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HIX AI has evolved into an all-in-one AI agent platform, launching specialized AI agents for creating AI videos, images, presentation slides, writing and doing deep research. It offers complete workflow support—from idea to output—for these tasks in one unified, user-friendly experience.

Singapore, 28th Jan 2026 – HIX AI today announced a major evolution of its platform: from a comprehensive AI solution provider into an all-in-one AI agent platform designed to help users accomplish both creative and efficiency-focused tasks. It now includes a suite of specialized agents for various use cases—all within a single unified experience.

The move reflects where people increasingly need AI’s assistance: not just in a single task, but across the entire workflow. These agents are designed to help individuals and teams move from idea to output in a more seamless way, whether they’re writing content, producing visuals, conducting research or building presentations.

“People don’t just need another AI tool—they need an assistant that can handle different tasks seamlessly without forcing them to stitch together multiple products,” said Camille Sawyer, CEO of HIX AI. “With this shift, HIX AI becomes an AI agent platform that supports both creativity and productivity, bringing specialized capabilities—video, images, research, slides, and writing—into one cohesive platform.”

HIX AI’s updated experience centers on purpose-built agents that offer assistance for individuals, creators, marketers, educators, and business teams. Its agents include:

• AI Video Agent: Helps users create AI videos like a professional AI video production team, with agentic workflows covering from concept, key frames to outputs.
• AI Image Agent: A smart AI image creation agent to handle every step of the image production. It helps users generate and refine images for any creative or professional need.
• AI Deep Research Agent: Assists with researching topics deeply, synthesizing information, and compiling reports to accelerate learning, analysis, and decision-making.
• AI Slides Agent: Helps users do research and build clearer, more accurate and compelling presentations with suitable visuals and charts.
• AI Writer Agent: An AI writing tool that comes with agentic workflows and Internet access and crafts well-formatted, factually accurate and SEO-friendly writing.

The new AI agent platform still maintains HIX AI’s commitment to user-friendly design, ensuring that even users without technical backgrounds can leverage advanced AI capabilities. All agents are accessible through an intuitive interface that reduces the learning curve and maximizes productivity from day one.

“Our users want outcomes, not complexity,” Camille added. “We designed these agents to be flexible enough for everyday needs but powerful enough for serious workflows. Whether someone is preparing a presentation, producing content at scale, or turning research into publishable insights, HIX AI is built to help them do it faster and with more confidence.”

The updated HIX AI platform and its new suite of specialized agents are available now. Users can access the agents directly within the HIX AI website. To explore all these functionalities, visit https://hix.ai/.

About HIX AI

HIX AI is an all-in-one AI agent platform dedicated to enhancing creativity and productivity through agents specialized for different tasks. The platform serves individuals and teams seeking comprehensive AI solutions to streamline the workflows of their daily tasks.

Media Contact

Organization: HIX AI

Contact Person: Camille Sawyer

Website: https://hix.ai

Email:
social@hix.ai

Country:Singapore

Release id:40708

The post HIX AI Evolves into an All-in-One AI Agent Platform for Creativity and Productivity appeared first on King Newswire. This content is provided by a third-party source.. King Newswire makes no warranties or representations in connection with it. King Newswire is a press release distribution agency and does not endorse or verify the claims made in this release. If you have any complaints or copyright concerns related to this article, please contact the company listed in the ‘Media Contact’ section

• As remote work scales globally, Dee Agarwal explains why clarity, asynchronous workflows, and outcome-driven leadership matter more than constant availability when building high-performance teams across time zones.

ATLANTA, GA, 28th January 2026, ZEX PR WIRE, A 2023 study by Buffer.com found that 62% of remote workers interfaced directly with a teammate in a different time zone. As companies continue to scale beyond borders, the challenge is no longer whether teams can work across time zones, but whether they can do so at a high level. Distributed work has become normal in the post-pandemic era, yet many organizations still struggle with misalignment, slow decision-making, and burnout when teams rarely share the same working hours.

According to business strategist and entrepreneur Deepak “Dee” Agarwal, building high-performance teams across time zones is less about tools and more about intentional design. “Time zone differences don’t break teams,” Dee Agarwal says. “Unclear expectations do.”

Rather than attempting to replicate in-office dynamics remotely, Dee Agarwal advocates for rethinking how performance, communication, and accountability are defined when teams operate asynchronously.

Start With Clarity, Not Coverage

One of the most common mistakes leaders make is trying to ensure constant availability across regions. Dee Agarwal believes this approach quietly erodes trust and productivity.

“High-performing global teams are not online all the time,” Dee Agarwal explains. “They are clear all the time. Everyone knows what success looks like before the workday even starts.”

This begins with clearly documented goals, ownership, and decision rights. When team members understand what they are responsible for and how their work connects to the broader objective, progress continues regardless of who is awake.

Dee Agarwal emphasizes that clarity should be written, visible, and easy to reference. “If something only lives in a meeting, it doesn’t exist for a distributed team,” he says.

Design for Asynchronous Excellence

While real-time collaboration has its place, Dee Agarwal encourages leaders to treat asynchronous work as the default, not a backup.

“Async is not a compromise,” he notes. “It is a competitive advantage when done well.”

This means structuring work so it can move forward without immediate responses. Clear briefs, thoughtful handoffs, and shared documentation allow teams in different regions to build on each other’s progress rather than waiting for approvals.

Dee Agarwal also highlights the importance of decision frameworks. “If every decision requires a live conversation, you create bottlenecks across time zones,” he says. “High-performance teams agree in advance on what can be decided independently.”

Rethink Meetings and Overlap Time

Time zone overlap is often treated as sacred, but Dee Agarwal suggests using it more strategically.

“Overlap time should be used for discussion, alignment, and problem-solving, not status updates,” he says.

Instead of filling limited shared hours with routine check-ins, Dee Agarwal recommends reserving them for conversations that benefit from real-time energy. Everything else can be documented and shared asynchronously.

He also encourages leaders to rotate meeting times when possible. “If the same region always absorbs the inconvenience, resentment builds quietly,” Dee Agarwal notes. “Equity in scheduling sends a powerful message about respect.”

Build Trust Through Outcomes, Not Presence

In distributed teams, trust cannot be built solely on visibility. Dee Agarwal argues that performance should be measured by outcomes rather than activity.

“When leaders reward responsiveness over results, they unintentionally punish deep work,” he says.

High-performing global teams establish clear metrics and timelines, then give individuals autonomy in managing their schedules. This flexibility allows team members to work when they are most effective, rather than conforming to another region’s clock.

Dee Agarwal adds that leaders must model this behavior themselves. “If leadership sends messages at all hours and expects immediate replies, no policy will fix that,” he explains.

Invest in Human Connection Intentionally

While efficiency matters, Dee Agarwal is quick to point out that performance suffers when teams feel disconnected.

“People don’t collaborate well with people they don’t feel connected to,” he says.

He recommends creating structured moments for relationship-building that do not rely on constant social interaction. Simple practices, such as shared onboarding experiences, periodic virtual offsites, or rotating team spotlights, can help reinforce a sense of belonging.

“These moments don’t need to be frequent,” Dee Agarwal notes. “They just need to be intentional.”

Leadership Sets the Tempo

Ultimately, Dee Agarwal believes that building high-performance teams across time zones is a leadership responsibility, not a logistical challenge.

“Teams take their cues from how leaders communicate, prioritize, and make decisions,” he says. “If leadership is thoughtful and disciplined, the team will follow.”

Rather than chasing perfect alignment throughout the day, Dee Agarwal encourages leaders to focus on trust, clarity, and execution. When those elements are in place, time zones become less of a barrier and more of an advantage.

“Global teams give organizations the ability to move continuously,” Dee Agarwal says. “The goal is not to work longer. It is to work smarter, together, even when we are apart.”

Paradise Valley, Arizona, 28th January 2026, ZEX PR WIRE, Matthew Schissler has worked across industries. Biotech. Aviation. Education. Fitness. But over the past decade, much of his attention has focused on financial services—specifically, long-term investing.

As founder and managing member of several private investment funds, Schissler works with companies others often overlook. He looks for sound fundamentals, strong teams, and growth potential that plays out over years, not quarters. It’s the kind of investing that doesn’t rely on hype.

Still, people assume someone in his position is chasing a number.

“Most people think investing is about accumulating,” Schissler says. “But to me, it’s about alignment. You put money behind what you believe in.”

He doesn’t offer market predictions. He doesn’t talk in trends. What he talks about is clarity.

“If you’re making financial decisions without knowing what you stand for, you’ll lose more than you gain,” he says.

Schissler began his career in the sciences. He founded Cord Blood America, Inc. in 2003 and spent nearly a decade scaling it. The company focused on storing umbilical stem cells for potential future use—a field that blended medical promise with long-term planning. Under his leadership, CBAI expanded its footprint into Germany, Argentina, and Asia. It also acquired smaller operators in the U.S. and moved its headquarters to Las Vegas to reduce costs and improve logistics.

The company grew fast. But Schissler’s goals weren’t about short-term valuation.

“Even back then, I wasn’t trying to flip a business,” he says. “I wanted to build something families could count on.”

That same mindset shapes his investment work today. His funds focus on small and mid-sized companies that are often too early or too complicated for traditional investors. He’s especially drawn to operators who think long-term and don’t lose their footing during downturns.

He also founded Work Your Core Investments, LLC, a fund focused on performance-based concepts and fitness franchises. These are businesses where success depends on consistency, trust, and repeat behavior—principles that match his view of real value.

“I’ve never been interested in shortcuts,” Schissler says. “That goes for health, for business, and for money.”

His role as an investor goes beyond financial backing. Schissler often mentors teams, works through strategy, and helps leaders stay focused when things get noisy. He believes that true financial guidance includes personal discipline, not just capital.

“You can have all the tools in the world, but if you don’t know what you’re working toward, they won’t help,” he says. “Financial strength starts with purpose.”

Asked about personal wealth, Schissler doesn’t offer numbers. Instead, he talks about alignment, time freedom, and being in a position to say no to the wrong opportunities.

“Net worth is only meaningful if it supports how you live,” he says. “I want mine to support work I care about, people I respect, and ideas that deserve to exist.”

He serves on several boards, including Aztec Airways and multiple nonprofits. He sees these roles as an extension of the same value system. Support what matters. Stay consistent. Make decisions that age well.

While the financial sector often celebrates outcomes, Schissler remains focused on the process.

“Anyone can make money in a lucky moment,” he says. “But if you can make good decisions in hard seasons, that’s real skill. That’s where the work is.”

For Matthew Schissler, net worth is not a scoreboard. It’s a tool. A tool for independence. For impact. For living in alignment with what matters most.

And in his world, that’s the only kind of wealth worth pursuing.

California, US, 28th January 2026, ZEX PR WIRE, Clear capital planning plays a central role in how communities maintain essential services and prepare for future needs. Matthew Collier Madera has spent years working with organizations that face growing infrastructure demands, limited resources, and rising public expectations. Through this work, he has seen how clarity in long-range planning strengthens trust, reduces uncertainty, and supports consistent decision making.

Capital planning often carries a technical reputation. Many people associate the term with spreadsheets, complex reports, or long project lists. In practice, the purpose is far more practical. Clear planning allows organizations to understand what assets exist, what condition they are in, and what steps are required to maintain them over time. When this information is organized and current, leaders gain a reliable foundation for prioritizing work and communicating decisions.

Matthew Collier Madera emphasizes that uncertainty creates cost. When organizations lack accurate asset data, project priorities shift without explanation. Teams respond to issues as they arise instead of following a plan. Over time, this reactive approach increases expenses, strains staff, and weakens public confidence. Clear capital planning helps prevent these outcomes by setting expectations early and supporting steady progress.

One of the most valuable outcomes of clear planning is transparency. When leaders understand why certain projects rise to the top of the list, they can explain those choices with confidence. Staff members gain insight into how their work fits into broader goals. Community members see how funding decisions align with documented needs rather than short-term pressure. This shared understanding strengthens trust across every level of an organization.

Planning also becomes more realistic when it reflects actual capacity. Many organizations struggle because plans assume ideal staffing levels or uninterrupted funding. Matthew Collier Madera stresses the importance of aligning project schedules with real constraints. When plans respect available resources, teams avoid burnout and reduce the likelihood of stalled initiatives. Progress becomes predictable instead of cyclical.

Another benefit of clear capital planning is cost control. Planned maintenance and replacement almost always require fewer resources than emergency response. When asset lifecycles are understood, organizations can spread costs over time and avoid sudden budget shocks. This approach supports long-term financial stability and allows leaders to allocate funds with greater confidence.

Clear planning also improves internal coordination. Departments often manage overlapping assets or share responsibility for system performance. Without a common roadmap, efforts become fragmented. Capital planning provides a shared reference point. Teams align around the same priorities, timelines, and data. Coordination improves, and conflicts decrease.

Matthew Collier Madera also highlights the role of documentation within the planning process. Plans that exist only in presentations or meetings lose value quickly. Documented assumptions, asset conditions, and schedules create continuity. New staff members onboard faster. Leaders track progress without relying on memory. Decisions build on established knowledge rather than guesswork.

Communities benefit when planning remains consistent over time. Stability allows organizations to adjust to changing conditions without constant reorganization. Budgets tighten. Regulations shift. Environmental factors evolve. Clear plans provide a framework that supports adaptation while maintaining direction.

Public trust often depends on reliability. When infrastructure performs as expected and projects move forward as communicated, confidence grows. Clear capital planning supports this reliability by reducing surprises and aligning expectations. Residents understand not only what is being done, but why it matters.

Professionals who work with Matthew Collier Madera describe his approach as grounded and methodical. He focuses on building planning systems that support daily operations rather than producing plans that sit unused. His work centers on clarity, consistency, and follow-through.

As communities face increasing demands on infrastructure and services, the need for clear capital planning continues to grow. Organizations that invest in understanding their assets, documenting priorities, and communicating decisions position themselves for long-term stability.

For Matthew Collier Madera, capital planning is not an abstract exercise. It is a practical tool that supports trust, protects resources, and strengthens the systems people rely on every day.

About Matthew Collier Madera
Matthew Collier Madera is an operations and infrastructure strategist with experience supporting public agencies, utilities, and organizations focused on long-range planning and system reliability. His work centers on asset management, capital improvement planning, documentation, and communication strategies that reduce uncertainty and support consistent performance.

Australia, 28th Jan 2026 – Macmillan Lawyers and Advisors, a trusted legal firm in Brisbane, has introduced specialised debt recovery solutions for businesses in the region. This new service is designed to provide businesses with tailored legal strategies to recover outstanding debts and protect cash flow. The firm’s debt recovery services are crafted to ensure that businesses can address overdue payments efficiently while navigating the complexities of debt collection within the legal framework.

Recognising the significant challenges unpaid debts pose to businesses, Macmillan Lawyers and Advisors now offer a comprehensive debt recovery service, combining expertise in contract law, commercial law, and insolvency. The firm’s team of experienced professionals has a proven track record of providing sound legal solutions for businesses of all sizes. By offering a strategic, customised approach, Macmillan Lawyers and Advisors ensures that businesses in Brisbane can recover owed amounts without causing disruptions to daily operations.

“The addition of debt recovery solutions represents a key part of Macmillan Lawyers and Advisors’ continued dedication to assisting businesses in Brisbane,” said Kyle Macmillan, Principal at Macmillan Lawyers and Advisors. “In the current business landscape, overdue payments can put a strain on operations. A strategic, customised approach to debt recovery ensures that businesses are equipped to handle these challenges effectively and maintain a stable cash flow.”

The firm’s debt recovery services cover a wide range of actions, including sending demand letters and pursuing legal proceedings when necessary. Macmillan Lawyers and Advisors’ deep understanding of insolvency processes ensures businesses receive clear guidance, allowing them to resolve debt-related issues, even in complex financial situations.

Macmillan Lawyers and Advisors has established itself as a leading name among debt recovery lawyers in Brisbane, providing effective legal counsel across various sectors, including dispute resolution and intellectual property protection. The firm’s tailored debt recovery services are in line with its long-standing commitment to offering comprehensive legal support to businesses.

“The objective is to offer businesses a practical solution to recover outstanding debts, allowing them to focus on daily operations without ongoing concerns about cash flow,” Kyle Macmillan continued. “Looking forward, this service will be expanded to ensure that businesses in Brisbane can always rely on tailored legal support when facing financial challenges.”

Given the current economic pressures facing many businesses, Macmillan Lawyers and Advisors’ debt recovery services provide a proactive approach to help clients recover owed amounts swiftly and efficiently. These solutions are designed to minimise disruptions while maintaining professional relationships between businesses and their debtors.

As the firm continues to expand, it plans to broaden its range of services to meet the growing needs of Brisbane businesses. From assisting with business formation and intellectual property protection to resolving disputes, Macmillan Lawyers and Advisors strive to be the trusted partner for businesses seeking reliable legal solutions, including debt recovery.

“Introducing debt recovery solutions is a pivotal step in the firm’s continued growth,” concluded Kyle Macmillan. “This is just the beginning, and the firm remains committed to supporting Brisbane businesses with the full range of legal services required to succeed in an increasingly competitive environment.”

For more information about Macmillan Lawyers and Advisors and their debt recovery services, interested parties can contact the firm directly. As leading Debt Recovery Lawyers Brisbane, Macmillan Lawyers and Advisors can be reached by phone at (07) 3518 8030 or via email at admin@macmillan.law. The firm is located at Level 38/71 Eagle St, Brisbane City QLD 4000.

Media Contact

Organization: Macmillan Lawyers and Advisors

Contact Person: Kyle Macmillan

Website: https://macmillan.law/

Email: Send Email

Contact Number: +61735188030

Address:Level 38/71 Eagle St

Address 2: Brisbane City QLD 4000

Country:Australia

Release id:40702

The post Macmillan Lawyers and Advisors Offers Tailored Debt Recovery Legal Solutions in Brisbane appeared first on King Newswire. This content is provided by a third-party source.. King Newswire makes no warranties or representations in connection with it. King Newswire is a press release distribution agency and does not endorse or verify the claims made in this release. If you have any complaints or copyright concerns related to this article, please contact the company listed in the ‘Media Contact’ section

Indonesia, 28th Jan 2026– Universitas Dian Nuswantoro (UDINUS) officially established the first Blockchain Study Center in Central Java, in collaboration with the Indonesia Blockchain Center (IBC), which is directly affiliated with the Dubai Blockchain Center. This strategic initiative positions UDINUS as a leading academic and innovation hub for blockchain technology in the region.

The establishment of the Blockchain Study Center was marked by the inauguration of the Indonesia Blockchain Center (IBC) Chapter at UDINUS on January 21, 2026. Through this milestone, UDINUS is officially designated as the center for blockchain study, research, and development in Central Java, with access to international networks, expertise, and best practices through its affiliation with Dubai Blockchain Center.

As part of the inauguration, Dubai Blockchain Center, together with Indonesia Blockchain Center (IBC) and Sealbound UAE, presented an award to the Rector of UDINUS, Prof. Dr. Pulung Nurtantio Andono, S.T., M.Kom., in recognition of his leadership and commitment in driving digital transformation and advancing blockchain adoption in higher education.

The establishment of the Blockchain Study Center was accompanied by a Training for Trainers (ToT) program, featuring trainers affiliated with the Dubai Blockchain Center. This program is designed to build local capacity and ensure that UDINUS has a strong pool of certified blockchain educators and practitioners to support teaching, research, and industry collaboration.

The event was also attended by international partners, including Ms. Moussa Alshhehi (Sealbound – UAE) and Mr. Chantal Donelan (NEXSTOX – Malaysia), reflecting growing international collaboration in developing Indonesia’s blockchain ecosystem.

As a major strategic milestone, UDINUS announced that it will become the first university in Indonesia to implement 100% blockchain-based graduation certificates. This initiative aims to ensure the authenticity of academic credentials, prevent forgery, and enable fast and secure global verification by employers, institutions, and stakeholders worldwide.

H. Hambali, representative of Indonesia Blockchain Center, emphasized that the establishment of the Blockchain Study Center at UDINUS represents an important step in building Indonesia’s national blockchain ecosystem.

“UDINUS will serve as a national role model in the utilization of blockchain for education, certification, and anti-fraud systems, while also supporting the development of future-ready digital talent.”

The Rector of UDINUS, Prof. Dr. Pulung Nurtantio Andono, S.T., M.Kom., reaffirmed the university’s long-term commitment to innovation and global collaboration.

“Through this collaboration with Indonesia Blockchain Center and its affiliation with Dubai Blockchain Center, UDINUS is committed to becoming a center of excellence for blockchain development. We aim to produce internationally competitive digital talent and contribute to Indonesia’s transformation toward a technology-driven economy.”

Meanwhile, the Dean of the Faculty of Computer Science (FIK) at UDINUS, Sri Winarno, M.Kom., Ph.D., stated that the Blockchain Study Center will be based at the Faculty of Computer Science and supported by 30 certified trainers from Indonesia Blockchain Center and Dubai Blockchain Center.

The establishment of Central Java’s first Blockchain Study Center at UDINUS further strengthens strategic collaboration among Indonesia Blockchain Center, Dubai Blockchain Center, Sealbound UAE, and NEXSTOX Malaysia, and positions Central Java as one of Indonesia’s emerging hubs for blockchain innovation and digital transformation.

Media Contact

Organization: Indonesia Blockchain Center

Contact Person: H. Hambali

Website: https://www.blockchainIndonesia.id

Email: Send Email

Country:Indonesia

Release id:40711

The post UDINUS Establishes Central Java’s First Blockchain Study Center in Partnership with Indonesia Blockchain Center, an Affiliate of Dubai Blockchain Center appeared first on King Newswire. This content is provided by a third-party source.. King Newswire makes no warranties or representations in connection with it. King Newswire is a press release distribution agency and does not endorse or verify the claims made in this release. If you have any complaints or copyright concerns related to this article, please contact the company listed in the ‘Media Contact’ section

Canton, Michigan, 28th January 2026, ZEX PR WIRE, The future belongs to the builders, the students who look at the world not just as it is, but as it could be. In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, supporting the next generation of problem-solvers is more critical than ever.

The San Ramon Valley Education Foundation (SRVEF) is proud to announce a powerful new initiative designed to fuel this spirit of discovery: the 2025-2026 Neel Somani Young Innovators Scholarship.

This scholarship represents more than financial support; it is a call to action for high school seniors across the San Ramon Valley Unified School District (SRVUSD) who are ready to leverage technology and entrepreneurship to create meaningful change.

Empowering the Next Generation of Visionaries

Made possible through the generosity of SRVUSD alumnus Neel Somani, this new annual award is dedicated to recognizing students who demonstrate a genuine passion for innovation. The scholarship seeks to identify young leaders who are not content with the status quo, students who think boldly, build ambitiously, and lead with purpose.

The initiative aligns with a broader educational philosophy: that the creative application of technical skills to real-world challenges is essential for societal progress. By supporting students who aim to use technology to inspire their communities, the Neel Somani Young Innovators Scholarship invests directly in the architects of tomorrow.

About Neel Somani

Neel Somani’s journey from a student in the San Ramon Valley to a recognized figure in the tech world serves as an inspiration for this scholarship’s recipients. A 2019 graduate of UC Berkeley with a triple major in computer science, mathematics, and business administration, Somani has established himself as a thought leader in blockchain development and quantitative research.

As the founder of Eclipse, an Ethereum Layer 2 platform that raised significant Series A funding, Neel Somani has consistently combined deep technical expertise with strategic vision. Beyond his professional achievements, he is deeply committed to philanthropy and mentorship, having supported dozens of students in their academic pursuits. This scholarship is an extension of his commitment to education, inclusive progress, and helping others flourish.

Scholarship Eligibility and Details

The Neel Somani Young Innovators Scholarship will award $2,000 to one deserving student per year. The selection committee is looking for individuals who embody the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship.

To be eligible for the 2025-2026 award, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Current Enrollment: Must be a high school senior at a SRVUSD school.

• Academic Plans: Pursuing or intending to pursue a degree at a 4-year college or university.

• Academic Standing: Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

• Demonstrated Passion: Show a clear and demonstrable commitment to technology and entrepreneurship.

How to Apply

Eligible students are invited to submit their applications by the deadline of March 27, 2026.

A complete application package must include:

• The completed Application Form.

• An Official Transcript.

• Two Letters of Recommendation.

• Responses to the Essay Questions (detailed in the application form).

This is an opportunity for students to showcase their unique vision for the future. The SRVEF encourages all qualified seniors to apply and share how they intend to use their skills to drive innovation and make a lasting impact.

Ready to build the future?

To access the application form and view full submission details,  please visit: https://www.neelsomanischolarship.com/origins or https://srvef.org/

For any specific inquiries regarding the application process, please contact the foundation at scholarships@srvef.org.

To learn more about Neel Somani: https://www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~neel/ and to read more about topics Neel Somani is interested in visit: https://www.neelsomaniblog.com/ 

QC, Canada, 28th January 2026, ZEX PR WIRE, Francesco Saltarelli, founder of Saltarelli Outdoor Design, has released a free resource for everyday individuals looking to make better use of their outdoor spaces—without a full renovation or big budget. The new Urban Outdoor Self-Audit Checklist helps people evaluate balconies, rooftops, and small yards in just 15 minutes and identify simple changes that improve comfort, function, and connection to nature.

The checklist reflects Saltarelli’s long-standing belief that good design should support real life. “If a space doesn’t improve daily life, it doesn’t belong,” he says. “Most outdoor spaces don’t fail because they’re small. They fail because they were never designed around how people actually live.”

The Real Cost of Poor Outdoor Spaces

The guide addresses a growing problem for urban residents:

• Over 80% of Canadians live in urban areas, many with limited access to green space
  

• Studies show exposure to greenery can reduce stress levels by up to 30%
  

• Nearly 1 in 3 Montreal households live in apartments without private yards
  

• Urban heat islands can raise local temperatures by up to 5°C, increasing discomfort and energy use
  

“People think outdoor design is a luxury,” Saltarelli notes. “But comfort, shade, and greenery are basic needs, especially in cities.”

What the Resource Includes

The free checklist walks users through:

• How to assess light, wind, and privacy
  

• How to identify underused or uncomfortable areas
  

• How to choose plants that survive Quebec’s climate
  

• How to make small layout changes that improve daily use
  

“I always start by observing how a space feels at different times of day,” Saltarelli says. “That’s usually where the answers are.”

Use This in 15 Minutes

1. Step outside with the checklist
   

2. Answer the yes/no questions honestly
   

3. Circle the top three issues holding the space back
   

4. Apply one quick fix the same day
   

“You don’t need a perfect plan,” he adds. “You just need a clear next step.”

Common Mistakes People Make

• Choosing plants based only on looks
  

• Ignoring wind and sun patterns
  

• Overfilling small spaces
  

• Designing for special occasions instead of daily use
  

“I’ve seen beautiful spaces no one uses,” Saltarelli says. “That’s the mistake I try to help people avoid.”

Call to Action

The Urban Outdoor Self-Audit Checklist is available now at no cost. Download it, spend 15 minutes reviewing your space, and make one improvement today—no tools or experience required.

About Francesco Saltarelli

Francesco Saltarelli is a Montreal-based landscape designer and founder of Saltarelli Outdoor Design. He specializes in creating elegant, livable outdoor spaces for urban environments, with a focus on sustainability, function, and climate-appropriate design. His work emphasizes thoughtful planning, everyday use, and a deep respect for nature.

Greenville, North Carolina, 28th January 2026, ZEX PR WIRE, For East Carolina University student John Ruscik, balance isn’t an abstract concept. It’s a daily routine. As an applied economics major with a business administration minor, he splits his time between upper-division coursework and managing field operations as a foreman at Greenscape Inc. in Greenville.

Ruscik’s week includes economic modeling, group discussions on fiscal policy, and hands-on coordination of landscaping projects—where he leads crews, organizes schedules, and ensures deadlines are met. He’s not working to pass time. He’s gaining operational experience while preparing for a long-term career in corporate finance.

“Whether I’m in class or on-site, the questions are the same,” Ruscik says. “What are the constraints? What’s the goal? What’s the most efficient way to get from start to finish?”

At Greenscape Inc., Ruscik handles daily crew management, logistics, and job-site execution. He works directly with labor teams to maintain safety, allocate time and resources, and meet quality expectations. The work is fast-paced and often unpredictable. It requires organization, flexibility, and clear decision-making.

This structure mirrors many of the systems he studies in class—where supply, cost, output, and behavior all play roles in outcomes. As a member of ECU’s economics society, Ruscik regularly engages with peers on financial systems, market behavior, and business strategy. What he learns in lectures often shows up the same day at work in a real-world form.

That connection between theory and practice is part of why he chose ECU. The Greenville-based university gave him access to applied economics coursework alongside professional responsibilities. It’s a combination he’s made the most of—treating his role at Greenscape Inc. as an extension of his education, not just a job.

Originally from North Carolina, Ruscik brings a long-standing sense of structure and commitment to both school and work. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout before college and credits that experience for helping him develop the planning and follow-through skills he now uses to run job sites and manage his schedule.

Outside of academics and work, Ruscik enjoys outdoor activities and focused study. He hikes, plays tennis and golf, and spends time reading about financial systems and macroeconomic trends. These interests align with his goal to work in corporate finance—where structure, timing, and planning are critical.

Professors and coworkers describe him as calm under pressure, clear in communication, and consistent in performance. Whether he’s leading a team or contributing to a class project, he stays focused on outcomes and understands the systems that drive them.

His work with Greenscape Inc. gives him an early edge in understanding how labor, cost, and logistics interact in live settings. While many students study those dynamics abstractly, Ruscik sees them unfold in real time and adjusts accordingly. That experience is helping him build decision-making skills that will serve him in finance, operations, or any strategic business role.

“Studying economics helps me understand the framework,” he says. “Managing crews helps me understand what happens when people move through that framework.”

As he approaches graduation, Ruscik continues to build a record of reliable execution in both academic and field environments. His Greenville experience reflects a dual commitment to theory and application—gaining knowledge and putting it to work.

About John Ruscik
John Ruscik is an applied economics and business administration student at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. He works as a foreman at Greenscape Inc., where he manages landscaping crews, coordinates project logistics, and oversees daily site operations. A longtime Eagle Scout and member of the ECU economics society, Ruscik combines academic training with practical leadership experience. His career interests include corporate finance, economic modeling, and operational strategy.

New Standard Enables Native Token Operation Across 10 Blockchain Networks Without Bridge Protocols

LONDON, 28th Jan 2026 – Bazaars today announced the launch of ORC-55, a multi-chain cryptocurrency token standard designed to address interoperability challenges in the blockchain industry. The company’s BZR utility token has been upgraded to become the first token to implement the ORC-55 standard.

According to Hacken’s 2024 Web3 Security Report, the cryptocurrency industry experienced $2.9 billion in losses during 2024. Bridge protocols, which facilitate token transfers between blockchains by locking assets on one network and issuing equivalent versions on another, represented a portion of these losses. ORC-55 offers an alternative approach by enabling tokens to operate natively across 10 blockchain networks: Ethereum, BNB Chain, Polygon, Arbitrum, Avalanche, Base, zkSync Era, Optimism, Cronos, and Mantle.

“We’ve taken a fundamentally different approach to how tokens can work across multiple blockchains,” said Raja Al-Khatib, Co-Founder and CEO of Bazaars. “Instead of requiring users to move tokens between networks through bridges, ORC-55 tokens are already present on all supported chains. Users can interact with their tokens wherever it makes the most sense for them at any given time.”

The standard is designed to support the company’s decentralized marketplace operations across 87 countries. For crypto-commerce applications, users can choose to transact on whichever blockchain offers preferable transaction fees or processing speeds at a given time. Because ORC-55 tokens exist natively across all supported networks, a user holding tokens on one blockchain can interact with those same tokens on any other supported blockchain without requiring bridge protocol conversions.

The ORC-55 standard includes several technical features. The standard does not include administrative functions after deployment, meaning no entity can modify the contract or create additional tokens post-launch. The token supply can only decrease through programmatic burns, with supply changes tracked across all supported networks. The standard implements allowance mechanisms designed to address certain transaction timing considerations. Token metadata is stored on-chain rather than relying on external servers.

The blockchain interoperability market is projected to grow from $0.3 billion in 2023 to $1.0 billion by 2028, according to research published by MarketsandMarkets in July 2023. This growth is attributed to increasing demand for cross-chain cryptocurrency transactions and the expansion of blockchain-based commerce applications.

The ORC-55 standard and BZR token implementation launched today across all 10 supported blockchain networks. BZR is currently listed on MEXC, BitMart, and Coinstore exchanges. The token is compatible with Trust Wallet, MetaMask, Trezor, and Ledger wallet platforms. Bazaars reports it is in discussions with additional platforms regarding ORC-55 integration.

Bazaars plans to release the ORC-55 technical specification as open-source in Q2 2025. The company states this will enable other projects to evaluate and potentially implement the standard.

Bazaars operates a decentralized marketplace platform utilizing blockchain technology for peer-to-peer commerce. The platform uses BZR tokens for transactions. Technical documentation and additional information are available at https://bazaars.io or via Twitter @BazaarsHQ.

Media Contact

Organization: Bazaars

Contact Person: Sarah Davies

Website: https://bazaars.app

Email:
media@bazaars.app

Address:Bazaars Limited, Intershore Chambers, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Country:Virgin Islands (British)

Release id:40652

Disclaimer: Digital assets and blockchain-based technologies involve risk, including potential loss of funds due to market volatility, technical vulnerabilities, and regulatory changes. This press release is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, or tax advice.

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