#Fingerprinting Accuracy

[isalro]

Live scan services have transformed the landscape of fingerprinting and background checks. With many advantages compared to the available methods, choosing our live scan services in Lawndale, California provide a solid rationale.

[ahalts]

Biometric Time Attendance Solutions

Biometric time attendance solutions offer an advanced method for tracking employee work hours by using unique biological traits such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or iris scans. These systems enhance security by ensuring that only the authenticated individual can clock in, preventing common issues like buddy punching or fraudulent time entries. Biometric systems are highly accurate, minimizing errors in attendance data. They also save time for employees and managers, as the process of clocking in is swift and requires minimal interaction. Additionally, biometric systems help in maintaining compliance with labor regulations and integrate seamlessly with payroll systems, improving overall workforce efficiency.

More info: https://ahalts.com/solutions/hr-services/outsourcing-time-attendance

[pyramidlivescanfingerprinting]

When it comes to livescan Fingerprint in Laurel, Maryland, precision is key. Accurate fingerprinting is not just about capturing clear images but ensuring they meet the specific standards required for various applications, such as employment or background checks. Precision in fingerprinting helps to avoid delays or rejections that could result from poor-quality prints. By focusing on the details, you ensure that every fingerprint is processed smoothly and efficiently, making your background check experience seamless.

[blackinhistory]

Gladys West

Overcoming racial and gender barriers, she charted a course that led her to become a “hidden figure” behind the ubiquitous Global Positioning System (GPS). West’s work has had a profound impact on how we navigate the world today. Her story illuminates often-overlooked contributions of diverse voices in scientific progress. So, how's her work connected to the present?

Gladys West was born in 1930 in rural Sutherland, Virginia. Her family was an Black farming family and she spent much of her childhood working on the farm, surrounded by sharecroppers. Despite the challenges, she excelled in school and was determined to get an education. West's childhood on a farm instilled in her a deep understanding of precision and calculation. Despite limited resources and societal constraints, she excelled in academics, graduating with a mathematics degree from Virginia State University and went on to earn two master's degrees and a PhD. Her talent propelled her to the Naval Surface Warfare Center, where she embarked on a remarkable 42-year career. It was also there she met her husband, Ira, married in 1957, and had 3 children. She was the 2nd Black woman ever hired, and 1 of 4 Black employees, her husband included.

There, with the backdrop of Cold War tensions and burgeoning space exploration, West tackled complex mathematical problems related to satellite geodesy. This specialized field, equivalent to deciphering Earth's celestial fingerprint, held the key to precisely pinpointing locations in space. West's meticulous calculations, particularly for the groundbreaking Seasat and GEOSAT satellites, became the invisible scaffolding upon which the modern GPS system was built.

For decades, her contributions remained largely unacknowledged due to her race and gender. Yet, the accuracy and efficiency of her work spoke volumes. The precise models she developed for Earth's gravitational field and its subtle variations due to tides and other forces became the bedrock of GPS calculations. Today, whether navigating city streets or pinpointing remote wilderness locations, we unknowingly benefit from West's invisible hand.

Recognition finally arrived later in life. In 2018, the Air Force Space and Missile Pioneers Hall of Fame inducted West, acknowledging her transformative impact. That same year, the BBC included West among its "100 Women," recognizing her groundbreaking contributions. Just three years later, the Royal Academy of Engineering in the UK bestowed upon her their highest individual honor, the Prince Philip Medal, cementing her place as a pioneer in her field. But her legacy extends far beyond accolades. Gladys West stands as a beacon of inspiration, not just for aspiring mathematicians, but for anyone facing systemic barriers. Her story reminds us that the path to groundbreaking discoveries is often paved by those who defy expectations and chart their own unique course.

Photo Source: Wikimedia Source: Wikipedia Source: BBC Source: Britannica Source:  Atlanta Black Star

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Dharna Noor at The Guardian:

Climate experts fear Donald Trump will follow a blueprint created by his allies to gut the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Noaa), disbanding its work on climate science and tailoring its operations to business interests.

Joe Biden’s presidency has increased the profile of the science-based federal agency but its future has been put in doubt if Trump wins a second term and at a time when climate impacts continue to worsen. The plan to “break up Noaa is laid out in the Project 2025 document written by more than 350 rightwingers and helmed by the Heritage Foundation. Called the Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise, it is meant to guide the first 180 days of presidency for an incoming Republican president. The document bears the fingerprints of Trump allies, including Johnny McEntee, who was one of Trump’s closest aides and is a senior adviser to Project 2025. “The National Oceanographic [sic] and Atmospheric Administration (Noaa) should be dismantled and many of its functions eliminated, sent to other agencies, privatized, or placed under the control of states and territories,” the proposal says.

That’s a sign that the far right has “no interest in climate truth”, said Chris Gloninger, who last year left his job as a meteorologist in Iowa after receiving death threats over his spotlighting of global warming. The guidebook chapter detailing the strategy, which was recently spotlighted by E&E News, describes Noaa as a “colossal operation that has become one of the main drivers of the climate change alarm industry and, as such, is harmful to future US prosperity”. It was written by Thomas Gilman, a former Chrysler executive who during Trump’s presidency was chief financial officer for Noaa’s parent body, the commerce department. Gilman writes that one of Noaa’s six main offices, the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, should be “disbanded” because it issues “theoretical” science and is “the source of much of Noaa’s climate alarmism”. Though he admits it serves “important public safety and business functions as well as academic functions”, Gilman says data from the National Hurricane Center must be “presented neutrally, without adjustments intended to support any one side in the climate debate”.

[...] Noaa also houses the National Weather Service (NWS), which provides weather and climate forecasts and warnings. Gilman calls for the service to “fully commercialize its forecasting operations”. He goes on to say that Americans are already reliant on private weather forecasters, specifically naming AccuWeather and citing a PR release issued by the company to claim that “studies have found that the forecasts and warnings provided by the private companies are more reliable” than the public sector’s. (The mention is noteworthy as Trump once tapped the former CEO of AccuWeather to lead Noaa, though his nomination was soon withdrawn.)

The claims come amid years of attempts from US conservatives to help private companies enter the forecasting arena – proposals that are “nonsense”, said Rosenberg. Right now, all people can access high-quality forecasts for free through the NWS. But if forecasts were conducted only by private companies that have a profit motive, crucial programming might no longer be available to those in whom business executives don’t see value, said Rosenberg. [...] Fully privatizing forecasting could also threaten the accuracy of forecasts, said Gloninger, who pointed to AccuWeather’s well-known 30- and 60-day forecasts as one example. Analysts have found that these forecasts are only right about half the time, since peer-reviewed research has found that there is an eight- to 10-day limit on the accuracy of forecasts.

The Trump Administration is delivering a big gift to climate crisis denialism as part of Project 2025 by proposing the dismantling and privatizing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Weather Service (NWS) in his potential 2nd term.

This should frighten people to vote Democratic up and down the ballot if you want the NOAA and NWS to stay intact.

[fdragon-art]

Day 5 - :D (John Egbert as seen in @badlydrawnjohn )

If there's one thing I'll never truly get over, it's the simple enjoyment of character ask blogs~

(It's transparent too~!)

=Thoughts=

Mimicking someone else's style - whether loosely or with great accuracy - is a lot more time-consuming than one might expect. The way shapes are formed, the style lines come out, even the particular texture of the pen, all make for a lot of small adjustments as you go along in the strive for accuracy.

I opted to use my usual pen texture since it makes it feels less like I'm directly copying someone's style and more going for a homage-type deal. I find it to be a nice blend of mimicking and intentional personal influence. It's even more useful with simpler styles since it avoids uncanny valley effects when the style is slightly off instead of noticeably so.

That said, for a simple style, there were certainly a few key challenges. The head shape took a few tries since it was either too round or too flat. The shoulders too since I was trying to avoid making them look too broad. Somehow - though fittingly enough - the neck wound up key to the shoulders and helped out with the head.

The hands are probably the one part I didn't put in as much effort for accuracy, especially the left-side hand. I still put in some effort, so it looks different to my usual. I kinda like how it came out, and might have to study it a little for my cuter styles~

It's fun doing style mini-studies with simpler styles. Makes for good line practice and gives appreciation for even the simpler-looking styles. It's like learning about the unique fingerprints of each artist~

[thatsonemorbidcorvid]

The smell of someone’s hand can reveal if they are a man or a woman, a study has found.

Key components in body odour are increasingly being used by scientists to unpick a person’s identity, with age and ethnicity already able to be determined by smell alone.

Now, research from Florida International University found that machine analysis was able to tell with 97 per cent accuracy the gender of a person from a swab of their hand sweat.

It opens the door for law enforcement to be able to use scent recognition to find criminals at some point in the future. However, the scientists say the work is still in its early stages and more analysis is needed to rectify the findings before the technique is used by police forces.

The hope is that a hand mark, which does not have any DNA or fingerprints, could still be used to help identify a perpetrator.

15 key chemicals

“We identified 15 key chemicals, and seven were the most important in differentiating females from males,” study author Dr Kenneth Furton told The Telegraph.

“To date we still cannot say what men and women in general smell like but we can say that they smell different chemically and we are now closer to discovering which chemicals are responsible for that difference.”

Dogs have long been used in criminal investigations to reliably identify and track people based on their odour, but replicating the hyper-sensitive nature of the canine nose with a machine in a lab has proved difficult.

Scientists used a technique called mass spectrometry to analyse the scent compounds present on the palms of 60 people – half male and half female.

Participants were asked to squeeze a piece of sanitised material for ten seconds and their skin secretions were then taken from the absorbent pad and put into a machine.

Odour ‘barcodes’

The scientists found odour “barcodes” which each person possesses that is unique to them and found they were able to pull apart male and female individuals based on the olfactory signature.

“Criminal activities involving robberies, assaults (sexual, simple, or aggravated), and rape are often executed with the use of the perpetrator’s hands,” the scientists write in their study.

“As a result, hands are a focal point of investigations as contributors of trace amounts of evidence that can be deposited on everyday objects through touch interactions.

“There is an exchange of both biological and inorganic material between the perpetrator and the crime scene during these interactions.”

Trace evidence

They add that the interaction and contact between a criminal and victim, or the crime scene, will leave behind trace evidence, but sometimes in quantities too small to help solve the crime.

“Fingerprints and DNA are the biometrics most commonly utilised to identify a suspect or victim of a crime,” the team continues.

“However, these forms of evidence can be found in quantities that are too small to be used, leaving little to no forensic evidence that can be used for prosecution.

“Even in these instances where no physical fingerprint or DNA evidence is found, human scent evidence may still be recovered and used as an individualising feature in an investigation.

“Though previous works have revealed this using an individual’s human scent from either breath or armpit, this study expands on this capability using hand odour which may be of great forensic value.”

According to the study, published in PLOS ONE, the analysis successfully predicted a person’s sex with a 96.67 per cent accuracy rate.

Sexual arousal

Studies are increasingly learning more about the role of human scent and how it may be detected not only by machines but by people too.

One study recently found the chemical makeup of a person’s exhaled breath changes when in a state of sexual arousal and it could be picked up by others around them.

Researchers from the Max Planck Institute of Chemistry found a noticeable spike in three chemicals called indole, cresole and phenol during arousal. There was also a significant drop in the level of CO2 and another molecule called isoprene.

Prof Jonathan Williams, the lead researcher, also found last year that humans have an invisible aura around our bodies which could be cleaning the air we breathe.

A study found that an invisible haze of air-cleansing molecules is produced on human bodies when ozone in the air reacts with oil made by our skin.

[wes-walker]

Twice a year, The Eye conducts tests on their staff. The tests include things like proficiency and accuracy with weaponry, knowledge of common foreign languages, behavior and reaction analysis, and fitness trials. In an effort to insure staff is dedicating the necessary time and energy to their assigned roles and skillsets on a routine basis, the dates of these tests are never given until the day before. 

The email went out on Thursday morning. The exams would take place starting Friday morning at 0800 hour.

First on the list for Wes was weaponry. 

“Impressed you showed up,” Wes heard Damon say as he approached the row of assigned lockers where their guns were kept. And of course, she was with him. Willa. Ever since she made her grand reappearance, she was never more than two feet from Damon. Half his size, twirling delicately in orbit. Which was even more of a reason for Wes to ignore Damon completely. 

“Funny. Ha-ha. Of course I showed up. It’s my job,” Wes replied, exhaling as he placed the pad of his thumb on the fingerprint scanner. There was a click, and the locker opened. 

“Hi, Wes,” He heard Willa say. 

Wes turned to look at her, forcing his expression to remain blank, then gave Damon a look. Damon sighed. “What?” Damon seemed to force himself to say in response to Wes’ look. 

Wes’ brows furrowed, then he gestured to Willa. “She fucking shot me. Back in February. It was her.” 

“I knew it wouldn’t kill you!” Willa chimed in, smiling. Damon and Willa exchanged a look. Willa’s smile slowly faded, and she seemed to nod her head before she turned back to Wes. 

“I’m sorry I hurt you with my stupid, little game I was playing with Damon,” Willa’s voice and expression seemed genuine — sincere. “I went too far — but, it was a good shot, wasn’t it?” Her features lit up, and she looked up to Damon, who was smiling down at her. “It was a good shot,” Damon confirmed.

“Jesus Christ,” Wes said, shaking his head and forcing out a laugh. “Whatever. Yeah. Sure. Great shot. Real fucking cool. Don’t do it again.”  The petite woman smiled sweetly again up at Wes and nodded her head. “I promise not to do it again.” She then mentioned something about retrieving Damon’s sniper and disappeared.

Wes grabbed his own sniper rifle out of the locker — ready. 

“Make sure to clean it off — I’m sure it’s gathered dust by now,” Damon said under his breath to Wes  as he walked away. 

—

Wes slipped in his AirPods. The song started, the exam began, and there was nothing but him and the gun. 

— 

The group had about an hour until the fitness trials began. They were gathered in a large, open gym which housed a running track, equipment, a sparring ring, and swimming pool. A soft voice over the intercom notified them the results from weaponry were about to be posted. The screens inside the break room flipped on. Wes’ eyes quickly scanned for the sniper group. And there it was, the list ranked 1 through 25 — 

Wes Walker 98%

Damon Hargrove 97%

Immediately, Wes was inundated with congratulations by his colleagues. Since Wes had joined The Eye, the two men had consistently tied. This was the first time one surpassed the other. A smile broke out across his mouth, and he looked for one person — Damon, who stood across the room. Damon was looking back at him, and simply gave a small nod of approval.

Wes’ stomach twisted into a knot from guilt. He’d chosen to walk away from becoming Damon’s protege. He’d chosen a different path — a safer path. One that wouldn’t take him from Sadie. One that’d make sure he went home to his wife every night. So, Wes refused new contracts, and instead chose to train new recruits, leaving his team vulnerable. Weaker.

A chime over the intercom brought Wes out of his own head.

It was time for the fitness trials. 

“C’mon, Wes,” He heard Tyler call to him, who was standing with the Kohl sisters. Wes turned and made his way over to his colleagues, a smile forming back on his lips as he could hear Bianca and Sutton argue over who could run a faster mile. 

[justbreakonme]

Continued from this.

Screaming, fighting, throwing things, all he had seen and dealt with before. Hell, the two that had been dragged in with them had put up enough of a fight.

Those two had been easy. The taller one, Lonnie, had spit in his face and laughed when he’d been put in the cell. And the other one, Al, had to be fought into his cell, scratching and swearing.

They had also had identification, the scared one didn’t.

“Fuck,” he sighed, flipping open Lonnie’s file, then Al’s, “Double fuck.”

Fingerprints, surveillance photos, addresses, phone numbers… Every incident of either stepping out of line was recorded in painstaking accuracy. He’d been watching them for a while, waiting for them to screw up again.

But the third one… The scared one. They were new. He didn’t even know what to call them in his own head, there was just a blank. But if they were caught with Lonnie and Al, they knew more than they were letting on.

He was going to have to get it out of them, one way or another.

He pulled out an empty file and a few blank entry forms, starting to jot down the interactions with each of them.

He started with Lonnie, making sure to take extra notes on the laughter. He’d put an end to that soon.

Al’s mostly focused on aggression. That too would need to be sorted out.

Then, the scared one. No name, no numbers, addresses, pictures, anything.

He sat back in his chair, rubbing a hand over his face with a sigh. He’d need to deal with this one a little differently.

But where did they even come from? There was no mention of them in any of the files he had, and it wasn’t like he could look for them by name…

The way that they had panicked at every question was tugging at him.

Why would they panic unless they’d been questioned before? There was nothing on record, and it’s not like the other two likely needed to ask them anything, Lonnie was the leader from what he understood and Al his right hand man.

Had there been someone or something else? But if they were caught, there surely would be something on file with Lonnie or Al, or with one of the other syndicate guys. He looked over at the entire drawer dedicated to those assholes, and sighs. He was going to have to go through every single one.

But when he caught 2:56 blinking on his clock-radio, he figured that he’d need to wait till morning to do much else. So he wrote down what happened, closed the file, and sat back.

There was more he should do but it would have to wait.

“This might be out of my pay grade,” he groaned to himself, forcing himself out of his chair.

Shuffling the few feet over to his cot, he wondered if he should have give them one. After all, they’d done everything he’d told them to besides answer a question. And it didn’t seem like even that was because they were trying to be difficult. Just, scared.

“God, I’m going soft as baby shit…” he grumbled as he turned off the desk lamp, “One scaredy cat and I’m gonna give them a cot.”

Sleep didn’t come easily, despite the time, but eventually it did come, and he was glad to put the scaredy-cat out of his mind.

They woke slowly, pulled out of dreams by people walking around outside. Chatter and laughter made their heart sink.

Any last ditch hope of a rescue died in their chest. Now their only hope was the man who had brought them in.

They looked down at the water bottle they still had clutched to their chest. “Not the worst…” they whispered, closing their eyes and trying to convince themselves.

But it was hopeless.

Tears start to well in their eyes as a burst of laughter broke from down the hall. It didn’t matter how bad it was, in a way.

They knew they couldn’t keep going. It was only a very short matter of time before they fully cracked, fully lost the little scrap of self they had left. Every moment spent waiting for the hammer to drop ate away at them.

The peace from last night was gone; how could they have been so silly to have even experienced it in the first place?

They laid their head back down, and stared at the door. All there was to do now was wait.

@briars7 @thejinglingcourtjester @honey-is-mesi @ihaverottinglungz @emilykeys @nicolepascaline @whump-queen @whumpycries @haro-whumps @whumpsday @termsnconditions-apply @magziemakeswhatever @starlight-707 @secretwhumplair @thingsthatgo-whump-inthenight @barebarb @sacredwrath @asphyyxxi8 @kira-the-whump-enthusiast @whumpzone @inpainandsuffering @cupcakes-and-pain @pumpkin-spice-whump @extemporary-whump @nyooom @freefallingup13 @pigeonwhumps @kim-poce @squishablesunbeam

[isalro]

Do you need a highly accurate and efficient method for capturing and verifying biometric data? Are you looking for a solution that eliminates errors associated with traditional ink-and-paper methods? A live scan is what you are looking for!

[jcmarchi]

How Adobe is Shielding Artists from AI Misuse

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/how-adobe-is-shielding-artists-from-ai-misuse/

How Adobe is Shielding Artists from AI Misuse

In recent years, the growing ability of generative AI to create realistic visuals, mimic artistic styles, and produce entirely new forms of expression has redefined how art is made and experienced. While this transformation offers remarkable opportunities for innovation and productivity in the creative sector, it also raises concerns about intellectual property rights and the potential misuse of artistic works. A recent study found that 56% of creators believe generative AI poses a threat to them, primarily due to the unauthorized use of their work in training datasets. Recognizing this challenges, Adobe—an American software company known for its multimedia and creativity software products—is taking proactive measures to protect artists from AI misuse. In this article, we’ll explore how Adobe is empowering artists to safeguard their intellectual property in the face of evolving AI threats.

The Rise of AI in Creative Industries

Artificial intelligence is transforming the creative industries, reshaping how we create, edit, and engage with content. From generating music and designing graphics to writing scripts and building entire virtual worlds, AI-driven tools are evolving at a rapid pace. However, as AI’s capabilities expand, so do the challenges it presents—particularly for artists. Models like DALL-E and Midjourney can replicate famous styles or mimic artwork with impressive accuracy, often using publicly available images without consent. This raises serious legal and ethical concerns about copyright and artistic integrity. For many creators, the fear is that AI will learn from their copyrighted work and produce something similar, potentially diminishing the value of their art. The lack of clear legal frameworks for AI-generated content further complicates the issue, leaving the creative community vulnerable. To address these concerns, Adobe is taking proactive measures to develop technologies that can protect artists from the potential misuse of AI.

Adobe’s Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI)

One of Adobe’s most impactful efforts in protecting artists is its Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI). Launched in 2019, the CAI is a collaborative, open-source initiative that aims to provide creators with tools to verify the authenticity of their digital content. By embedding metadata into images and other digital files, Adobe enables artists to assert ownership and trace the origin of their work. This “digital fingerprint” not only ensures that creators are credited but also helps identify when and where their work has been altered or misused.

In addition to protecting copyrights, the CAI addresses the broader issue of content manipulation, which has become increasingly concerned with the rise of deepfakes and AI-generated images that distort reality. By enabling users to verify the provenance and authenticity of digital content, the CAI protects both artists and the public from deceptive or harmful uses of AI technology.

 Adobe Firefly

In early 2023, Adobe launched Firefly, an AI-powered collection of creative tools designed to generate images, videos, and text effects using generative AI. One of the key features of Firefly is its underlying data model. Adobe has ensured that Firefly is trained entirely on legally sourced content, including Adobe Stock and publicly licensed or copyright-free images. By building a dataset that respects intellectual property, Adobe aims to mitigate the ethical concerns artists have expressed about their work being scraped from the web and used without their consent.

Additionally, Adobe has implemented licensing mechanisms within Firefly that empower artists to be part of the AI training process on their own terms. Artists can choose to license their work for use in Firefly’s dataset and are compensated if their work is used to train AI models or generate content. This not only ensures fair treatment but also creates a revenue stream for artists who wish to contribute to the AI revolution without compromising their rights.

Adobe’s Licensing Solutions

In addition to protecting the integrity of artistic work, Adobe has also focused on ensuring fair compensation for creators who contribute to the datasets used by AI models. Through Adobe Stock, artists can license their work to be used in various applications, including AI-generated art. Adobe’s compensation model allows artists to benefit from the growing use of AI in the creative sector, rather than being left behind or exploited.

By enabling proper licensing for stock content used in generative AI models, Adobe offers a sustainable way for artists to participate in the future of AI-powered creativity. This is especially important in an era where digital content is increasingly driven by machine learning algorithms. Adobe’s licensing solutions help bridge the gap between AI innovation and artist protection, ensuring that creators are rewarded for their contributions to these advanced technologies.

Protecting Artists in the Era of NFTs

Another area where Adobe is protecting artists from AI misuse is in the escalating field of non-fungible tokens (NFTs). As digital art becomes increasingly valuable in the NFT marketplace, artists face new risks from AI-driven art theft. Unauthorized copies of their work could be minted as NFTs without their knowledge or consent, undermining the ownership and value of their creations.

To combat this, Adobe has integrated CAI technology with leading NFT platforms like Rarible and KnownOrigin. By embedding CAI metadata into NFT art, Adobe allows artists to prove the originality and ownership of their digital work on the blockchain. This helps artists maintain control over their creations in the fast-moving NFT field, where authenticity is the key.

Furthermore, Adobe’s authentication tools are being expanded to include NFTs generated by AI. By binding AI-generated art to the same CAI standards, Adobe ensures that artists can trace and control how their work is used, even when it becomes part of an AI-generated output.

Adobe’s New Tool for Content Authenticity

Adobe recently unveiled a new web app set to launch in early 2025, designed to help creators protect their work from misuse by AI. This app is part of Adobe’s enhanced Content Credentials system, enabling artists to easily add their information—such as name, website, and social media links—directly to their digital creations, including images, videos, and audio.

A key feature of the app is the option for users to opt out of having their work used to train AI models. This directly addresses the growing concerns among artists about their creations being utilized without permission in generative AI datasets. The app also simplifies the tedious process of submitting requests to various AI providers.

Additionally, the app integrates with Adobe’s well-known platforms like Photoshop and Firefly, while also supporting content created with non-Adobe tools. Users can embed tamper-evident metadata, ensuring their work remains protected, even if it’s altered or screenshot.

 The Bottom Line

Adobe’s efforts to shield artists from AI misuse demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to an urgent issue in the creative world. With initiatives like the Content Authenticity Initiative, the ethical training models of Firefly, and licensing solutions such as Adobe Stock along with the new content authenticity web tool, Adobe is laying the groundwork for a future where AI serves as a tool for creators rather than a threat to their creativity. As the distinction between AI-generated and human-made art becomes increasingly unclear, Adobe’s dedication to transparency, fairness, and empowering artists plays a crucial role in keeping creativity firmly in the hands of creators.

[gonzalez756]

Top E-Commerce Fraud Prevention Software Solutions 

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, e-commerce has become a cornerstone of the global economy. However, this growth has also given rise to sophisticated fraud schemes that pose significant risks to online businesses and their customers. To combat these threats, businesses must invest in robust fraud prevention software solutions. Here’s a look at some of the top e-commerce fraud prevention tools for 2024 that can help safeguard your online store and maintain customer trust.

1. Fraud.Net

Fraud.Net stands out as a comprehensive fraud prevention platform that uses machine learning and artificial intelligence to detect and prevent fraudulent transactions. Its real-time risk scoring system evaluates each transaction based on a multitude of factors, such as user behavior and historical data, to flag suspicious activities. Fraud.Net's integration with various payment gateways and its customizable rule set make it a versatile choice for businesses of all sizes.

 2. Signifyd

Signifyd is renowned for its 100% financial guarantee on fraud protection, offering a unique proposition in the e-commerce space. The platform uses a combination of machine learning and human expertise to analyze transactions and identify potential threats. Its approach includes real-time decision-making and an extensive global data network, ensuring that businesses can reduce false positives while minimizing fraud losses. Signifyd also provides tools for chargeback management and fraud analytics.

3. Kount

Kount offers a powerful fraud prevention solution that leverages AI and machine learning to provide real-time fraud detection and prevention. Its platform includes features such as biometric identification, device fingerprinting, and risk scoring to help identify and mitigate fraudulent activities. Kount’s customizable rules engine allows businesses to tailor their fraud prevention strategies to specific needs, while its comprehensive dashboard provides actionable insights into transaction trends and fraud patterns.

4. Sift

Sift is a leading fraud prevention solution that combines machine learning with a vast database of global fraud signals to deliver real-time protection. The platform is known for its adaptability, offering tools to prevent fraud across multiple channels, including payments, account creation, and content abuse. Sift's advanced analytics and customizable workflows help businesses quickly respond to emerging fraud threats and reduce manual review processes.

 5. Riskified

Riskified specializes in enhancing the online shopping experience by providing a fraud prevention solution that guarantees approval of legitimate transactions. The platform uses advanced machine learning algorithms and a vast dataset to analyze transactions and identify fraudulent activities. Riskified’s unique chargeback guarantee ensures that businesses are protected against fraud losses, making it a popular choice for high-volume e-commerce operations.

 6. ClearSale

ClearSale is a global fraud prevention solution that combines technology with expert analysts to deliver comprehensive fraud protection. Its system uses machine learning to assess transaction risk and manual reviews to ensure accuracy. ClearSale’s multi-layered approach includes fraud detection, chargeback management, and customer service support, making it a robust option for businesses looking to minimize fraud while maintaining a positive customer experience.

7. Shift4

Shift4 provides a versatile fraud prevention solution that integrates with its payment processing services. The platform uses machine learning to monitor transactions and detect fraudulent patterns in real-time. Shift4’s fraud prevention tools are designed to work seamlessly with its payment gateway, offering a streamlined approach to both transaction processing and fraud detection.

8. CyberSource

CyberSource, a Visa solution, offers a suite of fraud prevention tools that leverage AI and machine learning to protect online transactions. Its platform includes features such as device fingerprinting, transaction scoring, and integration with Visa's global network. CyberSource’s customizable fraud management system allows businesses to tailor their fraud prevention strategies to their specific needs and risk profiles.

Conclusion

Investing in a robust e-commerce fraud prevention solution is essential for protecting your business and customers from the ever-evolving landscape of online fraud. Each of the solutions highlighted above offers unique features and benefits, making it crucial to evaluate them based on your specific needs, transaction volume, and risk tolerance. By choosing the right fraud prevention software, you can enhance security, reduce losses, and provide a safer shopping experience for your customers.

[blubushie]

What difference does the length of a gun's barrel make ?

I don't own a gun and legally can't cause of my country's laws, but I was curious and thought I'd ask ya

It's not "guns," it's "firearms" ;]

Also, primarily, accuracy. Bullets have a tendency to tumble—to flip end-over-end, or to wobble—if fired from too short of a barrel. This slows the bullet drastically and terribly reduces its kenetic energy on impact (and also terribly reduces its accuracy).

The longer a bullet is contained within the barrel after being shot, the more accurate the placement of said bullet will be. This is especially true for larger or longer bullets that are more likely to tumble, which is why rifles first started having long barrels.

Nowadays, firearms have something called "rifling" that remedies the problem of long barrels. The rifling "spins" the bullet and improves its ballistics (like aerodynamicy) so that it hits its target as required. To get an idea of what rifling looks like, you can look up internal rifling or you can just picture the inside of a screw hole and its ridges like the inverted, spiralling teeth on a screw. That's rifling!

The rifling also cuts grooves into the side of the bullet while it spins through the barrel, which is how police can confirm a certain firearm was used in a certain crime. The rifling of a firearm is like its fingerprint! Once they obtain the suspected weapon they can fire it, take the bullet, and do a comparison to the bullet used in the crime (if they have it, of course). If it's a match then voila, you have your weapon.

Nowadays barrel length isn't as important because we have machine-manufactured weapons which means we can make the rifling very very tight, even on handguns. There's less need for longer barrels on most firearms and nowadays most of the reason for long barrels is either tradition, antiquated laws about the legality of "sawed-off" (short) barrels (like with shotguns) that are somehow still on the books, or to help with balancing the firearms for proper support and handling through weight distribution.

Additionally the longer barrel means you can put your front sights and rear sights further apart, and the further apart they are, the more accuracy you'll have with your shooting. So, when using iron sights at least, the longer the barrel, the better the user's accuracy as well.

[flightsgoogle]

Travel Tech: Gadgets and Apps That Will Change the Way You Travel in 2024

Traveling in 2024 is set to be a tech-savvy adventure like never before. With cutting-edge gadgets and innovative apps, your journeys will be more seamless, enjoyable, and efficient. Here’s a look at some of the latest travel technologies that are transforming the way we explore the world.

Smart Luggage Smart luggage has evolved significantly, offering features like GPS tracking, built-in power banks, and biometric locks. Brands like Away and Samsonite are leading the charge with luggage that not only keeps your belongings safe but also charges your devices on the go.

Top Features: GPS Tracking: Never lose your luggage again with real-time location tracking. Biometric Locks: Secure your belongings with fingerprint recognition. Built-in Scales: Avoid overweight fees by weighing your luggage with integrated scales.

AI-Powered Travel Apps Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing travel planning. Apps like Cheap Flights for android and Cheap Flights pro for ios use AI to predict the best times to book flights and hotels, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars.

Must-Have website: CheapFlights365: Predicts future flight and hotel prices with 95% accuracy. TripIt: Organizes your travel plans in one place, giving you a master itinerary. PackPoint: Helps you pack by creating a customized packing list based on your destination and travel plans.

Virtual Reality (VR) Tours Before you even leave home, VR can give you a taste of your destination. Apps like Google Earth VR and Expedia VR offer immersive virtual tours, helping you decide where to go and what to see.

VR Highlights: Google Earth VR: Explore any city or landmark in the world from your living room. Expedia VR: Experience hotel rooms and tourist attractions virtually before booking.

Portable Language Translators Language barriers are a thing of the past with portable translators like Pocketalk and Travis Touch Go. These devices offer real-time translation in dozens of languages, ensuring smooth communication wherever you are.

Translation Devices: Pocketalk: Translates 82 languages with two-way voice translation. Travis Touch Go: Supports over 100 languages and can be used offline.

Wearable Tech Wearable technology, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, is more travel-friendly than ever. Devices like the Apple Watch Ultra and Fitbit Charge 5 not only track your fitness but also provide navigation, weather updates, and even emergency assistance.

Wearable Benefits: Apple Watch Ultra: Offers GPS, cellular connectivity, and fall detection. Fitbit Charge 5: Tracks your health metrics and provides stress management tools.

E-SIM Cards E-SIM cards are making connectivity abroad easier and more affordable. With apps like Airalo and GigSky, you can purchase and activate data plans for your destination without needing a physical SIM card.

Connectivity Solutions: Airalo: Buy eSIMs for over 190 countries directly from your phone. GigSky: Offers global data plans without the need for a local SIM card.

Solar-Powered Chargers Eco-friendly and efficient, solar-powered chargers like Anker PowerPort Solar allow you to keep your devices charged using the power of the sun. Perfect for camping or traveling to remote areas.

Top Picks: Anker PowerPort Solar: Lightweight, foldable, and capable of charging two devices simultaneously. Goal Zero Nomad 7: Durable and compact, ideal for outdoor adventures. Conclusion The travel tech landscape in 2024 is brimming with innovations designed to make your trips smoother, safer, and more enjoyable. From smart luggage and AI-powered apps to VR tours and portable translators, these gadgets and tools are set to revolutionize your travel experience. So gear up, tech out, and get ready to explore the world like never before!

What travel tech are you most excited to try in 2024? Let us know in the comments!

[riyakrish]

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

Benefits of e-Passports

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

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

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

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

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

Future Implications

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

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

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

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

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

[kaythegayest]

Superhero/Villian Au

I'm was gone for a while, I would like to assure you that I didn't die.

Anyway, finalized character designs! (Let's be real, no one can read my handwriting. So I'll be translating everything)

Starting with the hero's,

Aviate- Sky

Hero: Danger level: medium-high

Crimes committed: justified murder, Minor vandalism, manslaughter

Facts:

-strict but kind, determined, outspoken

-friends with both Shade (see second panel) and Rogue (see third panel)

-out of all the hero's, he is the most hostile towards vigelates, believing them to be volatile threats to the public

-very defensive of the hero system

-favorite food is corn dogs

-engaged to Sun

-Calm under pressure

-has a pet parrot

What's in the pouch? A feather from his parrot, a red potion, hero ID, some rope (for restraining foes)

Power: Flight

Aviate's power is rather simple at first glance, but is very effective when it's used. Aviate, like the name suggests, can fly using holographic-looking wings, controlled by a combination of focus and arm movements. The wings largely follow Aviate's arm movements, however with enough concentration, he can move them on their own. The reason Aviate is the #1 hero, and what Makes it so powerful, is that it takes no endurance or stamina whatsoever to use. For example, Say he is chasing a criminal. The criminal is running as fast as he can, soon enough he runs out of breath, that's when Aviate swoops in, arresting him with little to no effort.

Shade- Time

Hero: danger level- high

Crimes Committed: 3rd degree murder, lawful vandalism

Facts:

- Sarcastic, irritable, collected,

-Rogue's (see third panel) mentor

-unlike Aviate, doesn't find a problem with vigelates, unless they get in the way

-knows full well the corruption of the hero system, but they do pay really well.

-Rather temperamental, but trys not to be

-has a annoyingly specific coffee order

-married to Malon

What's in the pockets? Anger Management medication, tape (for restraints), protein bar, Nokia phone (he needs a work phone that won't break), hero ID, pepper spray, Red potion

Power: Reactive Strength

Shade's ability builds off of his already powerful physical strength, and makes him stronger based on the intensity of his emotions. Rage is the best fuel for his power, multiplying his strength about ten times. However his power can be powered by any strong emotion. Doing as the fact that his power is emotion based, he needs to be extremely cautious with everyday situations, as anything could trigger his power. So as apposed to hurting someone, he elects to bottle up his emotions. Which makes his powers more powerful on the battlefield, however causes lasting problems with, and his mental state. He has prescribed anger management medication for when he needs to calm down, but he doesn't take is often as he's supposed to.

Rouge- Twilight

Hero: danger level: medium-high

Crimes Committed: manslaughter, battery

Facts:

-Loyal, protective, and decently petty

-is the only hero with permission to tamper interact with the evidence of a crime scene

-out of all the hero's, he is the most layed back about vigelates (and certain villains) leaving them with a warning as opposed to arresting them.

-Shade's protege

-(secretly) a mentor to Suspend (see fourth panel) and has a albeit shaky alliance with Thorn (see eighth panel)

-doesn't know the extent of the hero systems corruption, but knows enough to understand villains

-unlike the othe heroes, Rogue had 2 swords

-orders only basic white girl drinks at Starbucks.

What's in the harness? Latex gloves (no fingerprints allowed), a notebook, a pen, a Nokia phone (same reasoning as Shade), Empty bottles (storing evidence), handcuffs, Hero ID, health potion

Power: Tracking

Rogue has a more peculiar power, he has the ability to track someone down with dead accuracy using only something they have been in contact with. (ie: a piece of torn clothing, a left behind weapon, the persons blood, ect). He has gained the title "the bloodhound" with the media. Another thing about his power is whenever he uses it, he gets a almost feral impulse to hunt them. The strength of this urge is based on how close the person he's tracking is to his location. Rogue is scary because when he genuinely wants to, he can know your location, exactly what your doing, and how long it will take him to get there.

Vigelates

Suspend- Wild

Vigilante: danger level: medium-high

Wanted for: aggravated assault, assault, battery, obstruction of the law, theft, vigilantism, Minor destruction of property, disturbance of peace, Minor vandalism

Facts:

-Reckless, Easily distracted, Loyal, persistent

-Allies with Tetrad (see panel 5) and (friendly) acquaintances with Thorn

-Rogue's Protege, which gets a little complicated sometimes due to the whole your-entire-job-is-to-arrest-me thing.

-Became a vigelate when he realized that the heroes weren't protecting the poorer parts of town, so he decided to help the people the hero's weren't.

-he makes a very good vigelate despite his impulsive tendencies

-doesnt like coffee. Drinks monster energy instead. (Mipha does not approve)

What's on the harness? Stamina potion, climbing clips, (stolen) police radio, (stolen) taser, stun grenade. (He also has the rope across his chest)

Power: Time Manipulation

Suspend has a unique ability called time manipulation. He can slow down or speed up time around him while he remains at normal speed. This ability can be used for flurry rushes, sneak attacks, or even bullet time. Originally the media mistook his power for super speed which he had to correct the next time he saw a hero. There are two issues to his power. Not only does it sap his energy extremely fast, forcing him to carry around a stamina potion at all times, but also he hasn't completely mastered the power. He can't just slow down time whenever he wants. It's largely timing based, in the heat of the moment. The adrenaline rush allows him to temporarily unlock his power, but when the rush fades, he can't use it. he and Rogue are currently trying to figure out what triggers the power.

Tetrad- Four

Vigelate: danger level- medium

Wanted for: vigilantism, obstruction of the law, wire fraud, theft

Facts:

- subdued, rational, witty

-usually a loner but has a strong alliance with Suspend.

-prefers to stay out of the spotlight to avoid the hero's attention.

-he is very helpful to his community, fighting off criminals, walking drunk people home, ect. But comes off as more threatening then Suspend, who's more extroverted, when in reality he just doesn't want to talk. The community loves him nonetheless.

-when theres nothing to do on patrol, he reads. He's reading the Odyssey right now, or at least trying to. He has no idea what's happening.

What's in the backpack? Rope (restraints), flashlight, police tracker that notifies him about and where nearby crime is, his book, and thirty bang! snaps! (those little snappers you get for fireworks that you throw on the ground and they light up and are super loud. He uses those for stun grenades)

Power: Cloning

Tetrad has a rather unique power to clone himself a max of 4 times. these clones don't have separate personalities, and are more like to drones. He can use these clones as anything from distractions, to a extra pair of hands, getting multiple civilians out of danger. however, controlling multiple of these clones takes energy, so often times Tetrad will be exhausted after using them. He can't control the clones once they get too far away, so the moment he gets out of range, they'll just disintegrate. If a clone dies, he feels the effect, but very downgraded. If a clone gets burned alive, he'll get a blister. Stabbed? That might hurt a bit in the morning things like that.

Villains

Thypoon- Wind

Villain: danger level- high

Wanted for: first degree murder, third degree murder, manslaughter, destruction of property, disturbance of peace, criminal mischief, vandalism, aggrieved assault, terrorism, anarchy

Facts:

-reckless, charismatic, loyal

-Captain's (see panel 7) younger brother

-started being a villain mostly for fun, but then realized how horrible the system is and now he refuses to quit

-Captain doesn't let him drink coffee so he drinks fanta instead

- has a rivalry with Suspend after the vigelate told him he looked like he was seven. (He is not seven for your information)

-Allies with Hare (panel 9) and Thorn (panel 8)

What's in the pouch? Water bottle, smoke bombs, granola bar, device that send his location to Captain if he holds the button (wasn't his idea)

Power: Water Creation and Control

Despite his young age, Typhoon's power is terrifyingly efficient, the only consequences being dehydration, Typhoon can summon water, at will and can control its form, making it from a liquid to a gas or a solid. This can be used to make ice shields, changes in humidity, attacking with waves, drowning foes, water boarding etc. However, the more water he summons, the more dehydrated he gets. he will reach dangerous levels of dehydration, If not monitored.

Captain- Warriors

Villain: danger level- medium

Wanted for: arson, anarchy, kidnapping, manslaughter, first degree murder, second degree murder, third degree murder, destruction of property, vandalism, terrorism

Facts:

-Protective, Chatty, Sarcastic

-Thypoon's older brother

-Allies with Thorn(panel 8) and Hare (panel 9)

-friendlier then most villians, but that doesn't make him a good person

-actually never wanted to be a villain, but he found out wind was one, and decided "maybe if I'm out there with him he won't get hurt"

-Only drinks black coffee because he wants to look cool. He hates it.

-he talks when hes nervous so you could be fighting him and out of the blue he'd just say "your dog could be planning your murder and you wouldn't know" It doesn't happen often, because he's pretty good under pressure, but that's how you can tell he's actually anxious

What in the hoodie pocket? Athletic tape (he gets muscle pain), small knife, device that sends his location to Typoon if he holds down the button (was his idea), survivalist fire starter, gasoline in a bottle, red potion

Power: Paralysis

If he touches any part of you clothing included, then he can paralyze you temporarily, the closer he is to you, the longer you are paralyzed, the farther away he is the less time it takes for you to be able to move during paralysis, you are still fully conscious, usually he will pair up this ability with Typhoon's power, allowing the 2 of them to get hostages easier and more effectively. Their is no downside to his power and it can be used on multiple people. But the more people he has to paralysis, the shorter the paralysis lasts on the victims.

Thorn- Hyrule

Villain: danger level, medium

Wanted for: theft, first degree murder, third degree murder, kidnapping, manslaughter, destruction of property, Anarchy

Facts:

-friends and close Allies with Hare, Captain, and Typoon

-knows Hare's identity

-trys to avoid killing people, but it's occasionally needed.

-knows the hero system is corrupt, but doesn't blame the hero's for the state of the system since they can't control it.

- he likes vigelates, believing their everything the hero's can't be.

- He always feels guilty whenever he sees someone injured, so he'll toss a roll of bandages to them every now and again. Which is how he has so many Allies (some heros included)

What's in the pouch? Several bandage rolls, bandaids, medic kit, various packages of plant seeds, red potion

Power: Accelerated Plant Growth

Thorn carries pockets of seeds around at all times, while it seems like a weak weapon with thorns, power becomes a terrifyingly effective asset, Thorn can speed up, slow down, and control plant movement and growth. Just with a few scattered seeds, he can make a wall out of plants the size of a 2 story building.

Hare- Legend

Villain: danger level- high

Wanted for: theft, arson, destruction of property, first degree murder, second degree murder, anarchy, attempted murder, hostage taking, kidnapping, drug possession with intent, non-consentual drug use

Facts:

-Friend and close allie with Thorn

-knows Thorn's identity

-doesn't shy from murder

-believes the hero's themselves are corrupt

- picks fights with vigelates, believing them to be mo better then the heroes.

-has Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) (had to look it up)

What's in the cargo pants pocket? Stamina potion, candy, switchblade, rope, chalk (for hands), vials of anesthesia, a rag (for anesthesia)

Power: accelerated jumping and grip

Much like his ally, Thorn, Hare has a seemingly questionable power for villainy, until you see how he uses it, not only can he launch himself at foes, but he can also escape a crime scene very easily simply by going into a alleyway and jumping off building to building. He can get to people fast, or get away from them fast. What Makes Hare so deadly isn't his power, its his willingness to kill any, and all people who get in his way. He doesn't feel much remorse for killing people anymore. He's been doing this for year's.