January 24, 2022

Break-Through Ultra-Precision Machining Platform Enables Realization of Next Generation AR/VR/MR, Camera Module, and Electric Vehicle Optical Designs

This highly anticipated 250UPL MP ultra-precision machining platform release from Moore Nanotechnology Systems addresses the growing need for flawless machining of lens-mold tooling for the booming demand in AR/VR/MR, smart-phone cameras, and electric vehicle markets. This solution delivers previously unimaginable sub-nanometer surface finish results with near-perfect form.

SWANZEY, N.H., Jan. 24, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Moore Nanotechnology Systems (“Nanotech”), a leading global supplier of ultra-precision machining systems, announced today the release of their next generation ultra-precision machining platform, the 250UPL MP. This solution is configurable for all sub-nanometer, ultra-precision Single Point Diamond Turning (SPDT), grinding and milling applications.

Optical mold-tool makers demand higher-quality surface finishes to support the fidelity of optical systems now common in smart phone, AR/VR/MR and automotive applications. The current generation of ultra-precision machines in use today have reached their maximum potential. A clean-sheet design was required to break through to the next level of performance, and Nanotech’s 250UPL MP meets and exceeds these requirements.

Mark Boomgarden, Nanotech’s President and CEO, explained, “We work with the leading camera-module and optical-component suppliers around the world to gain mid and long-term insight to their product and technology requirements, which is then used as input to our own multi-year development roadmap.” Boomgarden continued, “It became clear that the industry needs a machine-tool platform that can extend the boundaries of ultra-precision machining capabilities, and they need it now. Building upon years of success in this segment, our technical staff stepped up to the challenge and delivered Nanotech’s 250UPL MP. This is one of many new product innovations you will see from Nanotech over the next 12-18 months.”

Paul Vermette, Nanotech’s Vice President of Engineering and new product development, added, “Success in this market comes down to delivering a solution grounded in sound process knowledge. Our investment in a process development center, very near the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s campus, has been an invaluable component in our product and technology development.” Vermette continued, “When we come to market with a new machine like the 250UPL MP, we know that we’re delivering more than a machine, we’re delivering a solution that solves real-world, complex challenges the optical tool-making industry faces daily.”

Scott Gerhart, Nanotech’s Vice President of Sales, commented further, “Over the last 6-months, we’ve been shipping the 250UPL MP to select market-leading companies around the world, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Simply stated, no other machine available today can achieve the surface finish and form accuracy demanded by the optical designs these companies are launching over the next 36 months.” Gerhart continued, “We’re excited to share the future of ultra-precision machining with all companies when we formally launch the 250UPL MP platform at Photonics West – January 25, 2022.”

For more information, contact sales@nanotechsys.com.

Moore Nanotechnology Systems (Nanotech) was founded in Keene, NH in 1997 as a stand-alone subsidiary of the Moore Tool Company. Nanotech is a world leader in the design, development and manufacture of state-of-the-art ultra-precision machine tools and associated processes (single point diamond turning, micro-milling, micro-grinding and glass press molding) for the production of advanced optical components in consumer electronics, space, defense, aerospace, lighting, medical and automotive sectors. Moore Tool, founded in 1924 and located in Bridgeport, Connecticut, has a long history in the precision and ultra-precision machine tool markets. Today, Moore Tool provides a complete line of high-performance CNC jig grinders, along with contract precision-manufacturing services certified to both ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D. Moore Nanotechnology and Moore Tool are vertically integrated under the PMT Group.

Moore Nanotechnology Systems: www.nanotechsys.com
Moore Tool, Inc: www.mooretool.com

January 24, 2022

Global economic confidence dips amongst global accountancy and finance professionals in Q4 2021

Islamabad, January 24, 2022 (PPI-OT):The latest results from a regular global survey of accountants’ and finance professionals’ views about the global economy reveals their economic confidence fell by 12 points in Q4 2021, due to the rapid spread of the Omicron Covid-19 strain. Conducted during late November and early December 2021 at the start of the outbreak, the ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and IMA ® (Institute of Management Accountants) Global Economic Conditions Survey (GECS) shows that global orders were little changed in Q4, up just one point, signalling that growth will continue at a steady pace early in 2022.

Other key activity indicators remain relatively little changed with the capital expenditure index up one point and employment index down by six points compared to Q3 results. GECS’ fear indices, which track concern about suppliers and customers going out of business, were also little changed in Q4 but are above pre-pandemic levels.

Michael Taylor, ACCA’s chief economist said: ‘Accountants are often the first to sense the impact of economic activity, informed by the work they do on a daily basis sustaining economies and from the feedback from their clients, especially in the small business sector. GECS reveals their concerns about costs increasing again, seeing this measure double over the course of 2021 indicating growing inflationary pressures in many markets around the world.’

Looking at specific jurisdictions, confidence fell the most in Western Europe by 28 points, which was the first region to see the rapid spread of Omicron. Confidence increased modestly in two regions – Asia Pacific by five points and North America by 10 points. Only the Middle East recorded a fall in the orders index of six points, with South Asia showing the biggest increase at +8 points.

The biggest economic risk this year is that inflation, already elevated, stays higher for longer, partly because of prolonged supply shortages. Upside surprises to inflation would trigger a greater degree of monetary tightening than is currently discounted by financial markets. The effect would be to slow global economic growth, preventing a return to its pre-pandemic trend.

For emerging markets, the 2022 picture is mixed, says Michael Taylor: ‘Some emerging markets have made progress, while others, such as South Africa and Indonesia, have suffered renewed economic contraction. Overall, their recovery to the pre-pandemic trend rate of growth remains hampered by a lack of fiscal capacity and slow progress with vaccination.’

The Q4 edition of GECS has a special article looking at the opportunities for economic development and growth for Emerging Markets (Ems) – the digital revolution and investing to meet Net Zero carbon emissions. These are two areas where EMs could boost productivity and resume the catch-up of incomes per head with advanced economies.

Michael Taylor concluded: ‘Adoption of digital technology by EMs can drive down costs and stimulate domestic demand and productivity – the driver of long-term economic growth. But there remains a need for basic infrastructure investment in EM countries, notably fast and reliable internet access. The declared goal of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050 offers investment opportunities that would bring wider economic benefits and help boost potential growth. This investment needs to be concentrated in the energy sector, the source of a large proportion of current EM CO2 emissions. Moreover, as EM economies grow, their energy consumption is set to rise strongly.’ GECS Q4 2021 can be found here: https://www.accaglobal.com/gb/en/professional-insights/global- economics/gecs_q4_2021.html.

For more information, contact:
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants Pakistan (ACCA)
Office No. 5, 2nd Floor, SNC Centre,
Fazal-ul-Haq Road, Blue Area, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-111-222275
Fax: +92-51-2876605
Email: info@pk.accaglobal.com
Website: www.pakistan.accaglobal.com

January 24, 2022

Training workshop on “Preparation of Self-Assessment Report” organized by QEC

Faisalabad, January 24, 2022 (PPI-OT):Quality Enhancement Cell of National Textile University (NTU) organized a training workshop on “Preparation of Self-Assessment Report (SAR)” on November 23, 2021, for Program Team members NTU Main Campus. The resource person was Mr. Muhammad Haroon, Asst. Director QEC. Mr. Haroon gave a comprehensive presentation on importance and preparation mechanism of SAR in light of SAR Manual of HEC.

For more information, contact:
National Textile University (NTU)
Sheikhupura Road, Faisalabad 37610, Pakistan
Tel: +92-41-9230081-90
Fax: +92-41-9230098
Email: info@ntu.edu.pk
Website: http://www.ntu.edu.pk

January 24, 2022

India fined for slow over-rate in third ODI against South Africa

Dubai, January 24, 2022 (PPI-OT):India have been fined 40 per cent of their match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate against South Africa in the third ODI in Cape Town on Sunday. Andy Pycroft of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanction after KL Rahul’s side was ruled to be two overs short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration.

In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences, players are fined 20 per cent of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time.

Rahul pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing. On-field umpires Marais Erasmus and Bongani Jele, third umpire Allauhudien Palekar and fourth umpire Adrien Hold stock levelled the charge.

For more information, contact:
Headquarters,
International Cricket Council (ICC)
Street 69, Dubai Sports City,
Sh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE
Phone: +97-143828800
Fax: +97-143828600
E-mail: enquiry@icc-cricket.com
Website: www.icc-cricket.com

January 24, 2022

Sri Lanka beat Bangladesh to win ICC Commonwealth Games Qualifier 2022

Dubai, January 24, 2022 (PPI-OT):Captain Chamari Athapaththu produced a superb all-round effort to help Sri Lanka score a fine 22-run victory over Bangladesh and win the ICC Commonwealth Games Qualifier 2022 at the Kinrara Oval in Kuala Lumpur on Monday.

The last match of the five-team tournament, played to decide the final qualifying spot at this year’s Commonwealth Games, saw Athapaththu score 48 runs to propel Sri Lanka to 136 for six before returning figures of three for 17 to restrict Bangladesh to 114 for five.

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) will announce the cricket line-up in due course, once Sri Lanka are officially confirmed as the eighth team in Birmingham, joining Australia, Barbados, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan and South Africa, who have already qualified for the Games.

Athapaththu did everything right today right from winning the toss in the crucial fixture.

Electing to bat, Sri Lanka were kept quiet by opening bowlers Salma Khatun and Soraya Azmim in the first few overs. Azmim was rewarded for consistently hitting hard lengths when Vishmi Gunaratne lobbed her to Fargana Hoque at mid-off to leave Sri Lanka at 14 for one in the fourth over.

A few balls later, Athapaththu slashed Azmim over the infield for four before unleashing a barrage of sweep shots against Bangladesh’s spinners, two of which cleared the ropes for six.

Off-spinner Salma Khatun, the only bowler up to that point to keep Athapaththu in check, was brought back into the attack. She responded by trapping Hasini Perera plumb in front with the score 61 for two in the ninth over.

Athapaththu muscled Rumana over extra cover for six as she approached what could have been her third half-century of the tournament. However, she missed out on her fifty when she tried to repeat the shot, only managing an edge through to Shamima Sultana behind the stumps.

Unsurprisingly, the fall of Athapaththu’s wicket allowed Bangladesh’s spinners to claw back before Nilakshi de Silva and Anushka Sanjeewani helped Sri Lanka accumulate 42 runs in the last five overs to take the score to 136 for six.

In reply, Bangladesh benefitted from a dropped catch and four overthrows in the first couple of overs. Shamima Sultana was caught in the circle by Udeshika Prabodhani off the bowling of Ama Kanchana to leave Bangladesh at 18 for one in the third over.

However, left-handed opener Murshida Khatun continued her fine form by clearing the infield for boundaries on three occasions during a Power play that fetched Bangladesh 46 runs.

However, Sri Lanka’s spin quartet of Athapaththu, Inoka Ranaweera, Sachini Nisansala, and Kavisha Dilhari put the squeeze on Bangladesh, who could not score a single boundary in the next six overs.

Athapaththu’s arm ball trapped Murshida in front to leave Bangladesh at 71 for two after 12 overs, requiring a further 66 runs off 48 balls for victory.

Despite a dropped catch that went for four and a no-ball from Athapaththu, Bangladesh were unable to fight back as Sri Lanka completed a comfortable victory.

Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana identified what went wrong for her team.

“They managed to score extra boundaries in the last three overs. And we could not do well with the bat,” she said.

Athapaththu was particularly impressed with her bowlers in this game.

“I had complete confidence in our experienced bowling attack. The plan was to bowl lots of dot balls to exert pressure,” she said.

Athapaththu was awarded the Player of the Match and Player of the Tournament awards.

“I wanted to bat through, but I’m reasonably happy with the start I got today, giving a platform for the other players to compile a challenging total,” she said.

Brief Scores: Sri Lanka beat Bangladesh by 22 runs. Sri Lanka 136/6 in 20 Overs; Bangladesh 114/5 in 20 Overs.

Player of the Match: Chamari Athapaththu

January 24, 2022

Amendments to HBL PSL 2022 playing conditions

Lahore, January 24, 2022 (PPI-OT):Pakistan Cricket Board today confirmed playing conditions of the HBL Pakistan Super League 2022, which will be played in Karachi and Lahore from 27 January to 27 February. Some of amendments to the playing conditions, which are sitting on the corporate website under Documents/Men’s Playing Conditions, are:

If a team loses players due to positive results, it can seek the Technical Committee’s approval for replacement players from the reserve pool of players (Clause 1.2.5.1) For a match to go ahead, a team must have, at least, 13 players who are Covid-19 negative (Clause 1.2.5.2)

Playing line-up must comprise a minimum of seven and a maximum of eight local players including an emerging player. However, if a team is affected by Covid to the extent that it is impossible for it to create a playing 11 in accordance with the relevant requirements, the requirements will stand waived to the necessary extent (Clause 1.2.5)

Fielding side must be in position to bowl the first ball of the final over of the innings by the scheduled or rescheduled time for the end of the innings. If they are not in such a position, one fewer fielder will be permitted outside of the 30-yard circle for the remaining overs of the innings (Clause 13.8)

There will be a reserve day for the final. If no result is achieved on the reserve day, then the side finishing on top of the points table after 30 league matches will be declared champion (Clause 16.11.1)

TV umpire to call no balls (Clause 21.5)

For more information, contact:
Media Manager,
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 54600, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-5717231-4
Fax: +92-42-5711860
Website: www.pcb.com.pk