#leading system supplier

[grefetinternational]

Leading Aluminium System Suppliers in India: A Comprehensive Guide

In recent years, India's architectural landscape has witnessed a remarkable transformation, with aluminium windows and doors playing a pivotal role in modern construction. As a leading supplier in this dynamic market, we at GREFET have observed the evolving trends and innovations that are shaping the industry. Let's explore the key players and developments in India's aluminium systems sector.

The Evolution of Aluminium Systems in Indian Architecture

The Indian construction industry has embraced aluminium systems for their versatility, durability, and modern appeal. Today's market offers sophisticated solutions that combine functionality with aesthetic excellence, meeting the diverse needs of both residential and commercial projects.

Leading Suppliers in the Indian Market

1. GREFET: Setting New Standards

As a pioneer in the industry, we pride ourselves on delivering cutting-edge aluminium window and door systems that incorporate Belgian design principles and international quality standards. Our commitment to precision engineering and innovative solutions has established us as a trusted partner for architects and homeowners alike.

2. Premium Alternatives in the Market

Several other notable players have contributed to the industry's growth:

• AluPure: Known for their German-engineered solutions focusing on precision and longevity • Tostem: Bringing Japanese engineering excellence with minimalistic design approaches • Fenesta: Offering solutions that combine modern aesthetics with advanced functionality • AluK: Providing innovative and sustainable architectural solutions

Why Aluminium Systems Are Leading the Market

Superior Durability Modern aluminium systems offer exceptional strength and longevity, making them an ideal choice for long-term investments. Their resistance to corrosion and minimal maintenance requirements makes them particularly suitable for India's diverse climate conditions.

Energy Efficiency Advanced thermal break technology, particularly in premium systems like ours at GREFET, helps reduce energy consumption while maintaining optimal indoor comfort throughout the year.

Design Versatility Today's aluminium systems come in various designs and finishes, catering to both contemporary and classical architectural styles. This versatility allows architects and homeowners to achieve their desired aesthetic without compromising on functionality.

Choosing the Right Supplier: Key Considerations

Technical Expertise Look for suppliers with demonstrated technical knowledge and a strong track record in delivering quality solutions. At GREFET, we combine years of experience with continuous innovation to provide cutting-edge products.

Quality Standards The best suppliers maintain strict quality control measures and adhere to international standards. Our Belgian design principles and rigorous testing procedures ensure consistent quality across all products.

Customization Capabilities Every project has unique requirements. Choose a supplier who can offer customized solutions while maintaining quality and efficiency.

The Future of Aluminium Systems in India

The industry continues to evolve with increasing focus on: • Sustainable building solutions • Enhanced energy efficiency • Smart integration capabilities • Modern aesthetic demands

Conclusion

As India's construction sector continues to grow, the demand for high-quality aluminium systems will only increase. At GREFET, we remain committed to leading this evolution through innovation, quality, and customer-focused solutions. Whether you're planning a residential project or a commercial development, choosing the right aluminium system supplier is crucial for long-term success.

For those seeking premium aluminium windows and doors that combine durability with sophisticated design, we invite you to explore our range of solutions. Our expert team is ready to help you find the perfect fit for your architectural vision, ensuring excellence in both form and function.

[ipcommunications]

What Is More Beneficial – On-Premises VoIP Or Hosted VoIP?

All the strategies related to maximising the investment in business communication will be successful only when you decide whether to manage your own VoIP system or allow a host to do this on your behalf. Businesses across the globe have realised the advantages of VoIP technology and VoIP phone handsets. Now there is chaos among enterprises to switch to this technology, and more than 35% of businesses across the globe have already adopted it. The question is whether to host and manage your VoIP system on your own or rely upon a hosted VoIP, where a service provider does everything for you.

On Premises Voip Vs Hosted Voip – What Is The Difference?

Both options will allow you to take advantage of the benefits of the VoIP phone systems. To get the most out of it, you will have to decide whether to self-host or enjoy the services of the hosted VoIP technology.

What Is A Premise-Based Voip?

In this arrangement, the whole system will be present at your office, like the equipment and the software needed to run the system will be there at your office. You will be responsible for its maintenance, security, upgrading and upkeep. This is easy if you have a well-established IT infrastructure and a dedicated team to manage the entire business communication scenario at your office.

What Is Hosted Voip Technology?

A service provider will be hired and responsible for meeting all your VoIP-related requirements in this arrangement. This system is also called the cloud and is managed with the help of virtual servers that these hosting companies have.

What Are The Pros Of Premise-Based Voip Technology?

•          No risk of price hikes from the service provider

•          Complete control over your VoIP system and VoIP phone handsets

•          Customisation of the system’s features is completely in your hands

•          No additional cost of scalability

Cons of On-Premises Voip System

•          Higher installation and set-up cost

•          Long-term commitment to maintenance and security is required

•          You will need a dedicated staff for constant service, maintenance and support

•          Extensive investment and resources for proper management

Advantages of Hosted Voip Systems

•          No stress related to maintenance, management and security

•          Incredibly low set-up cost

•          Fast implementation

•          Easily scalable depending on your needs

•          You can focus on your business and revenue generation

Disadvantages of Hosted Voip Technology

•          The system control is in the hands of the service provider

•          There is a vendor locking period

•          Network connection fluctuation will be experienced

Whether To Choose Hosted Or On-Premises Voip?

The answer to this question depends entirely on your organisation’s current capability, resources and funds. You can review your current circumstances and goals, and since every business is unique, it is ideal that the solutions tailored to fit your specific needs are selected.

[marinaalbert]

AAGE International: Pioneering Excellence in Global Trade

In today’s fast-paced global market, businesses need a trusted partner to navigate the complexities of international trade. AAGE International stands at the forefront, offering seamless solutions that drive success across industries.

AAGE International -Who We Are?

AAGE International is a premier global trading company specializing in imports, exports, and supply chain solutions. With a commitment to quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction, we have built a reputation for excellence in international business. Our expertise spans multiple sectors, ensuring that our clients receive the best products and services tailored to their needs.

AAGE International - Our Services

We provide a wide range of services, including:

Import & Export: Sourcing and supplying high-quality products worldwide.

Supply Chain Management: Streamlining logistics to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.

Market Expansion: Helping businesses enter new markets with confidence and ease.

Why Choose AAGE International?

Global Network: With strong connections across the world, we facilitate smooth and reliable trade operations.

Quality Assurance: Every product and service we deliver meets the highest industry standards.

Customer-Centric Approach: We prioritize our clients’ needs, ensuring tailored solutions that drive growth and success.

Innovation & Sustainability: Our commitment to modern technologies and sustainable practices ensures a responsible and future-ready business approach.

Join Hands with AAGE International

Whether you’re looking for a trusted import-export partner or seeking to expand your global footprint, AAGE International - the International Battery Distributor is your gateway to success. Our dedication to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction makes us the ideal choice for businesses worldwide.

Partner with AAGE International today and take your business to new heights!

[costapowerindustriespvtltd-blog]

Costa Power Industries Pvt Ltd Backup power is defined as any device that provides instantaneous, uninterruptible power

The term UPS (uninterruptible power supply) is an often used term, but can sometimes refer to systems that supply A/C power, or systems that supply power for no more than 30 to 60 minutes. A more general definition includes all types of power outputs and all backup times. Typical applications for backup power include telecommunications systems, information technology and computer systems, manufacturing processes, security systems, utility substations, and railway applications. Backup power systems are employed in cases where the loss of power results in a significant reduction in productivity or financial loss. Fuel cell system requirements for backup power applications significantly differ from requirements for such systems in automotive and stationary (primary) power generation markets. CPIPL is well-known ups suppliers, ups battery dealers, ups dealers & distributors in Mumbai and taking ups amc contract.

One of the most important system requirements for backup power applications (especially for telecommunications) is ability to start instantly upon power outage. The required response time is in the order of milliseconds. The fuel cell itself can meet this requirement, as long as the supply of reactants is uninterrupted; otherwise a bridge power may be needed (such as batteries or ultra-capacitors). System engineering solutions could significantly reduce or even eliminate the need for bridge power. CPIPL provides solution for power back up for your industrial and commercial use for their customise use. CPIPL caters all global brands like Vertive online ups, Hitachi Industrial ups suppliers, APC easy ups dealers and supplier & distributors for ups battery in Mumbai and across India.

[pergola-company-in-dubai]

Customizing Bioclimatic Pergolas with Unconventional Materials and Innovative Design Ideas

Discover how to customize bioclimatic pergolas with innovative designs & unconventional materials for unique, sustainable outdoor spaces.

[expansionjointbellows]

Top Supplier of Flexible Pipe Connectors

In today’s industrial landscape, the demand for reliable and efficient flexible pipe connectors is higher than ever. At Udhhyog, we pride ourselves on being the top supplier of flexible pipe connectors in India, providing products that meet the highest standards of quality and performance.

What Are Flexible Pipe Connectors?

Flexible pipe connectors are crucial components designed to absorb vibrations, accommodate movement, and allow for easy installation in various piping systems. These connectors enhance the overall efficiency and longevity of your installations, making them ideal for both residential and industrial applications.

Why Choose Flexible Pipe Connectors?

Vibration Absorption: Flexible connectors help reduce vibrations and noise, leading to a quieter operation.

Easy Installation: Designed for straightforward installation, these connectors save time and labor costs.

Versatility: They can be used in a variety of applications, including HVAC systems, plumbing, and industrial piping.

Udhhyog’s Range of Flexible Pipe Connectors

At Udhhyog, we offer a diverse range of flexible pipe connectors tailored to various applications:

Rubber Flexible Connectors: Perfect for absorbing shock and providing excellent sealing capabilities.

Metal Flexible Connectors: Designed for high-pressure applications, offering durability and resistance to harsh environments.

PTFE Flexible Connectors: Ideal for chemical applications due to their excellent corrosion resistance.

Why Choose Udhhyog as Your Supplier?

Quality Assurance: Our connectors are manufactured using premium materials to ensure long-lasting performance.

Competitive Pricing: We offer the best prices without compromising on quality, making our products accessible for all industries.

Expert Support: Our knowledgeable team is available to assist you in selecting the right connectors for your specific needs.

Applications of Flexible Pipe Connectors

Our flexible pipe connectors are used in various industries, including:

HVAC Systems: To connect ducts while allowing for thermal expansion and contraction.

Plumbing: Providing reliable connections in water supply and drainage systems.

Industrial Applications: Used in manufacturing processes where flexibility and movement are essential.

Customer Feedback

“Udhhyog’s flexible pipe connectors have improved our system's efficiency significantly. Highly recommend their products!” — Innovative Engineering Ltd.

“We trust Udhhyog for all our piping needs. Their connectors are reliable and cost-effective.” — Streamline Plumbing Solutions

How to Order Flexible Pipe Connectors from Udhhyog

Explore Our Range: Check out our selection of flexible pipe connectors here.

Select the Right Product: Choose from our variety of sizes and materials to suit your requirements.

Simple Ordering Process: Enjoy a seamless online ordering experience with prompt delivery across India.

At Udhhyog, we are committed to providing you with the highest quality flexible pipe connectors to meet your needs. Trust us for reliable solutions that enhance the performance of your piping systems.

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Canonical enshittification

This is the Facebook playbook: you lure in publishers by promising them a traffic funnel ("post excerpts and links and we'll show them to people, including people who never asked to see them"), and then the rug-pull: "Post everything here, don't link to your own site. Become a commodity supplier to our platform. Abandon all your own ways of making money. Become entirely subject to the whims of our recommendation system."

Next will be: "We block links to other sites because they might be malicious."

Then some kind of "pivot to video."

Probably not video (though who knows?) but some other feature that a major rival has, which Twitter will attempt to defraud its captive, commodified suppliers into financing an entry into.

In case you were wondering, yes, this is canonical enshittification. Lure in business customers (publishers) by offering surpluses (algorithmic recommendation and an ensuing traffic funnel). Lock them in (by capturing their audience and blocking interop and logged-out reading).

Then rug the publishers, clawing back all the surpluses you gave them and more, draining them of all available capital and any margins they have, until they die or bite the bullet and leave.

I would also give good odds on this leading to a revivification of the "Pay us tens of thousands of dollars a month for a platinum checkmark and we'll actually show what you post to the people who asked to see it."

That will be pitched as the answer to publishers' complaints about not wanting to turn themselves into commodity Twitter inputs. It will be priced at the same (or more) as the revenues publishers expect to lose from being commodified, making it a wash.

All of this seems to me to be an "unfair and deceptive business practice" under Sec 5 of the FTC Act.

If I sign up to follow you because I want to see what you post, and Twitter shadowbans your posts unless they are formatted to maximize your dependence on Twitter, they have deceived me, and are being unfair to you.

This is *very* analogous to the Net Neutrality debate, where a platform blocks or deprioritizes the things its users ask to see, based on whether the suppliers of those things are its competitors.

I've written about how an end-to-end principle for social media could be enforced under Sec 5 of the FTCA, how it would address this kind of sleazy practice, how it would be easy to administer, and wouldn't form a barrier to entry for new market entrants:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/12/10/e2e/#the-censors-pen

[allorapackagingsystems]

Cartoner Packaging Machine

Carton machines are highly demanded in cosmetics, food processing, confectionery, pharmaceutical, and other industries. Allora Packaging Systems are the leading supplier of Cartoner Packaging Machine online. If you need any or multiple carton machines in this range, then send us an inquiry.

[reasonsforhope]

1. More children are surviving today than ever before.

Close to 8 million more children in the world survive to see their fifth birthday than in 1990 — a 60 percent decline in annual under-five child mortality. 

UNICEF and partners have contributed to this remarkable achievement through proven, sustainable solutions for improving maternal and child health care services and strengthening disease prevention — and delivering those solutions at scale...

2. Vaccines have saved 154 million lives in the last 50 years.

As the world’s largest vaccine supplier, UNICEF procures and distributes enough vaccines annually to immunize 45 percent of the world's children. In 2023, UNICEF supplied 2.8 billion vaccine doses to 105 countries, up from just over 2 billion to 102 countries in 2020. Through widespread immunizations, polio is on the brink of eradication.

3. Safe water is available to over 2.1 billion more people compared to 20 years ago.

Consistent access to a sufficient supply of safe water for drinking, cooking and personal hygiene is the foundation for child survival, healthier lives, stronger economies and more sustainable societies. With support from UNICEF and partners, more than a quarter of the world's population gained access to safe and clean drinking water in the past two decades.

UNICEF-supported programs help ensure access to safe water for 35 million people around the world every year. UNICEF also leads coordinated emergency response efforts related to safe water access in roughly 85 percent of countries affected by crises. In 2023, over 42 million people in 73 countries were reached with emergency water services, helping to prevent outbreaks of cholera and other waterborne diseases.

To help build community resilience to climate shocks, UNICEF has also supported the installation of more than 8,900 solar-powered water systems in 56 countries — an important climate adaption measure that also reduces the use of fossil fuels.

4. The number of children with stunted growth due to malnutrition has declined by 40 percent since 2000.

For more than two decades, UNICEF has been the world’s largest procurer of ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF), procuring up to 80 percent of global demand, ensuring children suffering from severe malnutrition can be treated successfully.

5. Over 68 million child marriages have been averted in the last 25 years, giving girls their childhoods back.

In the late 1990s, 1 in 4 young women aged 20 to 24 were married as children. Today, it's 1 in 5. UNICEF has played an important role in global efforts to end child marriage, supporting 35 countries in implementing action plans, and working at the community level and across the health, education and other sectors to increase knowledge and change attitudes around the practice.

In 2023, UNICEF reached 11 million adolescent girls with prevention and care interventions empowering them to delay marriage and choose their own futures. 

6. Fewer kids are out of school.

The world stands on the cusp of realizing primary education as a basic right of every child. A world where more children learn is a world that is healthier, more prosperous and more resilient.

In the early 1950s, roughly half of all primary school-aged children were out of school. Now it's less than 10 percent. And every year, 23 million more girls are completing secondary school compared to a decade ago...

7. The world is on track to eliminate open defecation by 2030.

In the last two decades, 2.5 billion people have gained access to safely managed sanitation, while the number of people practicing open defecation has also declined by two-thirds — from 1.3 billion in 2000 to 419 million in 2022 — putting the world on track to eliminate the practice entirely. 

Ending open defecation drastically lowers the risks of diseases and malnutrition among children in low-income and lower-middle-income countries. Child deaths from diarrhea — a leading killer of young children — have already decreased by 60 percent...

8. Birth registration rates are way up.

Today, 77 percent of children under 5 are registered, up from 60 percent in the early 2000s — a major leap towards ensuring every child has a legal identity and can access health, education and other essential services...

Countries that prioritize birth registration see rapid progress. In Côte d’Ivoire, birth registration prevalence rose steadily from 65 percent in 2012 to 96 percent by 2021, proving that change at scale is possible.

9. A future free from HIV seems possible, one baby at a time.

An estimated 1.9 million deaths and 4 million HIV infections have been averted among pregnant women and children in the past 25 years...

10. In times of crisis and emergency, UNICEF is there — helping to save more children's lives than any other humanitarian organization.

[Note: Okay, I think they're cheating listing this one, but the article header said 10 things, so if I included only 9 it would be weird. Obviously this is an article from UNICEF, but UNICEF's data, reporting, and statistics are considered to be of high quality.]

-via UNICEF, February 25, 2025

[kropotkindersurprise]

November 14, 2024 - In an email to Palestine Action on November 14th 2024, Hydrafeed announced they’ve cut ties with Israel’s biggest weapons firm, Elbit Systems, and their subsidiaries. This victory comes after a sustained direct action campaign by Palestine Action which involved activists abseiling inside Hydrafeed to dismantle their equipment, smashing through the front doors and spraying their premises in blood red paint. To date, no-one has been arrested for these actions.

The company’s connection to Elbit Systems was confirmed when Palestine Action activists saw and destroyed Hydrafeed’s machinery inside Elbit’s Kent factory, Instro Precision during an action on June 17th 2024. Hydrafeed are a leading supplier of CNC machine tools, which Elbit requires in order to manufacture their weaponry. [link]

[komelliko]

manipulative!boss!sunday x timid!secretary!reader (& aventurine!)

summary: You get drinks with Aventurine, only to be interrupted by a rather cross Sunday. wc: 1.7k - cw for drinking, stalking... and heavy worldbuilding. oops! a/n: The guillemets «» are used to indicate Sunday's telepathy!

part 4 / part 5 / part 6 (nsfw) ---

Most bars and hostelries in Golden Hour had been established long after the rebellions has ended and the prohibition on alcohol was lifted. The Pendulum Speakeasy, however, was an exception. You had no reservations in believing that Aventurine had every inch of Golden Hour memorized—gambled at every table, met every bartender, sweet-talked every showgirl—so when he leads you to The Pendulum without even stopping to check for directions, it only feels fitting. "You go out drinking often, doll?" You shake your head bashfully, tucking a lock of hair behind your ear. "No, that's never appealed to me. Sunday took me to dinner earlier this week, but other than that... I just sort of like to keep to myself in my free time." You look down, knowing full well your outfit corroborates this—Other than the dress Sunday had delivered to you, the only things you can wear out are your work clothes. Fitted white pants, structured blazers, things of that sort. Aventurine's interest piques. "Oh, he took you to dinner?"

"Well���Yes," you concede. "-No? ...Yes. It was a work meeting." "Yes, but still. Never took him as the type." Aventurine wraps one arm around your waist, headlines flashing in his head: 'Stoneheart Missing After Scandal In Penacony', 'Rendezvous With The Family Gone Wrong'. He'd previously assumed that his plans would involve catching Sunday's ire somehow, but not yet considered to this degree.

Still, he surmises, he has faith in his odds. "Ah, but don't you worry your pretty little head about work tonight," he adds. "What I care about is you having fun." Finally winding the final turn into The Pendulum's alleyway, Aventurine thrusts his other hand into his pocket to pull out a small poker chip. You assume by the logo in the center and the golden sheen on its edges that Aventurine had stolen it—Maybe he'd slipped it into his sleeve after a game to take as a trophy. You'd heard of his exploits from time to time, and you can only assume the usual prizes of victory has lost their luster in his eyes. Perhaps he wishes to gamble for more unconventional things: Favors, promises, human lives. Aventurine knocks on the door, and a small set of twinkling Pepeshi eyes peers back at him from an open slat. You're sure the Pepeshi must be standing on a stool of some sort for them to be at Aventurine's eye level. "Are you welcome?" a squeaky voice asks. Aventurine smiles, flipping the poker chip in his hand up into the air one more time before catching it in his palm. "Very. 'Lady Arctus has saved me a table'." There was no need for any speakeasy in Penacony to still work on the password system—especially for one as well known as Pendulum's—but you assume that requiring it lent itself to some atmosphere. The atmosphere of a place like The Pendulum was its primary selling point, after all. When all of the drinks came from the same suppliers and every band played in whatever bar had an open stage, there was nothing else they could use to distinguish themselves but looks. Aventurine led you through The Pendulum by the hand, the two of you passing under a large chandelier decorated with fifty or some Halovian statuettes, each static crystal figurine draped in flowing cloth and ebulliently presenting sparkling glass bulbs of lights to the crowd of guests below them. The chandelier shook and twisted from the rumble of a car passing over the Speakeasy, sending an explosion of reflected rainbows around the room like a burst of confetti. As the two of you reached the bar, Aventurine lets you take your seat first, the barstool squeaking against the wooden floorboards. Once he takes his own seat, Aventurine raises his hand to call the bartender over. “An Interplanetary, if you may,” he asks. “And for my guest here—“ Aventurine looks back to you, his tongue tucked into his cheek as he stalls for your answer. “Pika White with an olive.” “Pika White with an olive,” he emphatically repeats to the bartender. Once the two of you are alone, he turns to add “My, how distinguished of you.”

You flush, eyes down looking at the velvet carpets over the floor. “Oh, no, that’s just what I got used to ordering for lunch meetings. Back when I started out at The Family, the easiest way to get people to like you was to drink with them.” You laugh under your breath, commenting to yourself “You know what they say, ‘Penacony is just one big party’.” “Indeed I do.” Aventurine’s own gaze is caught by the gleam of the poker table in the center of The Pendulum, itself swarmed with a small crowd of betters. He leans in to you, pointing towards the table. “—How’s about I show those guys what a real game of poker looks like?”  Aventurine gets up before you can even truly answer, but you follow anyways, adding “I don’t think anyone here hasn’t seen one of your games.” He shoots back a smile. “They could do with a reminder.” … … … … Aventurine wins nearly 40,000 credits before finally backing out, and you can’t stop yourself from hanging your head low in embarrassment on his behalf as he howls with laughter at his own victory. While the group of incensed Pepeshi that lost to Aventurine mostly sent him his winnings digitally, Aventurine finds a way to slip an extra 100-credit bill or two into your back pocket amidst the chaos anyways. “What a scene,” he remarks to himself, taking a sip of his Interplanetary. “Wouldn’t be a night out without a good game, would it? You saw that one guys’ face when he saw I still had a straight flush.” You cradle your glass of Pika gingerly in your hand, smiling into it. Between it and the sweet sound of the trumpet from The Pendulum’s stage, your mind is drawn between too many things to respond with more than a good-natured sigh. That is, until a noise cuts through over the sound of the big band and the chatter lingering around the bar. « ♪♫♪♫♫♪ » "Did you hear that...?" you ask, almost speaking it under your breath. "Hear what?" The whistling was probably in your head. It was the same melody you'd heard the other night while at dinner with Sunday, after all. « [Y/N]? Is that you? » You whip your head around to find the source of the voice, only to realize you can't tell which direction it came from. Unfortunately, its owner makes himself known quickly enough. "Aventurine of the Interastral Peace Corporation," your boss says. "I'm not shocked at all to see you here." Aventurine leans over in his seat, putting himself between you and Sunday. Maybe even... shielding you? Still, there was nothing in his voice that makes it seem like he finds Sunday a threat. "Been a while, Feathers," Aventurine grins. "Had to make sure you're not working your staff to the bone." Sunday smiles in a way that almost looks forced. "Never," he replies. "Though, I should warn you. It's against policy for Oak Family employees of a certain rank to consume alcohol of any kind. As the law that upholds Penacony, we must never let ourselves be of ill-affected mind." "That's never been enforced, sir." You feel a sense of shame splash over you the moment you finish your sentence, clasping your hand over your mouth as if you'd just cursed Sunday in front of his mother, or even broken a child's toy. You look back up to him to see if he would take the correction in stride. "Perhaps because until now, it has not been necessary to enforce it." Sunday inhales, his smile squinting his golden eyes as he looks back down at you in what you could only fear was contempt. "I don't want to have to report one of the hardest working people in Penacony for such negligence in following the rules."

"Sunday." Aventurine has fully moved in to separate Sunday from you. "I'm the one who invited [Y/N] out for drinks. They're not the one you should be having problems with here," the gambler sneers. "And what does it matter to you if your beloved secretary spends an hour or two in other company? Scared they'll share a bit too much?" Sunday's smile drops completely. It almost feels crazy to say, but you start to wish he was back to that unprofessionally-touchy, overly-sweet self you were used to seeing. You were able to ignore it because you were used it to it: You're not used to this. "If you think you will achieve any of your ends through [Y/N], Aventurine, you are sorely mistaken," Sunday scowls. "My employees are not playing chips for you to leverage at your behest, especially not my secretary." His golden eyes seem to pierce right through Aventurine's own as he asks "Have I made myself abundantly clear?" "That you have," the gambler replies through grit teeth. "Just let me finish my drink in peace, Feathers." Sunday finally shoots a glance to you before exiting the bar. You push your drink away, having lost all desire to finish it. "Sorry, Venny. I didn't even consider..." "Aw, doll, don't sweat it. Just not your lucky day," he shrugs. "But I'd be a chump to let him walk all over you." His voice lowers to a mutter as he adds "—Fuck, where's Gallagher when you need him? That boss of yours needs a good kick in the pants. Maybe his pretty face, too, if the first doesn't hit him right." "Aventurine, don't." Aventurine sighs, his grip on his glass tightening. "...Sorry, doll, what am I thinking? Not awfully nice of me to being speaking ill of the handsomest, most powerful man in Penacony." He downs the rest of his drink in one fell swoop. "If he's still hearing me, I'll get the sweep from him for sure. Then I'll really need a drink."

--- a/n: Arctus is the 12th of the The Hours in Greek Mythology, so I thought a reference to her would fit well in a Moment that's apparently one before midnight. tag list: @j1yu425 @crepezinhos @i-am-tiredd @8x9d @ruruize @herrscherofprocrastination @khxii-i @moonsaver

[ipcommunications]

Mitigate Cyber Threats and Enhance Cyber Security With These Practices

If you belong to the technology sector and work in a company mainly dealing in computers, data sciences and so on, believe me, you are on the front lines of information security. Even the most robustly secure companies and those releasing their anti-virus software are always under the threat of hacking or data and information getting compromised. Check point software can be immensely helpful in preventing any breach, but apart from this, there are some best practices also recommended by experts to keep your data and company server secure. Let us educate ourselves with these best practices related to cyber security.

Data Protection Should Be Prioritised

In any case, you should have a 'no compromise' approach related to data protection. You should avoid sharing personal identification information everywhere on the Internet, particularly when answering unsolicited emails, phone calls, text messages or instant messages. This information could include social security number, credit card number and most importantly, any one-time password.

Avoid Pop-Ups, Unknown Emails and Links

Pop-up messages, unknown emails and links are game changers as far as phishing attacks and hacking is concerned. Phishers send a pop-up hoping that the user will open the pop-up window and, somehow, reach the page where the data breach is most straightforward for them. These pop-ups and malicious links could have viruses and malware embedded in them. Hence, it is recommended to be very cautious during opening links or attachments in emails from senders whom you don't recognise. Here also, the golden rule should be followed of not disclosing any personal information on any email from an unidentified source.

Use Strong Password Protection and Authentication

Checkpoint software is undoubtedly the best practice, but for better security, your password is also very instrumental. A strong and complex password can prevent any breach from cyber thieves who are always searching for your personal information. A strong password is needed, and it should have at least ten characters, including number capital and lowercase and special symbols. Your password manager can help with this, and nothing is better than your company server reminding you about changing passwords every month.

Enabling firewall protection at home and office is another very impressive defence against cyber threats. Apart from this, as mentioned above, check point software is beneficial, and you should not mind investing in software and security systems. You must also ensure that the software is always updated and works flawlessly to protect your data and personal information. 

[zvaigzdelasas]

Hydrogen-powered trucks are expected to reach life-cycle cost parity with their fossil-fuel-burning peers in China by 2027 even without the aid of subsidies, a milestone which the world’s biggest producer and consumer of the zero-emission energy source, seeks to achieve eight years ahead of Europe.

This will push forward the country’s ambition to dominate the market for hydrogen fuel cells in the transport sector as Beijing’s enabling environment starts paying off, an industry executive said.[...]

“China has developed a world-leading industry in commercial vehicle applications for hydrogen fuel cell technology, with enterprises ranging from upstream raw materials to downstream products over the past decade,” said Robin Lin, chairman and president of Refire Group, a Chinese supplier of hydrogen fuel cell technologies.[...]

China has stepped up its game this year with the central and local authorities releasing a variety of hydrogen-related policies and incentives, following the release of its first national-level guidelines for the hydrogen energy industry in 2023.

Nearly a third of its end-2023 fleet of 18,000 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles were sold last year alone, according to data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, indicating the gathering pace. In a further sign of accelerating offtake, China targets to have at least 50,000 units on the road by 2025, according to its national plan.

According to Lin, China has seen significant reduction in the manufacturing cost of hydrogen fuel cell systems, which account for roughly half the cost of a hydrogen vehicle. The cost has dived from over 30,000 yuan per kilowatt in 2015 to less than 4,000 yuan per kilowatt now.[...]

“In transport, heavy-duty trucks could be the first to achieve successful commercialisation of hydrogen fuel cell technology,” he said.[...]

In China, high-purity hydrogen generated as a by-product from industrial processes, such as Shanxi province, is around 25 to 40 yuan per kilogram at local hydrogen refuelling stations, while high-purity hydrogen in other regions, such as Shanghai, is around 50 to 70 yuan per kilogram at local hydrogen refuelling stations, according to Refire.

13 May 24

[justsomeantifas]

Hi, I've been drinking water from plastic almost exclusively for over a year now because my landlord is known to cut corners and the tap water tastes funny. (Strong metallic aftertaste, a little unpleasant) I've been trying to contact my local water supplier to ask about testing but I've failed to answer their calls in the past due to my (recently diagnosed) ADHD. I'm trying my best to contact them again. But, in the meantime, do you have any advice?

When you get out of that situation if you can drink out of glass or steel.

I don’t know the legal system of your area tbh it is rough. If anyone else knows maybe they can comment.

I stayed in a house with lead in the water and tbh 💀 I just drank it at times bcuz … whelp.

Bodies are great at bouncing back though. If there are water fill up stations by you perhaps you could fill up steel tubs? to drink from.

Even if you did this for years and years just stopping in the future helps so don’t get too hung up on it.

I was just sharing a psa I saw earlier.

It is scary but you’re not doomed.

[pergola-company-in-dubai]

Cost vs. Value: Analyzing the Investment in a Bioclimatic Pergola for Your Home

Discover the cost vs. value of investing in a bioclimatic pergola for your home. Enhance your outdoor space in Dubai with 800Pergola.

[thursdayisbetterthanfriday]

Cybernetics with Chinese Characteristics & why we suck at the real Grand Strategy Game

Part 2 - The Quickening

Back in 2023, I wrote this more blog-like post about the mid 20th century McCarthyite purges of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the knock on effects that had - Namely the inception of the Chinese nuclear program, one-child policy and Chinese computing scene.

Since nothing is new under the sun, we have recently witnessed yet another example of America shooting itself in the foot, yet again, due to it's McCarthyite style purge of Chinese technology.

The release of the Chinese created AI system DeepSeek R1 last week has lead to the largest US stock market loss in history with NVIDIA stock decimated.

A record $465 Billion was wiped off its valuation in a single day. In 2024, the government of Turkey spent this much in a year on it's responsibilities?

Why did this happen?

As always, a lot can be put down to US foreign policy, and the in-intended implications of seemingly positive actions.

Do you want to start a trade war?

Back in the relatively uncontroversial days of the first Trump Presidency (Yes it does feel odd saying that) there were scandals with hardware provided by Chinese company Huawei. This led to the  National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 which explicitly banned Huawei and ZTE's hardware from use in US Government institutions. It also meant the US had to authorise US component manufacturer purchases by these companies.

Crucially this had a 27 month window. This allowed both companies to switch suppliers, and production to domestic suppliers. This actually led to Chinese chip advances. Following on from this came the 2022 move by the US Department of Commerce: "Commerce Implements New Export Controls on Advanced Computing and Semiconductor Manufacturing Items to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) ". This further limited the supply of semiconductor, supercomputer, and similar hardware to the PRC and associated countries.

Ok, well so far this is fairly dry stuff. You might think it would hamper Chinese development and, to some extent, it did.

It also proved to be the main catalyst for one financial quant.

Meet the Quant

Meet Liang Wenfeng (梁文锋). Educated to masters level, Liang was keen to apply machine learning methods to various field, but couldn't get a break. Finally, in the mid 2000's, he settled on a career investigating quantitative trading using machine learning techniques.

He became successful, founding several trading firms based around using machine learning methods, but his interest in base AI never seemed to cease. It was in 2021 that he started purchasing multiple NVIDIA GPUs to create a side project, leading to the creation of DeepSeek in 2023.

Now, due to import limitations, there were limitations on computation. This, however, did not stop DeepSeek's programming team.

Instead they used it as their strength.

Constrains Breed Innovation

For many years, the Western model of AI releases have focussed on making ever larger and larger models.

Why?

Let's break this down from an evolutionary point of view. Modern Western technology companies are largely monopolistic and monolithic. Many of these companies have previously hired staff at higher salaries not to fill roles, but to deny their competitors, and middle market firms, high-flying staff.

They also closely guard trade secrets. What's the training data? What algorithms were used in construction? Guess you'd better chat up some Silicon Valley bros at parties to find out.

For these kinds of firms, having control over large models, housed in data centres makes perfect sense. Controlling model deployment on their own computing systems, and not using local machines, means that they can not only control their systems more carefully, it also means that they can gatekeep access.

If your business model is to allow people to access your models on your servers, and your employees are focussed on making the biggest, best, models, there is no impetus to innovate more efficient, smaller models.

Companies such as OpenAI therefore have the following traits:

Research/Model focus on size over efficiency

Profit driven culture, with emphasis on closed source code

OpenAI's initial focus was as a non-for-profit developing Artificial General Intelligence. This became a for-profit driven company over time. - “I personally chose the price and thought we would make some money.” - Sam Altman

Staff working within paradigm they set in the early 2020's with established code libraries and direct contact with hardware companies creating chips

Significant capital investment - Upwards of several $ billions

DeepSeek, in comparison, is slightly different

For DeepSeek, necessity made innovation necessary. In order to create similar, or better models, than their counterparts, they needed to significantly optimise their code. This requires significantly more work to create, and write, libraries compared to OpenAI.

DeepSeek was started by financial quants, with backgrounds in mainly mathematics and AI. With a focus on mathematics and research, the main drive of many in the company has been exploration of the research space over concerns about profitability.

DeepSeek has also done what OpenAI stopped years ago: actually releasing the code and data for their models. Not only can these models therefore be run via their own gated servers, anyone can replicate their work and make their own system.

For DeepSeek, their traits were:

Research/Model focus on both efficiency and accuracy

Research driven culture, with open nature - “Basic science research rarely offers high returns on investment” - Liang Wenfeng

Strong mathematical background of staff, with ability to work around software, and hardware, constraints

Low capital investment of around $5.5 million

From an evolutionary point of view, DeepSeek's traits have outcompeted those of OpenAI.

More efficient models cost less to run. They also more portable to local machines.

The strong ability of DeepSeek's research focussed staff allowed them to innovate around hardware constraints

Opening up the code to everyone allows anyone (still with the right hardware) to make their own version.

To top it off, the cost to make, and run, DeepSeek R1 is a fraction of the cost of OpenAI's model

House of Cards

Now we can return to today. NVIDIA has lost significant market value. It's not just limited to NVIDIA, but to the entire US technology sector with the most AI adjacent companies losing from 10% to 30% of their valuation in a single day.

The culture, and business model, of OpenAI isn't just limited to OpenAI, but to the entire US technology ecosystem. The US model has been to create rentier-style financial instruments at sky-high valuations.

US tech stocks have been one of the only success stories for America over the past few decades, ever since the offshoring of many manufacturing industries. Like a lost long-unemployed Detroit auto-worker the US has been mainlining technology like Fentanyl, ignoring the anti-trust doctors advice, injecting pure deregulated substances into its veins.

The new AI boom? A new stronger hit, ready for Wall Street, and Private Equity to tie the tourniquet around its arm and pump it right into the arteries.

Like Prometheus, DeepSeek has delved deep and retrieved fire from the algorithmic gods, and shown it's creation to the world. The stock market is on fire, as the traders are coming off of their high, realising they still live in the ruin of barren, decrepit, warehouses and manufactories. The corporate heads, and company leaders reigning over the wreckage like feudal lords, collecting tithes from the serfs working their domain.

A Tale of Two Cities

The rise of DeepSeek isn't just a one-off story of derring-do in the AI world: It's a symbolic representation of the changing world order. DeepSeek is but one company among many who are outcompeting the US, and the world, in innovation.

Where once US free-markets led the world in manufacturing, technology and military capability, now the US is a country devoid of coherent state regulated free-market principles - its place as the singular world power decimated by destroying the very systems which made it great.

"Our merchants and master-manufacturers complain much of the bad effects of high wages in raising the price, and thereby lessening the sale of their goods both at home and abroad. They say nothing concerning the bad effects of high profits. They are silent with regard to the pernicious effects of their own gains. They complain only of those of other people." - Adam Smith, The Wealth of Nations

By selling the jobs of working class communities to overseas businesses, destroying unions and creating rentier based business models without significant anti-trust measures, US business and political elites have sealed the present fate of the country.

The CCP led, but strongly anti-trust enforcing, China has been able to innovate, ironically, using the free-market principles of Adam Smith to rise up and create some of the world's best innovations. The factories, opened by Western business leaders to avoid union/worker labour costs in their own countries, have led Shenzhen, and similar cities, to become hubs of technological innovation - compounding their ability to determine the future of technologies across the world.

Will America be able to regain its position on top? It's too early to say, but the innovative, talented, people who made America in the 20th century can certainly do it again.

As Franklin D. Roosevelt once said: “The liberty of a democracy is not safe if the people tolerated the growth of private power to a point where it becomes stronger than the democratic state itself...

We know now that Government by organized money is just as dangerous as Government by organized mob.

Never before in all our history have these forces been so united against one candidate as they stand today. They are unanimous in their hate for me—and I welcome their hatred.”

Until then, here's a farewell to the American Century 在那之前, 再见美国世纪