Latest news with #ASN
LeMonde
2 days ago
- Business
- LeMonde
French state buys Atos's advanced computing division
The French government is continuing its strategic acquisitions. After nationalizing the submarine telecoms cable manufacturer ASN for €350 million in November 2024, the Finance and Economy Ministery announced on Monday, June 2, that it had submitted an offer to acquire the advanced computing division of the tech firm Atos. The company has accepted the offer. "This step paves the way for the signing of a binding agreement in the coming weeks," the ministry stated. The government is expected to take full control by mid-2026, allowing time to complete all of the necessary legal steps. Negotiations had been underway since November 2024. The enterprise value of these operations is €410 million, of which €110 million consists of additional payments based on profitability indicators for the 2025 and 2026 fiscal years. The amount is below the €500-625 million range announced when negotiations began. Atos said that the difference "reflects the narrower scope of the transaction." The deal does not include the Vision AI division, including the British video analytics start-up Ipsotek, acquired by Atos in 2021, which will remain with the tech company.
Scotsman
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scotsman
Cycle Law Scotland support community cycling initiative
As part of this exciting partnership, Rod Mitchell of Cycle Law Scotland joined one of Sunny Cycles' monthly inclusive cycling sessions. The session, delivered in collaboration with OPEKA — a charity supporting adults with Additional Support Needs (ASN) — provided a first-hand look at the transformative impact of accessible cycling on health, confidence, and community connection. This corporate support will enable Sunny Cycles to deliver more inclusive cycling sessions, reaching a wider group of participants and helping to create a safer, more welcoming cycling culture in the city. 'At Cycle Law Scotland, we are committed to protecting the rights and wellbeing of cyclists across Scotland,' said Rod Mitchell, Marketing Director. 'Supporting inclusive community initiatives like those run by Sunny Cycles aligns perfectly with our culture and values, and we are delighted to contribute to such meaningful work.' Specialists in legal representation for cyclists involved in road traffic incidents, Cycle Law Scotland advocates for safer roads and better infrastructure for all who travel on two wheels. This partnership reflects a shared vision of cycling as a safe, empowering, and inclusive mode of transport. Sunny Cycles expressed their gratitude: 'Having Cycle Law Scotland as our first corporate supporter is a milestone. Their belief in our work and their presence in our community sessions makes a real difference. We're excited about what we can achieve together.' Learn more about Sunny Cycles at: 1 . Contributed Rod Mitchell, Cycle Law Scotland Marketing Director, tries out a hand-powered bicycle. Photo: Submitted Photo Sales 2 . Contributed Rod Mitchell of Cycle Law Scotland hands over cheque for £1500 to Sunny Cycles Photo: Submitted Photo Sales 4 . Contributed Disability bicycle desgned for two people Photo: Submitted Photo Sales Related topics: GlasgowScotland
Edinburgh Live
23-05-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Live
West Lothian play space forced to close with 'so many bills' and drop in users
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A West Lothian play centre is urging locals to help them keep their doors open - after an 'all time low' in users. Managers at Let's Rock The Spectrum in Armadale said visitors had dropped so low they had 'no option' but to close for almost a week. After fundraising they were able to cover some costs - though are asking locals to donate, if they can, to keep the space going. This comes after the sunny weather over Scotland was 'keeping numbers down'. On May 15, centre bosses said that rising temperatures saw their visitors drop drastically. Let's Rock The Spectrum opened up in October 2023, and aims to provide all children with a nurturing space to play - with a focus on those with additional support needs. Rachel O'Neil, who launched the business, returned home from working abroad for 12 years and said there 'no play spaces designed with ASN kids in mind'. Now, they're asking for support as they look to 'continue serving the community'. Posting to Facebook, they said: "We have raised just over the 50 percent mark and are so overwhelmed with everyone's kind words of support and donations! Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox "It truly means so much knowing what our wee space means to the community. For the last month, we have had an all time low in the number of people using our space. "So much so, we had no option but to close for almost a week. We now have enough to cover May's rent (that was late) and June's rent is almost due. "In between this, we have SO many costs and bills that we have to cover with absolutely no income from the play space itself. We have invested so much of our time and money into the space and truly don't mind doing so- but we just cannot continue to sustain the space if people don't use it. "We hope numbers rise again and hope to see you all at our events and birthday parties too. We hope to get past this and continue to be around for a long time to come. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sentstraight to your messages. "But we do need help just now to cover the large amount of rent due in order to keep open! Every single pound helps. If you can't donate, please share." One local resident replied: "Aw sorry to hear this, hope you guys come through this." Another added: "Sad but totally understandable. We've been guilty of going out and enjoying the sun rather than coming for a play but will be back." A third posted: "Sorry to hear this, my kids love this place."
Associated Press
22-05-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Global Initiative Launched To Protect Kidney Patients During Crises and Emergencies
May 22, 2025 /3BL/ - An international alliance of humanitarian and medical organizations is announcing the launch of a new initiative to protect kidney and dialysis patients in crisis settings around the world. The Global Humanitarian Kidney Support Initiative—a collaboration among Direct Relief, the American Society of Nephrology (ASN), the European Renal Association (ERA), and the International Society of Nephrology (ISN)—aims to ensure continuity of care for people with serious kidney conditions during disasters, conflicts, and in regions where access to essential health services is limited. The initiative brings together global clinical expertise in nephrology with on-the-ground experience in humanitarian logistics to help sustain kidney care when health systems are disrupted or overwhelmed. Kidney patients—particularly those receiving dialysis or post-transplant care requiring essential medications—are especially vulnerable in emergencies. Regular access to treatment is essential for survival, and any interruption can quickly become life-threatening. The initiative seeks to address that risk through coordinated action, including emergency support for clinics and hospitals, provision of essential medicines and supplies, and training for healthcare workers operating under strained conditions. 'Kidney patients rely on consistent, life-sustaining treatment, which can be difficult to maintain when disaster strikes,' said Alycia Clark, Chief Pharmacist at Direct Relief. 'This collaboration helps ensure continuity of care by equipping health facilities with the products, training, and coordination required to deliver treatment safely and effectively—even under the most challenging conditions.' The partner organizations have previously worked together during major emergencies in the United States, Ukraine, Sudan, and other regions. The launch of this initiative builds on those efforts and establishes a formal structure to improve speed, coordination, and scale in future responses. 'This initiative reflects how much more can be accomplished when organizations combine strengths with a shared commitment to meeting urgent medical needs,' said Amy Weaver, CEO of Direct Relief. 'By uniting nephrology leaders with expertise in humanitarian operations, this collaboration creates a clear path for delivering kidney care where it's most at risk of falling through the cracks.' In addition to emergency response, the Global Humanitarian Kidney Support Initiative aims to contribute to long-term improvements in care by strengthening infrastructure in low- and middle-income countries, expanding clinical education, and advancing patient awareness and disease prevention strategies. Direct Relief will manage medical supply logistics and operational support, while ASN, ERA, and ISN will lead regional efforts through their professional networks and national society partners. 'ASN is thrilled to be part of this new collaboration with ERA, ISN and Direct Relief. Together, we will be able to provide support to patients and their caregivers in regions impacted by both natural and human-influenced events and stretch each organization's resources further. The support of corporate and foundation sponsors will be instrumental in ensuring that people living with kidney diseases have the best chance to thrive even in extreme circumstances', said Jeffrey Silberzweig, MD, Chair, ASN's Humanitarian Kidney Support Program 'Patients with kidney diseases represent one of the most vulnerable groups in disaster settings since their survival depends on functional infrastructure, access to advanced technology and experienced personnel within days (if not hours),' said Professor Mehmet Şükrü Sever, Chair of ERA's Kidney Relief in Disasters Task Force. The Global Humanitarian Kidney Support Initiative can contribute to life-saving efforts by promoting clinical education, enhancing patient awareness and disease prevention strategies and delivering material support when most needed. 'Kidney patients in many parts of the world already have fragile access to care. When disaster strikes, the risk of interruption or disruption of needed care becomes rapidly acute. This initiative strengthens collaboration between professional renal societies and humanitarian organizations, allowing the ISN to contribute its expertise and help connect local providers with urgently needed support', stated Prof. Ali Abu-Alfa, Chair, ISN Renal Disaster Preparedness Working Group. Looking ahead, the initiative aims to expand its reach and impact by engaging pharmaceutical and medical device companies, philanthropic foundations, and global health partners to close critical gaps in care and strengthen long-term support for people living with kidney disease—especially in regions where treatment access remains fragile. ### About ASN Since 1966, ASN has been leading the fight to prevent, treat, and cure kidney diseases throughout the world by educating health professionals and scientists, advancing research and innovation, communicating new knowledge and advocating for the highest quality care for patients. ASN has nearly 22,000 members representing 141 countries. For more information, visit and follow us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Instagram About Direct Relief A humanitarian organization committed to improving the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies, Direct Relief delivers lifesaving medical resources to communities in need around the world—without regard to politics, religion, or ability to pay. The organization holds NABP Drug Distributor Accreditation and is licensed to distribute prescription medications in all 50 U.S. states. In 2025, Direct Relief received the Seoul Peace Prize in recognition of its global humanitarian impact and effectiveness. For more information, please visit About ERA With more than 28,000 members, the ERA (European Renal Association) is one of the largest and most prestigious nephrology associations worldwide. It supports basic and clinical research in clinical nephrology, dialysis, renal transplantation, and related subjects, dedicated to advancing kidney health through science, education, and networking. Founded in 1963, ERA serves as a leading platform for scientific exchange, professional development, and advocacy in the field of nephrology across Europe and beyond. ERA organises annual congresses, supports fellowships and CME courses, and publishes two leading nephrology journals in Europe: Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation and Clinical Kidney Journal (open access). For more information, please visit About ISN The International Society of Nephrology, established in 1960, is a global professional medical association committed to advancing kidney health worldwide through education, grants, research, and advocacy. By collaborating with its members and affiliated national and regional societies, the ISN engages with 30,000 health professionals worldwide to help reduce the burden of kidney diseases and provide optimal health care for patients globally. For more information, please visit Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Direct Relief
STV News
22-05-2025
- General
- STV News
Children being put in danger on 'unsafe' walking routes after school bus cuts
Concerned parents fear their children are being put in danger by 'unsafe' walking routes to school after free bus cuts were confirmed. South Lanarkshire Council announced last year that transportation to mainstream secondary schools was to move to the statutory arrangements used by most local authorities. Only secondary pupils who live more than three miles from school will continue to get free transport paid for using council funds. The changes come into effect in August, but parents have told STV News they're concerned for child safety, with some routes passing through parks and across busy roads. Karin Hill, whose daughter will be 11 years old when she starts school, says she doesn't want her walking over 48 minutes to and from school. She told STV News: 'My main concern is the road safety – there's a section she has to walk through a grassy area with bad lighting and through dangerous parks. 'The area is not well connected by public transport. I've spoken to bus companies and there's not enough funding to supply buses in our direction. 'There are services that go down, but at times that don't suit children getting to school on time. 'My husband and I would need to look for new jobs to actually be able to take her to school and back.' Another parent said her daughter will have to walk one hour each way to school, encompassing 2.9 miles through 'dark forest tracks'. She said: 'It is not safe. There's a forest track, busy roads, underpasses, and a derelict pub to walk by. 'There is no world where it is safe for a child to walk an hour and a half to get to school. 'I wouldn't want my daughter doing that in the summer, never mind the winter.' She added: 'There's no good alternative here.' Parents say they overwhelmingly voted against the plans in a consultation period, but South Lanarkshire Council said this was 'expected given the outcome would be the removal of free transportation from some pupils.' Parents say they were told by councillors that no one from the authority had walked proposed routes to test their safety. Supplied Parents say they met with councillors and were told no one from the council had walked proposed routes. David Hinshelwood, interim head of education at the council, said the route had been assessed as safe by a roads engineer. He added: 'If any parents have concerns about areas along this route, they can email the team and we will review their concerns.' There are to be no changes to current arrangements for any ASN pupils, and primary school pupils will continue to qualify for free transport if they live more than one mile from their catchment school. A South Lanarkshire Council spokesperson said: 'The decision to change the distance requirement for the provision of free transportation to mainstream secondary schools from August 2025 was taken by elected members in June 2023. 'It will bring South Lanarkshire into line with most other Scottish councils. 'Until that date, South Lanarkshire will have provided free transportation beyond the distances recommended by Scottish Government guidelines. 'Unfortunately, however, financial pressures mean moving to statutory arrangements is necessary to help us protect other parts of the education budget that directly affect pupils' learning.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
