He said the U.S. Coast Guard has not uncovered any foreign involvement from coastal vessels. “We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or a public safety threat, or have a foreign nexus,” Kirby said, echoing statements from the Pentagon and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy. The Associated Press contributed to this post.

School district defends decision to punish parents for wearing pink 'XX' wristbands

Dr. Sukhvir Wright at Aston University Institute for Health and Neurodevelopment (IHN), and honorary consultant neurologist at Birmingham Children's Hospital (BCH), has been awarded a £3.4m Career Development Award from Wellcome to research autoimmune encephalitis (AE), an inflammatory brain condition, in children. Every minute, someone in the world is diagnosed with encephalitis, which can be caused by an infection or have an autoimmune cause, where the body's own immune system starts attacking the brain. AE accounts for around a third of cases, with patients experiencing seizures, cognitive and sleep dysfunction and movement disorders. Although medical professionals are getting better at recognising and treating AE earlier, the long-term outcomes remain frustratingly poor, particularly in children under five. Some symptoms of the disease, such as seizures, can resolve but others, such as problems with learning and memory, behavioral change and sleep disorders, can become chronic. Why some of these symptoms get better and others persist is not well understood. Dr. Wright carried out a world-first preliminary study in a group of children with AE at least 18 months after they first developed the condition, using magnetoencephalography (MEG) brain scans. She found distinct long-term brain structure and network changes and believes that these brain changes are responsible for the chronic symptoms of the disease. During this Career Development Award, Dr Wright will use laboratory models to characterise the mechanisms causing the chronic symptoms, examining the underlying changes from single brain cells to whole brain networks. She will also examine longitudinal brain network changes in children immediately following the acute attack of AE and for up to eight years afterwards using a new optically pumped magnetometer (OPM) MEG scanner. IHN is an ideal location for the research project, as it houses the UK's only paediatric clinical and research Wellcome Trust MEG laboratory. The MAG4Health OPM MEG scanner that will be used by Dr Wright was installed in 2024 following a Medical Research Council (MRC) equipment grant for £800,000 led by Aston University's Dr. Caroline Witton in partnership with Birmingham Children's Hospital (BCH). The Aston-BCH OPM MEG uses an adjustable cap with sensors which is placed on the patient's head, which allows some degree of movement and is therefore more acceptable for children. Combining the data from the laboratory models and human patients will enable Dr Wright and her research team to identify common pathophysiological targets, mechanisms and predictive biomarkers to reduce the adverse effects of AE and improve long-term outcomes. Related Stories Study uncovers brain mechanism behind empathetic responses New technology guides immune cells to fight brain cancer and multiple sclerosis Lipid imbalances hold the key to chronic inflammation in colon cancer Dr. Wright is part of the neuroimmunology team at BCH, led by paediatric neurology consultant Professor Evangeline Wassmer. The AE research project will involve Professor Wassmer's team, the BCH Psychology department led by Dr. Jo Horton, Professor Stefano Seri (neurophysiology) and Dr Laavanya Damodaran (liaison psychiatry ). Children and families with lived experience of AE will be directly involved with all aspects of the research to ensure it is answering questions that matter to them, including the family of one of the first AE patients ever treated by the neurology team at BCH. This patient and family involvement will be facilitated by the Epilepsy Research Institute's Shape Network and Encephalitis International, two charities with which Dr Wright has strong links. Dr. Wright said: " We hope that this project will transform outcomes and optimise brain health in paediatric autoimmune encephalitis and beyond by delivering a significant shift in understanding the acute and long-term effects that autoimmune encephalitis has on children and young people." Aston UniversityLONDON (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.

Nutraceutical Ingredients Market Growth Drivers, Industry Overview, Opportunities, Emerging Trends, Leading Players, Recent Development, and Forecast - 2029 12-18-2024 08:18 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: ABNewswire MarketsandMarkets� Nutraceutical Ingredients Market by Type (Proteins, Amino Acids, and Probiotics), Application (Food, Beverages, Animal Nutrition, Dietary Supplements, Food For Special Medical Purposes (FSMP)), Form, Function, & Region - Global Forecast to 2029 The [ https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nutraceutical-ingredients-market-worth-136-1-billion-by-2029--exclusive-report-by-marketsandmarkets-302209617.html ] is poised for substantial growth, with an expected valuation of USD 136.1 billion by 2029, up from USD 105.2 billion in 2024, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3%. Factors driving this growth include changing dietary preferences due to urbanization and fast-paced lifestyles. According to an April 2024 report by the Food Institute, the "snackification" trend is gaining momentum, particularly in urban areas where longer commutes and heavier workloads make convenient, on-the-go food options more appealing. Approximately 67% of consumers now prefer smaller, more frequent meals, further fueling this shift toward convenience. Image: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Images/nutraceutical-ingredient-market60.jpg Artificial Intelligence (AI) is also transforming the nutraceutical ingredients market by accelerating the discovery and production of bioactive compounds, enhancing R&D efforts. For example, in April 2023, ADM (US) partnered with Brightseed (US) to leverage AI for decoding gut microbiome interactions, using Brightseed's AI platform, Forager, to develop advanced synbiotic products. This illustrates AI's role in advancing probiotics and prebiotics for precision health solutions. Nutraceutical Ingredients Market Opportunities [ https://www.marketsandmarketsblog.com/the-future-of-wellness-analyzing-the-nutraceutical-ingredients-industry.html]: Nutraceuticals as Alternatives to Pharmaceuticals The growing preference for natural, preventive healthcare solutions over synthetic drugs presents significant opportunities within the nutraceutical ingredients market. Vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts, and probiotics are widely regarded as safer alternatives with fewer side effects, enhancing their appeal. As chronic disease rates rise and the global population ages, there is increasing demand for health-promoting products, particularly for conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and gastrointestinal disorders. By 2030, the World Health Organization estimates that one in six people globally will be 60 or older, further driving the demand for nutraceuticals as alternatives to pharmaceuticals. Regulatory support from bodies like the FDA and EFSA has also played a crucial role in promoting nutraceutical products, particularly regarding health claims, which encourages companies to innovate and expand their product offerings. Additionally, technological advancements such as microencapsulation and nanotechnology have improved the bioavailability and effectiveness of nutraceutical ingredients, helping them compete with traditional pharmaceuticals. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=1319 Proteins, by Type, Accounted for the Largest Share in the Nutraceutical Ingredients Market Proteins play a critical role in human health, supporting muscle-building, tissue repair, enzyme production, and immune function. As a result, they are extensively incorporated into food and beverage products, dietary supplements, and animal feed. According to a December 2021 article by Glanbia PLC, Ireland, soy and dairy proteins continue to lead in global fortification volumes due to their cost-effectiveness and nutritional completeness. The demand for plant-based proteins like pea and wheat is also rising, driven by the increasing preference for non-GMO and allergen-free options. Consumer trends emphasizing sustainability, ethics, and dietary diversity are driving the adoption of plant-based proteins in North America and Europe. These proteins have become key components in products like sports nutrition and infant formulas due to their quick absorption and muscle-building properties. Technological advancements in protein fortification further enable manufacturers to meet varying consumer needs, supporting the growth of functional foods and personalized nutrition solutions. Dry Form Ingredients Dominate and Show the Fastest Growth Dry forms of nutraceutical ingredients offer key advantages, including stability and extended shelf life, which are crucial for preserving the potency and efficacy of sensitive bioactive compounds like vitamins, minerals, and botanical extracts. Additionally, dry ingredients are easier to handle, store, and transport, reducing logistical complexities and costs. These properties make them particularly attractive for manufacturers seeking operational efficiency and waste reduction. Dry forms are widely used across various product formats such as capsules, tablets, and powdered beverages, catering to diverse consumer preferences for convenience and ease of use. For instance, powders and granules can be seamlessly incorporated into beverages, baked goods, and other food products, ensuring minimal disruption to texture or taste, which helps maintain consumer acceptance. Make an Inquiry: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=1319 Asia Pacific: The Fastest-Growing Region for Nutraceutical Ingredients The Asia Pacific region is experiencing rapid growth in the nutraceutical ingredients market, driven by increasing health consciousness and rising disposable incomes in countries like China, India, and Japan. Urbanization has led to changes in lifestyles, promoting preventive healthcare measures and boosting demand for functional foods and dietary supplements. According to the FAO, in the "Asia and the Pacific Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition 2023 - Statistics and Trends," rising food costs are exacerbating malnutrition, with 232.8 million people unable to afford a nutritious diet. The region continues to face severe food insecurity, particularly in Southern Asia, where over 809 million people experience moderate to severe food insecurity. This highlights the growing need for affordable, health-promoting nutraceutical solutions. Top Nutraceutical Ingredients Companies [ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/nutraceutical-ingredient-market.asp]: The nutraceutical ingredients manufacturers in this market include Cargill, Incorporated (US), ADM (US), International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (US), BASF SE (Germany), Arla Foods amba (Denmark), Associated British Foods plc (UK), dsm-firmenich (Switzerland), Ingredion (US), Tate & Lyle (UK), Ajinomoto Co., Inc. (Japan), and Chr. Hansen A/S (Denmark). Cargill, Incorporated (US) Cargill, Incorporated manufactures specialty food and feed ingredients, and other industrial products, for use in various applications. The company operates through four business segments: animal nutrition & protein, food ingredients & applications, origination & processing, and industrial & financial services. Under its food ingredients & applications and animal nutrition & protein businesses, it manufactures various nutraceutical ingredients. These ingredients, which include proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and prebiotics, assist food and beverage manufacturers, feed manufacturers, food service companies, and other retailers. Cargill, Incorporated operates in around 70 countries and sells in almost 125 countries, across all the geographies such as North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. ADM (US) ADM caters to multiple business segments such as food & beverage ingredients, industrial ingredients, biofuels, feed & feed ingredients, and naturally derived alternatives to industrial chemicals. The company has four major operating segments such Ag services & oilseeds, carbohydrate solutions, nutrition, and others. Its nutrition segment manufactures, sells, and distributes a variety of nutraceutical ingredients-derived from natural sources. ADM has a strong geographic presence globally, with over 62 different innovation centers, 327 processing plants, 520 crop procurement facilities, and distribution in close to 200 other countries in Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa, South America, and North America. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=1319 About MarketsandMarkets Trademark MarketsandMarketsTM has been recognized as one of America's best management consulting firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets Trademark is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients. Earlier this year, we made a formal transformation into one of America's best management consulting firms as per a survey conducted by Forbes. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore Trademark (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry. Media Contact Company Name: MarketsandMarkets Trademark Research Private Ltd. Contact Person: Mr. Rohan Salgarkar Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=nutraceutical-ingredients-market-growth-drivers-industry-overview-opportunities-emerging-trends-leading-players-recent-development-and-forecast-2029 ] Phone: 18886006441 Address:1615 South Congress Ave. Suite 103, Delray Beach, FL 33445 City: Florida State: Florida Country: United States Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/nutraceutical-ingredient-market-1319.html This release was published on openPR.Inari Medical Announces Joint Venture in Greater ChinaVitaGraft KidneyTM quantifies the amount of DNA fragments in transplant patients' blood that originate from the donor organ, a key biomarker for assessing graft health. This process is commonly referred to as donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) testing and is widely used in clinical practice today. In this latest study, Oncocyte's proprietary diagnostic dd-cfDNA test using digital PCR was able to diagnose antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) in kidney transplant recipients nearly a year ahead of standard protocols 1 . "We are excited to see our dd-cfDNA technology demonstrate strong predictive value for AMR, supporting clinicians in identifying AMR in patients sooner, thereby enhancing the opportunity for better outcomes,” said Oncocyte Chief Science Officer Dr. Ekkehard Schuetz. "The trial's results further validate dd-cfDNA as a critical biomarker that can bridge diagnostic gaps for transplant patients.” For further context, de-novo donor specific antibody (dnDSA) is a routine biomarker used in kidney transplant management. The appearance of dnDSA in a patient -- that is, the patient is found to be dnDSA-positive (dnDSA+) -- signals an increased risk of AMR. This latest study shows that compared to standard of care, VitaGraft Kidney can significantly reduce the time to diagnosis of AMR in dnDSA+ patients. It is also the first randomized interventional study to validate any dd-cfDNA technology as a rule-in test for biopsy in a high-risk population. Catching AMR early, when kidney graft loss can be minimized, is becoming increasingly important as physicians explore the use of drugs, including the anti-CD38 drugs felzartamab and daratumumab, to manage rejection. Monitoring with VitaGraft in this high-risk patient population could support early intervention with these new therapeutic options. Once patients are on therapy, monitoring for therapeutic efficacy is also important to manage potential unwanted side effects. Publications using VitaGraft to monitor for efficacy for both aforementioned drugs can be found in the New England Journal of Medicine and Transplant International . In addition, earlier this year, Oncocyte signed an agreement with a European biotechnology company to be the provider of dd-cfDNA testing for a Phase II clinical trial for a separate therapeutic in AMR. Oncocyte expects to submit for claims expansion to its payor, MolDX 2 , to support the use of VitaGraft for these high-risk patients in the clinic. If granted, it would expand the use case beyond the current for-cause claim, opening significant new revenue opportunities. In sum, this clinical trial provides compelling evidence for dd-cfDNA monitoring as a tool for enhancing early intervention and improving outcomes for patients at increased risk of transplant rejection. Oncocyte scientists and inventors of the technology, Dr. Schuetz, Julia Beck and Kirsten Bornemann-Kolatzki, co-authored the study, which was initiated by researchers at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin under the leadership of Prof. Klemens Budde. The study was published in Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation: Oxford Academic and may be found by accessing this link. Additional study details: Highlighting potential for improved patient outcomes, as well as implications for broader clinical applications and future therapies The interventional randomized trial, conducted between June 2021 and July 2023, involved 40 kidney transplant recipients with dnDSA, assessing longitudinal dd-cfDNA monitoring as a guiding tool for diagnostic biopsy compared to standard clinical practices. Oncocyte's proprietary dd-cfDNA technology was able to detect the onset of AMR significantly earlier in patients by guiding the indication for biopsy (median time from inclusion to diagnosis: 2.8 months) compared to the control group using standard of care (14.5 months). As noted above, this early intervention could offer a valuable advantage in transplant care by enabling prompt treatment before irreversible damage occurs. "This study underscores the impact of dd-cfDNA as a critical biomarker for early AMR detection, providing healthcare teams with timely data enabling them to initiate treatments sooner," said Dr. Aylin Akifova, first author from Charité. This study also suggests that dd-cfDNA monitoring could also be instrumental in identifying subclinical AMR-a silent condition that, if undiagnosed, can lead to significant graft damage. Additionally, the findings come at a crucial time, as mentioned above, as promising new treatments, including CD38-targeted therapies, are showing unprecedented efficacy in treating AMR. Early diagnosis with dd-cfDNA could provide the earliest window for intervention, offering an advantage for patients suffering from AMR, a disease with historically very limited treatment options. "We congratulate Charité's research teams on these compelling findings, which further underscore our mission to empower clinicians with tools for precision diagnostics while also democratizing access to novel molecular diagnostic testing to improve patient outcomes,” said Josh Riggs, CEO of Oncocyte. "We look forward to expanding the clinical applications of dd-cfDNA technology and supporting transplant communities worldwide with our innovative diagnostic solutions.” About Oncocyte Oncocyte is a diagnostics technology company. The Company's tests are designed to help provide clarity and confidence to physicians and their patients. VitaGraftTM is a clinical blood-based solid organ transplantation monitoring test. GraftAssureTM is a research use only (RUO) blood-based solid organ transplantation monitoring test. DetermaIOTM is a gene expression test that assesses the tumor microenvironment to predict response to immunotherapies. DetermaCNITM is a blood-based monitoring tool for monitoring therapeutic efficacy in cancer patients. For more information about Oncocyte, please visit https://oncocyte.com/ . For more information about our products, please visit the following web pages: VitaGraft KidneyTM - https://oncocyte.com/vitagraft-kidney/ VitaGraft LiverTM - https://oncocyte.com/vitagraft-liver/ GraftAssureTM - https://oncocyte.com/graftassure/ DetermaIOTM - https://oncocyte.com/determa-io/ DetermaCNITM - https://oncocyte.com/determa-cni/ VitaGraftTM, GraftAssureTM, DetermaIOTM, and DetermaCNITM are trademarks of Oncocyte Corporation. CONTACT: Jeff Ramson PCG Advisory (646) 863-6893 [email protected] Forward-Looking Statements Any statements that are not historical fact (including but not limited to statements that contain words such as "will,” "believes,” "plans,” "anticipates,” "expects,” "estimates,” "may,” and similar expressions) are forward-looking statements. These statements include those pertaining to, among other things, the expectation that Oncocyte will submit for claims expansion to MolDX to support the use of VitaGraft for high-risk patients in the clinic, which may expand the use case and open significant new revenue opportunities, the company's anticipated expansion of clinical applications of dd-cfDNA technology, the company's goal to support transplant communities worldwide with its innovative diagnostic solutions, and other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and/or commercialization of diagnostic tests or products, uncertainty in the results of clinical trials or regulatory approvals, the capacity of Oncocyte's third-party supplied blood sample analytic system to provide consistent and precise analytic results on a commercial scale, potential interruptions to supply chains, the need and ability to obtain future capital, maintenance of intellectual property rights in all applicable jurisdictions, obligations to third parties with respect to licensed or acquired technology and products, the need to obtain third party reimbursement for patients' use of any diagnostic tests Oncocyte or its subsidiaries commercialize in applicable jurisdictions, and risks inherent in strategic transactions such as the potential failure to realize anticipated benefits, legal, regulatory or political changes in the applicable jurisdictions, accounting and quality controls, potential greater than estimated allocations of resources to develop and commercialize technologies, or potential failure to maintain any laboratory accreditation or certification. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements and accordingly such statements should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect the business of Oncocyte, particularly those mentioned in the "Risk Factors” and other cautionary statements found in Oncocyte's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, which are available from the SEC's website. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they were made. Oncocyte undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made, except as required by law.

KYIV, Ukraine — NATO and Ukraine will hold emergency talks Tuesday after Russia attacked a central city with an experimental, hypersonic ballistic missile. escalating the nearly 33-month-old war. The conflict is “entering a decisive phase,” Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Friday, and “taking on very dramatic dimensions.” Ukraine’s parliament canceled a session as security was tightened following Thursday’s Russian strike on a military facility in the city of Dnipro. In a stark warning to the West, President Vladimir Putin said in a nationally televised speech the attack with the intermediate-range Oreshnik missile was in retaliation for Kyiv’s use of U.S. and British longer-range missiles capable of striking deeper into Russian territory. Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks Friday during a meeting with the leadership of the Russian Ministry of Defense, representatives of the military-industrial complex and developers of missile systems at the Kremlin in Moscow. Putin said Western air defense systems would be powerless to stop the new missile. People are also reading... Ukrainian military officials said the missile that hit Dnipro reached a speed of Mach 11 and carried six nonnuclear warheads, each releasing six submunitions. Speaking Friday to military and weapons industries officials, Putin said Russia will launch production of the Oreshnik. “No one in the world has such weapons,” he said. “Sooner or later, other leading countries will also get them. We are aware that they are under development. “We have this system now,” he added. “And this is important.” Putin said that while it isn’t an intercontinental missile, it’s so powerful that the use of several of them fitted with conventional warheads in one attack could be as devastating as a strike with strategic — or nuclear — weapons. Gen. Sergei Karakayev, head of Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces, said the Oreshnik could reach targets across Europe and be fitted with nuclear or conventional warheads, echoing Putin’s claim that even with conventional warheads, “the massive use of the weapon would be comparable in effect to the use of nuclear weapons.” In this photo taken from a video released Friday, a Russian serviceman operates at an undisclosed location in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov kept up Russia's bellicose tone on Friday, blaming “the reckless decisions and actions of Western countries” in supplying weapons to Ukraine to strike Russia. "The Russian side has clearly demonstrated its capabilities, and the contours of further retaliatory actions in the event that our concerns were not taken into account have also been quite clearly outlined," he said. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, widely seen as having the warmest relations with the Kremlin in the European Union, echoed Moscow’s talking points, suggesting the use of U.S.-supplied weapons in Ukraine likely requires direct American involvement. “These are rockets that are fired and then guided to a target via an electronic system, which requires the world’s most advanced technology and satellite communications capability,” Orbán said on state radio. “There is a strong assumption ... that these missiles cannot be guided without the assistance of American personnel.” Orbán cautioned against underestimating Russia’s responses, emphasizing that the country’s recent modifications to its nuclear deployment doctrine should not be dismissed as a “bluff.” “It’s not a trick ... there will be consequences,” he said. Czech Republic's Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky speaks to journalists Friday during a joint news conference with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha in Kyiv, Ukraine. Separately in Kyiv, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský called Thursday’s missile strike an “escalatory step and an attempt of the Russian dictator to scare the population of Ukraine and to scare the population of Europe.” At a news conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Lipavský also expressed his full support for delivering the necessary additional air defense systems to protect Ukrainian civilians from the “heinous attacks.” He said the Czech Republic will impose no limits on the use of its weapons and equipment given to Ukraine. Three lawmakers from Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, confirmed that Friday's previously scheduled session was called off due to the ongoing threat of Russian missiles targeting government buildings in central Kyiv. In addition, there also was a recommendation to limit the work of all commercial offices and nongovernmental organizations "in that perimeter, and local residents were warned of the increased threat,” said lawmaker Mykyta Poturaiev, who said it's not the first time such a threat has been received. Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate said the Oreshnik missile was fired from the Kapustin Yar 4th Missile Test Range in Russia’s Astrakhan region and flew 15 minutes before striking Dnipro. Test launches of a similar missile were conducted in October 2023 and June 2024, the directorate said. The Pentagon confirmed the missile was a new, experimental type of intermediate-range missile based on its RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile. Thursday's attack struck the Pivdenmash plant that built ICBMs when Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union. The military facility is located about 4 miles southwest of the center of Dnipro, a city of about 1 million that is Ukraine’s fourth-largest and a key hub for military supplies and humanitarian aid, and is home to one of the country’s largest hospitals for treating wounded soldiers from the front before their transfer to Kyiv or abroad. From tuberculosis to heart disease: How the leading causes of death in America have changed From tuberculosis to heart disease: How the leading causes of death in America have changed We're all going to die someday. Still, how it happens—and when—can point to a historical moment defined by the scientific advancements and public health programs available at the time to contain disease and prevent accidents. In the early 1900s, America's efforts to improve sanitation, hygiene, and routine vaccinations were still in their infancy. Maternal and infant mortality rates were high, as were contagious diseases that spread between people and animals. Combined with the devastation of two World Wars—and the Spanish Flu pandemic in between—the leading causes of death changed significantly after this period. So, too, did the way we diagnose and control the spread of disease. Starting with reforms as part of Roosevelt's New Deal in the 1930s, massive-scale, federal interventions in the U.S. eventually helped stave off disease transmission. It took comprehensive government programs and the establishment of state and local health agencies to educate the public on preventing disease transmission. Seemingly simple behavioral shifts, such as handwashing, were critical in thwarting the spread of germs, much like discoveries in medicine, such as vaccines, and increased access to deliver them across geographies. Over the course of the 20th century, life expectancy increased by 56% and is estimated to keep increasing slightly, according to an annual summary of vital statistics published by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2000. Death Records examined data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to see how the leading causes of death in America have evolved over time and to pinpoint how some major mortality trends have dropped off. Infectious diseases lead causes of death in America According to a report published in the journal Annual Review of Public Health in 2000, pneumonia was the leading cause of death in the early 1900s, accounting for nearly 1 in 4 deaths. By the time World War I ended in 1918, during which people and animals were housed together for long periods, a new virus emerged: the Spanish Flu. Originating in a bird before spreading to humans, the virus killed 10 times as many Americans as the war. Many died of secondary pneumonia after the initial infection. Pneumonia deaths eventually plummeted throughout the century, partly prevented by increased flu vaccine uptake rates in high-risk groups, particularly older people. Per the CDC, tuberculosis was a close second leading cause of death, killing 194 of every 10,000 people in 1900, mainly concentrated in dense urban areas where the infection could more easily spread. Eventually, public health interventions led to drastic declines in mortality from the disease, such as public education, reducing crowded housing, quarantining people with active disease, improving hygiene, and using antibiotics. Once the death rates lagged, so did the public health infrastructure built to control the disease, leading to a resurgence in the mid-1980s. Diarrhea was the third leading cause of death in 1900, surging every summer among children before the impacts of the pathogen died out in 1930. Adopting water filtration, better nutrition, and improved refrigeration were all associated with its decline. In the 1940s and 1950s, polio outbreaks killed or paralyzed upward of half a million people worldwide every year. Even at its peak, polio wasn't a leading cause of death, it was a much-feared one, particularly among parents of young children, some of whom kept them from crowded public places and interacting with other children. By 1955, when Jonah Salk discovered the polio vaccine, the U.S. had ended the "golden age of medicine." During this period, the causes of mortality shifted dramatically as scientists worldwide began to collaborate on infectious disease control, surgical techniques, vaccines, and other drugs. Leading causes of death tip toward lifestyle-related disease From the 1950s onward, once quick-spreading deadly contagions weren't prematurely killing American residents en masse, scientists also began to understand better how to diagnose and treat these diseases. As a result, Americans were living longer lives and instead succumbing to noncommunicable diseases, or NCDs. The risk of chronic diseases increased with age and, in some cases, was exacerbated by unhealthy lifestyles. Cancer and heart disease shot up across the century, increasing 90-fold from 1900 to 1998, according to CDC data. Following the post-Spanish Flu years, heart disease killed more Americans than any other cause, peaking in the 1960s and contributing to 1 in 3 deaths. Cigarette smoking rates peaked at the same time, a major risk factor for heart disease. Obesity rates also rose, creating another risk factor for heart disease and many types of cancers. This coincides with the introduction of ultra-processed foods into diets, which plays a more significant role in larger waistlines than the increasing predominance of sedentary work and lifestyles. In the early 1970s, deaths from heart disease began to fall as more Americans prevented and managed their risk factors, like quitting smoking or taking blood pressure medicine. However, the disease remains the biggest killer of Americans. Cancer remains the second leading cause of death and rates still indicate an upward trajectory over time. Only a few types of cancer are detected early by screening, and some treatments for aggressive cancers like glioblastoma—the most common type of brain cancer—have also stalled, unable to improve prognosis much over time. In recent years, early-onset cancers, those diagnosed before age 50 or sometimes even earlier, have seen a drastic rise among younger Americans. While highly processed foods and sedentary lifestyles may contribute to rising rates, a spike in cancer rates among otherwise healthy young individuals has baffled some medical professionals. This follows the COVID-19 pandemic that began in 2020. At its peak, high transmission rates made the virus the third leading cause of death in America. It's often compared to the Spanish Flu of 1918, though COVID-19 had a far larger global impact, spurring international collaborations among scientists who developed a vaccine in an unprecedented time. Public policy around issues of safety and access also influences causes of death, particularly—and tragically—among young Americans. Gun control measures in the U.S. are far less stringent than in peer nations; compared to other nations, however, the U.S. leads in gun violence. Firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens (around 2 in 3 are homicides, and 1 in 3 are suicides), and deaths from opioids remain a leading cause of death among younger people. Globally, the leading causes of death mirror differences in social and geographic factors. NCDs are primarily associated with socio-economic status and comprise 7 out of 10 leading causes of death, 85% of those occurring in low- and middle-income countries, according to the World Health Organization. However, one of the best health measures is life expectancy at birth. People in the U.S. have been living longer lives since 2000, except for a slight dip in longevity due to COVID-19. According to the most recent CDC estimates, Americans' life expectancy is 77.5 years on average and is expected to increase slightly in the coming decades. Story editing by Alizah Salario. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Paris Close. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick. This story originally appeared on Death Records and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!Microsoft coughs up yet more Windows 11 24H2 headachesUS agencies should use advanced technology to identify mysterious drones, Schumer saysDominant in the electric car sector, Chinese companies have been quietly consolidating their position in the lesser-watched trucking scene -- but foreign tariffs and a perceived quality gap could signal roadblocks ahead, experts warn. The domestic supply chain and low-price strategy that helped make China's EV car industry world-leading are being leveraged by established automakers and start-ups alike, aiming to similarly transform trucking. Electric trucks currently represent less than one percent of truck sales worldwide, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA) -- with China making up 70 percent of those sales in 2023. But the agency said it was "optimistic" policy and technology developments would see more widespread adoption in the next 10 years. "This industry, I believe, is ripe for disruption," Han Wen , the founder of start-up Windrose, told AFP on a factory floor as the company's first vehicles for delivery were assembled behind him. 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Chinese companies like BYD and Beiqi Foton have shipped trucks to countries including Italy, Poland, Spain and Mexico, and have opened assembly plants around the world. "China's trucks are generally cost-competitive in emerging markets," Stephen Dyer, from consulting firm AlixPartners, told AFP. "For mature markets, performance and durability do not yet meet the needs of most customers, but that is changing." When it comes to emissions, "heavy-duty trucks are considered one of the more difficult to abate transport segments (after aviation and shipping)", IEA analyst Elizabeth Connelly told AFP. A major challenge is the trade-off between battery size and range. "The larger the battery, the longer the range. But the larger the battery, the heavier the truck... and the worse the fuel economy," Connelly said. Chinese manufacturers have been seen as producing lower quality products than foreign counterparts. Nominations for ET MSME Awards are now open. The last day to apply is December 15, 2024. Click here to submit your entry for any one or more of the 22 categories and stand a chance to win a prestigious award. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )

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Apple urged to remove new AI feature after falsely summarizing news reportsTORONTO (AP) — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told Donald Trump that Americans would also suffer if the president-elect follows through on a plan to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian products , a Canadian minister who attended their recent dinner said Monday. Trump threatened to impose tariffs on products from Canada and Mexico if they don’t stop what he called the flow of drugs and migrants across their borders with the United States. He said on social media last week that he would impose a 25% tax on all products entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico as one of his first executive orders. Canadian Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, whose responsibilities include border security, attended a dinner with Trump and Trudeau at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club on Friday. Trudeau requested the meeting in a bid to avoid the tariffs by convincing Trump that the northern border is nothing like the U.S. southern border with Mexico . "The prime minister of course spoke about the importance of protecting the Canadian economy and Canadian workers from tariffs, but we also discussed with our American friends the negative impact that those tariffs could have on their economy, on affordability in the United States as well," LeBlanc said in Parliament. If Trump makes good on his threat to slap 25% tariffs on everything imported from Mexico and Canada, the price increases that could follow will collide with his campaign promise to give American families a break from inflation. Economists say companies would have little choice but to pass along the added costs, dramatically raising prices for food, clothing, automobiles, alcohol and other goods. The Produce Distributors Association, a Washington trade group, said last week that tariffs will raise prices for fresh fruit and vegetables and hurt U.S. farmers when the countries retaliate. Canada is already examining possible retaliatory tariffs on certain items from the U.S. should Trump follow through on the threat. After his dinner with Trump, Trudeau returned home without assurances the president-elect will back away from threatened tariffs on all products from the major American trading partner. Trump called the talks “productive” but signaled no retreat from a pledge that Canada says unfairly lumps it in with Mexico over the flow of drugs and migrants into the United States. “The idea that we came back empty handed is completely false,” LeBlanc said. “We had a very productive discussion with Mr. Trump and his future Cabinet secretaries. ... The commitment from Mr. Trump to continue to work with us was far from empty handed.” Joining Trump and Trudeau at dinner were Howard Lutnick, Trump’s nominee for commerce secretary, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Trump’s pick to lead the Interior Department, and Mike Waltz, Trump’s choice to be his national security adviser. Canada’s ambassador to the U.S., Kirsten Hillman, told The Associated Press on Sunday that “the message that our border is so vastly different than the Mexican border was really understood.” Hillman, who sat at an adjacent table to Trudeau and Trump, said Canada is not the problem when it comes to drugs and migrants. On Monday, Mexico’s president rejected those comments. “Mexico must be respected, especially by its trading partners,” President Claudia Sheinbaum said. She said Canada had its own problems with fentanyl consumption and “could only wish they had the cultural riches Mexico has.” Flows of migrants and seizures of drugs at the two countries’ border are vastly different. U.S. customs agents seized 43 pounds of fentanyl at the Canadian border during the last fiscal year, compared with 21,100 pounds at the Mexican border. Most of the fentanyl reaching the U.S. — where it causes about 70,000 overdose deaths annually — is made by Mexican drug cartels using precursor chemicals smuggled from Asia. On immigration, the U.S. Border Patrol reported 1.53 million encounters with migrants at the southwest border with Mexico between October 2023 and September 2024. That compares to 23,721 encounters at the Canadian border during that time. Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states. Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian (US$2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day. About 60% of U.S. crude oil imports are from Canada, and 85% of U.S. electricity imports as well. Canada is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum and uranium to the U.S. and has 34 critical minerals and metals that the Pentagon is eager for and investing for national security.

Convicted Massachusetts ex-senator wants Trump to pardon him after Biden pardons son HunterNone

It looked like a recipe for disaster. So, when his country's swimmers were being accused of doping earlier this year, one Chinese official cooked up something fast. He blamed it on contaminated noodles. In fact, he argued, it could have been a culinary conspiracy concocted by criminals, whose actions led to the cooking wine used to prepare the noodles being laced with a banned heart drug that found its way into an athlete's system. This theory was spelled out to international anti-doping officials during a meeting and, after weeks of wrangling, finally made it into the thousands of pages of data handed over to the lawyer who investigated the case involving 23 Chinese swimmers who had tested positive for that same drug. The attorney, appointed by the World Anti-Doping Agency, refused to consider that scenario as he sifted through the evidence. In spelling out his reasoning, lawyer Eric Cottier paid heed to the half-baked nature of the theory. "The Investigator considers this scenario, which he has described in the conditional tense, to be possible, no less, no more," Cottier wrote. Even without the contaminated-noodles theory, Cottier found problems with the way WADA and the Chinese handled the case but ultimately determined WADA had acted reasonably in not appealing China's conclusion that its athletes had been inadvertently contaminated. Critics of the way the China case was handled can't help but wonder if a wider exploration of the noodle theory, details of which were discovered by The Associated Press via notes and emails from after the meeting where it was delivered, might have lent a different flavor to Cottier's conclusions. "There are more story twists to the ways the Chinese explain the TMZ case than a James Bond movie," said Rob Koehler, the director general of the advocacy group Global Athlete. "And all of it is complete fiction." In April, reporting from the New York Times and the German broadcaster ARD revealed that the 23 Chinese swimmers had tested positive for the banned heart medication trimetazidine, also known as TMZ. China's anti-doping agency determined the athletes had been contaminated, and so, did not sanction them. WADA accepted that explanation, did not press the case further, and China was never made to deliver a public notice about the "no-fault findings," as is often seen in similar cases. The stock explanation for the contamination was that traces of TMZ were found in the kitchen of a hotel where the swimmers were staying. In his 58-page report, Cottier relayed some suspicions about the feasibility of that chain of events — noting that WADA's chief scientist "saw no other solution than to accept it, even if he continued to have doubts about the reality of contamination as described by the Chinese authorities." But without evidence to support pursuing the case, and with the chance of winning an appeal at almost nil, Cottier determined WADA's "decision not to appeal appears indisputably reasonable." A mystery remained: How did those traces of TMZ get into the kitchen? Shortly after the doping positives were revealed, the Institute of National Anti-Doping Organizations held a meeting on April 30 where it heard from the leader of China's agency, Li Zhiquan. Li's presentation was mostly filled with the same talking points that have been delivered throughout the saga — that the positive tests resulted from contamination from the kitchen. But he expanded on one way the kitchen might have become contaminated, harkening to another case in China involving a low-level TMZ positive. A pharmaceutical factory, he explained, had used industrial alcohol in the distillation process for producing TMZ. The industrial alcohol laced with the drug "then entered the market through illegal channels," he said. The alcohol "was re-used by the perpetrators to process and produce cooking wine, which is an important seasoning used locally to make beef noodles," Li said. "The contaminated beef noodles were consumed by that athlete, resulting in an extremely low concentration of TMZ in the positive sample. "The wrongdoers involved have been brought to justice." This new information raised eyebrows among the anti-doping leaders listening to Li's report. So much so that over the next month, several emails ensued to make sure the details about the noodles and wine made their way to WADA lawyers, who could then pass it onto Cottier. Eventually, Li did pass on the information to WADA general counsel Ross Wenzel and, just to be sure, one of the anti-doping leaders forwarded it, as well, according to the emails seen by the AP. All this came with Li's request that the noodles story be kept confidential. Turns out, it made it into Cottier's report, though he took the information with a grain of salt. "Indeed, giving it more attention would have required it to be documented, then scientifically verified and validated," he wrote. Neither Wenzel nor officials at the Chinese anti-doping agency returned messages from AP asking about the noodles conspiracy and the other athlete who Li suggested had been contaminated by them. Meanwhile, 11 of the swimmers who originally tested positive competed at the Paris Games earlier this year in a meet held under the cloud of the Chinese doping case. Though WADA considers the case closed, Koehler and others point to situations like this as one of many reasons that an investigation by someone other than Cottier, who was hired by WADA, is still needed. "It gives the appearance that people are just making things up as they go along on this, and hoping the story just goes away," Koehler said. "Which clearly it has not." Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Indiana Jones PS5's Launch Trailer Will Make the Spring 2025 Wait That Little Harder - Push SquareNEW YORK, NY, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vito Coviello is an experienced and accomplished C-level executive, bringing a wealth of expertise in financial control and management, regulatory compliance, strategic planning, internal audit, and tax to Spartan Capital Securities. With over two decades of leadership roles at prominent financial institutions, as well as U.S. and International Government Sponsored Entities, Mr. Coviello’s systemic capital markets knowledge, coupled with technical and innovative approach make him a significant addition to the Spartan team. Mr. Coviello previously served as a Financial Services Consultant, advising firms, and providing support on financial reporting, internal controls, regulatory compliance, internal audit, and tax. His career includes notable tenures at Morgan Stanley, Deloitte, Santander Investment Securities, and Fannie Mae, where he enhanced reporting, regulatory and compliance, internal controls, policy and procedures frameworks, internal audit, tax, streamlined processes, and developed cost-saving solutions. He has successfully reduced month-end close processes by implementing advanced technology solutions, designed financial reporting systems that optimized key performance indicators and achieved significant cost savings. He advised on the implementation of internal controls and regulatory reporting under SEC, FINRA, CFTC, NFA, SOX, FICCA and PCAOB rules. Spartan Capital Securities’ Founder and CEO, John Lowry, commented: “We are very pleased that Vito Coviello has joined the Spartan team. Vito’s extensive financial leadership, deep industry expertise, and proven track record position him as an ideal addition to our Firm, especially as we continue to evolve and grow.” About Spartan Capital Securities, LLC (SCS): Spartan Capital Securities, LLC is a full-service, integrated financial services firm that provides sound investment guidance for high-net-worth individuals and institutions. Their in-depth market knowledge, calculated risk management strategy, and investment acumen have earned them a strong reputation as trusted financial advisors. Spartan Capital’s experienced investment professionals provide highly customized personal service, tailoring an asset allocation program to enable each client to meet their financial goals. Spartan Capital also offers advisory and insurance services through its affiliates, Spartan Capital Private Wealth Management, LLC and Spartan Capital Insurance Services, LLC. If you have any questions, contact: info@spartancapital.com John D. Lowry Spartan Capital Securities +1 (212) 293-0123

NEW YORK , Dec. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global styrene butadiene (sb) latex market size is estimated to grow by USD 1.50 billion from 2024 to 2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 3.68% during the forecast period. For comprehensive forecast and historic data on regions,market segments, customer landscape, and companies- Click for the snapshot of this report Report Attribute Details Base Year 2023 Forecast period 2024-2028 Historic Data for 2018 - 2022 Segments Covered Type (Low, Medium, and High), Application (Paper processing, Fiber and carpet processing, Glass fiber adhesives, Adhesives, and Others), and Geography (APAC, Europe, North America, Middle East and Africa, and South America) Key Companies Covered Asahi Kasei Corp., BASF SE, Dow Chemical Co., EcoSynthetix Inc., Fosroc International Ltd., General Industrial Polymers, Hansol Holdings, JSR Corp., Jubilant Industries Ltd., Kumho Petrochemical Co. Ltd., Lanxess AG, LG Chem Ltd., Mallard Creek Polymers, MCTRON Inc., NANTEX INDUSTRY Co. Ltd., Rishiroop Polymers Pvt. Ltd., RPM International Inc., S.R. Chemical, Synthomer Plc, and Trinseo PLC, Rockwood Lithium, AkzoNobel, Chemtura, Bridgestone, MICHELIN, China Petroleum & Chemical, Reliance Industries Limited, Zeon Corporation, Goodyear Rubber Company. Regions Covered APAC, Europe, North America, Middle East and Africa, and South America Region Outlook 1. APAC - APAC is estimated to contribute 52%. To the growth of the global market. The Styrene Butadiene (SB) Latex Market report forecasts market growth by revenue at global, regional & country levels from 2017 to 2027. The Styrene Butadiene (SB) latex market in Asia Pacific is experiencing significant expansion due to the thriving construction, pulp and paper, paints and coatings, and packaging industries. Key consumers of SB latex in the region include China , Japan , India , and South Korea . The expanding wood and furniture industry, as well as the packaging industry, are major contributors to the increasing demand for SB latex-based adhesives and sealants. These industries' continued growth is driving market expansion in the region. Additionally, the increasing demand for adhesive and sealant products from various industries, such as construction, furniture, and footwear, is expected to further fuel market growth throughout the forecast period. For more insights on APAC's significant contribution along with the market share of rest of the regions and countries - Download a FREE Sample Segmentation Overview Get a glance at the market contribution of rest of the segments - Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! 1.1 Fastest growing segment: Styrene Butadiene (SB) latex is a hydrocarbon compound used extensively in various industries for adhesive and coating applications. SB latex with low butadiene content is gaining popularity due to its environmental benefits. It helps reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, contributing to a smaller carbon footprint. In certain applications, this type of SB latex offers enhanced mechanical properties, such as improved tensile strength and abrasion resistance, making it suitable for industries where durability is crucial. The increasing demand for eco-friendly and high-performing products is driving the growth of the global SB latex market. Specifically, low butadiene SB latex is preferred due to its superior chemical and UV resistance, resulting in more durable coatings and adhesives. This trend is expected to continue during the forecast period. Research Analysis The Styrene Butadiene (SB) Latex market refers to the global trade of styrene butadiene latex, a type of elastomeric dispersion. This market encompasses various applications, including paper processing, mortar additives, adhesives, coatings, sealants, and paper coatings. SB latex is produced through the polymerization reaction of butadiene and styrene monomers, with the assistance of emulsifiers. In the paper processing segment, SB latex is used for coating and sizing paper. In the mortar additives segment, it enhances the plasticity and workability of mortar. In the adhesives industry, it is used in the production of pressure-sensitive adhesives. In the coatings segment, SB latex is utilized in paints and coatings to improve their elasticity and durability. The carpet industry also uses SB latex as a binder in the production of carpet backing. In the sealants segment, it is used to produce high-performance sealants with excellent adhesion and flexibility. The sealants find applications in construction, automotive, and other industries. SB latex is also used in the impregnation of fiber materials, such as glass fiber processing, to improve their strength and durability. The feedstock for SB latex production includes butadiene and styrene, which are obtained from refineries and petrochemical plants. The production process requires refrigeration equipment to maintain the temperature during the polymerization reaction. Market Overview Styrene Butadiene (SB) Latex is a versatile elastomeric material derived from the polymerization of Styrene and Butadiene monomers. It is widely used in various industries due to its excellent properties such as print quality, water resistance, film-forming properties, and adhesion. In the paper processing segment, SB Latex is used as binders for coated paper and impregnation for improving stability and reducing fraying. In the construction industry, it is used as mortar additives for enhancing bonding adhesion, compressive strength, and tensile strength. SB Latex finds extensive applications in adhesives, coatings, sealants, paper coatings, and packaging materials. It is used in the automotive industry for producing lightweight automotive materials and in the renewable energy sector for manufacturing eco-friendly and sustainable latex-based products. The textile, furniture, and e-commerce industries also use SB Latex for producing durable and resilient products. SB Latex is produced through a polymerization reaction involving Styrene, Butadiene, and an emulsifier. The resulting Styrene Butadiene copolymers exhibit excellent properties such as water resistance, abrasion resistance, and adhesion. SB Latex alternatives are also available in the market, offering similar benefits but with different chemical compositions. In the paper industry, SB Latex is used for producing high-quality coated paper, while in the carpet industry, it is used for back coating tufted carpets to improve their stability and durability. The adhesives industry uses SB Latex for producing pressure-sensitive adhesives and bonding adhesives. In the fiber processing industry, SB Latex is used for glass fiber processing and in the production of non-woven fabrics. SB Latex is also used in the production of acrylic, vinyl, and polyurethane coatings, offering improved properties such as print quality, water resistance, and durability. In the automotive industry, SB Latex is used for manufacturing lightweight automotive materials, while in the construction industry, it is used for producing green building materials. The properties of SB Latex make it an ideal choice for various applications, including residential complexes, commercial spaces, and architectural projects. Architects and developers use SB Latex-based products for their excellent bonding properties, durability, and resistance to environmental factors. The production of SB Latex involves the use of refrigeration equipment to maintain the temperature during the polymerization reaction. The resulting latex is a viscoelastic material with plasticity, making it easy to handle and apply. The monomers used in the production of SB Latex include Styrene, Butadiene, and carboxylic acid. The polymerization reaction results in the formation of Styrene Butadiene copolymers, which exhibit excellent properties such as adhesion, abrasion resistance, and water resistance. In summary, Styrene Butadiene Latex is a versatile material with a wide range of applications in various industries, including paper processing, construction, automotive, textile, furniture, e-commerce, renewable energy, and adhesives. Its excellent properties, such as print quality, water resistance, film-forming properties, and adhesion, make it an ideal choice for various applications. The production of SB Latex involves the use of refrigeration equipment and the polymerization reaction of Styrene, Butadiene, and carboxylic acid to form Styrene Butadiene copolymers. Start exploring market insights by Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! Key Topics Covered: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Venodr Landscape 11 Vendor Analysis 11.1 Rockwood Lithium 11.2 AkzoNobel 11.3 Chemtura 11.4 Bridgestone 11.5 MICHELIN 11.6 China Petroleum & Chemical 11.7 Reliance Industries Limited 11.8 Zeon Corporation 11.9 Goodyear Rubber Company. 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: media@technavio.com Website: www.technavio.com/ View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/styrene-butadiene-sb-latex-market--52-of-growth-to-originate-from-apac-technavio-302331404.html SOURCE Technavio

( MENAFN - GetNews) In today's fast-evolving blockchain landscape, TON (The Open Network) has emerged as a key player in the global ecosystem. With its high-performance technical architecture, extensive use cases, and close integration with global messaging giant Telegram, TON is reshaping the Web3 narrative and delivering a new decentralized revolution to users worldwide. TON Ecosystem: Technical Innovations and Advantages The TON ecosystem's rapid rise stems from its unique and innovative technical foundation: Sharding Architecture: TON employs a three-layer sharding structure (Masterchain, Workchain, Shardchain), delivering high scalability and ultra-fast transaction speeds, capable of processing millions of transactions per second to meet future growth. Infinite Network Expansion: With independent Workchains and dynamic sharding, TON supports unlimited applications and users, addressing the scalability challenges seen in other blockchains. Low Transaction Costs: TON eliminates the pain of high gas fees, offering extremely low-cost transactions ideal for day-to-day payments and microtransactions. Seamless Telegram Integration: Telegram, with over 800 million monthly active users, provides TON with a built-in user base and massive natural traffic, ensuring TON's rapid adoption and user acquisition. Core Applications of the TON Ecosystem Payments and Financial Services: TON provides efficient crypto payment solutions through Toncoin, addressing global needs, particularly in emerging markets like Africa and South Asia, where traditional financial systems are lacking. GameFi and SocialFi: TON's high performance supports blockchain gaming and social applications. Popular projects like Notcoin and Dogs leverage user-friendly,“click-to-earn” models to attract millions of participants, driving a surge of traffic within the TON ecosystem. Decentralized Applications (DApps): Developers can easily build and deploy decentralized applications, including DeFi platforms, NFT marketplaces, and DAO solutions, within the TON ecosystem. Data Storage and Communication: Beyond financial use cases, TON enables decentralized storage and communication systems, ensuring user privacy and data security in the Web3 world. The First Exchange: Empowering the TON Ecosystem As a strategic partner of the TON ecosystem, The First Exchange plays a vital role in driving adoption and offering users a comprehensive platform to explore TON's opportunities: Dedicated TON Ecosystem Zone: The First hosts a specialized TON ecosystem zone, featuring high-potential projects and assets for user investment. Innovative Wealth Challenge Events: Users can join the TON Wealth Challenge, completing simple tasks to win generous Toncoin rewards, introducing a fresh Play-to-Earn model to boost engagement. Real-Time Insights: The First delivers up-to-date news, analysis, and insights into the TON ecosystem, empowering users to stay ahead of market opportunities. Collaborative Partnerships: By partnering with the TON Foundation, The First facilitates ecosystem growth, supporting project launches, promotions, and user onboarding. Leveraging Telegram's Social Power TON's unique integration with Telegram unlocks unprecedented social opportunities within blockchain: Massive User Base: With over 800 million monthly users, Telegram serves as a gateway to TON, offering a vast and ready user pool. Social Finance Integration: TON combines social interactions with economic incentives, enabling seamless peer-to-peer transfers, in-chat payments, and microtransactions via the TON wallet integrated into Telegram. DApp Accessibility: TON DApps can be directly embedded into the Telegram platform, reducing entry barriers and delivering seamless Web3 services to end users. Future Potential of the TON Ecosystem As Web3 adoption accelerates globally, TON's future development will focus on several key areas: Global Expansion: TON aims to extend its footprint into Latin America, Africa, and other emerging markets, making blockchain technology accessible worldwide. Financial Applications: TON's financial ecosystem, including DeFi tools and blockchain-based payments, will attract more capital and users, unlocking explosive growth. Technological Optimization: Continued innovation in TON's sharding mechanism, security protocols, and scalability will ensure a robust, sustainable ecosystem. Strategic Ecosystem Partnerships: By fostering deeper collaborations with developers, exchanges, and partners, the TON Foundation will drive user adoption and strengthen the TON ecosystem. Conclusion TON represents the perfect synergy of blockchain technology, market opportunity, and social scalability through Telegram. As TON continues to redefine decentralized finance, communication, and application development, The First Exchange stands as a core strategic partner, offering users an entry point to the TON ecosystem. Through dedicated activities, real-time insights, and innovative engagement opportunities, The First empowers global users to unlock the true potential of the TON revolution and achieve wealth growth in the Web3 era. Disclaimer: This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies (including product offerings, regulatory plans and business plans) and may change without notice. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. MENAFN18122024003238003268ID1109009590 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.

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 19, 2024-- Surf Air Mobility Inc. (NYSE: SRFM) (“the Company”,“Surf Air”), a leading regional air mobility platform, announced the appointment of David Anderman to the Company’s board of directors effective December 17, 2024. Mr. Anderman served as Chief Legal Officer of Surf Air from June 2023 to May 2024. Mr. Anderman currently serves as the Co-Founder and General Partner of Stellar Ventures, a venture fund investing in the next generation of space entrepreneurs. Mr. Anderman was General Counsel of SpaceX from June 2019 to December 2020, during which time he supported the launch of satellite internet network Starlink and the launch of NASA astronauts to the International Space Station. Prior to SpaceX, Mr. Anderman served 16 years at Lucasfilm Ltd., starting as the junior lawyer and rising through the ranks to become General Counsel and Chief Operating Officer. He negotiated the deal to sell Lucasfilm to the Walt Disney Company in 2012. He has held C-level positions at a series of technology startups. Mr. Anderman began his career as an intellectual property litigator in Silicon Valley. “David Anderman brings valuable experience, insight, and expertise to our board of directors, and to our SurfOS AI-powered software being developed with Palantir to revolutionize aviation management with all-in-one software,” said Carl Albert, Chairman of Surf Air Mobility. About Surf Air Mobility Surf Air Mobility is a Los Angeles-based regional air mobility platform and the largest commuter airline in the U.S. by scheduled departures as well as the largest passenger operator of Cessna Caravans in the U.S. In addition to its airline operations, Surf Air Mobility is currently developing an AI powered airline software operating system and is working toward certification of electric powertrain technology. Surf Air Mobility plans to offer our technology solutions to the entire regional air mobility industry to improve safety, efficiency, profitability and reduce emissions. Forward-Looking Statement This Press Release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Readers of this release should be aware of the speculative nature of forward-looking statements. These statements are based on the beliefs of the Company’s management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company and reflect the Company’s current views concerning future events. As such, they are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These and other risks are discussed in detail in the periodic reports that the Company files with the SEC, and investors are urged to review those periodic reports and the Company’s other filings with the SEC, which are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov , before making an investment decision. The Company assumes no obligation to update its forward-looking statements except as required by law. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241219296051/en/ CONTACT: Surf Air Mobility Media Contacts Presspress@surfair.com Investors:investors@surfair.com KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: DATA MANAGEMENT AIR TECHNOLOGY TRANSPORT SOFTWARE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SOURCE: Surf Air Mobility Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/19/2024 04:15 PM/DISC: 12/19/2024 04:13 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241219296051/enzkMe Network Celebrates Second Anniversary, Announces Strategic Ecosystem Rewards Program for 2025

By Funto Omojola, NerdWallet Mobile wallets that allow you to pay using your phone have been around for well more than a decade, and over those years they’ve grown in popularity, becoming a key part of consumers’ credit card usage. According to a “state of credit card report” for 2025 from credit bureau Experian, 53% of Americans in a survey say they use digital wallets more frequently than traditional payment methods. To further incentivize mobile wallet usage, some credit card issuers offer bonus rewards when you elect to pay that way. But those incentives can go beyond just higher reward rates. In fact, mobile wallets in some ways are becoming an essential part of activating and holding a credit card. For example, they can offer immediate access to your credit line, and they can be easier and safer than paying with a physical card. From a rewards perspective, it can make a lot of sense to reach for your phone now instead of your physical card. The Apple Card offers its highest reward rates when you use it through the Apple Pay mobile wallet. Same goes for the PayPal Cashback Mastercard® when you use it to make purchases via the PayPal digital wallet. The Kroger grocery store giant has a co-branded credit card that earns the most when you pay using an eligible digital wallet, and some major credit cards with quarterly rotating bonus categories have a history of incentivizing digital wallet use. But again, these days it’s not just about the rewards. Mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and PayPal can offer immediate access to your credit line while you wait for your physical card to arrive after approval. Indeed, most major issuers including Bank of America®, Capital One and Chase now offer instant virtual credit card numbers for eligible cards that can be used upon approval by adding them to a digital wallet. Additionally, many co-branded credit cards — those offered in partnership with another brand — commonly offer instant card access and can be used immediately on in-brand purchases. Credit cards typically take seven to 10 days to arrive after approval, so instant access to your credit line can be particularly useful if you need to make an urgent or unexpected purchase. Plus, they allow you to start spending toward a card’s sign-up bonus right away. As issuers push toward mobile payments, a growing number of merchants and businesses are similarly adopting the payment method. The percentage of U.S. businesses that used digital wallets increased to 62% in 2023, compared to 47% the previous year, according to a 2023 survey commissioned by the Federal Reserve Financial Services. Wider acceptance is potentially good news for the average American, who according to Experian has about four credit cards. While that won’t necessarily weigh down your wallet, it can be hard to manage multiple cards and rewards categories at once. Mobile wallets offer a more efficient way to store and organize all of your workhorse cards, while not having to carry around ones that you don’t use often. They can also help you more easily monitor your spending and rewards, and some even track your orders’ status and arrival time. Plus, paying with a digital wallet offers added security. That’s because it uses technology called tokenization when you pay, which masks your real credit card number and instead sends an encrypted “token” that’s unique to each payment. This is unlike swiping or dipping a physical card, during which your credit card number is more directly accessible. And again, because a mobile wallet doesn’t require you to have your physical cards present, there’s less chance of one falling out of your pocket or purse. More From NerdWallet Funto Omojola writes for NerdWallet. Email: fomojola@nerdwallet.com. The article Activating Your Credit Card? Don’t Skip the Mobile Wallet Step originally appeared on NerdWallet .

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RBB Bancorp (the "Company") RBB is pleased to announce that effective January 1, 2025, Mr. Johnny Lee, currently President and Chief Banking Officer of Royal Business Bank (the "Bank"), will be appointed as President of the Company, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank and a director of the Company and Bank. In addition, effective as of May 22, 2025, Mr. Lee will be appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Lee brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Company from various financial institutions, and the Company will continue to benefit and grow with his leadership. Prior to joining the Company in 2023, Mr. Lee, age 62, most recently served as Senior Managing Director, Head of International and Commercial Banking of East West Bank, from 2021 to 2023. Prior thereto, Mr. Lee also served in the following roles at East West Bank: Head of Venture Lending, Emerging Technologies, from 2018 to 2023; Managing Director & Chief Administrative Officer, US Greater China (Bridge) Banking, from 2015 to 2018; and Managing Director, International Banking Group, Corporate Banking Division, from 2013 to 2015. Mr. Lee has over 35 years of banking experience. Effective January 1, 2025, Mr. David Morris, will resign from his position as Chief Executive Officer of the Bank and President of the Company. Mr. Morris will continue serving as the Company's Chief Executive Officer until he retires effective as of May 21, 2025. Mr. Morris will remain on the Boards of Directors of the Company and the Bank. "We wish to express our sincere appreciation for the tremendous work Mr. Morris has completed for the Company over the past 15 years and we are grateful for his service and dedication. Our Company has grown substantially due in large part to his strategic efforts and we are so pleased he plans to continue his service as a director of both the Company and the Bank after he retires from the day-to-day responsibilities as CEO of the Company," said Christina Kao, the Company's Chair of the Board of Directors. "We are also pleased to have Mr. Lee become President and CEO of the Bank at the start of the year and Chief Executive Officer of the Company in May of 2025 through a succession plan. Mr. Lee is a remarkably talented executive, and I look forward to his continued leadership and ongoing contributions as we continue to attract top-tier banking professionals to grow our team and strive to deliver value to our customers, community, and shareholders." Commenting on his new appointment, Mr. Lee stated, "I am delighted to be part of the collaborative Royal Business Bank team. The Company has demonstrated outstanding growth and performance while delivering shareholder value and serving the Asian American community and Asian-centric businesses. I look forward to leading the Company to achieve success for the benefit of our employees, clients and shareholders." In additional leadership changes, effective January 1, 2025, Mr. Mina Rizkalla, currently Senior Vice President/BSA Officer & Deputy Chief Risk Officer for the Bank since 2023, will become Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer for the Company and the Bank and will report to Mr. Lee. Mr. I-Ming (Vincent) Liu, currently Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer for the Company and the Bank, will relinquish the Chief Risk Officer position and remain with the Bank as Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff and will report to Mr. Lee. In his new role, Mr. Liu will assist with the announced senior leadership succession plan and transition timeline. Corporate Overview RBB Bancorp is a community-based financial holding company headquartered in Los Angeles, California. As of September 30, 2024, the Company had total assets of $4.0 billion. Its wholly-owned subsidiary, Royal Business Bank, is a full service commercial bank, which provides consumer and business banking services predominately to the Asian communities and Asian-centric businesses in Los Angeles County, Orange County, and Ventura County in California, in Las Vegas, Nevada, in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan in New York, in Edison, New Jersey, in the Chicago neighborhoods of Chinatown and Bridgeport, Illinois, and on Oahu, Hawaii. Bank services include remote deposit, E-banking, mobile banking, commercial and investor real estate loans, business loans and lines of credit, commercial and industrial loans, SBA 7A and 504 loans, 1-4 single family residential loans, trade finance, a full range of depository account products and wealth management services. The Bank has nine branches in Los Angeles County, two branches in Ventura County, one branch in Orange County, California, one branch in Las Vegas, Nevada, three branches and one loan operation center in Brooklyn, three branches in Queens, one branch in Manhattan in New York, one branch in Edison, New Jersey, two branches in Chicago, Illinois, and one branch in Honolulu, Hawaii. The Company's administrative and lending center is located at 1055 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, California 90017, and its operations center is located at 7025 Orangethorpe Ave., Buena Park, California 90621. The Company's website address is www.royalbusinessbankusa.com . Safe Harbor Certain matters set forth herein (including the exhibits hereto) constitute forward-looking statements relating to the Company's current business plans and expectations and our future financial position and operating results. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance and/or achievements to differ materially from those projected. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the effectiveness of the Company ' s internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures ; the potential for additional material weaknesses in the Company ' s internal controls over financial reporting or other potential control deficiencies of which the Company is not currently aware or which have not been detected; business and economic conditions generally and in the financial services industry, nationally and within our current and future geographic markets, including the tight labor market, ineffective management of the United States ( " U.S. " ) federal budget or debt or turbulence or uncertainly in domestic of foreign financial markets; the strength of the U.S. economy in general and the strength of the local economies in which we conduct operations; our ability to attract and retain deposits and access other sources of liquidity; possible additional provisions for loan losses and charge-offs; credit risks of lending activities and deterioration in asset or credit quality; extensive laws and regulations and supervision that we are subject to, including potential supervisory action by bank supervisory authorities; increased costs of compliance and other risks associated with changes in regulation, including any amendments to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act; compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act and other money laundering statutes and regulations; potential goodwill impairment; liquidity risk; fluctuations in interest rates; risks associated with acquisitions and the expansion of our business into new markets; inflation and deflation; real estate market conditions and the value of real estate collateral; environmental liabilities; our ability to compete with larger competitors; our ability to retain key personnel; successful management of reputational risk; severe weather, natural disasters, earthquakes, fires; or other adverse external events could harm our business; geopolitical conditions, including acts or threats of terrorism, actions taken by the U.S. or other governments in response to acts or threats of terrorism and/or military conflicts, including the conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and in the Middle East, which could impact business and economic conditions in the U.S. and abroad; public health crises and pandemics, and their effects on the economic and business environments in which we operate, including our credit quality and business operations, as well as the impact on general economic and financial market conditions; general economic or business conditions in Asia, and other regions where the Bank has operations; failures, interruptions, or security breaches of our information systems; climate change, including any enhanced regulatory, compliance, credit and reputational risks and costs; cybersecurity threats and the cost of defending against them; our ability to adapt our systems to the expanding use of technology in banking; risk management processes and strategies; adverse results in legal proceedings; the impact of regulatory enforcement actions, if any; certain provisions in our charter and bylaws that may affect acquisition of the Company; changes in tax laws and regulations; the impact of governmental efforts to restructure the U.S. financial regulatory system; the impact of future or recent changes in the FDIC insurance assessment rate and the rules and regulations related to the calculation of the FDIC insurance assessments; the effect of changes in accounting policies and practices or accounting standards, as may be adopted from time-to-time by bank regulatory agencies, the SEC, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the Financial Accounting Standards Board or other accounting standards setters, including Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 (Topic 326, "Measurement of Current Losses on Financial Instruments, commonly referenced as the Current Expected Credit Losses Model, which changed how we estimate credit losses and may further increase the required level of our allowance for credit losses in future periods; market disruption and volatility; fluctuations in the Company's stock price; restrictions on dividends and other distributions by laws and regulations and by our regulators and our capital structure; issuances of preferred stock; our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, and the potential resulting dilution of interests of holders of our common stock; the soundness of other financial institutions; our ongoing relations with our various federal and state regulators, including the SEC, FDIC, FRB and DFPI; our success at managing the risks involved in the foregoing items and all other factors set forth in the Company's public reports, including its Annual Report as filed under Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and particularly the discussion of risk factors within that document. The Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect occurrences or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements except as required by law. Any statements about future operating results, such as those concerning accretion and dilution to the Company's earnings or shareholders, are for illustrative purposes only, are not forecasts, and actual results may differ. Lynn Hopkins, Chief Financial Officer (657) 255-3282 lhopkins@rbbusa.com Source: RBB Bancorp © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.