#.NET framework advancements

[tccicomputercoaching]

Why .NET is the Future of Software Development in 2025? Explore its cross-platform support, AI integration, and cloud capabilities driving innovation.

[wachinyeya]

The Global Solidarity Levies Task Force was set up after COP28 and is supported by the UN, World Bank, G20, European Commission, and the African Union. The task force experts have now set out sixteen specific levy ideas for public consultation that could raise billions annually, covering aviation, fossil fuels, carbon pricing, shipping, financial transactions, plastic polymers, cryptocurrencies, and high-net-worth individuals. Some of these taxes already exist in several countries, making a broad international rollout within reach.

According to the Task Force website: “There is a significant gap between current financing and the levels required to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Agreement, and the Global Biodiversity Framework…. [we are] developing options for internationally coordinated levies to help close this gap - ensuring that the most polluting industries and activities that have benefited most from globalisation contribute their fair share.”

On the subject of COP30, it's very good news to know that Brazil has appointed a veteran climate diplomat with no direct ties to the fossil fuel industry to be the next COP president.

For the first time in 3 years, the COP30 president (who plays a crucial role in shaping the agenda and brokering deals) will not hail from the fossil fuel sector. Corrêa do Lago has been Secretary for Climate, Energy and Environment at Brazil’s foreign ministry and Brazil’s chief climate negotiator since 2023.

The Global Solidarity Levies Task Force: For People and the Planet was launched in November 2023 by Barbados, France and Kenya.

It is supported by a Coalition for Solidarity Levies where countries can follow, consult and engage with the task force’s work. These members of the Coalition are Barbados, France, Kenya, Antigua & Barbuda, Colombia, Denmark, Djibouti, Fiji, Marshall Islands, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Spain, and Zambia.

[lyssophobiaa]

Quick sketch for Piers’ bionic arm.

Design Features

•Aesthetics: Streamlined, ergonomic design with a minimalist look, often featuring a matte or metallic finish.

•Materials: Lightweight composites like carbon fiber and titanium, providing durability without sacrificing mobility.

•Color Options: Customizable colors or finishes, including options for skin-like textures or futuristic metallics.

Technology

•Actuation: Advanced motors and actuators that enable precise, fluid movement mimicking natural limb motion.

•Sensors: Integrated sensors (e.g., myoelectric sensors) to detect muscle signals for intuitive control and movement.

•Feedback Systems: Haptic feedback mechanisms to provide users with sensory information about grip strength and object texture.

Safety and Durability

•Water and Dust Resistance: High IP ratings to protect against environmental factors.

•Emergency Features: Manual override systems or fail-safes in case of technology malfunction.

Advanced Technological Interface

•Integrated Biosensors: Built-in biosensors that can analyze blood or interstitial fluid samples to measure viral load in real time.

•Data Analytics: Utilizes algorithms to process biosensor data, providing insights on viral dynamics and trends.

•Alerts and Notifications: Real-time alerts sent to the user or healthcare provider when viral load exceeds predetermined thresholds.

•Communication System: Integrated with a communicator on the wrist, the arm serves as a reliable device for maintaining contact with his team. This system includes encrypted channels for secure communication during high-stakes operations.

•Objective Management Display: The arm features a holographic display that provides a detailed version of the communicator’s data, allowing Piers to view mission objectives and tactical data in real-time. This feature minimizes the need for external devices and keeps critical information accessible.

Augmented Reality (AR) Compatibility

•Enhanced Visualization: The arm’s display projects augmented reality overlays, allowing Piers to see additional information, such as enemy positions, weapon stats, or tactical directions, directly in his line of sight.

•Environmental Scanning: The arm can analyze the surroundings for potential threats, detect biological or chemical hazards, and provide alerts for safer navigation through hostile environments.

Electricity Conduction and Control

•Energy Conduit Design: The bionic arm acts as a conductor for the constant electrical energy generated by Piers’ mutation. It includes specialized channels and circuits designed to manage this energy flow, allowing Piers to use his mutation’s electrical pulse without it spiraling out of control.

•Dielectric Structures: The arm’s design incorporates materials that mimic the dielectric properties of his mutated tissue, particularly in the finger joints and bones. These dielectric components help regulate and contain the high voltage his body produces, diffusing excess energy safely throughout the arm.

•Controlled Release Mechanism: To avoid overload, the arm features a controlled release system that allows Piers to release pulses of energy strategically, whether in combat or to alleviate the internal buildup. This system prevents the arm from overheating or sustaining damage from prolonged electrical activity.

Containment and Compression of the Mutation

•Compression Framework: The prosthetic was specially designed by UMBRELLA engineers to act as a containment “net” around his mutation. It includes a flexible, reinforced framework that compresses the mutated tissue, keeping it in check and preventing further growth or erratic shifts in form.

•Adaptive Pressure System: As the mutation strains against the arm, sensors detect any changes in size or energy output, triggering adaptive responses. The arm tightens or loosens as necessary to hold the mutation back, functioning almost like a high-tech brace that adjusts in real-time to maintain Piers’ arm in a stable form.

•Automatic Safety Lock: In the event of a significant spike in mutation activity or electrical output, the arm engages an emergency lock to keep the mutation from expanding. This feature is a safeguard against sudden bursts of energy that could cause the arm to revert to its mutated state.

Dependency and Risks of Removal

•Rapid Mutation Onset: Without the prosthetic in place, Piers’ arm begins to mutate almost immediately, returning to its original, unstable form. The electrical pulse that his body generates becomes unrestrained, emitting a continuous, breath-like rhythm that is both painful and dangerous, with energy leaking through protruding bones and exposed tissue.

•Uncontrollable Pulse: When uncontained, the electrical pulse from his mutation surges in intensity, lacking any natural “closure” or stopping point. This pulse causes rapid fluctuations in his vital signs and risks systemic overload, leading to loss of control over his mutation and putting him at severe physical risk.

Miscellaneous Details

•The arm has a unique serial code engraved on an inner plate, serving as an identifier for UMBRELLA technicians. This code also links to Piers’ personal health records, mutation data, and arm specifications for quick access during maintenance or in emergencies.

•Due to the intense electrical pulses generated by his mutation, the arm is equipped with an internal cooling system. Micro-fans and heat-dissipating channels prevent overheating during extended use, keeping the arm at a safe, comfortable temperature. If the arm overheats, an internal alarm alerts Piers to prevent any potential damage.

•The outer layer is treated with a UV-resistant coating to protect it from environmental damage and exposure. This ensures that prolonged exposure to sunlight or harsh conditions doesn’t wear down the arm’s exterior, making it more durable in diverse climates and situations.

•Designed for various operational environments, the arm is fully waterproof and corrosion-resistant. It functions normally underwater, which is crucial for aquatic missions or when exposed to rain, mud, or corrosive substances.

•The holographic display can be customized to show additional details, such as weather, GPS navigation, or tactical maps. Piers can also set personal preferences, like color schemes or alert tones, for a more intuitive user experience. This flexibility lets him prioritize the information he finds most critical during missions.

•The communicator has an onboard language translator, enabling Piers to communicate with individuals across different languages. The arm’s display shows translated text, and a subtle earpiece can even relay audio translations, making it easier for him to gather intel and negotiate in multilingual environments.

[katacala]

1.20.25 • Today the United States Climate Alliance delivered a letter to UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell, making it clear to the global community that our climate work will continue regardless of federal action or inaction.

If you're not familiar with the U.S. Climate Alliance, they are a bipartisan climate action coalition of 24 governors representing approximately 55% of the U.S. population and 60% of the U.S. economy.

To read their letter, read more here or explore their press release on their website. Onward!

•••

Mr. Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

P.O. Box 260124

D-53153 Bonn, Germany

January 20, 2025

Dear Executive Secretary Stiell,

We write as co-chairs of the United States Climate Alliance, a bipartisan coalition of two dozen governors representing nearly 60 percent of the U.S. economy and 55 percent of the U.S. population, to make it clear to you, and the rest of the world, that we will continue America’s work to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement and slash climate pollution.

As you know, this is not the first time we’ve responded to this challenge in the U.S. Our coalition was launched after the President’s decision to withdraw our country from the Paris Agreement back in 2017. Since then, our reach, resolve, and impact have only grown.

In fact, our states and territories are now on track to meet our near-term climate target by reducing collective net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 26 percent below 2005 levels by 2025. Our recent progress reflects a wave of ambitious state policies and federal funding enacted over the last few years – and it builds on our coalition’s 15-year trend of cutting emissions while simultaneously growing our economies. We have continued to ramp up our longer-term commitments as well, pledging to reduce GHG emissions at least 50-52 percent by 2030 and 61-66 percent by 2035, below 2005 levels, in alignment with the U.S. Nationally Determined Contribution. Most importantly, this action is bringing better health, cleaner air, good-paying jobs, new economic development, and lower costs to our communities.

Our states and territories continue to have broad authority under the U.S. Constitution to protect our progress and advance the climate solutions we need. This does not change with a shift in federal administration. States across our coalition are implementing a suite of policies and programs to secure our net-zero future, including statewide and regional carbon markets, 100 percent clean energy standards, and methane reduction programs for the oil and gas, waste, and agricultural sectors, among many others. We are also deploying billions of dollars to eliminate pollution in our communities and sustain our country’s clean energy boom.

It’s critical for the international community to know that climate action will continue in the U.S. The Alliance will bring this message to the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Brazil (COP30) later this year – just as we have at every COP since our coalition’s founding – as we work to implement our climate goals. We are also committed to tracking and reporting on our progress and look forward to working with you and the global community to identify the most impactful ways to do so. The Alliance is proud to publish an annual report each year on our latest action, and we are enclosing here our most recent report for your reference.

We will not turn our back on America’s commitments. For our health and our future, we will press forward.

Sincerely,

Governor Kathy Hochul, Co-Chair

State of New York

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, Co-Chair

State of New Mexico

[yosefinasays]

In Defense Of Electronic Civil Disobedience

There has been some criticism lodged against us. Claims have been made that our activism is merely engagement. That our movement is sort of sofa ersatz activism. However, in order for this argument to hold true, you must make a central conceit. That the concrete world is somehow more real than the digital. Members of The Kollectiv do not view the net from this narrow scope. We see the digital realm as an extension of the more abstract plain of technology. We see the space, though incorporeal on a macroscale, to be very real.

The average user in 2024, spent a 1/5th of their life online. Whether engaging with shopping, posting, or just browsing the net this is a significant portion of time. Enough time is spent on the net that a culture has emerged around various social media sites. Artifacts are made that can only be interacted with in the digital space. And people can become totally enmeshed in a digital world if they wish. Interacting with the greater world almost exclusively in the digital realm. 

An extreme example would be an individual who works as a digital nomad, does all their shopping online, and interacts with others exclusively through social media. Although this individual would be seen to be living a fringe net lifestyle, this way of life is very possible. To argue that activism should not be done through the medium of technology is only alienating. It does not serve one's greater purpose. 64% of the world is online. That is 5.52 billion souls. 

Though The Kollectiv adopts a view of the internet separate from those informed by commodity and corporate interest, the economic activity on the net can’t be ignored. Imagine the disruptive potential of a boycott. The sheer volume of activity allows the activist to make lasting change on the world. We can look back to The Gamestop Short Squeeze. A grassroots political action originating in Wallstreets Bets. To go further back in history we can make reference to the initiatives of net.artists. Groups such as the VNS created works like the “A Cyberfeminist Manifesto for the 21st Century”. Work like this advanced both feminism and digital art. To write off the digital landscape as a lesser landscape of reform, activism, and engaging art, one would have to ignore the efficacy of these movements. 

Going further into the political landscape we can look at the example set by Net Strike. A software that was deployed by activists in the 90’s for digital sit ins. It essentially was a tool for groups to orchestrate DDOS attacks. A vector of protest, that has unfortunately been taken from the general public and is now deployed heinously by state actors to suppress movements. This reversal if anything shows that net activism should be more staunchly defended. The internet is now often the first point of contact individuals have with any movement. And it is also the center of global operations. Are rights on the net should be defended, advanced, and clearly defined. The right to protest should not just extend to the physical space, when the digital space is becoming such a driving factor in our lives.

The Kollectiv’s digital graffiti campaign and its current food disparity initiative is only the beginning. We plan on continuing to mobilize people to be the change they want to see in the world. By establishing our ad hoc hyperlink structure: essentially a website built within the framework of another. We will be raising awareness for our cause. Making people think about the effects of food disparity, while considering new ways to experience the internet. Are either of these aims ignoble? I do not believe so.

We are continuing in the footsteps of activists such as The Electro Hippies. Advancing methods of protest into the 21st Century. We are also continuing the efforts of situationist thinkers. Now that globalism taken home and the internet has pushed commodity and spectacle into our home. We must attack it at its source if liberty is to continue to flourish and grow for future generations.

 To ignore the possibilities of change now is rob the children of the future of their potential fruit. That is why I continue to call for the development of net.art and methods of activism on the web. Not only to raise awareness for causes affecting us here and now, but to change the landscape of the internet for the people of the future.

[joy-haver]

The world is getting harder to live in. Things are getting worse. Many people will die, and live in further desperation, due to the actions of those in power. It is clear that those meager protections and small supports that the system has fed us will be stripped away. Many of you will lose your livelihoods. You will lose access to healthcare. You will lose access to services you assumed were an eternal part of the framework of life. You will lose much, and gain nothing - except for what we give to one another.

And yet. You must not despair. To despair is to abandon the work.

Neither may you flee to apathy - as you know, Inaction Is not survivable.

Instead, you must learn the ballance of awareness. You must not look to the news of what is happening and say “I am overwhelmed, I am destroyed, the enemy is advancing and I see no hope of reprieve.” Instead, you must look only to know their movements, only to understand the changing circumstances of the work you must do. And then you must do it.

You must never abandon the work of community care in favor of self destruction or blind worry, never abandon your role in the wellbeing of the earth in favor of relishing pain.

Mourn, if you must. Take a few hours to do so. But be careful. Do not spend your life in anticipation of suffering. If the gun is not at your head, it is your job to remove it from someone else’s. It is not your right to watch as they are executed and say “I am afraid that one day it could be me.” This is not a metaphor. Every moment of life you have is life you can use toward liberation. At every moment, the apparatus of power is murdering, through direct abuse and intentional neglect. If you are not the one being killed, now, in this second, you must work to stop the gunman.

If you are fed, you must feed others. If you are housed, you must conspire to house others. If you are neither of those, you must work to help better the lives of those around you, so that you may all live with more met needs.

We will have to become each others social safety net, social security, and healthcare. We have to become each others section 8, and WIC, and home care. We have to become the conservation apparatus for these landscapes. We have to become the people who defend our communities and our earth, with violence if necessary, but always with great tactical acuity. We must not allow for further extraction, further capture, further enclosure. We must turn everyone who is hurt by the machinations of power into one who is organizing towards its demise.

We can achieve this. This is doable. Hope is not lost, so long as you act. Hope is completely lost if you do not.

If you are not sure what to do, do this; wash your clothes, clean your dishes, eat, drink water. You cannot help others if you destroy yourself. Be kind to your housemates and your neighbors. Then, ask “what skills do I have?What skills do I want to have?” Put those skills toward caring for anyone and everyone you can. Conspire to learn with others. Take breaks often. Laugh freely. And remember that love and joy are the purpose - that they are why we fight.

[forged-in-paper]

An introduction to Celestial Solstice, and a preface, to catch up.

So, I'd like to preface this by saying that the content of this blog won't be the same as it has been in the past (didja see the new name??) and I kinda wanna explain why that is. 5e D&D meant a lot to me for a long time, but my design aspiration have grown beyond the bounds of 5e's framework and I don't feel as if I can fully express the character of my design while restrained to its limits. This isn't a disparagement; it's largely a tightly designed system that collects a lot of history into a single fun and functional game. The more I designed for it, however, the more I found myself running up against its walls. There are certain pieces of the game which are kind of intrinsically "D&D", you know? Changing elements such as combat, spellcasting, the ability scores, or the skill system changed the way the game felt and played in weird ways because those are core elements of the design that have been iterated into its bones over a very long time. It's a great playground when you are happy to work within those confines, but its more open design principles fail once its mechanical complexity or game balance are significantly changed with mods. For those looking to really experiment with the possibilities of different combat systems, advancement, and resolution mechanics, I feel like half the work ends up being compromising what you really want to do to make it fit around the rest of the game. Another difficulty I had working with 5e was the community, and not so much the players but the homebrew community. A lot of people are really cool, but everyone has preconceived notions about what the game is supposed to be like, how it's supposed to be played and balanced, and what that play and balance should look like, and honestly I saw a lot of negativity surrounding this point with people fighting because they couldn't agree on those points. It's hard to argue the virtues of your design with people who are working under totally different presumptions about what the end product of a project should look like. Overall, I learned a lot using that framework as a foundation to build on, but its time for me to break ground on my own project and that's what this rebranding represents, a chance for me to see what I can do when I have room to stretch my legs and really let loose.

But ok, with that out of the way, what is Celestial Solstice? First and foremost, Celestial Solstice is a game about world simulation that uses abstractions to avoid becoming bogged down in the details. The biggest illustration of this design principle is the fact that CS is a point crawl game. What is a point crawl, you may or may not ask? Allow me to elaborate.

Essentially, there are places in the world where there are interesting things to do or see or find and there are places where you can't find those things. This design removes focus from the places where there isn't anything to do in favor of focusing on those more interesting places. You adventure where the adventure is and handwave the rest. This is of course a gross oversimplification of how it works in practice, but it gets the point of the design across. In CS, this principle shapes a lot of the ways in which the players will interact with the world. Moving about a city, through the wilderness, or within a dungeon all work within this abstraction.

Having introduced the ideas of point crawls, players will have the opportunity to travel throughout the world and the mechanical tools to make it happen. Wilderness travel was an early focus of CS because I really wanted to make the act of traveling through the wilderness and exploring what it has to offer compelling, fun, and rewarding. The crafting system starts with raw materials which must be found and harvested in the wilderness. Secrets and discoveries can be found in seemingly uninteresting places. Selling maps you make can net a profit! If you've ever been put out by the fact that travel often gets little to no mechanical assistance to make it interesting, you may find something to like in Celestial Solstice.

Secondly, and I think this is an important consideration, is that its a little game-y. Dungeons and Dragons has a bit of this immersion breaking disconnect with the rolling of initiative and the initiation of combat almost feeling like entering a battle in final fantasy, but CS really embraces and revels in the inspiration it takes from different genres of gaming. I've dabbled in a lot of different game design hobbies over the years, and the lessons I've learned from my time spent working on board games and video games went into my work on Celestial Solstice. That isn't to say that playing CS is like playing a video game or a board game more than an TTRPG, but I feel like its important to point out that this game doesn't strive to create a realistic ruleset that accurately models traveling or combat or dungeon delving or economics, but rather aims to create a FUN ruleset with which the players can meaningfully and mechanically interact with the world.

And speaking of inspirations, CS is HEAVILY inspired by the OSR movement, in both the renaissance and revival senses, and takes a lot of lessons from classics like OD&D and B/X/Adv, but also games that are homages in their own right like DCC and BSH. Resource management is important. Dungeons are magical, dangerous places where torches are a must and monsters roam. AND PROCEDURES, oh how I love procedural play. Wilderness travel is a procedure. Dungeon delving is a procedure. City travel is a procedure. Battles are a procedure. A lot of the ideas present in CS came directly from those games, reshaped and repurposed sure but still that DNA is unmistakable.

While we're talking about OSR games, CS is a game with a stable. If you're not familiar with the idea of a stable, it's essentially a pool of characters that are available to be played or utilized by the players in some way. The idea that the players in CS will recruit the NPCs and monsters they meet has been a given since day 1, and the rules not only support creating an army of followers but encourage it. At the beginning of every campaign, the players are granted a home base which acts as the base of operations for their ever-growing ranks of minions and followers. This home base can be upgraded, expanded, and specialized and such expansions and upgrades are what allow for more characters to be recruited. Some of these stable slots will be filled with characters that can be useful in battle, but some will also be filled with non-combat retainers which do things like improve your finances and give your reputation bonuses with factions. For now I've placed the limit at 50 total characters within the stable at full expansion, but who knows what'll happen once I get around to actually testing those limits.

Another important part of the game's design is that the GM is a player, too. They may not be playing in the same way that the players are, but the GM is no less a part of the group playing the game together. A ton of systems are built in such a way that the GM is just as involved as the players, from rolling for random events during dungeon crawls to using dice and tables to determine whether factions in the game are thriving or in decline to determining things like the weather on-the-fly as players travel through the wilderness. All supported from the ground up by the rules so it never becomes a hassle.

Character! Advancement! IS TOTALLY OPEN! All characters start with a basic job and can eventually gain an advanced job and then a master job, but how a character advances is entirely at the whim of their player; if they choose never to get a second or third job, they never have to and it probably won't even make that character unplayable. Characters gain EXP for overcoming challenges and then use that EXP to purchase upgrades to the character. These upgrades include increases to attributes, new ranks in gathering or crafting skills, new features, weapon and armor proficiencies, new jobs, and a whole lot of other things. If you want to play a character that never purchases a single point in any combat attribute, feature, or proficiency and spends all of their EXP buying features that allow them to establish trade routes and play the merchant, then that's technically totally doable. As is the opposite, obviously, but there's a lot of in-between as well, I promise.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alright, well I know that's a lot but let me assure you there's even more than that and I'm just sparing you having to read a book. If anyone would like me to elaborate on a point I made here or wants to hear how something specific works within the game then let me know, otherwise I'll be posting regularly to describe each individual aspect of the game in finer detail.

Thanks for reading, and good gaming friends :] - Forge

[vtellswhat]

Understanding the Types of Literature Review: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding types of literature review: A comprehensive guide.

Literature reviews are critical components of academic research that give an overview of the available knowledge relating to a particular topic. This helps to identify gaps, forms a basis for further research, and grounds the study on established theory and evidence. Literature reviews, however, do not fit in one single type. Rather they are of different types. Each depends on the purpose and approach of the research. Let's have a detailed view of the types of literature reviews. ### 1. Narrative Review

A narrative review, sometimes known as the traditional one, gives a general overview of research regarding a particular topic. It is descriptive and focuses on summarizing and synthesizing findings without much depth analysis.

Key Features:

Focuses on storytelling and descriptive summary. - Majorly used in fields such as humanities and social sciences.

Lacks a systematic methodology for selecting studies, which can lead to bias.

Purpose:

Narrative reviews are ideal for understanding a topic broadly and identifying general trends or patterns in the literature.

2. Systematic Review

A systematic review is a rigorous and structured approach to synthesizing research. It follows a predefined protocol to ensure transparency, reproducibility, and comprehensiveness.

Key Features:

Has explicit inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Is planned in databases systematically to find studies.

Keeps bias at a minimum by having a clear methodology.

Purpose:

Systematic reviews are applied to answer particular research questions, especially in fields like healthcare, psychology, and social sciences. Systematic reviews come with immense value because of their reliability and objectivity.

3. Meta-Analysis

A meta-analysis is a type of systematic review that pools data from many studies together using statistical methods to make their own synthesis, which tries to produce a quantitative overview of research findings.

Key Features:

Assumes all studies share similarities in methodology to compare them. - Offers results with statistical significance by combining data. - Is considered a demanding statistical process.

Meta-analyses are commonly used in medicine and psychology to determine the effectiveness of interventions or treatments. ***

4. Scoping Review

Scoping reviews are exploratory and aim to map the breadth and scope of research on a topic. Less focused on answering specific questions and more on identifying research gaps, they are considered exploratory. #### Key Features:

Wide inclusion criteria, casting a net to encompass all aspects of a topic. Does not critically evaluate the quality of included studies in depth. Often a precursor to a systematic review. #### Purpose:

Scoping reviews are suitable for nascent research areas or subjects where there are a few published studies to date.

5. Integrative Review

An integrative review combines qualitative and quantitative research to achieve a holistic understanding of the topic under review. * Key Features:

It integrates data based on diverse methodologies.

This integration encourages innovation.

It is useful in the development of theories or models * Purpose:

It is common to find such reviews in nursing, education, and healthcare research where mixed methods are often employed.

6. Critical Review

A critical review evaluates and critiques existing literature, often proposing new frameworks or perspectives.

Key Features:

Involves in-depth analysis and interpretation.

Challenges existing assumptions or theories.

Requires a strong theoretical foundation.

Purpose:

Critical reviews are ideal for advanced academic writing, such as dissertations and theoretical papers.

7. Theoretical Review

Theoretical reviews focus on examining theories related to a topic rather than empirical research.

Key Features:

Compares and contrasts different theoretical frameworks.

Identifies theoretical gaps.

Explores the evolution of ideas over time.

Purpose:

These reviews are often used in disciplines like sociology, philosophy, and psychology to refine or propose theoretical models.

8. Annotated Bibliography

A much simpler form of literature review is the annotated bibliography-an overview and critique of each source.

Key Features:

Lists sources with brief descriptions and critiques. Not synthesizing findings from the studies. Serves as a precursor to further developed reviews.

Purpose:

This type is commonly used for coursework or preliminary research to organize sources.

Conclusion

Each type of literature review has a specific purpose and is appropriate for a range of research objectives. Whether the use is about embracing broad trends in a narrative review or diving deep in statistical relationships as in meta-analysis, awareness of the types can guide you towards choosing the right approach for your study. The right type chosen ensures that your research not only becomes more robust but also relevant and impactful in its field. Mastering the art of literature review will keep researchers conversing effectively in the academic arenas while paving a way to make further discoveries.

Need expert guidance for your PhD, Master’s thesis, or research writing journey? Click the link below to access resources and support tailored to help you excel every step of the way. Unlock your full research potential today!

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[miirshroom]

So Ranni's Dark Moon is a cold sorcery. Ranni appears inhabiting the form of an artificial doll. And as far as I'm concerned that goes a long way towards confirming that her ending is the true end of Elden Ring. Because it is the only available option that launches FromSoftware out of the Victorian Era that is portrayed in Bloodborne: the production of artificial cold.

The modern world would not exist without the advances in artificial cold storage that were made through the 1860's to 1910's. And at the same time significant discoveries about electricity were being made through the 1800's - altogether leading to the first commercial refrigerator for home use in 1913. Air conditioning is now ubiquitous in North America (much more than in Europe for example, which struggles with climate change driven heat waves that exceed the capacity of houses traditionally designed to promote air flow for cooling). Superconductors! Discovered in 1911 thanks to the development of refrigerants. Powerful electromagnets used in MRI/NMR machines, mass spectrometers, and particle accelerators.

The point being: the ability of humans to produce electricity and cold on demand revolutionized technology and population distributions. There is significant potential to explore these in the fantastical framework that FromSoftware has been using in previous games - similar to the medical metaphor of Bloodborne.

On the other hand, I believe that there is not a single ending to Elden Ring capable of resolving the looming threat of the Frenzy Flame - and this is intentional. We haven't figured that one out in real life either. There is no magic fix for summers so hot and dry that vast stretches of forest burn in fires on the west coast of America every year, or for oceans heated to the point that coral reefs experience catastrophic bleaching. Refrigerators do not create cold, but instead have a process for removing heat from a confined space. Many methods of electricity generation (including nuclear) are actually accomplished using steam and thus have a byproduct of heated water. It is a reality that creating artificial cold contributes to the net increase in planetary heating. It is also a catastrophic problem whenever a location reliant on electricity and cooling is suddenly cut off - such as in the case of natural disasters. These are warnings that not even the most technologically advanced places in the world are resilient enough to the increased severity of natural disasters that go along with climate change.

Overall, viewing the creation of cold as an incomprehensible source of horror in the style of H.P. Lovecraft's "Cold Air" will not help. Taking cold for granted and assuming that someone else will solve the complex problem of sustainability and regulating global thermodynamics also will not help. We could sit around and hope that some volcano erupts and fills the sky with ash worldwide to cause a period of global cooling - which would likely have only a temporary effect and also cause its own problems. As much as we can explore different methods of producing electricity, we can't ignore that a large portion of that electricity is and will continue to be allocated to refrigeration.

"As it is now, life, and souls, and order are bound tightly together, I would have them at great remove. And have the certainties of sight, emotion, faith, and touch... All become impossibilities." - Ranni

And with the real world context that the 84 of the 118 known chemical elements were discovered after the year 1800 it can be pieced together what Ranni is likely talking about in her speech. The Age of Stars is the Atomic Age - or at least the years leading up to the 1940's. You can't see or feel atoms but they exist and can be empirically quantified whether or not a person believes in them.

(And on the other hand the heyday of the movie star is positioned right in this timeframe from the 1920's to 1960's. Age of Stars - but not in the way that you might think. The stars are other people).

[rei-does-stuff]

HAII !!! wanted 2 know if u could help me find the official sub of rgu (the one on yt) for download because I have LOOKED far and wide and tried my best 2 rip it myself but it won't work and I can't find it ANYWHEREE ,,,, I need it so I can watch rgu on my 3ds offline and without lag :'3 the only 2 full subbed copies I could find didn't work (one crashed every time I tried 2 play it and the other would speed up and unsync the audio n subs for some reason ???) If u have anything that's amazing but if not that's SOSOSO cool too dw Abt it oh god this is so long sorry

Here you go!!!!

For downloading it specifically I’m not sure since it’s not on any homebrew sites, you could record it on your 3ds camera and watch it, thirdtube might let you download, haven’t tried it yet tho!

You can also try converting the videos yourself and use this to play em (only for new 3ds tho!)

I haven’t tried either of these tho so yk

[ambushingghostart]

Blog numero 3

How has cyberfemism disrupt barriers that oppresses women from adapting in a world of technology?  

Technology has connected people globally, interlinking networks with economical wealth but to this day women are being marginalized in a system that favors men. Cyberfeminism empowerment in digital technology has transform the structure in the framework and distributed a system that has oppressed women. Donna Haraway’s “cyborg” theory of becoming part human and part machine has given women the ability to challenge traditional gender roles or resist oppressive patriarch structure. The influence of cyberfeminism has help protect women with technology and is demonstrated on the website Hollabacknyc that encourage women to document and report unwanted harassment. The platform brought awareness to the unsafe environment for women and a protection to combat unwanted advances. 

Why do we create bias algorithms? 

Technology was supposed to help humanity share information quicker and improve people's lives but instead technology and its algorithms help corporations, health care and banking systems with the ability to target and marginalized groups of people. These specialized algorithms that monitor your data and retrieve your information are automated to deny benefits to people of color in a higher percentage and can create economic hardships such in the reading in Automating Inequality (Eubanks). A system that is programmed to make money instead of helping is a flawed tool and shows that technology is manipulated to create barriers especially in underserved communities. 

We need policies by government and social groups to monitor how healthcare is being provided and administered to communities.  

Why is technology leaving minority women behind? 

In the United States technology is more accessible to certain communities than others but women are the most affected, especially women of color. In Rethinking Cyberfeminism, women in countries with developing infrastructure are being left behind in technology and not being integrated to the economic system. Development and innovation are being manufactured in a high rate, but the power continue to create barrier to women because of systemic issues that affect gender roles in many developing countries.  

Is technology our new security system?  

In the video Race and Technology by Nicole Brown highlights how technology has been automated to police citizens and minorities communities in many different sectors of daily life. These algorithms are created to monitor and target groups with biased data, and it can be considered racial profiling. Surveillance has been implemented with technology by using artificial intelligence which is a flawed system known to make mistakes. How secure should we feel when the systems in place to make you feel safe can end up targeting you because of how you look? 

How do we combat facial recognition when it is wrong? 

How do you prove your innocence when a system is programmed to be correct 99 percent of the time? In the Nijeer Parks story of how he was wrongly accused and jailed for a crime he did not commit because of the mistake of facial recognition technology was used to find a suspect. Another Arrest and Jail Time Dude to a Bad Facial Recognition Match by Kashmir Hill covers how technology and police surveillance is not being criticized by any outside safety nets. We need accountability and a system that protects people from being detained for data and manipulated algorithms. 

Brown, N (2020). Race and Technology.  

Daniels, J (2009). Rethinking Cyberfeminism(s): Race, Gender, and Embodiment. The Feminist Press 

Eubanks, Automating Inequality. Pdf 

[takeoffphilippines]

Building sustainable communities: The future of cities

What makes a city thrive is a combination of how developers create opportunities for movement, synergy, and prosperity. It’s a combination of celebrating life to its fullest capacity with the community at its very heart.

“At SM Prime (SMPHI), we dream big for our shared future. True prosperity transcends financial success. Our commitment to developing sustainable integrated properties is matched by our efforts to foster vibrant, inclusive communities wherever we build legacy properties that weather the challenges of time and that last for generations,” said Ms. Jessica Bianca Sy, Lead Executive for Design, Innovation and Strategy for SMPHI and SM Development Corporation (SMDC).

The 7th Annual Association of Pacific Rim Universities – Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Conference and Student Symposium 2024 (APRU-SCL 2024) Conference on Advancing Sustainable Cities and Communities through Science, Technology, and Innovations is hosted and organized this year by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB).

(L-R): Dr. Jennifer Marie S. Amparo, Dean, CHE, Dr. Jose V. Camacho, Jr. Chancellor, UPLB, Dr. Thomas Schneider, Chief Executive, APRU, Makati Mayor Hon. Abigail Binay, Ms. Jessica Bianca Sy, SMPHI and SMDC Lead Executive for Design, Innovation and Strategy, Dr. Edgar M. Reyes, Jr., Conference Director, ICHSPD, Assoc. Professor, UPLB, and Dr. Yekang Ko, Director, APRU-SCL, Assoc. Professor, University of Oregon.  

Sy joins a list of esteemed local and international professors, climate specialists, and government officials at the 7th Annual Conference of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities – Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Conference and Student Symposium 2024 (APRU-SCL 2024).

The theme for this year’s three-day conference is Advancing Sustainable Cities and Communities through Science, Technology, and Innovation.

As one of Asia’s leading integrated property developers, SM Prime’s strong track record in sustainability and disaster resilience is central to the company’s projects. In a climate-vulnerable country like the Philippines, disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience are priorities, with a goal to scale efforts to a city level.

The rapid city growth increases energy demand, necessitating innovative and efficient renewable energy solutions. SM Prime has partnered with franchise holders to systematically manage energy use and move towards net-zero emissions.

For future large-scale master planned developments, Sy shares that SM Prime is taking a systems approach to utility infrastructure down to embedding them in the urban design guidelines at the precinct or plot level developments.

“We are developing this living framework together with our knowledge partners. Currently the ambition is to combine our efforts and actionable items under six themes of – transport, energy, water, biodiversity, built form and materials,” she said.

Sy carries this clear vision to heart as an invaluable part of the path forward. “We believe this will be the future of cities in the Philippines and we are committed to delivering it to our future generations,” she said.

SM Prime remains committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities, thereby enriching the quality of life of millions of people. SM Prime is pursuing the next horizon on integrated property development and onward to building sustainable cities of the future.  The 7th APRU-SCL 2024 is hosted and organized this year by the University of the Philippines Los Baňos, at the SMX Aura Convention Center, from August 6-8, 2024. For more information, email: hspdconf@up.edu.ph or visit the website: dcerp.che.uplb.edu.ph/ichspd.

[elsa16744]

The Ultimate Guide to ESG Investing: Strategies and Benefits 

Socio-economic and environmental challenges can disrupt ecological, social, legal, and financial balance. Consequently, investors are increasingly adopting ESG investing strategies to enhance portfolio management and stock selection with a focus on sustainability. This guide delves into the key ESG investing strategies and their advantages for stakeholders. 

What is ESG Investing? 

ESG investing involves evaluating a company's environmental, social, and governance practices as part of due diligence. This approach helps investors gauge a company's alignment with humanitarian and sustainable development goals. Given the complex nature of various regional frameworks, enterprises and investors rely on ESG data and solutions to facilitate compliance auditing through advanced, scalable technologies. 

Detailed ESG reports empower fund managers, financial advisors, government officials, institutions, and business leaders to benchmark and enhance a company's sustainability performance. Frameworks like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) utilize globally recognized criteria for this purpose. 

However, ESG scoring methods, statistical techniques, and reporting formats vary significantly across consultants. Some use interactive graphical interfaces for company screening, while others produce detailed reports compatible with various data analysis and visualization tools. 

ESG Investing and Compliance Strategies for Stakeholders 

ESG Strategies for Investors 

Investors should leverage the best tools and compliance monitoring systems to identify potentially unethical or socially harmful corporate activities. They can develop customized reporting views to avoid problematic companies and prioritize those that excel in ESG investing. 

High-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) often invest in sustainability-focused exchange-traded funds that exclude sectors like weapon manufacturing, petroleum, and controversial industries. Others may perform peer analysis and benchmarking to compare businesses and verify their ESG ratings. 

Today, investors fund initiatives in renewable energy, inclusive education, circular economy practices, and low-carbon businesses. With the rise of ESG databases and compliance auditing methods, optimizing ESG investing strategies has become more manageable. 

Business Improvement Strategies 

Companies aiming to attract ESG-centric investment should adopt strategies that enhance their sustainability compliance. Tracking ESG ratings with various technologies, participating in corporate social responsibility campaigns, and improving social impact through local development projects are vital steps. 

Additional strategies include reducing resource consumption, using recyclable packaging, fostering a diverse workplace, and implementing robust cybersecurity measures to protect consumer data. 

Encouraging ESG Adoption through Government Actions 

Governments play a crucial role in educating investors and businesses about sustainability compliance based on international ESG frameworks. Balancing regional needs with long-term sustainability goals is essential for addressing multi-stakeholder interests. 

For instance, while agriculture is vital for trade and food security, it can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and resource consumption. Governments should promote green technologies to mitigate carbon risks and ensure efficient resource use. 

Regulators can use ESG data and insights to offer tax incentives to compliant businesses and address discrepancies between sustainable development frameworks and regulations. These strategies can help attract foreign investments by highlighting the advantages of ESG-compliant companies. 

Benefits of ESG Investing Strategies 

Enhancing Supply Chain Resilience 

The lack of standardization and governance can expose supply chains to various risks. ESG strategies help businesses and investors identify and address these challenges. Governance metrics in ESG audits can reveal unethical practices or high emissions among suppliers. 

By utilizing ESG reports, organizations can choose more responsible suppliers, thereby enhancing supply chain resilience and finding sustainable companies with strong compliance records. 

Increasing Stakeholder Trust in the Brand 

Consumers and impact investors prefer companies that prioritize eco-friendly practices and inclusivity. Aligning operational standards with these expectations can boost brand awareness and trust. 

Investors should guide companies in developing ESG-focused business intelligence and using valid sustainability metrics in marketing materials. This approach simplifies ESG reporting and ensures compliance with regulatory standards. 

Optimizing Operations and Resource Planning 

Unsafe or discriminatory workplaces can deter talented professionals. A company's social metrics are crucial for ESG investing enthusiasts who value a responsible work environment. 

Integrating green technologies and maintaining strong governance practices improve operational efficiency, resource management, and overall profitability. 

Conclusion 

Global brands face increased scrutiny due to unethical practices, poor workplace conditions, and negative environmental impacts. However, investors can steer companies towards appreciating the benefits of ESG principles, strategies, and sustainability audits to future-proof their operations. 

As the global focus shifts towards responsible consumption, production, and growth, ESG investing will continue to gain traction and drive positive change. 

[resusking230]

ResusBox ver 0.4.9 (2 builtin games)

WHAT'S NEW IN RESUSBOX v0.4.9:

- Optimization and bug fixes;

- New UI and updated controls;

- Now the defibrillator charges a few seconds before use;

- Sound of defibrillator charging;

- Player evaluation system;

- Additional settings;

- New ResusBOX Package Manager;

- New game "Flandre's drunken swimming" (regular and advanced version).

ЧТО НОВОГО В RESUSBOX v0.4.9:

- Оптимизация и исправление ошибок;

- Новый UI и обновлённое управление;

- Теперь дефибриллятор за��яжается несколько секунд перед использованием;

- Звук зарядки дефибриллятора;

- Система оценивания игрока;

- Дополнительные настройки;

- Новый ResusBOX Package Manager;

- Новая игра "Flandre's drunken swimming" (обычная версия и продвинутая).

DOWNLOAD RESUSBOX v0.4.9:

Required OS: Windows XP (SP3) and higher.

Required RAM: 512mb or higher.

Required .NET Framework: 3.5 or higher.

Download ResusBOX: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZGlOSLIg_8pT3LpxYSr8fiXlfJxxZuXQ/view?usp=drivesdk

[nishakrishnan1996]

From Novice to .NET Pro: Tips for Smooth Learning and Skill Enhancement.

Welcome to the dynamic world of .NET, where the possibilities are endless, and innovation knows no bounds. In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, one question often emerges: Is learning .NET an achievable feat? Whether you're a seasoned developer seeking to expand your skill set or a passionate novice ready to embark on a coding adventure, the journey into .NET is filled with both challenges and opportunities. In this comprehensive blog post, we will dive headfirst into the intricacies of .NET, shedding light on its learnability, potential hurdles, and the plethora of resources at your disposal. By the time we reach the conclusion, you'll be armed with the knowledge and confidence to take on this versatile framework and thrive in the realm of software development.

Is .NET Easy to Learn?

For Seasoned Developers:

For those who have already ventured into the realm of programming languages like C# or VB.NET, the path into .NET may appear as a well-trodden trail. Familiarity with these languages provides a solid footing, allowing you to transition into .NET with relative ease. After all, these languages are the very building blocks of the .NET framework, and your existing proficiency can serve as a robust foundation.

For Beginners:

However, for beginners stepping into the world of programming for the first time, .NET might present a more formidable challenge. Here's why:

Complexity: The .NET framework sprawls like a vast digital metropolis, offering an array of tools and libraries for diverse applications, from web development to desktop software and mobile apps. Navigating this intricate landscape can be akin to a newcomer trying to navigate a bustling city without a map.

Learning Curve: As is often the case with comprehensive technology stacks, .NET features a learning curve. To master it, you'll need to comprehend its various components and understand how they seamlessly intertwine to create cohesive and functional applications.

Versatility: While versatility is undoubtedly one of .NET's standout strengths, it can also introduce complexity, particularly for beginners. The sheer range of options and possibilities within the framework can be both exciting and overwhelming.

On the Bright Side:

Documentation: One of the defining advantages of delving into .NET is the wealth of documentation at your disposal. This extensive and meticulously maintained resource can serve as your guiding light, offering clarity through comprehensive explanations and illustrative examples.

Visual Studio IDE: In the universe of software development, the Visual Studio integrated development environment shines as a beacon of user-friendliness and functionality. Whether you're an experienced developer or just starting, this tool can significantly simplify the development process and enhance your productivity.

Community: The .NET community is a vibrant, global network of developers and enthusiasts who are passionate about knowledge-sharing. Within this community, you'll find a wealth of resources, tutorials, and forums ready to assist you on your learning journey, transforming potential obstacles into stepping stones towards mastery.

In conclusion, the ease with which you can learn .NET ultimately hinges on your starting point and your commitment to the learning process. Whether you're a seasoned developer looking to broaden your skill set or a programming neophyte taking your first steps, .NET opens doors to a realm of boundless opportunities.

ACTE Technologies stands as a steadfast companion on your journey to mastering .NET. Their meticulously designed courses cater to diverse learners, ensuring that you receive the support and guidance needed to conquer this versatile framework. Whether you aim for career advancement or simply wish to explore the vast possibilities within .NET, equips you for the adventure.

Remember, learning any technology takes time, dedication, and practice. Maintain your curiosity, continue coding, and consider enrolling in a course aligned with your goals. With the right resources and a growth-oriented mindset, the mastery of .NET becomes an attainable goal. Embark on this journey with unwavering confidence, and the sprawling world of .NET will reveal its wonders to you. May your pursuit of knowledge yield tremendous achievements. Good luck on your learning odyssey!

[iverveinc]

What is the Best Microsoft Development Tool for Your Project?

Introduction

It is crucial to choose the right development tools for any project. It can be overwhelming to figure out which tools are most suitable for your project based on the vast array of options available. We will provide you with insight and criteria in this blog post to help you make informed decisions and select the best Microsoft development tools for your projects.

1) An overview of Microsoft's development tools

Several tools are industry favourites when it comes to Microsoft development. Listed below are a few popular Microsoft development tools:

A. Microsoft Visual Studio

It provides comprehensive tools, debugging capabilities, and integration with a variety of languages and frameworks, making it the leading integrated development environment (IDE) for Windows platform development.

B. Visual Studio Code

It's particularly well-suited to web development because it's lightweight and versatile. Customization options are extensive, extensions are numerous, and debugging capabilities are powerful.

C. Windows Forms

Windows Forms is a powerful framework for building applications with graphical user interfaces (GUI). In addition to providing a rich set of design options and controls, it simplifies the creation of desktop applications.

D. ASP.NET

Building dynamic and scalable web applications is easy with ASP.NET. A variety of development models are available, including Web Forms and MVC (Model-View-Controller), and it integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft tools. For more information on why choose .Net framework for your next project, please refer to our detailed article.

E. Microsoft SharePoint

Designed to facilitate collaboration, document management, and content publishing, SharePoint facilitates enterprise development. A wide variety of tools and services are available for building intranets, websites, and business solutions with it.

F. Azure

In addition to infrastructure as a service (IaaS), Microsoft Azure also offers platform as a service (PaaS) and software as a service (SaaS) services. An application development, deployment, and management environment that is scalable and flexible.

Help Using Microsoft Tools with Expertise

Would you like expert assistance in maximizing the potential of Microsoft tools for your development project? For more information, please visit our comprehensive development services page.

2) When choosing development tools, consider the following factors

You should consider the following factors when selecting Microsoft development tools:

A) Purpose and Technology Stack

Understand your project's purpose and the technology stack needed. Different tools are optimized for different purposes, such as web development, desktop applications, and cloud computing.

B) Ease of Use and Learnability

Make sure the tools are easy to use and easy to learn. Your development team's familiarity and learning curve with the tools should be considered. An intuitive interface and extensive documentation can significantly improve productivity.

C) Desired Features and Performance Goals

Determine what features and performance goals your project requires. Make sure your selected tools provide the necessary functionality and are capable of meeting your project's scalability and performance needs.

D) Specialized Tools and Services

Microsoft offers specialized tools and services tailored to specific requirements. Office 365 development services provide integration with the productivity suite, while Power BI and Power Apps development services enable low-code and advanced data analytics.

E) Security and Regular Updates

Protect against vulnerabilities by prioritizing tools that emphasize security and offer regular updates.

F) Cost-Effectiveness

Take into account the cost-effectiveness of the tools based on the needs and budget of your project. Each tool should be evaluated based on its licensing model, support options, and long-term expenses.

3) Considerations and additional Microsoft development tools

As well as the core development tools, Microsoft Office 365 is also worth mentioning. Microsoft Office 365 offers a range of productivity and collaboration tools, including Word, Excel, Teams, and SharePoint, that seamlessly integrate with development workflows.

Considering the use of development tools requires consideration of costs and prioritizing regular updates. The use of the latest tools ensures data protection, improves overall performance, and mitigates the risk of security breaches.

Using Microsoft development tools like Visual Studio, Visual Studio Code, Windows Forms, ASP.NET, SharePoint Development, and Azure, you have access to a comprehensive ecosystem that supports various development requirements. Power BI development services , Power Apps development services , and Office 365 development services can help you improve your development process and deliver high-quality solutions.

In addition to improving productivity, choosing the right tools can ensure streamlined development and the development of robust, scalable, and efficient solutions. Choosing the right Microsoft development tool for your project requires evaluating your project needs, exploring the available tools, and making an informed choice.

Office 365 Development Services

Get the most out of Microsoft's productivity suite with our Office 365 development services. You can find more information on our website.

4) Conclusion

You can significantly impact the success of your project by choosing the right Microsoft development tools.The factors such as purpose, ease of use, desired features, security, and cost-effectiveness can help you make an informed decision and choose the tools that are most appropriate for your project.

In addition to handling web development and MVP development projects, i-Verve has extensive experience with multiple technology stacks.