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South Coast AQMD Awards $109 Million to Advance Zero-Emission Infrastructure in Underserved Communities

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487 Tons of NOx Emissions Reduced, 93% to Benefit Environmental Justice Areas

DIAMOND BAR, Calif., Dec. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) Governing Board approved more than $109 million to accelerate the development of zero-emission charging and hydrogen infrastructure. This funding will deliver heavy-duty electric chargers and hydrogen refueling stations along critical trade corridors, including the San Pedro Bay Ports and major freeways, with a strong focus on environmental justice communities.

Once completed, the projects will reduce approximately 487 tons of smog-forming nitrogen oxides (NOx) and seven tons of particulate matter annually, improving air quality for the region’s most impacted areas. Of the 30 projects, 12 are located within Assembly Bill (AB) 617 communities, with 93% of the emissions reductions directly benefiting underserved areas. Key infrastructure developments include 21 electric charging stations equipped with more than 800 connectors and fast chargers for heavy-duty trucks and seven hydrogen refueling stations, including a flagship location at California State University, Los Angeles, dedicated to workforce training and community education.

“These investments provide critical support needed for heavy-duty vehicle fleet owners to embrace cleaner technologies,” said Vanessa Delgado, South Coast AQMD’s Governing Board Chair. “By prioritizing projects like these, we’re not just addressing pollution, but also ensuring equitable access to the benefits of a zero-emission future.”

In December 2023, South Coast AQMD launched a solicitation for zero-emission infrastructure proposals under its Carl Moyer Program and received nearly $400 million in applications, demonstrating the demand for zero emission heavy duty trucks and other equipment. Projects, in part, were selected based on their ability to deliver public access, cost-effectiveness and maximum impact on the South Coast Air Basin’s air quality.

Additionally, the initiative is fostering collaborations with school districts like Los Angeles Unified and Moreno Valley Unified to advance the adoption of zero-emission school buses. The California State University of Los Angeles hydrogen station will not only serve fuel cell vehicles but also educate and train the next generation on hydrogen technology.

For more information on the awarded projects, please visit https://www.aqmd.gov/docs/default-source/Agendas/Governing-Board/2024/2024-dec6-004.pdf?sfvrsn=2

South Coast AQMD is the regulatory agency responsible for improving air quality for large areas of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, including the Coachella Valley. For news, air quality alerts, event updates and more, please visit us at www.aqmd.gov, download our award-winning app, or follow us on FacebookX (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram.

MEDIA CONTACT: 
Nahal Mogharabi, (909) 396-3773, Cell: (909) 837-2431
Connie Villanueva (909) 396-2409, Cell: (909) 215-5601
press@aqmd.gov

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SOURCE SOUTH COAST AQMD

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KuCoin and Holdstation Partner to Transform Vietnam’s Blockchain Ecosystem

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VICTORIA, Seychelles, Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — KuCoin, one of the world’s leading digital asset technology platforms, is excited to announce the strategic partnership with Holdstation, a prominent player in Vietnam’s blockchain landscape known for its innovative all-in-one asset management and wallet solution. This collaboration aims to propel blockchain adoption and DeFi innovation, fostering initiatives that enhance education, support startups, and create integrated crypto solutions tailored specifically for Vietnam and beyond.

Through this partnership, KuCoin and Holdstation will jointly develop blockchain-enabled applications, enhance infrastructure, and implement start-up accelerator programs in Vietnam. Additionally, the partnership will roll out comprehensive blockchain education initiatives targeting local communities, universities, and broader business collaborations on a global scale.

“Partnering with KuCoin enables us to combine our local expertise with their global expertise, paving the way for significant advancements in blockchain innovation within Vietnam,” said Trung Banh, Co-founder of Holdstation. “We are thrilled to support the community and contribute to the growth of a vibrant digital economy.”

Alicia Kao, Managing Director of KuCoin, stated, “We are proud to establish this strategic relationship with HoldStation. The potential in the Vietnamese market is immense, and we are committed to supporting the local community for the digital economy and blockchain technology.”

By joining forces, the partnership is poised to drive the adoption of millions of new users through the introduction of accessible and innovative tools. It also aims to fuel economic growth in Vietnam by empowering local blockchain startups to unlock their potential and build awareness through high-impact events designed to educate and provide local communities with exposure to the Web3 ecosystem through immersive learning experiences.

About KuCoin

Founded in 2017, KuCoin is one of the pioneering and most globally recognized technology platforms supporting digital economies, built on a robust foundation of cutting-edge blockchain infrastructure, liquidity solutions, and an exceptional user experience. With a connected user base exceeding 30 million worldwide, KuCoin offers comprehensive digital asset solutions across wallets, trading, wealth management, payments, research, ventures, and AI-powered bots.

KuCoin has garnered accolades such as “Best Crypto Apps & Exchanges” by Forbes and has been recognized among the “Top 50 Global Unicorns” by Hurun in 2024. This recognition reflects its commitment to user-centric principles and core values, which include integrity, accountability, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

About Holdstation

A next-generation DeFi wallet with a mission to bring decentralized finance tools and crypto accessibility to everyday users, particularly in emerging markets like Vietnam.

Holdstation continues to solidify its reputation as a leading force in the DeFi and Web3 space, boasting approximately 350,000 monthly active users. The platform has generated a total volume of $38 billion and over $3.1 million in fees. As one of the top 4 DEXs globally and the leader on ZKsync, Holdstation is driving innovation through multichain expansion, AI-powered initiatives, Account Abstraction and the introduction of features like prediction markets. Upcoming integrations with Berachain and WorldChain by Q4 2024 will boost liquidity and accessibility positions Holdstation for sustained growth and leadership in the evolving Web3 ecosystem.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kucoin-and-holdstation-partner-to-transform-vietnams-blockchain-ecosystem-302329824.html

SOURCE KuCoin

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Nord Anglia Education publishes first year findings from metacognition research project with Boston College

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Research paper ‘Building Better Thinkers’ explores link between students’ metacognitive development and learning outcomes  

LONDON, Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Leading international schools provider Nord Anglia Education has published the first report from its Metacognition Research Project in partnership with the Lynch School of Education and Human Development at Boston College.  

Titled ‘Building Better Thinkers‘, Nord Anglia’s research paper details the two-year project’s exploration of how metacognition—the process of understanding how to learn best to be able to adapt and thrive in different situations—can help students improve their learning outcomes, inside and outside of the classroom.    

Through the study’s 27 pilot schools across 17 countries, Nord Anglia’s research is helping students develop their thinking processes using Thinking Routines created by Project Zero, a research centre at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Thinking Routines are simple strategies that allow students to think critically, understand deeply, and take ownership of their education, helping them to become more independent learners.  

In its first year of research, the project surveyed 2,429 students in Years 3 to 9 from Nord Anglia’s pilot schools. The survey results published in Nord Anglia’s ‘Building Better Thinkers’ report indicate that embedding metacognitive practices into classroom teaching and learning are supporting students’ development:  

84% of students said that metacognition helps them to understand how they think and learn best.  75% of students said their independence became “better” or “much better”.   73% said their “knowledge of how they can learn” improved.  71% of students said using Project Zero Thinking Routines helped to “deepen their thinking”.  71% said their social skills improved.  More than two thirds of students felt their creativity, curiosity, compassion, collaboration, commitment, and critical thinking improved.  

Dr Kate Erricker, Nord Anglia’s Group Head of Education Research and Global Partnerships, said: “Metacognitive practices are transforming how our students approach their learning. By understanding and controlling their own learning processes, they can improve academically and across essential development areas. Our research underscores the importance of teaching students to understand their thinking, helping them to become more independent and effective learners.”   

Dr Damian Bebell, Assistant Research Professor at Boston College, said: “Our global research partnership with Nord Anglia Education is one of the first large-scale studies of metacognition and skills development. It’s very encouraging to see the first year’s results, which will help us to further shape teaching practices and learning outcomes.”  

Dr Flossie Chua, Principal Investigator at Project Zero, said: “Testing and refining metacognitive strategies in Nord Anglia’s classrooms using our Thinking Routines is at the centre of encouraging a culture of learning. We applaud this important research project and its potential to help students develop life-changing skills.”  

Nord Anglia’s research paper ‘Building Better Thinkers’ can be viewed here and information about the study’s questions, methods, and objectives can be found here.   

Media enquiries:    
James Russell 
Group Head of Communications 
+44 07770 365437 
james.russell@nordanglia.com   

Francesca Milani    
Communications Manager 
+44 20 7131 0000 
francesca.milani@nordanglia.com  

About Nord Anglia Education:    

As a leading international schools organisation, we’re shaping a generation of creative and resilient global citizens who graduate from our schools with everything they need for success, whatever they choose to be or do in life.    

Our strong academic foundations combine world-class teaching and curricula with cutting-edge technology and facilities, creating learning experiences like no other. Inside and outside of the classroom, we inspire our students to achieve more than they ever thought possible.       

No two children learn the same way, which is why our schools around the world personalise learning to what works best for every student. Inspired by our high-quality teachers, our students achieve outstanding academic results and go on to study at the world’s top universities.    

Our Nord Anglia global family includes 80+ day and boarding schools in 33 countries, teaching over 90,000 students from ages 3 to 18.    

To learn more or apply for a place for your child at one of our schools, go to nordangliaeducation.com    

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1503193/3645357/Nord_Anglia_Education_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/nord-anglia-education-publishes-first-year-findings-from-metacognition-research-project-with-boston-college-302329171.html

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Yamato Transport U.S.A. Launches Cross-border Trucking Service Utilizing “Bonded Transfer between Airports” within U.S.-Mexico Supply Chain, Starting on December 12

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TOKYO, Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Yamato Transport USA, Inc. (hereinafter “Yamato USA“), a subsidiary of Yamato Holdings Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Tokyo’s Chuo-ku), has launched a cross-border trucking service utilizing “bonded transfer between airports,” which eliminates the need for customs clearance procedures at the U.S.-Mexico border, starting on December 12, 2024. By reducing the turnaround time for customs procedures, this service enables fast and highly punctual cross-border transportation, supporting customers to establish optimal supply chains tailored to diverse needs.

Logo:
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M106587/202412091341/_prw_PI2lg_L5JS8zPY.jpg 

1. Objectives

Mexico has been gaining prominence as a nearshoring*1 destination for the U.S. market due to factors such as U.S.-China trade friction as well as rising prices and labor costs in the United States. This trend has led to increased investment by automotive companies from around the world, including Japanese companies. In 2023, the total trade volume between the U.S. and Mexico reached approximately $800 billion*2, with Mexico ranking as the top country for U.S. imports. On the other hand, challenges such as complex customs clearance procedures at the border and transportation delays caused by congestion due to increasing trade volumes have become significant issues.

Yamato USA has been providing cross-border trucking services between the U.S. and Mexico. Now, to build a faster and more reliable supply chain, Yamato USA is launching a cross-border trucking service utilizing bonded transfers between major airports in the U.S. and Mexico. Customs clearance will be handled at the destination airport, eliminating the need for border customs procedures. This ensures shorter lead times and highly punctual transportation.

Yamato USA will continue to offer solutions tailored to customers’ needs, supporting the optimization of their global supply chains by reducing overall logistics costs, improving production efficiency, and more.

*1 The act of relocating or outsourcing business operations to countries or regions geographically closer to a company’s headquarters or final consumer markets.
*2 JETRO: The U.S. trade deficit in 2023 amounted to $779.8 billion, marking the second-largest reduction since 2009 (April 26, 2024).
URL: https://www.jetro.go.jp/biz/areareports/2024/1643b446b08ecf10.html 

2. Overview of Bonded Transfer between Airports

Enabling a cross-border trucking service with shorter lead times and higher punctuality by handling customs procedures at the destination airport instead of the congested U.S.-Mexico border. This approach streamlines the process and ensures more reliable delivery.

(Example) Timeline and procedures between Texas in the U.S. and Monterrey in Mexico:
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M106587/202412091341/_prw_PI3fl_PhBU399J.jpg 

(1) Launch date: 12/12/2024 (Weekday)

(2) Service area: Between major airports in the U.S. (Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta) and major airports in Mexico (Monterrey, Guadalajara, Mexico City)
* Cargo originating from Asia can also be transported via LAX (Los Angeles) Airport.

3.Features of cross-border truck transport service

Flexible transportation is available to match the shipment volume and schedule, helping customers reduce inventory and storage space.

– High-frequency operations, 3 to 5 times per week on each route.
– Able to accommodate charter transportation by container or consolidated transportation by pallet.
– Able to provide one-stop arrangements for transportation from the customer’s designated pickup location to the airport and/or from the airport to the delivery destination.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/yamato-transport-usa-launches-cross-border-trucking-service-utilizing-bonded-transfer-between-airports-within-us-mexico-supply-chain-starting-on-december-12-302329657.html

SOURCE Yamato Holdings Co., Ltd.

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