Finnish-Australian partnership aims to put health data to good use

Posted on 11/11/2014 by faccadmin in News

CENTRE FOR HEALTH AND TECHNOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF OULU

Researchers from the Finnish initiative Digital Health Revolution have joined forces with Flinders University in South Australia. The goal is to find out how individuals could make use of their personal health data being collected in various registers in order to promote their health and well-being.

Together with Flinders University researchers we are developing mobile applications and online services which help consumers gain a better understanding of their own health information, for example by means of visualisations, says Miikka Ermes, a senior scientist at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, one of the partners in the DHR project.

According to Flinders University Associate Professor Niranjan Bidargaddi, Australia carried out major investments in a national personal health record system, which allows individuals to control and make use of their health data.

Health data is typically given in a format that is meant to be read and interpreted by experienced health care professionals. At Flinders we are developing applications which present complex health information to individuals in a way that is not only easier to decipher but also potentially helps them adopt a healthier way of life and improve their well-being, Bidargaddi says.

http://www.oulu.fi/yliopisto/

News courtesy of Finnfacts / Good News! from Finland

FACC Executive Committee nominations now sought

Posted on 18/09/2014 by faccadmin in News

The Annual General Meeting of the Chamber will be held in Sydney on Thursday, 30 October 2014.

In accordance with the Chamber’s governing rules, all existing members of the executive committee will retire from office at the AGM. Elections will then be held to appoint up to 10 members to the executive committee. Those people retiring will be eligible for re-election.

We are now seeking nominations from eligible persons for appointment to the executive committee. Nominations must be made using the approved form that you can download here. Each nomination must be signed by the nominating members (two are required) and the nominee. Only members, or representatives of corporate members, can be nominated.

The executive committee is the Chamber’s equivalent of a board of directors. The executive committee meets ten times a year and has a very important role in shaping the future of the Chamber nationally.

If fewer than 10 people are nominated, they will be automatically appointed to the executive committee. If there are more than 10 nominees, an election will be held at the AGM.

Please submit your nominations in the approved form as soon as possible and by no later than 5:30pm on Thursday, 23 October 2014.

Geoff Charnock
Honorary Secretary
Finland Australia Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

Cargotec’s Kalmar wins significant order for Melbourne’s new automated container terminal

Posted on 03/09/2014 by faccadmin in News

Kalmar, part of Cargotec, has won a significant contract to deliver container handling equipment and related automation technology worth of more than EUR 40 million to Port of Melbourne’s new container terminal, operated by Victoria International Container Terminal Ltd (VICTL). The order includes 12 automated stacking cranes and 11 automated shuttle carriers and they will be delivered during 2016.

Kalmar’s partnership with VICTL, a consortium comprised of Philippines-based International Container Terminal Services Incorporated (ICTSI) and Australia’s Anglo Ports, marks a milestone in Australia’s port infrastructure development. Australia has shown the way in port automation and Kalmar has played a key role in introducing innovative automation solutions to the country’s leading ports.

The new terminal at Melbourne’s Webb Dock will introduce fully automated operations from gate to quayside and deliver an estimated capacity of 350,000 TEU in its first phase. When fully developed, the 35.4 hectare terminal will be able to handle up to 1.4 million TEU annually. Construction of the terminal superstructure and facilities is planned to commence in late 2014.

Christian R. Gonzalez, ICTSI head of the Asia-Pacific region said: “This is a premier project for ICTSI in Australia and the partnership with Kalmar allows us to introduce cutting edge, best-proven automated container handling equipment and technologies to Webb Dock. Kalmar’s strong track record in delivering automated terminal solutions in Australia as well as in other parts of the world will help us to put Melbourne amongst the leading ports of the world.”

Olli Isotalo, President of Kalmar, said: “We are extremely pleased to have been selected as the main partner in this landmark project. Our proven solutions and experience in port automation will not only ensure superior operating efficiency but also minimal environmental impact in this highly populated area. We are committed to delivering VICTL a high-performing system with best of breed automated port equipment.”

www.cargotec.com

Cargotec shapes the cargo handling industry for the benefit of its customers and shareholders. Cargotec’s business areas MacGregor, Kalmar and Hiab are recognised leaders in cargo and load handling solutions around the world. Their global network is positioned close to customers and offers extensive services that ensure a continuous, reliable and sustainable performance according to customers’ needs. Cargotec’s sales totalled approximately EUR 3.2 billion and it employs approximately 11,000 people. Cargotec’s class B shares are quoted on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki under symbol CGCBV. www.cargotec.com

KONE wins order for high-rise apartments in Sydney

Posted on 01/09/2014 by faccadmin in News

KONE, a global leader in the lift and escalator industry, has won an order for Altitude, a high-rise apartment development in Parramatta, western Sydney. Standing at 170 metres, Altitude is set to become the tallest residential building in the Parramatta central business district and will offer a 360-degree panoramic view over the city. The building will comprise two sleek crystalline towers: the 30 story East tower dedicated to serviced apartments and the West tower, which will stand at a record 53 storeys, will consist of residential apartments.

To ensure accessibility and safe means of travelling for the building residents and serviced apartment guests, Altitude will be equipped with five KONE MiniSpace® lifts, and five KONE MonoSpace 3000 S(TM) lifts coupled with KONE Polaris destination control system.

“We are proud to have been part of this development since the beginning. Not only will our people flow solutions ease the life of residents and visitors of this building, but they will also lower this building’s carbon footprint and cut energy costs. This way we are very pleased to be part of green building in Australia,” says KONE’s Neeraj Sharma, Executive Vice President, Asia-Pacific and Middle East.

“Over the years, we have been impressed with the engineering and design support received from experts at KONE. We are looking forward to completing this project with them,” says Meriton Managing Director Harry Triguboff.

Altitude is designed by award-winning Tony Caro Architects (TCA) and developed by Meriton, one of Australia’s largest apartment developers.

The order was booked in the second quarter of 2014.

About KONE
KONE is one of the global leaders in the lift and escalator industry. KONE’s objective is to offer the best People Flow® experience by developing and delivering solutions that enable people to move smoothly, safely, comfortably and without waiting in buildings in an increasingly urbanising environment. KONE provides industry-leading lifts, escalators, automatic building doors and integrated solutions to enhance the People Flow in and between buildings. KONE’s services cover the entire lifetime of a building, from the design phase to maintenance, repairs and modernisation solutions. In 2013, KONE had annual net sales of EUR 6.9 billion, and at the end of the year over 43,000 employees. KONE class B shares are listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd. in Finland.

www.kone.com.au

Helsinki the 8th most liveable city in the world

Posted on 22/08/2014 by faccadmin in News

MARIA MIKLAS / TEURASTAMO/ VISIT HELSINKI
Helsinki retains its position in the top 10 most liveable cities in the world in the Economist intelligence Unit’s yearly liveability survey.

Helsinki ranks the 8th most liveable city in the world according to the Economist intelligence Unit’s yearly liveability survey. Melbourne tops the index and Vienna and Vancouver follow as second and third. Comparing to last year’s index, the top four cities managed to hold on to their positions as well as Helsinki.

Altogether four Australian cities got on the list: Melbourne (1st), Adelaide (5th), Sydney (7th) and Perth (9th) giving space only two European capital cities: Vienna on the 2ndplace and Helsinki on the 8th spot. Overall 140 cities were surveyed.

Helsinki received all in all 96.0 points from the overall 100 as Melbourne, on its first place, snatched 97,5 points.

Helsinki received perfect scores of 100 in stability and healthcare and the lowest in the culture & environment category.

The bottom cities on the list were Damascus in Syria, Dhaka in Bangladesh and Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea.

The index assesses which locations around the world provide the best or the worst living conditions. The Economist Intelligence Unit’s liveability rating quantifies the challenges that might be presented to an individual’s lifestyle in any given location, and allows for direct comparison between locations.

Sara Vihavainen

www.eiu.com

News courtesy of Good News! from Finland

Lappset signs up as AILA Principal Corporate Partner

Posted on 14/08/2014 by faccadmin in News

Lappset Australia has signed a major, multi-faceted nationwide partnership agreement with the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA). The agreement covers the play and exercise equipment sectors.

“We are very excited about the year ahead and look forward to learning from landscape architects and contributing to the designs of new, attractive and innovative outdoor spaces”, said Harri Makela, Managing Director of Lappset Australia.

Lappset Australia will also be providing, among other things, technical resource services to the AILA membership. For more information on the partnership, you can contact Lappset Australia or your local Lappset consultant.

www.lappset.com.au

Westfield West Lakes, Adelaide custom play space continues to attract huge numbers of children.

Outotec to provide smelting technology for Nystar’s Port Pirie redevelopment in South Australia

Posted on 25/06/2014 by faccadmin in News

Outotec has agreed with Nyrstar, a global integrated mining and metals company, to provide Outotec® Ausmelt technology to the Port Pirie redevelopment in South Australia. Outotec will provide a technology licence, engineering, proprietary equipment and advisory services for the redevelopment of Nyrstar Port Pirie into an advanced metals recovery and refining facility. The order has been booked in Outotec’s 2014 second quarter order intake with the contract value remaining confidential.

Nystar’s Port Pirie Facility in South Australia

Nyrstar’s Port Pirie smelter has been in continuous operation since 1889, with many of the core production assets having been in service for up to 60 years. While considered the best practice at the time, these assets are no longer capable of meeting the increasingly stringent environmental and operational standards expected of a modern base metals facility. Outotec® Ausmelt technology will be used to upgrade the facility to an advanced poly-metallic processing and recovery facility capable of processing a wide range of high value, high margin raw materials with improved environmental footprint and reduced airborne metal and dust emissions. Specifically Outotec technology will replace the outdated sinter plant with a state-of-the-art oxygen enriched bath smelting furnace.

The redeveloped facility will produce the current range of metals including lead, zinc oxide, gold, silver, and copper. However, the application of Outotec’s high temperature top submerged lance (TSL) bath smelting technology will allow a wider range of raw materials to be processed. The increased furnace flexibility will allow Nyrstar Port Pirie to process a wider range of high value and high margin concentrates and residues from Nyrstar’s existing smelters.

“We are very pleased that Nyrstar has chosen Outotec’s sustainable smelting technology for their redevelopment project. It demonstrates Nyrstar’s commitment to operating a global environmentally sustainable integrated metals business”, says Robin Lindahl, head of Outotec’s Metals, Energy & Water business area.

www.outotec.com

Inaugural Scandinavian Film Festival

Posted on 22/05/2014 by faccadmin in News

The inaugural Scandinavian Film Festival is set to heat up the Australian Winter this July with the coolest films from Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland and Iceland hitting screens nationally.

Presented by Palace and screening exclusively at Palace Cinema locations, the Scandinavian Film Festival will delight audiences with the best drama, crime and comedy of the region.

With Scandinavian crime drama the hottest property of the last few years, it only made sense to delve even deeper into Nordic film. Australian audiences will have the chance to experience the breadth of style, humour, action and mystery that Scandinavian film has to offer. Here are a few titles from the 2014 edition to whet your appetite…

The Festival will open with the Swedish blockbuster The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared (Hundraaringen som klev ut genom fonstret och forsvann). A delightful, colourful comedy of unexpected surprises based on the hugely successful international bestselling novel by Jonas Jonasson which was published in more than 35 countries. This is the unlikely story of Allan Karlsson (played by popular Swedish actor/comedian Robert Gustafsson), a 100-year-old man with an eventful past who keeps stumbling into extraordinary circumstances.

Easy Money III: Life Deluxe (2013) is the final installment following JW, an economics student who falls into the seductive world of drug running. To celebrate, the entire trilogy will be screened starting with Sweden’s top-grossing film of 2010 Easy Money (Snabba cash) and Easy Money II: Hard to Kill (2012) all of which star Joel Kinnaman (RoboCop, The Killing). Based on Jens Lapidus’ international best-selling novel, Easy Money is a taut, intelligent feature, which went on to be presented by fan Martin Scorsese in the USA and UK.

From Finland, director Taru Mäkelä’s August Fools (Mieleton Elokuu) is a smart, uplifting comedy set in the context of the Cold War. Marvellously multilayered, the story is loosely based on real political events, paired with a delightful romance. Set in 1962, a middle-aged milliner, part-time clairvoyant, is forced to revisit the past when the man she loved 20 years ago and thought dead walks into her little hat shop in Helsinki.

The rugged, isolated beauty of Iceland is showcased in the powerful family drama Metalhead (Málmhaus) – a story of loss and grief led by a breathtaking and award-winning performance by Thorbjörg Helga Thorgilsdóttir. As a 12 year-old, Hera (Thorgilsdóttir) witnesses the tragic accident that kills her older brother, Baldur. But not long after the loss, it is as though the heavy-metal-loving Baldur has never left her side as Hera takes on her brother’s identity, claiming his wardrobe, record collection and electric guitar.

A complicated tangle of race, love and family is explored in I Am Yours (Jeg er din) from Norway. Amrita Acharia’s (Game of Thrones) multifaceted performance is captivating and sympathetic in the taut, intelligent relationship drama by director Iram Haq.

Denmark’s Mikkel Norgaard demonstrates Danish suspense at its best in The Keeper of Lost Causes (Kvinden i buret). Scripted by Nikolaj Arcel (the original The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and A Royal Affair) and based on the international bestselling crime-thriller of the same title, the film follows a police officer who gets reassigned to a dead-end new department for old, terminated cases. Although given explicit orders to only read and sort through the cases, not a single day passes before he is thrown headfirst into a mystery of a well-known female politician.

The full program launches in early June.

For more information visit www.scandinavianfilmfestival.com

Facebook chooses F-Secure to fight malware

Posted on 22/05/2014 by faccadmin in News

Finnish online security and privacy company F-Secure has partnered with Facebook to help users of the world’s largest social network stay safe online.

With F-Secure’s technology, Facebook will offer a browser-based malware scanner as a free service.

The service will be available to Facebook users whose account has been temporarily frozen due to suspicious activity caused by a potential malware infection.

Malware or unwanted software on a computer or device can disrupt normal device performance, steal personal information, or gain access to a system.

— We are pleased to partner with Facebook to stop cybercriminals from taking advantage of Facebook’s user base for malicious ends, said Arto Saari, Product Manager at F-Secure.

When Facebook identifies an account behaving suspiciously, it will redirect the user to the cleanup process. The scan and cleanup is executed directly in the browser window, inside Facebook.

After cleanup is complete, the user can securely log into their Facebook account, safe from hackers and spyware.

— Helping people stay safe on Facebook is a hugely important part of what we do and we’re glad to be adding the strength of F-Secure’s anti-virus technology to our existing systems to block and eradicate malware, said Chetan Gowda, Software Engineer at Facebook.

www.f-secure.com

News courtesy of Finnfacts / Good News! from Finland

KONE awarded the Hindmarsh Award for Innovation

Posted on 18/05/2014 by faccadmin in News

KONE UltraRope
Hindmarsh Award for Innovation Winner 2014

KONE’s new elevator technology Ultrarope has been awarded for innovation in Australia.

Ultrarope was awarded The Hindmarsh Award for Innovation at the 2014 Property Council of Australia/Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation and Excellence Awards, at a Gala dinner in Sydney on Saturday 17 May.

Founded in 1982, the annual awards celebrate innovation and leading practice within Australia’s property development and investment industries. The 2014 awards winners were drawn from 83 finalists across 16 categories – 12 of which were in the Hindmarsh Award for Innovation. The jury considered ‘inspiring design, leading-edge practice and exceptional outcomes for the community’ when evaluating the entries.

KONE UltraRope(tm) sets a new benchmark for high-rise buildings enabling future elevator travel heights up to 1,000 meters – twice as high as what is possible with today’s technology. Released to the market in June 2013, “the super-light KONE UltraRope technology provides unrivalled elevator eco-efficiency, reliability and durability, while also improving elevator performance”.

Read the article here: http://www.kone.com.au/about-us/kone-in-brief/innovation/Excellence-2014/

‹1 2 3 4 5 ›»