Battle Mountain girls volleyball team ends season with 23-3 recordMETAIRIE, La. (AP) — Dejounte Murray plans to return to the New Orleans Pelicans ' lineup on Wednesday night for the first time since fracturing his left hand in a season-opening victory over Chicago on Oct. 23. And when Murray takes the court against the Toronto Raptors , his mother will be on his mind.Rams WR Demarcus Robinson not suspended, will play Sunday after arrest on DUI suspicion

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills have announced their uniform combination for their Sunday Night Football game. The Bills on social media on Wednesday said they will don their traditional white helmets, blue jerseys, and white pants when they host the San Francisco 49ers. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:20 p.m. Sunday at Highmark Stadium. The game will be aired on NBC and Channel 2. The Bills are 5-0 when wearing that uniform combination this season, most recently beating the Kansas City Chiefs two weeks ago. While many NFL teams reveal classic or alternate uniform combinations for a game or two well before the season begins, the Bills usually announce what they will wear days ahead of each game. If you're superstitious in any way, we are keeping track of the Bills record in various jersey combinations this season. Here's the standings after 11 games: See you on Sunday night. 💯 @DeltaSonicWash | #SFvsBUF pic.twitter.com/kk22t4svxCAlabama A&M football player Medrick Burnett has died from complications from a head injury after a head-on collision with another player suffered during an October 26 game. Burnett, 20, took a head-on blow during a game against Alabama State, sending him to the hospital. Now, a month after the game, he has died from his injuries, the Daily Mail reported. Not long after being admitted to the hospital, Burnett was listed in stable condition. However, he had “several brain bleeds and swelling of the brain,” said his sister, Dominece. “He had to have a tube to drain to relieve the pressure, and after 2 days of severe pressure, we had to opt for a craniotomy, which was the last resort to help try to save his life,” she added. The school has released a statement lamenting the loss of the redshirt freshman. “Today, our Bulldog family is heartbroken by the loss of Medrick Burnett Jr.,” Alabama A&M Athletics Director Dr. Paul A. Bryant said in a statement. “Medrick was more than an exceptional athlete; he was a remarkable young man whose positive energy, leadership, and compassion left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him.” “While words cannot adequately express our grief, we are humbled by the strength of his family, who stood by his side throughout this unimaginable ordeal,” the statement added. Burnett’s family has set up a GoFundMe page to help with his family’s medical and housing expenses. “Medrick Burnett Jr. will forever be remembered as a Bulldog. His spirit will remain an inspiration to all of us, reminding us of the importance of unity, resilience, and love,” the team said in a statement. Follow Warner Todd Huston on Facebook at: facebook.com/Warner.Todd.Huston , or Truth Social @WarnerToddHuston

What's next for Orlando Pride after winning the 2024 NWSL Championship | Sporting NewsA recent study that recommended toxic chemicals in black plastic products be immediately thrown away included a math error that significantly overstated the risks of contamination, but its authors are standing by their conclusions and warn against using such products. Published in the peer-reviewed journal Chemosphere , experts from the nonprofit Toxic-Free Future said they detected flame retardants and other toxic chemicals in 85% of 203 items made of black plastic including kitchen utensils , take-out containers, children's toys and hair accessories. In a blog post, Joe Schwarcz, director of McGill University's Office for Science and Society in Canada, explained that the Toxin-Free Future scientists miscalculated the lower end of what the EPA considered a health risk through a multiplication error. Instead of humans being potentially exposed to a dose of toxic chemicals in black plastic utensils near the minimum level that the EPA deems a health risk, it's actually about one-tenth of that. (Dreamstime/TNS) The study initially said the potential exposure to chemicals found in one of the kitchen utensils approached the minimum levels the Environmental Protection Agency deemed a health risk. But in an update to the study, the authors say they made an error in their calculations and the real levels were "an order of magnitude lower" than the EPA's thresholds. The error was discovered by Joe Schwarcz, director of McGill University's Office for Science and Society in Canada. In a blog post, Schwarcz explained that the Toxin-Free Future scientists miscalculated the lower end of what the EPA considered a health risk through a multiplication error. Instead of humans being potentially exposed to a dose of toxic chemicals in black plastic utensils near the minimum level that the EPA deems a health risk, it's actually about one-tenth of that. Though Schwarcz said the risks outlined in the study aren't enough for him to discard his black plastic kitchen items if he had them, he agreed with the authors that flame retardants shouldn't be in these products in the first place. "The math error does not impact the study's findings, conclusions or recommendations," said Megan Liu, a co-author of the study who is the science and policy manager for Toxic-Free Future . She added that any traces of flame retardants or toxic chemicals in cooking utensils should be concerning for the public. Flame retardants are getting into commonly used items because black-colored products are being made from recycled electronic waste, such as discarded television sets and computers, that frequently contain the additives. When they're heated, the flame retardants and other toxic chemicals can migrate out. If you're wondering whether your old black plastic spoon or other utensils are a part of this group, Liu shared some more guidance. Generally, how do I know a product is harmful? It's nearly impossible to know whether a black plastic product is contaminated. That's because these products that include recycled e-waste don't disclose a detailed list of all ingredients and contaminants in the product. Liu said it's also unclear how many types of flame retardants are in these black plastic products. Some of the products that researchers tested in this recent study "had up to nine different harmful chemicals and harmful flame retardants in them," she said. How can I find out if black plastic food trays are made with recycled contaminated plastic? Anytime you're looking for the type of recycled plastic a product is made of you're going to look for a number within the chasing arrows (that form a triangle) logo. Recycling symbols are numbered 1 to 7 and we commonly associate the numbers with what we can toss in our blue recycling bins. The 1 through 7 numbers stand for, respectively, polyethylene terephthalate, high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene or Styrofoam, and miscellaneous plastics (including polycarbonate, polylactide, acrylic, acrylonitrile butadiene, styrene, fiberglass and nylon). The study found higher levels of toxic flame retardants in polystyrene plastic, which is labeled with the number 6, said Liu. When did recycled e-waste begin contaminating black plastic products? There isn't a definitive timeline of when recycled electronic-waste started to be incorporated into black plastic products specifically, but e-waste started to get recycled in the early 2000s, Liu said. The way computers, cellphones, stereos, printers and copiers were being disposed of previously was to simply add them to a landfill without reusing salvageable parts. But as the National Conference of State Legislatures notes, electronics production required a significant amount of resources that could be recovered through recycling. Recovering resources such as metals, plastics and glass through recycling used a fraction of the energy needed to mine new materials. However, the study pointed out that flame retardants and other chemical contaminates have been detected in and near e-waste recycling facilities, in indoor air and dust at formal e-waste recycling facilities in Canada, China, Spain and the U.S. It also noted contamination in soil samples surrounding e-waste recycling sites in China and Vietnam. What are safer alternatives? The safest nontoxic material options for kitchen utensil are wood and stainless steel. The 20th century brought airplanes, radio, television, the internet, and plastic. Lots of plastic. That plastic is now showing up on shorelines, forming islands in oceans, and generating mountains of translucent trash on land. Around 700 species of animals in the sea have been found to interact with plastic daily. Companies across every industry face pressure to reduce the amount of plastic they produce. Seventy-two percent of the world's largest have made voluntary commitments to reduce their plastic waste, according to a Duke University analysis. One industry, in particular, has greatly benefited from advancements in single-use plastic technology: the medical industry. Only in recent years have businesses and academics in the field begun to talk about minimizing their impact on our environment like beverage manufacturers and other consumer goods-producing businesses. Medical Technology Schools analyzed academic studies published in the National Library of Medicine , the American Medical Association , and news reports to shed light on the medical community's use of plastics through history, their environmental problems, and proposed solutions to reduce their impact. And the impact can be significant. A single hospital patient generates nearly 34 pounds of waste a day —as much as a quarter of it is plastic. The COVID-19 pandemic only worsened the problem. The pandemic pushed hospital capacity to the brink and led to a massive increase in personal protective equipment and medical supply usage. Medical-grade masks and other protective equipment like face shields, made mostly of nonrenewable plastics, were in high demand. In 2020, the World Health Organization estimated that the international need for PPE manufacturing would boost 40% to address the public health crisis. Hospitals needed an estimated 89 million masks, 76 million gloves, and 1.6 million goggles every month of the pandemic. To date, nearly 677 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered, each requiring their own plastic syringe, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Global consulting firm Frost & Sullivan estimated that the U.S. would produce a year's worth of medical waste in just two months due to the pandemic. The World Economic Forum warned that the COVID-19 crisis threatened to " stall and even reverse progress " to reduce large plastic waste. It's a challenge researchers acknowledge today as they search for solutions. Plastics introduced an era of ultraconvenience to the world. It makes our clothes. It's made bike helmets and airbags possible. And it's a cheap material to produce, meaning it's cheap for consumers too. Almost as importantly, it's durable and incredibly easy to make into complex shapes—a trait that helped plastics invented in the mid-20th century quickly replace more expensive metal and wooden goods. That adoption extended to the medical field, where the single-use nature of plastics represented a move toward more hygienic tools for physicians and hospitals. But it wasn't plastic's sanitary qualities that the industry first latched onto. Like so many other technical advancements, convenience and cost were the initial driving factors. That they were more conducive to creating a sterile environment for patients was a benefit that health care began to tout closer to the end of the 20th century. PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, replaced glass bottles previously used to hold IV solution and replaced rubber tubing used throughout hospital settings. Plastic has also become the go-to material for making syringes and catheters. Plastic products are generally made from chemicals derived from the oil and natural gas refining process. Chemists use those byproducts to create synthetic materials with malleable and durable chemical structures. The low cost of these materials has helped medical device-makers support better health outcomes for communities across the U.S. since the 1900s. No longer was health care priced at rates only the elite could afford—it was accessible to a much larger swath of the public. In the last decade, the U.S., in particular, has emerged as a massive market for medical plastics. The country generally accounts for nearly half of the global market for medical devices. Plastic's durability is not only a benefit but a detriment to the environment, as the material can take many years to deteriorate when it enters landfills or trashes oceans. Estimates vary widely, but scientists ballpark that depending on the kind of plastic and the environment in which it decomposes, it could take dozens to thousands of years to break down entirely. COVID-19, which remains a burden for health care systems, isn't the only force raising the stakes for a health care industry pressured to reduce reliance on plastics or find ways to reuse them. Global annual production of plastic has doubled in the last two decades , according to the Environmental Protection Agency. As the U.S. looks toward the future, its aging population is another factor that could exacerbate the rate at which medical plastics end up in landfills. People require more medical care as they age, and aging baby boomers are expected to place increased demand on the medical device industry. At the same time, governments are under pressure to lower health care costs, which have become unaffordable even for those insured . As recently as 2021, researchers lamented a lack of data on efforts to recycle medical plastics. Around 350 hospitals participate in Practice Greenhealth's Environmental Excellence Awards . Practice Greenhealth is an organization working to help hospitals increase their sustainability. It's one of the few sources of hospital sustainability data, and its roster of participating hospitals represents a small fraction of the more than 6,000 hospitals operating in the U.S. To meet the need to reduce plastic waste generation, some hospitals are moving away from using plastic in certain applications. Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center replaced health care workers' disposable plastic isolation gowns with reusable cloth gowns at its hospitals in the last decade, saving money and preventing literal tons of medical waste. It also implemented a process for sterilizing and incinerating the boxes that hold used needles, allowing them to be reassembled and reused in a health care setting. Recycling plastic medical waste is complicated by the potential for contamination and the need to separate contaminated and noncontaminated waste; once separated, they can be broken down with heat or treated with chemicals and reprocessed. However, using chemical methods to break down and dispose of plastics has drawbacks. Over 200 nongovernmental organizations signed a letter in 2023 urging the Biden administration to end federal support for methods like these, arguing they generate toxic pollutants. The Vinyl Council of Australia is working with hospitals to recover used materials made of PVC . The materials are broken down into tiny pieces, washed and heated at high temperatures, and remade into things used outside medical settings. In the U.S. and Europe, there's the Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council, a coalition of companies working in the health care device space that includes DuPont, Johnson & Johnson, and Medtronic. In 2021, the HPRC, advised by professionals at Kaiser Permanente and other health systems, rolled out a medical waste recycling pilot project with hopes of scaling it across more hospitals. Story editing by Ashleigh Graf. Copy editing by Paris Close. Photo selection by Clarese Moller. This story originally appeared on Medical Technology Schools and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. 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Wisconsin faces its first losing season in 23 years and the end of a bowl streak when the Badgers host arch-rival Minnesota on Friday in the annual Big Ten battle for Paul Bunyan's Axe. Minnesota (6-5, 4-4) lost to No. 4 Penn State 26-25. Wisconsin (5-6, 3-5 Big Ten) lost its fourth straight, 44-25, at Nebraska in a game that was not as close as the score. "Well 1890 is the first time we played this football team coming up and this is what it's all about," Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck said of the rivalry. "And you wouldn't want to have it any other way, being able to end the season with one of your biggest rivals. I know our guys will be ready to go, ready to play." Wisconsin has 22 consecutive winning seasons since going 5-7 under Barry Alvarez in 2001, the longest active streak among Power 4 teams. The Badgers also have played in a bowl game in each of the last 22 seasons, the longest active streak in the Big Ten and third-longest in FBS. Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell is more concerned with the rivalry game than the winning season and bowl streaks. "I'm not downplaying it, I'm not saying it's not important, I'm not saying it's another thing that's on our plate," Fickell said Monday. "But when it gets down to this last week, it's about one thing, it's about the rivalry. It's about preparing to play in the most important game of the year." The Gophers have dropped their last two games after winning four in a row. Minnesota averages 26.6 points per game, while allowing 18.5, 15th-best in the country. Max Brosmer has completed 67 percent of his passes for 221 per game with 15 touchdowns and five interceptions. Daniel Jackson is the top target with 69 catches for 802 yards and three scores, and Darius Taylor is the top rusher with 730 yards at 4.8 per carry with nine touchdowns. One week after leading Oregon after three quarters, the Wisconsin defense was shredded for 473 yards and five touchdowns by Nebraska. Braedyn Locke, who took over at quarterback when Tyler Van Dyke suffered an early season-ending knee injury, has thrown at least one interception in eight consecutive games. Locke has completed 56.4 percent of his passes for 180.6 yards per game, with 12 touchdowns and 10 picks. Tawee Walker is the leading rusher with 828 yards at 4.7 per carry with 10 touchdowns. He has failed to reach 60 yards in three of the last four games. Former Wisconsin and NFL standout JJ Watt posted on social media his assessment - and frustration - with the Badgers after the Nebraska game. "Losing happens, it's part of the game. Hearing announcers talk about how much tougher and more physical Nebraska & Iowa are while getting blown out ... that's the issue," Watt wrote on X. "We are Wisconsin. Physicality, running game, great O-Line and great defense. That is our identity." Wisconsin defeated the Gophers 28-14 last after Minnesota had won the previous two meetings. The Badgers have won 7 of the last 10 and lead the storied series 63-62-8. --Field Level Media

Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], December 25 (ANI): On the occasion of Good Governance Day, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel carried forward the tradition of honouring the legacy of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee with renewed vigour. Reflecting on Atal Ji's inspirational words, "Chalo Jalaye Deep Wahan, Jahan Abhi Bhi Andhera Hai" (Let us light a lamp where darkness still prevails), the Chief Minister emphasized the state's commitment to bringing transparency, accountability, and progress to every corner of Gujarat. Also Read | Delhi Metro Completes 22 Years of Operation: DMRC Says 'Its Mission To Transform Urban Transportation, Enhancing Quality of Life of Residents of Delhi NCR'. Marking the day, CM Patel unveiled several new initiatives on Wednesday, aimed at the state's vision of effective governance, ensuring that the benefits of development reach all sections of society, according to a press release. The "Mari Yojana" unified digital platform was launched, providing citizens with detailed information on over 680 schemes of the Central and State Governments. Developed by the Information Department, this portal empowers citizens, including those in remote areas, to access scheme-related information conveniently from their homes. Also Read | The Satanic Verses: Salman Rushdie's Controversial Book Returns to India After 36-Year Ban by Rajiv Gandhi, Selling at Bahrisons Booksellers in Delhi (Watch Video). According to a press release, the launch of 'SWAGAT 2.0' Auto Escalation Metrics and the SWAGAT Mobile App introduced an efficient system for handling citizen representations and complaints. These are categorized into GREEN, YELLOW, and RED channels based on severity or complexity, with specific resolution timeframes assigned to each. If a designated officer fails to respond within the given timeframe, the representation automatically escalates to the next higher authority for prompt action. Additionally, dissatisfied complainants can provide feedback, triggering automatic escalation for further review. The SWAGAT Mobile App improves convenience by enabling citizens to submit representations online and track the status of their applications effortlessly. The Chief Minister inaugurated several initiatives by the Department of Science and Technology, including the Semiconductor Training Center established under the Gujarat Semiconductor Policy at Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU), Gandhinagar. This ATMP (Assembly, Testing, Marketing, and Packaging) Training Center aims to equip 1,000 youths with specialized skills in the semiconductor sector over the next five years. Under Bharat Net Phase-2, the Science and Technology Department, through Gujarat Fiber Grid Network Ltd. (GFGNL), is working to improve connectivity in rural areas. The initiative includes linking 40,000 rural government institutions to the state capital, Gandhinagar, providing 25,000 Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) connections under the "Har Ghar Connectivity" initiative, and leasing 30,000 kilometres of optical fibre cables through the "Fiber-to-Far Flung Towers" project. These efforts will connect over 1,000 rural towers, enhancing mobile coverage and connectivity quality in the state's remote rural areas. The country's first space observatory, established at the Regional Science Center in Bhuj by the renowned American company "Plane Wave Instruments," has become operational. In addition, the largest CDK24 telescope in the country, now available for use by citizens and students, has been launched. Additionally, the Government of India's digital learning platform i-GOT has introduced Gujarat's state page on the Karmayogi portal. This initiative provides government employees in the state with access to training modules in the Gujarati language on the i-GOT Karmayogi portal. On this occasion, Citizen Civic Centers have been made operational in 34 municipalities across the state to facilitate easy access to government services for citizens. The Department of Labour and Employment, through the State Government's Skill Development University, has distributed 100 drones to 19 ITIs across the state for drone pilot training. As part of the Good Governance Day celebrations, the state government has launched the "Connect Gujar@t" campaign to ensure that the people are informed about various citizen-centric initiatives through different mediums. Through Connect Gujar@t, people will be made aware of the government's actions and various programs, and the government will also receive accurate feedback regarding any shortcomings. On this occasion, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel stated that former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's vision of Surajya Kranti (Good Governance Revolution) has been transformed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi into technology-driven good governance through the dimensions of smart governance, m-governance, and e-governance. He mentioned that through the digitization of governance by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it has become easier to deliver rights to the most marginalized sections of society, lifting 25 crore people out of poverty. The Chief Minister regarded this year's Good Governance Day as a harmonious occasion, marking the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the 75th anniversary of the Constitution, and the 100th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The Chief Minister stated that the "SWAGAT Online" program initiated by Narendra Modi has addressed numerous critical issues for common people. He conveyed that the "SWAGAT 2.0" mobile app would prove to be extremely useful for grievance redressal and feedback mechanisms. For good governance, he urged both citizens and the government to remain committed to their duties and work towards realizing the goal of "Sauno Sath, Sauno Vikas." In the presence of the Chief Minister, MoUs were signed by Sardar Patel Institute of Public Administration (SPIPA) with esteemed organizations such as the National Center for Good Governance (NCGG), Ahmedabad Management Association (AMA), Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU), Center for Environmental Planning and Technology University (CEPT), and Art of Living. The Minister of Forests and Environment Mulubhai Bera, Minister of State for Cooperation Jagdish Vishwakarma, Minister of State for Forests and Environment Mukesh Patel, Additional Chief Secretary of the General Administration Department Kamal Dayani, along with senior government officials, officers and employees from various departments, and leaders from various organizations were present at this occasion. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)Windtree Therapeutics Reports Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results and Provides Key Business Updates

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- An online debate between big tech and politics continues into the weekend. At the center of the issue - the H-1B visa program. It's a gateway for skilled workers from around the world who specialize in areas that include mathematics, technology, engineering, and science; 65,000 visas are issued each year with an additional 20,000 given to those who have masters degrees or higher. Ahmed Banafa is an engineering professor at San Jose State. "This thing about having this limit about having 65,000 - I mean we could miss someone," Banafa said. MORE: Mexico tests cellphone app allowing migrants to send alert if they are about to be detained in US Google and Meta were each approved to hire 5,000 H-1B-workers this year. Trump's new AI advisor has advocated for the U.S. to remove country-specific caps on H-1B visas. Tech industry leaders and Trump advisors Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk both made long posts on X on how their businesses rely on H-1B workers. Ramaswamy pointed to the "American culture" that celebrates the prom queen over the math Olympiad. MORE: Proposed CA bill would offer protection to immigrant children in schools, child care facilities MAGA supporter Laura Loomer tweeted the H-1B program takes away jobs from American STEM students. In a comment post Musk said "OF COURSE my companies and I would prefer to hire Americans and we DO, as that is MUCH easier than going through the incredibly painful and slow work visa process. HOWEVER, there is a dire shortage of extremely talented and motivated engineers in America." "Look at Musk himself. He is one of the products of the H-1B visa. I mean, we don't have Elon Musk - you agree or disagree with him we're not going to have Tesla, we're not going to have Space X, Starlink," Musk said. ABC7 News insider Phil Matier weighed in on Musk's support for the visa program. MORE: Attorney General Bonta bolsters California's response to Trump's immigration proposals "He's not only in favor of H-1B visas, he's also in favor of expanding them. To where if someone comes to America and completes a four-year college program they should automatically get a green card. That's bringing a competitive workforce into America that will be competing with native-born Americans for jobs," Matier said. On Friday, Marjorie Taylor Greene made the case young people are spending all their time trying to be "the next YouTuber, content creator or social media influencer instead of pursuing a useful skill set, trade -education." So, what will happen to H-1B visas during Trump's second term? That's unclear. Trump restricted the program in 2020 during his first administration.Olivia Hussey, star of the 1968 film 'Romeo and Juliet,' dies at 73

TORONTO, Nov. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- POET Technologies Inc. (" POET " or the " Corporation ") (TSXV: PTK; NASDAQ: POET), the designer and developer of the POET Optical InterposerTM, Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) and light sources for the data center, tele-communication and artificial intelligence markets, today announces its intention to complete a registered direct offering pursuant to which the Corporation expects to issue 5,555,556 common shares (the " Common Shares ") and warrants exercisable for 2,777,778 Common Shares (the " Warrant " and, together with the Common Shares, the " Offered Securities "). The combined price of one Common Share and the accompanying Warrant in respect of one-half Common Share will be US$4.50 (or approximately C$6.29), to raise aggregate gross proceeds to the Corporation of US$25,000,002 (the " Offering "). The Warrant will be exercisable at an exercise price of US$6.00 (or approximately C$8.39) per Common Share for a period of five years from the date of issuance. The Corporation anticipates using the net proceeds of the Offering for working capital related to its recently announced intention to expand assembly operations into Malaysia and for other corporate purposes. It is anticipated that the Offering will close on or about December 3, 2024. The Offering will be made by way of a prospectus supplement to the short form base shelf prospectus of the Corporation dated September 6, 2024 (the " Base Shelf Prospectus ") which will be prepared and filed by the Corporation with the securities regulatory authorities in each of the provinces and territories of Canada prior to the closing of the Offering, and will be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Corporation's U.S. registration statement on Form F-10 (Registration No. 333-28055, which includes the Base Shelf Prospectus and was declared effective by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on September 10, 2024. The Offering is expected to be made to a single institutional investor that qualifies as an "accredited investor" under National Instrument 45-106 – Prospectus Exemptions of the Canadian Securities Administrators. The consummation of the Offering remains subject to the receipt of regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the " Exchange "), and other customary closing conditions. No commission or finder's fee will be paid in connection with the Offering. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. About POET Technologies Inc. POET is a design and development company offering high-speed optical engines, light source products and custom optical modules to the artificial intelligence systems market and to hyperscale data centers. POET's photonic integration solutions are based on the POET Optical InterposerTM, a novel, patented platform that allows the seamless integration of electronic and photonic devices into a single chip using advanced wafer-level semiconductor manufacturing techniques. POET's Optical Interposer-based products are lower cost, consume less power than comparable products, are smaller in size and are readily scalable to high production volumes. In addition to providing high-speed (800G, 1.6T and above) optical engines and optical modules for AI clusters and hyperscale data centers, POET has designed and produced novel light source products for chip-to-chip data communication within and between AI servers, the next frontier for solving bandwidth and latency problems in AI systems. POET's Optical Interposer platform also solves device integration challenges across a broad range of communication, computing and sensing applications. POET is headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with operations in Allentown, PA, Shenzhen, China, and Singapore. More information about POET is available on our website at www.poet-technologies.com . Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" (within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws) and "forward-looking statements" (within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Such statements or information are identified with words such as "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "plan", "intend", "potential", "estimate", "propose", "project", "outlook", "foresee" or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding any potential outcome. Such statements include, without limitation, the Corporation's expectations with respect to consummation of the Offering, its products, the scalability of the POET Optical Interposer and the success of the Corporation's products, the Corporation's ability satisfy all closing conditions and close the Offering within the announced timeline, the Corporation's use of proceeds for the Offering and the Corporation's ability to obtain the final approval of the Exchange. Such forward-looking information or statements are based on a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions which may cause actual results or other expectations to differ materially from those anticipated and which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, management's expectations regarding the size of the market for its products, the capability of its joint venture to produce products on time and at the expected costs, the performance and availability of certain components, and the success of its customers in achieving market penetration for their products. Actual results could differ materially due to a number of factors, including, without limitation, the attractiveness of the Corporation's product offerings, performance of its technology, the performance of key components, and ability of its customers to sell their products into the market. For further information concerning these and other risks and uncertainties, refer to the Corporation's filings on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on the website of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov. Although the Corporation believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information or statements are reasonable, prospective investors in the Corporation's securities should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because the Corporation can provide no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information and statements contained in this news release are as of the date of this news release and the Corporation assumes no obligation to update or revise this forward-looking information and statements except as required by applicable securities laws. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. 120 Eglinton Avenue, East, Suite 1107, Toronto, ON, M4P 1E2- Tel: 416-368-9411 - Fax: 416-322-5075

Florida State continues torrid star with rout of UMass

Radhika Gupta warns startup founders against this growing trend in new businesses. 'Don't fall for it'

New Delhi, Dec. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to the latest study from Astute Analytica Research, the Saudi Arabia light commercial vehicle modifiers market was valued at US$ 1,457.04 million in 2023 and is projected to reach US$ 2,945.24 million by 2032 at a CAGR of 7.39% during the forecast period 2024–2032. The Saudi Arabian LCV modifiers market presents a promising landscape propelled by economic growth, technological advancements, and expanding industrial sectors. The government's Vision 2030 plan, with investments exceeding $2 trillion, has spurred unprecedented demand for customized transportation solutions. In 2023, the market value of LCV modifications reached $1.5 billion, with projections indicating a growth rate of 8% annually over the next five years. The infrastructure sector alone contributed to 25,000 LCV modifications, highlighting substantial revenue opportunities. Emerging technologies are redefining the modification industry. The integration of telematics and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions into LCVs has seen over 5,000 vehicles equipped with advanced fleet management systems in 2023. These technologies enhance operational efficiency, reduce maintenance costs by an average of $5,000 per vehicle annually, and improve safety. Electric and hybrid LCV modifications are gaining traction, with $300 million invested in EV technologies and over 2,000 vehicles modified for sustainable operations. Download Free Sample Copy @ https://www.astuteanalytica.com/request-sample/saudi-arabia-light-commercial-vehicle-modifiers-market Revenue pockets are expanding in light commercial vehicle modifiers market. The cold chain logistics market, valued at $10 billion, has driven the modification of 7,000 refrigerated LCVs to support pharmaceuticals and perishables. E-commerce growth, with online sales surpassing $10 billion in 2023, has increased demand for customized delivery vehicles, accounting for 15,000 modifications. Opportunities also exist in the burgeoning gig economy, where 3,000 LCVs have been modified for ride-sharing and mobile services. The potential for growth is immense as modifiers align with market needs. Companies are investing in research and development; for instance, Al-Futtaim Motors allocated $50 million to innovation in modification techniques. Emerging technologies like autonomous driving features are being explored, with $200 million earmarked for pilot projects. The focus on sustainability and efficiency positions the market favorably, ensuring competitiveness on a global scale. Key Findings in Saudi Arabia Light Commercial Vehicle Modifiers Market Economic diversification under Vision 2030 boosting customized LCV demand. Surge in e-commerce requiring specialized delivery vehicles nationwide. Infrastructure expansion increasing need for modified construction LCVs. Growing adoption of electric and hybrid LCV modifications. Emphasis on advanced safety features in vehicle customization. Integration of telematics and IoT in modified LCVs. Regulatory complexities delaying modification approvals. Supply chain disruptions affecting availability of parts. High modification costs limiting accessibility for SMEs. Light Commercial Trucks are the Backbone of Saudi Arabia’s Expanding Industrial and Trade Landscape In Saudi Arabia’s light commercial vehicle modifiers market, light commercial trucks have become the backbone of industrial and trade operations in 2023. Their dominance is driven by increasing requirements for durable, multi-functional vehicles in key sectors such as mining, retail, and energy. Over 70,000 light trucks were sold in 2023, with brands like Mitsubishi Fuso and Ford Ranger witnessing record demand. These trucks are extensively modified to meet industry-specific needs, including the addition of flatbeds, cranes, and insulated cargo compartments for specialized operations. The mining sector, which saw a $200 million boost in 2023 due to new exploration projects, has utilized 9,000 modified trucks for equipment transport and site operations. Similarly, Saudi Arabia’s retail sector, which added 500 new supermarkets and hypermarkets in 2023, has invested in 12,000 modified trucks for efficient inventory distribution. The Kingdom’s expanding energy sector has deployed 8,000 trucks with tank modifications for petroleum and chemical transport. The adaptability of light trucks in the light commercial vehicle modifiers market has also played a role in supporting agricultural exports, which reached 7 million tons in 2023. Over 6,000 trucks were customized with refrigeration units to ensure the freshness of produce during transport. Additionally, the construction industry, which added 2,000 new commercial projects in 2023, has relied on 10,000 modified trucks for material delivery. Modifications like reinforced axles, all-terrain tires, and fuel-efficient engines are frequently applied to enhance performance. Wherein, technological upgrades are also a key focus. Over 7,500 trucks were equipped with load-monitoring sensors to prevent overloading, while 5,000 were fitted with driver-assist technologies for improved safety. The rising demand for customized light trucks reflects their critical role in facilitating Saudi Arabia’s economic growth, making them indispensable for industrial and trade operations. Safety Enhancement Redefining Light Commercial Vehicles in Saudi Arabia’s Competitive Market Safety innovations have redefined the li light commercial vehicle modifiers market in Saudi Arabia. With road safety becoming a national priority under Vision 2030, businesses are integrating cutting-edge safety technologies into their fleets. Over 30,000 LCVs were equipped with advanced safety features in 2023, making this the fastest-growing segment in the market. These modifications include adaptive headlights, emergency braking systems, and 360-degree camera setups for enhanced visibility. The logistics sector has seen significant adoption, with 12,000 vehicles upgraded with collision prevention systems to ensure accident-free operations. The healthcare industry, which added 500 mobile health units in 2023, has prioritized safety by incorporating anti-rollover technology in 3,000 vehicles. Additionally, fireproof materials and emergency evacuation systems have been installed in 4,000 vehicles used in the oil and gas industry to safeguard against hazardous conditions. Driver-focused technologies are also gaining traction in the light commercial vehicle modifiers market, with 9,000 vehicles equipped with fatigue monitoring systems to prevent accidents caused by drowsy driving. Saudi Arabia’s education sector has modified 2,500 school transport vehicles with child safety locks and automatic emergency brakes. Furthermore, 1,500 LCVs used in public transportation were installed with passenger-alert systems to ensure safe boarding and departures. In the e-commerce sector, where timely delivery is essential, over 6,000 vehicles were upgraded with lane-keeping assistance and real-time tracking systems to minimize accidents and delays. Safety modifiers have also been applied to 5,000 refrigerated trucks transporting perishable goods, ensuring secure and stable transit. In 2023, the Kingdom introduced new safety compliance standards, pushing over 20,000 vehicles to undergo mandatory upgrades. Inquire more about this report before purchase: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/inquire-before-purchase/saudi-arabia-light-commercial-vehicle-modifiers-market Logistics and Delivery: Driving Growth in Saudi Arabia’s Light Commercial Vehicle Modifications The logistics and delivery sector continues to drive the demand for light commercial vehicle modifiers market in Saudi Arabia. In 2023, Saudi Arabia’s logistics market hit $23 billion in value, fueled by rapid e-commerce growth and regional trade expansion. Over 40,000 LCVs were modified for logistics and delivery purposes, reflecting the sector’s dominance in the market. One of the most common modifications is the installation of automated loading and unloading systems, applied to over 9,000 vehicles to improve efficiency and reduce turnaround times. Additionally, 7,000 vehicles were equipped with cargo compartment extensions to accommodate larger shipments. Climate-controlled modifications were added to 6,500 vehicles for temperature-sensitive goods like pharmaceuticals, which saw a 20% increase in demand in 2023. Saudi Post, the Kingdom’s largest postal service, introduced 4,000 modified LCVs with advanced tracking systems to enhance delivery accuracy. Private courier companies, which processed over 100 million packages in 2023, added 8,000 vehicles with route optimization software. Furthermore, free trade agreements signed in 2023 have driven 3,500 LCV modifications for cross-border transportation, including customs clearance technology. Sustainability has also become a focus in logistics in the light commercial vehicle modifiers market. Over 2,500 electric LCVs were modified with extended battery ranges and fast-charging capabilities to support green delivery initiatives. The agriculture sector, which exported 5 million tons of produce in 2023, utilized 3,000 LCVs modified with multi-temperature zones for mixed cargo. Additionally, 1,500 vehicles were customized with anti-theft systems to protect high-value shipments. The rise of same-day delivery services has led to 5,000 vehicles being modified with high-speed engines and lightweight materials for faster transit. With 1,000 new warehouses constructed in 2023, fleet operators are investing heavily in vehicle modifications to streamline operations and meet growing demand. This sector’s dominance highlights the critical role logistics and delivery play in Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation. Top Players in Saudi Arabia Light Commercial Vehicle Modifiers Market Stellantis Isuzu Carrier Modef Luxury For Development Cars Est. Modacar Middle East Customs Other Prominent Players Market Segmentation Overview: By Type Overall Modification Local Modification By Vehicle Type Light Commercial Bus & Van Light Commercial Trucks Micro Van & Truck Chassis Cabs By Application Performance Improvement Appearance Change Safety Enhancement Comfort Improvement Others (Such as Refrigeration Unit Modification, Utility Enhancement, etc.) By End User Government Agencies Retail Sector (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets) Construction Sector Logistics and Delivery Services Healthcare Sector Education Sector (Schools/Universities) Hospitality and Tourism Others Ask For Customization @ https://www.astuteanalytica.com/ask-for-customization/saudi-arabia-light-commercial-vehicle-modifiers-market About Astute Analytica Astute Analytica is a global analytics and advisory company which has built a solid reputation in a short period, thanks to the tangible outcomes we have delivered to our clients. We pride ourselves in generating unparalleled, in depth and uncannily accurate estimates and projections for our very demanding clients spread across different verticals. We have a long list of satisfied and repeat clients from a wide spectrum including technology, healthcare, chemicals, semiconductors, FMCG, and many more. These happy customers come to us from all across the Globe. They are able to make well calibrated decisions and leverage highly lucrative opportunities while surmounting the fierce challenges all because we analyze for them the complex business environment, segment wise existing and emerging possibilities, technology formations, growth estimates, and even the strategic choices available. In short, a complete package. All this is possible because we have a highly qualified, competent, and experienced team of professionals comprising of business analysts, economists, consultants, and technology experts. In our list of priorities, you-our patron-come at the top. You can be sure of best cost-effective, value-added package from us, should you decide to engage with us. Contact Us: Astute Analytica Phone: +1-888 429 6757 (US Toll Free); +91-0120- 4483891 (Rest of the World) For Sales Enquiries: sales@astuteanalytica.com Website: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/ LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTubeVenlo, the Netherlands, Nov. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- QIAGEN (NYSE: QGEN; Frankfurt Prime Standard: QIA) today announced the launch of two new tools for designing and ordering custom solutions that can be used to support microbial analysis of bacterial, fungal and viral targets. These new tools enable researchers to customize their assays and panels for use on the QIAcuity digital PCR system as well as on any third-party next-generation sequencing (NGS) system. They also build on more than 700 digital PCR assays that are currently available for microbial targets through the GeneGlobe platform at https://geneglobe.qiagen.com . The new products make nanoplate digital PCR (dPCR) suitable for even more microbial targets in applications ranging from wastewater testing to food production to analysis of human pathogens. With nanoplate dPCR, rare targets in low-biomass samples with high levels of PCR inhibitors can be measured without a standard curve and with high accuracy and precision. “The demands for microbial detection, tracking and scientific research can be extremely specialized. Reliable and accurate tools that can be customized give scientists the flexibility they need to outpace pathogens and accelerate the tempo of discovery,” said Nitin Sood, Senior Vice President and head of QIAGEN’s Life Sciences Business Area. “With the launch of our design tool for Custom dPCR Microbial Assays and the new QIAseq xHXB panels, we are addressing the demands of our customers. QIAGEN will continue to expand our offering of accurate, reliable and easy-to-use solutions.” The new tools are: Design tool for Custom dPCR Microbial Assays – The first-of-its-kind custom assay design tool enables users to design primers and probes for their specific microbial targets of interest and is tailored specifically for bacterial, fungal and viral targets. The design tool software is powered by a sophisticated and thoroughly tested algorithm developed specifically for microbial applications. Researchers can benefit from a user-friendly and intuitive tool that helps them quickly obtain custom assays with optimal sensitivity, specificity and accurate off-target prediction. QIAseq xHYB Custom Microbial Panels – Customers can completely design their own NGS panels, overcoming limitations of panels offered by other vendors, which are designed against a few genomes of a given target and thereby often cause large gaps in coverage. The QIAseq xHYB Custom Microbial Panels advanced algorithm enables researchers to design their assays against many whole genomes at once, allowing them to achieve the highest possible resolution in applications such as microbial detection. QIAGEN continues to expand its portfolio dPCR assays, supporting laboratories to increase their detection capabilities and improve their results. In September, the company added over 100 new validated QIAcuity digital PCR assays for cancer research, inherited genetic disorders, infectious disease surveillance, and other applications. These newly launched cancer and microbial assays meet the level of quality, multiplexing capabilities, customization, precision and sensitivity associated with all QIAcuity products. Customizable digital PCR assays and the customizable panels and assays are now available on QIAGEN’s GeneGlobe web portal ( https://geneglobe.qiagen.com ), which integrates pre-designed assays with a database of more than 10,000 biological entities including genes, miRNAs and pathways. About QIAGEN QIAGEN N.V., a Netherlands-based holding company, is the leading global provider of Sample to Insight solutions that enable customers to gain valuable molecular insights from samples containing the building blocks of life. Our sample technologies isolate and process DNA, RNA and proteins from blood, tissue and other materials. Assay technologies make these biomolecules visible and ready for analysis. Bioinformatics software and knowledge bases interpret data to report relevant, actionable insights. Automation solutions tie these together in seamless and cost-effective workflows. QIAGEN provides solutions to more than 500,000 customers around the world in Molecular Diagnostics (human healthcare) and Life Sciences (academia, pharma R&D and industrial applications, primarily forensics). As of September 30, 2024, QIAGEN employed more than 5,800 people in over 35 locations worldwide. Further information can be found at https://www.qiagen.com . Forward-Looking Statement Certain statements contained in this press release may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. To the extent that any of the statements contained herein relating to QIAGEN's products, timing for launch and development, marketing and/or regulatory approvals, financial and operational outlook, growth and expansion, collaborations, markets, strategy or operating results, including without limitation its expected adjusted net sales and adjusted diluted earnings results, are forward-looking, such statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that involve a number of uncertainties and risks. Such uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, risks associated with management of growth and international operations (including the effects of currency fluctuations, regulatory processes and dependence on logistics), variability of operating results and allocations between customer classes, the commercial development of markets for our products to customers in academia, pharma, applied testing and molecular diagnostics; changing relationships with customers, suppliers and strategic partners; competition; rapid or unexpected changes in technologies; fluctuations in demand for QIAGEN's products (including fluctuations due to general economic conditions, the level and timing of customers' funding, budgets and other factors); our ability to obtain regulatory approval of our products; difficulties in successfully adapting QIAGEN's products to integrated solutions and producing such products; the ability of QIAGEN to identify and develop new products and to differentiate and protect our products from competitors' products; market acceptance of QIAGEN's new products and the integration of acquired technologies and businesses; actions of governments, global or regional economic developments, weather or transportation delays, natural disasters, political or public health crises, and its impact on the demand for our products and other aspects of our business, or other force majeure events; as well as the possibility that expected benefits related to recent or pending acquisitions may not materialize as expected; and the other factors discussed under the heading “Risk Factors in our most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F. For further information, please refer to the discussions in reports that QIAGEN has filed with, or furnished to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Source: QIAGEN N.V. Category: Corporate

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