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No progress on water security in most countries assessed while complacency about crisis persists, finds BSI study

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HERNDON, Va., Oct. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The US has been rated as facing the highest level of water security challenge alongside relatively limited progress towards solutions in new analysis published by BSI and Waterwise. No improvement was found in the water security of 31 countries in the last year in the 2024 Water Security and Solutions Indicator, with the US scoring 53 out of 85, followed by China at 50 and India at 52. The study combines publicly available data with international polling of 9,300 people, finding a concerning disconnect between the reality of the challenge, public understanding of its severity, and the action required to turn things around.

Although 60% of respondents recognize water security as an important global issue, and three quarters specifically cite drought in their country as an issue, under half (45%) said addressing water security was as important as addressing climate change. Only 15% globally say they see water security discussed regularly by politicians or media, despite the fact that annual water use rose by around 3,500 billion m3 globally between 1900 and 2024 and will worsen with climate change. This equates to adding 895m3 of water demand each second or an Olympic sized swimming pool (2500m3) every 2.79 seconds.

Global water demand is projected to grow by around 1%, or 400 billion m3, per annum. On this basis, new calculations show the world could add 1268 m3 of water demand per second, equating to one Olympic sized swimming pool every two seconds.

The polling data suggests gaps between the reality of the global water security challenge and public comprehension of its scale – 74% were confident in their country’s freshwater supply, but this included 85% in India, 82% in Australia, and 73% in the US.

Of the 41 countries assessed for the water security challenge, the greatest increase in score was Spain, which went up by five points. 13 received higher scores representing greater water insecurity in 2024 – including Türkiye, Japan, the Netherlands and Belgium. Decreases, indicating water security improvements, were only seen in nine countries, including Sweden, Switzerland and Norway.

Positively, more than half of people (53%) believe individuals should take steps to reduce wastage. 73% globally support water use labels on products, reflecting a strong desire for actionable solutions. Similarly, 68% would be willing to spend more on brands acting on water efficiency and two thirds (67%) would purchase items using less water intensive materials even at greater cost.

Susan Taylor Martin, Chief Executive, BSI said: “While we are seeing pockets of progress towards a water secure world, there is more to do to promote understanding and positive change. This begins with awareness and recognition of the scale of the challenge, and how it fits into broader conversations about climate change and sustainability, from there our politicians and leaders can pave the way for action.

“While there is no single solution, we can and should take action today — from implementing water efficiency labelling to improving consumer choices, to advancing wastewater management in pharmaceutical development. There is much we can achieve collectively. At BSI, we believe individuals and organizations can come together to drive progress toward a sustainable future, where the supply of fresh water meets growing demands.”

Nicci Russell, CEO, Waterwise said: “Progress is frustratingly slow in most of the world and in other parts, the challenges posed by water security are actually growing. What is crystal clear from the research is that a key part of the solution is making sure that we use the water that we do have wisely in our homes and workplaces.”

Globally, Britons (21%) and the Japanese (15%) were least confident in their understanding of their country’s level of water security, potentially indicating the impact of insufficient political and media focus. Additionally, a quarter globally lacked confidence in their country’s infrastructure for ensuring water security, with the lowest confidence levels reported in the UK (32%) and Japan (44%).

BSI sets out tangible areas for action, including calling on media, policymakers and businesses to shape the conversation and raise awareness by incorporating water security into climate discussions. Additionally, BSI is urging consumers to be supported to make sustainable choices, for example via mandatory water efficiency labels, to boost consumer awareness and market innovation.

Explore the data on BSI’s dedicated dashboard.

CONTACT: Jennifer Lipman, jennifer.lipman@bsigroup.com

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SOURCE BSI

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Sony Semiconductor Solutions to Release the Industry’s First CMOS Image Sensor for Automotive Cameras That Can Simultaneously Process and Output RAW and YUV Images

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October 4, 2024

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Contributing to Simplified Systems by Expanding Single-Camera Applications

ATSUGI, Japan, Oct. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation (SSS) today announced the upcoming release of the ISX038 CMOS image sensor for automotive cameras, the industry’s first*1 product that can simultaneously process and output RAW*2 and YUV*3 images.

The new sensor product has proprietary ISP*4 inside and can process and output RAW and YUV images simultaneously. RAW images are required for external environment detection and recognition in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving systems (AD), while the YUV images are provided for infotainment applications such as the drive recorder and augmented reality (AR).

By expanding the applications a single camera can offer, the new product helps simplify automotive camera systems and saves space, cost, and power.

*1   Among CMOS sensors for automotive cameras. According to SSS research (as of announcement on October 4, 2024).
*2   Image for recognition on a computer.
*3   Image for driver visual such as recording or displaying on a monitor.
*4   Image signal processor – a circuit for image processing.

Model name

Sample
shipment date
(planned)

Sample price
(including tax)

ISX038 1/1.7-type (9.30 mm diagonal)
8.39- effective-megapixel*5
CMOS image sensor

October 2024

¥15,000*6

*5   Based on the image sensor effective pixel specification method.
*6   May vary depending on the volume shipped and other conditions.

The roles of automotive cameras continue to diversify in line with advances in ADAS and AD and increasing needs and requirements pertaining to the driver experience. On the other hand, there is limited space for installing such cameras, making it impossible to continue adding more indefinitely, which in turn has created a demand to do more with a single camera.

The ISX038 is the industry’s first*1 CMOS image sensor for automotive cameras that can simultaneously process and output RAW and YUV images. It uses a stacked structure consisting of a pixel chip and a logic chip with signal processing circuit, with the SSS’ proprietary ISP on the logic chip. This design allows a single camera to provide high-precision detection and recognition capabilities of the environment outside the vehicle and visual information to assist the driver as infotainment applications. When compared with conventional methods such as a multi-camera system or a system that outputs RAW and YUV images using an external ISP, the new product helps simplify automotive camera systems, saving space, costs, and power. 

ISX038 will offer compatibility with the EyeQ™6 System-on-a-Chip (SoC) currently offered by Mobileye, for use in ADAS and AD technology.

Main Features

Industry’s first*1 sensor capable of processing and outputting RAW and YUV images simultaneously
The new sensor is equipped with dedicated ISPs for RAW and YUV images and is capable of outputting two types of images simultaneously with image quality optimized for each application on two independent interfaces. Expanding the applications a single camera can offer helps build systems that save space, costs, and power compared to multi-camera systems or systems with an external ISP.

Wide dynamic range even during simultaneous use of HDR and LED flicker mitigation
In automobile driving, objects must be precisely detected and recognized even in road environments with significant differences in brightness, such as tunnel entrances and exits. Automotive cameras are also required to suppress LED flicker, even while in HDR mode, to deal with the increasing prevalence of LED signals and other traffic devices. The proprietary pixel structure and unique exposure method of this product improves saturation illuminance, yielding a wide dynamic range of 106 dB even when simultaneously employing HDR and LED flicker mitigation (when using dynamic range priority mode, the range is even wider, at 130 dB). This design also helps reduce motion artifacts*7 generated when capturing moving subjects.

*7   Noise generated when capturing moving subjects with HDR.

Compatibility with conventional products*8
This product shares the same compatibility with SSS’ conventional products,*8 which have already built a proven track record for ADAS and AD applications with multiple automobile manufacturers. The new product makes it possible to reuse data assets collected on previous products such as driving data from automotive cameras. This helps streamline ADAS and AD development for automobile manufacturers and partners.

*8 SSS’ IMX728 1/1.7 type 8.39 effective megapixel CMOS image sensor.

Compliant with standards required for automotive applications
The product is qualified for AEC-Q100 Grade 2 automotive electronic component reliability tests by mass production. Also, SSS has introduced a development process compliant with the ISO 26262 road vehicle functional safety standard, at automotive safety integrity level ASIL-B(D). This contributes to improve automotive camera system reliability.

Key Specifications

Model name

ISX038

Effective pixels

3,857×2,177(H×V), approx. 8.39 megapixels

Image size

Diagonal 9.30mm (1/1.72-type)

Unit cell size

2.1μm×2.1μm (H×V)

Frame rate (all pixels)

30fps (RAW&YUV dual output)

Sensitivity (standard value F5.6, 1/30 second
cumulative)

880mV (Green Pixel)

Dynamic range (EMVA 1288 standard)

106 dB (with LED flicker mitigation)

130 dB (dynamic range priority)

Interface

MIPI CSI-2 serial output (Single port with 4-
lanes / Dual port with 2-lanes per port)

Package

192pin BGA

Package size

11.85mm×8.60mm (H×V)

 

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SOURCE Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation

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transcosmos wins two awards at The Best Contact Center Indonesia 2024

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58 mins ago

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October 4, 2024

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Wins Platinum for Contact Center Operations category and Silver in Employee Engagement category

TOKYO, Oct. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — transcosmos is proud to announce that on September 17, 2024, the company won two prestigious awards at The Best Contact Center Indonesia 2024 (TBCCI), organized by the Indonesia Contact Center Association (ICCA). transcosmos won the platinum award for the Contact Center Operations category and the silver award in the Employee Engagement category. At its annual event, TBCCI, ICCA recognizes companies for their dedication to delivering exceptional customer service and innovation in the contact center industry.

Ardi Sudarto, Vice President Director of transcosmos Indonesia, said, “Both awards reflect our dedication to always delivering the best, both for our employees and clients. We hope this achievement serves as motivation for the entire team to continue innovating and improving service quality.”

TBCCI is an annual competition designed to recognize companies and individuals who demonstrate excellence in customer service. This year, 68 companies participated in the competition, including state-owned enterprises and ministries, with a total of 1,114 participants.

In the Contact Center Operations category, transcosmos presented a case study on the implementation of AI and automation solutions. With the solution, transcosmos has successfully reduced traffic to agents by up to 41.5%, thereby improving supervisor’s efficiency by 22.6%, and lowering operational costs by 30%. It also positively impacted the customer experience, decreasing detractor scores in the speed of service category of NPS by more than 5%.

In the Employee Engagement category, transcosmos showcased its strategic approach to fostering a company culture focused on employee development. Its unique training programs as well as initiatives to enhance employee engagement and internal communication were key elements recognized by the judges. Through these initiatives, transcosmos has successfully created a work environment that supports employee well-being and productivity.

Andi Anugrah, Chairman of the Indonesia Contact Center Association, said, “transcosmos was awarded platinum in the Contact Center Operations category because the company successfully combined operational excellence with the implementation of cutting-edge, relevant technology that has significantly impacted operations processes. In the Employee Engagement category, transcosmos demonstrated that the company is capable of creating a work environment that actively engages employees and ensures that employees feel valued in achieving the company’s goals.”

Ardi Sudarto, Vice President Director of transcosmos Indonesia, said, “These two awards reinforce transcosmos’s commitment to two key pillars, people & technology. transcosmos’s focus on sustainable employee development and continuous efforts to improve service quality through technological advancement have been the key factors in securing these awards. Both awards reflect our dedication to always delivering the best, both for our employees and clients. We hope this achievement serves as motivation for the entire team to continue innovating and improving service quality.”

transcosmos entered the Indonesian market in 2013. Since then, the company has been operating within the realms of digital business services and customer experience. With over 4,300 employees spread across three locations in Indonesia–Jakarta, Semarang, and Yogyakarta. transcosmos has garnered trust from a diverse clientele spanning multiple industries such as e-commerce, retail, telecommunications, banking, and insurance. transcosmos offers a wide range of services including contact center support, digital marketing, e-commerce assistance, data entry, IT support, and more, making it a reliable partner for businesses seeking comprehensive solutions.

transcosmos is a trademark or registered trademark of transcosmos inc. in Japan and other countries.Other company names and product or service names used here are trademarks or registered trademarks of respective companies.

About transcosmos inc.
transcosmos launched its operations in 1966. Since then, we have combined superior “people” with up-to-date “technology” to enhance the competitive strength of our clients by providing them with superior and valuable services. transcosmos currently offers services that support clients’ business processes focusing on both sales expansion and cost optimization through our 182 bases across 35 countries/regions with a focus on Asia, while continuously pursuing Operational Excellence. Furthermore, following the expansion of e-commerce market on the global scale, transcosmos provides a comprehensive One-Stop Global E-Commerce Services to deliver our clients’ excellent products and services to consumers in 46 countries/regions around the globe. transcosmos aims to be the “Global Digital Transformation Partner” of our clients, supporting the clients’ transformation by leveraging digital technology, responding to the ever-changing business environment.Visit us here https://www.trans-cosmos.co.jp/english/

Media Contact

transcosmos inc., transcosmos inc., +81-3-6709-2251, pressroom@trans-cosmos.co.jp, https://www.trans-cosmos.co.jp/english/

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SOURCE transcosmos inc.

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Government of Canada Passes Legislation to Seize the Enormous Economic Opportunity Offshore Wind Presents for Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador

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58 mins ago

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October 4, 2024

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OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 3, 2024 /CNW/ – The offshore renewable energy sector presents a generational economic opportunity for Canada, with the global offshore wind market alone forecast to attract one trillion dollars in investment by 2040. Canada, in partnership with Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador, is working to seize this unprecedented economic opportunity and create jobs for Atlantic Canadians.

Today, Bill C-49: An Act to amend the Canada–Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act and the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act, received Royal Assent. Developed in partnership with the Government of Nova Scotia and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, this legislation will help unlock the enormous potential of offshore renewable energy, to generate thousands of jobs while attracting billions in investment and creating new economic opportunities in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador.

By harnessing the world-class wind resources in the Atlantic offshore, we are positioning Canada as the leading supplier of clean energy, including the clean hydrogen countries like Germany are looking to buy, while continuing to decarbonize our electricity grids here at home. This legislation advances the priorities identified through the Regional Energy and Resource Tables in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador, including seizing the opportunity clean energy presents.

The Government of Canada is working with the Governments of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador to develop offshore renewable energy resources, enabling the provinces to capitalize on their existing strengths and accelerate offshore wind development safely and responsibly. Nova Scotia has already adopted mirror legislation, with Newfoundland and Labrador expected to do the same in the coming weeks.

Canadian workers and businesses are well positioned to seize the enormous economic opportunity clean energy presents, in Atlantic Canada and beyond. Today’s legislation underscores Canada’s commitment to deliver prosperity, create new clean energy opportunities, strengthen the economy, create thousands of jobs and better protect Canada’s environment.

Quotes

“Bill C-49 enables Atlantic Canada to seize the generational economic opportunity presented by offshore renewable energy. It will strengthen the economy, enable the creation of thousands of jobs and attract billions in investments in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador. These opportunities would not have been possible without the close collaboration of the Premiers of Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia, Andrew Furey and Tim Houston, and Atlantic Canada’s Members of Parliament, who fought and delivered for the people of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador.”

The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

“Bill C-49 is important to Nova Scotia meeting its offshore wind targets. Investors are lining up to harness our wind power and produce clean energy for green hydrogen and other uses. Now that this bill has passed, along with our own provincial mirror legislation, we are well on our way to developing our offshore wind industry hand in hand with our federal partners, starting with issuing our first call for bids next year.”

The Honourable Tory Rushton
Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables, Government of Nova Scotia

“Bill C-49 ensures the necessary measures are in place to support offshore renewable energy opportunities; allows for a fiscal regime that provides the maximum economic returns to Newfoundland and Labrador; and furthers joint management of the offshore area while building upon the extensive expertise the C-NLOPB has in managing offshore projects.”

The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

“I was honoured to sponsor a bill of such significant economic and environmental importance to my province. I look forward to seeing the positive impacts of Bill C-49, as this historic bill presents a generational opportunity for Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Canada as a whole.”

The Honourable Iris G. Petten, Senator for Newfoundland and Labrador,
Senate of Canada

Quick Facts

This legislation establishes a joint management regulatory framework for offshore renewable energy development

Bill-49 includes amendments to the Accord Acts that:establish the framework to develop offshore renewable energy;change the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board’s name to the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator (CNSOER);change the Canada–Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board’s name to the Canada–Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Energy Regulator (C-NLOER);expand the mandates of the CNSOER and the C-NLOER to include the regulation of offshore renewable energy projects;improve alignment between the Accord Acts and the Impact Assessment Act (IAA);provide tools to support the Government of Canada’s marine conservation agenda; andmodernize the land tenure regime for offshore petroleum development.

Related Information

Building Offshore Renewables in Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova ScotiaGovernments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador launch regional assessment to support future decisions on offshore wind projects in the provinceGovernments of Canada and Nova Scotia launch regional assessment to support future decisions on offshore wind projects in the provinceThe Offshore Renewable Energy Regulations InitiativeCanada Offshore Renewable Energy Regulations

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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

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