#App Development Pittsburgh

[mariacallous]

A couple of months ago, Vice-President J. D. Vance made an appearance in San Francisco at the American Dynamism summit, an annual event put on by the venture-capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. Members of Congress, startup founders, investors, and Defense Department officials sat in the audience. They gave Vance a standing ovation as he walked onstage, while Alabama’s “Forty Hour Week (For a Livin’)” played in the background. (“Hello Pittsburgh steel mill worker / Let me thank you for your time / You work a forty hour week for a livin’ / Just to send it on down the line.”) “You’re here, I hope, because you love your country,” Vance told the crowd. “You love its people, the opportunities that it’s given you, and you recognize that building things—our capacity to create new innovation in the economy—cannot be a race to the bottom.” The scene was a snapshot of America’s ongoing and sometimes counterintuitive realignment between Silicon Valley and the New Right.

Over the past few years, Andreessen Horowitz (often talked about in shorthand as “a16z,” a reference to the sixteen letters in between the “A” in Andreessen and the “Z” in Horowitz) has been growing a portfolio of companies that “build for the national interest.” The investments, which fall into a category that a16z calls American Dynamism, are heavily indexed toward defense and space: there’s Castelion, which is developing long-range, hypersonic missiles that are supposedly cheaper and more effective than traditional weapons. And there’s Hadrian, which builds factories that can quickly produce specialized parts for rockets, such as engine nozzles and sections of fuselage. The name American Dynamism describes this investment portfolio, but it’s also a normative claim: that America is good, and that building things that make the country stronger and safer is also good—both morally and financially. Last April, a16z earmarked six hundred million dollars for American Dynamism investments. The companies it supports mostly build products in the physical world—as opposed to, say, apps—and their work is explicitly meant to benefit the United States and its allies. Nearly all of the companies either sell to governments or make products that are heavily regulated. To take one example: American Dynamism invests in SpaceX, which has significant federal contracts with NASA and the Pentagon. But it wouldn’t put money in Tesla, which primarily sells cars to consumers.

Standing backstage watching Vance’s speech was Katherine Boyle, an a16z general partner, who coined the term “American Dynamism” and now oversees the portfolio with a colleague, David Ulevitch. Boyle is an influential tech figure who hasn’t yet achieved main-character status but whose name is constantly dropped in passing. She came up in a recent Semafor story about the group chats of Silicon Valley giants; defense-startup founders in the Gundo, a tech hub near Los Angeles, cited Boyle as “awesome” in an interview with a Vanity Fair reporter. In the same way that the Vice-President is often seen as a bridge between worlds—S.F. to D.C., DOGE to MAGA, techno-optimists to right-wing populists—Boyle is increasingly playing a public-translator role. She’s a devout Catholic in the often secular, left-leaning world of tech. She’s a friend of the pro-family world, while steering clear of Silicon Valley’s tendency toward tech-driven pro-natalism (attempts to invent artificial wombs that could fully gestate babies, that sort of thing). She spent years in D.C. as a reporter for the Washington Post, and brings her understanding of Washington culture to her work with startup founders. Above all, Boyle is the face of American Dynamism—not just as an investment portfolio but as an ethos. “I think America is fundamentally a good country,” she told me recently. “It is O.K. to work on things that say, ‘I unabashedly love this country.’ ” A hype video for the recent summit features images of the American flag and the Statue of Liberty interspersed with rockets and high-tech factory assembly lines. In the background, the intro to a Nascar race plays, in which the actor Kevin James screams, “God bless our troops. God bless America. And, gentlemen, start your engines!”

Boyle got her start as an investor in Silicon Valley around a decade ago. At that time, as she recently put it in a podcast interview, “defense was seen as an issue no one would touch. It was low status.” Google employees staged a protest in 2018 over the company’s involvement in Project Maven, an effort to improve the military’s use of artificial intelligence in drone strikes; the general feeling in the tech world was that Silicon Valley should be building apps for a global market, not making war machines for the American government. Boyle saw this position as out of touch. For a long time, Silicon Valley has been divorced “from the issues that Washington cares about,” she said on the podcast. When Palmer Luckey, the inventor of the Oculus virtual-reality headset, started Anduril Industries, a firm that develops autonomous weapons and surveillance systems, Boyle was an early investor, and she later joined the board. “Silicon Valley friends, colleagues, people at other venture firms were telling me, one, I was an idiot, or, worse, I was a fascist,” Boyle said. (Luckey is a polarizing figure: he maintains that he was fired from Meta in 2017 because he donated to a pro-Trump political group, and he also later designed a prototype of a V.R. headset that could theoretically kill a user in real life when they die in a video game.) Boyle noticed that companies like Anduril which sell to the government—particularly in defense—weren’t very legible to Bay Area venture capitalists. She started using the term “American Dynamism” to describe these kinds of companies. “To say the word ‘America,’ and to say we’re investing in America—it was a shocking business decision,” Boyle told me.

In just a few short years, however, Silicon Valley has undergone a cultural shift. A decade or two ago, the pinnacle of innovation was something like Facebook, a social-media platform. At the American Dynamism summit, Vance told a story from around this time, when he was working in Silicon Valley. A famous C.E.O., he said, had claimed at a dinner party that Americans whose jobs were eliminated would find meaning for their lives in “digital, fully immersive gaming.” “My wife texted me under the table, ‘We have to get the hell out of here. These people are effing crazy,’ ” Vance said. In the years since, some startup founders have gravitated away from digital entertainment toward building actual, physical things. Boyle has been surprised by the number of founders who have told her, “ ‘I’m building for America. I’m American Dynamism.’ ”

There has long been a fear that A.I. and automation will kill jobs for the working class. Yet Boyle and her allies see these new technologies as a path to reinvigorating America’s manufacturing sector and creating working-class jobs, not by restoring pre-NAFTA-era industries but by propping up entirely new sectors, such as ones built around A.I. For Boyle, this working-class vision is deeply connected to her pro-family politics. “When you think about returning manufacturing so that people have great jobs—that is something that families care about,” she told me recently. In a speech this spring at the American Enterprise Institute, the conservative think tank in Washington, Boyle made a pitch to a roomful of social conservatives that her project is pro-family. The American Dynamism movement “is not statist,” she said. It’s “a philosophy of creation and growth in support of the national interest, and that means the nation.” She went on, “There is no nation without the family.” She urged tech founders and investors to ally themselves with families: to normalize working from home, for example, especially for working mothers. She cited a company that American Dynamism supports called Odyssey, which builds platforms to help parents take advantage of their states’ Education Savings Accounts. These programs “return tax dollars to parents so they can make the best decisions about their child’s education,” she said. “Technology is the backbone of this education-choice movement: from instant verification to compliance software to the payment layer that provides cash to parents.” The goal of technological innovation should be to “reshape the culture and make America pro-family again.”

Officially, American Dynamism is not partisan, and Boyle stressed that Defense officials from Democratic Administrations, such as the former Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks, have been close partners for a16z’s work. “I actually don’t think it’s seen, at all, as a line to a political party,” Boyle told me. Still, a number of the tech titans in her orbit—including Luckey and one of Boyle’s bosses, Marc Andreessen—have been outspoken supporters of President Donald Trump. The ideas of American Dynamism are deeply aligned with the vision for America advocated by Vance, whom Boyle first met several years ago, when he was a partner at Mithril Capital, a venture firm chaired by Peter Thiel. “There were only a handful of people saying these things in 2016 or 2017,” Boyle told me. “He was one of them.” A recent project of Vance’s seems to be to persuade social conservatives that technological innovation can align with their vision of the good. Populists such as Steve Bannon have expressed deep cynicism about this: “The apartheid state of Silicon Valley thinks we don’t need our greatest resource, which is the American citizen,” Bannon told Ross Douthat of the Times, recently. “They’d rather import basically indentured servants to work for a third less and have an apartheid state. And then as soon as they can replace them with digital serfs, they will do it.” Vance acknowledged this view among populists and social conservatives at the American Dynamism summit: “A lot of them see alienation of workers from their jobs, from their communities, from their sense of solidarity. You see the alienation of people from their sense of purpose.” Vance urged his fellow-conservatives to reconsider their skepticism. “A great American industrial comeback” is just ahead, Vance said. “We have to be leaning into the A.I. future with optimism and hope.”

Conservatives aren’t the only ones who are interested in what it would look like for America to build more stuff. But people on the left might favor technologies that would mitigate climate change over weapons and rockets. The Biden Administration shepherded several pieces of legislation investing billions of dollars in infrastructure, chips for semiconductors, and scientific research. More recently, the journalists Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson have written a best-selling book, “Abundance,” in which they lay out a progressive vision of cutting regulation and plowing government money into scientific research, housing development, and massive infrastructure projects. Klein is skeptical that the Trump Administration will usher in a new era of building things. “Trump could have run on the success Operation Warp Speed had in speeding up the COVID vaccines,” Klein said recently, on his podcast for the Times. “Instead, he’s slashing government funding for science and medical research, and firing scientists. He could have run on making it easier to build energy of all kinds in America. Instead, he’s trying to destroy the solar and wind industries.” Klein added, “The populist right loves scarcity. It is powered by scarcity.”

For progressives to build the political will for an abundance agenda, Klein and Thompson argue, it’s important to tell a story “about the good life.” The story they suggest is more or less one of triumph over apocalypse: Klein and Thompson envision a world of cheap medicine, unlimited lab-grown meat, and clean energy which will fend off future pandemics, lower the cost of living, and help us cope with climate change. Boyle told me that she thinks the abundance movement is, at its core, very similar to American Dynamism. But the story she tells about building is both grander and more particular. “I really think that building is the political philosophy of America. It’s the Zeitgeist of America,” she told me. In her view, the reason to innovate and make new things is not for the good of humanity writ large but specifically to help defend and protect America as both a nation and an experiment in self-government which is under threat from a hostile world. In 2023, Boyle gave a speech about how our enemies will “win a war against America,” which was later published in The Free Press, the publication founded by Bari Weiss, where Boyle sits on the board. “You win a war against America when we stop innovating,” Boyle said, during the speech. “When we cease to be the world’s exporter of innovation, and cede the role to China or a global consortium of dunces.” Building things is not just about making individuals safer and more comfortable; individual identity is not “more important than collective duty,” she said, and “our neuroses” should not overshadow “the needs of our families and communities.”

During our interview, Boyle told me that “what you build is your politics.” In that sense, her politics are written into her portfolio. Defense. Space. School choice. Computing tools for police officers. Battery systems for when the grid goes out. The rockets, the drones, the weapons they’re building—it’s all for something bigger. Vance told the audience at the a16z summit, “Thank you all for building the kind of society that I want to raise my children in.”

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Object permanence

I'm on a 20+ city book tour for my new novel PICKS AND SHOVELS. Catch me at NEW ZEALAND'S UNITY BOOKS in AUCKLAND on May 2 (6PM), and in WELLINGTON on May 3 (3PM). More tour dates (Pittsburgh, PDX, London, Manchester) here.

#20yrsago India’s amazing statement on IP and international development https://web.archive.org/web/20050417231302/http://lists.essential.org/pipermail/a2k/2005-April/000241.html

#15yrsago This means war: Big Content’s war on democracy https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2010/apr/16/digital-economy-act-cory-doctorow

#15yrsago Apple blocks Pulitzer-winning political cartoonist from iStore for “ridiculing public figures” https://www.niemanlab.org/2010/04/mark-fiore-can-win-a-pulitzer-prize-but-he-cant-get-his-iphone-cartoon-app-past-apples-satire-police/

#15yrsago Big Content’s dystopian wish-list for the US gov’t: spyware, censorship, physical searches and SWAT teams https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2010/04/entertainment-industrys-dystopia-future

#10yrsago Blocked Italian toilet leads to thousands of years of buried history https://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/15/world/europe/centuries-of-italian-history-are-unearthed-in-quest-to-fix-toilet.html?smid=pl-share

#10yrsago Arkansas cops send malware to whistleblowers’ lawyers https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/04/lawyer-representing-whistle-blowers-finds-malware-on-drive-supplied-by-cops/

#5yrsago One person is in charge of oversight for $2.2T in stimulus https://pluralistic.net/2020/04/15/invigilation/#tumbleweeds

#5yrsago Universities want to infect students’ laptops with undetectable rootkits https://pluralistic.net/2020/04/15/invigilation/#invigilation

#5yrsago State treasurers demand ventilator manufacturers publish manuals https://pluralistic.net/2020/04/15/invigilation/#loz-im-gain

#5yrsago Jailbreak for CPAP machine reveals hidden ventilator functionality https://pluralistic.net/2020/04/15/invigilation/#breathless

#1yrago How to screw up a whistleblower law https://pluralistic.net/2024/04/15/whistleblown/#lisa-monaco

[pupsandsuchtreats]

Dog Treat Ingredients and Health Benefits

Pups and Such Treats at pupsandsuch.com, newly opened e-commerce dog treat business in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is the perfect option for your dog when choosing healthy rewards. Our treats come in apple, blueberry, and sweet potato, which are healthy and beneficial for your dog. But, what REALLY is beneficial about our treats? Keep reading to learn about the benefits of our Pups and Such Treats, or scroll to the bottom to see a summary of this blog.

Apples

Apples are a great source of Vitamin C, Zinc, antioxidants, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. They are also loaded with fiber, which is great for a dog’s digestive system. NOTE: Always distribute our treats to your dog in moderation, as some dogs have certain health issues or limitations in their diet. Feeding dogs too much of anything can lead to the opposite of its benefit. Consult with your vet to see if our treat options would be a good choice for you after learning what is included in them!

Each of our treats have oats and are infused with salmon oil and seaweed calcium. These supplements are beneficial to pup’s health by leaving their coat soft, skin moist, and bones lean/strong. Our Apples N Oats dog treats contain peanut butter, the legendary favorite snack and Ceylon cinnamon, a healthy cinnamon option for your dog.

When feeding dogs apples, never let them eat the core or seeds (we leave all seeds and core out of our treats, as seeds contain cyanide, a toxin harmful to your dog in large amounts). According to PetMD, feeding apples to dogs reduces the risk of bone disease, prevents the development of cancer, strengthens the immune system and improves your pup’s digestive system.

Blueberries

Blueberries are a great human snack for dogs. If you have not tried yet, freeze the blueberries first! Blueberries contain antioxidants, fiber, Vitamin, C, and Vitamin K. They also support the immune system and improve the digestive system. However, blueberries contain sugar - so beware of feeding your dog too much. Purina writes that treats should make up no more than 10% of your pup’s diet; however, blueberries are perfectly safe for dogs.

Blueberries are also low in calories. Our Blueberry Delight dog treats contain disease-fighting phytochemicals that battle heart disease and cancerous conditions. But, be careful when rewarding dogs with too much of our Blueberry Delight dog treats, as some dogs have diabetes and other health issues that may limit their diet.

Blueberries can be a choking hazard. When feeding your dog plain blueberries, never leave them unattended.

Sweet Potato

According to the American Kennel Club, sweet potato is on the vet approved human-snacks-for-dogs list. Sweet potatoes are high in fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin C, leaving your dog’s digestive and immune system healthy, happy, and functioning smoothly. Our Cinnayams dog treats include oats, Ceylon cinnamon, and sweet potato. Sweet potato is a “rich carbohydrate” that is high in Vitamin A; this dietary supplement maintains eye, muscle, nerve, and skin health. Vitamin C is another supplement in sweet potatoes; this supplement aids in the functioning of the immune system. When feeding dogs sweet potato, be sure that it is cooked and the skin is peeled off completely, as the skin on sweet potatoes is harder to digest and can lead to an upset stomach in dogs. Our Cinnayams are made with canned yams, so pups should have no problem munching on these dog treats in moderation. An article by Pet MD explains that sweet potato also includes potassium, manganese, iron, and has a low glycemic index, meaning that your dog’s blood sugar is less likely to spike.

In Summary,

Each of our treats contain oats, seaweed calcium, and salmon oil, and lots of Vitamin C. Which are great ingredients to maintain soft skin, coat, strong bones, and a functioning immune system in dogs.

Our Apples N Oats dog treats are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants. Apples are a great treat for your pet, as they strengthen the immune system and improve the digestive system.

Our Blueberry Delight dog treats are a great choice if you are looking for “disease-fighting properties that can prevent cancerous conditions and heart disease.” Blueberries are low in calories, contain antioxidants and fiber. Feed in moderation, as blueberries are small and higher in sugar than our other dog treat options.

Sweet potato is a healthy and beneficial option for your dog. They are high in dietary fiber like Vitamin A, B6, and C and also contain antioxidants. According to American Kennel Club, eating sweet potato leads to an overall better chance of dog’s recovering from disease when supplemented with Vitamin C. Our Cinnayams are a great reward for your pup, as they contain manganese, iron, and potassium. Cinnayams are also less likely to spike your dog’s blood-sugar level.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at our email, pupsandsuchtreats@gmail.com. We typically respond to dog treat inquiries within 24 hours.

Sources:

Arford, K. (March 2024). Can dogs eat apples? American Kennel Club. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-apples/

Key, A. (January 2024). Health benefits of apples. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/benefits-apples

Carbo-Johnson, K. (September 2024). Can dogs eat blueberries? myPurina. https://www.purina.com/articles/dog/feeding/can-dogs-eat/blueberries

Arnold, V.L. (July 2024). Can dogs eat blueberries? PetMd. https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-blueberries

Anastasio, A. (November 2023). Can dogs eat sweet potatoes? American Kennel Club. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-sweet-potatoes/

Saylor, A. (March 2023). Can dogs eat sweet potatoes? PetMD. https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-sweet-potatoes

[how2fit]

Fitness activities have recently become the go-to for finding dates. However, joining a running club for romance isn’t for everyone. So if you want to dip your toe into the world of fitness-based dating before signing up for that volleyball league, ClassPass has you covered. The booking platform is launching a nation-wide “Sweat Your Heart Out” series, which features workout sessions that are actually singles events in sweaty disguise. “Sweat Your Heart Out” classes will take place on February 12 and 13 cities across the U.S. at six different venues, including gyms, workout studios, and even indoor golf clubs. Everyone is welcome, whether you’re looking for love or friendship. The idea is for fitness, sports, and exercise to be that social lubricant for mingling magic. The series launches just in time for Valentine’s Day, but the concept is based on larger trends in fitness and dating. Social isolation and a renewed interest in wellness and outdoor activities in the wake of the pandemic have made running clubs and rec leagues popular spots for intentionally meeting new people. Dating app fatigue has made people seek out activities and venues that bring back meeting people IRL. ClassPass says its own 2024 user data supports these trends: “Community-centric” sports like volleyball saw a big boost in 2024, as did soccer and even ice skating. Dating workout classes can be awkward—how are you supposed to flirt while huffing and puffing? But exercising with a prospective partner can also be a way to develop a relationship, building bonds and even getting you ~in the mood~ (with all that heavy breathing and blood flowing). Plus, ClassPass is hoping to help out with the social aspect of it by providing ice breaker and bingo cards, as well as cards that let someone know you want them to get in touch with you in the future. And if you’re the type of person who says “hell yes” to a fitness dating event, meeting over exercise is also a great way to ensure you’ll be connecting with someone with mutual interests. The venues include four interval training studios: Barry’s in New York City, Fusion Integrated Training in Detroit, Train Moment in Milwaukee, and Shred415 in Louisville, Seattle, Cincinnati, Salt Lake City, Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. The 12, a gym based in Costa Mesa, California, will also host, and indoor golf club Five Iron Golf will hold events in Atlanta, Pittsburgh, Las Vegas, and Cincinnati. The events will cost the same as a standard workout class at their studios. You can find the full lineup below and book a spot via ClassPass or directly through the studio, If you do, we hope it’s your sweatiest Valentine’s Day ever—both during the class and maybe even with your new workout “buddy” afterward. 'Sweat Your Heart Out' singles workout classes Find the cities, studio locations, dates, and times for all "Sweat Your Heart Out" classes below. Barry’s New York City: 2/13 at 7:30 p.m. Five Iron Golf Atlanta: 2/12 t 6-8 p.m. Pittsburgh: 2/13 at 6-8 p.m. Las Vegas: 2/13 at 6-8 p.m. Cincinnati: 2/13 at 6-8 p.m. The 12 Costa Mesa (Los Angeles): 2/13 at 4 p.m., 5:20 p.m., 6:40 p.m. Fusion Integrated Training Train Moment Milwaukee: 2/13 at 5 a.m., 6 a.m., 7 a.m., 12 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. Shred415 Louisville  Highlands location: 2/12 at 6:45 p.m. and 2/13 at 12:15 p.m. Hurstbourne location: 2/12 at 5:30 p.m. Seattle Seattle location: 2/12 at 4:20 p.m., 6:40 p.m. and 2/13 at 4:20 p.m., 6:40 p.m. Bellevue location: 2/12 at 4 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 2/13 at 5:15 p.m., 6:40 p.m. Cincinnati: 2/12 at 7:15 a.m. Salt Lake City: 2/12 at 9:15 a.m., 5:45 p.m. Chicago Lincoln Park: 2/12 at 4:15 p.m., 5:30 p.m. Old Town: 2/13 at 6 a.m., 7:15 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 12 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. Hinsdale: 2/12 at 5:30 p.m. and 2/13 at 9:45 a.m. Northfield: 2/12 at 4:15 p.m. St. Louis: 2/12 at 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. Indianapolis: 2/12 at 5:30 p.m. and 2/13 at 4:30 p.m.

[forerunner-technologies]

Adrich Collaborates with Molex to Revolutionize Smart Label Manufacturing and Launches New Trial Program

Pittsburgh, PA – October 25, 2024 – Adrich, a leader in smart consumer products, is proud to announce a groundbreaking collaboration with Molex, a global electronics leader and connectivity innovator, to revolutionize the mass production of Adrich's patented smart labels using cutting-edge printed electronics. Leveraging Molex’s 80 years of expertise in advanced manufacturing, flexible electronics and printed circuit boards, this partnership will enable Adrich to scale production at unprecedented speeds. The collaboration will drive down costs while enhancing the performance of Adrich’s IoT-powered labels, accelerating the adoption of connected solutions and delivering real-time consumer insights across industries. "Our collaboration with Molex allows us to scale like never before, pushing the boundaries of smart label technology and unlocking new possibilities for connected consumer products," said Adhithi Aji, CEO & Founder of Adrich. “Molex has successfully utilized its design and manufacturing expertise in flexible electronics to enhance the manufacturability of Adrich's smart label design,” said Todd Skibinski, business development manager for Molex. In addition to this collaboration, Adrich is launching a new trial program starting November 5, 2024, offering market research firms and consumer brands the opportunity to experience its cutting-edge platform firsthand. This cost-effective trial will allow participants to explore Adrich’s latest smart label solutions, which include flexible, self-adhesive labels designed for liquid and solid products, the Adrich App for real-time data viewing, and the Adrich Communication Platform for interactive, in-the-moment engagement with consumers. "Our goal is to put the latest and most advanced technology directly into the hands of our customers," said Aji. "This trial program offers brands an unparalleled opportunity to digitally capture consumption data, enabling them to refine product strategies and gain deeper insights into consumer behavior." Adrich’s smart labels have already achieved significant success with global brands across industries such as beverages and alcohol (Bev-Alc), cleaning products, beauty and wellness, and food and beverage. The ability to capture unbiased, real-time consumer usage data has enabled these brands to improve product design, optimize supply chains, and enhance consumer engagement. Adrich’s technology has proven to be a game-changer for brands looking to stay competitive in today’s fast-evolving marketplace. For more information or to sign up for the trial program, please visit adrich.io. About Adrich: Adrich is a leader in smart consumer insights and replenishment technology, utilizing its patented Smart Label platform powered by AI and IoT to help brands in industries like beverages, cleaning products, beauty, and food enhance consumer engagement and drive sustainability.

[healthyfamz]

Mobile app helps predict future depression in pregnant people ... https://healthyfamz.com/mobile-app-helps-predict-future-depression-in-pregnant-people/?feed_id=402&_unique_id=669ed5aef053f #BondingActivities #HealthResearch #HealthResearchNews #HealthScience #MedicineResearch #MedicineResearchNews #MedicineScience #Meditation #MentalHealth #Mindfulness #StressManagement

[newmannoble]

Building a Tech-Driven Customer Experience Strategy

Building a Tech-Driven Customer Experience Strategy https://ift.tt/5ZjRNkV In today’s digital age, businesses must prioritize customer experience to remain competitive and relevant. A tech-driven customer experience strategy is essential for meeting the evolving expectations of tech-savvy consumers. This strategy combines the power of technology with customer-centricity to create seamless and personalized interactions.  Here are key steps and considerations for building a tech-driven customer experience strategy: Customer-Centric Approach: Start by understanding your customers’ needs, preferences, and pain points. Gather customer feedback through surveys, interviews, and data analysis.  Omnichannel Engagement: Implement an omnichannel strategy seamlessly integrating various communication channels, including websites, mobile apps, social media, email, chat, and in-person interactions. Ensure a unified brand message and customer journey. AI and Automation: Leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and automation to enhance customer interactions. Chatbots, virtual assistants, and AI-powered personalization can provide immediate assistance and recommendations. Automation can streamline repetitive tasks, reducing response times and increasing efficiency. Personalization: Tailor customer experiences based on individual preferences and behavior. Use data-driven insights to offer personalized product recommendations, content, and promotions.  Predictive Analytics: Predictive analytics can forecast customer needs and behaviors. Use predictive models to anticipate customer preferences, potential churn, and cross-selling opportunities. By proactively addressing customer needs, you can enhance the overall experience. Feedback Loops: Establish feedback loops to continuously gather customer input. Encourage customers to provide feedback on their experiences, products, and services. Act on this feedback to improve and demonstrate your commitment to customer satisfaction. Feedback Analysis: Analyze customer feedback systematically. Use sentiment analysis tools to understand the emotions and sentiments expressed in customer reviews and messages. Identify trends and areas for improvement in your products or services. Continuous Improvement: Customer experience is an ongoing process. Regularly review and refine your strategy based on performance metrics and customer feedback. Adapt to changing customer preferences and emerging technologies. Crisis Management: Develop a crisis management plan to address customer issues and concerns effectively. Prepare for unexpected events that may impact the customer experience, such as product recalls or service disruptions. Measuring Success: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of your tech-driven customer experience strategy. Monitor metrics like customer satisfaction (CSAT), Net Promoter Score (NPS), customer effort score (CES), and customer retention rates. Competitive Benchmarking: Study your competitors’ customer experience strategies. Identify best practices and areas where you can differentiate your business. Benchmarking can help you stay ahead in the competitive landscape. Long-Term Relationships: Focus on building long-term customer relationships rather than short-term transactions. Customer loyalty can result in recurring revenue and positive word-of-mouth referrals. A tech-driven customer experience strategy is an ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional customer value. By leveraging technology, data, and customer insights, businesses can create memorable and personalized interactions that foster loyalty, drive growth, and differentiate themselves in the market.  via Noble Newman | Pittsburgh Businessman https://noblenewman.net June 27, 2024 at 12:10PM

[sumeriyaholidays]

This outstanding DEVOPS engineer, who has over nine years of experience in Java/C#, Selenium automation, Ansible development, and software testing, also has a wonderful personality.Devops automation and web apps. Throughout his career, he has held technical positions with a variety of companies, such as Freddie Mac Mclean, Bank of America, Anthem Atlanta, Georgia, and PNC Bank Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Neeraj Bhurewar

[ronaladgarry]

Freedom on the Road: Unlocking Personal Transportation in Pittsburgh

Introduction:

In the bustling city of Pittsburgh, the freedom to explore and navigate the urban landscape is essential for residents and visitors alike. Personal transportation plays a crucial role in providing individuals with the flexibility and autonomy to travel on their own terms. From owning a car to utilizing alternative modes of transportation, Pittsburgh offers a variety of options for unlocking personal mobility and experiencing the city to its fullest. This guide delves into the realm of personal transportation in Pittsburgh highlighting the diverse solutions available to empower individuals and enhance their mobility.

Car Ownership and Commuting:

For many Pittsburgh residents, owning a car is synonymous with independence and convenience. With a well-developed network of roads and highways, navigating the city by car offers flexibility and accessibility, especially for those living in suburban areas or commuting to work in the city center.

Commuters traveling to downtown Pittsburgh benefit from ample parking options, including surface lots, parking garages, and metered street parking. While traffic congestion can be a challenge during peak hours, owning a car provides commuters with the freedom to choose their routes and travel at their own pace.

Public Transit and Ride-Sharing:

In addition to car ownership, Pittsburgh residents have access to a robust public transit system operated by the Port Authority of Allegheny County. The bus and light rail network serves the city and surrounding areas, providing affordable and convenient transportation for commuters, students, and leisure travelers alike.

For those seeking an alternative to traditional public transit, ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft offer on-demand transportation solutions with the tap of a smartphone. Ride-sharing provides flexibility and convenience, allowing individuals to request rides at any time and travel to their destinations without the hassle of driving or parking.

Biking and Active Transportation:

Pittsburgh's scenic landscapes and vibrant neighborhoods make it an ideal city for biking and active transportation. With an extensive network of bike lanes, trails, and paths, cyclists can explore the city's landmarks, parks, and waterfronts while enjoying the fresh air and exercise.

The city's bike-share program, Healthy Ride, offers an affordable and eco-friendly transportation option for residents and visitors looking to explore Pittsburgh by bike. With numerous docking stations located throughout the city, riders can easily rent bikes for short trips or leisurely rides at their own pace.

Electric Scooters and Micromobility:

In recent years, electric scooters have emerged as a popular mode of transportation in urban areas, offering a convenient and eco-friendly way to travel short distances. Pittsburgh has embraced micromobility solutions, with electric scooter rental companies operating in the city center and surrounding neighborhoods.

Electric scooters provide an efficient and cost-effective transportation option for navigating Pittsburgh's bustling streets and bustling neighborhoods. With dockless rentals available via smartphone apps, riders can unlock scooters on-demand and zip around the city with ease, avoiding traffic congestion and parking hassles.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, personal transportation plays a vital role in empowering individuals and enhancing mobility in Pittsburgh. From car ownership and public transit to ride-sharing, biking, and electric scooters, the city offers a diverse array of options for residents and visitors to unlock personal freedom and explore the urban landscape.

Whether commuting to work, running errands, or exploring the city's attractions, Pittsburgh residents have access to a range of transportation solutions tailored to their needs and preferences. By embracing alternative modes of transportation and promoting sustainable mobility options, Pittsburgh continues to foster a culture of innovation, accessibility, and freedom on the road.

[prizumcreative]

Prizum Creative - Your Premier Web Development Company in Pittsburgh

Introduction:

In the bustling digital landscape of Pittsburgh, where innovation meets technology, the demand for cutting-edge web development solutions has never been higher. As businesses strive to establish a strong online presence, partnering with a reliable web development company pittsburgh becomes paramount. Enter Prizum Creative, a trailblazing force in the realm of web development, poised to transform your digital aspirations into reality.

Prizum Creative: Pioneering Excellence in Web Development

At the heart of Pittsburgh's tech evolution stands Prizum Creative, a dynamic web development company Pittsburgh dedicated to pushing the boundaries of creativity and functionality. Specializing in crafting bespoke websites tailored to meet the unique needs of each client, Prizum Creative has emerged as a trusted partner for businesses seeking to thrive in the digital arena.

Key Services Offered:

Custom Web Development:

Prizum Creative understands that one size does not fit all. With a team of skilled developers, they create tailor-made websites that align with your brand identity and business goals.

E-Commerce Solutions:

For businesses looking to venture into the world of online retail, Prizum Creative offers robust e-commerce development services, ensuring seamless transactions and an enhanced user experience.

Mobile App Development:

In an era where mobile devices dominate, Prizum Creative extends its expertise to mobile app development, enabling businesses to reach their audience on the platforms they use most.

A website is only as effective as its visibility. Prizum Creative incorporates SEO best practices into every project, ensuring that your website ranks high on search engine results pages.

Maintenance and Support:

Prizum Creative doesn't just build websites; they foster long-term partnerships. With comprehensive maintenance and support services, your website stays current and functional, adapting to the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Why Prizum Creative Stands Out:

Innovative Solutions: Prizum Creative thrives on innovation, staying ahead of industry trends to provide clients with state-of-the-art solutions.

Client-Centric Approach: Your vision is their priority. Prizum Creative works closely with clients, fostering collaboration to ensure the final product exceeds expectations.

Proven Track Record: With a portfolio boasting successful projects across diverse industries, Prizum Creative has earned its reputation as a reliable web development partner.

Local Expertise, Global Vision: While rooted in Pittsburgh, Prizum Creative has a global perspective, bringing international standards to local businesses.

Conclusion:

In the ever-evolving digital landscape of Pittsburgh, Prizum Creative stands as a beacon of innovation and reliability. As businesses navigate the complexities of the online world, partnering with a web development company pittsburgh that understands the nuances of the local market is crucial. Prizum Creative not only meets but exceeds those expectations, making it the premier choice for those seeking to elevate their digital presence in Pittsburgh and beyond.

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                                    Contact Us

Location  - 934 Kirsopp Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15220

PHONE - 412-532-8282

EMAIL - hello@prizumweb.com WEBSITE - https://prizumweb.com/website-development/

[azmistudio-blog]

Extended Reality (XR) Education and Training

Extended reality (XR) is a rapidly growing technology that is having a major impact on education and training. XR encompasses virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR), and each of these technologies can be used to create immersive and interactive learning experiences.

There are many benefits to using XR in education and training. For one, XR can help students learn more effectively. Studies have shown that students who use XR are more likely to retain information and develop skills than students who learn using traditional methods. This is because XR provides a more immersive and engaging learning experience that allows students to interact with the content in a more meaningful way.

XR can also be used to create more realistic and safe training environments. For example, VR can be used to train surgeons on complex procedures without putting patients at risk. AR can be used to train technicians on how to repair equipment without having to take it apart. And MR can be used to train employees on how to use new machinery without having to travel to a training facility.

In addition to the benefits for students and trainees, XR can also be a cost-effective solution for educational institutions and businesses. XR software and hardware is becoming more affordable, and it can be used to deliver training to large groups of people at the same time. This can save organizations a significant amount of money on training costs.

As XR technology continues to develop, it is likely to become even more widely used in education and training. XR has the potential to revolutionize the way we learn and train, and it is already having a positive impact on students and trainees around the world.

Here are some specific examples of how XR is being used in education and training today:

VR is being used to train surgeons on complex procedures. For example, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center is using VR to train surgeons on how to perform heart surgery. The VR simulation allows surgeons to practice the procedure in a safe and realistic environment without putting patients at risk.

AR is being used to train technicians on how to repair equipment. For example, the company Caterpillar is using AR to train technicians on how to repair heavy machinery. The AR app provides technicians with step-by-step instructions and real-time feedback, which helps them to learn more quickly and efficiently.

MR is being used to train employees on how to use new machinery. For example, the company Boeing is using MR to train employees on how to use new aircraft assembly tools. The MR app allows employees to see the tools in their hands and to interact with them in a realistic environment.

These are just a few examples of how XR is being used in education and training today. As XR technology continues to develop, we can expect to see even more innovative and creative uses for this technology in the future.

[sdickers]

www.wpxi.com/news/gets-real/app-developed-help-connect-customers-with-black-owned-businesses-pittsburgh/DLKWNNRUIZHURHA3SLG6RKOUXU

[baysideorthopaedicsau]

Dr Gunasiri Mallikarachchi, Physician

Dr Gunasiri Mallikarachchi in anesthesiology. She accepts multiple insurance plans and is licensed in Virginia. She is committed to advancing healthcare services and regularly participates in medical conferences.

Moovit makes getting to Dr Gunasiri Mallikarachchi, Physician easy. Use the app to find the best route and time for your ride.

Dr Gunasiri Mallikarachchi

Dr gunasiri hewa mallikarachchi extensive medical expertise and dedication to advancing healthcare services has earned her a well-deserved reputation as a highly skilled and respected general physician. She regularly attends medical conferences and workshops to stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in medical research and technology. She also conducts research studies on various medical conditions and publishes her findings in medical journals to contribute to the medical community. Moovit makes it easy to get to Dr Gunasiri Mallikarachchi, Physician from any location. Simply tap on the map to see step-by-step directions and public transit options including bus, train, and rideshare.

Dr Chethika Gunasiri

Dr Chethika Gunasiri, an Environmental Scientist from the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation with a Ph.D in Sustainability Science from the United Nations University in Japan and over 10 years of experience in Urban Ecosystem Management. She is involved in the restoration, wise use and management of urban wetlands towards sustainable city development.

Wetlands are known as Nature’s kidneys; they clean water and purify the environment. They are also the flood retention areas in cities and help reduce flash floods. They help protect food security as 87 percent of the wetlands in Colombo provide foods such as paddy and vegetables for the city dwellers.

In order to make people aware about the importance of urban wetlands, we are experimenting with various models including jogging paths and parks at some wetlands, which enable people to connect with these ecosystems and build a valued connection with them. This will also encourage them to protect these wetlands.

Dr Samarasinghe

Dr Samarasinghe received her MD and PhD degrees from the University of Pittsburgh. She then completed an adult neurology residency and clinical neuroscience fellowship at UCLA. During her time at UCLA, she worked on various projects related to epilepsy and autism. She also performed neurophysiologic intraoperative monitoring for surgical cases.

She has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed medical journals and is dedicated to advancing healthcare services. She regularly attends medical conferences and workshops to keep up with the latest advancements in medicine. She has also written several books on Buddhism.

Samarasinghe’s research involves using brain organoids — simplified three-dimensional human brain tissue grown from stem cells — to study how neurons connect to form neural circuits and how this process can be disrupted in conditions like autism and epilepsy. Her work could one day lead to improved care for patients with these diseases and the development of therapies that target specific mutations in their genes.

Dr Mallikarachchi

Dr Mallikarachchi is a physician who practices in Sunnybank, Queensland. She specialises in general paediatrics. She has a special interest in children with Autism, ADHD, and problems related to bowel function and continence. She is also a member of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.

She is a non-participating provider for Medicare and does not agree to accept assignment of benefits. This means you will have to pay the full amount of the service at the time of your appointment. You can find out if she accepts your insurance by visiting her website or calling her office.

An anesthesiologist is a physician who specializes in administering pain medication before and during surgery. They are trained in general anesthesia, which puts a patient to sleep, sedation, which calms the patient, and regional anesthesia, which numbs a specific area of the body. They also monitor patients during surgery and help them recover afterward. They can help you with pain medications and other treatments for a variety of illnesses and conditions.

[sueheaven]

K12 Coding Courses Market Unidentified Segments – The Biggest Opportunity Of 2023

A Latest intelligence report published by AMA Research with title "Global K12 Coding Courses Market Outlook to 2027. This detailed report on K12 Coding Courses Market provides a detailed overview of key factors in the Global K12 Coding Courses Market and factors such as driver, restraint, past and current trends, regulatory scenarios and technology development.

A coding class teaches students how to code with the help of an instructor. The teacher usually explains a subject to the kids before having them put it into practice through a fun activity. Some coding classes are held in person, while others are conducted entirely online. The ed-tech industry is rapidly expanding around the world. Children are being pushed to study coding online as a result of COVID-19 lockout and work-from-home policies. Companies in the online coding for kids sector are capitalizing on this potential, drawing inspiration from the MIT App Inventor Challenge, which allows kids to create apps that help increase awareness about coronavirus control. In the midst of the current epidemic, there is a desire for web-based and visual programming environment apps for smartphones and tablets that provide moral support to people. Companies in the online coding for kids sector are expanding their marketing and advertising budgets in order to entice children to participate in online app creation and programming classes.

Major Players in this Report Include are:

Camp K12 (United States)

CodaKid (United States)

Code.org (United States)

CodeCombat Inc. (United States)

edX Inc. (United States)

Korn ferry (United States)

Person vue (Bloomington, United Kingdom)

Aon PLC (London, United Kingdom)

IBM Corporation (Armonk, New York)

Team lease (Bengaluru, India)

DDI (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)

Mettle (London, United Kingdom)

Market Drivers: Due to COVID-19 schools shifted from Traditional Blackboard to Online Education

Growing Awareness about Benefits of Coding On Kids’ Overall Mental Ability

Time Flexibility Increases Student Attractions towards K12 Online Education

Rising Digital Solutions and Digital Technology.

Market Trend: Getting a Higher Level of Education Trough International and National Schools or Institutes

Evolution of Courses to Offer Additional Features Such As Carrier Counselling & Project Assistance

Opportunities: Rising Trends of Children’s To Learning in Their Own Space

Increasing Government Spending Across Developed and Developing Economies

The Global K12 Coding Courses Market segments and Market Data Break Down by Application (Pre-Level Coding - Grade KG to 2, Elementary-Level Coding - Grade 3 to 5, Middle-Level Coding - Grade 6 to 8, High-Level Coding - Grade 9 to 12), Course (Crash Course, Comprehensive Package, Others), Sector (Corporate, Government, Higher Education)

Geographically World K12 Coding Courses markets can be classified as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa and Latin America. North America has gained a leading position in the global market and is expected to remain in place for years to come. The growing demand for Global K12 Coding Courses markets will drive growth in the North American market over the next few years.

Presented By

AMA Research & Media LLP

[appdevelopmentinusa-blog]

App Development in Bakersfield is really effective

Advertising on tablets is 250% more profitable than on smart phones despite lower penetration, tablet advertising is more effective for mobile advertisers

Mobile devices have become an indispensable tool to reach consumers. The penetration that tablets and Smartphone have achieved contributes to open new advertising and marketing channels with greater levels of effectiveness.  App Development Chandler  However, advertisers always run into the same questions: Is my mobile advertising campaign really effective? Am I making a good investment or am I throwing the money? App Development Arlington It seems that advertising on tablets is a safe bet.

Users can find more App Development on Free Classified Website in USA for many cities in USA like:, App Development Mesa, App Development Tucson, App Development Anaheim, App Development Bakersfield, App Development Chula vista,  App Development Fresno, App Development Pittsburgh, App Development Corpus Christi, App Development El Paso, App Development Laredo, App Development Richmond and users can Post Free Classified Ads without registration in USA on these classified websites.

A recent report by Advertise points out that tablet advertising is 250% more profitable than on smartphone. This is to say that the larger the screen size of the mobile device, the more effective the mobile advertising displayed in them. App Development Fremont These new data provided by Advertise reinforce the differentiating feature of tablets: large screens that make navigation more comfortable. In fact, users access 70% more pages through their tablets than through Smartphone.

As for advertising in mobile applications,

App Development Fort Worth

tablets also take a slight advantage over Smartphone. An example of this is Spain, the third European country with a greater number of monthly downloads of apps. While Spanish smartphone users download an average of 27 apps per person per month, tablet consumers install an average of 31 on their phones.