DLNA Fulfills Mission, Dissolves as Non-Profit Trade Association; SpireSpark International to Continue DLNA Certification and Offer Specialized Program Support Services

PORTLAND, Ore. - Thursday, January 5th 2017 [ME NewsWire]

       News Highlights:

    DLNA has achieved its mission, changing how consumers live, work and play using products that work together seamlessly in the connected home.
    Organization will dissolve, and ongoing DLNA Certification activities will be managed by a newly formed professional services firm.

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA®) today announced that the organization has fulfilled its mission and will dissolve as a non-profit trade association. Product certification services for the multimillion-unit DLNA ecosystem will continue to be provided through a newly formed professional services firm with all required DLNA test tools, infrastructure equipment and end-to-end certification expertise.

“We are extremely proud of what the members and staff of DLNA have accomplished - creating the world’s largest connected-home product ecosystem with nearly 4 billion units certified across more than 25,000 device models during the past 13 years,” said Stephen Palm, chairman and president of DLNA. “We thank our members for their hard work and commitment to making DLNA one of the industry’s most successful examples of the power of broadly supported product interoperability initiatives for accelerating innovation, creating new markets, and transforming the user experience.”

DLNA’s world-class certification program will now be provided by SpireSpark International, which has been founded by former DLNA executives and will be located in Portland, Oregon. Staffed by the team experienced in all aspects of DLNA Certification, the firm will provide a seamless transition for companies that are currently certifying products or wish to do so in the future. DLNA Certification is now open to all companies, with no DLNA membership required. Access to the comprehensive DLNA test suite including the Conformance Test Tool (CTT), Media Capabilities Verification Tool (MCVT), Awox Golden Reference Devices and many other tools for testing media sharing, including DRM and HTML5, will be available under a new fee structure.

In addition to providing DLNA Certification services, SpireSpark International will also offer specialized program support services for organizations that are running their own programs. SpireSpark International will focus on the following areas: operationalizing certification programs, QA services, engineering services, association setup, conference management, and member marketing services. Leveraging deep experience in highly specialized areas, the organization will deliver these cost-effective services through virtual teams of experts that can be scaled as needed and deployed quickly.

Questions for DLNA can be sent to admin@dlna.org. To contact SpireSpark, visit spirespark.com or send an email to info@spirespark.com.

About SpireSpark

SpireSpark International’s mission is to partner with organizations in achieving their goals by providing virtual, customized support that allows them to remain in control of their day-to-day operations, while outsourcing high level projects to experts in the field. SpireSpark International was founded by former DLNA executives. Additional information about SpireSpark is available at spirespark.com.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=51488547&lang=en

Contacts

Digital Living Network Alliance

Megan Dahlen, 253-686-7708

Megan@global-dlna.org









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/19308/en

Panasonic Forms Strategic Alliance with Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort

 Panasonic Projection Imaging Systems become the “Official Projection Technology” of Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort

LAS VEGAS - Thursday, January 5th 2017 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Panasonic and Walt Disney Parks & Resorts announced today that Panasonic Projection Imaging Systems will be the “Official Projection Technology” of Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. and Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif. As part of a long-term agreement, these Disney properties will have access to the latest in Panasonic’s market-leading projectors with advanced image processing and lens solutions.

As a leader in storytelling, Disney creates innovative attractions, entertainment and magical lands which immerse guests into the worlds of the stories they love. The aim of pairing Disney’s limitless creativity with Panasonic’s leading-edge projection technology, is to provide guests of Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort with even more amazing and new entertainment experiences.

“Panasonic is delighted to work with Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort in exploring new ways in which its high-performance projectors may be used to support the Disney storytelling that has captured the hearts of millions of guests who have visited these iconic vacation destinations,” said Panasonic AVC Networks Company President Yasuji Enokido. “The Panasonic brand has earned the trust of generations and today we have a fresh technology vision to support the creativity and innovation of the Disney theme parks in the U.S.”

Panasonic already maintains a significant technology presence at Disney theme park attractions in the U.S., including Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage at Disneyland Park; Radiator Springs Racers at Disney California Adventure Park; Haunted Mansion and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom Park; Frozen Ever After and Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros at Epcot; and the upcoming Na’vi River Journey at Walt Disney World Resort’s newest and most immersive land, Pandora – The World of Avatar, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

“Disney creates one-of-a-kind, world-class experiences which inspire guests to create unique and cherished memories at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort,” said Carlos Castro, vice president, Disney Corporate Alliances. “We are thrilled to work with Panasonic to continue to explore exciting and innovative new ways to tell our stories.”

Panasonic is the worldwide market leader in high-brightness professional projectors and has continued to hold this position for seven years in a row. Featuring advanced image processing and distinctive technologies, they yield enhanced visual quality, significantly longer product life, and reduced maintenance costs.

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 474 subsidiaries and 94 associated companies worldwide, recording consolidated net sales of 7.553 trillion yen for the year ended March 31, 2016. 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.

About Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World Resort is a world-class entertainment and recreation center featuring four theme parks (Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park); two water adventure parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon); 35 resort hotels (27 owned and operated by Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, including seven Disney Vacation Club resort properties); 63 holes of golf on four courses; two full-service spas; Disney's Wedding Pavilion; ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex; and Disney Springs. Walt Disney World Resort is committed to building better futures for children; last year, the company donated more than $44 million in cash and in-kind support to non-profit organizations in Central Florida and Disney VoluntEARS contributed 200,000 hours to community service. Located at Lake Buena Vista, Fla., 20 miles southwest of Orlando, Walt Disney World Resort opened Oct. 1, 1971, and is open daily, year-round. For more information, visit www.wdwnews.com/about.

About Disneyland Resort
The Disneyland Resort features two spectacular theme parks – Disneyland (the original Disney theme park) and the reimagined Disney California Adventure Park – plus three hotels and the Downtown Disney District, comprising unique dining, entertainment and shopping experiences. The Resort’s hotels are the luxurious, 948-room Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, which also features 50 two-bedroom equivalent Disney Vacation Club units; the magical, recently renovated, 973-room Disneyland Hotel – both AAA Four Diamond properties – and the 481-room Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel with its “day-at-the-beach” fun. The Disneyland Resort is committed to providing opportunities for families to spend time together. Last year, the Resort donated nearly $20 million to programs benefitting children and families, and our cast members volunteered at more than 230 community events. With 29,000 cast members, the Disneyland Resort is Orange County’s largest employer and generates $5.7 billion for the Southern California economy. The Resort has welcomed more than 750 million guests since opening on July 17, 1955. For more information, please visit Disneyland.com or call (866) 43-DISNEY.

Contacts

Media Contact

Panasonic Corporation

Global Communications Department

Media Promotion Office

+81-3-3574-5729

presscontact@ml.jp.panasonic.com









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/19302/en

BLAST Inc. : "Get a Polar Bear" Animal Art Figures "Animals As Art" First Release: Polar Bear Parent and Cub

TOKYO - Thursday, January 5th 2017 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- BLAST Inc. (main office: Kanda KS Bldg. 8F, 6-14-3 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021, Japan /representative: Junya Okabe) announces the "Animals As Art" series of animal art models as display art for homes and offices.

The "Polar Bear Parent and Cub" will be the first in the series to be released on January 5, 2017 for both Japan and overseas.

[ Animals As Art ] official site: http://www.animals-as-art.com/

"Animals As Art" is an animal art series that captures the elegance of modern modeling techniques and looks just like the real thing.

It uses modeling materials instead of conventional taxidermy to thoroughly recreate a realistic appearance, texture, and sense of life.

The sleeping form of the parent and cub looks so real it will make you think they are really there.

Its producer Junya Okabe has over 30 years of experience in the special effects modeling industry in films and commercials.

Production is headed by the special effects art modeling studio ZEPPET within Blast Inc. where Junya Okabe acts as representative.

The director for the animal models is Kaiyodo's Shinobu Matsumura who is the leader of nature figures in Japan and is known for the "Choco Egg".

In addition to his figurines, he is also in demand both domestically and overseas and is involved in the production and supervision of animal exhibitions for places such as the American Museum of Natural History in New York.

The production of one polar bear is done in a system with three expert modelers and five assistants. Each hair on its head is meticulously flocked on in addition to the gums and teeth in its mouth and its paw pads and claws, taking a period of approximately three months overall (fluctuates depending on situation of orders and production numbers).

Regular price (excluding tax) is 13,400,000 yen for the parent and cub set and 8,900,000 yen for just the parent.

1% of these proceeds will be donated to WWF Japan (World Wide Fund for Nature Japan) to support opposition against the selling of taxidermy and to protect endangered species.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=51481377&lang=en

Contacts

[Inquiries]

BLAST Inc.

Supervising: Keigo Otomo, +81-3-5761-7883

Inquiries by phone: On weekdays from 9 a.m. JST to 6 p.m. JST

info@blast.jp









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/19303/en

BridgeBio Pharma Launches with a Focus on Precision Medicines for Genetic Diseases

Veteran R&D team backed by KKR and Perceptive Advisors

PALO ALTO, Calif. - Wednesday, January 4th 2017 [ME NewsWire]
(BUSINESS WIRE)-- California-based BridgeBio Pharma has come out of stealth mode to reveal more detail about its novel approach to developing new therapies for genetic diseases. These diseases, often inherited and individually rare, collectively exact devastating effects on tens of millions of patients in the US alone, many of whom are children. The company, formed in 2015, is primarily focused on pre-commercial products, utilizing its advantages in sourcing and operating to find and build value at each stage of development.


BridgeBio Pharma combines a traditional focus on drug products with a new corporate model to tackle a big industry need – translating early stage genetic disease science into drugs that matter for patients. “There’s a lot of money and interest in new technology companies, like those focused on gene editing, and then again for late stage clinical products,” says co-founder and CEO Neil Kumar. “But if you have a small molecule for a single genetic disease that is pre-clinical, it is harder to attract interest. We started BridgeBio to focus on those single product opportunities that target well defined genetic drivers of disease. BridgeBio is set up to move those programs forward efficiently and at scale.”


The company sees itself as a drug product engine as opposed to a novel science platform – “we partner closely with academic and clinical leaders to help move insights they have already made into the clinic. We are not trying to discover new biology so much as to take what is already known and develop therapies from it,” says co-founder Frank McCormick, former co-founder of Onyx Pharmaceuticals. BridgeBio’s team members have collectively been responsible for over a dozen marketed products and include drug development veterans Charles Homcy, Frank McCormick, Philip Reilly, Hoyoung Huh, Uma Sinha, and Robert Zamboni.


BridgeBio’s novel corporate structure was designed in collaboration with MIT Sloan Professor Andrew W. Lo, who is also a founding investor and member of BridgeBio. Rather than forming large platform companies, the team forms lean and focused subsidiaries around individual assets or diseases. These subsidiaries can draw on BridgeBio’s network of world-class genetic disease expertise to complement their internal efforts. This structure is ideal for building value in product-focused investments, and allows for rapid capital reallocation should an asset fail. Lo explains: “We tried to put in place, at the outset, a corporate structure that optimized for focused R&D at the level of each asset but that still provided diversification for investors. This diversification in turn provides more predictable positive outcomes and makes these pre-commercial programs more attractive for a broader pool of capital. Ultimately, the structure also allows for liquidity in ways that are unique as compared with the traditional c-corp or fund structures seen in this industry.”

BridgeBio has seven programs to date, with two in the clinic and hopes to add to its diversified portfolio of assets based on a systematic mapping of the genetic disease landscape. It has deployed over $50 M in R&D commitments in 2016.


Contacts
BridgeBio Pharma
Michael Henderson, 650-665-7924
mh@bridgebio.com




Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/19296/en

$100,000 Dedicated from Sharjah to the Unsung Heroes of Refugees

Award launched by Her Highness celebrates values of perseverance and conviction in the face of adversity

SHARJAH, United Arab Emirates - Wednesday, January 4th 2017 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- In a first-of-its-kind effort to recognise people’s outstanding efforts to the forcibly displaced people in Asia, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), the ‘Sharjah International Award ‎for Refugee Advocacy & Support’, a $100,000 humanitarian award, was launched by The Ruling family of Sharjah, the third largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees’ (UNHCR) Eminent Advocate for Refugee Children and Chairperson of The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF), launched the award as a tribute to those who have worked relentlessly to improve the lives of millions of refugees and displaced families.

“Once every year, the Sharjah International Award ‎for Refugee Advocacy & Support will recognise an individual’s or organisation’s enduring commitment to ending the suffering of refugees. Through its recipients, the award aims to build a legacy of selfless perseverance that will inspire greater numbers to bring a smile to the faces of those displaced by war and crises,” said Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi.

“The award is a reaffirmation of the UAE’s continued commitment to global philanthropy, and has been set up as a continuation of the approach of goodness and philanthropy as established by the nation’s munificent leaders,” Her Highness added.

The award, launched under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, will be organised by TBHF and UNHCR, and will highlight how the work of certain people has instilled confidence and hope in the hearts of hundreds of thousands of refugees through provision of food, shelter, healthcare, education and social solutions.

The General Secretariat of the Sharjah International Award ‎for Refugee Advocacy & Support welcomes award entries from across the globe, for relief work carried out for refugees only in Asia, the Middle East and North Africa.

Efficient management of financial and human capital, good governance, and transparency and accountability during the implementation of humanitarian work will be the award’s special focus areas. An annual orientation programme for individuals and organisations outlining the award’s vision, goals and terms of participation will also be organised.

Contacts

National Network Communications

Mousa Nimer, +971-50-222-0561

m.nimer@nncpr.com









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/19298/en

Patient Safety Movement Announces the 3rd Fishing Trip with President Jimmy Carter & First Lady Rosalynn

The Top Two Healthcare Institutions that Commit to Save the Most Lives Will Win

IRVINE, Calif. - Wednesday, January 4th 2017 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Patient Safety Movement Foundation (PSMF) announces its third annual contest to win a fishing trip with former President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter. The top two healthcare institutions that commit to save the highest number of lives through commitments to implementing processes, such as the Actionable Patient Safety Solutions (APSS), by August 1, 2017 will be selected to go on this exclusive fishing trip with President Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter.

For the third year in a row, President and Mrs. Carter are helping the Patient Safety Movement to achieve its goal of ZERO preventable patient deaths by encouraging healthcare institutions to make commitments to saving the greatest number of lives with this annual contest and prize.

“The word has gotten out on this amazing trip and each year we see a considerable increase on the number of healthcare organizations that participate…2017 will be no exception. The biggest winners of course are the patients and staff of those hospitals that commit to zero. We are very excited to once again partner with the Carters for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Over the years, we have learned so much from President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn. Their willingness to continue providing this opportunity to healthcare organizations around the world year after year speaks volumes of their commitment to help humanity,” said Joe Kiani, Founder of the Patient Safety Movement Foundation.

To be considered for the 2017 contest, healthcare institutions should make their commitments by August 1, 2017. Winners will be announced in by August 31, 2017, and the trip will take place October 13-15, 2017. The two winners will have committed and saved the greatest number of lives during the contest period (January 2–August 1, 2017).

To enter:

    Entrants must make a new Commitment or update an existing commitment online
    All fields on the Commitment form must be completed.
    The number of “lives saved” by the Commitment must be calculated according to the following formula:

    Lives Saved = (Expected Events BASELINE – Observed Events MEASURED) x Mortality Rate*

    *Note: Mortality rate must be sourced by the applicant to a peer reviewed journal.
    See complete contest rules.

@0X2020 #patientsafety #0X2020

About The Patient Safety Movement Foundation

More than 200,000 people die every year in U.S. hospitals in ways that could have been prevented. The Patient Safety Movement Foundation was established through the support of the Masimo Foundation for Ethics, Innovation, and Competition in Healthcare, to reduce that number of preventable deaths to 0 by 2020 (0x2020). Improving patient safety requires a collaborative effort from all stakeholders, including patients, healthcare providers, medical technology companies, government, employers, and private payers. The Patient Safety Movement Foundation works with all stakeholders to address the problems and solutions of patient safety. The Foundation also convenes Patient Safety, Science and Technology summits. The fifth annual Summit will be held in February 3rd and 4th 2017 and will once again bring together some of the world’s best minds for thought-provoking discussions and new ideas to challenge the status quo. By presenting specific, high-impact recipes to meet patient safety challenges, encouraging medical technology companies to share the data for whom their products are purchased, and asking hospitals to make commitments to implement Actionable Patient Safety Solutions, Patient Safety Movement is working toward zero preventable deaths by 2020. Visit http://patientsafetymovement.org/.

Contacts

Patient Safety Movement Foundation

Irene Paigah

(858) 859-7001

irene@paigah.com









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/19295/en

Major Changes Made in Direct Citizenship by Investment Program for Dominica

Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Wednesday, January 4th 2017 [ME NewsWire]

Good news for all the business persons and investors who are looking to get citizenship and second passport for Dominica. Amid a major move, the age limit to qualify for dependents has been changed to 28 years from the existing 25 years.

The Government of Dominica has also decreased the government fee for applying for the Direct Citizenship by Investment Program. Dominica is creating a framework of modern, diversified, sustainable and resilient economic structures to meet the demands of a highly competitive global trading environment.  By getting a citizenship of Dominica, the aspirant gets access to travel to

more than 100 countries without visa including Schengen and UK..

“The Government of Dominica invites investments that will generate sustained economic growth and prosperity, and create jobs and business opportunities for their people. It is committed to continuing providing the legislative and administrative framework, and maximum fiscal and technical support necessary to encourage investment and attain these goals,” said Lt Col (Retd) BS Sandhu, Chairman and Managing Director, WWICS Group.

In order to be considered eligible, the main applicant must be at least 18 years of age and must meet all the Dominica immigration requirements outlined below. The Commonwealth of Dominica citizenship by investment program has no language, business experience, or educational requirements, and there is no mandatory interview. The economically secure country with a parliamentary democracy enjoys one of the highest standards of living in the Caribbean Islands.

It has no taxes for non-residents, has the lowest crime rate in the entire region and is arguably one of the most naturally beautiful places on earth with lush green mountains, countless pristine rivers and waterfalls, and stunning white and black sandy beaches.

The Commonwealth of Dominica offers one of the cheapest citizenship by investment program in the world with reputable second passports starting at only $100,000 USD. The Caribbean citizenship program's investment criteria were originally scheduled to increase significantly in August 2016, with the minimum price of a Dominica passport rising 75% to $175,000. This major cost increase has now been put on hold until 2017, so if you are interested in becoming a Dominica citizen, the time is now.

WWICS can help you in applying for the Direct Citizenship by Investment program in Dominica. It is a world leader in resettlement and has over two decades of expertise in making thousands of people settle down in country of their choice.

Contacts

WWICS Immigration services LLC.

Parvinder Sandhu ,Sr.Director and ICCRC member,

+9714-396-9102

 +971-561616130  

dub.info@wwicsgroup.com









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/19294/en