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Global Times: Dam benefits communities in Xinjiang, paving way for a secure ecological future for region

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BEIJING, Oct. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — In the past, the Yarkand River in Xinjiang would flood annually during the rainy season, causing destruction to infrastructure, submerging farmland, and engulfing homes and villages. Bubishare, a Uygur resident who grew up in a village upstream of the river, still vividly recalls the cries of helplessness from those affected by the devastating floods before the construction of the Aratax water conservation project. Thanks to the project, these nightmares are now a thing of the past for local residents.

Located in the Karakorum Mountain Valley, the Aratax water conservation project, known as the “Xinjiang’s Three Gorges” project for its grandeur and construction challenges, was constructed to control the Yarkant River. The 1,289-km-long Yarkant River in the Tarim Basin is Xinjiang’s most flood-prone river, and the towering dam can withstand the turbulent floodwaters in a reservoir with a storage capacity of 2.2 billion cubic meters. 

Today, this dam is gushing with clean water sources, stable power, and also gushing with hope for the minority groups on the desert.

In August 2023, President Xi Jinping urged firmly grasping the strategic positioning of Xinjiang in the overall national situation and better building a beautiful Xinjiang in the process of pursuing Chinese modernization, the Xinhua News Agency reported. 

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, demanded thorough, meticulous, concrete and sustained efforts to develop a beautiful Xinjiang that is united, harmonious, prosperous, and culturally advanced, with healthy ecosystems and people living and working in contentment, in the process of pursuing Chinese modernization.

The building of a beautiful Xinjiang extends from a dam to a relocated ethnic minority community. The relocation of villagers to new homes with improved living conditions, as a result of the dam project, has brought green energy, green fields, and a green dream of prosperity to the villagers.

Path to build new hope

After a challenging 6-hour journey along the rugged Tasha Ancient Road, the Global Times reporter finally laid eyes on the Aratax dam nestled in the mountainside deep within the Karakorum Mountain. Without firsthand experience of this journey, it is difficult to fathom the obstacles encountered during the entire process of researching, designing, and constructing the dam – no roads on the ground, barren mountains devoid of trees, transportation primarily by feet, and communication mainly through shouting. Accidents like overturning were frequent due to the rugged environment.

The Xinhua Hydropower Generation Co, Ltd, a subsidiary of the China National Nuclear Corporation, began construction on the water conservation project in 2011, with a total investment of 10.98 billion yuan ($1.5 billion). The Aratax project has played a crucial role in flood control, irrigation, and power generation. The river plain, with a population of 4 million and an irrigated area of over 6.5 million mu (433,333 hectares), is the largest irrigated area in Xinjiang and the fourth-largest in China, benefiting 2.4 million people in the region.

Zhang Yibo, a frontline employee at the developer, told the media, “Over a decade ago, this place was even more desolate and rarely visited, and our water conservancy experts achieved a remarkable feat here.” Confronted by the harsh natural surroundings, the builders traversed mountains, camped under the open sky, drank from rivers when thirsty, and rested in tents outdoor, with a firm passion for building a sustainable dam for locals.

From July 18 to August 17, 2021, the Aratax water conservancy project successfully connected four units to the grid in just one month, a rare accomplishment in the history of global hydropower development. This hydropower station significantly alleviated the power shortage in the four southern prefectures in Xinjiang. The project’s designed annual power generation is 21.86 billion kilowatt-hours, saving 883,100 tons of standard coal annually while reducing smoke and dust emissions by 175,300 tons, and enabling the residents of southern Xinjiang to access cleaner energy.

The dam’s incorporation of advanced technology, such as unmanned compaction technology using the Beidou satellite, improved digital visualization of the construction progress, and magnetic induction devices to assist in fish migration, have been notable features of its intelligent design. 

“Following the completion of this project, it has greatly supported our irrigation efforts. Economic crops like sea buckthorn and apples are now extensively cultivated in the desert, leading to significant improvements in both economic and ecological benefits,” Fan Kexing, Party secretary of Tong’an township, Kashi, Xinjiang, told the Global Times. “Previously, the area was plagued by strong winds and sandstorms, with sand and gravel striking house windows with a loud thud, but this phenomenon has now been alleviated,” Fan noted.

Path to enjoy better life

Over the last six years, the residents of the remote Karakorum Mountains in Xinjiang have experienced incredible changes. Having previously lived in the vast desert with only three mu of arable land per person a decade ago, they had to trek seven kilometers to the mountains for drinking water, which needed to be purified before consumption. Power outages lasting for days at a time were a common occurrence. However, these challenges are now a thing of the past. 

Today, the residents have an average annual income exceeding 10,000 yuan, live in beautifully decorated homes with their ethnicity characteristics, and enjoy access to closer schools, more job opportunities, and reliable water and electricity services. 

Thanks to the construction of the dam, in August 2018, 4,243 individuals from over 1,000 households in Kusilafu township, Aketao county were resettled in Tong’an township, over 100 kilometers away. This diverse community, made up of Uygurs, Kyrgyz, Tajiks, and other ethnic groups, have embraced their new beginning. 

Zhou Jingfang, an expert at the Xinhua Hydropower Generation Co who led the relocation work, still remembers the days of tirelessly conducting site surveys, clearing land, mobilizing villagers to relocate, planning and designing new sites, building resettlement houses, greening rural areas, reclaiming farmland, introducing livestock, and setting up factories, schools, clinics, and markets. 

He told the Global Times that the dedicated team members worked long hours in harsh conditions, and navigated countless checkpoints and roads in the vast desert and rugged mountains without complaint. Nowadays, the villagers are no longer facing the endless desert of despair as they did in the past.

When discussing stories of relocation, 25-year-old Bubishare said, “Our village now has schools, factories, and employment opportunities. The village has supported us to find more diverse ways to make a living.” 

“We have 20,000 acres of farmland, where we not only grow food but also operate cash crops cooperatives. This area is a seabuckthorn forest, and our village recently constructed a seabuckthorn fruit processing plant. Our seabuckthorn beer will soon hit the market. With ample water supply, we are confident in our farming endeavors.” Fan shared proudly while standing amid the seabuckthorn forest. 

In a local farmer’s backyard sheep pen, the Global Times reporter observed over 20 Dolan sheep, known as “living banks.” Zhou explained that by raising two Dolan sheep, a farmer can become prosperous within two years due to their high reproductive rate. In Tong’an, many villagers raise Dolan sheep in this manner and enjoy prosperity. 

Tong’an township has also collaborated with local businesses to establish factories, providing employment for local women to produce items made from Xinjiang cotton, such as down jackets and socks for overseas export, ensuring female workers earn at least 2,000-3,000 yuan per month. “The factory is conveniently located, allowing women to balance family responsibilities while earning an income,” Fan informed the Global Times. 

In one factory, a wall in the workshop reads, “Happiness is achieved through hard work.” These words have accurately described how local women in Xinjiang have embarked on the path to modernization through their own hands.

Along the Yarkand River, beyond the Karakorum Mountain, the villagers of Tong’an are employing their diligence and unwavering efforts to write their own happy stories in the desert. They have left behind isolation and poverty, embracing hope and prosperity within short years. In this vibrant land, a new life of perseverance and success is blossoming with vibrant hues.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202408/1318454.shtml

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SOURCE Global Times

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Diadem Unveils Novel Findings on Early Alzheimer’s Disease Detection Using p53-Specific Antibody at CTAD 2024

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MILAN, Nov. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Diadem SpA, in partnership with researchers from the University of Texas Medical Branch, led by Prof. Rakez Kayed from the Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, presented groundbreaking findings at the 2024 Clinical Trials on Alzheimer’s Disease (CTAD) conference. The study focused on U-p53AZ, a conformational variant of the p53 protein linked to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Using a U-p53AZ-specific antibody developed by Diadem, the team identified the presence of this misfolded protein in human brain tissue, providing critical insights into AD pathology.

Managing cognitive decline and dementia is particularly challenging in the early stages, partly due to the lack of reliable and affordable biomarkers. Misfolding of the p53 protein, detected by U-p53AZ, has been developed as a prognostic tool for AD. Previous studies showed that measuring U-p53AZ levels in plasma using a proprietary antibody could predict the risk of significant cognitive deterioration in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This current study extends those findings by applying the U-p53AZ antibody to brain tissue, further validating its role in AD diagnosis.

Researchers applied U-p53AZ to brain samples from various Braak stages, which track AD progression. The antibody selectively bound to misfolded p53 in AD tissues, with minimal binding in healthy controls. Co-staining with phosphorylated tau (pTau), a key AD marker, reinforced the association between p53 misfolding and tau pathology, suggesting a strong link to AD progression.

Prof. Rakez Kayed stated, “The co-localization of misfolded p53 with phosphorylated tau suggests a mechanistic interaction that warrants further investigation, particularly as a target for early diagnostic intervention.” His comments underscore the significance of the findings in identifying new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Dr. Sam Agus, Chief Medical Officer at Diadem, added, “Our results demonstrate that U-p53AZ not only identifies a conformation-specific form of p53 linked to Alzheimer’s disease but also correlates with disease severity through Braak staging.

The study expands on prior work (Piccirella et al, JPAD, 2022), positioning U-p53AZ as a robust tool for both early and advanced AD detection. Its potential for clinical application in diagnostic settings is significant, particularly in light of its ability to distinguish AD-related p53 misfolding from normal p53 conformations. 

About Diadem SpA
Diadem SpA is a leader in diagnostic solutions for Alzheimer’s and neurodegenerative diseases. Based in Milano, Italy, Diadem focuses on early detection to improve patient outcomes.

For more information, contact:
Diadem:
Michael Rasche
CEO
execadmin@diademdx.com  

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Configit and PTC Partner to Manage the Complexity of Product Configurations

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Integration of CLM and PLM enables a streamlined approach to configuration management, leading to faster time to market and more satisfied customers

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, Nov. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Configit, the global leader in Configuration Lifecycle Management (CLM), today announced a strategic partnership and joint go-to-market strategy with PTC, a global software company that provides solutions for engineering, design, manufacturing and service of products. This collaboration will integrate Configit’s Configuration Lifecycle Management (CLM) solutions with PTC’s Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems, offering a comprehensive and cohesive approach to managing the complexity of product configurations across the product lifecycle and across various industries.

This partnership addresses a critical challenge in the industry: managing the growing complexity of configurable products, which includes mechanics, electronics and software. The integration of PLM and CLM helps manufacturers with highly configurable products streamline product development, reduce time-to-market and enhance the quality and reliability of their products. This is particularly crucial in today’s market, where there is a strong demand for personalized and configurable products.

Configit’s CLM solutions will integrate with PTC’s Windchill PLM to provide a seamless flow of configuration data across all stages of the product lifecycle. This integration will ensure that engineering configuration rules are consistently applied across the organization, effectively closing the loop with the sales omnichannel. Specifically, the combination will enable error-free configuration and automated processing from sales configuration to manufacturing – improving efficiency and traceability, and dramatically improving time to market, competitiveness and completeness.

Through this partnership, global manufacturers of complex products will be able to:

Manage complexity and improve the efficiency of managing product variants, leading to faster time-to-market and lower production costs.Have a more streamlined process, where configuration data is centralized, improving collaboration across departments and reducing the risk of errors.Offer higher-quality products with more personalization options, as they can more efficiently manage the complexities of configurable product families.Enjoy better data synchronization and a shared source of truth, leading to more effective decision-making and faster responses to market changes.Gain enhanced traceability to aid in compliance with legal regulations and improve inventory management.

The partnership will also facilitate digital transformation in discrete manufacturing by connecting and harmonizing PLM with downstream applications like CRM, CPQ and ERP. This will not only increase the efficiency of the entire product lifecycle but also support new business models such as Product-as-a-Service, effectively enabling companies to meet the growing demand for more sustainable and personalized products.

Dr. Florian Harzenetter, Senior Director, Global Industry Advisor, PTC, said: “PTC Windchill governs the entire product lifecycle and Configit CLM ensures that configurable versions of the products can be effectively delivered. This partnership creates an efficient process that eliminates errors and gets products to market faster and with greater customization possibilities. Configit is an ideal partner for us, and we look forward to what this joint future holds.”

Johan Salenstedt, CEO, Configit, said: “CLM and PLM are a winning combination in today’s fast-paced market where customers assume custom configuration is always an option. Together, PLM and CLM create an integrated approach that ensures consistency in product development, customization and delivery. PTC is a global leader in PLM, and we are confident that this partnership will enable sales teams to offer viable configurations that production teams can build, resulting in happier customers.”

About Configit
Configit is the global leader in Configuration Lifecycle Management (CLM) solutions and a supplier of business-critical software for the configuration of complex products. All Configit products are based on the patented Virtual Tabulation® (VT™) technology, which has redefined product configuration by offering greater speed and better handling of complexity. Virtual Tabulation enables Configit to deliver powerful, easy-to-use configuration solutions to market-leading global enterprises. Website: configit.com

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transcosmos opens operations center in Rizhao City, Shandong Province, China

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Helps businesses enhance CX with its unique service matrix, integrating contact centers, e-commerce, integrated marketing, and DX

TOKYO, Nov. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — transcosmos hereby announces that the company has opened Rizhao Center in Rizhao City, Shandong Province, China. The new center provides all-around services including contact center, e-commerce, integrated marketing, and digital transformation (DX) to help businesses enhance customer experience (CX). transcosmos held an opening ceremony on October 11, 2024.

The Rizhao Center is equipped with emerging digital tools and intelligent technologies including transcosmos’s proprietary omnichannel intelligent contact center platform, transCxLink.

With its unique natural beauty and strong economic power, Rizhao, a city located in the southeast of Shandong Province, has become a key developing city on the east coast of China. Located in the Rizhao City High-Tech Industrial Development Zone, which sits at the intersection of the city center and the college town, the Rizhao Center offers good access to public transportation and a full-range of public facilities.

Rizhao Center comes with two separate operations areas fully equipped with a training room, meeting room, interview room, breakout space for staff, and more. In addition, to ensure information security and business continuity, the center has video monitoring and access management systems, backup power systems as well as a separate server room, enabling the center to meet the needs of clients across industries.

At the Rizhao Center opening ceremony, Toshiya Okada, General Manager of transcosmos China expressed his warm welcome and sincere thanks to the government officials of the Rizhao Hi-Tech Zone who attended the opening ceremony. He also said: “transcosmos’s rapid growth in China was only possible because of our many clients who have always been supporting us. And the Rizhao Center will provide clients with a range of services including contact centers, e-commerce operations, integrated marketing, and digital transformation. With the opening of this new center, transcosmos will offer end-to-end services throughout the customer journey from consumer awareness, interest, purchase, to loyalty, thereby helping clients grow their business while enhancing CX. We hope the opening of the Rizhao Center will trigger a new wave of our business growth in China.”

The Rizhao Center is equipped with emerging digital tools and intelligent technologies including transcosmos’s proprietary omnichannel intelligent contact center platform, transCxLink. Connecting all kinds of communication channels such as e-commerce platforms, SNS, voice call, and online chat, transCxLink not only offers a seamless customer service process between companies, consumers, and customer representatives, but it also comes with extensive features including CRM, AI customer service, speech recognition, automated reporting, consumer insights, and more. With all these in place, transCxLink fulfils the needs of companies across all industries.

■Rizhao Center Overview
Business start date: October 2024
Location: Rizhao Technology Innovation Center, High-Tech Industrial Development Zone, Rizhao City, Shandong Province, China
Services: 24/7 contact center services, e-commerce operations, integrated marketing services, and digital transformation services

With the opening of Rizhao Center, transcosmos will further bolster its comprehensive service structure in China to help clients deliver better CX to their customers in every aspect via diverse customer touchpoints throughout the customer journey in this digital age.

■transcosmos history in China
transcosmos entered the Chinese market and launched its offshore services business in 1995. In 2006, the company opened its first call center in Shanghai and started to provide call center services for the Chinese market. Today, transcosmos has its bases and subsidiaries across 24 cities in China including Shanghai, Beijing, Tianjin, Hefei, Xi’an, Changsha, Wuhan, Neijiang, Kunshan, Zhengzhou, Rizhao, Suzhou, Taipei and more. The company offers extensive services such as business process outsourcing (BPO) including contact centers, e-commerce one-stop, customer experience, digital marketing, and system development for both Chinese and global brands.

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 183 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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