Latest news with #LESS
Agriland
11-06-2025
- Business
- Agriland
DAERA launches 2025 Northern Ireland farm census
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has launched the 2025 Northern Ireland farm census. The department is encouraging all farmers and growers to take part by completing the survey before June 30, 2025. This year, the census is introducing a new digital survey platform, Blaise, which DAERA said 'offers enhanced functionality and improved user experience'. The platform allows respondents to pause and resume the survey and provides the option to save or print a copy of their responses upon submission. In order to access the survey, farmers and growers will require a 12-digit unique code. Farm census According to DAERA, the annual farm census is 'a vital tool in shaping agricultural policy and supporting our rural economy'. 'The Department urges all farmers to take part and ensure their voices are heard. With the introduction of the new survey platform, it is easier than ever to complete the census securely and efficiently. 'Your input will help to inform the building of a more sustainable and resilient future for Northern Ireland's agriculture sector,' the department said. The 2025 census continues to collect essential data on land use, livestock numbers, and workforce composition as of June 1, 2025. This year's questionnaire also includes questions on cattle housing and the use of low emission slurry spreading (LESS) equipment. 'The data collected will be used for statistical and research purposes and will help to inform departmental decisions and policies supporting Northern Ireland's farming industry. It will not be used for cross-compliance or enforcement,' DAERA added. Farmers can access the census on the DAERA website. Anyone who requires support to complete the census can email DAERAsurveys@ or call 028 9081 6556.
Agriland
06-06-2025
- General
- Agriland
Listen: LESS not all plain sailing for beef-shed slurry
The first episode of the Beef Brief podcast heard from Co. Cavan-based winter beef finisher Sam Hill, who took the opportunity to highlight challenges he is facing with spreading cattle slurry produced from beef cattle through Low Emission Slurry Spreading (LESS) systems. Farmers who had a stocking rate of 100kg N/Ha or above in 2023 are be required to use LESS equipment when slurry spreading this year. Speaking on the Agriland Beef Brief podcast, the beef farmer said: ' I have the dribble bar for spreading slurry and that's another thing I wouldn't be 100% confident on. 'It's good in wet weather but when the weather comes like this [dry] and you're spreading slurry with the dribble bar, if you're taking silage back, you're tending to bring some of it [slurry] back in with you. It needs to be very thin.' Click here to listen to the full podcast. The beef farmer explained that he has tried alternative LESS systems to comply with the regulations such as the trailing shoe. 'I had the contractor with the trailing shoe and I can see no difference with the dribble bar and the trailing shoe LESS systems. 'It puts it down that bit further but once the growth comes and if it's dry, the grass will suck up the slurry as well with it. I think that's something all farmers have to look at. The farm enterprise is unusual for the region of Shercock, Co. Cavan in that Sam is growing a portion of his own concentrate feed also which is fed to the beef cattle in a wholecrop mix helping to reduce the need for bought in straw in the diet also. This crop will be cut and ensiled as wholecrop for beef cattle feed over the winter The farmer discussed how the enterprise transitioned from dairy farming to bull beef and onto heifer and steer finishing and Sam talks through the pros and cons of finishing traditional breed cattle over continental breed cattle.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
All Charges Dismissed Against Dr. Kingsley R. Chin and His Companies as DOJ Case Concludes
After a multi-year DOJ investigation, all criminal charges against Dr. Kingsley R. Chin and his medical device company, SpineFrontier, have been dismissed, allowing him to focus on transforming spine care and improving patient outcomes. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- All criminal charges have been dismissed against Dr. Kingsley R. Chin and his medical device companies, bringing an end to a multi-year investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). The case began in 2016 after three former employees, acting as whistleblowers under the False Claims Act, triggered a civil inquiry into Dr. Chin and SpineFrontier , the company he founded and led as CEO since 2006. That civil matter was fully resolved in November 2023. In 2021, the DOJ initiated a separate criminal investigation. In early 2025, charges against SpineFrontier were formally dismissed. By May 2025, the DOJ moved to dismiss all remaining charges against Dr. Chin. "All of the charges in the Indictment and Superseding Indictment against Dr. Chin have been or are going to be dismissed, as the case resolved for a lesser charge," stated Dr. Chin's legal counsel in a recent interview. Dr. Chin is a Harvard-trained professor and board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon and a graduate of Harvard Business School. He is widely recognized for pioneering Less Exposure Spine Surgery (LESS™), a philosophy that advances outpatient spine care and empowers physician-led medical innovation. With this legal chapter now coming to a close, Dr. Chin remains focused on transforming spine care and improving patient outcomes through continued innovation and leadership in the medical technology field. About SpineFrontier in 2006, SpineFrontier was built on a foundation of collaboration and innovation. Along with its strategic advisory board of spine surgeons, the company developed a portfolio of Less Exposure Spine Surgery (LESS) technologies designed to improve patient outcomes and simplify procedures for outpatient spine surgery. About KIC in 2013 as the venture arm of Kingsley Investment Company (KIC) LLC, KIC Ventures focuses exclusively on advancing outpatient spine surgery through its Less Exposure Spine Surgery (LESS™) philosophy. With a portfolio of innovative spine technologies and a commitment to empowering physicians, KIC Ventures has become the world's largest private equity firm with a majority-owned portfolio of differentiated spine companies focused on outpatient spine solutions. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE KIC Ventures Sign in to access your portfolio
Agriland
01-05-2025
- Business
- Agriland
EPA: LESS helps Ireland meet 2023 ammonia reduction target
In 2023 Ireland was compliant with EU Emissions Reduction targets across all five major pollutants: ammonia; non-methane volatile organic compounds; sulphur dioxide; nitrogen oxides; fine particulate matter. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which has published its findings for that year, these pollutants can impact air quality, health, and the environment. Ireland's ammonia emissions decreased by 4% in 2023 due to increased use of low emission slurry spreading (LESS) on farms and a reduction in nitrogen (N) fertiliser use. This brings Ireland into compliance with the EU target for ammonia. The ongoing move away from fossil fuel use in power generation and residential heating has been key in driving down emissions in three of the five key air pollutants: sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and fine particulate matter, according to the EPA. It added that looking forward to 2030, with full implementation of all government policies and measures, all five key air pollutants are projected to remain in compliance with EU targets. Ammonia Agriculture accounts for over 99% of ammonia emissions in Ireland and has previously been in non-compliance with EU targets, according to the EPA. A decrease of 4% in ammonia emissions in 2023 was driven by an 18% reduction in N fertiliser use and increased use of LESS. Commenting on the findings, director of the EPA's Office of Evidence and Assessment, Dr. Eimear Cotter said: 'The EPA assessment shows that Ireland is on track to meet its 2030 EU Emissions Reductions targets for all five major pollutants which has multiple benefits for air quality, human health and valuable ecosystems. 'It shows that implementation of policies and measures delivers results in terms of reducing air pollutants. 'In particular, there is a welcome reduction in ammonia emissions in 2023, reflecting the impact and benefits of the on-farm adoption of a range of good farming practices driven and supported by national policies. 'The use of low emission slurry spreading on farms avoided the release of 7,000t of ammonia to the atmosphere,' she added. The EPA director explained that acceleration and widespread implementation of practices such as LESS, is needed to keep Ireland on the pathway to better air quality and ongoing compliance with EU 2030 targets. Emissions Ireland is in compliance with EU Emission Reduction targets for the other air pollutants with decreases recorded for these pollutants in 2023. Sulphur dioxide decreased by 21%; fine particulate matter by 11%; nitrogen oxides by 7% and non-methane volatile organic compounds by 4%. Less fossil fuel use in power generation and residential heating has been key in reducing these emissions. Commenting on these findings, senior manager of EPA Emissions Statistics, Dr. Tomás Murray said: 'It is encouraging that our latest assessment projects compliance across all five key air pollutants in relation to EU 2030 targets assuming ongoing and full implementation of relevant government policies and measures. 'It is notable that the move away from fossil fuel use in power stations, businesses, and homes can deliver multiple benefits across our health, climate, and environment in the coming years.' In line with new research, the EPA said it implemented an improvement to the beef and sheep methane models that increased the accuracy of nitrogen excretion estimates and resultant ammonia emissions. This has led to an average of 0.7kt decrease in ammonia emissions per year across the time series in comparison to its previous report.
Malaysian Reserve
24-04-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Physicians Aren't Just Using Medical Devices-They're Innovating and Owning Them: Celebrating 25 Years of Surgeon-Led Innovation with Dr. Kingsley R. Chin and KIC Ventures
From the OR to the boardroom, a growing wave of entrepreneurial physicians is reshaping the future of spine surgery and healthcare innovation. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Twenty-five years ago, before 'physician-led innovation' became a trend, Dr. Kingsley R. Chin—a Harvard-trained orthopedic spine surgeon—broke the rules of the legacy medical device world. Surgeons weren't supposed to be owners, founders, or investors. But Dr. Chin charted a different path, building intellectual property, founding companies, and raising capital from fellow physicians to commercialize technologies that improved patient outcomes. Through legal scrutiny, shifting markets, and industry resistance, he forged ahead—demonstrating the adaptability and resilience familiar to every surgeon. Today, KIC Ventures stands as one of the only physician-led healthcare investment firms, and Dr. Chin's story is inspiring a growing movement of doctors who are no longer just using medical devices—they are innovating and owning them. A Surgeon with a Prototype and a Plan It began with a simple idea—a better plate and screw system—and an early exposure to SolidWorks that helped Dr. Chin visualize his designs. The X-Plate was his first foray into product development. But it wasn't until he received his first three patents that he realized: protecting ideas was not enough. They had to translate into real products that solved real surgical problems. Breaking Through with MANTIS That realization led to the MANTIS (Minimal Access Nontraumatic Insertion System) percutaneous pedicle screw. After filing just two patents, interest from Zimmer and Stryker came quickly. MANTIS was ultimately acquired by Stryker before even reaching the market. It was proof that strong intellectual property and clinically relevant innovation could open doors—even for an independent surgeon. The Birth of KIC Ventures Founded in 2005 as Kingsley Investment Company and evolving into KIC Ventures by 2013, Dr. Chin's vision matured from inventor to investor. KIC Ventures was created to give physicians and engineers a seat at the table. While others chased institutional funding, Dr. Chin raised over $20 million directly from physicians who believed in their collective ability to improve spine care. Milestones of Physician-Led Investment 2014 : Acquired AxioMed Corporation, developer of a viscoelastic total disc replacement. 2018 : Acquired NanoFuse Biologics, combining demineralized bone matrix with bioactive glass. 2020s : Expanded outpatient-focused LESS (Less Exposure Spine Surgery) portfolio to include Sacrix, InSpan, FacetFuse, and NanoFuse Biologics. Surgeons + Engineers: A Blueprint for Innovation At KIC Ventures, every innovation starts with a problem in the OR. Surgeons identify the issue. Engineers bring it to life. Together, they test, iterate, and validate—with IP protection and FDA clearance paving the way. It's a repeatable process rooted in collaboration: Identify a real-world clinical problem Design and prototype a solution Perform cadaver and biomechanical testing Protect the idea with patents Achieve regulatory approval Launch and train through peer collaboration Validate with clinical outcomes and peer-reviewed research Honoring the Legacy: Dr. Art Steffee and the Surgeon-Innovator Blueprint Long before today's medtech startups, surgeon-entrepreneurs like Dr. Art Steffee laid the foundation for innovation in spine care. A practicing orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Steffee founded Acromed , developed the first pedicle screw system introduced in the U.S., and created the Acroflex lumbar disc —the world's first viscoelastic disc replacement. His vision and persistence not only advanced spine surgery but also proved the value surgeons bring to innovation. In 1998, Dr. Steffee sold Acromed to DePuy for $325 million, marking one of the most notable physician-led exits in medtech history. 'Dr. Steffee showed us that a surgeon's insight—combined with business acumen—can create enormous clinical and economic value. That legacy inspired many of us to follow his path.' – Dr. Kingsley R. Chin Today, KIC Ventures continues that legacy: We own the next-generation Acroflex design through AxioMed, a monolithic viscoelastic disc rooted in the same principles Dr. Steffee pioneered. We've redefined pedicle screw fixation through FacetFuse, a transfacet pedicle screw system designed to stabilize with less exposure and more precision. As the medtech world turns toward smart devices and outpatient care, the surgeon-innovator model is more relevant than ever. Dr. Steffee's story proves that when physicians lead innovation, patients benefit—and so does the industry. Disrupting the Old Guard The traditional medical device model favored big companies, with surgeons playing a supporting role. KIC Ventures flipped that model. By putting physician-investors in control of design, development, and commercialization, Dr. Chin created a platform where clinical insight drives innovation—not corporate spreadsheets. Resilience, Adaptability, and the Physician Advantage Navigating legal scrutiny, anti-kickback concerns, and waves of market consolidation required more than business savvy. It demanded the same grit and discipline that surgeons apply in the OR. That mindset, along with decades of trust built with peers, gave Dr. Chin and his ventures a durable edge. Looking Ahead: Smart Devices, AI, and the Next Era of LESS As KIC Ventures celebrates 20 years and Dr. Chin marks 25 years since his first IP filing, the firm is accelerating its focus on smart devices, AI-assisted procedures, and next-generation biomaterials. The goal remains the same: reduce surgical exposure, preserve anatomy, and restore function. The Movement Has Begun Physicians across the country are realizing they can be more than users—they can be owners and innovators. Dr. Chin's journey shows what's possible when doctors step into the arena, embrace entrepreneurship, and build innovations that serve both their peers and their patients. About Dr. Kingsley R. Chin Dr. Kingsley R. Chin is a Harvard-trained orthopedic spine surgeon, entrepreneur, and CEO of KIC Ventures. He completed his spine fellowship with Dr. Henry H. Bohlman, served as Chief of Spine Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania, and has since pioneered the Less Exposure Spine Surgery (LESS) technique. With over 60 U.S. patents, he is recognized for his contributions to spine surgery innovation and medical entrepreneurship. About KIC Ventures. Founded in 2013 as the venture arm of Kingsley Investment Company LLC, KIC Ventures focuses exclusively on advancing outpatient spine surgery through its Less Exposure Spine Surgery (LESS) philosophy. With a portfolio of innovative spine technologies and a commitment to empowering physicians, KIC Ventures has become the world's largest private equity firm with a majority-owned portfolio of differentiated spine companies focused on outpatient spine solutions.
