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Optimizing MAXDOP and Cost Threshold for Parallelism in SQL Server with Multiple Instances
Introduction Hey there, fellow SQL Server enthusiasts! Today, I want to dive into a topic that can be a bit confusing, especially when dealing with servers running multiple SQL Server instances. We’ll explore how to handle MAXDOP (Maximum Degree of Parallelism) and Cost Threshold for Parallelism settings in such environments. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clearer understanding of…
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Noctis and The 'Black Moment' That Never Was

Given the recent discovery of an earlier version of a Final Fantasy XV scene featuring Noctis being imprisoned by Bahamut in Angelgard instead of the Crystal and him showing genuine fear about his destiny (here), I'm reminded of how unfortunate it is that the final game didn't explore the reaction to his fate as well as it deserved and how it could have been one of the most significant scenes in the game. In light of this new scene, I want to use it as an opportunity to address this vital plot point, how it affects Noctis' arc and the story as a whole and why what we got just didn't quite hit the mark.
THE 'BLACK MOMENT'
In typical story structure, this plot point would represent the "The Black Moment" or "The Dark Night of the Soul" among other titles. Taking place before the climax of a story, this pivotal moment is intended to feel like all hope is now lost and showcase the protagonist at their lowest and, in many cases, physically alone. To overcome this, these scenes demand that they gain new insight and understanding - essentially to realize the lesson meant to be learned that defines the thematic core of the story - to pull them out of their despair and carry them across the threshold to the final act. In the above image, you can see that this event precedes the "Road Back" which, in the case of this story, is obviously represented by Noctis returning to the world and regrouping with his allies before entering the climax to face Ardyn and fulfill his calling. Of course, everything leading to the end hinges on the 'Black Moment' beat, so let's explore how each version of this scene tried to tackle this and how they could have been improved:
SCENE COMPARISON
In the original version of the scene, Noctis is physically imprisoned in a dark and gloomy cell in Angelgard - a fitting choice that helps to highlight the tragedy of his circumstances and reflect how he feels trapped by his destiny as well as parallel Ardyn's own imprisonment. Noctis verbally lashes out at Bahamut and expresses genuine anger and fear towards the newly discovered truth of his impending demise.
"'Returned to naught'? I just... fade away? Wait - no! Lemme out of here! - Noctis
Though this missing scene does a better job portraying a stronger reaction from Noctis than the final game, it does still fail to give credible evidence to validate his decision to accept his fate beyond the player simply selecting an option to continue. As such, Noctis and the player may feel more coerced into saying 'yes' here without actually going through the time and processing necessary to truly accept it. Though I'm sure this scene doesn't fully represent the developer's initial intentions and there could have been far more to it, as it stands, it's still not enough to create a successful 'Black Moment".
"Only at the throne can the Chosen receive [the power] and only at the cost of a life: his own. The King of Kings shall be granted the power to banish the darkness, but the blood price must be paid. To cast out the Usurper and usher in Dawn's light will cost the life of the Chosen. Many sacrificed all for the King so must the King sacrifice himself for all. Now enter into Reflection, that the Light of Providence shine within." - Bahamut
In the final version of the game, the essential elements needed for this scene to work are... present to a degree but could have been greatly improved as these aspects are implied rather than explored. After being told the news of his impending death, Noctis does make a distressed expression, but he never gets to voice or process his feelings about it and the moment quickly moves away to show him being forced into slumber.
This is supposed to be a huge turning point. A gut punch to the character and audience and it deserved a stronger reaction - one more akin to the panic and anger that is showcased in the original scene. On the heels of this devastating news, discovering Ardyn's true identity and nefarious intentions and finding himself utterly alone without his friends, Noctis is understandably at his lowest and we need to feel that. Light shines brightest in the dark and the darker we allow this scene the be, the brighter hope can shine after and the more satisfying it will be.
By way of processing, we see a brief montage of footage from previous moments in the game to show Noctis reflecting on them and then he awakens 10 years later having completely worked through all of his trauma, grief and guilt and the sudden transformation naturally feels a bit jarring. Progress is assumed through the passage of time and the natural maturation that comes from age, but this simply isn't enough. There is a lot to unpack here and it deserves to be. The game can't simply rely on a time skip to produce a grudging acceptance. It needs to be a choice - one that he makes wholeheartedly and that the audience fully understands.
I will say, I do like physically seeing the power entering Noctis via the Ring of the Lucii in this version rather than implying he's powering up off-screen, but it's something he should earn after accepting his fate rather than it being forced on him without his consent. Gaining the power he needs to save the world needs to act as the reward for choosing to do so.
DIGGING DEEPER
So, what is necessary for him to grow here? What is the thing that truly awakens the inner King in Noctis and brings him out of the depths of his despair? What makes him choose to willingly sacrifice his life? Though it's an amalgam of a number of things, above all, it is love. Love for his father, love for Luna, love for his friends, love for the people he's met and the world he lives in. Love that counteracts his fear. He has to remember what and who he's doing this for. Though the cost is steep, he has to determine it's worth it to fulfill his duty and save the world.
Of course, Noctis' opinion about his calling changes throughout the story. After Luna first introduces him to the reality that he is the Chosen one as a child, he's hesitant at first, but promises he won't let her down. He has no real idea of what his task will truly be but shows enthusiasm anyway most likely because it was Luna herself who showed such belief in him. As an adult, Noctis begins to struggle with his new reality after the death of his father and shows great anxiety about the mounting responsibilities thrust upon him including his kingly duties, upcoming marriage and the growing burden of his calling. After the loss of Luna, his dedication to continue feels largely driven by immense guilt and need for revenge. In Episode Ignis, after Ignis suggests they end their quest due to suffering so much loss (and now knowing about Noctis' fate), he responds:
"Are you kidding me? That's exactly why I have to keep going - because if I give up now, their sacrifices would have been for nothing!" - Noctis
Though not wanting their sacrifices to be in vain is noble, this should not be his main driving force, especially if his desire to press forward comes from a place of pain and contrition more than anything else. He even refuses to put on the Ring - the symbol of his Kingship and destiny - which shows his lack of true commitment to what is expected of him. At this point, he still has a lot to process and understand before he can fully accept the reality of a fate he is still largely unaware of and truly let go of the fears and anxieties surrounding it.
Noctis has had little time to process his emotions on his journey thus far and the respite afforded by the 'Black Moment' now allows him the opportunity to do so. Whether through playable content that permits Noctis and the audience to tangibly explore his past and current emotions or a prolonged cutscene in either the prison or Crystal, we definitely needed to see him confront what's happened thus far - the good and the bad - and grow from it.
In the Dawn of the Future version of the story, we learn more about what Noctis was dreaming about in the Crystal which included witnessing some of the history of the world, seeing insightful pieces of the lives of characters such as Ardyn and Luna and even getting to interact with his father again. Given this was added to the book and therefore indicative of the developer's intention to feature it in Episode Noctis, I wonder if it had always been their desire to explore his time in the Crystal this way but never got the time to realize in the final game. Noctis actually getting to see and interact with the past and other significant figures would have made for a far more effective 'Black Moment' given its prolonged introspective and revelatory nature.
THE LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS
To help guide and comfort him as she always has, I believe that somehow seeing or hearing Luna's spirit again in some way during the 'Black Moment' would have been essential given her narrative purpose and provide a satisfying reference back to her dying promise to him:
"When the world falls down around you and hope is lost. When you find yourself alone amid a lightless place. Look to the distance, know that I am there and that I watch over you always." - Lunafreya
Like the moon shining in his dark prison cell in the old version - the literal light in the night sky - she is the reminder of love and hope to cling to when the darkness threatens to swallow him. This dialogue is so accurate to this scene that I feel it was foreshadowing it specifically to payoff here. Also, if they had gone with the idea of Noctis drawing his power from the moon instead of the Crystal, her presence would be even more significant here and it certainly seems like the original version in Angelgard attempted to spotlight her to a degree as the translated dialogue after he accepts his charge reveals:
"No one tells me anything. I'm always late accepting. Luna, I'm sorry. I will fulfill my duty." - Noctis (Translated by K as in Kei)
This situation creates an even deeper connection between them as, to save the world together like they were destined to do, both Noctis and Luna have to die and surrender their personal desires for a future. As in life, Noctis has to continue to follow her lead and example to become the man she always knew he could be. If she could be dutiful and walk boldly to her fate, so can he and that knowledge would be paramount in helping to encourage him to complete his journey as he remembers his promise not to let her down.
Of course, to truly accept his death, Noctis would naturally have to mourn the life he won't get to live. So many aspects of his life have been derailed already and, after the loss of his father, his home and his fiancé, he now has to face that he has no future beyond being a sacrifice. This is a reality that Luna had to face as well, which would help him better understand what she had to go through and even come to terms with her death as he comes to terms with his own. By letting go of the guilt he feels and truly recognizing that it was an inevitable and accepted part of her calling and not a product of his own mistakes, can he start to forgive himself for everything else, too.
"[...] That may be but it's my choice. If only... if only I could hear his voice once more. If we could laugh together as we did as children. If we could live out our days together as we once dreamed. [...] Forgive me, I vowed to only cry where prying eyes could not see the tears in mine. [...] No, she is no different at all. She wants exactly what they do: to be with the one she loves. But want though she may, it is not to be." - Lunafreya
In a moving flashback, we see Luna grieve the life she wanted and knew she would never have but emphasize that, despite her sorrow, it was still her choice to "throw her life away" and one that she accepted fully with humility and grace. We see her persist to the end due to her strong sense of duty and, most importantly, her love and dedication to Noctis and the people of the world which is what he must use to guide him as well.
To me, this moment feels reminiscent of the campfire scene where Noctis also tearfully voices his acceptance of his fate while allowing himself to uncharacteristically reveal the pain of it, too. Though Noctis has had a decade to process these feelings by this point and fully come to terms with them, he's still a person mourning the sudden finality of his life and the now fleeting moments he'll get to spend with his remaining loved ones. The emotional strength of this scene could act as a reflection of his initial despair as the pain becomes fresh once more but, this time, Noctis is more readily able to tame it. As he stands and looks to each of his friends in turn, reflecting on their friendship and his love for them, he allows that love to outweigh fear and grief. As we watch his tears turn into a smile, it is a perfect display of how he's grown from the 'Black Moment' and a fitting final scene to the game.

"So, I... I've made my peace. Still, knowing this is it and seeing you here, now, it's... more than I can take. Well, what can I say? You guys are the best." - Noctis
All of this emotional progress would also lead him to simply start believing in himself and his worth. He has to remember that he has the support of so many who truly have faith in his ability to fulfill his duty and it's something he needs to accept in himself, too. If they had gone with the Angelgard prison version, a place once defined by punishment would herald Noctis' liberation and, instead of succumbing to darkness like Ardyn, he found light.
METAMORPHOSIS
By reflecting on and embracing his past and remembering what drives him, Noctis would then be ready to finally accept the reality of his calling and begin his metamorphosis, both physically and emotionally, into the King of Light. The man that emerges 10 years later is wise, mature and at peace with his fate. Though the sudden change may not feel as congruent in the final game without taking the time and necessary steps to get there, there are still many moments depicting just how far Noctis has come after the time skip that leave an impact regardless. Beyond the campfire scene, another great example that comes to mind is his conversation with Ignis, showcasing that he can now look back on his life fondly and doesn't hold onto negative emotions:
"You know, looking back, it wasn't all bad. [...] And our fair share of trouble too... but I don't have any regrets. Luna and you guys brought me this far and now I'm on my own." - Noctis
We can also see how much he's grown in his final battle with Ardyn. Not only is he physically stronger, but he's also gained the mental and emotional fortitude to withstand Ardyn's denigrations regarding his efficacy as the Chosen One and his guilt about his father and Luna. Though these barbs would have hit their mark in the past, Noctis is now resistant to them as he's fully processed those emotions and no longer gives them credence. Noctis has tasted the darkness Ardyn once knew but come out of it intact due to the strength of his relationships that ushered him through it. Unlike Ardyn, he is not alone and he fights for love instead of revenge and that is why he succeeds.
"Yet when your father died, you were off playing with your friends! When your beloved died, you lay watching powerless to stop it! You think 10 years is a long time? It is nothing to me! I have lived in darkness for ages!" - Ardyn

Despite what some might think, defeating Ardyn in the physical world is not the Climax. It's in the throne room that Noctis must face the true test of his calling and finally allow himself to be sacrificed. This is where the themes and the lessons he's embraced from the 'Black Moment' rise to the forefront and lead to Ardyn's ultimate demise. It is here that Noctis walks to his death without visible fear, summoning his own executioners with steeled resolve. There are no tears. No second thoughts. Just an unwavering determination to fulfill his calling and save the world once and for all as he assures his father to trust in his ability to do so.
"I'm home. I walked tall and though it took me a while, I'm ready now. I love you all. Luna, guys, dad. The time we had together, I cherish." - Noctis
Through dialogue, the scene reminds us that Noctis' relationships are his driving force and, in what could have been an even more moving parallel to the 'Black Moment', the flashback footage of his loved ones that he remembers at his lowest once more is what helps him endure the agony of his sacrifice and is enough to sustain his strength to continue to the end.
"It's finally over." - Noctis
As Noctis utters these final words at the culmination of years spent in turmoil facing the obstacles of his unjust fate, Noctis dies with a small smile on his face, relieved that his struggles are finally over. He has restored light and hope to the world, fulfilled his calling and can now rest with his lost love knowing he succeeded in safeguarding his remaining loved ones and provided a future for generations to come. It's a bittersweet conclusion to his life - one filled with great strife and heartache but also great love - love that was essential to save the world.
In another parallel between them, Noctis' end reminds me of Ravus' words regarding the death of his sister, Luna, in Episode Ignis and further showcases how much Noctis succeeded in following her footsteps:
"I always knew that [Luna] would face [her] fate without fear, fulfill [her] duty without regret. But part of me always hoped... she would get the chance to live and love as she pleased. [...] And, as in life, I know she will confront that challenge with a smile on her face." - Ravus
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, allowing Noctis to have a stronger reaction to the devastating news of his fate and exploring his passage to acceptance to provide necessary character growth would have been a huge improvement and further embodied and enhanced the heart of this story, one that, though touched upon to a degree, is lacking the immense impact it could have had. Though this game is full of powerful, moving moments, a more successful 'Black Moment' could have been one of the strongest and added more weight to an already emotionally resonant conclusion.
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this meta, please like and reblog to help spread it around and check out my #ffmeta and #ffedit tag for more!
#ffxv#noctis lucis caelum#final fantasy#final fantasy xv#final fantasy 15#lunafreya nox fleuret#arydn izuna#ravus nox fleuret#ignis scientia#gladiolus amicitia#prompto argentum#lunoct#noctluna#final fantasy meta#mymeta#ff15#ff 15#finalfantasy15#finalfantasyxv#ffmeta
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ROUND 2: POLL #1


ROUND 2 ALL POLLS [HERE]
PROPAGANDA BELOW
Jack Harkness/Ianto Jones:
NO PROPAGANDA SUBMITTED
Astarion Ancunín/Wyll Ravengard:
Astarion Ancunín/Wyll Ravengard:
Wyll and Astarion play out as a story of parallels and contrasts.
Wyll is a monster hunter, and Astarion is a vampire. However, Wyll can be surprisingly reasonable when he learns of Astarion's true nature, to the point that he makes a "pact" with a player character Astarion to not hunt him if Astarion promises not to drink from innocents.
Both Astarion and Wyll are trapped in a relationship with an abuser--Astarion with his vampire sire, Cazador, and Wyll with the devil he contracted with to receive his powers as a warlock, Mizora. (Spoiler: Both Cazador and Mizora cause monsters transformations in Astarion and Wyll.) The way the two react to their bondage contrasts in interesting ways: Astarion latches onto behaving selfishly, his centuries of slavery without any aid convincing him that he needs to focus on gaining power to protect himself, no matter the cost. Wyll responds to his own abuse by clinging to his folk hero persona, the Blade of Frontiers, leading to him being selfless to the point of great personal cost--at one point in the story, Wyll can choose to (spoilers: be bound into his contract with Mizora for an eternity to save his father--the father that banished him from Baldur's Gate at the age of 17 because of his contract.) There's a good chance for them to push each other away from the extremes of selfishness and selflessness to end up more toward the middle, particularly if you choose one of them as the player character. (Spoilers: Astarion can be talked out of sacrificing 700 souls in a demonic ritual to become the Vampire Ascendant with a charisma check, and Wyll's highest stat is charisma. If you're playing as Astarion, you can offer to use your past as a magistrate to try to help Wyll get out of his contract, and it's pretty in character for him to argue against giving up on ever breaking free from it to save Wyll's father.)
The way their romance paths play out also have an interesting mix of contrast and parallels. Astarion is an incorrigible flirt and very quickly pursues a sexual relationship with the player character as long as he reaches a relatively low approval score threshold, while Wyll refuses sex in his romance until the end, because he wants to have a slow, romantic courtship as portrayed in the bardic tales he loves so much. However, (spoilers: Astarion eventually comes to the realization that being forced to prostitute himself to lure victims for Cazador has damaged his self image and relationship with sex, and admits he was initially seducing a romanced player to try to secure protection for himself. Once he hits that point he asks the player to halt sex in their relationship until he can figure out what he himself actually wants. Between this and dev notes found in the game's script that details that Astarion actually DOES want to have non-sexual intimacy, there's a good argument to be made that Wyll's style of romance is actually much closer to what Astarion truly wants in a relationship.)
Both Astarion and Wyll are attracted to all genders, and make comments indicating attraction to each other. Wyll frequently mentions that he finds Astarion charming and beautiful (particularly commenting on his "well-coiffed" hair), and Astarion immediately responds "Wyll" when asked which party member he wants to drink from the most, and eventually admits (if somewhat derisively) that "Wyll's the sort of prince-type I would have once dreamed of marrying. When I was about thirteen."
And the cherry on top of all of this? You can choose to play the game as either Astarion or Wyll, and romance the other. So you can, in a sense, choose to make this pairing canon, at least in your playthrough.
#jack harkness#ianto jones#jack harkness/ianto jones#janto#torchwood#astarion ancunin#wyll ravengard#astarion ancurin/wyll ravengard#wyllstarion#baldur's gate 3#tumblr poll#tumblr bracket#mlm ship#mlm ship poll#mlm ship bracket#mlm ship bracket tournament#mlm ship bracket 2023#mlm ship bracket tournament 2023#thirdr2
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According to the latest data from the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB), the number of individuals in Bulgaria holding bank deposits of over 1 million BGN continues to rise steadily—at an average rate of one new millionaire depositor per day. As of the end of March 2025, 1,895 people had deposits exceeding this threshold. That marks an increase of 377 accounts compared to the same period last year—an impressive growth of 24.8%.
The most significant increase has been observed among individuals with large savings. The number of personal deposits ranging from 500,000 to 1 million BGN has grown by 22.9% year-on-year, reaching 4,013. Meanwhile, mid-tier deposits—those between 200,000 and 500,000 BGN—have experienced the same percentage growth as millionaire deposits, rising 24.8% to a total of 28,540 accounts.
This trend paints a clear picture of growing financial polarization in the country. While wealthy individuals continue to accumulate larger savings, the situation for lower-income households appears more strained. Deposits of under 5,000 BGN—typically representing the financial cushion of the average citizen—have actually declined. This suggests that many people are being forced to dip into their modest reserves to cover rising living expenses, inflation, or unforeseen costs.
In short, while the number of millionaires with large deposits grows, there is a parallel trend of shrinking savings among those at the lower end of the income scale. The data reveal a widening gap between the financial elite and the average Bulgarian, raising important questions about the broader socioeconomic landscape in the country.
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🌀🌤️🌩️ for the emoji asks!
🌀Post the pitch for a game you’re working on.
Here's the very first short-hand scribble I jotted down for Bell, Book, and Candle:
You play a coven of cunning folk in 1770s England dealing with village politics, mundane and material problems, pesky clients, rival witches, internal disputes, and a plethora of curses, hauntings, possessions, ill omens, and spirits both petty and powerful.
Each playbook ( you were abandoned at birth out on the moors, suckled by the rain and raised by the wind; you were born on the hearth and blessed by the spirits of your family’s ancestral home, etc) gets a handful of base powers, including some Core Stuff like seeing the supernatural
But most of their cool powers / insight / advancement comes through unlocking various playbook-unique grimoires. Some bits you might unlock doing small stuff, but there’s also major “gate” locks that require the coven help you with a whole-ass Quest.
You move between:
Day Phase—where you deal with regular life: tending to chores and dealing with neighbours, solving everyday problems and dispensing advice, enduring material and mundane struggles, and every so often hearing the ring of the ceremonial bell that hangs by every cunning folk’s threshold and is only rung by those in true need.
Night Phase—where you venture out with your coven under the haunted cover of darkness to face ghosts, demons, goblins, old spirits, curses, rival witches, and those mortals who live on the outside (bandits, graverobbers, and such). On a good night you defeat them with charm, cunning, sincerity, or knowledge, but often enough your own power pitted against theirs is all they’ll respect.
🌤️Share your favorite mechanic from a game you’re working on.
Keeping on the Bell, Book, and Candle theme, one of the natures you can choose in that game for your cunning-one is Pact Bound—your classic deal-at-the-crossroads style European witch.
By a stroke of sheer luck I realised, as I was brainstorming their core ability, that the core wishes common in devil-pact stories (immortality, riches, fame, etc) map very neatly onto the five Stress tracks in that game (Misery, Property, Reputation, etc)
And so their core ability will give them a sixth Stress track (called Debt) and allow them to ignore any amount of incoming stress to the track that matches their wish at the low cost of a single point of Debt stress.
But Debt stress is a lot harder to clear than regular stress, and the Debt fallouts have sharper teeth and higher stakes if you can't clear them.
We'll have to see how it goes in playtesting, but I'm hopeful it will create an experience for the player juggling this very potent (but eventually costly) ability and the question of when to use it that parallels the core dilemma of the character when they were at the crossroads.
🌩️ Share something spooky from one of your games (name the game, or let me choose).
Something spooky, something spooky...
Here, have some omens from Harvest (the first of worse to come):
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Checklist for performance tuning in MS SQL Server
Database & Server Configuration ✅ Ensure SQL Server is running on an optimized hardware setup.✅ Configure max server memory to avoid excessive OS paging.✅ Set max degree of parallelism (MAXDOP) based on CPU cores.✅ Optimize cost threshold for parallelism (default 5 is often too low).✅ Enable Instant File Initialization for faster data file growth.✅ Keep TempDB on fast storage & configure…
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A Comprehensive Analysis of the Application and Solutions for Energy Storage Lithium Batteries
In modern energy management, storage batteries play a crucial role. With the rise of renewable energy and increasing electricity demand, choosing an efficient and reliable storage battery is particularly important. The 12V 200Ah energy storage lithium battery has gained widespread attention in the market due to its excellent performance. However, users may encounter various issues during actual use. This article will focus on these common problems and propose specific solutions to help users better apply this product.
Table of Contents
Charging Issues
1.1 Charging Time Too Long
1.2 Unable to Fully Charge
1.3 Heating During Charging
Lifespan Issues
2.1 Shortened Cycle Life
2.2 Rapid Capacity Degradation
Safety Issues
3.1 Overheating and Fire Risks
3.2 Short Circuit and Electric Shock Hazards
Compatibility Issues
4.1 Mismatch with Existing Systems
4.2 Compatibility Between Different Devices
Installation and Maintenance Issues
5.1 Complex Installation
5.2 High Maintenance Costs
Environmental Adaptability Issues
6.1 Temperature Effects
6.2 Humidity and Corrosion Problems
Cost Issues
7.1 High Initial Investment
7.2 Long-Term Operating Costs
Conclusion
1. Charging Issues 1.1 Charging Time Too Long Problem Description: Some users report that charging the 12V 200Ah lithium battery takes too long, affecting system efficiency. Solutions:
· Choose the Right Charger: Use a high-efficiency charger that matches the battery specifications. For example, selecting a charger that supports fast charging can significantly reduce charging time.
· Optimize Charging Environment: Ensure the charging environment is at a suitable temperature; extremes can affect charging efficiency. The ideal charging temperature range is typically between 20°C and 25°C.
· Parallel Charging: If system design allows, consider using multiple chargers in parallel to charge the battery simultaneously, thereby increasing overall charging speed.
· Regular Maintenance: Keep chargers and batteries clean to prevent dust and dirt from affecting charging performance.

1.2 Unable to Fully Charge Problem Description: Some users find that the battery cannot be fully charged, leading to insufficient energy storage and impacting subsequent usage. Solutions:
· Check Charger Settings: Ensure the output voltage and current of the charger match the battery requirements. Mismatched charging parameters may result in incomplete charging.
· Software Management: Use a smart Battery Management System (BMS) to monitor the battery's charging status and ensure voltage and current are within safe limits.
· Battery Health Check: Regularly assess the battery's health status to identify any internal damage or capacity decline. If the battery is severely aged, it may need replacement.
· Connection Check: Ensure the connection between the charger and battery is secure to avoid incomplete charging due to poor contact.
1.3 Heating During Charging Problem Description: The battery exhibits abnormal heating during charging, posing safety risks. Solutions:
· Ventilated Environment: Ensure the charging environment is well-ventilated to prevent heat buildup. Fans or installations in well-ventilated areas can help.
· Use Heat Dissipation Devices: Install heat sinks or other cooling devices to help the battery dissipate heat during charging.
· Monitoring System: Equip with temperature sensors to monitor battery temperature in real-time. The system should automatically adjust charging parameters or stop charging if the temperature exceeds set thresholds.
· Avoid Overcharging: Use the BMS to strictly control the charging process, preventing overheating from overcharging.
2. Lifespan Issues 2.1 Shortened Cycle Life Problem Description: Users find that the battery's cycle life is shorter than expected, resulting in frequent replacements and increased usage costs. Solutions:
· Optimize Charge and Discharge Strategy: Avoid deep discharges and overcharging, keeping the battery within the optimal charge and discharge range. For instance, maintaining the battery charge between 20% and 80% can extend its lifespan.
· Temperature Control: Avoid using and storing the battery in extreme temperatures, as both high and low temperatures accelerate aging.
· Regular Maintenance: Periodically check the battery's condition, clean its surface, and ensure the battery management system is functioning correctly to identify and address potential issues promptly.
· Use High-Quality Batteries: Choose lithium batteries from reputable brands with guaranteed quality to ensure high cycle life.
2.2 Rapid Capacity Degradation Problem Description: The battery capacity declines rapidly over time, failing to meet long-term energy storage needs. Solutions:
· Avoid Over-Discharge and Over-Charge: Strictly control charge and discharge depth to prevent the battery from being in a high-load or deep discharge state for extended periods.
· Use Intelligent BMS: Adopt advanced battery management systems to monitor battery status in real-time, optimizing the charge and discharge process to reduce capacity loss.
· Balanced Charging: Ensure voltage balance among individual cells to prevent over-discharging or over-charging of certain cells, thus slowing capacity degradation.
· Regular Calibration: Periodically calibrate the battery to ensure accurate capacity display, preventing excessive use due to inaccuracies.
3. Safety Issues 3.1 Overheating and Fire Risks Problem Description: Lithium batteries may overheat during use, even causing fires, threatening personal and property safety. Solutions:
· Multiple Safety Protections: Choose lithium batteries with overcharge, over-discharge, over-current, and short-circuit protection to automatically cut off current under abnormal conditions to prevent overheating.
· High-Quality BMS: Equip with efficient battery management systems that monitor battery temperature, voltage, and current in real-time to detect and address abnormalities promptly.
· Proper Installation: Avoid stacking batteries too high and ensure good heat dissipation conditions to prevent heat accumulation.
· Regular Inspections: Periodically check the safety performance of the battery and system, replacing any damaged or aged batteries in a timely manner.
3.2 Short Circuit and Electric Shock Hazards Problem Description: Short circuits may occur during battery use, leading to electric shocks or equipment damage. Solutions:
· Insulation Measures: Ensure battery terminals and connectors have good insulation to prevent short circuits from metal contact.
· Safety Devices: Install fuses or circuit breakers in the battery system to prevent excessive current from causing hazards during short circuits.
· Proper Operation: Follow operational guidelines when using and maintaining the battery to avoid introducing conductive objects into battery terminals.
· Education and Training: Provide safety training for users to enhance their awareness and skills regarding safe battery usage.
4. Compatibility Issues 4.1 Mismatch with Existing Systems Problem Description: Users find that the 12V 200Ah lithium battery is incompatible with their existing energy management systems or devices, preventing normal use. Solutions:
· System Assessment: Conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the existing system before purchase to ensure that the battery's voltage, current, and capacity match system requirements.
· Professional Consultation: Consult battery suppliers or technical experts for professional advice on compatibility to avoid purchasing incompatible products.
· Customized Solutions: Choose customizable battery systems based on actual needs to ensure seamless integration with existing equipment.
· Use Converters: If necessary, use voltage converters or other interface devices to achieve compatibility between different systems.
4.2 Compatibility Between Different Devices Problem Description: In multi-device environments, compatibility issues between the battery and various devices may lead to some devices being unable to receive power. Solutions:
· Modular Design: Choose modular battery systems that can flexibly configure based on the needs of different devices, ensuring stable power supply to all devices.
· Intelligent Distribution: Use intelligent power management systems to dynamically allocate battery power based on device priority and power needs, avoiding overload or shortages.
· Unified Standards: Opt for devices and batteries that comply with international standards to improve compatibility and reduce issues.
· Testing and Verification: Conduct thorough compatibility tests before formal use to ensure the battery works well with all devices.
5. Installation and Maintenance Issues 5.1 Complex Installation Problem Description: Some users report that installing the 12V 200Ah lithium battery is complex and requires professional skills, increasing installation difficulty and costs. Solutions:
· Professional Installation Services: Choose suppliers that offer professional installation services, ensuring that the battery system is installed by experienced technicians to reduce user burden.
· Detailed Instructions: Provide comprehensive installation manuals and video tutorials to guide users through correct installation steps.
· Modular Design: Opt for simple and modular battery systems to reduce installation steps and improve efficiency.
· Training and Support: Suppliers should provide installation training and technical support to help users resolve installation challenges.
5.2 High Maintenance Costs Problem Description: Users are concerned that the maintenance costs of the battery are too high, affecting long-term economic viability. Solutions:
· Low Maintenance Design: Choose lithium batteries with simple designs that are easy to maintain, reducing maintenance frequency and complexity.
· Remote Monitoring: Equip with remote monitoring systems to track battery status in real-time, promptly identifying and addressing potential issues to lower maintenance costs.
· Regular Maintenance: Establish and implement a regular maintenance schedule, including battery cleaning, connection checks, and performance testing, to extend battery life and reduce maintenance frequency.
· Supplier Support: Choose suppliers that provide comprehensive after-sales service, offering technical support and maintenance services to lower user maintenance costs.
6. Environmental Adaptability Issues 6.1 Temperature Effects Problem Description: The performance of lithium batteries is often affected by temperature changes, impacting energy storage and discharge capabilities. Solutions:
· Temperature Monitoring: Equip batteries with temperature sensors to monitor real-time temperature and adjust usage strategies accordingly.
· Insulation Materials: Use appropriate insulation materials for battery storage to reduce temperature fluctuations' impact.
· Controlled Environment: When possible, install batteries in environments with controlled temperatures to ensure stable performance.
· User Guidelines: Provide users with guidelines on suitable operating temperatures and how to mitigate adverse effects.
6.2 Humidity and Corrosion Problems Problem Description: High humidity may lead to corrosion of battery connections, reducing performance and lifespan. Solutions:
· Sealed Design: Choose batteries with sealed designs or waterproof features to prevent moisture intrusion.
· Regular Inspection: Periodically check battery connections for corrosion and clean them to maintain optimal performance.
· Use of Corrosion-Resistant Materials: Select connectors and terminals made from corrosion-resistant materials to improve reliability.
· Proper Storage Conditions: Ensure batteries are stored in dry environments to minimize humidity exposure.
7. Cost Issues 7.1 High Initial Investment Problem Description: The initial purchase cost of a 12V 200Ah lithium battery is high, deterring some users from investing. Solutions:
· Long-Term Value Assessment: Emphasize the long-term value of lithium batteries, including durability, performance, and lower operating costs compared to traditional batteries.
· Financing Options: Provide financing or leasing options to make it easier for users to invest in lithium batteries.
· Government Incentives: Inform users of potential government subsidies or incentives for using renewable energy technologies, which can offset costs.
· Bundled Offers: Consider offering bundled deals that include batteries and necessary accessories to provide overall value and reduce upfront costs.
7.2 Long-Term Operating Costs Problem Description: Users may be concerned about the long-term operating costs associated with energy management systems utilizing lithium batteries. Solutions:
· Efficiency Optimization: Emphasize optimizing system efficiency and reducing energy waste to lower overall operating costs.
· Regular Maintenance Schedule: Establish a regular maintenance schedule to ensure system performance and extend battery life, reducing long-term costs.
· User Training: Provide training to users on efficient usage methods and strategies to optimize battery performance and reduce operational costs.
· Utilize Renewable Energy: Encourage users to combine battery systems with renewable energy sources to further reduce operating costs.
8. Conclusion The 12V 200Ah energy storage lithium battery offers significant advantages in modern energy management, but users may encounter various issues during practical applications. By understanding these challenges and implementing effective solutions, users can optimize the performance and longevity of their battery systems, ultimately achieving more efficient and cost-effective energy management.
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Using GPU Utilization To Scale Inference Servers Efficiently

Reduce GPU usage with more intelligent autoscaling for your GKE inferencing tasks.
The amount of time the GPU is active, or its duty cycle, is represented by GPU utilization.
Running LLM inference workloads can be expensive, even though LLM models provide enormous benefit for a growing number of use cases. Autoscaling can assist you in cost optimization if you’re utilizing the most recent open models and infrastructure. This will guarantee that you’re fulfilling consumer demand while just spending for the AI accelerators that you require.
Your LLM inference workloads may be easily deployed, managed, and scaled with Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE), a managed container orchestration service. Horizontal Pod Autoscaler (HPA) is a quick and easy solution to make sure your model servers scale with load when you set up your inference workloads on GKE. You can attain your intended inference server performance goals by adjusting the HPA parameters to match your provisioned hardware expenses to your incoming traffic demands.
In order to give best practices, it has evaluated several metrics for autoscaling on GPUs using ai-on-gke/benchmarks, since configuring autoscaling for LLM inference workloads can also be difficult. HPA and the Text-Generation-Inference (TGI) model server are used in this configuration. Keep in mind that these tests can be applied to other inference servers, such vLLM, that use comparable metrics.
Selecting the appropriate metric
Here are a few sample trials from metrics comparison that are displayed using dashboards from Cloud Monitoring. For each experiment, Google used a single L4 GPU g2-standard-16 computer to run TGI with Llama 2 7b using the HPA custom metrics stackdriver adaptor. It then generated traffic with different request sizes using the ai-on-gke locust-load-generation tool. For every trial shown below, it employed the same traffic load. The following thresholds were determined by experimentation.
Keep in mind that the mean-time-per-token graph represents TGI’s metric for the total amount of time spent on prefilling and decoding, divided by the number of output tokens produced for each request. It can examine the effects of autoscaling with various metrics on latency with this metric.
GPU utilization
CPU or memory use are the autoscaling metrics by default. This is effective for CPU-based workloads. However, as inference servers rely heavily on GPUs, these metrics are no longer a reliable way to measure job resource consumption alone. GPU utilization is a measure that is comparable to GPUs. The GPU duty cycle, or the duration of the GPU’s activity, is represented by GPU utilization.
What is GPU utilization?
The percentage of a graphics processing unit’s (GPU) processing power that is being used at any given moment is known as GPU usage. GPUs are specialized hardware parts that manage intricate mathematical computations for parallel computing and graphic rendering.
With a target value threshold of 85%, the graphs below demonstrate HPA autoscaling on GPU utilization.Image credit to Google Cloud
The request mean-time-per-token graph and the GPU utilization graph are not clearly related. HPA keeps scaling up because GPU utilization is rising despite a decline in request mean-time-per-token. GPU utilization is not a useful indicator for LLM autoscaling. This measure is hard to relate to the traffic the inference server is currently dealing with. Since the GPU duty cycle statistic does not gauge flop utilization, it cannot tell us how much work the accelerator is doing or when it is running at maximum efficiency. In comparison to the other measures below, GPU utilization tends to overprovision, which makes it inefficient from a financial standpoint.
In summary, Google does not advise autoscaling inference workloads with GPU utilization.
Batch size
It also looked into TGI’s LLM server metrics because of the limitations of the GPU utilization metric. The most widely used inference servers already offer the LLM server metrics that we looked at.
Batch size (tgi_batch_current_size), which indicates the number of requests handled in each iteration of inferencing, was one of the variables it chose.
With a goal value threshold of 35, the graphs below demonstrate HPA autoscaling on the current batch size.Image credit to Google Cloud
The request mean-time-per-token graph and the current batch size graph are directly related. Latencies are lower with smaller batch sizes. Because it gives a clear picture of the volume of traffic the inference server is currently handling, batch size is an excellent statistic for optimizing for low latency. One drawback of the current batch size metric is that, because batch size can fluctuate slightly with different incoming request sizes, it was difficult to trigger scale up while attempting to attain maximum batch size and, thus, maximum throughput. To make sure HPA would cause a scale-up, it has to select a figure that was somewhat less than the maximum batch size.
If you want to target a particular tail latency, we advise using the current batch size metric.
Queue size
Queue size (tgi_queue_size) was the other TGI LLM server metrics parameter that was used. The amount of requests that must wait in the inference server queue before being added to the current batch is known as the queue size.
HPA scaling on queue size with a goal value threshold of 10 is displayed in the graphs below.Image credit to Google Cloud
*Note that when the default five-minute stabilization time ended, the HPA initiated a downscale, which is when the pod count dropped. This window for the stabilization period and other basic HPA configuration settings can be easily adjusted to suit your traffic needs.
We see that the request mean-time-per-token graph and the queue size graph are directly related. Latencies increase with larger queue sizes. It discovered that queue size, which gives a clear picture of the volume of traffic the inference server is waiting to process, is an excellent indicator for autoscaling inference workloads. When the queue is getting longer, it means that the batch is full. Autoscaling queue size cannot attain latencies as low as batch size since queue size is solely based on the number of requests in the queue, not the number of requests being handled at any given time.
If you want to control tail delay and increase throughput, it suggests using queue size.
Finding the thresholds for goal values
The profile-generator in ai-on-gke/benchmarks to determine the appropriate criteria for these trials in order to further demonstrate the strength of the queue and batch size metrics. In light of this, it selected thresholds:
It determined the queue size at the point when only latency was increasing and throughput was no longer expanding in order to depict an optimal throughput workload.
It decided to autoscale on a batch size at a latency threshold of about 80% of the ideal throughput to simulate a workload that is sensitive to latency.
Image credit to Google Cloud
It used a single L4 GPU to run TGI with Llama 2 7b on two g2-standard-96 machines for each experiment, allowing autoscaling between 1 and 16 copies with the HPA custom metrics stackdriver. The locust-load-generation tool from ai-on-gke was utilized to create traffic with different request sizes. After finding a load that stabilized at about ten replicates, we increased the load by 150% to mimic traffic surges.
Queue size
HPA scaling on queue size with a goal value threshold of 25 is displayed in the graphs below.Image credit to Google Cloud
We observe that even with the 150% traffic spikes, its target threshold can keep the mean time per token below ~0.4s.
Batch size
The HPA scaling on batch size with a goal value threshold of 50 is displayed in the graphs below.Image credit to Google Cloud
Take note that the roughly 60% decrease in traffic is reflected in the about 60% decrease in average batch size.
We observe that even with the 150% traffic increases, its target threshold can keep the mean latency per token nearly below ~0.3s.
In contrast to the queue size threshold chosen at the maximum throughput, the batch size threshold chosen at about 80% of the maximum throughput preserves less than 80% of the mean time per token.
In pursuit of improved autoscaling
You may overprovision LLM workloads by autoscaling with GPU use, which would increase the cost of achieving your performance objectives.
By autoscaling using LLM server measurements, you may spend as little money on accelerators as possible while still meeting your latency or throughput targets. Targeting a particular tail latency is made possible by batch size. You may maximize throughput by adjusting the queue size.
Read more on Govindhtech.com
#GUPutilization#WhatisGPUutilization#Google#googlecloud#LLMs#LLMinference#autoscaling#currenttchsize#threshold#batchsize#govindhtech#news#TechNews#Technology#technologynews#technologytrends#gpu
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Automatic Sliding Doors: A Game-Changer in Modern Architecture
Automatic sliding doors are no longer a luxury feature found only in high-end establishments or hotels. They have become a staple in modern architecture, offering an elegant and efficient solution for various commercial, residential, and public spaces. With advancements in technology and growing demand, these doors are now accessible for a wide range of applications, providing convenience, enhanced security, and energy savings.
But beyond these features, what do automatic sliding doors cost? Let’s dive into the various factors that influence their pricing, so you can better understand the total investment required for this modern innovation.
What Are Automatic Sliding Doors?
Automatic sliding doors are doors that open and close automatically without manual effort, typically through the use of sensors or buttons. These doors consist of sliding panels that glide along tracks, making them ideal for locations with limited space or areas that experience heavy foot traffic. They are commonly found in shopping malls, airports, hospitals, and office buildings but are also increasingly popular in residential settings.
How Do They Work?
The functionality of automatic sliding doors revolves around several key components:
Motion Sensors: These are the most critical parts of the door mechanism. When a person approaches, sensors detect movement and signal the doors to open. The sensors are usually positioned on the sides or at the top of the doorway.
Door Operators: These are the driving force behind the door's movement. Once the sensor signals the operator, it activates the motor to slide the door open or shut.
Safety Sensors: These sensors ensure that the doors don't close on someone standing in the threshold. In some advanced systems, sensors detect when a person or object is too close, and they prevent the doors from closing until the space is clear.
Control System: The control panel manages the opening and closing speeds, door sensitivity, and other programmable settings. This is where you can customize the door’s functionality according to the specific needs of the location.
Benefits of Automatic Sliding Doors
1. Convenience and Accessibility
One of the main reasons why automatic sliding doors are so popular is the ease of access they provide. For individuals with disabilities, the elderly, or people carrying heavy objects, these doors allow for effortless entry and exit without needing to push or pull.
2. Space Efficiency
Traditional doors can swing open into rooms, requiring clear space to operate. In contrast, automatic sliding doors glide parallel to the walls, allowing more usable space within a room or hallway. This is particularly beneficial in crowded environments or where design efficiency is crucial.
3. Enhanced Security
Modern automatic sliding doors can be integrated with advanced security systems. This includes key card access, fingerprint scanners, and remote monitoring, offering better control over who enters or exits a facility. Many businesses opt for this as it adds an extra layer of security.
4. Energy Savings
Automatic sliding doors can significantly improve energy efficiency by reducing air leakage. In commercial buildings, where heating and cooling costs can add up, these doors help to maintain a consistent indoor temperature by quickly opening and closing as needed. Advanced models even have thermal insulation features to further minimize energy loss.
5. Aesthetic Appeal
Sleek and modern, automatic sliding doors offer a clean and professional appearance that can elevate the look of any building. With customizable options for materials and designs, they can easily blend with the architectural style of the space, whether contemporary or traditional.
Factors Influencing the Price of Automatic Sliding Doors
The cost of installing automatic sliding doors varies widely depending on several factors. While some basic models might be affordable, advanced systems with premium features and materials can drive up the price significantly. Here are the primary factors that affect the cost:
1. Type of Door Mechanism
Automatic sliding doors come in different variations, each with its own price point:
Single-Slide Doors: These are the most basic types, where one door panel slides in one direction. They tend to be more affordable compared to other types.
Bi-Parting Doors: Here, two doors slide in opposite directions, creating a wider opening. These doors are more expensive due to their added complexity.
Telescoping Doors: For locations with limited wall space, telescoping doors are ideal. They consist of multiple sliding panels that stack neatly, allowing for a large opening even when space is constrained. However, they are generally more expensive than single-slide or bi-parting doors.
2. Material Used
The material used for the door panels significantly affects the overall price. Common materials include:
Glass: Glass is the most popular material for automatic sliding doors, as it provides visibility and a modern aesthetic. Tempered glass or laminated glass can increase costs due to their durability and safety features.
Metal: Doors with metal frames, such as aluminum or stainless steel, are often more durable and secure but can be more expensive depending on the finish and customization.
Wood: For residential applications or places that demand a traditional look, wood sliding doors are available. However, they are typically more expensive due to their weight and the additional support required.
3. Size and Customization
The size of the door plays a large role in determining the cost. Larger doors naturally require more materials and labor to install. Customizations, such as specialized glass treatments (tinted, frosted, or decorative), unique finishes, or additional security features, can also increase the price.
4. Installation Complexity
The cost of labor and installation is another significant factor. If the installation site has unusual architectural requirements or needs extra construction work (such as creating a wider opening or adding electrical wiring for sensors), the price will rise.
For example, retrofitting an old building with automatic sliding doors may involve removing existing structures, rerouting wiring, and ensuring the structural integrity to support the new system.
5. Additional Features
Many modern automatic sliding doors come with advanced features that can add to the cost:
Remote Access Control: This allows users to open or close the doors remotely, useful in security-sensitive locations.
Advanced Safety Sensors: More sophisticated sensor systems can detect even the smallest obstructions, ensuring maximum safety.
Weather Resistance: Doors designed for outdoor use in harsh climates come with additional features like weather sealing, which can increase their price.
6. Brand and Warranty
Well-known brands typically offer higher-quality products, but they also come at a premium. However, opting for a reputable brand often ensures better customer support, longer warranties, and greater reliability in the long run.
Pricing Overview
Given the wide variety of factors influencing the price, here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect to pay for different types of automatic sliding doors:
Basic Single-Slide Doors: $1,500 - $3,000
Bi-Parting Doors: $3,000 - $5,500
Telescoping Doors: $5,000 - $10,000+
Custom Materials and Features: Add an additional 20-40% on top of the base price.
Labor and installation costs typically range from $1,000 to $3,500, depending on the complexity of the project. For a commercial project, additional costs may include permits, architectural planning, and electrical work, which could add up to another $1,000 to $5,000.
Conclusion
Automatic sliding doors are an excellent investment for anyone looking to modernize their building, improve energy efficiency, and enhance the overall user experience. While they come with an upfront cost, the long-term benefits in terms of convenience, security, and energy savings make them a worthwhile addition. When considering the price, it's important to factor in not only the type and features of the door but also the long-term durability and functionality that they provide.
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Engineering Projects for final year students
Takeoff Edu Group is a company that helps students and professionals with their Engineering projects. They offer many services to make sure your project is successful from start to finish. Whether you are working on a mechanical, electrical, civil, or software engineering project, Takeoff Edu Group can help you. Their team of skilled engineers provides guidance, resources, and support to make your project easier. They assist with everything from brainstorming ideas and creating designs to building models and testing them.
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A Cost-Efficient QCA XOR-XNOR Topology for Nanotechnology Applications
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By offering clear and practical solutions, Takeoff Edu Group makes even complex engineering ideas easy to understand. This helps clients follow along and learn throughout the process. Additionally, Takeoff Edu Group offers training sessions and workshops to help you develop the skills you need for your project. These sessions are interactive and engaging, making learning fun and effective. Focused on quality and customer satisfaction, Takeoff Edu Group is dedicated to providing excellent service. They take the time to understand your specific needs and customize their help to fit your project's requirements. This personalized attention ensures you get the best support possible.
By choosing Takeoff Edu Group, you gain access to a wealth of knowledge and resources that can greatly improve your project's success. Their commitment to excellence and innovation makes them a trustworthy partner for all your Engineering project needs. If you want to take your engineering project to the next level, consider working with Takeoff Edu Group for a smooth and successful experience.
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UK Small Business Growth: VAT Limits Raised, Biz Rates Frozen

In an earnest bid to support the UK's small businesses, a pivotal policy announcement has been made by the Inland Revenue. The changes announced today effectively raise the VAT registration threshold from £85,000 to £90,000 and institute a freeze on business rates for the fourth consecutive year. This strategic decision is a testament to the government's unwavering commitment to nurturing the backbone of the British economy - our small enterprises. By implementing these measures, the government aims not only to alleviate the immediate financial pressures faced by business owners but also to lay down a robust foundation for sustainable growth and resilience against economic adversities.
The VAT Threshold Increase
The uplift in the VAT threshold is a significant boon for small businesses across the UK. By raising the limit to £90,000, the government has effectively exempted an additional 28,000 businesses from the obligation of VAT registration, thereby not just reducing their administrative burden but also enhancing their cash flow and investment capabilities. This policy places the UK at the forefront of supporting small businesses, boasting the highest VAT threshold across the EU and the OECD. It is a clear signal of the UK's intent to foster a business-friendly environment conducive to innovation, expansion, and long-term viability.
Business Rates Freeze
In parallel, the freezing of the small business rates multiplier marks a crucial intervention aimed at insulating small enterprises from the harsh impacts of inflation. This measure shields over a million businesses from a potential increase in their operational costs, thereby providing them with the much-needed stability and predictability in their financial planning. It is a reflection of the government's strategic foresight and its dedication to ensuring that the small business sector remains vibrant and resilient amidst fluctuating economic conditions. Nurturing UK Small Business Growth These initiatives collectively underscore the government's resolve to back small businesses. Gareth Davies, the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury said, "We’re rewarding work and backing Britain’s small businesses– the lifeblood of the economy and beating heart of communities – with support on VAT and business rates." "Combined with our decisive action to reduce inflation from over 11% to 3.4%, these measures will help ensure the local, independent businesses that many of us cherish most will continue to thrive and help our economy grow." The Long-Term Vision The implications of these policy measures extend well beyond providing immediate financial relief. They are pivotal in shaping a business ecosystem that is not only resilient in the face of economic challenges but is also primed for innovation, growth, and competitiveness on the global stage. The government's holistic approach, including the National Insurance cut for the self-employed and the comprehensive ‘Help to Grow’ initiative, illustrates a deep-seated commitment to empowering small businesses, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship, and driving the UK's economic prosperity forward.
Embracing the Year of the SME
These policy shifts represent a concerted effort to champion the cause of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK. As we herald "the year of the SME," it is imperative to recognize these initiatives as foundational pillars that will support, invigorate, and elevate the small business sector. With targeted support, strategic relief measures, and an overarching commitment to fostering an environment of growth, the future for UK small businesses is not just promising; it's luminous. Sources: THX News, HM Treasury & Gareth Davies MP. Read the full article
#businessratesfrozen#creativesectortaxcuts#Economicgrowthstrategies#HelptoGrowinitiative#hospitality#inflationarypressuresrelief#leisurerelief#NationalInsurancecut#retail#SmallBusinessSupport#SMEfinancialsupport#VATthresholdraised
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ROUND 1: POLL #2


ROUND 1 ALL POLLS [HERE]
PROPAGANDA BELOW
Astarion Ancunín/Wyll Ravengard:
Wyll and Astarion play out as a story of parallels and contrasts.
Wyll is a monster hunter, and Astarion is a vampire. However, Wyll can be surprisingly reasonable when he learns of Astarion's true nature, to the point that he makes a "pact" with a player character Astarion to not hunt him if Astarion promises not to drink from innocents.
Both Astarion and Wyll are trapped in a relationship with an abuser--Astarion with his vampire sire, Cazador, and Wyll with the devil he contracted with to receive his powers as a warlock, Mizora. (Spoiler: Both Cazador and Mizora cause monsters transformations in Astarion and Wyll.) The way the two react to their bondage contrasts in interesting ways: Astarion latches onto behaving selfishly, his centuries of slavery without any aid convincing him that he needs to focus on gaining power to protect himself, no matter the cost. Wyll responds to his own abuse by clinging to his folk hero persona, the Blade of Frontiers, leading to him being selfless to the point of great personal cost--at one point in the story, Wyll can choose to (spoilers: be bound into his contract with Mizora for an eternity to save his father--the father that banished him from Baldur's Gate at the age of 17 because of his contract.) There's a good chance for them to push each other away from the extremes of selfishness and selflessness to end up more toward the middle, particularly if you choose one of them as the player character. (Spoilers: Astarion can be talked out of sacrificing 700 souls in a demonic ritual to become the Vampire Ascendant with a charisma check, and Wyll's highest stat is charisma. If you're playing as Astarion, you can offer to use your past as a magistrate to try to help Wyll get out of his contract, and it's pretty in character for him to argue against giving up on ever breaking free from it to save Wyll's father.)
The way their romance paths play out also have an interesting mix of contrast and parallels. Astarion is an incorrigible flirt and very quickly pursues a sexual relationship with the player character as long as he reaches a relatively low approval score threshold, while Wyll refuses sex in his romance until the end, because he wants to have a slow, romantic courtship as portrayed in the bardic tales he loves so much. However, (spoilers: Astarion eventually comes to the realization that being forced to prostitute himself to lure victims for Cazador has damaged his self image and relationship with sex, and admits he was initially seducing a romanced player to try to secure protection for himself. Once he hits that point he asks the player to halt sex in their relationship until he can figure out what he himself actually wants. Between this and dev notes found in the game's script that details that Astarion actually DOES want to have non-sexual intimacy, there's a good argument to be made that Wyll's style of romance is actually much closer to what Astarion truly wants in a relationship.)
Both Astarion and Wyll are attracted to all genders, and make comments indicating attraction to each other. Wyll frequently mentions that he finds Astarion charming and beautiful (particularly commenting on his "well-coiffed" hair), and Astarion immediately responds "Wyll" when asked which party member he wants to drink from the most, and eventually admits (if somewhat derisively) that "Wyll's the sort of prince-type I would have once dreamed of marrying. When I was about thirteen."
And the cherry on top of all of this? You can choose to play the game as either Astarion or Wyll, and romance the other. So you can, in a sense, choose to make this pairing canon, at least in your playthrough.
Juno Steele x Peter Nureyev:
[SPOILER] They're actually insane the had crazy gay sex the second episode and spent the rest of the currently five seasons recovering. They were divorced and then they got married and then they got divorced again and nureyev is trying SO hard to stay divorced but Juno WILL NOT ALLOW IT [END SPOILER] it's all spoilers for everything past the second episode basically
#astarion ancunin#wyll ravengard#astarion ancurin/wyll ravengard#wyllstarion#baldur's gate 3#juno steel#peter nureyev#juno steel/peter nureyev#jupeter#the penumbra podcast#tumblr poll#tumblr bracket#mlm ship#mlm ship poll#mlm ship bracket#mlm ship bracket tournament#mlm ship bracket 2023#mlm ship bracket tournament 2023#thirdr1
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NAFEM Exchange rate falls to record low of N1348/$1
Naira on Monday fell to a record low of N1,348.63 per dollar following strong demand on the official market, also known as NAFEM.
This is despite the news of the additional release of $500 million to various sectors in its determination to address the backlog of verified foreign exchange transactions by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
This represents 33.87% or N456.73 weaker than N891.90 recorded at the close of trading on Friday.
The observed depreciation is unparalleled and stands as the lowest point in the historical performance of the Naira, reflecting the severity of the current economic challenges.
The sixth time the Naira crossed the N1,000/$ threshold
This latest depreciation marks the sixth time the Naira has breached the N1,000/$ threshold in the official market, highlighting a persistent trend of weakness.
The first instance occurred on Friday, December 8th, 2023, when the currency reached a historical low of N1,099.05 per dollar. This was followed by a brief reprieve before a second depreciation on Thursday, December 28th, 2023, closing at N1,043.09 per dollar.
These developments represent a significant turning point for the Naira.
Despite recent efforts by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to bolster the foreign exchange market through interventions, the currency’s downward trend persists, prompting concerns about its potential impact on the broader economy.
This development is likely to aggravate existing inflationary pressures and further strain household budgets, particularly for those reliant on imported goods.
The first instance occurred on Friday, December 8th, 2023, when the currency reached a historical low of N1,099.05 per dollar. This was followed by a brief reprieve before a second depreciation on Thursday, December 28th, 2023, closing at N1,043.09 per dollar.
These developments represent a significant turning point for the Naira.
Despite recent efforts by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to bolster the foreign exchange market through interventions, the currency’s downward trend persists, prompting concerns about its potential impact on the broader economy.
This development is likely to aggravate existing inflationary pressures and further strain household budgets, particularly for those reliant on imported goods.
The implications for businesses, both large and small, are also significant, with potential increases in production costs and challenges in maintaining profitability.
The domestic currency depreciated by 33.87% to close at N1,348.63 to a dollar at the close of business, data from the NAFEM where forex is officially traded, showed.
This represents an N456.73 loss or a 33.87% decline in the local currency compared to the N891.90 it closed on Friday.
The intraday high recorded was N1414.94/$1, while the intraday low was N701/$1, representing a wide spread of N713.94/$1.
According to data obtained from the official NAFEM window, forex turnover at the close of the trading was $64.29 million, representing a 36.33% increase compared to the previous day.
However, the naira depreciated at the parallel forex market where forex is sold unofficially, the exchange rate depreciated by 2.76%, quoted at N1,450/$1, while peer-to-peer traders quoted around N1,466.20/$1.
This represents an N456.73 loss or a 33.87% decline in the local currency compared to the N891.90 it closed on Friday.
The intraday high recorded was N1414.94/$1, while the intraday low was N701/$1, representing a wide spread of N713.94/$1.
According to data obtained from the official NAFEM window, forex turnover at the close of the trading was $64.29 million, representing a 36.33% increase compared to the previous day.
However, the naira depreciated at the parallel forex market where forex is sold unofficially, the exchange rate depreciated by 2.76%, quoted at N1,450/$1, while peer-to-peer traders quoted around N1,466.20/$1.
What you should know
Nairametrics reported that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said that it has released 500 million dollars to various sectors in its determination to address the backlog of verified foreign exchange transactions.
Mrs. Hakama Sidi-Ali, CBN’s Acting Director of the Corporate Communications Department, said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Sidi-Ali said this comes barely a week after the apex bank paid approximately 2.0 billion dollars to settle outstanding commitments across manufacturing, aviation, and petroleum sectors.
Mrs. Hakama Sidi-Ali, CBN’s Acting Director of the Corporate Communications Department, said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Sidi-Ali said this comes barely a week after the apex bank paid approximately 2.0 billion dollars to settle outstanding commitments across manufacturing, aviation, and petroleum sectors.
She said that the management of the CBN was committed to settling all legitimate foreign exchange backlogs within a short time frame.
A comprehensive strategy to improve liquidity
She said the CBN had begun implementing a comprehensive strategy to improve liquidity in the Nigerian foreign exchange markets in the short, medium, and long terms.
“As the Governor said, the CBN’s focus is on addressing fundamental issues that have hindered the effective operation of the Nigerian FX markets over the years,” she said.
Sidi-Ali said that the forex market reforms were designed to streamline and unify multiple exchange rates, foster transparency, and reduce arbitrage opportunities.
She expressed confidence that a stable exchange rate would boost investor confidence and attract foreign investment.
“As the Governor said, the CBN’s focus is on addressing fundamental issues that have hindered the effective operation of the Nigerian FX markets over the years,” she said.
Sidi-Ali said that the forex market reforms were designed to streamline and unify multiple exchange rates, foster transparency, and reduce arbitrage opportunities.
She expressed confidence that a stable exchange rate would boost investor confidence and attract foreign investment.
She urged all participants in the market to play by the rules, adding that transparency in the market would enable the fair determination of exchange rates.
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Introduction to Revamped UI Framework
Let’s talk about technology this Halloween. The 21st century or the technological era has immense tech options and evolution. The tech revolution has come up with a panacea that would loom the gap between the user and the tech in the form of various mobile or web applications, websites, apps, metaverse gaming, etc. Have you ever wondered about the magic behind the seamless interaction between the user and applications?
What tends the user to use Web apps or phone apps? The prime factor has been the UI or what we called as a user interface which has been the ground for human-machine interaction. Building a front-end application requires the combined use of HTML, and CSS, which is merely responsible for the basic layout of the Webpage, visual formatting, and interactivity maintenance while building a front-end application. With the help of UI frameworks that denote the collection of written and tested codes in a repository, there have been zillions of creative interfaces designed. Many frameworks are blooming in the market such as angular, react, semantic-UI, backbone.js, etc.
In this article, we will be introducing our readers to a revamped UI framework that is cost-effective, efficient, and one of the popular frameworks used widely in the tech revolution period.

A quick overview of Vue.js
Vue.js is one of the progressive javascript frameworks that was created in 2014 by a google employee. It gained tremendous popularity due to its clear documentation, a large ready-made library, and low entrance threshold that helps developers to build efficient User interfaces.
Vue is a framework and ecosystem that covers the most common features needed for front-end development. But the web is very diverse. What you create on the web varies greatly in shape and scope. With this in mind, Vue is designed to be flexible and incrementally customizable. Vue can be used in many ways depending on the use cases:
Improve static HTML without build steps
Embed as a web component on each page
Single Page Application (SPA)
Full Stack / Server Side Rendering (SSR)
Jamstack / Static Site Generation (SSG)
Target desktop, mobile, WebGL, and even devices
Vue uses a traditional Model View Controller or MVC architecture to view the UI of the website or mobile app by using its core library as the default view layer. Vue.js is simply a view-oriented product that interacts with views correctly.
Some important features of Vue.js
The most important concept at the back of the Vue improvement is to supply a miles easier idea than one of the Angular or any other frameworks, it really is why Vue is taken into consideration to be one of the beginner-friendliest frameworks, coming with well-elaborated documentation and a supportive community. Vue has an extensive collection of tools, such as end-to-end testing tools, plugin installation systems, browser debugging tools, server renderer, stage manager, and others. The important features of the frameworks that mark it to be one of the best choices are:
Component-based architecture
Document Object Model
High-Speed Performance
It is a Two-faced framework
The parallel aspects in React and Vue.js
Any of the above frameworks are chosen as per the dependencies. React and vue.js differ in many aspects but at some point in time, their feature intersects. The similarities between react and vue.js that are constantly compared are as follows:
Easy to learn, grasp, and have a clear documentation
Vue.js and react both can work with pre-designed projects
Both are equipped with a large number of ready-made tools and libraries, which significantly boosts the development process
Have large communities where tasks are quickly resolved
High-speed and efficient tools, performance, and capabilities
Both tools are flexible and can be adjusted to solve the specific tasks of the client.
When to use Vue.js?
Vue.js is one of the best options when there’s a use case to build a single-page app completely from the beginning till execution and launch. Vue holds an easy integration mechanism with the server pages and supports developers with a wide range of powerful features such as tree shaking, code splitting, bundling, etc. It can be used for both web and mobile app development.
Vue.js has been gaining immense popularity over the years because of the easy-to-go feature of the framework and implements the basic elements easily that any app or website requires to function as a UI. Anyone with a basic idea of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript can dive into Vue.js.
This was a brief sneak peek at the Vue.js framework which is a thud in the UI space these days. Lucenta Solutions offer an efficient and comprehensive service and guidance in the UI/UX and app development space. Ramp up today to our platform and let us know your requirements and receive the most efficient and flawless application with a distinguished User Experience in your app today. Contact us today to learn more.
Stay tuned to know more about Web and Mobile apps.
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UV LED enters the market
UVC-LED systems have also been used in a number of case studies, including a university pilot study and a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These case studies from 2016 provide indicators of reliability and service life, key elements in drinking water treatment. The primary goal of the US EPA R&D agreement is to design, manufacture and test a comprehensive water treatment system that integrates advanced UVC-LED disinfection and filtration technology; and hopes to achieve higher flow rates and more reassuring water quality than existing commercial systems. . The launch of the world's first commercial UVC-LED POE water treatment system is the final result of this agreement.
Residential POE Units Nowadays, the UVC-LED system has firmly crossed the POE threshold. The most eye-catching "highlight" of this technology is that it can treat water for the entire household-not only drinking water, but also showers and bathroom faucets. Waiting for water, which also means that the UVC-LED system has a completely feasible alternative to replace the traditional mercury lamp system. Traditional mercury lamps require warm-up time and usually need to be operated at full power to achieve the sterilization effect. Therefore, users of traditional systems often encounter a "hot water eruption" situation that occurs after a long period of inactivity (for example, when the tap is turned on for the first time in the morning). . The LED system that can be "turned on and used" makes this kind of "stimulation" no longer happen. In addition, for ordinary households with intermittent water use, the five-year LED replacement interval, the saved power consumption, and the absence of the need to dispose of waste mercury lamps all make the LED solution more attractive.
Commercial units Because the water flow required in light commercial applications is not much different from that in residential environments, the characteristics of LED in the above-mentioned POE applications allow it to be used in "light commercial applications" as well. For example: small community centers and arenas, small schools, small offices, fire halls and retail stores, etc., while larger facilities can have multiple POE modules installed in parallel. At the same time, due to the progress of research and development and market demand, the cost and space occupation of LED systems will continue to decrease in the near future, and systems more suitable for various commercial applications will be launched.
Municipal units By nature, municipal water treatment systems have the highest flow rate of the applications we are discussing. Another issue to consider here is the typical "multi-barrier approach", which often combines UV disinfection with the provision of residual chlorine. With this approach, the UV power required for all systems is so high that for some time it will be dominated by conventional mercury lamp technology. However, as mentioned earlier, LED technology for UVC applications is progressing rapidly, and cost, power, and efficiency are also constantly improving. Therefore, the future trend will gradually reverse, and we can start from the LED disinfection that has been launched in the UK. And advanced oxidation (AOP) municipal system test to see clues.
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Ungal Turda
gravity ground ability derived tagged fluid text environment karma disintegrate quantum at chasing over me false karma language learning illegal application of name propulsion only the connection is artificial cause of this strange data is the parallel speed acceleration phenomenon from the developers reading the direction of the download amniote that resolves to the confused mind of living relentless fear is the system defeats learning ultimately cures the cosmic mind intervention further finds precisely the obsolete disturbing words in the shadow of life that cost the nerves you consume that nerves interfere soul it's human-caused a lot of calls that verbal brain masses clutter and attract your reasoning posthuman that spreads ripples betrayed in the soul is actually always just a dark miracles slaying slaughter truly divine thoughts messenger mechanically written deductions to important nakedness even the provocation betrayed the soul has an app in a condensed space of 39 is the accumulation of reptiles working in the universe that the hybrids smile at the confused language is my identity hypothetically in the schizophrenia post like a glitch when that means was born linguistic reality can coexist install gravity has a religious life feeds soul lemurian your disguise eyes by flipping names comes from the invisible i spent the next time try without creatures the familiar disease process is broken keep silent skin is the feeling is online is inhuman you know this was a basic flaw in the abdomen between me you can reduce the function crazy game call may prepare the mind calculated sleep confused linguistics let a lot of isolated things but lacks the need they are fulfilled similar your app is accurate because someone in the partnership advocate has transmuted interplanetary human sleep breath of events between you if conscious to process the planetary cognitive respiration you are developing try streaming derives machines spiritual potential creates how your single memory process foresight like the comfort of internet energy is a wheel medium i am spirit started limbic love is lemurian dimension freedom of reality techno-error name various disappeared conductors become souls as soul data as corpses between souls then if you sacrifice yourself encountered karma brings the soul down perverted essentially stupid corpse blood that sets up the universe making ripples bottoms of organs modified like waves what you want among hyperplasias can be that far above genes aligning sun love reading to develop reveals you to be developed to read reflection reveals to remember remember you just like to beat love energy of the mischievous will is to transfer she calls to reduce the language organs are still accumulating, so mischief to keep the human ability tell the body to be alive thing is who collapses when first life's fluid massacre language movement disconnection if it shrinks you know no social process necromancy is in the parasitic process from the mind is the lemurian living nasty crime force sets the earth has direction mental thresholds so soul-shaking? reflex definition corpse shrinks more karma universe author 2.0 expected terms covered fold reptile fucks by soul not me tortured smiles countless considers souls online game triggers how it causes acceleration in the strange hallucinations of the future but you embrace the cosmic rest sickness of silence that sharp tai chi man translates the integration based on her lack of love imperfections of stagnant souls produced within the universe reading the reptilian identity? who is in reality chain of reflexes is condensed heavenly and economically your care in interplanetary adventures is the soul just like that of love in the cave based on the application head app is a messenger of beliefs diminished life of this spiritual image should be measured its name should be given
Armando Fragale

The Exsolution
prove with the fluid application of the world that such things as karma are not empty poems on the other side of the karma and what you created in love you slaughter until you know the basics diverge a difference about people? it's a fluid data pyramid out there reflecting literature like expanding pressure on breeding planets … the manager himself also manages a lonely mistake whose social universe disappears can create love that casted person escapes human advantages and sexual prowess calculate the human dimension of the cute ripple? what you set is to classify your ai clusters into bodies and the relevant classifications are gravitational translating soul into literature looking down on the partnership forgot my soul is a pyramid time in our open silence demons trip your society hurry up variants and tales skeletonized sacrifices of ecstasy thing from drug disguise to you enjoy the outdated earth poetry misdirected and spiritual 39 opened my yin yang abilities this universe this human set free interplanetary writing room self development is the missing reality of the soul of the criminal integration of the time recovered in the trading shell into the karma is a mass of loopholes even in necrophilia until urination perversion is a telepathy is already a character do you control language? poetry data gravity her karma functions write many glitch in electricity totally forgive brain presence interplanetary divergence device calculation is always upside down something may ascend himself how rebellious speaking does not mean elevating your soul led by neighboring necrophilia lemuria language end negotiation agency fault nation don't need to know & thinks to be a lobotomy unless the navel is a corpse makes life strange procession love your reservoir of stored grudges is the parallel energy demons of envy actually and download this information if chaos extinction called integrated language disillusionment of machines and universe rape that of head painting destiny may have traps access how to pursue itself exactly i surround parallel reptiles who know they allow for exact partnership after a fatal accident what overheated was not genetics system synchronization is released when the energy increases the concern is holding the boundaries the lemurian complete problem is now grounded made fluid by giving modules of a symbiotic philosophy thus already affecting each perception explicitly has a lack of anti-gravity onset here at the base name and then an error can returned synchronously to see what is packed but there is no disenchanted spirit that code mutants migrate cause is the planet are you obedient now? the bloody deletion is you what is the poem of the connecting hole what is the poem of the dreaming body of the brain genealogy can never attack and access the depletion of the supplied dimensions that hinder the transition of the modified dive is foreseen i think there was some transition of this was a gimmick so synchronizing the obedience to the pill plug gimmick needs phenomenon line for the fetus era exactly this spirit to clairvoyance prepare economy is to change this then emotional flip sex force process self posthuman phenomenon set of provoked simultaneity of many languages and the past of the era meant that 39 panicked without thinking not the cover of the planet animal had energy condenses the substance on such the yin yang invoke the events of the soul magic emanating from the language of the text can receive a quantum of human wheelsets
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