#7 quality control tools

[yuvrajrathod4c]

7 QUALITY CONTROL TOOLS FOR PROCESS IMPROVEMENT

Certainly, here are the seven basic quality control tools for process improvement:

Cause-and-Effect Diagram (Ishikawa or Fishbone Diagram): This tool is used to identify and categorize potential causes of a problem or an effect. It helps teams visually map out various factors that could contribute to an issue, allowing for a structured analysis of root causes.

Check Sheet: A check sheet is a simple and effective data collection tool that helps in gathering and organizing data about specific events or defects. It is particularly useful for identifying patterns and trends over time.

Control Chart: Control charts are used to monitor the stability and variation of a process over time. They help determine whether a process is in control or experiencing special causes of variation that need attention.

Histogram: A histogram is a graphical representation of data distribution. It displays the frequency of occurrences of different values within a dataset, helping to visualize patterns and assess the nature of variation.

Pareto Chart: The Pareto chart prioritizes problems or causes based on their frequency or impact. It enables teams to focus on addressing the most significant issues that have the greatest impact on process improvement.

Scatter Plot (Scatter Diagram): A scatter plot is used to analyze the relationship between two variables. It helps identify patterns, correlations, or trends between data points.

Stratification (Divide and Conquer): Stratification involves dividing data into distinct categories or groups to analyze variations between them. It helps in understanding differences and potential sources of variability within a process.

Read More.

These seven quality control tools provide valuable visual and analytical techniques for understanding, analyzing, and improving processes in various industries and contexts. They are essential components of a quality management toolbox and are often used in conjunction with other problem-solving methodologies and advanced tools.

[abluescarfonwaston]

Got a report at work about a bunch of lots that had zero yield for an issue my area causes with a note that's like "You guys need to address this issue it's so common with you!!! 😡"

Oh no! I'd better look at the images we took of this and start looking into what happened!

Images: From 2017

Me: ... So like... That was eight years ago... I don't know what to tell you man.

[4c-consulting]

7 QC Tools for Quality Improvement in Manufacturing & Services Industries

In our competitive business climate today, consistently providing a quality product or service is not a choice, it is necessary. Whether in the manufacturing or service industry, the task of fulfilling expectations of a customer requires tools that help you to identify the problem, analyze the data, and the process of improvement. This is where the 7 QC (Quality Control) Tools come into play.

The 7 QC Tools are simple, effective, and applicable to everyone; they are the basis for quality improvement for all industries. Let’s take a look at each of these tools and how quality can provide value to you in your work.

What Are the 7 QC Tools?

The 7 QC Tools are basic statistical tools developed by Kaoru Ishikawa, a Japanese quality expert, to improve product and service quality. They are:

Cause-and-Effect Diagram (Ishikawa or Fishbone Diagram)

Check Sheet

Control Chart

Histogram

Pareto Chart

Scatter Diagram

Flow Chart (Process Mapping)

These tools help teams in problem identification, root cause analysis, monitoring processes, and decision-making — critical to achieving Total Quality Management (TQM) and continuous improvement.

1. Cause-and-Effect Diagram (Fishbone Diagram)

Also known as the Ishikawa Diagram, this tool is used to identify the root causes of a problem by categorizing possible causes into groups such as:

Man

Machine

Method

Material

Measurement

Environment

📈 Use Case:

In a manufacturing plant, if there’s a defect in the product, the Fishbone Diagram helps break down and analyze every possible factor that could be causing it.

In a service company, it could be used to find why customer complaints have increased.

2. Check Sheet

A Check Sheet is a structured, prepared form used to collect real-time data at the location where it is generated. It's one of the simplest and most effective tools for tracking how often a problem occurs.

📈 Use Case:

In manufacturing, it might track the number of defects per shift.

In services, a call center might use it to log the types of issues customers report.

3. Control Chart

Control Charts are used to monitor process variation over time and determine whether a process is in a state of control.

It distinguishes between:

Common cause variation (normal)

Special cause variation (abnormal)

📈 Use Case:

A manufacturing process using machinery can track the consistency of product dimensions.

In services, a control chart could monitor average call handling time to ensure it stays within set limits.

4. Histogram

A Histogram is a graphical representation of data distribution. It shows how often each different value in a set of data occurs.

📈 Use Case:

In manufacturing, it helps identify the spread of measurement values, like length or weight.

In services, it can show customer satisfaction ratings to identify performance trends.

5. Pareto Chart

Based on the 80/20 rule, the Pareto Chart helps prioritize problems by showing which causes contribute most to an issue.

It ranks issues from most to least significant, so teams can focus on the "vital few" rather than the "trivial many."

📈 Use Case:

In manufacturing, it helps identify which types of defects occur most frequently.

In services, it can identify the top reasons for customer complaints or service delays.

6. Scatter Diagram

A Scatter Diagram shows the relationship between two variables. It helps determine if a change in one factor affects another.

📈 Use Case:

In manufacturing, you could study the relationship between machine maintenance frequency and product quality.

In services, it might analyze how employee training hours affect customer satisfaction scores.

7. Flow Chart (Process Mapping)

A Flow Chart maps out every step in a process, helping visualize workflows and identify unnecessary steps, delays, or bottlenecks.

📈 Use Case:

In manufacturing, it can map out an assembly process to find inefficiencies.

In services, it can improve the flow of customer onboarding or complaint resolution processes.

Benefits of Using 7 QC Tools in Manufacturing

Reduces defects and rework

Increases productivity and process control

Improves product consistency

Increases the effectiveness of decision making when using data to support decisions

Improves customer satisfaction and retention

Benefits of 7 QC Tools in Services Industry

Improves service delivery time

Reduces customer complaints

Improves employee performance through better processes

Enables proactive problem-solving

Supports a culture of continuous improvement

How to Implement the 7 QC Tools in Your Organization

Step 1: Train Employees

Start with basic training on each QC tool so that employees understand when and how to use them.

Step 2: Identify Problems

Pick a real problem that affects your quality, such as high defect rates or customer dissatisfaction.

Step 3: Choose the Right Tool

Each tool has a unique function. Select based on what you want to analyze — root cause, trends, relationships, etc.

Step 4: Analyze Data

Use the tool to collect and interpret data. Look for patterns, trends, or anomalies.

Step 5: Take Action

Based on the analysis, make informed decisions and implement process improvements.

Step 6: Review & Improve

Monitor the results of your changes and keep refining your processes.

How 4C Consulting Can Help

With experience of working with over 2500+ clients and delivering more than 15,000 hours of quality training, 4C Consulting is your expert partner in implementing QC tools, ISO standards, and quality improvement frameworks.

Our consultants will:

Provide hands-on training on 7 QC Tools

Help create customized checklists, charts, and templates

Assist in integrating these tools into your Quality Management System

Support your team in problem-solving and performance tracking

Ready to improve your quality processes? 👉 Talk to our experts today for a free consultation!

[4cconsulting]

Seven new management tools - 7QC Tools

“As much as 95 per cent of all quality-related problems in the factory can be solved with seven fundamental quantitative tools.”

-Kaoru Ishikawa, The inventor of Fishbone Diagram

In today’s customer-centric market, quality is an integral factor in the growth and sustainability of any business. Businesses go the extra mile to provide the best and excellent customer experience to ensure customer satisfaction. Hence, efficient quality management which has the highest impact on customer experience is one of the most essential features for any business.

Introduced by Kaoru Ishikawa, the seven basic tools of quality also known as 7 QC tools are very effective in quality management and quality assurance process. So, businesses who want to ensure competitive and excellent quality of their products and services can utilize the proven 7QC tools for structuring a strategic plan for quality improvement.

Types of quality management tools

Cause and Effect Diagram

Cause and Effect Diagram also known as Fishbone Diagram helps in identifying the potential causes of an effect or a problem. In addition to sorting ideas in respective categories, it also helps in understanding the areas of opportunity through effective brainstorming. Fishbone training empowers you to identify the potential cause in the problem.

Control Chart

Control charts are used to study how the processes have changed over a period of time. Further, by comparing current data to historical control limits, one could lead to the conclusion about whether the process variation is consistent as in under control or unpredictable as in out of the control due to being affected by special causes of variation.

Pareto Chart

Pareto Chart is based on the 80/20 rule where it shows the significant factors that have the highest impact on the identified problem.

Check Sheet

Check sheet is a structured process which helps to collect and analyzing data. It is an effective tool that can be for a variety of purposes.

Histogram

Histogram is commonly used a graph that shows the data and its frequency of distribution to help users identify each different value in a set of data occurs.

Scatter Diagram

Scatter diagram shows the relationship between two important factors i.e. pairs of numerical data, one variable on each axis to demonstrate the relationship.

Stratification

Stratification also known as a flow chart or run chart is a technique that separates the data gathered from a variety of sources so that patterns can be seen i.e., the path an entity has taken through a defined process.

Utilizing the 7 QC tools in six sigma or quality management process helps in taking a systematic approach to identify and understand the risk, assess the risk, control fluctuation of product quality and accordingly provide solutions to avoid future defects.

WHEN SHOULD YOU USE 7 QC TOOLS?

7 QC tools can be carried out during the quality management, quality improvement process, six sigma implementation processes or even the regular PDCA cycle for the quality purpose for enhanced quality management.

In the first phase of measuring and identifying, Fishbone Diagram also known as cause and effect diagram, Pareto Chart and Control Chart can be utilized. In the next phases of assessment and analysis, Scatter Diagram, Histogram and Checklist can be carried out. The Control Chart can be utilized consistent quality improvement.

BENEFITS OF 7 QC TOOLS

The 7 QC tools are structured and fundamental instruments that help businesses improve their management and production process for achieving enhanced product quality.

From assessing and examining the production process, identification of key challenges and problems to controlling the fluctuation present in the product quality and providing solutions for prevention of defects in future, the easy to understand and implement, 7 QC tools are very effective. Some of the major business benefits of 7 QC tools are listed below.

Provides a more structured path for problem-solving and quality improvement

Easy to understand as well as implement yet extremely effective

A scientific and logical approach for problem-solving

Follows the 80/20 rule i.e. gain 80% result with 20% efforts

Improve the quality of product and services

Helps in identifying and analyzing problems during the process

Fishbone training aides in root cause analysis and problem-solving

Encourages team spirit and fosters a healthy culture

Identifies roots cause and solve it permanently

Enhance customer experience and customer satisfaction

[frailsituation]

Tips for writing a villain

1. Give them a twisted backstory

• A compelling villain has a past that explains why they became who they are. Make their history dark and personal, shaped by betrayal, loss, or abuse.

• What works? Their backstory should not justify their villainy but rather explain how it festered into a desire for control or revenge.

• Example: A villain who was once a loyal soldier but was betrayed by their closest ally, sparking a thirst for power and retribution.

2. Give them a ruthless goal

• Villains and antiheroes are driven by desires that justify any action, no matter how destructive. Their goal should be selfish, twisted, and all-consuming.

• What works? Let their desire for power, revenge, or domination overshadow everything. They believe they are justified, even when causing harm.

• Example: A villain who seeks to overthrow a kingdom, not out of idealism, but simply to make everyone bow before them in submission.

3. Make them calculating

• Villains are often detached, seeing people as pawns in their grand schemes. They plan meticulously, moving with purpose and efficiency.

• What works? Their actions should be deliberate and strategic, not driven by impulse. Show their intelligence, but also their complete lack of empathy.

• Example: A villain who uses people as tools, manipulating alliances and backstabbing to climb higher, all while remaining eerily calm.

4. Embrace their darker nature

• Villains are not plagued by guilt—they embrace their dark nature. Let them find power in their cruelty, and let it drive them forward.

• What works? Show them as unapologetic and even proud of their actions. They have no qualms about being feared and are often defined by their cruelty.

• Example: A villain who enjoys tormenting their enemies, finding satisfaction in their pain and suffering as a means to assert dominance.

5. Make their flaws have consequences

• Villains don’t have redeeming qualities. Their flaws—greed, pride, wrath—define their path and ensure they fall further into darkness.

• What works? Let their flaws be the driving force of their villainy, and don’t shy away from making them destructive.

• Example: A villain whose pride is so consuming that they refuse to ever admit fault, causing their empire to crumble because of their refusal to accept failure.

6. Show their manipulation

• Villains thrive on control, often using manipulation to bend others to their will. They know how to push buttons, exploit weaknesses, and get what they want without lifting a finger.

• What works? Let your villain be the master of deceit, convincing others to do their bidding without them ever truly getting their hands dirty.

• Example: A villain who manipulates a group of rebels, using their emotions to stir discord, only to turn them against each other in the end.

7. Make them evil

• A villain’s cruelty knows no bounds. They do what needs to be done, and that often means eliminating anyone who stands in their way—without hesitation or remorse.

• What works? They should be willing to destroy people, relationships, or even entire societies for their goal. Show no mercy.

• Example: A villain who doesn’t hesitate to wipe out entire villages to send a message, and enjoys the fear that it instills in others.

8. Let their obsession to consume them

• Villains are often driven by obsession. This obsessive need for power, revenge, or control blinds them to everything else—relationships, morality, or even their own humanity.

• What works? Let their obsession escalate over time, showing how it spirals out of control until it consumes them entirely.

• Example: A villain who is obsessed with immortality, willing to sacrifice everyone they care about, including themselves, to achieve it.

9. Allow for betrayal and treachery

• Villains thrive on betrayal. They have no loyalty but to themselves, and they often betray others before they are betrayed.

• What works? Let your villain double-cross anyone in their path—friends, allies, and even family. Their only loyalty is to their goal.

• Example: A villain who promises to spare their rival, only to turn on them when the rival is most vulnerable, solidifying their role as a traitor.

10. Let them unravel

• As villains grow in power and dominance, the pressure to maintain their control will cause them to crack. Their downfall can come from their inability to manage the very chaos they’ve created.

• What works? Show their confidence slipping, as the consequences of their choices catch up to them. This can bring about their ultimate defeat or destruction.

• Example: A villain who, after accumulating power, loses control over their empire, eventually crumbling under the weight of their own tyranny.

11. Allow for redemption (or not)

• The possibility of redemption adds complexity. However, it’s important that it feels earned. Alternatively, allow your villain to continue spiraling if redemption is out of reach.

• What works? Either let them evolve toward redemption—or show that their flaws are too deeply ingrained for them to ever return from darkness.

• Example: A villain who, after everything, is offered a chance to change but chooses power over love, reinforcing their villainous arc.

Follow for more!

[txttletale]

posting this exchange because i disagree with the first replier but i also think the second replier is a really bad and incorrect reply to what they're saying. it is of course true that the current supply chain for electronics is founded upon tremendous and horrific exploitation at basically every level of production. but i think 'red' here is making an assumption--that this sort of exploitation is inextricable from the very concept of building electronic devices--that doesn't hold up at all.

for a start, there are lots of obvious and simple ways to vastly vastly reduce the production requirements of computers and cellphones in the absence of a profit motive. build phones and computers that last, that can be repaired by anybody, instead of junk with planned obsolescence and proprietary firmware. without apple or samsung trying to make a profit, there's no reason for anyone to be replacing their cellphone every two years.

and secondly, i think that unlike 24/7 year-round global Banana Access, there is a very obvious and very compelling case for the production of cellphones and computers to continue in the absence of a profit motive, which is that access to them immeasurably benefits society by providing new networks of communication, new tools for administration and organization, and other tremendous advantages for quality of life. socialists throughout history obviously understood this -- that's why OGAS and CyberSyn were attempted! there is nothing about the object of a portable computer and communications device that necessitates it being built in inhumane conditions by exploited workers. everything about it could be built, like anything else under socialism, by workers with democratic control over their workplace and production. the marxist critique of capitalist and imperialist production does not lead to 'and therefore nothing should ever be made' !

[aotfandom]

EPISODE SIX LET’S ROLL!

1- “A ✨✨Premium Quality✨✨ show” 🤣🤣🤣🤣

2- no no no don’t take that- …… out 😱 y’all if you got shrapnel stuck in there, leave it until you have something to control the inevitable… leaking when it’s taken out 😵‍💫

3- aw Sanctuary Moon is basically an anxiety coping tool for Murderbot, very explicitly in the show it seems

4- “I’m a big bad Murderbot, Doctor Mensah, I am clearly superior to- *faceplant*” -Murderbot. Right before it keeled over dramatically 😅😅😅

5- Gurathin all like “you have my sympathy… but also my deepest suspicion” and honestly same

6- ah, knew it.

7- oh is that all she needs to do? Cut out a bit of your spinal cord? No big deal 😳 (Very big deal but Mensah is a baddie who can do it scared, I believe in her 💪🏻)

8- ✨Gross!✨ but I like how they’re really building out the bond that Murderbot and Mensah cultivate in the books (although in a different set of circumstances in the show)

9- oh! Squish! That was fast!

10- aaaaaah. Yeah. Not the best move MurderBot, even if she did have a gun to Gurathin’s head. But also… I don’t remember it killing people like that in the books (even human Targets, though I could be remembering wrong), but this version of Murderbot IS a lot more newly rogue I suppose…

11- oh noooooo. I don’t want them to make Murderbot… MURDERY! Noooooo please don’t.

[pinkkop]

This week's recap is brought to you by the only brain cell in My Stubborn which is currently held by Sorn's brother Thanu, who's using it to great effect 👏

QL Recap for Week 24

The 9th of June to the 15th of June

🇹🇭 The Bangkok Boy

Episode 8 of 12 || Airing on: Gagaoolala, Saturday

This show is so committed to the theme and the grittiness which I'm loving so much. It does however make me a little scared for who's going to die of the good guys and how happy our ending is going to be. I'm assuming there will be tears both in the show and in my living room but as long as we get a satisfying and fitting ending I'm happy.

🇹🇭 Knock Out

Episode 5 of 12 || Airing on: WeTV, Friday

The pronoun conversation was so cute!!! Just them giggling over calling each other by their names has me giggling as well. And now a scam on top of the debt from gambling! No wonder our mains are in a cute and stable relationship with good communication already when everything around them is going to shit.

🇹🇭 The Next Prince

Episode 7 of 14 || Airing on: iQiYi, Saturday

This show, My Stubborn, and Pit Babe all have too many side couples which is such a pity because it leaves each side couple with an unsatisfying amount of screen time. It's like the production companies want to attract as many viewers as possible by creating a wide variety of side couples but then they don't have enough screen time to give them a satisfying arc. It's so frustrating! Anyways, Zee and Nunew are doing amazing and the NC scene was fire, even if I would have loved to see Khanin take control for longer than he did.

🇹🇭 My Stubborn

Episode 9 of 12 || Airing on: iQiYi, Sunday

I've finally finished reading the main part of this book and I really like it, though I wouldn't recommend it to non My Stubborn fans. I do have a bunch of thoughts on the book and how it was made into the show so if I can find the time I'll make a post about it. I do feel like Sorn had the beard longer in the book but I can't blame them for reducing the beard's screen time because, damn, that beard was a sight for sore eyes 🤭

🇹🇭 Pit babe Season 2

Episode 7 of 13 || Airing on: iQiYi, Friday

Same as everyone else it seems, I'm entirely hooked on KimKenta! There's just something very satisfying about seeing someone who's never experienced any kind of love or care and then be shown that they do deserve both of those and more. I wish North and Sonic's story moved forward more but I'm putting it down to "too many side couples" as I mentioned in the part about The Next Prince.

🇹🇭 Reset

Episode 3 of 10 || Airing on: iQiYi, Monday

I'm still intrigued and Pond and Peterpan are killing it but I'm waiting to see whether I'll like the plot or not.

🇰🇷 Ball Boy Tactics

Episode 4 of 8 || Airing on: Gagaoolala, Thursday

I love a good fantasy! They're such a good tool to make the character face their feelings while also clearly showing them to the audience. This is a good little Korean BL. It's not the most intricate or complicated plot but the overall production quality is good so I'm enjoying it.

🇹🇭 Denied Love

Episode 3 of 10 || Airing on: WeTV, Friday

Welcome to the stage, Denied Love! I finally got around to starting this and I'm enjoying it so far. It's an odd concept but I'm intrigued and I like both of the actors. I'll probably be watching this on the delayed/non-Fasttrack WeTV schedule, same as Knock Out, even if I do have a subscription because there are just so many shows airing from Thursday to Sunday already and this lets me watch it at the start of the week.

🇨🇳 The Sparkle In Your Eye

Episode 8 of ? || Airing on: Gagaoolala, Saturday

Mr. Fang keeps being creepy af and needs to fuck all the way off, but sadly he is a representation of real people in power in the entertainment industry. Hopefully this show won't go as far as to let Mr. Fang go through with the assault on Su Yi. Either way I do really appreciate how this show has put a spotlight on some of the darker corners of the entertainment industry.

🇹🇭 I Promise I Will Come Back

Episode 4 of 8 || Airing on: WeTV, Monday

I'm loving this so much!! It's weird and different and odd but most of it is in a good way. What's particularly wild is that the NC scenes are really freaking good and very explicit which is wild for a pulp. All the NC scenes, however, have so far been fantasies from the romantic interest that appears to be the second lead, so I have a lot of questions but it's not in a bad way.

🇹🇭 The Ex-Morning

Episode 4 of 10 || Airing on: Youtube, Thursday

I'm not really hooked on this show yet. I find it to be a weird dynamic where Tam is trying to flirt with Phi but they haven't talked about why Tam left so of course Phi isn't flirting back. Tam better have a good excuse for leaving!

🇰🇷 ToGetHer

Episode 6 of 14 || Airing on: Gagaoolala, Friday

There's this quiet queer joy in me from just watching a bunch of queer women interacting and flirting which I'm absolutely loving. I'm, however, not as hooked on this show as I was on His Man which I'm guessing is because there aren't any pairings worth rooting for yet, if you ask me.

🇹🇭 My Sweetheart Jom

Episode 5 of 12 || Airing on: Youtube, Friday

The plot is plotting but the mains are not main-ing for me. I keep getting stuck on Yo's age and I also don't feel a ton of chemistry between them.

🇹🇭 Boys in Love

Episode 9 of 12 || Airing on: Youtube, Sunday

Kit and Shane keep being the best boys and I love their story. Don't know where we're going with Per and Tar but I'm curious. Finally, I am so incredibly frustrated with Kim and Mon's plot line, because The Worst Mom of The Year™ is back to being the worst after her weird act of "joking" last episode, and there keeps being a ton of interesting things they could touch on in relation to her, their relationship, and drama within that, but it never happens which makes me want to skip through their parts.

I'll either be posting on Tuesday next week or it'll be a very reduced recap because I'm off with my family for an extended weekend, but until then ...

That's it for this week!!

For links and airing schedule check out World of BL (Only for BLs)

[theambitiouswoman]

hello:) if you dont mind me asking; in your celibate do you also waive out on masturbating? And if so, are you kor scared that you in one way loose the connection to your needs/desires with time?

Honestly this depends on the person and why you’re practicing celibacy. Some will say masturbation is an act of self love. Others who may be more inclined to cleanse spiritually will abstain from sexual desires all together.

At the same time, abstaining from masturbation and sex all together has other benefits.

1. It increases your energy and helps redirect energy to other activities and goals. Leads to better mental clarity and productivity.

2. It helps stabilize dopamine levels, emotions, hormones.

3. Improves sleep quality.

4. Increases testosterone levels in men. (Sex & love actually decreases it for them while increases test in women)

5. Better athletic and physical performance

6. Enhances discipline

7. Abstinence can be used as a way to deepen meditation, mindfulness, or prayer.

And the list goes on

As for your needs and desires, you don’t lose them. Practicing abstinence just puts you more in control of your lust essentially. Most people don’t realize, but sexual desires / lust are typically a way for our body to supplement other needs we aren’t giving ourselves. For example, physical desires often connect to emotional intimacy; without recognizing this, you might feel isolated or unfulfilled. That’s why I emphasized the importance of practicing celibacy with intention & as a tool to work on ourselves. So that we can adapt healthier feelings/mechanisms.

Abstinence can redirect focus to emotional, intellectual, or spiritual needs beyond the physical. When you’re not driven by physical urges, you l build stronger connections based on compatibility & shared values. While our lust actually kills our ability to connect deeply with others. Abstinence can help you understand which desires are fleeting and which are meaningful.

[linkons-most-wanted]

Enneagram Types of the LIs

I'm kind of obsessed with the Enneagram, both as a writing tool and for life, and the LIs are so nuanced and fleshed out that they end up demonstrating many of the subtleties that the Enneagram captures.

This post gives a brief overview of what type I see each LI as being, and will link out to deep-dive pages for each LI. If you're not familiar with the Enneagram (or want to get a sense of how I approach it) there's a detailed explainer at the bottom of this post.

Xavier 💫 The Dreamer

Type 9 (Peacemaker) Wing 1 (Reformer)

The easygoing, self-affacing type: Receptive, reassuring, agreeable, and complacent

Fear: Of loss and separation

Desire: To maintain inner stability and peace of mind

"I am good/okay as long as those around me are good/okay"

Literally the eepiest type

Has a tendency to get lost in dreams and fantasies (such as fixing the timeline) while not realizing they're accidentally drifting away from the people who are actually there for them (RIP Queen MC)

Friendly and reassuring, this type finds purpose in a greater mission, though they can be distracted by everyday activities and comforts.

When they do get angry, they tend to express it with "restraint and smoldering indignation" (Misty Silhouette, anyone?)

Deep dive coming soon

Zayne ❄️ The Problem Solver

Type 5 (Investigator) Wing 6 (Loyalist)

The intense, cerebral type: Perceptive, innovative, secretive, and isolated

Fear: Of being helpless, useless, incapable, overwhelmed

Desire: To be capable and competent

"I am good/okay if I have mastered something"

Tendency to suppress emotion and to withdraw. "I can't act until I've figured this out." Literally him fleeing to the arctic to try to solve the black crystal problem without asking for help.

Despite the controlled exterior, 5w6 identify strongly with key people in their lives (MC <3)

Deep dive coming soon

Rafayel 🐡 The Bohemian

Type 4 (Individualist) Wing 5 (Investigator)

The sensitive, withdrawn type: Expressive, dramatic, self-absorbed and tempermental

Fear: Of having no identity, no personal significance

Desire: To find themselves and their significance, to create an identity out of their inner experience

"I am good/okay if I am true to myself"

Rafayel is this type to a T. The 4w5 is especially concerned with being unique and true to themselves, being creative, and defying convention. Creating all his own pigments is big 5 energy.

Seeking inspiration in pain, as we see in his Addictive Pain anecdote and Intertidal Zone, is big 4 energy.

Deep dive coming soon

Sylus 🏎️ The Challenger

Type 8 (Challenger) with both a strong 7 wing (The Independent) and 9 wing (The Bear)

The powerful, dominating type: Self-confident, decisive, willful, and confrontational

Fear: Of being harmed or controlled by others, of violation

Desire: To protect themselves, to determine their own course in life

"I am good/okay if I am strong and in control of my situation."

Eights love to challenge both themselves and others. This type captures Sylus's calm, unphased quality along with the sudden, strategic violence that secures his goals. In his businesses, he leans into the 7 wing, though he still prefers to mostly deal with things behind the scenes, as befitting a strong 9 wing.

When with the people they care about, eights with a strong 9 wing express surprising warmth and depth, and are deeply protective while not being controlling or constricting.

Deep dive here!

Caleb 🍎 The Enthusiast

Type 7 (Enthusiast) leaning into an 8 wing in academics/career (The Realist) and a 6 wing with MC (The Entertainer)

The busy, fun-loving type: Spontaneous, versatile, acquisitive, and scattered

Fear: Of being deprived and trapped in pain

Desire: To be happy, satisfied, and find fulfillment

"I am good/okay if I get what I need"

Despite his devotion to MC, Caleb is also flighty, often leaving her for long stretches of time in order to build a life he thinks can meet both their needs.

He makes promises almost flippantly, always sincere but not entirely thinking through the consequences of lying to keep the peace in the moment.

His almost eerie ability to put negative things out of his mind to focus on having fun and entertaining MC is deeply characteristic of 7s.

Deep dive here!

What is the enneagram?

Basically, the enneagram is a personality framework synthesized from generational wisdom in the form of folklore, religion, spiritual belief, and psychology. Its modern form (of nine personality types) came to be in the 1950s, and the authors Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson put a lot of work into fleshing it out in the 80s and 90s, even founding the Enneagram institute.

Crucially, Enneagram approaches "personality" not as fundamental to identity, but rather as a set of coping mechanisms that dictate how we move through the world. Growth happens when we get better at observing ourselves in these patterns, and develop greater "presence" and groundedness. Thus, the coping mechanisms stop dictating our choices and we're able to access the positive traits from the other types as well.

What are the types?

Each of the nine types is identified by its number (e.g. Type Nine) and each type has a name. (Nine is the Peacemaker.) The nine types are arranged around the Enneagram symbol (below) in such a way that the adjacent types have coping mechanisms that directly relate to each other.

Where do the types come from?

The nine types are made up of a 3 x 3 set: There are nine possible combinations of the three "centers" (Feeling, 2-4; Thinking, 5-7, Instinct 8-1) and three "energy orientations" (Resisting external influence, resisting internal influence, resisting both external and internal influence).

Part of what's compelling about the Ennagream is that it pulls a lot of different types of tradition and wisdom together into one frame of reference. For example, there were not always seven deadly sins in tradition--there are actually nine "sins" or "passions" which cover the bases of the ways humans tend to "fall short"--and therefore also our corresponding areas of growth and development. These align well to the "centers" and "energy orientations" described above.

Personality wings

Generally, a person will have a primary set of coping mechanisms (their main type) and will also display traits of both the adjacent types, though they will likely lean one way or another. These adjacent types are called "wings". So, for example, a Helper (Two) type who leans towards the moral intensity and fear of contamination of the Reformer (One) type, will present differently than a Two who leans more towards the craving for achievement, excellence, and recognition of the Achiever (Three). A common shorthand for Enneagram wings is 2w1, that is, "Two with a One Wing".

Compared to other personality frameworks

Unlike more pop psychology frameworks like MBTI or OCEAN, Enneagram is concerned with personal and spiritual growth, which means it's not entirely flattering. Every type has their strengths, but every type has their key weaknesses too--and Enneagram does not shy away from these weaknesses.

While Enneagram is not statistically tested in the way that OCEAN is, there's more substance to it than MBTI since it's based on a comparitave analysis of many long-standing spiritual and religious traditions. MBTI, conversely, is based (loosely and poorly) on a few of Carl Jung's (unproven) hypotheses. (For an excellent breakdown of the MBTI, check out this episode of the Maintenance Phase podcast.)

Since Enneagram is more nuanced and personal, it doesn't incline itself well to multiple choice tests. I do not recommend paying for one! Instead, I recommend reading what you can for free and then getting a book like Wisdom of the Enneagram if you want to dive deeper. It's a popular enough book that your local library likely has a copy. There are many more recent books but I can't speak to their quality, except for Milleneagram which is delightful and provides some useful modernizations, though I'd primarily use it as a supplement to something like Wisdom of the Enneagram vs. as your primary source.

Basically, if you don't want to do a bunch of reading and introspection, find a friend or therapist who's into Enneagram and see if they can help you out.

My personal take on Enneagram

As mentioned above, my understanding of the enneagram is mostly based on the work of Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson. There are a lot of modern voices contributing, including suggesting that each person actually has for or five types, but I feel like that's torturing the metaphor a bit too much. Any person can learn something from any of the types, so by the time your "type" includes more than half the Enneagram, you may as well just be open to the ways that we all lean into different coping mechanisms at different times.

I don't even take the "growth" and "disintegration" arrows particularly seriously--they're a good place to start for some self-awareness, but it gets a bit too "tidy" to me and I don't think life is so linear.

I personally find Enneagram to be SO useful for writing because it frames each type in terms of a key motivation and key fear, which allows for making really nuanced characters that maybe think quite differently than the author. The Enneagram resources also don't shy away from traits' negative expressions, which helps with writing compelling flaws and sympathetic villains.

So, it wasn't much of a surprise to me when the LIs' Enneagram types jumped out at me, so I thought this would be fun to explore!

[astracora]

A Mandated Holiday Break - Chapter 6

Characters: Sylus x gn!mc (poly lads)

Warnings: None

Word Count: 971

Written: 21st December 2024

Notes: Post-relationship Sylus/MC-centric but poly LADs, with my personal pov of the game and lil headcanons littered in.

Chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

Masterlist AO3

Sylus' body is an inferno. He's well used to running hotter than most. It's just another part of who he is, that doesn't occur to him the majority of the time.

The first few times you'd shared a bed, you'd wriggled out of his grasp, sweating and uncomfortable. Had he had less control over himself, he'd have pouted. (You probably didn't miss the furrow in his brow though.)

So he'd slept wearing as little as possible.

Still too much, waking up in the middle of his sleep schedule to find you across the bed, covers thrown off to cool down. Shedding your discomfort.

Next he'd taken to pulling your clothes off. Always a delight, this time a driven aim. It had worked somewhat, you'd wrapped yourself into his embrace and tangled around him, seeking out the heat of his body like he was your personal pillow.

It lasted longer, but still he was awoken by you edging away, seeking the chill of a turned over pillow and the outside of the duvet.

He'd changed the type of bedding he used, bought you new bedding.

You'd told him to stop worrying, to stop paying expenses, sometimes it was just too warm.

Sylus was sure at that he'd grumbled like a child. He wanted to hold you, and he wanted to wake up with you in his arms.

Everytime you moved out of his reach, he itched and ached like scales growing through raw skin. It was one of the few times he envied the doctor, he never seemed to have trouble with keeping you clinging throughout your slumber.

Eventually he had two things fitted, a ceiling fan and air conditioning. The change to temperature meant so little to him, unbothered by heat or cold. When you'd seen them on your next visit, you'd been incredulous. Since when did he need either of these?

He didn't answer that he needed them for you, for him, he just made an offhand comment about the best, and preparation for the future. (The immediate future. His sleep quality.)

His relief that day when he'd woken up, your head under his chin, legs tangled with his, and arms around him. Seeking out his skin against yours.

The second you left the bed, however, you'd complained for the chill. He left the remote for the new tools of his victory, in your hands, but he had gleefully held you as long as he could, chin on shoulder and hands dancing across cool skin.

Your week off has allowed him to experience that for a few days now, he's using your sleep pattern for the week, though there is no real track of time in the sky of the N109 Zone. He doesn't want to make your return to work difficult.

As he wakes, this morning you have stayed asleep, catching up on long hours. Your back is pressed to his chest and you're holding onto his arm. He won't tease you about the drool out the corner of your mouth, but he files away the image for himself. Tickled and endeared.

He doesn't want to wake you, you're so peaceful... but he can't stop himself from pulling as close as he can. Burying his nose in the crook of your neck, and breathing you in.

You smell like his last meal in every life. Like he could bite down and die happy, your blood in his mouth and your soul in his chest.

If he were a weaker man, perhaps he'd drool as well, salivating and starving.

He certainly feels starved when he cannot keep you close, desperate and dogged.

You'd teased him that he reminds you of a wolf, and he thinks that's more accurate than he likes. He would bite your hand lovingly, but tear and snarl at your command, if that's what you wanted from him.

Sylus wants to get up, if he can get breakfast ready, he can see your eyes light up. Hand you a mug of coffee, that turns his nose, in bed. So you'll kiss his cheek and sigh happily.

He feels satisfaction when he sees you happy because of him. Yet...

Pressed against you, your chest moving with each breath. So alive, and warm and his. You trust him to guard you, to kiss your neck when the scent drives him to madness, to keep you warm against the cold. He once mused that you still took his hand despite how dangerous he was, and every day he marvels more at how you continue to do so.

Now when you take his hand, you place a kiss on his knuckles. That if he had no healing ability, would be scarred and torn and ruinous. He thinks, that even if that were the case... you would still kiss them tender and raw.

You had always seen something in him that no one else did. Flowers suiting his soul, a smile worthy of his face, love belonging in his hands.

He feels sick with the feeling, overflowing from where joined hearts beat in his chest, but it's a sickness he would never wish to heal himself of. Peace found despite how little he probably deserves it.

Sylus is selfish though. A fragment, a taste, a burst of you had not been enough. Millennia's will not be enough. Until the end of the world itself he will never think this is enough.

No matter his sullied hands, or the actions he has made, some of which he would not apologise for, he will never relinquish his treasure.

His Soul.

You who owns his heart for eternity.

As he bites down at your shoulder, stirring your sleep, and laves with his tongue to your sleepy pleasure, he settles for a taste of the cure to his hunger, that he plans to draw out forever.

[windyboi101]

Cyn Headcanons

Cyn won the poll I hosted! I also got WAY more notes than I expected so I am only during 30. Sorry, but its the only way to keep me from writing duplicates, low quality HCs, etc. Please like and reblog if you enjoy, as it lets me know I am writing content people enjoy, and it helps to spread my posts around! The more viewers, the more feedback I get, which is the most valuable resource to me.

So, without further ado,

30 Cyn Headcanons (Some serious, some silly)

Serious Headcanons 1. Prior to her disposal, Cyn worked as a toy assembler/demonstrator. This is why she would overexplain her actions, since toys can't exactly speak. This would later go on to influence the Solver's outlook on humanity and how it should be treated.

2. Cyn's cause of fatal error was not a workplace accident, but execution (murder) from a higher up at the company she was employed at. Reason? Up to you, whichever makes it most tragic :)

3. The Cyn we see in the show was only partially controlled by the Solver for some sections. When she was first brought home, barely noticeable influence, like 10% controlled. By the start of episode 5, about 70% of her was controlled by the Solver, but the excitement about Movie Night was genuine!

4. Solver-Cyn left Tessa for last on the night of the Gala Massacre. She had warned Tessa to not come, which shows that she didn't want to have to kill her.

5. While J was the first to fall under control of Cyn's Solver abilities, J was the last to be 'modified'.

6. While the Solver is fully in control of Cyn by the time the events of the show start playing out, Cyn is still within the consciousness of the bodies the Solver takes over. This includes being witness to Uzi's first transformation and Doll's mind.

7. Cyn was certainly younger than the other drones, and due to this she was never switched out of 'Parental Guidance Mode' that censors swearing (Like Uzi being unable to see Nori's crude writings). This is why Cyn couldn't fully swear when she lost grip of N's core.

8. The Cyn part of Solver has abandonment issues. This is why she was willing to clone the main cast of Disassembly Drones rather than see them as just tools. It is also why Cyn was willing to leave them alone if they obeyed her orders, despite her plan that consisted of consuming all matter possible. If she could keep them as friends, she would.

9. While still herself, Cyn had OCD and was very meticulous about her tasks. For the short time she was 'employed' at the Elliot Manor, she was particularly good at stacking and arranging of objects. Unfortunately, this would become arrangements of triangular hexagons and other mysterious symbols shortly before she was deemed too damaged to work.

10. Cyn did not create a solution for the Murder Drones to not burn in the sun because she sees it as a way to keep them restrained. The less time they can be out doing whatever they want, the less likely they are to figure out any sort of deception or way to usurp her.

11. If Cyn did not have to take a more direct approach for her plan to succeed by the end of Episode 7, she would have a fear of Sentinels while not in her 'blackhole' form after the events that transpired in Episode 6.

12. Cyn's 'birthday' was April 14th, 3052.

13. Cyn seems to have an infinite supply of bows. Nobody knows where she gets them from or how she keeps making them.

14. Post-Finale, Cyn would constantly be trying to hijack pieces of technology to gain more power. Fortunately, none of these attempts would get far due to Uzi's capable technological skills.

15. What would keep Cyn docile would be allowing her to hijack weak and limited pieces of technology, like an old game cartridge or a singular floppy disk. However, this ruins any sort of data stored on the item in question but would definitely create the closest example to those early 2000 creepypastas like 'Sonic.exe' and other 'my video game was hAuNtEd' types of scenarios.

Silly Headcanons

16. Cyn genuinely enjoys tea. Unfortunately, she does not know how to drink it properly.

17. If Cyn got an animal plushie of herself like Uzi, N, and V did, it would be an Octopus.

18. Cyn wasn't one to be impatient or throw temper tantrums like in Episode 5, that was all the Absolute Solver.

19. Cyn could have been knocked out for a few hours if you threw a big enough weighted blanket over her.

20. Cyn would host 'oil tasting parties' as a crude way of replicating the activities of her former owners.

21. Cyn's 'startup message' is not "Hello World." It is instead "Violence is the question and the answer is yes."

22. If you gagged Cyn's mouth in any way, she would use sign language to be able to communicate her actions in excessive detail, just like she does when she speaks. ("Light sip" or "Shuffle. Shuffle. Shuffle.")

23. If you gave Cyn a YouTube channel, she would market it like those "Spiderman Elsagate" videos completely unironically, but then have the content be very in-depth analyses of complex equations and theories.

24. Cyn does NOT know what sex is. She thinks humans reproduced by being delivered a child via Stork.

25. Cyn's knowledge of emojis (her last reaction in Episode 8) comes solely from what she could hijack from V's mind when she still had control, since V was texting Lizzy at some point in time.

26. Cyn sees William Afton as a role model.

27. Cyn's choice of play in GTA would be using mods to make everything fly around at high speeds and explode at random.

28. If you slapped Cyn across the face, her head would spin around on her neck until the momentum fully stopped.

29. Cyn is the kind of drone to taste-test a footprint and be able to know where somebody went.

30. A McDonald's sprite would be enough to kill Cyn.

[4c-consulting]

Understanding the 7 QC Tools: The Foundation of Quality Improvement

In every quality-based company, problem-solving involves going beyond just resolving an issue. It requires deep diving into understanding why the issue arose in the first place. This is exactly where the 7 Quality Control (QC) Tools come into play. 

Designed in Japan, these tools offer a practical, visual, and data-oriented method for problem-solving, analysis of processes, and continual improvement. Be it managing production lines, performing compliance audits, or spearheading digital transformation projects, the 7 QC Tools assist teams in clearly and systematically eliminating root causes, minimizing variation, and improving performance. 

All seven tools contribute to the enhancement of evaluating processes and inefficiencies for the sake of achieving ongoing operational excellence. Their collective application builds a comprehensive system that can be used in any field, including but not limited to, healthcare, logistics, and information technology. 

The 7 QC Tools for Quality Improvement 

These tools form the foundation of any successful Quality Management System (QMS). Their straightforward nature as well as flexibility make them indispensable for any team that aims at building a culture of quality. 

1. Cause-and-Effect Diagram (Ishikawa or Fishbone Diagram) 

This tool aids in outlining every potential cause a given problem may have. By grouping causes into manpower, methods, machines, measurement, materials measurement and environment, teams deepen their understanding of the issue.

Example: A sealing two-hundred boxes of country's best raw honey fails repeatedly. A packaging team takes this diagram to help overcome this issue. 

2. Check Sheet 

As simple as it gets, check sheets allow customers to identify all types of orders, including defects, errors, and occurrences systemically. 

Example: A logistics company tracks and identifies peak periods for late deliveries using check sheets. 

3. Control Chart 

A process is stable when the control upper and lower limits are constant, while in need of corrective action when they change. Control charts display process behavior over time. 

Example: A pharmaceutical company control charts to avoid inconsistent temperature control during production. 

4. Histogram 

Example: IT support teams resolve tickets and average the time taken to do so. 

5. Pareto Chart 

Example: A call center finds out that two service lines account for a majority of customer complaints through Pareto analysis.

6. Scatter Diagram 

Example: An HR manager tests a theory about onboarding hours and early-stage employee error reduction by increasing onboarding hours.

7. Flowchart

A flowchart is one of the ways to visualize processes step-by-step. It helps teams pinpoint inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and redundancies.

Example: A hospital maps out its discharge process to identify and eliminate delays.

Where Can These Tools Be Used?

Finally, all industries can use the 7 QC tools, even if they were primarily used in manufacturing.

In ESG compliance: Monitor sustainability KPIs and supplier risk.

In HR: Streamline hiring and employee performance monitoring using flowcharts and control charts.

In IT: Use histograms and Pareto charts to improve response times for help desk services and reduce system outages.

In logistics: Identify service-related delays, optimize routes, and improve service.

These tools allow all organizations, regardless of industry, to practice fact-based decision making, which is crucial in any organization committed to quality.

How to Implement the 7 QC Tools Effectively

The good news is that you don't need expensive tools and certifications to start. Most of these can be implemented using Excel, Google Sheets, or even pen and paper.

Steps to Implement:

1. Identify the problem – Frame the issue you are experiencing as specifically as possible.

2. Select the right QC Tool – Match the problem or analysis with the appropriate tool.

3. Train your team – Make sure the relevant personnel know how to use the selected tools.

4. Collect accurate data – Focus on achieving consistency as well as completeness.

5. Analyze and act – Review all the data and decide what information will lead to improvement.

With some support from leadership and basic training, these tools can easily be integrated into your team's daily routines and problem-solving habits.

Why the 7 QC Tools Matter

The 7 QC tools are incredibly powerful due to how basic they are. They:

• Enable root cause analysis

• Support data-driven decisions

• Promote continuous improvement

• Foster collaboration across teams

• Enhance quality, efficiency, and compliance

In today's world with growing complexities, intense competition, and increasing customer expectations, these tools can serve as a cornerstone for operational excellence and strategic transformation.

How 4C Consulting Can Help You Implement the 7 QC Tools

At 4C Consulting, we focus on integrating quality into the heart of your operations. We have successfully completed over 2,500 ISO implementations and delivered over 15,000 hours of expert training, so we have the experience and deep industry knowledge to help.

Here's how we help your journey with the 7 QC Tools:

✅ Gap Assessment – Identify where your existing processes are relative to your goals.

✅ Tailored Training – Teach your teams to properly use and maintain the QC tools with confidence. 

✅ Tool Selection & Deployment – Select the appropriate tools for your specific problems. 

✅ Real-Time Application Support – Get hands-on help with real-life projects. 

✅ Ongoing Improvement Coaching – Foster an environment that promotes quality, spanning multiple departments. 

Looking to aid with process improvement, variability reduction, and establishing an organization-wide continuous improvement culture? 

Master the 7 QC Tools and more with 4C Consulting. 

👉 Begin your journey to better quality today.

[covid-safer-hotties]

ARE YOU SERIOUS? COVID-19 HASN’T GONE AWAY?

John Snow Project - 3 August 2024

Talk to most people about COVID-19 risks and a common response is, “If it was that bad, governments would do something about it.”

We’ve written previously about the analogies to smoking and the historic role governments played in normalizing harm even after the risks were well proven1.

While COVID-19 has been causing disruption at the Olympics2-4 and regions around the world report sustained high rates of transmission5-7, just this week three studies have been published demonstrating COVID-19’s role in increasing the risk of deafness8 and harming the vascular system following acute infection9, and causing immune dysregulation and cardiovascular damage in people with Long Covid10. These join the many thousands of studies evidencing the short and long-term harm of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Some people will decry the sheer volume of such studies saying it is improbable a single pathogen can cause such diverse damage. SARS-CoV-2 doesn’t care about probability or people’s expectations. It is a virus that infects cells using one of the most common receptors, a receptor that is expressed almost everywhere in our bodies. It can infect many types of immune cells and has been demonstrated to persist for years in the gut and spinal fluid of some people11. SARS-CoV-2 has also been shown to cause chronic activation of the immune system and play a role in driving new onset allergies, allergic diseases and autoimmunity12,13.

People in the Covid cautious community often wonder when governments will finally take this pervasive virus seriously. For the uninformed, COVID-19 is akin to a cold, and some particularly ill-informed people believe the virus has gone away entirely. There are still some people who are shocked to experience reinfection.

With Long Covid remaining a significant risk14,15, and promises of protective immunity, hybrid immunity and super hybrid immunity receding into the rearview mirror of ignorant and unfounded optimism, it seems people must simply accept the roulette of repeat infection. But should they? For some COVID-19 will pass with symptoms similar to a cold, for others it will be fatal. For a significant proportion it will be debilitating. And we still haven’t seen the long-tail risk. It is entirely reasonable to expect that like Epstein Barr Virus, Cytomegalovirus and HPV, SARS-CoV-2 will cause damage years or decades after infection16.

There is another way. Instead of blithe nihilism and the abandonment of principles of public health that have advanced human society for centuries, governments could instruct their public health and regulatory agencies to insist on cleaner air policies, mandating air quality that protects human health, in the same way we mandate water quality. Malaria prevention is not perfect, but that doesn’t stop us using every possible tool at our disposal to minimize the impact of the disease around the world.

Many engineers have decried the idea of needing a random trial to prove physics, but a Norwegian team did one anyway, examining whether surgical masks help prevent infection by respiratory viruses.They found surgical masks were 30% effective at reducing symptoms of respiratory infection17. This is no surprise. It’s long been established that surgical masks have a minor impact on airborne infection control, but they aren’t worn by anyone who is serious about avoiding SARS-CoV-2 or any other respiratory pathogen. A 2008 UK Health and Safety Executive evaluation demonstrated that surgical masks provide a 6-fold reduction against aerosolized virus, while respirator masks provide at least a 100-fold reduction18.

Perhaps one of the biggest calamities of the COVID-19 pandemic was robbing people of one of the most effective forms of protection: respirator masks. Many people believe masks don’t work, or if they do that they primarily protect others from infection and don’t protect the wearer. This belief is completely unfounded and wholly wrong. Respirators have long been used to protect people working with some of the most dangerous pathogens imaginable, and FFP3/N99 respirators have been shown to offer up to 100% protection against SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare settings19. Imagine how many lives might have been saved and how many cases of Long Covid could have been avoided globally if people had been told that a well fitted mask of the correct grade (N95/FFP2 or higher) can offer complete protection against infection. We don’t need a magic bullet to solve the problem of COVID-19. We need to end the denialism that afflicts us and confront reality. We need to stop living in a comforting delusion and use the tools we already know work to minimize the impact of the disease. Masks, ventilation, filtration, vaccination, isolation, and therapeutics. As this study of hospital admission protocols clearly demonstrates20, we have the tools we need to protect human health. We need to start using them.

Reading Time 4 minutes Author John Snow Project References Merchants of Doubt johnsnowproject.org/insights/merchants-of-doubt/

German decathlete Eitel to miss Paris in latest Covid-19 case sports.yahoo.com/german-decathlete-eitel-miss-paris-163813910.html

Covid cluster worsens in Australian Olympic camp as Zac Stubblety-Cook reveals infection www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/aug/01/covid-cluster-worsens-in-australian-olympic-camp-as-zac-stubblety-cook-reveals-infection

Is there a COVID outbreak at the Olympics? At least 9 athletes test positive in one week www.today.com/health/coronavirus/covid-olympics-2024-rcna164070

COVID Map Shows Surge in States With 'Very High' Levels in Wastewater www.newsweek.com/covid-19-map-wastewater-levels-1932576

COVID surging in California, nears two-year summer high. ‘Almost everybody has it’ www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-07-29/covid-surging-in-california-as-virus-levels-in-sewage-near-two-year-summer-high

Wastewater COVID-19, Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland www.bioss.ac.uk/collaborate-us/wastewater-covid-19

Incidence of hearing loss following COVID-19 among young adults in South Korea: a nationwide cohort study www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(24)00338-9/fulltext

Long-term effects of COVID-19 on endothelial function, arterial stiffness, and blood pressure in college students: a pre-post-controlled study bmcinfectdis.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12879-024-09646-w

COVID-19 related myocardial injury is associated with immune dysregulation in symptomatic patients with cardiac MRI abnormalities academic.oup.com/cardiovascres/advance-article/doi/10.1093/cvr/cvae159/7723296?searchresult=1

Long COVID and SARS-CoV-2 persistence: new answers, more questions www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(24)00216-0/fulltext

Incident allergic diseases in post-COVID-19 condition: multinational cohort studies from South Korea, Japan and the UK www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-47176-w

High risk of autoimmune diseases after COVID-19 www.nature.com/articles/s41584-023-00964-y

Long Covid risk has dropped over time but remains substantial, study shows edition.cnn.com/2024/07/17/health/long-covid-risk/index.html

Postacute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in the Pre-Delta, Delta, and Omicron Eras www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2403211

Is SARS-CoV-2 an oncogenic virus? www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9361571/

Personal protective effect of wearing surgical face masks in public spaces on self-reported respiratory symptoms in adults: pragmatic randomised superiority trial www.bmj.com/content/386/bmj-2023-078918

RR619 Evaluating the protection afforded by surgical masks against influenza bioaerosols www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrhtm/rr619.htm

Efficacy of FFP3 respirators for prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8635983/

Admission screening testing of patients and staff N95 masks are cost-effective in reducing COVID-19 hospital acquired infections www.journalofhospitalinfection.com/article/S0195-6701(24)00236-6/fulltext

[daitranscripts]

Vivienne: Deleted Dialogue

Regarding the Divine

Vivienne Masterpost

Vivienne: Have you given any thought to what I said earlier? About the next Divine?

Vivienne: Have you given any thought to the matter of the Divine’s empty throne? I know Cassandra approached you on the subject.

1 - Dialogue options:

Investigate: What qualities should I seek? [2]

Investigate: What platform do you support? [3]

Investigate: Where else can I look? [4]

I think it should be you. [5] +Vivienne approves

I’m going to choose Leliana. [6] -Vivienne disapproves

I’m backing Cassandra. [7] +Vivienne greatly approves

The Maker will guide me. [8]

I have no idea. [9] +Vivienne slightly approves

2 - Investigate: What qualities should I seek? PC: What kind of person am I looking for to take the Divine’s throne? Vivienne: To sit in the Sunburst Throne, a candidate should have grace. charm, and a will of solid steel. She must have the wit and skill to turn the minds and hearts of the Grand Clerics and the strength to see things through. [back to 1]

3 - Investigate: What platform do you support? PC: What would your ideal Divine do with the throne? What would her politics be? Vivienne: The most important thing, of course, is the restoration of the Circles and the Templar Order. The institutions which have protected Thedas for ages must be rebuilt, and the malcontents utterly crushed. We cannot allow anarchists to threaten the lives of the innocent. After we have restored sanity to the world, there will we time to address the voices of dissent. [back to 1]

4 - Investigate: Where else can I look? Where can I find candidates outside the Chantry? there must be someone besides Leliana and Cassandra. Vivienne: The Chantry is already desperate. They would not look to unordained women if they had any choice. You may have better luck searching the halls of the Imperial Court, for instance. There are many women serving the Empire who have the necessary presence and acumen. [back to 1]

5 - I think it should be you. PC: I’ve given some thought to finding a better candidate to lead the Chantry. And I found one: you. Vivienne: Me? My dear Inquisitor, Thedas will never accept a mage as Divine.

Dialogue options:

You can win them over. PC: If you can charm the Imperial Court, you can win over the common folk. ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ

Think about the possibilities. PC: Picture it! Your political charm and charisma, with the support of Andraste’s Herald backing you. ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ

They will if I say so. PC: With Andraste’s Herald supporting you, what can they do?

Vivienne: You do have a point, and I suppose there is no better way to restore order than to do it myself… If you are gracious enough to support me, my dear, I can hardly refuse, now can I? Will you excuse me, Inquisitor? I need to make some arrangement. [22]

6 - I’m going to choose Leliana. PC: I’m going to support Leliana. Vivienne (positive approval): Allow me to be blunt, my dear. Vivienne (low approval): I suppose I have little choice but to state the obvious. Vivienne: Leliana is a well meaning fool. She will do irreparable harm to countless people in the name of “freedom.”

Dialogue options:

It’s for the greater good. [10]

Give the spy some credit. [11]

She’s easier to control. [12] -Vivienne slightly disapproves (PC romancing Cassandra)

10 - It’s for the greater good. PC: Freeing the mages will benefit everyone. Vivienne: Your naivety is so charming, Inquisitor. ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ 11 - Give the spy some credit. PC: She’s a spy. I trust her ability to be subtle and calculating. Vivienne: She’s a spy darling, not a diplomat. She solves all her problems with a knife. ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ 12 - She’s easier to control. PC: Cassandra is too headstrong. Leliana is easier to keep under control. Vivienne (PC romancing Cassandra): Cassandra would do anything for you, my dear. Leliana sees you as a means to an end. Vivienne: Cassandra believes you’re Andraste’s agent in the word. Leliana thinks you’re a useful tool. ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ 13 - Scene continues. ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ Vivienne: Leliana is determined to end the Circle. And you would help her? What do you think you’re offering us? Liberty? Happiness? An equal place in the world? But what is the price? What does that freedom truly mean? ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ Dialogue options:

Freedom is worth any price. [14]

Change is a necessary evil. [15]

It doesn’t cost anything. [16]

14 - Freedom is worth any price. PC: It doesn’t matter. Freedom and equality are worth any sacrifice. Vivienne: Whose sacrifice? ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ 15 - Change is a necessary evil. PC: Change is difficult, but we need it. Without it, we’ll wither and die. Vivienne: Some things are beyond our power to change, Inquisitor. ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ 16 - It doesn’t cost anything. PC: To grant mages freedom isn’t to take it away from anyone else. Vivienne: Oh, really? And where do you think these free mages will live? In some distant country of their own? ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ 17 - Scene continues. ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ Vivienne: The free mages will live among ordinary men and women who will look upon us with dread. And they should, for the free mages will ash out. How dare the world hate them? How dare it fear them? If they are to be treated as monsters, they will become monsters. ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ Dialogue options:

We can’t punish everyone. [18]

They do that now. [19]

We’ll deal with that later. [20]

18 - We can’t punish everyone. PC: We can’t lock up all mages because a few will lash out. That’s not fair… or reasonable. Vivienne: When has life ever been fair or reasonable? ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ 19 - They do that now. PC: Vivienne, that already happens. The Circle doesn’t stop it. Vivienne: The Circle contains it! When an angry mage lashes out inside a tower, villages aren’t destroyed! You propose to let them loose with nothing but a solemn promise not to murder children. ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ 20 - We’ll deal with that later. PC: If there are problems, we’ll deal with them. I’m not going to worry about that now. Vivienne: Of course not. You’ve thought nothing of the consequences of this madness. ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ 21 - Scene continues. ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ Vivienne: You would buy the freedom of a few mages with generations of terror. Is that worth it? Do you think, when fear covers them like a shroud, people won’t fight back? Good, honest folk defending their homes and families… Mages will die, and ordinary men will die in a war that can never be won. Unless you can grant magic to all people, Inquisitor, we can never be free. You should go, my dear. There’s still a battle to be fought. [22]

7 - I’m backing Cassandra. PC: Cassandra is my choice. Vivienne: I’m relieved to hear it. Cassandra is our only hope of restoring order after all this chaos. Vivienne (positive approval): I knew you would see us on the right course. Vivienne (low approval):: Your wisdom on this matter is refreshing, my dear. Vivienne: But I’ve kept you long enough my dear. There’s a battle to prepare for. [22]

8 - The Maker will guide me. PC: I will know when the time comes, the Maker will guide me to the right choice. Vivienne: I will pray, then, that He guides you down the path that leads us to stability and order. I’m sure you will make the right decision when the time comes. But I’ve kept you long enough my dear. There’s a battle to prepare for. [22]

9 - I have no idea. PC: I don’t have the slightest idea who to support. Vivienne: Personally, I would suggest Cassandra, Inquisitor. Thedas will need a strong hand to restore order in the aftermath of all this chaos. But I’ve kept you long enough my dear. There’s a battle to prepare for. [22]

22 - Scene ends.

[my-wellness-way]

Effective Strategies to Crush Your Weight Loss Goals in 2025

Are you ready to make 2025 the year you finally achieve your weight loss goals? With so much information out there, finding the right strategies can be overwhelming.

This guide will simplify the process and provide you with actionable, science-backed tips to crush your weight loss journey this year.

1. Set Realistic and Specific Goals

The first step to achieving your weight loss goals is defining them clearly. Instead of vague resolutions like "lose weight," aim for specific and measurable targets, such as "lose 15 pounds in 3 months by exercising 4 times a week and eating 1,800 calories per day."

Why it works:

Helps you stay focused and track progress.

Encourages long-term lifestyle changes rather than quick fixes.

2. Prioritize a Balanced Diet Over Extreme Dieting

Fad diets may offer quick results, but they are rarely sustainable. Focus on a balanced diet that includes lean proteins, healthy fats, whole grains, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Limit processed foods and added sugars.

Pro Tip: Incorporate more plant-based meals, as studies show they can help with weight management and overall health.

3. Make Meal Prep a Weekly Habit

Meal prepping helps you control portion sizes and resist unhealthy choices when hunger strikes. Dedicate a few hours each week to prepare nutritious meals and snacks in advance.

Benefits of meal prep:

Saves time and money.

Keeps you consistent with your calorie and nutrient intake.

4. Stay Active with a Mix of Workouts

Exercise is key to burning calories and building muscle. Combine cardio workouts (like running or cycling) with strength training to maximize fat loss and boost metabolism.

2025 Fitness Trends to Try:

- High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT).

- Online fitness classes for convenience.

- Group sports to keep workouts fun and engaging.

5. Track Your Progress

Using a journal or app to monitor your food intake, workouts, and weight loss progress can help you stay accountable. Apps like MyFitnessPal or Fitbit offer tools to track calories and exercise effortlessly.

Pro Tip: Celebrate small milestones to stay motivated, whether it's fitting into an old pair of jeans or reaching a fitness goal.

6. Focus on Sleep and Stress Management

Poor sleep and high stress levels can hinder weight loss by increasing hunger hormones like ghrelin. Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep per night and practice stress-reducing techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.

7. Stay Hydrated

Drinking water not only keeps you hydrated but also helps with appetite control and metabolism. Replace sugary drinks with water, herbal teas, or infused water for variety.

Quick Tip: Drink a glass of water before meals to avoid overeating.

8. Build a Support System

Having friends, family, or online communities supporting your weight loss journey can make a huge difference. Share your goals and progress, and don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance from dietitians or personal trainers if needed.

9. Be Patient and Consistent

Weight loss is a journey, not a sprint. Plateaus are normal, and progress may vary. Focus on consistency and celebrate non-scale victories, like improved energy levels or better mood.

10. Leverage Technology and Tools

Use wearable fitness trackers, calorie counters, and AI-powered apps to personalize and optimize your weight loss journey. These tools can provide insights into your habits and suggest improvements.

Conclusion

Achieving your weight loss goals in 2025 doesn’t have to be daunting. By setting realistic goals, maintaining a balanced diet, staying active, and using the right tools, you can stay on track and see lasting results. Remember, consistency and patience are key.

Start implementing these strategies today, and watch yourself crush your weight loss goals this year!

#trending #workout #fyp #health