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New Policy to Allocate Donor Lungs Takes Effect

United Network for Organ Sharing

Earlier this month, United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) launched a new lung allocation policy that will increase equitable access for patients who are in greatest need of a lung transplant while decreasing the overall number of patient deaths on the national waitlist. UNOS is the non-profit that contracts with the federal government to serve as the nation’s Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN). Developed with the help of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), RTI International (RTI) and the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR), this policy is the first to use continuous distribution, which will become the standard for kidneys, pancreases, hearts, livers and other types of organ transplants in the future. This new, dynamic framework relies on a more holistic view of each patient, dissolves rigid boundaries that exist in the current, category-based system, and ensures that no single factor determines a patient’s priority on the waitlist. Donor lungs will now be allocated based on a unique composite score developed for each patient. This score will be based on a variety of factors, including illness severity, biology, expected time of life after transplant and more. “This innovative new system will be more equitable and patient-focused,” said Marie Budev, D.O., M.P.H., who serves as chair of the OPTN Lung Transplantation Committee, which spearheaded the policy development. “Instead of considering the many factors that define a candidate's unique need for an organ sequentially, we can now consider them all simultaneously for each patient.” Researchers from MIT's Sloan School of Management assisted the committee in developing the continuous distribution framework by applying artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to evaluate the effectiveness of millions of different policy scenario options. RTI contributed analysis, and the SRTR performed simulation modeling to validate results, remaining involved throughout the policy framework’s implementation. “Continuous distribution is a generational change in the field of organ allocation,” said James Alcorn, senior policy strategist at UNOS. “We were able to build a system that’s much nimbler than before, allowing us to identify issues and implement solutions much more quickly in the future.” As part of the policy development process, a diverse group of nearly 200 individuals representing a wide range of experiences and perspectives in donation and transplant, including patients, took part in an exercise where they shared what factors they considered most important when developing the composite score. Similar to how one turns a dial, the committee can now easily adjust the weights on the scale to further optimize the allocation system when policy changes are approved. “Take pediatric priority, for example. When we identify a certain patient group that is not appropriately prioritized, we can quickly identify the attribute they share in the system, and then adjust its weight to improve the entire system,” Alcorn said. Statistical modeling predicts that the new lung policy will not only reduce the number of patients who die waiting for a lung transplant but will also increase access to transplants for patients in need, including those with the most severe illness. A recent study by the Cleveland Clinic, in partnership with the SRTR, found that across all modeling scenarios, “the system led to improved overall measures of equity” when compared to the previous system. UNOS has hosted multiple webinars and provided resources to support patients, physicians and other donation and transplant professionals during the transitional phase. To date, hundreds of individuals have attended these public webinars. Additionally, UNOS has created patient materials that address questions for candidates on the waiting list. The OPTN Board of Directors unanimously approved the policy in December 2021. The OPTN Lung Transplantation Committee will actively monitor the new lung policy and, if needed, make recommendations for additional improvements. Work to transition all other organ types to the continuous distribution framework is proceeding, with kidney and pancreas policies anticipated next. About UNOS United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) is a non-profit, charitable organization that serves as the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) under contract with the federal government. The OPTN helps create and define organ allocation and distribution policies that make the best use of donated organs. This process involves continuously evaluating new advances and discoveries so policies can be adapted to best serve patients waiting for transplants. All transplant programs and organ procurement organizations throughout the country are OPTN members and are obligated to follow the policies the OPTN creates for allocating organs. Contact Details United Network for Organ Sharing Anne Paschke +1 804-782-4730 anne.paschke@unos.org Company Website https://unos.org

March 14, 2023 09:17 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Video

No More ATM Fees With Current Debit Card

Current

By Faith Ashmore, Benzinga If you’re not withdrawing only from your own bank’s ATM, you are probably familiar with the high fees that are charged for withdrawals. On average, banks charge non-customers $1.50 - $3.50 to use their ATMs. Non-bank ATM operators can charge up to $10 per transaction. Even as these fees may only appear to be an inconvenience when withdrawing, they can add up, especially for lower-income households or people who have to frequent ATMs. Current is determined to provide free ATMs for its customers and is working hard to do so. Current is a new type of banking alternative and a lot of the features are ideal for individuals looking for better ways to track and manage their money. It is built around the idea that people deserve financial flexibility and freedom in their everyday life. The company, which has over four million users, provides access to 40,000 fee-free Allpoint ATMs in the US. 1 In the Current app, members can go to the $ tab and click on ‘Free ATM Finder’. The app will then show a map of all fee-free ATMs within 1000 meters of the location and if the user zooms out, the map will expand. These ATMs are high-performing and located everywhere from grocery stores, to bodegas, pharmacies, and more. Current also offers a variety of other programs and features that make banking simple. The company offers cash-back rewards for their debit card. Perhaps one of the most unique features is that the company offers direct deposits up to two days earlier than your scheduled pay date. 2 The mobile banking app also lets you overdraft up to $200, pending approval, with no overdraft fees. There are no minimum balance fees either. 3 Current’s app also allows for buying and selling crypto without trading fees, conveniently all in one place. For individuals who aren’t looking to invest in a volatile market, Current offers savings pods with up to 4.00% APY. 4 Whether you’re fed up with your current bank or looking for a more modernized and flexible approach to banking, Current might be the way to go. The company prioritizes the user’s experiences by providing features tailored to the needs of the modern consumer. This article originally appeared on Benzinga here. Current is a leading U.S. financial technology platform serving the needs of Americans who are working to create a better future for themselves. Our mission is to enable members to change their lives by creating better financial outcomes. Leveraging the best technology, we deliver inspirational and motivational products as we all move forward in a world of increasing digitization and complexity. 1 Out of network cash withdrawal fees, third-party, and cash load fees may apply. 2 Faster access to funds is based on comparison of traditional banking policies and deposit of paper checks from employers and government agencies versus deposits made electronically. Direct deposit and earlier availability of funds is subject to timing of payer's submission of deposits. 3 Please refer to Overdrive™ Features Terms and Conditions. Out of network cash withdrawal fees, third-party, and adding cash fees may apply. 4 The Annual Percentage Yield ("APY") for Current Interest is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed APY is effective as of January 18, 2023. Qualifying direct deposit of more than $200 required for 4.00% APY. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in Savings Pods to earn Current Interest on up to $2000 in deposits per Savings Pod up to $6000 total. Please refer to Current Interest Terms and Conditions. Cryptocurrency services are powered by Zero Hash LLC and Zero Hash Liquidity Services LLC, and may not be available in all states. Licensed to engage in Virtual Currency Business Activity by the New York State Department of Financial Services. Terms and conditions apply. When you buy or sell cryptocurrency, a difference between the current market price and the price you buy or sell that asset for is called a spread. However, unlike most other exchanges, Current does not charge an additional trading fee. All forms of investments carry risks, including the possible loss of principal. Cryptocurrency is not subject to FDIC or SIPC coverage. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC. The Current Visa Debit Card is issued by Choice Financial Group pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Contact Details Erin Bruehl media@current.com Company Website https://current.com

March 14, 2023 09:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Fast Accounting Research on Scene Text Spotting Recognized by International Conference on Acoustics, Speech, and Signal Processing (ICASSP)

Fast Accounting

Fast Accounting, which focuses on developing AI accounting solutions, announced today that its academic research paper on scene text spotting has been accepted by the International Conference on Acoustics, Speech, and Signal Processing (ICASSP), the world's largest and most prestigious academic conference focusing on signal processing. At the same time as the acceptance of this research paper, Fast Accounting has established FA Research with the aim of strengthening AI research that contributes to solving business challenges. The paper accepted this time relates to the high-precision technology of the algorithm, scene text spotting, that converts images into text. Scene text spotting[1] is an important field of research and development that is progressing worldwide, and both images and text are being studied as separate fields. In this study, Fast Accounting aimed to improve recognition accuracy by identifying and recognizing text from images while taking into account the semantic information of the text, rather than simply relying on the information in the image alone. By combining image and text information, we achieved more accurate recognition. The challenge that Fast Accounting has been working on is the detection of text from images and the characterization of text. In this study, Fast Accounting proposed a novel methodology for fusing images and text information and developed an innovative fusion method that significantly improves upon existing techniques. The study achieved a breakthrough in accuracy, leading to its acceptance and recognition as a significant advancement in the field. Masato Fujitake, our co-founder and Chief Research Scientist who holds a Ph.D., led the study and said, “I am very pleased that our research and development at Fast Accounting has contributed not only to the business but also to academia. Our challenge in this research was how to fuse images with text. Since both types of information are inherently different, simply matching them did not suffice. Consequently, we conducted a series of verifications and searched for a better way to accomplish the task. Additionally, as a start-up company, we had to conduct not only basic research but also product development simultaneously, which meant there were time constraints and other challenges outside of research." Fujitake added, “In recent years, we have seen a rapid acceleration in the field of AI, particularly in image and text processing. In order to ride this wave and create value as a business, I believe it is important not only to follow the technology but also to actively contribute to it through basic and applied research at FA Research.” Keitaro Mori, the CEO of Fast Accounting, stated, 'I am very delighted to see that the research paper by Fujitake, our CRS, has been accepted for publication by ICASSP. This is the second time our paper has been accepted for publication, following the IEEE SMC conference in 2021. I believe it is essential to conduct our own basic research in order to continue to improve our services and satisfy more customers." Mori added, "Since our inception, we have focused on researching AI technology and incorporating our discoveries into the development of our services. To further enhance our research and development efforts, I am pleased to announce the establishment of ‘FA Research.’ Our goal is to enhance customer satisfaction by conducting research that not only improves our current services but also leads to the development of new ones." Preprint of the accepted papers is available on arXiv at: https://arxiv.org/abs/2302.10641 About FA Research FA Research is a team dedicated to fundamental and applied computer science research at Fast Accounting. The team uses advanced techniques in machine learning, computer vision, and natural language processing to address business challenges and contribute to academia. The team conducts research on cutting-edge technology, publish papers in domestic and international academic societies and journals, present at conferences, engage in industry-academia collaborations, and work closely with our product development team and university research labs to construct datasets and develop tools. About Fast Accounting We remove restrictions to give confidence and courage - Fast Accounting aims to create a society filled with confidence and courage by removing the restrictions faced by customers, our team members, and society. Fast Accounting develops and provides an AI solution called 'Robota' and a business solution called 'Remota', which incorporates the features of the Robota series, with the aim of innovating and streamlining accounting operations. Additionally, the company has been certified by the Digital Agency as a service provider for Peppol, the standard specification for digital invoices. The company develops a digital invoice sending and receiving service that utilizes Peppol. Through these solutions, Fast Accounting supports the realization of corporate strategic accounting. Come and visit us at: https://www.fastaccounting.jp/en Contact Details Fast Accounting Akio Kobayashi +81 3-6453-0970 press@fastaccounting.co.jp Company Website https://www.fastaccounting.jp/en/

March 14, 2023 08:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Tribe Property Technologies supports condo and rental communities nationally with VendorPM

Tribe Property Technologies Inc.

Tribe Property Technologies CEO Joseph Nakhla joins Steve Darling from Proactive to share news the company has announced a nationwide rollout of the VendorPM platform to Tribe communities. Nakhla tells Proactive VendorPM allows property managers to connect with more than 30,000 service providers for a more simplified RFQ process. He also shares more details on the launch of a proprietary platform integration with the mandatory Tarion new home warranty process in the Province of Ontario. Contact Details Proactive Investors Canada +1 604-688-8158 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

March 14, 2023 08:04 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Video

News Release

Are These Pennies Heads Up? (EPAZ, LPCN, XALL, ARDS)

RazorPitch EPAZ

Penny stock trading is a high-risk, high-reward world that can be incredibly exciting for investors looking for the next big thing. While many investors may focus on well-known stocks listed on major exchanges, there are countless low-priced stocks that are currently trading and may hold promising investment potential. Today, we're diving into the world of penny stocks and taking a closer look at four stocks that are currently trading below the penny stock threshold at attractive prices. These stocks have the potential to experience explosive growth, and if you're willing to take on some risk, investing in them could pay off big time. Investing in penny stocks may be risky, but it also presents a thrilling opportunity to invest in promising companies at a low price. As investors, it's important to carefully analyze the potential of each stock and assess its long-term prospects. So, let's dive into the first stock that's caught our eye: Epazz Inc (OTC:EPAZ). Epazz, Inc. (OTC: EPAZ) is a provider of cutting-edge drone technology, blockchain mobile apps, and cloud-based business software solutions that are critical to modern business. Recently, the company received a utility patent for their AI-predictive drone Smart Charging Pad, allowing them to apply for international patents using established U.S. patent treaties in countries such as Ukraine, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Canada, Australia, South Africa, and Brazil. Epazz's Smart Charging Pad is a game-changer in the drone charging arena. Competitors charge exorbitant prices for charging pads for drones weighing less than 55 pounds, ranging from $4,000 to $15,000. However, the ZenaDrone Smart Charging Pad, which can charge the ZenaDrone 1000 weighing over 250 pounds, will be priced at less than $15,000, making it significantly more affordable. The ZenaDrone Smart Charging Pad has built-in computer vision that allows it to understand its environment and choose the best option for receiving energy. It can be powered by solar panels or wind power, making it an environmentally friendly choice. This pad enables the ZenaDrone 1000 to land on the charger for automatic charging, allowing it to operate in remote areas in a true autonomous fashion. The ZenaDrone 1000, equipped with updated artificial intelligence (AI) predictive automation software, is designed for use in military, oil and gas, and agriculture industries. With its affordable offerings and advanced technology, Epazz is quickly gaining attention. Moreover, the company recently submitted Phase 1 SBIR proposals to the U.S. government, and if awarded, EPAZ could secure significant government contracts worth up to $15 million over the following three years. The ZenaDrone's potential for big revenue, along with the expanding U.S. Military drone segment, makes Epazz a compelling penny stock for any investor seeking a promising opportunity. Pivoting to a completely different sector, Lipocine Inc. (NASDAQ: LPCN) is a pioneering clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that is dedicated to addressing metabolic and endocrine disorders. On Monday, the stock finished up 26.83% percent attempting to make up the ground it lost on Friday. With its cutting-edge proprietary technology platform, Lipocine is committed to developing innovative oral delivery methods to enhance the efficacy of therapeutics for the treatment of various CNS disorders. The company currently has several candidates in development and is actively exploring potential partnerships for its promising product pipeline. As a leader in the field of biopharmaceuticals, Lipocine is poised to make a significant impact in the treatment of a wide range of diseases, making it an exciting prospect for investors looking to get in on the ground floor of a potential game-changing company. On March 13, LPCN announced that its Board of Directors declared a dividend of one one-thousandth of a share of newly designated Series B Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, for each outstanding share of the Company's common stock held of record as of 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on March 24, 2023. The shares of Series B Preferred Stock will be distributed to such recipients at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on March 24, 2023. The release also noted, “The outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock will vote together with the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock, as a single class, exclusively with respect to a reverse stock split, as well as any proposal to adjourn any meeting of stockholders called for the purpose of voting on the reverse stock split, and will not be entitled to vote on any other matter, except to the extent required under the Delaware General Corporation Law." Xalles Holdings Inc. (OTC: XALL) is a holding company that invests in innovative fintech businesses. The firm is actively seeking acquisition targets with strong management teams, appealing business models, large markets, and lucrative exit opportunities. XALL focuses on delivering industry-leading financial reconciliation and auditing solutions using blockchain and other cutting-edge technologies, resulting in a long-term recurring revenue stream. On March 13, Xalles announced that it had reached an agreement to acquire InnovationsHR, Inc. Texas-based InnovationsHR is a technology-driven business with aspirations to completely transform the Professional Employer Organization (PEO) market. InnovationsHR has partnered with Ovation Health Plan, which has been recognized as a leader in healthcare innovation, and is on track to become the only licensed PEO in Texas with the ability to self-insure. To differentiate itself from other PEOs, InnovationsHR offers a variety of services that employers can select from with predetermined costs and aims to provide complete transparency to its customers. According to the release, InnocationsHR is expected to generate approximately $20 million in revenue in 2023, contributing to the company's growth and increasing its market presence. The last stock that performed exceptionally well on Monday is Aridis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ ARDS). Aridis is a biopharmaceutical company that specializes in developing additional treatments for bacterial infections. Monday saw the stock close 18.66% up. The company's primary focus is on developing clinical-stage monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that target bacteria that cause serious infections such as ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), as well as preclinical antiviral mAbs. Monday’s success followed news that ARDS announced preliminary top-line results from their randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2a study of AR-501. This study evaluated the safety and pharmacokinetics of three ascending doses of AR-501 administered as an inhaled aerosol in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. "We are very pleased to see the safety and tolerability that we had observed in healthy volunteers also confirmed in CF patients,” said Hasan Jafri, MD, Aridis Chief Medical Officer. “The high drug level achieved in the lungs, along with low systemic exposure from inhaled delivery, effectively overcome the limitations of conventional intravenous delivery and provides a strong basis for a large efficacy study in CF and other lung infections.” This attractive safety profile of AR-501, combined with the recent results from the company's AR-301 mAb Phase 3 program in older adults with ventilator-associated pneumonia, provides Aridis with two promising first-in-class, novel anti-infectives. Razorpitch Inc. is a marketing communications and investor relations firm serving private, pre-IPO, and public companies. RazorPitch specializes in corporate, investor, and stakeholder communications. Our goal is to raise visibility, expand awareness, and increase value. To learn more, visit RazorPitch.com. Disclaimers: The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides investors a safe harbor in regard to forward-looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, assumptions, objectives, goals, assumptions of future events or performance are not statements of historical fact may be forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are based on expectations, estimates, and projections at the time the statements are made that involve a number of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those presently anticipated. Forward looking statements in this action may be identified through use of words such as projects, foresee, expects, will, anticipates, estimates, believes, understands, or that by statements, indicating certain actions & quotes; may, could or might occur Understand there is no guarantee past performance is indicative of future results. Investing in micro-cap or growth securities is highly speculative and carries an extremely high degree of risk. It is possible that an investor's investment may be lost or due to the speculative nature of the companies profiled. RazorPitch is responsible for the production and distribution of this content. RazorPitch is not operated by a licensed broker, a dealer, or a registered investment advisor. It should be expressly understood that under no circumstances does any information published herein represent a recommendation to buy or sell a security. Contact Details Mark McKelvie +1 585-301-7700 markrmckelvie@gmail.com Company Website http://razorpitch.com

March 14, 2023 05:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

News Release

The Next Big Thing In Blockchain And Crypto? (Hint: It’s Not NFTs)

Blaize Technology

By Jad Malaeb, Benzinga Every few years, a form of technology arises that reshapes how humans view and interact with the world. In 1983, that technology was the internet; today, many say it’s the blockchain. A blockchain is a distributed ledger that stores data and validates transfers across an interconnected network. All information placed into a blockchain is first formulated into a “block.” Blocks are added to the blockchain only after they’ve been validated by network nodes. The requirement for a consensus between the nodes before a block is placed ensures that the information is accurate and trustworthy. Additionally, any modification to an existing block would trigger a change in all the blocks preceding it, making all information on the blockchain immutable. With the advent of complementary technologies like smart contracts and cryptocurrencies, blockchain became the foundation of a $3 trillion cryptocurrency value and the cornerstone of the broader decentralization movement. According to a report by MarketsandMarkets, the blockchain market is expected to be worth $67.4 billion by 2026. The question on the minds of investors, entrepreneurs and spectators now is: What will blockchain look like in that time? The Potential Evolution Of Blockchains Currently, blockchains are divided into three domains and four types. Public blockchains, like Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC), Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH) and Litecoin (CRYPTO: LTC), belong to the permissionless domain, a class of blockchains that has no central authority and is dependent on the cooperation of independent nodes for consensus. Public blockchains are the main propagators of the decentralized movement, and they’re by far the most well-known blockchains. Permissionless blockchains typically sacrifice transaction speed for security, as more nodes mean safer but slower data transfer. Private and consortium blockchains, like Ripple and Hyperledger respectively, belong to the “permissioned” domain, a class of blockchains that has one or more central authorities dictating node accessibility and functionality within a blockchain network. Private blockchains control who is allowed to be a node, and what functions these nodes have. Private blockchains represent the individualization of blockchain. These blockchains tend to be specific to the central authority’s purpose. For example, private blockchains are popular for supply management functions and insurance claims, two industries where the network’s function is improved by the restriction, rather than popularization, of information. Hybrid blockchains reside in the middle of these two classes and represent the third domain of blockchains. As more Web3 projects aim to improve security while keeping decentralization an option, hybrid blockchains are quickly becoming one of the most popular forms of blockchain technology, and they could very likely be the next evolution of blockchains. The Status Of Layer-2 Blockchains Most of the blockchains discussed above are layer-1 blockchains. Layer-1 blockchains set the groundwork for the way users can expect the network to operate. They not only provide the base on which all data transfer is made but also define the rules, outlining how consensus is achieved, how nodes operate and other essential requirements. Achieving a high level of decentralization and security while maintaining efficiency is one of the great challenges of layer-1 networks. In May 2021, for example, the average transaction fee rose to $69 on the Ethereum network as a result of an overload of transaction requests. Bitcoin transaction speed, which reached a low of 4.6 transactions per second compared to Visa’s 1,700 transactions per second, is another template of layer-1s’ scalability issues. Layer-2 blockchains help take the workload off of layer-1s. If the crypto industry were a kitchen, layer-1 blockchains are the chefs and layer-2’s are the sous-chefs. The primary function of layer-2 blockchain is to improve the transaction speed and reduce gas fees of layer-1 blockchains while layer-1 maintains the security and integrity of the overall system. The popular layer-2 project Bitcoin Lighting Network, for example, makes Bitcoin transactions faster and less costly by executing Bitcoin orders through their network. This helps Bitcoin achieve its promise as a medium of exchange. Similar layer 2s are available for Ethereum, including Loopring, Optimism and Ethereum Plasma. While many see the necessity of layer-2 blockchains for scalability as a shortcoming of layer-1 blockchains, others argue that they’re a necessary ingredient in the recipe for global decentralization. A layer-1 blockchain that can fulfill scalability, security and decentralization functions without a layer-2 could have a huge competitive advantage; it ranks highly in the category of the “next best thing.” The Role Of Blockchain Developers In Long-Term Success The importance of blockchain software developers like Blaize.Tech cannot be overstated in the pursuit of the next evolution of blockchain technology. Behind Ethereum, Avalanche and Cardano is an army of talented blockchain developers working together with a singular purpose. Nothing large in blockchain happens without developers. Blaize has already had a head start on its competitors, deploying over 400+ smart contracts and completing over 70+ successful blockchain projects. Developers like Blaize help companies create blockchain systems, decentralized applications, smart contracts and enterprise solutions. Blaize specifically has all these capabilities and even provides developer tools like software development kits, allows non-blockchain projects to integrate the technology into their business and provides blockchain-specific services like security audits and technical due diligence. If you’re interested in any form of blockchain technology integration, Blaize.Tech is a go-to destination. DeFi & The Fall Of NFTs In many ways, decentralized finance (DeFi) is the reason for blockchain’s popularization. Blockchain’s first public triumph was Bitcoin, a DeFi solution that allowed regular people to send and receive currency without the need for central authorities. The current examples of DeFi projects all reflect the financial decentralization concept, but express it in different ways. Aave (CRYPTO: AAVE), for example, is a DeFi project that allows the lending and borrowing of currency without the need for a central authority. Aave achieves this by using smart contracts, which are programs that automatically run on the blockchain when certain conditions are met. The automatic execution of smart contracts is what enables all DeFi services, including trading, investing, lending and borrowing. Smart contracts have been central in the creation of decentralized exchanges like Uniswap (CRYPTO: UNI), decentralized oracle services like Chainlink (CRYPTO: LINK) and inter-blockchain communication platforms like Polkadot (CRYPTO: DOT). As a result of smart contracts and blockchains, the DeFi industry is expected to be worth $231 billion by 2030 according to a report by Grand View Research, but hacking, safety and trust issues must be addressed before the industry can advance. Similarly, NFTs are currently awaiting a “renaissance” of their own after their fall from grace in 2022. Last year, it became clear that the majority of the value perceived by NFT traders was a result of one of the greatest bull markets of all time. As soon as the curtains receded, NFT valuations reverted to “sane” valuations, leading many to believe they had no value to begin with. The conversation around NFTs is now changing. A growing number of NFT advocates contend that NFTs’ value can extend beyond speculation, and advocates have begun to test this idea with the launch of utility NFTs. Utility NFTs grant their purchasers something more than just an ownership stamp; they grant owners access to perks and rewards. Utility NFTs have been embraced by some of the biggest brands – from Nike and Dolce and Gabanna to Adidas and the Premier League. Many posit that NFTs will play a major role in broader-themed movements like Web3 and the metaverse. Safe, secure and user-optimized DeFi services and utility-based NFTs have a strong argument for a place in the “future of blockchain.” Using On-Chain Analytics To Make Educated Investment Decisions One exciting domain of exploration for the future of blockchain is in on-chain analytics. In traditional markets, investors have access to very limited information, and they must make predictive assumptions with a lot of missing variables. In an environment as complicated as the financial markets, acting on limited information only makes the process of investing harder. The breadth and availability of information that crypto investors can glean from on-chain analytics is changing the investing landscape. In essence, on-chain analysis is the process of monitoring the flow of money into and out of crypto assets. Because of the sheer quantity of available information, many crypto investors are capable of making decisions with a much larger set of facts and information than their traditional counterparts. On-chain analysis can involve a number of different ratios, calculations and observations. Some of these include monitoring central exchange flows, which could depict large-scale entry or exit from certain assets by examining exchange-based information. Others could include whale watching (i.e. monitoring large-scale orders), while others could take a more granular approach and record active addresses, supply distribution, miner revenue and realized profit or losses. The use of on-chain analytics is considered by many the rise of blockchain’s own “fundamental analysis.” Despite all of blockchain’s potentially life-changing qualities, investing and trading remain two of the largest areas of interest in this industry. On-chain analytics represent the first clues of the emergence of educated speculation, and it, too, can play a large role in the future. Where Will Blockchain Go Next? As discussed, there are many potential avenues blockchain technology could take, and none are mutually exclusive. On the private scale, blockchains have already been implemented in governments and corporations, but this avenue has the lowest potential to influence the world. Public blockchains, while the most problematic of the bunch, bring about a whole new ecosystem of products that are independent of central authorities. There are suspicions that blockchain, as a peer-to-peer network, may have too many faults, and that these decentralized approaches could be better achieved through alternative systems like Urbit or Hedera. Nonetheless, thousands of entrepreneurs are pushing to improve blockchain’s trust and automation issues in order to take it to the next level, and there are plenty of promising avenues of exploration. This article was originally published on Benzinga here. Blaize is a software company providing blockchain development outsourcing solutions for different types of businesses. Blockchain ecosystem creation and decentralized application development are our core specializations. We have vast expertise in building DeFi applications, decentralized exchanges, DAO, smart contract development&deployment, blockchain nodes development, and creation of staking platforms. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Pasha Bergman CBDO pasha@blaize.tech Company Website https://blaize.tech/

March 13, 2023 09:25 AM Eastern Daylight Time

The LED Lighting Market’s Growth Is In Double Digit Rates And Order Books Are Growing – Applied UV (NASDAQ: AUVI) Sub Just Secured A Multi-Million Order From A Leading Luxury Developer

Applied UV, Inc.

By Ernest Dela Aglanu, Benzinga The global LED lighting market, thanks to players like Applied UV Inc. (NASDAQ: AUVI), is witnessing significant growth. The market size was valued at $68.9 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $264.08 billion by 2029, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.6% during the forecast period. One of the primary drivers of the market’s growth is the rising need for energy-efficient light sources. LED lights consume less energy and have a longer lifespan compared to traditional lighting sources such as incandescent bulbs, fluorescent tubes, and halogen lamps. As a result, LED lights are gaining popularity in both the residential and commercial sectors, leading to a surge in demand. Additionally, increasing environmental awareness and conscious efforts toward sustainability are also contributing to the growth of the LED lighting market. LED lights are free from toxic materials such as mercury that pose a threat to the environment and human health. Therefore, they are considered eco-friendly and have become the preferred choice for lighting solutions in many sectors. Governments worldwide are implementing favorable policies to encourage the adoption of LED lighting. In many countries, subsidies, incentives, and tax benefits are offered to consumers who opt for LED lights. These government initiatives have resulted in increased awareness and adoption of LED lights, further fueling the market’s growth. The increasing LED lighting adoption and growth of the market is good news for companies like Applied UV, Universal Display Corporation (NASDAQ: OLED), Energy Focus Inc. (NASDAQ: EFOI), and LSI Industries Inc. (NASDAQ: LYTS) that are developing products to meet growing demand. Within the industry, Applied UV seems to have carved a niche for itself as a provider of proprietary surface and air disinfection technology focused on Improving Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), specialty LED lighting, luxury mirrors and commercial furnishings – all of which serves clients globally in both the commercial and retail segments. The company’s products address needs in the healthcare, hospitality, food preservation, cannabis, education, and winery vertical markets. Applied UV has established strategic manufacturing partnerships and alliances, including Canon, Acuity, Johnson Controls, USHIO, Siemens, Grainger, and a global network of 64 dealers and distributors in 52 countries, offering a complete suite of products through its two wholly owned subsidiaries — SteriLumen Inc. and MunnWorks LLC. Multi-Million Dollar Order From Premier Developer Applied UV ’s growth and recent announcement of purchase orders totaling $4.55 million could interest investors and watchers of the LED lighting industry. The company recently revealed that its wholly owned subsidiary LED Supply Co. had secured a multi-million dollar purchase agreement from an unnamed premier co-living rental property developer The X Company (“X Co.”). The purchase orders consist of $2.67 million received and the balance of $1.88 million assured by the end of the second quarter. LED Supply Co. will provide back-lit mirrors, LED lighting and control systems for X Co.’s growing billion-dollar portfolio of properties. The orders will be fulfilled by LED Supply Co., in partnership with MunnWorks, who will manufacture the backlit mirrors in its newly acquired 100,000-square-foot Brooklyn, NY facility. “Having access to the MunnWorks’ high-end U.S.-made decorative backlit mirrors and case goods, at competitive prices, allows us to provide a better-quality product to our residents while staying within our allotted budget on a project,” Ben Brichta, Partner at X Co., said. The premier co-living rental property developer reports that it is active in six markets, with 5,000 beds in its current portfolio and over $1 billion in construction activity. The company says it is fully integrated — able to acquire, design, build and operate its real estate assets. X Co. buildings offer a high level of amenities and resident experiences in their unique combination of private rentals, co-living suites and co-working spaces. They also offer residents an unconventional club environment supporting the growing work-from-home segment with a state-of-the-art gym and fitness studios, social activities and dramatic shared spaces. The orders more than double X Co.’s previous orders with LED Supply Co. and expands them to include backlit mirrors supplied by Applied UV subsidiary MunnWorks, with subsequent orders planned for later this year. The joint order is the first in what the company expects to be many collaborative sales efforts forecasted as part of the merger of Applied UV, LED Supply Co. and PURO Lighting announced in January of this year. This article was originally published on Benzinga here. Applied UV is focused on the development and acquisition of technology that addresses infection control in the healthcare, hospitality, commercial and municipal markets. The Company has two wholly owned subsidiaries - SteriLumen, Inc. (“SteriLumen”) and Munn Works, LLC (“Munn Works”). SteriLumen’s Airocide® air purification devices are research-backed, clinically proven, and developed for NASA with assistance from the University of Wisconsin. Airocide® is listed as an FDA Class II Medical device, utilizes a proprietary photo-catalytic (PCO) bioconversion technology that draws air into a reaction chamber that converts damaging molds, microorganisms, dangerous airborne pathogens, destructive VOCs, allergens, odors, and biological gasses into harmless water vapor and green carbon dioxide without producing ozone or other harmful byproducts. Airocide® applications include healthcare, hospitality, grocery chains, wine-making facilities, commercial real estate, schools, dental offices, post-harvest, grocery, cannabis facilities, and homes. SteriLumen’s connected platform for Data-Driven Disinfection™ applies the power of ultraviolet light (UVC) to destroy pathogens safely, thoroughly, and automatically, addressing the challenge of healthcare-acquired infections ("HAIs"). Targeted for use in facilities that have high customer turnover such as hospitals, hotels, commercial facilities, and other public spaces, the Company’s Lumicide™ platform uses UVC LEDs in several patented designs for infection control in and around high-traffic areas, including sinks and restrooms, killing bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens residing on hard surfaces within devices’ proximity. The Company’s patented in-drain disinfection device, Lumicide Drain, is the only product on the market that addresses this critical pathogen-intensive location. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Brett Maas- Hayden IR brett@haydenir.com Company Website https://www.applieduvinc.com/

March 13, 2023 09:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Been Trying ChatGPT Out? PLNT App Utilizing Generative AI Is Now Helping People Take Care Of Their Plants

Appvillis UAB

By David Willey, Benzinga As industries scramble to make the most of ChatGPT, companies are looking for practical applications for generative artificial intelligence (AI) that can serve their businesses and the public. The new PLNT app showcases generative AI’s potential by tailoring it to plant identification and management. Since the pandemic and the shift towards working from home, plant ownership has gone up. Currently, two-thirds of American households own at least one houseplant. Houseplants are especially popular among younger generations, with millennials driving the growth in plant sales and making up 66% of the new purchases of potted greenery. Plant enthusiasm isn’t just for those with a green thumb, however. Being around houseplants can boost mental health and well-being, decreasing stress and increasing a sense of positive emotion. Plants can also reduce harmful airborne toxins by 87%, and research says owning a houseplant can even enhance productivity by as much as 15%. It's no wonder that the plant and flower growing market is worth $18.5 billion. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is getting involved too and is supporting urban agricultural development across the country. To aid its initiatives, the department recently invested an additional $14.2 million to promote city green spaces and help urban communities engage in agricultural activities. However, long-term care for a plant isn’t always easy. In a Statista poll, over 70% of houseplant owners admit to having recently killed a plant, with some having lost as many as six or more. Knowing how to manage different types of plants, as well as how much sunlight, water and fertilizer plants need can be tricky. PLNT is a new app that serves as a gateway for beginners and veterans alike to give their plants the care and attention they need. The Plant App Personalized With AI PLNT integrated generative AI to personalize user experience and to provide guidance on how to care for every type of plant. A quick picture will identify any type of plant, with a highly accurate identification rate of 97.8% accuracy. The app also provides a detailed explanation of how to care for the plant. Features include a light meter, a watering calculator and a care tasks system to ensure the plant gets just the right amount of light for its photosynthesis. The app also includes a dedicated AI assistant that can answer plant-specific questions any time of the day or night. This ChatGPT-style generative AI adds a personalized experience to the comprehensive in-app content that covers plant health and management. The plant doctor tool, also powered by AI, is there to monitor the plant’s health, and it offers treatment solutions when the plant gets sick. PLNT is an app created by a Lithuanian-based start-up company and is available today in the Apple app store. This article was originally published on Benzinga here. Appvillis UAB is a Lithuanian-based mobile app developer and publisher that creates innovative apps to improve people's lives. Their products include PLNT, an AI-powered plant assistant, ESIM Plus for worldwide mobile data and virtual phone numbers, and Nicegram, the most powerful alternative client for Telegram Messenger. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Investor Relations investor.relations@appvillis.com Company Website https://appvillis.com

March 13, 2023 09:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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ID-Pal expands into the United States with identity verification solution

ID-Pal

· Unique market offering simplifies identity verification for SMEs · Integrates seamlessly with global enterprises via API/SDK · Strategic expansion follows a successful launch in the UK in 2022 · Invited to join business and political leaders as part of Enterprise Ireland’s St. Patrick’s week program in New York Leading global identity verification solution firm ID-Pal, today introduced its offerings into the US market to meet demand for its platform across the United States. Championed by Enterprise Ireland, the US launch is building on ID-Pal’s success in serving both SMEs and enterprises across 30-plus industries with simple, secure, and convenient identity verification. Offering global coverage of more than 6000 identity documents across 200 jurisdictions and countries, clients now include payments and gift cards provider Blackhawk Network (BHN), leading procurement and compliance platform Certa, global payments company and a subsidiary of US Bancorp Elavon and the recent J.P. Morgan-acquired Global Shares. ID-Pal’s presence in the US is further bolstered by recent partnerships with financial service providers such as Spirit of Alaska Credit Union and award-winning lending and deposit account opening platform CreditSnap. The company also has an impressive network of strategic partners in the United States, that includes Salesforce, Corporate One and Melissa. Colum Lyons, CEO and founder of ID-Pal, said: “The standard of security, fast deployment, and digital transformation we provide organizations sets us apart. We work with industry leaders from across 30 sectors, which is evidence that our technology-first approach to identity verification makes it simple, secure, and convenient for any organization.” ID-Pal offers businesses an easy way to verify the identity of an individual. Using a unique blend of biometric, document, and database checks to verify identities in real time, the solution leverages automated decisioning and smart workflows to deliver industry-leading accuracy, and better outcomes, with data protection compliance built in. Available off-the-shelf to go live in minutes, ID-Pal also integrates seamlessly with existing processes via an API or SDK. It can be deployed same day and is fully customizable thus reducing lengthy development time and demands on in-house resources. Expansion into the United States allows ID-Pal to support financially regulated organizations struggling to balance compliance and fraud prevention with a friction-free user experience. The identity verification solution streamlines anti-money laundering (AML) and Know your Customer (KYC) compliance while offering a robust audit trail. Knowledge-based authentication (KBA) and database-focused solutions also struggle to match the sophistication of modern-day fraud, for which a multi-layered approach to verification via a platform like ID-Pal is needed. Karen Cohalan, Department Manager for Fintech, Financial & Business Services at Enterprise Ireland “Enterprise Ireland warmly welcomes ID-Pal’s launch in the US market. Supporting Irish-owned companies to achieve greater scale and expand their global footprint is an ongoing priority for Enterprise Ireland. Enterprise Ireland looks forward to working with the ID-Pal team to continue to support their growth ambitions as they expand their customer base in the US whilst continuing to create jobs here in Ireland.” The regtech’s official entrance into the US market comes less than a year after its successful launch in the UK and a Series A funding round. Today, UK businesses now account for over 30% of ID-Pal’s revenue and, following continued market traction there, 15% of their revenue is now from the US. Industry-approved and offering an award-winning user experience, the solution is ISO 27001 certified, which is the global SOC 2 equivalent. ID-Pal joined the prestigious 2022 AIFinTech 100 and 2023 RegTech100 lists of the world’s 100 most pioneering businesses in AI and regulatory technology, as well as ranking sixth in the Deloitte Fast 50 2022. In addition to the backing of the Irish government organization Enterprise Ireland, ID-Pal has received investment from European Inspire Investments, Act Venture Capital and US investors FA Ventures Fund, LTD, all of which have endorsed ID-Pal’s impressive expansion into new markets. Colum Lyons, CEO and founder of ID-Pal, added: "2022 was a landmark year for ID-Pal. In just nine months we launched in the UK, secured Series A funding, and now, with the support of Enterprise Ireland, our US and European investors, and our strategic partners, we are officially launching into the US in 2023.” Founded in 2016, ID-Pal is an award-winning ISO 27001 certified identity verification solution that enables businesses to verify identities and addresses in real-time. Offering a unique blend of industry-leading biometric, document and database checks to streamline AML and KYC in one GDPR compliant solution, it is available off-the-shelf and also integrates seamlessly with existing processes via an API or SDK. ID-Pal’s technology is also certified for the UK Digital Identity & Attributes Trust Framework (UKDIATF). Headquartered in Dublin and backed by Enterprise Ireland, ID-Pal offers global identity verification coverage of more than 6000 identity documents and 200 verified address data sources to enterprise clients and SMEs across 200 countries and jurisdictions. Ranked sixth in the 2022 Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Awards, ID-Pal is also a member of the global AIFintech100 2022 and listed in the RegTech100 2023. ID-Pal is a previous winner of Best Customer Facing Experience in the PAY360 Awards and the IT & Fintech Irish Times Innovation Award in 2022. For more information visit: www.id-pal.com Contact Details MKPR Meir Kahtan +1 917-864-0800 mkahtan@rcn.com

March 13, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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