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Business News At 05:30 Pm On 22nd September 2022 – The Financial Express https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/business-news-at-0530-pm-on-22nd-september-2022-the-financial-express/ Let’s begin. India’s export outlook looks weak going forward amid global headwinds. Since exports were the key peg for strong real GDP growth in the first half of the current financial year, when domestic demand was in the early stages of its climb back to pre-covid levels, analysts at ICICI Securities have lowered their real GDP growth forecast for FY23 to 7.5%. As oil prices moderate, the fiscal and current account deficits are expected to moderate sharply in H2FY23. “Private investment should continue to accelerate in FY24, enabling real GDP growth of 8.3% despite the slowdown in export growth amid the US-led developed-economies’ recession in FY24,” analysts said. Moving on. The Indian Rupee hit a lifetime low level of 80.43 on Thursday after US Fed’s decision to hike interest rate by 75 basis points yet again. The domestic currency opened at a record low of 80.2850 per US dollar, down from the previous close of 79.97. The Fed on Wednesday raised rates by 75 bps, in line with expectations. More importantly, it hinted that more hikes were coming and that rates would stay elevated until 2024. The 10-year bond yield rose sharply by 5 bps to 7.289% from its Wednesday’s close of 7.234%. Bond yield and currency prices move in opposite directions. Meanwhile, the Centre has sanctioned about Rs 39,000 crore, or about 50% of the unconditional component of the interest-free 50-year capex loans, to 16 states so far in the current financial year. Of this, roughly Rs 2,000 crore have been disbursed and the balance will be transferred to the states very soon as states are in the verge of completing project specific preparatory works, sources told FE. “The sanctions were given early so as to give states time to complete all formalities for release of funds for both ongoing and new projects,” an official told FE. The beneficiary states so far include Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Bihar, Chattisgarh, Goa, Manipur, Nagaland, Sikkim and Himachal Pradesh, among others. Most of the approvals were for ongoing projects and clearing pending capex bills, as well as some new projects. In some industry news, The illicit market across five Indian key industries, including mobile phones and alcoholic beverages, was valued at Rs 2.60 trillion in 2019-20, with the FMCG segment accounting for three-fourth of the total value, according to a FICCI report. The estimated tax loss to the government from these five sectors – others being FMCG-household and personal goods, FMCG-packaged foods and tobacco products – accounted for Rs 58,521 crore. The unlawful trade in these sectors resulted in an estimated legitimate employment loss of 15.96 lakh, the report by FICCI’s Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy’s said. The FMCG industry (household and personal goods, and packaged foods) accounted for legitimate job losses of 10.93 lakh, which is about 68.5% of total job loss across the five industries. This is because the sector is more labour-intensive, with a relatively higher illicit market size. On to the automobile sector. Audi India has today launched the updated A4 luxury sedan in the country. The 2022 Audi A4 has been priced from Rs 43.12 lakh, ex-showroom, and it gets new colour schemes along with additional features. This luxury sedan is offered in three trim levels- Premium, Premium Plus, and Technology variants with prices ranging from Rs 43.12 lakh to Rs 50.99 lakh, ex-showroom. Talking about the updates, the A4 gets two new paint schemes, namely Tango Red and Manhattan Gray. Moreover, its top-spec Technology variant now features a B&O premium sound system and a flat-bottom steering wheel. Now some good news for tech lovers, WhatsApp is said to be working on an update where it will let you share voice notes as Status. According to WaBetaInfo, the website that follows WhatsApp updates, the chat company gave a glimpse of the feature in its beta build for Android 2.22.21.5 update. The interface of the voice note feature is expected to be similar to the text status composer. The website has shared a screenshot of the feature that shows the ability to record voice notes has been added to the text status composer interface itself. In simpler words, you won’t have to follow any other steps or do anything extra here. Lastly, the stock market. BSE Sensex was down 235 points or 0.4 per cent at 59221, while NSE Nifty was down 54 points or 0.3 per cent to 17664. ITC, Bajaj Finance, IndusInd Bank, NTPC, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Axis Bank, Nestle India, and Tata Steel were top Sensex gainers. Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC), Wipro, Tech Mahindra, Tech Mahindra, Dr Reddy’s, HCL Tech, Sun Pharma were Sensex losers.

Having Nightmares In Middle Age Could Be Sign Of Dementia Risk – Bel Marra Health https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/having-nightmares-in-middle-age-could-be-sign-of-dementia-risk-bel-marra-health/ For adults over the age of 55, experiencing nightmares could be a sign of an increased risk for dementia down the road. A new study out of the United Kingdom has found that those who have frequent nightmares during mid-life are three times more likely to develop dementia later in life. While the research is still ongoing, and scientists aren’t yet sure why this is the case, it’s important information to be aware of as we age. If you’re experiencing regular nightmares, be sure to talk to your doctor about it – they may want to do some further testing to monitor your risk for dementia. The study published in the journal EClinical Medicine suggests that nightmares may become more prevalent several years before dementia symptoms set in. These characteristics include memory and thinking problems. Lead study author, Dr. Abidemi Otaiku, said, “This is important because there are very few risk indicators for dementia that can be identified as early as middle age. While more work needs to be done to confirm these links, we believe bad dreams could be a useful way to identify individuals at high risk of developing dementia, and put in place strategies to slow down the onset of disease.” For the study, more than 600 adult men and women aged between 35 and 64 were compared to 2,600 adults aged 79 and older. All participants were dementia-free at the start of the study and followed up for an average of nine years. All participants were required to complete a series of questionnaires, including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, which includes a question on how often individuals experienced bad dreams. Using statistical software, researchers were able to find out whether participants with a higher frequency of nightmares were more likely to develop cognitive decline and be diagnosed with dementia. It was found that middle-aged people (35-64) who experienced bad dreams on a weekly basis were four times more likely to experience cognitive decline over the following decade. Older people with bad dreams were only twice as likely to be diagnosed with dementia. Interestingly, it was noted that the associations were much stronger for men than for women. The next steps in this research will include investigating whether younger people with nightmares could be associated with future dementia risk. Researchers also want to analyze the relationship between dream characteristics and dementia risk. Sleep and Brain Function While some degree of cognitive decline is nearly inevitable as you age, this study shows how other factors (such as sleep) can take a toll on the ability of the brain to function at peak potential. This can affect memory, concentration, and overall brain function. The Smart Pill can help to enhance cognitive function and memory through 9 ingredients that help to support, nourish, and maximize brain health. These include ginkgo biloba, huperzine A, bacopa extract, rosemary extract, and a B vitamin complex. This unique formula helps to boost circulation, fight free radicals, and provide nutritional support to assist with cognitive function. Sleep Sure Plus is designed to help promote optimal sleep and restfulness through a variety of ingredients. One of the most important ingredients included in this unique formula is melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that is essential for the regulation of the circadian rhythm (the internal clock of the body). Sleep Sure Plus also contains valerian, one of the best natural ingredients for promoting rest and relaxation. These two essential ingredients are joined by another 6, which all work together to provide a better quality of sleep.

Preview: Mexico Vs. Peru – Prediction, Team News, Lineups – Sports Mole https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/preview-mexico-vs-peru-prediction-team-news-lineups-sports-mole/ Sports Mole previews Sunday’s International Friendlies clash between Mexico and Peru, including predictions, team news and possible lineups. Following a devastating end to their World Cup qualification campaign in June, Peru begin life under new management when they travel to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, for an international friendly versus Mexico on Saturday. Since booking their place in the finals earlier this year with a 2-0 triumph over El Salvador, El Tri have just two wins in their last seven matches in all competitions, while the Peruvians failed to qualify for Qatar, losing 5-4 on penalties against Australia in a match which ended 0-0 after 120 minutes. Match preview © Reuters As they prepare to make their eighth successive trip to the World Cup, there may be more scrutiny surrounding this current Mexican squad than ever before. Gerardo Martino‘s men rarely had much rhythm to their game in their 14 qualifying matches in the Octagon, scoring a goal or fewer in nine of those encounters. As the ninth-ranked team per the FIFA World rankings, the Mexicans will be expected to make it beyond the opening phase of this World Cup once again in a group which features Argentina, Saudi Arabia and Poland. Over the summer months, this team struggled to find quality in the attacking third, winning only one of their previous five matches in all competitions and failing to tally on three occasions. The Mexicans have not faced the Peruvians since 2015, capturing only one of their previous five encounters against them, netting a goal or fewer in four of those matches. Scoring the opening goal has proven to be a pivotal part of their success, as Mexico have not lost when drawing first blood since falling 3-2 in extra-time against the USA at the CONCACAF Nations League final last year. © Reuters A second successive trip to the World Cup was not on the cards for Los Incas this time around, as they failed to maintain their composure against the tactical mind games played by Socceroos reserve goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne in the penalty shootout. Looking back at their campaign, Peru missed a pair of opportunities to qualify directly for the finals out of South America, squandering a 2-1 lead against Brazil on matchday two, eventually losing 4-2, and then failing to hold onto a first-half lead at home to Uruguay on matchday nine, drawing 1-1. Those five points dropped wound up being the difference between an inter-confederation playoff and direct passage into the finals, as they finished two points behind Ecuador for fourth. The Peruvian Federation have put the future of the national team in the hands of Juan Reynoso, who, as a player, captained this team to a semi-final appearance at the 2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Reynoso will be very familiar with the Mexican game, having managed three sides in Liga MX, leading Cruz Azul to the Guardianes league title in 2021, their first in 24 years, becoming the first foreign-born coach to achieve that feat. He inherits a team that have been sharp along the back end throughout 2022, conceding a goal or fewer in their eight matches played this year. Mexico form (all competitions): Peru form (all competitions): Team News © Reuters Raul Jimenez, who led Mexico with three goals in qualifying, needs three more appearances to reach 100 for the national team, Guillermo Ochoa can draw even with Jorge Campos for fifth in all-time appearances, currently one behind the former Mexican keeper (129), while Andres Guardado is two caps away from equalling the all-time national team record of 177 set by Claudio Suarez. Hirving Lozano continues to search for his first goal in Serie A this season after tallying five domestically for his club side Napoli in 2021-22, Henry Martin is second in Liga MX scoring with 10 goals, Kevin Alvarez is tied for second in the league for assists with five and Santiago Gimenez has two goals in five Eredivisie appearances with Feyenoord. Rogelio Funes Mori has not appeared for the senior side since starting alongside Lozano and Jesus Manuel Corona in late January, when they drew 0-0 versus Costa Rica in World Cup qualifying. He and Orbelin Pineda were the joint top-scorers for El Tri at the 2021 Gold Cup, while Hector Herrera was named that tournament’s best player. Peruvian captain and goalkeeper Pedro Gallese has not conceded in his last three matches in all competitions, while Luis Advincula and Alex Valera both missed from the penalty spot against Australia, ultimately costing them a place in the World Cup. Advincula has a chance to draw even with Paolo Guerrero for third in international caps as the country’s record goalscorer was not selected for this match, while Raul Ruidiaz, who leads the Seattle Sounders with nine tallies domestically, has not scored an international goal since March 2018. Bryan Reyna and Piero Quispe, who play their club football domestically in Peru at Academia Cantolao and Universitario respectively, are looking to make their first appearances for the national team. Christian Cueva is eight caps away from 100 in his international career, and Nilson Loyola needs to make two more appearances for Peru to reach double digits. Mexico possible starting lineup: Ochoa; K. Alvarez, Montes, Moreno, Gallardo; Gutierrez, Herrera, Pineda; Lozano, Jimenez, Martin Peru possible starting lineup: Gallese; Loyola, Callens, Zambrano, Advincula; Tapia; Cueva, Cartagena, Pena, Flores; Ruidiaz We say: Mexico 0-0 Peru We believe that Mexico have a lot more quality than the Peruvians on paper, but the Gold Cup runners-up have lacked consistency and quality in the final third. On the other side, La Blanquirroja are well organized at the back, and that composure, along with an experienced shot stopper, should be enough to keep El Tri at bay, though we do not anticipate the Peruvians will create much themselves in the attack. For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here. Top tip Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting over 1.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Over 1.5:data ID:495124:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect14688: Previews by email Click here to get Sports Mole‘s daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!

SFLMaven: New NFT Metaverse Pieces To Be Released In Q3 2022 – GlobeNewswire https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/sflmaven-new-nft-metaverse-pieces-to-be-released-in-q3-2022-globenewswire/ SFLMAVEN (OTC: SFLM) continues its pursuit of developing new NFT technology for its new products September 22, 2022 08:30 ET | Source: SFLMaven Corp. FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, Sept. 22, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SFLMaven Corp (OTC Pink: SFLM) (“SFLMaven” or the “Company”) (www.sflmaven.com), a leading provider of high-end luxury goods is proud to announce it’s online Metaverse jewelry store will be releasing new pieces at the start of Q3 2022. The new pieces will branch away from the bridal line and focus on “blingy” and eye-catching jewelry. According to the company, the pieces will be released monthly in small batches. This is exciting news for shareholders, as it signals that the company is continuing to grow and innovate. SFL Maven has a reputation for quality jewelry on its eBay store, and these new Metaverse pieces are sure to be popular with customers. “With a steady stream of new releases planned for the foreseeable future, now is a great time for growth at SFLMaven!” – Joe Ladin, CEO.  SFL Maven was founded in 2003 with the goal of providing high-quality, handmade jewelry at an affordable price point. The company has since become known for its unique items, often inspired by today’s trends in Metaverse fashion. SFL Maven’s quality assurances have attracted a loyal following among people of all ages on their current eBay store. It’s believed the same will follow with the metaverse store. The release of new pieces is the latest example of the company’s commitment to growth and innovation. In 2022 SFL Maven launched its first eBay online store. The eBay store has been a huge success doing over $1 million a month in sales with tens of thousands of loyal customers, and plans are already underway to increase sales with eBay’s new authenticity program. SFL Maven’s success is primarily due to its dedication to customer satisfaction. The company offers buyer protection and authentication on all its products, ensuring customers can always get the jewelry they want.  This philosophy has been extended to the Metaverse store, where we also are developing a patent-pending NFT technology to authenticate the fashion jewelry and even provide a display of its value to truly show that “bling” in the metaverse. SFL Maven’s announcement of new metaverse store jewelry releases is the latest example of the company’s dedication to growth and innovation. With a strong track record of success, a commitment to customer satisfaction, and exciting plans for the future, now is an excellent time for SFLMaven. Follow SFLMaven on social media: Twitter: @sflmaven Instagram: sflmaven About SFLMaven SFLMaven Corp. (SFLM) is a premium provider of high-end luxury goods. Famous for its Thursday Night Auction events on eBay, SFLMaven has driven over $140 million in sales since inception, earning more than 100k positive reviews. Now, SFLMaven has opened its new metaverse jewelry store in Decentraland. The company intends to deploy the same marketing and sales tactics that made it successful in the metaverse store. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This press release may contain forward-looking statements, including management’s view of SFLMaven Corp.’s future expectations, plans, and prospects. In particular, when used in the preceding discussion, the words ‘believes,’ ‘expects,’ ‘intends,’ ‘plans,’ ‘anticipates,’ or ‘may,’ and similar conditional expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Any statements made in this news release other than historical facts about an action, event, or development are forward-looking. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, which may cause the results of SFLMaven, its subsidiaries, and concepts to be materially different than those expressed or implied in such statements. Unknown or unpredictable factors also could have material adverse effects on SFLMaven’s future results. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date hereof. SFLMaven cannot guarantee future results, activity levels, performance, or achievements. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Finally, SFLMaven undertakes no obligation to update these statements after the date of this release, except as required by law, and takes no obligation to update or correct information prepared by third parties that are not paid for by SFLMaven. SOURCE: SFLMaven Corp. Corporate Contact info@sflmaven.com

Get In Shape With Amazfit: Save Money On Smartwatches – MUO – MakeUseOf https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/get-in-shape-with-amazfit-save-money-on-smartwatches-muo-makeuseof/ Amazfit is cutting the prices of its smartwatches, so grab your favorite with a discount. Are you ready to start moving more? Well, Amazfit has some great smartwatches that will double up as fitness trackers to keep you focused on what you need to accomplish. While some Amazfit models can run a bit on the expensive side, you should be happy to know that they’re now discounted! Save With Amazfit These Amazfit promotions are only available for a few days, so you’ll have to hurry up and grab your favorite model before they’re gone. With such discounts, it really would be a shame to miss out on these. Amazfit Band 5: Get it for $29.99 (down from $39.99) Amazfit Bip 3 Pro: Get it for $54.99 (down from $69.99) Amazfit Band 7: Get it for $39.99 (down from $49.99) Amazfit Bip 3 Pro: Get it for $54.99 (down from $69.99) Amazfit T-Rex 2: Get it for $169.99 (down from $199.99) Amazfit GTS 4 Mini: Get it for $99.99 (down from $119.99) Amazfit GTR 3 Pro Limited Edition: Get it for $169.99 (down from $249.99) Amazfit GTR 3: Get it for $119.99 (down from $179.99) Amazfit GTS 2: Get it for $124.99 (down from $179.99) Amazfit GTR 2: Get it for $119.99 (down from $179.99) Amazfit GTS 2e: Get it for $89.99 (down from $139.99) Zepp E Circle: Get it for $94.99 (down from $249.99) These prices are available through to the end of September, so make sure you follow the links and purchase your chosen smartwatch before then. Stay Active, Go Amazfit There are so many great options with Amazfit, fit for any budget you may have. The Amazfit T-Rex, for instance, is usually $199.99, but now, with this cool promotion, you can get it for $169.99. The smartwatch comes in multiple colors, so you can choose between khaki, ember black, and wild green. The T-Rex 2 is a rugged outdoor GSP smartwatch, which means it will withstand a lot more than your regular gadget. In fact, it’s so tough that it passed 15 military-grade tests, it withstands ultra-low and ultra-high temperatures (-40°C to +70°C) and pressures equivalent to a water depth of 100 meters. Amazfit “” data-img-url=”https://static1.makeuseofimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Amazfit-T-Rex-2-Deal.jpg” data-modal-container-id=”single-image-modal-container” data-modal-id=”single-image-modal” Image Credit: Amazfit  The T-Rex 2 will monitor the heart rate, blood-oxygen, stress levels, and your sleep patern, it uses satellite positioning to figure out your location and create routes for easier navigation of any terrain. It’s a one-stop shop for those who want to travel the world and remain connected no matter where they are. Even better, you can now get this cool smartwatch at a great price. Take Advantage of Amazfit’s Amazing Deals These great prices for the Amazfit range will only be available until the end of September, so now’s the time to look for the one you like most and get it.

Israeli Exchange Bits Of Gold Becomes First Crypto Firm To Receive Capital Markets License – CoinDesk https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/israeli-exchange-bits-of-gold-becomes-first-crypto-firm-to-receive-capital-markets-license-coindesk/ Sandali Handagama is a CoinDesk reporter with a focus on crypto regulation and policy. She does not own any crypto. Israel’s top markets regulator has granted local cryptocurrency exchange Bits of Gold one of the first licenses targeting crypto financial services providers in the country. With the license, Bits of Gold will be able to work with local banks and financial institutions, according to a press release shared with CoinDesk. Regulators in the country have been for some time attempting to clear the way for reluctant local banks to start interacting with crypto. “With the license and the Bank of Israel recent orders we will be able to resolve most of the bank issues,” the company said in a press statement. The markets regulator already granted Israel’s first crypto license to another private company called Hybrid Bridge Holdings (HBH) in early September. The CEO of the company, Giyora Ran, later told local news outlet Globes that HBH is building a crypto custody and exchange platform, but it’s unclear if it has a working product yet. This makes Bits of Gold, founded in 2013, the first local industry veteran and active crypto company to obtain the license after a four year wait, the company told CoinDesk in a written statement. It applied for the license in march of 2018. Bits of Gold is planning the launch of a platform which enables local and European banks and fintech firms to offer clients crypto for purchase. The firm also wants to start offering crypto custody services through its new digital wallet starting next month. CoinDesk has reached out to Bits of Gold for comment. Sign up for Money Reimagined, our weekly newsletter exploring the transformation of value in the digital age. By signing up, you will receive emails about CoinDesk product updates, events and marketing and you agree to our terms of services and privacy policy. DISCLOSURE Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated . The leader in news and information on cryptocurrency, digital assets and the future of money, CoinDesk is a media outlet that strives for the highest journalistic standards and abides by a strict set of editorial policies. CoinDesk is an independent operating subsidiary of Digital Currency Group, which invests in cryptocurrencies and blockchain startups. As part of their compensation, certain CoinDesk employees, including editorial employees, may receive exposure to DCG equity in the form of stock appreciation rights, which vest over a multi-year period. CoinDesk journalists are not allowed to purchase stock outright in DCG . Sandali Handagama is a CoinDesk reporter with a focus on crypto regulation and policy. She does not own any crypto. Sandali Handagama is a CoinDesk reporter with a focus on crypto regulation and policy. She does not own any crypto.

Russia’s Military Divided As Putin Struggles To Deal With Ukraine’s Counteroffensive, US Sources Say – CNN https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/russias-military-divided-as-putin-struggles-to-deal-with-ukraines-counteroffensive-us-sources-say-cnn/ Contributor/Getty Images/FILE Washington CNN  —  Russia’s military is divided over how best to counter Ukraine’s unexpected battlefield advances this month, according to multiple sources familiar with US intelligence, as Moscow has found itself on the defensive in both the east and the south. Russian President Vladimir Putin is himself giving directions directly to generals in the field, two sources familiar with US and western intelligence said– a highly unusual management tactic in a modern military that these sources said hints at the dysfunctional command structure that has plagued Russia’s war from the beginning. Intelligence intercepts have captured Russian officers arguing among themselves and complaining to friends and relatives back home about decision-making from Moscow, one of these sources told CNN. And there are significant disagreements on strategy with military leaders struggling to agree on where to focus their efforts to shore up defensive lines, multiple sources familiar with US intelligence said. The Russian Ministry of Defense has claimed that it is redeploying forces toward Kharkiv in the northeast – where Ukraine has made the most dramatic gains – but US and western sources say the bulk of Russian troops still remain in the south, where Ukraine has also mounted offensive operations around Kherson. Putin announced a partial mobilization on Wednesday that is expected to include the call-up of up to 300,000 reservists. He has for months resisted taking that step and Biden administration officials said Wednesday that the fact he has moved to do so now highlights the severity of Russia’s manpower shortages and signals a growing desperation. It’s not clear that the mobilization will make any operational difference on the battlefield, or merely prolong the length of the war without changing the outcome, according to Russian military analysts. And while Russia flails on the battlefield, officials in Moscow have scrambled to assign blame for Russia’s abrupt turn in fortunes, a senior NATO official said. “Kremlin officials and state media pundits have been feverishly discussing the reasons for the failure in Kharkiv and in typical fashion, the Kremlin seems to be attempting to deflect the blame away from Putin and onto the Russian military,” this person said. Already, there has been a reshuffling of military leadership in response to the battlefield failures – leaving Russia’s command structure even more jumbled than it was before, sources say. The commander who oversaw the majority of the units around the Kharkiv region had been in the post only 15 days and has now been relieved of duty, the NATO official said. Russia has sent “a small number” of troops into eastern Ukraine – some of whom had fled amid Ukraine’s battlefield advances last week, according to two US defense officials – an effort to shore up its weakened defensive lines. But even if Russia is able to coalesce around a plan, US and western officials believe Russia is limited in its ability to mount a strategically significant response to Ukraine’s counteroffensive operations that in recent days, sources say, has swung the momentum in Kyiv’s favor. Even after the announcement of the partial mobilization, officials are skeptical that Russia is capable of quickly deploying large numbers of troops into Ukraine given its ongoing problems with supply lines, communications and morale. The “small scale” of the Russian redeployment is a signal of its inability to mount any serious operations, the senior defense official told CNN. So far, Russia has responded to Ukraine’s advances by launching attacks against critical infrastructure like dams and power plants – attacks that the US sees as largely “revenge” attacks rather than operationally significant salvos, this person said. Absent more manpower that, right now, it simply doesn’t have, sources said Russia has few other options to penalize or push back Ukrainian forces. Putin is “struggling,” National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications John Kirby said in an appearance on CNN on Wednesday. Russia’s military has “poor unit cohesion, desertions in the ranks, soldiers not wanting to fight,” Kirby said. “He has terrible morale, unit cohesion on the battlefield, command and control has still not been solved. He’s got desertion problems and he’s forcing the wounded back into the fight. So clearly, manpower is a problem for him,” Kirby said. “He feels like he’s on his back foot, particularly in that northeast area of the Donbass.” Putin’s mobilization order is significant because it is a direct acknowledgment that Moscow’s “special military operation” wasn’t working and needed to be adjusted, military analysts said. But for now, there are more questions than answers about its precise operational impact. It’s the first such order handed down in Russia since World War II, offering military analysts limited modern data on which to base their predictions. Even if Moscow can grow its number of soldiers – both by preventing existing contract service members from leaving service and by mobilizing reservists – it will struggle to train, equip and integrate these troops into existing units, said Michael Kofman, the director of the Russia Studies Program at the Center for Naval Analyses. And even if that solves some near-term manpower problems, these will likely not be high-quality recruits, Kofman and others noted. Even in the best-case scenario, it will also take Moscow some time to field fresh troops. “I think it’s reasonable to say that partial mobilization probably will not reflect itself on the battlefield for several months at the earliest, and could expand Russia’s ability to sustain this war, but not alter its outcome,” Kofman said. Russia’s longstanding failures in planning, communications and logistics have been compounded by punishing losses in its retreat from around Kharkiv, sources said. Russia left behind “a lot” of equipment in its retreat, according to the NATO official. And at least one storied unit, from the First Guards Tank Army, has been “decimated,” this person said. “With its northern axis all but collapsed, this will make it harder for Russian forces to slow the Ukrainian advance, as well as to provide cover for the retreating Russian troops,” the official said. “We think it will also severely impair Russia’s plans to occupy the entirety of the Donbas.” The wild card remains, as always, the Russian President. Putin on Wednesday once again threatened the use of nuclear weapons, a threat the US officials have said they are taking “seriously” but have seen no immediate indication he is planning on following through on. Pro-Russian authorities in some eastern occupied regions of Ukraine have also announced their intention to hold political referendums on joining Russia, a maneuver some analysts say Russia could use as a pretext for military action. But, the senior NATO official said, “Overall, Russia now finds itself on the defensive. Ukraine has the initiative, forcing Russia to take stopgap measures simply to avoid further losses.” “If Ukraine succeeds in undertaking sustained defensive operations, this could even further undermine the sustainability of Russian defenses,” this person said.

What’s In Durham’s Contract With ShotSpotter Tech Company? – Raleigh News & Observer https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/whats-in-durhams-contract-with-shotspotter-tech-company-raleigh-news-observer/ DURHAM ShotSpotter and Durham leaders agreed on a contract this week, clearing the way for the gunshot surveillance company to install acoustic sensors in the city, and the company has asked public schools in the coverage area to participate. The yearlong pilot will be limited to 3 square miles in East and Southeast Durham where the city says a third of all gunshot injuries and deaths occur. Gary Bunyard, senior vice president of sales and security at ShotSpotter, told The News & Observer the company reached out to Durham Public Schools for permission to place sensors on school buildings. “We’re working through that process with the schools,” Bunyard said. Four DPS schools lie within the boundaries: C.C. Spaulding Elementary Burton Elementary Eastway Elementary The Whitted School (pre-K) A schools spokesperson did not reply to multiple requests for information. The Board of Education’s next meeting is Thursday at 6:30 p.m. ShotSpotter plans to start in Durham this fall The California company will be paid $197,500 for the first year, plus $28,000 for a program to integrate its technology with the 911 center. “This will be the most transparent, studied, vetted pilot in the history of this city,” said Mayor Pro Tem Mark-Anthony Middleton, who has been advocating for the technology for years. “If one life is saved because we got there and were able to give them a life-saving intervention at that moment, I’ll be voting for it again next year.” This final vote on the contract Monday night passed the City Council 5-2, with members Jillian Johnson and Javiera Caballero voting against it. “If this technology leads to one person losing their life, or this technology leads to one person being falsely imprisoned on charges related to the technology detecting gunfire when there wasn’t any gunfire,” Johnson countered. “Both of which have happened in other cities in this country.” The company is aiming to launch by mid-November, though local leaders were aiming for the summer, when gun violence typically spikes in American cities. Monday night’s vote happened amid a surge in homicides after a month of relative calm. Five homicides were reported in Durham inunder two weeks: Sept. 8: Wahid Downey, 18, who died in the hospital after being shot midday near the McDougald Terrace apartments Sept. 8: Marcus Ortega-Burch, 20, shot late at night in southern Durham Sept. 11: Anthony Giles, 23, shot late in the afternoon in southern Durham along with two others, both of whom survived Sept. 13: Jivon Cherry, 39, found dead inside the trunk of a car near Research Triangle Park Sept. 18: Guadalupe Ordonez-Alejandro, 23, shot around 2 a.m. at a nightclub in west Durham As of Wednesday morning, police had not announced any arrests or suspects in the cases. Gun violence in the city is trending down for the year. There were 28 homicides in Durham as of Sept. 10, down from 35 by that date last year, according to police statistics. The city averaged 36 homicides by that date over the past five years. Gunshot detection sensors will soon hang overhead on traffic light poles and atop buildings in part of Durham. John D. Simmons jsimmons@charlotteobserver.com How ShotSpotter works ShotSpotter’s methodically placed sensors detect the sounds of likely gunshots and help police pinpoint their location. The devices are light gray in color and fairly small, about 9 inches on either side and 4 inches thick, according to technical specifications obtained in a public records request. They weigh just over 3 pounds and communicate on cell networks, but must be connected to electricity to do so. When the devices are triggered, audio of the incident is sent to ShotSpotter’s “Incident Review Center,” where a person listens to confirm gunfire or explosions, then alerts Durham’s 911 dispatchers and police. Local authorities get a dot on the map and the closest address, plus notification if the weapon was fully automatic or high capacity. An app for police provides immediate access to audio files and other data. Durham Police Chief Patrice Andrews said a typical alert would be treated as a “priority 2” call. “Along the lines of a house alarm,” she explained. “Officers are not swarming into the area.” Gunshot detection sensors will soon hang overhead on traffic light poles and atop buildings in part of Durham. John D. Simmons jsimmons@charlotteobserver.com Officers will check for injured people and legally search for evidence, Andrews said, leaving door hangers instead of walking into folks’ backyards. ShotSpotter later provides detailed forensic reports, which police can use to obtain search warrants and investigate officer-involved shootings, the contract states. Attorneys can reference the forensic reports in court, but a ShotSpotter representative serving as an expert witness will cost $350 an hour plus travel expenses. What does ShotSpotter do with its data? The company has the right to sell any of the data it collects to third parties for research, analytical or security purposes, the contract states. However, the company says it will “vigorously resist” subpoenas and court orders for extended audio beyond one second before a gunshot, the gunshots themselves, and one second after. The contract also states the company will not provide a database of the precise locations of sensors to police or the public and would challenge subpoenas to do so, though emails obtained by The N&O show the company asked for help getting permission for 19 sites of the 60 to 75 they plan to install. The names and descriptions of the sites were redacted aside from that of Durham Public Schools Superintendent Pascal Mubenga. Spectators watch the fireworks display at the end of a Durham Bulls game July 4, 2016. 2016 News & Observer File Photo newsobserver.com What happens on July 4? ShotSpotter commits to detecting and locating 90% of unsupressed outdoor gunfire when the weapon is using standard rounds above .25 caliber. They also commit to reviewing and publishing alerts in less than 60 seconds 90% of the time. That excludes holidays when fireworks are widely used, specifically in the 48 hours surrounding New Year’s Eve and July 4. Jason Scheiss, analytical services manager for the Durham Police Department, said they will be tracking gunfire in the treatment area to compare to previous years and other regions of the city. “At the end of the day, that would be the ultimate public safety outcome: a reduction in violent crime,” Scheiss said. Scheiss said said the Wilson Center for Science and Justice at Duke Law is providing an external review of the pilot. “The ultimate determination of the efficacy and usefulness of this tool rests at this dais. I’m not outsourcing the decision to the Police Department,” Middleton stressed in a City Council meeting. Mary Helen Moore covers Durham for The News & Observer. She grew up in Eastern North Carolina and attended UNC-Chapel Hill before spending several years working in newspapers in Florida. Outside of work, you might find her biking, reading or fawning over plants.

Logitech G Cloud Gaming Handheld Unveiled With 7″ 1080p Display, 12+ Hours Of Battery Life – GSMArena.com News – GSMArena.com https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/logitech-g-cloud-gaming-handheld-unveiled-with-7-1080p-display-12-hours-of-battery-life-gsmarena-com-news-gsmarena-com/ Did you see the prices on those Nvidia RTX 40 cards? You may want to switch to cloud gaming for a while and Logitech G has just the thing for you – an Android-powered handheld that has been designed for exactly that task. The Logitech G Cloud gaming handheld is listed at CAD 400, it will be released on October 18. It was also spotted in an Amazon US listing with a $350 price tag, though pre-orders will have a lower $300 price. You can also snag one from Logitech G’s site. Let’s have a closer look at the device itself. As you can tell from the images, it is intended to be used with Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now for cloud streaming, as well using the Xbox app and Steam Link for local streaming from your console and PC. You can download other streaming services too, anything that works on Android (e.g. Google Stadia and Amazon Luna). The Google Play Store is on board, but native gaming really isn’t the G Cloud’s forte – it is powered by a Snapdragon 720G, which is nice and efficient, but is not cut out for AAA gaming. If you do want to try native gaming, you should know that there is 4GB of RAM and 64GB storage, which can be limiting for more advanced games. You can expand the storage with a microSD card, however. Sharp 7″ 1080p display • High quality controllers • Long 12-hour battery life • Access to Google Play Store Efficiency is key, though, this handheld promises over 12 hours of battery life (23.1Wh battery). Recharging is done in 2.5 hours over USB-C. There is a 3.5mm headphone jack, Bluetooth 5.1 and stereo speakers, so audio can be handled however you like. There is a 7” LCD on board, a sharp 1080p panel with 450 nits brightness, multi-touch support and 60Hz refresh rate. That is a bit disappointing – cloud streaming isn’t well-suited for HRR gaming, but GeForce Now already supports 120fps streaming, for example. Even so, the 1080p resolution may be the best thing about this handheld as both the Switch and the Steam Deck have 720p-class 60Hz displays (more on them in a moment). Logitech G Cloud gaming handheld The handheld relies on Wi-Fi for its Internet connectivity. The 720G supports Wi-Fi 5 (ac), but not 6 (ax). Also, there is no 4G or 5G connectivity, you need to be in Wi-Fi range (the 720G only supports 4G, anyway). The Logitech G Cloud has left and right analog joysticks, L & R analog triggers, two bumpers, a D-pad and A/B/X/Y buttons. The controls are remappable. There is also haptic feedback and a gyroscope on board. The device weighs 463g. For comparison, the Steam Deck (7” 1,280 x 800px display) is 669g), the Nintendo Switch OLED (7”, 720p display) is 398g (with Joy-Cons). Source | Via 1 | Via 2

Covid-19 Hospitalizations Decline By 7 As New Cases Continue To Fall – Arkansas Online https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/covid-19-hospitalizations-decline-by-7-as-new-cases-continue-to-fall-arkansas-online/ Nurse Brionna Rivers looks in the room of a Covid-19 patient while the patient is treated in one of the Covid wards at University of Arkansas for Medical Science on Thursday, July 22, 2021, in Little Rock. .More photos at www.arkansasonline.com/725covid/.(Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Thomas Metthe) The number of covid-19 patients in Arkansas’ hospitals fell Wednesday for the first time in four days as the state’s new case number continued to decline. A day after it topped 12,000, the state’s death toll from covid-19, as tracked by the Department of Health, rose by 11, to 12,028. State Epidemiologist Mike Cima said all the deaths reported Wednesday happened more than a month ago. Two occurred in February, one was from March, three were from April, two were from May and three were from July, he said. After rising the previous three days, the number of covid-19 patients in the state’s hospitals fell Wednesday by seven, to 289. The number as of Wednesday was still up by three compared to its level a week earlier, however, and by 31 from the two-month low it hit early last week. The state’s count of cases rose Wednesday by 756. While larger by 121 than the increase Tuesday, it was smaller by 263 compared to the rise the previous Wednesday. “All things taken together, I think it really emphasizes the point that we’ve been making for the past week or so in that covid cases and transmission seem to be subsiding a little bit after that little bump from both Labor Day and the start of school,” Cima said. “I think hopefully we’ll start seeing those hospitalizations come down even further from what they did today.” In another indication that transmission was continuing to slow, Cima said 12.6% of the state’s coronavirus tests were positive over the week ending Tuesday, which was about 2 percentage points lower than the percentage the previous week. Pulaski County had the most new cases, 112, on Wednesday, followed by Craighead County with 46, Washington County with 40 and Benton and Saline counties, which each had 32. The state’s cumulative count of cases since March 2020 rose to 947,967. Declining for the eighth day in a row, the average daily increase in the state’s case count over a rolling seven-day period fell to 575, the first time it had been below 600 since June 11. With recoveries outpacing new cases, the number of cases in the state that were considered active fell by 365, to 7,622, the smallest number since June 15. After not changing the previous two days, the number of the state’s virus patients who were in intensive care rose Wednesday by one, to 48. Growing for the fourth consecutive day, the number on ventilators rose by two, to 22, the largest number since July 30. At its hospitals in Little Rock and Springdale, Arkansas Children’s had seven covid-19 patients on Wednesday, down from 10 on Tuesday and 14 the previous Wednesday, spokeswoman Hilary DeMillo said. The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Medical Center it Little Rock had 13 covid-19 patients on Wednesday, down from 16 a week earlier, spokeswoman Leslie Taylor said. She said the patients on Wednesday included two who were in intensive care and one who was on a ventilator. Nine of the 13 patients had been fully vaccinated, she said. She said she didn’t have information on how many had received booster shots. Meanwhile, the university announced this week it had opened its first clinic specializing in patients who still have covid-19 symptoms three or more weeks after they test positive. Taylor said UAMS treats long covid at its other clinics around the state, but the UAMS Health Long Covid Clinic in Fayetteville is the only one specializing in the condition. “We had a faculty member, Dr. [Sheena] CarlLee, who was interested in having a clinic for long covid,” Taylor said. “The clinic is located on our Northwest campus where she has all the resources that they need like physical therapy, occupational therapy, pharmacy — everything right there next to that space.” Print Headline: Covid-19 hospitalizations decline by 7 as new cases continue to fall

Tourists Spent $2.7 Billion In Oneida County In 2021 – Utica Observer Dispatch https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/tourists-spent-2-7-billion-in-oneida-county-in-2021-utica-observer-dispatch/ A recent study released by Empire State Development and the I Love NY Division of Travel & Tourism shows visitor spending in Oneida County totaled $2.7 billion dollars in 2021, according to Oneida County Tourism.  Oneida County represents 74% of the Central New York Region’s tourism sales.   Traveler spending was up most in Oneida County at 164% of 2019 levels – the highest of any county in the state, according to the county tourism board.  “We are pleased to see the rebound of the travel industry and significant increase in economic impact generated through visitor spending in Oneida County in 2021,” said Kelly Blazosky, president of Oneida County Tourism in a statement.   “This study validates tourism as a vital part of the economy of Oneida County and the Central New York Region. Year-round and seasonal outdoor adventure experiences, quality attractions and events combined with our ideal location and great value continue to establish Oneida County as an excellent getaway destination.”  In Oneida County, all industry sectors remained steady or realized a slight increase and generated the following visitor spending in 2021:  Lodging – $1.2 billion  Recreation – $645 million  Food and beverage – $365 million  Retail and service – $460 million  Transportation – $42 million  Second homes – $31 million  The $2.7 billion in visitor spending is significantly higher than it has been in years past.   According to Oneida County Tourism, Oneida County brought in $1.5 billion in visitor spending in 2020, $1.7 billion in 2019, $1.6 billion in 2018 and $1.5 billion in 2017.  Development:Private development is coming to Utica’s Harbor Point Oneida Indian Nation to launch cannabis:Timeline, location and what to know The hierarchy of where the money is spent has not really changed over the last five years. Lodging and recreation always top the list and transportation and second homes round it out. Blazosky said the growth in 2021 lodging – the largest growth sector – directly correlates to the opening of a Home2 in north Utica in August 2020 and a Hampton Inn in Verona at Turning Stone in April 2021.  These openings added 199 guest rooms (72,635 room nights) bringing hotel room inventory to 3,320 in Oneida County, she said. Simultaneously the occupancy tax increase from 2% to 5% enacted by Oneida County Legislature, which took effect Feb. 1, 2020.   “Additionally, Oneida County benefited from our central geographic location and great outdoor spaces for people to explore,” Blazosky said.  About the study  The Economic Impact Study of Tourism in New York for 2021 was conducted by Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics Company of Oxford, United Kingdom with US offices in Wayne, PA.    The New York visitor economy spans multiple industries and Tourism Economics studied several sectors of the tourism industry, including those listed above.  This past year was one of recovery for the visitor economy as direct visitor spending reached $52 billion. This follows severe COVID-related declines in 2020, according to the statistics.  Visitor spending across the Central New York Region totaled $3.7 Billion in 2021, supporting 33,630 jobs. Central New York Vacation Region includes Oneida, Otsego, Schoharie, Broome, Chenango, Herkimer, Madison, and Montgomery counties.   The increase in direct spend of 80% versus 2020 was the fastest across New York State, resulting in the best performance versus pre-pandemic (142% of 2019 levels), according to the study.  What does this mean for Oneida County? Visitor spending supported 19,939 people employed direct, indirect and induced in travel and tourism jobs in Oneida County in 2021 and generated $1.2 billion in household wages, according to the tourism center.  Tourism sustains 22.7% of all employment in Oneida County. State tax coffers gained $134.3 million while local tax revenues reached $123.7 million in 2021 from tourism-generated spending in Oneida County.   Oneida County residents realized $2,846 in tax savings per household in 2021; an offset generated by visitor spending.  Oneida County contributed 68.5% of the Central New York Vacation Region’s tourism tax base in 2021 which totaled $376.4 million.  Though the county is bringing in more tourism money than the rest of the state currently, some officials see that divide widening, with more attractions slated to open in Oneida County later this year and into next.  “Tourism is essential to the economy of Oneida County and this study shows that we are in an incredibly strong position right now, thanks to visitor spending increasing at a higher rate than anywhere else in the state,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. in a statement.  “Our current success is due in large part to our strong partnership with the Oneida Indian Nation and the many investments they have made in our region. The future is even brighter, as we prepare for the boon that the Nexus Center will bring in the fall, and the rest of the development of the U-District that will follow, including the county’s food emporium at the REA Wing of Union Station.”  %

Data Mesh Use Cases And Applications In IoT, AI And Machine Learning – IoT Business News https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/data-mesh-use-cases-and-applications-in-iot-ai-and-machine-learning-iot-business-news/ An article by Yash Mehta, an IoT, M2M and Big Data technology expert. In web 3.0, the dynamics of not just the internet but the data streams are undergoing a decentralized transformation. As a first step, thanks to distributed data governance every domain can now manage and govern its data products but at the same time, it also relies on central control of security policies, data modelling, and compliance. Data mesh distributes data across physical and virtual networks in a decentralized manner. Unlike conventional data integration tools that call for a highly centralized infrastructure, a data mesh instead works across on-premise, multi and single-cloud, edge environments. In this post, we discuss the real-world applications of mesh in different setups. Data Mesh: Solving Several Common Problems As per the findings from MIT, only 13% of surveyed organizations could successfully deliver as per their data strategy. Data Mesh is addressing many responsible root causes. Using a data mesh can solve several problems seen in data pipelines on a smaller scale. If not addressed, these can quickly become problematic and brittle over time as messy point-to-point systems can create their webs over time. At the same time, a data mesh also solves bigger issues in an organization like core business facts that different departments in a company may disagree on. By implementing a data mesh there is a less likely possibility for the system to have copies of facts. Using a data mesh not only brings order to a system but also gives you a better manageable, mature, and evolved data architecture. As we see the rise of cloud-based applications, app architectures are moving away and transitioning from conventional centralized IT and are moving towards distributed service mesh or microservices. A real-time data platform called K2view took a step ahead and successfully implemented the use of micro-DB in their fabric and mesh architectures. Every micro-DB stores the data for a particular business partner (customer) only while their mesh platform stores millions of such micro-DBs. Data Mesh: Use Cases A data mesh can support several analytical and operational use cases across multiple domains. A few examples include:- 1. Understanding Customer Lifecycle It provides 360 support for customer care and reduces average customer handling time significantly. It also improves customer satisfaction and increases first contact resolution. The marketing department can also deploy a single customer view for next-best-offer decision-making or predictive churn modelling. 2. Utility in the Internet of Things (IoT) With IoT device monitoring, product teams can get insights into edge device usage patterns. They can use this pattern information to iterate and improve their profitability and product adoption. By adopting a mesh network for IoT devices companies can get several benefits that make it a popular technology when it comes to choosing networks. Companies can store all their IoT, enterprise, streaming, and 3rd party data collectively together into an S3 data lake at a very low cost. 3. Self-Healing Algorithm As mentioned before the Shortest Path Bridging, the self-healing algorithm automatically selects the best path for sending data even in a case where some nodes lose their connection. This algorithm allows the system to use only available and working connections. So, even if some devices stop functioning, the network is still able to send and receive the information needed to maintain or finish a given task. 4. Distributed & More Effective Security Now when it comes to security, corporates are well prepared and keep updating their protocols. SMEs, however, lack the needed guidance. As per Accenture’s Cybercrime study, 43% of attacks are aimed at smaller organizations while only 14% are able to prevent themselves. With contemporary data management solutions like Mesh, SMEs have an opportunity to stay in line with the trends. Security is critical in a situation where the data is highly decentralized and distributed. Such systems should delegate authorization and authentication activities to different users providing them with different levels of access as needed. Following key security abilities of data mesh have been identified in the 2022 market premier report: Data privacy management in all forms Data encryption, be it at rest or in motion Data masking, to effectively manage PII obfuscation CCPA and GDPR compliances along with other legislations Identity management that covers all IAM/LDAP type services 5. Self-Configuration IoT devices can now self-configure themselves thanks to auto-discovery for mesh networks. It automatically calibrates new nodes and connects them to the desired network without having any previous setup. With this feature, the network can be expanded and governed easily. 6. Marketing and Sales The marketing and sales team can easily curate a 360 view of consumer profiles and behaviours from different platforms and systems by using distributed data. This allows them to create better-targeted campaigns, CLV (customer lifetime values), better lead scoring accuracy and perform several other essential metrics for performance. Marketing teams use hyper-segmentation to deliver a campaign to the right customer via the right channel at the right time. 7. AI and Machine Learning Intelligence & development teams can easily create data catalogues and virtual warehouses from several sources to feed AI and machine learning models. This gives them more insights without having to collect all the data in a given central location. Teams can also use federated data preparation that enables domains to provide trusted data and quality for data analytic workloads. 8. Loss Prevention By implementing data mesh in the financial sector companies can develop a quicker time-to-insight with lower operational risks and costs. This feature enables international financial institutions and organizations to analyze their data locally. This can be done in any region or country and it helps identify any fraud threats without creating any copies of data sets that can be transported to the central database. Data privacy management allows companies to protect their customer data as they have to comply with evolving regional data and privacy laws like the VCDPA. A Few Real Implementations of Data Mesh Financial Services Institution In one of their blogs, Thoughtworks discussed the impact of data mesh on a financial institution’s data process. Since such an application deals with large volumes of transactional data in real time, it is important to stream accurate and timely feeds to analytics systems. In this case, the executives had the flexibility to operationalize data quickly and they were able to access domain-oriented data products. This allowed them to ask more relevant questions and eventually got them more reliable answers and valuable insights to act on in less time. Not only this, but the domain team was also able to use analytical data and build it directly onto their users’ digital experience. AWS S3 There was a drastic change when AWS commoditized its storage layer and replaced it with the AWS S3 object store around 15 years ago. Because of the affordability and ubiquity of S3 and other cloud storage, companies are now shifting their data to cloud object stores. This allows them to build data lakes where eventually data can be analyzed in different ways. A Fashion Retailer Brand Europe’s largest online fashion retailer, Zalando learned that there is a simple way to guarantee access and availability at scale. This can be done by moving more responsibilities to the teams that initially gather this data and also have the required domain knowledge. And also by keeping all metadata information and data governance central. Trust me, the space is just not enough to cover all use cases. It’s a propelling market and businesses want to extract the most out of it. What’s Next? Embrace a Data Product Mindset There are several innovative practices for data products that amalgamate different concepts together like design thinking, the jobs-to-be-done theory, and breaking organizational silos that bar cross-functional innovation. Enterprises, in 2022, should grab the opportunity and revamp their data management strategy keeping web 3.0 in mind. Author Bio: Yash Mehta is an internationally recognized IoT, M2M and Big Data technology expert. He has written a number of widely acknowledged articles on Data Science, IoT, Business Innovation, and Cognitive intelligence. His articles have been featured in the most authoritative publications and awarded as one of the most innovative and influential works in the connected technology industry by the IBM and Cisco IoT departments.

Fitness: These Little Tricks And Tips Will Help Keep Your Workout Routine On Track – NDTV Doctor https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/fitness-these-little-tricks-and-tips-will-help-keep-your-workout-routine-on-track-ndtv-doctor/ Home »  Living Healthy »  Fitness: These Little Tricks And Tips Will Help Keep Your Workout Routine On Track Workout Tips: In this article, we discuss tips and tricks that can help you stay on track with your workout.   By: Manya Singh  Updated: Sep 22, 2022 12:36 IST 3-Min Read Workout Tips: Having a workout companion can help you stay on track Trying to inculcate a healthy and active lifestyle takes time, effort, motivation, patience, and various other aspects. This is especially difficult if you are making these changes after a long history of following an unhealthy diet and a sedentary lifestyle. Many people begin fitness routines, but stop them when they grow tired, don’t like it, or see too little progress. However, to take conscious steps to make this journey fun, motivating, and doable, you must make the right choices. In this article, we discuss tips and tricks that can help you stay on track with your workout. Follow these tips to make working out fun and to stay motivated: 1. Set a routine Set a rough routine for when you consume your meals and when you exercise. Make sure the time slot you have picked is vacant most days. For example, an hour of workout before work or after. Instead of setting a routine for say 8/9 pm. As there is a possibility you might have to attend to other chores, events, or plans that can jeopardise your workout plans. 2. Stop the all-or-nothing thought process The issue with this black-and-white way of thinking is that it forbids any adaptability when life interferes with your plans. And it’ll happen. When our unreasonable expectations aren’t realised, it causes a lot of despair and a sense of overwhelming. 3. Establish and revisit your goal Your goal can be the weight you are trying to achieve, waist size, or even the amount of time you want to lose weight. It is important to build small and achievable goals and work towards achieving them. It is also important to remind yourself of your goals throughout the journey to see how far you have come. 4. Don’t demotivate yourself Oftentimes, we can be the reason behind our own demotivation. It can be hard to stay on track. Furthermore, one might not always lose the same amount of weight through the same amount of effort. It is important to not pull yourself down when you’re unable to perform to the best of your abilities. 5. Find a companion Social support makes exercising a lot more pleasurable. Organise walking meet-ups. Arrange basketball teams, treadmill or spinning sessions at the gym, dancing nights, or tennis matches. Your companion can also help motivate you if you are considering skipping a day. 6. Avoid monotonous workouts To keep things new and to work out different muscle areas, try a variety of workouts. If you like the elliptical machine, try the stair climber for some cardio instead. As you strength train, alternate using machines and free weights. Every week, you don’t need to start from scratch, but you should change up your routine a little. 7. Take photos Taking pictures and keeping a photo journal is a terrific way to stay motivated to reach your fitness objectives. This will provide you with tangible evidence that your instruction is having an impact. To see your progress from all sides, take pictures of the front, both sides, and the back. In conclusion, patience is key. It takes time to make significant lifestyle changes and to lose significant weight. It is necessary to be consistent and realistic. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information. DoctorNDTV is the one stop site for all your health needs providing the most credible health information, health news and tips with expert advice on healthy living, diet plans, informative videos etc. You can get the most relevant and accurate info you need about health problems like diabetes, cancer, pregnancy, HIV and AIDS, weight loss and many other lifestyle diseases. We have a panel of over 350 experts who help us develop content by giving their valuable inputs and bringing to us the latest in the world of healthcare.

Here Is The Latest Pac-12 Conference Sports News From The Associated Press – Mankato Free Press https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/here-is-the-latest-pac-12-conference-sports-news-from-the-associated-press-mankato-free-press/ UNDATED (AP) — Oregon State has a chance to start the season 4-0 for the first time since 2012 with a win over No. 7 Southern California. The Beavers beat USC 45-27 last season for their first win in the Coliseum in more than 60 years. There are currently four Pac-12 teams in the latest AP poll, but a win over the Trojans could very well elevate the Beavers into the rankings. In other Pac-12 games, No. 15 Oregon travels to Washington State and Sun Devils interim coach Shaun Aguano makes his debut after taking over for Herm Edwards. Arizona State will host No. 13 Utah. EUGENE, Ore. (AP) — Oregon quarterback Bo Nix seems to have hit his stride after struggling in the opener against Georgia. The Auburn transfer threw for five touchdowns in a victory over Eastern Washington, then built on that success by throwing for a pair of TDs and running for three more in a 41-20 victory over BYU. The No. 15 Ducks now head north to face undefeated Washington State in their Pac-12 opener. UNDATED (AP) — After three weeks there are 33 unbeaten teams left in major college football and eight of them are playing against each other Saturday. There are showdowns in the Pac-12, ACC, and Big Ten this week, plus Duke vs. Kansas. The basketball powerhouses are both 3-0 heading into one of the most interesting games of the week. UNDATED (AP) — The College Football Playoff is built to expand. While only three games determine a champion, the current postseason format is seven games: Two semifinals, a championship game and four marquee bowls. To convert a four-team playoff into 12 requires four more games and about three more weeks. Expanding for the 2024 and ’25 seasons largely hinges upon whether the already-scheduled semifinals and championship game can be pushed back. The NFL schedule will play a big role, too. College football fans should be prepared to watch playoff games on weeknights. UNDATED (AP) — The early-season starts by the four Pacific Northwest schools would have had all the hallmarks of an exciting race in the Pac-12’s North Division. If only the North Division still existed. The current season marks the first time that the two teams with the highest winning percentage in conference games will meet in the championship game. The Pac-12 decided to do away with divisions after the NCAA Division I Council changed the rule requiring conferences to have divisions to conduct championship games. Washington, Washington State, and Oregon State are all off to 3-0 starts, while Oregon is 2-1. The Huskies and Ducks pulled off significant wins last weekend, with Washington defeating No. 11 Michigan State 39-28 and 25th-ranked Oregon beating No. 12 BYU 41-20. TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Arizona State ended the Herm Edwards experiment a day after an ugly home loss. The Sun Devils are hoping the change will help them straighten out a season that still has nine games left. Interim coach Shaun Aguano will be at the helm of this transition. Arizona State’s former running backs coach has deep ties to football in the Grand Canyon State. Aguano was one of the most decorated high school coaches in Arizona history and had been on Edwards’ staff since 2019. BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — The Colorado Buffaloes are off to an 0-3 start for the first time since 2012. The program has tumbled to the depths where director of athletics Rick George felt it necessary to acknowledge in a statement that the Buffaloes have been disappointing this fall. Third-year coach Karl Dorrell is feeling the pressure as he tries to turn around a program that lost quite a few players to the transfer portal. The Buffaloes are a 21-point underdog this weekend when they host UCLA at Folsom Field. UNDATED (AP) — Three weeks into the season and there are still more than few teams ranked in The Associated Press college football poll ranked that have a lot to prove. No. 4 Michigan is the prime example. The Wolverines have scored at least 50 in each of their first three games, but those opponents are a combined 0-9 against other FBS teams. But where it is ranked is based more on faith than accomplishments. Reality check rolls through the rankings this week, looking for mystery teams. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

The Science Fiction Writer Who Coined The Term ‘Metaverse’ Is Building His Own – The Swaddle https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/the-science-fiction-writer-who-coined-the-term-metaverse-is-building-his-own-the-swaddle/ Neal Stephenson, Cyberpunk science fiction writer who coined the term “metaverse” in his book “Snow Crash”, is collaborating with a cryptocurrency enthusiast to build his own virtual world, Wired reported last week. The move, reported to be stemming from Stephenson’s concern (and “disgust”) at existing iterations of the metaverse concept, raises speculation about what its impact and consequences will be. How Stephenson can subvert the idea of the metaverse from within remains to be seen, but the move points toward how science fiction becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. The metaverse is, in essence, a playground for Big Tech. How can a science fiction writer — who coined the term in his imagination of a dystopic future — disrupt this? “Metaverse” became a buzzword late last year, as social media giant Facebook announced a rebranding to highlight a focus shift from social media to virtual reality. The term conceptualizes an integrated virtual world where people can operate as they do in the physical world, but with better connectivity across distances and fewer bureaucratic hurdles. Virtual reality and augmented reality headsets connect users to this virtual world. With Covid19 restricting physical movement, people spending a large part of their time online, and with cryptocurrency and digital spending — in the form of NFTs, for example — gaining prominence, the idea of the metaverse gained a significant push from technocrats. Facebook’s rebranding influenced other companies to join the bandwagon, and now every major technology company is developing its own version of the metaverse. However, the architecture of the metaverse is rife with problems. As Saumya Kalia noted in her piece for The Swaddle, the metaverse’s most famous ambassador, Facebook, faces multiple allegations of encouraging hate speech and violent content, especially in non-Western countries, for higher engagement. This would imply that Facebook was at least partially responsible for aggravating several situations of unrest in these countries. There’s also the issue of privacy: technological giants like Google and Facebook are accused of mining and selling users’ data, and as more people integrate on metaverse networks, the data privacy situation is set to worsen. The metaverse is also a terrain that can unleash a new range of hate crimes against sexual, gender, and ethnic minorities. A woman gamer, for instance, was sexually harassed in the game universe by a male player. “… message boards would later hotly debate whether this was “real” sexual harassment,” wrote Rohitha Naraharisetty for The Swaddle earlier. “… accountability gets harder to define in any virtual setting. There is an “update” in how embodied we can be online, with no corresponding update in how the law understands this new reality,” and asks “will our avatars have human rights? Will avatars that harm others be liable to the same punishments as they would offline?” Stephenson, in his announcement to build his own metaverse, mentions that the corporate rush by every technological company to build their own private, centralized version of a metaverse led him to want to build one of his own. Along with his cryptocurrency collaborator Peter Vessenes, Stephenson developed Lamina1 — an open-source, decentralized, crypto-powered platform that will let others use its existing framework to develop their own independent virtual worlds. Rony Abovitz, the strategic advisor to Lamina1, told Wired that the situation is “like Neal is coming down out of the mountains like Gandalf, to restore the metaverse to an open, decentralized, and creative order.” Related on The Swaddle: What the ‘Soulless Zuckerberg’ Memes Say About Our Relationship With Tech Indeed, at the heart of Lamina1 is the idea of integrating different parts of the metaverse into one single decentralized entity, shifting away from a few giant corporations dictating all the rules of technology. Steven Levy, a reporter at Wired, cites existing tech duopolies such as Android vs iPhone and Apple vs Windows to note how “platforms have dominated entire product categories, stifling creativity and just plain usability by shutting out rival systems…If this were to happen with the metaverse it would be a disaster. A company that ruled the metaverse would literally own the reality where we work, play, and buy stuff.” It may be too late to undo the fact that a dystopian concept is now a reality — but Stephenson’s attempt to fix what already exists demands some scrutiny of its own. Would a decentralized, egalitarian metaverse be an essential part of human life? And more importantly, would it fix the inherent problems with an unregulated digital world, where people are vulnerable to unprecedented forms of harm? Even beyond the open-source innovation and the idea of decentralizing the metaverse, lies the question of the utility of a cryptocurrency-fueled, non-fungible-token-laden, metaverse itself. A basic argument against the need for this specific form of a metaverse is that human lives have been connected, through social media and massively multiplayer online gaming. Universes like Minecraft already let users build their own universe and interact with others freely. Besides, cryptocurrencies are responsible for burning colossal amounts of fuel, which will only increase if more people jump in on platforms that are powered by these digital currencies. Experts have also already warned about the scammy nature of NFTs, the volatility of cryptocurrencies, and the inherent exclusion that lies at the roots of blockchain technology. As such, one needs to ask whether investing a significant portion of one’s income in building a digital world is even worthwhile in the first place, even when it’s open-source. And it begs the question: is the metaverse itself redeemable, even by the person who first dreamt it up as a nightmare?

The 15 Home Products Amazon Shoppers Are Buying Right Now – Daily Mail https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/the-15-home-products-amazon-shoppers-are-buying-right-now-daily-mail/ The 15 home products Amazon shoppers are buying right now – including an £11 silicone toilet brush and a ‘cosy’ heated blanket By Emily Knott For Mailonline Published: 03:25 EDT, 22 September 2022 | Updated: 03:28 EDT, 22 September 2022 SHOPPING: Products featured in this article are independently selected by our shopping writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, MailOnline will earn an affiliate commission. Whether you are looking to stock up on cleaning supplies or shop for must-have kitchen gadgets, Amazon is a great place to discover new products that everyone loves. Head over to the site’s movers and shakers and bestsellers charts, and you’ll find thousands of shoppers scooping up trending items. Right now, Amazon shoppers are buying affordable bedding that’s great for keeping warm and cosy in bed during the colder months, a £10.99 silicone toilet brush and an air fryer that will reduce your daily energy consumption. Here are 15 Amazon home and kitchen products that shoppers are buying. Adam Home Pillows – Hotel Quality with Quilted Cover (2 Pack) The Adam Home Pillows are designed with a luxurious hypoallergenic cover and filled with premium hollow fibre that provides high loft and long-lasting support. While they’re an excellent option for back sleepers or those who require good neck support, the brand claim they’re comfortable for all sleep positions, side, back and stomach sleepers included. £15.99 (save £4) Shop ASOBEAGE Toilet Brush and Holder The ASOBEAGE Toilet Brush and Holder is made out of non-scratch silicone that makes it easy to clean, plus it won’t harbour nasty smells. An unlikely favourite, the toilet brush became a surprisingly popular buy after TV’s Queen of Clean Lynsey Crombie shared the cleaning product on This Morning, hailing it as a must buy.  £10.99 (save £4) Shop COSORI Air Fryer 5.5L  If you’re looking for ways to reduce your daily energy consumption, this air fryer is a more economical way of cooking and is big enough to rustle-up dinner for the whole family. With a 5.5-litre capacity and 13 one-touch functions, the air fryer is perfect for making healthier versions of steak, chicken, chips, pizza and more without using tons of oil – or electricity. £99.99 Shop Philips GC026/30 Fabric Shaver  Gently remove pills and lint from your favourite jumpers and clothes using the Philips GC026/30 Fabric Shaver. Powered by batteries, the handheld device shaves off the pills and annoying fuzz balls that appear on your clothes.  £12.39 (save £3.60) Shop Slumberdown Anti Allergy Duvet 10.5 Tog (Double Bed)  The Slumberdown Anti-Allergy Duvet (10.5 Tog) will keep you cosy as temperatures fall.  Available in standard UK sizes (single, double and king), the comfortably soft duvet contains an anti-allergy hollow fibre filling that’s resistant to dust mites and can be easily washed and dried at home.  £20 Shop Flash Speedmop Starter Kit, Mop & (Pack of 12) Absorbing Refill Pads, Fresh  For hygienically and visibly clean floors, the Flash Power Mop Starter Kit is Amazon’s most trusted cleaning tool removing stubborn dirt, grease and grime in a flash. The bestselling mop comes with disposable lemon-scented wet mopping cloths packed with a powerful cleaning solution to effectively remove dirt, dust and messes from your floors – all without needing a heavy bucket filled with a soapy solution. £14.52 (save £7.48) Shop Lifewit Large Capacity Clothes Storage Bag (3 Pack)  Pack up your summer clothes and clear the space in your wardrobe with help from this set of three large storage bags. The zippered fabric storage bags feature a clear window so you can easily see what’s inside and are large enough to hold a duvet, pillows, blankets or hot weather clothes such as dresses and shorts. £12.74 (save £2.25) Shop ANSIO Dehumidifier (10 Pack) A simple, inexpensive and effective way of stopping condensation on windows in the winter, the Ansio Interior Dehumidifier uses unique hydrophilic crystals specifically formulated to draw and retain moisture from the air. They’ll help remove dampness and humidity from the air in your home. And also reduce mould, dust mites and misty odours. £15.98 Shop Bedsure Satin Pillow Cases (2 Pack)  A complexion-friendly alternative to your standard pillowcase, these affordable satin pillowcases, which are available in over ten colours, not only encourage a good night’s sleep but also help maintain hair health by minimising hair breakage and split ends.  £7.99 (save £4) Shop VEHHE Filter Shower Head  This bestselling shower head is filled with bioactive mineral balls that act as a water-filtering system that helps remove impurities found in hard water, such as chlorine and limescale, that can strip your hair and skin moisture.  In short, it can help make hard water soft.  £11.99 Shop Swan SI12020N Handheld Garment Steamer  This compact steamer is lighter and faster to use than an iron and is a great way to freshen up fabrics without damaging the fibres. Simply fill up the water tank, power it on, and you can steam clothes on the hanger to remove creases without an ironing board. It’s ideal for travel and can be used on delicate materials like silk, chiffon and tulle. £23.88 (save £6.11) Shop Utopia Bedding Duvet Cover Set (Double)  If you’re looking for ridiculously soft bed linen, then the Utopia Bedding Duvet Cover Set should be on your radar.  The three-piece set, which includes a duvet and two pillowcases, is crafted from an exceptionally soft and comfortable brushed microfibre fabric with a buttery-smooth feel that keeps you warm in winter and cool during the warmer months.  £16.99 (save £2) Shop Cosi Home® Heated Throw  With plummeting temperatures and rising energy bills, the Cosi Home® Heated Throw is essential for the cooler months.  Crafted from ‘cosy’ micro-fleece, the double-sided electric throw features nine adjustable heat settings and a timer. Plus, it costs as little as 3p per hour based on the latest UK energy tariff.  £66.99 Shop HOMIDEC Airer Clothes Drying Rack  For large families who get through loads of washing, this family-sized clothes airier has enough space to dry off a load or two of laundry.  With four tiers, two wing hooks and castors, it’s lightweight and folds away flat, so you can move it around easily and store it away when it’s not in use. £42.99 (save £6.01) Shop MR.SIGA Multi-Purpose Squeegee  Eliminate irritating streaking on mirrors, windows and tiled surfaces using the top-rated MR.SIGA Multi-Purpose Squeegee.  Paired with a suction hook for easy storage, the squeegee will wipe the shower dry without leaving streaks. It can also be used to get rid of stubborn pet hair from carpets – simply brush across the floor to collect a ball.  £8.99 Shop Advertisement

Australian Crypto Entrepreneur Lost $267 Million After Deal Collapsed Amid Crypto Market Plunges – The Epoch Times https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/australian-crypto-entrepreneur-lost-267-million-after-deal-collapsed-amid-crypto-market-plunges-the-epoch-times/ An Australian cryptocurrency investor has lost US$267 million after failing to secure funding for his Silicon Valley-based blockchain start-up as the digital currency market remains in a knockout. Michael Dunworth, the co-founder of Wyre, said he was dealt a heavy blow by the news last week that US online checkout company Bolt Financial Inc scrapped the $1.5 billion deal with his company. “I suppose money isn’t really in the bank until it’s in the bank,” Dunworth told the Australian Financial Review on Sep. 20. “I’m trying to be as realistic as possible. Otherwise, you’re only going to break your own heart. But there is the thought that I could have worked this whole 10 years for zero dollars.” The 36-year-old didn’t explain why the deal was axed. But he said that times have changed. “We had multiple parties interested last time, and though the market has changed, I’d be surprised if that wasn’t the case now,” he said. Dunworth also told the AFR that his company could either look for another buyer or move towards listing the company on the stock exchange. Meanwhile, San Francisco-based payments giant Bolt, which was valued at $11 billion in January, said it would continue its partnership with Wyre while remaining independent so that it could focus on its core areas. “We will continue our existing commercial partnership with Wyre to pave the path of crypto integration into our ecosystem, bringing Wyre’s innovative crypt infrastructure to the world,” Bolt’s CEO Maju Kuruvilla said, Reuters reported on Sep. 10. Plunging Valuations in Crypto Businesses It comes amid the backdrop of tumbling crypto price, with the market valuation in June less than half of the $2.9 trillion it was worth in November. According to Forbes, the value of crypto leader Bitcoin plunged more than 60 percent since the beginning of this year, with its current price hovering around $19,000. Ethereum’s valuation has dropped by 64 percent, with the currency’s price staying around $1,320. Associate Professor Elvira Sojili noted that the opportunity cost of investing in digital currency increases as money gets more expensive. “In addition, demands/costs of investments elsewhere also increase, which push investors to take money out from the more volatile assets like crypto and equity to the safer assets, like cash and bonds,” she told UNSW Newsroom on June 29. UNSW Business School Senior Lecturer Eric Lim added that the crypto market is not divorced from global or macroeconomic events. “Currently, we are seeing a macro environment where all financial assets are having a bad time. In the US, the Federal Reserve (the Fed) is attempting to induce a global recession by raising interest rates. The last thing that any investors want to do is to fight the Fed on this. This means investors are going to deleverage most financial assets and seek safer investments,” he said, reported UNSW Newsroom. “Therefore, there will not only be selling pressure and weakness in the crypto market but also in the financial markets more generally.” Follow Nina Nguyen is a reporter based in Sydney. She covers Australian news with a focus on social, cultural, and identity issues. She is fluent in Vietnamese. Contact her at nina.nguyen@epochtimes.com.au.

US To Restart Immigrant Visa Processing In Cuba In 2023 To Discourage Illegal Migration – News On 6 https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/us-to-restart-immigrant-visa-processing-in-cuba-in-2023-to-discourage-illegal-migration-news-on-6/ Thursday, September 22nd 2022, 3:40 am By: CBS News The Biden administration will fully resume immigrant visa processing at the American embassy in Havana in early 2023 as part of an effort to discourage illegal immigration from Cuba, which has seen record numbers of its citizens flee to the U.S.-Mexico border over the past year, officials announced Wednesday. When the policy change takes effect, Cubans sponsored by their U.S.-based relatives will no longer need to travel to Guyana for interviews with U.S. consular officers, one of the required steps in the immigrant visa process. Instead, all Cubans applying for visas to come to the U.S. will undergo these interviews at the embassy in Havana. The upcoming shift will fully reverse the Trump administration’s decision in 2017 to halt visa processing in Cuba and require applicants to undergo interviews at the U.S. embassy in Guyana. The Biden administration had restarted limited visa processing in Havana earlier this year. The State Department, which oversees consular officers, also announced the U.S. will dispatch additional immigration caseworkers to Cuba to expedite applications for the Cuban Family Reunification Parole program, which the Biden administration revived this summer after its suspension by the Trump administration.  The program, first launched in 2007, allows U.S. citizens and permanent residents who have successfully sponsored their relatives in Cuba for an immigration visa to apply for their family members to enter the U.S. before their visas become available. State Department officials said the changes will promote “safe and orderly” migration from Cuba. “These efforts are a key step to meet the U.S. commitment under the U.S.-Cuba Migration Accords to ensure that total legal migration to the United States from Cuba will be a minimum of 20,000 Cubans each year, not including immediate relatives of U.S. citizens,” the department said. Wednesday’s announcement comes as the Biden administration continues to struggle to process large numbers of Cuban migrants entering U.S. border custody. In fiscal year 2022, nearly 200,000 Cubans have been processed by U.S. border officials, a spike of more than 400% from 2021, government data show. Like the regimes in Venezuela and Nicaragua, which have also seen record numbers of their nationals journey to the U.S. border in the past year, the Cuban government has not been accepting U.S. deportations, meaning the vast majority of Cuban migrants who enter the U.S. illegally are released to await their asylum hearings. While the Obama administration in 2017 ended the long-standing “wet foot, dry foot” policy that virtually guaranteed Cubans U.S. entry if they set foot on American soil, a Cold War-era law still allows some Cuban migrants who are granted parole to apply for permanent residence after a year in the country. Earlier this year, the Biden administration held talks with Cuban officials about an accord forged by the two countries in 2017 in which Cuba agreed to accept deportations from the U.S. But the government in Havana has yet to publicly commit to accepting regular U.S. deportation flights. In addition to the record arrivals along the southern border, the number of Cuban migrants interdicted at sea on their way to the U.S. has increased sharply over the past year. The U.S. Coast Guard has interdicted 5,545 Cubans at sea in fiscal year 2022, a 562% increase from 2021, according to government figures. First published on September 21, 2022 / 1:04 PM © 2022 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Brelyon Secures $15 Million For Ultra Reality Immersive Technology – Optics.org https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/brelyon-secures-15-million-for-ultra-reality-immersive-technology-optics-org/ 22 Sep 2022 Funds will accelerate development of headset-free display for enterprise and metaverse users. Brelyon, the MIT Media Lab spin-out developing immersive display technology, has raised $15 million in Series A financing. The funding round was led by Lockheed Martin Ventures, with other participants including Corning Incorporated and LG Technology Ventures. It follows the $1.6 million in seed funding secured by the company in July 2020. Brelyon said that financing will be used to accelerate product development and hiring driven by rapidly growing enterprise and consumer demand for its Ultra Reality technology, a display monitor intended to replicate immersive and VR experiences without the need of a headset. Brelyon launched Ultra Reality in January at CES 2022, where the company also announced its partnership with LG Display. The company won a Prism Award in the Displays category at SPIE Photonics West the same month. “With Ultra Reality, Brelyon is introducing a new perspective on the future of work and play, while forging new inroads as an immersive portal to metaverse experiences,” said Barmak Heshmat, CEO and founder of the company. “The rise of GPUs and efficient graphic neural nets in computer graphics is enabling an array of computational optics in displays and making them more accessible to the mass market. This opens the possibility to provide immersive services far superior to 32-inch desktop monitors and headsets today.” Development of Ultra Reality is based on what Brelyon believes to be fundamental limitations enforced by laws of optics for any augmented reality display that uses passive optical elements, such as visors, waveguides, and meta-surfaces, to deliver the image to the eye. The alternative is to use the principles of monitor displays, but employ a monitor delivering levels of visual data that can saturate human depth perception. A 2021 Optics Express paper co-authored by Heshmat indicated that the “fundamental guidelines for designing optimal near eye displays, light-field monitors, and 3D screens” had now been defined. A new take on the metaverse and virtual worlds Built upon MIT research, Brelyon is pioneering a set of technologies meeting these guidelines and providing an immersive exerpience. One of the first results is the creation of virtual displays which manipulate the light to allow the viewer a window-like experience with extended meters of depth. According to Brelyon technical data, Ultra Reality “uses precise wavefront engineering to create a massive field of view with true optical depth layers, generating an immersive panoramic virtual screen that engulfs the viewer without the need for a headset, and all in a small desktop footprint.” At CES the company indicated that its product employed a LG LCD screen, with the intention of bringing OLED technology to the platform via the partnership with LG. Higher refresh rates than the demo model’s 60 Hz are also planned, increasing the platform’s attractiveness for high-end applications as well as to gamers. Brelyon anticpates its “desktop metaverse experience” also enabling new types of immersive applications in simulation scenarios, virtual offices, meeting rooms, events, and collaboration spaces. “Brelyon has a completely new take on metaverse and virtual worlds,” said Anshul Agarwal from LG Technology Ventures. “Unlike conventional wisdom that is focused on binocular 3D and holograms, Brelyon’s approach is to leverage depth to push on visual and functional performance in the virtual domain. This opens the door to visual experiences that have orders of magnitude better fidelity at significantly lower computational cost.”

Paulding County Courthouse, Sept. 22, 2022 | Courthouse – Defiance Crescent News https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/paulding-county-courthouse-sept-22-2022-courthouse-defiance-crescent-news/ Paulding County Common pleas— On the docket— The State Bank & Trust Company, Defiance, vs. Ronald Goodwin and unknown spouse, Antwerp; Springcastle Finance Funding Trust, Evansville, Ind.; and Paulding County treasurer. Foreclosure. Amanda Holt, Bryan, vs. Sean Holt, Payne. Divorce. Tricia Mitchell, Paulding, vs. Samuel Mitchell. Divorce. Real estate transfers— Auglaize Township — Michael Hartman to Ron and Dawn Grubb, Sec. 31, Blockberger leased land, lot 19. Benton Township — Andrew and Heidi Fry to Heidi Fry, Sec. 3, Mooney Meadows, lots 20-21, 0.599 acre. Jason Hull to Brock and Audrey Rolsten, Sec. 4, 2.464 acres. Blue Creek Township — Roy Noggle to David and Amy Noggle, Sec. 4, 39.161 acres. Brown Township — Margret Price to Joseph and Alana Essex, Sec. 35, 2.735 acres; Sec. 35, 1.57 acres. Rose and Tod Knott to Brandon Knott, Sec. 2, 0.62 acre. Joseph Woods and Amanda Wallick to Joseph Woods and Amanda Wallick, Sec. 28, 90.991 acres. Carryall Township — Joseph and Jodi Barker to Cody Mabis and Jessica Barker, Sec. 28, 1.503 acres. Billy and Elizabeth Hammond, life estates, et al, to Joyce Parrish, et al, Sec. 33, 3.12 acres. Frank and Patricia Sukup, trustees, to Frank Sukup and Linda Koenn, trustees, Sec. 35, 26.4 acres. Crane Township — Tanner and Loni Copsey to Lindsey Smith, Sec. 16, 2.587 acres. Jackson Township — Robert and Helen Sauber to Helen Sauber, Sec. 13, 2 acres; Sec. 13, 2 acres; Sec. 13, 2 acres; Sec. 13, 2 acres, Sec. 13, 49.591 acres; Sec. 14, 50.278 acres. Max and Eileen Kochensparger to Eileen Kochensparger, Sec. 28, 0.68 acre. Paulding Township — Jeffrey Schmidt to Jeffrey Schmidt, et al, Sec. 29, 9.75 acres. Roy Noggle to David and Amy Noggle, Sec. 33, 75.947 acres. Washington Township — Gloria Tumblin to Gloria Tumblin, trustee, Sec. 33, 9.13 acres; Sec. 33, 10.7 acres. Paulding County Parks Board to Paulding County Parks Board, Sec. 25, Miami & Erie Canal Ground, 1.979 acres. Antwerp Village — Kevin Krill and Nicolette Jones to Shawn Dooley, Jump Add., lots 4-5, 0.316 acre. Grover Hill Village — Terry Caris to James Caris, Sec. 26, Grover Hill Lumber Co. Sub., lots 1-2 and 5, 0.618 acre; Sec. 26, Kinkade Third Add., lot 2, 0.152 acre. Paulding Village — Wendy Groves, et al, to CMS Holdings & Rentals LLC, Noneman Sub., lot 58, 0.165 acre. Jaclyn Jeffery to Joseph Massengill and Holly Tropp, Noneman Second Add., lot 3, 0.102 acre. Scott Village — Ricky and Amy Johns Jr. to Dan and Ethan Leatherman, Sec. 36, outlots, lot 3, 0.162 acre. Ricky and Amy Johns Jr. to Ricky and Amy Johns Jr., Sec. 36, outlots, lot 1, 0.036 acre; outlots, lot 1, 0.097 acre.

Villas Of Distinction® Reveals Bucket List Vacation Experiences – PR Web https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/villas-of-distinction-reveals-bucket-list-vacation-experiences-pr-web/ Ocean Residence in the Maldives Based on our requests, we are finding that it is true — people who were unable to use their vacation funds during the pandemic are planning more extravagant trips, and some are even checking experiences off of their bucket list. WAKEFIELD, Mass. (PRWEB) September 22, 2022 Villas of Distinction®, the world’s premier luxury villa rental company, reveals some of its most magnificent dream villas that consumers may have on their vacation bucket list. Bucket list vacations have been a trend this year, and Villas of Distinction’s requests and numbers back this up with a nearly 32 percent increase in the average selling price compared to 2019 before travel shut down because of the pandemic. “Based on our requests, we are finding that it is true — people who were unable to use their vacation funds during the pandemic are planning more extravagant trips, and some are even checking experiences off of their bucket list,” said Steve Lassman, vice president of villa product and agency relations for Villas of Distinction. “From private islands and overwater bungalows to castles and treehouse accommodations, anyone is sure to find the most unique and high-end vacation experiences in our portfolio.” Private Island. For those looking for a celebrity status experience, vacationing on a private island is one way to make this dream vacation a reality. Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands is Sir Richard Branson’s private island paradise. With up to 20 bedrooms, large groups can enjoy the ultimate exclusive Caribbean getaway. Guests will find the Balinese-inspired compound situated alongside crystal-clear waters and soft sand beaches, with a team of experts anticipating their every need. From spa services to organizing water sports, there’s never a dull moment on this island retreat. The dining is also unforgettable — select chef-prepared sashimi from the floating sushi bar or sail around the island and end at Turtle Beach for drinks and lunch. The island can be rented exclusively (20 bedrooms / up to 40 guests) or individually during select Celebration Weeks throughout the year. Overwater Bungalow. This accommodation type lands on most people’s bucket lists, and Luxury Water Villas at JOALI in Raa Atoll, Maldives are what vacation dreams are made of. Perched over clear, turquoise waters, these villas offer breathtaking views in every direction – even below. Guests might spot tropical fish or marine life swimming under the villa while taking a break from the sun in the beautifully furnished, open-air interior. Just a short walk to land, there are a variety of restaurants and bars, a kid’s club, fitness center, and more luxury resort amenities. Looking for privacy? Each guest has their own butler service, so there is no need to leave the villa. Beach villas are also available. Castle. Imagine stepping back into the 18th century and staying in a castle, yes, a castle – one with all the modern amenities. Chartreuse de St. Emilion in Bordeaux, France, is a four-bedroom chateau. The nearly 10,000-square-foot castle is surrounded by a beautiful park and is located within the world-famous St. Emilion area, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Picturesque wine towns, vineyards, and shopping are all nearby. With a chef, housekeeping, butler, historic wine cellar, and more, guests can vacation like French royalty at this elegant chateau. Treehouse. An even more unique bucket list experience is staying in a luxurious treehouse. Secret Bay in Dominica is nestled within a clifftop rainforest, and the luxury treehouses here are unlike any other properties. The treehouses are sustainably built, with top-of-the-line finishes and open-air living; completely private, surrounded by lush vegetation, and have five-star amenities and services. In addition, the accommodations offer a private pool, deck, and unique living spaces that provide the feeling of being suspended within the rainforest. Guests will wake to the sounds of tropical birds and soft, rolling waves on the “Nature Island” of the Caribbean. This isn’t your traditional cabin. Bison Lodge in Revelstoke, British Columbia, sets the highest standard for mountain luxury, balancing elegance with rustic elements like harvested timber and reclaimed railway. The ski-in/ski-out property is just steps above the base of Revelstoke Mountain Resort and offers endless outdoor adventure, from heliski to dogsledding and mountain biking to glacier treks. For guests who still have energy after a day of adventure, the villa’s fireplace doubles as a 28-foot climbing wall for the ultimate après ski. Plus, with complimentary massages, a private chef, and more, no one will ever want to leave this retreat. For more information on planning a bucket list vacation, call 800-289-0900 or visit VillasofDistinction.com. About Villas of Distinction® Villas of Distinction®, as part of World Travel Holdings, is an award-winning, full-service villa experience creator with an extensive portfolio of thousands of privately-owned villas in more than 52 destinations worldwide including the United States, Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Central America, and beyond. Many villas feature excellent staff and top-of-the-line amenities – like private pools, home theaters, in-villa game rooms, and fitness centers. The luxury villa provider has gained its guests’ trust by ensuring every villa meets strict standards so that each home exceeds expectations. Since 1989, Villas of Distinction’s team of experts have made vacation planning effortless by helping travelers find their perfect vacation home and creating one-of-a-kind getaways and lasting memories at the world’s top villas. Travel Advisors have named Villas of Distinction “Best Villa Rental Company Overall” in the annual Travvy Awards since 2015. http://www.VillasofDistinction.com. ### Share article on social media or email: %

On The Block: Is There More Than Meta At The Spring District? – Seattle Daily Journal Of Commerce https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/on-the-block-is-there-more-than-meta-at-the-spring-district-seattle-daily-journal-of-commerce/  Brian Miller Real Estate Editor Subscriber content preview September 22, 2022 Although Facebook/Meta has slowed its hiring pace for engineers this year, you wouldn’t know it at the Spring District. During a recent weekend visit, Wright Runstad’s 36-acre development was busy with development on three different quadrants for that tenant. More on that below. Bellevue Brewing Co. hadn’t yet opened when I rode my bike around the campus last Saturday morning. A few apartment dwellers were walking their dogs, leash in one hand, coffee in the other. For those residential buildings, clustered on the south end of the district, Amazon trucks were making their delivery rounds. (Not yet by drone or robot, it must be said.) There were no students evident at the GIX building. But again — Saturday.   . . . Previous columns: On the Block: Arctic Club Hotel: good deal or bad deal?, 08-18-2022 On the Block — The Ave is dead; only an upzone can save it, 07-28-2022 On the Block: Traveling for business or pleasure? citizenM says, Why not both?, 06-09-2022 On the Block: A one-building IPO on Capitol Hill? Lex is offering you a stake, 05-26-2022 On the Block: Google makes opening of Kirkland Urban official, 04-28-2022 On the Block: Offices to apartments? It’s happening at the Seaboard Building, 04-14-2022 On the Block: Rhodes Center anchors an $80M Tacoma portfolio, 03-24-2022 On the Block: A few more details about Crystal Mountain’s $100M makeover, 03-10-2022

Emergency Assistance: Health Equity For Those Who Need It Most – The Times Of Israel https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/emergency-assistance-health-equity-for-those-who-need-it-most-the-times-of-israel/ On Monday, at the Clinton Global Initiative meeting in New York, I joined Anil Soni, CEO of the WHO Foundation, to announce the creation of a Global Health Equity Fund launched by the WHO Foundation and OurCrowd. The Global Health Equity Fund is a $200 million financial-first impact venture capital investment fund that will focus on breakthrough technology solutions that can improve healthcare around the world. It will support the UN’s sustainable development goals, kick-start innovation and increase investment in the health sector. Its mission is to increase equitable access to medical care while also delivering competitive returns to investors. Our announcement triggered a wave of global news coverage, including the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Reuters, CNBC TV Africa, TechCrunch and The Times of Israel. The fund was conceived in the wake of the continuing Covid-19 pandemic, which sent shockwaves through health systems across the world. It exposed chronic weaknesses – even in the world’s most developed countries – the under-funding of healthcare provision, and inequitable access to technology solutions, including vaccines, medicines and diagnostics. Even now, the extensive medical armory developed to fight Covid-19 remains unavailable to the majority of the population of low-income countries. Even before the coronavirus pandemic threw the weaknesses in our global health system into such sharp relief, the growing health inequity between different parts of the world – and even between different regions within countries – was becoming painfully clear. The pandemic was a wake-up call for many high-tech investors and opened their eyes to health inequity around the world. At the same time, those involved in BioTech and related companies were aware of the potential of innovative technology to save lives and deliver medical treatment to more communities via modern technology. Access to essential medical services and basic healthcare is declining rapidly in many countries of the world, irrespective of their wealth or development. High-income countries face mounting crises in their health systems with long waiting lists, inadequate emergency care and overburdened services. Low-income countries struggle to provide basic healthcare and are unable to meet the additional challenge of natural disasters and health emergencies. Beyond direct healthcare, the gap is widening between those with and those without regular access to clean water, fresh food, clean air, adequate waste services and the basic environmental conditions necessary for healthy living. In every country in the world, too many men, women, and children lack access to adequate healthcare because of income disparities and systemic barriers that perpetuate inequity. Despite clear models for successfully balancing economic return with equitable access, such as the provision of medicines for HIV and AIDS, the world failed to deliver solutions for Covid-19 to everyone, everywhere. It is imperative that we deploy solutions in response to that failure, including directing investment to innovation and aligning both to equity as a goal from the start. OurCrowd and our partners at the WHO Foundation believe it is time for a global healthcare transformation that will prioritize practical solutions to these critical and life-threatening challenges. We believe that the key to this transformation lies in technological innovation. To meet this urgent global need the Global Health Equity Fund will focus on developing solutions designed to provide health for all, while creating economic growth. This will be achieved by investing in MedTech, HealthTech and other technologies directly related to medical care, as well as technologies in AgTech, FoodTech and energy transition that help to reduce or eliminate health risks. OurCrowd has a track record in identifying healthcare and sustainability investments able to deliver value to patients, healthcare providers and investors. The collaboration with the WHO Foundation will assist the identification of additional promising investments and facilitate the commitment of investors and entrepreneurs to equitable access to these innovative technologies. An initial fund simulation based on existing relevant companies in the OurCrowd portfolio suggests a net IRR of 18% and a net multiple of 1.73x. Philanthropic causes The fund will be structured to ensure that a significant percentage of the fund’s carried interest will revert to the WHO Foundation to support its philanthropic causes. Associated with the fund is an Access Pledge, an innovation of the WHO Foundation to align investment with commitments by portfolio companies to ensure that their technology solutions are available, accessible, appropriate, and affordable for populations experiencing inequity, particularly in low- and middle-income settings. As part of the Access Pledge, companies will seek to develop a commercially viable Access Plan relevant to their business. The WHO Foundation and OurCrowd will appoint a global health advisory board to provide assistance to these companies so they can plan early for business models that combine economic return with equitable access. The Global Health Equity Fund will focus on healthcare and also on the industries that are direct determinants of health, including energy transition, food and agriculture, which together address markets worth trillions of dollars globally. The target portfolio companies will therefore not only innovate to improve medical care but will also work to mitigate current global health risks related to climate change, fossil fuels, and looming food and water shortages. The WHO Foundation and Our Crowd share the aim of acting as standard bearers within the investment and global health communities, demonstrating the viability of investing to get robust returns, and intended impact, with both goals benefiting from partnership across the private and public sectors. For more information on the OurCrowd/WHO Foundation Global Health Equity Fund, click HERE. Jonathan Medved is the founder and CEO of OurCrowd, the world’s leading global equity funding platform for accredited investors, based in Jerusalem.

Hamburg Man Accused Of Kidnapping, Raping Chautauqua County Woman – Evening Observer https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/hamburg-man-accused-of-kidnapping-raping-chautauqua-county-woman-evening-observer/ Scott Saracina An Erie County man faces rape, kidnapping and unlawful imprisonment charges in a series of incidents involving a person from Chautauqua County. Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announced the charges today. Scott A. Saracina, 62, of Hamburg was arraigned Tuesday before State Supreme Court Justice Mark Montour on an indictment charging him with the following offenses first-degree rape, a class B violent felony; second-degree of kidnapping, a class B violent felony; and first-degree unlawful imprisonment, a class E felony. At 5 p.m. Aug. 23, a woman was allegedly in Saracina’s vehicle when he forcibly grabbed her purse, which caused the strap to break. Saracina allegedly took the victim’s cell phone out of her purse and became verbally abusive. When the woman attempted to take her cell phone back, Saracina allegedly bit her finger before reportedly pulling her head backward by her hair during the incident while making threatening statements to her. According to a news release from Flynn’s office, Saracina allegeldy drove the woman to her home in Chautauqua County before forcing her back into his vehicle. Saracina then allegedly abducted the woman, who was known to him, by driving her to his apartment on South Park Avenue in Hamburg. Saracina is accused of forcing the victim into his residence while in possession of her purse and cell phone, which prevented her from calling for help, before allegedly forcibly raping the woman inside of his bedroom while preventing her from leaving the apartment. Saracina allegedly threatened the victim throughout the incident. The woman was later allowed to leave the apartment with her belongings. The alleged crime was reported to police and the woman underwent a rape kit. Saracina is scheduled to return on Monday, Sept. 26, at 2 p.m. before state Supreme Court Justice Deborah A. Haendiges. He continues to be held without bail. If convicted of the highest charge, Saracina faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. Saracina also has pending charges in Hamburg Town Court for allegedly stalking and harassing a second woman and violating an order of protection issued by the court. It is alleged that on Wednesday, Feb. 2, at 9:25 p.m., Saracina, with the intent to harass the woman, sent numerous unwanted text messages and multiple phone calls to his ex-girlfriend. Saracina also allegedly went to the victim’s home unannounced. Saracina was arraigned the following day on one count of second-degree aggravated harassment, a class A misdemeanor, and one count of fourth-degree stalking, a class B misdemeanor. He was released on his own recognizance. A temporary order of protection was issued on behalf of the woman. It is also alleged that on Friday, March 4, at 3:37 a.m., Saracina knowingly violated an existing order of protection by calling the woman. He was arraigned the following day before Judge Gorman on one count of second-degree criminal contempt, a class A misdemeanor. He was released on his own recognizance. It is further alleged that on Sunday, March 27, at 3:51 p.m. Saracina again knowingly violated an existing order of protecting by attempting to video chat with the same victim through a social media application. Saracina was arraigned by Judge Gorman on one count of second-degree criminal contempt, a class A misdemeanor, and released on his own recognizance. A trial has been scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 6, on the misdemeanor cases. Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox

Tennessee Whiskey “Jack Daniels” Files NFT & Metaverse Patents – Business 2 Community https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/tennessee-whiskey-jack-daniels-files-nft-metaverse-patents-business-2-community/ The non-fungible token (NFT) market and metaverse seem to retest mainstream adoption after a short market dump in June, with two rapidly evolving spaces now attracting institutions, investors and brands. The Tennessee whisky brand “Jack Daniels” is the latest brand showing interest in joining the NFT and Metaverse spaces. Jack Daniels Joins The Metaverse In a September 19 blog post, Mike Kondoudis, the intellectual property trademark attorney, confirmed that Jack Daniels applied for three trademarks for metaverse and NFTs with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on September 13. Virtual whiskey?#JackDaniels has filed a new trademark application claiming plans to sell: NFT-authenticated media Virtual beverages, barware, and clothing Digital wallets and collectibles#NFT #NFTs #Metaverse #Web3 #Crypto #JackLivesHere pic.twitter.com/3xgq8GkYAE — Mike Kondoudis (@KondoudisLaw) September 19, 2022 According to Kondoudis, Jack Daniels intends to sell NFT-authenticated media that could include video, audio, artwork, and text related to beverages, barware and clothing. The trademark will also cover downloadable digital goods, which could be the computer featuring Jack Daniels branded items. Furthermore, the company has also filed a trademark application for downloadable computer software that provides information in the field of beverages and software that Jack Daniels could use as a digital wallet. Other Brands Eying The Metaverse Space Jack Daniel now joins several notable individuals, companies and brands that have already applied for metaverse and NFT-related trademarks with the United States trademark regulator for various purposes in the past few months. Earlier this month, luxury fashion brand Hermes filed its trademark application for different virtual assets, including currencies, virtual goods marketplaces, virtual clothing, fashion show and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). On August 30, Sony Music Entertainment also applied for a trademark covering music, podcast production, artist management, marketing services, distribution, promotion, advertising, online entertainment, and audiovisual recordings. In addition, singer and actress Miley Cyrus registered metaverse and NFT-related trademarks of her name with the United States Patents and Trademark Office. Cyrus anticipates launching virtual clothing, entertainment services, drinks, and currency management software. Several other notable alcoholic brands have already moved into the metaverse space. Tiger Beer, Heineken and Absolut Vodka, which launched its Coachella-themed metaverse, are recent perfect examples. Related Formula 1 Files NFT Patent Ahead Of Its Grand Prix In Nov. 2023 Sony Music Entertainment Files NFT Patent To Validate Its Music Trademarks Explained Tamadoge (TAMA) – The P2E Dogecoin ’10x Potential’ – CNBC Report Deflationary, Low Supply – 2 Billion Move to Earn, Metaverse Integration on Roadmap NFT Doge Pets – Potential for Mass Adoption Presale Complete – Upcoming ICO on LBank, Uniswap Join our Telegram channel to stay up to date on breaking news coverage Author: Dominic Kimani Dominic is a Nairobi, Kenya based crypto news writer enthusiastic about NFTs, DeFi, and blockchain tech in general, with four years experience in the field, alongside his own personal investing journey. Dominic also produces his own NFT and crypto newsletter, taking the initiative to set up his own mailing list with … View full profile ›

Beam EScooter Review – Is It Safe To Ride In Malaysia? – TechNave https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/beam-escooter-review-is-it-safe-to-ride-in-malaysia-technave/ Why are we reviewing a Beam eScooter (a.k.a. Beam Saturn+, but let’s just call it the eScooter) and can you even buy this? Well, we are a tech media website, after all… And no, you can’t buy one here. To be frank, I was also surprised when Beam Malaysia contacted us to review it. But I guess it was to test out how well and safe the eScooter is due to increased usage in Malaysia recently. Before I get started, let me share the story of my first time using the Beam eScooter. The year was 2020, just before the pandemic happened, and I got invited by AMD to check out the Ryzen 4000 Series Processors in Texas. I used to have a Xiaomi Electric eScooter, so I’m quite experienced with them. And I was delighted to know that I could get around some areas in Texas with the Beam eScooter just outside of a hotel. This is one BIG BOI (so big that it’s almost impossible to fit into a car) I didn’t use it that much, though, because I had to pay in USD. But I still remember how big and sturdy it was. Compared with the Xiaomi Electric eScooter, the Beam eScooter is a lot more robust. I remember drifting on the wet road a bit when making a turn; you have to take my word for it because it was a pretty cool moment. Fast forward to today, the Beam eScooter is how I remembered it but with some new things. Now that I get to fully explore the whole vehicle, there are a couple of interesting features that I got to try, starting with the app. The Beam app is fairly straightforward, and by tapping at the Settings on the top left, you will see a bunch of options for you to get started. But since I’m reviewing it, I don’t have the customer rider feature to show you where and how you should pay for it. The Beam app home page The Tools in the Settings Still, the Tools in Settings are where most of the useful features are. You can do a bunch of stuff, such as diagnosing or inspecting the battery. But for me, the most important one is the lock and unlock function. So if you happen to park the scooter at a designated destination or random place where you’re scared it might get stolen, you can very much rely on this because it will set a speed limit (so nobody can ride away with it). Trust me, nobody is ever gonna bother stealing it. Although the speed limit is set when locked, you can still push the scooter but I doubt the thief would get very far (it’s like trying to push a dead cow, figuratively speaking). You can also rely on the Beam app to easily locate it since it’s already paired, so don’t fret. Additionally, you will find other functions like on/off for the headlight. But you don’t really need to use it that much because the Beam eScooter automatically switches it on if you’re riding at night. It has two brakes on each handle for some reason My thumb is too short to reach for the headlight switch lol Left: The headlight on the front; Right: An iPhone on the phone holder Left: The cupholder and speaker; Right: The stand holder and front wheel The red light behind shines quite brightly, and the wheels aren’t the air-pump type Let there be light In terms of riding experience, the Beam eScooter definitely feels safe. I’ve had my fair share of falls, from the Xiaomi Electric eScooter and a non-electrical type with almost uncontrollable speed (not recommended, no matter how cheap it is). Due to the weight, it’s able to stabilise speed and momentum quite well, even when taking a corner. I’m not sure how fast the Beam eScooter can go, but that doesn’t really matter. For safety, the micro vehicle has a limitation of 25km/h, no matter how hard you try. Even when going downhill, the scooter can detect the velocity and try to slow down. Personally, I find this very helpful as it helps prevent potential accidents down the road. Also, it’s powerful enough to go uphill, but not when it’s too steep. Before and after putting a cup of coke in the cup holder, I was really worried that it would spill, but thank goodness it didn’t The battery pack is huge! Fortunately, I don’t think you really need to worry about the battery performance. The Beam eScooter has a 15300mAh battery, so it has plenty of juice to go around, even when half-full. Even if you have the eScooter with you for the whole month (and you can’t turn the Beam eScooter off), you only need to charge it overnight once a week, and you’re good to go. Of course, it varies on how often you ride it.  All in all, Beam Malaysia is doing a good job of making the eScooter an enjoyable and safe riding experience. However, the same cannot be said for many Malaysian roads. Per Malaysian law, micro vehicles have been prohibited on the main roads. But even so, most Malaysian roads don’t exactly have the most pedestrian-friendly paths. Broken sidewalks, chairs and tables on the pathways, motorcycles parking illegally, even non-existent walkways and many more. The best way to ride the scooters is in a park or around your neighbourhood. Wanna ride with me? But what do you think of Beam eScooter? Are you keen on taking it out for a spin with your friends and family? Let us know in the comments below, have a Happy World Car Free Day (Google it), and stay tuned for more tech gadget reviews at TechNave.com.

Crypto Sites You Need To Avoid At All Costs – News.com.au https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/crypto-sites-you-need-to-avoid-at-all-costs-news-com-au/ Aussie cryptocurrency investors are falling victim to fake websites mimicking popular crypto services. Threat Research Engineer from Netskope, Gustavo Palazolo, told news.com.au of a rising global cryptocurrency ruse which is catching out Australians among other investors across the world. He explained attackers are stealing crypto funds through fake websites which look similar to the real websites used by popular crypto exchanges and wallets. The scam sites are made worse with search engine optimisation (SEO) methods adding to their apparent legitimacy. “Attackers have been creating phishing pages in Google Sites and Microsoft Azure Web App to steal cryptocurrency wallets and accounts from Coinbase, MetaMask, Kraken, and Gemini,” Mr Palazolo said. “In addition, they are adding resources to improve the position of these phishing pages on Google, so that when people search for crypto exchanges, they appear in the first results and get traffic. “When trying to login or import an existing wallet, victims are exposed to a phishing page that requires the login or wallet details that attackers then use to steal the crypto funds. “Attackers also try to communicate with the victims through a live web chat in these fake pages, with the aim to gather additional data required to steal the crypto funds.” Mr Palazolo said the attacks, known as ‘social engineering’, have become good at abusing search engines like Google and Bing to spread malicious links or documents. “A research published by Netskope Threat Labs shows that in the past financial year, there was a sharp increase in the volume of PDF files downloaded from popular search engines and that are used to redirect victims to phishing, scam, and malware,” Mr Palazolo said. Aussie traders at risk With an estimated 17 per cent of Australians owning some sort of cryptocurrency, Mr Palazolo believes a Australians are not spared the risk. “These techniques have proven equally effective around the globe, he said. “The fake pages listed in this research show up in search results in www.google.com.au the same way they do for other regionalised versions of the search engine. In other words, these phishing pages are targeting victims around the world.” Popular crypto services in Australia include Binance, Coinbase, Crypto.com, Kraken and Gate.io, all of which are “actively phished” according to the researcher. Sites in the crosshairs Mr Palazolo said attackers responsible for the phishing campaign have proven to be resilient to countermeasures. “Most of the URLs we found in August are still active and the attacker is taking measures to keep the operation online,” he said. “Furthermore, we found new phishing pages with the same targets disclosed in the initial research, and new phishing pages mimicking Binance, Crypto.com, Gate.io, KuCoin, PancakeSwap, and Shakepay.” Major crypto exchanges and wallets targeted by the phishers include: • MetaMask • Coinbase • Gemini • KuCoin • Crypto.com • Binance • Pancake Sway • Kraken • Gate.io • Shakeplay How the attacks work The victim searches for a cryptocurrency website using specific keywords (e.g. “have MetaMask account”) and the phishing page is displayed first or among the first results. The phishing page mimics the original website and contains a lot of elements to boost SEO. It then redirects the victim to another phishing website via links within the page. The second phishing page tries to steal sensitive information, such as the cryptocurrency account credentials or secret recovery phrases. The last page also comes with a live web chat where the attacker interacts with the victim and will attempt to steal more sensitive data. Keeping your Crypto safe Mr Palazolo believed that attackers will continue to use this method in upcoming months as the way the fake pages are designed makes them very easy to replicate as soon as they are taken down. “Attackers can easily maintain their operations,” he warned. As for avoiding the dodgy sites, direct navigation to your provider is key. “We encourage individuals to never enter or give logins after clicking on a link,” he said. “Instead, always navigate directly to the website you are trying to log into. “This is especially true for financial transactions. Individuals should also use multi-factor authentication to access their accounts, which is a combination of authentication methods. “For example a password and a verification code sent to a mobile phone, or generated in an authenticator app. “On their ends, organisations should use a secure web gateway capable of detecting and blocking phishing in real-time.”

Novartis To Prioritise U.S. Market Unfazed By Drug Pricing Pushback – Reuters https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/novartis-to-prioritise-u-s-market-unfazed-by-drug-pricing-pushback-reuters/ Swiss drugmaker Novartis’ logo is seen at the company’s plant in the northern Swiss town of Stein, Switzerland October 23, 2017. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann/File Photo Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com ZURICH, Sept 22 (Reuters) – Swiss pharma giant Novartis (NOVN.S) said it would make growth in the United States its top geographic priority, even after laws were passed to rein in drug prices in the world’s largest pharmaceutical market. The company said it would adopt a “U.S.-first mindset”, increase the share of U.S. patients in clinical, build capability there and give U.S. staff and executives more say and career opportunities within the organisation. Novartis’ aspiration is “to improve competitive positioning and organically build its U.S. business to become a top-five player in the U.S. by 2027,” it said in a statement. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com It ranked 10th in the U.S. market last year, the company added. Still, Novartis said it aimed to be a top-three player in China, up from fifth place last year among multinational pharma companies, while maintaining leading positions in Germany and Japan. U.S. President Joe Biden last month signed the $430 billion Inflation Reduction Act, authorising the federal government to negotiate prices on some prescription drugs and cap costs for the government’s Medicare health programme. read more Novartis announced a strategy on Thursday based on eight big drug brands as the pharmaceuticals maker reshapes itself following the decision to spin off Sandoz, its underperforming generics business. As part of an investor event, the Swiss company said the currently in-market brands – Cosentyx, Entresto, Zolgensma, Kisqali, Kesimpta, Leqvio, Pluvicto and Scemblix – each held multibillion-dollar peak sales potential. Novartis also said it would focus in future on five areas for investment: cardiovascular, immunology, neuroscience, solid tumors and hematology medicine. The company last month said it planned to spin off Sandoz to sharpen its focus on its patented prescription medicines. read more The spin-off is expected to be completed in the second half of 2023, Novartis said, with Sandoz listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange. Novartis has also been pruning other businesses, spinning off its Alcon eye care business in 2019 and last November agreeing to sell a nearly one-third voting stake in Roche (ROG.S). Narasimhan on Thursday also confirmed Novartis’ previously stated financial targets. “We will continue to deliver improved financials with +4% sales CAGR through 2027 and a core operating income margin ~40%+ in the mid-long term,” he said. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Editing by Mark Potter and Jason Neely Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Live News Updates: UK Regulators To Probe Competition And Big Tech In Cloud Market – Financial Times https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/live-news-updates-uk-regulators-to-probe-competition-and-big-tech-in-cloud-market-financial-times/ Choose your subscription Trial Try full digital access and see why over 1 million readers subscribe to the FT For 4 weeks receive unlimited Premium digital access to the FT’s trusted, award-winning business news Digital Be informed with the essential news and opinion MyFT – track the topics most important to you FT Weekend – full access to the weekend content Mobile & Tablet Apps – download to read on the go Gift Article – share up to 10 articles a month with family, friends and colleagues Print FT print edition delivered Monday – Saturday along with ePaper access Delivery to your home or office Monday to Saturday FT Weekend paper – a stimulating blend of news and lifestyle features ePaper access – the digital replica of the printed newspaper Team or Enterprise Premium FT.com access for multiple users, with integrations & admin tools Group Subscription Premium Digital access, plus: Convenient access for groups of users Integration with third party platforms and CRM systems Usage based pricing and volume discounts for multiple users Subscription management tools and usage reporting SAML-based single sign-on (SSO) Dedicated account and customer success teams Or, if you are already a subscriber Sign in Are you a student or a professor? Check if your university has an FT membership to read for free. Check my access

Former YouTube Gaming Lead Gives Twitch Candid Advice Amid Revenue Split Controversy – Dexerto https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/former-youtube-gaming-lead-gives-twitch-candid-advice-amid-revenue-split-controversy-dexerto/ Eleni Thomas. Last updated: 2022-09-22T04:08:57 YouTube Gaming’s former lead has weighed in on Twitch’s handling of their streamers, and suggests what they should do to help improve overall revenue for creators. When it comes to streaming, the two main outlets constantly finding themselves going head to head are Twitch and YouTube Gaming. Over the years, both platforms have grown to the point where they now have exclusivity over certain streamers. Just recently, Twitch announced they are planning on cutting subscription revenue for some of the platform’s top streamers in an effort to continue pushing ads. It’s got everyone talking, including former YouTube Gaming lead Ryan Wyatt. No novice to the streaming space, the once-head of Twitch’s biggest competitor believes the Amazon-owned platform is making a mistake with the new revenue split. Wyatt begins the post by declaring his love for Twitch — it was his “first home” when he began streaming back in 2010. However, Wyatt quickly weighs in on the way Twitch manages and compensates for its talent: “It is disheartening to take creator earnings in this fashion and I am hopeful they will get this right in the long term.” The former YouTube gaming boss then breaks it down into two categories — non-ads revenue, and infrastructure costs — revealing what he thinks needs to be done about the two areas. “Regardless if size, the creator should be getting a disproportionate amount — this shouldn’t be even up for debate,” he explained. “Creators drive a disproportionate amount of the work to grow non-ads revenue. They are doing the leg work to move these products, unlike selling ads against their content. “I am certain their infrastructure costs are significant, despite even an Amazon ‘discount’. You don’t have a lot of levers to pull to grow revenue if you aren’t scaling watch time substantially. This is the conundrum live-only platforms will face. “The best way for Twitch to grow monetization would be not to be shortsighted and take advantage of their live dominance by adjusting revenue share, but rather leverage that dominance to grow non-live gaming viewership on the platform to help scale their ads business out.” People online have been responding positively to Wyatt’s suggestions, praising his optimism and “forward thinking” as well as the way he appears to see streamers are “real people” and not just a way to make money. In recent months, the performance of Twitch has come under fire. From unequal enforcement of rules, to DMCA rulings, adult content, and harassment on the platform, streamers have had a bone to pick. Twitch’s decision to ban gambling on the platform is one positive move many have highlighted, but this recent news shows there’s still a long way to go.