BEIJING, July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Sohu.com Limited (NASDAQ: SOHU), a leading Chinese online media, video and game business group, will report its second quarter 2024 unaudited financial results on Monday, August 5, 2024, before U.S. market hours.
Sohu’s management team will host a conference call on the same day at 7:30 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time, August 5, 2024 (7:30 p.m.Beijing/Hong Kong time, August 5, 2024) following the quarterly results announcement.
Conference Call Preregistration
Participants can register for the conference call by click here, you will be led to the conference registration website. Upon registration, each participant will receive details for the conference call, including dial-in numbers and a unique access PIN. Please dial in 10 minutes before the call is scheduled to begin.
The live webcast and archive of the conference call will be available on the Investor Relations section of Sohu’s website at https://investors.sohu.com/.
About Sohu
Sohu.com Limited (NASDAQ: SOHU) was established by Dr. Charles Zhang, one of China’s internet pioneers, in the 1990s. As a mainstream media platform in China, Sohu is indispensable to the daily life of millions of Chinese, providing a network of web properties and community based products which continually offer a broad array of choices regarding information, entertainment and communication to the vast number of Sohu users. Sohu has built one of the most comprehensive matrices of Chinese language web properties, consisting of the leading online media destinations Sohu News App, Sohu Video App, the mobile news portal m.sohu.com, the PC portal www.sohu.com, and the online video website tv.sohu.com; and the online games platform www.changyou.com/en/.
Sohu provides online brand advertising services as well as multiple news, information and content services on its matrix of websites and also on its mobile platforms. Sohu’s online game business, conducted by its subsidiary Changyou, develops and operates a diverse portfolio of PC and mobile games, such as the well-known Tian Long Ba Bu (“TLBB”) PC and Legacy TLBB Mobile.
The summer travel season is in full swing and we are ready to pack our bags. Whether you’re hopping a plane and leaving the country or simply driving to your favorite campsite for the weekend, you need the right luggage. And that’s where this crossbody comes in handy — and at a very reasonable price.
I recently embarked on an adventure across Italy, where I was able to test what shoppers have called “the perfect solution” for on-the-go storage: the Waterfly Crossbody Sling Backpack. And readers, I’m here to say that this bag is indeed ideal for day-tripping through theme parks, tourist hotspots and so much more. Right now, you can get Amazon’s No. 1 bestselling super sling for as low as $24.
Amazon
Snag this bag in 20 different colors, from neutral black to pastel purple to neon yellow.
Right now, you can score this travel buddy for $24, down from $35 (don’t miss the on-page coupon), and I can assure you that it’s more than worth it. It’s available in 20 colors, but we also haven’t seen this crossbody marked down any lower since January. (Note that prices vary by color.) Now’s the time to grab one at a savings if you’re getting ready to hit the road.
Why do I need this? 🤔
This crossbody backpack was the only “purse” I brought on our whirlwind trip through Italy — including Rome, Cinque Terre, Florence and Pompeii — and it held up incredibly through our 10-day adventure. That’s no small feat: It was fairly drizzly most of the time we were there, and on certain days, we walked 20,000 steps or more. The bag not only had to stand up to wet conditions, but the rigors of heavy use: me constantly putting it on and taking it off, adjusting the strap and opening it multiple times a day. I also had to carry enough items to get me through up to 12 hours of sightseeing.
And folks: It performed marvelously.
Whether it’s used as a fanny pack or a shoulder sling, this bag is more than ready for a day of sightseeing. (Carrie McCabe for Yahoo/Amazon)
The real value here: The level of organization and storage space afforded by such a deceptively sleek, compact bag. There are a ton of compartments: a larger main zipper compartment, a slide-in pocket that clips shut with the bag, a small zipper compartment on the front, two side mesh water bottle holders, a small zipped pocket on the strap and more. With all of these, I was able to stay prepared for anything. Some days I was able to fit a travel umbrella, reusable water bottle, wallet, passport, guidebook (thanks, Rick Steves), snacks, sunglasses, shawl, Kindle, external battery and extra cords, earbuds, iPhone, toiletries and medications, selfie stick and even more. Phew! That’s a wild amount considering the bag isn’t exactly massive at 15 by 7 by 3.5 inches.
Oh, yeah: It was comfortable. The shoulder strap is well-padded, but if your shoulder ever gets tired, the bag converts into a fanny pack (it’s not necessarily made to do this, but it works perfectly well). It also washes easily — my trusty Sugar-Free Red Bull spilled in one of the pockets, but I simply rinsed out the bag at our hotel and let it air dry, and it was totally fine by the next day.
The Waterfly crossbody bag kept all my travel essentials in check and easy to access while I explored the Roman ruins. (Amazon/Carrie McCabe for Yahoo)
What reviewers say 💬
Over 30,000 Amazon reviewers have also given the Waterfly Crossbody Sling Backpack a travel-ready five-star rating, with many highlighting its size, compartments and lack of bulk.
Pros 👍
“I bought this bag for a trip to Universal Orlando with my son for his 11th birthday. This bag was perfect!” raved one shopper. “It held everything we needed: snacks, ponchos, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, wipes, and even water bottles (I used 9-ounce S’Well bottles, which I highly recommend). I even put a pair of plastic Birkenstocks one day for the water rides. The pouch on the strap fit my iPhone 15 Pro as well as my sunglasses.”
One Disneyphile shared: “Based off of multiple positive recommendations from various Disney blogs and discussion boards, I bought this for my trip to Disneyland. It was truly the perfect size, with just enough storage to hold everything I needed it to hold. … You can easily slip it on and off; with a quick change of the clips, you can switch which shoulder it’s on. You can wear it across your front or your back. It’s sturdy and keeps the contents inside dry in the rain or on a wet ride at a park. … I highly recommend this pack, and that is from someone who also owns other day packs from Osprey and Camelback.”
“As a frequent traveler, especially now in retirement, finding the perfect bag for my needs has been a priority,” wrote another fan. “This backpack is impeccably designed, striking the right balance between size and functionality. … It’s a reliable travel companion, making organization and accessibility a breeze.”
Cons 👎
One Disney dad gave the bag a five-star rating but noted some areas where even this fan favorite could be improved: “One: Add a flap, latch, elastic strap or something similar on those outside mesh pouches so that nothing can fall out. Two: Add a second clip (like the one for keys), buried in the ‘roof’ of the main pouch or elsewhere so I can clip an Apple AirTag to it.”
Another shopper wrote: “Is a great purse for traveling. My only wish is that the phone pocket on the strap could adjust its position.”
Amazon
The Waterfly has a ton of compartments, including a front zipper pocket, a mesh water bottle holder and a shoulder strap phone pocket.
Boeing’s Stephanie Pope gives a press conference at the Paris Le Bourget Airport, on June 20, 2023.
Geoffroy Van Der Hasselt | AFP | Getty Images
LONDON — Boeing‘s output of 737 Max planes is showing signs of improvement, the new head of its commercial unit said ahead of a major air show on Sunday, while admitting that the manufacturer has “disappointed” customers with delayed planes.
Boeing is trying to get past several safety and manufacturing crises, including the midair door plug blow out in January, which have slowed deliveries of planes to airlines and prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to increase its oversight of the storied manufacturer.
Stephanie Pope, in her first press conference since taking over the key role at the troubled aircraft manufacturer in March, reiterated that Boeing has committed to increasing production of the Max to 38 a month. Production slipped into the mid-20s per month in the first half of the year, analysts have said.
Pope said Boeing is on the right path to improving its manufacturing quality, safety and predictability of deliveries, a “transformational change” that she said will take years.
“It still doesn’t take away the reality that we’ve disappointed” our customers, she said at a press conference before the Farnborough Airshow, outside of London. “We’ve impacted their business and we haven’t met the commitments and lived up to being the partner that they expect and they need us to be.”
Boeing has unveiled a host of goals aimed at getting it back on the right path, like improving worker training and manufacturing processes, among others. In the spring it delivered an improvement plan to the FAA that the agency ordered after the blowout in January.
“This plan is not a three month plan,” said Pope. “I call it transformational because some of these actions will take years.”
As part of the leadership shakeup that promoted Pope to head the commercial unit, Boeing’s CEO Dave Calhoun said he would step down by year’s end.
When asked whether she was interested in the role, Pope said she is focused on the commercial unit’s recovery.
“That is my priority,” she said.
Boeing’s problems aren’t limited to its commercial program, however. Its defense unit has also been grappling with delays, including of the money-losing and delayed modification of two Boeing 747s that will serve as the next two Air Force One aircraft.
Boeing 737 MAX aircraft are assembled at the company’s plant in Renton, Washington, U.S. June 25, 2024.
Jennifer Buchanan | Via Reuters
The CEO of that unit, Ted Colbert, said Boeing continues “to fight through some of the challenges that really stemmed from challenges in the supply chain.”
Boeing reports quarterly results on July 31 and is set to report charges from that unit, Colbert said at the same press conference.
The United Airlines terminal on July 19, 2024 as a global technology outage affected LAX airport in Los Angeles.
Myung J. Chun | Los Angeles Times | Getty Images
Flight cancellations and delays continued on Saturday as airlines worked to recover from a global IT outage sparked chaos at airports and for other industries a day earlier.
More than 2,200 flights were canceled on Saturday, with over 1,600 of them in the United States, according to flight-tracking site FlightAware. More than 5,300 U.S. flights were delayed.
On Friday, more than 5,000 flights were canceled worldwide, with about 3,400 in the U.S. Over 12,000 U.S. flights were delayed.
The disruptions were similar to severe weather like a winter or tropical storm but airlines had no time to prepare for the outage, leaving them scrambling to accommodate customers ahead of a summer weekend.
A software update from CrowdStrike that went awry led to a major outage of Microsoft systems for businesses around the world.
“I am proud of our teams across the globe who worked around the clock today to safely get our operation back on track and care for our customers after the most disruptive technology outage in history,” said United Airlines COO Toby Enqvist in a statement late Friday. “While we had to cancel and delay far more flights than we ever want to, we are poised to return to a near-normal operation on Saturday.”
About 13% of United’s mainline flights were canceled on Saturday, down from 22% on Friday, according to FlightAware data. Delta Air Lines canceled about 25% of its Saturday flights, a slight improvement from 31% a day earlier.
Airlines waived fare differences and fees for affected customers.
How much customers with impacted flights will be reimbursed for additional expenses like meals or hotels may depend on the airline’s specific policy.
But one mandate is clear, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation: Customers are entitled to a refund for a canceled flight if they do not choose to travel on an alternate flight or accept a voucher.
“I am hearing reports of some airlines only offering flight credits to passengers for cancelled flights,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a social media post on Saturday. “Let me be clear — you are entitled to get your money back promptly if your flight is cancelled and you don’t take a rebooking.”
— CNBC’s Rebecca Picciotto contributed to this report.
If you’re a fan of leftovers, good for you for not letting perfectly good grub go to waste. But we’re also willing to bet you have a cabinet full of stained, mismatched plastic containers that make packing up said leftovers quite the chore. Well, it might be time for a little upgrade. Thousands of Amazon shoppers love these sturdy, glass JoyJolt JoyFul Food Storage Containers, which have airtight seals to keep food fresh. And now this 24-piece set is only $40 (down from $70).
Amazon
Got leftovers? Ditch the plastic for these super-strong glass containers.
Thanks to this superb discount, this set is within a few dollars of its lowest price ever. You’ll get 12 containers and lids for just $40 — that’s $1.67 a piece. It’s also available in green, grey and periwinkle collections for the same price.
Why do I need this? 🤔
As mentioned, these food storage containers are made of glass — but not just any glass. We’re talking about borosilicate glass, which is used on thermal tiles in space shuttles. Not only does it conveniently allow you to see what’s packed inside, but it’s oven-safe up to an insane 1,040 degrees and can go in the microwave without a lid. You can also store these containers in the freezer if you have leftovers you know you won’t get to right away.
With this set, you’ll get four rectangular containers, four square containers and four round containers that range from 11 to 35 ounces. The included lids have airtight silicone seals and snap shut on each side to keep food fresh and help prevent leaks. Now you’ll have ample storage for everything from leftovers to ingredients you’ve prepped for the week.
The name doesn’t lie — these food storage containers really do give us a jolt of joy. (Amazon)
“Best storage containers I have ever owned, and I’m 73,” shared one wowed shopper. “Needless to say, I have many. I was so tired of fighting with poor-fitting lids. These are amazingly functional.”
“Absolutely love how versatile these containers are,” gushed another impressed buyer. “The glass is sturdy and [the] lids are easy to clean and do not stain. Both containers and lids did well in my top rack dishwasher without any warping. I put soup in the container and flipped it upside down on my counter just to test if it would leak, and not one drop escaped through the seal.”
“These are excellent quality!” exclaimed this customer reported. “Honestly, I like them more than my Pyrex containers. The lids stay on well, they stack together nicely and they wash up well!
Cons 👎
This customer also reported: “My only complaint is the lids are annoying to store, but otherwise I love them and will be ordering more!” (Psst: Keep scrolling for a smart lid storage solution.)
Said another: “This set is really small. Great for minimal leftovers. Ideal for going into lunch boxes. But for family-sized leftovers they are too small.”
JoyJolt
This set is available in four colors — get it in black, green, grey (pictured) or periwinkle.
As promised, here’s that smart lid storage solution:
Amazon
This popular problem-solver has five adjustable dividers so you can neatly organize your lids by size, shape or however you’d like. No more messy stack of mystery lids taking up precious space!
“Really nice storage container for lids,” wrote one happy reviewer. “Easy to put together … fit well in [my] cupboard and helped clean up and organize the clutter.”
It is peak summer and you know what that means? Sun, surf, sand…and, if you’re not careful, sunburn. In 2024, we all know that finding and using the best body sunscreens are crucial to protecting our skin. This wasn’t really an issue when I was growing up. In the ’80s and ’90s, Gen Xers like me were more focused on deepening our bronze-y, skin-leathering tans (following the adage of Snooki from MTV’s The Jersey Shore: “If you can’t tone it, tan it!”) than we were in finding high-quality SPF to protect us from the sun. But times have (blessedly) changed. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, skin cancer is now the most common cancer in the United States. The best way to prevent it? Regular use of high-quality, broad-spectrum sunscreen, particularly one that blocks the damage caused by both UVA and UVB rays. “The American Academy of Dermatology recommends reapplying sunscreen every two hours when outdoors, and more frequently if swimming or sweating,” says Los Angeles dermatologist and facial plastic surgeon Dr. Kay Durairaj. “For mature skin, which may already show signs of photo-damage, diligent reapplication is not just beneficial, it’s essential for maintaining skin health and vitality.” And, while many of us (especially those with sensitive skin) are acquainted with the best sunscreens for our faces, most of us don’t know how or what to look for in a well-made body sunscreen. Read our frequently asked questions below for more on how to select the right sunscreen for you. And check out our picks below as recommended by dermatologists, celebrities and the Yahoo Shopping editors.
This broad-spectrum sunscreen is sweat-resistant (for 80 minutes), lightning-fast absorbing and the gentle formula is great for all skin types (it’s especially excellent for kids). It’s designed to be used on both face and body, which makes it convenient and versatile — it’s the only sunscreen I pack on vacation) — especially since it comes in a number of sizes, including both a tiny travel-size tube and a handy Supergoop Play Everyday jumbo size, an 18-ounce tub with an easy-to-use, family-friendly applicator pump.
Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide | SPF: 50+ | Size: 3 ounces | Water-Resistant: Yes | Reef-Safe: No | Cruelty-Free: No
Nearly every expert I spoke to raved about EltaMD’s sunscreen line as safe and effective. This formula is both a mineral and chemical SPF, so the texture feels smooth going on and it is absorbed fast. It’s also fragrance- and oil-free. The brand has legions of die-hard fans, including Brooke Shields, who, after a skin cancer scare, told Elle magazine: “I use sunscreen every day now. … I’m a long-time user of the EltaMD sunscreen line. I always apply in the morning and one time during the day.”
Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide | SPF: 50 | Mineral or chemical: mineral| Size: 5.8 ounces | Water-Resistant: Yes | Reef-Safe: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
From an environmental standpoint, Thrive’s sunscreen has a ton going for it: It’s reef-safe, made of ingredients that support regenerative farming and contained in a tube that’s comprised of 100% recycled plastic. What’s inside is just as good, a potent zinc oxide mineral sunscreen that absorbs into skin easily with zero white cast (at least on my fair-ish skin). The scent is a kind of citrus-hippie, which I don’t mind, but some users found a bit strong.
Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide and titanium oxide | SPF: 50 | Size: 5 ounces | Water-Resistant: Yes | Reef-Safe: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This reliable, fragrance-free natural mineral sunscreen from the Australian company Blue Lizard is a long-standing family favorite with more than 10,000 5-star Amazon reviews. It’s ultra-gentle, sweat- and water-resistant (up to 80 mins), offers serious broad-spectrum protection and the smooth, creamy texture absorbs quickly into skin. Plus, it’s affordable: just $15 for 5 ounces.
Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide | SPF: 50 | Size: 3 ounces | Water-Resistant: Yes | Reef-Safe: No | Cruelty-Free: No
The award-winning French La Roche-Posay Anthelios sunscreen is considered among the best in the world. The texture is lightweight, almost watery (like a thin day cream), which soaked into my skin on contact.
Once on, the formula looked natural, with no greasy feel, no stickiness and no glossy sheen.
Active Ingredients: Homosalate, Octocrylene | SPF: 50 | Size: 3 ounces | Water-Resistant: Yes | Reef-Safe: No | Cruelty-Free: No
Neutrogena’s lightweight, sheer, high-coverage chemical SPF is dermatologist-recommended, affordable, reliable and beloved by not only normies like us, but celebs like Nicole Kidman, who told Allure in 2019: “I’m shooting outdoors a lot, so the most important thing is the sunscreen — I use Neutrogena. … I reapply every 90 minutes, every single day.”
A luxurious, extra-silky mineral sunscreen cream that combines zinc oxide with bee propolis and vitamin C to nourish your skin, Epicuren’s formula is also a favorite of actress Tracee Ellis Ross: “It looks natural. Some sunscreens are not great if you’re a person of color,” she explained to Harper’s Bazaar in 2017.
I first tried Sun Bum’s SPF 70 sunscreen spray after picking it up in a grocery store while on vacation, which is one of Sun Bum’s biggest pros — it’s widely available. The spray protected me from any hint of sunburn for a full seven days, even after several hours in the pool.
The texture is silky and not at all sticky. The spray nozzle releases a fine mist that covers large swaths of the body with minimal effort — truly the best kind of sunscreen application. It worked so well, in fact, that I was able to cover my back without the aid of another adult.
The spray smells like coconut-banana, but not in a way that was overpowering or unpleasant for me. Still, the scent is some reviewers’ major complaint about Sun Bum (I just thought it smelled like sunscreen).
Cotz was founded in 2002 by reconstructive plastic surgeon Dr. Harry Fallick who set out to make a gentle, versatile everyday sunscreen his patients would actually use. The result is this water-resistant SPF 40 mineral sunscreen, which not only protects but soothes sensitive skin. The ultra-silky cream is reef-safe and free of dyes, fragrances, oils, preservatives, gluten and phthlates.
SPF: 50 | Broad spectrum: Yes | Water resistance: Yes (but limited) | Mineral or chemical: Mineral | Active ingredients: Actinica Zinc Oxide | Reef-Safe: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
The name may be a mouthful, but dermatologists swear by this one. Doctors we spoke to particularly recommend it for patients who have known sun damage. Isdin’s Eryfotona Actinica is one of the best mineral sunscreens, is lightweight, won’t leave your skin feeling greasy and has UVA/UVB protection. It’s also formulated with skin-healing ingredients like vitamin E to help fight UVA-induced skin damage.
What’s the difference between face sunscreen and body sunscreen?
It’s easy to think you can just use any sunscreen, anywhere, but there’s a reason to invest in different iterations for different anatomy — beyond just Big Sunscreen trying to rip you off. The skin on our faces tends to be thinner and more easily irritated and sunburned than the skin on our bodies, which means facial sunscreens are designed to be stronger, more hypoallergenic and less greasy (to avoid both acne flare-ups and burning your eyes) than those made for your arms, back and legs. Because face sunscreens are formulated more like skin care (often with high-end skin care ingredients), they tend to be more expensive. They’re also packaged in smaller quantities, often not ample for repeatedly covering larger swaths of skin.
“When choosing a good sunscreen for body, it’s usually easier [than for face]: you can select from more options,” explains cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban. “Oil-based, spray, mist, light body lotion or heavier cream formulations can most often be applied without issue for normal skin.” Though she cautions: “Those with super sensitive or reactive skin do need to select those that will not irritate or exacerbate skin conditions.”
Other considerations when choosing a new body SPF: deciding between mineral or chemical sunscreens (the main difference: chemical sunscreens absorb into the skin and act as a kind of sponge for harmful rays, while mineral sunscreens use literal minerals like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to create a physical shield that protects skin from UV light, which is why they’re sometimes referred to as physical sunscreens).
You should also select a product with a SPF 30 or higher, one that you enjoy (or at least don’t mind) applying, with a scent and texture that’s pleasant to you. Remember, the most important aspect of sunscreen shopping is finding one you’ll actually use.
Can I use body sunscreen on my face?
Experts I spoke with gave a resounding “yes!” to this question but only if there are no alternative face sunscreens around (the idea being that any sunscreen is better than no sunscreen). Sun protection for your face is usually more lightweight, contains antioxidants and anti-aging ingredients like hyaluronic acid and is usually better for the more tender facial dermis (these products also often contain complexion-smoothing qualities, as in the case of the best tinted sunscreens). There are exceptions of course — some quality sunburn preventers, like Supergoop’s Play, are formulated to work on both face and body.
Does sunscreen expire?
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration mandates that any sunscreen remain effective for at least 36 months; after that the strength of your sunscreen may diminish and deteriorate. Many sunscreens have expiration dates and should be discarded immediately after the date marked. According the Mayo Clinic, you should also toss any product in which “the color or texture changes significantly.”
Meet our experts
Los Angeles dermatologist and facial plastic surgeon Dr. Kay Durairaj
GUANGZHOU, China, July 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — On July 18th, as the 2024-2025 Mercer China Healthiest Workplace List was unveiled, Infinitus received the prestigious “Mercer China Healthiest Workplace” designation and the Outstanding Health Innovation Award.
Infinitus Honored with the Mercer China Healthiest Workplace Title and the Outstanding Health Innovation Award
The Mercer China Healthiest Workplace Awards is one of the most prestigious distinctions in the field of workplace health in China. Organized by Mercer, a leading professional consulting firm specializing in employee health and welfare, the event focuses on workplace health, and aims to identify and honor outstanding employers who have created comprehensive, excellent health and well-being environments for their employees.
This year, 330 companies competed, with 67 companies, including names like Bayer, Yili, Tesla, Lenovo, Marriott, Mars, and Infinitus, earning recognition.
Infinitus, a company rooted in health and wellness, operates under a mission to promote China’s superior wellness culture, and create a healthier and happier life. the company views its employees as vital co-creators of the mission, holding a firm belief that by prioritizing the health and happiness of its staff, the company can inspire and unite more people to build a healthier and happier world.
Embracing a distinctive philosophy that a healthy life is the foundation of a healthy existence, Infinitus adopts a holistic approach to employee well-being, addressing physical, psychological, social, and financial health through diverse initiatives:
Physical Health Programs:
Creation of A Healthy Workplace: Infinitus equips its offices with professional fitness equipment and offers health tips to encourage a balanced work-life and employee well-being. Additionally, seasonal health teas are always on offer in the pantry, demonstrating attention to detail and care for employee well-being.
Health and Wellness Activities: Infinitus integrates health and wellness deeply into its culture through employee events and team-building exercises that embody Chinese health practices while enhancing their well-being. To illustrate an example, summer health activities encourage employees to engage in various health activities within the facility where they work, including traditional practices such as the application of three-volt patches, fire dragon jar treatments, and massage sessions.
Safety and Health Assurance: Beyond regular medical check-ups for staff, Infinitus ensures workplace safety by equipping the office with first aid kits, Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), and other essential safety tools. Professional organizations are also regularly invited to conduct first aid and safety training sessions for the employees.
Mental Health Support:
Psychological Counseling Services: Employees and their families have access to 24/7 free psychological counseling, emphasizing the importance of mental health.
Mind Recharging Spaces: The company offers exclusive areas such as a library, rooftop garden, and landscaped courtyard, designed to help employees relax and clear their minds. Additionally, a stress relief room is available for specific roles to alleviate their work-related stress.
Mental Health Empowerment: Regular workshops focused on psychological health and stress management are conducted annually. These sessions are dedicated to educating employees about mental health and equipping them with the skills to manage their mental well-being.
Social Wellness Initiatives:
Family Fun for Balance: Infinitus organizes an annual Family Fun Day, encouraging employees to bring their friends and family to the company for a shared celebration. This event strengthens the bonds between employees and their loved ones.
Recreational Activities for Networking: The company hosts a variety of recreational activities designed to help employees connect with colleagues who share similar interests.
Financial Health Support:
Supplementary Commercial Insurance: In addition to the mandatory social welfare scheme, Infinitus provides additional commercial insurance for its employees. This initiative addresses the challenge of accessing healthcare and includes family discounts on commercial insurance plans, ensuring comprehensive health protection for the entire family.
Employee Hospitalization Mutual Aid Fund: This fund provides financial assistance and health products from the company to support the recovery of hospitalized employees.
Assistance in Anti-Fraud: To safeguard employees’ financial security, Infinitus hosts anti-fraud seminars. These sessions, featuring police officers from the Anti-Fraud Centre, offer valuable insights into fraud prevention, equipping employees with essential knowledge to protect themselves against financial scams.
Receiving the Mercer China Healthiest Workplace designation marks the beginning of Infinitus’ renewed commitment to cultivating a healthy workplace. Driven by its mission and the core value of “Si Li Ji Ren” (considering everyone’s interest before taking action), Infinitus remains dedicated to enhancing the health and happiness of its employees and spreading well-being and joy to a broader community.
Travelers wait in line at a Delta Airlines counter at Ronald Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, on July 19, 2024. Airlines around the world experienced disruption on an unprecedented scale after a widespread global computer outage grounded planes and created chaos at airports.
Ting Shen/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Major airlines like United, Delta and American Airlines grounded flights Friday morning amid a global IT outage impacting their operations, triggering delays for travelers.
“You can imagine the mass chaos unfolding everywhere,” said Eric Napoli, chief legal officer at AirHelp, which helps fliers claim compensation for delayed or canceled flights.
“Any kind of shutdown, the bottleneck [it has] on so many flights is incredible,” he added.
Passengers impacted by flight disruptions may be entitled to a refund, hotel or meal voucher or other remuneration.
But it largely depends on the airline, travel experts said.
“There is this kind of gray area where we’re at the mercy of what the airline’s policy is,” Napoli said.
Experts are also divided as to whether the outage constitutes an event within or outside of airlines’ control — an important factor in determining whether a customer is entitled to any sort of financial compensation.
What to know about airlines’ financial duty
There’s really only one guarantee about an airline’s financial duty: Customers are owed a refund of the ticket price (and fees) if the carrier cancels their flight — regardless of the reason — and they choose not to travel on an alternate flight, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
This is true even for non-refundable tickets.
That means customers would get cash back on a canceled flight if they opt not to fly, and also decline an alternative like a rebooking or flight voucher, said John Breyault, travel expert at the National Consumers League.
Passengers are also entitled to a refund for “significant” schedule changes or delays, and opt not to fly, the DOT said.
However, the DOT doesn’t define “significant.” That determination is based on factors like length of delay and flight and particular circumstances, the agency said.
Starting Oct. 28, airlines will have to “promptly” and automatically pay refunds to customers, due to a Biden administration rule issued in April. That rule also defines “significant” itinerary changes, including delays of three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international flights.
However, since the rule takes effect in October, it doesn’t help customers affected by Friday’s outage. They may have to “jump through hoops with the airline” to claim a refund, Breyault said.
It may be yet more challenging for fliers who bought a ticket through a third-party booking site, and not directly with the airline, experts said.
Customers will likely have to transact with that intermediary for any kind of financial compensation, said Napoli.
Expedia, for example, said on social media Friday morning it was “experiencing high call volume and long wait times due to a global IT outage. If your needs are not urgent, please consider postponing your call and chat to avoid long hold times.”
Airline policies differ on meals, hotels
However, many travelers affected by Friday’s outage need or want to fly to their end destination, meaning they wouldn’t be entitled to a refund.
There are generally no federal guarantees for travelers in such cases. This is where specific airline policy comes into play.
“The airline is going to fly you to your destination, on the next available flight,” said Sara Rathner, a travel expert at NerdWallet.
“What might differ [between airlines] is how much compensation you might get after the fact, not just for the delays but any other costs you might incur,” she added.
The United Airlines terminal on July 19, 2024 as a global technology outage affected LAX airport in Los Angeles.
Myung J. Chun | Los Angeles Times | Getty Images
The Transportation Department website outlines carriers’ promises to customers in the event of cancellations or delays longer than three hours. (Its dashboard outlines policies for 10 large U.S. airlines and their regional operating partners, which account for 96% of domestic passenger air traffic.)
Airlines are “required to adhere” to these promises, the agency said.
All airlines commit to rebook passengers on the same airline for free. Some will do so on a partner airline, and most will offer a meal and/or a hotel stay for long delays or cancellations, Napoli said.
Is the global IT outage ‘controllable’ or not?
However, airlines’ commitments only apply to circumstances within the airline’s control.
A “controllable” flight cancellation or delay may be due to maintenance or crew problems, cabin cleaning, baggage loading or fueling, for example, according to the Transportation Department.
It’s generally harder for consumers to get any sort of compensation for uncontrollable events like weather, Breyault said.
Experts seem to disagree on whether Friday’s outage would be deemed to be within airlines’ control.
CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity firm, experienced a major disruption on Friday linked to a tech update. That impacted organizations like Microsoft, which scrambled to restore apps and services used by a huge number of firms — including airlines.
A Delta Airlines kiosk displays a message that reads “It looks like Windows didn’t load correctly” at Ronald Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, on July 19, 2024.
Ting Shen/Bloomberg via Getty Images
“This seems a few degrees removed from the airlines,” said Rathner of NerdWallet. “It’s software they use as part of their operations.”
However, airlines choose their vendors, Breyault said. One could argue “a failure by one of their vendors is controllable,” he said.
“I think it’ll be something consumers should keep an eye on,” Breyault said.
Passengers should keep any receipts for unexpected costs incurred due to a delay or cancellation — like those for lodging and meals — for financial proof when filing a claim with an airline or travel insurer, for example, Rathner said.
“You may get some of that money back, so don’t throw those receipts away,” she said.
BEIJING, July 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Power Construction Corporation of China (“POWERCHINA” or “the Company”) continues to play a vital role in the development of global sports with the smooth progress of multiple sports facility construction projects around the world, demonstrating its significant efforts in promoting cross-cultural exchanges through the organizing of sports events.
Ombaka National Stadium in Benguela, Angola, constructed by POWERCHINA
In May 2024, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Serbia National Football Stadium Project and the EXPO 2027 project undertaken by POWERCHINA was successfully held, with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic expressing his high expectations for the project at the ceremony, thanking China for its support. The stadium will provide Serbia with high-quality sports facilities, capable of hosting World Cup and European Cup-level events, while the EXPO 2027 project will become one of Southeast Europe’s largest international trade expo venues, hosting EXPO 2027.
POWERCHINA has been expanding its sports facility construction projects globally. For instance, it built Qatar’s first solar power plant, the 800-megawatt Al Kharsaah photovoltaic power station, which began operations during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, noted that the project increases renewable energy utilization and supports Qatar’s commitment to a “carbon-neutral” World Cup.
In Benin, POWERCHINA has undertaken multipurpose stadium projects, constructing sports facilities in 10 cities. Locally led construction includes stands, all-weather running tracks, offices, and landscaping. The project overcame challenges of tight deadlines, extensive tasks, and logistics across multiple cities to ensure progress and quality. POWERCHINA upholds its principle of treating project sites like cities at home, fostering community bonds, and fulfilling corporate social responsibilities diligently.
The Benguela and Lubango Stadiums in Angola are designed and constructed by POWERCHINA. Signed on Dec. 18th, 2007 and delivered in December 2009, the project is two of the four important stadiums built in Angola for the 2010 Africa Football Cup of Nations, providing important support for the smooth organization of the event.
POWERCHINA not only builds sports facilities globally but also promotes employee wellness through sports events. In Ecuador, the Company sponsored the SINOHYDRO Cup Football Friendly Match, part of the Ecuadorian Amazon Region Electric Power Union Sports Competition. Local and Chinese employees participated, with the multicultural POWERCHINA team winning. The Mayor of El Chaco commended POWERCHINA for its active role and support in local sports, acknowledging its significant community contributions. Similarly, the Company has organized and engaged in football and badminton events in the UAE and Malaysia respectively, further fostering sports participation and community development.
POWERCHINA is committed to global infrastructure construction, actively participates in various sports and cultural exchanges, promotes international friendship and cooperation, integrates the concept of sustainable development, promotes global high-quality development, and injects a strong impetus for building a community of human destiny.
About POWERCHINA
Founded in 2011, Power Construction Corporation of China (POWERCHINA) is a leading construction group specializing in investment and financing, planning and design, engineering construction, equipment manufacturing, and operation management. The company ranked 105th among the Fortune 500 in the year 2023.
Revolutionizing Smartphone NFC Usage for a Smarter, More Convenient Life
SHANGHAI, July 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Infinix, a trendy tech brand crafted for young consumers, introduces its revolutionary 720-degree (720°) SphereTech Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. This groundbreaking advancement aims to transform user experiences by significantly enhancing the versatility and reliability of NFC applications on mobile devices. With its expanded signal coverage and unmatched stability, this innovative technology ensures smooth, seamless performance from any angle, setting a new standard for NFC functionality.
While current NFC technology enables mobile payments and transit access, it often results in transaction failures and user frustration, particularly in crowded or fast-paced environments where precise alignment is necessary for successful interactions, which can be cumbersome and unreliable.
Infinix’s Industry-Leading 720° SphereTech NFC technology is designed to tackle these limitations by offering a revolutionary improvement, eliminating the need for precise alignment. “Our commitment to innovation and understanding user needs has driven us to create a solution that not only enhances functionality but also provides unparalleled security and convenience for our users. The 720° SphereTech NFC significantly improves the mobile experience in NFC applications, offering seamless, reliable, and secure interactions from multiple angles[1]“, said Li Cao, Senior Manager, NFC Department of Infinix.
This technology comes with three major breakthroughs in spatial layout, signal compatibility, and material type configuration. The enhanced design ensures superior integration, while the improved signal range and strength guarantee optimal performance. Similarly, the use of optimized materials further boosts reliability and efficiency. This proprietary, self-developed patent has increased the card reading area by 200%[2] and doubled the signal range.
Infinix 720° SphereTech NFC comes with three major breakthroughs: Spatial Layout, Signal Compatibility, Material Type Configuration
Furthermore, Infinix’s 720° SphereTech NFC technology is the first to support reading and tapping cards from three sides of the mobile device, such as the front, top, and back, achieving a 100%[3] signal range improvement compared to the existing 360° NFC technology, which only reads cards from the back. This innovation also allows users to read and tap at different angles, providing unparalleled convenience and functionality.
Infinix 720° SphereTech NFC: One-Tap convenience for travel and access
User Convenience and Security
The Infinix’s 720° SphereTech NFC technology offers transformative benefits with its comprehensive coverage, doubling the range of conventional NFC to ensure stability from any direction and significantly reducing transaction failures. This technology excels in busy public spaces by overcoming angle limitations for smoother and more reliable interactions. Its advanced security features set a new standard with the capability to remotely disable NFC functions on lost or stolen devices. This feature offers users peace of mind, knowing that their personal data and financial information remain protected, even if the physical device is compromised.
Infinix 720° SphereTech NFC: One-Tap convenience and secured for payment and entry
A New Standard for NFC Technology
Infinix is set to revolutionize NFC technology by addressing its key limitations and unlocking its full potential. This innovation will create a new generation of mobile services that are more intuitive and effortless for users. Infinix’s 720° SphereTech NFC technology demonstrates the company’s commitment to delivering meaningful innovation and enhancing user experiences.
Stay tuned for more updates as this groundbreaking technology will be available on Infinix’s upcoming devices.
[1] Refers to the technology’s capability to read and tap cards at various angles on the device in normal handheld positions, except from the bottom side. [2] The testing data is derived from controlled laboratory tests and compared against selected models available in the market. [3] Testing data is based on laboratory tests, and actual use may vary.
Founded in 2013, Infinix is a trendy tech brand crafted for young consumers. With a presence in over 70 countries, Infinix delivers cutting-edge technology, stylish design, and outstanding performance. Our product lineup includes smartphones, TWS earbuds, smartwatches, laptops, and smart TVs. In 2023, Infinix was recognized in Kantar and Google’s top 50 Chinese Global Brand Builders Report and ranked sixth in Fast Company’s World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2024 in the Asia-Pacific sector. For more information, please visit: http://www.infinixmobility.com/.
