MATMERIZE SECURES DOD AWARD TO DEVELOP LOW-FLAMMABILITY POLYMER COMPOSITE MATERIALS USING ADVANCED AI METHODS

ATLANTA, Nov 8 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Matmerize, Inc., an industry leader in Polymer & Formulations Informatics proudly announces its selection by the US Department of Defense (DOD) for a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract aimed at advancing AI methodologies for accelerating the design of novel low-flammability polymer composite materials. Matmerize is excited about the transformative potential of this project as it will not only enhance fire safety for Navy ships and submarines, but will also find applications in a wide range of industries, including construction, aerospace, automotive and consumer products. This award comes at the heels of another SBIR recently awarded to Matmerize by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to develop physics-informed and physics-enforced machine learning architectures to advance materials development.

The flammability of polymer composites is quantified by a set of quantitative parameters, typically measured using highly standardized instruments/tests defined by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and other agencies. Desirable polymeric materials that meet the specific values of ASTM and non-ASTM standardized tests require an optimal combination of base polymers, functional additives, flame retardants, and processing conditions. Matmerize will collaborate with DOD to develop a Polymer Informatics capability using suitable curated data and advanced AI/ML techniques, aimed at the accelerated design of low-flammability polymer matrix composites that meet other critical mechanical and thermal performance targets needed by the Navy. 
 
Key highlights of the contract include: 

1) creation of a composite materials database with flammability and other relevant properties such as maximum heat release rate, time to ignition, and smoke density,
2) development of AI models trained on the database to predict the relevant properties for new composite formulations, and
3) recommend a pool of promising polymer composites, i.e., the combinations of base polymers, functional additives, flame retardants, and processing conditions, for experimentally synthesis and testing.

A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link: 

Huan Tran, Director of Research Innovation for Matmerize stated, “This collaboration signifies a major achievement in the pursuit of safer, lower-flammability polymer composites. We take great pride in spearheading the development of cutting-edge AI-driven solutions for low-flammability composite materials that not only meet rigorous ASTM testing standards but also address the vital safety requirements mandated for our Navy ships.“ 

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DR HOLGER ZIMMERMANN JOINS LYSANDO ADVISORY BOARD

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 8 (Bernama) -- Lysando, an innovator in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, has appointed Dr Holger Zimmermann to its Advisory Board.

Dr Zimmermann's distinguished career in the pharmaceutical sector and healthcare industry brings a wealth of experience, positioning him as a key asset in Lysando's mission to eliminate the fear of harmful bacteria worldwide.

Its Chairman of the Board of Directors, Count Markus Matuschka de Greiffenclau said Dr Zimmermann's profound experience in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, coupled with a successful track record in product development, makes him a valuable addition to the team.

“His unique insights will play a pivotal role in guiding Lysando towards our ultimate goal of bringing life-enhancing solutions to market,” he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Dr Zimmermann said: “I am excited to be able to support Lysando's mission to develop innovative products against disease-causing bacteria”.

Currently serving as the Chief Research and Development Officer at AiCuris AG, he has been instrumental in bringing innovative healthcare products to market and his extensive background in human pharmaceutical pre-clinical and clinical research underscores the transformative potential he brings to Lysando.

As a distinguished member of the Advisory Board, Dr Zimmermann will contribute invaluable knowledge and strategic guidance, particularly in navigating the challenges of the pharmaceutical industry.

Lysando has been a driving force in innovation against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, pioneering the revolutionary Artilysin technology that safeguards individuals from dangerous infections.

The company's dedication to curbing the dissemination of Antimicrobial Resistance aligns seamlessly with Dr. Zimmermann's expertise and vision.

-- BERNAMA

Henley & Partners, Insignia Team Up To Create Distinctive Membership Offering

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- Henley & Partners, global leader in residence and citizenship by investment, has partnered with the leading ultra-luxury lifestyle management and card services group, Insignia, to create a distinctive and exclusive membership offering.

Henley Global Citizens is a bespoke ‘by invitation only’ service designed to meet the specific needs of wealthy transnational families, entrepreneurs, and investors who do business, invest, and live internationally and who identify themselves as citizens of the world.

Henley & Partners Group Chairman, Dr Christian H. Kaelin said bringing together the high-profile clients of both businesses and combining their expertise to create a unique and exceptional international advisory and service offering is a logical extension for ‘the firm of global citizens’.

“The Henley Global Citizens membership acknowledges and supports this identity and lifestyle in a very practical, everyday way that can add tremendous value for its members,” he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Insignia Group President, Nada T. Rouviere said: “Our partnership with Henley & Partners represents a new era in luxury lifestyle management. Together with Henley & Partners we are redefining the meaning of global citizenship, offering an exclusive gateway to a world of limitless possibilities and connections.”

Besides priority access, personal introductions, and complimentary consultations with trusted international banks, leading private client lawyers and other top industry professionals in all key jurisdictions worldwide, the Henley Global Citizens offering includes a membership card, which is also a Visa payment card for large, unlimited payments and cash withdrawals, and to make international wire transfers in major currencies.

More importantly, it provides access to a dynamic global network of wealthy and influential individuals and families, and an annual calendar of high-level closed-door events, including private dinners and other major business, geopolitical, sporting, and cultural events around the world.

Members and families can also benefit from complimentary consultation on global education planning and introductions to the world’s top schools and universities, as well as strategic health advice, access to preventive medicine and longevity programmes, and the scheduling of medical checkups at the most advanced healthcare locations including Switzerland, Germany, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.

Henley Global Citizens will be launched at a bespoke event on Nov 10 following the 17th annual Global Citizenship Conference which takes place from Nov 8 to 10 at the Shangri-La Hotel DIFC in Dubai, UAE.

The international conference hosted by Henley & Partners, where this year over 400 delegates from over 35 countries are expected to attend, has become the world’s largest and most significant gathering on global private wealth and investment migration.

-- BERNAMA

POLYPLASTICS SEES STRONG POTENTIAL FOR POM AND PP IN THERMAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS FOR EVS

AsiaNet 100466

TOKYO, Nov. 7, 2023 /Kyodo JBN-AsiaNet/ -- 

The Polyplastics Group, a leading global supplier of engineering thermoplastics, has introduced an approach of using its less heat-resistant plastics products for EV cooling components. Polyplastics sees strong potential for less heat-resistant plastics such as polyoxymethylene (POM) and polypropylene (PP) for production of EV cooling components. 

To learn more about the Polyplastics approach for EV cooling components, please visit:
https://www.polyplastics-global.com/en/approach/24.html 

Image: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M100475/202310271868/_prw_PI1fl_4KdW4E2e.png

 
As the automotive industry moves from traditional combustion engine vehicles to battery electric vehicles (BEVs), OEMs and parts manufacturers are reimagining the types of materials that can meet the thermal management needs of EVs. Polyplastics believes that less heat-resistant plastics like POM and PP have a significant potential for manufacturing EV cooling components. 

The coolant in combustion engines is typically maintained at a temperature of 70-100 C but can climb to 120 C or higher if the engine overheats. Therefore, metals or highly heat-resistant plastics like polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) are used in cooling components and lines. In comparison, EVs require a long-life coolant (LLC) temperature of 100 C or lower. This allows for the use of less heat-resistant materials for BEV-specific components. 

When the temperature of a LLC is 100 C or lower, general-purpose engineering plastics like POM or PP can be used instead of metals or high-performance engineering plastics. In the case of PP, Polyplastics sees potential for PP-LGF (long glass fiber) instead of short glass fiber to increase strength, dimensional accuracy, and overall performance. It also offers DURACON (R) bG-POM made with biomass as an eco-friendly option. 

Replacing highly heat-resistant plastics such as PPS with POM and PP not only reduces material costs but also helps with efforts to reduce CO2 by reducing the carbon footprint of materials and energy consumption during molding.  

*DURACON (R) is a trademark of Polyplastics Co., Ltd. in Japan and other countries.

About Polyplastics:
https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202310271868-O1-TLyAy94V.pdf 

Source: Polyplastics Co., Ltd.

AM BEST AFFIRMS CREDIT RATINGS OF MARBLE REINSURANCE CORPORATION

HONG KONG, Nov 3 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a-” (Excellent) of Marble Reinsurance Corporation (Marble Re) (Micronesia). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings reflect Marble Re’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strong, as well as its strong operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

The balance sheet strength is well-supported by Marble Re’s risk-adjusted capitalisation, which is assessed at the strongest level, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). The company’s capital base, albeit small, is viewed to be sufficient supported by low net underwriting leverage and minimal investment risk from a highly liquid and conservative investment portfolio. Although the company has relatively high dependence on reinsurance, the risk is mitigated by its high quality and well-diversified reinsurance panel.

Marble Re’s operating performance has been consistently strong and stable with a five-year average combined ratio of 59% (2018-2022). For the fiscal year ended 31 March 2023, the company recorded notable growth in premium income and net profit due to the strong performance of Marubeni Corporation’s trading business, which was attributable to higher commodity prices and foreign exchange benefits from Japanese Yen depreciation. Marble Re’s combined ratio is expected to remain favourable and below 60%. Notwithstanding the moderate volatility in its major business line, marine cargo insurance, primarily due to fluctuations in the commodity price, AM Best expects that Marble Re’s underwriting margin will remain favourable over the medium term supported by strict underwriting discipline and a conservative reinsurance programme.

As a wholly owned subsidiary and a single-parent captive of Marubeni Corporation, which is one of Japan’s largest general trading companies, Marble Re provides reinsurance and insurance protection against group-related risks across different regions. Marble Re is well-integrated within the parent group with respect to risk management, corporate governance and internal control systems.

Negative rating actions could occur if there are substantial losses caused by a material shift in Marble Re’s risk appetite or if there is significant deterioration in Marubeni Corporation’s credit profile, including its operating profitability, financial leverage and interest coverage levels. Positive rating actions could occur if the company demonstrates sustained and notable improvement in its balance sheet strength fundamentals or material growth in its capital base.

AM Best remains the leading rating agency of alternative risk transfer entities, with more than 200 such vehicles rated throughout the world. For current Best’s Credit Ratings and independent data on the captive and alternative risk transfer insurance market, please visit www.ambest.com/captive.

Ratings are communicated to rated entities prior to publication. Unless stated otherwise, the ratings were not amended subsequent to that communication.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best’s website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best’s Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Best’s Credit Ratings, Best’s Performance Assessments, Best’s Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best’s Ratings & Assessments.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright © 2023 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 

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RESOLIAN BUYS CHINA-BASED BIOANALYTICAL CRO DENALI MEDPHARMA

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 2 (Bernama) -- Resolian, a global bioanalytical contract research organisation (CRO) specialising in drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics for small and large molecules has acquired China-based bioanalytical CRO, Denali Medpharma.

Resolian Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Patrick Bennett in a statement said the strategic addition of Denali will significantly enhanced the company’s capabilities and strengthened its position in the global market.

“Denali’s founders and core scientists are internationally recognised across pharmaceutical research and development analysis and we are particularly excited to add Denali’s oligo, mRNA, and liposomal expertise to Resolian’s portfolio of services.

“We look forward to leveraging our growing company’s strengths to continue driving innovation and creating lasting value for our clients and stakeholders,” added Bennett.

Meanwhile, Denali CEO, Min Meng said the company was founded by a group of United States (US)-trained bioanalytical experts in a state-of-the-art lab facility in China to provide exceptional service for domestic and international clients.

“The Denali team is thrilled to join Resolian. We look forward to continuing this track record and offering even greater capabilities and trial flexibility as part of Resolian.”

Currently operates bioanalysis laboratory in the US, the United Kingdom, Australia and China, Resolian can initiate a project on four continents and easily transfer validated methods across labs, allowing therapeutic trials to extend to virtually any destination without changing bioanalytical CROs.

-- BERNAMA

MALAYSIA HEALTHCARE PROMOTES REGULAR SCREENINGS FOR BREAST CANCER PREVENTION

Enhancing accessibility to cutting-edge screening procedures for breast cancer early detection 


KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Nov 1 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Malaysia Healthcare encourages global citizens to practice regular examination and screenings as a crucial step in preventing breast cancer. With healthcare facilities that are equipped with innovative screening procedures, Malaysia Healthcare is committed to making breast cancer early detection accessible for global citizens.

In conjunction with the breast cancer awareness month, Malaysia Healthcare shed light on the significance of early diagnosis as well as the cutting-edge screening procedures provided by several of its healthcare facilities.

“Individuals should be cautious about any lump in the breast or underarm (armpit), thickening or swelling on any part of the breast, skin irritation or dimpling, redness or flakiness around the nipple area or the breast, nipple inversion, pain in the nipple area, unusual nipple discharge that may include blood. Changes in breast size or shape and unexplained breast pain should also be regarded warning signs,” said Dr. Nik Munirah Nik Mahdi, Consultant Radiologist at KPJ Perdana Specialist Hospital.

“Doing regular breast self-examination is crucial to help you be aware of how your breasts normally look and feel, as well as detect symptoms such as lumps, pain, or abnormal changes in size. In addition to this, a clinical breast examination and screening every year should be done even if you do not detect any abnormalities, as breast cancer often does not present any symptoms at its earliest, which is the most treatable stage,” said Dr. Normayah Kitan, Consultant Breast and Endocrine Surgeon, Sunway Medical Centre in Sunway City.

“We strongly advocate regular self-examination and frequent breast screening especially for women aged 40 and above to detect breast cancer at an early stage. It is also advisable for women to seek medical help if any breast lumps are found. The importance of early detection cannot be overstated in the fight against breast cancer,” said Dr. Melissa Tan Ley Hui, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon at Prince Court Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur.

Since its first cancer treatment centre opened its doors in 1981, Malaysia has achieved international recognitions for its quality of care. Recently, the country was proclaimed second in the care and delivery of cancer treatment in the Asia Pacific and the third-most prepared country overall by the Economist Intelligence Unit.

“When discussing cancer, we focus on survival and recurrence rates rather than recovery rates. Studies have found that patients with breast cancer have more than 85% 5-year survival rate when detected early compared to a 19% 5-year survival rate when detected at Stage 4. Research have also shown that patients have a 10% chance of their breast cancer recurring after undergoing a breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy¹. At SJMC, we advocate for early detection and are proud of our remarkable 100% 5-year survival rate for patients with Stage 1 breast cancer. This is one of the highest in the region and is evident on the quality of care we provide. With the advancement of technology, 3D mammograms enhance the chances of detecting breast cancer at its earliest, where it is most treatable, potentially saving lives and improving outcomes for women everywhere. By providing a three-dimensional view of breast tissue, this screening enables earlier detection of abnormalities, reducing false positives and unnecessary follow-up tests,” Dr. Teh Mei Sze, Consultant Breast Surgeon (Oncoplastic), Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC).

“Not all breast lumps are cancerous, therefore don’t be alarmed. However, getting the lump checked by your doctor as soon as possible is important. Breast ultrasounds and mammograms will help doctors decide on the biopsy test for suspicious-looking lumps. This is to establish the diagnosis so that treatment can be initiated. Delaying treatment is associated with poor outcome,” said Dr Normayah Kitan.

According to Dr. Nik Munirah Nik Mahdi, Consultant Radiologist at KPJ Perdana Specialist Hospital, a mammogram can detect a breast lump one year before it becomes palpable to the patient. The main benefit of mammography screening lies in its potential to reduce breast cancer-related mortality. The degree of reduction varies, from about 15% to 25% in randomised trials to more recent estimates of 13% to 17% in meta-analyses of observational studies. A 2020 study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information highlighted that regular breast cancer screening appears to be associated with a significant decrease in the number of severe and fatal cases of breast cancer. This reduction is not solely attributed to improvements in treatment methods but is, to some extent, a result of the screening process itself.

Meanwhile, Dr. Melissa Tan Ley Hui, a Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon emphasised the significance of 3D mammogram in detecting cancer. “Our cutting-edge 3D Mammogram enables us to generate detailed images, allowing for the detection of small cancers concealed within dense breast tissue. This advanced approach significantly enhances accuracy when compared to the conventional 2D Mammograms, effectively reducing the occurrence of false-positive results.”

“At UM Specialist Centre (UMSC), our integration of advanced technologies such as 3D mammography (breast tomosynthesis) and MRI breast imaging, combined with the expertise of experienced breast radiologists, is revolutionising breast health assessment. Breast tomosynthesis has been proven to have a diagnostic sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 70%. In symptomatic women, it has demonstrated superiority compared to conventional mammography (2D). Our commitment to faster diagnosis and intervention ensures timely care, enhancing treatment success rates. Furthermore, our hospital offers specialised screening for high-risk individuals, including those with genetic mutations like the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, along with comprehensive risk-reducing surgical options. At UMSC, we're not just advancing healthcare; we're saving lives through innovation and compassion,” said Dr. Suniza Binti Jamaris, Associate Professor and Consultant Breast Surgeon, UMSC.

With a vast range of oncology services that include ground-breaking imaging and cancer detection technologies on offer, Malaysia Healthcare is moving forward steadily as the Cancer Care Centre of Excellence. This is further reinforced by the country's excellent healthcare system, which makes it easier for healthcare travellers to obtain comprehensive cancer care promptly in a safe and trusted destination.

For more information on Malaysia Healthcare and its services, please visit https://malaysiahealthcare.org/ or visit our social feeds at: www.facebook.com/MHTCMalaysia  or at LinkedIn (Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council). 


For media enquiries: 

Tutie Ismail
Vice President
Communications
Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council
tutie@mhtc.org.my

Chandrika Bhaskaran
Senior Manager
Public Relations & Content Communications
Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council
chandrika.b@mhtc.org.my


ABOUT THE MALAYSIA HEALTHCARE TRAVEL COUNCIL
The Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) is a government agency under the Ministry of Health Malaysia that has been entrusted with the responsibility of curating the country’s healthcare travel scene, making it a key export service industry. Founded in 2009, MHTC works to streamline industry players and service providers in facilitating and growing Malaysia’s healthcare travel industry under the brand “Malaysia Healthcare” with the intended goal of making Malaysia the leading global healthcare destination. MHTC works closely with over 80 private healthcare facilities in Malaysia, who are registered members of MHTC.

¹ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21545192/

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ddf1ecb1-fb14-49bb-9dac-0ff86892a299


SOURCE : Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council