ISO Accredited Lab
Biotics Research Announces New ISO Accreditation

Biotics Research is excited to announce it has received ISO/IEC (International Organization for Standardization and International Electrotechnical Commission) accreditation from the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) for analytical laboratories. This accreditation demonstrates that Biotics Research officially meets technical and quality benchmarks as required by ISO/IEC 17025:2017. This is a very high standard.

With a rich history of making quality in manufacturing the cornerstone of the company's philosophy, receiving ISO accreditation is a natural next step for Biotics Research. ISO accreditation includes passing a comprehensive assessment and review of the company's laboratory quality management system and competence to perform specific tests, and is not typically awarded to in-house labs. Rather, it is something that contract labs obtain to show their measure of competency. 

"Attaining this accreditation for an in-house laboratory is extraordinary and out of the norm for our industry," says Denis DeLuca, President of Biotics Research. "However, with varying regulatory requirements around the world and ranges of third-party certifications available to supplement companies, we decided to obtain what is considered to be the gold standard for laboratory accreditation."

For over 46 years, Biotics Research has spent a great deal of its time and significant resources building in-house laboratory capabilities and expertise to ensure they produce the highest quality supplements in the industry. "Research and quality control testing have been at the forefront since we started," claims Daryl DeLuca, Vice President of Biotics Research. "Having ISO accreditation not only provides us with a strong competitive advantage, but it also verifies and validates our ability to test incoming ingredients, in-process and finished products, which gives our customers greater confidence in our products." 

This initial accreditation is just the beginning for Biotics Research, with further accreditation in the near future.

For more information about Biotics Research and its selection of nutritional supplements, visit www.bioticsresearch.com.

ABOUT BIOTICS RESEARCH CORPORATION
A family-owned company for over 46 years in the United States, Biotics Research has revolutionized the nutritional supplements industry. Combining nature's principles with scientific ingenuity, our products magnify the nutritional benefits to clinicians and their patients with cost-effective, leading-edge supplements and enhanced product performance. Biotics Research drives advancement by focusing initiatives on research, natural effectiveness, product safety, efficacy, unparalleled quality control and continuing innovation.
 

Steven Russell

Beta Bionics, Inc. — a clinical-stage medical technology company — announced the appointment of Steven Russell, MD, Ph.D., to the role of Chief Medical Officer as the company prepares for the commercial launch of the iLet Bionic Pancreas System.

"As we move closer to commercial launch of the iLet Bionic Pancreas, we have strategically added a wealth of knowledge and experience to our executive team," explained Sean Saint, President and CEO of Beta Bionics. "Dr. Russell is one of the foremost thought leaders in the field of diabetes technology, and I have turned to him often over the years for his expertise and perspective. His experience with the bionic pancreas in a clinical setting is second to none. There is no better person we could have for our Chief Medical Officer as we complete the regulatory review process and prepare for the U.S. launch of the iLet."

Dr. Russell is an endocrinologist and diabetologist with 20 years of experience managing diabetes. He is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and an attending physician at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Diabetes Associates in Boston, where he has maintained a clinical practice managing diabetes in the outpatient and inpatient settings. Dr. Russell's research at MGH has been focused on the application of new technologies to improve the care of people with diabetes, including the collaboration with Dr. Ed Damiano's research group at Boston University to develop and test a wearable bionic pancreas for automated blood glucose control in diabetes. Dr. Russell has directed nearly all of the bionic pancreas clinical trials, including 20 studies in type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and cystic fibrosis-related diabetes. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry from Trinity University in San Antonio, and both a Ph.D. in biological chemistry and an MD from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. He completed his residency training in internal medicine and his fellowship in endocrinology, diabetes, & metabolism at MGH, and a postdoctoral fellowship studying insulin and aging at the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston.

"The bionic pancreas project has been the focus of my professional life for many years. Until the completion of the pivotal trial, I felt I was able to bring the most value to the project as an academic physician, providing advice and executing clinical trials," said Dr. Russell.  "Now that the pivotal trial is complete, I think my contributions will be most impactful by providing medical leadership within Beta Bionics as we work to obtain FDA clearance and prepare for the launch of the iLet. I am excited to be part of an all-star team and look forward to supporting people with diabetes and healthcare providers as the iLet emerges from the research setting into clinical use."

The iLet is a pocket-sized, wearable investigational medical device designed to autonomously dose insulin. It is designed to be worn like an insulin pump, but iLet users enter only their body weight to initialize therapy and do not set any insulin regimen parameters. The iLet is designed to then automatically titrate and infuse insulin without requiring the user to count carbohydrates, set insulin-to-carbohydrate ratios, set insulin basal rates, set correction factors, or determine bolus insulin for meals or corrections. The technology is designed to help a broad base of people who wish to use technology to manage diabetes.

"I am thrilled to welcome Steven to Beta Bionics as our new Chief Medical Officer," said Ed Damiano, Ph.D., Founder and Executive Chair of Beta Bionics. "I began collaborating with Steven on the bionic pancreas project over 15 years ago. Our partnership has spanned inpatient clinical trials, pre-pivotal home-use clinical trials, and most recently, a pivotal trial of the iLet in adults and children with type 1 diabetes. Simply put, the bionic pancreas would not be as far along as it is today without Steven Russell. As a parent of a son with T1D, I am grateful for all that he has done to advance this technology and advocate for all people with T1D."

Dr. Russell will retain his Harvard Medical School faculty appointment and will maintain his medical practice on a part-time basis at MGH Diabetes Associates.

Caution: The iLet Bionic Pancreas is an investigational device, pending 510(k) clearance. Not available for sale.

Incheon of South Korea is known for Incheon international airport, but it is also a great city for K-tour. Popular Korean content such as K-drama 'Squid Game' from Netflix, K-movie 'Decision to Leave' - which was appreciated by Cannes Film Festival - BTS's music video 'Permission to Dance', and much other K content was filmed there. Incheon is filled with internationally beloved K-tour locations and it would be a shame to miss out on all the fun.

Incheon is an attractive tourist destination for K-tour. In order to make a visit more comfortable and easy, Incheon Tourism Organization is providing 'Incheon Easy' application for domestic and international tourists.

▶ A smart application for your comfortable and easy travel in Incheon, 'Incheon Easy'.
Incheon's travel elements and smart technology are combined into 'Incheon Easy'. It functions diversely and provides smart travel for everyone. 'Audio Guide', 'AI Recommend Pass', and 'Smart Coupon' are 3 functions that can be useful especially for international tourists, therefore highly recommended.

① Audio guide, the travel is music to your ears.
The audio guide of 'Incheon Easy' is a function that assists travel with rich stories without an actual guide. It guides travelers through Incheon's main tourist sights such as Chinatown, Open Port, Hongyemun and Sinpo street, Sinpo International Market, etc. Also, themed audio guide lets you time travel from Incheon station to Open Port by accomplishing missions. 'Incheon Easy' is provided in different languages such as English, Chinese, and Japanese and with the audio guide, travel can be richer and merrier, even if traveling alone.

② AI Recommend Pass. Travel recommendation to your taste.
The 'AI Recommend Pass' of 'Incheon Easy' should be used to suit one's taste when traveling Incheon. By answering the AI survey, it recommends tourist attractions and itineraries that are suitable for the traveler. The completed itinerary is provided in the forms of MY PASS map and a guidebook. The guidebook also provides opening hours and phone numbers of recommended tourist sights so that one can easily inquire and make a reservation.

③ Smart Coupon, full of discount benefits. Other recommended features.
Smart coupons provided by 'Incheon Easy' is a 'lifehack' that can't be overlooked. There are from 5~10% discount coupons to free coupons for various restaurants, cafes, and activities that can help with travel expenses and enrich travel.

Through the app, the traveler can also reserve and pay for different rides such as Incheon City Tour bus, Wolmi Sea train, etc. If there is any inconvenience due to language barriers, Incheon recommends using 1330Text chat. It is provided in different languages.

For those who would like to enjoy their travel free from a conventional group tour and be smart, 'Incheon Easy' would be a great alternative that could save expenses and time. 'Incheon Easy' is receiving positive reviews from its users; "It was convenient to download the travel information beforehand and save nearby restaurants and cafes according to my plan.", "I had a fulfilling trip by using recommended itinerary, self-storage, vouchers, etc."

Since South Korea is reopening its doors to tourists, Incheon is an attractive tourist destination for foreign tourists who are planning a K-tour. If you are planning on visiting Korea and Incheon, 'Incheon Easy' app is highly recommended for comfortable and easy travel.

Incheon Easy can be downloaded on Google Play and Apple Store for free.
*Incheon Easy homepage https://m.incheoneasy.com

Media Contact: 
Hyunjung Lee
[email protected]

For the 17th consecutive year, DFCU Financial infuses dollars into local communities with its unprecedented Cash Back payout. Eligible members will receive $38.2 million this year for a total of more than $430 million paid back through the program since its inception. The 2023 payment—the credit union's own local stimulus package—is the largest in the program's history and was deposited into the accounts of more than 100,000 members, based on their total relationship with DFCU Financial. 

"Our diversified business model and top-tier industry performance have allowed DFCU Financial to pay a significant dividend to our membership since 2006," said President & CEO Ryan Goldberg. "We are proud to share the income of our company with the members that contribute to its success. It is very encouraging to hear stories from members each year of how the Cash Back dividend makes a difference in their financial lives."

The payout to members is calculated based on each member's total relationship with DFCU Financial. Qualifying members receive a one-half percent (0.50%) Cash Back on their average yearly deposit AND loan balances—a key differentiator—with each eligible member receiving at least $50.

For example:

+ $150,000 Mortgage

+ $2,000 Savings

+ $1,000 Checking

+ $12,000 Auto Loan

+ $25,000 Home Equity Line of Credit

$190,000 Total Relationship

x 0.50% Cash Back

$950 deposited into member's account!

DFCU is the only financial institution in the nation to pay members an average of $20 million for the last 17 consecutive years. Goldberg points to the dividend as a significant differentiator between the $6 billion credit union and other financial institutions. "There is not another financial institution that offers what we offer," stressed Goldberg. "With our recent merger with First Citrus Bank in Tampa Bay, we look forward to infusing these payout dollars into those communities and supporting those members as well. We fully expect our new Florida members to benefit from our retail banking solutions, such as mortgages, consumer lending, and investment services." 

The credit union continually reinvests in its membership with new branches and financial literacy education for all ages. DFCU Financial currently operates 27 full-service branches in Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, and Lansing, and now six branches in the Tampa Bay area. All who live, work, go to school, or worship in Michigan or the Tampa Bay area are eligible for membership. For more information and to find out how you can join, call 888.336.2700 or visit dfcufinancial.com. 

While the DFCU Financial Board of Directors intends to pay Cash Back every year, and has done so since 2006, Cash Back is not guaranteed and will depend on our financial performance and other factors. Annual Cash Back payments are limited to an aggregate of $10,000 for each tax-reported owner. The IRS requires that Cash Back for an IRA be paid to the same IRA account and that it be open when Cash Back is deposited. Cash Back to Business Banking members is subject to additional terms. Anyone who causes DFCU Financial a loss for any reason is not eligible for Cash Back. 

                                                                                                                              -# # # -

Prayer Time Dubai
Prayers Time United Arab Emirates

PrayerTimeDubai.AE announces the release of its 2023 UAE and Dubai prayer time calendar. PrayerTimeDubai.AE is the best website in the UAE, with an automatic and authentic timetable that contains prayer times for Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi and all other cities in the UAE.

Muslims are required as one of the Five Pillars of Islam to perform Salat (prayer) five times a day. Islam is the official religion of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates.

How many times do Muslims pray each day?

Salat (or prayers) are performed at the following times every day:

• Fajr: dawn prayer
• Dhuhr: midday prayer
• Asr: late afternoon prayer
• Maghrib: sunset prayer
• Isha: evening prayer 

Prayer times vary around the world, as they are calculated based on the position of the sun. At each prayer time, there is a set number of "rakat" or "rak'ah", prescribed movements and words must be performed.

Prayer Time Dubai is the official timetable and calendar in the UAE that calculates the exact prayer time in the United Arab Emirates and Dubai.
You can check the prayer time today and daily for the following cities in the UAE: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ajman, Al Ain, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain.

The "Call to Prayer"

The prayer times, as detailed above, are made known by a Muezzin (caller), where "Adhan" is recited, usually from loudspeakers in a mosque. You will likely hear the call to prayer from most places in the city.

"Iqamah", the internal call for prayer, is performed 20 minutes after Adhan (25 minutes after Fajr and 5 minutes after Maghrib) to establish that prayers are about to start.

Midday prayers on a Friday ("Jumu'ah") are of particular importance as they are congregational prayers.

Lingoda - Language Wins
Reach your language wins in 2023

Lingoda, one of the top global online language schools, has launched a new brand campaign all about celebrating language wins. In a nutshell, a language win can be defined as any success - small or large - that a person experiences in their language learning journey. And whether that may be flawlessly ordering a coffee in German for the first time while on vacation in Berlin, or finally watching that Spanish-language Netflix show without subtitles, Lingoda's campaign seeks to transform those magical moments into a celebration of the wins that language learners experience every day. 

And to help language learners get a jump start on their language wins for 2023, Lingoda is offering 30% off the first month of classes to new students throughout the month of January. 

Lingoda's in-house team of experts designed the curriculum in such a way that students start building conversational confidence from day one - as this is one of the most difficult hurdles of learning a new language. The focus of each class is to get students speaking as much, and as soon, as possible. With plenty of time to practice in immersive online classes, Lingoda students will feel confident to go out into the real world and rack up endless language wins. In fact, 95% of language students say that they speak more confidently after learning with Lingoda. 

The pace at which language wins will occur can also be determined by every student individually. The learning intensity is entirely up to the student as Lingoda classes are available 24/7 to fit anyone's schedule at every level.

And with all Lingoda teachers vetted and hand-picked by an internal team of current and former language teachers, Lingoda ensures a high-quality experience in each class that will guide all Lingoda students to their next language win. 

"We know that learning a language is hard. So when you have those moments of 'success' it all becomes worth it. For our learners, a winning moment can come in all sizes - small, big or great," says Dominic Rowell, Lingoda CEO. "When you learn with Lingoda, there's no end to what you can accomplish. We don't stop at the first win and neither should you. It's all about progression, ambition and success. And with Lingoda, you can be confident that we have the expertise to help you achieve all those winning moments."

ABOUT LINGODA

Lingoda is one of the top online language schools. Founded in Berlin, Germany, in 2013, we provide convenient and accessible online language courses in German, English, Business English, French and Spanish to over 100,000 students worldwide. With almost 550,000 classes available per year and accessible 24/7, our mission is to build bridges around the world through language learning. 

Visit Lingoda.com to learn more.