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Otago Daily Times
7 days ago
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Cameras donated to Predator Free
Timaru Rotary Club member Lionel Wilson (left) and owner of 2040 Ltd Shaun Ryan are all smiles at the prospect of a predator-free Timaru while picking up the AI cameras last week are. PHOTO: SUPPLIED Big brother is always watching. At least for the pests in and around Centennial Park and the Highfield Golf Course. Six AI cameras have been gifted to Predator Free Timaru from the Timaru Rotary Club. Predator Free committee member Tim Exton said he was "absolutely thrilled" with the donation. Mr Exton said during the day the cameras monitored bird sound and bird life, and at night they worked as a thermal camera, being able to identify pests. He said trapping was a science, but if people were unsure what they were trying to trap then it was not much good. As one predator was removed from the area, then another one might become more prevalent. As an example, where Mr Exton had trapped along the river, it had shown when stoats were removed, weasels moved in. Trapping their food source could result in them "prey switching" from rabbits to potentially a native prey. He said the cameras assisting trapping should see a change in birds around the areas, including more native species like tui and kereru. He said cameras would help them identify their successes and their failures. Rotary Club spokesman Lionel Wilson said that as part of a weekend of connection among Rotary groups across the region earlier this year, 120 traps were made. Those traps had been placed in backyards around the golf course and the park. Mr Wilson said Predator Free Timaru members were "busy people" so when he saw an advertisement come up for Every Corner Project, which was run by Air New Zealand he was quick to apply. The project aimed to give money to groups that were helping the environment. The project had 640 applications for the $1.2 million of funding. When they were selected as one of the 100 projects to be given funding, Mr Wilson said the club used the $10,343.10 to purchase six cameras and batteries. Mr Exton said, "Lionel's great, he's got time and knowledge to do it, and do it successfully. "He has bolstered our work tenfold." While Mr Exton was not a Rotary member he said "I threatened to join them".
National Post
26-06-2025
- Business
- National Post
Bentley Systems, Enactus Launch 2025 iTwin4Good Challenge Amid Global Infrastructure Workforce Shortage
Article content EXTON, Pa. — As the global infrastructure sector faces a critical workforce shortage, Bentley Systems, Incorporated (Nasdaq: BSY), the infrastructure engineering software company, and Enactus, a global nonprofit advancing student innovation and entrepreneurship, announce the start of the 2025 iTwin4Good Challenge. This international competition empowers university students to develop digital twin solutions to help address global infrastructure challenges. Article content This initiative comes at a pivotal time. In recent years, global infrastructure sectors have faced a critical workforce shortage, despite rising demand for better and more resilient infrastructure. For example, the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Research Institute reports that 49 percent of engineering firms face project backlogs of one year or more, while the construction industry is short more than 400,000 workers, according to the Associated Builders and Contractors. Article content The iTwin4Good Challenge places students on a path to address workforce shortages by combining their passion for social and environmental impact with the power of digital technology. Through skills building and mentorship, the program brings together global talent to grow a new and diverse pipeline of future infrastructure leaders and solution developers. Students embark on a six-week program featuring technical training, mentorship from across Bentley, and the opportunity to get certified as an iTwin Developer Associate. Participants—competing solo or in teams of up to three—will use Bentley's iTwin platform to create apps that could drive positive environmental or social impact in their communities. Article content Challenge Overview Article content From June through October 2025, students from the U.S., Germany, Canada, the UK and Ireland (competing jointly), and Brazil will participate in national rounds. Top performers will present their solutions to a panel of industry experts, compete for cash prizes, and advance to a virtual 'Champions of Champions' showdown, with the global winner earning the opportunity to attend the Enactus World Cup 2025 in Bangkok. Article content 'The iTwin4Good Challenge is more than a student competition, it's a catalyst for change and a strategic investment in the future of infrastructure,' said Chris Bradshaw, chief sustainability and education officer, Bentley Systems. 'By engaging young minds in real-world problem-solving and equipping the next generation with digital twin expertise, we're cultivating talent capable of addressing both today's infrastructure needs and tomorrow's sustainability challenges.' Article content George Tsiatis, president & CEO, Enactus Global & Resolution Project added, 'This partnership exemplifies what we do best—empowering students to tackle real-world challenges through innovation and entrepreneurship. When young people combine cutting-edge technology with purpose-driven action, they don't just solve today's problems, they build the foundation for a more sustainable future.' Article content This hands-on experience develops industry-ready professionals who can apply digital twin technology to solve real-world challenges, bridging the gap between academic learning and impactful infrastructure innovation. For a look at the initiative in action, watch the 2024 iTwin4Good Championship final presentations from Kazakhstan. Article content About Enactus Article content Enactus is the world's largest experiential learning platform developing entrepreneurial leaders and social innovators across 35+ countries. Through our network of universities and business leaders, we engage over 40,000 students annually in team-based projects that build essential leadership, project management, and enterprise skills while creating meaningful economic, social, and environmental impact. Founded in 1975, Enactus students have launched more than 75,000 projects and businesses, benefiting millions of people worldwide while developing tomorrow's leaders with a head for business, and a heart for the world. For more information, visit Article content About Bentley Systems Article content Around the world, infrastructure professionals rely on software from Bentley Systems to help them design, build, and operate better and more resilient infrastructure for transportation, water, energy, cities, and more. Founded in 1984 by engineers for engineers, Bentley is the partner of choice for engineering firms and owner-operators worldwide, with software that spans engineering disciplines, industry sectors, and all phases of the infrastructure lifecycle. Through our digital twin solutions, we help infrastructure professionals unlock the value of their data to transform project delivery and asset performance. Article content © 2025 Bentley Systems, Incorporated. Bentley, the Bentley logo, and iTwin are either registered or unregistered trademarks or service marks of Bentley Systems, Incorporated or one of its direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiaries. All other brands and product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content For more information, contact: Article content Article content Bentley Press: Chris Phillips, Article content PR@ Article content Article content Bentley Investors: Eric Boyer, Article content Article content Article content
Travel Weekly
23-06-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
World Travel Inc.
2024 sales: $1.41 billion Previous ranking: 18 Employees: 486 full-time,12 part-time 620 Pennsylvania Drive Exton, PA 19341 Phone: (610) 458-5554 Website $1.41 billion18486 full-time,12 part-time620 Pennsylvania DriveExton, PA 19341Phone: (610) 458-5554 Executives CHAIR/CEO: Liz Mandarino PRESIDENT: Erika Moore CFO: Chris Clarke VP/CORPORATE COUNSEL: Monica Lawrence COO: Pam Zager COMPANY FACTS * Employee-owned company providing B2B services and solutions for global travel and meetings management. * Sales: 90% business, 5% leisure, 5% meetings. * A member of ASTA, CLIA, the Pacific Asia Travel Association, IATA and Virtuoso. DEVELOPMENTS * Began a digital transformation to completely automate its business analysis processes; migrated its servers, phone system and tech stack to the cloud; completed the build-out of its universal profile system database. * Revamped its content and servicing strategy through partnership with Sabre and the initial development of its servicing platform, enabling it to be better positioned for NDC and the future of retailing. * Enhanced its WorldVC with the slogan "Virtual Acts Like Plastic," a multiuse virtual card that has the flexibility and security of a digital card and the functionality of plastic. * Fully automated the WorldVC virtual card into the digital wallet of IOS devices, removing the effort to add a credit card to the wallet but ensuring security. * Unveiled a portal for nonprofiled travelers, enabling clients to create the WorldVC card and a temporary profile that enables self-service booking. Merchant control allows the card to be used outside of travel suppliers -- leveraging the digital wallet and setting a budget but also having the card expire automatically * Rolled out its first AI prototype to support its consultants in customer service. * Its meetings and events division was recognized as a MeetingsNet CMI 25 company. LOOKING AHEAD * Introducing accelerated IT with its new innovation center in Uruguay. * Incorporating AI in its servicing, content optimization and reporting. * Achieving a 15% cost reduction associated with operational efficiency. * Believes the recent shift in government spend will lead to an overall deceleration in travel spend, mainly affecting domestic travel. * Anticipates international travel will "shuffle and shift" but remain strong for the most part. Airlines will remain conservative in their capacity expansion as economic trends resulting from U.S. government policy emerge. * Leisure will remain strong but shift destinations, as Mexico and Canada pivot in their consumption patterns.
Associated Press
02-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Access Barriers Hamper Early Line Adoption of UCB's Bimzelx at Six Months Post-Launch in Psoriatic Arthritis and Axial Spondyloarthritis, According to Spherix Global Insights
EXTON, PA, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just over six months into its dual launch across Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) and Axial Spondyloarthritis (axSpA), UCB's Bimzelx (bimekizumab) is demonstrating meaningful promise, though prescriber momentum remains tempered by access hurdles and payer-imposed constraints, according to new findings from Spherix Global Insights' Launch Dynamix™ services. Physicians across both PsA (n=76) and axSpA (n=73) have expressed strong clinical enthusiasm for Bimzelx, particularly citing its unique dual inhibition of IL-17A and IL-17F as a differentiator from existing IL-17 agents. In PsA, rheumatologists report confidence in the drug's performance across both skin and joint domains and consider it a therapeutic advance over competitors like Novartis' Cosentyx and Eli Lilly's Taltz. In axSpA, particularly among more severe or refractory patients, Bimzelx is increasingly viewed as a preferred IL-17, with some physicians already positioning it ahead of established options in terms of anticipated efficacy and breadth of benefit. Despite its favorable clinical profile, Bimzelx's adoption is constrained by a consistently challenging reimbursement environment. In PsA, nearly all prescriptions require prior authorization, with step therapy requirements and payer preferences for legacy agents continuing to block earlier use. These access challenges are echoed in AS and nr-axSpA, where physicians cite not only high out-of-pocket costs and Medicare limitations but also a general lack of formulary inclusion across plans. While some rheumatologists note success in early line use, many describe regular denials and delays that often force them to default to more accessible agents despite clinical preference for Bimzelx. As one rheumatologist summarizes, 'I like Bimzelx. The big headwind I'm facing now, it just gets denied by insurers. So commercial insurance coverage, which seems to always plague UCB products, is horrible. I'm hoping that will improve.' To address these access barriers, some physicians are turning to samples and bridge programs. However, in PsA, just 13% of patients initiated on Bimzelx started with a sample or free drug, with a pattern similarly observed in axSpA. While sampling and bridge programs are providing a critical means to initiate Bimzelx, physician sentiments support that these are often used to navigate around access hurdles, with uncertainty remaining around consistent conversion to insurance coverage and sustainability of this approach. While access barriers are a common thread, and also are common across many recently launched biologics in immunology, notable differences are emerging in how Bimzelx is being adopted and perceived across PsA versus axSpA. In PsA, two-thirds of rheumatologists have already prescribed Bimzelx, typically for patients with severe or flaring disease after failing multiple advanced therapies. Many express interest in moving the therapy earlier in the treatment algorithm but, again, remain limited by payer mandates. By contrast, adoption in axSpA is still ramping up, particularly in nr-axSpA, where just a minority of rheumatologists have used the product to date. Though uptake is slower, satisfaction levels remain high among those with prescribing experience, and many physicians expect to expand use as coverage improves. In addition to ramped trial and utilization, promotional efforts from UCB are beginning to resonate. The majority of rheumatologists report contact with Bimzelx sales representatives, who are largely praised for their professionalism and ability to communicate key efficacy and safety differentiators. However, a notable subset of physicians in both PsA and axSpA have yet to be detailed, and limited awareness of support services—such as the Bimzelx Navigate program—suggests more work is needed to fully activate the prescriber base. Those who have engaged with Navigate report a positive experience, citing timely support and ease of use, though these accounts remain limited. As the launches progress, the key question is whether UCB can convert strong clinical perceptions into real-world usage at earlier points in care. While Bimzelx is well-positioned from an efficacy standpoint, its long-term success will hinge on overcoming payer resistance and improving patient access. Spherix Global Insights will continue to track Bimzelx's PsA, AS and nr-AxSpA U.S. launch trajectory through its Launch Dynamix™ service through the first eighteen months of commercial availability. Launch Dynamix™ is an independent service providing monthly benchmarking of newly launched products for the first eighteen months of commercial availability, augmented by a quarterly deep dive into promotional activity, barriers to uptake, and patient types gravitating to the launch brand. About Spherix Global Insights Spherix is a leading independent market intelligence and advisory firm that delivers commercial value to the global life sciences industry, across the brand lifecycle. The seasoned team of Spherix experts provides an unbiased and holistic view of the landscape within rapidly evolving specialty markets, including dermatology, gastroenterology, rheumatology, nephrology, neurology, ophthalmology, and hematology. Spherix clients stay ahead of the curve with the perspective of the extensive Spherix Physician Community. As a trusted advisor and industry thought leader, Spherix's unparalleled market insights and advisory services empower clients to make better decisions and unlock opportunities for growth. To learn more about Spherix Global Insights, visit or connect through LinkedIn. For more details on Spherix's primary market research reports and interactive dashboard offerings, visit or register here: NOTICE: All company, brand or product names in this press release are trademarks of their respective holders. The findings and opinions expressed within are based on Spherix Global Insight's analysis and do not imply a relationship with or endorsement of the companies or brands mentioned in this press release. Lynn Price, Rheumatology Franchise Head Spherix Global Insights 4848794284 [email protected]
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Innovative Solutions and Support Inc (ISSC) Q2 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Record Revenue ...
Release Date: May 15, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Innovative Solutions and Support Inc (NASDAQ:ISSC) reported over 100% growth in revenue, driven by new military programs and legacy platforms. The company achieved a significant increase in EBITDA and profit, with EBITDA up by over 260% and profit by over 300% from the previous year. ISSC has a strong backlog of approximately $80 million, indicating sustained business momentum. The company is expanding its Exton, Pennsylvania facility, which will triple production capabilities, positioning it well for future growth. ISSC's acquisition strategy, including the integration of H1ywell's product lines, is progressing well and expected to enhance future revenue streams. Gross margins are expected to remain volatile due to the mix of acquired products and the inherent lower margins in military sales. The integration of H1ywell's product lines involves duplicative costs and potential supply chain challenges. Despite revenue growth, there is pressure on margins due to acquisition-related costs and inventory adjustments. The company faces uncertainties related to supply chain issues, particularly with the transition of H1ywell's production. Operating expenses increased modestly, driven by product development efforts and increased headcount, which could impact profitability if not managed carefully. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 3 Warning Signs with ISSC. Q: Can you provide more details on the pull-forward of H1ywell product lines and its impact on FY25 guidance? A: We don't anticipate further delays post-transition. The transition involves supply chain issues with H1ywell, but we are working closely with them and Lockheed. We are confident in achieving over 30% growth for FY25. CEO Shaam Ascopour Q: What is driving the improvement in air transport revenue, and how does the pipeline look amid high interest rates? A: The improvement is driven by high demand for aftermarket upgrades due to production delays from Airbus and Boeing. Interest rates have minimal impact on our operations, and we expect this trend to continue. CEO Shaam Ascopour Q: How should we view gross margins as H1ywell production transitions to your facility? A: Gross margins are volatile due to product mix variability from acquisitions. We focus more on EBITDA and profit margins rather than gross margins. CEO Shaam Ascopour Q: What percentage of sales were to the Department of Defense, and do you expect this to continue? A: Approximately 40% of sales were military-related, and we expect this percentage to hold for the year. CFO Jeff DiGiovanni Q: Are you planning to hire more staff this year? A: We are continuously looking for talented engineers and individuals to support our growth. We have hired a military salesperson post-quarter and will continue to hire as needed. CEO Shaam Ascopour Q: Can you provide an update on the next-generation utility management system? A: The project is on track, with flight testing planned for the next month. We are completing qualification testing to prepare for flight tests. CEO Shaam Ascopour Q: Are there any concerns about completing the clean room expansion? A: No concerns. The production floor is a clean room facility, and we are expanding it with routine procedures. We have it under control. CEO Shaam Ascopour Q: How will the ERP system implementation impact productivity and costs? A: The ERP system will improve data accessibility for better business decisions. It's too early to quantify the impact on the P&L, but we expect improvements in production efficiency. CFO Jeff DiGiovanni For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
