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D&R GreenwayLand Trust announces fall 2023 Native Plant Sale dates for Sept.

PRINCETON, N.J. — D&R Greenway announces a wide variety of healthy local plants are ready for purchase at their annual Fall Native Plant Sale taking place on Friday, Sept. 22: 2:30 pm-5:30 pm and Saturday, Sept. 23: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Carolina Allspice

 

Planting natives enhances home gardens in natural beauty, attracts butterflies and birds in the landscape, and contributes to protection of a healthy bioregion. The Nursery is on the grounds of D&R Greenway’s Conservation Campus at the Johnson Education Center, One Preservation Place, [off Rosedale Road] Princeton, N.J. 08540.  Native Plant Sale proceeds support D&R Greenway’s preservation and stewardship mission. www.drgreenway.org.

Tina Notas, Director of Land Stewardship for D&R Greenway, remarks, “Fall is a great time to plant natives!  Give them a head start for the next growing season.”

Noted biologist, professor and author Doug Tallamy, is a biodiversity warrior.  In the Summer 2023 issue of Saving Land from the national Land Trust Alliance, he is quoted as saying, “In my view, the only way to achieve E. O. Wilson’s dream of protecting the natural world on at least half of the planet, as described in his 2016 book “Half Earth,” is to coexist with nature, in the same place, at the same time. We must bury forever the notion that humans are here and nature is someplace else, for there are no longer enough “someplace else’s” to meet the need. We have persisted for the last century in the misguided belief that humans can only thrive when segregated from the natural world, and, as a result, the U.S. has formally protected only 12% of its land. We can achieve Wilson’s lofty goals without excluding the human enterprise, but the key to doing this is to practice conservation not only in protected wild lands, but also outside of parks and preserves: where we live, work, farm and play.”

 

Wild Geranium

D&R Greenway’s CEO Linda Mead encourages local residents to support D&R Greenway’s land protection work and biodiversity by purchasing natives for your backyard at the nonprofit organization’s Native Plant Sale, “This provides every one of us a way we can do good while helping D&R Greenway’s work to do well.”

D&R Greenway’s native trees, shrubs, perennial wildflowers, grasses, and ferns are grown either on-site or purchased from reputable local native-plant growers. Native Plant Nursery specimens are grown from locally sourced starter plants, and are free of harmful nicotinoid insecticides. Planting natives that evolved locally requires less maintenance, in terms of fertilizer, water and pesticides.  Possibilities include the popular Cardinal Flower, as well as Evening Primrose, Scarlet Oak, Sweet Joe Pye, and Trumpet Honeysuckle, among others. Visit our website at www.drgreenway.org

Swamp Milkweed

About D&R Greenway Land Trust: D&R Greenway Land Trust is an accredited nonprofit that has reached a new milestone of over 22,000 acres of land preserved throughout central New Jersey since 1989 and 44 miles of trails.

 

By protecting land in perpetuity and creating public trails, it gives everyone the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. The land trust’s preserved farms and community gardens provide local organic food for residents of the region—including those most in need. Through strategic land conservation and stewardship, D&R Greenway combats climate change, protects birds and wildlife, and ensures clean drinking water for future generations. D&R Greenway’s mission is centered on connecting land with people from all walks of life. www.drgreenway.org; info@drgreenway.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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Business Healthcare Science

Patritumab deruxtecan demonstrated clinically meaningful and durable responses in patients with EGFR-mutated metastatic non-small cell lung cancer in HERTHENA-Lung01 phase 2 trial

  • An objective response rate of 29.8% was observed with patritumab deruxtecan in heavily pretreated patients
  • BLA submission in U.S. planned for the second half of fiscal year 2023

 

 

TOKYO & BASKING RIDGE, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Results from the HERTHENA-Lung01 phase 2 trial showed that patritumab deruxtecan (HER3-DXd) demonstrated clinically meaningful and durable responses in patients with EGFR-mutated locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) following disease progression with an EGFR TKI and platinum-based chemotherapy. These data were presented Sunday during an oral presentation (OA05.03) at the 2023 World Conference on Lung Cancer (#WCLC23) and simultaneously published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

 

Patritumab deruxtecan is a specifically engineered potential first-in-class HER3 directed antibody drug conjugate (ADC) designed using Daiichi Sankyo’s (TSE: 4568) proprietary DXd ADC technology.

 

NSCLC accounts for approximately 85% of all lung cancers – 55% having distant spread at diagnosis – with EGFR-activating mutations occurring in 14% to 38% of all NSCLC tumors worldwide.1,2,3 After disease progression following treatment with an EGFR TKI and platinum-based chemotherapy, currently available therapies offer limited efficacy, highlighting the need for new approaches to improve outcomes.3,4

 

A confirmed objective response rate (ORR) of 29.8% (95% CI: 23.9-36.2) was observed with patritumab deruxtecan (5.6 mg/kg) in 225 patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC as assessed by blinded independent central review (BICR). One complete response (CR), 66 partial responses (PRs) and 99 cases of stable disease (SD) were seen. A median duration of response (DOR) of 6.4 months (95% CI: 4.9-7.8) and a disease control rate (DCR) of 73.8% (95% CI: 67.5-79.4) were observed. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 5.5 months (95% CI: 5.1-5.9) and median overall survival (OS) was 11.9 months (95% CI: 11.2-13.1) as of snapshot data cutoff of May 18, 2023.

 

Efficacy outcomes were consistent across subgroups including a subset of 209 patients previously treated with a third-generation EGFR TKI and platinum-based chemotherapy. Anti-tumor activity with patritumab deruxtecan was observed across diverse mechanisms of EGFR TKI resistance and across a broad range of pretreatment tumor HER3 membrane expression.

 

In a subset of 30 patients with brain metastases at baseline and no prior radiotherapy treatment, an intracranial ORR of 33.3% (95% CI: 17.3-52.8%) was observed as assessed by central nervous system (CNS) BICR. In these patients, nine intracranial CRs, one intracranial PR and 13 cases of SD were seen. A CNS DOR of 8.4 months (95% CI: 5.8-9.2) was observed.

 

“The results from HERTHENA-Lung01 provide compelling evidence of efficacy of patritumab deruxtecan in heavily pretreated patients with advanced EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer,” said Helena Yu, MD, Associate Attending Physician, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. “The clinically meaningful efficacy observed across a broad range of HER3 expression and diverse mechanisms of EGFR TKI resistance as well as the anti-tumor activity seen in patients with brain metastases, underscore the potential of patritumab deruxtecan to become an important treatment option for a population of patients with lung cancer who have limited treatment options.”

 

“Disease progression is inevitable in patients with previously treated and relapsed metastatic EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer, reinforcing the need for new and innovative treatments across diverse mechanisms of resistance,” said Ken Takeshita, MD, Global Head, R&D, Daiichi Sankyo. “The results from HERTHENA-Lung01, coupled with early trial results, show that patritumab deruxtecan demonstrates clinically meaningful and durable responses, illustrating the potential of this HER3 directed antibody drug conjugate to become a new standard of care for this patient population with high unmet medical need. These data will support our ongoing discussions with health authorities including our planned submission in the U.S.”

 

The safety profile of patritumab deruxtecan observed in HERTHENA-Lung01 was consistent with previous clinical trials with a low rate (7.1%) of treatment discontinuation due to treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) at the time of primary data cutoff of November 21, 2022. Grade 3 or higher TEAEs occurred in 64.9% of patients. The most common (>5%) grade 3 or higher TEAEs were thrombocytopenia (21%), neutropenia (19%), anemia (14%), leukopenia (10%), fatigue (6%), hypokalemia (5%) and asthenia (5%). Twelve patients (5.3%) had confirmed treatment-related interstitial lung disease (ILD) as determined by an independent adjudication committee. The majority of ILD events were low grade with one grade 1 event and eight grade 2 events. Two grade 3, zero grade 4 and one grade 5 ILD event were observed.

 

In HERTHENA-Lung01, 51% of patients (n=115) had a history of CNS metastases; 32% (n=72) and 33% of patients (n=75) had brain or liver metastases at baseline by BICR, respectively. In the trial, 63% (n=142) and 36% (n=82) of patients had either an EGFR exon 19 deletion or exon 21 L858R mutation detected at baseline, respectively, and one patient had both.

 

Patients were heavily pretreated receiving a median of three prior lines of systemic therapy in the locally advanced/metastatic setting (range, 1-11), including platinum-based chemotherapy (100%), third generation EFGR TKI (93%) and immunotherapy (40%). As of the snapshot data cutoff of May 18, 2023, the median trial duration was 18.9 (14.9-27.5) months, and 13 patients were continuing to receive patritumab deruxtecan.

 

Summary of HERTHENA-Lung01 Results

Efficacy Measure

Prior treatment with any EGFR TKI and platinum-based chemotherapy

n=225

Subset with prior treatment with third-generation EGFR

TKI and platinum-based chemotherapy

n=209

Confirmed ORR, % (95% CI)

29.8% (23.9-36.2)

29.2.% (23.1-35.9)

CR, n (%)

1 (0.4%)

1 (0.5%)

PR, n (%)

66 (29.3%)

60 (28.7%)

SD, n (%)

99 (44.0%)

91 (43.5%)

PD, n (%)

43 (19.1%)

41 (19.6%)

NE, n (%)

16 (7.1%)

16 (7.7%)

DCR (95% CI), %

73.8% (67.5-79.4)

72.7% (66.2-78.6)

DOR, median (95% CI), months

6.4 months (4.9-7.8)

6.4 months (5.2-7.8)

PFS, median (95% CI), months

5.5 months (5.1-5.9)

5.5 months (5.1-6.4)

OS, median (95% CI), months

11.9 months (11.2-13.1)

11.9 months (10.9-13.1)

CR, complete response; DCR, disease control rate; DOR, duration of response; NE, not evaluable; ORR, objective response rate; OS, overall survival; PR, partial response; PFS, progression-free survival; PD, progressive disease; SD, stable disease.

 

About HERTHENA-Lung01

HERTHENA-Lung01 is a global, multicenter, open-label, two-arm phase 2 trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of patritumab deruxtecan in patients with EGFR-mutated locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC following disease progression with an EGFR TKI and platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive 5.6 mg/kg (n=225) or an uptitration regimen (n=50). The uptitration arm was discontinued as the dose of 5.6 mg/kg of patritumab deruxtecan was selected following a risk-benefit analysis conducted from the phase 1 trial assessing the doses in a similar patient population.

 

The primary endpoint of HERTHENA-Lung01 was ORR as assessed by BICR. Secondary endpoints included duration of response, PFS, disease control rate, and time to response – all assessed by both BICR and investigator assessment – as well as investigator-assessed ORR, OS, safety and tolerability.

 

The data presented at WCLC is from the first arm and based on the fixed-dose (5.6 mg/kg) regimen.

 

HERTHENA-Lung01 enrolled patients in Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania. For more information about the trial, visit ClinicalTrials.gov.

 

About EGFR-Mutated Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.5 NSCLC accounts for approximately 85% of all lung cancers – 55% having distant spread at diagnosis – with EGFR mutations occurring in 14% to 38% of all NSCLC tumors worldwide.1,2,3

 

The introduction of targeted therapies has improved the treatment landscape for patients with EGFR-mutated locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC. Targeted therapy with EGFR TKIs offers higher response rates, PFS and potential OS advantage, compared to chemotherapy, with third generation EGFR TKIs demonstrating superior efficacy compared to earlier generation inhibitors.1 However, disease progression from resistance to EGFR TKIs inevitably occurs one to two years following initial treatment.6

 

After failure of EGFR TKI and platinum-based chemotherapy, currently available therapies offer limited efficacy.3,4 A recent real-world analysis of the treatment of patients in this setting showed that the median PFS in this setting is 3.3 months (95% CI: 2.8-4.4) and median OS is 8.6 months (95% CI: 7.4-9.8). An estimated real-world ORR of 14.1% (95% CI: 3.7%-33.1%) also has been observed.7,8 New treatment approaches are needed to help improve clinical outcomes in patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC.

 

About HER3

HER3 is a member of the EGFR family of receptor tyrosine kinases.9 It is estimated that about 83% of primary NSCLC tumors and 90% of advanced EGFR-mutated tumors express HER3 after prior EGFR TKI treatment.10,11 There is currently no HER3 directed therapy approved for the treatment of any cancer.

 

About Patritumab Deruxtecan

Patritumab deruxtecan (HER3-DXd) is an investigational HER3 directed ADC. Designed using Daiichi Sankyo’s proprietary DXd ADC technology, patritumab deruxtecan is composed of a fully human anti-HER3 IgG1 monoclonal antibody attached to a number of topoisomerase I inhibitor payloads (an exatecan derivative, DXd) via tetrapeptide-based cleavable linkers.

 

Patritumab deruxtecan was granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in December 2021 for the treatment of patients with EGFR-mutated locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with disease progression on or after treatment with a third-generation TKI and platinum-based therapies.

 

Patritumab deruxtecan is currently being evaluated as both a monotherapy and in combination with other therapies in a global development program, which includes HERTHENA-Lung02, a phase 3 trial versus platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with EGFR-mutated locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC following disease progression on or after treatment with a third-generation EGFR TKI; a phase 1 trial in combination with osimertinib in EGFR-mutated locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC; and a phase 1 trial in previously treated patients with advanced NSCLC. A phase 1/2 trial in HER3 expressing metastatic breast cancer also has been completed.

 

About the DXd ADC Portfolio of Daiichi Sankyo

The DXd ADC portfolio of Daiichi Sankyo currently consists of six ADCs in clinical development across multiple types of cancer. ENHERTU, a HER2 directed ADC, and datopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-DXd), a TROP2 directed ADC, are being jointly developed and commercialized globally with AstraZeneca. Four additional Daiichi Sankyo DXd ADCs include patritumab deruxtecan (HER3-DXd), a HER3 directed ADC, ifinatamab deruxtecan (I-DXd; DS-7300), a B7-H3 directed ADC, raludotatug deruxtecan (R-DXd; DS-6000), a CDH6 directed ADC, and DS-3939, a TA-MUC1 directed ADC.

 

Designed using Daiichi Sankyo’s proprietary DXd ADC technology to target and deliver a cytotoxic payload inside cancer cells that express a specific cell surface antigen, each ADC consists of a monoclonal antibody attached to a number of topoisomerase I inhibitor payloads (an exatecan derivative, DXd) via tetrapeptide-based cleavable linkers.

 

Datopotamab deruxtecan, ifinatamab deruxtecan, patritumab deruxtecan, raludotatug deruxtecan and DS-3939 are investigational medicines that have not been approved for any indication in any country. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

 

About Daiichi Sankyo

Daiichi Sankyo is an innovative global healthcare company contributing to the sustainable development of society that discovers, develops and delivers new standards of care to enrich the quality of life around the world. With more than 120 years of experience, Daiichi Sankyo leverages its world-class science and technology to create new modalities and innovative medicines for people with cancer, cardiovascular and other diseases with high unmet medical needs. For more information, please visit www.daiichisankyo.com.

 

Disclosure: Dr. Yu has a consulting relationship with Daiichi Sankyo.

______________________

References:

1 Economopoulou P, et al. Ann Transl Med. 2018; 6(8):138.

2 Chen R, et al. J Hematol Oncol. 2020; 13(1):58.

3 Zhang Y-L, et al. Oncotarget. 2016; 7(48):78985-78993.

4 Janne PA, et al. Cancer Discov. 2022; 12(1):74-89.

5 World Health Organization. International Agency for Research on Cancer. Lung Fact Sheet. Accessed January 2023.

6 Janne PA, et al. N Engl J Med 2015; 372:1689-1699.

7 Patel JD, et al. AACR 2023. Poster 6754.

8 Patel JD, et al. IASLC 2023 WCLC. Abstract 2201.

9 Mishra R, et al. Oncol Rev. 2018; 12(355):45-62.

10 Scharpenseel H, et al. Scientific Reports. 2019; 9:7406.

11 Yonesaka K, et al. Clin Cancer Res. 2022; 15:28(2):390-403.

Contacts

Global/US:
Jennifer Brennan

Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.

jbrennan2@dsi.com
+1 908 900 3183 (mobile)

Japan:
Koji Ogiwara

Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd.

ogiwara.koji.ay@daiichisankyo.co.jp
+81 3 6225 1126 (office)

Investor Relations Contact:
DaiichiSankyoIR@daiichisankyo.co.jp

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Heat advisory issued; cooling sites open

TRENTON, N.J. — The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Mercer County and the surrounding area for today, Sept. 6, until 8 p.m. County Executive Brian M. Hughes reminds residents that many cooling sites will be open.

Temperatures today are expected to reach the mid 90s with a heat index (a measure of the combination of heat and humidity) of up to 103 degrees, and Thursday’s forecast is calling for mid-90s temperatures with a heat index of up to 101 degrees. Children, older adults, people with disabilities and pets are most at risk during excessive temperatures.

The New Jersey Department of Health and the Federal Emergency Management Agency offer the following recommendations for staying safe during hot weather:

  • Never leave people or pets in a closed car on a warm day.
  • People without air conditioning should reach out to NJ 2-1-1 for information regarding Cooling Centers: nj211.org/nj-cooling-centers
  • Take cool showers or baths.
  • Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
  • Use your oven less to help reduce the temperature in your home.
  • If you’re outside, find shade. Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face.
  • Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
  • Avoid high-energy activities or working outdoors if possible.
  • Check on family members, older adults and neighbors.
  • Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
  • Consider pet safety. If pets are outdoors, make sure they have plenty of cool water and access to comfortable shade. Asphalt and dark pavement can be very hot to your pet’s feet.
  • If using a mask, use one that is made of breathable fabric, such as cotton instead of polyester. Don’t wear a mask if you feel yourself overheating or have trouble breathing.

Mercer County Library System branches and municipal senior centers serve as cooling sites, although daily hours of operation vary. These locations are open to all residents. The Ewing, Hickory Corner, Hightstown, Hopewell, Lawrence, Robbinsville, Twin Rivers, and West Windsor library branches are open Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Hollowbrook Branch is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 5 p.m. The Ewing, Hickory Corner, Lawrence and West Windsor branches are open from 12:30 to 5 p.m. Sundays during the school year.

Call individual senior centers for hours of operation, restrictions and accommodations. Call your local senior center if you don’t see it on the list of confirmed cooling sites below.

Mercer County library branch locations

  • Ewing, 61 Scotch Road
  • Hickory Corner, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor
  • Hightstown Memorial, 114 Franklin St.
  • Hollowbrook, 320 Hollowbrook Drive, Ewing
  • Hopewell, 245 Pennington-Titusville Road, Pennington
  • Lawrence Headquarters Branch, 2751 Brunswick Pike
  • Robbinsville, 42 Allentown-Robbinsville Road
  • Twin Rivers, 276 Abbington Drive, East Windsor
  • West Windsor, 333 North Post Road

Municipal senior center locations

  • Ewing – Hollowbrook Community Center, 320 Hollowbrook Drive; 609-883-1199
  • Hamilton Senior Center, 409 Cypress Lane; 609-890-3686;
  • Hopewell Valley Senior Center, 395 Reading St., Pennington; 609-537-0236;
  • John O. Wilson Center, 169 Wilfred Avenue, Hamilton; 609-393-6480;
  • Princeton Senior Resource Center, 101 Poor Farm Road, Building B; Suzanne Patterson Building, 45 Stockton St.; 609-751-9699
  • Robbinsville Township Senior Center, 1117 Route 130; 609-259-1567
  • Samuel Naples Senior Center (covering all of Trenton), 611 Chestnut Ave.; 609-989-3462
  • West Windsor Senior Center, 271 Clarksville Road; 609-799-9068

For assistance in coping with the heat or to contact your local cooling site, please call the Mercer County Office on Aging at (609) 989-6661 or toll-free at (877) 222-3737. During non-business hours, residents are encouraged to call 911 if they experience heat-related problems.

For more information regarding heat-related emergencies, please visit www.ready.nj.gov, the National Weather Service Heat Safety Tips and Resourcespage or the National Institute on Aging Hot Weather Safety page.

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Culture Environment Lifestyle Local News Science

Park Commission takes ‘green’ approach to new parking lot

A rolling stone gathers no moss.

But rolling stormwater, called stormwater runoff, can gather much worse than moss, including trash, oil, sediment and other troublesome pollutants. And to make matters worse, without the proper infrastructure, the debris often goes straight into our lakes, streams and rivers.

With this in mind, the Mercer County Park Commission found an opportunity to do its part in mitigating the effects of stormwater runoff by designing “green infrastructure” into a parking lot repaving project at John A. Roebling Memorial Park in Hamilton. The park is home to the Tulpehaking Nature Center, which houses the Park Commission’s Environmental Education Department.

 

“As the Park Commission and Mercer County invest in improvements to our park system, we strive to do so in an environmentally conscious way,” said Park Commission Executive Director Aaron T. Watson.

 

“We know that as stewards of over 10,000 acres of open space in the county, our decisions should improve both the quality of life for residents and the environment as a whole.”

 

Roebling Park is located within the 3,000-acre Abbott Marshlands, the northernmost freshwater tidal marsh in the Delaware River watershed. The stormwater from its parking lot drains directly into Spring Lake and the park’s surrounding freshwater tidal marsh.

 

The Abbott Marshlands attracts rare wildlife such as river otter, American eel, and bald eagle. It is also an important stopover for migratory birds along the Atlantic flyway. Unmanaged stormwater runoff can negatively impact water quality and the local ecosystem, create harmful algal blooms, and increase the possibility of flooding.

 

The stormwater runoff has also eroded portions of the existing parking lot and has made Spring Lake less appealing for fishing and boating.

 

Improvements at the Spring Lake access area are scheduled to begin in early September. The plan includes several rain gardens, a green infrastructure option that is both beautiful and effective in form and function. Rain gardens not only absorb rainwater, but they also filter out pollutants and provide food and shelter for local wildlife. More importantly, the rain gardens at the Spring Lake parking lot will capture stormwater runoff before it flows into the lake.

 

Access to Roebling Park from Sewell Avenue in Hamilton will be temporarily closed to the public during construction, but will be reopened when the project is complete.

Various native shrubs, grasses and perennial wildflowers will be planted in the garden, including northern bayberry, swamp milkweed, and woodland phlox. The colorful blooms amongst the grasses will add to the visual appeal of the garden for both people and pollinators.

 

This is a pilot project, which is being funded through the Mercer County Open Space Trust Fund. The results will inform plans for future upgrades at other park facilities, as the Mercer County Park Commission continues to effectively steward its numerous parks and recreation facilities.

 

For more information on rain gardens and how you could make your own, go to http://water.rutgers.edu/Rain_Gardens/RGWebsite/rginfo.html.

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Business Digital - AI & Apps Lifestyle Science Technology

Global TikTok downloads hit 3-year high, averaging 2.7 million daily

In a world where social media platforms vie for attention and engagement, TikTok is emerging as a true juggernaut, captivating audiences with its short-form videos. The platform has had a remarkable journey since its launch, recording significant downloads despite several challenges, such as content regulation.

 

As per data acquired and calculated by Finbold, TikTok’s global quarterly downloads for Q2 2023 reached the highest figure in the past three years, totaling 260.8 million downloads. This value equates to an average of 2.7 million downloads throughout 2023. What’s more, these download figures indicate a year-over-year growth of 17.86% compared to the Q2 2022 value of 221.3 million. In the first half of 2023, the app garnered a total of 503.52 million downloads.

 

Interestingly, over the last three years, TikTok’s quarterly download numbers have exhibited fluctuations. The peak was observed in Q2 2020, with 292.1 million downloads, while the lowest was recorded in Q4 2021, amounting to 162.3 million downloads.

 

TikTok downloads targeting pandemic numbers

Based on the data, TikTok’s latest download figures point to a rebound, with the numbers targeting pandemic figures. Notably, the pandemic was a key driver for TikTok’s gains in popularity, and the reopening of the global economy seemingly had an impact.

 

The rebounding figures are also motivated by the platform’s distinctive approach of offering short videos, coupled with its algorithmic prowess in understanding user preferences. With the continued introduction of new features, the downloads have propelled TikTok to the forefront of social media innovation.

 

The platform has shown resilience after deploying various strategies to reinvigorate momentum and entice fresh users. These approaches encompassed initiating focused marketing initiatives, partnering with influential content creators, and unveiling novel features designed to elevate user experience and bolster retention. These strategies have built on TikTok’s ability to transcend cultural boundaries and resonate with a diverse range of audiences characterized by short videos that are quick to consume and easy to produce while democratizing content creation.

 

At the heart of TikTok’s success remains its content creators. The app has given rise to a new breed of digital influencers who have amassed millions of followers and achieved celebrity status through their TikTok content. These creators, often hailing from diverse backgrounds, have forged connections with their audiences in ways that resonate deeply.

 

Impact of TikTok’s rebounding downloads

Certainly, TikTok’s capacity to recover in download numbers is a noteworthy achievement, particularly when considering the escalating competition within the social media space. As novel and inventive platforms gain prominence, users now have an expanded array of choices, diverting their focus and conceivably partly contributing to a decline in TikTok’s user acquisition. This phenomenon is compounded by platforms like YouTube and Instagram intensifying their endeavors to promote short video offerings.

 

TikTok’s download growth has also aligned with the revenues on the platform. According to a Finbold report in April, TikTok generated $5.5 million from in-app purchases daily in Q1 2023, which saw the platform register a rebound in downloads. At the same time, TikTok effectively utilizes user-generated content, appealing to brands and advertisers and generating revenue from in-app transactions and ads. This strategy even propelled TikTok to briefly claim the title of the world’s top-earning social app through in-app purchases.

Barriers to TikTok growth

The recent surge in downloads occurred against a backdrop marked by persistent regulatory scrutiny and questions surrounding data privacy and content moderation. It’s worth highlighting that ongoing endeavors to ban TikTok due to security concerns, primarily spearheaded by the U.S., have garnered global attention. Notably, nations such as the U.S., Britain, Canada, the European Union, and New Zealand have prohibited the app on official devices. Concurrently, the platform is now under fresh scrutiny in Somalia and Kenya due to concerns about misinformation and content moderation.

 

While TikTok’s popularity continues to skyrocket, the platform still holds untapped marketing potential, especially in the payment and online shopping sectors. Although the influence of the social media platform is clear, the primary emphasis remains on ensuring the sustainability of growth and fostering genuine user engagement, which will play a key role in remaining resilient amid regulatory scrutiny.

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Business Energy Environment Lifestyle Science Technology Travel & Leisure

JUXTA introduces game-changing autonomous micro-retail stores to support customers in the electric vehicle charging ecosphere

RALEIGH, N.C. —  JUXTA, a global technology company and micro convenience retail store provider, is poised to revolutionize the retail landscape with the launch of the fully equipped, pre-assembled, autonomously operated JUXTA Nomad.

 

Created to support customers in the rapidly expanding EV charging sector, the JUXTA Nomad can be fully installed and operational within 12 hours, enabling drivers and passengers to purchase food and drinks while waiting for their vehicles to charge.

 

JUXTA is a US-based corporate start-up formed in 2022 by Vontier, a global industrial technology company, which also incorporates Gilbarco Veeder-Root, a world-leading supplier of fueling and convenience store equipment.

 

Om Shankar, JUXTA Co-founder and CEO: “JUXTA was born to deliver a technology-driven step change in the micro-retail landscape. Our mission iFs to support station operators transitioning from traditional hydrocarbon fuel stations to EV charging points and collaborate with established retail brands to extend their presence beyond fuel pumps by adding value to the charging station experience and driving top-line growth.

 

“While there are other players in the autonomous retail ecosphere, JUXTA’s offer is unique, as it is the only turnkey store on the market that does not require complex integrations. Our Nomads are also exclusively targeted at the micro convenience retail landscape and have been specifically designed, developed, and trialed over an eighteen-month period to provide multiple benefits for EV charging operators.”

 

 

“EV players have always known that they have to solve the retail challenge on their sites, but until now, there has been no immediate solution –       JUXTA provides that solution. The JUXTA Nomad is the world’s most technologically advanced walk-in vending machine. All our customers need to do is take delivery, connect to electricity power, stock the shelves, cut the ribbon and then walk away, leaving the Nomad to start retailing immediately.”

 

Solving the labor challenge

The fully autonomous nature of the JUXTA Nomad removes operator dependency on fixed human labor, eradicating the challenge of finding and retaining staff that currently blight the retail sector.

 

With no requirement to accommodate staff or a counter, optimum space is devoted to stock within the 264 square feet (24.5 square meter) Nomad interior. Coupled with state-of-the-art shelving and presentation units, the expanse enables customers to stock between 500 and 600 fast-moving, high-margin items.

 

“The JUXTA Nomad offers the most profitable per square foot retail format in the world,” explains Shankar. “Each Nomad also provides customers with a comprehensive suite of real time data, enabling them to optimize their retail strategy and precision-target their customers by stocking only high-demand items to reduce waste and enhance profitability.”

 

App-free access

While waiting for their vehicles to charge, drivers and passengers can enjoy the ultimate quick and convenient retail experience. With no need to download an app or register for membership, shoppers can gain instant access to the JUXTA Nomad with the touch of a debit or credit card, whether carried physically or stored digitally on their smartphone’s wallet or smartwatch.

 

Once inside the store, customers can select from a range of snacks, sandwiches, hot drinks, and fresh fruit, or select larger items for dinner at home later – whatever the retailer chooses to stock depending on each Nomad’s location and customer purchase data. For example, operators of Nomads positioned by remote EV charging points far from any urban conurbation could prioritize drinks and snacks to be consumed by drivers while waiting for their vehicles to charge. Operators of Nomads located by EV charging stations closer to or within towns and cities could also choose to stock larger items, such as readymade meals, for shoppers to purchase and consume when they return to their homes.

 

Inside the Nomad, shelf and cabinet sensors instantly detect when an item is picked up, and an array of cameras will anonymously identify by whom. The information is combined in the cloud to create a digital basket for each customer. If a family or group of shoppers enter the store, JUXTA’s AI-driven technology will collate their purchases.

 

Where legislation permits, JUXTA’s technology will enable compliant retail of age-restricted items such as alcohol or cigarettes. Contained within specific age-verified fridges and dispensers, restricted items will only be released after cameras have confirmed the purchaser is of appropriate age. The technology will also have the scope to request and verify IDs, such as driving licenses, to confirm the purchaser’s age if necessary.

 

Customers can verify their purchased items on a large touch screen before they exit the store. However, if they prefer to minimize their shopping time, they can walk straight out with their purchases, entrusting JUXTA’s technology to record their purchases and charge their credit or debit card.

 

Benefits beyond the charging station

Whilst JUXTA was born to primarily service the rapidly developing EV sector, the company’s Nomads can offer multiple benefits to other sectors. While the units require an electricity supply, they do not need to be connected to external water supply as in-store water reservoirs are used for hot drinks. A JUXTA Nomad can be transported and installed virtually anywhere within 12 hours. Potential locations include hospital car parks, festivals, campsites, tourist attractions and college campuses. Nor is the internal layout of the JUXTA Nomads limited solely to retailing typical convenience store items. The format can stock whatever the retailer wishes, even camping supplies.

 

JUXTA has developed its Nomads to allow operators and retailers free rein to brand the offer both inside and outside the store. Responsibility for maintenance, cleaning and restocking lies with the operator, with JUXTA’s AI and camera technology able to instantly identify and report any hygiene issues, such as spillages.

 

Depending on how far apart they are geographically dispersed, a single employee should be able to maintain 8 to 12 JUXTA Nomads daily. Access to multiple suppliers can be granted to facilitate the delivery of items such as daily newspapers, milk and fresh fruit and vegetables.

 

Field-proven and primed for global roll-out

JUXTA has successfully proven the efficacy of the hardware and software that underpins its transformative retail offer to the EV charging sector and beyond. The company has concluded a trial of its first autonomous Nomad in North Carolina and confirmed four further customer Nomads in the US, which will be fully operational later this year. JUXTA is also in advanced negotiations with customers in Europe, where it will introduce its first Nomads in 2024.

For media enquiries please contact Ben@influenceassociates.com

About JUXTA

JUXTA is a global technology company and micro convenience retail store provider born to revolutionize micro convenience retail and support the EV charging sector with its industry-first, game-changing, portable, autonomous stores, referred to as JUXTA Nomads. Founded in North Carolina, USA, in 2022, JUXTA is a corporate start-up within Gilbarco Veeder-Root, a world-leading supplier of fueling and convenience store equipment and subsidiary of global industrial technology company Vontier.

 

Benefitting from the agile nature of a start-up and the backing of a global corporation, JUXTA is uniquely positioned to provide the global EV charging sector with the instant, effortless to operate, highly efficient and hyper-targeted retail solution it requires, while offering the same advantages to numerous other sectors. The company has already proven the efficacy of its proprietary hardware and software and is set to roll out the JUXTA Nomad across the U.S. and Europe.

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Healthcare Lifestyle Programs & Events Science

MTF Biologics receives Mission Plasticos’ Annual Humanitarian Award for its work in reconstructive surgery

Emmy-Winning Producer Lorna Luft joins the event to share her story right before Breast Cancer Awareness Month

 

EDISON, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — MTF Biologics will receive the 2023 Corporate Humanitarian Award at Mission Plasticos’ annual Celebration of Global Friendships: Emerald City event on Sept. 9, 2023, in Newport Beach, Calif.

 

Mission Plasticos has been transforming lives on a global and local scale in communities in need over the last 24 years – providing reconstructive surgery, training local medical professionals, and supporting ongoing research focused on improving standards of care.

 

All of this is made possible by the goodwill of its medical volunteers and longtime philanthropic supporters such as MTF Biologics which provides allograft tissue free of charge to support Mission Plasticos’ efforts ensuring all women have access to reconstructive surgery regardless of their economic situation.

 

“At MTF Biologics, we are committed to advancing healthcare through innovative solutions and impactful collaborations, and are proud of our work with Mission Plasticos, an organization that shares our vision of making a positive difference in the world,” said Joe Yaccarino, CEO of MTF Biologics.

 

“As the 2023 Corporate Humanitarian Honoree, we are truly honored to be recognized for our efforts. Together we are addressing the challenges to improve the lives of women during their difficult journey with breast cancer, empowering them to lead healthier, happier, and more fulfilling lives.”

 

This year, Emmy-winning TV producer, Broadway Star, and daughter of legendary actress Judy Garland, Lorna Luft, will be in attendance and share her breast cancer journey. Lorna is thrilled to participate in this celebration as she was diagnosed in 2012 with Stage 2 breast cancer. She is honored to share her story and be an advocate for equity in women’s healthcare.

 

“Mission Plasticos is thrilled to honor MTF Biologics at our upcoming gala for their unwavering support of our mission and our patients,” said Susan Williamson, Executive Director at Mission Plasticos. “Without corporations like MTF Biologics and their philanthropic investments, we would not be able to provide treatment to as many patients as we currently do. Their dedication to ensuring that every woman receives a full journey of care is a quality that we at Mission Plasticos deeply appreciate and for which we are immensely grateful.”

 

About Mission Plasticos

Founded in 1999 by renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Larry Nichter, Mission Plasticos is a 501-c3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing reconstructive surgery to those in need. It provides training to local medical professionals, and supports ongoing research focused on improving standards of care. The group’s board-certified, volunteer surgeons and medical teams provide reconstructive breast surgery for post-mastectomy women, burn contracture surgery, as well as post traumatic, congenital deformity, and other reconstructive surgical care at no cost to patients. Over the last two decades, Mission Plasticos has completed more than 100 missions in 15 countries, trained more than 5,000 doctors, and treated more than 16,000 patients.

 

In 2022 Mission Plasticos launched Reshaping Lives: Full Circle—the first large-scale nationwide program providing no-cost breast reconstruction surgery for post-mastectomy women in the U.S. who are uninsured or underinsured. Mission Plasticos provides this care using volunteer board-certified plastic surgeons across the country who are experts in breast reconstruction. Part of Mission Plasticos broader Reshaping Lives America program, Reshaping Lives: Full Circle is based on the success of Mission Plasticos global work over the last 23 years and its pioneering domestic work in California since 2016. For more information, visit https://missionplasticos.org.

 

About MTF Biologics

MTF Biologics is a global nonprofit organization that saves and heals lives by honoring donated gifts, serving patients and advancing science. It provides exceptional service, resources, and expertise to donors and their loved ones who give the gift of donation; patients who depend on tissue and organ transplants; healthcare providers who care for donors and recipients; and clinicians and scientists advancing medicine through transplantation science and research.

 

The International Institute for the Advancement of Medicine (IIAM), a Division of MTF Biologics, honors donors of non-transplantable organs by providing their gifts to the medical research community to combat and cure diseases. Statline, also a Division of MTF Biologics, provides specialized communications and technology expertise to organ, tissue, and eye procurement organizations, as well as the hospitals and patients that they serve. Its sister organization, Deutsches Institute for Zell-und Gewebeersatz – DIZG (The German Institute for Cell and Tissue Transplantation) expands its reach to patients across the globe. For more information, visit www.mtfbiologics.org.

Contacts

Aleksa Loch, 847-345-1348 or aleksa.loch@finnpartners.com

Categories
Business Healthcare Lifestyle Local News Science

Church & Dwight webcasts presentation at the 2023 Barclays Global Consumer Staples Conference

EWING, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Church & Dwight Co., Inc. (NYSE: CHD) will present at the 2023 Barclays Global Consumer Staples Conference on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023 at 11:15 a.m. ET. A link to the broadcast will be provided through the Investors section of Church & Dwight’s website at http://investor.churchdwight.com/investors/news-events.

 

Church & Dwight Co., Inc. manufactures and markets a wide range of personal care, household and specialty products under the ARM & HAMMER brand name and other well-known trademarks.

 

Church & Dwight Co., Inc. (NYSE: CHD) founded in 1846, is the leading U.S. producer of sodium bicarbonate, popularly known as baking soda. The Company manufactures and markets a wide range of personal care, household, and specialty products under recognized brand names such as ARM & HAMMER®, TROJAN®, OXICLEAN®, SPINBRUSH®, FIRST RESPONSE®, NAIR®, ORAJEL®, XTRA®, L’IL CRITTERS® and VITAFUSION®, BATISTE®, WATERPIK®, ZICAM®, THERABREATH® and HERO®. These fourteen key brands represent approximately 85% of the Company’s products sales. For more information, visit the Company’s website.

 

Contacts

Rick Dierker

609-806-1900

Categories
Healthcare Lifestyle Science

20 Ways to navigate chronic illness adversities for a fulfilling & rewarding life

Organ transplant recipient details ways to live a joyful life amid, and despite, sustained long-term adversity

 

Navigating chronic illness can present more than its fair share of challenges, but with the right strategies and mindset, it is possible to lead a fulfilling and rewarding life. It is expected and perfectly okay to have difficult moments and turbulent emotions throughout sustained periods of adversity.

 

Finding joy doesn’t mean ignoring the challenges that inevitably present but rather finding ways to thrive despite them. It means being patient with yourself, and remembering that even small, singular steps can ultimately lead to significant improvements in your overall well-being and joy in life.

 

According to two-time kidney transplant recipient (who has lived with kidney disease for one-third of his life) Gregory S. Works, author of “Triumph: Life on the Other Side of Trials, Transplants and Transformation,” here are some tactical ways to achieve that:

 

Acceptance
Accepting your condition is the first step towards effectively managing it. Acknowledge that your life might be different from what you initially imagined, but there are still many possibilities for happiness and fulfillment.

 

Build a support network
Surround yourself with understanding and caring individuals – family, friends, or support groups – who can provide emotional support and practical assistance when needed.

 

Educate yourself
Learn as much as you can about your condition from reliable sources. Understanding your illness empowers you to make informed decisions about your treatment and lifestyle choices.

 

Set realistic goals
Adjust your goals to align with your current capabilities. Celebrate every achievement, no matter how small, as each step counts towards progress.

 

Manage stress and practice self-care
Chronic illness can be emotionally taxing. Practice techniques that experts have proven to reduce stress such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga, deep breathing or prayer to improve your overall mental well-being. It’s also helpful to engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as hobbies, exercise, spending time in nature or reading.

 

Advocate for yourself
Be an active participant in your healthcare journey. Communicate openly with your healthcare providers, ask questions, and express your concerns to ensure you receive the best possible care.

 

Adapt and modify with positive routines
Be flexible in adapting to your changing needs. Modify your daily routines, work arrangements, or social activities to accommodate your health requirements. Establish a daily routine that includes positive habits and activities. Structure can provide a sense of stability and control, even during challenging times.

 

Celebrate small victories
Recognize and appreciate the small victories and progress you make each day. Finding joy in small moments can bring immense satisfaction.

 

Find meaning and purpose
Find activities that give you a sense of purpose and joy. Pursue hobbies, volunteering, or creative outlets that bring fulfillment and a sense of accomplishment.

 

Limit negative influences
Cultivate a positive mindset and focus on the aspects of life that bring joy and happiness. Surround yourself with positive influences and try to let go of negativity. Minimize exposure to negative news, social media, or toxic relationships that may contribute to feelings of stress and sadness. Surround yourself with positive and uplifting content and people.

 

Practice gratitude
Appreciate the things you still have and the experiences you can enjoy. Gratitude can shift your focus from what you lack to what you have.

 

Stay connected
Even if your condition limits your physical abilities, technology allows for connections. Maintain social relationships through phone calls, video chats, or social media.

 

Mindfulness and presence
Practice being present in the moment and cultivate mindfulness. Engage fully in the activities you enjoy, even if they are simple. Mindfulness can help you appreciate the small joys that may often go unnoticed.

 

Focus on what you can control
While some aspects of your life may be beyond your control, focus on the things you can influence. Concentrate your energy on taking positive actions rather than dwelling on what you cannot change.

 

Cultivate resilience
Build resilience by reframing challenges as opportunities for growth. Learn from difficult experiences and use them to become stronger and more resilient.

 

Embrace imperfection
Accept that life is imperfect, and setbacks are a natural part of the journey. Be kind to yourself and avoid self-criticism when facing challenges.

 

Engage in acts of kindness
Helping others and performing acts of kindness can be a source of joy and fulfillment. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference, both for others and yourself.

 

Practice humor
Humor can be a powerful tool to cope with adversity. Find moments of laughter and joy, even in difficult situations.

 

Visualize a bright future
Allow yourself to envision a better future, filled with joy and happiness. Visualization can help create a positive outlook and motivate you to work towards your dreams.

 

Be patient with yourself
Living with a chronic illness can be frustrating. Remember to be patient with yourself and treat yourself with the same compassion you would show to others.

 

“Challenges are inevitable, but the decisions we make—whether to face them or flee—can profoundly impact our ability to overcome or be overtaken by trials, pain, and suffering in our lives,” Works says.

 

Everyone’s journey with chronic illness is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s crucial to find a personalized approach that suits your needs and helps you live a fulfilling life despite the challenges you face.

 

About the expert
Gregory S. Works is a two-time kidney transplant recipient who has lived with kidney disease for one-third of his life. As an author, Gregory counsels others on this disease, providing advice on how to approach getting a transplant, dietary considerations, managing life during COVID, post-transplant living, and how faith can be the cornerstone of addressing this challenge. He resides in the Washington, DC Metro Area. He may be reached online at https://triumphwithgreg.com

Categories
Art & Life Culture Education Lifestyle Programs & Events Science

NJ Media Center offers artists workshop in photo encaustic medium

Nancy Ori of New Jersey Media Center LLC, invites artists to join her for a fun day of learning how to work in the creative and forgiving medium or Encaustic. She wants students to learn to layer their photographs with exciting and simple mixed media techniques to create new work with incredible diversity from their current portfolios.

 

There will be a presentation demonstrating several key techniques, a discussion with examples from contemporary artists, and a look at how abstraction, composition and wax can create amazing new pieces with your photographs. There will be time to look at the images and to make suggestions on how to use them and what additional collage materials you may want to collect to compliment them along with plenty of time for hands-on to learn the techniques.

 

Encaustic uses heated beeswax and colors to create unique works of art. An ancient medium that pre-dates oil painting, encaustic enjoys new popularity today amongst photography artists. The process allows you to work in layers, adding photographs & collage materials into the wax as you build your piece, or you can simply cover a single photograph for a unique presentation. Techniques like marking into the wax and filling the marks with color create varied surfaces that cannot be duplicated with any other medium.

 

“It’s not that often that you find a teacher who is completely open and forthcoming with their wealth of knowledge and ideas. Nancy’s photo encaustic workshop was so informative, interesting and incredibly fun. I left with a feeling of inspiration not only for my personal creative projects, but new ideas for my photography business too. Out of 5 stars I would definitely give this workshop a 5.” Sonya K.

 

During our session, there will be plenty of room for lots of creating with a great opportunity for one-on-one time with Nancy to walk you through the process.  Expect to leave with an inspired imagination and at least one finished work. All necessary wax, colors, boards to work on, equipment, & tools will be supplied to get you started. You will also receive a comprehensive handout to follow and use after the workshop.

 

 

No previous art experience is necessary. You only need to bring your photographs and a playful spirit.

 

New Jersey Media Center LLC is a provider of Professional Development Certification credit hours for New Jersey teachers and will issue a certificate at the completion of a class, workshop or lecture for qualified applicants upon request.