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Healthcare to benefit from bacteria resistant polymers

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Bacteria have a tendency to group together on the surface of objects in communities known as ‘bio-films’. The new polymers resist the formation of these bio-films, allowing our immune systems to more easily attack and defeat the free-floating bacteria.

During tests the team found that compared to silver-coated catheters, the new plastic-covering harboured almost 97 percent less bacteria. The other advantage is that rather than killing bacteria, in the way silver does, the new coating merely avoids a bio-films build-up stopping bacteria from developing a resistance to it.   

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The discovery is “a major scientific breakthrough” stated Professor Morgan Alexander from University of Nottingham:

“We have discovered a new group of structurally related materials that dramatically reduce the attachment of pathogenic bacteria. We could not have found these materials without using the current understanding of bacteria-surface interactions.

“The technology developed with the help of MIT means that hundreds of materials could be screened simultaneously to reveal new structure-property relationships. In total thousands of materials were investigated using this high-throughput materials discovery approach, leading to the identification of novel materials resisting bacterial attachment. This could not have been achieved using conventional techniques.”

Director of Technology Transfer at the Wellcome Trust – which supported the research – Ted Bianco commented:

“Infections caused by microbial bio-films binding to the surface of plants often cannot be treated with conventional antibiotics. This makes them a significant challenge in patient care, particularly for those with inserted medical devices like catheters, heart valves and prosthetic joints.

“The discovery of these new polymers is a great example of how advances in material science are being exploited in our efforts to improve the performance of critical medical components. Just as materials science gave us the non-stick saucepan, so we look forward to the day of the ‘non-stick’ medical device.”

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MAS Chief Executive to leave legacy of prosperity

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Chief Executive Simon Griffiths, formerly of Land Rover and GKN, was instrumental in successfully bidding for the new national Midlands Advisory Service (MAS) contract that is now supporting thousands of SME manufacturers across England to grow and create jobs.

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“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at MAS and have been delighted with the significant contribution it has made in assisting manufacturers in challenging economic conditions. The organisation is entering the next phase of its development, and having successfully started up the new contract and shaped its enhanced offer, I felt it was the right time to seek another challenge outside of the business.”

“I’m confident that MAS is in an excellent position to continue its evolution and I fully expect it to deliver the type of support our SME manufacturing businesses require and deserve.”

Griffiths is leaving on a high with the announcement this week that manufacturers in England are expanding, despite reports to the contrary. Over half of the respondents to the latest MAS National Barometer revealed that orders had grown during the last six months with the same number predicating further growth.

Lorrain Holmes, Board Member at WMMC – which delivers MAS in the region – said:

“The Board would like to thank Simon for his hard work since joining in 2009 and, in particular, his role in successfully bidding for the new national MAS contract with our three partners.”

For further information on MAS, you can visit www.mymas.orgor follow updates on @masworks

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Forget nine; a stitch in time could save lives

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For many patients and surgeons the dangers of complications aren’t necessarily over once the procedure itself is finished.  A crucial, yet often overlooked part of the process is sewing the patient back up, especially hazardous after abdominal surgery.

Complications in this area, such as the unintended piercing of internal organs, add significant additional costs to healthcare providers and malpractice suits that run into the billions every year worldwide. In American alone, the treatment of cancer, liver and other related diagnosis necessitate nearly five million open abdominal surgeries.   

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But undergraduates at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, have developed a solution to the problem in the form of a disposable hand-held suturing device dubbed the ‘FastStitch’. As part of their biomedical engineering course, the students were asked to design and test a device which could improve the way surgeons stitch.

Luis Hererra, one of the team behind the team said:

“Doctors who have to suture the fascial layer (abdominal muscle) say it can be like pushing a needle through the leather of your shoe. If the needle accidentally cuts into the bowel, it can lead to sepsis infection that can be very dangerous.”

Team leader, Sohail Zahid added:

“You place the fascial layer between the top and bottom arms of the device. Then, as you close the arms, the spring-loaded clamp is strong enough to punch the needle through the fascial later. When this happens, the needle moves from arm of the tool to the other.”

“We’re developing the future of suture. We believe that if the FastStitch tool is used to close abdominal incisions, it will help in three important ways: it will help surgeons by making the closing process simpler and safer, it will help hospitals by reducing costs, and, most importantly, it will help patients by reducing post-operation complications.”

The device is predominantly made from ABS plastic enabling it to be cheaply made, disposable and easy to operate. It also features a visual guide to ensure sutures are evenly placed and correctly oriented.

Though still in the early stages, the team has already received industry acclaim for the creation, as well as over $80,000 in grant money to support further research and development of the project.

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Lean workshops coming to Northwest America this October

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The non-profit LEI has scheduled 11 workshops to run from 9-11 October 2012 and will cover exercises, case studies, discussions and experiential learning techniques.

Running from 8.00am to 4.00pm at the Seattle Airport Marriott, the various workshops include:

  • Key concepts of lean
  • Data improvement experiment
  • Lean problem solving
  • Transformational Leadership: An experiential program for lean leaders
  • Value-stream mapping for the office and service
  • Developing people with capability for lean
  • Kaizen: The culture of continuous improvement
  • Managing value-stream improvement
  • Coaching skills for lean implementation leaders
  • Management standard work
  • Optimising flow in office and service processes

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Tuition ranges from $800-$2,995, depending on whether the course covers one or three days, and includes all participant materials, breakfast, lunch and refreshments.

Further details on course content, instructors, discounts and registry information can be found here or you can phone 617 871 2900

The LEI was founded in 1997 as non-profit, research, education publishing and conference company with a mission to advent lean thinking around the world. The Institute supports a number of research projects across the globe, working on lean initiatives alongside the Lean Education Academic Network, the Lean Global Network and the Healthcare Value Network.

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Could the battery of the future be made from plants?

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One disadvantage of society’s increasing reliance on electrical devices is the constant need for power. With the advent of more mobile and capable laptops, smartphones, gaming consoles, media tablets, music players and the like, there has been a parallel rise in the manufacturing and eventual disposal of batteries.

Regardless of finished size or whether it’s rechargeable, every battery contains a substantial amount of metal, which is becoming harder and therefore more expensive to source.

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Scientists from the Linköping University in Sweden and the Poznan University of Technology in Poland have now released a study demonstrating one possible solution using a naturally occurring substance found in plants and trees– lignin.

A waste product created during the production of paper is brown liquor, which is rich in lignin derivatives. By combining this lignin with a conductive polymer (called polypyrrole), the researchers have produced a battery cathode capable of storing energy. 

Speaking to the online journal Science, the researchers explained:

“Widespread application of electrical power storage may require more abundant materials than those available in inorganics (which often require rare metals), and at a lower cost. Materials for charge storage are desired from easily accessible and renewable sources.”

“The advantage of using a renewable material for charge storage is the enormous amount of this material that is already be produced on Earth by growing plants, which contain about 20 – 30 percent lignin. It is also a low-value material, currently being used for combustion. Lithium-ion batteries, on the other hand, require metal oxides and some of those materials, such as cobalt, are rather rare.”

Though the researchers have stated the technology is far from becoming a commercial venture, the findings so far merit further investigation. If successful the benefits would be two-fold, with waste being upcycled into a useable, highly desired product, and the battery industry requiring far less raw metals.

The team stated that “there is amble room for further developments to improve charge density and capacitance by searching through the universe of lignins.”

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IAC's Ask.com Acquires The About Group from The New York Times Company

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NEW YORK, Aug. 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today IAC (Nasdaq: IACI) announced that Ask.com has agreed to acquire 100% of The About Group from The New York Times Company (NYSE: NYT) for $300 million in cash.

"The About.com acquisition is completely in line with IAC's M&A strategy of acquiring, at disciplined valuations, companies that are complementary and synergistic with both our existing businesses and our areas of expertise," said Greg Blatt, CEO of IAC. "We are extremely excited to bring these two businesses together; About.com's content will differentiate and greatly increase the authority of Ask.com's offerings, while Ask's expertise in search technology and user experience will improve the discoverability of existing content on About.com. The complementary nature of these two businesses will provide significant synergies going forward, and thus we expect that About.com will generate more profit as a part of Ask.com and IAC than it has been able to over the last few years."

With nearly 1,000 topic sites and more than three million unique articles, About.com is one of the most comprehensive content and reference libraries on the Internet, offering expert, quality content across 90,000 topics that helps users find solutions to a wide range of daily needs. Globally, nearly 100 million unique users visit About.com on a monthly basis. Ask.com, with more than 100 million users globally of its own, is one of the leading search and Q&A platforms on the internet.

"This is a rare merger with true bilateral synergies," said Joey Levin, CEO of IAC Search & Applications. "On the one hand, the Ask.com search and content business has generated exceptional revenue and profit growth by marketing and distributing a quality consumer search and Q&A experience, and About provides Ask with a tremendous amount of quality content to further enhance that experience and the credibility of the Ask brand.  On the other hand, About.com has created, and today continues to grow, a library of content which consumers love across a vast array of categories, and we can now market and distribute that content and the About brand through Ask and significantly increase traffic and profitability at About."

Upon closing, The About Group will join IAC's Search and Applications reporting segment, joining Ask.com, Dictionary.com, Mindspark, nRelate, and Pronto. Darline Jean, About's CEO, will report to Doug Leeds, Ask.com CEO.  This segment has recorded double digit growth for the last two years, consistently outperforming expectations and driving the company's total revenue and profits.  The deal was signed on Sunday, August 26, 2012.

About IAC             
IAC (NASDAQ: IACI) is a leading media and Internet company comprised of more than 150 brands and products, including Match.com, Ask.com, CollegeHumor, and CityGrid Media.  Focused in the areas of Search, Match, Local and Media, IAC's family of websites is one of the largest in the world, with nearly a billion monthly visits across more than 30 countries. The company is headquartered in New York City with offices in various locations throughout the U.S. and internationally.  To view a full list of the companies of IAC, please visit our website at www.iac.com.

Contact Information:
IAC Corporate Communications                                    
Justine Sacco / justine.sacco@iac.com
(212) 314-7326                                   

IAC Investor Relations
Nick Stoumpas / nick.stoumpas@iac.com
(212) 314 - 7495

 

SOURCE IAC

Fresh Express Recalls Limited Quantity of Expired 10 oz. Hearts of Romaine Salad Due to Possible Health Risk

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SALINAS, Calif., Aug. 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Fresh Express Incorporated is voluntarily recalling a limited quantity of expired 10 oz. Hearts of Romaine salad with the expired Use-by Date of August 23, 2012 and a Product Code beginning with "G222" as a precaution due to a possible health risk from Listeria monocytogenes.

No illnesses are reported in association with the recall. No other Fresh Express products are being recalled.

Fresh Express customer service representatives are already contacting retailers to confirm the product was removed from their inventories and store shelves in accordance with standard procedures for products that have reached their expiration date. Customers with questions may contact their Fresh Express customer service representative

In an unlikely event that consumers may still have this expired product in their refrigerators, it should not be consumed, but discarded instead. Consumers with questions may call the Fresh Express Consumer Response Center at (800) 242-5472 during the hours of 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.

The precautionary recall notification for the now-expired salad is being issued due to an isolated incident in which a sample of a singled package of 10 oz. Hearts of Romaine salad yielded a positive result for Listeria monocytogenes as part of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's random sample testing program. Fresh Express is continuing to coordinate closely with regulatory officials.

The limited quantity of recalled product is identified with a Product Code beginning with "G222" and a Use-by Date of August 23, which is located in the upper right-hand corner of the package. In addition, the UPC Code of 71279 26102 is located on the back of the package below the barcode. The 10 oz. Hearts of Romaine was distributed in limited quantities to predominantly eastern and southeastern states.  

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that can cause foodborne illness in a person who eats a food item contaminated with it. Symptoms of infection may include fever, muscle aches, gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea. If it spreads to the nervous system symptoms may include headache, stiff neck or confusion. The illness primarily affects pregnant women and adults with weakened immune systems.  Most healthy adults and children rarely become seriously ill.

Note:

The expired Fresh Express Hearts of Romaine salads being recalled display a use-by date of August 23, 2012 with a Product Code beginning with G222.  







BRAND

PRODUCT NAME

SIZE

PKG TYPE

UPC

POSSIBLE DISTRIBUTION STATES

Fresh Express

Hearts of Romaine

10 oz

Bag

7127926102

AL, AR, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MD, MO, MS, NC, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV

SOURCE Fresh Express

AdvantaPure(R)’s Redesigned Website Offers Simplified Navigation and an Uncluttered Look; Spotlights the Company’s High Purity Tubing and Hose

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Source: NewAge Industries, Inc.

Southampton, PA, September 08, 2012 --(PR.com)-- The AdvantaPure website sports a fresh appearance with a single, top navigation bar to help viewers find what they’re looking for quickly and easily. The new look is clean, streamlined, and presents information in a logical, straightforward format. The updated site went live last month.

AdvantaPure’s website features sanitary tubing, reinforced hose, and single use molded components for the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, food, beverage, and cosmetics processing industries. It was originally launched in late 2001 and underwent minor changes since then.

“As new products were added, navigation became a bit cumbersome,” notes Michael Tangreti, Director of Marketing. “We needed to reorganize the site and make it easier for people to find items without a lot of hunting around and clicking.”

The redesigned, fully-searchable site features:

· Detailed product information, photographs, and illustrations
· Literature requests and download options for PDF files
· Validation package requests
· A worldwide distributor lookup with contact information
· Upcoming trade show appearances
· New product announcements

New features include the company’s history and profile, employment opportunities, and an expanded hose identification section. The custom product pages were updated as well to include options such as manifold assembly and gamma irradiation. The site also includes AdvantaPure’s Guiding Principles, criteria followed by every team member and used to conduct daily business.

The update makes the site more intuitive and user friendly with a single row of navigational drop down boxes at the top of the homepage. Viewers can quickly find a product category – Tubing and Hose, Fittings, or Single Use Systems, among others – and go to descriptive pages with product performance information, key features, applications, sizes, and photographs.

For more information on AdvantaPure’s products or its redesigned website, contact the AdvantaPure team at 145 James Way, Southampton, PA 18966; phone 888-755-4370 or 215-526-2151; fax 888-258-4293 or 215-526-2167; e-mail: sales@advantapure.com; website: http://www.advantapure.com.

About AdvantaPure and NewAge(R) Industries
The AdvantaPure division of NewAge Industries is ISO 9001:2008 certified and specializes in high purity tubing, hose, single use systems, manifolds, and other molded components for the pharmaceutical, biomedical, food, beverage, and cosmetic industries. All products are manufactured, stored, and shipped using the cleanest methods possible to ensure unsurpassed product purity.

In business since 1954, NewAge Industries manufactures and fabricates thermoplastic and thermoset tubing in both reinforced and unreinforced styles. The company offers one of the broadest product lines of tubing and fittings in the U.S., provides extensive custom extrusion and fabrication capabilities, and services customers worldwide. NewAge Industries maintains a large inventory and prides itself on same-day shipment of 99% of orders for its core product lines. RFID systems, including gamma-irradiatable tags and labels, are offered by NewAge’s new Verigenics(TM) division. In 2006, NewAge initiated an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) for the benefit of both its employees and customers.

NewAge Industries AdvantaPure(R), Verigenics(TM), and NewAge(R) are trademarks of NewAge(R) Industries, Inc.

Contact Information:
NewAge Industries-AdvantaPure
Ann Phy
215-526-2151
Contact via Email
http://www.advantapure.com/

Click here to read the full story: AdvantaPure(R)’s Redesigned Website Offers Simplified Navigation and an Uncluttered Look; Spotlights the Company’s High Purity Tubing and Hose

Press Release Distributed by PR.com


FURA Submersible Sump/Sewage Line Offers Pumps of All Specifications

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Source: Fura International

Franklin Park, IL, September 08, 2012 --(PR.com)-- At Fura International, the experts realize the need for sump pumps with different configurations to cater to varying industry needs. Therefore, the designing team has come up with a series that boast of a number of models that range from 1HP to 400HP, head from 20TDH to 180TDH and flow from 35GPM to 45,000GPM.

Motors in this line are non-overloading and have a very high efficiency rating. This results in considerable energy-saving. Apart from this, to ensure complete protection of investment, every single unit comes with a humidity probe system that can perceive a mechanical seal failure. When sensing moisture in the room the pump automatically triggers a relay inside the control panel and locks itself out.

Besides the general line, the company also provides a customized sump/sewage system. The package normally includes electrical controls, pumps, motors, basins, guide rail assemblies, valves, basin covers, piping, and the like. Every single electrical control is designed to UL standards and can be provided with add-ons such as, soft start application, harmful gas detection, variable frequency drives, level controllers, alarm packages, SCADA systems, and much more. These pumping packages and pumps can be used in several different industries. For instance, the company supplies these units to food processing plants, power generation plants, chemical plants, oil and gas plants, and the like.

Buying products from Fura International is also a simplified process. All the interested party has to do is get in touch with the experts via their website or call them on their listed number. A qualified individual gets back to the party and offers comprehensive details pertaining to the products. The expert also guides the customer through the buying process.

Fura International offers its clients a series of submersible sump pumps, water pumps, and customized pumping packages to fulfill varied pumping needs. The company guarantees to use the best quality material and provides comprehensive service to its customers. Their website, http://www.furainternational.com offers details on every single product they offer.

Contact Information:
Fura International
Pete Moraitis
847-451-0000
Contact via Email
www.furainternational.com/
FURA International Offer Submersible pumps, Gould pumps, industrial pumps, booster pumps, Myers pumps, electric pumps, packaged pump solutions, and a complete line of pump values.

Click here to read the full story: FURA Submersible Sump/Sewage Line Offers Pumps of All Specifications

Press Release Distributed by PR.com

Full-Scale Bombardier CSeries Aircraft Flight Deck and Cabin Demonstrators on Display at Munich Airport

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MUNICH, GERMANY--(Marketwire - Sept. 7, 2012) - Bombardier Aerospace announced today that the CSeries aircraft flight deck and cabin demonstrators are on display at Hangar 3 (Augsburg Airways GmbH) at Munich Airport until September 24, 2012. Direct from a roadshow in Riga, Latvia where they were on display for newly announced CSeries aircraft customer, airBaltic, the demonstrators have travelled across Europe from the Farnborough International Airshow 2012 where close to 1,000 visitors experienced the aircraft's interactive full-scale mock-up.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to welcome suppliers, media and of course our customers to experience first-hand the CSeries aircraft cabin and flight deck. The enthusiasm shown for this aircraft has been very impressive," said Steven Aliment, Vice President, Sales - Europe, Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). "Many of our customers such as Lufthansa and airBaltic, as well as potential customers and their crews have previously visited the CSeries aircraft mock-up to get a better sense and feel for the newest standard in cabin comfort and the most technologically advanced flight deck."

Media briefing

Representatives of the media are invited to view the demonstrators and attend a briefing at 10 a.m. on September 14, 2012, that will be hosted by Bombardier Commercial Aircraft team leaders, Benjamin Boehm, Vice President, Business Development and Strategy and Steven Aliment. Media are requested to pre-register by contacting Clemens Bollinger by email at cb@bollinger-aviation.de.

About the flight deck and cabin demonstrators

The CSeries aircraft flight deck features a number of technology-advanced communication and navigation aids and benefits from the latest avionics. The integrated design approach sets a new standard and offers reduced costs through increased operational efficiency and reduced pilot training, while improving reliability. The result is a finely tuned human-machine interface, which the demonstrator allows visitors to fully experience.

The cabin, designed with flexibility and customization in mind and set up with a variety of seat selections and layouts from business class to all-economy, allows visitors to experience first-hand the single-aisle CSeries aircraft's widebody-type environment and comfort. Spacious seating, increased shoulder space, extra-large windows, latest-generation LED lighting and upsized, overhead storage - 20 to 25 per cent more volume per passenger than current state-of-the-art, narrowbody aircraft - are all yet another demonstration that the CSeries jetliner is what passengers have been seeking.

Bombardier's Commercial Aircraft Forecast 2012-2031 predicts worldwide deliveries of 12,800 new commercial aircraft with 20 to 149 seats. Europe, Russia and the CIS are expected to take delivery of 2,240 units, with 52 per cent anticipated to be in the 100- to 149- seat segment.

About CSeries aircraft

Designed for the growing 100- to 149-seat market, the 100 per cent new CSeries aircraft family combines advanced materials, leading-edge technology and proven methods to meet commercial airline requirements in 2013 and beyond. Powered by Pratt & Whitney PurePower PW1500G engines, the CSeries aircraft family will offer a 15* per cent cash operating cost advantage and a 20* per cent fuel burn advantage. The CSeries aircraft's clean-sheet design will permit the aircraft to achieve greatly reduced noise and emissions, as well as superior operational flexibility, exceptional airfield performance and a range of 2,950 nm (5,463 km)*. The CSeries aircraft will be up to 12,000 lbs (5,443 kg)* lighter than other aircraft in the same seat category and will provide passengers with a best-in-class, widebody cabin environment in a single-aisle aircraft.

Bombardier has booked orders and commitments for 352 CSeries aircraft. The 13 customers that have joined the CSeries aircraft program - nine with firm orders - include major network carriers, national carriers, premium airlines serving city centre airports, a low-cost airline, leasing companies and a full service provider to airline partners.

The CSeries aircraft order book includes firm orders for 138 CSeries airliners from Braathens Aviation (five CS100 and five CS300 aircraft), Deutsche Lufthansa AG (30 CS100 aircraft), Korean Air (10 CS300 aircraft), Lease Corporation International Group (17 CS300 and three CS100 aircraft), PrivatAir (five CS100 aircraft), Republic Airways (40 CS300 aircraft), an unidentified major network carrier (10 CS100 aircraft), an unidentified European customer (10 CS100 aircraft) and a well-established, unidentified airline (three CS100 aircraft). The CSeries aircraft program has also booked options for 124 aircraft and purchase rights for 10 aircraft from these customers. In addition, the CSeries aircraft program has also achieved a conditional order placed by an unidentified customer for five CS100 and 10 CS300 airliners, as well as three letters of intent: for up to 30 CSeries aircraft from Ilyushin Finance Co; for up to 15 CS300 aircraft from Atlasjet; and for up to 20 CS300 aircraft from airBaltic.

About Bombardier

Bombardier is the world's only manufacturer of both planes and trains. Looking far ahead while delivering today, Bombardier is evolving mobility worldwide by answering the call for more efficient, sustainable and enjoyable transportation everywhere. Our vehicles, services and, most of all, our employees are what make us a global leader in transportation.

Bombardier is headquartered in Montréal, Canada. Our shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD) and we are listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America indexes. In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, we posted revenues of $18.3 billion USD. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.

Notes to editors

Images of the CSeries aircraft flight deck and cabin demonstrators are posted with this press release at: www.bombardier.com and are also available at: www.FlyCSeries.com .

For additional images, video and product information on CSeries aircraft, please visit: www.cseries.com.

Follow @Bombardier_Aero on Twitter to receive the latest news and updates from Bombardier Aerospace.

* The CSeries aircraft is in the development phase. All data and specifications are estimates, subject to changes in family strategy, branding, capacity and performance during the development, manufacture and certification process. All performance references have been estimated based on a 500-nm North American environment and comparisons are to in-production aircraft.

Bombardier, CS100, CS300, CSeries and The Evolution of Mobility are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.

Media Advisory: Expedition 34/35 with Chris Hadfield

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LONGUEUIL, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Sept. 5, 2012) - The Russian Soyuz launch with Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Chris Hadfield aboard is set for Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at 12:55 pm EST. Media representatives are invited to the Roscosmos Cosmodrome to take part in pre-events, the launch and post-launch events. CSA senior officials, Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen and Hadfield's family members will be on siteand available for interviews.

Interested media need to notify CSA Media Relations Office by Sept 24th.

This 9-day trip includes:

Scenario (subject to change):

  • Dec. 2: Departure from Moscow to Baikonur, Kazakhstan.

  • Dec. 3: Roll out and installation of rocket onto launch pad. Visit of Baikonur City.

  • Dec. 4: Crew press conference including Hadfield. Possible night viewing of rocket on launch pad.

  • Dec. 5: Launch at 23:55 pm Baikonur time. Possible visit of Vehicle Assembly building and local museums.

  • Dec. 6: Return flight to Moscow.

  • Dec. 7: Visit of Star City and the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre/ Viewing of the docking and hatch opening in the Russian control room (late evening).

IMPORTANT NOTES:

  • Journalists are responsible for all their expenses. A non-refundable payment for the Kazakhstan portion is required by October 1, 2012 for all participants.

  • Media representatives attending the launch in Kazakhstan must obtain a dual-entry visa.

Places are limited and subject to NASA and Roscosmos' accreditation approval. Interested media must contact the CSA Media Relations Office by phone at (450) 926-4370 or email at media@asc-csa.gc.ca to provide names of all members of the media crew to attend.

Expedition 34/35

On December 5, 2012, Chris Hadfield will launch aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft to reach the International Space Station, where he will live and work for six months.

During the second half of his mission, Hadfield will become the first Canadian Commander of the ISS - a milestone for Canadian space exploration. In addition to overseeing operations as Commander, he will carry out scientific experiments, operate Canadarm2 and perform various robotic tasks.  

Visit CSA's website for more information: www.asc-csa.gc.ca/ChrisHadfield.

RSS: http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/rss/default_eng.xml

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Canadian-Space-Agency/150629121625960

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/Canadianspaceagency

Twitter: http://twitter.com/csa_asc

Media Advisory: Canada-France Prepping for a Balloon Launch

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LONGUEUIL, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Sept. 7, 2012) - From September 10 to13, 2012, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and the French space agency (Centre national d'études spatiales, or CNES) will be at Timmins' future stratospheric balloon launch site to perform a dry run of the last steps involved in a balloon flight.  They will validate the different procedures linked to the recovery of a stratospheric balloon once it lands. The first test launch is scheduled for 2013.

Media are invited to witness the first steps of preparation:

Time of the event may change without advance notice. If there are issues pertaining to weather, the dry run would be rescheduled at a later date. Please call the Media Relations Office for the most up to date information at (450) 926-4370.

When: September 10, 2012
   
Time : 1:00 pm
   
What: Media technical briefings on stratospheric balloon recovery
  Preparation and inflation of the balloon
   
Who : Daniel Lévesque, Manager Balloons Initiative, CSA
  Vincent Dubourg, Chief - Balloon project, CNES
  Tom Laughren, Mayor, City of Timmins
   
Where : Timmins Victor M. Power Airport
  R.R. #2
  Timmins, Ontario P4N 7C3

Follow us on :

RSS: http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/rss/default_eng.xml

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Canadian-Space-Agency/150629121625960

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/Canadianspaceagency

Twitter: http://twitter.com/csa_asc

BioCube, Inc. Announces Business Expansion

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK--(Marketwire - Sept. 7, 2012) - BioCube, Inc. (OTCBB:BICB), a technology company specializing in products that do not rely on harsh chemicals to offer effective antimicrobial properties for use in surface cleaning, neutralizing chemical agents and degreasing, while facilitating a healthy environment and global sustainability, announces the expansion of its business model, to be followed by a corporate name change to GreenSync Solutions. As part of the new business model, the company also has agreed to acquire the domain name and website www.greensync.co.in and related assets.

According to Boris Rubizhevsky, President and CEO of BioCube, "Changing our corporate name from BioCube to GreenSync Solutions will better reflect our expanded business plan that will include bringing together technology, finance, and expertise in the alternative energy, waste energy, clean energy, clean water, clean air and other 'green' technologies."

Boris Rubizhevsky further commented, "Being environmentally friendly in today's world is just not enough. Companies and governments must do everything possible to develop effective solutions to meet demands for clean energy and water generation and improve their system efficiencies to make meaningful contributions wherever possible. New energy sources, efficient ways of using energy, water purification and non-harmful cleaning options is where the future lies and will be the main focus of BioCube going forward. Innovation in large part comes from small, undercapitalized, unknown companies, not unlike BioCube itself. We have been exploring options to create infrastructure designed to provide such companies with the means necessary to successfully bring their unique products and services to market. In order to move rapidly with the execution of our expansion plan, we have identified and entered into discussions with a number of companies in the 'green' space and expect to provide an update on these efforts within the next several weeks."

Under the updated business plan, BioCube will offer the following to its partner companies:

  • Assistance in financing and commercialization of "green" technologies
  • Management and technology expertise specific to "green" industries
  • Infrastructure offering legal, administrative and accounting services
  • Access to technology and product integration options with other companies under the BioCube umbrella
  • Business planning and board development
  • Domestic and international licensing
  • Mergers and acquisitions of related companies and technologies

About BioCube, Inc.

BioCube, Inc. is a technology company that specializes in advancing the use of environmentally friendly and highly effective surface cleaning technology and products for today's commercial markets. BioCube's recently expanded business plan includes bringing together technology, expertise, finance and overall business planning in the areas of alternative energy, waste energy, clean energy, clean water, clean air, and other "green" technologies.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Investors are cautioned that these forward-looking statements involve uncertainties and risks that could cause actual performance and results of operations to differ materially from those anticipated. These risks and uncertainties include issues related to the ability to: obtain sufficient funding to continue operations, maintain adequate cash flow, profitably exploit new ventures, as well as other factors set forth in BioCube Inc. most recently filed Form 10-K and Form 10-Q reports. The forward-looking statements contained herein represent the Company's judgment as of the date of this release and it cautions readers not to place undue reliance on such statements. BioCube, Inc. assumes no obligation to update the statements contained in this release.

Media Invitation: Live Demonstration of Revolutionary Fire Fighting Technology in Ste-Anne-Des-Lac, Quebec on September 9, 2012

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STE-ANNE-DES-LACS, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Sept. 7, 2012) - AFG Flameguard Ltd. ("AFG" or the "Company") (CNSX:AFG) is pleased to invite representatives of the media to attend the Company's live fire demonstration of its revolutionary DSPA (Dry Sprinkler Powder Aerosol) fire suppression technology on September 9, 2012 in Ste-Anne-des-Lacs, Quebec. AFG is a life safety technology company marketing innovative fire suppression and prevention products and services. This demonstration in cooperation with the Ste-Anne-des-Lacs Fire Department will be conducted using a house that has been donated for firefighter training purposes. Professional and volunteer fire departments from municipalities in the region including Ville de Laval and Ville de Saint-Jérôme will be in attendance. Provincial and local government representatives as well as commercial and residential property owners are expected to attend.

AFG's demonstration is part of an ongoing initiative to introduce and market DSPA fire suppression technology to fire departments across Canada. DSPA-5 hand-held portable units are now in use in over 175 fire departments in eastern Canada. The successful use of this revolutionary fire suppression technology has assisted firefighters in saving structures and preserving contents that could have easily been lost due to the devastating impact of fire. The recent deployments of the DSPA-5 device by fire departments in Canada has resulted in millions of dollars in savings related to less property and content damage, environmental contamination, lower associated costs and personal safety.

ABOUT DSPA TECHNOLOGY

DSPA utilizes environmentally friendly waterless aerosol technology to rapidly suppress fire. The use of DSPA technology significantly reduces air, water and soil contamination caused by excessive amounts of water used in conventional methods of fire fighting. Water is often not readily available or accessible in sufficient quantity and may take valuable time in getting transported to the site of a fire which may result in the total loss of property and life. DSPA technology can buy valuable time to assist firefighters prior to using conventional methods and is a valuable resource for people looking to protect their property from fire.

Representatives of the media that wish to attend this live demonstration are requested to contacted AFG's representative Mr. Alain St. Jacques at (514) 862-9272.

For more information regarding AFG please visit the Company's website at www.afg5.com and view AFG's disclosure record on the Canadian National Stock Exchange website at www.csnx.ca and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Follow AFG on Twitter at twitter.com/afgflameguard or contact:

Thomas Bell, President and Chief Executive Officer

Media Invitation: Live Demonstration of Revolutionary Fire Fighting Technology in Ste-Anne-Des-Lac, Quebec on September 9, 2012

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STE-ANNE-DES-LACS, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Sept. 7, 2012) - AFG Flameguard Ltd. ("AFG" or the "Company") (CNSX:AFG) is pleased to invite representatives of the media to attend the Company's live fire demonstration of its revolutionary DSPA (Dry Sprinkler Powder Aerosol) fire suppression technology on September 9, 2012 in Ste-Anne-des-Lacs, Quebec. AFG is a life safety technology company marketing innovative fire suppression and prevention products and services. This demonstration in cooperation with the Ste-Anne-des-Lacs Fire Department will be conducted using a house that has been donated for firefighter training purposes. Professional and volunteer fire departments from municipalities in the region including Ville de Laval and Ville de Saint-Jérôme will be in attendance. Provincial and local government representatives as well as commercial and residential property owners are expected to attend.

AFG's demonstration is part of an ongoing initiative to introduce and market DSPA fire suppression technology to fire departments across Canada. DSPA-5 hand-held portable units are now in use in over 175 fire departments in eastern Canada. The successful use of this revolutionary fire suppression technology has assisted firefighters in saving structures and preserving contents that could have easily been lost due to the devastating impact of fire. The recent deployments of the DSPA-5 device by fire departments in Canada has resulted in millions of dollars in savings related to less property and content damage, environmental contamination, lower associated costs and personal safety.

ABOUT DSPA TECHNOLOGY

DSPA utilizes environmentally friendly waterless aerosol technology to rapidly suppress fire. The use of DSPA technology significantly reduces air, water and soil contamination caused by excessive amounts of water used in conventional methods of fire fighting. Water is often not readily available or accessible in sufficient quantity and may take valuable time in getting transported to the site of a fire which may result in the total loss of property and life. DSPA technology can buy valuable time to assist firefighters prior to using conventional methods and is a valuable resource for people looking to protect their property from fire.

Representatives of the media that wish to attend this live demonstration are requested to contacted AFG's representative Mr. Alain St. Jacques at (514) 862-9272.

For more information regarding AFG please visit the Company's website at www.afg5.com and view AFG's disclosure record on the Canadian National Stock Exchange website at www.csnx.ca and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Follow AFG on Twitter at twitter.com/afgflameguard or contact:

Thomas Bell, President and Chief Executive Officer


Fortress Paper Provides Corporate Update

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VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Sept. 7, 2012) - Fortress Paper Ltd. ("Fortress Paper" or the "Company") (TSX:FTP) wishes to provide a general corporate update relating to its operations.

Fortress Specialty Cellulose Mill

Construction of the cogeneration facility at the Fortress Specialty Cellulose Mill is proceeding generally as planned with some minor delays due to delivery impediments of major equipment. The turbine and generator are on site and installed with delivery of the final critical path item expected in late September. The cogeneration facility is expected to be delivering power in January 2013.

The Fortress Specialty Cellulose Mill has confirmed that the annual maintenance shut-down will be taken in the last week of September. During this outage, critical electrical work will also be completed to allow connection of the new power generating facility to the grid. This is the first scheduled maintenance shut-down since the mill commenced producing dissolving pulp and it is anticipated that the next annual maintenance cycle may also require a higher level of planned maintenance downtime.

During August, the mill operated at an average monthly rate of 83% of planned production capacity, with steady progress being made on de-bottlenecking activities. Production of dissolving pulp was recently curtailed for an equivalent of four days of pulp production as a result of a premature tube failure in the mill's No. 2 recovery boiler. The boiler and full mill were shut-down safely in order to complete repairs and are now operating normally. The curtailment and subsequent ramp-up reduced the mill's overall production efficiency for the month. 

Fortress Global Cellulose Mill

Initial work has commenced at the Fortress Global Cellulose Mill following the close of the acquisition in June 2012, including building and equipment repair and the reactivation of services and utilities in a planned sequence. Water supply and fire protection services are operational and the high voltage distribution network is in the process of being reactivated. Critical equipment assessment is ongoing and the Company is finalizing refurbishment plans for the key process areas. Various cost saving and asset preservation plans are being developed ahead of the coming winter season. To date, pulp mill repairs and re-commissioning activities are proceeding materially as planned.

The Fortress Global Cellulose Mill has also received an official authorization permit from the Québec Ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et des Parcs. This permit is required in order to proceed with the construction of the new dissolving pulp plant.

Following the filing of its application with Hydro-Québec Distribution, the Fortress Global Cellulose Mill has received approval for its cogeneration project at Lebel-sur-Quévillon and is working with Hydro-Québec towards the conclusion of the previously described power purchase agreement. Management expects the agreement to be completed shortly in the normal course.

Dresden Mill

The continued growth of the worldwide market for non-woven wallpaper base has exceeded management's expectations and the Dresden Mill is maintaining its position as a leader in this market.

During the general maintenance shutdown of the mill in the first 10 days of August, the Company completed the main portion of its 2012 capital expenditures program at the Dresden Mill. To date in 2012, the Company has spent approximately EUR3.7 million in Capex with the goal of increasing production speed from 450 metres per minute to approximately 475 - 500 metres per minute, depending on the product mix, and thereby increasing its theoretical annual production capacity from approximately 56,000 tonnes per year to approximately 60,000 tonnes per year. This increase in production capacity would enable Dresden to maintain its market share of approximately 50% of the world-wide non-woven wallpaper base market.

Landqart Mill

Although the Landqart Mill had another challenging month in July, results in August show a marked improvement with product shipments commencing for the large re-instated banknote substrate order. Although waste rates remained relatively high during this period, they are decreasing and are coming in-line with expectations.

Fortress Optical Features

Fortress Optical Features has met the technical qualifications and received approval to supply security thread components for two banknote issuing authorities. As a result, it will be able to directly or indirectly participate in such upcoming tenders for banknote papers.

About Fortress Paper

Fortress Paper operates internationally in three distinct business segments: dissolving pulp, specialty papers and security paper products. The Company operates its dissolving pulp business at the Fortress Specialty Cellulose Mill located in Canada, which is also in the process of expanding into the renewable energy generation sector with the construction of a cogeneration facility. The Company is also seeking to expand its dissolving pulp capacity with the recent acquisition of the Fortress Global Cellulose Mill located at Lebel-sur-Quévillon, Québec, which the Company intends to convert into a dissolving pulp mill and where the Company intends to re-start the cogeneration facility.

The Company operates its specialty papers business at the Dresden Mill located in Germany, where it is a leading international producer of specialty non-woven wallpaper base products. The Company operates its security paper products business at the Landqart Mill located in Switzerland, where it produces banknote, passport, visa and other brand protection and security papers, and at its Fortress Optical Facility located in Canada, where it manufacturers optically variable thin film material.

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements that reflect the current views and/or expectations of Fortress Paper with respect to its performance, business and future events, including statements regarding its expectations regarding market conditions for dissolving pulp; its competitive position in relation to other dissolving pulp suppliers; the timing of the completion of the cogeneration facility at the Fortress Specialty Cellulose Mill; the entering into of a power purchase agreement with Hydro-Québec; a potential production capacity increase at the Dresden Mill; the effectiveness of its production efficiency plan at the Landqart Mill to offset market conditions; the timing of completion of the Fortress Optical Facility and commencement of production thereat; and operating and financial results. Forward-looking statements are based on the then-current expectations, beliefs, assumptions, estimates and forecasts about the business and the industry and markets in which the Company operates. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions which are difficult to predict. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, risks that market conditions for dissolving pulp will not continue to be favourable; that Fortress will not remain competitive if world capacity for dissolving pulp continues to increase; that the completion of the cogeneration facility at the Fortress Specialty Cellulose Mill will not proceed as expected; that it may not enter into a power purchase agreement with Hydro-Québec; that production capacity at the Dresden Mill may not materialize as expected, or at all; that its production efficiency plan at the Landqart Mill will not be effective and will not result in improved operational and financial results; that postponement of implementation of new Euro and Swiss Franc banknotes by European governments will adversely affect performance at the Landqart Mill; that the Fortress Optical Facility will not be completed as scheduled and budgeted; that Fortress Paper will not be able to successfully defend claims against it; and other risk factors listed from time to time in the Company's public filings. These risks, as well as others, could cause actual results and events to vary significantly. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Fortress Paper does not undertake any obligations to release publicly any revisions for updating any voluntary forward looking statements, except as required by applicable securities law.

Kelso Technologies Inc.: Private Placement Changed to United States Dollars

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VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA and LISLE, ILLINOIS--(Marketwire - Sept. 7, 2012) - Kelso Technologies Inc. (TSX VENTURE:KLS)(OTCQX:KEOSF) (the "Company" or "Kelso") -

Kelso announces that pursuant to the non-brokered private placement announced on August 30, 2012 that the dollar amounts referred to in the placement has been corrected to United States currency - the functional currency of the Company. The private placement consists of up to 1,500,000 units at a price of US$0.60 per unit for gross proceeds of up to US$900,000.

Each Unit is comprised of one common share and one-half of one non-transferable common share purchase warrant of the Company (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional common share of the Company exercisable for a period of 24 months (the "Expiry Date") from the Closing Date (as defined herein) at a price per share of US$0.80.

Finders' fees of 8% of the gross proceeds secured in the Unit Offering will be payable in cash.

The Unit Offering is anticipated to close on or about September 14, 2012 (the "Closing Date") and is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of applicable regulatory approvals including approval of the TSXV. The common shares and warrants comprising the Units issued under the Unit Offering will be subject to a four-month and one day hold period commencing on the Closing Date.

Proceeds from the Unit Offering have been allocated to finance production supply chains for the rapid sales growth that is expected to reach US$225,000 per week in October 2012 and continue to grow as announced by press release on August 28, 2012.

About Kelso Technologies

Kelso is a railroad equipment supplier that designs, produces and sells a new generation of innovative products designed to improve the safe containment and pressure management of hazardous materials ("HAZMAT") during rail or road transport. Products include a series of external constant force spring pressure relief valves and a revolutionary new manway securement system trademarked as the "Kelso Klincher™".

These products are initially designed for use on applications on railroad tank cars but are currently being modified for use in new markets that include roadway trucking. All products are patent protected. Their primary design function is to reduce human errors and injuries and minimize environmental harm due to non-accidental release events that may occur during the transport of HAZMAT.

Kelso's ultimate goal is to have all products become "gold standard" products on most HAZMAT and non-hazardous applications and capture a large share of the market for our products. We are confident that we have created a solid foundation on which to build a successful multi-million dollar business on behalf of the shareholders of Kelso Technologies.

For a more complete business and financial profile of the Company, please view the Company's website at www.kelsotech.com and public documents posted on www.sedar.com.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

James R. Bond, CEO and President

Legal Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are indicated expectations or intentions. Forward-looking statements in this news release include that we will close a private placement; that our sales will grow to $225,000 per week and will continue to grow; that we can produce large volumes of products as required by our customers; and that from the commercial sales of our EPRV and KKS products Kelso can build a successful multi-million dollar business. The Company's products involve detailed proprietary and engineering knowledge and specific customer adoption criteria, hence factors that could cause actual results to be materially different from our expectations include that we may be unsuccessful in raising any additional capital needs that may arise; we may not have sufficient capital to develop, produce and deliver new orders; product development may face unexpected delays; orders that are placed may be cancelled; product may not perform as well as expected; markets may not develop as quickly as anticipated or at all; regulations may change or not change as expected; and competitors may produce better or cheaper products sooner than we expect. Further, we are reliant on certain key employees who may leave the Company and we may be unable to protect or defend our intellectual property. Investors are cautioned against placing undue reliance on forward-looking statements. We assume no responsibility to update these forward-looking statements except to the extent required by law.

Unprecedented Donation by Korean Stem Cell Leader: Dr. Jeong-Chan Ra of RNL Bio announces the donation of 90% of his wealth

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SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Jeong-Chan Ra, founder and largest shareholder of RNL Bio (www.rnl.co.kr), an international biotechnology research and development firm, has pledged to give away 90% of his personal wealth over the next 10 years to promote social causes consistent with the values of human life.  Dr. Ra will donate 90% privately owned equity, equity-related bonds, warrants and other assets of RNL Bio Co. and RNL Bio affiliates to the following four non-profit organizations: Bethesda Life Foundation, Yesung Medical Corporation, Academia Christiana of Korea, and Central Christian Academy.

Since 2009, Dr. Ra, based on the value of respect for human life, has supported various causes that promote social justice, access to health care, and wellness across the lifespan. A donation of $1M from Dr. Ra established the Bethesda Life Foundation (http://www.bethesdalife.org/index.php/donate), a nonprofit organization for social welfare, committed to providing patients with chronic rare diseases with access to medical care and life-saving therapies.

Through his donation, Dr. Ra wants to continue his healthcare support for those with retractable diseases as well as support for educating children of underprivileged patients with such diseases. Dr. Ra "hoped that this donation becomes the turning point for RNL Bio to fulfill its responsibility as a society helping enterprise." He also explained that while he continues to serve as a stem cell scientist at RNL Stem Cell Technology Institute he plans to focus his efforts upon the research on finding cure of rare chronic diseases.

Dr. Ra's gift is made in the spirit of other major corporate leaders worldwide who have become instrumental philanthropists by converting their personal fortune into a foundation for good, including Bill Gates, Warren Buffett and Bill Clinton. Dr. Ra is mirroring Mr. Buffet and Mr. Gates' contributions that were made in late 2010 for the wealthy to donate at least 50% of their personal wealth.

A Commitment to Healing and Social Justice

< Bethesda Life Foundation >
Bethesda Life Foundation supports patients of rare and chronic disease in the socially and economically underprivileged class with various medical help.  The mission of Bethesda Life Foundation is, based on the value life-respect, for all mankind to enjoy a healthy and happy life.

< Yesung Medical Corporation >
Yesung Medical Corporation operates the Bethesda General Hospital, located in Yangsan, Korea and the hospital has advanced in specializing the regenerative medicine using adult stem cell research and technology. With the realization of 100-year longevity utilizing stem cells as the mission, the corporation is enhancing the medical technology of respect for life.

< Academia Christiana of Korea >
Academia Christiana was established in order to contribute to establish the mental discipline of the country and people by Christian studies to meet the growth and development of the Church in Korea. Academia Christiana of Korea has been organizing academic seminars and public lectures, publishing academic research papers and operating Ulaanbaatar University in Mongol.

< Central Christian Academy School Corporation >
Founder Pastor Billy Kim and his wife were sent out to return to Korea in 1959 as missionaries from the Christian Service Center, an international mission organization, based in Ohio, USA and appointed to Suwon Central Baptist Church. After establishing Central Kindergarten in 1978, he obtained the lot in Woncheon-dong, Paldal-gu, Suwon, Korea, received the approval of School Corporation to open the Central Christian School to achieve the goal of nurturing Christians to become the world's salt and light through cooperation of homes, schools and churches.

SOURCE RNL Bio

Social Media Policies and Protected Activity

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KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- This may not be a topic that immediately jumps out as being an important one, but for legal and practical reasons, it is crucial for all employers to implement a social media policy.  This area encompasses several different aspects of social media use, so it is essential even if employees do not have access to social media at the workplace.  After carefully drafting a social media policy, employers should place it in the employee handbook so that all employees are on notice of the policy.

One of the major social media concerns for employers is employee productivity at work.  A productivity policy must detail the proper and improper uses of work equipment.  The details of the provisions may vary depending on the company's type of industry or employee job duties.

Additionally, employees need to understand that they have no right to privacy with regard to social media in the workplace.  Employers should make it clear that they always have a right to monitor or retrieve data pertaining to social media use at work, even if they rarely exercise that right.

Another concern for many employers is the fear that confidential company information may be improperly communicated outside the company.  Even though a general company confidentiality policy may already exist, confidentiality guidelines should be reinforced in a social media policy.  It is easy to imagine a scenario in which an employee thinks he can get away with anonymously posting confidential company information on a social media outlet, so employers need to be able to protect themselves by showing that an applicable policy exists and that all employees have acknowledged receiving notice of it.

Social media policies are a major topic right now because the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has addressed it repeatedly in recent years.  In particular, the NLRB is concerned with protecting concerted employee activity under the National Labor Relations Act, and it has made it clear that this protection applies whether or not employees are part of a union.

With this in mind, it is important for employers to understand what is and is not concerted employee activity.  Activity may be concerted when two or more employees act together to improve wages, working conditions, or other terms of employment, although the action of a single employee may be considered concerted if the employee either involves co-workers before acting or acts on behalf of others.  It may be tempting for an employer to take disciplinary action against employees who are openly discussing the company in a negative manner on Facebook, but this could open up the company to an investigation or lawsuit.

Although the NLRB has broadly construed the definition of "concerted activity," it has identified behaviors that may cause an employee to lose such protection.  Reckless or malicious behavior, such as threatening violence, spreading lies about a product, or revealing trade secrets may cause an employee to lose the concerted activity protection.  For instance, a reporter was recently terminated for writing inappropriate and offensive posts on a social media network that did not involve protected concerted activity, and an NLRB investigation found no violation on the part of the employer. 

This is a fairly new area of regulation, so some social media problems that employers may encounter do not yet have a clear answer.  The best thing employers can do to protect themselves is to develop a social media policy with the assistance of counsel, include it in an employee handbook, and obtain acknowledgements of receipt from all employees.

Michael Houbre, HRComp Staff Attorney

Media Contact: Kelli Jo Wright HRComp, 865.938.3555, kellijo@hrcomp.com

News distributed by PR Newswire iReach: https://ireach.prnewswire.com

SOURCE HRComp

The Importance of Small and Medium-Sized Customers to E-commerce Companies

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GUANGZHOU, China, Sept. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The rapid development of e-commerce has contributed greatly to the personalization of the market, making personalized consumption possible, since the enterprises will try to meet the customer's requirement for personalized consumption through means like customized production.

Customers are the core resources an enterprise counts on to win in the market, as well as the object the enterprise serves and the starting point of and customer relationship management. The rapidly developing world economy has brought a much wider array of choices for consumers, which also show a trend of diversification, making personalization now the key feature of consumptions. Marketers' focus has shifted from mass marketing to classification marketing, and to word-of-mouth marketing, with a constant segmentation of products, services and markets. These have explained the reasons for the personalization of the market, customers' consumptions and the enterprises' production.

The 20-80 Rule tells us that the most important part only takes up a small portion, about 20%, and the remaining 80%, though being the majority, come secondary. Soobest thinks that 80% of a website's revenue is created by 20% of the core users, and that is why the company sticks to the 20-80 Rule and finds out that 20% of key customers, for whom they offer most quality service. Yet things keep changing, including marketing strategies and the circumstances of e-commerce, which has lead to SooBest's reconsideration of this rule. The feature of personalization of customer consumption emerging, the company has been paying more and more attention to that remaining 80%.

According to the Long Tail theory put forward by Chris Anderson, Editor-in-chief of the Wired magazine, as long as the channel goes wide enough, those non-mainstream products in small demand can still compete with merchandise sales and the mainstream merchandise in huge demand. And SooBest thinks that through applying this theory to customer relationship management, the remaining 80% of the long-tailed customers, also called "non-major customers", can be seized. Gathering the value of these people can even result in a profit which is much bigger than that created by the 20% key customers. Therefore, in addition to its focus on women dresses, sexy intimates, men watches, outdoor clothing, and charm jewelry, SooBest also gradually tries to meet the demand of other users seeking some secondary items, like electronic products, furniture, luggage, etc.

Companies should be able to take full advantage of both the Long Tail theory and the 20-80 Rule, so as to get an insight into changes in customer demand, and to analyze the customers' value to the business. By taking into consideration the type of their businesses, market positioning, and the corporate power, the companies can decide which they should concentrate on, the 20% or the 80%, namely the small proportion of key customers or the mass small customers. Nevertheless, taking care of both the two parts also makes a choice.

Although the small customers do not come with very strong purchasing power, attractive portfolio, or active consuming behaviors, they can still have a huge impact on the corporate image when gathered together. The result will be more new customers and thus huge profits for the enterprises.

To adapt to the new economic situation, as well as the consumption characteristics of secondary customers, SooBest conducts their customer relationship management by more proper and effective means, to get a sublimation of those customers' value and, therefore, greater profits.

1. Web2.0 Interactive Marketing
Web2.0 advocates opening, participating, sharing and creating. So SooBest uses Web2.0 tools like Blog, RSS and SNS, to make its customers change from passive to active, via participations and interactions. SooBest expects these can help understand the psychological needs and the personalized performances of the customers. Therefore, new experiential elements, interactive elements and personalized elements are added to the marketing process to attract the attention of a large number of small online customers, and to make them become its customers.

2. Precision Marketing
This means meeting customers' demand and lowering the costs by an enormous collection and accumulation of consumer data, and then distributing the information to the optimum groups at the best time in the best ways. The enterprise can go for database technology to conduct comprehensive management, which means the customers of high reaction rates can thus be distinguished. In this case the enterprise can establish a stable long-term relationship with these customers.

Soobest's precision marketing strategy is now based on precise positioning and the company does this by relying on their own means of information technology, accurately grasps of customers' demand, and personalized communication and service system. SooBest is able to master each customer's propensity to consume, through collecting, sorting and analyzing the user data via the technological platform of its site. And then different transmission methods, like e-mails, are used for its one-to-one interactive marketing to the targeted audience. Finally the feedbacks from the customers and the market will result in constant modifications and improvements.

SOURCE Soobest.com

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