BNP Paribas Trials OT’s Innovative Payment Card for Secure Online Payments

PARIS - Friday, October 2nd 2015 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- BNP Paribas is running a trial of OT MOTION CODE™ with 1000 French customers. The dynamic security code solution replaces the 3-digit static code located on the back of the card, used to confirm online payments.

The dynamic security code is designed to effectively combat payment card fraud, in which hackers obtain the payment information used when consumers make purchases online. The dynamic code changes regularly, meaning that it is impossible to reuse.

To carry out the trial, BNP Paribas chose Oberthur Technologies’ OT MOTION CODE™ solution. The payment cards have a screen on their back displaying a security code that is regularly refreshed. This dynamic security code strengthens the security of online payments for BNP Paribas customers, without the slightest change to their customer experience.

Marc Espagnon, Head of Payment and Cash Management at BNP Paribas said: “The trial is fully in line with BNP Paribas’ desire to constantly improve our customer experience. By testing this solution with our customers in France, we believe that we will increase their confidence in online payments through increased security”.

“At OT, our priority is to constantly adapt to new consumer purchasing habits and provide payment solutions that guarantee both maximum security and optimum user-friendliness. With MOTION CODE™, OT is offering a fully integrated solution, from production of the card to installation of authentication servers”, said Eric Duforest, Managing Director of the Financial Services Institutions at OT.

“More than 90% of online transactions in France are made using payment cards. The dynamic security code will improve the security of purchases made online and is compatible with all e-commerce websites. We are glad to have supported BNP Paribas and OT in this innovative move”, said Gilbert Arira, Groupement CB CEO.

BNP Paribas regularly rolls out improvements to its payment cards with new features that provide its customers with increasingly individualized and secure ways to use their cards, such as choosing the card design, a revolving credit option, and a 24/7 alert service for suspected fraud. This innovative new development completes our portfolio of solutions offering daily support to our customers.

For more information on OT MOTION CODETM : www.oberthur.com/MotionCode

ABOUT BNP PARIBAS

BNP Paribas has a presence in 75 countries with more than 185,000 employees, including 145,000 in Europe. It ranks highly in its two core activities: Retail Banking & Services (comprised of Domestic Markets and International Financial Services) and Corporate & Institutional Banking. In Europe, the Group has four domestic markets (Belgium, France, Italy and Luxembourg) and BNP Paribas Personal Finance is the leader in consumer lending. BNP Paribas is rolling out its integrated retail banking model across Mediterranean basin countries, in Turkey, in Eastern Europe and a large network in the western part of the United States. In its Corporate & Institutional Banking and International Financial Services activities, BNP Paribas also enjoys top positions in Europe, a strong presence in the Americas and solid and fast-growing businesses in Asia-Pacific.

ABOUT OBERTHUR TECHNOLOGIES

OT is a world leader in digital security solutions for the mobility space. OT has always been at the heart of mobility, from the first smart cards to the latest contactless payment technologies which equip millions of smartphones. Present in the Payment, Telecommunications and Identity markets, OT offers end-to-end solutions in the Smart Transactions, Mobile Financial Services, Machine-to-Machine, Digital Identity and Transport & Access Control fields. OT employs over 6 300 employees worldwide, including almost 700 R&D people. With more than 50 sales offices across 5 continents and 1 manufacturing hub by region, OT’s international network serves clients in 140 countries. For more information: www.oberthur.com

Contacts

BNP Paribas

Press contact:

Loubna Sebti, (+33) 1 40 14 66 28

loubna.sebti@bnpparibas.com



MEDIA CONTACTS

Oberthur Technologies

Audrey Besnardeau, Tel. : +33 1 78 14 76 75

a.besnardeau@oberthur.com



Elan-Edelman

Hadrien Le Roux/ Elise Cognacq

Tel. : +33 1 86 21 50 83 / +33 1 86 21 50 67

hadrien.leroux@elanedelman.com/elise.cognacq@elanedelman.com





Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/15883/en

Professionals Across Generations and Nations Agree: Face-to-Face Meetings Preferred

 Hilton announces global coffee offer to encourage connections and ignite fresh ideas

MCLEAN, Va - Thursday, October 1st 2015 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Despite living in a digital age, business professionals still prefer face-to-face meetings. According to a recent global study by Hilton Worldwide (NYSE:HLT), more than two-thirds of surveyed professionals, ranging from millennials to age 65+, overwhelmingly prefer meeting in-person over any other collaboration method. The study, which polled business professionals across the U.S., UK and China, uncovered the value of face-to-face interactions and specifically the role of coffee and tea in productive meetings.

Other survey findings included:

    Wired up world: While Americans are well known for their coffee enthusiasm, surprisingly, the UK and China value their kick-start beverages more in the business world. More professionals in the UK (61 percent) and China (58 percent) agree that the most successful meetings happen over coffee and tea – compared to their counterparts in the U.S. (44 percent).
    Sipping on success: Sixty-eight percent of professionals in the UK and more than half of Chinese respondents (59 percent) say that coffee and tea are important to contributing to a successful in-person meeting.
    Brewed to perfection: Chinese professionals and U.S. millennials value the quality of coffee and tea. Fifty-four percent of Chinese and 51 percent of millennials say that if it is going to be served in a meeting, then it must be high quality.
    Coffee dates: More than half of Chinese respondents (53 percent) say that the best way to connect with a colleague or professional contact is over coffee and tea.
    City sips: Seventy-one percent of city dwellers in the U.S. say coffee is important to successful meetings.

To encourage connections and ignite powerful ideas over coffee, Hilton launched a global coffee promotion, providing complimentary coffee or tea for the first meeting break at participating Hilton properties. Meetings booked now though November 15, which take place before March 31, 2016, are eligible for the offer.

“The most impactful events involve face-to-face interactions that allow individuals to connect on a personal level,” said Andrew Flack, vice president, global marketing, Hilton Worldwide. “It’s interesting to see that, throughout the world, while we differ subtly in how we conduct meetings, we agree on the value of collaboration – which is often fueled by coffee or tea. We’re excited to provide our meeting professional partners an opportunity to deliver the necessary elements to drive impactful meetings and great experiences for attendees.”

Supporting thousands of meetings daily at hotels worldwide, Hilton helps foster an atmosphere where big ideas are born and connections are developed. For more information on the offer, visit ideasbythecup.com.

About Hilton Worldwide

Hilton Worldwide (NYSE:HLT) is a leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxury and full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and focused-service hotels. For 96 years, Hilton Worldwide has been dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences. The company's portfolio of twelve world-class global brands is comprised of more than 4,440 managed, franchised, owned and leased hotels and timeshare properties, with more than 730,000 rooms in 97 countries and territories, including Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Canopy by Hilton, Curio – A Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages an award-winning customer loyalty program, Hilton HHonors®. Hilton HHonors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to benefits including free standard Wi-Fi, as well as digital amenities that are available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton HHonors app, where HHonors members can check-in, choose their room, and access their room using a Digital Key. Visit news.hiltonworldwide.com for more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide at facebook.com/hiltonworldwide, twitter.com/hiltonworldwide, youtube.com/hiltonworldwide, flickr.com/hiltonworldwide and linkedin.com/company/hilton-worldwide.

*The Global Group Offer Survey was based on sample of 1,000 U.S., 1,013 UK and 1,008 Chinese white collar workers ages 18+. It was an online survey conducted from September 9-22, 2015 by Edelman Berland. The margin of error, at the 95% confidence level, is +/- 3.09%.

Contacts

Colleen Hart

Hilton Worldwide

(703) 883 6616

colleen.hart@hilton.com

news.hiltonworldwide.com









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/15871/en

Powerful Call for Government Partnership to Deliver Aviation Industry’s Climate Goals

GENEVA. - Wednesday, September 30th 2015 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- A group of 28 aviation industry chief executive officers and association leaders has today sent an open letter to governments committing to climate action and calling for a joint approach to help deliver maximum CO2 emissions reductions in the aviation sector. In particular, the industry group urged action to approve a meaningful market-based measure for aviation emissions, expected to be agreed by governments at a meeting of the United Nations specialised aviation agency in one year’s time. The letter is available at www.enviro.aero/openletter.

Aviation was the first transport sector which set global goals to proactively manage its climate change impact, in 2008. Details of actions being undertaken can be found at www.enviro.aero/climatesolutions. These goals include capping net CO2 emissions from 2020 through a global market-based measure being developed at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and a longer-term goal to reduce net CO2 emissions from aviation to half of 2005 levels, by 2050.

Michael Gill, Executive Director of the cross-industry coalition Air Transport Action Group which coordinated the letter said: “This is an influential set of business leaders adding their voice to those supporting climate action in the lead-up to the COP21 negotiations in Paris and one year ahead of aviation’s own climate deadline – the 39th ICAO Assembly. We are urging governments to back industry and civil society efforts to deliver this market-based measure.”

“Since we set the goals, the aviation sector has been actively undertaking fuel efficiency projects through the deployment of over a trillion dollars of new technology, improved operational procedures and moving towards more advanced infrastructure. However, government regulation and national political environments prevent us from fully influencing our own future. Today’s letter urges government action in five key areas to complement the significant action already taking place within the industry.”

The letter says that to maximise already impressive aviation action, “government support must take place through a range of actions: air traffic management investment and reform; continued support for research into new technology, operations and sustainable alternative fuels; improved intermodal transport planning; the right policy framework to help accelerate the availability of sustainable alternative fuels for airlines; and to agree at the 39th ICAO Assembly to both the implementation of a simple, global offsetting scheme which will stabilise air transport carbon emissions growth and to endorse an historic global CO2 standard for new aircraft. To delay will harm a vital global sector and harm our global climate.”

Whilst Michael Gill says the industry believes the development of the global market-based measure is progressing well, “we have to ensure that the timelines do not slip and that the current positive momentum is not lost. Aviation has a distinct timeframe from the broader climate negotiations being undertaken at the UNFCCC. A progressive outcome in Paris would certainly help deliver a meaningful result at ICAO next September, but let’s not wait until after December for the aviation talks to proceed.”

The open letter, 60 days before the crucial COP21 climate talks in Paris, was signed by the chief executives of all the world’s major aircraft and engine manufacturers and leaders of associations representing over 90% of airline traffic; 1,861 airports and air traffic management organisations supporting 85% of traffic. In total, the organisations represent businesses with nearly a trillion dollars in annual revenue and over four million employees worldwide. The industry has been meeting with government and civil society representatives at the Global Sustainable Aviation Summit in Geneva, Switzerland.

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View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150930005010/en/

Contacts

Air Transport Action Group

Haldane Dodd, +41 79 429 8710

doddh@atag.org

@enviroaero









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/15820/en

Taste of Waldorf Astoria Prepares for Second Course

Five Waldorf Astoria Master Chefs to Collaborate with James Beard Foundation Rising Star Semi-Finalist Chefs to Create Next Iconic Dish

MCLEAN, Va. - Thursday, October 1st 2015 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Following the program’s 2014 debut, today Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts announces the second year of Taste of Waldorf Astoria, a global culinary program in partnership with the James Beard Foundation (JBF), the United States’ foremost culinary arts organization. This fall, the search for the next iconic dish continues with a fresh group of five hand-selected JBF Rising Star Semi-Finalist chefs dispatching to five new participating Waldorf Astoria destinations around the globe, including Amsterdam, New Orleans, Beijing, Jerusalem, and Orlando.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with the James Beard Foundation for a second year on Taste of Waldorf Astoria, a program that celebrates and nurtures our culinary heritage,” said John T.A. Vanderslice, global head, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts. “Waldorf Astoria is committed to culinary excellence at each of the brand’s more than 140 world-class bars, lounges, and specialty restaurants worldwide.”

Taste of Waldorf Astoria will host five chef experiences at the following properties:

The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel September 28 – October 1, 2015 Waldorf Astoria Master Chef: Mark A. Majorie, Jr., Chef de Cuisine at Fountain Lounge Restaurant JBF Rising Star Semi-Finalist Chef: Jeremy Wayne, Chef de Cuisine at La Folie (San Francisco, CA) A native of New Orleans, Chef Majorie joined The Roosevelt, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, in 2014 after stints at Royal Sonesta New Orleans, Trump Sonesta Miami and several restaurants abroad, including August in La Provence. Chef du Cuisine at La Folie since 2013, Chef Wayne got his start at Bohemian Club, before moving to respected San Francisco institution La Folie under Chef Roland Passot.

Waldorf Astoria Orlando November 1 – 4, 2015 Waldorf Astoria Chef: Bernard Fiemeyer, Executive Chef at Waldorf Astoria Orlando JBF Rising Star Semi-Finalist: Jamilka Borges, Chef de Cuisine at Bar Marco and Founder of Swing Truck (Pittsburgh, PA) With experience in the kitchens of Japan, Thailand, France and the US, Chef Bernard Fiemeyer brings his passion for international cuisine to his current position as executive chef at Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. Chef Borges’ Pittsburgh restaurant has been on bon apétit’s Best New Restaurant list and has received national press not just for the outstanding cuisine, but also for its no tipping policy.

Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam November 9 – 12, 2015 Waldorf Astoria Master Chef: Sidney Schutte, Executive Chef at Restaurant Librije’s Zusje Amsterdam (two Michelin Stars) JBF Rising Star Semi-Finalist Chef: Grae Nonas, Co-Executive Chef at Olamaie Gaining recognition and experience working for renowned star chefs such as Roger Soeveryns of Scholteshof (Belgium), Jonnie Boer of De Librije Zwolle (The Netherlands), and Richard Ekkebus of Amber at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hotel (Hong Kong), Executive Chef Schutte has been managing the kitchen at Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam since the opening in May 2014. Chef Schutte was awarded with two prestigious Michelin stars for Restaurant Librije’s Zusje Amsterdam, only 7 months after opening. After working alongside star chefs such as Mario Batali, and Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo of animal and Son of a Gun, Food & Wine “Best New Chef” Grae Nonas is Co-Executive Chef at Olamaie, a beloved new garden southern restaurant in Austin, TX.

Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem November 29 – December 3, 2015 Waldorf Astoria Master Chef: Itzik Mizrachi Barak, Executive Chef at King’s Court and Palace Restaurants JBF Rising Star Semi-Finalist Chef: Joseph “JJ” Johnson, Executive Chef at The Cecil and Minton’s (New York, NY) Executive Chef Itzik Barak, one of Israel’s most renowned chefs, brings his roots in traditional Israeli cuisine paired with global fine dining experience to his contemporary Mediterranean cuisine at Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem’s two signature restaurants. Included in both Zagat and Forbes’ “30 Under 30” lists, Chef Johnson is Executive Chef at The Cecil and Minton’s, both based in the Harlem Neighborhood of New York City, a burgeoning culinary hotspot. Chef Johnson specialized in bringing together global flavors through an African and Asian lens.

Waldorf Astoria Beijing December 14 – 18, 2015 Waldorf Astoria Master Chef: Benoit Chargy, Executive Chef at Waldorf Astoria Beijing JBF Rising Star Semi-Finalist Chef: Erik Bruner-Yang of Toki Underground, Maketto and Honeycomb (Washington, D.C.) Waldorf Astoria Beijing Executive Chef Benoit Chargy leads three on-property restaurants, combining his background in classical French cuisine with a global sensibility to create a world-class dining experience. Washington, D.C.-based Chef Bruner-Yang is chef and owner of Maketto, Honeycomb and Toki Underground, which won the 2012 Eater award for DC’s “Restaurant of the Year.” Other accolades for his inventive pan-Asian cuisine include a finalist for the 2014 James Beard Foundation Award for Rising Star Chef of the Year and Food & Wine finalist for People’s Choice Best Chef (Mid-Atlantic).

“In the spirit of founder James Beard, a champion of American cuisine, we are delighted to once again partner with Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, an iconic brand that has made numerous notable contributions to America’s culinary heritage,” says Susan Ungaro, president, James Beard Foundation, "We are looking forward to giving our Rising Star Chefs semifinalists a global perspective, collaborating with Waldorf Astoria’s Master Chefs worldwide to create a contemporary iconic dish.”

The JBF chefs will visit their selected property for one week, spending time with the Waldorf Astoria Master Chef inside and outside the kitchen, visiting local markets and producers, restaurants or off-the-beaten-path locations for inspiration.

Each participating chef will prepare their recipes in New York on February 24, 2016, for a panel of culinary luminaries, who will ultimately decide the winning dish. The final Taste of Waldorf Astoria will be featured at each of the brand’s 25 hotels and resorts worldwide, joining its storied culinary legacy with a modern classic for today’s luxury traveler.

Last year, Taste of Waldorf Astoria winners Heinz Beck, Waldorf Astoria Master Chef, at La Pergola at Rome Cavalieri, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, and David Posey, formerly Executive Chef at Blackbird in Chicago, were awarded top honors with their Celery Root Risotto alla Waldorf. The dish was a reinvention of the iconic Waldorf Salad, using an innovative technique replacing the traditional rice base of risotto with celery root.

Each Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Resort now offers a curated 3-course dinner for guests to enjoy their own Taste of Waldorf Astoria, served in a distinct location on property. Guests may book this experience now by visiting www.tasteofwaldorfastoria.com.

Track each chef’s on-property journey and dish creation by following @WaldorfAstoria on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using the hashtag #TasteofWaldorf. For more information about Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, please visit www.waldorfastoria.com or http://news.waldorfastoria.com.

###

About Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts

Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is a portfolio of 25 landmark destinations, each being a true reflection of their surroundings in the world’s most sought after locations. Unified by their inspirational environments and unparalleled guest service, Waldorf Astoria creates unforgettable moments through the delivery of True Waldorf Service. Personal Concierges deliver unparalleled, bespoke service from the moment a guest books through check out. Waldorf Astoria is part of Hilton Worldwide, a leading global hospitality company. Experience Waldorf Astoria by booking at www.waldorfastoria.com or www.waldorfastoria.com/offers. Learn more about this expanding portfolio by visiting http://news.waldorfastoria.com.

About the James Beard Foundation (JBF)

Founded in 1986, the James Beard Foundation celebrates, nurtures, and honors America's diverse culinary heritage through programs that educate and inspire. A cookbook author and teacher with an encyclopedic knowledge about food, the late James Beard was a champion of American cuisine. He helped educate and mentor generations of professional chefs and food enthusiasts, instilling in them the value of wholesome, healthful, and delicious food. Today JBF continues in the same spirit by administering a number of diverse programs that include educational initiatives, food industry awards, scholarships for culinary students, publications, chef advocacy training, and thought-leader convening. The Foundation also maintains the historic James Beard House in New York City’s Greenwich Village as a “performance space” for visiting chefs. For more information, please visit jamesbeard.org. Get food news, recipes, and more at the James Beard Foundation’s blog. Follow the James Beard Foundation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.    

Contacts

John Walls

Hilton Worldwide

+1 703 883 5232

john.walls@hilton.com









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/15859/en

ReSound® Launches New Wireless Hearing Aid, Bringing Industry-Leading Connectivity and Sound Quality to Wearers Where Budget Matters

ReSound Enya™ Completes Industry’s Strongest Portfolio of Hearing Solutions, Demonstrates Commitment to Making a True Difference for People Living with Hearing Loss


COPENHAGEN, Denmark - Thursday, October 1st 2015 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ReSound today announced the global launch of the ReSound Enya family of hearing aids, making the company’s industry-leading, innovative hearing technologies accessible to even more people living with hearing loss. For the first time, the company is making its renowned sound expertise and innovative wireless technologies, which were previously reserved to the highest price points, available in lower priced solutions.

ReSound Enya delivers excellent sound quality in discreet, durable models designed to meet the challenges of a rich, active lifestyle. With ReSound Enya, users have access to the category’s best available performance without sacrificing comfort and ease of use.

ReSound is the first in the industry to build advanced connectivity into an affordable device, allowing wearers to:

    Enjoy clear speech and a comfortable listening experience in everyday situations both indoors and out.
    Stream sound from the TV, mobile phone, music player directly to the ReSound Enya hearing aids with ReSound Unite™ wireless accessories.
    Use a smartphone to easily control the hearing aid volume and program settings with the ReSound Control™ app, paired with the ReSound Unite Phone Clip+.
    Get relief from tinnitus with the in-built Tinnitus Sound Generator™.

ReSound also recently introduced ReSound ENZO2™, the world’s most advanced Smart Hearing aid for people with severe-to-profound hearing loss. ReSound ENZO2 builds on the revolutionary capabilities of ReSound LiNX2™, the world’s first full family of Made for iPhone hearing aids. Wearers will experience a vivid sense of space and speech with Spatial Sense™, and have access to direct streaming of sounds to their hearing aids, including music and phone calls. ReSound ENZO2 is easily controlled by the ReSound Smart™ app, providing discreet, on-the-go personalization directly from a user’s smartphone, or from their wrist using the app extension for Apple Watch. ReSound ENZO2 is available to U.S. consumers immediately and coming soon to additional markets around the world.

“We are pleased to be able to offer even more choices for people looking to take control of their hearing loss,” said GN ReSound CEO Anders Hedegaard. “Our dedication to delivering the most advanced hearing solutions also means making these technologies accessible to as many users as possible. Diversifying our portfolio ensures that whether a person is living with mild or severe-to-profound hearing loss, they will be able to find a superior hearing solution that meets their unique needs at the price point that fits their lifestyle. We remain committed to pushing the limits in terms of what is possible for Smart Hearing solutions, and we are proud to offer a complete portfolio of innovative options that truly improve peoples’ lives.”

The ReSound Control app is available for free and compatible with iOS and Android devices. Consumers can find more information about ReSound Enya at www.resound.com/enya. For U.S. consumers and individuals interested in information about ReSound Smart Hearing solutions, including ReSound ENZO2 and the ReSound Smart app, please visit www.resound.com.

About GN ReSound

GN ReSound is a leading international developer and manufacturer of advanced and innovative hearing healthcare solutions. It advances the wireless revolution with its unique 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth® Smart solutions. GN ReSound has reinvented the hearing system with its revolutionary ReSound LiNX2 hearing aids, and is driving and defining the future of hearing care. The company demonstrates its commitment to making life sound better through its research, insights and expertise in sound.

Contacts

GN ReSound

John Procter, +1-703-587-9967

jprocter@mcbeestrategic.com



Jessica Larkin,+1-202-997-5582

jlarkin@mcbeestrategic.com

Panasonic Develops GaN Diodes with High Current Operations and a Low Turn-on Voltage

OSAKA, Japan - Thursday, October 1st 2015 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Panasonic Corporation today announced that it developed gallium nitride (GaN) diodes that can not only operate at a high current that is four times greater than that tolerated by conventional silicon carbide (SiC) diodes*1, but also operate at low voltages by virtue of their low turn-on voltage. Production of the new diodes was made possible via a newly developed hybrid structure composed of separately embedded structure comprised of a low-voltage unit and a high-current-capable unit, in preparation for high voltage conditions.

Conventional silicon (Si) diodes are limited with regard to reducing switching losses. On the other hand, diodes based on SiC, a compound that is considered as a promising next-generation power semiconductor, as well as GaN, require an increased chip area to achieve high-current operations, thus posing limitations on the reduction of switching losses and size owing to increased operating frequencies.

The newly produced GaN diodes have achieved simultaneous high-current operations and low threshold voltage, and thus can handle high currents even with a small chip area. The capacitance of the chip can therefore be reduced to achieve lower switching losses, allowing the device to operate at higher frequencies. As a result, use of GaN diodes in the voltage conversion circuits or inverter circuits of automotive or industrial equipment that requires high power can reduce system size due to high frequency operation.

This newly developed product has the following advantages.

・High-current operation: 7.6 kA/cm2 (approximately 4 times*1)

・Lower turn-on voltage: 0.8 V

・Low on-resistance (RonA): 1.3 mΩcm2 (approximately 50% reduction*1)

The diodes were created based on the following technologies.

Hybrid structure of GaN diodes with a trenched p-GaN layer:

We proposed a hybrid GaN diode with a p-type layer in which trenches are formed, and developed a processing technology that can remove a p-type layer on an n-type layer in a selective manner to achieve not only high-current operations and a low turn-on voltage but also a breakdown voltage of 1.6 kV.

Fabrication of Diodes on a low-resistance GaN substrate:

For this development, we used conductive GaN substrates with a low resistance, which have been commercially used in LEDs and semiconductor lasers and are expected to be adopted in power devices in the future, and established the technologies for the epitaxial growth and processing on a GaN substrate before forming diodes. A structure in which currents flow in the vertical direction enables a smaller chip area and lower resistance.

This work was partially supported by the Ministry of the Environment, Government of Japan.

The results of this development were presented at the 2015 International Conference on Solid State Devices and Materials , Sapporo, Japan (September, 2015).

*1 Compared to an SiC diode with a rated voltage of 1,200 V

About Panasonic

Panasonic Corporation is a worldwide leader in the development of diverse electronics technologies and solutions for customers in the consumer electronics, housing, automotive, enterprise solutions and device industries. Since its founding in 1918, the company has expanded globally and now operates 468 subsidiaries and 94 associated companies worldwide, recording consolidated net sales of 7.715 trillion yen for the year ended March 31, 2015. Committed to pursuing new value through innovation across divisional lines, the company uses its technologies to create a better life and a better world for its customers. To learn more about Panasonic: http://www.panasonic.com/global.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=51192588&lang=en

Contacts

Media Contacts:

Public Relations Department

Panasonic Corporation

Tel: +81-(0)3-3574-5664 Fax: +81-(0)3-3574-5699



Panasonic News Bureau

Tel: +81-(0)3-3542-6205 Fax: +81-(0)3-3542-9018







Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/15878/en

Pampers and UNICEF Celebrate a Decade Together Helping to Save Millions of Mother’s and Babies’ Lives

International celebrity & UNICEF ambassador, Emma Bunton, joins Pampers & UNICEF to reflect on the 10 year-long partnership that has helped protect the lives of millions of women & their babies

NEW YORK - Thursday, October 1st 2015 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- An estimated 500,000 newborn lives have been saved and 100 million women and their newborns protected from the deadly disease, maternal and newborn tetanus, thanks to a ten-year long partnership between Pampers® and UNICEF that helped achieve this milestone.

The partners marked the tenth anniversary of their work today by celebrating the contributions of their joint effort that has helped in the elimination of maternal and newborn tetanus in 17 countries, with the success of the ‘1 Pack = 1 Vaccine’ initiative.

Long-standing spokesperson for the 1 Pack = 1 Vaccine campaign, Emma Bunton, united with Pampers & UNICEF during a global summit in New York to celebrate the progress for mothers and babies as a result of the partnership. At the event, Emma reflected on the decade-long initiative and invited everyone to mark the 10th anniversary by resolving to eliminate maternal and newborn tetanus entirely.

“Working with the people who have been instrumental in the success of this partnership, and meeting some of the mothers and babies who have enjoyed better, healthier lives as a result of the initiative has been an unforgettable experience”, said Emma Bunton.

The 1 Pack = 1 Vaccine campaign has combined two components that are essential to defeating a disease like maternal and newborn tetanus: Raising funds, and raising profile.

“The partnership between Pampers and UNICEF has resulted in much greater awareness of maternal and newborn tetanus.” said Yoka Brandt, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director. “It will take even more commitment and investment, but we can and must accelerate elimination efforts in the remaining 21 countries where the key challenge remains universal access to life saving interventions, including maternal and newborn tetanus vaccines.”

And although much has already been achieved, there is more work to be done, as maternal and newborn tetanus still threatens the lives of 71 million women and their newborns.

Sirma Umur, Pampers VP babycare E-IMEA says “We continue to partner with UNICEF to help protect the world’s babies against this deadly disease and invite everyone to join us in our 10th anniversary wish to eliminate maternal and newborn tetanus entirely.”

Tetanus is caused by bacteria that live in soil. Newborns are often infected as a result of unhygienic birth practices, such as cutting the umbilical cord with un-sterile instruments or handling it with dirty hands. Once contracted, there is no real cure. Nearly all babies who contract tetanus die, unless they receive treatment.

The true extent of the newborn tetanus death toll is not fully known, since the population at the highest risk of contracting the disease tends to live in rural areas with little or no access to health care services or education.

Newborn tetanus can be prevented through a simple vaccination given to pregnant women and women of a child-bearing age, to protect both the woman and her unborn child during this vulnerable period. Following administration of the tetanus vaccine to a pregnant mother, the antibodies pass across the placenta to her foetus.

World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF recommend three appropriately spaced doses of the tetanus vaccine in order to ensure long-lasting immunity. After two doses, a woman who is vaccinated before she gives birth will be protected against the disease for three years. After three doses she will be protected for five years, and in both cases, will share her protection with her baby for the first two months of life

About UNICEF

UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere. . For more information, please visit www.unicef.org.

Pampers® cares for the development of every baby around the world and continuously works in partnerships with NGOs, charity organizations, hospitals and healthcare professionals to help make a difference. Some of the many initiatives which demonstrate Pampers® ongoing commitment to vulnerable and disadvantaged babies around the world include education programmes for mothers and mothers-to-be, training schemes for physicians and nurses, and the donation of equipment for maternity wards and orphanages. Visit for more information: www.Pampers.co.uk/UNICEF

Photo*

New York, 28th September 2015. Pampers and UNICEF celebrate a decade together helping to save 100 million women and their babies. Representatives reflected on the successes of the 10 year initiative at the US Fund for UNICEF, including Yoka Brandt, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director, Celebrity Mum & Pampers UNICEF Ambassador Emma Bunton, Gerard Bocquenet, Director of Private Fundraising and Partnerships, UNICEF, Sirma Umur, VP of Baby Care, P&G and Dr. Holly Phillips, CBS News Medical Contributor and event moderator. (Photo: Business Wire)

Video*

New York, 28th September 2015. Pampers and UNICEF celebrate a decade together helping to save 100 million women and their babies with the unveiling of a powerful video which showcases the impact of the campaign through 10 milestone moments. Earlier today, representatives from the Pampers and UNICEF partnership reflected on the successes of the initiative at the US Fund for UNICEF, including Yoka Brandt, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director, Celebrity Mum & Pampers UNICEF Ambassador Emma Bunton, Gerard Bocquenet, Director of Private Fundraising and Partnerships, UNICEF, Sirma Umur, VP of Baby Care, P&G and Dr. Holly Phillips, CBS News Medical Contributor and event moderator.

Contacts

For Pampers:

Colleen Cleary, 631-921-5320

colleen.cleary@hkstrategies.com









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