Day: November 17, 2022

The Cyprus Space Exploration Organisation (CSEO) is bringing ActInSpace the European Space Agency’s (ESA) space start-up competition to students and young innovators alike. The competition will take place on November 18 and 19 at Discovery Alpha in Nicosia, CSEO’s home for research and innovation. Winners will be announced the second day and will represent Cyprus in the international competition in France.

Returning to Cyprus for 2022, ActInSpace is a competition offering members of the public the opportunity to develop solutions to challenges in space exploration into start-ups. Participants can work either as individuals or in teams and will have 24 hours to dream up new, viable solutions for Europe’s future space exploration, research and technologies.

The winning teams will represent Cyprus at the ActInSpace semi-finals in Cannes, where they will also have the opportunity to form their own start-up companies, get access to funding and even discover career opportunities in space.

ActInSpace is a classic hackathon, meaning that participants have 24 hours to imagine solutions for the future of space defence. The event was created by ESA and France’s National Centre for Space Studies (Centre National d’Études Spatiales, CNES) and is operated by the Aerospace Valley competitiveness cluster.

Anyone with a passion for space and a good idea can take part, no special skills, qualifications or specific degrees required.

CSEO notes that it is an incredible opportunity for participants to discover the little-known space defence sector, its future challenges and the new jobs that will result from meeting those challenges. While the competition focuses on the business aspect of space, political science, economics and international and commercial law are just some of the many other fields required to prepare comprehensive, viable solutions for Europe’s space activities, it adds.

There are over 20 challenges on topics ranging from lunar exportation to ecological issues.

Participants will work on challenges related to space exploration, research and technology, individually or in teams, and will deliver an analysis and an action plan. After 24 hours, a jury comprised of judges with various backgrounds (such as academia, industry or start-ups) will appraise each entry to choose the two teams that will represent Cyprus in the international semi-finals. The international final will take place in February in Cannes. The international winning team will have the opportunity to experience a zero-gravity flight.

ActInSpace 2020 took place simultaneously in 35 countries and 58 cities, despite the global COVID-19 crisis. This fourth edition proved an enormous success, attracting 543 teams comprised of 2,300 participants who worked for 24 hours on one of the 51 challenges set.

CSEO has developed a start-up programme to help guide promising ideas and solutions as they progress into start-ups and commercially viable entities. Part of this programme is its International Space Network which offers access to space sector knowledge and expertise from around the world, as well as to funding opportunities for start-ups.

Those interested can follow CSEO’s Facebook page for updates. Webpage: actinspace.org/country/cyprus and registrations (free): actinspace.org/register

Source: Cyprus News Agency

UN Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas Miroslav Jenca, who is in Cyprus for contacts, will be received on Thursday morning by President of the Republic, Nicos Anastasiades. During his visit to the island, he will also meet with Turkish Cypriot leader, Ersin Tatar.

Jenca met on Wednesday with the ?egotiator of the Greek Cypriot side Menelaos Menelaou. They reviewed the situation in Cyprus, in the context of trying to keep alive the prospect of the resumption of Cyprus reunification talks.

Competent sources told CNA, that at the meeting there was a “general review” of the situation in the context of the efforts to create the appropriate climate and to continue the preparation for the resumption of talks as soon as the conditions allow it.

Jenca’s visit is part of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ commitment to remain involved in the Cyprus issue and provide the support needed to revitalise the prospects for a settlement.

According to CNA sources, there are no expectations for a very significant development in the direction of breaking the stagnation, but the involvement of the UN also contributes to the creation of the appropriate conditions and to avoid a deterioration that will complicate the whole effort and create additional problems.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied the island`s northern third. Numerous rounds of talks under UN aegis to reunite the island under a federal roof failed to yield results.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Vaccination centres for babies and infants, from 6 months to 4 years of age, will be operational from Tuesday, November 22, the Ministry of Health has said.

In a press release on Thursday, the Ministry said that the centres will be set up following a Cabinet decision on November 15 in the context of protecting the population and in particular vulnerable groups of people from the coronavirus.

It is recommended that children and infants receive the Comirnaty (Pfizer) vaccine for the initial strain of the virus to begin with, the Ministry added.

Interested parties should book appointments by telephone at the Latsia Health Centre, Limassol Old Hospital, Kyperounda vaccination centre, Larnaka Old Hospital, the Famagusta Heath Centre, Pafos General Hospital and Polis Chrysochous Hospital.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Cyprus’ Composite Leading Economic Index (CCLEI) continued to have a negative rate year-on-year this October for the third consecutive month.

The continued drop, of the index, the University of Cyprus’ Economics Research Centre, said reflects “the highly uncertain geopolitical and economic environment, as well as the potential further deterioration of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in the winter.”

The Cyprus Composite Leading Economic Index1 (CCLEI) recorded a year-over-year decrease of 2.6% in October 2022, following the year-over-year decreases of 2.6% in September and 2.1% in August 2022, data which are based on recent and revised data, the Economics Research Centre said in a bulletin.

“The year-over-year CCLEI growth rate is negative in October 2022 reflecting the highly uncertain geopolitical, economic, and health environment,” it added.

In particular, “the Economic Sentiment Indicators (ESIs) in both Cyprus and the euro area recorded a considerable year-over-year drop in October 2022, with the ESI in the euro area reaching its lowest level since November 2020,” the Economics Research Centre noted.

More precisely, it said, “confidence deteriorated across all business sectors in both Cyprus and the euro area, with the economic climate noting the greatest deterioration in the services sector for Cyprus and in the consumption sector for the euro area.”

At the same time, the international Brent Crude oil price continues to contribute a negative year-over-year growth rate of the CCLEI, recording a significant increase in its year-over-year growth rate in October 2022.

Similarly, the temperature-adjusted volume of electricity production which has a relatively higher weight on the Index also contributes to its decline.

In contrast, it pointed out, “the acceleration recorded in the year-over-year growth rate of the remaining components of the CCLEI in October restrains the further decline of the Index.”

In particular, the total number of property sales contracts, the value of credit card transactions, the retail sales volume as well as tourists’ arrivals, contribute to the short-term strengthening of the Cypriot economy.

According to UCy’ Economics Research Centre, “the continuing negative year-over-year CCLEI growth rate reflects the extremely uncertain geopolitical and economic environment, as well as the potential further deterioration of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in the winter.”

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Echodyne CEO Eben Frankenberg named “Businessman of the Year 2022” by Cutting-Edge Defense Technology Publication Battlespace

Frankenberg is set to accept the honor this Friday, November 18th, during the Chepstow Military Race Day charity event in the United Kingdom

SEATTLE–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Echodyne, the radar platform company, is pleased to announce Echodyne CEO Eben Frankenberg was voted “Businessman of the Year 2022” by the readers of Battlespace, an international publication dedicated to covering the most cutting-edge developments in the defense electronics industry. Frankenberg is set to receive the award at the Chepstow Military Race Day charity event, hosted by Battlespace; Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA); and Chepstow Racecourse.

The event salutes both serving and former members of the United Kingdom’s armed forces and the unwavering commitment of those in veteran care. The award ceremony will be held in tandem with six competitive horse races, with sponsorship for each raising funds on behalf of three military charities – Combat Stress, The Royal Hospital Chelsea, and SSAFA.

Frankenberg accepts this award on the heels of a $135 million funding round in June to expand distribution, production, and development of its patented metamaterials electronically scanned array (MESA®) radar across the defense, security, and autonomous machine markets worldwide.

“I’m humbled to be chosen as ‘Businessman of the Year’ by Battlespace’s readership, made up of some of the most forward-thinking military electronic specialists, defense researchers, and defense industry professionals in the United Kingdom and beyond,” said Eben Frankenberg, CEO of Echodyne. “Since introducing our first radar in 2017, we’ve seen tremendous success with our proprietary metamaterials electronically scanned array technology both stateside and internationally. As we continue on our mission to be the world’s leading radar solutions company, our team couldn’t be more thankful to receive this recognition from such a key market and in front of an audience of the United Kingdom’s most dedicated countrymen and women.”

Those interested in attending the Chepstow Military Race Day event can purchase tickets here. Admission is free for anyone connected with the military – including serving and retired personnel, their family and friends.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

The annual inflation rate in Cyprus was 8.6% in October, compared to 10.6% in the euro area and 11.5% in the European Union, according to figures published by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union.

In September, the annual inflation rate in Cyprus was at 9.0%, while a year earlier in October 2021 it stood at 4.4%.

The euro area annual inflation rate was at 9.9% in September and at 4.1% a year earlier. In the EU, was at 10.9% in September and at 4.4% a year earlier.

The lowest annual rates among member states were registered in France (7.1%), Spain (7.3%) and Malta (7.4%).

The highest annual rates were recorded in Estonia (22.5%), Lithuania (22.1%) and Hungary (21.9%).

Compared with September, annual inflation fell in eleven Member States, remained stable in three and rose in thirteen.

In October, the highest contribution to the annual euro area inflation rate came from energy (+4.44 percentage points, pp), followed by food, alcohol & tobacco (+2.74 pp), services (+1.82 pp) and non-energy industrial goods (+1.62 pp).

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Alliance Healthcare and GIRP, the European Healthcare Distribution Association, Host Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Event

Inaugural event brings together leaders across the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries to facilitate collaboration, best-practice sharing and discussions on initiatives to address AMR

BRUSSELS–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Alliance Healthcare, a part of global healthcare company AmerisourceBergen and a leading wholesaler of pharmaceutical products in Europe, and GIRP, the European Healthcare Distribution Association, convened policymakers and leaders across the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries today to discuss antimicrobial resistance (AMR), examine current response efforts and explore opportunities to collaborate on initiatives to combat the global public health issue.

The inaugural event featured remarks from members of the European Parliament, European Commission and organizations spearheading AMR response efforts, as well as panel discussions led by healthcare and pharmaceutical executives. Panelists and speakers covered a variety of topics, including how public policy can advance response efforts, strategies to increase awareness of AMR, actions healthcare providers are taking to combat resistance, and public-private partnerships to support the development of new antimicrobials. Professor Dame Sally Davies, UK Special Envoy on AMR and member of the UN Global Leaders Group on AMR, delivered a keynote address focused on mobilizing international efforts and driving a global response.

AMR, which occurs when a microorganism (bacteria, virus, fungi, parasite) develops the ability to resist the effects of a drug, is a significant global public health threat. The World Health Organization (WHO), U.S. Government and European Commission each have initiated action plans against AMR.

“Addressing an issue as complex and far-reaching as AMR requires public-private collaboration and coordination across multiple sectors,” said Gianluigi Tassone, President of Alliance Healthcare. “By hosting this event, we sought to bring together policymakers, leaders across the healthcare supply chain and those at the forefront of international response efforts to discuss current approaches, share best practices and identify opportunities in which we can work together to help address this issue.”

“As the EU outlined in its action plan, there is an urgent need for multi-sector collaboration, innovation and policy action to tackle AMR,” said Monika Derecque-Pois, Director General of GIRP. “While this event serves as an important step in bringing together leaders across different industries, it’s equally important we continue these conversations and build on the potential solutions discussed today to help drive meaningful, sustained change.”

During the provider-focused panel, leaders from the European Hospital and Healthcare Federation, Standing Committee of European Doctors, European Association of Hospital Pharmacists and Boots UK offered perspective on how healthcare systems across Europe are prepared to manage AMR. The panelists spoke to the actions needed to combat resistance, including infection prevention and control measures, and initiatives underway to educate patients on AMR. For example, Alphega Pharmacy, a pan-European network of independent pharmacists and a part of Alliance Healthcare, launched a campaign to drive awareness of AMR and provide patients with additional counseling and education on proper use of antibiotics.

Representatives from the AMR Action Fund, a public-private partnership investing in biotech companies that are developing antibiotics, and BEAM Alliance, a coalition of small and medium-sized biopharma companies in Europe involved in developing products to combat AMR, discussed current industry priorities, including innovative approaches to support the research and development of new antibiotics and sustainable models to improve access to new antibiotics, diagnostics and vaccines globally.

“AMR is a silent pandemic. No one player can solve it on their own – it demands a coordinated approach,” said Dame Sally. “By collaborating across sectors and countries, we can innovate to secure the future of modern medicine so that treatments can be used sustainably by all who need them.”

About AmerisourceBergen

AmerisourceBergen fosters a positive impact on the health of people and communities around the world by advancing the development and delivery of pharmaceuticals and healthcare products. As a leading global healthcare company, with a foundation in pharmaceutical distribution and solutions for manufacturers, pharmacies, and providers, we create unparalleled access, efficiency, and reliability for human and animal health. Our more than 43,000 global team members power our purpose: We are united in our responsibility to create healthier futures. AmerisourceBergen is ranked #10 on the Fortune 500 with more than $200 billion in annual revenue. Learn more at https://amerisourcebergen.com/.

European Healthcare Distribution Association (GIRP)

GIRP, the European Healthcare Distribution Association, is the umbrella organisation for full-service healthcare distributors in Europe. It represents the national associations of over 750 pharmaceutical wholesalers serving 34 European countries, as well as major international and pan-European healthcare distribution companies. GIRP members employ over 140,000 people and distribute around 15 billion packs of medicines as well as a wide range of healthcare products per year. As the vital link in healthcare, they are committed to developing and providing innovative and efficient healthcare products and services to improve health and wellbeing of patients across Europe. Learn more at girp.eu.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Antimicrobial resistance is “often seen as the next big health crisis”, Commissioner for Health Stella Kyriakides said in a statement ahead of November 18th, European Antibiotics Awareness Day, commenting on a pan-European survey on antimicrobial resistance which has shown that half of Europeans still incorrectly believe that antibiotics kill viruses.

According to the Eurobarometer, only 34% in Cyprus (compared with 50% in the EU), falsely believe that antibiotics kill viruses, while 91% (82% in the EU) know that unnecessary use of antibiotics makes them become ineffective.

“Antibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses. Overusing antibiotics, feeds the resistance of bacteria to our medicines” Commissioner Kyriakides underlined, adding that that is why antimicrobial resistance is often seen as the next big health crisis.

“The survey we present today shows why this risk exists” she added, pointing out that “the fight against the silent AMR pandemic must be tackled through a One Health approach, including the more prudent use of antibiotics in both humans and animals.”

“It is crucial for every citizen and every medical professional should be a part of this collective effort” she stressed.

According to the Eurobarometer survey presented by the Commission on Thursday, 23% of respondents have taken antibiotics over the past year, the lowest figure since 2009. According to the Commission this percentage shows that the work of Member States and the Commission to help raise awareness among citizens on the risks of excessive use of antibiotics is paying off, even though much more needs to be done.

Data published today by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) estimates that, throughout the European Union, Iceland, and Norway, more than 35,000 people die each year due to antibiotic-resistant infections.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

The arrivals of tourists in Cyprus reached 400,628 in October 2022 compared to 391,638 in October 2021, recording an increase of 2.3%.

For the period of January – October 2022, arrivals of tourists totaled 2,941,182 compared to 1.691,030 in the corresponding period of 2021, 612.975 in the period of January – October 2020 and 3,697,055 arrivals in the period of January – October 2019.

Arrivals from the United Kingdom were the main source of tourism for October 2022, with a share of 37.6% (150,699) of total arrivals, followed by Israel with 8.4% (33.624), Germany with 7.9% (31,556), Greece with 5.2% (20,934) and Poland with 4.7% (18,871).

For a percentage of 83.1% of tourists, the purpose of their trip in October 2022 was holidays, for 11.5% visit to friends and relatives and for 5.3% business. Respectively, in October 2021, 87.2% of tourists visited Cyprus for holidays, 8.3% visited friends or relatives and 4.5% visited Cyprus for business reasons.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Ignite Sports Passion! Join VOOPOO Infinity Contest on November 23rd and Win $5,000 Prize!

SHENZHEN, China–(BUSINESS WIRE)– In such a season filled with passion for sports, People all over the world were excited about the movement. VOOPOO, a vape giant brand that insists on being customer-centric and advocates healthy lifestyle and innovation, initiates the official activity named VOOPOO Infinity Go Go Go on its official website to spark vapers spirit of sport.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221116005025/en/

(Photo: Business Wire)

VOOPOO has previously given its flagship product a special look with the launch of the ARGUS Series Limited Edition, ARGUS MT, ARGUS XT, ARGUS GT II, ARGUS POD, and ARGUS PRO. The VOOPOO Infinity Go Go Go campaign, which was launched at the same time, has attracted the attention of many fans and vapers since its launch.

DIY your artwork and support your favorite team, and win a $5,000 Prize!

On November 23rd, VOOPOO will officially hold the second stage of VOOPOO Infinity Go Go Go on its official website.

On the published activity page, we were surprised to find that VOOPOO also hides a huge benefit, namely a grand prize of $5000. According to the official information, we can find that this will be a DIY contest, which may be related to DIY creating their favorite products. Come to the VOOPOO Infinity Go Go Go activity page, look forward to the announcement of relevant information of this activity. Who will win the grand prize of $5,000?

VOOPOO integrates sports passion like “innovation”, “Persistence” and “Fusion” which meets VOOPOO own brand values into this activity, delivering to its users and fans, even the industry the notions that a healthy lifestyle is the basis of one’s development and infinite innovation shifts the future. For more detailed information about contest rules and award settings, please come to the VOOPOO Infinity Go Go Go activity page on November 23rd.

Source: Cyprus News Agency