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Lengthy timeframe and uncertain returns constrain sustainability adoption: SIDBI – D&B SPeX

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MUMBAI, India, May 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The SIDBI – D&B Sustainability Perception Index (SPeX), also known as the ‘green pulse indicator’ decreased by around 2% to 54 during the January –March 2024 period, as MSMEs reported lower implementation of sustainability practices compared to last quarter. According to our survey, sustainability related policy implementation and training remain quite low amongst MSMEs. However, 1 in 10 MSMEs want to start taking social and governance related initiatives over the next six months.

Dun & Bradstreet, a leading global provider of business decisioning data and analytics, along with SIDBI, released SPeX for January –March 2024, which evaluates the perception of sustainability among MSMEs across three key areas: willingness, awareness, and implementation. The SPeX index value ranges from 0 to 100, with an increase in index value indicating enhanced perception of MSMEs towards sustainability. The overall SPeX value reflects changes within these dimensions, providing insights into how MSMEs understand, are willing to engage, and implement sustainability measures. An increase in SPeX suggests a positive shift in MSMEs’ perception and practices towards sustainability measures. A decrease may indicate challenges or a decline in willingness or implementation. 

Dr. Arun Singh, Global Chief Economist, Dun & Bradstreet, said, “The hurdle to MSMEs embracing sustainability isn’t just about implementation costs. Our research highlights that the lengthy timeframe and uncertain returns from sustainable initiatives also hinder adoption. Nearly half of MSMEs (42%) perceive sustainable practices as yielding results only in the medium to long term, while 35% find returns unpredictable. Moreover, quantifying ESG investments poses a significant challenge, as MSMEs often prioritize upfront costs. Hence, it’s vital for stakeholders to underscore the tangible benefits that MSMEs stand to gain from adoption of sustainable practices, such as cost savings, efficiency gains, and enhanced stakeholder appeal, rather than solely relying on incentives.”

Dr. R.K Singh, CGM, SIDBI stated, “SIDBI – D&B Sustainability Perception Index Survey, January – March 2024 indicates slight stability in the SPeX score, and hence there is a need to effectively scale up & augment the capacity building, orientation and awareness efforts on demand i.e., enterprise side. While awareness and willingness remain high for MSMEs on the top of the pyramid, the level of implementation needs a fillip across all sizes of enterprises. Thus, it is important to understand the business needs of the enterprise, how an enterprise leadership understands the potential benefits towards adopting Clean, Green, Environment Friendly, Sustainable practices / solutions. SIDBI, as a development financial institution (DFI) for MSMEs, has prioritized theme “Greening the Enterprising Ecosystem” and is committed to provide all out support to MSMEs (both developmental as well financial) showing willingness to move towards adoption of clean green climate-friendly, climate-tech innovative, sustainable practices & investments. SIDBI’s Panchtatva missions viz. Energy Efficiency, E-Mobility, Renewable Energy, Circular Economy Waste2Envttaste (Circular Economy, MSW, CBG, etc.) and Adaptation Finance (Nature based Solutions) are oriented to enhance the acceptability amongst MSMEs to ‘Go Green‘ and adopting Environmental & Social (E&S) practices for holistic improvement in the enterprise thereby making more resilient, competitive, sustainable operations / practices / products / services. SPeX is poised to evolve as a tracker of MSMEs’ intent and preparedness to ‘Go Green’. We are also reciprocating the aspirations of MSMEs through financial products coupled with digital tools and building lenders capacity. Our efforts are also on to address the sectoral and cluster aspirations.”

Highlights of the SPeX Report:

78% of MSMEs claim cost reduction to be a pivotal factor for sustainability adoption closely followed by regulatory compliance (64%). Less than half believe incentives to be a major driver.54% of MSMEs strongly agree that sustainability adoption will improve attractiveness to stakeholders.Across SPeX leadership categories, the importance of sustainability benefits varies.For Leaders, cost reduction along with improved brand image and competitive advantage are the top two benefits. For Integrators, improved brand image and improved attractiveness to stakeholders are the top two benefits. For Aspirers, improved brand image is the key benefit.Awareness of Green Financing also varies with size and age of company as well as by leadership category: 71% of Leaders are aware of green financing compared to 27% of followers. Among different business sizes, compared to 54% of small businesses, 34% of micro sized businesses are aware of green financing. Regarding firm age, 49% of those established for 5-10 years are aware, compared to 39% among those established for 1-5 years.Sustainability related policy implementation and training remain quite low amongst MSMEs.For the majority of MSMEs, awareness of policies to support sustainability adoption is low; 57% of MSMEs are not aware of any policies and 17% who are aware have not availed of any policies.1 in 10 MSMEs want to start taking social and governance related initiatives over the next six months.

About Dun & Bradstreet:

Dun & Bradstreet, a leading global provider of business decisioning data and analytics, enables companies around the world to improve their business performance. Dun & Bradstreet’s Data Cloud fuels solutions and delivers insights that empower customers to accelerate revenue, lower cost, mitigate risk and transform their businesses. Since 1841, companies of every size have relied on Dun & Bradstreet to help them manage risk and reveal opportunity. For more information on Dun & Bradstreet, please visit www.dnb.com.

Dun & Bradstreet Information Services India Private Limited is headquartered in Mumbai and provides clients with data-driven products and technology-driven platforms to help them take faster and more accurate decisions in domains of finance, risk, compliance, information technology and marketing. Working towards Government of India’s vision of creating an Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) by supporting the Make in India initiative, Dun & Bradstreet India has a special focus on helping entrepreneurs enhance their visibility, increase their credibility, expand access to global markets, and identify potential customers & suppliers, while managing risk and opportunity.

India is also the home to Dun & Bradstreet Technology & Corporate Services LLP, which is the Global Capabilities Center (GCC) of Dun & Bradstreet supporting global technology delivery using cutting-edge technology. Located at Hyderabad, the GCC has a highly skilled workforce of over 500 employees, and focuses on enhanced productivity, economies of scale, consistent delivery processes and lower operating expenses.

Visit www.dnb.co.in for more information.

Click here for all Dun & Bradstreet India press releases.

About SIDBI:

Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) in its role as the Principal Development Finance Institution for MSME sector has played a significant role in developing the financial services for MSME sector through various interventions including Refinance to Banks, Credit Guarantee programs, Development of the MFI sector, Contribution to Venture capital/AIF funds, MSME ratings, promoting digital lending ecosystem, etc. The Bank has proactively been working toward Energy Efficiency (EE) in MSMEs since 2005-06 as part of Direct Finance business using support of multilaterals like World Bank, ADB, GiZ, FCDO, JICA, AFD, KfW etc for energy efficient projects. SIDBI has taken steps to promote Energy Efficiency and Cleaner production in the MSME sector and propose to accelerate its efforts for MSME sector for their survival, growth and competitiveness in long run during prevailing climate related challenges.

Looking to importance of ESG aspects and the need for a simplified, Customised ESG risk rating framework, SIDBI has already started integration of ESG framework into its operations. Subsequent to setting up of Green Climate Finance Vertical for prioritised focus, a Board level Committee has been constituted for guidance, oversight and monitoring on ESG, Green Strategy of the bank, including relevant SDGs etc. To lead with the example, SIDBI has set a target to become Carbon Neutral by 2024 and Net Neutral organization in subsequent years.

Through Green Financing products and other developmental activities, SIDBI enables the manufacturers and service providers in MSME sector to adopt green energy efficient technologies helping in lesser waste leading to positive impact on environment and sustainability.

Visit www.sidbi.in for more information.

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As 2025 IRS Mileage Rate Hits 70 Cents, Expert Warns: Ditch Risky Apps for Secure Paper Tracking

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22 minutes ago

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December 22, 2024

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Gig economy expert Ed Ryder warns against the risks of mileage tracking apps, and advocates using paper-based tracking methods instead. He introduces The Big Mileage Form, a secure alternative developed over two years to meet the specific needs of food delivery gig workers. Ryder highlights recent tech failures, like the July 2024 global IT outage, to underscore the vulnerabilities of digital solutions. The press release also mentions Ryder’s significant mileage deduction using his form and directs readers to GigCoach.net for additional resources, including a consumer tutorial to drive better food delivery outcomes and a gig coach training program.

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — As the IRS announces a standard mileage rate of 70 cents per mile for 2025, gig economy expert Ed Ryder, who has completed over 10,000 deliveries with his own car using major food delivery platforms, urges fellow gig workers to reconsider their mileage tracking methods. While acknowledging the convenience of digital solutions, Ryder advocates for a return to secure, paper-based tracking to protect valuable mileage deductions.

With the mileage rate at 70 cents, accurate tracking is crucial for gig workers and small business owners. Mileage apps seem convenient, but they risk data loss from outages, glitches, and cyber attacks. Many overlook these significant dangers.

“With the mileage rate increasing to 70 cents, accurate tracking is more crucial than ever for gig workers and small business owners,” says Ryder, creator of The Big Mileage Form. “While mileage tracking apps seem convenient, they come with significant risks that many overlook. Network outages, app glitches, and cyber attacks can jeopardize months of data.”

Ryder points to the July 2024 global IT outage as a prime example of technology’s vulnerabilities. “A faulty software update caused mass airline disruptions and impacted other industries, catching major corporations off guard. This incident highlights that even in our digital age, software isn’t infallible. For me, I simply won’t trust mileage tracking apps with my most important tax deduction.”

To address these concerns, Ryder developed a comprehensive, paper-based solution. “I spent two years perfecting The Big Mileage Form, tailoring it to the specific needs of food delivery gig workers,” he explains. “At 11×17 inches, it provides ample space for detailed record-keeping and, crucially, it’s immune to software glitches, data breaches, and ransomware attacks.”

Ryder’s meticulous paper-based record-keeping resulted in a mileage deduction exceeding $19,000 on his 2023 federal taxes. “All my business-related miles are thoroughly documented on paper. I’m fully prepared to defend this deduction in case of an audit. This level of confidence is what I aim to provide other gig workers.”

“In today’s digital age, sometimes the most secure solution is the simplest one,” Ryder concludes. “My form not only ensures data security but also prepares users for potential IRS audits. It’s time to reconsider the old-fashioned, but reliable pen-and-paper method.”

For those interested in learning more about effective mileage tracking and other aspects of gig work, Ryder offers valuable resources on GigCoach.net. These include a tutorial for consumers titled ‘Fair Deal Delivery,’ which provides insights on how to improve food delivery outcomes. Additionally, experienced food delivery couriers can explore Ryder’s gig coach training program. Visit GigCoach.net to access these resources and learn more about The Big Mileage Form.

Media Contact

Ed Ryder, Match Experiment LLC, 1 484-493-8740, hello@ideamaned.com, gigcoach.net

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SOURCE Gig economy expert Ed Ryder

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DATA BREACH ALERT: Edelson Lechtzin LLP Is Investigating Claims On Behalf Of Ascension Health Customers Whose Data May Have Been Compromised

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22 minutes ago

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December 22, 2024

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NEWTOWN, Pa., Dec. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The law firm of Edelson Lechtzin LLP is investigating claims regarding data privacy violations by Ascension Health (“Ascension”). Ascension learned of suspicious activity on or about May 8, 2024. To join this case, go HERE.

About Ascension Health

Ascension is a prominent non-profit health system in the nation and operates under Catholic principles.

What happened?

On or about May 8, 2024, Ascension detected unauthorized activity in its computer systems. Ascension initiated an investigation, which included retaining consulting cybersecurity experts and notifying the FBI. The investigation determined that between May 7 and 8, 2024, a cybercriminal accessed files containing personal information about Ascension’s patients and employees. This information included names, medical records, payment details, insurance information, government identification numbers, and other personal data such as dates of birth and addresses. Approximately 6 million individuals have been affected by this data breach.

How can I protect my personal data?

If you receive a data breach notification, you must guard against possible misuse of your personal information, including identity theft and fraud, by regularly reviewing your account statements and monitoring your credit reports for suspicious or unauthorized activity. Additionally, you should consider legal options for mitigating such risks.

Edelson Lechtzin LLP is investigating a class action lawsuit to seek legal remedies for customers whose sensitive personal and patient data may have been compromised by the Ascension data breach.

For more information, please contact:

Marc H. Edelson, Esq.
EDELSON LECHTZIN LLP
411 S. State Street, Suite N-300
Newtown, PA 18940
Phone: 844-696-7492
Email: medelson@edelson-law.com
Web:  www.edelson-law.com 

About Edelson Lechtzin LLP
Edelson Lechtzin LLP is a national class action law firm with offices in Pennsylvania and California. In addition to cases involving data breaches, our lawyers focus on class and collective litigation in cases alleging securities and investment fraud, violations of the federal antitrust laws, employee benefit plans under ERISA, wage theft and unpaid overtime, consumer fraud, and catastrophic injuries.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions. No class has been certified in this case, so counsel does not represent you unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing now. Your ability to share in any potential future recovery does not depend on serving as lead plaintiff.

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SOURCE Edelson Lechtzin LLP

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Earth’s pulse monitored: a review highlights remote sensing time series progress

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4 hours ago

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December 22, 2024

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As urbanization accelerates and environmental dynamics shift, the need for accurate and timely terrestrial monitoring has never been more urgent. A review has introduced a novel approach to remote sensing time series analysis, integrating multi-source data to enable near real-time monitoring. This innovative methodology promises to transform environmental conservation and urban planning by providing unprecedented insights into terrestrial changes and offering a more precise understanding of environmental dynamics.

GUANGZHOU, China, Dec. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — An international team of researchers from South China Normal University, the University of Connecticut, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences has made a significant breakthrough in remote sensing. Their review, published (DOI: 10.34133/remotesensing.0285) in the Journal of Remote Sensing on December 11, 2024, addresses key challenges in remote sensing, such as incomplete data and noise interference. The team’s new time series analysis technique leverages advanced data reconstruction and fusion methods, significantly enhancing the precision and efficiency of remote sensing for monitoring environmental changes.

The research team has developed an advanced time series analysis technique that combines deep learning algorithms with traditional remote sensing methods to integrate data from various remote sensing sources. This innovative approach allows for the extraction of subtle patterns from large, complex datasets, which is crucial for monitoring critical environmental parameters such as land use and vegetation health. Unlike conventional techniques that struggle with incomplete or noisy data, this new methodology offers enhanced accuracy and more reliable insights into terrestrial dynamics, paving the way for more effective environmental monitoring.

Central to the study’s success is the integration of Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks and Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) to address the challenges posed by missing or noisy data. The LSTM networks capture temporal trends over time, while the GANs generate synthetic data that mimics real-world observations to fill gaps and correct for atmospheric distortions. This dual approach has resulted in a cleaner, more accurate time series dataset, which was validated against independent ground truth measurements. The researchers demonstrated significant improvements in key vegetation indices, such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), setting a new benchmark in the field of remote sensing.

Experts in the field have lauded the study’s potential to revolutionize remote sensing applications. They see the method as a transformative tool for enhancing high-resolution monitoring and extending its coverage, particularly in agricultural surveillance, urban planning, and environmental management. “This method represents a crucial advancement in our ability to monitor environmental changes,” says Professor Fu. “As it evolves, it could play a key role in addressing climate change and other global challenges.”

The methodology’s future applications are vast, especially in global environmental monitoring and supporting sustainable development goals. By integrating multi-temporal data from Landsat and Sentinel-2 satellites, the team has created a framework for accurate and continuous terrestrial analysis. As computational power advances and algorithms improve, this technology is expected to become a vital tool for natural resource management, disaster response, and climate change mitigation. In the years to come, it could provide critical data to help policymakers address pressing environmental issues on a global scale.

References

DOI

10.34133/remotesensing.0285

Oiginal Source URL

https://doi.org/10.34133/remotesensing.0285

Funding information

This work was supported by the National Nature Science Foundation of China (grant numbers 42425001 and 42071399).

About Journal of Remote Sensing

The Journal of Remote Sensing, an online-only Open Access journal published in association with AIR-CAS, promotes the theory, science, and technology of remote sensing, as well as interdisciplinary research within earth and information science.

Media Contact

George Hua, Chuanlink Innovations, 1 8656606278, TranSpread1@gmail.com, http://chuanlink-innovations.com/

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SOURCE Journal of Remote Sensing

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