HONG KONG, Apr 26, 2021 - (ACN Newswire) - Scivita Medical Technology Co., Ltd. ("Scivita Medical") today announced that it has raised nearly RMB0.4 Billion in Series A funding round, which has become one of the highest financing projects in the field of endoscope in China in recent years. The investment was jointly led by GL Ventures and Lilly Asia Ventures, with contribution from Matrix Partners China, Medtronic, Chengwei Capital and Shanghai Innochip Investment. The successful completion of the Series A funding round reflects the recognition of Scivita Medical in the field of endoscope and the expectation of its future development from the capital market and industrial strategic partners. Scivita Medical will strive to build the world's leading platform for innovative products in endoscope and related fields.
Founded by Dr. ZHANG Yi and Dr. CHEN Dong, Scivita Medical is headquartered in Suzhou Industrial Park with R&D centers in Suzhou, China, and Tokyo, Japan, focusing on the image processing R&D and technology innovation of endoscope. Scivita Medical is a high-tech enterprise engaged in the field of optical diagnosis and treatment, multidimensional images development, high-performance materials research and precision manufacturing with minimally invasive medical treatment. Scivita Medical's product covers both flexible endoscopy and rigid endoscopy, and has unique advantages in the research and commercialization of all cutting-edge technologies in the field of medical endoscopes. It has ultra-high-definition visualization technology (such as 4K UHD visualization), 3D visualization technology, special light visualization technology (such as fluorescence visualization), ultra-fine endoscopic visualization technology, single-use technology, etc.
According to Frost & Sullivan, it is estimated that by 2024, the overall scale of the global endoscope devices market will grow to USD26.98 billion, and the Chinese endoscope market size will reach RMB42.3 billion, becoming one of the fastest growing medical device sub-industries in the world. With the popularization of minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment technology worldwide, the endoscope industry has also entered a stage of rapid development.
The endoscope industry has higher technical barriers, involving multi-disciplinary and multi-fields, which integrates medicine, optics, materials, precision machinery, electronic engineering, software development and other disciplines, and has more technical content as compared to traditional mechanical manufacturing. At present, the endoscope equipment market presents an oligopolistic situation, with international brands occupying a large market share by relying on first-mover advantages and mature technological advantages. Scivita Medical has successfully achieved breakthroughs in key areas such as optical imaging and image processing of endoscopes, breaking down the technological monopoly of international brand products.
Scivita Medical accurately grasps the clinical needs, and combines innovative technologies in multi-disciplinary fields to develop excellent Chinese products that are recognized by clinical experts worldwide.World's first 2D to 3D " 3D Visualization System" developed by Scivita Medical obtained NMPA certification and CE certification in July 2018, and became the first domestic 3D Visualization System approved by the U.S. FDA launched in the United States in September 2019. The "4K UHD Camera System" independently developed by Scivita Medical obtained NMPA certification in June 2019. It was launched in China as the first domestic 4K UHD camera system and obtained CE certification in July 2019. In August 2020, the "4K UHD Camera System" became the first Chinese 4K product that was certified by the U.S. FDA.
In addition, Scivita Medical has various single-use endoscopy devices with international competitiveness, many of which have entered the clinical, registration, or sales stages in China, the United States, Europe and other countries and regions, respectively. Given that endoscope industry has entered into the era of consumables, Scivita Medical will compete with international brands in the global market with its disruptive single-use technology and leading technological advantages.
Dr. ZHANG Yi, Co-founder of Scivita Medical, said: "The company's founding management team expresses sincere gratitude to the industry's top investment institutions and industry strategic partners for their recognition and support. In the next few years, endoscope products will fully realize the iteration from 'HD' to 'Ultra HD', and from 'reuse' to 'single-use'. Relying on the world's leading technology and strong sustainable R&D strength, and with the support from investment institutions and the continuous attention from our peers, Scivita Medical will form a platform with a comprehensive layout of innovative products in endoscope and related fields. It is committed to using domestic high-quality innovative products to replace and compete with international brand products, and striving to build a world-leading endoscope R&D brand that are rooted in China. The original intention of Scivita Medical is to solve the clinical pain points, making diagnosis and treatment safer and more effective, and help every patient and their family. Scivita Medical will make unremitting efforts for it. "
Michael Nuoqing YI, Co-Chief Investment Officer of Hillhouse and Head of Biomedicine and Medical Devices of GL ventures, said: "With the advancement of hierarchical diagnosis and treatment, the development of minimally invasive surgery and the aging population, the clinical demand for endoscope is rising rapidly and there is a huge room for domestic substitute. Scivita Medical takes a leading position at home and abroad. Its products are independently developed, which covers electronic and optical endoscopes. It has ultra-high-definition visualization technology, 3D visualization technology, special light visualization technology, ultra-fine endoscopic visualization technology and single-use technology. Hillhouse would like to have a long-term companionship with outstanding entrepreneurs like Dr. ZHANG Yi and Dr. CHEN Dong, who are innovative and with excellent management experience. Hillhouse also aims to help Scivita Medical continue to make efforts on R&D and innovation, so as to using domestic high-quality innovative products to replace international brand products, and actively participate in international competition and to benefit more patients."
Dr. CHEN Fei, Managing partner of Lilly Asia Ventures, said: "The technical barrier of endoscope industry is very high. We are very optimistic about the strong technical experience and innovative R&D capabilities of Scivita Medical team in terms of rigid and flexible endoscopes. The 4K UHD Camera System independently developed by Scivita Medical was the first one approved by China National Medical Products Administration and FDA, and it is highly recognized by clinical experts. Leverage on its distinctive product solutions and forward-looking industrial layout, we believe Scivita Medical can become the leader in technological innovation in the field of endoscopy in China and even in the world.
Dr. Eric YU, Partner of Matrix Partners China, said: "Endoscope has a high technical barrier, and the domestic market has long been monopolized by foreign giants. Scivita Medical has strong technical strength in the next generation of 3D, ultra HD and single-use endoscopes, which have all reached or surpassed foreign giants. We look forward to the company's further performance and clinical promotion of the products, which will bring clinical benefits to Chinese doctors and patients.
Dr. SHI Yonghui, Managing Director of the Corporate Development and Venture Capital Department (Greater China) of Medtronic, said: "It is Medtronic's global mission to relieve pain, restore health, and extend life for patients around the world. Medtronic China has always been committed to supporting the application of innovative medical technology in the local market. Since the establishment of the Venture Capital Fund and Innovation Accelerator after 2016, it has invested in and incubated more than 10 medical technology companies. By strategically investing in Scivita Medical, we hope that both parties could carry out multi-level strategic cooperation in the field of endoscope, and finally bring prime medical solutions to thousands of Chinese patients."
YAN Di, Vice president of Chengwei Capital, said: "The current localization rate in the endoscopy industry is less than 10%, and the demand for domestic substitution is strong. We are very pleased to see that Scivita Medical's endoscope products can break through the monopoly of foreign technology and solve the current handicap that local products cannot enter the high-end market. It fills the gap in the high-end endoscope market. It is a domestic brand with rigid and flexible endoscopy technology. We believe that Scivita Medical will become a leader in the field of endoscope and help further development of clinical medicine."
WANG Zhi, Partner of Shanghai Innochip Investment Management Co., Ltd., said: "We are very optimistic about the trend of ultra HD and single-use evolution of medical endoscope systems under the background of the miniaturization of CMOS image sensor chips. This trend is expected to break the monopoly situation occupied by European, American and Japanese companies, and provides Chinese companies with international vision and innovative technology capabilities, represented by Scivita Medical, with opportunities to surpass competitors within the same filed. I believe that Chinese companies will make innovative and high-quality endoscopes, which will benefit to more patients."
India needs to step up vaccination rate, secure oxygen supplies to curb COVID-19 pandemic, says GlobalData
A novel ‘double mutant’ variant of SARS-CoV-2, along with other factors, has accelerated the COVID-19 pandemic in India, setting a global record of new daily cases. Against this backdrop, increasing vaccination rates, mandating social distancing and mask wearing, and importing enough oxygen are the most crucial factors for India right now to free up hospital beds and contain this pandemic quickly, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
Nancy Jaser, PharmD/MBA, Pharma Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Despite the alarming spike in new cases with India’s second wave, there is simply not enough evidence to place blame on variants. The ‘double mutant’ strain, B.1.617, has been circulating through the country since last year but it is unclear why cases are surging now.
“The term ‘double mutant’ refers to the two mutations (L452R and E484Q) in the spike protein but is inaccurate as B.1.617 carries 13 mutations that alter amino acids. Other established variants also carry two or more mutations in the spike protein. Therefore, the term ‘double mutant’ is misleading and should be avoided.”
Several other aspects could have heavily contributed to the severity of India’s recent outbreak, including the low percentage of vaccinated persons, large religious and political gatherings, and limited hospital capacity. Recently, faulty oxygen valves in hospitals caused at least 22 known deaths and led to the current shortage of oxygen across the country.
Ms Jaser explains: “The new strain targets younger age groups, who are less likely to be vaccinated. However, more research is required to understand the true impact of this variant and how effective current vaccines are against it.”
The variant, B.1.617, contains two mutations in the spike protein that have been previously observed separately, but never together. Experts are still studying this novel variant combination and do not have data on its virulence or its impact on the current outbreak.
Ms Jaser concludes: “The ‘double mutant’ variant dates back to October of 2020, according to the GISAID genome database, and it is unclear if it even originated in India. Further, India’s limited genomic sequencing in areas with high cases make it difficult to say if this recent surge was caused by the variant; especially since this strain has spread to at least 20 other countries.”
Don’t Let Your Vet Pay the Ultimate Price: Happy Vet Happy Pet Delivers Life-Saving Insights
Atlanta, GA, April 26, 2021 — If you have a pet, then you have a vet. And if you know a vet, you know someone statistically at a higher risk of anxiety, depression and even suicide. But you have the power to positively impact — and even save — that veterinarian’s life, asserts Sandy Weaver, author and Program Director of the Center for Workplace Happiness.
Her groundbreaking new book, Happy Vet Happy Pet: Caring for Your Pet’s Caregiver, outlines three simple rules that all pet owners should follow when interacting with their pet’s veterinarian.
“I’ve known for years, as have those in the veterinary field, that there was an issue with suicide and veterinarians,” Sandy says. “Then in early 2019, the CDC report on veterinary suicide was published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, and what had been anecdotal became data: male veterinarians are 2.1 times more likely, and female veterinarians are 3.5 times more likely, to complete suicide than their non-veterinarian peers.”
Happy Vet Happy Pet is a distillation of Sandy’s research into neuroscience, neuroplasticity and positive psychology mixed with data from the CDC report. The result is an impactful approach that weaves easy-to-understand science with stories that touch the minds and the hearts of pet owners — empowering them to be part of the solution.
Chapters dive deep into topics all pet owners should understand, including:
1. The heart, mind and life of a person who decides to become a veterinarian; 2. The very human, very vulnerable person behind the scrubs; 3. The ways clients unknowingly mistreat their pets’ caregivers; 4. Three simple rules to follow to help your veterinary team; and 5. What to do if you feel that someone near you is facing suicidal desperation.
Happy Vet Happy Pet will change your relationship with your veterinarian and their team forever. And what you learn in this book could save your veterinarian's life.
Author Sandy Weaver is an expert speaker, trainer, mastermind facilitator and lover of all things dog.
As the Program Director of the Center for Workplace Happiness, Sandy creates the training programs, workshops, mastermind groups and keynotes that help people lead happier, more successful lives. She is also a citizen-scientist in the fields of neuroscience, neuroplasticity and positive psychology. In 2019, she took the resilience tools and strategies she’d been teaching to general audiences and crafted programs specifically for veterinary teams. Her goal is to touch the life of every veterinarian and technician in a way that helps them avoid the pain and despair that comes with an inability to manage stress.
Now in her 40th year of Siberian Husky ownership, Sandy is a passionate advocate for veterinarians and their teams and an ongoing donor to Not One More Vet.
Panda Express, Whole Foods, Best Buy Top Ipsos Ranking on COVID-19 Safety Measures
Ipsos Mystery Shoppers provides an exclusive guide to companies that are successfully implementing health precautions for employees and customers)
New York, NY, April 22, 2021 — Ipsos, a leading global research firm, today announced the winners of Ipsos’ Health and Safety Best Brand Awards based on the results of the latest Consumer Health & Safety Index, an in-store benchmarking study that evaluates how retailers are operating more than a year into the pandemic.
This is the third time Ipsos has conducted its landmark study. In spring 2021, Ipsos surveyed 2,000 Americans to understand which health and safety attributes are most important to consumers in the current COVID-19 retail environment. Ipsos then conducted mystery shops to measure brand compliance on health and safety attributes across more than 25 brands in four key industries.
Ipsos Mystery Shoppers visited nearly 3500 individual locations and assessed each brand’s compliance with key Health and Safety measures. These included areas such as social distancing, mask compliance, Cleaning, and the availability of hand sanitizer. Top performing brands were awarded Ipsos Health & Safety Awards for their overall performance. Awards were also given by category to highlight the individual nature of the marketplace in which these brands compete.
"The brands receiving Ipsos' Health & Safety Awards are being recognized for their responsiveness, diligence and excellence in creating safe in-store experiences for both customers and employees," said Shohini Banerjee, Senior Vice President, US Channel Performance, Ipsos. "They have each made monumental strides over the past year to adhere to and consistently implement the health & safety policies that build consumer trust - something that will last long after the pandemic subsides."
Among the brands consumers, and therefore Ipsos, recognized for strong performances:
Quick Serve Restaurants Awards:
• Panda Express emerged as the strongest performer in the QSR industry, winning the Best in Industry award. Panda Express’s strong performance was due to high marks for social-distancing measures, store cleanliness and employee mask-wearing where they were the top scoring brand within QSR.
• Krispy Kreme ranked second in the QSR industry with strong performance across the board, winning the Best in Category award for the presence of sanitizers at various touch points within the store.
• McDonald’s ranked third in the QSR industry, demonstrating strong performance in all areas. The fast-food giant outperformed competition in ensuring restrooms are safe to use, winning the Best in Category award for restroom cleanliness.
Grocery Awards:
• Whole Foods and Food Lion led the grocery industry, with Whole Foods retaining its No. 1 spot from previous Ipsos studies and winning the Best in Industry award. Food Lion ranked No. 3 in the grocery industry but emerged as a Best in Category winner for the presence of sanitizers at various points in stores, including at entrances, checkouts and in restrooms.
Big Box Retail Awards:
• Best Buy retained its spot as the top performer in the big-box industry, winning the Best in Industry award. Best Buy also led the big-box cohort across several categories, including social distancing measures, sanitizer offerings and employees wearing masks and gloves.
• Target showed improvement in its focus on health & safety, ranking second in the big-box industry and winning the Best in Category award for cleanliness.
• Costco has consistently demonstrated strong performance across several waves of the Index and came in at No. 3 in the industry. Costco went on to win the Best in Category award for restrooms and barriers to enforce distancing.
Consumer Banking Awards:
• Citibank won the Best in Industry award for financial services, along with winning the Best in Category award in the signage, sanitizers, and wearables (employees wearing masks and gloves) categories.
• Wells Fargo and Bank of America tied for No. 2 in the financial services industry, and tied for the Best in Category award for maintaining safety protocols in the exteriors of their locations. In addition, Bank of America won the Best in Category award for implementing distancing protocols.
• Chase Bank won the Best in Category award in the industry for cleanliness, jointly with Citibank. Both banks ensured high-touch surfaces are visibly cleaned by employees on a regular basis.
• US Bank won the Best in Category award in the restroom category. In addition, US Bank won the Best in Category award for barriers, jointly with Citibank.
Best Overall Brand Award Winners:
In addition to winning Industry and Category awards, Whole Foods, Best Buy, Target, and Costco emerged as the Best Overall Brand award winners. These brands demonstrated strong performance through the end-to-end customer journey, setting them apart from the rest of the 24 participating brands in the Index.
More than half of all American adults have now received at least one vaccine dose as of April 18, 2021, according to the CDC. As vaccination efforts proceed and more stores reopen, brands must continue to ensure consumers feel safe when shopping at their locations. For more information on Ipsos’ Consumer Health & Safety index, contact Stephanie.Thayer@ipsos.com.
About the Study
Ipsos conducted mystery shops to measure brand compliance to these health and safety attributes across 25+ brands in 4 key industries to report on their performance. A random sample of 75-125 locations per brand were audited during this study, while ensuring geographical representation and a margin of error of 5-7%.
While the results presented in the study have a 90% confidence level, observations contrary to the findings reported in the study may be found at individual locations and should be used as an opportunity to further improve the customer experience at these locations.
About the Ipsos Consumer Health & Safety Best Brand Awards
Each brand included in Wave 3 of Ipsos’ Consumer Health & Safety Index received scores for their compliance to each of the health and safety policies observed by mystery shoppers. These policies were determined – and weighted – in accordance with Ipsos Bayes Nets (IBN) drivers analysis, which determined the COVID-19 in-store safeguards that drive consumer confidence and increase return visits.
Each brand received an overall score derived from the weighted average of each policy compliance score.
Best Overall Brand Award: Ipsos calculated each brand’s overall score as well as the mean and standard deviation for the set of scores across all participating brands. Any brand with an overall score greater than the mean + one standard deviation qualified for the Best Overall Brand Award.
Best in Industry Award: Ipsos calculated each brand’s overall score as well as the mean and standard deviation for the set of scores across participating brands in the industry. Any brand with an overall score greater than the mean + one standard deviation qualified for the Best in Industry Award.
Best in Category Award: Within each industry, Ipsos calculated each brand’s overall score for 9 categories: Exterior, Interior, Restroom, Signage, Distancing, Cleanliness, Wearables, Barriers and Sanitizer. The brand with the highest overall score in a category within an industry qualified for the Best In Category Award.
For more information on this news release, please contact:
Elen Alexov Marketing Operations Director, North America +1 778 373-5136 elen.alexov@ipsos.com
About Ipsos
Ipsos is now the third largest market research company in the world, present in 90 markets and employing more than 18,000 people.
Our research professionals, analysts and scientists have built unique multi-specialist capabilities that provide powerful insights into the actions, opinions and motivations of citizens, consumers, patients, customers or employees. Our 75 business solutions are based on primary data coming from our surveys, social media monitoring, and qualitative or observational techniques.
“Game Changers” – our tagline – summarizes our ambition to help our 5,000 clients to navigate more easily our deeply changing world.
Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos is listed on the Euronext Paris since July 1st, 1999. The company is part of the SBF 120 and the Mid-60 index and is eligible for the Deferred Settlement Service (SRD).
Char’s Gift: A Remarkable Story of Hope Through the Storms of Life
Grand Rapids, MI, April 26, 2021 — When Steve Harryman talks about his late wife, Char, he compares her to a 100-watt bulb, lighting up the world for others facing challenges in life, even as she faced the end of hers.
Steve honors Char’s legacy and generous spirit in his inspirational new book,Char’s Gift: A Remarkable Story of Hope Through the Storms of Life.
It was Easter Sunday, 1995, when Char suffered a grand mal seizure. And then another. And another. An MRI revealed a malignant tumor the size of a golf ball — a life-defining moment that marked the beginning of an unforgettable journey of unwavering love, faith and perseverance.
As Char was wheeled into surgery, she told her husband, “Keep trusting.” It was a mantra that would guide them during their darkest moments and propel them forward in faith. Doctors gave Char two years to live. God had other plans. And so did Char. She lived for 24 more years and touched the lives of thousands before her passing in May 2019.
“With all her struggles, with all her many battles against cancer, with all her perseverance and hope in Christ — Char was one of the most inspiring women I’ve ever met,” says Joni Eareckson Tada, author, Christian stateswoman and respected global leader in disability advocacy.
Early on in her cancer journey, Char struggled with the reality of her diagnosis, just as anyone would. Everything changed when she channeled her energy into deepening her relationship with God and serving Him by focusing on the needs of others.
For Char, making other people feel loved was her greatest joy. It is Steve’s hope that by sharing her inspirational story, others navigating a difficult time will find strength in her grace and faith — and just keep trusting.
Steve Harryman is the founder and president of Hope Through the Storm Ministries, a Christian faith-based organization devoted to bringing hope and encouragement to people facing serious illness and disability. Steve is also an award-winning writer, videographer, photographer and successful magazine writer. Char’s Gift is his first book. He lives in West Michigan and was married to Char for nearly 33 years before she went to heaven in May 2019.
For more information, please visit https://charsgift.com, or follow the author on Twitter (@steveharryman); Instagram (@steve_harryman); or Facebook (@steveharrymanauthor).
Char’s Gift: A Remarkable Story of Hope Through the Storms of Life
Publisher:Elm Hill, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing
Inspiring Stories of Real People Who Turned Pain into Purpose
Los Angeles, CA, April 26, 2021 — In the aftermath of hardship or trauma, it’s perfectly natural to enter what Dr. Randall Bell terms the “Dive Stage.” After all, the rug has just been pulled out from under you. But with the right strategies, it’s possible to not only get back up and find your footing, but to also use the experience to grow in entirely new directions.
“How do you take that energy from the trauma and tap into it to do something really remarkable that you wouldn’t have done otherwise?” asks Dr. Bell.
Stories of real people (many of them familiar) who have done exactly that unfold in his latest book, Post-Traumatic Thriving: The Art, Science, & Stories of Resilience.
Among the inspirational journeys Dr. Bell shares are:
• A deaf man with a glass eye invented the electric guitar and became a household name, remarkably wealthy and most importantly, happy.
• A convicted murderer took responsibility for the damage he caused, graduated with honors from college, became a minister and turned around the hearts of the most hardened criminals.
• A girl born with cerebral palsy landed the world’s first starring role on national television and spoke at the White House three times.
• A woman hid in a basement for years and lost her entire family in the Holocaust. She eventually found true love and paints stunning artwork.
• The sister of a murder victim helped millions of women in toxic domestic relationships.
• A woman’s car crash resulted in an addiction to prescription drugs, a divorce, a loss of her children and a cot in a homeless shelter. She has rebuilt it all back and more.
• A man set to go to the Olympics had his hopes dashed by Jimmy Carter and went on to build a worldwide business empire.
Dr. Bell juxtaposes outcomes of scientific studies with these stories to reveal common denominators among “thrivers.” He divides his insights into three sections: The Dive Stage, The Survive Stage and The Thrive Stage, and outlines a step-by-step process toward authentic healing.
Post-Traumatic Thriving documents the science of happiness, as well as the individual styles and common thread that all post-traumatic thrivers have to emerge with a fulfilling life. When trauma hits, your most significant decision will be to dive, survive or thrive. If you choose to thrive, this book is for you.
As a socio-economist, Dr. Randall Bell has consulted on more disasters on earth than anyone in history and is widely considered the world’s top authority in the field of post-traumatic thriving. His clients include the Federal Government, State Governments, International Tribunals, major corporations and homeowners. Dr. Bell believes that “the problem is not the problem — the problem is how we react to the problem.”
Often called the “Master of Disaster,” Dr. Bell is squarely focused on authentic recovery and resilience. His research has been profiled on major television shows and featured in numerous magazines and the international media. More information can be found at www.posttraumaticthriving.com.
Post-Traumatic Thriving: The Art, Science, & Stories of Resilience
RYAH GROUP INC. (FORMERLY, PRIME BLOCKCHAIN INC.) ANNOUNCES CLOSING OF REVERSE TAKEOVER TRANSACTION
Verdun, Quebec , April 26, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via InvestorWire – RYAH Group Inc. (formerly, Prime Blockchain Inc.) (the “Company”) is pleased to announce the closing of its previously announced reverse takeover transaction (the “Transaction”) with Potbotics Inc. (“Potbotics”). The Transaction was effected by way of a triangular merger between the Company, Potbotics, and a wholly-owned, Florida subsidiary of the Company (“AcquisitionCo”) pursuant to the laws of the State of Florida. The combined public company resulting from the Transaction (the “Resulting Issuer”) will carry on the business of Potbotics.
About Potbotics Inc.
Potbotics is a company operating out of New York, which, directly and through its wholly-owned subsidiary RYAH Medtech Inc., is engaged in the development and commercialization of various innovative technology solutions (both software and hardware) for the plant-based medical industry. Since its formation, Potbotics has been focused on leveraging its know-how in predictive analytics to pioneer products to be used within its suite of vertically-integrated technologies, to provide users with added control over their health and wellness. As an emerging company, Potbotics is striving to establish itself as a leader in delivering innovative, user-friendly IoT devices in the plant-based medical industry. By utilizing its know-how in fields such as artificial intelligence and predictive analytics, Potbotics is moving towards building a portfolio of vertically-integrated products that facilitate harmonized data collection throughout the complete medical plant lifecycle, from seed to consumption.
Proposed Listing of the Company
The Company is a reporting issuer in the Provinces of British Columbia, Quebec, and Alberta. On April 1, 2021, the Company received the conditional approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the “CSE”) to list the subordinate voting shares in the capital of the Company (the “Subordinate Voting Shares”) on the CSE. As of the date of this press release, the Company is working towards meeting the listing requirements of the CSE, and subject to the final approval of the CSE, the Subordinate Voting Shares are expected to commence trading on the CSE under the ticker symbol “RYAH”. The Company intends to announce the exact date of the commencement of trading in due course by way of a further press release.
New Board and Management
As part of the Transaction, the management and board of directors of the Company was reconstituted to consist of the following individuals: Gregory Wagner (Chief Executive Officer and Director), Jeannine Kingsley (Chief Financial Officer), Irina Migalina (Director), George Anastassov (Director), and Binyomin Posen (Director). Additional information regarding the business of the Company and the biographical details of management and the board of directors of the Company may be found in the Company’s CSE Form 2A - Listing Statement (the “Listing Statement”), which is expected to be filed on SEDAR under the Company’s profile prior to the commencement of trading of the Subordinate Voting Shares on the CSE.
The Transaction
The Transaction was effected by way of a triangular merger between the Company, Potbotics, and AcquisitionCo pursuant to the laws of the State of Florida. As a result of the Transaction (i) each shareholder of Potbotics received 0.035 super voting share in the capital of the Company (each whole share, a “Super Voting Share”) for each share of common stock, no par value, of Potbotics (“Potbotics Share”) held, and (ii) all unexercised options of Potbotics adjusted automatically such that, upon exercise, such options entitle the holders thereof to acquire Super Voting Shares at the same ratio and with a corresponding adjustment to the exercise price.
Except as otherwise prescribed by the Canada Business Corporations Act, at a meeting of shareholders of the Company, each Super Voting Share entitles the holder thereof to one hundred (100) votes in respect of each Super Voting Share held at such meetings, and subject to certain limitations, each Super Voting Share is convertible into one hundred (100) Subordinate Voting Shares. Additional information regarding the Super Voting Shares may be found in the Listing Statement, which is expected to be filed on SEDAR under the Company’s profile prior to the commencement of trading of the Subordinate Voting Shares on the CSE.
Following completion of the Transaction, including the conversion of an aggregate of 229,859 Super Voting Shares held by Canadian securityholders into approximately 22,985,900 Subordinate Voting Shares, there are expected to be an aggregate of 201,576,818 Subordinate Voting Shares and approximately 2,920,019 Super Voting Shares (which may be converted in accordance with their terms into approximately 292,001,900 Subordinate Voting Shares) issued and outstanding. Of these issued and outstanding Resulting Issuer Shares, (i) former shareholders of Potbotics hold (A) 2,920,019 Super Voting Shares, representing 100% of the Super Voting Shares issued and outstanding, and (B) 22,985,877 Subordinate Voting Shares, representing 11.40% of the Subordinate Voting Shares issued and outstanding, (ii) the original shareholders of the Company hold 34,789,098 Subordinate Voting Shares, representing approximately 17.26% of the issued and outstanding Subordinate Voting Shares, (iii) subscribers in certain financings completed by the Company prior to the completion of the Transaction hold 127,226,843 Subordinate Voting Shares, representing approximately 63.11% of the issued and outstanding Subordinate Voting Shares, and (iv) a certain third party finder holds 15,000,000 Subordinate Voting Shares, representing approximately 7.44% of the issued and outstanding Subordinate Voting Shares, in each of the foregoing cases on a non-diluted basis.
As part of the Transaction, approximately CND$2.4 million, representing the proceeds of certain financings completed by the Company prior to the completion of the Transaction have been deposited into escrow with a third-party escrow agent, to be released upon receipt of the final approval of the CSE to list the Subordinate Voting Shares on the CSE.
Additional Information
The Super Voting Shares have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and may not be offered or sold absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirement. The Subordinate Voting Shares have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to a U.S. Person (as defined in in Rule 902(k) of Regulation S under the Securities Act) absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirement. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.
For additional information on the Company:
Mr. Gregory Wagner C.E.O. and Director Telephone: 1-917-210-0543 Email: gwagner@ryah.com
Cautionary Statements
This press release contains statements which constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company with respect to future business activities and operating performance. Forward-looking information is often identified by the words “may,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “will,” “intend,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect” or similar expressions and includes, but is not limited to, statements about (i) the listing of the Subordinate Voting Shares on the CSE and the timing thereof, (ii) the business plans and expectations of the Company, the issuance of and timing associated with issuing a further comprehensive press release or press releases, and expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflect the Company’s management’s expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements of the Resulting Issuer. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information are the following: (i) changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets, changes in applicable laws and regulations both locally and in foreign jurisdictions, (ii) compliance with extensive government regulation and the costs associated with compliance, (iii) the risks and uncertainties associated with foreign markets, and (iv) risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. This forward-looking information may be affected by risks and uncertainties in the business of the Resulting Issuer and market conditions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended and such changes could be material. The Company does not intend, nor assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information except as otherwise required by applicable law.
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Author Featured in Netflix series Surviving Death Shares Story of Hope and Evidence of Afterlife
New York, NY, April 26, 2021 — Imagine being a bartender at a busy Broadway show when just before intermission, you get the call – your too young dad has suddenly died. As your family’s screams of despair pierce your ear and instantly shatter your world, hundreds of patrons abuzz with energy from the comedic first act descend on you. They hastily begin ordering drinks, and somehow a shell that looks like you makes them, while your inside crumbles away. How do we move forward when such a devastating loss befalls us?
Love, Dad intimately shares one family’s darkest hours and their road to healing, a road that has been long ignored or scoffed at by the scientific community. Mike Anthony, a healthy skeptic, goes to great lengths to uncover the paradigm-shifting research into the nature of consciousness that exists, and shows us why it must be put back in the forefront with no shame attached.
Love, Dad details Anthony’s true story as he pulls himself out of despair, and alongside his family, finds true connection and communication with his dad once again. Given the transformative nature of the experience, he couldn’t help but share what happened, hoping to bring others the peace he’d discovered. So compelling is his story that Netflix chose to feature it in three episodes of their series Surviving Death.
This eye-opening book pushes the boundaries of what we think we know, unlocking the door to new and exhilarating possibilities. What might it be like to know that death is truly not the end? In Love, Dad we get one family’s answer.
When a stranger’s unpredictable phone call delivers a message that Anthony’s dad had contacted her from “the other side,” it kicks off a chain of events that would entirely change his family’s perspective on life, death and the transcendent nature of love. Join him on his remarkable quest, as his skeptical mindset gets challenged and eventually overruled through an extraordinary journey, leading to an event that would forever change his understanding of reality.
“Though I’ve always wondered, since I was a child,” Anthony remarks, “about what we are and how and why we’re here, and what happens to us when we die, I did not imagine I’d ever have such direct evidence to suggest that something, something ‘other worldly’ does, indeed, happen to us.”
Everyone needs this book. Our largest looming fear is death, and our greatest pain is the grief we feel when someone we love dies. But what if we knew that death is just a doorway, and loss is really just an alteration of relationship? Could we all live with a greater sense of peace if we knew our “lost” loved ones are actually very close by, and our own “passing” is simply that — a passage through? Anthony now knows the answer and you can, too!
Most importantly, Love, Dad gives us the hope that is so desperately needed during these times and does so with honesty, grace and evidence.
“The Netflix series Surviving Death, in which a part of my story is told, explores evidence that impacts every human being on the planet. Evidence of things that science says are impossible. And yet, they happen. I know they do. Because I have seen them. In Love, Dad: How My Father Died ...Then Told Me He Didn’t, I tell the story of how I came to know, without doubt, that our science has much yet to uncover.”
About Mike Anthony Mike Anthony has been a professional actor and (not-professional) bartender since he graduated from Wayne State University with a Master of Arts degree in Theater. His first book, Life At Hamilton, chronicles the extraordinary time he spent as a theater bartender with an up-close perspective of Hamilton: An American Musical as it rocketed into Broadway history.
Beyond his life in theater, Anthony’s journey took an unexpected turn when his dad passed, leading him down a remarkable path of discovery. He now spends a good portion of his time exploring evidence suggestive of the survival of consciousness beyond the demise of the physical body.
He uses his acting abilities, often during the Christmas season, at the Theatre at Monmouth in Maine. He is still the bar manager at Hamilton, though on hiatus due to Covid. He currently lives in Milford, CT.
Love, Dad: How My Father Died... Then Told Me He Didn't Publisher: Waterside Productions ISBN-10: 1951805666 ISBN-13: 978-1951805661 Available from Amazon.com
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16 People, Impacted by Depression, Contribute Their Unforgettable Journeys to Encourage Dialogue
Bayview, Idaho, April 26, 2021 — The voice on the other end of the phone was familiar but shaky. It was Sarah’s friend Carolyn, and she was grappling with suicidal ideation.
“Something had her in its grip and would not let go,” Sarah Zabel explains. “I kept wondering, what’s doing this? How does a normal, happy person come to feel life is so bad that she must kill herself?”
Sarah shares Carolyn’s unforgettable story, along with the emotional journeys of 15 others, in Fighting Chance: How Unexpected Observations and Unintended Outcomes Shape the Science and Treatment of Depression.Included are interviews with more than 20 experts in the fields of neuroscience and psychiatry, plus current research, to give readers a 360-degree look inside the world of mental illness.
Described by Sarah as a “science book for non-scientists,” Fighting Chancetackles key questions that have guided scientific research for decades and delves into the discoveries that have formed the medical world’s understanding of the disorder. Peppered throughout are more than 20 illustrations that help explain the science involved — making it widely accessible.
Sarah adeptly explores topics ranging from the neurobiology of depression to antidepressant medications; stress and inflammation; genetics; suicide; traditional and alternative therapies and treatments; and even gives a nod to Big Data’s efforts to clarify depression’s causes and cures.
Ultimately, Fighting Chance is a tale of human endeavor and ingenuity, of downright weird experiments and serendipitous discoveries, and of people who valiantly battle for answers for themselves and for people they will never know.
Author Sarah Zabel graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy with a degree in computer science in 1987 and was commissioned a second lieutenant. She retired from the Air Force in 2018 as a major general and decided to turn her focus to her life-long love of learning and become a science writer. She set herself the task of first coming to understand, and then to explain for other lay-persons, the science behind some of life’s most complex but important human experiences. Inspired, intrigued and frustrated by an enduring friend’s battle with depression, she set that topic as her first task. Sarah does occasional consulting and other activities associated with her time as one of the military’s leaders in cyberspace operations and security, in the provision of communications and other services to a community, and leadership of a diverse workforce.
Healthcare Excellence Canada supports essential care partners to safely re-enter health and care settings during COVID-19
New program and resources for healthcare organizations and caregivers
OTTAWA, ON, April 26, 2021 /CNW/ - Healthcare Excellence Canada has launched a program to support the safe presence of essential care partners in hospitals, long-term care homes and other health and care settings during COVID-19, including during lockdowns.
The pandemic led to blanket visitor restrictions that prohibited essential care partners from being with loved ones in health and care settings. Although the restrictive policies were put in place with the best intentions, they have contributed to other risks and unintended harm to patients and families, as well as moral distress to staff.
To help healthcare organizations safely re-integrate, welcome and engage essential care partners as part of their care teams during COVID-19 and beyond, Healthcare Excellence Canada has launched Essential Together. This program is based on co-created policy guidance that can be applied to all health and care settings in Canada, regardless of their pandemic status.
To specifically support essential care partners with loved ones in long-term care, Healthcare Excellence Canada has also published a new resource - Safely Re-entering Long-Term Care Homes During COVID-19: A Resource for Essential Care Partners. Created by essential care partners for essential care partners, it includes detail about what to expect while entering a home and being part of the care team during the pandemic.
"Essential care partners are different from general visitors. An essential care partner is a person who provides physical, psychological and emotional support, as deemed important by a patient, resident, or client," says Lisa Poole, who was one of the caregiver advisors who contributed to creating the resource and is advising the ongoing design of the Essential Together program.
"This can include support in decision-making, care coordination and continuity of care, including things like assistance with meals, recreation and hygiene," Poole adds.
"Evidence suggests that with proper support and education, family and essential care partners can safely participate in care during the pandemic, contributing to better care, well-being, and experiences," says Jennifer Zelmer, President and CEO of Healthcare Excellence Canada.
"Leading organizations have worked with their communities over the last year on creative ways to re-integrate essential care partners, practices that are evolving as vaccines roll out," says Zelmer.
"Programs like Essential Together offer ways to share this knowledge so more people can benefit."
About Essential Together
Essential Together is working with organizations to adapt co-created policy guidance to identify and prepare essential care partners and then support them as they enter healthcare settings, during the pandemic and beyond. There are learning bundles available with resources curated from across the country and huddles that create peer-to-peer exchanges. Organizations that formerly register for the program can receive dedicated coaching and other support.
Healthcare Excellence Canada is an organization with a relentless focus on improving healthcare, with – and for – everyone in Canada. Launched in March 2021 from the amalgamation of the Canadian Patient Safety Institute and the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement, Healthcare Excellence Canada has greater capacity to support partners to turn proven innovations into widespread and lasting improvement in patient safety and all the dimensions of healthcare excellence. We believe in the power of people and evidence and know that by connecting them, we can achieve the best healthcare in the world. HEC is an independent, not-for-profit charity funded primarily by Health Canada. www.healthcareexcellence.ca
The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of Health Canada.
SOURCE Healthcare Excellence Canada
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