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Hong Kong Baptist University research reveals that bisphenol S exposure may promote breast tumour progression and increase cancer risk

Hong Kong Baptist University

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach - 18 January 2022 - A study led by Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) has revealed that different degrees of exposure to bisphenol S (BPS), an industrial chemical widely used in paper products and plastic containers, are associated with the growth and deterioration of breast tumours in a mouse model. The research results suggest the need for more in-depth and comprehensive research on the potential negative impact of BPS on human health, and the ongoing search for a safer alternative for use in industrial production may be warranted. A research team led by Professor Cai Zongwei, Chair Professor of the Department of Chemistry and Director of the State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis at HKBU, has revealed that different degrees of exposure to bisphenol S are associated with the growth and deterioration of breast tumours in a mouse model. Apart from the HKBU scientists, the research team also included researchers from the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Xi’an Jiaotong University. The research results have been published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials, an international scientific journal. Association between BPS and breast cancer under-researched In the past, bisphenol A (BPA) was widely used in the production of a diverse range of products, such as baby bottles, food and beverage containers, and the thermal paper used for printing receipts. As previous research has shown an association between BPA exposure and human endocrine system disruption, metabolic disease and an increased risk of breast cancer in recent years, scientists have looked for alternatives to BPA, and BPS has been used as one of the substitutes. Despite reports on the adverse effects of BPS on human health, its impact on tumour progression and how it disrupts the relevant metabolic processes in breast cancer remain poorly understood. A research team led by Professor Cai Zongwei, Chair Professor of the Department of Chemistry and Director of the State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis at HKBU, carried out several experiments to explore how BPS exposure at environmentally relevant levels affects the development of breast tumours, including the tumour’s morphological characteristics as well as lipid and protein distribution, with the aid of mass spectrometry imaging technology. BPS exposure increases tumour volume and weight The research team conducted experiments on three groups of mice model that had been transplanted with human breast cancer cells. In the first dosing group (BPS-10 group), the mice were fed daily with a lower dosage of 10 micrograms of BPS per kilogram of body weight for eight weeks. In the second group (BPS-100 group), the mice were fed with a higher dosage of 100 micrograms of BPS per kilogram of body weight. The mice in the control group were fed olive oil. Tumour proliferation in the mice was then investigated, and the team used morphological analysis to study the breast tumour tissue. In general, increases in tumour volume and weight represent proliferation of tumour tissues. When a tumour further develops, the condition of its necrotic region and its peripheral tissues will change. However, the volume and weight of the tumour may reduce as a result of changes in the conditions of the tissues. After the eight-week experiment, the average volume and weight of the tumours in the BPS-10 group were 13 times and 11 times higher than that of the control group respectively, and the average volume and weight of the tumours in the BPS-100 group were 4 times and 4.5 times higher than that of the control group respectively. Therefore, the results show that exposure to BPS was closely related to the proliferation and deterioration of breast tumours. Different dosages associated with tumour proliferation and deterioration The research team analysed the necrotic region and neoplastic region of the breast tumours in the three groups of mice. The two regions are common pathological features of solid tumours. An increase in the relative proportion of the necrotic region reflects the proliferation of the tumour, while an extended neoplastic region indicates the deterioration of the tumour. In the control group, the status of tumour cells in the necrotic region and the neoplastic region was stable, and the mice from the group showed no significant tumour proliferation and deterioration after the experimental period. However, in the two BPS treated groups, an increase in tumour size was observed along with changes in the arrangement and distribution of tumour cells conducive to tumour proliferation and deterioration. After the experiment, the necrotic regions in the BPS-10 and the BPS-100 groups accounted for 54.7% and 11.5% of the average section area of the tumours respectively. The results indicate that a low dosage of BPS induces faster tumour growth, and a high dosage of BPS may ultimately lead to deterioration of the tumour, as shown by the relatively small average size of the necrotic region and the extended neoplastic tissue in the BPS-100 group. BPS affects the distribution of tumour-related lipids and proteins The research team identified six lipid biomarkers that regulate tumour growth. With the analysis of tumour tissues’ morphological characteristics and the use of mass spectrometry imaging, it was found that in the two BPS-exposed groups, these lipids were highly abundant in the necrotic regions of breast tumours when compared with the control group. The team inferred that the metabolism of these tumour-regulating lipids was interrupted in the breast tumours following exposure to BPS. The team also discovered the distribution of twelve protein biomarkers, including the proteins associated with breast tumour proliferation and deterioration. The results demonstrate the important function of BPS exposure-related lipids and proteins, and future research will further explore their role in breast cancer. BPS may increase human breast cancer risk The research team then compared the distribution of lipids and proteins in the BPS-exposed mice groups with those observed in human breast cancer tissue samples, and similar patterns were identified. While not all tumours will become cancerous, based on the benchmark results, the team deduced that exposure to BPS will increase the risk of breast cancer in humans. “BPA was replaced by the less studied chemical BPS in industrial production. Our research findings show that BPS may potentially be associated with breast tumour proliferation, and further study is deemed necessary to unveil more about the chemical’s possible negative impact on human health. In the long run, industry may need to identify safer substitutes for both BPA and BPS. Policymakers should also establish relevant safety standards and regulations for the use of BPS,” said Professor Cai. Contact Details Hong Kong Baptist University Winnie Shum from the Communication and Public Relations Office +852 3411 5262 hkbunews@hkbu.edu.hk Company Website https://www.hkbu.edu.hk/

January 18, 2022 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Surety Industry Launches Contractor Bonding Education & Mentoring Program

SFAA

The Surety & Fidelity Association of America (SFAA) and the National Association of Surety Bond Producers (NASBP) are pleased to announce they have jointly developed and launched the surety industry’s new Contractor Bonding Education & Mentoring Program. This free program helps small, new, emerging, minority-owned and other disadvantaged contractors learn how to qualify for construction surety bonds, thereby expanding their business opportunities and providing the services and benefits of these bonds. The Contractor Bonding Education & Mentoring Program includes two components: a set of eLearning modules available online 24/7, which can be taken on demand at the learner’s pace, and an optional mentor program with industry professionals who can provide practical advice and recommendations for the mentee to follow in their efforts to achieve bonding. “The surety industry has a longstanding commitment to providing resources and programs to new and emerging minority contractors. The Contractor Bonding Education & Mentoring Program was specifically designed by industry experts to provide the education needed to understand the bond qualification process,” said Lee Covington, president and CEO of SFAA. “By combining the modernized eLearning platform with a mentoring component, minority, and other contractors now have the opportunity to learn firsthand from professionals inside the industry, gaining valuable insight into the bonding qualification process to expand their business opportunities.” “Many small construction businesses simply are unaware of the value that surety relationships can bring to their business,” related Mark McCallum, CEO of NASBP. “This state-of-the-art educational program conveys those advantages and empowers them with knowledge.” SFAA and NASBP have been joined by several leading construction trade associations to spread awareness of the new educational opportunity including the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), and the National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC). “We look forward to making this program available to our AGC members, specifically underserved or disadvantaged contractors,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of America. “It provides a great foundation on the bonding application and qualification process and will help these contractors expand into new markets.” “The new Contractor Bonding Education & Mentoring Program is a valuable resource for underrepresented contractors,” said Michael Bellaman, president and CEO of Associated Building and Contractors. “The mentoring component is a critical piece, as these contractors can utilize the experience and expertise of professionals in the surety industry to gain practical knowledge about qualifying for a bond.” For more information about the Contractor Bonding Education & Mentoring Program, or to register, visit www.contractorbondinged.org. ### The Surety & Fidelity Association of America (SFAA) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan trade association representing all segments of the surety and fidelity industry. Based in Washington, D.C., SFAA works to promote the value of surety and fidelity bonding by proactively advocating on behalf of its members and stakeholders. The association’s more than 425 member companies write 98 percent of surety and fidelity bonds in the U.S. For more information visit www.surety.org. Founded in 1942, the National Association of Surety Bond Producers (NASBP) is the association of and resource for surety bond producers and allied professionals. NASBP members specialize in providing surety bonds for construction contracts and other purposes to companies and individuals needing the assurance offered by surety bonds. https://www.nasbp.org Contact Details SFAA Peter Roth - Vice President – Strategic Communications, Marketing & Research +1 703-401-0676 proth@surety.org Company Website https://surety.org/

January 13, 2022 09:55 AM Eastern Standard Time

Velocity Global and Icelantic’s Winter on the Rocks gives respite and relief to Marshall Fire victims

Velocity Global

$30,000 donation to relief fund VIP tickets to Red Rocks for those affected by the fire Velocity Global has partnered with Icelantic’s Winter on the Rocks to donate $30,0000 to the Boulder County Wildfire Fund to assist with recovery from the Marshall Fire, as well as a special VIP Red Rocks experience for those affected by the worst wildfire in Colorado history. “Our hearts go out to our neighbors who lost all of their possessions and precious life in the blink of an eye,” said Ben Wright, Velocity Global founder and CEO. “Money helps in times like this, but so does a brief escape from the realities of recovery. We chatted with our partners at Icelantic’s Winter on the Rocks to find a way to provide that getaway, even for just a night at Red Rocks.” Denver-based Velocity Global, the leading platform for global talent solutions, is a presenting sponsor of Icelantic’s Winter on the Rocks, a partnership between Icelantic Skis, The Pinecone Project, and AEG Presents Rocky Mountain. The group is donating VIP tickets to those affected by the Marshall Fire. “Music and community can help heal and we’re thrilled to be in a position to offer both to those impacted by this tragedy,” said Sam Warren, director and founder of Winter on the Rocks. “We’re asking anyone who knows someone affected to let us know and we’ll give them a night at Red Rocks.” The only winter concert at Red Rocks is celebrating its 10-year anniversary this year with Diplo, Sofi Tukker, Talib Kweli, DJ Matt Cassidy, and JACOBY on January 28th. Velocity Global will distribute tickets to those affected through its social media accounts on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram starting today. About Velocity Global Velocity Global accelerates the future of work beyond borders. Its global work platform simplifies the employer and employee experience to employ any talent anywhere with just a click through its proprietary cloud-based workforce management technology, backed by personalized expertise and unmatched global scale. As the largest global Employer of Record (also known as International PEO) in 185 countries and all 50 United States, more than 1,000 brands rely on Velocity Global to build global teams without the cost or complexity of setting up foreign legal entities or state registrations. The company offers additional services including Independent Contractor Compliance to assess a workforce, and Agent of Record (AoR) to streamline payments to contractors. Velocity Global was named a “Leader” in Global Employer of Record services by prominent analyst firm NelsonHall. Founded in 2014, the company has hundreds of employees across six continents. For more information visit velocityglobal.com. Contact Details Velocity Global John Hall +1 720-650-4348 news@velocityglobal.com Company Website https://velocityglobal.com/

January 13, 2022 07:01 AM Mountain Standard Time

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Mary’s Meals Launches New School Feeding Program in Yemen

Mary's Meals USA

Mary’s Meals, the global school feeding charity, has started a new program in Yemen. The organization currently feeds more than two million children every school day in some of the world’s poorest communities, offering children not only the sustenance of a nutritious meal, but also the chance of an education and hope for a brighter future. Working in partnership with established international nongovernmental operation (NGO), Yemen Aid, Mary’s Meals will now provide four schools in the Al Mansoora district of Aden with daily meals for more than 4,000 children. This district is particularly vulnerable as it is home to a large number of internally displaced people (IDPs) and other marginalized populations who all experience high levels of hunger. Building on Yemen Aid’s existing relationships with these communities and their leaders, Mary’s Meals successfully implemented a daily meal of a filled pita bread sandwich with fruit or vegetables for every child in school. In Yemen, poverty and conflict often keep children out of education and coercion into child labor can become a real threat. The serving of a nutritious lunch encourages children and attracts them back into the security of the classroom. Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, Founder and CEO of Mary’s Meals, said, “Mary’s Meals always has a desire to support those in the greatest need. Given that Yemen can be described as the biggest humanitarian crisis in the world, and so many children are suffering, we are delighted to begin serving our daily school meals there – meeting the immediate need of the hungry child and, crucially, at the same time, enabling their education. We thank all those supporting our work in ways that make it possible for us to keep moving forward towards the next child waiting.” Yemen Aid was founded in 2016 by CEO Summar Nasser and a group of fellow Yemeni Americans in response to the protracted humanitarian crisis in Yemen. Mary’s Meals contacted Yemen Aid to see how a school feeding program might benefit the children in Yemen, after reading about the organization’s crucial work. Kathryn Gemmell, Program Partner Manager at Mary’s Meals International, said, “Yemen Aid has been doing invaluable work in the country for several years now and they have developed strong links with local communities. We are grateful to be able to learn from their experience and to work in close partnership with them to serve the children of Yemen.” Summer Nasser, CEO of Yemen Aid, said, “As we embark on this new relationship with Mary’s Meals, our hope is to increase support to children by tackling hunger through strategic, sustainable approaches in the education sector. The school feeding program will broaden the horizon for these students who have been losing interest in school and provide more security for parents.” Currently, Yemen Aid provides thousands of food baskets to displaced people and communities and supports thousands of malnourished children. They also provide support and advice with hygiene, health and welfare issues. Additionally, they run a number of women’s programs, supporting female farmers, supplying resources to female businesses and offering skills enhancement and psychosocial support. Background info on the Crisis in Yemen UNICEF references Yemen as the largest humanitarian crisis in the world, with around 21 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, including more than 11 million children. The escalating conflict and economic decline mean nearly 2.3 million children under five years of age are projected to suffer from acute malnutrition this year, says a February 2021 report by four UN agencies. 400,000 of these fledgling children are expected to die if they do not receive urgent treatment. Note to Editors: Interviews with Mary's Meals leadership and additional images are available upon request. About Mary’s Meals Mary's Meals is a global movement that sets up school feeding projects in some of the world’s poorest communities, where poverty and hunger prevent children from gaining an education. Mary’s Meals works with in-country volunteers to provide one daily meal in a place of learning to attract chronically poor children into the classroom, where they receive an education that can be their ladder out of poverty. Mary’s Meals began by feeding just 200 children in Malawi in 2002. Today, the organization feeds 2,058,099 hungry children every school day across five continents, in the following countries: Benin, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Haiti, India, Kenya, Lebanon, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Myanmar, Niger, South Sudan, Syria, Thailand, Uganda, Yemen, Zambia and Zimbabwe. For more information about Mary’s Meals visit: www.marysmeals.org. Follow Mary’s Meals on Facebook or Instagram. Contact Details Mary's Meals USA Paul McMahon +1 781-910-0904 paul.mcmahon@marysmeals.org Company Website https://www.marysmealsusa.org/

January 13, 2022 08:13 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Volatus Aerospace accelerates its Public Safety Initiative with the addition of advanced UAV Mobile Command Units

Volatus Aerospace Corp.

Volatus Aerospace Corp. (TSXV: VOL) (“Volatus”) is pleased to announce that it has partnered with Illinois-based DRAXXON to market and sell fully integrated mobile command centers configured to support drone operations in a public safety environment. Demonstrations of these Mobile Command Centers and various public safety drones will provide an opportunity for first responders to evaluate customized solutions to meet their tactical requirements. The Mobile Command Center enhances Volatus’ integrated solutions for public safety agencies. “The public safety market is rapidly adopting the use of tactical drones and the application of Drones as First Responder. We are committed to being a leading provider of turnkey solutions in this sector,” said Glen Lynch, Volatus CEO. “Mobile Command Centers provide all the components of a rapid response unit including drone communications, flight operations, and live data feeds. DRAXXON is a leading manufacturer of high-quality, specialized vehicles designed for multi-mission capabilities. Innovation and quality make them a perfect partner for our public safety initiative.” DRAXXON CEO Brock Wilkerson remarked, “Partnering with Volatus and integrating their various drones, mission control systems, and intelligence offerings with our high quality, specialized vehicle solutions, results in powerful resources for first responders.” According to Markets&Markets in their 2021 report ‘Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market,’ the global government and law enforcement market is forecast at US$5.72B by 2026 growing at a CAGR of 17.1%. The public safety market is a targeted growth sector for Volatus. “Delivery of the first vehicle is scheduled for January 25 th and our North American roadshow will begin in March," said Dean Attridge, VP of Solutions Engineering. "We will be showcasing our fully integrated solution at the International Security Conference & Exhibition (ISC) West tradeshow.” About Volatus Aerospace: Volatus Aerospace is a leading provider of integrated drone solutions. Operating a vast pilot network with offices throughout Canada, the United States, and South America, Volatus provides enterprise and industrial solutions including training, equipment sales & support, imaging & inspection services, drone cargo solutions, design & manufacture, and research & development. With a rapidly expanding network of strategic partnerships and acquisitions, Volatus is driving the full potential of UAV technologies around the world and shaping the industry of tomorrow. Forward-Looking Statement: This news release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Corporation with respect to future business activities and operating performance. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes” or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or statements formed in the future tense or indicating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” (or other variations of the foregoing) be taken, occur, be achieved, or come to pass. Forward-looking information includes information regarding (i) the business plans and expectations of the Corporation; and (ii) expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Forward-looking information is based on currently available competitive, financial and economic data and operating plans, strategies or beliefs as of the date of this news release, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Corporation to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors may be based on information currently available to the Corporation, including information obtained from third-party industry analysts and other third-party sources, and are based on management’s current expectations or beliefs. Any and all forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflects expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Forward-looking information reflects the Corporation’s current beliefs and is based on information currently available to it and on assumptions it believes to be not unreasonable in light of all of the circumstances. In some instances, material factors or assumptions are discussed in this news release in connection with statements containing forward-looking information. Such material factors and assumptions include, but are not limited to: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Corporation; meeting the continued listing requirements of the TSXV; and anticipated and unanticipated costs and other factors referenced in this news release and the Circular, including, but not limited to, those set forth in the Circular under the caption “Risk Factors”. Although the Corporation has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. The forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this news release and, other than as required by law, the Corporation disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Contact Details Volatus Aerospace Corp. Rob Walker +1 514-447-7986 rob.walker@volatusaerospace.com Company Website https://volatusaerospace.com

January 12, 2022 07:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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College of DuPage MPTV Student Produces Annual Fundraising Video for Spay Illinois

College of DuPage

College of DuPage Motion Picture and Television (MPTV) program student David Roudebush recently wrote, produced and directed a five-minute public service announcement highlighting Spay Illinois, a non-profit organization providing low-cost care to pet owners facing financial hardship. “It was my first time doing anything like this,” he said. “I learned on the spot and soaked in every last bit. That sometimes meant working 14-hour days, but it was worth it because it’s not really work when you love what you do.” Roudebush was approached by COD MPTV Professor Tony Venezia earlier in the semester to see if he would be interested in spearheading the video project to help Spay Illinois raise funds for their annual giving campaign. “I jumped at the opportunity because being able to use what I’m learning in the classroom for a professional client would be invaluable experience,” he said. “I also knew that I was passionate about Spay’s mission, and the more I talked to their staff, the more I felt a connection to the organization.” Roudebush got a chance to experience firsthand what goes into making a professional production from start to finish. As the writer, producer, director and editor for the project, he spent weeks planning every meticulous detail, including the technical aspects like lighting and sound, as well as creating a story arch and an emotional hook. “I had to think about what was going to land the ultimate goal of getting this organization the critical funds that they needed to help more pet owners in need,” he said. “I wanted to give the client something that was professional grade and reflected their mission statement.” Once Roudebush found a willing client whose dog’s life was saved when Spay Illinois stepped in to help, his vision came to life. Through firsthand storytelling, Roudebush’s finished product was an emotional and raw video that helped the non-profit organization reach its year-end fundraising goal. Venezia said he was impressed with the professionalism Roudebush displayed throughout the project. “I am highly impressed with the artistry of the project and David’s drive and dedication to his work,” he said. “The camera work is extraordinary and fully supports the message of the video. I also am impressed with the professionalism, care and involvement from everyone involved, including the staff from Spay. Excellent, amazing, professional work from all sides.” Roudebush credits his success on the project to his experience at COD. “At the end of the day, having COD as a resource and a safe place gave me the confidence that I could be successful working on a professional grade project that involved wearing multiple hats,” he said. “COD has really prepared me for what’s to come. I had this level of confidence that’s been missing for a long time.” Watch Roudebush’s fundraising video he produced for Spay Illinois. Finding Purpose at COD Roudebush enrolled in COD’s MTPV program at age 29 after spending nearly a decade working a variety of jobs. “Before finding my way at COD, I never thought I could made money off of dream jobs,” he said. “But one night I was watching the credits of a movie and saw that there were hundreds of names scrolling down the screen from lighting designers to photographers to writers. With the rise in streaming platforms, the needs of a crew are only going to grow, so I figured why not try it. When I finally got to COD, the MPTV department was able to provide me resources, knowledge and a safe place to explore my craft. And I’m still learning. I signed up for another semester because I truly don’t want to leave.” Eager to gain as much experience as possible, Roudebush began working as a student worker in the MPTV department helping students learn various multimedia equipment and assist students with studio rentals. “Working in the department allows me to have a center seat at the table,” he said. “The students that are the most successful are the ones that, like myself, completely commit to what COD has to offer. It’s about showing engagement with what is possible here. At a commuter school it’s so easy to come and leave, but getting involved is so important.” Hear more about Roudebush’s experience in COD’s MPTV program. Contact Details College of DuPage Angela Mennecke +1 630-942-3134 menneckea@cod.edu

January 12, 2022 02:19 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Velocity Global welcomes LPGA Tour Stars Lexi Thompson and Albane Valenzuela as brand ambassadors

Velocity Global

Velocity Globa l, the leading provider of global talent solutions, welcomed 11-time LPGA Tour champion, Lexi Thompson, and former Stanford collegiate standout and rising LPGA star, Albane Valenzuela, as global golf brand ambassadors. Both 2021 Olympians will display the Velocity Global logo on their hats throughout the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Thompson and Valenzuela join six-time PGA TOUR champion and 2021 DP World Tour BMW PGA champion, Billy Horschel, and four-time Advocates Pro Golf Association (APGA) Tour champion, Kevin Hall, as global brand ambassadors for Velocity Global. “Studies are backed by stories from our clients and employees on how important ‘work anywhere’ is to women, and it was time for us to welcome two of the best professionals in the world of golf to help us tell that story,” said Rob Wellner, Velocity Global chief revenue officer. “Lexi and Albane carry our message to a global audience that embraces the opportunity to work for anyone, anywhere. We can’t wait to support both of them as they compete around the world.” Thompson is one of the biggest stars on the LPGA Tour and across all of sports, and has been a top performer since she turned pro in 2010 at the age of 15. She owns 14 worldwide professional victories, including one major championship, and she is currently ranked 12th on the Rolex Rankings. She has represented the U.S.A. five times at the Solheim Cup and twice as an Olympian in Rio and Tokyo. She turned her passion for fitness and self-care into businesses as an entrepreneur with her LEXI Skin and LEXI Fitness brands. “I’m blessed to apply my talents all over the world, and that’s what Velocity Global makes possible for other professions,” said Thompson. “They help people work for anyone, anywhere around the world. And as an entrepreneur, I love their passion for helping businesses grow. Velocity Global is a perfect fit and I’m proud to represent them.” Valenzuela is truly a global citizen of the game as she was born in New York, moved to Mexico at a young age, and later grew up in Switzerland. Her father is from Mexico and her mother is from France, which led to her fluencies in English, French, Spanish, and German. She had a historic collegiate career at Stanford University where she competed in 11 major championships as an amateur, was the 2019 Pac-12 Golfer of the Year, and was a two-time runner-up in the U.S. Women’s Amateur. Albane turned pro in 2020 and represented Switzerland in the last two Olympic games. She uses her platform on the LPGA Tour to support her other passion, Alexis for Autism, a foundation established with and named after her brother that raises funds for associations, foundations, and medical research for autism. “I grew up in a family that knows what it means to be global citizens, and I found a partner in Velocity Global that aligns with that world view,” said Valenzuela. “Golf is truly a global sport. To achieve success, you must perform against anyone, anywhere. That’s exactly what Velocity Global enables for businesses and talent.” Thompson and Valenzuela begin their 2022 seasons at the Gainbridge LPGA at Boca Rio on January 27. About Velocity Global Velocity Global accelerates the future of work beyond borders. Its global work platform simplifies the employer and employee experience to employ any talent anywhere with just a click through its proprietary cloud-based workforce management technology, backed by personalized expertise and unmatched global scale. As the largest global Employer of Record (also known as International PEO) in 185 countries and all 50 United States, more than 1,000 brands rely on Velocity Global to build global teams without the cost or complexity of setting up foreign legal entities or state registrations. The company offers additional services including Independent Contractor Compliance to assess a workforce, and Agent of Record (AoR) to streamline payments to contractors. Velocity Global was named a “Leader” in Global Employer of Record services by prominent analyst firm NelsonHall. Founded in 2014, the company has hundreds of employees across six continents. For more information visit velocityglobal.com. Contact Details Velocity Global John Hall +1 720-650-4348 news@velocityglobal.com For Lexi Thompson Brett Falkoff, VP, Golf, GSE Worldwide bfalkoff@gseworldwide.com For Albane Valenzuela Jon Heaton, VP, Excel Sports Management jheaton@excelsm.com Company Website https://velocityglobal.com/

January 11, 2022 07:01 AM Mountain Standard Time

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Kenny Clark Grows Minuteman Press Printing Franchise in McKinney, Texas

Minuteman Press International Inc

Minuteman Press in McKinney, Texas is located at 1502 W. University Drive, Suite 111. Owner Kenny Clark has owned the local printing franchise since August 2014. Operating as an essential business over the past two years, Kenny has consistently grown his sales and helped other local businesses meet their ever-changing needs for custom design, print, and marketing services. Kenny says, “We have worked hard to serve our customers with anything they have needed over the past two years and that hard work has paid off. I was born and raised in Texas, and one thing I did was remain open. I went to work every single day because I wanted to be there to answer the phone when other businesses weren’t. If you could hear the relief in their voices when I answered the phone, you would understand just how huge that personal touch and human connection was at that time.” “I was fortunate enough to remain open as an essential business, and by being there for new and existing clients at a time where they needed me most, that really was a big key to growing our business. Today, I am stronger than I was before the pandemic, and our client base is stronger as well.” -Kenny Clark, owner, Minuteman Press franchise, McKinney, Texas. With eight years of business under his belt including two years of operating under unprecedented circumstances, Kenny is able to share his insights and keys to growth for Minuteman Press in McKinney. He says, “We have many products that are in high demand, and the key to our success is that we sell ourselves through our actions. We offer speed and service, and a job done right, no matter what our clients need.” He continues, “We offer custom graphic design services with fast turnaround, which then leads to fast production of banners, signs, blueprints, business cards and stationery, and anything our clients need or want to grow their business through increased brand awareness and visibility. Direct mail has also been a growth point for us.” Why direct mail? Kenny explains, “I find printing to be one of the absolute core essentials of any marketing strategy. More than ever, we see that there are thousands of emails that get lost in the shuffle and deleted. When you have something in your hand that you can physically hold and touch, you are more likely to take a closer look at it. Emails can get swallowed up by spam filters and deleted with one click, while direct mail has that unique ability to capture someone’s attention because it’s right in their hands.” “Right now, one of my biggest clients is doing direct mail campaigns with us more than any other types of products and services. They have found that direct mail really works for them, and that Minuteman Press is the perfect local partner to help them design, print, and deliver their messages to best reach their target audience.” -Kenny Clark When it comes to marketing his business, Kenny takes a multi-faceted approach. “I tell my team all the time, we don’t just get out there and market for the sake of marketing. I like to say, ‘We quote it to win it.’ We have really focused on marketing ourselves on speed and service, and direct conversations with our clients. We are not the cheapest printer in McKinney, Texas, but if you want and need the job done right, I am your guy.” Kenny has also taken advantage of the proprietary Minuteman Press FLEX software as well as the Internet marketing resources available to him. “We used the FLEX software all of the time when quoting jobs for clients, and it’s a valuable tool to make sure we are managing pricing and production correctly. Specifically, I have been using the CSSP function that helps me see how to properly price orders for quotes based on current pricing trends. A year and a half ago, I really started bolstering our Internet marketing, and that has really paid off as well in generating new business.” “The support from Minuteman Press International has been exactly what it was promised to be. My Regional Vice President Pete Scaglione and the local field team are there for me. When I call them, they will jump through hoops to help me out. If I email the IT team at World Headquarters with a question about the FLEX software or anything else I need, I always receive quick replies that contain precise, detailed answers. We all have the same mindset, and we are all in this together.” -Kenny Clark Prior to franchising with Minuteman Press, Kenny saw his job in the electronics industry take him traveling around the world. “I had a working background in electronics, manufacturing of circuit boards, and business development. Flying everywhere was getting really old really fast and I wanted to be there for my kids. Minuteman Press helped me do that.” When asked about additional reasons Kenny chose to buy Minuteman Press in McKinney, Kenny answers, “At the end of the day, the cost to buy a Minuteman Press franchise was reasonable and cost less than most other franchises. The majority of franchises have the philosophy of ‘the more you make, the more we take.’ Essentially, you are punished for having a successful franchise, but that is not the case with Minuteman Press International. Their royalty cap was the deciding factor for me in joining Minuteman. I am allowed to keep more of my well-earned money and invest it back into the business as I see fit.” Kenny continues, “The other thing that other people don’t realize is the benefit of having low turnover due to the fact that we hire skilled workers. I looked into the fast food industry, and there just seemed to be too much turnover due to the nature of the work as well as other headaches that would carry over into weekends such as staffing as well as food supply.” He adds, “Not having to worry about the business on weekends and having that freedom is huge. You can’t put a price on that.” For those who are researching businesses including Minuteman Press, Kenny’s advice is this: “Ask yourself if you see yourself running the business you are buying Also, are you willing to do the work? The biggest mistake people make is that they open the business and hope that clients will just walk through your doors and automatically come to you. If you don’t get out and market, if you aren’t hustling, you are not going to make it. You have to want it and follow the business model, get out there and go get it. All of your marketing efforts will come back to you and pay off. I can attest to that.” For more information about Minuteman Press in McKinney, Texas, visit their website: https://minuteman.com/us/locations/tx/mckinney. Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com. Contact Details Minuteman Press International Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

January 10, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Elsevier launches Complete Anatomy female model, the most advanced full female anatomy model available in the world

Elsevier

The innovative 3D solution marks a major milestone in education equality with the representation of the full female anatomy in the study of the human body The launch is coming at a time when females are more likely to be misdiagnosed for health conditions compared to male counterparts Elsevier, a global leader in research publishing and information analytics, is pleased to announce the launch of the most advanced 3D full female model ever available, as part of the latest addition to its 3D platform, Complete Anatomy. This marks the first time that a female model has been built with this level of detail in its entirety, to represent the female — versus replacing specific areas of the male anatomy with female features. The solution allows educators to visualize, edit and teach anatomy entirely from the female perspective for the first time, all in stunningly realistic 3D detail. Complete Anatomy is a revolutionary cloud-based medical education platform from 3D4 Medical by Elsevier and is the No. 1 top-selling medical category app on iPad in the U.S., with over 20 million downloads globally. The launch signifies a major milestone in equal representation by preparing medical, nursing and allied health students with the most complete understanding of the female anatomy. Historically, the full female anatomy has been underrepresented in the study of the human body. Now, educators can choose the sex with which they’d like to teach their full curriculum, in addition to having the option of switching between male and female anatomies to teach comparative differences in sex-specific regions of the body. The Complete Anatomy female model provides educators with a more comprehensive teaching approach that allows them to switch seamlessly between teaching both female and male anatomy. Elizabeth Munn, Managing Director, Global Medical Education, Elsevier, said: “As an advocate for content that is diverse and inclusive, we are thrilled to offer this groundbreaking full female model to allow educators to teach anatomy in an equal and comprehensive way. Complete Anatomy is continuing Elsevier’s rich heritage of innovation in education by delivering on our vision of providing transformative medical education solutions. We are proud to take this step forward in addressing gender bias and believe Complete Anatomy’s female model will have a tremendous impact on the educational experience of medical students worldwide as well as on the outcomes of patients they treat in the future.” Informed by four years of expert research and development, anthropological data from specialist texts, academic papers and customer feedback, the addition of the female model to Complete Anatomy’s 3D platform provides an unprecedented opportunity to study the female form in more detail than before. Complete Anatomy’s female model will benefit all courses that teach anatomy and is an essential virtual tool for learners studying outside the lab who need a deeper understanding of both male and female anatomies. The Complete Anatomy female model includes: The full skeletal system — A complete female skeletal system includes a wide array of unique features, rarely seen in anatomical texts. Sexual differences have been applied to areas such as the pelvis and skull. Long bones have been proportioned, and bone angles accurately reflect the uniquely female architectural skeletal base. Accurate portrayal of muscles — To create an accurate representation of the female anatomy, the overall volume of muscle mass for each muscle has been reduced by roughly 30%, in line with research findings from the broadest demographic of females as compared to males. Visually detailed female-specific regions — The female-specific regions have been created in detail that is equivalent to the male counterpart. Breast tissue can be hemisected or quartered to reveal the underlying tissues with a more accurate distribution and representative state of the mammary glands, now shown as nonlactating, unlike most anatomical resources. The reproductive organs from the internal and external genitalia have been remodeled to accurately show their continued relationship. Comparative functionality — Users can switch between models for comparative study on any part of the male and female forms, compare sexual differences and reveal the origin and distribution of nerves. Users can learn continuity from a “Gray’s Anatomy”-inspired atlas and dissection course, take quizzes and watch videos to test their skills. Lead subject matter expert on the update Yasmin Carter, PhD, Assistant Professor of Translational Anatomy at the UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA said: “One of the inherent dangers in using only the male body as ‘anatomical normal’ and the female body as a variation, is perpetuating sexist attitudes. This unconscious bias will be carried by learners into their future interactions with the body, including potentially with patients. Complete Anatomy is creating a platform of representation that is diverse, balanced, and most importantly, accurate. By giving educators the option to choose the female body as the basis for their students’ education, Elsevier is helping evolve equitable teaching practices by normalizing the female body. Complete Anatomy’s female model will support me in training the next generation of medical professionals to be more appropriate and inclusive.” Elsevier has been working continuously to enhance its global portfolio of medical education solutions, digital learning tools and analytics for medical and nursing students to prepare them for successful careers in health professions. Recently, Elsevier announced the acquisition of Osmosis, a visual learning platform for medical students and professionals, which followed other acquisitions in nursing and health education, including Shadow Health, a developer of virtual nursing simulations, and the 2019 acquisition of 3D4 Medical, the creator of the Complete Anatomy app. In addition, Elsevier launched ClinicalKey Student, an interactive medical education platform equipped with learning tools to support both students and faculty. --- About Complete Anatomy Complete Anatomy from 3D4 Medical by Elsevier is the world's most advanced 3D anatomy platform. The revolutionary cloud-based education platform allows users to investigate the minute detail of the human anatomy in incredible 3D. Complete Anatomy is transforming medical learning and practice across the world, leading the way in the production of groundbreaking 3D medical technology. Featuring over 2.5 million registered customers and over 20 million downloads globally, Complete Anatomy is used daily in over 350 top universities around the world as well as with global clinical organizations. Complete Anatomy’s award-winning software has been featured on stage at Apple and Microsoft events, was honored as the Winner of the Apple Design Awards in 2016, and is the No. 1 top-selling medical category app on iPad in the U.S. 3D4 Medical has been developing medical and anatomical products since 2009 and was acquired by Elsevier in 2019. 3D4 Medical by Elsevier has continued to provide industry-leading innovations that have allowed new ways for students, educators and those in the medical community to learn and understand the human anatomy. To learn more about Complete Anatomy’s female model and the experience it provides users, please visit the 3D4 website. About Elsevier As a global leader in information and analytics, Elsevier helps researchers and healthcare professionals advance science and improve health outcomes for the benefit of society. We do this by facilitating insights and critical decision-making for customers across the global research and health ecosystems. In everything we publish, we uphold the highest standards of quality and integrity. We bring that same rigor to our information analytics solutions for researchers, health professionals, institutions and funders. Elsevier employs 8,100 people worldwide. We have supported the work of our research and health partners for more than 140 years. Growing from our roots in publishing, we offer knowledge and valuable analytics that help our users make breakthroughs and drive societal progress. Digital solutions such as ScienceDirect, Scopus, SciVal, ClinicalKey and Sherpath support strategic research management, R&D performance, clinical decision support, and health education. Researchers and healthcare professionals rely on our 2,500+ digitized journals, including The Lancet and Cell; our 40,000 eBook titles; and our iconic reference works, such as Gray's Anatomy. With the Elsevier Foundation and our external Inclusion & Diversity Advisory Board, we work in partnership with diverse stakeholders to advance inclusion and diversity in science, research and healthcare in developing countries and around the world. Elsevier is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. www.elsevier.com Media contact Teresa Mueller, Vice President, Global Health Markets Elsevier Communications t.mueller@elsevier.com Contact Details Elsevier Communications Teresa Mueller, Vice President, Global Health Markets +31 6 20987384 t.mueller@elsevier.com Company Website https://www.elsevier.com/

January 10, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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