Metrology Services Market is expected to Reach USD 720.3 Million Globally in 2018: Transparency Market Research

According to a new market report published by Transparency Market Research “Metrology Services Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 2012 - 2018,” the global metrology services market is expected to reach USD 720.3 million by 2018, growing at a CAGR of 8.2% from 2012 to 2018. Increased focus on precision and accuracy in manufacturing processes has led to the growth of metrology services market. Considering the complexity of the manufactured parts, it is important to have one or more measurement technologies to ensure accurate measurements in order to improve/maintain quality of the product. Metrology services market is witnessing strong growth from end user industries such as automotive sector, aerospace, and power generation industry.

Browse the full report at http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/metrology-services-market.html

The global metrology services market is segmented by product type into two major categories as coordinated measuring machines (CMM) and optical digitizers and scanners (ODS). Metrology services market for CMM is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.2% from 2012 to 2018. Increasing demand for CMM related services such as machine installation, calibration, retrofitting, and repairing among others is supporting the growth of metrology services market. ODS, which is the largest and fastest growing segment, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.9% from 2012 to 2018 and reach the market size of USD 435.8 million by 2018. Among all the product segments of ODS, the demand for 3D laser scanners is highest as it offers measurement with precision of difficult geometries with the help of touch probe technology. 3D laser scanners accounted for the total share of around 35.1% of the total ODS market in 2012.

Among the end user industries, industrial segment that comprises processing industries, metal fabrication industry, and others is the largest contributor to the global metrology services market. This segment accounted for around 28% share of the total metrology services market in 2012. Automotive industry is expected to be the fastest growing end user segment and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.7% from 2012 to 2018. Technological advancement in automotives has increased the level of precision of the parts and components, thus creating the demand for metrology products and services.

Europe was the leading regional market in 2012 and accounted for around 31% share of the global metrology services market. Increased demand for metrology services in industrial and aerospace applications in Europe was majorly responsible for its leading share in global market. Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.2% from 2012 to 2018 and surpass Europe and North America by 2013 to become the leading regional market for metrology services. This growth is mainly fuelled by the demand from booming automotive industry in Asia Pacific along with other end use industries including manufacturing, medical, and others.

Some of the leading players in metrology services market include Hexagon AB, Carl Zeiss, Mitutoyo Corporation, Nikon Corporation, Renishaw, Faro Technologies, and others. Hexagon was the market leader in global metrology services market in 2012 followed by Carl Zeiss.

The global metrology services market is segmented as below:

Metrology Services Market
By product type
 Coordinated measuring machines (CMM)
o Gantry machines
o Bridge machines
o Articulated arm machines
o Horizontal arm machines
 Optical digitizers and scanners (ODS)
o 3D laser scanners
o White light scanners
o Laser trackers
By end use industry
 Automotive
 Aerospace
 Industrial
 Power generation
 Others (electronics, heritage preservation, animation applications, so on)
By geography
 North America
 Europe
 Asia Pacific
 Rest of the World (RoW)

About Us

Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMR’s experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.

Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMR’s syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.

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Website: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/

Study Suggests Green and White Rooftops can Inhibit Greenhouse Effect

According to the findings of a study, rooftops in large cities that are green and white in color can help inhibit heat buildup in urban areas—a phenomenon that is known as the heat island effect.

While white reflects sunlight, thus reducing heat, green rooftops with plants on them could help reverse the impact of global warming. A team of researchers working at the Global Institute of Sustainability at the Arizona State University (ASU) have recorded these findings.

Matei Georgescu, lead author and assistant professor at the ASU said that the using green hybrid roofs that are cool can not only help offset urban expansion, but they can also potentially offset the chances of additional warming.

Until now, the results of having green rooftops weren’t well researched even though this concept is being largely promoted by the federal government. However, this study could change that as specific indications of the benefits of having white and green rooftops are emerging. Scientists working on this project say that the results that have emerged leave little doubt about the fact that such rooftops could indeed help combat global warming.

Interestingly, other scientists have concurred with this published research as well. In the opinion of Mark Jacobson who works at the Stanford University as an environmental engineering professor, this research is a step in the right direction. He also says that it is consistent with other studies that indicate the ability of cool roofs to mitigate the impact of heat islands in urban areas.

The findings of this study could prove to be of immense importance in the design of urban systems that incorporate more green rooftops. Cities typically have a large amount of surfaces that are colored in black—thus absorbing heat instead of reflecting it. This makes cities warmer than other areas that surround them.

Software Defined Networking (SDN) Market is Expected to Reach USD 3.52 Billion Globally by 2018: Transparency Market Research

According to a new market report published by Transparency Market Research “Software Defined Networking (SDN) Market – Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 2012 - 2018,” the global SDN market is expected to reach USD 3.52 billion by 2018, growing at a CAGR of 61.5% from 2012 to 2018.

Browse the full report at http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/software-defined-networking-sdn-market.html

The global SDN market is primarily driven by factors such as increasing need for efficient infrastructure and mobility. The increasing demand for cloud services is also bolstering the growth of this market. Nowadays, many organizations are storing, computing, and networking through cloud-based infrastructure. They are doing this for more agility, flexibility, manageability, and programmability in their network infrastructure. The growing adoption of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy within an organization serves as an opportunity for this market. 

Of the three major end users, enterprises held more than 35% of the entire SDN market in 2012, due to the increasing need for agility, cost efficiency, and flexibility in the network infrastructure. The cloud service providers are expected to be the fastest growing end user segment in the coming years. The reason behind this is that, SDN technology helps cloud service providers in reducing their OPEX (Operating Expenses) and CAPEX (Capital Expenditure) and also helps them in delivering new services for revenue growth.

In terms of solutions, cloud provisioning and orchestration dominates the global SDN market. It is also expected to be the fastest growing solution as it helps to design, optimize, secure, and monitor the network. SDN switching held the second largest revenue share of the SDN market in 2012. SDN switching is the first layer of SDN network infrastructure, and is growing due to the increasing demand from new entrants who want to set up SDN technology in their organization.

North America is the biggest consumer of SDN technology owing to high degree of standardization coupled with favorable regulatory initiatives. Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing region during forecast period, fueled by the increasing adoption of BYOD (Bring Your own Device) policy in China, India, and Australia. 

The SDN industry is fragmented in nature, with presence of multiple players across different categories including hardware providers, software developers and service providers. Leading players in the global SDN industry include names such as Cisco, IBM, NEC, Juniper Networks among others. Other key players in the market include Alcatel-Lucent, VMware, HP, Google, Big Switch Networks, Arista Networks, Brocade Communications Systems, Verizon Communications, Intel Corporation and others.

The report segments the global SDN market into following three segments: 
 By End Users
o Enterprises
o Cloud service providers
o Telecommunications service providers
 By Solutions
o SDN Switching
o SDN Controllers
o Cloud Provisioning and Orchestration
o Others (Security and Services)
 By Geography
o North America
o Europe
o Asia Pacific
o RoW

About Us

Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMR’s experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.

Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMR’s syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.

Contact
Ms. Sheela AK
90 Sate Street, Suite 700
Albany, NY 12207
Tel: +1-518-618-1030
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Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.com
Website: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/

Global Polymer and Thermoplastic Micro Molding Market is Expected to Reach USD 763.6 million in 2019: Transparency Market Research

According to a new market report published by Transparency Market Research “Polymer and Thermoplastic Micro Molding Market for Medical, Telecom Fiber Optics, Automotive, Micro Drive Systems and Control and Other Applications – Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2013 – 2019,” global polymer and thermoplastic micro molding market was valued at USD 308.0 million in 2012 and is expected to reach USD 763.6 million by 2019, growing at a CAGR of 14.2% from 2013 to 2019.

Browse the full report at http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/polymer-thermoplastic-micro-molding.html

Growing demand for micro molded products from various end use industries such as medical, automotive and telecom coupled with cost advantage offered by polymers used for micro molding is expected to drive the market over the forecast period. The rapid development of micro fluidics and micro optics technologies mainly in the U.S. and Europe are also expected to augment the market. In addition, the growing number of MIS (minimally invasive surgeries) which extensively use micro molding is expected to boost the market for thermoplastic micro molding over the forecast period. However, the lack of awareness in developing regions such as Latin America, South East Asia and Middle East is expected to hinder the market growth.

Medical and healthcare emerged as the leading market for micro molding and accounted for 35% of the total thermoplastic micro molded products in 2012. It is also expected to be the fastest growing market for micro molded thermoplastics over the forecast period. Automotive application is expected to exceed USD 151 million by 2019. The growing production of automotives across the globe is expected to drive the market for micro molding over the forecast period. Telecom fiber optics and micro drive systems and control are expected to grow at an estimated CAGR of 13.8% and 14% respectively, from 2013 to 2019.

North America has been dominating the polymer micro molding market with high consumption of small sized products in several end-use industries and accounted for nearly 44% of the total revenue in 2012. Growing awareness of micro molding and early adoption of the technology in Europe are expected to lead high growth in the demand for micro molded products. European polymer micro molding market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.5% between 2013 and 2019. The Asia Pacific market is expected to reach nearly USD 110 million by 2019. Rest of the world polymer micro molding market was valued at USD 11.9 million in 2012.

North America continued to lead the global market and accounted for more than 48% of the total thermoplastic micro molded revenue in 2012. Micro molding is still in its infancy stage in Asia Pacific with most of the Asia Pacific market being captured by Japan. However, the region holds great potential for growth in the near future and is expected to grow at an estimated CAGR of 14.8% from 2013 to 2019. European thermoplastic micro molding market is expected to reach approximately USD 219 million by 2019. Germany accounts for almost half of the total micro molding market owing to its growing healthcare expenditure and its leading position in automobile manufacturing. Rest of the world thermoplastic micro molding market was worth USD 7.4 million in 2012. 

The market for micro molding is mainly situated in the western hemisphere of the world. Some of the well known micro molders include Accumold, ALC Precision, Micromold Inc, American Precision Products, Makuta Technics, Micromolding Solutions, Micro Precision Products, Precimold Inc, Rolla AG, Rapidwerks, Stack Plastics, Stamm and Sovrin Plastics among others. 

This report segments the global unconventional gas market as follows:
• Thermoplastic Micro Molding  Market: Application Analysis
o Medical and healthcare
o Telecom fiber optics
o Automotive
o Micro drive systems and control
o Other (Including computers, material and technology trials in universities, etc.)

• Thermoplastic Micro Molding  Market: Regional Analysis
o North America
o Europe
o Asia Pacific
o Rest of the World
• Polymer Micro Molding  Market: Regional Analysis
o North America
o Europe
o Asia Pacific
o Rest of the World

About Us

Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMR’s experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information. 

Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.

Contact
Ms. Sheela AK
90 Sate Street, Suite 700
Albany, NY 12207
Tel: +1-518-618-1030
USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453
Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.com
Website: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/

Nanobots Powered by Sound Waves Could Herald New Chapter in Drug Delivery and Treatment

Researchers working at the Penn State University have succeeded in propelling tiny robots inside living human cells using sound waves. These tiny machines—referred to as nanomachines or nanobots—could mark a new chapter in treating diseases and drug delivery.

According to Tom Mallouk, a researcher who was a part of the team at Penn State, the first-generation motors that were developed by them could not move around inside biological fluid, and they only worked on fuels that were toxic to the human body. This restricted the ability of researchers to study nanobots inside living human cells.

However, researchers seem to have found a way around the problem by pumping the nanobots with ultrasonic waves of varying intensities. This showed results as the tiny machines were able to spin around in biological fluid and penetrate the interiors of cells. Researchers also found that they could use magnetic waves to steer these nanobots to a very precise degree.

These nanobots could potentially be used for destroying cancer cells and other diseased cells, while leaving the healthy cells unharmed.

This technology could provide several new avenues for advancement in the medical field. For instance, these nanobots could deliver drugs to the precise location required inside the body. With more development, they could also be programmed to act as miniature surgeons that could work from the inside to repair impaired parts of the body or to remove blockages in organs.

According to researchers working on the project, there are several applications that can be developed now that they have found a precise way to control particles on such a small scale. The challenge would now be to further understand how this technique works.

U.S. To Collaborate with France for New Mars Mission Planned in 2016

The United States and France are planning to collaborate for a new Mars mission being planned for 2016. The agreement between the two nations was signed by the NASA admin and CNES president Jean-Yves Le Gall on Monday in Washington. According to Bolden, this milestone agreement will strengthen the aeronautics partnership between the two premier space research organizations of the U.S. and France. This agreement will take forward a partnership that goes back over two decades.

Shortly after signing the agreement, Bolden also said that the data gathered via this Mars mission will enable the two agencies to gain further insights into the early stages of the formation of planet Mars. This information will in turn help researchers understand how planet earth evolved in its early stages.

The Mars lander that will be used as a part of this project is being called InSight (Interior Exploration Using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy, and Heat Transport).

In addition to experts from France and the U.S. this project will also feature on its team an array of other researchers from countries such as Switzerland, Spain, Poland, Canada, Belgium, Germany, and Austria among others.

As part of this project, researchers aim to study the tectonic activity on Mars and the impact that meteorites have had on its surface. Researchers will achieve this by installing a special instrument for measuring seismic activity that has been developed by CNES. The instrument is called Seismic Experiment for Interior Structure instrument (SEIS). The instrument will help scientists and researchers record the seismic waves that move around through the core of Mars, so as to understand the composition and structure of the planet better.

Yahoo Acquires NYC-Based Start Up Wander to Boost its Mobile App Presence

Internet giant Yahoo has announced the acquisition of Wander, a startup that is most popular for its ‘Days’ iOS app. With this latest acquisition, Yahoo hopes to further consolidate its mobile app offerings. The company has been on an acquisition spree, picking up companies and startups that are aligned with its growth plans. While the companies did not disclose the financial details of the deal, analysts put this figure above USD 10 million.

Wander is a start up based on New York City, and its application ‘Days’ is used by thousands of users to gather pictures taken on their iPhone during the whole day in one place, and share them with others—akin to a daily visual diary comprising pictures.

Yahoo already has an office dedicated to mobile and emerging products in New York City, and the Wander team will henceforth work at that location. This Yahoo office has also been entrusted with the task of redesigning flagship products such as Yahoo Mail, Flickr, and Weather.

According to sources, the acquisition of Wander by Yahoo will not bring about any changes to the way the app works, and it will continue to function as it did before. This was corroborated by the company on its blog as well.

According to the blog post by Wander, its team will continue to work in its earlier capacity as a startup, except for the fact that it will now be under the purview of a larger organization. The team is apparently also working on some new and interesting projects that it refused to divulge at this point.

Ever since Marissa Mayer took charge of Yahoo in 2012, she has been aggressively spearheading a buying spree, adding nearly 30 start ups to the company’s portfolio ever since. With this strategy, Yahoo intends to register a stronger presence in the handheld devices apps sector.

Severn Trent and Pennon water companies in Britain are unaffected by floods

The floods currently hitting major parts of Britain have made a substantial effect on the financial performance of the country, said Severn Trent. The country’s water utility company trades its performance in coalition with the previous guidance. Britain’s income base is supposed to be slightly rising, year-on-year. Even the sector peer Pennon agreed upon the “in line with expectations” factor during its trading update.

The country’s tax (PBIT), the underlying profit before interest, and non-regulated business of Severn Trent Services unit is now expected to be slightly lesser than the figures of the previous year. This is because the Products division’s shipments for the last two months have perpetually soared below expectations and the reason was continuing delivery delays and customer projects. 

Nevertheless, the company’s South West Water unit is still functional and in its best-robust performance, despite the wretched weather and excessive flooding in the South West. According to the management the South West Water is suitably placed to surpass the claimed assumptions in the 2010-15 regulatory contract held with the industry, Ofwat.

The bad weather has also affected the Viridor waste management business, but Viridor is victoriously holding strong in its operational show in alliance with the operating contribution and management expectations as it is slightly ahead of last year, said the company.

Viridor’s PBIT is still hoping for the best and the company is augured to be affected by increased pension costs due to the auto-enrolment and breakdown previously flagged at its Lakeside Energy.

On the other hand, the shares in Pennon were ceased at 0.3% at 685.5p, while Severn Trent was little modified.

European Economy Picks Up Pace for First Time in Two Years

The European economy showed sure signs of recovery as it recorded a growth on an annual basis in the last quarter of 2013. This is the first time in two years that such growth has been recorded. The GDP of the Eurozone rose by nearly grew by nearly 0.3% in the fourth quarter of 2013, in comparison with the third quarter of 2013. As compared to the same period in 2013, the growth was 0.5% higher. These figures were released by Eurostat on Friday.

According to reports, the higher growth was driven by the recovering economies of Italy and France. These positive figures were backed by the improved performance of other key European economies such as Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands.

France recorded growth of 0.3% over the period of the last quarter, and its growth rate was a little higher than expected, especially considering that it had registered a zero growth rate in the third quarter.

Germany, which is the strongest and biggest economy in the eurozone, recorded a growth rate of 0.4% in the last quarter of 2013, as compared to the previous quarter. The country’s robust export figures helped it exceed expectations, if it was marginally so.

However, this is far from a sure sign of recovery as experts say that the eurozone is still a long way from being out of the woods. As inflation slows in this region, it presents a risk of deflation. Moreover, the economy still hasn’t showed signs of generating enough jobs to bring down the levels of unemployment.

Japan-based Rakuten Buys Out Mobile App Viber in $900 million Deal

Japanese company Rakuten, that runs Play.com—the online retailer—has bought messaging and calling app Viber for in a USD 900 million deal. Viber is a mobile phone application that offers free texts and messages via the internet.

Rakuten is also the owner of Kobo—the Canadian e-reader, and the company says that its latest purchase will enable it to expand its digital footprint in markets that are still emerging. According to latest available figures, Cyprus-based Viber has nearly 300 million registered users.

According to Rakuten CEO Hiroshi Mikitani, the company’s acquisition of Viber is an entirely new strategy that will help take the company to a different level.

Talmon Marco, Viber’s founder and CEO said that this combination would prove to be an opportunity for the app to further enhance its rapidly growing user base in new as well as existing markets. He said that Viber was founded with the goal of being the number one communications platform globally, and the company being taken over by Rakuten could well be a step towards achieving this end.

Over the last couple of years, Rakuten has been bullish on purchases. In 2012, the company had purchased Wuaki.tv, a video-on-demand company based in Europe. It also picked up a stake in Pinterest, an online scrapbook website that has a large user base.

Viber is a widely used app in the Middle East and its founder worked in the capacity of chief information officer in the Israel Defense Force. While the company’s head office is currently based in Cyprus, its R&D center continues to be based out of Israel.

Some of the other apps in the market that Viber fiercely competes with are WeChat, Whatsapp, and Line.

China Smartphones Shipments Decline for First Time in Over Two Years

The number of smartphones shipped in China has declined for the first time ever since 2011. This is being regarded as a sign that moderation might be occurring in the world’s largest market, according to IDC, a market research firm.

The study reported that in the three months ending December 31, nearly 90.8 million smartphones were reportedly shipped in China. This marks a 4.3% decline as compared to the 94.8 million smartphones that were shipped in the quarter ended September 2013. This is the first time ever that this market has recorded a drop since 2011.

Also, the slowdown could reflect that China Mobile Ltd, which ranks as the biggest carrier in the world with 767 million subscribers, had not received a commercial license for 4G services until December 2013, and it initiated the offering of Apple iPhones only in January 2014.

Another factor that may have influenced growth could be a shift from various carriers towards cutting subsidies on mobile phones with smaller screens, as consumers in China are increasingly showing a preference for devices that have larger screens.

According to an analyst working at IDC, this is the first time that the firm has witnessed a hiccup in a growth path that has otherwise remained stellar.

Market experts observe that the trend is now shifting towards convincing users about upgrading to a better phone now that the tidal wave of first-time users is ebbing.

According to the data, Samsung Electronics Co. occupied the largest market share in China during the third quarter. Samsung was closely followed by the Lenovo Group Ltd. The data also suggests that smaller domestic phone manufacturers are also growing their market share. 

China to Build World’s Longest Underwater Tunnel by 2026

In an ambitious plan that will boost its infrastructure prowess, China plans to construct an underwater tunnel that will be the longest in the world. The tunnel that will run under the Bohai Sea, is planned for completion in 2026. The team behind this massive project will likely submit its blueprint to China’s State Council by April 2014.

Once the project is approved, authorities expect work on the tunnel to begin by 2015 or 2016. Wang Mengshu, who works at the Chinese Academy of Engineering as a railway and tunnel expert, has been working on this plan since 2012. He said that the cost of the project would likely be w whopping USD 36 billion.

However, the major challenge in the preliminary stages would be the completion and approval of the feasibility report. This could take up to three years, according to Wang.

The tunnel will run along a distance of 123-km underwater and will comprise a railway line that will connect two important Chinese port cities of Dalian and Yantai. While the former lies in the Liaoning province, the latter is in the Shandong province. The planned life span of this tunnel will be close to 100 years, according to experts working on the project.

The length of this new tunnel will be more than the combined length of two of the world’s longest tunnels that run underwater. These are the Channel Tunnel that runs between France and Britain, and the Seikan Tunnel in Japan.

When the tunnel becomes operational, it will cut travelling time between Yantai and Dalian to a mere 40-minute journey. Currently, travel between these cities entails a 1,400 km drive or an eight-hour journey by ferry.

Trains travelling at the speed of 220 km/hour via this tunnel can also be loaded with passenger vehicles.

Europe’s food industry is losing its competitive edge in the industry

According to the FoodDrinkEurope report, European institutions have developed a specific policy that is tailored to the food industry on whether there is a risk of losing out to non-EU manufacturers or not.

The trade association in Europe that represents the best of the food and drink has submitted a list of priorities for the Greek presidency of the Council of the European Union. The European Commission Union is also recognized to contribute to the European economy and develop industry specific policies in order to encourage the growth in the market.

Nonetheless, it has released a Competitiveness Report for the year 2013-2014 whereby it demonstrates the growth and stability of the industry, as well as its efforts to participate on an international stage in terms of productivity, R&D investment, and exports.

The report elaborates on industry-specific policies and improvement in competitiveness to achieve an establishment of a permanent High Level Forum to execute this policy.

Although the reports say that Europe’s economy and food market is losing its edge in the competitive market, but the fact remains that it only eliminates the barriers to trade and increases the chances of the transition towards a more sustainable food system and industrial growth. The sheer focus is on the increase of productivity, better promotion of science, and support for SMEs. 

The solar-grade silicon wafer makers rise prices in Taiwan

According to the news and industry sources, Taiwan-based makers have hiked high quotes regarding the high energy conversion rate solar-grade wafers that make about US$1 per wafer (calculated in terms of tight deadlines and supplies).

As seen in earlier months, the prices for high-efficiency solar-grade crystalline silicon wafer rated at US$0.93-0.95 in November 2013 and US$0.96 in December. However, these figures are expected to further rise to US$1.05 in February 2014, notified the industry sources.

In case of orders for urgent shipments, certain Taiwan-based makers have quoted US$1.06-1.07, but the prices for low-efficiency models in the energy conversion rates of below 17.2% have managed to remain at US$0.9.

There has been a short supply of China-based wafer makers because of the decreased shipments to Taiwan-based solar cell producers in this fast growing domestic demand, said the sources. In addition, to the efforts of these solar cell makers, China-based makers have also been a part of this interaction and have placed orders with Taiwan producers of high-efficiency wafers, indicated the same sources.  

Unconventional Gas Market is Expected to Reach USD 126.93 Billion in 2019: Transparency Market Research

According to a new market report published by Transparency Market Research  "Unconventional Gas (Shale Gas, Tight Gas and Coal Bed Methane) Market for Industrial, Power Generation, Residential, Commercial and Transportation Applications - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2013 - 2019," global unconventional gas market was valued at USD 93.95 billion in 2012 and is expected to reach USD 126.93 billion by 2019, growing at a CAGR of 4.7% from 2013 to 2019. In terms of volume, global production was 23.48 trillion cubic feet (tcf) in 2012 and is expected to reach 34.12 tcf by 2019, growing at a CAGR of 5.8% from 2013 to 2019.

Browse the full report at  http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/unconventional-gas.html

Depleting conventional gas reserves coupled with fluctuating natural gas prices has led to increasing preference towards unconventional gases. In addition, abundant availability of technically recoverable unconventional gas reserves backed by technological advancement in the U.S. is further expected to boost the market growth.

Tight gas was the largest produced unconventional gas and accounted for over 44% of the total market in 2012. Shale gas is expected to be the fastest growing gas type at an estimated CAGR of 7% from 2013 to 2019. Shale gas success in U.S. has led other countries such as China to shift their focus towards developing shale gas. Global CBM production is expected to reach 4,256.8 bcf by 2019, U.S. and Canada CBM markets are nearing saturation and are expected to grow at a sluggish rate. However, CBM production in Asia Pacific, especially in Australia and Indonesia is expected to drive the overall market. Australia, owing to its huge CBM deposits, is expected to become one of the major CBM producers over the next six years.

U.S. emerged as the leading producer of unconventional gas and accounted for more than 70% of the total production in 2012. Large amount of shale gas reserves in the U.S. coupled with advanced production techniques adopted is expected to shift the U.S. from a net gas importer to a net gas exporter. Asia Pacific is expected to be fastest growing market at an estimated CAGR of 20.8% between 2013 and 2019. China has substantial technically recoverable shale gas reserves but presently there is no shale gas production and it is expected to commence by 2015.

Unconventional gases are being used in power generation and industrial application. Industrial application accounted for nearly 30% of the total unconventional gas produced in 2012. Power generation is expected to be the fastest growing application due to increasing energy demand growing at a CAGR of 7.1% from 2013 to 2019. The production of unconventional gases for residential application was nearly 4800 bcf in 2012. Transportation industry is expected to generate revenue worth USD 4.85 billion by 2019.

The global unconventional gas market was highly fragmented with no clear leader. In 2012, Chesapeake Energy, Exxon Mobil and Devon Energy emerged as top three manufacturers of shale gas. BG Group, Arrow Energy and Dart Energy were top three CBM manufacturers and accounted for over 60% of the total CBM production in 2012. Anadarko, AGL Energy, BHP Billiton, BG Group, BP, Chevron, EXCO Resources, Great Eastern Energy, Origin Energy, PetroChina, Shell and Total are some of the key industry participants in the unconventional gas market.

This report segments the global unconventional gas market as follows:

• Shale Gas Market: Application Analysis
  • Industrial
  • Power generation
  • Residential
  • Commercial
  • Transportation
    
• Coal Bed Methane Market: Application Analysis
  • Industrial
  • Power generation
  • Residential
  • Commercial
  • Transportation
    
• Tight Gas Market: Application Analysis
  • Industrial
  • Power generation
  • Residential
  • Commercial
  • Transportation
    
• Unconventional Gas Market (Including shale gas, CBM and tight gas): Regional Analysis
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Europe
  • Asia Pacific
  • Rest of the World

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Chinese Increasingly Looking at Foreign Lands for Property Investments

Property investments in overseas markets seem to be a lucrative proposition for Chinese investors. The Chinese are increasingly investing significant amount of money in purchasing property in foreign countries either to establish businesses or to move their families and set up new homes.

These details emerged from China’s migration status report (titled The Annual Report on Chinese International Migration 2014) that was released on Wednesday. The report reveals that there is a considerable number of Chinese investors that are going abroad to purchase properties and establish a permanent residence in North America and Europe, among other regions.

In fact, the report further states that in 2011, China was the second biggest investor in overseas properties in the U.S. Interestingly, nearly 20% to 40% of foreign property investors in London and Toronto are Chinese.

The Chinese appetite for investment seems to be reaching an all time high given that the middle class here is burgeoning and the rates of savings among citizens are significantly high. This forms the perfect foundation for Chinese investors to make investments in increasing their assets.

And, it is important to note that China is a country that’s rapidly aging. This indicates that the rate and volumes of investment will continue to rise over the next few years.

In fact, according to statistics available with the U.S. State Department, nearly 6,124 applications from China obtained the investment immigration visa (EB-5) in 2012. This figure is eight times higher than that of 2010.

According to a survey conducted by SouFun International that comprised 12 million potential buyers of property, nearly 43% of the respondents said that their key reason for purchasing property overseas is migration. Other reasons that respondents cited included better educational resources, a more secure investment, and a better quality of life in foreign countries.

China Beats India to Become World’s Largest Gold Consumer in 2013

2013 saw China beating India to claim the spot of the largest consumer of gold globally. The country gained the number one spot supported by factors such as high volumes of gold jewelry purchases, gold bullion purchases, and investments in gold panda coins, as reported by the Securities Times.

According to data available, in 2013 the total gold demand in China was around 1189.8 metric tons. This marks a 32% spike in the YoY demand for gold. Interestingly, the 2013 gold demand is five times more than that what it stood at in 2003, as per data collated by Thomson Reuters. The fact that gold prices slumped in 2013 also stimulated the demand for gold among Chinese consumers.

At the same time, the markets of Europe and North America haven’t been most optimistic for gold. Here, the demand for gold has stabilized post a boom that lasted nearly 12 years, Financial Times reported. And, gold holdings have witnessed a decrease of nearly 880 tons given that the economy is warming up and there has been a weakening in expectations of inflation.

Typically, gold that comes from the European markets is melted into smaller bullion pieces in Switzerland, and is then transported into the Asian market.

According to market reports available, the consumption of gold in the Indian market saw a 5% spike in 2013. The Indian market reportedly consumed nearly 987.2 tons of gold in 2013. However, the implementation of new restriction policies and import tariffs in the same year meant that the country saw a slightly suppressed demand for gold.

Activated Carbon Market Is Expected to Reach USD 4,180.5 Million by 2019: Transparency Market Research

Transparency Market Research has released a new market study titled "Activated Carbon Market (Powdered, Granular) for Liquid Phase and Gas Phase Applications in Water Treatment, Food & Beverage Processing, Pharmaceutical & Medical, Automotive and Air purification - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2013 - 2019," which observes that global market for activated carbon was valued at USD 1,913.2 million in 2012 and is expected to reach USD 4,180.5 million by 2019, growing at a CAGR of 11.9% from 2013 to 2019. In terms of volumes, activated carbon demand was 1,204.5 kilo tons in 2012 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.2% from 2013 to 2019.

Browse the full report with complete TOC at http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/activated-carbon-market.html

Increasing use to eliminate heavy metal residues from industrial waste coupled with growing concerns over environmental and the need to meet Mercury and Air Toxics Standard (MATS) issued by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) aimed to reduce acid gas, mercury, and other metal emissions from oil and coal fired power plants is expected to drive activated carbon demand in the near future. Unreliable raw material availability with regards to coconut shell charcoal and metallurgical coal is expected to hamper the growth of the market. Reactivation of carbon is a key opportunity for manufacturers to reduce the operation cost of process as well as the carbon foot print.

Powdered activated carbon emerged as the largest product segment owing to its extensive use in mercury removal application and accounted for approximately 49% of the market in 2012. Gas phase is expected to be the fastest growing application for activated carbon at a CAGR of 13.0% from 2012 to 2018. Presently, liquid phase applications dominate the market and accounted for over 58% of the total volume consumed in 2012.

Water treatment was the largest end-use segment for activated carbon and accounted for over 40% of the consumption in 2012. The growing awareness of advantages of water treatment is expected to keep this segment largest over the forecast period. Air purification is expected to be the fastest growing market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.9% from 2013 to 2019. Pharmaceutical and medical is also one of the key end-user industries. Increasing demand for activated carbon in this industry is primarily due to increased pharmaceutical output in North America and Asia Pacific.

Asia Pacific dominated the global activated carbon market and accounted for over 41% of the total revenue in 2012. Asia Pacific is also expected to be the fastest growing market for activated carbon, growing at a CAGR of 12.0% from 2013 to 2019. Japan, China, and India are the major activated carbon producing countries in Asia Pacific. The demand in North America and Europe is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.2% and 7.6% from 2013 to 2019 respectively.

The global activated carbon demand was driven by strong demand from U.S. and Asia Pacific. Strict federal regulations for mercury removal at industrial plants including coal power plants are one of the key driving factors. However, tight raw material supply expected to limit the growth of activated carbon market. The reactivation of spent carbon helps manufacturers to reduce operating costs and environmental footprints hence it is expected to open the future market for activated carbon over the near future.

The report provides a detailed analysis and forecast of the activated carbon market on a global as well as regional level. The demand forecast is given for the period ranging from 2013 to 2019, based on volume (kilo tons) as well as revenue (USD million). The study consists of drivers, restraints and opportunities prevailing in activated carbon market and its implications during the forecast period.

Novartis AG’s Acute Heart Failure Treatment Receives a Setback

Looks like Novartis AG—the Switzerland-based drug maker—will have to put an unforeseen hold on plans to replenish its drug range. On Friday the company suffered a setback as the European advisory panel commented that it would not recommend Novartis’ serelaxin treatment for acute heart failure.

The company has now said that it plans to request the committee of the European Medicines Agency to reconsider and re-examine the drug. With this, Novartis expects to receive a conditional approval to enter the market with its product. Novartis can, for now, launch the drug in the European market even as the drug’s late-stage trial continues to take place simultaneously.

David Epstein, who heads Novartis Pharmaceuticals, stated that the company now plans to file a whole new package so as to support the approval application for the drug over the next few weeks. According to Epstein, the company expects to hear of a positive opinion as early as the second quarter of the year.

Novartis has been relying on new products such as its serelaxin drug to reload its product portfolio in the global market. Some of its drugs are on the verge of losing patent protection and thus, they will soon be in neck to neck competition with generic drugs. As this happens, Novartis will find the competition cutting into its drug revenue.

According to Epstein, the company regards serelaxin as a drug that could potentially prove to be a blockbuster drug, with the ability to bring in annual revenue to the tune of USD 1 billion.

Serelaxin is a drug that works by relaxing blood vessels as it is a form of human hormone. It has been formulated for use as heart failure treatment. Heart failure is a condition wherein the heart is unable to pump enough quantities of blood. Currently, though heart failure is a widespread condition, no treatments are available for the same.

Currently, Novartis is conducting a second Phase 3 drug trial. This is the last stage of testing the drug on humans before it can be submitted to agencies for an approval. The intermediate results of the trial are expected by 2015.