#Encapsulants Market Research | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

prettyinpurplelights · 2 years ago

Text

IV.

“I cannot believe we actually made it.” Mia gripped your hand excitedly, her acrylic nails digging painfully into your skin.

“Girl, hold my hand any tighter and you’ll crush my bones. I won’t have a hand to collect my diploma with.” You giggled softly, prying her fingers off the back of your hand so you could lace your fingers together instead, her sweaty palm pressing against yours.

“Sorry.” She replied and you squeezed her hand in response. “I’m just so nervous, can you believe after all our hard work, we’re finally here?”

“I know.” You sighed, looking out into the audience of family members and friends that were filling into the giant cathedral to watch and support their loved ones on one of the most important days of their lives. You and Mia had finally come to the end of your degrees, and today would encapsulate the last four years of all nighters and countless assignments. You were graduating with a Master’s degree in fashion design and marketing, Mia in medical neuroscience with psychology. As well as saying goodbye to your university, you were both parting ways with the city too, leaving Marseille for Paris early the following morning. During your final year, your main project was to put on your own fashion show, making the pieces as well as being responsible for promoting and marketing the event. You didn’t sleep for several weeks, but it had all been worth it because the show was a huge success, landing you the highest grade in your cohort as well as a job waiting for you at Louis Vuitton, whom having interned for them the summer before, and after your show being such a hit, offered you a place at their headquarters in Paris. Mia had also secured a fellowship in one of the biggest hospitals in the country, working with their research department on new treatments and cures and finding the causes for all sorts of illnesses to do with the brain that she had tried to explain to you but had gone completely over your head. All you understood was that it was incredibly competitive and very hard to get into, so you were extremely proud of her, and very excited to start this new chapter of your young adult lives together. You had already leased an apartment to share, and moved almost all your stuff over during the summer break. It was now a matter of starting to unpack and make it more of a home when you both returned to Paris for the last time in less than 24 hours.

“Ouuu I see Elliot!” Mia squealed, waving her hand that wasn’t holding yours excitedly. “He’s with our parents, come on, let's go and say hi before grad starts.” She stood up, dragging you down the small steps where the choir would usually be during mass, instead, today, it was where the graduates were to be seated during the graduation ceremony. She pulled you through the aisle, mumbling a few excuse me’s as you weaved through the sea of people talking to each other, the atmosphere electrified with excitement and anticipation for the upcoming ceremony.

“Mommy, Daddy!” Mia's smile grew wider as she hugged her parents tightly. Her parents had moved to London when she was 14, her dad’s hotel business was expanding and he’d started to branch out into the rest of Europe. Mia was supposed to have gone with them but she didn’t want to move to England, and after a lot of bargaining, she’d managed to agree with her parents that she’d live with her grandmother instead, hence how you became friends, she had moved to Bondy late into the school year and the only spare seat in your form tutor was next to you and the rest was history. Unfortunately, Mia’s grandmother had passed away just before she was due to start university, and since she was officially an adult, her parents let her stay in France. She’d fly out to see them regularly but it had been a while since she last saw them, and they’re very busy people so you knew she was very pleased to have them here and you’re glad they could show up for her.

You hugged your own parents, your dad clicking at his camera repeatedly, making sure he had enough photos to commemorate this occasion.

“Dad, I don’t even think I’m in the frame in the one you just took.” You laughed at him, as he squinted behind the lens.

“Close enough! I’m so proud of you, my sweet baby girl.” He leant over to kiss your cheek before walking off, muttering about finding someone to take a group photograph.

“You know I don’t think he made such a fuss when I was graduating.” Elliot appeared by your side, his hand reaching up to grab your cap, to remove it so he could ruffle your hair. You ducked under his arm, knowing exactly what he was trying to do and pushed him away from you.

“Don’t you dare El, I was up at 6 this morning doing my hair, you’re not messing it up!” You scowled. “And besides, we both know I’m mum and dad’s favourite.” You added. A smug smile spread across your face as you shrugged your shoulders.

“Whatever,” he rolled his eyes. “At least I’m the smart one, all you do is play with pretty fabric all day.” Elliot had graduated with a degree in sports science the year before, ending up at PSG, working as part of their medical staff. From what he had told you, he was really enjoying himself, and it probably helped that it was the same team Kylian played for, those two together, you were sure they were putting the other PSG players and staff members through hell.

“You know without people like Y/N, the rest of us would have nothing to wear, you’d be naked right now.” Mia slid up to Elliot, her arm wrapping around his waist as his went over her shoulder and squeezed it.

“I know you wouldn’t complain about that.” He replied.

“Mmmm, probably not.” She looked up at him, pursing her lips as he reached down to kiss her.

“Ew, the both of you. Please, I’m literally standing right here.”

They both laughed, pulling away just as your dad returned, some poor 20-something looking boy in his stead, holding the camera.

“Where’s Marco? Is he not coming?” Elliot asked, craning his head around to see if he could spot your boyfriend.

“Um…he’s in Tokyo. We broke up.”

Ex-boyfriend.

“Oh shit, sorry sis. What hap-“

“Group photo everyone, quick together!” Your dad interrupted his sentence, and you were thankful for his extraness in that moment, not wanting to answer any questions about your break-up. Your dad ushered you, your mum, Elliot, Mia and her parents into a huddle. It took a couple of minutes to organise everybody, your dad was kind of a perfectionist; it’s probably where Elliot got it from. You were stood between Mia and your mum, your brother behind the both of you. You turned to face him and from the look in your eyes and the way your lip turned downward slightly, he knew what you were going to ask, the issue of Marco long forgotten. Someone else was on your mind now.

“He’s going to be here Y/N. He might be a bit late, but he’ll be here.”

“He didn’t come down with you?”

“I had to pick Mum and Dad up so we got a later flight, he said he’d make it down himself. He wouldn’t miss this. I’m sure he’s on his way.”

You nodded, as you turned back to the boy holding the camera, mustering up the biggest smile you could, trying to ignore the way your heart felt so heavy in your chest and the sudden way your gown started to feel stuffy and uncomfortable. You and Kylian weren’t on bad terms, in fact, you were great. It had been almost three years since you’d decided to take a step back from him, and focus on yourself and who you were outside loving him. Not to say you stopped loving him, you don’t think that was something you’d ever be able to do, but you’d reached a point where he wasn’t all you thought about and it didn’t dictate everything you did and consume your entire being. You’d even managed to date someone this year, your first official boyfriend, Marco, for about 10 months, until he had to move to Japan for a student exchange transfer and you’d mutually decided to end things while you were on a good note because long distance for a whole year was not worth it; you’d remained friends though. You liked him a lot, but you didn’t love him, which was one of the reasons why he’d also agreed, howbeit reluctantly, to break up before his transfer, he’d told you he loved you 2 months prior and you were still yet to say it back. He had wanted to stay for you, but you encouraged him to go, not wanting to hold him back, especially when his feelings were so strong for you and yours were…well, not as strong. You didn’t want to disappoint him if you still couldn’t commit several months down the line and he’d thrown his future away for you.

“Graduates please make your way to your assigned seats, the ceremony will begin in 5 minutes.”

You and Mia hugged your families one more time before making your way back towards the stage. Your phone buzzed in your hand as you sat down, bringing it up to your face.

“Kylian?” Mia asked, her inquisitive nature causing her to lean over your shoulder and read the text on your phone.

“Ouuuu Marcoooo.” She sang teasingly as sat back and unlocked her own phone.

Hey, I know we’re not together anymore, but you’re still my friend so I wanted to wish you luck today! ♥️ proud of you always

Thank you Marco 🥺 I really appreciate it. How’s Japan treating you?

It’s amazing. The culture is just wow. And the sushi DEFINITELY tastes better here. You’d love it.

Your fingers hovered over the keyboard, ready to type out a reply when he sent another message.

I miss you.

You heard Mia wince audibly next to you, obviously reading the conversation between you and Marco.

“Get your big ass head out of my business.” You bumped your shoulder against hers as you sent Marco a quick reply about the ceremony starting so you had to go, not at all in the mood to unpack what that “I miss you” meant.

“Shame. I liked Marco. He was good for you.”

“Mmmm.”

“At least he congratulated you, better than that idiot your brother calls a best friend.”

“Ky’s our best friend too. And I thought you were on his side? Team KyY/N?”

“That was two years ago Y/N. He couldn’t even be bothered to send you a message about not coming.”

“El said he’d be here.”

“You think so?”

“I told him about today personally. He promised me he’d be here. For the both of us.”

“Oh we both know which one of us he’s coming for. And honestly I couldn’t give a fuck if he shows up for me, no offence. But for you? I’m skinning him alive the second we get to Paris.”

“He’ll be here.” You whispered to no one, almost as though you were trying to convince yourself. He had given you his word he wouldn’t miss today when you’d called him a few months ago about it. Initially you thought it might be weird, speaking to him on the phone, since you’d only been texting recently, but the thing about you and Kylian is no matter how much time you spent apart, you never fail to fall right back into your usual stead of things.

You hadn’t seen him since your birthday at the end of January, where there’d been a sort of awkward moment when you’d introduced him to Marco, who then had been your official boyfriend for a couple of weeks. He had just gotten back together with Renee, they had been together since your little confrontation at the airport two years back when you’d told him to focus on her. They had been on and off since they’d started dating, from what you’ve seen in the media, Kylian never really talked to you about her. From what you’d read over the course of the years, they’d broken up a couple of times, not that you cared or were keeping count.

******

He picked up after 3 rings, his face filling the screen when he answered. You gave him a little wave and a smile spread across his features, his dimples greeting you.

“Y/N. Hey.”

“Hi!” You replied, your voice chirpier than you’d expected it to be.

“You okay? Did something happen?”

He must’ve noticed the way you anxiously chewed at your bottom lip, your telltale sign something was wrong or you were nervous. In a similar way, he would squeeze his eyebrows together and his nose would twitch involuntarily when he was feeling the same. The harder he scrunched his eyebrows, the less nervous he was, the increased frequency of frown lines strewn across his forehead meant he was more likely to be angry instead. You knew each other’s tics and tells, probably better than you knew your own. By logic you and Kylian should’ve worked, you complemented and contrasted each other in the most perfect ways, but for some reason, the universe didn’t seem to agree and rather preferred to have the two of you in constant awkward situations and miscommunications leading to petty arguments. It was a quite cruel joke to be honest.

“Um, no, everything’s fine, I’m good. I was just wondering what you were doing August 1st.”

“Hmmm, the league starts again the week after that I’m sure, so just training.”

“Or nothing, if that’s what you need me to be doing.” He added and you couldn’t help the way your heart fluttered a little bit his words.

“Well Mia and I are finally graduating on the 1st. My parents and Elliot will be there. I was wondering if you wanted to come-“

“I’ll be there.”

“Really?” He laughed at your response.

“Gummy, you’ve wanted to be a fashion designer for as long as I’ve known you. I remember when you took it upon yourself to be mine and El’s stylists in middle school, I don’t even know why I let you do that, you used to put me in the most ridiculous outfits.”

“All you wanted to wear to school was your football kit.” You rolled your eyes. “I was trying to broaden your horizon a little bit.”

“Even then, you had talent, I can’t even imagine what you’re able to do now.”

“Well not to brag, but I am on track to finish top of my class.”

“Didn’t expect anything less from my girl.” He smiled genuinely and heat rose rapidly to your cheeks as you looked away from him for a moment.

“Of course I want to be there for you. But are you sure you’re 100% about it? Not to brag, but I am kind of a hotshot on the football scene right now.” He mocked, using your words against you playfully.

“Oh shut up!”

He laughed again, before continuing.

“I’m serious though Y/N, I know you like to stay out of the limelight and stuff, I don’t want to ruin that for you or steal attention away. This isn’t a private party like your birthday.”

“I want you there Ky, I want everyone I love there. I’ll be okay.” You nodded. Just then, you heard your boyfriend call out from your bedroom, his voice growing louder as he neared you in the kitchen.

“You ready babe?” He wrapped his arms around your waist, pressed a kiss against your cheek when he noticed you were on the phone.

“Oh hey man!” He waved at the screen. “How are you doing Kylian!”

“Hey…Marco. I’m good.” The smile on Kylian’s face dropped briefly as he greeted your boyfriend with a slight grimace. You quirked your eyebrow, wondering what the hell that was about but now it was his turn to break eye contact, looking everywhere but at you and Marco.

“How’s Renee?”

“Ummm she’s good. We’re…good.”

“Still can’t believe this guy is dating the biggest supermodel in the world, very fitting.”

You scowled, turning to face Marco, his comment grating on you a little bit.

“As opposed to you dating what?” You questioned, daring him to say some more bullshit.

“The hottest, smartest, kindest girl in the world of course.”

“Hmmm, better be.”

“How did you deal with her quick temper all your life Kylian?” Marco asked, and you elbowed his rib in response.

“You see what I mean?” He laughed, walking away from you. Kylian didn’t even bat an eye, he looked like he wanted to be anywhere else in the world at that moment.

“So anyways-“ You started but Kylian interrupted you, the words tumbling out of his mouth faster than you could register them.

“I gotta go. But I’ll be there August 1st. You have my word.”

“Oh, okay, yeah sure. Say hi to Renee for me.” You had barely managed to get out before he ended the FaceTime abruptly.

******

That was the last time you’d spoken, save the occasional text, but not once had he mentioned he wouldn’t be able to make it to your graduation. So by the time the ceremony was done and you had collected your diploma and walked down the aisle to cheers from your family, received more congratulations and took even more pictures and said your goodbyes to your family, to say you were simply pissed off was a great understandment. Some fool had even thought it would be funny to do Kylian’s infamous goal celebration in front of the cameras before collecting his diploma which amused everyone in the cathedral but vexed you even more. Kylian had always been there for you, he’s always tried his best to be present when you needed him, this was one of very few times he hadn’t shown up for you. But it hurt still, this was probably the most important thing you’d needed him for, and he’d not even bothered to shoot you a text he would be a no show.

“I know for sure he got on that plane Y/N.” Elliot had tried to reassure you earlier when you’d walked him and your parents to the Uber they had booked to take them back to the airport.

“Well that means fuck all to me. He’s not here.”

“Gosh he’s such an idiot. I’m going to skin him alive when I see him.”

“Funny your girlfriend said the same thing.” You laughed, but not really feeling humoured in the slightest. “Don’t worry about it El, I don’t know why I expected any different from him.”

“I know he has the funniest way of showing it, but he cares about you Y/N. And he loves you.” You ignored his comment, giving him one last hug before he slid into the front seat of the cab.

“I love you El.”

“Love you too sis. Always. You and Mia have fun tonight alright? And I’ll see you guys tomorrow.”

You nodded, saying goodbye to your parents once more before the car pulled away. Mia appeared at your side, leaning her head on your shoulder.

“Mia?”

“Mmhm?” She replied.

“Let’s get absolutely fucking wasted tonight.”

———

“Why the fuck did you listen to me when I said we should get wasted last night.” You groaned, flopping onto the couch, your suitcases abandoned by the door. You’d finally arrived at your apartment in Paris, a little before midday, exhausted and terribly hungover.

“You looked like you needed it.” Mia sat by your side, laying your head on her chest and rubbing your shoulders.

“You’re so lucky you recover quickly, I still feel like I’ve been hit by a monster truck.”

“I’m gonna go out and do some food shopping, I’ll bring you something. Get some rest.”

You’d practically gone straight from the bar to the train station. You, Mia and your group of university friends had gone out to celebrate graduating, and also spend one last night together before you all split and went your different ways. It had been a great night, but you’re definitely regretting it now, as you were sure the others were too. You hadn’t even had a chance to shower as you and Mia had to pack the last of your stuff and hand in your old keys to the landlord before 7am since the train to Paris Lyon was leaving Marseille St. Charles around 8.

You decided to take a long shower while Mia was gone, you usually felt much better after a good soak. You’re glad to have your little travel toiletries bag because you had absolutely no idea where anything was; the apartment was filled with countless unopened cardboard boxes. You had about two weeks before your new job started so you and Mia could hopefully unpack and decorate in that time.

Definitely starting tomorrow. There was absolutely no way you’d be putting together furniture and organising your wardrobe today, you planned to stay in bed as long as you could instead.

You had just stepped out of the shower when you heard the doorbell ring, probably Mia who had forgotten her keys. You wrapped your towel around you, securing it as you opened the door.

“Did you not take your key-“ You looked up, your sentence breaking down half way through when you realised it wasn’t Mia in front of you. You rolled your eyes, moving to close the door in his face but he was quick, his foot reaching out to block the door from locking.

“Y/N, hear me out, please.”

“I don’t give a fuck about what you have to say Kylian, take your foot out of the way before I crush it.”

“I have boba?”

You paused for a second, still refusing to look at him.

“What flavour.”

“Mango milk tea with passion fruit pearls. I brought croissants too, from the best bakery in Paris. Very expensive. Very tasty.”

You opened the door wider, letting him walk through, cursing him for knowing you so well. He set the items on the little bit of space he could find on the kitchen worktop that wasn’t covered in boxes before turning to look at you.

His eyes scanned your body, starting at your legs, stopping when his eyes met yours. You felt stuck to the spot, your blood turning to lead as your eyes remained fixed on his, his mouth slightly ajar, your heart pounding fast. You forgot you were angry at him for a minute, flashbacks of the last time he’d seen you like this flickering across your mind instead as you suddenly remembered you were wearing next to nothing. Your hands came up to cover your chest and legs, breaking the both of you out of your hypnotic state.

“Umm…I’ll be back. Gonna put something on.” You muttered.

“Yeah…umm…sure, I’ll wait here.”

You raced to your room as quickly as you could, ignoring the funny feeling in your stomach and the way your heart was racing like it was running out of time. You rummaged through the boxes, trying to find one that had some clothes in it. After a couple of minutes of sifting through books and shoes and everything else, you managed to find a bag at the bottom of one of the boxes with your gym clothing.

You pulled the shorts and a t-shirt over your head, rolling your eyes when you realised which top you were wearing. You walked back into the room with your arms crossed, trying your best to look angry as you faced Kylian, a smile spreading across his face when he noticed your top.

“Wipe that smug grin off your face, I could only find my gym stuff and it was the only top in there.”

“You work out with my name on your back?” He held out the boba to you, his eyebrow raised in amusement.

“Shut up. These jerseys are surprisingly very breathable.” You snatched the plastic cup out of his grasp, piercing the film lid with the straw and taking a sip.

“Well yeah, we do run around in them for 90 minutes so we’d hope they’re breathable. Remind me to get you a new one from this season though, that one’s a bit outdated.”

“This one’s just fine. Thank you for the boba.” You raised the cup at him before stretching your hand out, pointing to the open door that led to the hallway. “You can go now.”

“Y/N-“

“Kylian I don’t want to hear it. You think what, by bringing my favourite drink and cracking jokes everything’s okay?”

“No, of course not. I tried to call you last night.“

“And I didn’t answer for a fucking reason. Did it cross your mind maybe I didn’t want to talk to you after you stood me and Mia up?”

“Listen-“

“There’s not an excuse you can give me that’s valid Kylian. You promised me you’d be there. I kept looking out for you, the whole ceremony, even after it was over, we lingered around the venue for so long my parents and Elliot almost missed their flight back home. Of course I didn’t tell them why I wanted to wait around, they still think you’re the best thing that’s happened to them besides their own kids.”

“Y/N, I’m sorry. I got on the plane to come to you, I swear-“

“So you were in Marseille yesterday?”

“Yes, I was on my way to-“

“Funny you were in Marseille yesterday.”

“Y/N-“

“Because I was in Marseille yesterday, and this morning too actually, up until about hmmm, 4 hours ago? But I didn’t see you. At all.”

“Y/N-“

“You’re so-“

“Y/N STOP TALKING!” He suddenly yelled, your sentence cut off midway by his outburst. You don’t think you’ve ever seen this many frown lines across his forehead before, he must be really pissed. That makes two of you.

“Don’t raise your voice at me.”

“Well I don’t have a choice if that’s the only way to get you to fucking listen.”

“I don’t have to listen to anything you have to say.”

“You know what? You always do this. You always assume you know what I’m going to say, or how I feel so you just cut me off before I get a chance to even explain myself.”

“Because I know you’re going to come out with some bullshit Kylian! Always you and your empty fucking promises, I’m so over it. But sure, prove me wrong. Go on, explain yourself then.”

You raised your arms as if to say he has the floor to speak. He clenched his jaw, his lips in a tight line as the both of you stared at each other, a million and one emotions swirling around you. Anger, pain, disappointment, sadness. If looks could kill, the both of you would be simultaneously 6 feet under.

“I swear I didn’t mean to miss your graduation Y/N, I really wanted to be there. I literally got to the airport and I, I bumped into Renee. I swear it was unplanned, I had no idea she was going to be there, and we just started talking and she had a lot she wanted to say to me, and honestly I didn’t realise how long we were together for, I swear it wasn’t my intention to miss your ceremony.”

“So what was so important that you had to talk about there in that moment, for such a long time-“

“She wanted to get back together.”

“You broke up?” This was news to you, as far as you were concerned, Kylian was still dating her, you hadn’t seen anything in the tabloids about them breaking up.

“Yeah. A couple of months ago.”

“So you’re back together now? For what, the 5th time?”

“It’s complicated Y/N. I love her.”

A sharp but fleeting pain travelled across your chest and it took everything in you not to physically keel over. It was laughable, how easy it was for one person to completely lose feelings they claim to have had and fall in love with someone else, while the other couldn’t even utter the words to another, whether they meant it or not. Because the pent up feelings were still there, choking you, gripping your heart tight and rendering you useless, incapable of loving anyone else, but him. You felt like dying, maybe it would hurt less than living in this sick and twisted reality, this constant loop of being reminded he’s never going to love you the way you love him.

“Yeah, Kylian, I can tell. Because she clearly means more to you than I do. I told you about this weeks in advance, you gave me your word yet when something better comes along you’re quick to just brush me under the rug like you always do.”

“I’m sorry, it wasn’t my intention. I didn’t even know how to talk to you when I realised I’d missed the ceremony, I didn’t think you’d want me there-“

“Of course I’d want you there, you fucking idiot, you’re my best friend. Why else would I ask you personally to come?

“I knew you’d at least be with your family, Mia, Marco.” He said Marco’s name with such disdain you almost laughed at the audacity he had to seem irked by the mere mention of your ex-boyfriend when he had a girlfriend of his own.

“Marco is in Japan. We broke up. For good.”

“Oh. I didn’t know.”

“Why would you? You don’t talk to me about Renee, I don’t talk to you about Marco. Some kind of unspoken rule right?”

There was a silence between you before he spoke.

“I’m sorry. I know you loved him.” For someone who’d been in your life for almost two decades, perhaps Kylian really didn’t know you as well as you thought he did. Or maybe you were so good at pretending you’d managed to convince everyone but yourself you’d been in love with Marco.

“Anyways Ky, I think you’ve done all your explaining. You can leave.”

He rounded the kitchen island, stepping closer to you so he could take your hand that wasn’t holding the drink, gripping it softly in his.

“Y/N, I really am sorry. Please, l don’t want us to start your move to Paris on a bad note. You have no idea how happy I am that you're finally here to stay. Let me take you out tomorrow. Just me and you, a celebratory dinner. On me. Heck I’ll even take you shopping, any store you like, I’ll carry all the bags and not complain one bit.”

A soft giggle left your lips and you cursed yourself for letting him get away with his shit so easily.

“Please, I’m sorry gummy. It won’t happen again. Let me make it up to you.”

“You better bring your shiniest Amex card tomorrow when you pick me up.”

“It’s a date.” He smiled, and you tried not to think too deeply into what he’d just said.

Just then, you heard the front door close, Mia appearing in the doorway with several shopping bags, singing to herself. She noticed you and Kylian stood in the middle of the kitchen, your hand in his and she rolled her eyes, knowing you had definitely let him off easy. Luckily for you, she wasn’t about to do that. She smiled sweetly, before reaching into one of the bags and pulling out an orange. It happened so quickly, you didn’t not anticipate the orange leaving Mia’s hand with such force, heading straight for Kylian’s head. He managed to duck at the last second, the fruit finding the wall behind him instead of his skull.

“Mia what the hell?!” He shouted.

“Fucking dickhead. You’re lucky that wasn’t a knife.”

/———-/

Part 4 finally 😭😭 just two more parts to go! Sorry it took so long please forgive me 🤞🏿 and it may seem like it’s going round in circles but they gotta do this stupid arguing and not talking about their feelings 5 times before they finally get their shit together so we’re getting close to the happy ending, very soon though it’s deffo going to get very messy before it gets better 😵‍💫 I hope y’all like it <3 (also it’s half 3 in the morning and I haven’t edited this entirely so I’m super sorry for any mistakes 🙏🏿)

Also I know the French don’t do graduations (shame if you ask me, I loved my grad) but I had to have one to fit the story 🤭

And I’m sorry for making y’all wait, im back at work and it’s hard to find the time to write (I had a bit of writers block) and also I find it hard to write super short pieces so it does take me a while to write so I’m super grateful to y’all for being so kind and patient 🥺🫶🏿

LINK TO MAIN POST

TAGLIST

@lululuvsfooty @nayeoniie @cherimbp @karotland @m4k444 @cixstar @lovefks

#kylian mbappe #kylian mbappe fanfic #kylian mbappe fluff #kylian mbappe x reader #mbappe x reader #kylian mbappe fic #kylian mbappe x you #mbappe fic #football fanfic #footballer x reader #kylian mbappé #kylian mbappe imagine #kylian imagines #kylian x reader #mbappe fanfic #mbappe #mbappe imagine #mbappé #football imagine

246 notes · View notes

materialsscienceandengineering · 9 months ago

Text

Engineering a coating for disease-free produce

Dr. Mustafa Akbulut, professor of chemical engineering, has teamed up with horticultural science professor Luis Cisneros-Zevallos to engineer longer-lasting, bacteria-free produce. According to Akbulut's recent publication in Current Research in Food Science, the global fruit and vegetable market loses over 50% of agricultural fruit production during various stages of produce handling and post-harvest treatments. Many fruits and vegetables already have a layer of food-grade wax that is applied for cosmetic reasons and to prevent water loss. Akbulut's research combines such wax with nano-encapsulated cinnamon-bark essential oil in protein carriers to enhance them with antibacterial properties. "We are living in an age where technology has advanced so much," Akbulut said. "However, the food industry has not competed with these advances, and there are continuous problems with food safety. News about foodborne diseases and outbreaks reporting hundreds of people becoming sick from unhygienic food frequently appears at the national level."

#Materials Science #Science #Coatings #Food #Wax #Texas A&M University

15 notes · View notes

myautisticpov · 1 year ago

Text

So, I have kind of always held the belief that the more a platform relies on an algorithm, the less useful it is to actually have conversations on that platform

You can shout through a megaphone at people, but you can’t have a conversation because you’re just not able to see all sides of a conversation as it happens, no matter how hard you try, and you will often be fed the least useful responses

Anyway, I’m still in the marketing research phase of using tiktok - I did buy a prop for a potential skit, but I am not committed to actually posting soon - and yeah, I literally just saw a tiktok that encapsulated why I would absolutely never take the angle on tiktok of talking about autism or queerness, even though my books have autistic and queer characters

Content Warning for discussions of food/eating disorders

Okay, so, if you’re not on tiktok, one of the trending sounds is someone singing about making “girl dinner”, which in the original post is a snack tray/charcuterie board

And, like, if you follow this blog, you probably have autism and/or adhd and are probably very familiar with the idea of a snack tray/charcuterie board dinner

But every time the trend comes across my FYP, I’m noticing the portion sizes getting smaller and smaller

Like, it’s gone from a charcuterie tray to, in one instance, a large glass of wine and two light mini babybells

And yeah, while the person in question might have eaten decently throughout the rest of the day, and might just not like food in the evening, describing something that can barely be considered a snack as ‘girl dinner’ definitely set off some alarm bells for me

Anyway, cut to now, when I just loaded up the app, and the first thing I see is a stitch. The initial post is about the problem I just described of ‘girl dinner’ becoming a race to the bottom in terms of portion sizes, but the stitch is basically going “god, women aren’t allowed to do anything without people policing them” but they were clearly talking about the original incarnation of girl dinner, not the problem of it being basically nothing...

And yeah, the problem is two people are being shown two very different things by their FYP, so they’re not having the same conversation

And that is so fucking common on tiktok - I regularly get posts about autism and realise that I’m twenty layers deep into a conversation that I have absolutely no context for because the algorithm decided not to show me the earlier posts - and while there are pros to the platform, and things I would genuinely use it for, I couldn’t imagine subjecting myself to talking about sensitive topics on there

#eating disorder cw #food cw #alcohol cw

25 notes · View notes

marztheincredible · 2 years ago

Text

Atlas of The Boiling Isles: New Crike

New Crike is considered the Capital of The Boiling Isles, even though it is not the largest city. The highly populated city has history and tradition interwoven into the new laws to keep to The Old Ways as best as possible.

The city is split into two districts. The Foundation District, or Lower District to city-dwellers, is bustling with citizens churning out production of goods. From textiles, to foods, to inspiring entertainment such as playwrites, the denizens in the Foundation District live up to its name. Cradled within the encapsulating mountains a few yards northwest is the long abandoned outpost of Witches who held the title of Smiths.

The large forge, Hel’s Spite, now lies cold and dormant. A place where a budding Apprentice starts their journey is no more.

The Snail District is also known as the Upper District. Here is where you will find the means to buy the many goods crafted in the Foundation District. The Grand Market is found here, as well as the Athenaeum for a place of study and research.

The looming citadel was once a place where council for this large city was held. It is now home to a high ranking Emperor’s Coven official who’s in charge of the large precinct found in this city, and turned the ancient halls from a place to seek refuge to an overcasting oppression.

#titan’s blessing #TOH fic #TOH Fan fic #The Owl House #toh fanart #TOH mal #Capital City #New Crike

32 notes · View notes

pulkitgupta · 10 months ago

Text

Deep Dive into Logo Design

A Deep Dive into Logo Design unveils the meticulous craft behind crafting the visual essence of a brand. This procedure, far from being just a mix of colors, fonts, and shapes, involves a strategic exploration into the brand's core identity, values, and objectives. The journey of logo design is marked by a commitment to simplicity, ensuring the logo's adaptability and recognition across various platforms—a demonstration of the logo's chameleon-like ability to blend in with the ecology of the brand.

The initial phase of conceptualization is rooted in understanding the brand's unique narrative, followed by the strategic application of color psychology to evoke specific emotions and messages, ensuring the logo's alignment with the brand's ethos.To retain the integrity of the logo across all mediums and scales, adaptability and scalability are given precedence, and typography is meticulously chosen to express the personality of the brand. The goal is to create a timeless logo that will hold its significance and power over time.

Market research and feedback loops are integral, allowing for a collaborative refinement process that ensures the logo not only stands out but also encapsulates the brand's vision and mission. A Deep Dive into Logo Design transcends traditional boundaries, blending creativity with strategic insight to forge visual identities that resonate deeply with audiences.

The understanding that logo design is more than just a chore but also a significant duty lies at the core of our endeavor. It's a chance to capture the spirit of a brand, creating a visual ambassador that speaks volumes and helps people connect with the company deeply.

Through strategic design and creative excellence, logos become timeless beacons, embodying the brand's narrative and leaving an indelible mark on the digital landscape.

To know more Click Here.

#logo design #creative logo #graphic design #branding #deep dive into logo design

2 notes · View notes

dreaminginthedeepsouth · 2 years ago

Photo

A Hotter Planet Takes Another Toll on Human Health

A new hypothesis about heat waves, redlining, and kidney stones.

By Bill McKibben

January 19, 2023

Shortly after the New Year, the Washington Post ran a story with a headline that would have seemed inexplicable, even runic, to most readers just a few years ago: “The world’s torrid future is etched in the crippled kidneys of Nepali workers.” But we’re growing used to the idea that the climate crisis, in Naomi Klein’s phrase, “changes everything,” so why not the internal organs of Nepalis? Remarkable reporting by Gerry Shih tells a series of unbearably poignant tales: young Nepali men, struggling to earn a living in their impoverished homeland, head to the Gulf states to do construction work in the searing heat, some without access to sufficient water, some until they collapse. (Other reporting also shows that some Nepalis who work abroad resort to the black market for a transplant that might keep them—and the families that depend on the money they earn—alive.) The piece ends with a man coming back to the care of his sister, who donates her own kidney to save him. The costs of the medical procedures require that he sell his half-built house, and that he give up his life’s dream, which was to get married.

The Post was right: the world’s future is likely encapsulated in this story. The planet is getting steadily hotter, and large swaths of it are moving past the point at which it’s safe to do heavy outside labor in the middle of the day. A 2022 study estimated that six hundred and seventy-seven billion working hours a year were already being lost because it’s too hot to go outside and build things or farm. The researchers assessed the cost at more than two trillion dollars annually, but, of course, it could also be measured in other units—in vital organs, or dreams.

But it’s not just the future that’s illuminated by such studies; it’s the past as well. Unless you’ve been keeping up with your issues of Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension, you may have missed a recent article titled “Redlining has led to increasing rates of nephrolithiasis in minoritized populations: a hypothesis.” I saw it only because one of the medical experts who wrote it—David Goldfarb, who runs the dialysis unit at New York’s V.A. hospital and teaches at New York University’s School of Medicine—is an old family friend. He forwarded it to me, and it fairly blew my mind.

“Nephrolithiasis” is the technical term for the development of kidney stones, those small formations that, as they pass, can cause excruciating pain. (I’ve never had them, but I know more than one man who has said he came away from the experience with a newfound appreciation for what his wife had undergone during labor.) Doctors have long known that higher temperatures lead to more sweat, which reduces urine volumes and thus increases “the saturation of the insoluble salts that cause kidney stones.” During heat waves in the U.S., it takes just three days before emergency-room visits for kidney stones begin to spike.

For reasons that remain unclear, kidney stones have traditionally been more common among white people, but, in recent years, doctors have noted huge increases among Black Americans and a significant rise in Latino communities. The authors of the new article looked to the past for a possible explanation—particularly to the nineteen-thirties, when a federal agency, the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation, graded all of America’s neighborhoods and deemed some of them “hazardous” for investment, essentially because they were home to large minority communities. This grading system (from A for “best” and B for “still desirable” to C for “declining” and D for “hazardous”) underlay what came to be known as redlining. The grading system led to “chronic disinvestment” in the lower-rated neighborhoods, resulting, over time, in less of everything from parks and green spaces to street trees and air-conditioning in homes.

Now the results can be measured with a thermometer: in Portland, Oregon, the authors report, neighborhoods that were graded A in the nineteen-thirties now “average 8 degrees Fahrenheit lower than the city’s mean temperature, while D-graded neighborhoods average 4.8 Fahrenheit degrees warmer.” Actually, you don’t need a thermometer—that’s a thirteen-degree gap that anyone can feel just by walking across town. No one has carefully studied the incidence of kidney stones among these different neighborhoods, but the authors, in their hypothesis, point to research now under way. Similar work on asthma, another heat-related disease, has shown emergency-room visits are 2.4 times higher in redlined tracts.

Indeed, Goldfarb’s son Ben—an environmental journalist who this year will publish a book called “Crossings,” on the environmental impact of roads—writes that the HOLC grading program produced all kinds of deleterious health effects. In Syracuse, Miami, Minneapolis, and other cities, large parts of neighborhoods that the agency had redlined—and whose residents were mostly Black—were bulldozed to make room for interstate highways. He told me, “Minorities today disproportionately live near the urban freeways that displaced them, and suffer as a result. Air pollution causes asthma and cancer; noise pollution increases the risk of heart disease and stroke; and the physical fragmentation wrought by highways shatters local economies. It’s heartbreaking, though hardly surprising, that disastrous policy decisions made decades ago continue to destroy bodies and communities today.”

It’s true that everyone is going to pay some price as the planet cooks. The authors of the nephrology study predict a likely additional cost to the U.S. health-care system of at least a billion dollars a year. But some people are going to be hit much harder than others because of history. Doing justice in the present requires taking that past seriously—understanding how we ended up where we are, and why we must put those with the least first, as we try to address the future. But we’re at a moment in this country when the idea of historical responsibility is increasingly seen not as logical and obvious but as some kind of invidious political correctness.

In April, 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis, of Florida, signed the Stop Wrongs to Our Kids and Employees Act, or the Stop WOKE Act. (In introducing the bill, he had said, “In Florida we are taking a stand against the state-sanctioned racism that is critical race theory,” adding that “we won’t allow Florida tax dollars to be spent teaching kids to hate our country or to hate each other.”) A preliminary injunction was issued against the act, which includes a dictum against any school teaching that “a person, by virtue of his or her race, color, sex, or national origin, bears personal responsibility for and must feel guilt, anguish or other forms of psychological distress because of actions, in which the person played no part, committed in the past by other members of the same race, color, national origin, or sex.”

But, even if you can silence teachers, legislation can’t muffle the effects of history. On a hot summer’s day in Jacksonville, Florida, where DeSantis was born, the temperature in A neighborhoods is 5.5 degrees below the mean, and it’s 4.4 degrees above the mean in the D-rated communities.

#political cartoon #climate change #Bill McKibben #Nephrology #kidney stones #minority communities #articles #reckonings #redlining

15 notes · View notes

fronzennews · 2 days ago

Text

AI Twins Creation: Transforming Personality Replication Through AI Technology

The AI twins creation represents a remarkable leap in artificial intelligence technology, enabling the development of highly accurate replicas of human personalities. Recent advancements led by researchers at Stanford University and Google DeepMind have paved the way for this innovative technique, highlighting its potential impact across various fields, including social sciences, psychology, and marketing.

Understanding AI Twins

AI twins are sophisticated AI models designed to replicate individual human personality traits. By utilizing advanced data analysis and dialogue modeling, these digital counterparts can mimic behaviors, values, and preferences with impressive accuracy. Their creation involves a structured approach that encapsulates key aspects of a person's persona. 1.2 Significance of Recent Advancements The collaborative effort between researchers at Stanford and Google DeepMind has underscored the significance of these advancements. With their pioneering methods, these institutions have not only contributed to the field of AI but have also opened doors to practical applications that can reshape how we conduct research and understand human behavior.

2. Methodology Behind AI Twin Creation

Developing AI twins involves innovative methodologies focused on a user-friendly interview process that gathers comprehensive personality data. This structured approach is essential in creating a detailed and accurate representation of human traits. 2.1 The Interview Process The methodology begins with a two-hour spoken interview, where individuals engage in conversations covering a wide range of topics such as childhood experiences, professional journeys, and viewpoints on social issues. This conversational style is pivotal in allowing the AI to capture not just explicit opinions but the underlying values and nuances that make each person unique. 2.2 Measuring Accuracy in Personality Replication To assess the accuracy of AI twins, researchers employed various personality assessments, social surveys, and logic games. Findings indicated that these AI replicas achieved around 85% accuracy in mirroring their human counterparts, demonstrating a solid correlation between the responses of AI twins and actual human participants.

3. Research and Testing of AI Twins

The research conducted to develop and validate AI twins was extensive, emphasizing the importance of participant diversity and robust experimental methods. 3.1 Participant Recruitment The study recruited a diverse cohort of 1,000 participants from various backgrounds to ensure the findings were comprehensive and representative. This diversity is crucial, as it enhances the AI's ability to replicate a wide array of personality traits and behaviors aligning with different demographics. 3.2 Testing AI Twins Against Human Responses Once AI twins were created, they underwent rigorous testing against responses from the human subjects. Through a series of controlled exercises, researchers compared the outcomes of AI twin interactions with human responses, confirming that the AI systems could effectively replicate human personality traits and decision-making processes.

4. Applications and Implications of AI Twins

AI twins have promising applications across multiple disciplines, signifying a transformative approach to research in social sciences, psychology, and marketing strategies. 4.1 Impact on Social Sciences and Psychology The ability to utilize AI twins for research can offer unparalleled opportunities for conducting studies that would otherwise be challenging for human participants. From exploring psychological phenomena to social behavior patterns, these AI replicas can simulate environments and reactions, providing deeper insights without the ethical concerns associated with human testing. 4.2 Marketing Innovations with AI Twins In marketing, AI twins can aid companies in comprehending customer behaviors and preferences. By simulating different personality profiles, businesses can refine their strategies to target audiences more effectively, develop tailored marketing campaigns, and gain a competitive edge in understanding consumer dynamics.

5. Data Efficiency in AI Twin Creation

The efficiency of the AI twin creation process is noteworthy, representing a shift from traditional methods that heavily rely on large datasets. 5.1 Innovative Approaches by Companies Companies like Tavus are at the forefront of leveraging this efficient methodology, exploring the potential of shorter, segmented interviews for personality replication. This approach facilitates the development of AI twins without the extensive data scrutiny previously deemed essential, streamlining the creation process and making it more accessible to various sectors.

6. Ethical Considerations of AI Twins

Alongside the technological advancements, the creation of AI twins introduces a range of ethical challenges that require careful consideration. 6.1 Risks of Misuse and Deepfakes The potential misuse of AI twins, such as generating deepfakes or unauthorized impersonations, poses significant ethical dilemmas. The ease with which these replicas can be created raises questions about identity theft, privacy violations, and the authenticity of digital interactions. 6.2 The Need for Regulation Establishing regulatory frameworks and ethical guidelines is imperative to oversee the development and application of AI twins. These measures will help mitigate risks associated with their misuse while promoting responsible and transparent practices within the AI community.

7. Integrating AI Twins with Other AI Technologies

The evolution of AI twins is part of a broader paradigm of AI innovations, enhancing efficiency and accuracy across various applications beyond personality replication. 7.1 The Role of Generative AI Generative AI plays a complementary role in the realization of AI twins, facilitating the creation of digital replicas that accurately reflect human characteristics. This synergy is evident in other domains, such as creating digital twins representing physical assets and systems, further underscoring the versatility of AI technologies. 7.2 Multifaceted Benefits and Challenges Integrating AI twins into existing systems can yield massive benefits, including streamlined processes and improved insights. However, it is essential to remain cognizant of the accompanying challenges that may arise, such as maintaining the integrity of data, fostering user trust, and ensuring user consent in AI interactions.

8. Conclusion: The Future of AI Twins

As the technology behind AI twins continues to develop, it will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of AI research and applications. The implications of these advancements in personality replication deepen our understanding of human behavior and open new pathways for inquiry across diverse fields. The ongoing evolution of AI necessitates vigilance regarding ethical implications and responsible usage while also inviting exploration of its transformative potential. For more articles on related topics, be sure to check out my blog: FROZENLEAVES NEWS. Read the full article

#AI #Innovation #investment #Robotics #SCIENTIST #Society

0 notes

m-arathe · 3 days ago

Text

Phase Change Materials Market Key Drivers and Emerging Applications

Phase Change Materials Market Growth Strategic Market Overview and Growth Projections

The global advanced phase change materials market was estimated to be worth USD 1.78 billion in 2021, and it is expected to reach USD 7.601 billion by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 17.48% percent from 2021 to 2030.

The latest Global Phase Change Materials Market by straits research provides an in-depth analysis of the Phase Change Materials Market, including its future growth potential and key factors influencing its trajectory. This comprehensive report explores crucial elements driving market expansion, current challenges, competitive landscapes, and emerging opportunities. It delves into significant trends, competitive strategies, and the role of key industry players shaping the global Phase Change Materials Market. Additionally, it provides insight into the regulatory environment, market dynamics, and regional performance, offering a holistic view of the global market’s landscape through 2032.

Competitive Landscape

Some of the prominent key players operating in the Phase Change Materials Market are

Axiotherm GmbH

Croda Europe Ltd.

Global Energy Systems Europe BV

Hangzhou Ruhr New Material Technology Co., Ltd. (‘RuhrTech’)

Microtek Laboratories, Inc.

PCM Technology

Outlast Technologies

PLUSS Advanced Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

Phase change product Pvt. Ltd.

PureTemp LLC

Rubitherm technologies gmbh

Sasol Germany GmbH

BASF SE

Others

Get Free Request Sample Report @ https://straitsresearch.com/report/phase-change-materials-market/request-sample

The Phase Change Materials Market Research report delivers comprehensive annual revenue forecasts alongside detailed analysis of sales growth within the market. These projections, developed by seasoned analysts, are grounded in a deep exploration of the latest industry trends. The forecasts offer valuable insights for investors, highlighting key growth opportunities and industry potential. Additionally, the report provides a concise dashboard overview of leading organizations, showcasing their effective marketing strategies, market share, and the most recent advancements in both historical and current market landscapes.Global Phase Change Materials Market: Segmentation

The Phase Change Materials Market segmentation divides the market into multiple sub-segments based on product type, application, and geographical region. This segmentation approach enables more precise regional and country-level forecasts, providing deeper insights into market dynamics and potential growth opportunities within each segment.

By Type

Organic PCM

Inorganic PCM

Bio-Based PCM

By Form

Encapsulated

Non-Encapsulated

By Application

Building and Construction

HVAC

Textiles

Electronics

Cold Chain & Packaging

Thermal Energy Storage

Others

Stay ahead of the competition with our in-depth analysis of the market trends!

Buy Now @ https://straitsresearch.com/buy-now/phase-change-materials-market

Market Highlights:

A company's revenue and the applications market are used by market analysts, data analysts, and others in connected industries to assess product values and regional markets.

But not limited to: reports from corporations, international Organization, and governments; market surveys; relevant industry news.

Examining historical market patterns, making predictions for the year 2022, as well as looking forward to 2032, using CAGRs (compound annual growth rates)

Historical and anticipated data on demand, application, pricing, and market share by country are all included in the study, which focuses on major markets such the United States, Europe, and China.

Apart from that, it sheds light on the primary market forces at work as well as the obstacles, opportunities, and threats that suppliers face. In addition, the worldwide market's leading players are profiled, together with their respective market shares.

Goals of the Study

What is the overall size and scope of the Phase Change Materials Market market?

What are the key trends currently influencing the market landscape?

Who are the primary competitors operating within the Phase Change Materials Market market?

What are the potential growth opportunities for companies in this market?

What are the major challenges or obstacles the market is currently facing?

What demographic segments are primarily targeted in the Phase Change Materials Market market?

What are the prevailing consumer preferences and behaviors within this market?

What are the key market segments, and how do they contribute to the overall market share?

What are the future growth projections for the Phase Change Materials Market market over the next several years?

How do regulatory and legal frameworks influence the market?

About Straits Research

Straits Research is dedicated to providing businesses with the highest quality market research services. With a team of experienced researchers and analysts, we strive to deliver insightful and actionable data that helps our clients make informed decisions about their industry and market. Our customized approach allows us to tailor our research to each client's specific needs and goals, ensuring that they receive the most relevant and valuable insights.

Email: [email protected]

Tel: UK: +44 203 695 0070, USA: +1 646 905 0080

0 notes

poeblaire · 7 days ago

Text

CANNED! Research

Mina Lima

Mina Lima is a graphic design studio that was founded by Mina and Eduardo Lima in 2009.

The graphics created have a very fantastical and mystical appearance, which really complement the books that are often of the same theme.

Which brings me to their work on the Harry Potter Books (I will not be discussing the author).

Likely their most recognisable work, the graphics done on the Harry Potter books, as mentioned before, contain that very magical and childlike wonder that really encapsulates you into the essence of the books.

For example, their works on the covers often using golds, especially on the frames for the graphics.

It appears almost like a door into the book, which reminds me of the doors from The Nightmare Before Christmas, where each door takes you into the world of a different Holiday (i.e Christmas, Easter).

It's like you're taking a journey into the world of Harry Potter, which believe me, many of us would love to do.

H.R. Giger

Giger is an artist that is most popularly known for his works using airbrushing techniques, combining aspects of mechanical and human bodies, which was known as "Bio-Mechanical".

Along with his unique and absolutely stunning (yet horrifying) artworks, it's worth noting that he was also responsible for the creation of the Xenomorph, featured in the 1979 movie, 'Alien'.

His works have also inspired a lot of other unique mediums, ranging from furniture to album covers too.

The album 'Brain Salad Surgery' by Emerson, Lake and Palmer uses one of these works for the cover art.

His works are very surrealist and eerie, due to their absolute immaculate attention to detail and simplistic use of the greys, maintaining that mechanical aspect.

The Mos Espa Marketplace

Mos Espa is a city and space-port on the planet of Tatoonie, featured in the popular film series, Star Wars.

The first appearance of said location seemed to be in Episode I - The Phantom Menace.

The market is divided into several quarters, each one specialising in different vendors, ranging from the food markets to some tailored in fixing droids and selling weaponry.

It's also said that the markets used the tactics of having cooling units nearby to attract more customers, as the climates of Mos Espa are frequently humid.

The main focus of this would be the food stalls, which consisted of e Gragra's Gorgmonger Booth, Akim's Munch Outdoor Café and Jira's Fruits Stall.

Street Foods (Graphic Content - I Apologise to Vegans)

Though seeming like a very general topic, a lot of street foods (especially internationally) do seem very strange and even disgusting.

In the UK, we're likely known simply for our fish and chips and mushy peas, and the US might be known for fried chocolate bars.

However, if we broaden our horizons, we could find some very.. Interesting foods.

Cambodia, Asia, has a very popular street food known as Fried Tarantulas.

You read me right.

FRIED TARANTULAS.

Or Blood Soup.

Though harder to pinpoint the origins, Blood Soup is a soup consisting of mainly (or perhaps only) animals blood.

(I won't be providing an image).

And Andouillette, which is a French sausage with a filling of Pig Intestines.

Needless to say, a lot of these foods can seem disgusting to an outsider (like myself), but these do have roots within different cultures, and regular citizens of these places would likely view these as very normal in their cuisines.

0 notes

nirajnanal · 7 days ago

Text

Equity Markets Are All-Time High

As the Indian equity market reaches unprecedented heights, with NIFTY to hit a new peak of 26,216 on 26th September 2024 while SENSEX surged to a record high of 85,836 many investors are feeling the buzz—some excitement, some anxiety. It’s easy to get swept up in euphoria, but before making any hasty decisions, it’s crucial to take a step back and assess your investment strategy with clarity and purpose.

What Should You Do?

Assess Your Portfolio:

Start by looking at your investments. Is your asset allocation balanced, or have you allowed the recent market gains to skew your investments? Evaluate the performance of your holdings. If you've seen substantial gains in certain stocks or sectors, consider whether it aligns with your long-term objectives or if it's merely a result of market trends.

Understand Risk Tolerance:

Your risk tolerance plays a vital role in investment decisions. Reflect on how comfortable you are with market volatility. If the thought of sudden market corrections causes you anxiety, it might be time to reassess your exposure to high-risk assets. Your time horizon, financial situation, and personal comfort level should guide your risk assessment.

Diversification:

In times of market highs, diversification becomes even more critical. It’s tempting to chase high-flying stocks, but concentrating your investments can lead to significant losses if the market shifts. Ensure your portfolio spans various sectors and asset classes. This cushion can help mitigate risk and smooth out volatility, which is especially important if the market starts to correct.

Long-Term Perspective: Investing is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. Short-term fluctuations can be deceiving, and while current trends might be favorable, the market is cyclical. Maintaining a long-term perspective is essential. Focus on your Financial Goals and let them guide your investment decisions rather than the whims of the market.

Rupee-Cost Averaging: If you are apprehensive about entering the market at its peak, consider employing a strategy known as rupee-cost averaging. This means consistently investing a fixed amount at regular intervals, regardless of market conditions. This approach can help reduce the impact of volatility and ensure that you’re not trying to time the market- an endeavor that can often lead to regret. A Financial Planner in Pune can assist you in implementing this strategy effectively.

SENSEX: A Reflection of 30 Stocks: Keep in mind that the Sensex, while a significant barometer of market health, reflects only 30 stocks. It’s crucial to understand that the performance of the Sensex doesn’t encapsulate the broader economy or your personal financial situation. Your life goals—be it buying a home, funding education, or retirement—should not hinge solely on market indices.

Asset Allocation Matters: Asset allocation is crucial, especially in a buoyant market. Periodic reviewing and adjusting your asset allocation can help maintain a balance and reduce the chances of being overly exposed to one sector or asset class.

Greed & Fear: In times of market highs, emotions can run high too. Greed can tempt you to take unnecessary risks, while fear of missing out (FOMO) can lead to impulsive decisions. Recognize these feelings for what they are, and don’t let them drive your investment choices. Stick to your plan and make decisions based on research and your financial roadmap, not the market's latest headlines. Warren Buffett famously said that investors should be “fearful when others are greedy, & greedy when others are fearful”.

Time in the Market over Timing the Market: Finally, one of the most valuable lessons in investing is to prioritize time in the market over trying to time the market. Historical data shows that staying invested over the long term typically yields better results than attempting to make perfect timing decisions. The market will have its ups and downs, but consistent participation can help you ride out volatility and benefit from compounding growth.

Conclusion: The Equity market’s all-time high can be an exciting time for investors, but it’s crucial to approach it with a balanced perspective. Assess your portfolio, understand your risk tolerance, diversify your holdings, and maintain a long-term view. By focusing on your Financial Goals and employing sound investment strategies, you can navigate this peak without losing sight of your financial future.

Consulting with a Certified Financial PlannerorAdvisor can provide additional support in developing a robust investment strategy. Remember, in investing, patience and a clear vision often pay the greatest dividends.

Feel free to connect with us on:

 [email protected]

 +91 9130126096

#equity #sensex #share market today #investment planner #consultation #investing stocks #stocks #financetips

0 notes

kingsresearchinfo · 7 days ago

Text

Hydrocolloids Market Size Analysis: A Comprehensive Forecast for 2031

Hydrocolloids was recorded at USD 10.83 billion in 2023, which is predicted to be at USD 11.47 billion in 2024 and projected to reach USD 17.32 billion by 2031, rising at a CAGR of 6.06% between 2024 and 2031.

The market is expected to grow rapidly, driven by the rising demand for processed foods and innovative applications. Key players are actively enhancing their product offerings, expanding production capacities, and entering strategic partnerships to capitalize on emerging opportunities and meet evolving consumer demands

Get Report Details with TOC @ https://www.kingsresearch.com/hydrocolloids-market-780

Top 10 Key Companies in Hydrocolloids Industry:

ADM, AGARMEX SA DE CV, Ashland, Braun SE, Cargill Incorporated, CP Kelco U.S. Inc, Ingredion Incorporated, F. Hydrocolloids Inc, NOREVO, Tate & Lyle

Regional Market Insights:

Europe: Holding a 32.17% market share in 2023, Europe is a significant player in the hydrocolloids market, driven by its robust food and beverage industry and consumer preference for natural, clean-label products. The region's increasing demand for plant-based and vegan products has spurred the use of plant-derived hydrocolloids like pectin and guar gum.

Asia-Pacific:Expected to be the fastest-growing region with a CAGR of 6.86%, the Asia-Pacific market benefits from the expanding food and beverage sector in countries like China, India, Japan, and South Korea. The rising demand for convenience and processed foods, coupled with a burgeoning pharmaceutical industry, propels the growth of hydrocolloids in this region.

Key Market Drivers:

Rising Demand in Food and Beverage Industry: Hydrocolloids are extensively used in the food and beverage industry to improve texture, stability, and shelf-life of products. The growing consumer preference for convenience foods and the increasing awareness of healthy eating are major factors contributing to the market growth.

Advancements in Pharmaceutical Applications: In the pharmaceutical sector, hydrocolloids are used in drug delivery systems, wound care, and encapsulation of active ingredients. The ongoing research and development activities aimed at enhancing the efficacy of hydrocolloids in medical applications are expected to fuel market expansion.

Personal Care and Cosmetics: The personal care industry is another significant end-user of hydrocolloids, particularly in products such as lotions, creams, and shampoos. The rising consumer demand for natural and organic personal care products is driving the adoption of hydrocolloids derived from natural sources.

Future Outlook:

The future of the hydrocolloids market looks promising, with continuous advancements in technology and growing applications across various industries. The shift towards sustainable and plant-based hydrocolloids is a trend to watch, as manufacturers seek to meet the rising consumer demand for eco-friendly products.

Swati J., a healthcare research analyst at Kings Research, emphasized the importance of ongoing innovation in the hydrocolloids market: "The hydrocolloids market is evolving rapidly, with new developments aimed at enhancing product performance and sustainability. Companies that invest in R&D and adapt to changing consumer preferences will be well-positioned to capitalize on the market's growth potential."

About Us:

Kings Research stands as a renowned global market research firm. With a collaborative approach, we work closely with industry leaders, conducting thorough assessments of trends and developments. Our primary objective is to provide decision-makers with tailored research reports that align with their unique business objectives. Through our comprehensive research studies, we strive to empower leaders to make informed decisions.

Our team comprises individuals with diverse backgrounds and a wealth of knowledge in various industries. At Kings Research, we offer a comprehensive range of services aimed at assisting you in formulating efficient strategies to achieve your desired outcomes. Our objective is to significantly enhance your long-term progress through these tailored solutions.

Kings Research

Website: https://www.kingsresearch.com

E-mail: [email protected]

Phone: (+1) 888 328 2189

#Hydrocolloids

1 note · View note

aicerts0 · 9 days ago

Text

AI: The Hottest Skill of 2024 – Here’s Why You Should Care

Generative AI is set to revolutionize the job market, with its influence varying significantly based on labor market conditions and other demand drivers. Executive leaders, together with their HR partners, must utilize this research to create strategies that future-proof their workforce. As investments in generative AI and broader AI technologies surge, many traditional tasks will become obsolete, and certain roles will fade.

According to Pluralsight AI Skills Report, 81% of IT workers believe they can employ artificial intelligence, but just 12% have the necessary skills. Additionally, 70% of workers will most certainly need to improve their AI skills.

With AI’s rapid growth, the career opportunities in this field are expanding just as quickly. Let’s dive into the various career paths available for those equipped with AI skills.

In this blog, we will explore why AI is becoming essential across industries, what’s driving its rapid adoption, and why you should consider diving into this emerging field.

Why AI is a Hot Skill

Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet Inc., encapsulated the significance of AI when he said, “AI is one of the most important things humanity is working on. It is more profound than, I don’t know, electricity or fire.” This statement underscores AI’s potential to revolutionize our world, making it a hot skill in today’s job market.

However, this technological shift will create a demand for new skills and roles, making AI a hot skill in the evolving job landscape. This presents both exciting opportunities and challenges for the workforce.

AI’s rise to prominence can be attributed to several key factors. Technological advancements, increased data availability, and the push for automation are at the forefront of this revolution.

AI systems can now process vast amounts of data, recognize patterns, and make decisions with minimal human intervention. This capability is invaluable in sectors ranging from healthcare to finance, where efficiency and accuracy are paramount.

AI as a Hot Skill Transforming Industries

AI is rapidly changing job roles and creating demand across critical sectors. Here are a few industries where AI skills are making the most impact:

Finance: AI strengthens fraud detection and risk management while enhancing customer support, making financial services safer and more user-friendly.

Retail: AI personalizes shopping, optimizes inventory, and forecasts trends, benefiting both customers and retailers.

Education: AI enables personalized learning and automates administrative tasks, making education more efficient and accessible.

Human Resources: AI improves recruitment, employee engagement, and performance tracking, turning HR into a data-driven function.

Marketing: AI enables deep consumer insights, more precise campaigns, and faster content creation, making marketing efforts highly targeted.

Public Safety: AI assists in crime prediction, emergency response, and surveillance, enhancing community safety and response capabilities.

AI Career Opportunities

The AI landscape offers a plethora of career paths, each with its unique set of challenges and rewards. Some of the most sought-after roles include:

Data Scientists: These professionals analyze and interpret complex data to help organizations make informed decisions. They use machine learning algorithms to predict trends and identify patterns.

Machine Learning Engineers: They design and implement machine learning models that enable systems to learn and improve from experience. Their work is crucial in developing AI applications.

AI Researchers: Focused on advancing the field of AI, these experts conduct cutting-edge research to develop new algorithms and technologies.

Consider the success story of Julia, she started her career as a software developer but always had a keen interest in machine learning. She decided to pursue this passion by taking online certification and working on personal projects. Her dedication paid off when she transitioned into a freelance career, specializing in AI and machine learning. Julia’s expertise and innovative solutions quickly gained recognition, leading her to establish her own AI startup. Today, her company is known for developing cutting-edge AI applications that solve real-world problems, showcasing how continuous learning and perseverance can lead to entrepreneurial success.

As these career paths become more defined, the demand for AI skills continues to rise. Let’s explore the current demand for AI expertise in the job market.

AI Skill Demand

The demand for AI skills is increasing, with job postings requiring AI expertise increasing exponentially. Let us look at how:

According to a report by LinkedIn, AI specialist roles have seen a 74% annual growth rate over the past four years.

This surge is driven by companies across various sectors recognizing the value of AI in enhancing their operations and gaining a competitive edge.

A recent study by Gartner predicts that by 2025, AI will create 2.3 million jobs while eliminating 1.8 million, resulting in a net gain of 500,000 jobs.

This shift underscores the importance of acquiring AI skills to stay relevant in the evolving job market.

Due to the need for improved operations and a competitive edge, industries such as financial services, healthcare, and technology are experiencing the greatest demand for AI positions as technology advances.

With such high demand, it’s no surprise that AI professionals are commanding impressive salaries. Let’s take a closer look at the salary trends for AI roles.

AI Salary Trends

AI professionals are among the highest-paid in the tech industry. Salaries vary based on role, experience, and location, but the overall trend is upward. For instance, according to Coursera the entry-level AI engineers can expect to earn between $80,000 and $120,000 annually, while experienced professionals can command salaries upwards of $150,000.

Looking at these trends, it’s clear that the future is bright for those with AI skills. Let’s explore the outlook for AI careers and the emerging fields within this dynamic industry.

AI Future Outlook

The future of AI is brimming with possibilities. As AI technology continues to evolve, new job roles and opportunities will emerge. Fields such as AI ethics, AI in healthcare, and AI-driven cybersecurity are expected to grow significantly. Let us discuss each now:

The goal of AI ethics is to minimize biases and safeguard privacy by guaranteeing accountability, transparency, and fairness in AI systems.

AI improves patient care, treatment planning, and diagnosis, resulting in more precise and effective healthcare delivery.

By using AI to identify irregularities, automate attack responses, and anticipate security breaches, AI-Driven Cybersecurity helps safeguard private data from ever changing online threats.

These domains demonstrate AI’s capacity to solve important problems and encourage creativity.

Imagine a world where AI not only assists but also collaborates with humans in creative processes. AI could help artists generate new forms of art, assist scientists in groundbreaking research, and even aid in solving complex global challenges like climate change.

With all these exciting developments, now is the perfect time to dive into the world of AI. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned professional looking to pivot, acquiring AI skills can open doors to a rewarding and impactful career.

Takeaways

Due to automation and technology breakthroughs, artificial intelligence is becoming a vital ability in today’s workforce.

The number of AI expert positions has increased by 74% annually.

AI is expected to provide a net gain of 500,000 employment by 2025.

Expertise in AI is highly sought after in industries including cybersecurity, healthcare, and finance.

To remain competitive, obtaining certificates in AI literacy is crucial.

Adopting AI puts you at the forefront of innovation and opens doors to lucrative employment opportunities.

Conclusion

In summary, AI is undeniably the hottest skill of 2024. Its rapid adoption across industries, coupled with the growing demand for AI expertise, presents a wealth of career opportunities. From data scientists to machine learning engineers, AI professionals are shaping the future of technology and society.

AI will undergo revolutionary developments within the next five to ten years. AI will advance individualized medicine, advance scientific research, and promote environmental sustainability. Along with developing immersive digital experiences in the metaverse and cryptocurrencies, it will also be vital to foreign policy. AI will play a crucial role in our future because of these developments, which will transform technology, healthcare, and international policy. Are you very thrilled about any particular developments in AI?

To stay competitive, you should gain AI literacy through trending AI certifications like the like AI data & Robotics AI Essentials, AI development. These certifications will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

Ready to jumpstart your AI career? Start learning today and be part of the future! Numerous online courses, bootcamps, and certifications are available to help you gain the necessary skills and knowledge. Embrace the AI revolution and position yourself at the forefront of this transformative field

0 notes