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National Survey Reveals Women of All Ages Cite Mental Health as Their Number One Health Concern

LevLane

LevLane Advertising, an award-winning full-service agency headquartered in Philadelphia, has released the results of its 2023 Women’s Health Concerns Survey of 400 women, ages 18+, which explores how women are approaching various aspects of their health and wellness. The survey, which was conducted by a market research provider on behalf of LevLane, paints a concerning picture, as women report deprioritizing sexual/reproductive health and almost every other aspect of their well-being, while mental health concerns take priority. This is true even in the younger age groups where sexual health is traditionally considered as a primary concern (ages 18-34). Across all ages 18+, just 6% of all women reported sexual health as their number one priority. The majority of women (53%) reported mental health as one of their top three health concerns, with 26% saying that it was their number one concern. Stress management (45%), sleep health (33%) and heart health (32%) were among the other top concerns, while reproductive/sexual health (19%), diabetes (18%), pregnancy/post-partum (11%) and menopause/perimenopause (11%) were ranked lowest overall. Women 55+ were the only age group to report something other than mental health as their top concern. That cohort reported both heart health and stress management as tied for their number one priority. “Coming out of COVID, we expected to see a bump in mental health as a concern, but we were all taken aback by just how many women across all age groups cited it as their top concern,” said Liz Weir, chief marketing officer at LevLane. “Even in younger age groups, where we would expect to see more of an emphasis on sexual and reproductive health or pregnancy and post-partum, we found that women are putting those things on the back burner to prioritize mental health.” The study is the first in a series planned by the agency. The forthcoming surveys will continue to focus on specific aspects of women’s health with the goal of better understanding the broader women’s healthcare landscape. “In their efforts to address mental health concerns, an unintended consequence could be neglecting other very critical aspects of their well-being,” said Karla Loken, DO, OBGYN, FACOOG and chief medical officer for FEMSelect. “We need to address women’s health comprehensively; neglecting one area will ultimately lead to consequences in another. Women are juggling a lot of things, and this research is signaling that women need more support, including education and awareness on promoting a balanced approach to physical, mental and emotional health.” The study also found that many women are opting out of support, with half (50%) of the respondents saying they are not seeking support for their top concern/priority and have no intention of doing so. Additional Survey Findings: - 10% of Women 18-24 reported sexual and reproductive health as a top priority - 35% of women 35-44 said mental health was their top priority - Women 18-24 were the age group most concerned with cancer as a top 3 priority - Women 35-44 were the only age group to include obesity as a top 3 priority or concern - Women in the 18-34 bracket tend to start their health journeys with online search or through friends and family - Women 34+ tend to start their health journeys with their primary care physicians (PCPs) For complete survey results, please contact Lauren Stralo below. About LevLane LevLane Advertising is a full-service independent advertising agency headquartered in Philadelphia and has been building brands people love for nearly 40 years. The award-winning agency integrates traditional creative expertise with cutting-edge digital capabilities in its menu of services, including search engine optimization (SEO), search engine marketing (SEM), programmatic media, strategy, creative and branding, media and analytics, social media, content marketing, and public relations. For more information about LevLane and its capabilities, connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. Contact Details LevLane Advertising Lauren Stralo +1 484-747-0172 lweir@levlane.com Company Website https://www.levlane.com

October 24, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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The News Direct Podcast Channel Aims to Ride the Podcasting Wave

News Direct

Podcasting has seen a remarkable transformation since its humble beginnings nearly 20 years ago. Initially overshadowed by other forms of digital communication, podcasts have now taken the world by storm, becoming an influential medium for information consumption and communication. In 2006, a mere 22% of the US population was familiar with podcasts, but fast forward to 2023, and 78% of Americans are in the know, with one-third actively engaging in podcast listening. The podcasting industry is currently estimated to be worth nearly $25 billion, with 5 million podcasts worldwide, featuring a staggering 70 million episodes and a dedicated audience of nearly 465 million listeners. This evolving trend has not gone unnoticed in the public relations sphere, as podcasts by PR luminaries have become as ubiquitous as Taylor and Travis sightings. Recognizing this phenomenon, News Direct recently launched The News Direct Podcast Channel, which is designed as a hub for both its own flagship podcast, " News Directly," as well as a launchpad for other professional podcast programs. With an impressive domain authority of 74 and over a half million monthly visitors, the company's podcast channel aims to provide podcast guests and creators with a high-traffic platform to reach a broad and engaged audience. In a world increasingly driven by short attention spans and a hunger for visual stimulation, the resurgence of podcasts is a remarkable turn of events. Podcasts require an investment of time and mental energy, which in over-scheduled and “digestible” format obsessed times such as these certainly swims against the tide. News Direct management is encouraged to see the public relations industry embracing this trend, as it offers a promising future for the medium and a valuable alternative means to conduct targeted brand messaging. Nevertheless, as podcasts proliferate, there is a risk of oversaturation. To ensure the long-term success of PR podcasts, they must focus on delivering high-quality content, relevant subject matter, and engaging guests. The emphasis should be on sharing vital information and trends, rather than serving as a promotional tool for the hosts. Founder and CEO, Gregg Castano commented "At News Direct, we are committed to setting high standards and promoting diversity of content and viewpoints in the podcasting landscape. Our goal with the News Direct Podcast Channel is to offer excellence, versatility, and variety, both through our 'News Directly' program and the podcasts we showcase on our platform." The future of podcasting remains uncertain, but the current ascent of this medium represents a net positive for the public relations profession. News Direct believes that podcasting's role in communication will continue to evolve and grow, bringing exciting opportunities and fresh perspectives to the communications industry. News Direct is a technology-driven content distribution and amplification platform for PR, IR, corporate communications and marketing professionals. Our automated platform delivers a completely reimagined, modernized user experience for newswire users that has reshaped the industry landscape. Additionally, the company has expanded its offerings to include an array of technology-enhanced message amplification tools ranging from sponsored content to podcasting products, all from one online destination. Contact Details News Direct Media at News Direct +1 917-698-4131 media@newsdirect.com Company Website http://www.newsdirect.com

October 24, 2023 09:18 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Avenue Z Hires Leading Digital Media and Technology Executive David Corchado to Lead Team in Global Strategy

Avenue Z

The Avenue Z Network, a Strategic Communications and Marketing Advisory, today announced the hiring of David Corchado as Chief Strategy and Technology Officer. Corchado joins the firm to spearhead technological advancement and utilization of data science, following a successful run as Chief Technology Officer of B2B communications firm Investis Digital (acquired by Investcorp). Based in Avenue Z’s New York office, Corchado will work closely with the New York and Boston teams to further the advisory’s Health Technology Practice. "David's expertise in digital media optimization, agile tech stack development, analytics, and cyber-security will be instrumental in driving the next phase of growth for Avenue Z,” said Jeffrey Herzog, CEO of The Avenue Z Network. “This move strengthens Avenue Z’s technology teams, providing strong leadership for our work in digital transformation and accelerating our advantage in building Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences technology programs” continued Herzog. With Corchado joining the executive team, Avenue Z brings on a proven talent that has led global digital transformation projects for consumer brands including Estee Lauder, Toyota, and LG. While at Investis Digital, Corchado led technology strategy and product development, including building the Connect.ID and IDX Virtual Events platforms into solutions recognized by Forrester and used by major brands such as Ocado, Rolls-Royce, Brookfield Partners, Snap, CVS, Vodafone, and Lowes. During his career with iCrossing & TBWA\Chiat\Day Corchado focused on digital media for pharmaceutical advertising and led optimization projects for Merck, Sanofi, GSK, Novartis, and Pfizer. “Building a modern marketing technology stack is now less about writing original code and more about connecting best-of-breed solutions through APIs. We are building bespoke solutions for clients based on their vertical, channel and sustainability goals. Brands are already demanding more efficiency as a result of AI, and my priority is to deploy workforce analytics and smart applications that boost our productivity and quality. With that, we will truly be able to disrupt traditional PR, where the future of digital influence will be machine-driven, but human optimized," said Corchado. The Avenue Z Network is a strategic communications & marketing advisory focused on brand performance and business growth. Avenue Z works with mission-driven brands to create an integrated narrative through public relations, search and social branding, influencer marketing and performance media. Avenue Z provides clients with the platform they need to gain exposure and activate messages across all media. The Company is headquartered In Miami, FL with offices in Orlando and New York City. For more information visit www.AvenueZ.com Contact Details Avenue Z Allie Rosenfeld press@avenuez.com

October 24, 2023 07:58 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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QYOU Media Launches New Version of Q GamesMela Gaming App

QYOU Media

Contact Details Doug Barker +1 437-992-4814 shareholder@qyoutv.com Company Website https://www.valuethemarkets.com

October 24, 2023 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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First Ever Global Campaign to Decriminalise Suicide Worldwide

LifeLine International

Today, LifeLine International launched Decriminalise Suicide Worldwide, a new campaign advocating for legal changes in countries where suicide is either a crime or the law is unclear. Former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard joined Lifeline International to give a keynote speech calling for communities around the world to unite against outdated and punitive laws exacerbating the isolation and stigma associated with suicide. According to new analysis from LifeLine International, suicide and attempted suicide is a crime in 25 countries, while the legality of both is unclear in a further 27 countries. Laws criminalising suicide are generally associated with higher suicide rates because they are ineffective deterrents and inhibit people in suicidal distress from seeking help. The analysis, completed with input from the International Bar Association, is the latest comprehensive audit of laws criminalising suicide undertaken. A population of 1.2 billion people live in the 52 countries where suicide is either a crime or laws are uncertain. The campaign advocates for legislative changes that will also help achieve the UN's Sustainable Development goal to decrease global suicide rates by 30% by 2030. Where we seek to change laws, LifeLine International will also work to either establish or enhance crisis line services. Decriminalisation has gathered positive momentum in the last five years, with legal reform completed in Ghana, Malaysia, Pakistan, India and Singapore. LifeLine International has identified Malawi and Nigeria as initial focus countries for decriminalisation campaign support. In the 27 countries with unclear legal frameworks, LifeLine International will engage with governments and civil society organisations to seek clarity and request the removal of barriers preventing people from seeking help. The ambiguity comes from a lack of consistency in the respective legal systems. The official campaign launch at Australia House in London was attended by diplomats, representatives of major mental health organisations, service providers, charities, supporters and the media. Former Australian Prime Minister, the Honourable Julia Gillard AC, who gave the keynote speech at the event, said: “The power of coalition and influence has the potential to drive significant change in addressing suicide as a global public health crisis. Coming together to support decriminalising suicide holds the promise of saving hundreds of thousands of lives." LifeLine International President, Justin Chase, said: "Every day, more than 1,900 people lose their lives to suicide, and approximately 77% of these tragic events occur in low- and middle-income countries. Suicide is a global public health challenge, but LifeLine International's new campaign is committed to creating a world where individuals facing suicidal thoughts can seek help without fear of legal repercussions. Decriminalisation addresses a significant barrier to deploying crisis support services and tackling the social stigmas that discourage help-seeking.” As part of the campaign, two digital platforms were launched today: www.25crimes.org – A social change campaign platform serving as the public face of the campaign; and, www.suicide-decrim.network – A bespoke knowledge platform for experts, NGOs, civil society, and crisis support services to facilitate the formation of national decriminalisation. LifeLine CEO Thilini Perera said: "Through our knowledge platform, we are bridging the gap between countries to advocate for change. LifeLine International's commitment to using innovative technology and galvanising support will accelerate decriminalisation campaigns, allowing people living in countries where suicide remains a crime to receive the help they deserve. We are proud to open source our knowledge to support network participants. Our platform will enable us to track progress and move closer to a world where suicide is decriminalised, stigma is reduced, and help-seeking is both accessible and encouraged." About LifeLine International: LifeLine International is an Australian-registered international civil society organisation representing 27 Members, in 23 separate countries. Our Members collectively operate more than 200 suicide prevention and crisis support services across the world. Our shared mission is to create a world where quality suicide prevention support is available, accepted and encouraged. Our goal is to ensure that the life-saving work of our Members is fully recognised, valued and supported. We focus on supporting the expansion of community-based crisis support services, wholly operated by our Members and beyond. We believe that crisis support services must be accessible and widely promoted in all communities, regardless of location, cultural practice or legal frameworks. We fundamentally believe that crisis helplines play a critical role in the overall continuum of care for suicide prevention. Our ultimate beneficiaries are help seekers: individuals in distress, despair and at risk of suicide. Notes to Editors: Click here for the Campaign Brief Click here for Decriminalise Suicide Worldwide Factsheet For further information or interview requests, please contact LifeLine.International@highgate.ltd Contact Details LifeLine International Jenny Wright +44 7786 567525 LifeLine.International@highgate.ltd Company Website https://lifeline-intl.com/

October 23, 2023 03:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Cutting Through the AEP Clutter

YourUpdateTV

Millions of older Americans rely on Medicare as a crucial support for their health care. Yet, choosing a health plan that fits their needs can be overwhelming, particularly since nearly 90% of adults struggle with understanding health-related information. This can make the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) – which runs from October 15 th to December 7 th – feel like an obstacle course Medicare beneficiaries must navigate every year. A video accompaying this release can be found here: https://youtu.be/F-MZ0L3t9Zw Recently, Terri Swanson, President of Medicare for Aetna, a CVS Health company, participated in a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss the annual enrollment period and tips for consumers on how to choose a plan. When selecting a plan, the first thing people should consider is their own health needs, which can help cut through the clutter of information and make a decision that’s right for you. Medicare decisions can be confusing, so it’s important to seek out trusted sources of information and ask yourself some basic questions before choosing a plan. The three main questions people should ask themselves are: Will this plan fit my budget? This includes the monthly premium, as well as out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copays and coinsurance for doctors’ visits, hospital stays and other health services. Are my favorite doctors, hospitals and pharmacies in the plan’s network? Are my prescription drugs covered and what are they going to cost? With these three pieces of critical information, consumers can begin the process of narrowing down their plan options and finding the one that’s right for their budget and specific health needs. In addition to the basics, like coverage for doctors and prescription medications, most Medicare Advantage plans offer a variety of additional benefits that can create further value. Examples include dental, vision, hearing, fitness membership, over-the-counter products, transportation to and from doctors’ visits and even healthy foods. To begin the process of selecting a plan, people should go to Medicare.gov. Once there, they can enter their zip code and see all the Medicare plans available in their area. To learn more about Aetna plans and find some resources to help you understand your Medicare options, visit AetnaMedicare.com. About Terri Swanson As President of Medicare for Aetna, a CVS Health company, Terri oversees the sales, operations and business strategy for Aetna’s robust portfolio of Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare prescription drug plans and Medicare Supplement plans. Terri is proud to lead a team that advocates for the older adult population, helping nearly 11 million Aetna Medicare members nationwide achieve their best health. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

October 23, 2023 02:08 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Evidence of Discrepancies, Misrepresentations, and Noncompliance with FCC Rules Calls FOX's Truthfulness with Regulator into Question

Media and Democracy Project

The Media and Democracy Project (MAD) has submitted a comprehensive response to the filing by Fox Television Stations (FTS), urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to compel FOX to turn over key discovery documents from recent litigation. MAD reiterated its belief that obtaining these documents is crucial for the FCC to evaluate the numerous character violations relevant to the broadcast license renewal application for the FOX Corp-owned television station FOX 29 Philadelphia (WTXF). The filing focused on dismantling FOX’s attempt to shield the questionable conduct of FOX executives and hosts from thorough examination by the FCC. FOX's opposition to releasing these materials is an attempt to hinder the Commission from conducting a full and transparent assessment of the company's deliberate and willful promotion of false election narratives, which had dire consequences for the country. FOX has labeled the request a "fishing expedition," disregarding the fact that the motion for documents seeks only to enhance the record for evaluating WTXF's license application. It is a routine practice that is common during an FCC license review. FOX argues that its alleged misconduct falls outside the scope of FCC character policy, therefore, the request for documents is irrelevant to its renewal application. This fails to appreciate the gravity of the actions taken by senior FOX leadership following the 2020 election that shock the conscience and are well within the scope of the Commission. FOX's assertion that granting evidence from shareholder lawsuits contradicts Delaware law is baseless. This law pertains specifically to shareholder requests and does not apply to a license renewal proceeding where the FCC makes the request. MAD's motion also requested information related to contracts between WTXF and political advertisers, as mandated by law to be filed with the FCC and made public. Rather than acknowledging any wrongdoing, FOX has chosen to double down on arguments made before the Commission that it did nothing wrong despite ample evidence of discrepancies, misrepresentations, and noncompliance to the contrary. This continues the pattern of mistruths noted by the judge in the Dominion case and demonstrates that FOX’s penchant for lies does not stop with its regulator. Access to nonpublic discovery material would further support what publicly available information has already established—that FOX and Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch lack the character required of public broadcast license trustees. Given that these documents have already been categorized, organized, and provided in various lawsuits, the FCC could request the same documents be provided to the petitioners with ease. A copy of MAD’s response to FTS can be found here. The Media and Democracy Project: MAD is a non-partisan, all-volunteer, grassroots organization focused on strengthening a free and independent media in the public interest. MAD aims to improve our national discourse so that American voters can engage in informed decision-making. As part of that goal, MAD has an interest in the responsibility of journalists and media to report fully, accurately, and fairly on the electoral process and the outcome of elections. Additional information is available at www.MediaAndDemocracyProject.Org. Contact Details Aaron Alberico +1 202-744-0786 aalberico@raynoravenue.com Company Website https://www.mediaanddemocracyproject.org/

October 23, 2023 11:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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News Direct Adapts to the Changing Landscape of News Distribution

News Direct

In response to the evolving dynamics in the news industry, News Direct, an innovative, key player in the newswire business, is taking proactive steps to redefine its role in the world of news distribution. The recent trend of major online publishers reducing their focus on news content has spurred News Direct to diversify its product offerings and amplify its digital presence. An October 19th New York Times article, co-authored by Mike Isaac, Katie Robertson, and Nico Grant, highlighted the concerning shift in the online publishing industry. Leading platforms like Facebook, X, Instagram, and Google are minimizing their support for news content. This trend not only affects the media landscape but also has profound implications for the public relations (PR) profession. News Direct occupies a unique position at the intersection between news and PR. It has observed the gradual diminishing effectiveness of traditional news releases in gaining earned media coverage, causing the focus to shift towards the posting of news releases on online platforms like Yahoo! Finance, social media channels like X (formerly known as Twitter) and harnessing the power of SEO. In response to these changes, News Direct is embarking on an intentional effort to diversify its product mix. In addition to pushing out content across its global network, the company is now focused on content amplification by becoming both a distributor of, and a destination for, such content. The primary catalyst for this shift is the dramatic surge in domain authority and organic traffic to newsdirect.com. Two key factors have contributed to this rise to Internet prominence. First, News Direct introduced " Digital Asset Direct ", a feature unique in the industry, allowing the distribution of standalone multimedia content over its newswire without the requirement of embedding it within a text-based news release. Such digital content, particularly video, aligns with Google's preference for multimedia, further enhancing the News Direct platform's performance in search results. Secondly, News Direct launched its Sponsored Content product, Town Square, which has seen thousands of sponsored articles published on the website. This has driven a substantial increase in organic traffic, organic keywords, and backlinks, significantly boosting domain ranking and authority. The success of these strategies has encouraged News Direct to expand its product suite to include podcasting ( News Direct Podcast Channel ), guest blogs ( Blog Buffet ), and soon, video/webinars. These offerings enable clients to leverage News Direct's website popularity and employ multiple influential formats to attract and engage audiences. Notably, News Direct posts this content but does not host it, ensuring that visitors are directed to the issuer's preferred site, such as YouTube. This approach provides a symbiotic relationship, whereby News Direct's web traffic benefits content creators, and in turn, that traffic is driven to the content creators' preferred hosting domains. The visitor universe of News Direct's website is diverse, attracting audiences from the PR, IR, and marketing communities, individual and institutional investors, journalists, consumers, and more. Thus, the digital environment acts as a melting pot, catering to various segments of society on a global scale. According to News Direct founder and CEO, Gregg Castano, "We at News Direct recognize that the challenges in the news distribution landscape present opportunities for innovation. To quote Winston Churchill, 'A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.' The dramatic pivot by online publishers most definitely will create obstacles for the PR profession, but we're optimistic that effective use of technology will provide viable alternatives for content amplification. While this is not the sole solution, News Direct is confident that it is a valuable option." About News Direct News Direct is a technology-driven content distribution and amplification platform for PR, IR, corporate communications and marketing professionals. Our automated platform delivers a completely reimagined, modernized user experience for newswire users that has reshaped the industry landscape. Additionally, the company has expanded its offerings to include an array of technology-enhanced message amplification tools ranging from sponsored content to podcasting products, all from one online destination. Contact Details News Direct Corp. Media at News Direct +1 917-698-4131 media@newsdirect.com Company Website http://www.newsdirect.com

October 23, 2023 10:24 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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The 2023 International Conference on Education Innovation: Redefining Learning Trends with AI

CommonWealth Education Media & Publishing

TAIPEI, TAIWAN - Media OutReach - 20 October 2023 - The rapid development of artificial intelligence in recent years has opened the way for AI to revolutionize learning. The most talked-about education-related topic in 2023 is how AI and other examples of cutting-edge technology can change the way we teach our children. Concurrently, interdisciplinary learning that revolves around urban centers is also catching on around the world thanks to its culturally rich, explorative nature. The main theme of the 2023 International Conference on Education Innovation, hosted by CommonWealth Education Media & Publishing, was "AI x Education: Redefining Learning". The topics of discussion focused on education goals, learning methods, and a deep dive into "why we learn" in the era of AI. In addition to the insightful discourse on global education trends, an exciting new program in this year's forum was the series of individual seminars that zeroed in on specific concepts, such as career planning, hands-on learning, and OPEN365, an invigorating new approach to improving education with outside-the-box thinking. The aim of the conference was to inject new ideas into Taiwan's education innovation ecosystem, so that it may have a lasting effect on the education system. Nearly a thousand parents and education workers participated in the annual extravaganza. A special highlight of the conference was the talk on "The World is Your School: Making Learning Fun with Technology", which saw Teachers Lead Tech founder Monika Katkute sharing success stories from Lithuania, in which EdTech helped students expand their understanding of the world. Hsiao-Yue Tsao, Chair of the Graduate Institute of Interactive Media Design at National Taipei University of Technology, spoke about cooperation between businesses and academia that aims to advance technological education. With her guidance, participants were able to experience the new era of the Metaverse, as well as inspiring new applications in AR, VR, and XR tech that showcased the creativity and diversity of Taiwan's education scene. Taiwan's booming EdTech industry was another area of great interest, as speakers shared case studies about how AI was used to teach students to play Go, the contribution of robots and the Internet of things (IoT) on campuses, interactive online courses, the utilization of tech to promote aesthetic education for children, etc. The rich tapestry of seminars and exhibitions allowed participants to witness live demonstrations on how AI and technology can be integrated into learning. The audience was wowed by different tech applications and how technology can turn the world of education on its head while creating new business opportunities. The proposed end goal is to change the methods of "teaching" and "learning" so that the ideal of "Personalized Learning" can become reality. The 2023 International Conference on Education Innovation hosted by CommonWealth Education Media & Publishing will continue to use its media influence to build new platforms for education innovation. Through in-depth dialogue and the free sharing of ideas, it is hoped that the education ecosystem will thrive and bring about greater cooperation between academia and the private sector. Contact Details CommonWealth Education Media & Publishing LO AN LIN roanlin@cw.com.tw

October 23, 2023 09:33 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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