World's Largest Lighting Marketplace Opens Today

October 26, 2018, 8:00 pm

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The 20th Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) and the third Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo form the world's largest lighting marketplace, bringing new products from over 3,100 exhibitors and offering a wide variety of smart and green lighting products and solutions for buyers from around the world.

The Smart Home Gallery makes its debut at the Autumn Lighting Fair to display smart home lighting products from renowned brands.

The inaugural Horticultural Lighting zone at the Outdoor and Tech Light Expo presents grow lights for plants in outdoor areas.

New Zones and Seminars at Twin Fairs, Focus on Smart Lighting

HONG KONG, Oct 27, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - The 20th Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition), organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), opened today and runs until 30 Oct at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). A record number of more than 2,700 exhibitors from 37 countries and regions are taking part, including first-time exhibitors from Lithuania, Macau and Portugal.

Meanwhile, the Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo returns in its third edition from 26-29 Oct at AsiaWorld-Expo. The latest products from 420 exhibitors from Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland, Korea, Taiwan and Slovakia are on display during the four-day expo. The twin lighting shows form the world's largest lighting marketplace, offering a wide variety of smart and green lighting products and solutions for buyers from around the world.

HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Benjamin Chau said that to create more business opportunities for the industry, the HKTDC organised 80 buying missions for over 7,700 buyers from nearly 5,600 companies to visit and source from the twin fairs, including SLV Group from Germany, Globe Electric from Canada, Samsung Electronics and E-World from Korea, Primer Capital from Malaysia, China Railway Hefei Institute of Architectural & Municipal Engineering Design from the Chinese mainland, Tooy from Italy, and Alfanar from Saudi Arabia.

Highlighting the Smart Lighting Trend

As Internet of Things (IoT) technology continues to mature, the smart home has become a major trend, boosting market demand for intelligent lighting products. The Smart Home Gallery makes its debut at the Autumn Lighting Fair to showcase smart lighting products from renowned brands such as Opple, Philips, Tuya, Jingxun (a partner of Tmall Genie AI Union) and Yeelight (a Xiaomi Eco-System company). The Smart Lighting & Solutions zone features an array of fashionable lighting designs, software, management systems and smart lighting design solutions.

The fair presents various thematic zones to facilitate precision sourcing. The LED Lighting zone features more than 1,100 exhibitors showcasing LED lighting and other energy-efficient products, matching the growing demand in the market for energy-efficient lighting. The Hall of Aurora features innovative lighting products and technologies from over 720 international brands, including BJB, Ledus, Megaman, Viribright and Nordlux. Other thematic zones include Residential Lighting, Commercial Lighting and Testing, Certification & Inspection.

Various seminars and forums are being organised during the fair period. Today's "Smart Lighting Development Forum - Smart Home Lighting" featured representatives from leading brands in the Chinese mainland's lighting market, including Opple and Philips, to discuss market and product trends. On 29 Oct, "The Latest Standards and Requirements for the LED Industry" features representatives from the Digital Illumination Interface Alliance, DEKRA and UL to share their insights on data protection, internet security and the latest standards in the LED lighting industry.

Lighting for Smart Cities, New Horticultural Lighting Zone

The Hong Kong International Outdoor & Tech Light Expo showcases lighting products and solutions for industrial and commercial buildings and outdoor areas. Henglan town from the Chinese mainland, the Zhongshan LED Lighting Industry Association, the Guangdong Lighting Association, the Jiangsu Gaoyou Lighting Association and the Zhenjiang Chamber of International Commerce Illuminating Industry Enterprise Alliance have all set up group pavilions. The inaugural Horticultural Lighting zone presents grow lights for plants in outdoor areas such as farms, domestic gardens and public parks.

Activities taking place under the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development plan and Belt and Road Initiative will drive many urban areas in the region towards becoming smart cities, bringing more opportunities for outdoor lighting products. The Exterior Lighting Solutions and System zone gathers cutting-edge, energy-efficient lighting technologies from across the industry. Other thematic zones include Outdoor & Public Lighting, Technical & Professional Lighting and Outdoor Advertising Lighting.

A seminar entitled "Disruptive Smart Road Lights - Are You There Yet?" took place yesterday (26 Oct), featuring representatives from leading Chinese mainland communications companies and lighting brands, such as China Unicom, Infineon, Fonda Technology and Shuncom, who shared their insights on the developments and opportunities in exterior smart lighting. Buyer forums were organised today to discuss upcoming opportunities for lighting products in Spain and Dubai. Tomorrow (28 Oct), the Horticultural Lighting Forum will feature several overseas speakers, including German semiconductor producer OSRAM's Senior Director Daniel Doxsee, inspection and product certification institution TUV SUD's Senior Engineer and Project Manager Marvin Henry Boll and Highlight magazine's Editor-in-Chief Markus Helle. They will talk about trends, technologies and applications for horticultural lighting. On Monday (29 Oct), representatives from quality and safety services institution Intertek and the Hong Kong Standards and Testing Centre will discuss regulations and standards for lighting products.

The Outdoor and Tech Light Expo is being held at AsiaWorld-Expo alongside the concurrent Eco Expo Asia, from 25-28 Oct. Along with the Autumn Lighting Fair, these parallel events create greater synergies and cross-sector business opportunities for industry players. A free shuttle bus service between the HKCEC, designated city pick-up locations and AsiaWorld-Expo is provided during the concurrent fair period.

Hong Kong's total exports of lighting products in 2017 rose by 2.6% year-on-year, to HK$9.76 billion. In the first eight months of 2018, Hong Kong's lighting product exports were valued at HK$6 billion.

Fair Details:

HKTDC Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition)
27-30 Oct (Saturday-Tuesday)
Venue: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC)
Opening Hours: 27-29 Oct: 9:30am-7pm; 30 Oct: 9:30am-4pm
Major Exhibit Categories: Commercial Lighting, Smart Lighting & Solutions, Residential Lighting, Testing, Certification & Inspection, LED Lighting, Trade Associations & Publications
Fair Website: http://hklightingfairae.hktdc.com
Product Highlights: https://bit.ly/2OS30jv

HKTDC Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo
26-29 Oct (Friday-Monday)
Venue: Halls 6, 8 and 10, AsiaWorld-Expo
Opening Hours: 26 Oct: 10:30am-6pm; 27-28 Oct: 10am-6pm; 29 Oct: 10am-5pm
Major Exhibit Categories: Exterior Lighting Solutions & System, Horticultural Lighting, Outdoor Advertising Lighting, Outdoor & Public Lighting, Technical & Professional Lighting
Fair Website: http://hkotlexpo.hktdc.com
Product Highlights: https://bit.ly/2CC39SB

About HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is the dedicated to creating opportunities for Hong Kong's businesses. With more than 40 offices globally, including 13 on the Chinese mainland, HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China, Asia and the world. HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to provide companies, particularly SMEs, with business opportunities on the mainland and in international markets, while providing business insights and information via trade publications, research reports and digital channels including the media room. Please visit www.hktdc.com/aboutus or follow us on Google+, Twitter@hktdc, LinkedIn.

Contact:
Sam Ho, Tel: +852 2584 4569, Email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.org

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MHI Successfully Launches UAE's KhalifaSat Satellite

October 28, 2018, 11:35 pm

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TOKYO, Oct 29, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) successfully delivered UAE Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre's (MBRSC) KhalifaSat satellite into orbit today via the H-IIA launch vehicle F40. The launch vehicle trajectory was executed as planned, and at about 24 minutes after liftoff, separation of the KhalifaSat satellite was confirmed.

This mission was performed along with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's (JAXA) Greenhouse gases Observing SATellite-2 "GOSAT-2" satellite, in which the separation of the GOSAT-2 satellite was also confirmed 16minutes after liftoff.

KhalifaSat is the first national satellite manufactured by the UAE, thus the mission should prove to be a great step towards UAE's mid-and-long term plans in government space activities and industries. Additionally, MHI holds the launch service contract for the Emirates Mars Mission (EMM spacecraft, planned to be launched in 2020), through which it hopes to build upon a strong and lasting relationship with the MBRSC and UAESA (UAE Space Agency).

The H-IIA launch vehicle is Japan's flagship launch vehicle and one of the most reliable launch vehicles in the world. Today's launch was the 41st consecutive successful H-IIA/H-IIB launch, with an accumulative success rate of 97.9.

The successor to the H-IIA - the H3 Launch Vehicle - has been developed by MHI and JAXA. The concept of the H3 is highlighted to be much more customer-oriented by offering affordable pricing, relaxing environmental conditions for satellites and drastically reduced preparation time from contract to launch. It will allow for more flexible and cost-efficient launch services, and is scheduled to make its maiden flight in 2020.

His Excellency Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), said, "The successful launch of KhalifaSat; which bears the name of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, marks a new milestone for the space sector in the UAE and the region. The first satellite fully manufactured in the United Arab Emirates at MBRSC facilities by Emirati engineers, is in line with the directives of our wise leadership in transforming the UAE into a regional and international hub for space science and technology. With its 5 patents, we believe that KhalifaSat will play an important role in aiding organizations around the world in getting accurate data related to environmental changes and urban planning as well as support relief efforts at times of natural disasters. We dedicate this achievement to our leadership and we appreciate the valuable role played by our Japanese partners and thank them for their support in all the stages of this major project, providing all the necessary facilities to ensure that KhalifaSat is delivered successfully into space."

"I would like to express my profound appreciation to all involved in the launch campaign for the devoted support and cooperation. In particular, I greatly appreciate that UAE's Space Agency and MBRSC continuously supported and cooperated with us throughout the 3 and half years since MHI received the contract in February 2015.", said Naohiko Abe, Senior Vice President and Head of Integrated Defense and Space Systems of MHI. "The UAE government is the third overseas customer for MHI's Launch Services. With the results of today's launch, the H-IIA and H-IIB have achieved 41 consecutive successful, on-time launches. We strongly intend to expand our launch services business as the leading company of the Japanese space industry. Moreover, MHI is developing the H3 in partnership with JAXA. In succession of the H-IIA/IIB, the H3 will be a reliable and affordable next generation launch vehicle. Its maiden flight is planned for 2020, and we expect to be awarded with H3 launch service contracts from potential customers in the upcoming days."

About Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world's leading industrial firms. For more than 130 years, we have channeled big thinking into solutions that move the world forward - advancing the lives of everyone who shares our planet. We deliver innovative and integrated solutions across a wide range of industries, covering land, sea, sky and even space. MHI Group employs 80,000 people across 400 locations, operating in three business domains: "Power Systems," "Industry & Infrastructure," "Aircraft, Defense & Space." We have a consolidated revenue of around 40 billion U.S. Dollars. We aim to contribute to environmental sustainability while achieving global growth, using our leading-edge technologies. By bringing people and ideas together as one, we continue to pave the way to a future of shared success.

For more information, please visit MHI's website: https://www.mhi.com
For Technology, Trends and Tangents, visit MHI's new online media SPECTRA: https://spectra.mhi.com

Contact:
Corporate Communication Department
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
Email: mediacontact_global@mhi.co.jp
Tel: +81-(0)3-6716-2168
Fax: +81-(0)3-6716-5860

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Hitachi to Increase Stake in Ansaldo STS

October 28, 2018, 11:47 pm

≫ Next: Opening up to cancer

≪ Previous: MHI Successfully Launches UAE's KhalifaSat Satellite

TOKYO, Oct 29, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE:6501) today announced that Hitachi, Ltd. and its (indirectly) wholly owned subsidiary, Hitachi Rail Italy Investments S.r.l., have signed an agreement to acquire the 31.794 percent stake (63,588,837 ordinary shares) in Ansaldo STS S.p.A. owned by Elliott International, L.P., Elliott Associates, L.P. and The Liverpool Limited Partnership (together, Elliott) for a purchase price of Eur 12.7 per share. The acquisition will be made through a private transaction with a total value of Eur 808 million and the relevant settlement is intended to take place within four trading days following the signing of the agreement, and therefore on 2 November 2018.

Hitachi Rail Italy Investments S.r.l. is already the major shareholding of Ansaldo STS S.p.A. and, after the acquisition of the ordinary shares owned by Elliott, Hitachi Rail Italy Investments S.r.l. will hold a total stake of 82.567 percent (165,133,539 ordinary shares) in Ansaldo STS S.p.A., an Italian company whose shares are listed in the STAR segment of the Italian Electronic Stock Market (Mercato Telematico Azionario) managed by Borsa Italiana S.p.A..

Alistair Dormer, CEO of Hitachi's Railway Systems Business Units, said: "This acquisition of shares is a further key milestone towards realizing our ambition of becoming a global leader in total rail solutions."

On the date hereof, Hitachi Rail Italy Investments S.r.l. has also announced to the market, with a separate press release, the launch of a voluntary tender offer over all of the ordinary shares of Ansaldo STS S.p.A., excluding the ordinary shares of Ansaldo STS S.p.A. held, either directly or indirectly, including the shares subject to the agreement with Elliott described above, by Hitachi Rail Italy Investments S.r.l. as of the date hereof.

This press release refers to the share capital of Ansaldo STS S.p.A., with registered office in Via Paolo Mantovani 3-5, 16151, Genoa, R.E.A. No.421689, registered at the Companies' Register of Genoa, Tax Code No. 01371160662 and subject to direction and coordination of Hitachi, Ltd.

About Hitachi, Ltd.

Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, delivers innovations that answer society's challenges, combining its operational technology, information technology, and products/systems. The company's consolidated revenues for fiscal 2017 (ended March 31, 2018) totaled 9,368.6 billion yen ($88.4 billion). The Hitachi Group is an innovation partner for the IoT era, and it has approximately 307,000 employees worldwide. Through collaborative creation with customers, Hitachi is deploying Social Innovation Business using digital technologies in a broad range of sectors, including Power/Energy, Industry/Distribution/Water, Urban Development, and Finance/Social Infrastructure/Healthcare. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at http://www.hitachi.com.

Contact:
Hitachi Ltd
Corporate Communications
Tel: +81-3-3258-1111

↧

Opening up to cancer

October 30, 2018, 5:00 am

≫ Next: MC Retail Energy Enters Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Business Utilizing Lawson Stores

≪ Previous: Hitachi to Increase Stake in Ansaldo STS

Researchers are investigating a range of nanomaterials that respond to cancer-specific stimuli for delivering imaging compounds and treatments specifically to cancer cells, such as protease-sensitive nanomaterials. (Copyright: ACS Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 2017, 56, 20, 5761-5777)

Nanomaterials that respond to cancer-specific stimuli show potential in the targeted delivery of treatments and imaging compounds, but many challenges remain.

Tsukuba, Japan, Oct 30, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Nanosystems that deliver anticancer drugs or imaging materials to tumours are showing significant progress, particularly those that respond to tumour-related stimuli, according to a review published in the journal Science and Technology of Advanced Materials. However, further research is still required to make sure these delivery systems are stable, non-toxic and biodegradable.

Nanocarriers designed to release their contents only in cancerous tissue are of great interest because they can reduce the negative effects of chemotherapeutic agents on healthy tissues. They can also deliver contrast materials to the tumour for enhanced imaging.

Nanomaterials are being designed to specifically target tumours by responding to unique tumour conditions, such as acidity and over-expressed enzymes, explain the reviewers from Xiamen University in China.

Acidity levels normally vary between tissue types, and tumours are usually more acidic than the surrounding healthy tissue. Researchers are using this to design delivery vehicles from organic, inorganic and hybrid nanomaterials that release their contents in response to tumours' acidic environment. For example, acid-sensitive polymers have been explored for delivering the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin coupled with a fluorescent compound. When the system reaches its target, it is taken up by tumour cells and is exposed to their acidic environment. The polymer then changes its shape in a way that releases its contents, allowing both the treatment and imaging of the cancerous cells.

Reduction potential is also being used as a stimulus for cancer-targeting delivery vehicles. Reduction potential is the measure of the tendency of molecules to acquire electrons and thus become 'reduced'. Reduction potential is different in cancerous tissue than it is in healthy tissue. Nanocarriers are being designed that break down when exposed to a reducing agent in the body called reduced state glutathione tripeptide, which is 1,000 times higher inside tumour cells than outside. This type of nanocarrier has excellent stability in the blood and rapidly responds to the reducing environment in tumours. Some have already been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in clinics.

Other nanocarriers respond to enzymes that are abnormally expressed inside tumours. They are made of materials that these enzymes can break down, thus releasing the contents. The breakdown of the nanocarrier wall can be so effective in some cases, it might reduce the amount of drug needed to have a therapeutic effect.

Despite the promise these nanomaterials show, more work is needed. Acid-responsive carriers, for example, need to have a better drug-loading capacity, stability, and biodegradability. Further examination of the toxicity of enzyme-responsive materials is also required.

"Considering the promising potential of stimuli-responsive nanomaterial, much more efforts should be made to fabricate more platforms for triggered drug delivery with increased efficiency and reduced side effects for cancer therapy," the researchers conclude.

Read the paper: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14686996.2018.1528850

About Science and Technology of Advanced Materials
Open access journal, STAM publishes outstanding research articles across all Aspects of materials science, including functional and structural materials, theoretical analyses, and properties of materials.

For more information, please contact:
Mikiko Tanifuji
STAM Publishing Director
Tanifuji.Mikiko@nims.go.jp

Press release distributed by ResearchSEA for Science and Technology of Advanced Materials.

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MC Retail Energy Enters Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Business Utilizing Lawson Stores

October 30, 2018, 1:58 am

≫ Next: Toyota, TRI-AD, and Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance to Establish Business Alliance to Develop Advanced Automated Driving Technology

≪ Previous: Opening up to cancer

TOKYO, Oct 30, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - MC Retail Energy Co., Ltd. has started retailing virtual power plant (VPP)(1) services for Lawson convenience stores in Japan. The model utilizes electricity demand forecasting and remote control systems for in-store electric equipment, and utilizes Artificial Intelligence (AI) to manage and control power usage. In other words, MC Retail Energy can control the use of power by electric equipment in multiple stores remotely and in a timely manner. As an electricity retailer, MC Retail Energy can use this capacity to control the balance between electricity demand and supply to return part of the benefits to customers and reduce electricity procurement cost.

From 2016, Lawson Co., Ltd. has been working on the "Virtual Power Plant Experimental Project Using Consumer's Energy Resources," an initiative subsidized by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry together with Keio Research Institute at SFC. Taking advantage of the knowledge gained through this project, Lawson is collaborating as Resource Aggregator(2) with MC Retail Energy as the retailer to establish this new VPP model, in which the electricity retailer and consumer work together to control electric equipment, in this case, at Lawson stores, remotely and in a timely manner. Lawson is aiming to introduce VPP system to stores nationwide as it seeks to optimize energy usage and build an energy adjustment infrastructure that can assist with retaining demand and supply balance in electric power and stabilizing the electric power system.

Taking into consideration the diffusion of renewable energy generation businesses, the movement towards distributed energy resources, and the digitalization of electric power systems, Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) is seeking to contribute to the realization of a low-carbon society by creating a new business model that can be successful in both domestic and overseas markets. Having entered the electricity retailing for households business through the launch of MC Retail Energy in 2016, the company has been working on optimizing energy efficiency and providing highly convenient service to customers.

Going forward, MC intends to continue developing this VPP business model while creating new businesses that apply AI/IoT and Big Data to electric power systems.

MC Retail Energy will also use the opportunity of this business with Lawson to start developing VPP systems for other commercial facilities, office buildings, as well as households, among other customers.

(1) Virtual Power Plant (VPP): Serves the function of a power generating station by controlling energy resources such as the facilities of different power consumers, power generating units directly connected to electric power systems, and accumulation equipment.
(2) Resource Aggregator: A business entity which controls and manages the distributed VPP resources owned by consumers (Lawson stores in this case).

About Mitsubishi Corporation

Mitsubishi Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, is a global integrated business enterprise that develops and operates business across virtually every industry including industrial finance, energy, metals, machinery, chemicals, foods, and environmental business. Mitsubishi Corporation's current activities are expanding far beyond its traditional trading operations as its diverse business ranges from natural resources development to investment in retail business, infrastructure, financial products and manufacturing of industrial goods. For more information on Mitsubishi Corporation, please visit the company's website at https://www.mitsubishicorp.com/jp/en/.

Contact:
Mitsubishi Corporation
Telephone:+81-3-3210-2171
Facsimile:+81-3-5252-7705

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Toyota, TRI-AD, and Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance to Establish Business Alliance to Develop Advanced Automated Driving Technology

October 30, 2018, 3:05 am

≫ Next: NEC and Transgene Announce a Collaboration in the Field of Individualized Cancer Immunotherapy, Leveraging NEC's AI and Transgene's myvac Platform

≪ Previous: MC Retail Energy Enters Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Business Utilizing Lawson Stores

Aiming to strengthen automated driving system safety and realize a society with zero traffic deaths and injuries

Toyota City, Japan, Oct 30, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Toyota Motor Corporation, Toyota Research Institute-Advanced Development, Inc. (TRI-AD), and Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (Tokio Marine & Nichido) announce their agreement to establish a business alliance to develop advanced automated driving technology. Through this alliance, the three companies will strive toward achieving "freedom of movement for all" and a "society with zero casualties from traffic accidents."

Specifically, Toyota and TRI-AD will recreate actual traffic accident conditions or dangerous conditions that contribute to accidents in their automated driving simulation environment based on data provided by Tokio Marine & Nichido. This will enable Toyota and TRI-AD to conduct simulations and assessments in conditions that are closer to those of the real world, helping to enhance the safety of automated driving systems. Tokio Marine & Nichido will seek to develop an advance claims system to enhance swift claims payment in the future, using data provided by automated driving vehicles.

Additionally, ALBERT, a data science company that offers optimized solutions in the field of big data analytics, will provide technical support for data analysis and other related activities.

To develop advanced automated driving and safety technology, Toyota and TRI-AD utilize both artificial intelligence technology and real-world data to achieve accurate simulations. The ability to pinpoint the causes of traffic accidents and relevant data is extremely important for enhancing system capabilities.

Tokio Marine & Nichido handles more than two million automobile accidents per year, and possesses knowledge on preventing and controlling damage costs in automobile accidents. It also retains data on circumstances, causes, and other information related to automobile accidents. Tokio Marine & Nichido considers it the company's mission to contribute to a future autonomous mobility society, and has been participating in various automated driving road-testing projects. Also, Tokio Marine & Nichido is the first in the industry to release the "Rider for Expenses for Saving Victims," an additional automobile insurance clause to insure third party victims of automated driving vehicle accidents promptly, even when the responsibility of the driver or vehicle has not been determined.

Through this alliance, Toyota, TRI-AD, and Tokio Marine & Nichido will work together to enhance efforts to improve safety and reliability for automated driving technology, utilizing knowledge and data obtained by Tokio Marine & Nichido from its claims and other services.

Cross-sectoral partnerships are important for enhancing the development of automated driving technology. Toyota, TRI-AD, and Tokio Marine & Nichido will remain open to opportunities for further alliances in order to harness the power of artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies for realizing a society with safe, mobility for all.

About Toyota Motor Corporation

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) is the global mobility company that introduced the Prius hybrid-electric car in 1997 and the first mass-produced fuel cell sedan, Mirai, in 2014. Headquartered in Toyota City, Japan, Toyota has been making cars since 1937. Today, Toyota proudly employs 370,000 employees in communities around the world. Together, they build around 10 million vehicles per year in 29 countries, from mainstream cars and premium vehicles to mini-vehicles and commercial trucks, and sell them in more than 170 countries under the brands Toyota, Lexus, Daihatsu and Hino. For more information, please visit www.toyota-global.com.

Contact:
Public Affairs Division
Global Communications Department
Toyota Motor Corporation
Tel: +81-3-3817-9926

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NEC and Transgene Announce a Collaboration in the Field of Individualized Cancer Immunotherapy, Leveraging NEC's AI and Transgene's myvac Platform

October 30, 2018, 3:10 am

≫ Next: China's First Digital Variable Frequency Electrical Skid Mounted Blender by Honghua was Successfully Applied to Shale Gas Projects

≪ Previous: Toyota, TRI-AD, and Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance to Establish Business Alliance to Develop Advanced Automated Driving Technology

(from left: Eric Quemeneur, Pharm.D., Ph.D., Executive VP, Chief Scientific Officer, Transgene; Kaidre Bendjama, Transgene; Motoo Nishihara, Senior Vice President, Head of NEC Laboratories; Osamu Fujikawa, Senior Vice President, Business Innovation Unit, NEC Corporation)

TOKYO, Oct 30, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - NEC Corporation (TSE: 6701) and Transgene today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a strategic collaboration aimed at the treatment of solid cancers. The companies will cooperate in clinically assessing the predictive capabilities of NEC's artificial intelligence (AI) and the therapeutic potential of Transgene's myvac(1) MVA-based viral vector platform in an individualized immunotherapy for the treatment of solid cancers. The experimental products from this collaboration are expected to enter clinical trials in 2019.

NEC and Transgene will co-invest in the first stage of development of an individualized immunotherapy, which includes clinical trials focusing on ovarian cancer and HPV-negative head and neck cancer.

Immunotherapy is rapidly becoming the treatment of choice to fight cancer as it activates the patient's own immune system to attack cancer cells.

NEC and Transgene have capitalized on the recent progress in AI and advances in genome sequencing to create individualized immunotherapy, which is adapted to the unique characteristics of each patient's mutational landscape as well as their predicted immune responses. The product is based on a viral vector (MVA) developed by Transgene with a proven clinical safety track record and is known for its efficient immunogenicity and anti-tumor efficacy in patients.

The viral vector will be used to target neoantigens identified using NEC's proprietary algorithm. NEC has been developing solutions in the drug discovery field for close to two decades. NEC's neoantigen prediction system(2) was developed and validated based on publicly available databases, as well as internal wet lab datasets, some of which were already used to identify clinically relevant antigens in other oncology indications.

These planned clinical trials leverage the world-leading expertise and technologies of a network of companies and research centers, including:

NEC's cutting-edge AI technology, "NEC the WISE"(3), for identifying and prioritizing patient-specific neoantigens, and Transgene's unrivaled MVA-based, viral vector technology and the myvac platform.

"The emerging personalized medicine field holds great potential for the application of NEC's core technology, and we are pleased to be working with Transgene with the goal of developing state-of-the-art personalized immunotherapies," said Motoo Nishihara, Senior Vice President, Head of NEC Laboratories.

"Engaging the body's own immune system in the fight against cancer has shown great promise and sparked unprecedented interest among oncology drug makers. This makes it imperative for NEC to become part of the immunotherapy race as soon as possible," said Osamu Fujikawa, Senior Vice President, Business Innovation Unit, NEC Corporation.

"This collaboration brings together artificial intelligence and our expertise in viral vector engineering to enable the development of a truly innovative treatment based on the myvac platform. We believe that our collaboration with NEC will allow us to provide an efficacious and robust therapy for the many patients who have solid tumors and could benefit from this cutting-edge individualized approach, and to successfully advance the development of the myvac platform to the market" said Eric Quemeneur, Pharm.D., Ph.D., Executive VP, Chief Scientific Officer of Transgene.

(1) myvac
myvac is a viral vector (MVA) based, individualized immunotherapy platform that has been developed by Transgene to target solid tumors. The myvac-derived products are designed to stimulate the patient's immune system, recognize and destroy tumors using the patient's own cancer specific genetic mutations. Transgene has set up an innovative network that combines bioengineering, digital transformation, established vectorization know-how and unique manufacturing capabilities.
(2) NEC's Neoantigen Prediction System
NEC's neoantigen prediction utilizes its proprietary AI, such as graph-based relational learning, which is combined with other sources of data to discover candidate neoantigen targets. NEC comprehensively evaluates the candidate neoantigens with a primary focus placed on its in-house MHC-binding affinity prediction. These allow NEC to effectively prioritize the numerous candidate neoantigens identified in a single patient.
(3) NEC the WISE
NEC the WISE is a term for the Company's cutting-edge portfolio of AI technologies.
Press release:
NEC announces new AI technology brand, "NEC the WISE"
https://www.nec.com/en/press/201607/global_20160719_01.html
NEC's AI Research:
https://www.nec.com/en/global/rd/crl/ai/index.html

About NEC Corporation

NEC Corporation is a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies that benefit businesses and people around the world. The NEC Group globally provides "Solutions for Society" that promote the safety, security efficiency and fairness of society. Under the company's corporate message of "Orchestrating a brighter world," NEC aims to help solve a wide range of challenging issues and to create new social value for the changing world of tomorrow. For more information, visit NEC at https://www.nec.com.

Contact:
NEC
Seiichiro Toda        
s-toda@cj.jp.nec.com
+81-3-3798-6511

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China's First Digital Variable Frequency Electrical Skid Mounted Blender by Honghua was Successfully Applied to Shale Gas Projects

October 29, 2018, 6:17 pm

≫ Next: MHI Publishes Integrated Report "MHI Report 2018"

≪ Previous: NEC and Transgene Announce a Collaboration in the Field of Individualized Cancer Immunotherapy, Leveraging NEC's AI and Transgene's myvac Platform

HONG KONG, Oct 30, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Honghua Group Ltd (Stock Code: 196.HK), a leading global land drilling rig manufacturer, is pleased to announce that the China's first Digital Variable Frequency Electrical Skid Mounted Blender developed by the Honghua team of shale gas projects was successfully applied to shale gas fracturing and achieved good results in Sichuan Basin shale gas fields. As an important part of the Honghua shale gas development project, Electrical Blender is mainly responsible for supplying liquid for the 6000HP electric fracturing pump for large-scale fracturing operation. As of October 15, the equipment has operated reliably and safely for 84 hours, with about 23,000 cubic meters of liquid supply, over 1,600 cubic meters of sand filling, liquid supply pressure of 0.45MPa, maximum sand ratio of 48%. Its excellent performance, high degree of automation and simple operation have been highly recognized by customers and can fully meet the requirements of domestic shale gas operation.

Mr. Jin Liliang, Chairman of Honghua commented, "As the domestic first Digital Variable Frequency Electrical Skid Mounted Blender, the successful application of this product means that Honghua provides a powerful tool for the comprehensive development of shale gas in China. The Electrical Blender is another hit product of our team of shale gas project subsequent to the 6000HP electric fracturing pump, flexible water tank, control center (skid mounted) and so on. With the advantages of being driven by digital variable frequency, the equipment features of simple structure, high transmission efficiency, high automation degree, high control precision, low working noise and zero discharge. As one of the key equipments in the overall solution for shale gas development, this blender has not only further improved the Honghua all-electric fracturing system, but also prepared for the next stage of shale gas development to achieve fully automatic fracturing. "

About Honghua Group Limited (Stock Code: 196.HK)
As one of the leading land drilling equipment manufacturers in the world and the largest land drilling rig exporter in PRC, Honghua is primarily engaged in manufacturing conventional land drilling rigs, digital drilling rigs, accessories of drilling rigs, as well as the parts and components for the drilling rigs or for the maintenance of the drilling rigs in operation. Leveraging on the strong R&D strength, high-quality production facilities and mature international sales network, Honghua's 80% products have been sold to a large number of famous enterprises all over the world, including major oil-production regions such as North America, Middle East, and emerging markets including South America, India, Russia, China and Africa. In the future, Honghua and CASIC will have in-depth cooperation in advanced energy equipment manufacturing and oil & gas field services field and achieve synergy in R&D, project execution and market expansion, to become an international leading combining equipment manufacturing provider in oil & gas industry.

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MHI Publishes Integrated Report "MHI Report 2018"

October 29, 2018, 6:43 pm

≫ Next: Mitsubishi Corporation Power and Kansai Electric to Start Work on Biomass Power Generation Plant

≪ Previous: China's First Digital Variable Frequency Electrical Skid Mounted Blender by Honghua was Successfully Applied to Shale Gas Projects

- Presentation of MHI Group's Vision and Course for Future Growth -

TOKYO, Oct 30, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has published "MHI Report 2018," an integrated report that presents its vision for improving the everyday lives of people by solving the social issues of today as well as tomorrow, in order to remain a company valued by society. In the report MHI outlines the strategies to achieve this vision, and strives to depict how internal corporate resources function.

Specifically, the report includes detailed explanations of the Triple One Proportion concept, a new target introduced in the three-year 2018 Medium-Term Business Plan launched in FY2018, as well as MHI FUTURE STREAM, expressing MHI's measures for continual innovation to realize a society in which everyone throughout the world can lead peaceful and secure lives.

The report also features details from chief officers (CEO, CFO, and CSO) of MHI's management strategies for growth over the medium to long term, based on the results of the management reforms implemented up to now, and the future direction for the company. The section on business operations examines the type of value that MHI's businesses provide to society in terms of the current business environment and social issues, and how these businesses will be developed in the future.

MHI Group, through this report encompassing both financial and non-financial information, communicates to a broad range of stakeholders the business status of MHI as it takes a new step on its course to sustainable growth.

About Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world's leading industrial firms. For more than 130 years, we have channeled big thinking into solutions that move the world forward - advancing the lives of everyone who shares our planet. We deliver innovative and integrated solutions across a wide range of industries, covering land, sea, sky and even space. MHI Group employs 80,000 people across 400 locations, operating in three business domains: "Power Systems," "Industry & Infrastructure," "Aircraft, Defense & Space." We have a consolidated revenue of around 40 billion U.S. Dollars. We aim to contribute to environmental sustainability while achieving global growth, using our leading-edge technologies. By bringing people and ideas together as one, we continue to pave the way to a future of shared success.

For more information, please visit MHI's website: https://www.mhi.com
For Technology, Trends and Tangents, visit MHI's new online media SPECTRA: https://spectra.mhi.com

Contact:
Corporate Communication Department
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
Email: mediacontact_global@mhi.co.jp
Tel: +81-(0)3-6716-2168
Fax: +81-(0)3-6716-5860

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Mitsubishi Corporation Power and Kansai Electric to Start Work on Biomass Power Generation Plant

October 29, 2018, 9:16 pm

≫ Next: WARC Awards 2019 open for entries - a global search for next-generation marketing effectiveness

≪ Previous: MHI Publishes Integrated Report "MHI Report 2018"

A current illustration of Aioi Power Station

TOKYO, Oct 30, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Corporation Power Ltd (MCP), a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corporation (MC), has commenced work required to build a new biomass power generation plant in western Japan. The project is being executed through Aioi Bioenergy Corporation (Aioi Bioenergy), a joint venture established with The Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc (KEPCO) in April 2017.

We are pleased to announce that Aioi Bioenergy has reached an agreement with lenders for the procurement of a loan under a non-recourse project finance scheme, and this has enabled Aioi Bioenergy to embark on plant design and procurement of equipment.

This project will operate Unit 2 of Aioi Power Station, located in Hyogo Prefecture (capacity: 375 MW), after facilitating conversion from its current use of heavy or crude oil as fuel sources to the use of woody biomass. The Unit has been offline since April 1, 2018, but will fire up once the refurbishing and construction of boilers, fuel conveyer systems and turbines as well as the replacement of relevant plant components and other necessary installations are complete. Operations as a biomass power generation facility are slated to commence on January, 2023 for a 20-year period.

The biomass power generation plant will be fueled using natural wood pellets. This will not only contribute to controlling carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions(1) but will also allow the facility to operate as a base load plant.

MC collaborates with its affiliated companies to develop and operate renewable power plants around the world, with MCP at the forefront of its renewables business in the Japanese market through initiatives such as in solar and wind energy. This project falls under the umbrella of those initiatives.

Consistent with its strategic commitment to simultaneously generating economic, societal and environmental value, MC's aim is to accelerate progress towards making renewable energy surpass 20% of its total attributable power generation by 2030.

(1) Although biomass power generation emits CO2 during combustion, the fact that the same trees absorb CO2 while growing up offsets this, resulting in a balance of zero added CO2 emitted into the atmosphere, a state referred to as carbon neutral.

About Mitsubishi Corporation

Mitsubishi Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, is a global integrated business enterprise that develops and operates business across virtually every industry including industrial finance, energy, metals, machinery, chemicals, foods, and environmental business. Mitsubishi Corporation's current activities are expanding far beyond its traditional trading operations as its diverse business ranges from natural resources development to investment in retail business, infrastructure, financial products and manufacturing of industrial goods. For more information on Mitsubishi Corporation, please visit the company's website at https://www.mitsubishicorp.com/jp/en/.

Contact:
Mitsubishi Corporation
Telephone:+81-3-3210-2171
Facsimile:+81-3-5252-7705

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WARC Awards 2019 open for entries - a global search for next-generation marketing effectiveness

October 29, 2018, 10:00 pm

≫ Next: AAG Energy's Operations Remain Strong in 2018Q3

≪ Previous: Mitsubishi Corporation Power and Kansai Electric to Start Work on Biomass Power Generation Plant

Jury chairs named: Namita Mediratta, Unilever | Christine Xu, McDonald's | China Fernando Machado, Burger King | Dan Burdett, eBay

LONDON, Oct 30, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - The WARC Awards 2019, an annual international case-study competition in search of the smartest campaigns that best use emerging marketing disciplines, is now open for entries.

Organised by WARC, the global authority on advertising and media effectiveness, the WARC Awards are free to enter and are open to submissions from any country and communications discipline. Work can be entered into four categories, each one with its own high-calibre judging panel and set of Special Awards.

Effective Content Strategy, which rewards branded content strategies that can demonstrate a business outcome, will be chaired by Namita Mediratta, Global CMI Director, Content Centre of Excellence, Unilever. Namita is responsible for leading a worldwide network of insights professionals and associated partners, tasked with raising the bar on content creation at Unilever.

Commenting on her chairing role, Namita Mediratta says:"WARC stands for credible, evidence-backed stories. As part of these Awards, we want people to look at this body of winning cases and be inspired, energised, and raring to drive fresh thinking in their own workplace."

Effective Social Strategy, a search for the most effective campaigns that link social strategy to business success, will be chaired by Christine Xu, Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, McDonald's China.The fast food retailer netted the Grand Prix in this category earlier this year through a campaign via BBDO China that supported young people during Chinese exam season.

The Effective Use of Brand Purpose category is for marketing initiatives that have successfully embraced a brand purpose and achieved commercial success as well as a benefit for a wider community. This category will be chaired by Fernando Machado, Global CMO, Burger King, whose focus is infusing the brand with purpose, modernising the design, and inspiring the organisation around brand development.

Effective Innovation recognises innovative thinking that has transformed a business or disrupted category conventions to deliver tangible results. Dan Burdett, Chief Marketing Innovation Officer EMEA, eBay has been appointed jury chair. Dan is a FMCG and direct-to-consumer senior leader with marketing, commercial and general management experience.

Lucy Aitken, Managing Editor, Case Studies, WARC, comments: "In an industry under disruption, winning a WARC Award signifies innovative marketing techniques and business results.

"We look forward to working with our esteemed jury chairs as we search for next-generation marketing effectiveness that will lead the industry forward."

There is a $40,000 prize fund for the winning papers, spread across the four categories. The top entries will be awarded Gold, Silver and Bronze awards. The Grand Prix for the best overall paper in each category will receive $7,000 and three Special Awards in each category, recognising specific areas of excellence, will be presented with $1,000.

Visit www.warc.com/warcawards.prize for more information and how to enter the WARC Awards. Entry deadline is 19 February 2019.

About WARC

- Your global authority on advertising and media effectiveness

warc.com is an online service offering advertising best practice, evidence, insights and data from the world's leading brands. WARC helps clients grow their businesses by using proven approaches to maximise advertising effectiveness. WARC's clients include the world's largest advertising and media agencies, research companies, advertisers, market analysts and academics.

WARC runs two global and two regional case study competitions: WARC Awards, WARC Media Awards, WARC Prize for Asian Strategy and WARC Prize for MENA Strategy.

WARC publishes three global rankings of advertising excellence: Gunn 100 (creativity), WARC 100 (effectiveness), Gunn Media 100 (media innovation) and publishes leading journals including Admap, Market Leader, the Journal of Advertising Research and the International Journal of the Market Research Society. In addition to its own content, WARC features advertising case studies and best practices from more than 50 respected industry sources, including ARF, Effies, Cannes Lions, ESOMAR and IPA.

Founded in 1985, WARC has offices in the UK, U.S. and Singapore. In June 2018 WARC was acquired by Ascential plc, the global specialist information company.

Contact:
Amanda Benfell
PR Manager
+44 20 7467 8125
amanda.benfell@warc.com

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AAG Energy's Operations Remain Strong in 2018Q3

October 30, 2018, 1:56 am

≫ Next: Fujitsu Develops Technology to Predict Biochemical Reactions, Clarifying the Mechanisms of Genetic Disorders

≪ Previous: WARC Awards 2019 open for entries - a global search for next-generation marketing effectiveness

HONG KONG, Oct 30, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - AAG Energy Holdings Limited (HKEX stock code: 2686) is pleased to announce its operations update for 2018Q3, i.e. three months ended September 30, 2018.

Key Quarterly Highlights:

- By the end of September 2018, The National Development and Reform Commission of the People's Republic of China officially announced its Approval of Overall Development Plan for Cooperation on Southern Block in Mabi CBM Concession in Shanxi Qinshui Basin initiated by the Company
- AAG continues to outperform the HSE target with zero injury in 2018Q3
- AAG's gross average daily production for 2018Q3 achieved 2.24 MMCM per day ("MMCMD") (Panzhuang 1.96 MMCMD, Mabi 0.28 MMCMD), a 3.2% increase compared to the 2018Q2, and a 24.4% increase compared to 2017Q3
- Panzhuang drilled 15 SLH wells (2017Q3: 10 SLH wells) and 2 PDW wells in 2018Q3 (2017Q3: 1 PDW wells), and 13 wells were put into production
- Panzhuang Average Well-head Sales Price ("ASP") was 1.66 RMB per cubic meter ("rmb/m3") in 2018Q3, an increase of 10.7% over 2018Q2, and an increase of 31.7% over 2017Q3
- Mabi ASP increased by 21% to 1.39 rmb/m3 in 2018Q3 from 1.15 rmb/m3 in 2017Q3

For details, please refer to the announcement:
http://www3.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2018/1030/LTN20181030253.pdf
and you can also find the document on the announcements page of AAG's website:
http://www.aagenergy.com/en-US/file/files/2018-10-30/13584883235.pdf

About AAG Energy Holdings Limited (HKEX stock code: 2686)
AAG Energy Holdings Limited is an international energy company and the leader in China's CBM exploration and development sector. It focuses on developing and optimizing the value of unconventional gas resources to supply clean energy to the Chinese economy. AAG Energy's key operating assets, Panzhuang and Mabi concessions, are located in the Southwestern part of Qinshui Basin, which boasts the largest proved CBM geological reserves of any basin in China. AAG Energy's Panzhuang concession in partnership with China United Coalbed Methane Corporation Ltd., is the most commercially advanced Sino-foreign CBM asset in China and the first Sino-foreign CBM cooperative project to have entered full-scale commercial development and production. The Project has a designed annual production capacity of 500 million m3. AAG Energy's Mabi CBM Project in partnership with PetroChina received preliminary ODP Phase I approval from NDRC in November 2013. The designed production capacity of Mabi Phase I is 1 billion m3 per year. With proven ability to commercialize CBM and a highly-respected management team, the Group has attracted support from leading international and Chinese investors. For further details, please visit www.aagenergy.com.

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Fujitsu Develops Technology to Predict Biochemical Reactions, Clarifying the Mechanisms of Genetic Disorders

October 31, 2018, 3:17 am

≫ Next: Innovent Biologics Gets Listed Today; Long-term Bullish Performance Anticipated

≪ Previous: AAG Energy's Operations Remain Strong in 2018Q3

Figure 1: Conventional AI Technology

Figure 2: Example of predicting phosphorylation reactions using knowledge graphs

Advancing new drug discovery and precision medicine with the ability to predict large volumes of unknown chemical reactions

KAWASAKI, Japan, Oct 31, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd., the Insight Centre for Data Analytics(1), a data analytics research institution based in Ireland, and Fujitsu (Ireland) Limited today announced the development of a technology that makes it possible to predict large volumes of unknown chemical reactions, about twice as many as the conventional procedure. In serious diseases, including cancer, it is common for there to be abnormalities in phosphorylation reactions, which are chemical reactions that occur between proteins. Accordingly, there are high expectations that clarifying phosphorylation reactions will lead to effective treatments. At present, however, because only a few phosphorylation reactions have been identified, there has been a problem in predicting large volumes of phosphorylation reactions caused by combinations of unknown proteins. Now, by building a knowledge graph(2) that can encompass an overview of the interrelations between proteins, it is possible to check the relationship between new proteins where phosphorylation reactions can be predicted. In this way, this technology will contribute to the advancement of medicine, as it can be expected to be useful on the front lines of drug discovery research, and have customized applications in the field of precision medicine(3).

Development Background

Biological systems within the body are maintained by exchanges of information through the chemical reactions of various proteins within cells. In recent years, science has come to understand that many serious diseases, such as cancer, are partially caused by abnormalities in phosphorylation reactions, which are representative of the chemical reactions between proteins. If pharmaceuticals that repaired abnormal phosphorylation reactions could be developed, that would enable more effective treatments. At present, however, only a few phosphorylation reactions are well understood, so there is a need for the discovery of unknown phosphorylation reactions, and to enrich the data on phosphorylation reactions.

Issues

Phosphorylation reactions are chemical reactions in which a protein attaches a phosphoryl group to the amino acids that make up another protein. In order to discover them, it is necessary to check the combinations of proteins that cause phosphorylation reactions through biological experiments. Nonetheless, as there are more than about 800,000 possible combinations just with proteins, and because significant costs and time are required for biological experiments, it is necessary to right from the start predict high-probability combinations. It is known that whether a phosphorylation reaction will occur depends on the structure of the amino acid sequence that makes up the protein. AI technology is therefore already being used to predict new phosphorylation reactions by training the AI on the structure of amino acid sequences that are already known to cause phosphorylation reactions. While this technology can predict reactions in which the structure of the amino acid sequence is similar to those that are known to cause phosphorylation reactions, it has not been capable of predicting those in which the structure of the amino acid sequence is significantly different from the already known phosphorylation reactions.

http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_ConventionalAITechnology.jpg
Figure 1: Conventional AI Technology

About the Newly Developed Technology

According to recent medical research, there is a phenomenon in which proteins that have undergone reactions may phosphorylate other proteins in a chain reaction (chained information), and this may be the key to predicting new, unknown phosphorylation reactions related to that phenomenon. Based on such research, Fujitsu Laboratories, the Insight Centre, and Fujitsu Ireland have now included not only structural information about amino acid sequences in the knowledge graph, but also chained information. The organizations have developed a technology (patent pending) to represent the complex patterns of chemical reactions as optimized attributes, which are attached to the lines in the knowledge graph. As these attributes were tailored to the sophisticated construction by the knowledge graph, they can lead to highly accurate prediction results. Conventionally, the relationship between proteins could only be checked through a single link in the chain. Yet by comprehensively displaying the relationship between proteins as connections of phosphorylation reactions (chained information), it becomes possible to clarify the positioning of the various proteins from a holistic perspective, and to predict unknown relationships.

http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_%20PhosphorylationKnowledgeGraphs%20.jpg
Figure 2: Example of predicting phosphorylation reactions using knowledge graphs

Effects

When this technology was tested using evaluation data(4), the model was trained on phosphorylation reactions (9,802 reactions), and predicted 11,581,940 new phosphorylation reactions. This showed its capability in predicting about twice as many phosphorylation reactions compared to conventional technology that trained AI on the structure of amino acid sequences, without significant change to prediction accuracy. In addition, in order to test whether phosphorylation reactions predicted using this technology could actually occur within a living being, tests were conducted by Systems Biology Ireland(5), an Irish biological research institution and a joint research partner, using mass spectrometry equipment and antibodies. In this test, experts in biology selected and tested a few phosphorylation reaction prediction results for proteins related to cancer, and were able to confirm nine phosphorylation reactions, of which eight were reactions that could not have been predicted with conventional technology. Systems Biology Ireland (SBI) director Walter Kolch, a world leading authority on systems biology research, said about these results "Combining Fujitsu's knowledge graph technology with SBI's understanding of biological networks, we have developed a new computational method that can predict which kinase phosphorylates which substrates. The method is accurate and could discover previously unknown phosphorylation sites, a major step forward for new drug development and more focused precision medicine."

Future Plans

By combining data on new phosphorylation reactions predicted by this technology with other biomedical data, it is expected to connect the chemical reactions from the causes of a disease (abnormalities in phosphorylation reactions) to the disease's symptoms, which can then be provided to those on the front lines of research as useful information in drug discovery. The effectiveness of treatments for diseases such as cancer can vary widely between patients. This technology, however, is expected to clarify the individual variation in the effects of treatments, contributing to the promotion of medicine tailored to individual patients. Fujitsu Laboratories, the Insight Centre, and Fujitsu Ireland will continue to further improve the accuracy of this technology to process biomedical data with knowledge graphs, extending the technology to biomedical projects at Fujitsu Limited in fiscal 2018. Moreover, by incorporating this technology into Fujitsu's AI technology, including Fujitsu Human Centric AI Zinrai, the organizations plan to accelerate the biomedical business.

(1) The Insight Centre for Data Analytics A data analytics research institution, one of the largest in Europe, run by Science Foundation Ireland. The Insight Centre has several locations in Ireland, but this announcement is in regard to a joint research conducted with its location at the National University of Ireland Galway.
(2) Knowledge graph A dataset that uses connections representing relationships between information collected from a variety of information sources.
(3) Precision medicine A new style of medicine that prevents and treats diseases with consideration of individual differences in genetic information, living environment, and lifestyle.
(4) Evaluation data PhosphoSitePlus, a database of phosphorylation reactions, and UniProt, a database of protein sequences.
(5) Systems Biology Ireland A systems biology research institution specialized in the study of cellular information transmission, with a focus on developing new treatment strategies for cancer.

About The Insight Centre for Data Analytics

The Insight Centre for Data Analytics is one of Europe's largest data analytics research organisations, with 400+ researchers, more than 80 industry partners and over EUR100 million of funding. Insight is made up of four main centres: Insight@DCU, Insight@NUI Galway, Insight@UCC and Insight@UCD as well as a number of affiliated bodies. Each of Insight's main centres has a long track record of data analytics research. In July 2013 they came together under Science Foundation Ireland as Insight. The size of the centre allows for collaboration on a large scale, which enables the organisation to compete for funding and opportunities at a much higher level.

About Fujitsu Laboratories

Founded in 1968 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Fujitsu Limited, Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd. is one of the premier research centers in the world. With a global network of laboratories in Japan, China, the United States and Europe, the organization conducts a wide range of basic and applied research in the areas of Next-generation Services, Computer Servers, Networks, Electronic Devices and Advanced Materials. For more information, please see: http://www.fujitsu.com/jp/group/labs/en/.

About Fujitsu Ltd

Fujitsu is the leading Japanese information and communication technology (ICT) company, offering a full range of technology products, solutions, and services. Approximately 140,000 Fujitsu people support customers in more than 100 countries. We use our experience and the power of ICT to shape the future of society with our customers. Fujitsu Limited (TSE: 6702) reported consolidated revenues of 4.1 trillion yen (US $39 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018.

For more information, please see www.fujitsu.com.
This release at www.fujitsu.com/global/about/resources/news/press-releases/.

Contact:
The Insight Centre for Data Analytics
Louise Holden/Grainne Faller
E-mail: info@fhmediaconsulting.com

Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd.
Artificial Intelligence Laboratory 
Knowledge Technology Project
E-mail: kg-query@ml.labs.fujitsu.com

Fujitsu Limited
Public and Investor Relations
Tel: +81-3-3215-5259
URL: www.fujitsu.com/global/news/contacts/

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Innovent Biologics Gets Listed Today; Long-term Bullish Performance Anticipated

October 31, 2018, 4:15 am

≫ Next: Hitachi: Demonstration Project in Germany, Large-Scale Hybrid Power Storage System Starting to Operate in November

≪ Previous: Fujitsu Develops Technology to Predict Biochemical Reactions, Clarifying the Mechanisms of Genetic Disorders

HONG KONG, Oct 31, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Innovent Biologics [Innovent; HKG:1801], a China Suzhou-based biopharmaceutical company, completes its initial public offering in Hong Kong, with trading officially commencing today. The company is the largest Biothech company judging from its late stage product pipe lines and its comprehensive functional platform to debut in HK Exchange thus far.

Innovent joins with an array of high-tech biopharma companies to gain exposure to the international capital market thanks to Hong Kong's new listing rules that are poised to attract high-potential biotech companies from the mainland. Under the volatile market we have been experiencing in the past month, this is one of a very few company still receives strong support from the global long only and reputable investment funds.

Innovent prices its IPO at HK$13.98 per share, raising a total of HKD HK$3,155.3 million via an issuance of 236.35m shares. In addition to getting very strong cornerstone support from well-known investment funds when it launched the IPO book build, sources said they also heavily allocated the remaining shares to high quality well-known global investors.

The company's listing under such a challenging market affirms investors' confidence in its future development and the successful commercialization of its rich innovative drugs pipeline under development.

Advanced researches focus on critical diseases

Innovent specializes in the research and development (R&D), production and commercialization of monoclonal antibody drugs that are used to treat tumor and other critical diseases. Its pipeline of 17 new drugs are designed to treat four categories of major illnesses including oncology, ophthalmology, as well as autoimmune and metabolic diseases.

Four of these drugs, PD-1 inhibitors Sintilimab (IBI-308), and biosimilar drugs of Bevacizumab (Avastin) IBI-305, Rituximab (Rituxan) IBI-301 and Adalimumab (Humira) IBI-303 are in phase-3 trials of clinical development, which form the Innovent's core products that are closest to commercialization.

Two weeks ago, Innovent announced that its IND application for a combination therapy of Sintilimab and IBI305 had been approved by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for clinical development. The company will initiate clinical trials based on this combination to assess its safety and efficacy in patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This was the sixth IND approval this year from NMPA or US FDA for the company.

The Company's most mature product Sintilimab was among the first domestically produced PD-1 inhibitor that has applied to National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for market approval. NMPA has accelerated the process by granting "priority review" for Sintilimab, which will set the course of full commercialization in the Chinese market in 2019 for the Company.

Sintilimab helps restore cancer patients' immune systems to attack malignant cells. Whereas IBI-303, 305, and 301 are expected to apply for NDA approval in the last quarter of 2018, first quarter of 2019, and last quarter of 2019 respectively.

The company feels a social obligation to keep an exploring and innovative mind, as its Chairman Dr Yu said: "Innovent will make best use of our strong product pipeline to explore new methods of combination therapy that targets cancer and immune disease treatments. It will strive to make more huge breakthroughs the soonest possible."

Experient manufacturing and commercialization teams

Innovent achieves seamless cooperation between its R&D, production and sales teams via a comprehensively integrated biomedical platform that effectively monitors risk control in the R&D of new drugs while striving to reduce related expenses.

The platform lays the foundation for the successful development and commercialization of innovative drugs within shortest timeframe possible, which helps cut costs and make the drugs more affordable for patients.

Innovent also houses robust and sophisticated production facilities in Suzhou, covering an arena of 21,579.52 square meters in total to support the production of two of its most advanced products Sintilimab and IBI 303/305.

The company is in the process of building a second-phase production facility to prepare for a growing demand base on the rich pipeline. It expects the facility to start operation in the second half of 2019, which is capable of supporting Innovent's exponential business growth for the next few years.

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Hitachi: Demonstration Project in Germany, Large-Scale Hybrid Power Storage System Starting to Operate in November

October 31, 2018, 4:17 am

≫ Next: Wintermar Offshore (WINS:JK) Reports 9M2018 Financial Results

≪ Previous: Innovent Biologics Gets Listed Today; Long-term Bullish Performance Anticipated

The large-scale hybrid power storage system

- Utilizing two types of storage batteries in pursuit of stable distribution grids -

TOKYO, Oct 31, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Having completed a large-scale hybrid power storage system in the City of Varel in Niedersachsen, NEDO, Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd., Hitachi Power Solutions Co., Ltd. and NGK Insulators, Ltd. are starting to operate the system from November 1, 2018.

The system consists of two types of storage batteries, lithium-ion and NaS batteries (total capacity: 11.5MW/22.5MWh) to take advantage of their different features. Utilizing lithium-ion batteries with a high power charge and discharge output, and the long duration capacity of NaS batteries, the system maintains the electric power supply and demand balance and aims to establish a business model for power trading through the system in the region where wind power adoption is accelerating.

1. Overview

Germany aims to shift more than 80% of its domestic electric power demand to renewable energy by 2050 under its "Energiewende" energy transition policy by actively introducing renewable energy resources such as wind and solar power. Because of the recent expansion of renewable energy use in Germany, conventional power plants for maintaining electric power supply stability are falling into disuse. Consequently, there is a rapidly growing need for technology to replace the role of such power plants.

To address the arising challenge, NEDO and the Ministry for Economics, Labor and Transport in the state are working together with EWE-Verband, an association managing the electric power supply to 17 districts and four cities in Niedersachsen, and EEW Holding. The four parties signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the project on March 19, 2017. At the same time, Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd.; Hitachi Power Solutions Co., Ltd.; and NGK Insulators, Ltd., Japanese companies commissioned by NEDO, and EWE AG, Niedersachsen's energy provider cooperating with the German parties, teamed up and concluded an implementation document (ID) to officially launch the project. The project started in April 2017. Following the City of Varel granting permission to establish a large-scale hybrid power storage system, the facility foundation construction and machine assembly were completed, and thereafter, a commissioning has been finished and hence operation will commence from November 1, 2018.

A ceremony will be held to mark the operation of the large-scale hybrid power storage system at 10:00 a.m. (Central European Time - CET) on November 1, 2018. Takeshi Yagi Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Federal Republic of Germany, Enak Ferlemann Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Transport and Digital Infrastructure and many distinguished attendees will take part in the ceremony. The demonstration project will be carried out over a three-year period up to February 2020.

2. Description of the Demonstration Project

The project aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of the large-scale hybrid power storage system designed by taking advantage of the features of lithium-ion batteries (capacity: 7.5MW/2.5MWh) with a high power charge/discharge output and durable, large capacity NAS batteries (capacity: 4MW/20MWh), in combination with Hitachi Power Solutions' power grid information and battery control system(1) that controls the both batteries and enables the following four functions by communicating information for the electricity trading.

Through this system, the four functions of primary control reserve(2) supply, secondary control reserve(3) supply, balancing(4) within a balancing group(5), and reactive power supply(6) that stabilize local grid voltage will be realized to replace the functions of conventional power plants. Electricity trading will be executed in line with the EWE Group's electricity trading system. Creating a virtual power plant (VPP)(7) in collaboration with Germany's "enera" project(8), various types of energy sources in the country will also be combined and managed for the electricity trading.

The aims of this project are to contribute to maintaining an economical supply and demand balance and to ensure a non-variable supply from renewable energy sources.

(1) Power grid information and battery control system
A system to analyze information about the supply and demand balance in the power grid and control the charge/discharge of the battery storage energy.
(2) Primary control reserve
The primary control reserve is automatically activated within 30 seconds according to power supply and demand fluctuations and secures power in a systematic manner to balance the supply and demand.
(3) Secondary control reserve
The secondary control reserve is activated within 5 minutes after receiving instructions from power distributors according to power supply and demand fluctuations and secures power in a systematic manner to balance the supply and demand.
(4) Balancing
Balancing is performed to correct imbalances within balancing groups by reducing deviations between planned power supply/demand and the actual power supply/demand balance
(5) Balancing Group
Groups in Germany comprised of power generators and consumers that undertake power supply and demand balancing. The in-charge of each group balances the power supply and demand to ensure their match. Such groups are known as balancing groups.
(6) Reactive power supply
Among the major grid frequency and voltage stabilization services, the reactive power supply functions to stabilize local voltage.
(7) Virtual power plant (VPP)
A cloud-based single power plant (virtual power generator) that remotely controls and integrates several types of distributed energy sources
(8) enera project
A large-scale project led by EWE AG to introduce renewable energy in Niedersachsen under Germany's energy policy (project assisted by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy).

About Hitachi, Ltd.

Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, delivers innovations that answer society's challenges, combining its operational technology, information technology, and products/systems. The company's consolidated revenues for fiscal 2017 (ended March 31, 2018) totaled 9,368.6 billion yen ($88.4 billion). The Hitachi Group is an innovation partner for the IoT era, and it has approximately 307,000 employees worldwide. Through collaborative creation with customers, Hitachi is deploying Social Innovation Business using digital technologies in a broad range of sectors, including Power/Energy, Industry/Distribution/Water, Urban Development, and Finance/Social Infrastructure/Healthcare. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at http://www.hitachi.com.

Contact:
Hitachi Ltd
Corporate Communications
Tel: +81-3-3258-1111

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Wintermar Offshore (WINS:JK) Reports 9M2018 Financial Results

October 31, 2018, 5:00 am

≫ Next: MHI Increases Capital in Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation

≪ Previous: Hitachi: Demonstration Project in Germany, Large-Scale Hybrid Power Storage System Starting to Operate in November

JAKARTA, Oct 31, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Wintermar Offshore Marine (WINS.JK) has announced 9M2018 financial results. WINS 9M2018 gross profit jumped to US$4.6 million from only US$0.5 million in 9M2017, as revenue rose 14%YOY to US$50 million for the period, driven by improved high tier vessel utilisation.

The uptrend in oil prices has spurred more drilling activity, pushing average utilisation of the fleet to over 62% for the first 9 months of 2018 compared to 58% in the previous year. In the High Tier vessel segment, vessel utilisation was 75% for 9M2018 compared to only 53% for the same period last year. This contributed to a gross profit margin of 9.2% for 9M2018 compared to only 1.2% for 9M2017.

Owned Vessels Division

Owned vessel revenue was driven by the award of new contracts for high tier vessels although the term of these contracts remain relatively short. Total revenue for this division rose by 20% YOY to US$40.4 million in 9M2018. Tendering activity has continued to be robust in the quarter with US$14.4 million of net new contracts won.

Total direct expenses rose by 5% YOY to US$37.4 million due to higher utilisation and expenses incurred to bring our vessels into working condition after a period of warm lay up where direct cash costs were kept to a minimum. The highest increase in cost was for fuel bunker, where in addition to a "wet contract" where the fuel cost is borne by the vessel owner, some one-off mobilisation costs caused fuel expense to jump to US$3.2 million for the nine month period in 2018 compared to only US$0.6 million in 9M2017. Operational costs rose 14% YOY to US$3.3 million.

Gross Profit from Owned Vessels was US$ 3.0 million for 9M2018, compared to a gross loss of US$0.8 million for 9M2017.

In addition to providing supply services for oil rigs, our vessels are increasingly being marketed to work for other types of services including supporting underwater surveys, geotechnical surveys, remote operated vehicles (ROV) and air diving. The higher oil price and weak Rupiah has increased the urgency to increase domestic oil production. During 3Q2018, there was better utilisation of the high tier vessels for rig moves and survey work, with a noticeable increase in demand for PSVs.

Although we had sold two FMPVs from FOI at the end of 2Q2018 in our deleveraging exercise, the owned Vessel Revenue did not decline significantly as the impact of the loss of the two vessels was offset by new contracts won for the remaining fleet.

Chartering and Other Services

The Chartering Business has not recovered as quickly as the Owned Vessels segment. Chartering Revenue fell 19% YOY to US$5.9 million resulting in 9M2018 Chartering Gross profit of US$0.5 million, a decline of 29% compared to 9M2017. Gross Profit from Other Services remained robust at US$1.1 million as there were more value added services in line with higher utilisation of our vessels.

Indirect Expenses and Operating Profit

During 9M2018, management continued to keep a very tight control over indirect costs, resulting in indirect expenses which stayed around the 9M2017 level of US$5.4 million. Most indirect expenses reduced apart from staff expenses, which rose 11% to US$3.5 million as we started to build up a stronger core team to prepare for higher utilization ahead. Depreciation also rose as we opened a new location this year for crew training.

The operating loss for 9M2018 of US$0.9 million has shown a substantial improvement compared to the operating loss of US$4.9 million recorded last year for 9M2017.

Other expenses and interest bearing debt

As there was a strong drive to reduce debt through debt repayment and sale of vessels, interest expenses fell by 22% to US$ 4.5 million. Loss from share of earnings of Associated Companies was much higher at US$2.2 million in 9M2018 compared to US$0.7 million in 9M2017.

Net loss attributable to Shareholders narrowed to US$ 7.5 million for 9M2018 compared to US$9.7 million in 2017.

EBITDA

EBITDA for 9M2018 rose 23%YOY to US$ 19 million for the period, in line with better revenue and cost management, enabling the Company to reduce bank debt by US$ 16.9 million and bring down net gearing to only 34% by end September 2018.

Oil and Gas Industry

The global oil and gas market has swung from fears of oversupply to fears of supply shortages as US sanctions on Iran and Venezuela impact supply from those producers. The price of Brent crude oil to reach above US$80/barrel for the first time since the oil crisis began in October 2014. Optimism that oil prices are staying high has led to more investment in upstream oil and gas. South East Asia has seen a good recovery in drilling, in particular in Malaysia. Even in Indonesia, tendering activity has increased again.

Saudi Arabia and Russia have agreed to cooperate to achieve balance in the global market for crude oil, which we understand will maintain oil prices in the current trading range as production levels will be balanced with world demand.

The strong oil prices are triggering a recovery in upstream spending and we expect stronger OSV demand next year as more projects should be activated. In Indonesia, the higher oil price is a double edged sword as the country requires crude imports to meet demand, therefore higher oil prices add to the pressure on the currency. The government is therefore more adamant to urgently increase domestic oil production and we are optimistic that domestic upstream investment will receive priority in the coming election year.

Outlook for Offshore Support Vessels (OSV)

Globally, there has been a distinct uptrend in tendering activity as upstream spending has increased in response to the firmer oil price. However, despite better utilization of OSVs, charter rates are still not rising due to excess supply. Many oil companies have started to issue long term tenders to lock in the current low charter rates and there is more interest in OSVs in the North Sea, the Middle East, East Africa, and Malaysia.

In Indonesia, Pertamina Hulu Energi (PHE) has taken over several expiring concessions from multinational oil companies, and has been putting out more tenders for work, although several longer term tenders have been delayed for various technical reasons.

There are more sale and purchase transactions recently for second hand OSVs but we expect that many of the laid up vessels will not be reactivated as the low charter rates do not make it viable to spend the amounts required for reactivation. This means the excess supply may be absorbed sooner than expected. In Indonesia, cabotage laws and the low charter rates may also deter new entrants in the OSV market.

Strategy

In anticipation of a recovery in the OSV industry next year, the Company has strengthened the operational team through hiring and training, while keeping the fleet operationally ready to be deployed. There are several longer term tenders in the pipeline and there is hope for some to be awarded in 4Q2018.

To improve efficiency of our operations, there is also an upgrade in process to a better integrated IT system for our operational and technical needs, which is expected to also save paper and improve our environmental performance.

The older and idle vessels are in process of being sold to raise funds and reduce unnecessary costs. All these efforts are aimed to streamline the Company's operations and strengthen our position to be a leader in the industry in the upturn.

At the moment our focus is to win a number of longer term tenders in the bidding process, while building on our strength in meeting the high standards of quality, health and safety that are required to stay at the forefront of the industry.

Total contracts on hand as at end September 2018 were US$71 million.

About Wintermar Offshore Marine Group

Wintermar Offshore Marine Group (WINS.JK), developed over 40 years with a track record of quality that is both a source of pride and responsibility that we are dedicated to upholding, sails a fleet of more than 70 Offshore Support Vessels ready for long term as well as spot charters. All operated by experienced Indonesian crew, tracked by satellite systems and monitored in real time by shore-based Vessel Teams.

In 2011, Wintermar became the first shipping company in Indonesia to be certified with an Integrated Management System by Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance, comprising ISO 9001:2008 (Quality), ISO14001:2004 (Environment) and OHSAS 18001:2007 (Occupational Health and Safety). For more information, please visit www.wintermar.com.

Contact:
Ms. Pek Swan Layanto, CFA
Investor Relations
PT Wintermar Offshore Marine Tbk
Tel: +62-21-530 5201 Ext 401
Email: investor_relations@wintermar.com

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MHI Increases Capital in Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation

October 30, 2018, 6:00 pm

≫ Next: DENSO to Open New Facility at Haneda Airport for Automated Driving Technology Development and Testing

≪ Previous: Wintermar Offshore (WINS:JK) Reports 9M2018 Financial Results

TOKYO, Oct 31, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has decided to increase the capitalization of Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation (Mitsubishi Aircraft), a wholly owned MHI Group company, as it nears the first delivery of the Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ), the industry's only clean sheet regional aircraft.

The decision by MHI to increase its investment in Mitsubishi Aircraft has two objectives: first, to add 170 billion yen to the company's capital, and second to cancel 50 billion yen of the total debt owed by Mitsubishi Aircraft to MHI. The added capital will bring Mitsubishi Aircraft out of its capital deficit and provide the company with funds to enable continued development of the MRJ.
As of March 31, 2018, the company's liabilities exceeded assets by 110 billion yen. With the 170 billion yen to be acquired from MHI, Mitsubishi Aircraft will allocate 85 billion yen to its capital and an equal amount to its capital reserve. Simultaneously, MHI will cancel 50 billion yen of the total debt owed to it by Mitsubishi Aircraft. The infusion of 170 billion yen will increase Mitsubishi Aircraft's paid-in capital from 100 billion yen to 270 billion yen.

The capital infusion from MHI will be allocated mainly to development of the MRJ90 and to future expenditures borne by MHI in preparation for commercialization.

Business results and the financial status of MHI's Group companies are continuously factored into the Company's consolidated financial statements. The capital increase in Mitsubishi Aircraft indicated here will have no impact on MHI's consolidated results.

About Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world's leading industrial firms. For more than 130 years, we have channeled big thinking into solutions that move the world forward - advancing the lives of everyone who shares our planet. We deliver innovative and integrated solutions across a wide range of industries, covering land, sea, sky and even space. MHI Group employs 80,000 people across 400 locations, operating in three business domains: "Power Systems," "Industry & Infrastructure," "Aircraft, Defense & Space." We have a consolidated revenue of around 40 billion U.S. Dollars. We aim to contribute to environmental sustainability while achieving global growth, using our leading-edge technologies. By bringing people and ideas together as one, we continue to pave the way to a future of shared success.

For more information, please visit MHI's website: https://www.mhi.com
For Technology, Trends and Tangents, visit MHI's new online media SPECTRA: https://spectra.mhi.com

Contact:
Corporate Communication Department
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
Email: mediacontact_global@mhi.co.jp
Tel: +81-(0)3-6716-2168
Fax: +81-(0)3-6716-5860

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DENSO to Open New Facility at Haneda Airport for Automated Driving Technology Development and Testing

October 30, 2018, 6:44 pm

≫ Next: DENSO Announces First-half Financial Results

≪ Previous: MHI Increases Capital in Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation

- New Tokyo location will support DENSO's in-vehicle tests and proving ground trials -

TOKYO, Oct 31, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - DENSO Corporation (DENSO), the world's second largest mobility supplier, today announced it will establish a new facility at Haneda Airport in Tokyo to develop and test automated driving technologies. The facility, which is expected to be complete by June 2020, will feature a building and proving ground for mobility systems R&D and will advance DENSO's worldwide efforts to create a future that's safer and more sustainable for all. This new location is part of the Haneda Airport Unused Land Zone 1 Redevelopment Project, a broader initiative led by Tokyo's Ota City, DENSO and other entities to transform underutilized space at the airport into a hub for leading-edge technology development and mixed-use cultural facilities.

This announcement follows DENSO's establishment of its Global R&D Tokyo facility In April 2018, an automated driving R&D office near Shinagawa Station in Minato City, Tokyo, to promote collaboration and open innovation with its development partners, which include automakers, universities, research institutes and startups. The new facility will include a building to develop prototypes and maintain test vehicles, and also a proving ground to conduct live, in-vehicle tests. This will enable DENSO to take an integrated approach to the development of automated driving in Tokyo because the new facility at Haneda Airport can develop and test prototypes based on automated driving technology planned, researched and developed by Global R&D Tokyo in Shinagawa.

The Haneda area is designated a National Strategic Special Zone, where a regulatory sandbox system(1) is adopted to allow for field tests of advanced mobility technologies on public roads, including automated driving. Additionally, the Haneda area in Ota City is a hotbed for developers, startups and manufacturers of new-age technologies and applications for a wide range of use. DENSO will utilize the National Strategic Special Zone system and work with manufacturers in Ota City to develop and test prototypes more seamlessly and speed development of automated driving technology.

DENSO will continue to develop technologies and products in the fields of safety and the environment, to help create a new mobile society to improve people's lives.

(1) Regulatory sandbox system
A system to create a controlled environment without existing regulations where a limited number of project participants can verify their innovations including new technologies during a limited period of time, in order to collect data to rapidly obtain test results and determine if regulatory reform is needed.

About Denso

DENSO Corp., headquartered in Kariya, Aichi prefecture, Japan has more than 220 subsidiaries in 35 countries and regions (including Japan) and employs approximately 170,000 people worldwide. Consolidated global sales for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2018, totaled US$48.1 billion. Last fiscal year, DENSO spent 8.8% of its global consolidated sales on research and development. DENSO common stock is traded on the Tokyo and Nagoya stock exchanges.

For more information, please go to www.denso.com.
Visit our media website at www.denso.com/global/en/news/media-center/.

Contact:
Sadayoshi Yokoyama, Toshiko Watanabe 
DENSO CORPORATION 
Phone: 81-566-25-5594 
Fax: 81-566-25-4509 
sadayoshi_yokoyama@denso.co.jp 
toshiko_watanabe@denso.co.jp

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DENSO Announces First-half Financial Results

October 30, 2018, 6:57 pm

≫ Next: Fujitsu Receives 2018 Nikkei Global Environmental Technology Award

≪ Previous: DENSO to Open New Facility at Haneda Airport for Automated Driving Technology Development and Testing

TOKYO, Oct 31, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Global automotive supplier DENSO Corporation today announced its global financial results for the first half ending September 30, 2018 for fiscal year ending March 31, 2019:

- Consolidated revenue totaled 2,625.0 billion yen (US$23.1 billion), an 11.1 percent increase from the previous year.
- Consolidated operating profit totaled 152.4 billion yen (US$1.3 billion), a 25.5 percent decrease from the previous year.
- Consolidated profit attributable to owners of the parent company totaled 114.1 billion yen (US$1.0 billion), a 26.0 percent decrease from the previous year.

"DENSO's revenue rose due to an increase in global vehicle production in spite of natural disasters. In addition, newly consolidated subsidiary, DENSO TEN, contributed to growth in revenue. Operating profit decreased due to transient profit in the last fiscal year, variance of periods in collecting expenses and increase in investment for future growth toward becoming a leading mobility supplier," said Koji Arima, president and CEO of DENSO Corporation.

In Japan, in spite of natural disasters, an increase in vehicles equipped with safety-related products, as well as the impact from the newly consolidated subsidiary resulted in an increase in revenue to 1,573.2 billion yen (US$13.9 billion), an 11.8 percent growth from the previous year. Despite a rise in production volume and cost-reduction efforts, an increase in investment for future growth and the impact of transient profit in the last fiscal year led to a drop in operating profit to 53.3 billion yen (US$469.1 million), a 49.5 percent down from the previous year.

In North America, sales expansion led to an increase in revenue to 604.1 billion yen (US$5.3 billion), a 10.2 percent increase from the previous year. Operating profit totaled 15.5 billion yen (US$136.5 million), a 25.5 percent decrease from the previous year due to the increase in expenses for R&D and the investments for expanding production capabilities.

In Europe, revenue totaled 332.4 billion yen (US$2.9 billion), a 7.3 percent increase from the previous year. As a result of the increase in production volume and cost-reduction efforts, operating profit totaled 9.6 billion yen (US$84.4 million), an 8.0 percent increase from the previous year.

In Asia, a rise in vehicle production led to an increase in revenue to 718.1 billion yen (US$6.3 billion), a 16.0 percent rise from the previous year. As a result of the increase in production volume and cost-reduction efforts, operating profit totaled 67.8 billion yen (US$597.4 million), an 8.0 percent growth from the previous year.

In other areas, mainly the South American region, specifically Brazil and Argentina, revenue totaled 34.5 billion yen (US$304.1 million), a 14.6 percent decrease from the previous year. Operating profit totaled 5.5 billion yen (US$48.7 million), a 21.9 percent decrease from the previous year.

"Considering the first-half financial results and the latest movement in the foreign exchange markets, we have revised up our financial result forecast of operating profit for the full-year," said Arima.

(Foreign exchange rates used for the full-year financial result forecast are US$=110yen, Euro=130 yen)

About Denso

DENSO Corp., headquartered in Kariya, Aichi prefecture, Japan has more than 220 subsidiaries in 35 countries and regions (including Japan) and employs approximately 170,000 people worldwide. Consolidated global sales for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2018, totaled US$48.1 billion. Last fiscal year, DENSO spent 8.8% of its global consolidated sales on research and development. DENSO common stock is traded on the Tokyo and Nagoya stock exchanges.

For more information, please go to www.denso.com.
Visit our media website at www.denso.com/global/en/news/media-center/.

Contact:
Sadayoshi Yokoyama, Toshiko Watanabe 
DENSO CORPORATION 
Phone: 81-566-25-5594 
Fax: 81-566-25-4509 
sadayoshi_yokoyama@denso.co.jp 
toshiko_watanabe@denso.co.jp

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Fujitsu Receives 2018 Nikkei Global Environmental Technology Award

October 30, 2018, 8:14 pm

≫ Next: Suntory Beverage & Food and Hitachi Develop Production Planning System Utilizing AI through Collaborative Creation

≪ Previous: DENSO Announces First-half Financial Results

Technology Summary

For Developing a System to Survey Wildlife Habitat Using Sound Information

TOKYO, Oct 31, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Fujitsu Limited today announced that, along with Fujitsu Kyushu Network Technologies Limited, it received an Award for Excellence in the 2018 Nikkei Global Environmental Technology Awards (28th Annual), held by Nikkei Inc.

This award recognizes the development of technology to support wildlife habitat surveys, such as for endangered species of birds. By using technology to automatically and accurately detect the cries of the species targeted by the survey from recorded sound data using artificial intelligence (AI), this technology significantly reduces the number of people and time required for a survey. This therefore leads to increases in survey frequency and expansion of survey areas. The Fujitsu Group supports the preservation of biodiversity using ICT in order to create a fulfilling and sustainable society for the future.

About the Nikkei Environmental Technology Awards

The Nikkei Global Environmental Technology Awards, held by Nikkei Inc., recognize technological developments, research, and investigations that secure environmental sustainability through measures that include efforts to mitigate the effects of global warming, generate new energy through sustainable sources and/or conserve energy, recycle substances and resources, and preserve natural environments and ecosystems. The award recipients are selected through a comprehensive evaluation of the uniqueness, promise, and practicality of their efforts.

Details of the Technology

From the perspective of preserving Earth's biodiversity, there is a need to check the population status of endangered species as part of surveys of the natural environment, including environmental assessments. Currently, investigators check the populations of endangered species by entering the area and visually confirming or directly listening for the cries of the target species. This method, however, places a significant burden on investigators and makes it difficult to survey larger areas. To address this challenge, Fujitsu therefore developed software composed of the following technologies in order to automatically detect the calls of the target species by recording environmental sounds in the target survey area and analyzing the recorded sound data using AI.

- Background noise suppression
- Feature extraction from faint calls
- Call evaluation using AI

http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_Fujitsu2018Nikkei%20Global%20.jpg
Technology Summary

Results of Applying the Technology

When this technology was applied in a population survey for Blakiston's fish owl, an endangered species, conducted by the Wild Bird Society of Japan, the technology provided improved detection accuracy and greater survey efficiency, including massively shortening the time required for sound data analysis, contributing to an expansion in the survey area. It is also being applied to other animals, making it possible to extend the technology to any population surveys based on tracking calls (including birds, amphibians, and marine life).

About Fujitsu Ltd

Fujitsu is the leading Japanese information and communication technology (ICT) company, offering a full range of technology products, solutions, and services. Approximately 140,000 Fujitsu people support customers in more than 100 countries. We use our experience and the power of ICT to shape the future of society with our customers. Fujitsu Limited (TSE: 6702) reported consolidated revenues of 4.1 trillion yen (US $39 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018.

For more information, please see www.fujitsu.com.
This release at www.fujitsu.com/global/about/resources/news/press-releases/.

Contact:
Fujitsu Limited
Public and Investor Relations
Tel: +81-3-3215-5259
URL: www.fujitsu.com/global/news/contacts/

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