HONG KONG, Sept. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Akeso, Inc. (9926.HK) ("Akeso" or the "Company") today announced that a pre-specified interim analysis of overall survival (OS) in the HARMONi-2 (AK112-303) trial, as assessed by the Independent Data Monitoring Committee (IDMC), met the key secondary endpoint of OS. The results demonstrated that ivonescimab showed statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement over pembrolizumab.

HARMONi-2 is a randomized, double-blind, multicenter, registrational Phase III trial evaluating ivonescimab, Akeso's first-in-class PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody, versus pembrolizumab as first-line treatment for patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors express PD-L1 (TPS ≥1%).

Detailed data from the interim OS analysis will be presented at an upcoming international medical conference and published in a peer-reviewed journal.

In May 2024, at a prespecified interim analysis conducted by the IDMC, ivonescimab met its primary endpoint of progression-free survival (PFS) in the HARMONi-2 study, with a median PFS of 11.14 months versus 5.82 months for pembrolizumab. HARMONi-2 is the first randomized, double-blind Phase III trial to show a significant positive outcome against pembrolizumab in this setting.

In 2025, this indication received regulatory approval in China. The approval removed previous restrictions on the use of VEGF-targeted agents in patients with squamous histology and provided a chemotherapy-free treatment option that has been well received in clinical practice.

Dr. Yu Xia, Founder, Chairwoman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Akeso: 

"We are pleased that the fourth Phase III study of an ivonescimab-based regimen has now demonstrated statistically significant benefit in both overall survival and progression-free survival. These results further reinforce the clinical value of ivonescimab in the treatment of lung cancer. 

We thank the investigators, clinical teams and patients who participated in the HARMONi-2 study for their important contributions. 

To date, ivonescimab has achieved dual positive OS and PFS outcomes across multiple Phase III head-to-head trials versus PD-1/PD-L1 therapies. This growing body of evidence strengthens our confidence in its potential across a broader range of solid tumors. With its unique dual mechanism of action combining immunotherapy and anti-angiogenesis, we believe ivonescimab offers a more effective treatment option for patients and will contribute meaningfully to the evolving oncology treatment landscape."

About Akeso

Akeso (HKEX: 9926.HK) is a leading biopharmaceutical company committed to the research, development, manufacturing and commercialization of the world's first or best-in-class innovative biological medicines. Founded in 2012, Akeso has built a comprehensive R&D innovation ecosystem anchored by its proprietary Tetrabody antibody technology platform, AI-powered drug R&D platform, Dual-Shield ADC technology platform, Dual-Lock T-cell engager (TCE) technology platform, Tissue-Smart siRNA/mRNA technology platform, and cell therapy technology platforms.

Backed by world-class GMP manufacturing facilities and a highly efficient, integrated commercialization system, Akeso has developed into a globally competitive biopharmaceutical enterprise. Leveraging its fully integrated, multi-functional platform, the company maintains a robust pipeline of more than 50 innovative assets targeting cancer, autoimmune diseases, inflammation, metabolic disorders, and other major therapeutic areas. Of these, nearly 30 candidates have advanced into clinical trials, including 15 bispecific or multispecific antibodies and bispecific ADCs. Eight innovative drugs are commercially available, and two additional drugs with three indications are currently under regulatory review for marketing approval.

Akeso is committed to becoming a global leader in biopharmaceuticals through efficient and breakthrough innovation in R&D, developing novel therapies that are first-in-class or best-in-class, and providing better disease solutions for patients around the world.

Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement by Akeso, Inc. (9926.HK, "Akeso") contains "forward-looking statements". These statements reflect the current beliefs and expectations of Akeso's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. These statements are not intended to form the basis of any investment decision or any decision to purchase securities of Akeso. There can be no assurance that the drug candidate(s) indicated in this announcement or Akeso's other pipeline candidates will obtain the required regulatory approvals or achieve commercial success. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the P.R. China, the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; Akeso's ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the Akeso's patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.

Akeso does not undertake any obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof, except as required by law.

SINGAPORE, Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Trip.com Group Limited (Nasdaq: TCOM; HKEX: 9961), a leading one-stop travel service provider of accommodation reservation, transportation ticketing, packaged tours and corporate travel management, will announce its financial results for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2026 on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, U.S. Time, after the market closes.

Trip.com Group's management team will host a conference call at 8:00 PM U.S. Eastern Time on September 15, 2026 (or 8:00 AM on September 16, 2026 in the Hong Kong Time) following the announcement.

The conference call will be available on Webcast live and replay at: http://investors.trip.com. The call will be archived for twelve months at this website.

All participants must pre-register to join this conference call using the Participant Registration link below:
https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI2674f539340943acacf4a39cf6d51444.

Upon registration, each participant will receive details for this conference call, including dial-in numbers and a unique access PIN. To join the conference, please dial the number provided, enter your PIN, and you will join the conference instantly.

About Trip.com Group Limited

Trip.com Group Limited (Nasdaq: TCOM; HKEX: 9961) is a leading global one-stop travel platform, integrating a comprehensive suite of travel products and services and differentiated travel content. It is the go-to destination for many travelers in Asia, and increasingly for travelers around the world, to explore travel, get inspired, make informed and cost-effective travel bookings, enjoy hassle-free on-the-go support, and share travel experience. Founded in 1999 and listed on Nasdaq in 2003 and HKEX in 2021, the Company currently operates under a portfolio of brands, including Ctrip, Qunar, Trip.com and Skyscanner, with the mission "to pursue the perfect trip for a better world."

For further information, please contact:

Investor Relations
Trip.com Group Limited
Email: [email protected]

香港2026年9月2日 /美通社/ -- 在傳統環保行業告別大規模資本開支（CAPEX）驅動的重資產建造時代後，市場對環保企業的評價體系也發生根本性改變。過去評估一家環保企業看的是「資產規模與項目數量」，而未來決定企業上限的，則是「技術高度與成果產業化效率」。光大環境（00257.HK）早前在其2026年中期業績交出了一份亮眼的答卷：上半年歸母淨利潤同比升10%至24.31億港元，營運服務收益佔比由去年上半年的70%躍升至76%。更具深遠意義的是，公司科技創新的底色正完成從「實驗室研發」向「產業化變現」的關鍵跳躍，科技引領正成為其穿越行業週期、驅動長遠增長的核心引擎。

五大科技樣板間全面鋪開，從「試點」走向「標杆可複製」

科技創新的價值，最終體現在對營運質效的提升上。光大環境全面啟動「五大科技樣板間」建設，將數智技術深植於營運場景中。在已建成的山東濟南智慧水廠樣板間，通過智慧化監控與低碳工藝優化，單位污水處理成本可成功降低20%；在湖北鐘祥生物質智慧料場，堆取料效率提升20%，實現人工智能自動預警與常態化無人值守，每年節約人工與燃料成本超過400萬元人民幣；而江蘇蘇州智慧電廠、湖南益陽飛灰綜合減量（預計減量25%）及山東膠州節能增效樣板間的建設亦已啟動。光大環境於中國各省推動的科技樣板間建設，證明了公司的科技創新正在穩步成為能帶來可量化經濟效益的營運利器。

小微型爐填補國內空白  打通出海「最後一公里」

如果說科技樣板間是對內降本增效的新舉措，那麼小微型爐的落地外銷則是輕資產業務的積極突圍。

在固廢處置領域，大型城市垃圾焚燒發電市場日趨飽和，而縣域、高原及偏遠地區的小微型固廢處置一直存在技術與經濟性的國內空白。光大環境自主研發的首台套10噸/日小微型生活垃圾焚燒裝備在鎮江成功試運行，經權威鑑定達到國際領先水平，一舉填補了內地10噸/日以下小微型處置規模的技術空白。

這項技術突破不僅打通了國內偏遠地區垃圾無害化處置的「最後一公里」，更具備極強的裝備出口屬性。上半年，該小微型爐裝備成功中標馬來西亞項目，引領公司裝備製造與技術服務加速走向海外，打造出光大環境輕資產出海的全新名片。

小微型在國內外的推廣落地成效也標志著公司商業模式由「投資運營商」向「標準化裝備+技術解決方案供應商」的轉型。

從實驗室到商業化，技術變現按下「加速鍵」

從研發成果到商業訂單的轉化速度，是檢驗企業科技含金量的試金石。上半年，光大環境在廢舊動力電池回收高值資源化技術領域實現商業化突破，成功簽約四川氫氧化鋰及電池級碳酸鋰項目，合約金額近2.5億元人民幣，意味着這項自主研發的技術得到變現機會。

在學術與權威認可方面，集團「生物質定向熱轉化關鍵技術與裝備」榮獲2025年度國家科學技術進步獎二等獎，另斬獲4項省部級獎項，涵蓋固廢資源化裝備、風電葉片處置、數字生態等領域。截至2026年6月底，集團當期新獲授權知識產權58項，累計高達2,398項（含發明專利403項），展現出極高的技術壁壘與創新生態。

從單點技術攻關到數智賦能全產業鏈，從國內城鎮覆蓋到海外輕資產輸出，光大環境的轉型路徑極具行業啟示意義。在政策引導「十五五」綠色轉型、國補結算實現常態化的大背景下，光大環境正將2,300多項專利從紙面專利轉化為業績報告上的運營收益。當技術不再依附於項目建設，而是作為具有獨立性的產品和服務時，市場對這家環保龍頭的估值邏輯，亦有望隨着運營收益佔比持續提升與海外輕資產收入貢獻增加，迎來系統性重估。

NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA.US) is in advanced talks to acquire AI startup Hugging Face, with the total transaction value potentially reaching about USD14 billion, Bloomberg, citing sources, reported.

NVIDIA could reportedly forge an agreement to acquire Hugging Face for USD12.9 billion as early as this week. The deal may also include a USD1 billion employee retention package for Hugging Face staff.

NVIDIA is already one of the investors in Hugging Face. Other backers include Google, Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN.US), Intel Corporation (INTC.US) and Salesforce, Inc. (CRM.US).
~

AASTOCKS Financial News
Website: www.aastocks.com

After the acquisition by Meta Platforms, Inc. (META.US) was called off, Manus issued an announcement on its official website yesterday, declaring that it has officially resumed independent operations with immediate effect.

The founding team will continue to lead the company and remain firmly committed to product innovation while advancing the development of general AI agents for users worldwide.

Going forward, the company will continue expanding the capability boundaries of general AI agents, transforming new capabilities into products to help users tackle complex tasks and achieve more in daily life and work.

Earlier market reports indicated that TENCENT (00700.HK), together with HongShan and ZhenFund, planned to repurchase Manus shares from Meta. The total consideration was expected to be broadly similar to the amount paid by Meta, at about USD2 billion.

In addition, according to Caixin, TENCENT acquired the Manus stake held by U.S. venture capital firm Benchmark, replacing it as Manus' largest shareholder.
~

AASTOCKS Financial News
Website: www.aastocks.com

Dell Technologies Inc. (DELL.US) posted a 58% YoY increase in 2Q revenue to a record USD47 billion, beating market expectations of USD44.92 billion. Adjusted non-GAAP EPS was USD7.04, above expectations of USD4.91.

Dell raised its full-year revenue forecast from USD167 billion to USD192 billion, and lifted its adjusted EPS forecast from USD17.9 to USD25.5, reflecting surging demand for AI servers.

Dell shares surged 8.01% in after-hours trading to USD459.03.
~

AASTOCKS Financial News
Website: www.aastocks.com

SHENZHEN, China, Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Tencent Music Entertainment Group ("TME," or the "Company") (NYSE: TME and HKEX: 1698), the leading all-in-one music and audio entertainment platform in China, today announced its proposed public offering (the "Proposed Offering") of its senior unsecured notes in one or more tranches, subject to market conditions and other factors. The notes have been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and are expected to be listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Proposed Offering for general corporate purposes, including refinancing of offshore indebtedness and share repurchases.

The joint bookrunners of the Proposed Offering are J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Goldman Sachs (Asia) L.L.C. and The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited. The joint lead managers of the Proposed Offering are UBS AG Hong Kong Branch, Bank of China Limited and MUFG Securities Asia Limited.

The Company has an automatic shelf registration statement on Form F-3 (including a base prospectus) on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and has filed a related preliminary prospectus supplement with the SEC for the offering of the notes. The offering is being made only by means of the prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus and other documents that the Company has filed with the SEC for more complete information about the Company and the offering. You may obtain these documents free of charge by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, the Company, any underwriter or any dealer participating in the offering will arrange to send an investor the prospectus if the investor requests it by calling J.P. Morgan Securities LLC located at 270 Park Ave, New York, NY 10017, USA at +1-212-834-4533, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, an affiliate of Goldman Sachs (Asia) L.L.C., located at 200 West Street, New York, NY 10282, USA at +1-866-471-2526 or The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, located at L17, HSBC Main Building, 1 Queen's Road Central, Hong Kong at +1-866-811-8049.

This announcement is not an offer of the securities for sale in the United States and shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of, these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the applicable securities laws of any jurisdiction outside of the United States.

About Tencent Music Entertainment

Tencent Music Entertainment Group (NYSE: TME and HKEX: 1698) is the leading all-in-one music and audio entertainment platform in China, operating the country's highly popular and innovative music and audio apps: QQ Music, Kugou Music, Kuwo Music, WeSing and Ximalaya. TME's mission is to create endless possibilities with music and technology. Powered by its content-and-platform dual-engine strategy, TME's expansive offerings extend the value of IP beyond online streaming into offline concerts, artist merchandise, and other IP-centric experiences. TME continuously innovates to deliver a seamless experience where users can discover, listen, sing, watch, perform, and connect across diverse scenarios, while unlocking the enduring value of music and audio IP. For more information, please visit ir.tencentmusic.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "target," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "potential," "continue," "is/are likely to" or other similar expressions. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company's filings with the SEC and the HKEX. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

Investor Relations Contact
Tencent Music Entertainment Group
[email protected]
+86 (755) 8601-3388 ext. 885034

• The festival has presented 33 international acts over the past five years.
• It has expanded beyond music to encompass theater, exhibitions, film, designer toys and other forms of entertainment.
• This year's festival secured partnerships with 30 brands, continuing the growth of its commercial program.

BEIJING, Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Swedish rock band The Cardigans led the lineup of nine international acts and 15 Chinese artists at the fifth Xiami Music & Arts Festival, held from Aug. 28 to 30, 2026. The three-day festival, themed "Life is not a track, but a ______," drew tens of thousands of fans to Aranya, a coastal cultural and tourism destination in northern China's Hebei province.

Co-produced by Damai Entertainment, an Alibaba Group subsidiary, and Aranya, and organized by Damai's Xiami Music Entertainment label, the festival has become one of China's major destination music events. Over the past five years, it has brought 33 international acts to China, introducing Chinese audiences to a broader range of music from around the world while providing overseas artists and music brands with a gateway to the Chinese market.

This year's international lineup featured artists from Sweden, the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia, including The Cardigans, Tortoise, The Horrors, Frente!, Gallant, Hayd, Christian Kuria, Ivoris and Zella Day. They performed alongside Chinese artists including Lao Lang, Chen Li and Leah Dou in a lineup spanning indie pop, post-rock, alternative rock, R&B and dream pop.

The Cardigans delivered a special 90-minute set featuring songs from across their three-decade career, including "Lovefool," "Communication" and "Carnival."

In recent years, the festival has expanded beyond music to include theater, exhibitions, film, designer toys and other forms of entertainment, becoming a showcase for Damai Entertainment's broader live entertainment portfolio. At this year's event, Damai Entertainment's designer-toy brand LUCKY LOOP showcased original characters including HEY PENNY, ECHOA and Kooie. The brand opened its first three stores—in Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou—in August and plans to establish a presence in six Chinese cities by the end of the year.

The festival also highlighted the growing connections between Damai Entertainment's live entertainment and film businesses. The theme song and closing theme from the hit film Dear You were performed during the event. Damai Entertainment is also handling the film's worldwide theatrical release.

The festival's commercial program continued to grow in 2026, with 30 brands participating, including 88VIP, Samsung, Volkswagen, Tmall Hey Box, Tmall Super Brand Day, Sprite, Aimer, Freshippo and Nivea. Over the past five years, the festival has worked with 61 brand clients, 18 of which have returned for additional partnerships, representing a repeat-partnership rate of nearly 30%.

Environmental initiatives have also become an integral part of the festival's operations. Over the past five years, it has established 500 waste-sorting stations, collected more than 300,000 plastic bottles and engaged over 300,000 attendees in environmental initiatives.

About Damai Entertainment

Damai Entertainment is a technology-driven company delivering immersive, real-world entertainment experiences. Its diverse ecosystem spans film production, live events, IP commercialization, TV series, artist management, and ticketing platforms. Anchored in its dual strategic pillars of entertainment and AI, Damai is committed to creating unparalleled live, interactive, and immersive experiences for audiences around the world.

Media Contact
[email protected]

CHANGSHA, China, Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. ("Zoomlion" or "the Company") is strengthening its localized operations in Europe following a partner meeting held on August 19 at Zoomlion's factory in Germany and a visit to its German subsidiary m-tec. The Company outlined plans to further develop local sales, manufacturing, service, talent development, and digital capabilities, while improving spare parts availability and service responsiveness.

At the partner meeting, customers and partners from multiple European countries discussed market development, products, services, and localized operations. Participants recognized improvements in Zoomlion's product quality and technology capabilities while highlighting priorities including long-term service capabilities, spare parts support, and a broader product portfolio. Zoomlion Chairman and CEO Zhan Chunxin responded to these priorities by emphasizing the strategic importance of Europe to the Company and its commitment to long-term localization.

The Company plans to further develop its European spare parts and service networks, improving both response times and parts availability. It will also advance a customer-facing digital service platform designed to automatically assign service tasks and track them throughout the process, giving customers easier access to information on equipment, spare parts, and services. Zoomlion will also continue introducing new products and technologies and broadening its portfolio to better meet local market needs.

Mr. Zhan visited m-tec's production and R&D facilities in Germany on Aug. 25, where he reviewed the subsidiary's operations and technology development, including R&D and applications involving 3D printing. Mr. Zhan said Zoomlion will continue supporting m-tec by leveraging the group's global market presence, R&D capabilities, and financial resources, while encouraging closer collaboration in technology, products, and market development. Since joining Zoomlion in 2014, m-tec has built on its expertise in dry-mix mortar machinery and building materials while collaborating with Zoomlion in technology, products, and markets, making it an important part of the group's European localization strategy.

Zoomlion has developed sales, service, financing, and manufacturing capabilities across Europe, supported by local production facilities including CIFA in Italy, m-tec, WILBERT and RABE in Germany, and its aerial work platform factory in Hungary. This localized footprint enables the Company to bring manufacturing, technical expertise, talent, and customer support closer to European markets.

Moving forward, Zoomlion will continue combining global resources with local capabilities to strengthen customer support and drive long-term growth in Europe.

GUANGZHOU, China, Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- XPeng Inc. ("XPENG" or the "Company," NYSE: XPEV and HKEX: 9868), a leading global Physical AI company, today announced its vehicle delivery results for August 2026.

XPENG delivered 39,107 vehicles in August 2026, up 4% year-over-year.

On August 11, 2026, the XPENG G9L made its official debut and commenced pre-sales in the Chinese mainland.

In August, XPENG Robotaxi business validation gained further progress. The Company secured a permit to conduct remote testing of intelligent connected vehicles in Guangzhou, allowing road trials without an onboard safety operator on designated Level 1, 2 and 3 test roads across the city and marking a key milestone toward fully driverless road testing.

XPENG's electric vehicles delivered from January to August 2026 are expected to reduce life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions by more than 3.72 million tons compared to internal combustion engine vehicles, equivalent to the carbon absorbed by 61.6 million young trees over 10 years.

About XPENG

XPENG is a leading global Physical AI company, dedicated to bringing artificial intelligence into the physical world to reshape future mobility and smart living. Through in-house R&D, XPENG has developed a full-stack Physical AI architecture spanning Turing AI chips, world foundation models, and highly integrated software and hardware applications. This unified technology foundation of XPENG powers an expansive product portfolio of smart EVs, robotaxis, and humanoid robots, advancing the deployment of Physical AI at scale. Headquartered in Guangzhou, China, XPENG is dual-primary listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. With global capabilities across R&D, manufacturing, sales, and services, XPENG drives continuous technological innovation and fosters an open Physical AI ecosystem, making life smarter, safer, and better for users worldwide. For more information, please visit https://www.xpeng.com/.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about XPENG's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: XPENG's goal and strategies; XPENG's expansion plans; XPENG's future business development, financial condition and results of operations; the trends in, and size of, China's EV market; XPENG's expectations regarding demand for, and market acceptance of, its products and services; XPENG's expectations regarding its relationships with customers, suppliers, third-party service providers, strategic partners and other stakeholders; general economic and business conditions; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in XPENG's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this announcement is as of the date of this announcement, and XPENG does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

Contacts:

For Investor Enquiries:

IR Department
XPeng Inc.
Email: [email protected] 

Jenny Cai
Piacente Financial Communications
Tel: +1 212 481 2050 / +86 10 6508 0677
Email: [email protected] 

For Media Enquiries:

PR Department
XPeng Inc.
Email: [email protected]