GN CORPORATION: Vision Restored with Corneal Cell Transplant Using a Nano Sheet Technique; Japanese Firm Granted Patent in India

TOKYO-Wednesday 27 November 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- A novel cell transplantation method to treat corneal endothelial diseases such as bullous keratopathy using a nano-composite gel sheet developed by Japanese scientists was granted Indian patent to GN Corporation (GNC), Japan. This method was earlier granted a Japanese patent, in which one cadaver donor cornea derived cells could be used to save vision of several patients’ eyes using lab grown corneal endothelial precursor cells.

Corneal endothelial diseases due to trauma including inadvertent surgical trauma during cataract procedures affect approximately 30,000 patients in India and millions globally, every year for which either corneal endothelial layer or the full cornea from cadaver-donor must be transplanted, making one cadaver-donor eye save one eye of a patient. In this background, eye banks world over discard 30% of donor-corneas deemed unfit for transplant due to inadequate number of endothelial cells. GNC’s technology retrieves the available cells in the otherwise discarded donor cornea and turns them into usable tools for restoring vision after multiplication in the lab to save several eyes of patients waiting for transplant, named as “An-eye for Eyes” mission.

Major hurdle towards a clinical translation was with the cell transplantation procedure. In earlier attempts of cell transplantation by several groups worldwide, the patient had to lie in eye-down position for long hours, enable the cells injected into the anterior chamber of the eye, settle at the site of endothelial damage and help repair the disease affected endothelium of cornea. The present accomplishment has used a novel nano composite gel sheet, thereby avoiding such inconvenient eye-down posture to patients as it enabled successful engraftment in animal eyes and similar work in a human pilot study has been proven effective in which one donor-cornea derived cells could be used to help restore the vision of three patients (Am J Stem Cells, 2018).

GNC has partnered with JBM Inc., & Edogawa Evolutionary Laboratory of Science, Tokyo to set up a nanomaterial development facility to produce this nano-composite gel sheet and are open for collaboration with both academic and industry partners in propagating this technique globally. Patients in developing nations where the corneal donor grafts are inadequate to meet the need for patients with corneal diseases waiting for transplantation, will be benefitted by this technique according to the inventors.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191125005894/en/

Contacts

Queries to:
GN Corporation
Samuel JK Abraham
info@gncorporation.com

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New Study: Zimbabwe’s Emerging Hemp Cultivation Market

Dubai, United Arab Emirates-Sunday 24 November 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

After Turkey also India is to be joining Russia's Rouble-based alternative to SWIFT. Together with China, which is already linked, these countries could create the widest demographic area using the system. According to Gulf Brokers analysis, the dominance of the U.S. dollar is to be challenged.

After repeated warnings over the past few years, Turkey and Russia signed recently an agreement to increase the use of rouble and lira in cross-border payments, when Turkey signed to join the Russian alternative to SWIFT, the international telecommunications protocol used by banks worldwide, including central banks.

As part of the Turkish agreement, local banks and businesses will connect to the Russian version of the Swift system. Additionally, the infrastructure in Turkey should be improved so as to allow Russia introduce their MIR cards as an alternative to MasterCard and VISA in the country.

Apart from Turkey, Russia also signed agreements with China to strengthen trade between the two countries, and to increase the percentage of bilateral trade in yuan and rouble. The bilateral trade between China and Russia rose from $69,6 billion in 2016 to $107,1 billion last year. China is Russia’s largest trading partner both for imports and exports.

India’s participation in “the Russian SWIFT” is probable to be negotiated on BRICS summit in Brasil.

It is probable that dollar is getting weaker against EUR and CNY in the long term. According to BIS statistics, dollar was parity counterpart to about 82 % in nominal transfers in the beginning of the year. Unless the US politics rationalize, the situation will change in the short term.

Syam KP
Chief Analyst
Gulf Brokers

For more information see: https://gulfbrokers.com

Risk Warning: Trading in leverage products carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Past performance of an investment is no guide to its performance in the future. Investments, or income from them, can go down as well as up. You may not necessarily get back the amount you invested. All opinions, news, analysis, prices or other information contained in our communication and on our website, are provided as general market commentary and do not constitute investment advice, nor a solicitation or recommendation to buy or sell any financial instruments or other financial products or services.

Contacts
Ziad El-Maadawi,

+201227884844

ziad@influence-me.com

+442080689907

support@gulfbrokers.com



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Interactive Brokers Offering Fractional Share Trading

Broker broadening access to more expensive stocks and facilitating portfolio diversification

GREENWICH, Conn.-Tuesday 26 November 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:IBKR) today announced it is offering investors the ability to buy and sell fractional shares of almost any US stock. Fractional shares are stock units that amount to less than one full share.

“Fractional shares can be beneficial to many investors and provide flexibility,” said Milan Galik, CEO of Interactive Brokers. “For example, say you would like to buy just $500 worth of an expensive stock, or are looking to diversify among more investments. Now you can with fractional share trading.”

Along with the fractional shares feature, Interactive Brokers recently created cash quantity stock orders, which let clients place orders in a specific dollar amount instead of specifying the number of shares. For an account trading in fractions, if the dollar amount does not line up exactly with a whole number of shares, fractional shares will automatically be bought or sold.

“With fractional shares and the ability to enter orders in dollar amounts, you can easily purchase $100 or $10,000 of stock, without having to pull out a calculator,” Galik explained.

Fractional shares can also help investors maximize their returns by making it easy to put small cash balances to work quickly, rather than holding cash and potentially earning lower returns. Combined with Interactive Brokers’ commission-free pricing plan, fractional shares provide a more affordable way to invest more often. Investors can buy stocks with less money rather than waiting until they have enough to buy whole shares and put more money into investments instead of commissions. In the coming weeks, financial advisors will also be able to use fractional shares when allocating trades to multiple clients.

“Interactive Brokers serves over 673,000 clients in 195 countries around the globe and we want to make investing accessible to all,” Galik said. “We believe that adding the ability to buy slivers of stocks helps in achieving this goal.”

Once enabled, you can trade fractional shares from our IBKR Mobile, Client Portal or beta desktop TWS platforms.

For more information, visit: ibkr.com/fractions

About Interactive Brokers Group, Inc.:

Interactive Brokers Group affiliates provide automated trade execution and custody of securities, commodities and foreign exchange around the clock on over 125 markets in numerous countries and currencies, from a single IBKR Integrated Investment Account to clients worldwide. We service individual investors, hedge funds, proprietary trading groups, financial advisors and introducing brokers. Our four decades of focus on technology and automation has enabled us to equip our clients with a uniquely sophisticated platform to manage their investment portfolios at the lowest cost according to Barron’s Best Online Brokers review, February 25, 2019. We strive to provide our clients with advantageous execution prices and trading, risk and portfolio management tools, research facilities and investment products, all at low or no cost, positioning them to achieve superior returns on investments.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191125005453/en/

Contacts

For Interactive Brokers Group, Inc.
Investors: Nancy Stuebe 203-618-4070
or Media: Kalen Holliday 203-913-1369 media@interactivebrokers.com

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MSCI ESG Research Makes MSCI ESG Ratings of Over 2,800 Companies Publicly Available

 • Part of campaign to increase ESG transparency and data for investors globally

NEW YORK & LONDON & HONG KONG-Tuesday 26 November 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- In recognition of growing momentum and interest from a diverse range of stakeholders in ESG investing, MSCI ESG Research LLC, announces today it will make its MSCI ESG Ratings publicly available. This move is part of MSCI ESG Research’s mission to help investors, companies and other industry stakeholders identify the most financially relevant ESG risks and opportunities, through greater transparency and access to dynamic ESG data and insights.

From today, the MSCI ESG Ratings of over 2,800 companies in the MSCI ACWI Index will be accessible via a search tool available on msci.com. MSCI ESG Research plans to make the MSCI ESG Ratings for 7,500 constituents of MSCI ACWI Investable Markets Index available in 2020.

MSCI ESG Research rates companies on a ‘AAA to CCC’ scale according to their exposure to ESG risks and how well they manage those risks relative to peers. The MSCI ESG Ratings are constructed using 1000 data points from company disclosures and alternative data sets, across 37 key ESG issues that are reviewed weekly. MSCI leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning, alongside a 200+ strong team1 to monitor and update companies on an ongoing basis and deliver relevant ESG insights.

Using the tool, users will be able to view each company’s ESG rating, ESG rating history, benchmark against peers and key ESG-related issues affecting individual companies.

Remy Briand, Head of ESG at MSCI, said: “ESG is increasingly being viewed by global investors as a critical factor for building better portfolios.

“The decision to make the MSCI ESG Ratings publicly available is part of a campaign to drive greater transparency in ESG and follows the launch of the MSCI ESG Fund Ratings in July. We want to encourage open discussion among investors and companies on how to improve sustainability across the board and hope that making the MSCI ESG Ratings available to all will facilitate these discussions.”

MSCI ESG Research is also introducing a batch reporting service, which is designed to make our clients regular reporting to their clients easier, more comprehensive and frequent. This is based on feedback from our clients who have indicated they want more transparency and intelligence to better enable their ESG reporting.

About MSCI ESG Research Products and Services

MSCI ESG Research products and services are provided by MSCI ESG Research LLC, and are designed to provide in-depth research, ratings and analysis of environmental, social and governance-related business practices to companies worldwide. ESG ratings, data and analysis from MSCI ESG Research LLC are also used in the construction of the MSCI ESG Indexes. MSCI ESG Research LLC is a Registered Investment Adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and a subsidiary of MSCI Inc.

About MSCI

MSCI is a leading provider of critical decision support tools and services for the global investment community. With over 45 years of expertise in research, data and technology, we power better investment decisions by enabling clients to understand and analyze key drivers of risk and return and confidently build more effective portfolios. We create industry-leading research-enhanced solutions that clients use to gain insight into and improve transparency across the investment process. To learn more, please visit www.msci.com.

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View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191125005155/en/

Contacts

Media Inquiries
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Takeda Presents 18-Month Data from Pivotal Phase 3 Trial of Dengue Vaccine Candidate at the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH) 68th Annual Meeting

 Data presented from the pivotal Phase 3 trial include an update on overall efficacy of the vaccine candidate, as well as formal analyses of secondary efficacy endpoints by serotype, baseline serostatus and disease severity −

− 18-month results build upon the efficacy and safety data reported in the 12-month analysis; overall vaccine efficacy remained generally consistent and the trial met all secondary endpoints for which there were a sufficient number of cases; safety and efficacy will be assessed over a total of four and a half years –

− Takeda presented 11 abstracts across its vaccine pipeline at ASTMH, including oral presentations on its dengue and Zika vaccine candidates −


CAMBRIDGE, Mass. & OSAKA, Japan-Tuesday 26 November 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE:4502 / NYSE:TAK) (“Takeda”) today announced that updated results from the ongoing pivotal Phase 3 Tetravalent Immunization against Dengue Efficacy Study (TIDES) trial of its dengue vaccine candidate (TAK-003) were presented at the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH) 68th Annual Meeting. The data presented include an update on overall vaccine efficacy (VE) and a formal assessment of secondary efficacy endpoints by serotype, baseline serostatus and disease severity (18 months after the second dose, which was administered three months after the first dose). The TIDES trial met all secondary endpoints for which there were a sufficient number of cases. Overall vaccine efficacy and safety results from the second part of the study were generally consistent with the data reported in the primary endpoint analysis (overall VE was 73.3% [95% confidence interval (CI): 66.5% to 78.8%; p<0.001] in the 18-month analysis, and VE was 80.2% (95% CI: 73.3% to 85.3%) in the primary endpoint analysis [12 months after the second dose]). The primary endpoint analysis of overall VE was recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine,1 demonstrating protection against virologically-confirmed dengue (VCD) in children ages four to 16 years, regardless of previous exposure to dengue.

Assessment of secondary endpoints showed that VE against hospitalized dengue was 90.4% (95% CI: 82.6% to 94.7%; p<0.001) and VE against dengue hemorrhagic fever was 85.9% (95% CI: 31.9% to 97.1%); efficacy against severe VCD could not be determined due to an insufficient number of cases (VE: 2.3% [95% CI: -977.5% to 91.1%). Overall efficacy was similar in baseline seropositive and seronegative individuals (VE: 76.1% [95% CI: 68.5% to 81.9%] vs. VE: 66.2% [95% CI: 49.1% to 77.5%], respectively). Efficacy results varied by individual serotype: VE was 69.8% for dengue serotype 1 (95% CI: 54.8% to 79.9%), 95.1% for dengue serotype 2 (95% CI: 89.9% to 97.6%), and 48.9% for dengue serotype 3 (95% CI: 27.2% to 64.1%). There were an insufficient number of dengue serotype 4 cases to adequately assess efficacy at this time (VE: 51.0% [95% CI: -69.4% to 85.8%]). Efficacy endpoints will continue to be assessed over the course of the trial.

Analyses of exploratory endpoints in VCD showed similar VE among seropositive and seronegative individuals for dengue serotype 1 (VE: 72.0% [95% CI: 52.2% to 83.6%] vs. VE: 67.8% [95% CI: 40.3% to 82.6%]) and dengue serotype 2 (VE: 93.7% [95% CI: 86.1% to 97.1%] vs. VE: 98.1% [95% CI: 85.8% to 99.7%]). For dengue serotype 3, VE in seropositive individuals was 61.8% (95% CI: 43.0% to 74.4%), and -68.2% (95% CI: -318.9% to 32.4%) in seronegative individuals. The VE against dengue serotype 3 in seronegative individuals was statistically inconclusive but suggests a lack of efficacy. Efficacy against dengue serotype 4 could not be determined due to a limited number of cases. Planned follow-up will further characterize the performance of the vaccine candidate in dengue serotypes 3 and 4.

Consistent with previous results, Takeda’s dengue vaccine candidate was generally well tolerated, and there have been no important safety risks observed to date.

“The 18-month data presented at ASTMH further our understanding of the efficacy and safety of Takeda’s dengue vaccine candidate,” said Shibadas Biswal, M.D., Medical Director, Dengue Clinical Development, Takeda, who presented the TIDES data at ASTMH. “These results are encouraging, and we’re particularly pleased to see the consistency in overall efficacy as compared to our 12-month analysis, as well as the overall efficacy in seronegative participants. While additional data is needed to fully understand the profile of TAK-003, particularly against serotype 3 in seronegatives, we see its potential to address key priorities for dengue control, including protection of seronegative populations and prevention of hospitalization.”

The Phase 3 TIDES trial is ongoing and will continue to assess safety and efficacy of the vaccine candidate in study subjects for a total of four and a half years. Takeda’s dengue vaccine candidate is not currently licensed anywhere in the world.

In total, Takeda presented two oral and nine poster presentations at ASTMH, including data for its Zika vaccine candidate from ZIK-101, a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind Phase 1 trial designed to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of the investigational vaccine candidate in 240 male and female subjects between the ages of 18 and 49.2 The Phase 1 trial also assessed different dose levels to support the progression of the vaccine candidate into future studies.2 Takeda's Zika program is supported by federal funds from Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

About the Phase 3 TIDES (DEN-301) Trial
The double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 3 TIDES trial is evaluating the safety and efficacy of two doses of TAK-003 in the prevention of laboratory-confirmed symptomatic dengue fever of any severity and due to any of the four dengue virus serotypes in children and adolescents.3 Study participants were randomly assigned to receive either TAK-003 0.5 mL or placebo by subcutaneous injection on Day 1 and Day 90.3 The study is comprised of three parts. The primary endpoint analysis evaluated vaccine efficacy (VE) and safety through 15 months after the first dose (12 months after the second dose).3 The second part of the study continued for an additional six months to complete the assessment of the secondary endpoints of VE by serotype, baseline serostatus and disease severity.3 The final part of the study evaluates VE and long-term safety by following participants for an additional three years.3

The trial is taking place at sites in dengue-endemic areas in Latin America (Brazil, Colombia, Panama, Dominican Republic and Nicaragua) and Asia (Philippines, Thailand and Sri Lanka) where there are unmet needs in dengue prevention and where severe dengue is a leading cause of serious illness and death among children.3 Baseline blood samples were collected from all individuals participating in the trial to allow for evaluation of safety and efficacy based on serostatus. Takeda and an independent Data Monitoring Committee of experts are actively monitoring safety on an ongoing basis.

About TAK-003
Takeda's tetravalent dengue vaccine candidate (TAK-003) is based on a live-attenuated dengue serotype 2 virus, which provides the genetic “backbone” for all four vaccine viruses.4 Clinical Phase 1 and 2 data in children and adolescents showed that TAK-003 induced immune responses against all four dengue serotypes, in both seropositive and seronegative participants, and the vaccine was found to be generally safe and well tolerated.5,6,7,8

About Dengue
Dengue is the fastest spreading mosquito-borne viral disease and is one of the World Health Organization’s top 10 threats to global health in 2019.9,10 Dengue is mainly spread by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and, to a lesser extent, Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. It is caused by any of four dengue virus serotypes, each of which can cause dengue fever or severe dengue.9 The prevalence of individual serotypes varies across different geographies, countries, regions, seasons and over time.9,11 Recovery from infection by one serotype provides lifelong immunity against only that serotype, and later exposure to any of the remaining serotypes is associated with an increased risk of severe disease.9

Dengue is pandemic prone, and outbreaks are observed in tropical and sub-tropical areas and have recently caused outbreaks in parts of the continental U.S. and Europe.9,12,13 Approximately half of the world now lives under the threat of dengue, which is estimated to cause 390 million infections and 20,000 deaths globally each year.8,14 The dengue virus can infect people of all ages and is a leading cause of serious illness among children in some countries in Latin America and Asia.9

Takeda’s Commitment to Vaccines
Vaccines prevent 2 to 3 million deaths each year and have transformed global public health.15 For the past 70 years, Takeda has supplied vaccines to protect the health of people in Japan. Today, Takeda’s global vaccine business is applying innovation to tackle some of the world’s most challenging infectious diseases, such as dengue, Zika and norovirus. Our team brings an outstanding track record and a wealth of knowledge in vaccine development, manufacturing and global access to advance a pipeline of vaccines to address some of the world’s most pressing public health needs. For more information, visit www.TakedaVaccines.com.

About Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE:4502/NYSE:TAK) is a global, values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical leader headquartered in Japan, committed to bringing Better Health and a Brighter Future to patients by translating science into highly-innovative medicines. Takeda focuses its R&D efforts on four therapeutic areas: Oncology, Rare Diseases, Neuroscience, and Gastroenterology (GI). We also make targeted R&D investments in Plasma-Derived Therapies and Vaccines. We are focusing on developing highly innovative medicines that contribute to making a difference in people's lives by advancing the frontier of new treatment options and leveraging our enhanced collaborative R&D engine and capabilities to create a robust, modality-diverse pipeline. Our employees are committed to improving quality of life for patients and to working with our partners in health care in approximately 80 countries.
For more information, visit https://www.takeda.com.

References

1 Biswal S, et al. Efficacy of a tetravalent dengue vaccine in healthy children and adolescents. N Engl J Med. 2019; Retrieved November 2019.
2 ClinicalTrials.gov. Safety, Immunogenicity and Dose Ranging Study of Inactivated Zika Virus Vaccine in Healthy Adult Participants. 2019. Retrieved November 2019.
3 ClinicalTrials.gov. Efficacy, Safety and Immunogenicity of Takeda's Tetravalent Dengue Vaccine (TDV) in Healthy Children (TIDES). 2019. Retrieved November 2019.
4 Huang CY-H, et al. Genetic and phenotypic characterization of manufacturing seeds for tetravalent dengue vaccine (DENVax). PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2013;7:e2243. Retrieved November 2019.
5 Sáez-Llorens X, Tricou V, et al. Safety and immunogenicity of one versus two doses of Takeda's tetravalent dengue vaccine: Interim results of a long-term phase 2, randomized, placebo-controlled pediatric trial in Asia and Latin America. Lancet Infect Dis. 2017;17:615-625. Retrieved November 2019.
6 Osorio, JE, et al. Safety and immunogenicity of a recombinant live attenuated tetravalent dengue vaccine (DENVax) in flavivirus-naive healthy adults in Colombia: a randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 1 study. Lancet Infect Dis. 2014;14:P830-838. Retrieved November 2019.
7 Wallace D. Persistence of neutralizing antibodies one year after two doses of a candidate recombinant tetravalent dengue vaccine in subjects aged from 1.5 to 45 years. Presented at 64th Annual Meeting, American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene; October 2016; Philadelphia, Pa.
8 Saez-Llorens X, et al. Phase II, double-blind, controlled trial to assess the safety and immunogenicity of different schedules of Takeda’s Tetravalent Dengue Vaccine Candidate (TDV) in healthy subjects aged between 2 and <18 years and living in dengue endemic countries in Asia and Latin America. Presented at 5th Pan-American Dengue Research Network Meeting; April 2016; Galveston, Texas.
9 World Health Organization. Factsheet. Dengue and Severe Dengue. April 2019. Retrieved November 2019.
10 World Health Organization. Ten threats to global health in 2019. 2019. Retrieved November 2019.
11 Guzman MG, et al. Dengue: a continuing global threat. Nature Reviews Microbiology. 2010;8:S7-S16. Retrieved November 2019.
12 Knowlton K, et al. Mosquito-Borne Dengue Fever Threat Spreading in the Americas. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). 2009. Retrieved November 2019.
13 Chan E, et al. Using web search query data to monitor dengue epidemics: a new model for neglected tropical disease surveillance. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2011;5:e1206. Retrieved November 2019.
14 World Health Organization. Factsheet. Dengue. 2019. Retrieved November 2019.
15 UNICEF. Vaccination and Immunization Statistics. 2019. Retrieved November 2019.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191123005045/en/

Contacts

Japanese Media
Kazumi Kobayashi
kazumi.kobayashi@takeda.com
+81 (0) 3 3278 2095

Media outside Japan
Amy Atwood
amy.atwood@takeda.com
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Panasonic Begins Offering API for Facial Recognition Utilizing Deep Learning Technology

No initial fee, cloud-based service incorporates into smartphone apps, websites, and access management systems



OSAKA, Japan-Tuesday 26 November 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Panasonic Corporation announced that starting November 25, 2019, the company will begin offering an application programming interface (API) for its facial recognition technology to the market in Japan.

Panasonic first began R&D into facial recognition in the early 1990s, and has continued to perfect these capabilities in various ways by incorporating the technology into consumer products and by applying it to camera-based security solutions. The company has gone on to provide reliable, safe and efficient facial recognition solutions such as for passport control at airports and ticketless entry at amusement parks. Now, Panasonic aims to help customers solve a variety of challenges by offering an API for this same technology.

The API enables deep-learning powered facial recognition technology via a cloud-based service.

Strengths of Panasonic’s facial recognition technology:

    Feature quantity generation method of recognizing the whole face and certain parts of the face through the integration of multiple deep learning technologies.
    Proprietary Panasonic algorithm that performs a degree of similarity calculation method for matching faces and controlling errors caused by photographic conditions.

Due to these, Panasonic’s facial recognition technology is able to accurately identify faces even under difficult conditions which previously presented challenges to facial recognition, such as when the face is seen from an angle, in difficult lighting conditions, or when the face is partially covered by sunglasses or a surgical mask.

Advancements in ICT and other technologies mean that identity verification and entry/exit management are becoming more efficient. Meanwhile, there are a range of issues related to these that require solutions such as individuals working in logistics fields needing to be able to pass security points even with both hands full, and that employees often work from varying offices all requiring unified access and timecard management. There are also other more serious problems, such as online identity theft.

Panasonic’s deep learning-based facial recognition technology can now be used simply by opening this API, making it possible to incorporate the technology into customers’ smartphone applications, websites, and building access management systems. This will enable entry/exit management at multiple business sites, streamline movement within offices or work sites, and prevent identity theft. The facial recognition API is a micro service within Panasonic’s μSockets B2B IoT service which is currently available in Japan (see details below).

By adding an API to its facial recognition service lineup, Panasonic has the advantage of being able to offer both on-premises and cloud-based solutions to match its customers’ business requirements. Making Panasonic’s proven facial recognition technology available to customers and partners through an API will enable it to be used in a wider range of industries, including for marketing analysis, accounting, and entry/exit management. This will enable further quality improvements and the creation of new collaborative business models with its customers and partners through open innovation. Through this, Panasonic will strive to further accelerate growth and expand its customer base.

Main Features of the Facial Recognition API

1. Provides world-class advanced facial recognition technology as a cloud service

Panasonic’s world-class facial recognition technology is capable of recognizing faces even when seen from an angle, faces that have aged from the registered photo, and faces that are partially covered. The technology also makes use of the backlight correction and noise reduction technology the company has developed as a camera manufacturer.

2. Usage-based pricing model, with no initial costs

Monthly costs are based on the number of faces registered and the number of facial recognitions performed. Customers pay the total of the two.

Monthly service charge (excl. tax) = number of faces registered + number of facial recognitions
Face registration charge: 5 yen/person
Facial recognition charge: 1 yen/time

Example of monthly charge:
200 faces are registered, and facial recognition is performed a total of 16,000 times per month (4 times/person/day, 200 people, 20 business days)
(5 yen/person x 200 people) + (1 yen/time x 4 times/person/day x 200 people x 20 business days) = 17,000 yen/month

How to start using the facial recognition API

    Contact / application
    Contact a Panasonic salesperson in Japan or inquire through the website to request a subscription or apply to use the facial recognition API.
    Launch of an e-commerce site that allows users to complete the necessary application process on their own is scheduled for FY2019.
    Provision of API key, tenant ID, and documents
    After creating a subscription, Panasonic will issue an API key and tenant ID for using the facial recognition API, and contact customer regarding API service specifications.
    Service use commencement
    Facial recognition service can be used as soon as the API key and tenant ID have been issued.

About μSockets
μSockets is an IoT service currently available in Japan that utilizes the advanced core technologies and B2B systems provision expertise that Panasonic has accumulated over the years. In addition to the facial recognition API, μSockets can provide links to various other API services such as out-of-stock detection, demographic (age and sex) estimation, dwell time detection, package sorting assistance, certification issuance, and cyberattack detection. This makes it possible to create new value for customers through various solutions.

Panasonic Facial Recognition Service Lineup

    System solutions
    Panasonic can provide the optimal solution to meet customers’ needs by combining options #2-4 below.
    Module packages
    Easy to use, general purpose integrated software/hardware packages for facial recognition
    - FacePRO: server-based software; available since August 2018
    - KPAS: Building access security system; available since April 2019
    Software
    Provision of options such as software development kits for partners
    Cloud-based service
    API which allows for easy implementation of facial recognition. Management functions to be further expanded.

μSockets, FacePRO, and KPAS are trademarks or registered trademarks of Panasonic Corporation in Japan and other countries.

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, and B2B businesses. The company, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2018, has expanded globally and now operates 582 subsidiaries and 87 associated companies worldwide, recording consolidated net sales of 8.003 trillion yen for the year ended March 31, 2019. 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: https://www.panasonic.com/global.

Source: https://news.panasonic.com/global/press/data/2019/11/en191125-3/en191125-3.html

Related Links
Panasonic's Facial Recognition Technology
https://security.panasonic.com/solutions_application/application_solutions/facial_recognition/

Panasonic Business Global
https://www.panasonic.com/global/business.html

Panasonic to Provide Additional Automated Facial Recognition Gates for Passport Control at Airports in Japan (Aug 30, 2019)
https://news.panasonic.com/press/global/data/2019/08/en190830-4/en190830-4.html

Panasonic Facial Recognition Technology Improves Fan Safety at Danish Football Stadium (Jul 01, 2019)
https://news.panasonic.com/global/topics/2019/69735.html

Panasonic Exhibits Automated Airport Terminal Powered by Facial Recognition (Mar 28, 2019)
https://news.panasonic.com/global/topics/2019/67181.html

Panasonic Brings Highly Accurate Facial Recognition Solution to Life: Making it Possible to Recognize Individuals Even When Wearing Sunglasses (Apr 04, 2018)
https://news.panasonic.com/global/stories/2018/56397.html

What's the "Facial Recognition Gate" That's Revolutionizing Today's Airports? (Mar 21, 2018)
https://news.panasonic.com/global/stories/2018/55710.html

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191125005296/en/

Contacts

Panasonic Corporation
Global Communications Department
Global PR Office
Click here to go to Media Contact form

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Schlumberger Announces Redemption of 100% of Outstanding 4.200% Senior Notes Due 2021 of Schlumberger Norge AS

HOUSTON-Friday 22 November 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Schlumberger Limited (“Schlumberger”) today announced that Schlumberger Norge AS, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Schlumberger (“SLB Norge”), will redeem the entire outstanding principal amount of its 4.200% Senior Notes due 2021 (CUSIP Nos. 80685PAA6/R7562MAB3; ISIN Nos. US80685PAA66/USR7562MAB39 and Common Codes 56301178/56301313) (the “Notes”). The redemption date for the Notes is December 19, 2019 (the “Redemption Date”). The Notes are currently listed on the Official List of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and admitted to trading on the Euro MTF market.

The aggregate principal amount of the Notes outstanding is $500,000,000. The Notes will be redeemed on the Redemption Date at a redemption price for the Notes equal to (a) 100% of the aggregate principal amount being redeemed, plus (b) accrued and unpaid on the Notes from the last interest payment date to, but excluding, the Redemption Date, plus (c) a make-whole premium to be calculated three business days prior to the Redemption Date in accordance with the terms of the Notes and the indenture governing the Notes. On and after the Redemption Date, interest will cease to accrue on the Notes and the Notes will cease to be outstanding.

Notices of redemption are being sent by the trustee for the Notes to all currently registered holders of the Notes.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws — that is, statements about the future, not about past, events. Such statements often contain words such as “expect,” “may,” “believe,” “plan,” “estimate,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “should,” “could,” “will,” “see,” “likely” and other similar words. Forward-looking statements address matters that are, to varying degrees, uncertain, such as statements regarding the terms and timing of the redemption of each series of Notes. Neither Schlumberger nor SLB Norge can give any assurance that such statements will prove correct. These statements are subject to, among other things, the risks and uncertainties detailed in Schlumberger’s most recent Forms 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual outcomes may vary materially from those reflected in Schlumberger’s forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and Schlumberger disclaims any intention or obligation to update publicly or revise such statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Schlumberger

Schlumberger is the world's leading provider of technology for reservoir characterization, drilling, production, and processing to the oil and gas industry. With product sales and services in more than 120 countries and employing approximately 105,000 people who represent over 140 nationalities, Schlumberger supplies the industry's most comprehensive range of products and services, from exploration through production, and integrated pore-to-pipeline solutions that optimize hydrocarbon recovery to deliver reservoir performance.

Schlumberger Limited has principal offices in Paris, Houston, London and The Hague, and reported revenues of $32.82 billion in 2018. For more information, visit www.slb.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191119006059/en/

Contacts
Simon Farrant – Vice President of Investor Relations, Schlumberger Limited
Joy V. Domingo – Director of Investor Relations, Schlumberger Limited

Office +1 (713) 375-3535
investor-relations@slb.com

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