NEW YORK, Aug. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Beginning this semester, McGraw-Hill Higher Education will make its industry-leading personal digital tutor McGraw-Hill LearnSmart available for students to purchase directly. Traditionally, McGraw-Hill has marketed LearnSmart, which is available in almost every subject area, to universities and professors for class-wide adoption, which it will continue to do. But now, students can access LearnSmart on their own a move the company made because of the solution's growing popularity and proven effectiveness among students.

Students using McGraw-Hill LearnSmart have been proven to move up a full letter grade by studying smarter, not longer. With LearnSmart, students use their out-of-class study time to answer questions that are related to what they're learning in their course. The fully digital system acts like a personal tutor, continuously assessing students' knowledge and skills and providing personalized content and recommendations that help them master basic course concepts and retain their knowledge over time. Because LearnSmart is conveniently accessible online and via mobile apps, the technology and devices that students use every day will power a personalized, study-on-the-go experience that will give them the information and focus they need to ensure success in their courses.

Widely available for more than 100 best-selling McGraw-Hill college textbooks and across more than 40 course areas, LearnSmart is great even for students on a budget, starting at $24.99 per semester. Parents wanting to ensure their children get the most of their education can rest assured that LearnSmart is a smart investment. In a study released last year, LearnSmart was shown to turn C students into B students, and B students into A students.

"I have had so much success using LearnSmart," said Tracy Chupp, an Anatomy & Physiology student at Ivy Tech Community College. "By using LearnSmart to study, I know exactly what I need to practice and how much I know about each topic."

Originally developed in 2007, McGraw-Hill LearnSmart uses a wealth of data to continuously analyze students' knowledge and skills and direct them to the exact material (in their e-book or print book) they need to study. LearnSmart also contains engaging gaming elements to push students to improve their performance by showing them how they rank relative to their peers. LearnSmart is perfect for today's multitasking students, whether they are over-achievers seeking an added edge, struggling students who need extra help to prepare for their exams, or students who are simply pressed for time. More than 950,000 students have answered nearly 700 million questions using LearnSmart which is good news for students, as LearnSmart gets smarter the more widely it is used.

"We have technology with the power to personalize the learning experience and give students an academic edge," said Brian Kibby, president, McGraw-Hill Higher Education. "We're making LearnSmart available directly to students and their parents who want to help them succeed so we can ensure that more students have the tools they need to empower themselves and get the most out of their college education. As a student in today's highly competitive and expensive college environment, why wouldn't you use a digital tutor that could increase your course performance by a whole letter grade?"

Starting today, students and parents will be able to purchase immediate access to LearnSmart from the recently launched LearnSmart website at http://www.mhlearnsmart.com, by simply finding the McGraw-Hill textbook title for the courses they are taking. McGraw-Hill LearnSmart will also be available for purchase at Follett's network of 940 college and university campus stores throughout North America and on Follett's website. LearnSmart can also be purchased through the McGraw-Hill Education online store at http://www.shopmcgrawhill.com.

To promote the proven effectiveness and expanded availability of this exciting study tool, McGraw-Hill is also announcing today the Going Places with LearnSmart Sweepstakes, in which students who enter will be eligible to win prizes totaling more than $10,000, including gift cards students can use towards spring break travel, and free LearnSmart products. For more information and to register, students should visit http://www.mhlearnsmart.com/goingplaces.

About McGraw-Hill EducationMcGraw-Hill Education is a content, software and services-based education company that draws on its more than 100 years of educational expertise to offer solutions, which improve learning outcomes around the world. McGraw-Hill is the adaptive education technology leader with the vision for creating a highly personalized learning experience that prepares students of all ages for the world that awaits. The company has offices acrossNorth America,India,China,Europe, theMiddle EastandSouth America, and makes its learning solutions available in more than 65 languages. For additional information, visit http://www.mheducation.com.

Contact:Brian Belardi McGraw-Hill Education (212) 904-4827 brian_belardi@mcgraw-hill.com

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College Students Seeking an Academic Edge This Semester Can Hire an Affordable, Personal Digital Tutor to Enhance ...

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. and SINGAPORE, Aug. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Global Health Voyager, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: GLHV), a US based full service international medical management company, offering access to a vast worldwide network of highly accredited facilities and providers offering healthcare surgical dental and wellness procedures, announced today that it entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Janus Medical Systems of Singapore.This MOU grants Global Health Voyager with exclusive global rights to market, sell and distribute Atreya, a dynamic personal health record management system, to be used by consumers for medical record organization and information distribution to their personal physicians. The Atreya product has a multitude of features and functions, including the storage of medical documents, x-rays, previous procedures, prescription information, calendar of dosage, appointments and other vital information. The product takes care in security, is HIPAA compliant, and even has features that allow your physicians permissions to see your prior health history.

"This MOU, once fully executed in the form of definitive agreement, is a game-changing technology for global medical management," said Ali Moussavi, CEO of Global Health Voyager. "The Atreya product will allow individuals to manage their personal health records online and via mobile applications. The uses of this product are vast; a few key categories are global travelers, chronically ill individuals, and newborns."

As early as 2006, the National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics issued a report to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, specifically stating, "the greatest opportunities for improving health and health care lie in enabling information exchange between the three dimensions (areas) of the national health information infrastructure. The full potential of PHR (personal health records) systems will not be realized until they are capable of widespread exchange of information with EHRs and other sources of personal and other health data." The report went on to say, "the Federal government can offer vision and strategic leadership for PHR development and dissemination across its many roles in the health sector. NCVHS believes that HHS can encourage and actively participate in a public/private partnership that facilitates standards-based approaches in a harmonized legal and regulatory environment across geopolitical boundaries."

"Knowing that the federal government supports this technology advancement is one of the many catalysts for Global Health Voyager to get it's partnered Atreya product to market without delay, and to the full satisfaction of the consumers who register and use it," said Moussavi.

"We're looking forward to a productive and effective partnership with Global Health Voyager," noted Seema Singh, President of Janus Medical. "We believe Global Health Voyager, has the footprint and business plan needed to properly roll out this technology worldwide. The Atreya product is extremely intuitive for the consumer. In plain language it can manage all of your health records, making your trips to the doctor and hospital less stressful and much more organized.

A definitive agreement is expected to be signed between the two parties by the September 1, 2012. Terms of the MOU were not disclosed.

About Global Health Voyager

Global Health Voyager, Inc. (GLHV) is a publicly traded international medical tourism company. It offers technology solutions, medical tourism consulting services, and access to a worldwide network of highly accredited medical facilities and providers to patients seeking healthcare, surgical, dental, and wellness procedures.

Through established relationships with these international providers, the company has already completed the groundwork to verify the accreditation and experience of the provider organizations it partners with. For more information visit the company's website at http://www.GlobalHealthVoyager.com.

Certain statements in this news release may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance, or achievement expressed or implied in these statements to vary.

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Global Health Voyager Enters into Worldwide Memorandum of Understanding For Global Roll-Out of Personal Health Record ...

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Aug. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Almost Family, Inc. (AFAM), a leading regional provider of home health nursing and personal care services, announced today its financial results for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2012.

Second Quarter Highlights:

Comments on Results

William Yarmuth, Chief Executive Officer, commented on the results: "We're pleased with our results for the quarter as we continue to adjust our operations to meaningful Medicare rate cuts and an apparent slowing in the Medicare home health market. During the first half of 2012, our staff and management have been intensely focused on improving our operational performance. I'm pleased with the extent to which we've improved our results. Our charge for the second half of 2012 is to leverage the progress achieved in both segments, while turning a more substantial part of our focus toward improving the organic growth of our business."

Second Quarter Financial Results

Almost Family reported second quarter results that included: i) the favorable impact of our Cambridge Home Health Care Holdings, Inc. (Cambridge) acquisition, which closed in early August of 2011, ii) the unfavorable impact of higher than normal workers compensation costs which lowered EPS by $0.04 and iii) the unfavorable impact of the 2012 Medicare reimbursement rate cut in the Visiting Nurse (VN) segment. The Medicare rate changes reduced revenue and operating income by $2.8 million and earnings per diluted share by $0.18.

Net service revenues for the second quarter grew to $86.9 million, a 6% increase from $81.7 million reported in the second quarter of 2011, as a result of the Cambridge acquisition, partially offset by the VN segment's Medicare rate cut.

Net income for the second quarter of 2012 was $4.5 million, or $0.49 per diluted share, down from second quarter of 2011 net income of $5.0 million, or $0.53 per diluted share.

Diluted EPS for the quarter was increased by $0.07 as compared to the second quarter of 2011 as a result of the Cambridge acquisition. Unallocated corporate overhead included approximately $0.2 million of transitional expenses related to the Cambridge home office which is expected to wind down during the remainder of 2012. Diluted EPS for the quarter includes a $0.01 for transaction related costs, similar costs in the prior year quarter totaled $0.02. Our effective tax rate for the quarter declined to 39.5% from 40.2% in the prior year quarter, primarily due to a lower state tax rate from the Cambridge acquisition.

Second Quarter Segment Results

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Almost Family Reports Second Quarter 2012 Results

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcVK6EVFfOA

07-08-2012 13:42 South African gold medalist Cameron van der Burgh admitted to taking extra underwater kicks during his world-recording setting performance in the 100-meter breaststroke at the Olympics, an illegal move that would have earned him a disqualification if judges had caught him. Swimmers are allowed one underwater dolphin kick during their underwater breaststroke pullouts. Replays show Van der Burgh took three on the start. He told the Sydney Morning Herald that he took extra kicks, but defends himself by insisting he's not the only one. ''If you're not doing it, you're falling behind," he said. "It's not obviously - shall we say - the moral thing to do, but I'm not willing to sacrifice my personal performance and four years of hard work for someone that is willing to do it and get away with it." Allowing dolphin kicks during breaststroke is relatively new. The rules were changed, in part, because of four-time gold medalist Kosuke Kitajima, a Japanese breaststroke star who routinely added rogue kicks underwater. When swimmers push off a wall and tighten into a streamline, their legs can arch slightly and resemble a kick. Kitajima and others tried to make this natural movement into an advantage by adding some force behind it. It was illegal and the move angered rivals, like American, Brendan Hansen. But the kick was tough to enforce, so FINA changed the rule to allow it.

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Cameron Van Der Burgh Gold Medal Swimmer Admits to Cheating in 100m Breaststroke - Video

Olympian Julie Culley rocked today, setting another personal best in the first trial of the 5000m and qualifying for the finals at Olympic Stadium Friday at 8 p.m.

Culley, 30, of Annandale set personal bests to qualify at the U.S. Trials in June and again in the 3000m in Monaco last month. Today she ran a 15.05.38. Teammate Molly Huddle qualified for the final in the second heat.

One of Culley's friends since childhood, Eric Eisenhart, is now a certified personal trainer and performance enhancement specialist at Pro-Activity. Culley and fellow competitive track club members trained there and Eisenhart accompanied family and other friends to London as part of "Team Culley."

Eisenhart Tweeted today's event. "Headed to #london2012 Olympic stadium to cheer 4 our girl @julieculley in my shirt designed specially just for today."

The red shirts had 2012 London on the front, along with the American flag, but the dominant graphic is a white race "bib" with CULLEY in big letters.

"We have some incredible seats . . . we'll be screaming our heads off!" he posted.

The warm-up commentary was on another race: "Just watched a guy get dq'ed in high hurdles and another bite it running through one in same heat #ouch."

Among the crew cheering on Culley were her parents Paul and Maggie Culley of Clinton Township, brother Dave, sister Carolyn, boyfriend Chris Farley and another friend since childhood, Kristen Haughey-Prendergast.

Eisenhart put his Twitter audience there with them: "She's warming up! Let's go Julie!"

Can you hear them screaming: "This is insane! 2.5 to go, looks good . . "

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Olympics 2012: Julie Culley qualifies for finals in 5000m, sets another personal best

Julie Culley knew she'd probably have to deliver a personal-best performance to take first place in the U.S. Olympic Trials back in late June.

She also knows she'll have to do at least that well merely to remain a blip on the radar during tomorrow's first 5000-meter preliminary heat at the Summer Olympic Games in London, England.

The 1999 North Hunterdon High graduate and Annandale resident will be in a field featuring the world's ultimate and elite distance runners, exceptional athletes who long ago surpassed a milestone like 15:13.77, which is what Culley attained while winning the 5000 during the U.S. Trials in Eugene, Ore., on June 28.

"There will be incredible competition from all over the world," said the 30-year-old Culley.

To put the situation in some perspective, the world record in the 5000 is more than a minute faster than Culley's PB. Ethiopia's Tirunesh Dibaba, 27, holds the standard for her 14:11.15 effort in Norway four years ago, although she probably won't be among those at the starting line in Olympic Stadium 10:55 a.m. (British Summer Time) for Tuesday's prelims.

Dibaba, who was sidelined almost all of 2011 because of severe shin splints, is the defending Olympic champion in the 5000 and 10,000 but only qualified as a reserve in the former this time around. She will be back in the 10,000 again.

The world's top showing so far this year is the 14:35.62 posted by Kenya's Vivian Cheruiyot in May. One of Culley's teammates, Molly Huddle (who was second at the trials), is the U.S. record-holder at 14:44. The Olympic record is 14:40.79, set by Romania's Gabriela Szabo eight years ago.

All that being stated, it's going to take a superb performance by Culley just to advance to the finals, scheduled for Friday, Aug. 10. The field for the championship race could have between a dozen and 14 runners.

"It will be a tremendous accomplishment for her to make the finals," said Frank Gagliano, her coach with the Asics/New York Track Club. "But the way she's been running, there's no doubt she can do it, if she has the day she can have.

"She knows she can't beat the best in the world but her ultimate goal is to make the finals and run a personal best. She may have to run a personal best to make the finals and come back and run another personal best to medal."

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2012 Olympics: Julie Culley competes in 5000m preliminary tomorrow in London

GLENWOOD, Ill., Aug. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Landauer, Inc. (LDR), a recognized leader in personal and environmental radiation measurement and monitoring, outsourced medical physics services and high quality medical consumable accessories, today reported financial results for its fiscal 2012 third quarter ended June 30, 2012.

Fiscal 2012 Third Quarter Highlights

"We are pleased with our third quarter results, which demonstrated continued progress against our key strategic initiatives," stated Bill Saxelby, President and CEO of Landauer. "We executed on our initiatives with the military and emergency response markets as we made our first substantial Radwatch system shipment and received additional orders for the system during the quarter. The Medical Physics segment continued to build momentum with another profitable quarter, and we successfully went live with our new ERP platform in early July."

Saxelby continued, "The current market opportunities provide Landauer with attractive prospects to grow and expand our business, and our year to date results continue to support achievement of our full year guidance."

Third Fiscal Quarter Financial Overview and Business Segment Results

Revenues for the third fiscal quarter of 2012 were $39.2 million, an increase of $10.0 million, or 34.5 percent compared with revenues of $29.2 million for the same quarter in fiscal 2011. The Radiation Measurement segment contributed an increase of $3.1 million, the Medical Physics segment contributed an increase of $2.8 million and the new Medical Products segment increased revenues by $4.2 million. Excluding revenue from the acquired businesses during the year, as compared with the prior year quarter, revenue increased 12.7 percent. Revenue in the quarter included $1.8 million of Radwatch System sales, primarily to the National Guard. Consolidated revenue in the quarter was negatively affected $1.1 million by currency fluctuation, as compared with the prior year period, principally due to weakness in the Euro against the U.S. dollar.

Gross margins were 55.7 percent for the third fiscal quarter of 2012, compared with 58.6 percent for the third fiscal quarter of 2011. The decrease in gross margin rate was primarily due to the Radiation Measurement segment increase of lower margin equipment sales in the third fiscal quarter of 2012, as compared to the prior year period, inclusive of sales to the military and emergency response markets. This includes the impact of Radwatch System sales that are at a lower overall margin rate than those generated in our traditional Radiation Measurement business.

Total operating expenses for the third fiscal quarter of 2012 were $12.6 million, an increase of $3.4 million, or 36.2 percent, compared with operating expenses of $9.2 million for the same quarter in fiscal 2011. The operating expense increase was partially due to $1.5 million associated with acquired companies purchased subsequent to the prior year's comparable quarter, $0.4 million due to timing of the recording of incentive compensation expenses associated with improved operating performance in fiscal 2012 versus fiscal 2011, investment in research and development in support of military and first responder initiatives, investment in customer facing organizations, and expenses related to the company's IT systems initiative. For the third fiscal quarter of 2012, total operating expenses before $0.3 million of non-recurring acquisition expenses, $0.6 million of IT platform enhancement related expenses, and $0.7 million of non-cash stock based compensation expenses were $11.0 million or 28.1 percent of total revenues. This compares with the $8.4 million, or 28.9 percent of total revenues, reported for the third fiscal quarter of 2011, before $0.3 million of IT platform enhancement related expenses, and $0.5 million of non-cash stock based compensation expenses.

Operating income for the third fiscal quarter of 2012 was $9.2 million, an increase of $1.4 million, or 18.1 percent compared with operating income of $7.8 million for the same quarter in fiscal 2011. The increase in operating income was primarily driven by an increase of $0.5 million in the Medical Physics segment, and the addition of the Medical Products segment which contributed $1.9 million in operating income, partially offset by a $1.0 million decrease in the Radiation Measurement segment. Operating income, adjusted for non-recurring acquisition expenses, IT platform enhancement related expenses, and non-cash stock based compensation expenses, for the third fiscal quarter of 2012 was $10.8 million, a 25.1 percent increase compared with adjusted operating income on a relative basis of $8.7 million for the third fiscal quarter of 2011. Consolidated operating income in the quarter was negatively affected $0.3 million by currency fluctuation, as compared with the prior year period, principally due to weakness in the Euro and the Real against the U.S. dollar.

Interest expense in the quarter increased $1.1 million associated with borrowings to acquire IZI in the first fiscal quarter of 2012.

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Landauer, Inc. Reports Fiscal 2012 Third Quarter Results

Picking the best mouse is a personal decision, but there are some stand-out models that are more likely than others to be recommended. This week were taking a look at five of the best desktop mice.

Photo by Erik Charlton.

The Performance Mouse MX ($129.995 RRP in Australia) is Logitechs flagship non-gaming mouse. The MX Revolution, its immediate predecessor, and the MX1000 before that all share the same basic features and design, but the Performance Mouse MX was the first to roll them all into a neat and tidy package. The MX sports a Darkfield sensor on the bottom that can track on reflective and glass surfaces, a thumb-switch that activates Expose in Mac OS X and an Expose-like app in Windows that Logitech ships with the mouse, a charging system that lets you use the mouse while its charging, a long-lived battery, and a tiny Unifying Receiver thats designed to just be left in a USB port. Its pricey, but its the mouse of choice for most of us at Lifehacker HQ because its so comfortable and has the right number of buttons.

The MX 518 ($79.95 RRP in Australia) is a model that stands out on its own. Many gamers consider the MX 518 the peak of Logitechs gaming mice, and while Logitech has been trying to push it aside in favour of the Logitech G400, the MX 518s incredible popularity keeps it on store shelves in a number of places. Its 1800dpi sensor has been outmoded by newer models, but its on-the-fly resolution switching and completely smooth design have earned it a cult following. Its not going to win on features, but I cant count the number of gamers especially FPS fans who just prefer the feel of the MX 518 over the newer G series. Grab it while you can.

The G500 ($149.95 RRP in Australia) descended from the G5 (which descended from the MX 518, mind you) and the G700 ($159.95 RRP in Australia) descended from the G7 (itself a wireless version of the G5). Still, the G500 and G700 feature Darkfield-enabled laser sensors with switchable resolution up to 5700dpi. The G500 is wired, and the G700 can be used wired while charging or completely wirelessly. Both models feature programmable buttons and on-the-fly dpi switching. They also come with a weight tray and an array of small weights so you can tune the heaviness of the mouse. The G700 sports a few extra programmable buttons on the surface, as well as large and smooth feet that glide across your desk.

The Razer Naga ($109.95 RRP in Australia) turned heads at first because it seemed to have a ridiculous number of buttons on the side. But it caught on quickly with MMO fans and productivity nuts alike. Both groups adore the dozen-plus programmable buttons on the side of the mouse that can be programmed to in-game macros or complex actions in almost any application. The Naga also features interchangeable side panels for a comfortable grip and a 5600dpi laser sensor with switchable resolutions. If the Naga isnt enough for you, you can always pick up the Naga Epic ($179.95 RRP in Australia), a wireless version with a slightly altered grip, or the Naga Hex ($109.95 RRP in Australia), which is a version of the Naga with its side buttons arranged in a hexagonal pattern designed for multiplayer online battle arenas.

If youre looking for a mouse that you can completely customise and tweak to fit your specific hand, the Cyborg R.A.T. line (prices vary) is for you. Each model gives you some control over how the mouse is shaped, with a number of dials and toggles that let you extend a thumb-rest and change the overall length of the mouse. It sports a set of weights that you can use to change the heft of the mouse, and a precision laser (variable dpi based on the model you buy) sensor with switchable dpi settings built in. The mouse ships with interchangeable palm rests and grips, programmable buttons and programmable mouse-wide settings that you can switch with the touch of a button. It may look scary at first glance, but its an incredibly powerful and customisable mouse.

Honourable mentions this week go out to the Logitech MX1000, which is no longer widely available. If you want an experience like the MX1000, pick up the Performance MX or MX Revolution the two mice that came out directly after the MX1000. Also worth noting is the Razer DeathAdder, which many of you praised for its affordability, comfort and availability in both left-handed and right-handed models. Trackball fans weighed in with support for the Logitech Wireless Trackball M570, perhaps the best if not one of the few richly featured trackballs still widely available.

Have something to say about one of the contenders? Want to make the case for your personal favourite? Have your say in the comments below.

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Five Best Desktop Mice

Vernon Hills, Ill. (PRWEB) August 06, 2012

A new series of Techne Prime Thermal Cyclers from Cole-Parmer expands options for lab professionals. Also known as PCR machines or PCR thermal cyclers, these units are used to amplify DNA segments through the polymerase chain reaction process. They employ the Peltier effect, a chosen method for the most trusted thermal cyclers on the market. Their heated lids prevent condensation in samples. Additionally, their colorful touch screen operation enables quick setup and easy programming with intuitive software.

Choose from this reliable and robust selection of thermal cycling options based on specific lab needs: The 3 Prime Base Thermal Cyclers offer a small, space-saving footprint and versatile interchangeable block format. Ideal for research and educational laboratories. The 3 Prime X Thermal Cyclers include the same features as the base unit plus expanded sample capacity. Design flexibility allows these units to be upgraded to include gradient cycling capabilities.

The 3 Prime G Thermal Cyclers build on the features of the X-series with thermal gradient. Their 48-well block format offers eight columns for annealing temperature optimization and six rows for optimizing reagents. The Prime Large-Format Thermal Cyclers supply high throughput and maximum flexibility when processing a large number of samples in parallel. Instantly visualize your experiment status in real time via the graphical display. Available with thermal gradient from 30 to 80C.

For more information, call 800-323-4340 or visit ColeParmer.com/19385.

Cole-Parmer has been a leading global source of laboratory and industrial fluid handling products, instrumentation, equipment, and supplies since 1955. Our product lines, including popular brand names such as Masterflex, Oakton, and more, are sold through company-owned customer channel outlets and a strong network of international dealers. We also feature an ISO-17025-accredited metrology lab for instrument calibration and repair. Cole-Parmer responds with excellence to customer needs, and offers application expertise and technical support. For more information, contact Cole-Parmer, 625 East Bunker Court, Vernon Hills, IL 60061. In the US, call 800-323-4340. International customers, call 847-549-7600. Visit us at http://www.coleparmer.com.

Link:
All New! Techne® 3 Prime Personal and Prime Large-Format Thermal Cyclers from Cole-Parmer

Indonesia's ( IDX , quote ) largest producer of home and personal care products, Unilever Indonesia is reporting robust revenue growth following an increase in spending on market research and successful advertising campaigns.

The subsidiary of Anglo-Dutch conglomerate Unilever ( UL , quote ), Unilever Indonesia is reporting the firm's revenue hit $1.2 billion during the first half of 2012, an increase of 17% over the same period last year. Net income reached $247 million during the first half of the year, up 13% year-over-year.

"The growth in revenue was the result of innovation of our products, both home and personal care as well as food and ice cream segments," Unilever director Sancoyo Antarikso told the Jakarta Post .

With Unilever's 27 brands of home and personal care products ubiquitousthroughout the archipelago, Indonesians are quite familiar with the company's wares. For many, they are the only name-brand option. For Indonesians who were already loyal Unilever customers, an advertising campaign that encouraged customers to use Unilever body lotion up to three times a day further boosted sales.

According to Andrew Argado of PT eTrading Securities, Unilever's performance was unsurprising. "It is in line with the expectation of growth between 15% to 20%. The company has a large presence, therefore, a 16% increase in the range is okay as it means trillions of rupiah," Andrew said.

Unilever's growth in its home and personal care products however, which comprised 73% of its Indonesian sales last year, may be plateauing .

"I think the company also sees that the home and personal care business has entered the maturity point. Population growth, advertising and an increase in selling prices will drive this segment's growth," Andrew said.

Consequently, Unilever may expand its food and beverage business in Indonesia as it looks to continue to grow. Ahead of Eid celebrations later this month to mark the end of Ramadan, Muslims are expected to buy more food and beverage products for family festivities.

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Unilever: personal care products driving Indonesian growth