All posts by imreal

ABS, Crowley Advance Augmented Reality Technology for Maritime


ABS and Crowley will collaborate in a joint pilot project for classification-related survey support activities, such as aspects of annual and special surveys including task crediting. In addition, the project will include a variety of activities involving surveyors, engineers and back-office survey support, virtual walkthroughs and livestreaming using fully remote and hybrid survey techniques. Successful class surveys are important to operate vessels.

“Augmented reality technology is a field technology, so in collaborating with forward-looking companies like Crowley, we can explore what’s possible for future survey operations as well as for safety in use. ABS class services are leading the industry and finding ways to enrich the data used to both streamline the class process and also keep mariners and our surveyors safe,” said Patrick Ryan, ABS senior vice president and chief technology officer.

Crowley owns and operates a diverse U.S. and foreign flag fleet that includes, container, roll on/roll off (RoRo), tug, dry cargo and offshore wind development and service operation vessels. The collaboration with ABS will leverage its ongoing innovation efforts to bring more efficient and sustainable operations through technology. Kognitiv Spark and Crowley presented its AR operating system technology at Crowley’s inaugural Innovation Expo this year as an example of this effort.

“Partnership is key to sustainable growth and success in maritime services, and we look forward to working with ABS to advance innovation technology for the benefit of our maritime ecosystem and our customers,” said Cole Cosgrove, vice president, Crowley Shipping. “These innovations will provide mariners a safer and more efficient option and allow us to provide services for our customers that are even more reliable and effective.”

ABS is leading the way forward in applying technologies such as high-resolution laser scanning, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), crawlers, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and wearable technologies to augment traditional class-related surveys and inspections.

About Crowley
Crowley is a privately held, U.S.-owned and -operated maritime, energy and logistics solutions company serving commercial and government sectors with $3.4 billion in annual revenues, over 170 vessels mostly in the Jones Act fleet and approximately 7,000 employees around the world – employing more U.S. mariners than any other company. The Crowley enterprise has invested more than $3.2 billion in maritime transport, which is the backbone of global trade and the global economy. As a global ship owner-operator and services provider with more than 130 years of innovation and a commitment to sustainability, the company serves customers in 36 nations and island territories through five business units: Crowley Logistics, Crowley Shipping, Crowley Solutions, Crowley Wind Services and Crowley Fuels. Additional information about Crowley, its business units and subsidiaries can be found at http://www.crowley.com.

About ABS
ABS, a leading global provider of classification and technical advisory services to the marine and offshore industries, is committed to setting standards for safety and excellence in design and construction. Focused on safe and practical application of advanced technologies and digital solutions, ABS works with industry and clients to develop accurate and cost-effective compliance, optimized performance and operational efficiency for marine and offshore assets.

Media Contact

David DeCamp, Crowley, 904-727-4263, [email protected], www.Crowley.com 

Torey Vogel, Crowley, 904-726-4536, [email protected], www.Crowley.com

SOURCE Crowley

FCC Hosts RAND Corporation Executive on Leveraging Digital Equity


Discussion is last of the Innovators of Thought Speakers Series as part of FCC Inauguration Celebration

FREDERICK, Md., Sept. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Frederick Community College will host Dr. Rhianna C. Rogers, Director of the Center to Advance Racial Equity Policy and a senior policy researcher at the RAND Corporation, for a keynote address on Thursday, September 28. The keynote, “Bridges to Inclusive Innovation in a Tech World,” is the third and final event of the Innovators of Thought Speaker Series.

The Speakers Series is part of the College’s Inauguration celebration featuring events throughout the month, culminating in the formal installation of the 11th President of FCC, Dr. Annesa Payne Cheek.

Dr. Rogers is an expert on cultural and ethnic studies, intercultural competencies, diversity education, cultural mediation, and virtual exchange programming.

Her keynote will focus on digital equity, referring to the capacity in which all individuals and communities have access to technologies needed to participate fully in society, politics, and economics. Dr. Rogers will discuss how achieving digital equity is paramount to preventing the exacerbation of existing societal disparities. She will share how individuals and institutions can support initiatives that promote digital inclusion, advocate for policies that prioritize universal connectivity, and collaborate to create accessible online content.

“Digital Equity is not just about discussing change, it’s about being the catalyst for a more inclusive, equitable future,” Dr. Rhianna C. Rogers said. “Community colleges, like FCC, play a pivotal role in bridging the digital divide. FCC can empower communities to become digitally literate, transform lives, and pave the way for a brighter, more digitally inclusive future.”

The event will take place from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the Jack B. Kussmaul (JBK) Theater, located in the FCC Visual & Performing Arts Building.

It is free and open to the public. Online registration is requested through the FCC Inauguration webpage (http://www.frederick.edu/inauguration).

About Dr. Rhianna C. Rogers
Dr. Rhianna C. Rogers is Director of the Center to Advance Racial Equity Policy and a policy researcher at the RAND Corporation. Before RAND, she held administrative/teaching appointments in higher education and tribal government. Dr. Rogers is an expert on cultural and ethnic studies, intercultural competencies and diversity education, cultural mediation, and virtual exchange programming. She has successfully built and implemented Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programming for over a decade in higher education, private/public corporations, and NGOs. Dr. Rogers was recognized as an international expert on equity-centered, community-based participatory action research by the United Nations – Geneva in 2020, 2021, and 2022.

About the Innovators of Thought Speaker Series and Inauguration Events
The Innovators of Thought Speaker Series is a feature event of FCC’s Inauguration celebration in honor of Dr. Annesa Payne Cheek, the 11th President of FCC.
The celebration includes a host of College and community activities taking place this month, culminating with the Investiture Ceremony for President Cheek on Friday, September 29 at 1 p.m.
To see the entire schedule of Inauguration-related events, please visit the FCC Inauguration webpage (http://www.frederick.edu/inauguration).

About Frederick Community College
Frederick Community College (FCC) provides affordable, flexible access to lifelong education that responds to the needs of diverse learners and the community. Offering more than 100 degree and certificate programs through credit and Continuing Education and Workforce Development (CEWD) opportunities, FCC has been the learning destination for more than 200,000 students since 1957. FCC recognizes the different learning needs and preferences of students and offers flexible learning formats for all those interested in career and transfer, job credentials, professional development, and personal enrichment opportunities.

Media Contact

Caroline Cole, Frederick Community College, 240.629.7918, [email protected], https://www.frederick.edu/

SOURCE Frederick Community College

Base Pair Bio Receives Grant from NIH to Help Deliver Therapies for Genetic Heart Disease


Base Pair Biotechnologies, “The Aptamer Discovery Company™” has been recently awarded a grant from NIH entitled, “Aptamer engineering of lentiviral vectors for cardiac gene therapies”.

HOUSTON, Sept. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the leading cause of sudden death in young individuals. HCM is also the most prevalent genetic cardiomyopathy affecting Americans (1/200 adults) with no current treatments. Gene therapy approaches that drive the overexpression of the correct genes can be used to remodel the heart tissue and restore function. However, no gene therapies have been developed for in vivo targeting of the heart to date. A key bottleneck in the field is the (in)ability to engineer advanced viral vectors with prescribed tropism in the patient’s body.

Aptamers are short, single-stranded snippets of DNA or RNA that have been selected to bind other molecules in lieu of antibodies. Aptamers have been utilized in many assay formats and as therapeutics, but there is no commercial example of an aptamer being utilized as a delivery vehicle.

In partnership with a cutting-edge start-up that currently remains in “stealth mode”, Base Pair will discover and deploy novel aptamers to help guide viral vectors specifically to the heart.

Upon notice of the grant award from NIH, Dr. Bill Jackson, CEO of Base Pair said, “This is a remarkable opportunity for aptamer technology that very few have even considered. Partnering with experts that understand the challenges associated with delivering gene therapies, specifically to cardiac tissues represents a powerful pairing of technologies.”

For more information or for investor information, please direct all inquiries to [email protected]

About Base Pair:

Founded in 2012, Base Pair Biotechnologies, Inc. is the leading and most experienced custom aptamer development company. Our team of scientists has a combined 50+ person-years of experience in developing aptamers for various targets. In addition to this expertise, Base Pair owns the sole worldwide rights to patents for multiplexed aptamer discovery. More specifically, we have the capability to select aptamers to up to 1000’s of protein, peptide, or small molecule targets in true competitive, multiplexed fashion. The resulting aptamers are therefore more specific for their particular targets. Using this technology, we have completed contracts from the National Cancer Institute, for example, to generate aptamers to 75 cancer biomarker proteins. We routinely work with the largest pharma and biotechnology companies in the world on novel aptamer discovery projects as well as with numerous renowned universities and research institutions to deliver rapid solutions to complex problems.

Media Contact

Bill Jackson, Ph.D., Base Pair Biotechnologies, 1 832305518, [email protected], www.basepairbio.com

SOURCE Base Pair Biotechnologies

CryptoRefills Unravels Cryptoshopper Knowledge and Expertise Levels



In a sneak peek from the CryptoRefills Consumer Report 2023, the company unveils that while two thirds of consumers making purchases with crypto possess foundational blockchain knowledge, only a third see themselves as experts. Notably, a third claim no basic knowledge, hinting at crypto payments’ broadening appeal. Additional data highlights significant DeFi usage and a considerable interest in blockchain gaming among those buying goods and services with cryptocurrency.

*** From Novices to Experts: Cryptorefills Unravels Cryptoshopper Knowledge Levels ***

Cryptorefills unveils groundbreaking research on cryptocurrency shopping habits, offering a sneak peek into the 2023 Retail Consumer Adoption Report.

Tags: #Blockchain #Cryptorefills #Bitcoin #Cryptoshopper #CryptoResearch #ConsumerBehavior #RetailAdoption

AMSTERDAM, Sept. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Cryptorefills, the global leader in gift card retail and mobile top-ups championing blockchain payments, today shares intriguing preliminary findings from its latest research, shedding light on the the knowledge and expertise levels of consumers making purchases for goods and services with cryptocurrency.

Fire Equipment Manufacturers’ Association Announces New Study Showing Portable Fire Extinguishers Reduce Carbon Footprint of Building Fires


The study reveals structure fires contribute one half of one percent to one percent of the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which is equivalent to more than the output of five-to-ten million cars annually. By effectively using portable fire extinguishers in buildings with automatic sprinkler systems, a 99 percent reduction of fire-related carbon emissions is achieved.

Data shows if portable fire extinguishers are available, they’re likely to be used effectively. “The bottom line is that we should be encouraging people to install and use portable fire extinguishers in all their buildings,” said Jim Tidwell, a code consultant for the Fire Equipment Manufacturers’ Association. “That is, without a doubt, the very best way to save on the carbon footprint when it comes to building fires.”

“A Review of the Impact of Fire Extinguishers in Reducing the Carbon Footprint of Building Fires” can be downloaded from the Fire Equipment Manufacturers’ Association’s website. Visit femalifesafety.org/CarbonFootprint for more information and explore the site to learn about the association’s dedication to saving lives and protecting property through education and awareness, advancement of the fire equipment marketplace, and improvements in regulatory requirements.

About the Fire Equipment Manufacturers’ Association

The Fire Equipment Manufacturers’ Association is a more than 80-year-old non-profit trade association dedicated to saving lives and protecting property by providing education of a layered fire protection design. For additional information, including videos, interactive questionnaires, and training websites about fire safety and protection, visit femalifesafety.org or call 216-241-7333. Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/FireEquipmentManufacturersAssociation. For a complete listing of member companies, visit the Member Profiles page of the association’s website at femalifesafety.org/members.

Media Contact

Annie Mares, Fire Equipment Manufacturers’ Association, 1 920-380-4444, [email protected], https://femalifesafety.org

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SOURCE Fire Equipment Manufacturers’ Association

A Revolutionary Credit Marketing Platform for Community Financial Institutions.


Micronotes.ai, the Boston-based financial technology company serving banks and credit unions, announces the launch of Prescreen Acquire™, an industry-first platform designed to empower community financial institutions to acquire new customers and members with financially personalized, FCRA-compliant credit offers.

BOSTON, Sept. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Micronotes.ai, the Boston-based financial technology company serving banks and credit unions, announces the launch of Prescreen Acquire™, an industry-first platform designed to empower community financial institutions to acquire new customers and members with financially personalized, FCRA-compliant credit offers.

“It’s time to get personal and profitable with new customer/member acquisition. Prescreen Acquire™ is not just a product; it’s a game-changer in growth for community financial institutions,” said Devon Kinkead, Founder and CEO of Micronotes.ai.

About Prescreen Acquire™

Prescreen Acquire leverages 230 million consumer credit records to deliver firm credit offers to creditworthy prospects in targeted service areas. The platform combines credit, email, and direct mail data and delivery with underwriting criteria, rate sheets, and geotargeting utilizing advanced algorithms to deliver creditworthy new loan customers and members who are profitable on day one.

Key Features

Hyper-Personalization – Tailored FCRA-compliant firm credit offers to meet individual needs.

Advanced Algorithms – Leverage 230MM consumer credit records for optimal targeting.

Machine Learning – Intelligent data analysis for improved marketing efficiency.

Geotargeting – Pinpoint accuracy in reaching prospects within specific service areas.

Benefits for Financial Institutions

Prescreen Acquire™ does the heavy lifting and streamlines the customer acquisition process using big data, automation, and advanced algorithms allowing institutions to focus on the quality and quantity of their new customers and members.

Prescreen Acquire™ is now available for immediate deployment. For more information, visit Micronotes.ai.

About Micronotes.ai

Micronotes.ai delivers cloud-based big data, analytics, and digital engagement solutions to financial institutions that want to start conversations, develop relationships, and build trust with new and existing customers and members.

Founded by tech entrepreneurs from MIT, the company is privately held and based in Boston. https://micronotes.ai/

Media Contact

Cynthia Laidlaw, Laidlaw Group, 1 617-423-2801, cl@laidlawgroup.com

SOURCE Micronotes.ai