IBS Researchers Developed New Catalyst That Produces Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) Using Only Oxygen and Water
A catalyst has been developed that can increase the production efficiency of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a key material for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, by up to eight times. The research team with Hyun Teak-hwan (Chair-professor at Seoul National University, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering) and Sung Yeong-eun (Professor at Seoul National University, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering), who are the leader and vice leader of Nanoparticle Research Group of Institute for Basic Science respectively, collaborated with a team of Yoo Jong-seok professor at University of Seoul to develop an electrocatalyst that can produce hydrogen peroxide eco-friendly using only oxygen and water. As a result, hydrogen peroxide can be produced with a catalyst that is more than 2000 times cheaper than the existing noble metal catalyst, so it is evaluated as a ‘killing three birds with one stone’ technology that solves all of the cost, efficiency and environmental issues. ▲ Leader Hyun Teak-hwan (left) and Vice Leader Sung Yeong-eun (right) attended to present the major achievements. Hydrogen peroxide is widely used in household goods such as toothpaste and dish detergent, as well as in medical sites that require sterilization and in semiconductor processes that wastewater treatment and removal of impurities. Industrial hydrogen peroxide is mainly produced by the anthraquinone process. However, the anthraquinone process* uses expensive palladium catalysts, which not only consumes a lot of energy, but also has the limitation that organic substances are generated as by-products and cause environmental pollution. Therefore, as the demand for hydrogen peroxide increases with the development of ultra-precision semiconductors and mechanical parts, there is a need for a sustainable process that can produce hydrogen peroxide with cheap and high efficiency. * Anthraquinone process: A process of producing hydrogen peroxide by sequentially reducing and oxidizing anthraquinone dissolved in an organic solvent in the presence of a catalyst. Expensive palladium catalysts are required in large quantities, and excessive energy is consumed in each step, resulting in low energy efficiency. In addition, since organic solvents are generated as by-products, there is a limit that causes environmental pollution. ▲ Control of catalytic activity through structure control around cobalt atoms (Image provided by IBS) The research team devised an inexpensive catalyst that could electrically produce hydrogen peroxide using water (H2O) and oxygen (O2) without the need for complex steps. The catalyst, developed by the researchers, is in the form of putting a cobalt (Co) atom on two-dimensional graphene. Unlike conventional catalysts, they are inexpensive as they use cheaper cobalt atoms instead of precious metals such as platinum and palladium. When the developed cobalt atom/graphene catalyst is added to an aqueous solution of saturated oxygen and subjected to electricity, hydrogen peroxide can be produced without adding any other compound. This catalyst has produced up to eight times higher productivity than the expensive noble metal catalysts known to be the most efficient. With 1kg of catalyst, it is capable of producing 341.2 kg of hydrogen peroxide per day. In addition, it was confirmed that even after the experiment for continuously producing hydrogen peroxide for more than 110 hours, it maintains more than 98% of the initial performance. “The idea is based on the finding that an inexpensive atom such as iron, cobalt, or nickel effectively mediates electrochemical reactions when stabilized on graphene. It was confirmed that the activity of the catalyst could be controlled at the atomic level and even justified by calculation chemistry. Consequently, by changing the structure around the cobalt atoms, the team was able to develop a catalyst with world-class hydrogen peroxide production ability.” Said Sung Yeong-eun vice leader. ▲ Performance Comparison of Catalysts Developed by Researchers and Conventional Catalysts (Image provided by IBS) The catalyst developed by the researchers is a heterogeneous catalyst**, which is cheaper than a homogeneous catalyst and is eco-friendly because it does not generate waste catalyst and it can be recycled after the reaction. This work means a lot academically in the way of the world's first discovery of a principle for increasing the activity of heterogeneous catalysts at the atomic level. The researchers expect the catalyst to be used in a wide variety of chemical processes as it can synthesize products stably and environmentally at both room temperature and atmospheric pressure. **Heterogeneous catalyst: When a catalyst has the same form with the reactants and products, it is called a homogeneous catalyst. In this time, the reaction proceeds in the form of all catalyst, reactants and products dissolved in solvent. On the other hand, heterogeneous catalysts have the advantage that they can be recovered and recycled after the reaction as the reactants and products differ from each other in the gaseous or liquid state. “Hydrogen peroxide, the world's top 100 industrial chemicals, can now be produced environmentally and economically. It is expected to improve productivity by applying hydrogen peroxide production as well as many chemical reactions using catalysts.” Said Hyun Teak-hwan leader. Meanwhile, the results of the research were published in Nature Materials (IF 39.124), the world's leading journal in materials, on the January 14 in Korean time.
EBS Well-Made Documentary ‘Singers – Laugh and Cry with the Times’ Press Conference
On December 22, EBS (CEO Kim Myung-Joong) announced a specially designed documentary ‘Singers – Laugh and Cry with the Times’ (10 episodes) during the press conference held at Sookmyung Women's University. ‘Singers – Laugh and Cry with the Times’ (hereinafter ‘Singers’) is a music & interview documentary that intensively sheds new light on the great singers who soothed the anxiety and sorrows of the people and sometimes encouraged their hope and courage throughout the turbulent modern history. In particular, ‘Singers’ is a biography with a bold line that finds the value of musical DNA and rediscovers the singers who have comforted people in the ages before the BTS craze that swept the world today. ▲ ‘Singers’ Season 1, which recorded Korean modern and contemporary history with singers' voice and songs, was revealed on 22. ‘Singers’ is composed of only singers’ songs and real interviews without narration. EBS produced a teleprompter for video for the first time in Korea and performed a special shooting where the performer looks directly at the camera. And it made viewers feel like they are vividly meeting stars through TV. In addition, high-quality audio, such as a hyper-cardioid condenser mic, was used to show the music as if we are at the live concert of the singers. ‘Singers’ first episode, aired at 9:35 pm on Sunday, December 22, was opened by a folk singer Song Chang-Sik. After a long absence, Song Chang-Sik, who slugged the 70s as a symbol of youth culture, such as <Whale Hunting> and <Why Do You Call Me?>, talked about a story which has never been done in front of the camera. ▲ Singer Hye-Eun-Yi ▲ Singer Lee Eun-Ha ▲ Singer Jeon Young-Rok ▲ Han Sang-Ho, CP at EBS and General Director of ‘Singers’ ■ “I wanted to play my music with our words and language, just like writing an old poem pleasantly.” We can meet Song Chang-Sik, who pursued Korean colors in a series of hit songs, including <Ga Na Da Ra>, <A Day of Sparrow>, <Azure Days>, <We are>. The second episode, which will be broadcasted on December 29, will be handed by Yang Hee-Eun, who presented a deep resonant sound to the times. Yang Hee-Eun found an echo in all ages’ hearts through the folk songs like <Morning Dew> and <Evergreen Tree> as well as popular songs with unique emotions such as <About the Loneliness Called Love> and <Han Gye Ryeong>. This time, she will present another impression with serious interview. Besides the broadcaster Yang Hee-Eun who is loved by various entertainment programs and radio, the true character of the singer Yang Hee-Eun and the reason why she is a godmother of folk song will be revealed through the ‘Singers’. Korea’s first singer for video, Hye Eun-Yi, had taken the love of the whole nation by causing ‘Hye Eun-Yi Syndrome’ with a series of hit songs such as <You Wouldn’t Know>, <I Really Really Like You>, and <Third Han River Bridge>. Her popularity as a fashion icon, such as a short cut hair craze called ‘wind hair’, was greater than any other female singers. Still singing with a little girl’s heart, Hye Eun-Yi can be confirmed through the third episode of ‘Singers’. ▲ EBS first developed and introduced a teleprompter designed to keep viewers and interviewers at the same eye level. ■ “The movie is my father, and the song is my mother. My musical and sensory talent came from 98% of my family's genes. I do not want to deny my roots.” Jeon Young-Rok, who is known as an all-round entertainer and the originator of a huge fan base of teenage girls called ‘Oppa Budae’, is the one who always meets fans at the front line. Recently, he has challenged fishing life through the evening program of public TV and is expecting his second heyday. He said that ‘Singers’, which looks back on the song life, is a welcome program like rain for a drought. Meanwhile, Jeon Young-Rok's music diary, such as holding a concert at Cheongju CJB Media Center on December 29, 2019, is still in progress. ■ “I like to challenge myself. My heart is as excited as waiting for a loved one. ” The confession of disco queen and singer Lee Eun-Ha, who has challenged various genres such as ballad, disco, rock and jazz, is beautiful. Overcoming the illness and restoring the current health, she boasts colorful colors like a chameleon. In addition, you will be able to meet 10 great singers, including Lee Eun-Ha, Han Dae-Soo, Kim Soo-Chul, Song Dae-Gwan, and Lee Jang-Hee until February next year. ▲ PD Jeon Young-Geon also attended the joint interview and told the story behind the production. ▲ EBS exhibited photographs of moments during filming and paid tribute to the singers who shed light on an era.
Samsung BioLogics Recorded Sales of 701.6 Billion KRW and Operating Profit of 91.7 Billion KRW in 2019
- As the outcome of the enterprise-wide efforts to strengthen competitiveness, all of factories 1, 2, 3 utilizations have been increased. - Samsung BioLogics entered CDO R&D Lab in the US for strengthening competitiveness. - In 2020, Samsung BioLogics aims to win more than 12 CMOs and 18 CDOs. - 100,000,000 KRW = 85,873.77 USD (January 22, 2020) On 22th, Samsung BioLogics (CEO: Kim Tae-han) announced that it recorded annual sales of 701.6 billion KRW, operating profit of 91.7 billion KRW, and net profit of 202.9 billion KRW. Due to higher utilization rates of all plants, including factory 3, the sales increased by 165.8 billion KRW (+30.9%) year-on-year. On top of that, with the increase in sales, the operating profit increased 36 billion KRW (+64.6%) as well. The net profit declined by 21.2 billion KRW (-9.5%) year-on-year due to the base effect from the cash inflow of 389.2 billion KRW after the completion of P&A (purchase of assets and assumption of liabilities) with Biogen in November 2018. Net profit for 2019 substantially increased compared to the previous year except for 389.2 billion KRW, which is gains on disposition of investment stock reflected as one-off, from the net profit for 2018. In 4Q, the sales was 313.3 billion KRW, up 128.5 billion KRW (+69.5%) QoQ, due to significantly improved utilization rate of factory 2 and sales recognition of productions. The operating profit recorded 106.9 billion KRW, up 83.3 billion KRW (+353.0%) QoQ, due to the increase in sales and the change of production composition. Net profit for 4Q also increased by 166.5 billion KRW (+376.5%) to 210.6 billion KRW due to the increased operating profit and improved profits and losses of affiliated companies. Meanwhile, Samsung BioLogics won 35 CMOs, 42 CDOs, and 10 CROs at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco in January 2020. The company said it is aiming to win more than 12 CMOs and 18 CDOs by 2020. In addition, Samsung BioLogics announced that it will establish a CDO R&D Lab in San Francisco this year to strengthen its capability and raise the amount of orders for factory 3 to 60% of CAPA by year-end.
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Uljin Seongryu Cave in Gyeongsangbuk-do, The First Korean Peninsula Cave to Be Found and Recorded in History
‘Uljin Seongryu Cave’, famous for the first Korean peninsula cave to be found and recorded in history, was opened on May 7, 1963, when it was designated as Korea's Natural Monument No. 155. The first history book that appeared here is ‘Samguk Yusa(The Heritage of the Three States)’, written by the Buddhist monk Il-yeon at Ingak Temple in the seventh year of King Chungnyeol (1281). In Samguk Yusa, Seongryu Cave, which appeared as Jangcheon Cave, was revealed in history as a place where the Silla Bocheon Prince was able to settle the public sentiment. At the end of Goryeo(918-1392), it was recorded as a nearby attraction, referring to the Buddhist temple of Seongryu Temple in ‘Gwandongyugi’, which was written by the great scholar Lee Gok. It is also a place with a sad legend. There is a record that, at the time of Japanese Invasion of Korea, the soldiers blocked the entrance and massacred about 500 refugees. Seongryu Cave is a limestone cave in a straight form. The total length is about 870 meters, of which 270 meters are open to visitors. Large stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones can be seen, and the viewing points by the lakes in the caves are impressive. There are photo zones named in a similar fashion everywhere, attracting visitors. Since 1976, Gyeongsangbuk-do Uljin-gun has been managing Seongryu Cave. Tickets can be purchased by individuals or groups, and it is necessary to wear a safety helmet. And while having a look around, visitors are recommended to read the main signs and instructions, such as safety notices, which are placed inside the caves. ▲ Panoramic view of passageway leading to Seongryu Cave ▲ The entrance of Seongryu Cave. Visitors must wear a safety helmet. ▲ Passing through the narrow entrance, you will encounter a huge space. ▲ There are several places where lighting is ideal for taking commemorative photos. ▲ Information signs are placed at the notable sites to watch. ▲ There are facilities such as staircases and safety facilities, but visitors should always be careful of the safety while touring.
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Skywalk, Suspension Bridge, and Even Gatbawi Rock! All-In-One Tourist Attraction ‘Mount Deunggi Skywalk’
As you travel all over Korea, you can see the sights that reveal Korea’s “hurry, hurry” culture. In Korea, the “All-In-One” style, which means that everything is done in one place, is popular. If you visit Gyeongsangbuk-do, we recommend the ‘Mount Deunggi Skywalk’ located near Hupo Port, Uljin-gun. Skywalk, built in the park of the mount Deunggi, is nationally famous with its 135-meter walking path on the East Sea. In particular, the 57-meter section is built with glass, so you can actually feel like you're walking on water. The most important part is the operation time, as its closing time varies depending on the season from 9 am. It closes at 5:30 pm in March-May and September-October, at 6:30 pm in June-August, and at 5:00 pm in November-February. There is ‘Hupo Gatbawi Rock’ right under the Skywalk. It's so popular that there is a stairway going down from the Skywalk, and there is a folktale that Gatbawi Rock grants one wish in a life among local residents. Therefore, it is a place where laughter blooms with various wish origins from getting a child to winning the lottery. On the way from the Skywalk to the park of the Mount Deunggi, there is a Suspension Bridge. It’s so short that people might think it won’t shake much, but if you go up, its shaking is considerable. For this reason, the screams of people who are afraid to shake are sometimes heard. Still, the railing is high, so if there is no excessive joke, there is no problem. ▲ Mount Deunggi Skywalk is good for taking a walk after using the Hupo Port passenger terminal or nearby restaurants. ▲ Because it is built on the glass floor based on the height of which people could be afraid, the excitement is considerable even in the short section. ▲ You can enjoy it for free during the operation time, so it is full of visitors on a sunny day. ▲ If you look at the bottom of the glass, you can see the bottom of the blue sea of the East Sea. ▲ At the end of the Skywalk, you will find sculptures that are mermaids, which is a photo zone. ▲ Hupo Gatbawi Rock is a famous spot for people who come to make a wish. It leads directly to the stairs from Skywalk. ▲ Suspension Bridge is located on the way from Skywalk to the park of the Mount Deunggi. Even if it looks short, the shaking is considerable. ▲ There are sculptures where visitors can take commemorative photos throughout the park of the Mount Deunggi.
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Helixmith Will Announce the Outcomes of Phase III Clinical Trials and Researches for Engensis (VM202) at Keystone Symposia
On February 4, Helixmith Co., Ltd will show three presentations including the outcomes of phase III clinical trials and reseraches for VM202, also known as Engensis, at Keystone Symposia on Pain: Aligning the Target, in Colorado, USA. The presentations will be made by CEO Sunyoung Kim and two Helixmith scientists. Keystone Symposia is a well-known conference in molecular cell biology and medical science. It is a conference where many scientists want to participate and announce as the best scientists are invited and stayed for more than 3 days in intensive discussion to share high-level information. VM202 is a plasmid DNA designed to simultaneously express two isoforms of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), HGF 728 and HGF 723. It is optimized to produce HGF protein at a high level when delivered to the muscle. Through simple intramuscular injections, Engensis is being studied in clinical trials to determine whether it can provide safe and efficacious treatment effects for various ischemic diseases or neurodegenerative diseases, including diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), and coronary artery disease (CAD). The titles and summaries of three presentations are as follows. ➀ Title: New concept regenerative medicine for neuropathic pain using plasmid DNA encoding human hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), Engensis® (VM202): Scientific basis and results from clinical studies. It is about the result of phase III (3-1B) and pharmacological principles using VM202 in detail. The presentation will include the procedure of selecting two drug concentrations in phase I clinical trials and confirming drug concentration by observing superior analgesic effects, long-term analgesic effects, and more remarkable drug effects for patients who do not take gabapentinoids in phase II clinical trials. In phase III clinical trials (3-1B), the results were very similar to those in phase II clinical trials, confirming the effectiveness of the drug, thus highlighting its great potential as a next-generation neuropathy drug. At this time, the difficulties and considerations in pain clinicals will be also honestly explained by describing the problems in phase 3-1. In addition, by introducing reverse translational research results conducted immediately after each phase I, II, and III clinical trials and showing that almost all of the phenomena observed during clinical trials were repeated in animal experiments and cell culture systems, Helixmith will prove how great it is for VM202 as a disease modifying drug (DMD) or regenerative medicine. ➁ Title: Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) promotes regeneration of damaged peripheral nerves by directly interacting with sensory neurons and Schwann cells: Implication for developing novel treatment methods for peripheral neuropathy. In phase II clinical trials, it has been observed that a single treatment (injection on day 0 and day 14) had analgesic effects for at least 3 months up to 9 months. In phase III (3-1B), analgesic effects persisted for as long as 261 days (8.7 months) after two treatments (injection on day 0, 14, 90, and 104). On the other hand, since the expression of the VM202 DNA and HGF proteins almost disappears (more than 99.99%) only two weeks after the injection, the only way to explain this long-term effectiveness is that VM202 healed the pain by fundamentally repairing the broken nervous system. In other words, VM202 is a regenerative medicine or DMD. Helixmith will present the results of its research so far and explain the principles. ➂ Title: Gabapentin, a calcium channel inhibitor, inhibits nerve regeneration process induced by hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in in vivo and in vitro: Implication for the use of gabapentinoids as analgesics for peripheral neuropathy. In phase II and phase III, it was found that the effect of VM202 was halved in those who use gabapentin drugs. Later, as part of a reverse translational research, Helixmith examined whether gabapentin interferes with the activity of VM202 or HGF in animal models and cell culture systems. As a result, the results in the human body were surprisingly repeated. This suggests that the gabapentin drugs may have long-term negative effects if used in the treatment of painful neuropathy, which is consistent with some researchers' arguments in the past. Helixmith will present the results of the molecular cell biology experiment and the principles on this phenomenon. It is expected to have a huge impact on the overall painful diabetic neuropathy drugs market as well as the great commercial potentials of VM202. Through these three presentations, Helixmith will highlight the remarkable safety and efficacy of VM202 as a regenerative medicine, which can be a great help for technology exports, marketing permits, and promotions in the future.
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Justin Bieber Announces 5th Studio Album, CHANGES, set for February 14th Release
Changes Tour—Presented by T-Mobile—Hits the Road in North America With Special Guests Kehlani & Jaden Smith American Express Pre-sale Begins January 30th Public on Sale Friday, February 14th CHANGES Pre-order/Pre-save Available Now, Includes New Track “Get Me” feat. Kehlani Justin Bieber Official Store Album & Tour Pre-sale With Exclusive Merch Offerings Launches February 3rd NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Grammy Award®-winning global superstar Justin Bieber, announced today his 5th studio album CHANGES will arrive February 14th, via RBMG/Def Jam Recordings, along with the official public on-sale for tickets to the Changes Tour, presented by T-Mobile with special guests Kehlani and Jaden Smith. The tour, promoted by AEG Presents, kicks off in Seattle at the CenturyLink Field on Thursday, May 14th. Tickets for the tour go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, February 14th at Noon local time at justinbiebermusic.com. CHANGES – already receiving early buzz as “futuristic R&B/pop,” “trap-soul jams,” and “a new vocal plateau” – is available now for pre-order/pre-save with the new track “Get Me” featuring Kehlani, and will be released to all DSP partners on February 14th. Special collectors-edition CDs will be available at Target, where each CD will contain one of two exclusive fold-out posters. As the official wireless partner for the Changes Tour, T-Mobile and Justin Bieber continue their successful partnership, forged in 2017 with their #UnlimitedMoves Super Bowl campaign. T-Mobile customers can get access to stage-front tickets at every U.S. tour stop, even the sold-out shows! Un-carrier customers can snag their Reserved Tickets starting 30 days prior to each show at first day prices – just another way T-Mobile thanks its customers simply for being customers. Fans will have several opportunities to purchase tickets for the Changes Tour in advance of the February 14th public on-sale. American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets before the general public beginning Thursday, January 30th at 10:00 a.m. local time through Thursday, February 13th at 10:00 p.m. local time. A limited number of exclusive VIP Packages will also be available starting January 30th at 10 a.m. These exceptional offers can include an amazing selection of reserved seated tickets, custom merchandise and much more. And on Monday, February 3rd, 10:00 a.m. local time, the Justin Bieber official online store will begin offering CHANGES album pre-sales, the Changes Tour pre-sales, and exclusive merchandise. Additionally, $1.00 from each ticket purchased will be donated to the Bieber Foundation which is committed to supporting mental health wellness. In step with today’s premiere of the “Justin Bieber: Seasons” YouTube Originals docuseries, Justin is once again ruling the airwaves and dominating the charts. He made radio history when his new single "Yummy" netted the highest number of official adds ever in a debut week. The track has now surged to over 300 million streams globally. Over the course of his career, Bieber has amassed over 50 billion streams and over 60 million album equivalent sales worldwide. Justin’s Grammy Award®--winning 2015 album Purpose has sold over 21 million copies worldwide. The Purpose Tour sold out 64 U.S. and 52 international tour dates, thrilling fans around the world with Justin’s dynamic, must-see live performance. THE CHANGES TOUR DATES: Date City Venue May 14 Seattle, WA CenturyLink Field 17 Portland, OR Moda Center 19 Sacramento, CA Golden 1 Center 22 Santa Clara, CA Levi's® Stadium 26 San Diego, CA Pechanga Arena San Diego 29 Pasadena, CA Rose Bowl Stadium June 2 Las Vegas, NV T-Mobile Arena 5 Glendale, AZ State Farm Stadium 9 Salt Lake City, UT Vivint Smart Home Arena 13 Denver, CO Empower Field at Mile High Stadium 16 Lincoln, NE Pinnacle Bank Arena 19 Chicago, IL Soldier Field 21 Minneapolis, MN Target Center 24 Milwaukee, WI American Family Insurance Amphitheater during Summerfest 27 Arlington, TX AT&T Stadium 30 New Orleans, LA Smoothie King Center July 2 Houston, TX NRG Stadium 6 Kansas City, MO Sprint Center 8 Tulsa, OK* BOK Center 11 Nashville, TN Nissan Stadium 13 St. Louis, MO Enterprise Center 15 Little Rock, AR Simmons Bank Arena 18 Atlanta, GA Mercedes-Benz Stadium 21 Miami, FL AmericanAirlines Arena 25 Tampa, FL Raymond James Stadium 27 Columbia, SC Colonial Life Arena 29 Greensboro, NC Greensboro Coliseum Aug. 1 Philadelphia, PA Lincoln Financial Field 4 Pittsburgh, PA PPG Paints Arena 6 University Park, PA Bryce Jordan Center 8 Columbus, OH Ohio Stadium 12 Louisville, KY KFC Yum! Center 14 Cleveland, OH FirstEnergy Stadium 16 Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena 18 Lexington, KY Rupp Arena 21 Landover, MD FedExField 24 Buffalo, NY KeyBank Center 26 Albany, NY Times Union Center 29 Detroit, MI Ford Field Sept. 1 Ottawa, ON Canadian Tire Centre 3 Québec City, QC Videotron Centre 10 Toronto, ON Rogers Centre 14 Montreal, QC Bell Centre 17 Foxboro, MA Gillette Stadium 26 E. Rutherford, NJ MetLife Stadium *Jaden Smith will not appear on the Tulsa date Contacts Justin Bieber: Gabe Tesoriero G.T@umusic.com Changes Tour: Kristen Foster kristen.foster@fullcov.com
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Manga Works Drawn by Niigata Manga Artists Have Started at Niigata Airport
With the theme of “The Traditional Entertainment of Sado Island” which has a rare number and unusual diversity in the world and “Niigata’s Sake Breweries” produced by the rich rice-producing region NIIGATA, Japan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan is holding a new initiative called the “Japanese cultural media arts dissemination initiative in airports and other institutions” for inbound tourists. Overview of Exhibition at Niigata Airport Date & Time: Opens on Saturday, December 14, the first year of Reiwa (2019) Location: 1F International Arrivals Lobby and International Arrivals Concourse, Niigata Airport, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture Details: This is an exhibition of manga works by artist OGAWA Etsushi and young manga artists from the Niigata Manga Business Association (also called “GATAMAN”) on the themes of “The Traditional Entertainment of Sado Island” and “Niigata’s Sake Breweries” Official website: https://jmadm.jp/en/ At Niigata Airport, the agency is exhibiting manga works on the theme of “The Traditional Entertainment of Sado Island” in the 1F International Arrivals Lobby and manga works on the theme of “Niigata’s Sake Breweries” throughout the International Arrivals Concourse from Saturday, December 14, the first year of Reiwa (2019). Sado Island is home to a total of 409 cultural properties designated by the country, prefecture, city, or nationally registered, making the island practically a cultural property itself. Its traditional entertainment was developed diversely while deeply rooted in the community, making it uniquely widespread and historically significant. You can also see valuable information about the history and performing arts of Sado at the Sado Museum. Niigata Prefecture, meanwhile, has the most sake breweries in Japan due to its abundance in rice, resulting in many breweries being designated as registered tangible cultural properties (buildings). There are many sake breweries where you can see how sake is brewed, for example, Imayo Tsukasa Sake Brewery in Niigata city which also supports inbound tourists. Along with prefecture’s traditional sake brewing culture, these properties are part of Niigata’s proud heritage. This exhibition uses manga, an important cultural resource of modern Niigata, as a bridge to the imagination to dynamically convey to visitors arriving at Niigata Airport the aggressive expressionism and deep spirituality indigenous to Sado Island’s traditional entertainment, and welcome them to Niigata City, a city of breweries where ancient sake brewing lives on. Niigata is one of the most famous prefectures in Japan where many manga artists come from and has extensive manga related facilities such as The Niigata City Manga House and Niigata Manga Animation Museum. We expect the familiarity, expressiveness, and accessibility inherent to manga to be even more powerful in this international context. Manga’s unique storytelling methods such as speech balloons, the impact of the background lines, and the facial expressions of the characters will convey the sounds, smells, and even humidity of places these visitors have never been, in a language common to all. We aimed to create an exhibition that piques intellectual and cultural curiosity by using the playful expressiveness of manga to display the traditional entertainment and sake culture that grew up in tandem with people’s lifestyles over many, many years. The Agency for Cultural Affairs is hosting the “Japan Media Arts Distributed Museum” that will be deployed in 10 Japanese airports sequentially as part of a new project called the “Japanese cultural media arts dissemination initiative in airports and other institutions.” The artists and creators featured in this exhibition capture the cultural resources borne out of various local cultures through fresh perspectives in places like airports, which serve as gateways to these regions. By showcasing the works of media arts, we invite visitors to explore the true spirit of these cultures throughout their travels. Niigata Airport Exhibition Summary Theme: The Traditional Entertainment of Sado Island Title: OK! We will back you up! Despite the unique and diverse roots of Sado Island’s traditional entertainment, it has been a rarity not widely known because of the physical condition of Sado being an island, as well as the fact that they could only be observed during limited times. Hoping to create the opportunity to share this precious cultural resource with the many tourists to Japan, we asked manga artist OGAWA Etsushi, who is very popular throughout Asia, to portray a scene where his characters from “Cooking Master Boy” are attracted and backed up “on-deko”, or Japanese drumming to ward off evils. Location: 1F International Arrivals Lobby Theme: Niigata’s Sake Breweries Title-1: Difficult to Drink Up! Too Many Breweries Title-2: Impressed! Traditional Manufacturing As the prefecture with the most breweries, Niigata has produced numerous sake brands. Using manga, we have illustrated the opportunity to know Japan’s traditional sake brewing culture through brewery tours. These works convey the spirit of inquiry and love toward making things, particularly the food and drink that is people’s daily nourishment, a theme also found in OGAWA Etsushi’s popular series “Cooking Master Boy”. Location: International Arrivals Concourse Manga Artist: OGAWA Etsushi OGAWA made his debut with “KING OF TOWER” in Magazine Fresh (1995), a special issue of Weekly Shonen Magazine. His most famous works include the “Cooking Master Boy” series and “Angel’s Frypan”, which won the children’s category award at the 31st Kodansha Manga Awards in 2007. His current series is “True Cooking Master Boy KIWAMI” on Weekly Shonen Magazine’s app “MagaPoke”. Born in Nagaoka, Niigata Prefecture, his grandfather was TSUBAKI Etsushi, a Western-style artist from Tochio and former Taiheiyo Art Association chairman. The TV animation “True Cooking Master Boy” is streaming every Friday at 2:45 p.m. EDT on “Crunchyroll”! Comments: Combining the characters from my series “Cooking Master Boy”, which is set in China, with the culture of Niigata, my birthplace, I drew these from a place of wanting travelers from overseas to encounter and to feel Niigata culture. In the painting of Sado’s on-deko festival, I drew Mao and Shirou being invited to participate with the dancing demons and reverberating drums. In the two brewery tour paintings, I tried to depict Master Luo and Lei En (a drink-loving character) leading Mao and the others on a tour while being drawn into the world of Japanese sake. Theme: The Traditional Entertainment of Sado Island Title: “SADO” Island Showcases Japan’s Traditional Arts We have turned dynamic illustrations of three dances: “Kojishimai” the folk culture designated by Sado City, “on-deko” the deity mask dance, and “Sado okesa” folk song and dance performance, into animated digital footage. With curation help from Niigata City, we approached the Niigata Manga Business Association (also called “GATAMAN”). GATAMAN’s young manga artists added original touches and colors to bring Sado’s traditional entertainment to life. Location: 1F International Arrivals Lobby Manga Artist: Misato Born in Niigata Prefecture. Current series are “Sado Island Tokidoki Radio Girl” (Manga Cross, Akita Publishing) and “Hoshi no Koguma” (Princess, Akita Publishing). Comments: To express the dynamic movement and lightness of the on-deko in just a few paintings, I rotated them. With hair flying and shoulder straps (tasuki) flipped over, the movement becomes increasingly like the on-deko. I paid particular attention to the beauty of the hands holding the sticks. The on-deko is a wild yet delicate and beautiful dance, and this is the charm I tried to convey in my drawings. necoco The first place winner of the Koma Manga category at the 18th Niigata Manga Competition and recipient of the Maya Mineo Excellence Award, among others. Mainly involved in illustration and manga production for association and corporate projects. Shares illustrations of animals and Japanese military leaders on Twitter (@sirokuronecoco). Comments: I am so happy to have come into contact with Sado’s wonderful culture through my work, and I would love to see the real thing on Sado Island someday. I depicted the rough waves of the Japan Sea while imagining the kojishimai dancers’ bodies like a wave pattern on an ukiyoe woodblock print. NANAO Saori Born in Nagaoka, Niigata Prefecture. An illustrator, creator, miko (assistant shrine priestess), and vice chair of the Niigata Manga Business Association. Very experienced in manga production for government and corporate PR materials. Comments: The dancing figures in the Sado okesa swirl and circle with a beauty similar to the waves of the Japan Sea. Rather than trying to be too original, I wanted to convey traditional virtue by using a kimono wave pattern. In the facial expressions, I tried to portray the uniquely alluring atmosphere of faces mostly hidden by the conical hats but peeking out every so often. Creative Producer: FUJIHANE (FujiwaraHaneda GK) This art project management duo is the two women who launched Warehouse TERRADA’s art business. Offering art production direction, planning, artist/artwork selection, and consulting to mainly corporate clients, their major projects include Warehouse TERRADA’s art business, Spiral/Wacoal Art Center (Tokyo Art Flow 00, Shu Shu Shu Show, Spiral Art Lounge, etc.), RIMOWA JAPAN’s Ginza flagship store art event, the Agency for Cultural Affairs’ Art Summit office, P.O. Real Estate (POLA)’s art studio planning, the Haneda Tenkubashi Area Waterfront Events Committee (a project to bring people to Ota Ward’s waterfront), an Oketa Collection exhibition, and producing an art museum with WOW Inc. The Art & Natural History Museum of SADO Sado with an old history. Rocks and fossils that show the origin of Sado. And the flora and fauna and marine life engulfed in the great ocean and rich nature. Archaeological sites leading from the Jomon period to ancient times. Furthermore, in the history of Sado, many nobles and cultural people have been nurtured and raised their own culture. The development of the gold and silver mine became one of the sources of Japan's finances. This is a general museum that collects and displays materials such as Sado's precious nature, climate, archeology, history, art, and entertainment. In addition, in the exhibition space there are materials of Japanese painting master Bakusen Tsuchida, a rock garden that gathers rocks of Sado such as red cobblestone and the former Asashima family house which is an old private house with a thatched roof. Name: The Art & Natural History Museum of SADO Address: 2041 Yahata, Sado City, Niigata, Japan 952-1311 Tel: +81-25-952-2447 Imayo Tsukasa Sake Brewery Imayo Tsukasa Sake Brewery, founded 1767. Located within walking distance from Niigata Station, this brewery is located in the Nuttari Kamosu area where fermented food manufacturers such as sake, miso, natto, and soy sauce have gathered from long time ago. The brewery has tours every day and conveys the world of sake brewing, a Japanese tradition. Imayo Tsukasa Sake Brewery sought the original form of sake, sake made from rice. Since 2006 Imayo Tsukasa's sake has been produced entirely in pure rice without any addition of alcohol. It uses the famous water “Suganadake Spring water” as a raw material, and brews fresh liquor that enhances the cuisine. It revived Japan's very precious Kioke jikomi (preparation using a wooden bucket) sake for the first time in about 60 years in 2010. You can actually see three Kiokes (wooden bucket) in all. Name: Imayo Tsukasa Sake Brewery Address: 1-1 Kagamigaoka Chuo-ku, Niigata City, Japan 950-0074 Tel: +81-25-245-0325 Tour Information Brewery Tour: Free Days of Operation: Every Day (Except 12/31-1/3) Tour Length: About 30 minutes Tasting: Available Reservation: 1-7 people, not required. 8-40 people, please make a reservation in advance. English tour: Available from 2:00 pm every weekday (1-7 people, reservation not required). English, Chinese and Korean leaflets are available. The Niigata City Manga House This is a facility that recreates the world of gag manga artists related to Niigata and you can experience manga production. There are introductions of masterpieces by AKATSUKA Fujio, MAYA Mineo, NIIZAWA Motoe and ENDO Koichi. There are corners where you can shoot in the same pose as the character and a life-size figure of the character, so you can touch the charm of the work. In addition, a manga lecture “Manga First Step” is held every day as a place for production experience. You can read manga anytime in “Manga Room”. Name: The Niigata City Manga House Address: GEO Furumachi-dori 6 Bldg Floors 1 & 2, 6-971-7 Furumachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata City, Japan 951-8063 Tel: +81-25-201-8923 Niigata Manga Animation Museum This is the information dissemination base for “Niigata, the city of manga and anime”, which has produced many popular manga artists and anime creators. Here we introduce the profile of Niigata-related manga artist / animation creator, the masterpiece, and the flow until the creation of manga / anime. This is a museum with a lot of charm of manga and anime in where you can play with popular characters corner, experience voice actors corner and a mini theater. Various special exhibitions are held throughout the year. Name: Niigata Manga Animation Museum Address: Billboard Place 2 , Floor 1, 2-5-7 Bandai City, Yachiyo, Chuo-ku, Niigata City, Japan 950-0909 Tel: +81-25-240-4311 Overview of Exhibition at Niigata Airport (Details) Date & Time: Opens on Saturday, December 14, the first year of Reiwa (2019) *Viewing time corresponds to Niigata Airport facility operation times. Location: 1F International Arrivals Lobby, International Arrivals Concourse *The works displayed within the International Arrivals Concourse are available for viewing only for passengers arriving on international flights. Artists: OGAWA Etsushi, Misato, necoco, NANAO Saori Creative producer: FUJIHANE (FujiwaraHaneda GK) Supporter: Niigata Airport Building Corporation, Niigata Prefecture, Niigata Prefectural Tourism Association, Niigata City, Sado City, Sado Cultural Foundation, Sado Knowledge Center, Imayo Tsukasa Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. Organizer: Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan “Japanese cultural media arts dissemination initiative in airports and other institutions in the first year of Reiwa” Contacts Yukinori AokiJapan Media Arts Distributed Museum Office PR Team yukinori.aoki@dentsu-pr.co.jp
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Axiom Space wins NASA approval for construction of commercial space station on ISS
HOUSTON, Jan. 28, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The human dream of universal access to living and working in space has drawn one step closer. Axiom Station will be constructed while attached to the ISS and, at the end of the ISS' life, detach and operate on its own into the future. On Monday the National Aeronautics and Space Administration selected Axiom Space as the winner of the NextSTEP-2 Appendix I solicitation, which sought to grant access to the International Space Station's Node 2 Forward port for a commercial space station that could ultimately serve as ISS' replacement. Co-founded by stalwart space entrepreneur Dr. Kam Ghaffarian and former NASA ISS Program Manager Michael Suffredini, both of whom have in excess of 35 years of human spaceflight experience, Axiom plans to launch a node module, research & manufacturing facility, crew habitat, and large-windowed Earth observatory to form the "Axiom Segment" of the ISS. This new commercial platform will significantly increase the usable and habitable volume of the ISS, provide for novel avenues of research in areas such as isolation studies and Earth observation, and allow a gradual transfer of the innovative work being done on-station to prevent interruptions when the ISS is ultimately retired. The company targets launch of the first module in the latter half of 2024. "We appreciate the bold decision on the part of NASA to open up a commercial future in Low Earth Orbit," Suffredini said. "This selection is a recognition of the uniquely qualified nature of the Axiom team and our commercial plan to create and support a thriving, sustainable, and American-led LEO ecosystem. "Axiom exists to provide the infrastructure in space for a variety of users to conduct research, discover new technologies, test systems for exploration of the Moon and Mars, manufacture superior products for use in orbit and on the ground, and ultimately improve life back on Earth. As we build on the legacy and foundation established by the ISS Program, we look forward to working with NASA and the ecosystem of current and future international partners on this seminal effort." Central to the selection was the Axiom leadership team's extensive high-level expertise in human spaceflight management, space systems engineering and operations, utilization of microgravity, space finance, marketing, and law. Ghaffarian founded Stinger Ghaffarian Technologies, which rose to become NASA's second-largest engineering services provider, training NASA's astronauts and operating the ISS. These functions are now carried on by KBR, which bought SGT in 2018 and joined the Axiom team as a subcontractor on the winning proposal. "A commercial platform in Earth orbit is an opportunity to mark a shift in our society similar to that which astronauts undergo when they see the planet from above," Ghaffarian, Axiom's executive chairman, said. "Our goal is to advance the state of humanity and human knowledge. I am glad to see the Axiom team, with its advanced human spaceflight, engineering, and operations expertise, recognized for its potential to do just that and build off of ISS." Team Axiom also includes Boeing, Thales Alenia Space Italy, Intuitive Machines, and Maxar Technologies. Axiom was founded in 2016 with the purpose of expanding human civilization into Earth orbit. In addition to building and launching the Axiom Segment, the company will launch crewed flights to the ISS and later the ISS/Axiom complex at a rate of about two to three flights per year. Shortly before ISS is retired, Axiom will launch its large power platform to provide the Axiom Segment power and cooling that ISS previously provided. When the ISS reaches its decommissioning date, the Axiom Segment will detach and continue as a free-flying, internationally available commercial space station. This station will have been built at a fraction of the cost of ISS, the elimination of whose operating costs will enable NASA to dive headlong into a new era of exploration. "There is a fantastically steep learning curve to human spaceflight," Suffredini said. "The collective experience at Axiom is quite far along it. Because we know firsthand what works and what doesn't in LEO, we are innovating in terms of design, engineering, and process while maintaining safety and dramatically lowering costs." About Axiom Space Axiom Space was founded in 2016 to make life and work in orbit a reality as a means to sustained deep space exploration and improving life on Earth. While building and launching the Axiom Segment to one day form the world's first commercial space station, Axiom will provide access to the ISS today by launching crewed flights at a rate of about two to three flights per year. More information about Axiom can be found at www.axiomspace.com. The Axiom modules are targeted to attach to the International Space Station beginning in the latter half of 2024, Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1082685/F_AxStation_Forward_Persp1_Rev1_Instagram.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1082686/Image___Axiom_modules_connected_to_ISS.jpg Related Links :http://www.axiomspace.com
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Secret Makes a Play to Kick Inequality on the Football Field with Super Bowl Ad Featuring Carli Lloyd and Crystal Dunn
In continued effort to champion equal representation and equal opportunity for women, Secret depicts soccer stars Lloyd and Dunn as football game-day heroes in new spot CINCINNATI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Secret Deodorant revealed its conversation-starting Super Bowl ad on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” “The Secret Kicker” spot will air during the official Super Bowl Pregame Show and aims to spark a dialogue about the possibility of women playing at football’s highest level – the NFL. Starring U.S. soccer players Carli Lloyd and Crystal Dunn, this ad is the latest from Secret to prominently highlight women’s social issues. “More than two-thirds of girls believe that society doesn’t encourage women to play sports,” said Sara Saunders, Associate Brand Director, Secret. “We’re setting out to change this notion by spotlighting world-class female athletes on a field where gender equality is not yet the norm. Whether or not a woman wants to play football, shouldn’t she at least be able to consider it a possibility? We believe that there are some things women shouldn’t have to sweat – and equal opportunity is one of them.” The spot opens with a typical football game day scene: a packed stadium, enthusiastic fans, players taking to the line of scrimmage before a make-it-or-break-it kick. Things quickly take a turn for the unexpected when, following a successful kick, the kicker and holder are revealed to be women – specifically, Lloyd and Dunn. The crowd goes wild, as Secret issues a call-to-action: Let’s Kick Inequality. “I am so incredibly proud to be a part of this campaign, and I am thrilled that a brand like Secret is bold enough to make a statement like this during such a major moment in sports,” shared Lloyd. “While I’ve been vocal about my ambitions to play football professionally, this message is so much bigger than football – it’s about showing to women and girls that it’s okay to set big goals for themselves and to aspire to be more than what they think is possible. I want to show people what a truly equal world can look like, and ‘The Secret Kicker’ does just that.” This territory is not new to Secret, which has a long history of supporting women’s progress. Added Saunders, “Secret has been championing strong women for more than 60 years, and as part of that, we’re committed to doing our part to advocate for positive change.” Following its debut on “Ellen,” Secret will launch its first-ever YouTube Masthead on January 28. The brand has also enrolled a number of high-profile celebrities, athletes and influencers to help share this message with their followers and join Secret in its push to #KickInequality. This work will culminate in a pre-game airing on Sunday, February 2, approximately ten minutes before the Super Bowl kick-off. “The Super Bowl is one of the biggest sporting events in the world, and we are excited that brands like Secret continue to use this moment to share such important messages with our audience,” said Samantha Rapoport, Senior Director of Diversity & Inclusion at the National Football League. “Throughout the NFL, we welcome passionate players of all backgrounds and of any gender to be part of our team both on and off the field. We are proud to stand with Secret to celebrate the progress that has been made and to show everyone what the future of football could look like.” For more from Secret, visit Secret.com, or follow Secret on Instagram (@SecretDeodorant), Facebook (Facebook.com/Secret), Twitter (@SecretDeodorant) and YouTube (YouTube.com/SecretDeodorant). About Secret Secret was the first antiperspirant brand designed specifically for women, and for the past 60 years, Secret has been on the forefront of women’s lives, leading with innovation designed to provide superior odor and wetness protection. Through the years, the brand has proudly supported women’s advancement and equality through its campaigns and communications. Its latest campaign, “All Strength, No Sweat,” is a continuation of this commitment to women, celebrating those who boldly challenge the status quo, push through barriers and stand up for what they believe in, without “sweating” the obstacles that may come their way. Secret challenges women everywhere to be all strength, no sweat. Contacts Sarah Black, DeVries Global 212-546-8533 | sblack@devriesglobal.com
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SpartanNash Names David Sisk President, MDV
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SpartanNash (Nasdaq: SPTN) today announced David W. Sisk will join SpartanNash as President of the company’s MDV military division based in Norfolk, Va., effective February 3, 2020. SpartanNash Executive Vice President (EVP) and Chief Legal Officer (CLO) Kathleen Mahoney has served as President, MDV and CLO since May 2017, and she will continue to serve in her role as EVP and CLO. MDV is a leading distributor of grocery products to U.S. commissaries. As President, MDV and a SpartanNash Senior Vice President, Mr. Sisk will be responsible for developing, implementing and achieving the strategic policies, goals and objectives of the military division, including profit and loss accountability and strategy development and implementation to meet desired goals and performance. He also will collaborate with cross-functional teams to continue to drive the success and growth of the Defense Commissary Agency’s (DeCA) Freedom’s Choice® and HomeBaseTM private label product offerings, which are exclusively distributed by MDV. Prior to joining SpartanNash, Mr. Sisk served as President and Chief Operating Officer for OSC-WEBco, where he oversaw worldwide strategic plans, P&L, personnel and global operations across all military divisions, resulting in $2.1 billion in sales across more than 100 retail categories. He also held increasing responsibilities throughout his 30-year career with Procter & Gamble, culminating in serving as Customer Business Development Manager for the Global Military Division. Mr. Sisk previously served as Chair of the American Logistics Association (ALA) Board of Directors and is a recipient of the ALA’s Lifetime Achievement Award. “David’s extensive experience in the military resale channel and leadership skills provide an excellent foundation for his success with SpartanNash,” said Dennis Eidson, interim President and Chief Executive Officer. “We look forward to his contributions, and we also are most grateful for Kathy’s continued and selfless leadership and military expertise serving in her dual role for nearly three years and throughout the past 16 years with the company.” “I have been honored to serve as President, MDV and am proud of what we have accomplished together to serve the military resale channel and, ultimately, our military heroes and their families,” said Ms. Mahoney. “I am grateful I was given the opportunity to take on this operational role, and now transition this responsibility to David, who is well positioned to continue this important work.” About SpartanNash SpartanNash (Nasdaq: SPTN) is a Fortune 400 company whose core businesses include distributing grocery products to a diverse group of independent and chain retailers, its corporate-owned retail stores and U.S. military commissaries and exchanges; as well as premier fresh produce distribution and fresh food processing. SpartanNash serves customer locations in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, Europe, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Bahrain, Djibouti and Egypt. SpartanNash currently operates 156 supermarkets, primarily under the banners of Family Fare, Martin’s Super Markets, D&W Fresh Market, VG’s Grocery and Dan’s Supermarket. Through its MDV military division, SpartanNash is a leading distributor of grocery products to U.S. military commissaries. Contacts Meredith Gremel, Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Communications, 616-878-2830
