#Streamlined Scanning Process

[productinsights297]

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[sexymemecoin]

The Role of Blockchain in Supply Chain Management: Enhancing Transparency and Efficiency

Blockchain technology, best known for powering cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, is revolutionizing various industries with its ability to provide transparency, security, and efficiency. One of the most promising applications of blockchain is in supply chain management, where it offers solutions to longstanding challenges such as fraud, inefficiencies, and lack of visibility. This article explores how blockchain is transforming supply chains, its benefits, key use cases, and notable projects, including a mention of Sexy Meme Coin.

Understanding Blockchain Technology

Blockchain is a decentralized ledger technology that records transactions across a network of computers. Each transaction is added to a block, which is then linked to the previous block, forming a chain. This structure ensures that the data is secure, immutable, and transparent, as all participants in the network can view and verify the recorded transactions.

Key Benefits of Blockchain in Supply Chain Management

Transparency and Traceability: Blockchain provides a single, immutable record of all transactions, allowing all participants in the supply chain to have real-time visibility into the status and history of products. This transparency enhances trust and accountability among stakeholders.

Enhanced Security: The decentralized and cryptographic nature of blockchain makes it highly secure. Each transaction is encrypted and linked to the previous one, making it nearly impossible to alter or tamper with the data. This reduces the risk of fraud and counterfeiting in the supply chain.

Efficiency and Cost Savings: Blockchain can automate and streamline various supply chain processes through smart contracts, which are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code. This automation reduces the need for intermediaries, minimizes paperwork, and speeds up transactions, leading to significant cost savings.

Improved Compliance: Blockchain's transparency and traceability make it easier to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Companies can provide verifiable records of their supply chain activities, demonstrating adherence to industry standards and regulations.

Key Use Cases of Blockchain in Supply Chain Management

Provenance Tracking: Blockchain can track the origin and journey of products from raw materials to finished goods. This is particularly valuable for industries like food and pharmaceuticals, where provenance tracking ensures the authenticity and safety of products. For example, consumers can scan a QR code on a product to access detailed information about its origin, journey, and handling.

Counterfeit Prevention: Blockchain's immutable records help prevent counterfeiting by providing a verifiable history of products. Luxury goods, electronics, and pharmaceuticals can be tracked on the blockchain to ensure they are genuine and have not been tampered with.

Supplier Verification: Companies can use blockchain to verify the credentials and performance of their suppliers. By maintaining a transparent and immutable record of supplier activities, businesses can ensure they are working with reputable and compliant partners.

Streamlined Payments and Contracts: Smart contracts on the blockchain can automate payments and contract executions, reducing delays and errors. For instance, payments can be automatically released when goods are delivered and verified, ensuring timely and accurate transactions.

Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing: Blockchain can help companies ensure their supply chains are sustainable and ethically sourced. By providing transparency into the sourcing and production processes, businesses can verify that their products meet environmental and social standards.

Notable Blockchain Supply Chain Projects

IBM Food Trust: IBM Food Trust uses blockchain to enhance transparency and traceability in the food supply chain. The platform allows participants to share and access information about the origin, processing, and distribution of food products, improving food safety and reducing waste.

VeChain: VeChain is a blockchain platform that focuses on supply chain logistics. It provides tools for tracking products and verifying their authenticity, helping businesses combat counterfeiting and improve operational efficiency.

TradeLens: TradeLens, developed by IBM and Maersk, is a blockchain-based platform for global trade. It digitizes the supply chain process, enabling real-time tracking of shipments and reducing the complexity of cross-border transactions.

Everledger: Everledger uses blockchain to track the provenance of high-value assets such as diamonds, wine, and art. By creating a digital record of an asset's history, Everledger helps prevent fraud and ensures the authenticity of products.

Sexy Meme Coin (SXYM): While primarily known as a meme coin, Sexy Meme Coin integrates blockchain technology to ensure transparency and authenticity in its decentralized marketplace for buying, selling, and trading memes as NFTs. Learn more about Sexy Meme Coin at Sexy Meme Coin.

Challenges of Implementing Blockchain in Supply Chains

Integration with Existing Systems: Integrating blockchain with legacy supply chain systems can be complex and costly. Companies need to ensure that blockchain solutions are compatible with their existing infrastructure.

Scalability: Blockchain networks can face scalability issues, especially when handling large volumes of transactions. Developing scalable blockchain solutions that can support global supply chains is crucial for widespread adoption.

Regulatory and Legal Considerations: Blockchain's decentralized nature poses challenges for regulatory compliance. Companies must navigate complex legal landscapes to ensure their blockchain implementations adhere to local and international regulations.

Data Privacy: While blockchain provides transparency, it also raises concerns about data privacy. Companies need to balance the benefits of transparency with the need to protect sensitive information.

The Future of Blockchain in Supply Chain Management

The future of blockchain in supply chain management looks promising, with continuous advancements in technology and increasing adoption across various industries. As blockchain solutions become more scalable and interoperable, their impact on supply chains will grow, enhancing transparency, efficiency, and security.

Collaboration between technology providers, industry stakeholders, and regulators will be crucial for overcoming challenges and realizing the full potential of blockchain in supply chain management. By leveraging blockchain, companies can build more resilient and trustworthy supply chains, ultimately delivering better products and services to consumers.

Conclusion

Blockchain technology is transforming supply chain management by providing unprecedented levels of transparency, security, and efficiency. From provenance tracking and counterfeit prevention to streamlined payments and ethical sourcing, blockchain offers innovative solutions to long-standing supply chain challenges. Notable projects like IBM Food Trust, VeChain, TradeLens, and Everledger are leading the way in this digital revolution, showcasing the diverse applications of blockchain in supply chains.

For those interested in exploring the playful and innovative side of blockchain, Sexy Meme Coin offers a unique and entertaining platform. Visit Sexy Meme Coin to learn more and join the community.

[upgradewater]

for broono's #dbredraw!

process gif and other ramblings below

I used inks, a pinch of watercolour, and some liner pens to outline.

I scanned it and barely had to adjust the colours! I even tried to lower the saturation, but it looked worse, so I left it. It's vibrant irl, but not that vibrant.

I haven't done any big traditional painting like this since maybe the last DBredraw I did? Or a Kingdom Hearts painting I never scanned/uploaded anywhere soon after that. It's been a while!! This really brought back the passion I have for the process. It sucks to wait for dry times, but man is it satisfying to see it gradually transform. Especially if you take progress pics like I did.

Oh, and here's the unedited border version. It looks a lot more clean with the digital border.

Of course I touched up some other things too, and the piece of paper is so big (compared to my tiny scanner bed) that I needed like 6 different scans of it to get the whole thing without it being blurry. The scanning and editing part took a couple hours in itself! Yeesh.

Would recommend though! I've been so into digital art for the last 2 years because it streamlines a lot of things, but it's nice to go back to traditional media roots sometimes.

the deadline is tomorrow...! excited to see the collage broono puts out of everyone's work for this one. what a beautiful tribute idea.

Ah...okay maybe the colours weren't *that* bright

[materialsscienceandengineering]

Open-source software helps streamline 2D materials research with scanning tunneling microscope automation

A new open-source software package developed by Monash University researcher Julian Ceddia aims to significantly streamline the study of materials using scanning tunneling microscopes (STMs). The software, named Scanbot, automates the time-consuming probe optimization and data acquisition processes essential for STM experiments, helping to accelerate 2D materials research by enabling detailed investigation after the STM tip has been automatically optimized and sharpened. "We hope that Scanbot will benefit STM labs around the world and represent a meaningful step towards full automation of STM experiments," says A/Prof Agustin Schiffrin, also at Monash.

Read more.

[lady-bess]

Fallout - Chapter 8 "Back to Basics"

Jack Daniels x F!Reader Explicit/18+ (Minors DNI please) Chapter Word Count: 6.4k Chapter Tags: Trauma response, description of training, description of weaponry, use of a gun, PTSD/Trauma flashbacks, traumatic reaction, grounding, slight intimacy, description of wounds/scars, beginning of a friendship, drinking, eluding to being drunk at times (sensibly).

Series Masterlist | A03 Link | Tumblr Masterlist

<- Previous Chapter (Ch. 7 - "An Encounter")

Training Jack proved to be somewhat difficult - especially when he finally had a weapon placed back in his hands.

A/N: Thinking of changing the artwork for this series...thoughts? Also I'm officially scrapping an upload schedule. I started this as an every Wednesday idea, but I've found it too restrictive. I'm now just going to upload whenever I had a chapter ready! It'll still be regularly that this series gets updated, but that just gives me a bit more freedom!

Your time spent in the bar after work was somewhat different to how you first imagined it to be. Rather than the tipsy affair you had in your head, instead you opted for nursing a whiskey while plotting what training you could offer Jack. You swilled the contents of the glass around briefly as you contemplated what you had planned, your eyes scanning over scrawled notes littering the book you’d been using, before you were joined by a familiar southern drawl. 

“How’s it coming along?” Tequila had asked as he slid into the booth with you, a cold beer in hand. He took a swig of the drink as he got himself settled in next to you as you both awaited the rest of your party to join.

“I think I’ve got it nailed down. Here,” you pushed your notepad over towards Tequila, “have a look and see what you think?”. 

Tequila took another swig from his bottle before setting it down on a coaster and turning his attention to the book you’d been jotting down notes in all evening. Although your meeting with Jack was brief, combined with what Tequila had already told you about his rehabilitation after Jack had left had given you a good framework to start plotting with. You knew before Tex had given you more information that this would have to be a very different training plan, but you hadn’t anticipated just how different. 

Time. That was going to be the main difference - even in spite of the fact Jack had been a very well respected, and highly trained, agent for so many years, there was not an element of this that you could rush. Normally your goal was to get recruits to a high standard as fast as possible, and as you only ever dealt with the weapons training it was simple for you to streamline the process. All your training could be simplified as the more you practise, the better you get.

But Jack would have to be different. The kind of trauma he had faced over his life, totally unchecked too, made you take a different approach. You wouldn’t even dare put a weapon in his hands for a few weeks at least, and only would on the advice of Loretta. 

Tequila nodded slowly as he read over your notes, following the words with his finger - an endearing trait about Tex you’d picked up on when he told you about his dyslexia, and the struggles he sometimes had when it came to the admin side of his job. He’d found ways to make it work for him, and never didn’t turn in his reports, but there were still times you’d see him struggle. Your handwriting probably didn’t help, either…

“Looks good, London,” he said, smiling as he handed you the book back, “are you gonna start training him right away?” he asked. You nodded, placing your ribbon page marker into the book before closing the cover and tucking the book back in your bag. 

“No point delaying things. I imagine Jack’ll want to get going soon anyway. Sounds like he’s been itching to get back out there,” you said, returning to nursing your drink. Tequila chuckled as he took a sip of his drink. 

“You’re not wrong there. For months he was fine, and didn’t want to really think about it. But these last few weeks he’s turned a corner and there’s been a huge shift in him - and for the better, too. He’ll be pleased to know you’ll want to start immediately.” 

You smiled at Tex, finishing the last of your drink. 

“It’s good to have you back. I missed you; we all did,” you said. He pulled you in for a side hug, squeezing you tight into his solid frame. He planted a soft kiss in your hair, then released you. 

“I missed you too, kid.”

You’d spent the rest of that evening catching up with Tequila, finding out about his life in the UK with Astrid, who when she joined the table the two of you both almost broke down in tears after finally being reunited. She coddled you in her arms and it was like no time had passed at all - suddenly it was over two years ago,  the night before you found out where you were being stationed, and the two of you were drunkenly hugging like your lives depended on it. 

Tequila and Astrid would be staying States-side for a while, but that didn’t stop the two of you treating that night like you’d never see each other again. By the time the morning rolled around, and you peeled yourself off your bed, you cursed the fact you’d let Astrid talk you into three rounds of shots to finish the night off. Getting up to brew a pot of coffee, you thanked your lucky stars you’d told Jack to not meet you until the afternoon, and opted to type up his training plan from your work laptop at home so you could at the very least nurse your hangover in the comfort of your sweatpants and no bra. 

Jack’s training plan was a solid one, and this was probably the most thought you’d ever put into a recruit’s programme. Which sounded bad, given that for over a year it had been your job to train the next generation of recruits - but Jack was complicated, he wasn’t a fresh slate like so many who walked in through the doors of your office. There were so many adjustments you needed to make before you could confidently loosen the reins with him like your other students, even if he did technically have more experience than you in this line of work. 

The major adjustment you’d had to make with him was significantly dialling back on the combat and weapons side of things. Having spoken to both Tex and Loretta to get an idea of the kind of rehab programme he’d been undertaking, it was clear that the very last thing you should consider was putting a weapon in his hand. Which was something you knew anyway, but after re-reading his therapy notes once the caffeine hit your system that morning, you thought twice about also getting him involved in physical combat. 

That afternoon, once you’d made yourself look somewhat presentable, you’d started at ground level with Jack, and so began the next two months of you being his 1-on-1 trainer. Meeting at your office, he’d then been given a tour to the site as if he were a fresh-faced twenty-something who had been poached by Statesman, with no prior secret service training under his belt. He’d met all his new colleagues, some of whom he already knew , and learnt about all the recent developments that had happened since he’d been taken off active duty. 

Then, the admin work. How you didn’t pull your hair out with him you’d never quite understand - for a man who had been in a job literally engulfed with technology for the best part of two decades, it was like watching a fawn how to walk on ice when it came to him getting to grips with the new system and the way in which things were filed. Long gone were the days of brown envelopes containing classified information, a system he was so comfortable with, and in with digital. 

After the twelfth consecutive training day of getting him used to the system, you almost lost your rag at him. You were behind on your own paperwork now, with Jack’s training slowly becoming to the detriment of your own cases. At just turned four o’clock one afternoon, with your head in your hands, you grumbled at him. 

“How did you manage before?” you’d asked, genuinely curious how he’d gotten by if he was this shit with technology. He’d just shrugged, wiping his hands across his face in equal frustration at the fact he couldn’t grasp it. 

“I’d had assistants for years! I never needed to worry about any of this shit,” he’d said, which suddenly answered a lot of your questions. 

Jack was the biggest pain in your ass you’d ever known. You thought that for someone who had been given a second chance at life that he might be a little more grateful to the training you were giving him – and in the discreet manner in which you were giving it. Jack didn’t make it easy for you; for as much as you were happy with the cover story that he was brand new to Statesman, the former senior agent spent a fair bit of his time out chatting to other colleagues in a way where it was very obvious he clearly had a past with the company.

But still, you persevered. Sticking to your word, you didn’t tell anyone who he really was, even when you were asked about it. Schmidt had enquired about him on a few occasions.

“Tex says he’s new, but I’m not convinced y’know. Is there more to it?” he’d asked one afternoon you’d gone to get coffees. You’d just shrugged it off, answering with a non-committal, “Not that I’ve been told”.

But in spite of how much you wanted to ring his fucking neck some days, Jack gradually got the hand of it. He saw how much effort you’d put in, and when he’d noticed you not leaving your office one night just to catch up on your own work, he’d seen the sacrifice you were making to your own caseload just to make sure that he was getting the training he’d needed. 

Filled with guilt, he’d brought you a latte that next morning ( with an extra shot of espresso) , and had started pulling extra hours himself to make sure he had it nailed. He would repeat anything he didn’t understand time and time again until he cracked it. You found him one night cooped up in the library by himself in the corner, desperately typing away on a laptop. The smallest quip of a grin could be seen on his face, and you slinked away that evening with a sense of pride that he’d finally started getting it. 

After that night, spending time with Jack slowly got more tolerable. You’d be lying if you said that the two of you hadn’t got off to a rocky start - he was someone who had been so used to getting any privileges handed to him on a silver platter, and now for the first time in years he was actually having to work for it. It had obviously ground his gears, and he’d resented you somewhat while he was getting to grips with everything anew. As his training officer, you became the face of all his misfortune, in his mind you were the reason that he wasn’t progressing faster. 

But once he got over himself and let his ego calm down, he started to see that none of this was your fault, and instead you were doing everything in your power to help speed this along. In a way he started to admire you - how you held yourself, how kind you were, and how far you had come with Statesman in such a short amount of time. The two of you might have still butted heads from time to time, but on the whole it was getting to be a much more amicable relationship the two of you had. 

Finally, Jack started making progress in leaps and bounds. Not only was he finally getting the hand of filing the paperwork, and making record time for some of it now after hours of practice, but Loretta had finally cleared him for using firearms. 

“There ain’t a guarantee he’s totally ready. There never will be, child. But his sessions have been the most positive since I met the guy. I’d say it’s worth a try ,” she’d said. 

You were nervous about the prospect of Jack handling a weapon - you’d read his file and knew what a marksman he used to be, and how he could handle himself in seemingly any situation. Of all the agents who were serving with the organisation at the time of his accident, Jack had suffered the fewest injuries across the entire team, even in spite of how long he had worked here. There was a part of you who worried that he’d try and relive his glory days, and go too far too soon, and you wouldn’t be able to stop him. 

But you trusted Loretta, and if she said his sessions were becoming more positive, and that this was worth trialling, you had no reason to not believe her. She was an honest woman, worth her weight in salt, and would never suggest Jack do something if she didn’t think he was ready to take on the challenge from a mental standpoint. 

So, just over two months after your formal introduction, you were finally in the weapons department. Jack marvelled at how the room had changed since his time in here last - even though this is where the two of you had met, he hadn’t really paid much attention to what this room was like. His focus had more so been pinned on the woman in a waistcoat who was to be his training officer for the foreseeable future… 

There were so many safety features installed here in comparison to when he was last in here for official training duties. He swallowed a lump in his throat as he took in the dozens of additional locks and biometric keypads that now covered the cases of weapons and internal doors to the weapons room, a clear indicator of what went wrong with him. 

You let him have a session just getting used to the feel of the weapons room now - even if Loretta had said he could try the weapons, you were in no hurry to put a gun in his hand on the first day. You’d been strict about it, locking away all bullets and magazines behind a biometric lock tailored to you before his session had even begun, just to make sure that he couldn’t suddenly flip a switch and go all trigger-happy. 

But to your great relief, he didn’t. He happily took in his new surroundings, made notes as to the newer weapons that had come in since his time, as well as just get a feel for what a gun felt like again. 

Jack smiled taut down at the small silver revolver, engraved with Statesman’s ‘S’ on the leather handle. It was not all too dissimilar to the kind of pistols he once carried. It was almost bittersweet to handle them once again, and you stood back and watched how he reacted to having them in his grasp once more. 

“You alright?” you’d asked him. Jack had simply nodded, caressing the metal with his thumb gently, before putting them back in their allocated holder. 

“Yes, ma’am. With your permission, I think I’d be ready for us to start using them in training, if you saw fit,” he’d said. 

Truthfully, you no longer had a reason to say no. Loretta had cleared him, and after a couple of sessions where any and all ammunition had been under lock and key, you were satisfied that he was as ready as he could be to start that part of the training now. 

So, you agreed. 

But when it came to those sessions, you were instantly regretting your decisions. For the first time in weeks you were seeing the cockier side of Jack again, the side you’d come to learn  would come out in a situation when he thought he was the only person who could know the answer. It wasn’t very often he would drag up his prior stint with the agency in a session with you, mainly due to the risk of someone overhearing who was not meant to know anything about his former moniker. But also because he’d agreed, along with yourself, Champ, and Loretta, that he’d likely fare better if he didn’t focus on what once was, and instead only looked forward to what would be. 

You weren’t sure what exactly got into him this morning to make him such a colossal ass , but you had no fucking patience for it anymore. You were almost ready to call the session to an early close, but after making him wait for so long to give this a go, you figured you owed it to your student to at least let him have a go. 

That didn’t mean he remotely appreciated your generosity. 

“I know how to hold a fuckin’ gun, Mimosa,” Jack said, anger evident in his tone and an annoyance seeping in. You rolled your eyes ( for the fifteenth time this session, you might add ) and sighed as Jack gripped the handle on the pistol. 

“You used to know, Seltzer,” you said, earning you a disapproving grunt from the former senior agent. You knew it pissed him off no end to be called by anything other than Jack, or Whiskey, but that was a title his own stupidity has forfeited. You’d happily remind him of that whenever he so needed it - it helped to bring him down a little bit, you found. Normally you’d call him Jack, but today you couldn’t be fucking bothered with his childish attitude. 

“Stop callin’ me that,” Jack murmured under his breath as he started loading the pistol for the first round of shots. He had hoped you wouldn’t notice, but unfortunately for him your hearing was significantly sharper than what he gave you credit for.

“Seltzer, I’ll have less of that,” you said. Jack’s eyes darted up to meet yours, a flush creeping up his neck and onto his cheeks as he realised he’d been made. You couldn’t help but chuckle under your breath as you caught the agent, virtually red handed, embarrassed that he’d been found out. 

Or slightly angry. You weren’t sure. 

“Sorry,” he said coyly, breaking eye contact. He rolled his shoulders back, warming up his muscles to get into position and start firing the pistol at the target.

You furrowed your brow as you watched how he held himself, lining his body up for the shot. The muscles in his shoulders tensed all wrong, his arms weren’t bent properly, and his feet were far too close together. You leant back against the bench at the back of the room, lined with weapons and ammunition, and crossed your arms across your chest. Jack wouldn’t hurt himself if he took a shot like this, so you didn’t need to intervene from a health and safety point of view. But you wondered if he took a shot like this, which would inevitably be off-target, it might make him realise he needed more help than he imagined. 

Jack got into position, albeit the wrong one, and inhaled sharply. He knew something wasn’t right, he could feel it. The gun felt too heavy, his arms were locked up, and his body felt like it was twisting in a manner that was now foreign to him. This was something he’d done day in, day out, for over two decades. He plainly refused to accept that he’d forgotten this ability, and instead of doing the sensible thing and asking for a correction, he carried on.

Like an angry bull going after a bull rider.  

He inhaled sharply and squeezed the trigger, releasing a bullet from the barrel, his breath never exhaling as he took the shot. The sensation of the bullet flying out the barrel careered up Jack’s arms and left a shaking feeling coursing round his body, his muscles still locked up and not releasing even once the bullet was out from the barrel. Time seemed to slow down as he watched the bullet fly out across the room, and avoid the target completely. 

Jack sighed at the miss, but what frightened him more than the disappointment that he’d failed was the feeling he was left with after. Not anger, not frustration - but anxiety. Even long after the sound from the shot firing had ceased ricocheting around the bunker the two of you were in, the noise continued to ring in his ear. 

The pitch of the bullet ringing around in his head got louder and more high pitched with every passing moment, and he screwed up his eyes to try and make it go away. It felt like the beginning of a sharp migraine piercing through his skull, and he’d not felt pain like this in a long time. It all concentrated near his temple, where the scar from his accident stood prevalent. 

A few seconds after the failed shot, you looked to Jack and saw that he wasn’t making any effort to move. Not just to get into a better position, but to do anything. He wasn’t reloading the gun, he looked as though he was barely breathing; the only thing that was moving was his face, which was painted with a pained expression. 

“Seltzer?” you said, pushing off the bench to step closer to him. He still held his position, but you could see that something else was taking over control over his body. 

He didn’t respond to your voice. Truthfully, he didn’t hear it. The ringing of the gunshot ran around his head, bouncing off the sides of his mind and sending a piercing shriek through him. Jack grunted, faltering on his stance, and fumbled with his weapon slightly as he tried not to drop it from the pain the noise brought him. He panted, quickly flicking the gun to have its safety mechanism on, before dropping it to the ground in a panic. 

“ Jack ?!” you said, now actually worried. At the use of his real name he seemed to snap out of whatever haze he was in, and his eyes darted around to meet yours. Your heart shattered as you looked in them, and all you could see reflected back was fear. 

“I- that’s never- I don’t know-,” he stammered, his mouth dry and making it almost impossible for him to form a coherent sentence. You unfurled your arms from across your chest and went up to him, reaching out and gently placing your hands around his trigger hand to comfort him. 

Jack shook throughout his body, and beneath your palms you felt every nervous quake which ran down through to his fingers. You gently applied some pressure, trying your best to ground him, employing techniques you’d picked up at MI5 for trauma responses within your colleagues. You’d all seen some shit in your time, and it had become rather useful you’d found. 

Jack closed his eyes, his ears still ringing and the world around him spinning while he stood in place. His heart thudded in his chest and he could hear every beat as blood rushed through his ears. He found himself clinging to you like a lifeline, finding that your touch was the only thing keeping him from completely spiralling. 

With your other hand, you softly interlocked your fingers with his which rested by his side. His hand gripped yours tighter and you watched as he screwed up his eyes to try and calm himself, his breaths deep and steady. With a gentle voice, and getting closer so that you could speak in just a whisper, you spoke. 

“You’re alright, Jack. I’ve got you,” you said. He had no reason to trust you yet on a deeper level, aside from the fact you’d kept the secret about his identity for over two years. But in this one act alone he learned more about you than he perhaps knew about some of his colleagues whom he’d been working with for several years. He’d spiralled a few times over these last two years, and had to learn on his own how best to bring himself back to square one - but perhaps with you by his side, that might be easier. He never imagined that somebody else might be able to quell his troubled mind in any way, let alone how he so desperately needed. 

Slowly, the grip Jack had on you began to loosen, and his eyes opened. You smiled softly up at him, never once letting go of him as he regulated his breathing and began to calm down. He shot you a watery smile once he was calm anew, and you felt him trying to retract from your grip. You let him, pulling your hands away. 

“You alright?” you asked, letting his hands slide out from yours. Jack nodded. 

“Yeah, I- I think so. I’m sorry, ‘bout that…,” he said, looking almost perplexed as to what had just happened. You smiled softly and tipped your head towards a bench at the side of the training room, notioning for him to join you. He followed you to the bench and watched you remove your Stetson, setting it down on the seat to your left, before beckoning for him to take the one on your left. 

“When did you last fire a gun, Jack?” you asked. He shrugged, then sighed. He took his own hat off now, revealing the head of thick brown hair beneath it - albeit slightly more grey at the roots than what you recall from seeing in that photograph of him just over a decade ago. 

“On the day I got injured. One of the last things I heard was gunfire, before I-,” he sighed, again, “-yeah…”. 

“I’m sorry, Jack. Tequila eventually gave me the details of what happened that day,” you said, looking up at him. It was then, without his hat on and so close to you, that you saw the scar on his temple. You gently raised your hand and brushed your fingertips over the scar, and Jack grimaced as you did. Deep down he didn’t hate how the feeling of your soft touch was on his skin, but he couldn’t show such weakness. Not when he was trying all he could to appear tough. 

He sighed solemnly, letting his tough facade slowly fade from view. Of all people, there was no point hiding this side of himself from you - you needed to know as much about how he was doing in order to help him, and he’d be damned if he was about to face setbacks all because he didn’t want his pride to get damaged. 

You retracted your hand from his scar, not wanting to draw too much attention to the area, and instead reached over to take Jack’s hand in yours. Your fingers softly slid between his, but it was Jack who responded with a tightening grip. 

He smiled faintly down at your intertwined hands, the feeling now so foreign to him. It had been a long time since anyone had shown Jack physical affection, and even longer since that affection felt like it came from a place of love and care. After his wife passed he’d not wanted anything with women beyond meaningless hookups, and the second things began to feel more intimate, he’d shut things down. On a couple of occasions he’d entertained the idea, but those relationships never lasted longer than a few months, and as soon as he felt as though she cared more for him than he felt he deserved , he ended things. 

So something as simple as having his hand held, while completely clothed, was almost bizarre. But he noted, as he watched your fingers softly curl around his, and your thumb caress the back of his, that he didn’t hate the way this felt. 

“Thank you, Mimosa,” he said softly, “You’re a credit to this organisation, you know?”.

“Yeah?” you asked, turning to now look at Jack. He turned his head and smiled at you, a pair of deep brown eyes boring into you and making you feel warm and comforted from the inside. Even though it was you who was helping him right now, you yourself took comfort in the gentleness that was reflected back at you. 

“Yes. Tequila really undersold you,” he chuckled. You rolled your eyes, not remotely surprised. 

“Oh jeez, do I want to know what he said about me though?” you giggled, and Jack laughed with you now. 

“Only good things, Mimosa. I promise!” he explained. 

“Yeah, that’s what I’m worried about,” you snorted. 

“Oh, stop,” Jack chuckled, his hand gripping yours tighter, “I very much got the impression that the two of you enjoy winding each other up. So for him to still be able to sing your praises? Yeah, I trusted that he meant every word. And he wasn’t wrong; not about a single thing.” 

“Thank you, Jack. That means a lot to hear,” you smiled. 

Jack nodded, then cleared his throat and loosened his grip on your hand. He’d calmed down enough now that he felt as though he could clear up in here for the day, and didn’t want to burden you any longer with his feeling of not being alright. He’d make a point to go and see Loretta after your session, he thought, and as you let him retract his hand from yours, both of you grabbed your stetsons and stood up. 

“You feelin’ better?” you asked, and Jack nodded, putting his hat back on his head. 

“Yes, ma’am. I’m gonna head and see Loretta before our next session, just to go over today. But I think for now I’m gonna have to throw the towel in,” he smiled. “Sorry.”

“No need to apologise,” you said, shaking your head. “This was always going to be a strange adjustment, and a big step to take. See Loretta, and perhaps next session we’ll do more work in weapons that don’t involve guns.” 

“Sounds like a plan. Got anything in mind?” he asked. You grinned, looking over to one of the wall panels which was filled with ropes and lassos. 

“I might have some ideas cooking up, yeah,” you chuckled. 

Jack followed your gaze to the cabinet, and he would be lying if he said he didn’t get a twinge of excitement at the thought of gripping a lasso again. It was one of the parts of his job that he missed the most, the power that came from being so nimble with a whip or lasso. 

He noticed, as he turned back to look at you, the way your fingers danced over the handle of your own whip. He’d seen it before, but he grinned as he watched you fiddle with it, he noticed it was a very similar model to the one he once owned. The way the small switch stood out on the end, signifying yours would turn electric at a moment’s notice, had a buzz go through Jack at the thought of you using it. 

He’d been wanting to ask for a few weeks why you chose that weapon - it wasn’t exactly conventional when he made the choice, and with the amount of technological advancements that had come along since his time he very much doubted that it was any more preferable now. You turned back to look at him and were greeted with a cheeky grin, a far cry to the face of the man who you had just seen almost broken not ten minutes before you. You furrowed your eyebrows in curiosity, and folded your arms across your chest in defence.

“What made you decide to have a whip as your signature weapon, by the way?” he asked, that playful smirk never diminishing. 

Ah, fuck. Busted. 

You cleared your throat, a warmth dancing across your cheeks at the reality you were now faced with. You knew that your decision to carry this weapon out of slight admiration was bound to come up one day, but you had hoped it would be much further down the line than this. You began trying to pace away from Jack, your feet moving towards the door. 

But something stopped you. 

Jack reached out and placed his hand on your arm, effectively stopping you in your tracks. Now you were really done for. You dared to make eye contact with the cowboy again, and butterflies swirled in your stomach as you did. 

“Well? Come on, don’t keep me waitin’. I don’t know many that would choose such a weapon. Colour me intrigued!” he said. 

You rolled your eyes, but chuckled to yourself. You figured there was no better time than the present to rip this bandaid off, anyway…

“Fine, fine! Twist my arm, why don’t you,” you began, clearing your throat and inhaling sharply before continuing. 

“I read your file before I knew about you from Tequila, and your stats impressed me immensely. Your success rate, how little you got injured, and the kind of missions you were involved with. From a professional standpoint, I admired the work you did,” you said. “And then I finally got the chance to speak to Tex about you. He told me so much about you, but one detail that always stood out was your choice of weapon. I’ll admit, I was intrigued.”

“Really?!” Jack said, dropping his hand from your arm and replacing playful smirk for a smile of genuine joy. You chuckled as you watched him, slightly giddy, at the prospect that you might have for a second been inspired by him.  

“Yes, really . I couldn’t get my head around the benefit of a weapon like this,” you gestured to the whip by tapping the handle that was hooked to your hip, “But I was interested in finding out. So, on the downlow, I had my training officer show me the way with one”. 

“Who was your T.O?” Jack asked, the two of you now heading towards the exit. 

“Eve. She’s just got back from a prolonged, and well deserved, break. Have you ever worked with her?” you asked. Jack smiled and nodded.

“Yes, I’ve had the pleasure. Does explain a whole lot about you and your training style though, given she shaped you into an agent.”

“She’s the best. I’ve missed her these last couple of months, but it’s been nice to not be worried about her getting injured recently,” you said. Jack shrugged before opening the door for you, allowing you to step out of the weapons room, then followed by him. 

“I wouldn’t be so sure. From what I recall Eve seemed to have a knack for getting herself into a pickle even when she wasn’t working!”. 

You laughed to yourself as you locked the weapons room door behind the two of you, turning the key in the lock and then entering the code 719002 into the door. He wasn’t wrong about Eve - even if he hadn’t worked with her for a couple of years, his assessment was alarmingly accurate. She was the best agent you’d ever worked with, but her ability to get caught up in minor self-inflicted accidents was almost comical. 

“You’re not wrong, I’ve seen her trip over thin air before,” you said, still giggling. Jack laughed with you, and then softened as you turned to look at him. 

“Thank you, for today. And for your patience in general. I know I haven’t been the easiest agent to train,” Jack said. You chuckled. 

“You can say that again,” you told him, winking playfully as you tucked the key to the weapons room in the inner pocket of your jacket. 

“Sorry,” he winced. 

“It’s nothing, Jack. You’re a pain in my ass, but… I’m coming to like having to deal with your… quirks ,” you chuckled. 

“ Quirks ?!” he said, not able to hold back a laugh. 

“Yes, quirks! You’re bloody impossible sometimes!”. 

Jack laughed with you, then shook his head in amusement. He knew you weren’t wrong, and that he had been reluctant to some of the changes which had been made recently, but every day he was grateful for the attention and devotion you showed him. 

“Okay, okay, fine . I’ll admit it!” he said, raising his hands as though he was in surrender. You giggled, playfully patting the side of his right rib cage gently as a physical way of telling him to knock it off. 

Jack smiled down at you, feeling totally relaxed in your presence. There hadn’t been many instances in the last two years where he’d felt like he was genuinely calm, or at peace. But something about this friendship that was blossoming between the two of you made him feel like nothing had ever gone awry, and that life wasn’t perfect. 

He had to drop his arms down to his sides fairly quickly, as he found the longer he stayed fooling around with you like this, the more he had the urge to pull you in for a huge hug. Something told him that you might not be totally against that, given the fact you’d already not shied away from using physical touch with him where needed, but that was a line he knew he shouldn’t cross. 

“Go see Loretta, Jack. And have tomorrow off, or use it for database study. I don’t want to overwhelm you given today,” you said. Jack nodded. 

“Yes, ma’am. I’ll let you know when I’ve had my session,” he said. 

“Thank you. I’ll liaise with Champ and Tequila, and let them know about this too. You just get yourself some rest,” you insisted. 

“Thank you, Mimosa. I’ll see you soon,” he smiled, and then the two of you parted ways, heading off into respective parts of the building for the rest of the afternoon.

Even in spite of the drawback Jack had faced today, he was able to walk away optimistic, and with a spring in his step. He knew he still had a long way to go, and the hours he’d need to put into it would be nothing short of monumental. But with you as his T.O, he could actually begin to imagine his life after this was over. 

A second chance. Not one he ever thought he’d deserved, but one he was slowly beginning to earn. 

Series Masterlist | A03 Link | Tumblr Masterlist

Next Chapter (Ch. 9 - "Collision") ->

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[hiveworks]

OBELISK - Interview with Ashley McCammon

September 2023

The year is 1908. Evelyn Reuter is dealing with the affairs of her deceased father in her hometown of Manhattan. While she takes solace in the homes of her queer friends, grief presses in around her until one day... the mysterious Margot appears in her life.

Obelisk is a 16+ gothic horror/romance comic about vampires and lesbianism. In celebration of Obelisk's return from hiatus, we asked author Ashley McCammon @draculings for an interview.

What was the spark behind making Obelisk? Why a webcomic versus another style of publishing (print, self pub, etc.)?

My original inspiration for Obelisk was in my frustration with lesbian vampire movies - there are so many of them, and none made for a lesbian audience, let alone involving butch women! I wanted to tell that story, and celebrate that point of view. It’s similar to why I chose to set the comic in 1908 - the early 1900s are something of a transitional period, something not explored often when we aren’t talking WWI or the Titanic. I wanted to tell a story about the radical change happening in just a few, unusual people’s lives, in this transitory period. As for it being a webcomic - as a young artist, I always wanted to make one! It’s such an accessible, experimental way to tell a story, where even the website can be part of the atmosphere. Making a deeply atmospheric, spooky comic, that feels the most fitting.

For new readers, how would you describe your two lead women?

Evelyn is muscling through her day to day when we meet her - she’s putting on a brave face, or one that she hopes exudes confidence - but really feels like she has no idea what she’s doing. (The impostor syndrome is incredibly strong - something I think a lot of people can understand!) She’s been left with this enormous responsibility on top of the grief of losing her dad, and having that job and security is pressed on her as something she should be grateful for. She’s absorbed that idea and really hasn’t taken a moment to breathe - or to consider what she really wants for herself. Margot is quite the opposite - she’s a vampire who lives only for her own desires, a hedonist who’s been floating through existence that way for as long as she can remember. For all of her self indulgence though, she’s never connected much with anyone. She holds herself far above people, only ever showing them this facade of a regular person. It’s very arrogant - but it must also be very lonely! (Not that she has anyone to admit that to… yet ;)   )

What can you tell us about what's lurking for Evelyn in the upcoming chapter?

Evelyn makes a very bold choice at the end of chapter two, one that scares her - putting her own desires first, impulsively, in a way that will change everything and surprise even Margot herself. (Patrons read way ahead and will get to see this very soon, and the time she spends with Margot throughout chapter 3 as a result!)

Obelisk is a traditionally inked piece, with some digital final touches. What guided your decision to make this a traditional comic versus a digital one?

It really wasn’t a choice, to be honest - traditional media is where all my passion for making art lives! Obelisk is drawn and inked traditionally, and finished with Copic markers and the occasional paint pen or colored pencil for that killer red highlight ;)

What are some of the challenges in working this way? What do you find rewarding?

It can be tedious to scan, piece together and clean up my pages, but ultimately I have a fairly streamlined process for it and I don’t mind. I love having a physical final product to look at and hold when I’m done with it, it gives me a sense of accomplishment and connection to my work!

Do you have any tips for other comic artists on resuming a series after an extended hiatus?

Put your health first, and spend time reconnecting to your story before diving back in. It’s easy to feel obligated by the hamster wheel of social media and garnering attention, but your own connection to your work in the long-term is what matters most. Obelisk wouldn’t be the same story if I hadn’t had that downtime, and it’s off better for it!

What are some comics that inspire you? Do you have any reading recommendations for fans of Obelisk?

As far as webcomics go, I’m a big fan of Tiger Tiger, Hemlock, Barbarous, and Heirs of the Veil!

What is the best way for fans of Obelisk to support you?

The very best way is through my Patreon! Patrons have immediate access to the next six months of Obelisk pages (that’s my whole buffer!) as well as tons of behind the scenes work as I develop the next chapter and share work-in-progress shots right from my drawing table.

Obelisk updates Wednesdays and can be read for free at obeliskcomic.com 🩸Be sure to white list the site on your ad blocker and follow @draculings for more info and updates!

[pitchnhirejobs]

The Ultimate Guide to Creating ATS-Compatible Resumes with Pitch N Hire

In today's competitive job market, having an impressive resume is crucial. However, many job seekers are unaware that the most well-designed resumes can fall flat if they aren't compatible with Application Tracking Software (ATS). These systems are used by a vast majority of employers to filter resumes before they even reach human eyes. This is where Pitch N Hire comes in, offering specialized ATS-friendly resume templates that enhance your chances of landing your dream job.

What is ATS and Why is it Important? Application Tracking Software (ATS) is a tool used by recruiters and employers to streamline the hiring process. It scans resumes, searching for specific keywords and formats to rank candidates based on their relevance to the job. If your resume isn’t ATS-compatible, it might never make it to a hiring manager, no matter how qualified you are. This is why creating a resume that can seamlessly pass through these systems is essential.

How Pitch N Hire Helps You Create ATS-Compatible Resumes Pitch N Hire understands the challenges job seekers face with ATS and offers a suite of tools to ensure your resume meets these standards. Our platform provides ATS-friendly resume templates designed to be both visually appealing and functionally effective.

Here are the key benefits of using Pitch N Hire for your resume creation:

Seamless ATS Compatibility: Our resume templates are specifically designed to pass through ATS filters. This means no fancy graphics or complicated layouts—just clean, simple, and effective formatting that ATS systems can easily read.

Higher Visibility: By using an ATS-compatible resume, you increase your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. Pitch N Hire’s templates ensure that your resume reaches the top of the pile, giving you a competitive edge.

Professional Appearance: While ATS compatibility is crucial, so is making a great first impression. Our templates balance simplicity with professionalism, ensuring that your resume stands out for all the right reasons.

Time-Saving: With pre-designed templates, you can create a resume in minutes. This saves you the hassle of formatting and structuring, allowing you to focus on highlighting your skills and experiences.

Enhanced Organization: Our templates help you organize your information clearly and logically, making it easier for both ATS systems and recruiters to find the information they need quickly.

Improved Chances: By using a resume that is both ATS-friendly and professionally designed, you significantly improve your chances of landing interviews and, ultimately, job offers.

Free Access: One of the standout features of Pitch N Hire is that we offer free access to our ATS-compatible resume templates. This ensures that every job seeker has the tools they need to succeed, regardless of their budget. Why Choose Pitch N Hire? Pitch N Hire isn’t just another resume builder; it’s a comprehensive career partner. Our platform is designed with the modern job seeker in mind, offering tools and resources that go beyond just resume creation. Whether you’re new to the job market or an experienced professional, Pitch N Hire provides everything you need to make your job search more effective. By choosing Pitch N Hire, you're not only getting access to ATS-friendly resume templates but also joining a community that is dedicated to helping you succeed. From job search tips to interview preparation, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Conclusion In a world where first impressions count, having an ATS-compatible resume is more important than ever. With Pitch N Hire, you can easily create a resume that not only passes through Application Tracking Software but also captures the attention of hiring managers. Don’t leave your job search to chance—take control with Pitch N Hire and increase your chances of landing your dream job.

[ar-vr-transforming-healthcare]

How AR/VR Development Companies are Transforming Healthcare with Innovative Solutions

The healthcare industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by advances in technology that are improving patient care and medical practices. Among these advancements, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) have emerged as powerful tools, revolutionizing how healthcare is delivered. Leading AR VR development company are at the forefront of this transformation, creating innovative solutions that address various challenges in diagnostics, treatment, and patient engagement.

These technologies are not merely enhancing existing processes but are also introducing entirely new ways to interact with medical data and provide care. By integrating AR and VR into healthcare, development companies are paving the way for more accurate diagnostics, safer treatments, and a more engaging patient experience.

1. Enhancing Diagnostics with AR/VR Solutions

Advanced Imaging and Visualization: AR/VR development companies are creating tools that allow medical professionals to overlay complex imaging data, such as MRIs and CT scans, onto real-world views. This advanced visualization helps doctors better understand the spatial relationships of internal structures, leading to more accurate diagnoses.

Interactive Diagnostic Training: VR platforms offer immersive training environments where medical students and professionals can practice diagnostic procedures and explore anatomical models in 3D. This hands-on approach enhances learning and skill development, preparing practitioners for real-world scenarios.

Real-Time Data Integration: AR applications provide real-time data overlays during diagnostic procedures, offering immediate access to relevant patient information and helping in making more informed decisions. This integration supports more precise and timely diagnostics.

2. Revolutionizing Treatment Procedures

Surgical Precision and Planning: AR/VR development companies are improving surgical outcomes by providing surgeons with augmented visualizations of the operating field. AR overlays critical information such as patient anatomy and procedural steps, which aids in performing complex surgeries with greater precision.

Pre-Surgical Simulations: VR technology enables surgeons to rehearse and plan complex procedures in a virtual environment before performing them. This simulation allows for meticulous planning, reducing the risk of complications and improving surgical efficiency.

Remote Surgical Assistance: AR/VR solutions facilitate remote assistance by enabling specialists to provide real-time guidance and support to surgeons in different locations. This collaboration enhances the quality of care and expands access to expert advice.

3. Enhancing Patient Engagement and Education

Immersive Patient Education: AR and VR applications are transforming patient education by offering interactive and immersive experiences. Patients can explore 3D models of their conditions and treatments, gaining a clearer understanding of their medical situations and options.

Interactive Rehabilitation Programs: AR/VR development companies are creating engaging rehabilitation programs that use virtual environments to motivate and guide patients through their recovery processes. These programs provide real-time feedback and make rehabilitation exercises more enjoyable and effective.

Emotional and Psychological Support: VR applications offer therapeutic environments to help patients manage anxiety, stress, and pain. Virtual reality can create calming experiences and provide emotional support, improving overall patient well-being.

4. Streamlining Administrative and Clinical Workflows

Enhanced Medical Training: AR/VR development companies are developing solutions that streamline medical training processes, reducing the need for physical models and cadavers. These digital tools make training more flexible and accessible, allowing for scalable and repeatable learning.

Improved Patient Monitoring: AR applications are aiding in real-time patient monitoring by overlaying data on patient dashboards and alerts. This feature helps healthcare providers track patient metrics more efficiently and respond promptly to any changes.

Efficient Data Management: AR/VR tools facilitate better data management by integrating medical records and visualizations into a unified interface. This integration improves data accessibility and reduces the time spent on administrative tasks.

Conclusion

AR/VR development companies are significantly transforming healthcare by introducing innovative solutions that enhance diagnostics, treatment, and patient engagement. From advanced imaging and surgical precision to immersive patient education and streamlined workflows, these technologies are reshaping how medical care is delivered and experienced. As AR and VR technologies continue to evolve, their potential to further revolutionize healthcare practices and improve patient outcomes remains vast, promising a future of more effective and personalized medical care.

[elsa16744]

Best Practices for Data Lifecycle Management to Enhance Security

Securing all communication and data transfer channels in your business requires thorough planning, skilled cybersecurity professionals, and long-term risk mitigation strategies. Implementing global data safety standards is crucial for protecting clients’ sensitive information. This post outlines the best practices for data lifecycle management to enhance security and ensure smooth operations.

Understanding Data Lifecycle Management

Data Lifecycle Management (DLM) involves the complete process from data source identification to deletion, including streaming, storage, cleansing, sorting, transforming, loading, analytics, visualization, and security. Regular backups, cloud platforms, and process automation are vital to prevent data loss and database inconsistencies.

While some small and medium-sized businesses may host their data on-site, this approach can expose their business intelligence (BI) assets to physical damages, fire hazards, or theft. Therefore, companies looking for scalability and virtualized computing often turn to data governance consulting services to avoid these risks.

Defining Data Governance

Data governance within DLM involves technologies related to employee identification, user rights management, cybersecurity measures, and robust accountability standards. Effective data governance can combat corporate espionage attempts and streamline database modifications and intel sharing.

Examples of data governance include encryption and biometric authorization interfaces. End-to-end encryption makes unauthorized eavesdropping more difficult, while biometric scans such as retina or thumb impressions enhance security. Firewalls also play a critical role in distinguishing legitimate traffic from malicious visitors.

Best Practices in Data Lifecycle Management Security

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Cybercriminals frequently target user entry points, database updates, and data transmission channels. Relying solely on passwords leaves your organization vulnerable. Multiple authorization mechanisms, such as 2FA, significantly reduce these risks. 2FA often requires a one-time password (OTP) for any significant changes, adding an extra layer of security. Various 2FA options can confuse unauthorized individuals, enhancing your organization’s resilience against security threats.

Version Control, Changelog, and File History Version control and changelogs are crucial practices adopted by experienced data lifecycle managers. Changelogs list all significant edits and removals in project documentation, while version control groups these changes, marking milestones in a continuous improvement strategy. These tools help detect conflicts and resolve issues quickly, ensuring data integrity. File history, a faster alternative to full-disk cloning, duplicates files and metadata in separate regions to mitigate localized data corruption risks.

Encryption, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), and Antimalware VPNs protect employees, IT resources, and business communications from online trackers. They enable secure access to core databases and applications, maintaining privacy even on public WiFi networks. Encrypting communication channels and following safety guidelines such as periodic malware scans are essential for cybersecurity. Encouraging stakeholders to use these measures ensures robust protection.

Security Challenges in Data Lifecycle Management

Employee Education Educating employees about the latest cybersecurity implementations is essential for effective DLM. Regular training programs ensure that new hires and experienced executives understand and adopt best practices.

Voluntary Compliance Balancing convenience and security is a common challenge. While employees may complete security training, consistent daily adoption of guidelines is uncertain. Poorly implemented governance systems can frustrate employees, leading to resistance.

Productivity Loss Comprehensive antimalware scans, software upgrades, hardware repairs, and backups can impact productivity. Although cybersecurity is essential, it requires significant computing and human resources. Delays in critical operations may occur if security measures encounter problems.

Talent and Technology Costs Recruiting and developing an in-house cybersecurity team is challenging and expensive. Cutting-edge data protection technologies also come at a high cost. Businesses must optimize costs, possibly through outsourcing DLM tasks or reducing the scope of business intelligence. Efficient compression algorithms and hybrid cloud solutions can help manage storage costs.

Conclusion

The Ponemon Institute found that 67% of organizations are concerned about insider threats. Similar concerns are prevalent worldwide. IBM estimates that the average cost of data breaches will reach 4.2 million USD in 2023. The risks of data loss, unauthorized access, and insecure PII processing are rising. Stakeholders demand compliance with data protection norms and will penalize failures in governance.

Implementing best practices in data lifecycle management, such as end-to-end encryption, version control systems, 2FA, VPNs, antimalware tools, and employee education, can significantly enhance security. Data protection officers and DLM managers can learn from expert guidance, cybersecurity journals, and industry peers’ insights to navigate complex challenges. Adhering to privacy and governance directives offers legal, financial, social, and strategic advantages, boosting long-term resilience against the evolving threats of the information age. Utilizing data governance consulting services can further ensure your company is protected against these threats.

[safescannersblog]

Don't Drill in the Dark: Why Concrete Scanning is Essential for Safe Construction

In the complex world of construction, precision and safety are paramount. Whether you’re constructing a new building, renovating an existing structure, or installing utilities, understanding what lies beneath the surface is crucial. This is where concrete scanning becomes an indispensable tool. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) services, provided by industry leaders like Safe Scanners, are revolutionizing the construction landscape by offering accurate, non-destructive insights into the hidden components of concrete structures. This article explores the importance of concrete scanning and why you should never drill in the dark.

What is Concrete Scanning?

Concrete scanning, also known as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) scanning, involves using advanced technology to detect and map subsurface features within concrete. GPR is a non-invasive method that uses radar pulses to image the subsurface. When these pulses hit different materials, they reflect back, allowing technicians to create a detailed map of what lies beneath the concrete surface.

The Crucial Role of GPR Services

Enhancing Safety

One of the most significant benefits of GPR scanning is the enhancement of safety on construction sites. Drilling or cutting into concrete without knowing what’s inside can lead to disastrous consequences, including hitting electrical conduits, rebar, post-tension cables, and even gas lines. These incidents can cause severe injuries, fatalities, and substantial damage to the infrastructure.

Safe Scanners’ GPR services ensure that all potential hazards are identified before any intrusive work begins. By mapping out the exact location of embedded utilities and structural elements, workers can avoid dangerous and costly accidents, thereby ensuring a safer work environment.

Protecting Structural Integrity

Concrete structures often contain critical elements such as rebar, post-tension cables, and utility lines. Accidentally damaging these components can compromise the integrity of the entire structure. For instance, cutting through a post-tension cable can lead to catastrophic structural failure. GPR scanning provides detailed information about the location and condition of these elements, enabling construction teams to plan their work without jeopardizing the building's stability.

Cost Efficiency

While concrete scanning services might seem like an added expense, they can save substantial amounts of money in the long run. By avoiding accidental damage to utilities and structural components, companies can prevent costly repairs and project delays. Moreover, the precision of GPR scanning reduces the need for trial and error in locating embedded elements, streamlining the construction process and reducing labor costs.

Compliance and Risk Management

In many regions, there are stringent regulations regarding the safe handling of subsurface utilities and structural components. GPR services help construction companies comply with these regulations by providing accurate and reliable data about what lies beneath the surface. This compliance is not only a legal obligation but also a crucial aspect of risk management, helping companies avoid litigation and fines associated with construction accidents and damage.

The Versatility of GPR Scanning

Pre-Construction Surveys

Before breaking ground on a new project, it’s essential to understand the subsurface conditions. GPR scanning can be used to conduct comprehensive pre-construction surveys, identifying any potential obstacles or hazards. This information is invaluable for project planning and execution, ensuring that construction proceeds smoothly and safely.

Renovation and Remodeling

When renovating or remodeling existing structures, it’s often necessary to cut into concrete to install new utilities or modify the existing framework. GPR services from Safe Scanners allow contractors to see what’s beneath the surface, making it easier to make informed decisions and avoid damaging essential components.

Utility Locating Services

Utility locating is another critical application of GPR technology. Before any excavation or drilling work begins, it’s vital to locate existing utilities to prevent service disruptions and accidents. Safe Scanners' utility locating services provide precise information about the location of underground utilities, ensuring that construction activities do not interfere with essential services.

Choosing the Right GPR Service Provider

Not all GPR services are created equal. When selecting a provider for your concrete scanning needs, it’s essential to choose a company with a proven track record of accuracy, reliability, and safety. Safe Scanners stands out in the industry due to our commitment to using state-of-the-art technology and highly trained technicians. Our comprehensive GPR scanning services are designed to meet the specific needs of each project, providing detailed and actionable data to support safe and efficient construction practices.

Conclusion

In the world of construction, guessing is not an option. The risks associated with drilling or cutting into concrete without proper knowledge are too significant to ignore. Concrete scanning, particularly through advanced GPR services, offers a reliable, non-invasive solution to uncover the hidden elements within concrete structures. By enhancing safety, protecting structural integrity, and improving cost efficiency, GPR scanning is an essential tool for modern construction projects.

At Safe Scanners, we are dedicated to providing top-tier GPR scanning and utility locating services to ensure that your construction projects proceed without a hitch. Don’t drill in the dark—trust Safe Scanners to illuminate the path to safe and successful construction.

[annajade456]

Embracing DevOps: A Journey Towards Technological Excellence

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern technology, where change is the only constant, DevOps has emerged as a revolutionary force reshaping the very foundations of software development and IT operations. Short for Development and Operations, DevOps represents not just a set of practices, but an all-encompassing cultural shift with far-reaching implications in the digital age.

This comprehensive blog invites you to embark on an immersive journey into the expansive universe of DevOps. Here, we dive deep into the multifaceted scope of DevOps and its transformative impact across diverse industries. From turbocharging software delivery to fortifying security and scalability, DevOps isn't just a methodology; it's the cornerstone of success in today's interconnected technological landscape.

Join us as we unravel the boundless possibilities and profound significance of DevOps in the modern tech-driven world.

Unveiling the Multifaceted Scope of DevOps

DevOps isn't a singular concept or a one-size-fits-all approach; it's a dynamic and multifaceted philosophy that touches every facet of modern technology. Let's delve into the various dimensions that collectively define the expansive scope of DevOps:

Streamlined Software Delivery: In a world where time is a valuable currency, DevOps assumes center stage. It empowers organizations to expedite the development, testing, and deployment of software, resulting in swift and efficient software releases, a decisive advantage in today's fast-paced business landscape.

Enhanced Collaboration: DevOps shatters traditional silos that once separated development and operations teams. Instead, it nurtures a culture of collaboration, where every team member works harmoniously toward common objectives, fostering superior outcomes and a culture of relentless innovation.

Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI/CD): DevOps champions the widespread adoption of CI/CD pipelines, where the process of building, testing, and deploying code becomes an automated symphony. This not only reduces errors but also accelerates the delivery of new features and updates, keeping organizations agile and competitive.

Improved Quality: Quality is the keystone of DevOps. Through automated testing and continuous monitoring, DevOps ensures that software maintains an apex of quality. Issues are pinpointed and rectified early in the development cycle, dramatically lowering the chances of post-production glitches.

Efficient Resource Utilization: DevOps practices become the maestros of resource optimization, eliminating inefficiencies in both time and infrastructure. The result? Cost savings and a more efficient utilization of resources, a double boon for organizations.

Enhanced Security: Security isn't an afterthought in DevOps; it's integrated seamlessly into the very fabric of the process. Automated security scans and checks are an integral part, ensuring proactive measures are taken to minimize vulnerabilities and bolster system security.

Scalability: DevOps, by its very nature, is infinitely scalable. It empowers organizations to seamlessly adjust their operations to meet demand, whether scaling up or down. DevOps ensures that systems can adeptly handle varying workloads, providing the vital elements of flexibility and efficiency.

Monitoring and Feedback: At the core of DevOps lie the principles of continuous monitoring and feedback loops. This guarantees that performance issues are swiftly identified, enabling teams to make necessary adjustments in real-time, further enhancing efficiency.

The DevOps Revolution Across Industries:

The scope of DevOps extends beyond the boundaries of industries, leaving its indelible mark in software development, e-commerce, finance, healthcare, and beyond. Its principles and practices are proven to be versatile and adaptable, positioning DevOps as a coveted asset in the world of technology. It drives innovation and efficiency in every sector fortunate enough to embrace it.

In the vast landscape of technology, DevOps has emerged as a beacon of efficiency and innovation. It's not merely a practice; it's a transformative culture that redefines how organizations approach software development and IT operations. With streamlined software delivery, enhanced collaboration, continuous integration and delivery, improved quality, efficient resource utilization, enhanced security, scalability, and vigilant monitoring, DevOps has left an indelible mark across industries.

The scope of DevOps transcends boundaries, impacting software development, e-commerce, finance, healthcare, and beyond. Its principles and practices adapt and evolve, making DevOps an invaluable asset in the world of technology, driving innovation and efficiency wherever it is embraced.

In a world where adaptability and agility are paramount, DevOps shines as an irreplaceable force. And in this dynamic landscape, ACTE Technologies stands as a guiding light, preparing individuals to excel in DevOps. With the rise in demand for skilled DevOps professionals, ACTE Technologies equips learners with the knowledge and practical skills needed to thrive in this dynamic domain. Whether you're a budding DevOps engineer or a seasoned IT professional, embracing DevOps isn't just a career choice; it's a monumental leap towards a promising and impactful future in the tech industry. The possibilities with DevOps are limitless, and the journey ahead is filled with innovation and success.

[writego]

How to write a paper with ai

mbrace the Future of Research: The Advantages of Using AI Websites for Writing Academic Papers

The landscape of academic writing is evolving with the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI). AI-powered websites have become a valuable asset in the arsenal of students, researchers, and academics. I highlight the benefits of using AI websites for writing papers and provide recommendations for those looking to optimize their writing process.

Why Use AI Websites for Academic Writing?

1. Efficiency in Research: Tools like Google Scholar and arXiv provide AI-enhanced search functionalities enabling you to quickly find relevant and credible academic sources, thereby accelerating the research process.

2. Streamlined Writing Process: AI writing assistants, such as Jasper AI, offer to help you compose text based on provided prompts or outlines. They can assist in creating drafts more rapidly than traditional methods.

3. Enhanced Organization: Note-taking and outlining AI tools like Evernote or Notion AI can categorize your research, create sophisticated outlines, and keep all your ideas and references neatly organized.

4. High-Quality Drafts: AI websites such as WriteGo.ai generate comprehensive essay drafts, including complex financial analysis and data interpretation, which can significantly improve the initial quality of your paper.

5. Advanced Editing Assistance: Editing platforms like Grammarly use AI to detect grammatical errors, suggest style improvements, and ensure your paper reads naturally and adheres to professional writing standards.

6. Plagiarism Detection: AI-based tools like Turnitin and Copyscape scan your document against a vast database to check for originality and prevent any instances of plagiarism.

7. Data Analysis and Visualization: AI-driven data tools like Tableau can sift through and visualize large datasets, which is particularly beneficial for data-intensive disciplines like finance and sciences.

Recommendations for AI Websites:

Here are some of the top AI websites I recommend for writing academic papers:

Jasper AI for generating written content.

Evernote or Notion AI for organizing your research and notes.

Grammarly or ProWritingAid for editing and refining drafts.

Google Scholar for conducting an AI-enhanced literature search.

Turnitin for plagiarism checks.

Conclusion:

Using AI to assist in writing academic papers is an innovative approach that combines cutting-edge technology with scholarly rigor. The fusion of AI with your own analytical skills can vastly improve the quality of your work, making the process more efficient and leading to higher caliber research outputs.

Whether you are writing a comprehensive review, an empirical paper, or a thesis, AI websites have the potential to complement your intellect and to push the boundaries of what you can achieve in the academic realm. As we move further into the digital era, embracing these tools can help maintain a competitive edge and ensure your academic writing is as impactful and effective as possible.

writego

[riyakrish]

An e-passport, also known as a biometric passport or a digital passport, incorporates an electronic chip that stores the passport holder's biometric information, such as fingerprints, facial features, and sometimes even iris scans. This embedded chip, which utilizes Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, enables border control authorities to verify the passport holder's identity more efficiently and securely. Click Here to Read More

Benefits of e-Passports

Enhanced Security: One of the primary objectives behind the introduction of e-passports is to bolster border security. By storing biometric data within the passport, authorities can verify the authenticity of the document and the identity of the traveler more effectively, reducing the risk of passport fraud and identity theft. Click Here to Read More

Streamlined Border Control: E-passports facilitate faster and more convenient border crossings for travelers. The automated verification process enables quicker identity checks, leading to shorter queues at immigration checkpoints and ultimately reducing wait times for passengers.

Global Interoperability: The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has established standards for e-passports to ensure interoperability among different countries' systems. This standardization promotes seamless travel across borders, as e-passports issued by one country can be readily recognized and processed by immigration authorities worldwide. Click Here to Read More

Combatting Counterfeiting: The digital security features embedded in e-passports make them significantly more resistant to counterfeiting and tampering compared to traditional paper passports. This deters fraudulent activities and helps maintain the integrity of the travel document.

Convenience and Accessibility: E-passports offer added convenience for travelers, as they eliminate the need for manual data entry during immigration processes. Additionally, the digital nature of e-passports allows for easier integration with other travel-related services, such as automated check-in and electronic visa applications.

Future Implications

As technology continues to advance, the capabilities of e-passports are likely to evolve further. Here are some potential future developments and implications:

Biometric Expansion: With ongoing advancements in biometric technology, future e-passports may incorporate additional biometric identifiers, such as voice recognition or DNA profiling, to enhance security and accuracy.

Integration with Digital Identity Platforms: E-passports could eventually be integrated into broader digital identity ecosystems, enabling seamless authentication across various online and offline services beyond travel, such as financial transactions and government services. Click Here to Read More

Blockchain Integration: The integration of blockchain technology could offer enhanced security and privacy features for e-passports, ensuring immutable records of passport issuance and travel history while protecting sensitive personal information.

Enhanced Data Analytics: The vast amount of data collected through e-passports could be leveraged for data analytics purposes, enabling governments to gain insights into travel patterns, enhance border control strategies, and improve overall security measures.

[solradguy]

hey sol, you may have answered this before but how do you prepare your physical books for scanning without destroying them? i have some figure making books i’d like to share on archive.org but i don’t wanna slice up the pages if possible :(

Depends on the binding! Artworks of GGX and GG2Overture Material Collection both have flexible glue binding ("perfect" binding) that made pushing them down into my scanner bed easy without damaging them:

The GGX book (left) had some art go down into the gutter that was annoying for double-page spreads but it was clear enough that I was able to redraw the missing parts. The GG2O book was designed with space left around the art so that it didn't go into the gutter. It's alright if you can't redraw the gutter, just leave it in the images after you scan them and hopefully people will be able to read whatever text goes down into it.

The Yoshitaka Amano illustrated biography I did scans from was a little tricky. It's hardback with a sort of woven binding. I could lay it flat in the scanner bed, but the hard spine definitely felt like it was being pushed to its limits doing that; part of the reason why I won't be scanning from it again. If your books are hardbacks too, they should probably be ok for scanning all of their pages if you're especially gentle/careful about it and they aren't too old. Here's what the spine/binding on the Amano book looks like:

I set them in my scanner like this and hold the spine down with one hand while I operate the scanner software with the other:

Part of the book hangs out of the scanner and that seems to make it easier both on the book's spine and on my hand since it's at more of a 90 degree angle than a 180 degree one.

I don't put the scanner lid down and do my scans mostly in the dark with just a dim lamp on to make up for not putting the lid down. Putting it down just gets in the way/doesn't really help much for scanning big books like these. If you have small hands or your setup makes it hard to scan the way I do, you might be able to hold the book/its spine down with a larger, heavier, book while you operate the software.

If the binding on your books is really tight and you can't lay them very flat, you might be able to find a scanning software on your phone and make a setup to hold the book open far enough to get camera scans with the app. I haven't tried this, though I have considered it for scanning manga without unbinding them.

Some other (optional) things you can do to improve scan quality are:

Put a piece of black construction paper behind the page you're scanning. I have one taped to the top of my scanner lid at the moment because I've been scanning loose manga pages, but for the art books I'd slip it between the pages. It reduces page bleed through from the scanner light in the finished scan dramatically.

If the pages on your books are glossy, investing in some inspection gloves will be very useful. I bought a pack for like $5usd on eBay to scan the Dengeki PlayStation magazine because its pages were glossy and I kept leaving fingerprints on them. A small investment to save some time in post cleaning off any visible fingerprints later.

Put a movie on in the background because my god does scanning get tedious.

These aren't required, only things that have streamlined my process a little.

Good luck!!

[avaaltechnologysolutions]

The trucking industry is one of the most regulated in the U.S. and Canada, which means compliance is always a top concern for transportation industries. This is especially true when it comes to cross-border freight. These days, border officials rely on digital documents to make the customs process smoother. Having the right software can make this process easy and reduce the risk of errors. Here are a few ways AVAAL eManifest software can make border crossing easy for your business.

Compliance Made Simple

To run a successful trucking business, compliance always needs to be a top priority. Not following the required customs process or accurately filling out documentation can result in lost time, reduced profits, and even legal consequences. Both Canada and the U.S. require carriers to submit their eManifests one hour prior and send their paperwork to customs brokers two hours prior to a driver’s arrival at the border. With AVAAL’s eManifest software, submitting this has never been easier. Our software is tailor-made to meet all the requirements so that you can cross the border without any hassles and be confident that you’re complying with all regulations.

Easy to Use Platform

Both the U.S. and Canada currently offer their own free eManifest portal. Unfortunately, these are difficult to use and not designed to support carriers that regularly cross the border. These platforms also don’t share data between ACE and ACI, creating issues for cross-border trucking companies. AVAAL eManifest is easy to use and reliable. It’s web-based software, meaning you can submit your manifests at any time and from anywhere. Our software also comes with 24/7 support, so we will be available to help you if any issues arise.

Tailored to Your Business' Needs

Not all trucking companies have the same needs, even when it comes to border-crossing. One thing that sets our eManifest software apart from others is that it can be tailor-fit to meet your company’s needs. Whether you’re a single operator or a multi-national company, we offer the greatest level of flexibility and have an eManifest plan to suit your requirements. We have a team of experts on hand ready to help you with all your businesses’ needs.

PAPS and PARS: How to Speed Up Your Cross-Border Shipments

PAPS (Pre-Arrival Processing System) and PARS (Pre-Arrival Review System) are essential components in cross-border trade between Canada and the United States. Let’s explore what they are and how they facilitate the movement of commercial goods across the Canadian and U.S. borders:

PARS (Pre-Arrival Review System):

Designation: PARS is used by the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) to clear commercial goods through customs.

Functionality: It involves bar code labels placed on commercial invoices. CBSA agents scan these labels to determine whether goods need immediate release or further inspection.

Integration: PARS works with the ACI (Advance Commercial Information) electronic manifest system in Canada.

PAPS (Pre-Arrival Processing System):

Designation: PAPS is the U.S. counterpart of PARS.

Functionality: Similar to PARS, it allows U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to process goods as they cross the border.

Integration: PAPS operates within the ACE (Automated Commercial Environment) electronic manifest system in the United States.

Similarities and Differences:

Both PARS and PAPS serve the same purpose: facilitating the movement of goods.

The main difference lies in their geographical scope: PARS for Canada, PAPS for the USA.

Having similar systems streamlines importing and exporting between the two countries.

When Do You Need PARS or PAPS Numbers?

Any commercial shipments entering Canada or the U.S. by truck use PARS or PAPS numbers as the default shipping type.

The PARS/PAPS process involves carriers, shippers, and customs brokers working together to ensure smooth border crossings.

Here’s how it works:

A carrier assigns a PARS or PAPS number to a shipment.

The customs broker uses this number to request the release of the shipment from customs.

The carrier prepares an eManifest listing using ACI (Canada) or ACE (U.S.), referencing the PARS or PAPS number.

Only when both the broker’s entry and the carrier’s eManifest listing are accepted can the goods proceed to the border.

Customs officers verify the PARS or PAPS number to release the goods or refer them for inspection.

In summary, PARS and PAPS play a crucial role in expediting cross-border trade, ensuring compliance, and enhancing efficiency for carriers and importers.

For more information kindly visit – ACE/ACI emanifest Portal

[sxx-exchange]

Guess what's only one week from today? That's right, assignments are due at 11:59 p.m. EST on December 10! If you need to check the exact time, you can find our countdown clocks here.

If you know you won’t be able to finish on time, but are determined to have a piece turned in before reveals, you can request an extension—we have grace time built into the schedule on purpose. We've made some small tweaks to the process to streamline things behind the scenes. Request an extension using this form, and be sure to read everything thoroughly.

If you won't be able to get your assignment done at all, there is really and truly no shame in defaulting. Life happens! We get it. Please default as soon as possible to give us time to find a pinch hitter for your assignment. To default, go to your assignment page on AO3, find the assignment for Songxuexiao Exchange 2023, and click the "default" button.

Please note that if you have not requested an extension and do not have your assignment submitted by the deadline, we will default you and assign a pinch hitter instead. The absolute latest deadline for requesting an extension is 11:59 p.m. EST on December 10. Please do not make us chase you down. Ghosting your daozhang is very rude; Xue Yang won't like that.

Remember that all you're required to submit for the exchange is one complete art piece or story of at least 1,000 words. Your gift does not have to be an epic! If you're feeling overwhelmed by the scope of your plans, consider cutting things down to one illustration or one or two scenes and creating something smaller. You can always come back to a concept to expand on it later.

Now, about the grace time! If you're very nearly done, don't stress out. There are six days between the due date and reveals, and your piece does not have to be polished to a perfect shine to be considered "complete by the deadline." Here are some examples of works your mods would consider "complete" if they are submitted by December 10:

✅ My story is finished and I'm waiting for comments from my beta before I make my final edits. ✅ I've uploaded a photo of my traditional art piece, but won't be able to get to the library to scan it cleanly until Tuesday. ✅ My story is complete, but I need to fix my formatting because I copied it directly from Word and my line breaks got scrambled. ✅ My art is ready to go, and I'd be happy to post it as-is, but if I have time I want to make some small refinements. ✅ Everything else is done, but I still need a summary and a fucking title.

If this is the approximate state your piece is in: congratulations! You can complete your final polish on your own before reveals, and don't need mods to check in with you. You do not need to request an extension.

Here are some examples of works that would not be considered "complete":

🚫 I've only posted one chapter of a three-chapter story. 🚫 The art piece I have submitted is clearly a work in progress, and I would not be happy to give it as a gift. 🚫 My fic draft is theoretically finished, but it still has [bracketed notes] about things I need to add or change. 🚫 I've finished the art for my comic, but haven't added any of the necessary dialogue or effects yet. 🚫 My story is "finished," but I'm not happy with it and am planning to do some major rewrites before reveals.

If this is the approximate state your piece is in, you must submit an extension request and commit to the new due date.

We're sure you're all working hard, and we're cheering you on! We're almost there, you can do it—just think about the feast to come! Good luck!