Author: ZEX PR WIRE

  • Listen to the Ears: Veterinarian Dr. Eugene Aversa’s Compassionate Crusade Against Pet Ear Infections

    Pennsylvania, US, 18th July 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, In the bustling world of modern veterinary medicine, where technological innovation often dominates headlines, Dr. Eugene Aversa, DVM, offers a refreshing reminder: the most important tool in animal care is still compassion. With over 24 years of experience as a General Practice Small Animal Veterinarian, Dr. Aversa has built a distinguished career through his technical mastery in diagnostics, surgery, medicine, and anesthesia and by consistently placing the needs of animals at the center of everything he does.

    Earning his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University in 1998, Dr. Aversa’s professional foundation was laid early. But his passion for animal welfare traces back even further. Growing up in a family that quietly practiced compassion: his father caring for stray cats and his great-grandmother and her brother advocating for animal wellbeing. Dr. Eugene Aversa inherited a deep reverence for the creatures who often have no voice.

    From rescuing a pig named Emma post-surgery and giving her a safe sanctuary, to saving Gulliver, a horse once destined for slaughter, Dr. Aversa’s actions reflect a devotion far beyond clinical obligations. That same commitment informs every consultation, surgery, and treatment he performs today.

    The Silent Epidemic in Veterinary Medicine: Ear Infections

    One of the most common yet chronically misunderstood ailments Dr. Aversa encounters in practice is ear infections, particularly in dogs. These infections may seem like minor inconveniences, but according to Dr. Aversa, they’re often much more than just a nuisance.

    “Ear infections can make animals absolutely miserable,” Dr. Aversa explains. “Imagine your ears itching, aching, or feeling full, but you can’t say a word about it. That’s the reality for so many pets.”

    Dr. Aversa sees ear infections as a diagnostic challenge and an ethical imperative. While some cases are easily resolved with a course of medicated drops, others can become chronic or resistant if not properly addressed. That’s where his experience, and patient-centered philosophy, shine.

    Understanding the Cause is the Key to the Cure

    Dogs, far more frequently than cats, suffer from ear infections due to a range of causes: allergies, moisture from swimming, small ear canals, excessive fur, or floppy ear flaps that hinder air flow. Certain breeds, Dr. Aversa notes, are repeat offenders.

    “Labradors are swimmers, Cocker Spaniels have dense, furry ear flaps, and smaller breeds often have ear canals packed with hair,” he says. “All these characteristics increase the risk.”

    Cats, while less commonly affected, are not immune. Outdoor cats are particularly vulnerable to ear mites and traumatic injuries, while some may also suffer allergy-induced infections.

    Dr. Aversa emphasizes early detection. “If you notice head shaking, persistent scratching, redness, swelling, or an unpleasant odor, don’t wait. Bring them in. Early intervention can spare your pet a lot of pain and save you a lot of money.”

    Why Treatment Isn’t Always Straightforward

    For a first-time or occasional ear infection, treatment is often relatively simple. Dr. Aversa performs in-house tests to determine whether the infection is caused by yeast, bacteria, or mites, and prescribes medication accordingly. In many cases, the issue resolves quickly.

    But when infections become chronic or recurrent, the stakes rise. Years of repeated antibiotic use can lead to bacterial resistance. Thickened or scarred ear canals may no longer allow for easy medication. And sometimes, the dog simply becomes uncooperative.

    “Imagine someone trying to squeeze ointment in your painful ear every day,” says Dr. Aversa. “It’s exhausting for the dog and the owner.”

    In such cases, long-acting treatments administered in-office can be a game-changer. These allow a veterinarian to apply medication directly into the ear once, eliminating the need for daily applications and improving compliance and outcomes.

    More Than Medicine: Root Cause Analysis

    “Treating the symptoms without addressing the cause is like putting a bucket under a leak instead of fixing the roof,” says Dr. Aversa.

    That’s why he digs deeper when infections persist. He explores food and seasonal allergies, hygiene routines, resistance patterns, and even lifestyle factors. Dietary trials using hypoallergenic food, evaluations of home cleaning routines, or reconsideration of ear fur plucking may all become part of the care plan.

    “Plucking ear fur can sometimes help, but I’ve seen it cause more harm than good when done routinely,” he warns. “We only recommend it when we know it’s truly necessary.”

    He also acknowledges the emotional toll long-standing issues can take on pet owners. “People feel helpless, frustrated, guilty. Part of my job is helping them understand what’s going on and that we have a plan.”

    Ethical Practice: A Lifelong Commitment

    Dr. Aversa’s care doesn’t stop at the clinic door. He has long donated his services to a sanctuary for aging dogs and continually fosters an environment where compassion leads clinical decisions.

    While many practitioners focus exclusively on diagnostics and treatment, Dr. Eugene Aversa also champions education and advocacy. From creating a weekly television show about shelter animals in his early years, to marching for animal rights, his dedication extends far beyond exam rooms.

    Even in veterinary school, Dr. Aversa’s ethical stance stood out. He opted for a naturally deceased pony for his neuro-dissection project rather than using an animal euthanized for the task; displaying an unwavering commitment to humane learning.

    At Home with the Rescues

    Outside of work, Dr. Aversa lives a life shaped by the same compassion he brings to his clinic. He shares his home with a unique blend of rescued companions: Mel, Martha, Jaime, Freddie, and Figaro, all animals who, in some way, represent his personal mission to offer second chances.

    These animals are not just pets; they’re reminders of what is possible when one chooses kindness over convenience. From bottle-feeding newborn kittens to rehabilitating injured strays, Dr. Aversa’s home is a sanctuary.

    Conclusion: A Voice for the Voiceless

    Dr. Eugene Aversa stands as a testament to what veterinary medicine can and should look like. His deep knowledge, ethical rigor, and heartfelt connection to animals make him more than a veterinarian; he’s a guardian, a healer, and an advocate.

    As ear infections and other chronic conditions continue to affect pets everywhere, Dr. Aversa’s approach offers hope: a blend of science and soul, experience and empathy.

    His message to pet owners? “Trust your instincts. If something seems wrong, speak up for your pet. And find a vet who listens not just with their ears, but with their heart.”

    Media Contact:
    Eugene Aversa

    Website: www.dreugeneaversa.com

  • How to Master Straight Bowing: Essential Bowing Tips from St. Paul Teacher Marnie Thies of Marnie Thies Violin Lessons

    Minneapolis, US, 18th July 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Marnie Thies of Marnie Thies Violin Lessons understands that playing with a straight bow is one of the most fundamental and challenging skills any violinist can develop. It involves guiding the bow so that it travels in a straight line, parallel to the bridge and perpendicular to the strings throughout each stroke. This consistent alignment ensures even contact with the string and helps produce a clear, resonant tone.

    According to Marnie Thies, Suzuki violin instructor and owner of Marnie Thies Violin Lessons near Minneapolis in St. Paul, mastering straight bowing is essential for producing rich tone, controlling dynamics at both soft and loud volumes, and creating expressive articulation, including the clarity, attack, and shape of each note. To contact Marnie Thies Violin Lessons, call 763-413-4791.

    Why It’s Challenging and Worth It

    Many students, from beginners to advanced players, struggle to maintain proper bow alignment. It requires precise coordination of the arm, hand, wrist, and posture. But Marnie Thies stresses that the payoff is well worth the effort: “When you master this technique, you gain greater control over your tone and broaden your expressive possibilities.”

    Straight bowing helps distribute weight and tone evenly throughout the bow. If the bow moves too close to the bridge, the sound becomes scratchy; if it tilts toward the fingerboard, the tone can weaken or become inconsistent. Maintaining a straight bow avoids these issues and supports a focused, consistent sound.

    Mastering the Foundations: How Proper Setup Shapes Bowing Technique

    Building the Technique Step by Step

    Proper bowing technique starts with the right physical setup. An ill-fitting chinrest, shoulder rest, or sponge can cause tension and restrict the natural, fluid movement of the arm, shoulder, and wrist. This tension makes it hard for students at any level to keep a straight bow and often causes them to adjust their posture in ways that compromise bow control and sound quality.

    When the chinrest or shoulder rest doesn’t fit well, the violin may shift from its stable position on the shoulder toward the center of the body. This shift disrupts balance and stability, leading to further posture and arm adjustments that make precise bow alignment more challenging. Thies emphasizes customizing the setup to each player’s body type. For some, a sponge offers better comfort and freedom than a traditional shoulder rest, helping reduce tension and encourage relaxed arm and shoulder movement.

    At Marnie Thies Violin Lessons near Minneapolis, Marnie Thies works closely with each student to optimize their setup for smooth, natural motion and a clearer, more focused tone.
    For more information or to schedule a lesson, call Marnie Thies at 763-413-4791.

    The next step is developing a relaxed, natural bow hold. The thumb should rest comfortably on the frog, bent but not rigid, while the fingers stay curved and flexible. A tight grip creates tension and restricts movement, whereas a relaxed hold enables the fluid motion necessary for precise bowing.

    Once the bow hold is secure, Thies guides students through slow, controlled strokes on open strings. This foundational exercise builds awareness of bow placement and movement. Practicing in front of a mirror provides visual feedback to catch misalignment early and correct it immediately.

    A Drill to Develop Muscle Memory

    To refine bow control further, Thies recommends a drill from the YouTube channel Professor V. The exercise involves placing the bow at the frog, lifting it off the string at various points, and gently returning it to the string while keeping the bow moving in a straight path. This drill strengthens awareness of wrist and arm mechanics and helps internalize the precise movement needed for accurate bowing.

    Recognizing that every student learns differently, Thies has created a “Right Hand Violin Technique” section on her website, proviolin.com. It features carefully curated instructional videos, tips, and exercises designed to reinforce lesson concepts and support independent practice. Students can revisit these materials anytime to deepen their understanding and improve their skills between lessons.

    Common Obstacles and How to Fix Them

    Despite guidance, many students face common challenges that disrupt straight bowing. Thies identifies these as the most frequent:

    Tension in the bow hand: A stiff grip limits smooth movement and causes erratic bow paths. A relaxed hand supports fluidity and precise control.

    Improper elbow positioning: An elbow that is too low or too high causes the bow to angle incorrectly. Thies suggests exercises where students pause at both the frog and the tip to develop muscle memory for proper elbow height.

    Stiff wrist: The wrist should act like a flexible hinge, not a locked joint. A responsive, relaxed wrist ensures smooth transitions from tip to frog.

    Overusing the fingers: While fingers make subtle adjustments, the main bow stroke should come from the arm. Relying too much on fingers leads to instability.

    Poor posture: Slouched shoulders or a misaligned spine disrupt bow mechanics. Thies encourages students to maintain a straight back, relaxed shoulders, and a balanced stance, whether standing or sitting.

    The Bigger Picture: Sound and Expression

    To truly master straight bowing, violinists need to understand the mechanics guiding the bow’s movement. The bow should glide smoothly, parallel to the bridge and perpendicular to the strings. This requires coordinated alignment, flexible joints, and keen awareness of movement. When the wrist, elbow, and shoulder move in harmony, the bow naturally follows the correct path.

    Thies highlights the close connection between technique and musicality. “It’s a process,” she says. “But the results are worth it. When you master this technique, you gain more control over your tone and broaden your expressive range.” Even small improvements in form can dramatically enhance the sound quality and emotional depth of a performance.

    Ongoing Support for Students

    “Consistency is essential,” Thies says. “Regular practice builds fluency and ease. Eventually, playing with a straight bow will feel automatic, and your music will reflect that freedom.”

    At the time of publication, Marnie Thies offers both online and in-person violin lessons near Minneapolis, including the St. Paul suburbs of Falcon Heights and North Oaks. Since 2020, Marnie Thies has taught online more frequently. Her online lessons page on proviolin.com features a student who learned vibrato exclusively online with Marnie Thies as their sole instructor. To learn more about Marnie Thies Violin Lessons, call 763-413-4791.

    For those looking to refine their technique or start their violin journey, more information and contact details are available on her website.

  • Rowdy Oxford Says Climate Migration Is Already Overwhelming Emergency Systems Nationwide

    Michigan, US, 18th July 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, As record-breaking heatwaves, wildfires, and floods continue to displace Americans in unprecedented numbers, Rowdy Oxford, veteran emergency strategist and FEMA Regional Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer (EPLO), is raising the alarm: the United States is already facing a full-scale climate migration emergency, and the current response system is underprepared.

    “This isn’t a future problem. It’s happening right now,” said Oxford. “Communities are evacuating, relocating, and in many cases, not returning. Local governments are overwhelmed, federal coordination is too slow, and our national emergency architecture isn’t built for sustained internal migration.”

    Data shows that more than 3 million Americans were living in internal displacement due to weather-related disasters in the past year. “These aren’t isolated events,” Oxford emphasized. “We’re seeing long-term, destabilizing shifts in population, which stretch emergency resources in both the communities people are leaving and the ones they’re moving to.”

    With over 20 years of experience in national security, crisis logistics, and civil-military coordination, Oxford has served on the front lines of large-scale emergencies and advised both federal and local agencies. He argues that current emergency planning models were built for short-term disaster displacement, not the long-term climate relocation patterns emerging today.

    “Emergency management was designed around the idea of recovery and return,” said Oxford. “But that’s no longer realistic in many parts of the country. People aren’t coming back.”

    Key vulnerabilities in today’s system, according to Oxford, include:

    • Local responders are overburdened: Counties and cities lack the infrastructure and personnel to manage long-term relocations.

    • Fragmented federal activation: National support often lags behind fast-moving crises, especially when events don’t fit traditional disaster categories.

    • No coordinated housing strategy: Emergency efforts rarely account for long-term housing needs in climate-safe zones absorbing displaced populations.

    • Outdated risk modelling: Current hazard maps and predictive tools do not reflect the scale or speed of internal migration underway.

    Oxford warns that the social impact of widespread displacement on schools, healthcare, employment, and mental health could lead to systemic breakdowns if left unaddressed.

    “Displacement affects everything,” he said. “When you displace families repeatedly, you fracture local economies and support networks. That can escalate from a public safety issue to a national security threat.”

    To meet the challenge, Oxford advocates for a national strategy centred on climate mobility planning, not just emergency response. His proposed solutions include:

    • Creating a National Climate Mobility Task Force, uniting FEMA, HUD, DOD, and private sector leaders to manage relocation logistics and long-term community integration.

    • Modernizing disaster funding, allowing for flexible aid supporting host regions managing unsustainable population influxes.

    • Deploying predictive mobility analytics, integrating environmental and housing data to forecast and prepare for migration shifts.

    • Empowering veteran-led resilience efforts, placing trained leaders at the helm of local relocation planning and execution.

    Rowdy Oxford also emphasizes the need to shift public perception. “We need to stop framing relocation as a failure,” he said. “In this climate reality, moving isn’t a defeat, it’s survival. But it needs to be planned, coordinated, and supported by national systems.”

    In his dual role with FEMA and as a private advisor to state and municipal agencies, Oxford continues to help design scalable, forward-looking emergency and resilience strategies. His focus remains on bridging federal resources with on-the-ground realities, before the next wave of crises makes the gap unbridgeable.

    About Rowdy Oxford
    Rowdy Oxford is a U.S. Army veteran and nationally recognized emergency preparedness and crisis logistics expert. With over two decades of experience across the military, government, and commercial sectors, he serves as FEMA’s Regional Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer (EPLO). Oxford is known for his leadership in complex response scenarios, advocacy for veteran transition, innovation in emergency planning, and building resilient communities.

    To learn more visit: https://www.issuewire.com/major-rowdy-oxford-honored-with-multiple-prestigious-military-and-civilian-awards-for-exemplary-service-and-leadership-1829603610669434

  • Robert Hahn End Hunger Leader Shares Simple Steps to Fight Local Hunger

    Washington, D.C, US, 18th July 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Robert Hahn, an award-winning non-profit leader known for his groundbreaking work with End Hunger in Calvert County, is calling on communities to take action against hidden hunger following the release of a new feature spotlighting his story and mission.

    Drawing from decades of experience tackling food insecurity in rural America, Hahn believes the same grassroots solutions can empower communities in the UK and beyond.

    “Rural hunger is invisible to most people,” Hahn explains in the article. “It’s hidden behind trees, long roads, and pride.”

    His warning is timely. The Trussell Trust reports nearly 3 million emergency food parcels were distributed by food banks across the UK in the past year. Many of these went to rural areas, where poverty is often hidden from view and harder to address.

    Hunger Is About More Than Just Food

    In the feature, Hahn shares why fighting hunger goes beyond delivering meals—it’s about restoring dignity and creating opportunity.

    “Handouts won’t change lives, but hand-ups can,” he says.

    Hahn’s approach led End Hunger to launch culinary training programmes that didn’t just feed people but also helped them gain lasting employment.

    “It wasn’t just about filling plates,” he says. “It was about giving people tools to change their lives.”

    Through collaboration with churches, schools, and businesses, his team connected people with food, skills, and long-term support.

    UK Communities Face Similar Challenges

    In the UK, hunger affects both urban and rural areas. According to Feeding Britain, one in five people in rural communities struggle with food insecurity—often without easy access to food banks or support programmes.

    Hahn’s focus on local leadership offers a clear takeaway for communities everywhere: small actions can lead to large change.

    “I’ve sat in rooms where we talked about million-pound donations and in kitchens where we planned soup drives,” he says. “Both matter.”

    How You Can Help Today

    Robert Hahn urges everyone to take simple, practical steps to fight hunger locally:

    • Start conversations about food insecurity in your community.

    • Support or organise community food initiatives—from neighbourhood meal sharing to community gardens.

    • Volunteer your skills—whether cooking, mentoring, or offering logistics help.

    • Partner with schools, churches, and local businesses to expand your reach.

    “I’ve learned that change happens one relationship at a time,” Hahn says. “If we all do our part, we can build something amazing—together.”

    To read the full interview, visit the website here.

    About Robert Hahn

    Robert Hahn is a respected non-profit leader with more than 30 years of experience in community development, fundraising, and poverty relief. He served as CEO of End Hunger in Calvert County and currently works as Chief Advancement Officer at Birmingham Green Foundation, continuing his lifelong mission to empower people and improve lives.

  • Data, Ethics, and Grit: Briget Niehues Makes the Case for Purpose-Driven Branding in 2025

    Lexington, KY, 18th July 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, In a digital marketing world often consumed by short-term metrics and attention-grabbing gimmicks, Briget Niehues is changing the narrative. As a seasoned marketing strategist, brand architect, and digital growth consultant, Bridget Niehues is on a mission to prove that integrity, data, and strategy can co-exist and even thrive in today’s competitive business environment.

    With over a decade of experience navigating the ever-evolving digital landscape, Bridget Niehaus has emerged as one of Kentucky’s most respected voices in ethical marketing and brand development. Her consultancy, Briget Brand Lab, has helped dozens of companies ranging from small-town startups to mid-sized enterprises, craft marketing strategies that effective, deeply authentic and sustainable.

    “It’s not enough to be seen,” says Bridget Niehues. “You have to be remembered for the right reasons. Purpose-driven branding builds trust and trust builds loyalty, which builds lasting growth.”

    Strategy Meets Soul

    Armed with an MBA in Marketing from the University of Kentucky, Bridget Niehaus started her professional journey in the corporate sector, quickly rising through the ranks due to her keen eye for consumer behavior and brand positioning. But it was her desire to help smaller, mission-driven companies stand out in saturated markets that led her to launch Briget Brand Lab.

    What sets Briget Niehues apart is her ability to balance creativity with analytics. She doesn’t just launch pretty campaigns. She builds systems that work. Leveraging SEO, CRM automation, email funnels, influencer collaborations, and social media insights, she turns raw data into emotionally resonant storytelling that delivers measurable results.

    “Branding is no longer just visual identity, it’s a strategic asset,” she explains. “Your brand is the sum of your values, your voice, your customer experience. Every touchpoint matters.”

    This philosophy has guided Briget’s work across sectors as diverse as agriculture, fintech, wellness, and retail. Her campaigns routinely outperform industry benchmarks, and her clients often report revenue boosts within months of implementing her strategies. Yet what truly excites Bridget Niehues is helping brands discover and articulate their “why.”

    Ethical Marketing: A Non-Negotiable

    In 2025, as AI reshapes the marketing industry and consumer skepticism continues to rise, Bridget Niehaus is doubling down on transparency and ethical strategy.

    “Just because you can automate something doesn’t mean you should,” she warns. “The human element is what makes marketing meaningful. Customers know when they’re being sold to and they’re quick to tune out brands that don’t speak with sincerity.”

    Briget Niehues is a vocal critic of manipulative marketing tactics, clickbait culture, and data misuse. Her firm actively educates clients about responsible data collection and promotes transparency in influencer collaborations, partnerships, and customer engagement.

    Her leadership extends beyond her client base. A passionate mentor, Bridget Niehues offers guidance to emerging professionals through workshops, speaker panels, and local business events. She frequently speaks on topics such as “Purpose Over Profit,” “Building Honest Brands in a Digital Age,” and “Marketing with Meaning.”

    “Marketing isn’t just a department,” she says. “It’s a cultural engine. It either amplifies your integrity or exposes your lack of it.”

    Briget Niehues remains unmistakable is her growing influence in the marketing world. For clients and peers alike, it’s not her name they remember first, but the impact she delivers and the trust she builds.

    A Voice for Local Economies

    A proud Lexington native, Bridget Niehaus is deeply invested in the success of her region. Her work often champions small businesses, BIPOC-owned brands, women entrepreneurs, and rural ventures trying to break into broader markets.

    “People underestimate the power of local storytelling,” says Briget Niehues. “A bourbon distillery in Kentucky, a farm-to-table startup, a legacy family-run hardware store have stories that matter. And those stories deserve a strategy.”

    This regional focus doesn’t limit her reach. Briget’s work has caught the attention of national publications and brand leaders seeking a more values-aligned approach to growth. In an era when consumers demand authenticity, Bridget Niehaus has become a trusted guide for brands that want to grow with their audience, not just at them.

    Looking Ahead: Marketing with Intention

    As 2025 unfolds, Bridget Niehues is preparing to expand Briget Brand Lab’s offerings. She is currently piloting a program that blends marketing mentorship with tech-driven strategy for underserved startups. Her goal? To democratize access to smart branding tools and help ethical companies compete on a global stage.

    “At the end of the day, marketing should make the world better,” she concludes. “It should help good people do good work. That’s where I see our industry heading and that’s where I want to be.”

    With grit, grace, and a deep belief in the power of purpose, Bridget Niehues is reshaping what meaningful marketing looks like in 2025 and reminding us that data without ethics is just noise.

    About Briget Niehues

    Briget Niehues is a brand strategist and founder of Briget Brand Lab, a consultancy helping businesses build recognizable, resonant brands. With expertise in digital marketing, CRM systems, and growth strategy, she turns local companies into regional leaders. A sought-after speaker and advocate for ethical marketing, she holds an MBA from the University of Kentucky and serves as a mentor for women in business.

    Her diverse client portfolio spans industries like retail, wellness, agriculture, and fintech, with many seeing significant revenue gains and long-term brand equity under her strategic leadership.

    What distinguishes Briget is her unique blend of creativity and data. Every initiative is grounded in strategy and storytelling. It is designed to convert, engage, and grow.

    A strong advocate for ethical marketing and purposeful branding, Briget also gives back to her community by mentoring young professionals and speaking at regional business events. Her commitment to education and responsible marketing practices makes her a respected voice in the industry.

    Outside of work, Briget enjoys exploring Kentucky’s natural beauty, sipping local bourbon, and supporting small business initiatives throughout the region.

    Smart. Strategic. Sustainable. Briget Niehues is helping brands grow with intention and making a lasting impact.

    For interviews, media inquiries, or to learn more about Briget Brand Lab:

    Media Contact:
    Company: Briget Brand Lab
    Location: Lexington, KY

    Website: https://brigetniehues.com/

  • Daman Investments Backs Web3 Sector With Strategic Investment Focus Across Four Key Verticals

    Dubai, UAE, 18th July 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Daman Investments, one of the UAE’s most trusted non-banking financial institutions and among the region’s pioneering investment firms, today announced a strategic expansion into Web3, reinforcing its commitment to shaping the future of digital innovation.

    Backed by its principal shareholder and Chairperson, Shehab Gargash, Daman is positioning itself at the forefront of the Web3 revolution through a newly defined investment thesis. The firm has identified four key verticals for focused investment across the decentralized ecosystem:

    1. Consumer dApps

    Daman will prioritize investments in Web3 consumer applications that deliver real-world utility. Building on its legacy of sector-agnostic technology investments, the group has already made a significant investment in myco, a UAE-based Web3 video streaming platform poised to become one of the leading consumer dApps globally.

    1. Brokerage & Payments

    Recognizing the growing need for regulated crypto services, Daman has incubated Daman Virtual*, a soon-to-be VARA-licensed entity focused on crypto brokerage and payments. This arm of the business will drive innovation in digital asset transactions and serve as a gateway to the crypto economy.

    1. Web3 Loyalty Infrastructure

    Leveraging the Group’s footprint in consumer banking, hospitality, and mobility, Daman is keen to invest in Web3 startups building next-generation loyalty solutions across MENA. These platforms are expected to redefine customer engagement through token-based rewards and interoperable loyalty programs.

    1. AI-Powered Web3 Ventures

    Daman also announced a strong investment interest in the convergence of AI and Web3. The firm has made its first move by backing A47, a UAE-based decentralized news network powered by AI agents, aiming to disrupt how news is created, distributed, and monetized.

    To further its vision in this space, Daman Investments has appointed globally recognized Web3 strategist and venture investor Momin Saqib as their Web3 Advisor, with an initial focus on the global success of #A47. Under his guidance, Daman plans to explore deeper engagement with emerging web3 technology and founders shaping the decentralized future.

    “We believe Web3 will play a foundational role in the future of finance, media, consumer tech, and infrastructure,” said Ahmed Khizer Khan, CEO of Daman Investments. “Through calculated investments and strategic partnerships, we aim to empower disruptive startups that align with our vision for a more open, decentralized, and AI-integrated digital economy.”

    *Daman Virtual is in the process of obtaining a license from the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) in Dubai and is currently not offering any regulated services

  • SyntecBiofuel Predicts Biofuels Market to Hit $208 B by 2030

    Cambridge, UK, 17th July 2025, ZEX PR WIRESyntecBiofuel, a pioneer in sustainable bioenergy solutions, today released its inaugural 2025–2030 Biofuels Market Forecast Report, projecting the global biofuels industry will nearly double in value over the next five years.

    Key Forecast Highlights

    • Global Market Growth: From USD 99.5 billion in 2023 to USD 207.9 billion by 2030 at an 11.3% CAGR.

    • Advanced Biofuels Surge: Valued at USD 136.9 billion in 2024, expected to exceed USD 965.1 billion by 2030—an extraordinary 38.5% CAGR.

    • Segmentation Trends: Conventional liquid biofuels (ethanol and biodiesel) will remain dominant in transport blending, while “drop‑in” fuels for aviation and marine sectors grow at 8.7% CAGR from USD 17.2 billion in 2025 to USD 26.1 billion in 2030.

    • Regional Leaders: North America’s market is forecast to climb from USD 52.3 billion in 2024 to USD 174.6 billion by 2034; Asia Pacific’s sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) capacity is set to outpace demand in 2025, creating a short‑term oversupply.

    “Today’s launch of our Biofuels Market Forecast Report underscores SyntecBiofuel’s commitment to data‑driven insight and innovation,” said Dr. Elena Voss, Chief Technology Officer at SyntecBiofuel. “With global decarbonization mandates intensifying, we’re seeing unparalleled growth in advanced biofuels—particularly in aviation and marine applications—while conventional segments continue to underpin transport energy needs.”

    Market Drivers & Challenges

    • Decarbonization Mandates: Stricter blending requirements and carbon‑pricing incentives are accelerating adoption.

    • Technological Advances: Breakthroughs in feedstock conversion and catalytic upgrading are driving down costs and improving yields.

    • Feedstock Constraints: Competition for land and inconsistent waste streams remain critical supply‑chain challenges.

    • Policy Volatility: Fluctuating incentives and regulatory frameworks can affect investment timelines.

    About SyntecBiofuel
    SyntecBiofuel is at the forefront of sustainable energy innovation, converting non‑food biomass, agricultural residues, and waste into high‑performance biofuels. Headquartered in Cambridge, UK, with research centers across Europe and Asia, the company delivers turnkey solutions—from feedstock sourcing to commercialization—to decarbonize transport, aviation, and marine sectors worldwide.

    For more information and to download the full 2025–2030 Biofuels Market Forecast Report, visit https://syntecbiofuel.com/main.php

    Media Contact
    Jane Harrington
    Director of Communications
    SyntecBiofuel Ltd.

  • Brač Island, Unfiltered: Ammar Jali’s Journey into the Quiet Corners

    Michigan, US, 16th July 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Ammar Jali, known for dissecting the pulse of places, has completed an expedition to Brač Island, Croatia. This wasn’t a leisure trip but a deep dive into the island’s unvarnished reality, a stark observation of its enduring character, far removed from any idyllic facade. This journey marks a distinct departure from his previous urban explorations, offering a stark, unromanticized glimpse into the understated life of Brač.

    Jali’s previous immersions into Split’s ancient yet functioning heart and Zagreb’s quietly introspective soul. They were marked by a quest to understand how history breathes within the present and how cities leave an emotional imprint. In Split, he analyzed Diocletian’s Palace not as a roped-off relic but as a living, breathing urban space, where Roman columns integrated into wine shops and deliveries navigated ancient pathways. Zagreb, in contrast, offered a lesson in slow unveiling, a city that rewarded patience and touched through honesty rather than grandeur.

    Brač Island, however, presented a different kind of subject altogether. Here, Jali found no grand historical complexes actively housing contemporary life, nor the introspective hum of a capital city. Instead, he encountered a landscape defined by its rugged authenticity, reliance on ancient trades, and a local life that proceeds with an almost stoic indifference to external perception.

    His exploration began not with a predetermined itinerary, but with a deliberate choice to disengage from the typical tourist gaze. Jali’s interest lay in the island’s foundational industries. He observed the ubiquitous presence of Brač stone, not as a decorative element, but as the very bedrock of the island’s economy and identity. He spent time in quarries, witnessing the raw extraction process, and in workshops, noting the precise, unhurried craftsmanship passed down through generations. No romantic narrative spun around the stone; it was simply a material, a livelihood.

    Venturing into the island’s interior, Jali encountered olive groves that stretched for miles, their gnarled trees a testament to centuries of cultivation. His engagement with local olive oil production was purely empirical: observing the harvest, the pressing, and the simple, unadorned packaging. He noted the absence of elaborate branding or marketing; the quality of the oil spoke for itself, a product of direct labour and traditional methods. Similarly, he explored the island’s sheep farming and cheese production, observing the pragmatic cycles of animal husbandry and the straightforward process of cheese making, devoid of any performative elements for visitors.

    His culinary experiences on Brač further solidified this objective perspective. Meals were taken in unassuming konobas, Croatian taverns serving local dishes like grilled fish, stews, and risottos. The dishes were robust, dictated by seasonal availability and local agricultural output, not by international palates. Grilled lamb, local cheeses, and simple vegetable preparations formed the core of his diet. Jali noted the unhurried service and the portions that reflected practical sustenance, not an indulgence. The food, he observed, was a direct expression of the island’s resources and traditions, without attempting to “tell a story”.

    Jali deliberately sought the island’s small, functional ports and fishing villages. He observed the daily routines of fishermen, the mending of nets, and the unloading of catches. These were not picturesque scenes staged for visitors, but essential activities for the island’s sustenance. The interaction between locals was direct, their conversations pragmatic, centred on the day’s work and the sea’s conditions.

    His journey to Brač was not about finding emotional resonance or grand conclusions, as in Zagreb. Nor was it about observing the “continuity” of urban life, as in Split. Instead, Brač offered a stark clarity, a testament to an existence fundamentally intertwined with its immediate environment. The island did not attempt to present itself as anything other than what it is: a place where life is lived with quiet, unyielding practicality, shaped by its landscape and enduring traditions.

    Ammar Jali’s time on Brač Island underscores his enduring commitment to understanding places on their terms, stripping away preconceived notions and observing the raw essence of their functionality. His findings provide a compelling, unvarnished portrait of an island that thrives not on spectacle but on its steadfast adherence to its roots.

    About Ammar Jali

    Ammar Jali is a distinguished urban explorer and cultural observer known for his unique methodology of immersing himself in diverse environments to understand the nuanced interplay between history, culture, and contemporary life. His journeys are characterized by profound observation and an analytical approach, seeking to uncover the authentic character of places beyond superficial narratives.

    To learn more visit: https://ammarjali-travel.com/

  • “Stay Local, Think Global”: Brandon St-Jacques Champions Early-Stage International Collaboration in Film

    Quebec-based producer urges creators to protect cultural identity while forging global partnerships from development onward

    Montreal, QC, 16th July 2025, ZEX PR WIREAs global streaming platforms increasingly turn to non-English content to meet growing demand, Quebec-based film producer Brandon St-Jacques is calling for a shift in how local creators approach international partnerships. His message: cultural specificity should be a strength, not a limitation—and international collaboration should begin at the development stage, not after the cameras roll.

    “What resonates globally often is the local,” says St-Jacques. “The accents, the rituals, the architecture—those are what give a story its edge. We don’t need to erase them to reach a bigger audience. We need to build around them.”

    The call comes in response to rapid changes in global viewing habits. In 2023, over 58% of Netflix’s most-watched original content was non-English. South Korean, Spanish, German, and French-language series have proven that audiences are more open than ever to subtitles—and to unfamiliar cultures, provided the story connects.

    “People used to think international success meant speaking English or sanding off cultural detail,” St-Jacques explains. “But look at Lupin, Dark, or Money Heist. They were local first—and global second.”

    The Missed Opportunity: Late-Stage Partnerships

    St-Jacques warns that many Canadian and Quebecois productions miss out on international success by waiting too long to bring global partners on board.

    “Too often, producers secure international support only after the script is locked and casting is done,” he says. “At that point, you’re just asking for money. What you really want is creative collaboration—someone who helps shape the vision and bring global insight early on.”

    He points to one of his recent projects, where partnering with a Belgian co-producer during early development opened doors to new financing tools, festival access, and a European audience—without diluting the Quebecois story.

    Key Figures Driving the Message

    • $11.5 billion was invested in non-English content by global streamers in 2023 alone (Ampere Analysis)

    • Only 6% of Canadian screenwriters identify as Francophone, highlighting the need for greater investment in talent development to sustain Quebec’s content pipeline (WGC Diversity Report)

    • Canadian series still represent less than 1.5% of global Netflix content, despite strong local production capacity

    Brandon’s Call to Action: What Creators Can Do

    St-Jacques urges writers, directors, and producers to take ownership of both their cultural voice and their international ambitions—starting with three simple shifts in approach:

    1. Think globally at the concept stage.

    Ask: Who is this story for—beyond our borders? What universal themes does it tap into?

    2. Make international contacts early.

    Festivals, incubators, and co-production markets are not just for pitching—they’re for listening, learning, and finding creative allies.

    3. Respect your cultural markers.

    Don’t erase what makes the story unique. If it’s local slang, keep it. If it’s a setting only locals would recognise, amplify it.

    “We need to stop treating cultural identity as a hurdle,” says St-Jacques. “It’s actually our ticket in. That’s what makes stories stand out.”

    Looking Ahead

    With more global buyers investing in regional voices, St-Jacques believes the time is right for Canadian creatives—particularly in Quebec—to lead the way in high-quality, culturally rich international co-productions.

    “We have the talent. We have the stories. What we need is strategy—and the confidence to believe that our local voice belongs on a global stage.”

    Media Contact:
    Read the full article here.

    About Brandon St-Jacques:
    Brandon St-Jacques is a Canadian film producer based in Quebec. Known for championing early-stage international collaboration, he works at the intersection of cultural storytelling and global outreach. His projects focus on protecting local identity while scaling creative ideas across borders.

  • Mark Andrew Kozlowski Calls for Smarter Ocean Innovation in New Feature Spotlight

    Nova Scotia, Canada, 16th July 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Marine technology entrepreneur and ocean conservation advocate Mark Andrew Kozlowski is using the momentum from a recent feature article on his work to rally support for sustainable, data-driven ocean solutions. In the interview, Kozlowski shares his journey from building underwater robots as a boy in Nova Scotia to founding Blue Horizon Technologies, an AI-powered marine innovation company with a global impact.

    Now, he’s urging the public—especially in coastal and river cities like London—to take action.

    “You don’t need a billion pounds or a PhD to start solving real problems,” says Kozlowski. “You need time, tools, and a reason to care.”

    The Challenge: Why Ocean Innovation Matters Now

    The Blue Economy—economic activity tied to oceans, coasts, and waterways—is valued at over £3.2 trillion globally and supports more than 3 billion people. Yet, according to the UN, 90% of marine fish stocks are overexploited or at their limits. Rising sea levels threaten millions of homes across the UK and beyond.

    Kozlowski believes the solutions lie not just with policymakers or corporations, but with ordinary people, schools, and grassroots efforts.

    “We need more citizen science, more local stewardship, more hands-on engagement,” he says. “The sea can’t just be seen as a backdrop. It’s part of our home—and our future.”

    What He’s Advocating For

    Drawing from his personal story and Blue Horizon’s international projects, Kozlowski is pushing for three core actions:

    1. Integrate ocean literacy into education systems.
      “Every child should meet the ocean before they grow up afraid of it,” he says. His foundation funds school trips and community workshops that teach practical marine science.

    2. Support low-impact infrastructure in coastal cities.
      He points to projects that use living shorelines, not concrete walls, to prevent erosion while restoring marine habitats.

    3. Leverage data and open-source tools.
      “We gave Chilean fishers real-time data on where the fish would be—and it changed everything,” he explains. His team wants more communities to have access to affordable monitoring tech.

    A Global Message with Local Impact

    Although Kozlowski’s work spans five continents, his approach is deeply local. Whether it’s Nova Scotia or London, he says the key is blending science with lived experience.

    “The Thames has its own voice. The North Sea has patterns. We just need better ears to listen,” he says. “Innovation doesn’t always look like Silicon Valley. Sometimes it looks like a teenager in a tide pool with a phone and a sketchpad.”

    His feature interview highlights how London’s tech scene, riverfront developments, and climate resilience plans could benefit from this more grounded, nature-informed approach.

    Take the First Step Toward Ocean Action

    Mark Andrew Kozlowski isn’t asking people to wait for top-down change. He’s inviting individuals, educators, and small businesses to act now:

    • Educators can bring marine science into classrooms with tide pool visits or local water testing projects.

    • Startups and designers can explore eco-friendly materials and smart marine sensors.

    • Residents can advocate for green infrastructure along their rivers, beaches, and canals.

    • Everyone can learn more about the Blue Economy and share that knowledge in their own communities.

    “The more we understand the sea, the better we’ll treat it—and the better it will treat us,” he concludes.

    To read the full interview, visit the website here.

    About Mark Andrew Kozlowski

    Mark Andrew Kozlowski is the founder and CEO of Blue Horizon Technologies, a marine innovation company specialising in AI-powered ocean monitoring, sustainable fisheries tools, and offshore clean energy systems. He is also the founder of the Kozlowski Foundation for Ocean Literacy, a board member of Ocean Supercluster Canada, and a recipient of the Order of Nova Scotia.