enGene Appoints Veteran Life Sciences Executive Jason D. Hanson as Chief Executive Officer and President

Australian Oil and Gas industry will be among first movers in adopting AI, says GlobalData

Oil and gas (O&G) market is influenced by several factors outside the control of companies. As such, the long-term competitiveness of O&G industry will depend on the use of technology. Against this backdrop, the Australian O&G industry will be among the first movers in adopting artificial intelligence (AI) says leading data and analytics company GlobalData.

The Australian O&G market witnessed a strong overall decline in its value during 2013-17 thanks largely to falling crude oil prices. According to GlobalData, the total revenues of the Australian O&G market represented a compound annual rate of change (CARC) of -14.8% from 2013 to reach $21.4bn in 2017.

Dustin Kehoe, Technology Research Director at GlobalData, says: “Volatility is the new normal in the O&G industry. There are many factors influencing global energy prices such as geo-politics, changes in energy consumption, substitution, increasing regulation and current OPEC policies. However, the use of technology will help reduce costs, increase productivity and streamline business processes across a supply chain with hundreds of touchpoints.”

While only at its infancy, the key applications of AI today have been in exploration in areas such as natural seep detection, and drilling operations to improve site planning and extraction optimization for upstream suppliers especially when mapping the digital oilfield.

It is also being used in Australia to improve monitoring and compliance for health and safety. In fact, there are many interesting use cases across the supply chain, such as asset, personnel and fleet management. These areas help in storage, manufacturing, production, transport and distribution of O&G.

Kehoe adds: “In the not too distant future, the industry will see even more innovation such as intelligent robots, virtual assistants, augmented, virtual reality and drones which will offer sweeping improvements across the supply chain from site exploration in the digital oilfield to last mile distribution.”

While the data collected with the use of AI will be invaluable for the future of many industries, including O&G, businesses will also need to have a company-wide strategy in place for data collection, management and security. However, only 10% of businesses have such a system in place.

Kehoe concludes: “While our research shows the O&G sector to be big users of software-defined networking and wireless technology today, there will be a shift in cloud from dedicated private to infrastructure-as-a-service in Australia. We are also seeing the sector embracing a myriad of low-power wide-area network technologies for IoT and security. Beyond the use of technology, will be people. The industry should also consider new approaches to managing extreme uncertainty, such as Design Thinking, Lean Startup, and others, when the end-state is uncertain. While technology is not exactly sea

FROM LASERS TO BALLOONS: THE SKINNY ON SLIM-DOWN TREATMENTS

WWW.PSSPECIALISTS.COM

New treatments and procedures claiming to blast fat and smooth skin enter the market regularly, offering the possibility of a contoured, toned body. Many people who exercise regularly, and watch what they eat find stubborn weight collecting anywhere from the back, arms, abdomen, hips, thighs and derrière. Frustrated, they seek solutions, but which ones deliver and how safe are they? To give us answers, we turned to Dr. Stanley Poulos, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in the San Francisco Bay area and co-founder of Plastic Surgery Specialists who has over 3 decades expertise in body aesthetics.

What is driving women’s decisions to try these treatments and how have attitudes changed from a decade ago?

Ten years ago, women would come to my office with photos of celebrities who were working with highly effective fitness trainers. Today both women and men come to my office, show me a random “hot body” in their Instagram feed, looking fabulous in a swimsuit, and want to look like that person. Social media bombards people with images, and they feel if these people aren’t well-known celebrities and look great, then they can too.

What are the most common frustrations when it comes to achieving their desired look?

Well, most people try their best to work out, watch what they eat and try to take care of themselves. They notice, though, that through pregnancies, hormonal and metabolism shifts that happen with age, gravity is winning. Men notice more fat around the waist and “breasts”, women notice cellulite dimples in their thighs and buttocks, bra rolls, extra fat at the waist despite maintaining their diet and exercise routines. A workout routine at 45 will not yield the same results as 35; it becomes frustrating. Collagen production typically falls off a cliff at a certain point in the early 50s; this means treatments need to treat both fat deposits and skin tightening.

What do you advise them to do? There are so many treatments to choose from. It can be overwhelming.

Absolutely, and it’s very important to approach any procedure with the facts and a realistic expectation of what’s achievable, and required.. Some women think they just come in for a few hours and they are magically transformed. In some cases, results are immediate, and in other cases healing can take up to 2 to 3 months.

Ok so let’s explore these treatments. What’s the best one out there to deal with cellulite? It seems like most women struggle with cellulite.

Cellulaze

Yes, cellulite is a very common issue women want a solution for, and fast. Cellulaze is a treatment that safely and effectively treats cellulite under local anesthesia with initial results appearing in one to four weeks, with significant results due to thickening collagen by four months. The 2-hour treatment involves an injection of a local anesthetic and wetting solution onto the cellulite, which is then zapped with a laser. This unique side-cutting laser removes the contracted fibrous bands responsible for the cellulite. Finally, the subdermal region is treated for increased collagen production. The result is tight, smooth, supple skin where the cellulite once was. Many women opt to get Cellulaze along with liposuction to address several concerns at once.

Vaser Hi- Def liposculpture

Yes, let’s talk about liposuction. How has that treatment changed?

Well, I’ve seen significant improvements over the years. Now, we have a much more precise method called Vaser Hi-Def LipoSculpture. This method is liposuction, but with techniques and tools that precisely suction out localized fat deposits from various parts of the body. This technique is used effectively, for example, in “sculpting” the washboard abs so desired by many. The fat that is harvested can then be used to fill out other areas of the body. The differentiating factor between Vaser Lipo and traditional Liposuction is the preliminary step taken to break down the fat: ultrasound frequencies. The acronym Vaser stands for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance.

The vibrations emitted cause expansion and contraction of air bubbles located in tumescent fluid which is ejected from the Vaser Lipo instrument. The procedure is tissue-selective, targeting fat while protecting other tissues from damage. This means eight times less blood loss, easier fat removal, stimulated skin elasticity, less bruising and a tiny incision. Through this process, the fat that is collected is separated to use for fat injections in other areas. The surgeon has the ability to truly sculpt the body.

Balloon Weight Loss Method

What about people who have 20-50 pounds to lose, but not enough weight for gastric bypass surgery?

These patients can be considered for the Balloon Weight Loss Method. An ideal candidate for this procedure has a body mass index of 30 to 40 and did not had previous weight loss surgery. Patients diagnosed with bulimia, binge eating, compulsive overeating, high liquid calorie intake habits or similar eating related psychological disorders are not good candidates.

This non-surgical outpatient procedure begins with a diagnostic endoscopy, to ensure that there are no contraindications and that it is safe to perform. Once the patient is mildly sedated and comfortable, the procedure can begin. The deflated gastric balloon is inserted through the esophagus and into the stomach. A syringe is then used to fill the balloon with a sterile saline solution. Once the weight loss balloon has been filled with saline, it expands to approximately the size of a grapefruit and remains there for 6 months. The entire procedure takes about 20 minutes. Patients can usually return home after the placement or removal procedures within 30 minutes. Over the last 20 years this procedure has helped over 277,000 people. The gastric balloon encourages portion control while patients make healthy changes to diet and lifestyle. After six months the balloon is then removed.

What’s key here is to find a doctor who provides the full support and team to address diet and exercise to achieve and maintain optimal results. Dr. Poulos has assembled a team that has achieved some of the best nonsurgical weight loss results in the country.

Regardless of what you choose it’s important to do your research by speaking to doctors and understanding the instruments used, the process and what’s needed for an optimal recovery and result.

About Dr. Poulos:

Dr. Poulos is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Co-Founder with Yngvar Hvistendahl, M.D of Plastic Surgery Specialists recognized as one of the premier aesthetic surgery clinics in Northern California.

Dr. Poulos helped pioneer the quick lift facial rejuvenation surgery in California and has extensive experience in body contour procedures. With over 30-years’ experience in aesthetic procedures, Dr. Poulos has been on the forefront of innovative procedures such as the quick-lift facial rejuvenation, mommy makeover, and vaser lipo-contouring. Dr. Poulos combines his consistent knowledge of new treatment options with his mastery of facial and body symmetry.

His recent focus has been on the gastric balloon, a groundbreaking, non-surgical, medically assisted, outpatient procedure offering weight loss to those seeking to lose between 30 and 75 pounds who may be ineligible for the more invasive gastric bypass surgery. This exciting new procedure allows patients to achieve optimal health and, when combined with exercise and proper nutrition, the results have been exceptional.

A graduate of the University of Texas Medical School, Dr. Poulos completed his internship and residency at UC San Francisco. He completed surgery and plastic surgery training in San Francisco prior to entering private practice in Marin County where he co-founded PSS (www.psspecialists.com)

Guest Post on Personal Training: How to Begin a Regular Routine

Personal Training: How to Begin a Regular Routine

Wanting to get in shape? You should be commended for your determination. However, determination is nothing without discipline. If you want to actually get something out of exercise, it needs to fit into your schedule as easily as brushing your teeth. These tips will help you to begin a regular exercise routine.

Start Slowly

You’re probably feeling excited about starting a new exercise routine, and you should. However, burnout is a very real thing. If you’re doing three-hour runs from the beginning, you’re going to become exhausted. You want to be going as slowly as possible. That means you shouldn’t be exercising longer than your body allows, and you shouldn’t be using more weight than you’re prepared to.

Find a Good Gym

The beauty of exercise is that you can do it almost anywhere. That said, there’s no better place to get fit than at a quality gym. Look for ones in your area that will cater to your needs. If you are concerned about dealing with crowds, look for a 24-hour gym that allows you to visit at any hour of the day.

Get a Trainer

Don’t know where to start with your exercise routine? You don’t have to stumble around haphazardly. Instead, you should find yourself a dedicated trainer who can help you realize your exercise goals. Go to your gym and ask about their personal training program. You should be able to find someone who’s a good match. Be clear about your goals, whether they involve strength training, aerobics, or flexibility.

Keep a Gym Bag Around

After a long day at work or school, it can be difficult to summon the motivation to go to the gym. One of the easiest excuses you can make is that you don’t have your gym clothes with you. An easy fix to that is to keep your gym bag in your car or around your person.

Set Goals

The best way to stay motivated with an exercise routine is to regularly set goals that you can accomplish. These should be ones that are easy enough to accomplish, but challenging enough to actually give you a sense of drive and feeling of pride when accomplished. The further you go with your exercise routine, the more accomplished you’ll feel.

The benefits of exercise are so numerous, and we hope that you are inspired by this article to take charge of your body and your health. If you have already started or are planning on starting an exercise routine, remember to take everything one day and one step at a time.

Gym Grub: 4 Fast Food Meals You Can Still Eat While Trying to Stay in Shape

Eating fast food and staying fit doesn’t need to be mutually exclusive. While plenty of fast food is unhealthy, there are affordable and tasty options available to you. It’s just a matter of being willing to find them. Here are four fast food meals you can still eat while trying to stay in shape.

Chipotle Burrito Bowl

Going to Chipotle for a burrito bowl can be an ideal way to satisfy yourself after a workout. It’s important to make sure it’s a bowl and not a burrito. The caloriesfrom the flour tortilla can be significant. However, you can fit plenty of quality nutritional components in your burrito bowl, including beans, rice, and chicken.

Healthy Pizza

Pizza doesn’t need to be unhealthy. It can be a light and refreshing dish that still satisfies. What matter is how it’s prepared. You should opt for a thin crust with plenty of vegetables. Consider getting it without cheese to really save on calories. The next time you order pizza delivery, think about how you can make it healthier. You can still have a great dining experience with healthier pizza.

Subway Oven-Roasted Chicken Salad

Subway is widely associated with being healthy fast food. Not only do they have delectable sandwiches, they also have plenty of delicious saladsto choose from. One you should definitely consider ordering is their oven-roasted chicken salad. This is perfect for a power lunch as it will give you plenty of vitamins and protein. At less than 200 calories, you don’t have to feel any guilt about enjoying this meal either.

Chicken Sandwich

You’ll quickly learn that it’s best to avoid red meat when eating fast food. Thankfully, plenty of fast food chains have figured out ways to make delicious chicken sandwiches. You can find them at places such as KFC, Wendy’s, and Arby’s. Be sure to go easy on things like high-calorie condiments, such as mayo.

Fast food can be healthy and still satisfying. In fact, healthy fast food is arguably more satisfying, because you can enjoy it without guilt. Take a look at all these meals and think about which ones would work best for your tastes. It’s also important to be mindful of heavy sides like fries and the calories that can be avoided by getting water instead of soda. The joys of staying in shape should not be discounted, and you can determine your future, one meal at a time.

5 Fun Ways to Get that Healthy Body and Lifestyle You Have Always Wanted

There are many fun ways to get your body into shape and start living a healthier lifestyle. By adding some excitement to your fitness routine and healthy eating, you’ll have a better chance of sticking to your plan and achieving your goals. Here are five fun ways to get the body and lifestyle you’ve always wanted.

Just Dance

Dancing combines fitness and fun into one. When you move your body to some of your favorite tunes, you won’t even feel like you’re exercising. Dancing is great for burning calories, improving muscle tone and enhancing cardiovascular fitness. Whether you want to try swing, ballroom or hip-hop dancing, the possibilities are endless. To make your dance workouts even more exciting and productive, you can take group classes or private lessons.

Spice It Up

Eating healthy doesn’t always have to be bland. Adding some spices to your foods can give your taste buds more flavoring to enjoy. Most types of salsa contain very few calories and can be applied to foods liberally to improve their taste. Paprika, garlic and pepper can also make foods tastier to eat and won’t add a lot of extra fat and calories to your diet.

Join a Retreat

You can take part in a fitness retreatwhere you’ll be joined by other likeminded people in a supportive environment. Some of these retreats are held in remote areas that are surrounded by nature and free from many everyday distractions. During your time at the retreat, you’ll be able to connect with others and tackle emotional issues that often lead to engaging in unhealthy behaviors. You’ll also have the chance to take part in group fitness workouts and learn more about healthy nutrition.

Take a Hike

If you live near a mountain trail, a lake or some other nature area that has suitable conditions for walking, you can incorporate regular hikes into your fitness plan. You’ll have the chance to breathe in some fresh air and clear your mind while outdoors. As you improve your muscle coordination and stamina while hiking, you may also get the chance to see some charming wildlife creatures and other spectacular scenes of nature.NerdFitness.comsuggests going with a group of friends as often as possible to make hiking even more fun.

Play Active Videogames

Certain videogames require you to be on your feet and remain active in order to play them. Also known as exergames, these videogames encourage you to exercise while immersing yourself into a world of virtual reality. Many of these videogames involve dancing, playing tennis and engaging in other fun fitness activities. You may have to be hooked up to sensors and use other specialized equipment to play a game.

Becoming more fit doesn’t always have to be a hassle. By finding fun ways to live a healthier lifestyle, you’ll be on the road to g

Molecular Science Corp. Announces Receipt of Dealer's License from Health Canada