New Guinness® World Record – World’s Biggest Bug Hotel

World Record Bug Hotel Certificate

Highland Titles – World Record Holders

DUROR, Scotland, March 31, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On Monday 28th March 2022, conservation company Highland Titles achieved a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORD® for the world’s biggest bug/insect hotel, which means Highland Titles are “Officially Amazing!”®

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c6d0e716-dbd2-4737-934d-660fac898b70

The 199.9 cubic metre structure is located on the Highland Titles Nature Reserve at Duror in the Scottish Highlands and already houses a variety of species. It breaks the previous world record of 89.37 cubic metres, which was held by the Polish Association of Developers in Warsaw, Poland.

The world record-breaking bug hotel was made using felled sitka spruce from the nature reserve, masonry bricks, bamboo canes, wood chips, forest bark, wildflower seeds, clay pipes and strawberry netting.

World Record Bug Hotel

The World Record Bug Hotel is 199.9 cubic metres

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8f7ca5a3-5c5c-4d71-a475-daceb2ca6aff

“This record-breaking initiative is about the environmental message,” says Douglas Wilson, CEO of Highland Titles. “We bought this land in 2006 when it was a poorly performing commercial forestry plantation of non-native Sitka Spruce.

“Like much of the Highlands, it was inappropriately planted in the late 1980s with no thought or consideration given to biodiversity. Using these same trees for something that puts nature first symbolises that the world has changed, and we hope our efforts will inspire others. We’d be delighted if someone beat our record in the future!”

Nature Reserve Manager, Stewart Borland, was part of a team of 7 who were involved in its construction which started in September 2021 and was completed in early March 2022. In addition to the environmental message, Mr Borland hopes that it encourages people to visit:

“In 2019, we had more than 10,000 visitors to the nature reserve from all over the world. The pandemic really put a dent in our visitor numbers, so we hope that this – together with the new track which is adored by cyclists – will encourage people to visit now that travel is opening up again. The more visitors we get, the more people can see the work that we’re doing.”

About Highland Titles

Highland Titles began in 2006 with a mission to conserve Scotland, one square foot at a time. The conservation project – now encompassing 5 nature reserves and over 800 acres of Scottish wilderness – is funded by selling gift-sized souvenir plots of land.

The Highland Titles community of souvenir plot owners are invited to style themselves as the Lords and Ladies of Glencoe™. Over 300,000 plots of land have been sold to date.

The Highland Titles Nature Reserve near Glencoe is an official 4* tourist attraction and, according to Trip Advisor, one of the most popular nature reserves in the country.

Resources

For more information on the World’s Biggest Bug Hotel, visit here

For more photographs or video content, please email support@highlandtitles.com with your email address, name and phone number

Contact

Douglas Wilson, CEO
douglas@highlandtitles.com

Kither Biotech announces publication of new data in Science Translational Medicine

Kither Biotech announces publication of new data in Science Translational Medicine

Data support the use of Kither Biotech’s lead asset, KIT2014, in obstructive airway diseases

KIT2014 demonstrated a triple mechanism of action in reversing disease pathogenesis: enhancing functionality of CFTR channels and reducing bronchoconstriction and inflammation

Adds to evidence supporting the use of KIT2014 as a potential add-on therapy to current cystic fibrosis standard of care

Turin, Italy, 31 2022Kither Biotech (Kither or “the Company”), a biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapies for rare respiratory diseases, today announces the publication of a study in Science Translational Medicine describing the mechanism of action of its lead asset, KIT2014, and proof-of-concept data for its use for the treatment of chronic obstructive airway diseases (Sci. Transl. Med., 14 (638), eabl6328. • DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abl6328).

KIT2014 is a novel, cell-permeable peptide currently being investigated for the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) that works to modulate cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels inside cells. Increasing cAMP can reduce mucus accumulation, inflammation, and bronchoconstriction, issues that are inherent to cystic fibrosis. KIT2014 is currently being developed as an add-on to the current standard of care enabling improved efficacy by directly focusing on the most significant ailments of CF patients, delivered directly to the lungs as an inhaled therapy. The Company expects to begin a Phase 1/2A clinical trial of KIT2014 in 2023.

The data demonstrate the therapeutic potential of inhaled KIT2014 (referred to as PI3Kγ MP in the publication) to increase cAMP levels in pulmonary cells, alleviating the pathogenesis of several obstructive airway diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, asthma and COPD, through a triple mechanism of action: promoting bronchodilation, reducing lung inflammation, and enhancing the activity of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), the channel that triggers mucus hydration and clearance. In airway cells from patients with cystic fibrosis, a disease where CFTR dysfunction is particularly critical, KIT2014 was reported to enhance the effects of existing CFTR modulators by up to 80%.

Vincent Metzler, CEO at Kither Biotech, commented: The publication of these data in a prominent peer-reviewed journal represents an important step as we advance the development of KIT2014 for the treatment of cystic fibrosis as an add-on therapy to CFTR modulators. We are preparing for our Phase 1/2A clinical trial of KIT2014, as we move one step closer to potentially bringing this innovative therapy to patients with unmet need.

Alessandra Ghigo, scientific co-founder at Kither Biotech and lead investigator, said: These new data validate KIT2014’s ability to modulate cAMP signal transduction in the lungs, increasing the functionality of CFTR channels, as well as reducing inflammation and bronchoconstriction, properties which are potentially highly beneficial to patients with cystic fibrosis and other diseases like COPD and asthma. We are looking forward to commencing clinical trials for KIT2014.”

Emilio Hirsch, scientific co-founder at Kither Biotech and last author, added: Our data of KIT2014 showing an enhancement of the effect of existing CFTR modulators by 80% demonstrate the potential of this peptide, when administered as an inhalation therapy, to improve the condition of many patients still suffering from CF or other respiratory diseases.”

ENDS

About Kither Biotech
Kither Biotech is a biopharma company founded by Prof. Alessandra Ghigo, Prof. Emilio Hirsch, Prof. Alberto Bardelli and Marco Kevin Malisani. The company aims to identify and develop new drug candidates for the treatment of rare pulmonary diseases, with specific focus on cystic fibrosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Kither Biotech is a spin-off from the University of Turin and actively collaborates with the Molecular Biotechnology Center (University of Turin) and other research centres in the world. The company developed a pipeline of treatments currently under preclinical development, with programs in cystic fibrosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and other respiratory diseases. |www.kitherbiotech.com

About KIT2014

KIT2014 is a cell-permeable cAMP modulating peptide that disrupts the interaction of PI3Kgamma with its partner, protein kinase A (PKA), leading to type 3 and 4 phosphodiesterases (PDE3/4) inhibition and, in turn, to enhanced cAMP responses within the cell. KIT2014 is currently being investigated for the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) as an add-on inhalation therapy to the current standard of care, enabling improved efficacy by directly impacting mucus hypersecretion, airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction, the most significant ailments of CF patients. When inhaled, KIT2014 increases cAMP locally in bronchial epithelial cells to promote the opening of CFTR chloride channels, which are key to mucus hydration, while in lung smooth muscle and immune cells cAMP elevation limits bronchoconstriction and neutrophil infiltration. In CF patients, treatment with KIT2014 is believed to restore the function of CFTR mutants by potentiating the effects of CFTR modulators (Ghigo et al., Science Translational Medicine, in press).

For more information please contact:

Consilium Srategic Communications
Matthew Cole / Davide Salvi / Lucie Foster
KitherBiotech@consilium-comms.com
Tel: +44 (0) 20 3709 5700

Click HERE for the Italian version of the release

GCP Announces Asia Pacific Price Increase on all construction products

SINGAPORE, March 30, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GCP Applied Technologies Inc. (NYSE: GCP) (GCP or the Company), a leading global provider of construction products, today announced it is implementing price increases for Concrete Admixtures, Cement Additives and Specialty Building Materials in Asia Pacific.

To continue providing the exceptional solutions GCP’s customers rely on, at the levels of service they require, it is necessary to increase prices for all construction products effective April 1, 2022.

“The global supply chain impacts on raw material and freight costs have been unprecedented over the past nine months and costs are not expected to subside in the near future. We have continued to increase our inventory levels to service our customers’ needs, and added freight capacity to ensure timely delivery. We are committed to provide customers with the highest-performing products and industry-leading technical service. GCP’s regional sales team will contact our customers individually to discuss the details of the price increase,” commented Jimmy Ho, GCP’s President of Asia Pacific Region.

About GCP Applied Technologies

GCP Applied Technologies (NYSE: GCP) is a leading global provider of construction products that include high-performance specialty construction chemicals and building materials. GCP partners with producers, contractors, designers and engineers to achieve performance and sustainability goals. The company has a legacy of first to market and award-winning solutions that have been used to build some of the world’s most renowned structures. GCP is focused on continuous improvement for its customers, end-users and the environment.

For more information, visit GCP’s website at www.gcpat.com.

Media Relations
Catherine Meihofer
+1 678-575-1927
mediainfo@gcpat.com

Investor Relations
William I. Kent, IRC
+1 617-498-4344
investors@gcpat.com

UNAIDS and FCB Launch “Unbox Me” Project Highlighting the Rights of Trans Children

“Unbox Me”

“Unbox Me” by UNAIDS & FCB

  • March 31 marks the Transgender Day of Visibility, a day to spread awareness about both the struggles and the successes of the trans community
  • “Unbox Me” is a project by FCB India & FCB Chicago that addresses the isolation and marginalization of trans children, which often begins within their own families
  • Influential personalities and community leaders are unboxing the hidden childhood treasures of transgender people on social media, to create awareness and demand acceptance

NEW DELHI, India and NEW YORK, March 30, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In the lead-up to the International Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31, UNAIDS and FCB have partnered to launch “Unbox Me,” an initiative aimed at raising awareness for the rights of transgender children by empowering them to stop hiding their identities and embrace their true selves. Part of the #SeeMeAsIAm campaign, “Unbox Me” is the latest collaborative effort from UNAIDS and FCB, whose ongoing partnership also included “The Mirror” in 2021.

“Unbox Me” is a creative exploration of the theme of secrecy and hiding, and the campaign aims to spotlight the struggles of transgender children, like their being closeted and their discomfort with their assigned gender, many as early as the age of two.

Swati Bhattacharya, FCB India’s Creative Chairperson, who conceptualized this campaign, said, “In India, children usually have a box which they use to store their most precious possessions. In the case of trans children, however, they need to hide their box of treasures, since some of their most precious possessions don’t fit the gender norm that society expects them to conform to.”

She added: ““Unbox Me” shows exactly that, every box opened revealed someone’s true self. We sent these boxes to prominent people in the community, who then unboxed them on their social media feeds, sharing their feelings and thoughts as the reality of countless children suppressing their spirit became a tangible reality one could experience.” The videos are a play on popular unboxing videos, in which people unpack gadgets and toys. Only this time, the unboxings have a much deeper meaning.

UNAIDS and FCB played on the theme of trans children being no different than any child who loves creating hiding places and what their hidden possessions reveal about that child’s identity, preferences and dreams. For trans children, the act of hiding treasures becomes a way of hiding their identity from disapproving eyes. “Unbox Me” is an effort to symbolically unbox their secrets to the world and open the conversation for so many transgender children out there — not just in India, but everywhere.

The creation of “Unbox Me” is a partnership between FCB’s India and Chicago offices, exemplifying how FCB brings together talent and expertise across its global network to create impactful work, work that addresses a global topic.

On the campaign, Mahesh Mahalingam, Director, Communications and Global Advocacy, UNAIDS, said, “Gender diversity is not just an issue for adults but for those of all ages including children. There are thousands of children like the ones who provided their boxes all over the world who want to express and claim their identities. And they should not have to wait until they become adults; it is too late by then.”

He added, “As parents, as teachers, as brothers and sisters, as community members, we have to recognize and nurture children for who they truly are. Each of the objects in the boxes is a plea to be heard, to be loved, to be recognized.”

“Unbox Me” builds on similar messages seen in UNAIDS and FCB’s work from their yearlong partnership. For International Transgender Day of Visibility in 2021, they released “The Mirror,” an award-winning film written by Bhattacharya that features a young boy looking in the mirror and dressing up as a woman to raise awareness about gender identity during childhood.

The “Unbox Me” initiative has already seen participation from prominent figures, like Indian filmmaker Zoya Akhtar and popular TV journalist Barkha Dutt, and continues to garner support from the education community. Teachers at many schools have spread the message among their own teacher-student-parent community (e.g., The Shri Ram School, The Millennium Schools, the Mussoorie International School and Vasant Valley, to name a few). It will now travel to schools across India.

A study by the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine indicates that 31% of transgender persons in India end their life by committing suicide, and 50% of them have attempted suicide at least once before turning 20. Recent cases of suicide by students who identified as trans in Bareilly and Noida in Uttar Pradesh are clear indicators of rejection and abuse.

About FCB
FCB (Foote, Cone & Belding) is a global, award-winning and integrated marketing communications company with a heritage of creativity and success dating from 1873. Named Cannes Lions 2020/2021 Global Creative Network of the Year, Adweek 2020 Global Agency of the Year, 2020 Ad Age A-List and the #1 Global Network on The Good Report 2020, FCB focuses on creating Never Finished campaign ideas that have the power to transform brands, businesses and communities. With more than 8,000 people in 109 operations in 80 countries, the company is part of the Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE: IPG). Visit fcb.com or follow @FCBglobal on Instagram and Twitter and FCB Global on Facebook and LinkedIn.

UNAIDS
The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on FacebookTwitterInstagram and YouTube.

Media Contacts:
Melanie Mitchem
+1 917 902 0998
Melanie.Mitchem@fcb.com

Charlotte Sector
+41 22 791 55 87
sectorc@unaids.org

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e2e293dc-0a09-4b9a-83ef-91348696d9dc

A video accompanying this announcement is available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/346479eb-63ad-4dfc-937b-2bea4f54794f

WillScot Mobile Mini Holdings Announces Appointment of Erika Davis to Board of Directors

Board Announces New Member in Commitment to Enhancing and Diversifying Board

PHOENIX, March 30, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WillScot Mobile Mini Holdings Corp. (“WillScot Mobile Mini” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: WSC), the North American leader in innovative flexible workspace and portable storage solutions, today announced the appointment of Erika Davis to the WillScot Mobile Mini Board of Directors, effective April 1, 2022.

“We are truly pleased to welcome Erika Davis to the WillScot Mobile Mini Board,” said Erik Olsson, Chairman of WillScot Mobile Mini. “Ms. Davis’ appointment supports the Company’s commitment to enhance and diversify the skills, knowledge and expertise of its Board. She is a dynamic leader with vast experience driving customer-centric operational improvements. She brings an important perspective to the Board given her domestic and international operations leadership.”

“Erika is a forward-thinking leader with an innovative approach to assessing and elevating internal operations,” added Brad Soultz, Chief Executive Officer. “Erika’s deep experience in logistics, systems and human capital management will undoubtedly strengthen the Company through its next phase of growth as we continue to deliver superior results and create value for all of our stakeholders.”

Ms. Davis will serve as a member of the Compensation Committee.

About Erika Davis

Erika Davis, age 58, has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Performance Food Group Company (NYSE: PFGC) since 2019. Previously, Ms. Davis spent 20 years in several leadership roles at Owens & Minor, most recently as Senior Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer, and Senior Vice President & Chief of Staff to the CEO. Ms. Davis has extensive experience on non-profit boards of directors, including the Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center, the University of Richmond, and the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Richmond. She is also a current member of The Executive Leadership Council. Ms. Davis received an MPA from the University of North Carolina and a BA from the University of Richmond.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The words “estimates,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “forecasts,” “plans,” “intends,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “shall,” “outlook” and variations of these words and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which are generally not historical in nature. Certain of these forward-looking statements include statements relating value creation, the Company’s share price, and the Company’s future performance. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside our control, which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. These risks include, without limitation, the risks and uncertainties described in the periodic reports we file with the SEC from time to time (including our Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2020), which are available through the SEC’s EDGAR system at www.sec.gov and on our website. Any forward-looking statement speaks only at the date which it is made, and WillScot Mobile Mini disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

About WillScot Mobile Mini Holdings Corp.

WillScot Mobile Mini Holdings trades on the Nasdaq stock exchange under the ticker symbol “WSC.” Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, the Company is a leading business services provider specializing in innovative flexible workspace and portable storage solutions. WillScot Mobile Mini services diverse end markets across all sectors of the economy from a network of over 275 branch locations and additional drop lots throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom.

Contact Information

Investor Inquiries:

Nick Girardi
nick.girardi@willscotmobilemini.com

Media Inquiries:

Scott Junk
scott.junk@willscotmobilemini.com

Indonesian embassy holds fundraiser for Ukrainian refugees

The Indonesian Embassy in Bucharest held a fundraising event, featuring a variety of cultural shows and culinary delights, for Ukrainian refugees in Romania.

The event was aimed at showing solidarity and a sense of humanity for Ukrainian refugees, the embassy said in a written statement received in Jakarta on Thursday.

In his address, Indonesian Ambassador to Romania, M. Amhar Azeth, said the fundraiser was a manifestation of the Indonesian people’s empathy for what the Ukrainian people are experiencing.

The ambassador said the Indonesian government highly respects the independence and sovereignty of every nation without exception.

Indonesia and Ukraine have shared an emotional bond for quite a long time, he added.

He expressed the hope that the fundraising event would serve as a solace for the 18 Ukrainian refugees who attended it at the Indonesian Embassy in Bucharest.

The event was also held as part of efforts to introduce Indonesia’s culture, food, and tourism within the framework of soft power diplomacy, he said.

The event featured a number of traditional Indonesian dances, traditional angklung music, and videos of Indonesian tourist sites.

Source: Antara News

First Lady, PNG PM’s wife visit Bogor Botanical Gardens

First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo invited the wife of Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister, Rachel Marape, for a tour of the Bogor Botanical Gardens.

The tour was organized to welcome the official visit of PNG Prime Minister James Marape, to Indonesia.

The First Lady also joined her husband President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) to receive Marape and his delegates at the Bogor Presidential Palace on Thursday.

Iriana Joko Widodo and Rachel Marape planted sandalwood trees with President Jokowi and Prime Minister Marape.

The two also chatted warmly on the veranda during a face-to-face meeting between Jokowi and Marape.

After that, the First Lady invited Marape’s wife to a tour of the Bogor Botanical Gardens in a golf cart and showed her the diversity of plant species in the garden.

After touring the Bogor Botanical Gardens, which were built in 1817, the two first ladies returned to Bogor Palace. They then accompanied President Jokowi and Prime Minister Marape to a joint press conference.

The state luncheon closed the official welcome series.

On the occasion, First Lady Iriana gifted Rachel Marape a silk shawl as a memento. Meanwhile, Rachel Marape gifted the First Lady a carved ebony bowl and a cane basket.

The wife of the Indonesian Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Ella Andriana Supandy, also accompanied the Indonesian First Lady.

A series of state welcome functions were conducted as part of the visit, starting from entering Bogor Presidential Palace with a marching band convoy, an official welcoming ceremony, a group photo session to the signing of the guest book.

James Marape and his wife arrived in Indonesia on Wednesday (March 30, 2022) and were scheduled to return to Papua New Guinea’s capital, Port Moresby, on Thursday evening.

According to the Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea established bilateral relations in 1973, two years before Papua New Guinea achieved its independence from Australia.

Source: Antara News

Ministry prohibits mass iftar, open house for civil servants

The Religious Affairs Ministry has prohibited State Civil Apparatus from holding or attending iftar and Eid al-Fitr Open House in their workplace.

The policy was stipulated in Circular Letter Number 8 of 2022, which was signed by Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas on March 29, 2022.

“Officials and State Civil Apparatus are prohibited from holding or attending mass iftar, sahur, and/or Eid al-Fitr Open House activities,” Minister Qoumas said in a written statement received here on Thursday.

However, the ministry urged members of the general public holding mass iftar to continuously implement the health protocols to avoid the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

Muslims were also encouraged to do more good deeds and practices during Ramadhan, such as tarawih prayers, iktikaf, tadarus Al Quran, recitation, zakat, infaq, alms, and waqf, while still adhering to the health protocols.

The collection and distribution of zakat mal, zakat fitrah, infaq, and charity by the National Amil Zakat Agency (Baznas), Amil Zakat Institutions (LAZ), and the community must be done with due regard to the health protocols.

The administrators and managers of masjids and mushalas must follow the Circular of the Minister of Religion regarding worship or religious activities in places of worship during community activities restrictions, in accordance with the level set in the respective regions.

The managers of masjids or mushalas can allow up to 100 percent attendance in places of worship located in areas enforcing Level 1 community activities restrictions, 75 percent for Level 2, and 50 percent for Level 3.

They are also required to appoint officers to ensure information is disseminated properly, as well as make sure that the health protocols are followed by the people during worship.

The circular also calls for preachers to contribute to instilling values of faith, piety, unity, harmony, the benefit of the people, and nationality.

They have been encouraged to educate the public in a wise and polite way, in accordance with the guidance of the Qur’an and Sunnah, and not bring up the problem of differences in points of view (khilafiyah).

“The COVID-19 vaccination can be carried out during Ramadhan by following health guidelines,” the letter explained.

The ministry has allowed takbir (call of praises) to be performed in masjids or prayer rooms. In the previous circular, those activities were advised to be conducted at home.

Meanwhile, the Eid prayer in 1 Syawal 1443H/2022M can be conducted in a mosque or in an open field by adhering to the health protocols.

“The use of loudspeakers refers to the Circular of the Religious Affairs Ministry Number 5 of 2022 about Guidelines for the Use of Loudspeakers in Masjids and Musala,” the circular stated.

Source: Antara News