#sustainability reporting software

[snowkap]

Driving Sustainable Change: The Growing Importance of ESG Solutions

In a world increasingly focused on sustainability and ethical practices, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) solutions have emerged as a cornerstone for businesses aiming to align profitability with responsibility. Once considered niche, ESG strategies are now essential for organizations seeking long-term success and stakeholder trust. Here, we explore how ESG solutions are transforming industries and why they are vital for the future of business.

Understanding ESG Solutions

At its core, ESG encompasses three critical pillars:

Environmental: Focuses on a company’s impact on the planet, including efforts to reduce carbon emissions, manage waste, and promote renewable energy adoption.

Social: Addresses how businesses interact with employees, communities, and society at large, emphasizing diversity, equity, inclusion, and human rights.

Governance: Examines corporate structures, ethical practices, and transparency in decision-making processes.

ESG solutions are strategies, technologies, and frameworks designed to help organizations assess, monitor, and improve their performance across these pillars. By integrating ESG principles, companies can not only mitigate risks but also unlock opportunities for innovation and growth.

Why ESG Solutions Matter

1. Regulatory Compliance

Governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are imposing stricter ESG-related regulations. From the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) proposed climate disclosure rules, businesses are under increasing pressure to provide transparent ESG data. ESG solutions help organizations navigate these complexities, ensuring compliance and avoiding penalties.

2. Investor Expectations

Investors are prioritizing ESG metrics when evaluating potential investments. A growing body of evidence suggests that companies with strong ESG performance often deliver higher financial returns and reduced risk. ESG solutions enable organizations to present credible, data-driven ESG reports, making them more attractive to socially responsible investors.

3. Reputation Management

In the age of social media and real-time information, a company’s reputation can be bolstered or damaged overnight. ESG solutions allow businesses to proactively address environmental and social concerns, demonstrating their commitment to ethical practices. This fosters trust and loyalty among customers, employees, and stakeholders.

4. Operational Efficiency

Sustainability initiatives often lead to cost savings. For example, adopting energy-efficient technologies and reducing waste can lower operational expenses. ESG solutions help identify areas for improvement, streamline processes, and drive efficiency while reducing environmental impact.

Key ESG Solutions Transforming Industries

1. Carbon Management Platforms

These tools enable organizations to measure, monitor, and reduce their carbon footprint. Advanced platforms use AI and machine learning to provide actionable insights, helping businesses set and achieve net-zero goals.

2. Supply Chain Transparency Tools

Modern ESG solutions offer end-to-end visibility into supply chains, ensuring ethical sourcing and compliance with labor standards. Blockchain technology, for instance, is increasingly used to verify the origin of raw materials and prevent human rights violations.

3. Diversity and Inclusion Programs

Software solutions and consultancy services are helping organizations build more inclusive workplaces. These tools provide analytics on workforce demographics, track diversity goals, and offer training modules to foster equitable cultures.

4. Governance and Risk Management Software

Governance-focused ESG tools assist in creating robust compliance frameworks, conducting ethical audits, and enhancing board accountability. These solutions reduce risks associated with fraud, corruption, and regulatory breaches.

Challenges in Implementing ESG Solutions

While the benefits of ESG integration are clear, businesses often face challenges such as:

Data Collection and Reporting: Gathering accurate, consistent data across operations can be complex.

High Initial Costs: Implementing advanced ESG solutions may require significant upfront investment.

Cultural Resistance: Shifting to an ESG-centric model often demands a change in corporate culture, which can meet internal resistance.

The Future of ESG Solutions

The ESG landscape is rapidly evolving. Emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and IoT are enhancing the capabilities of ESG solutions, making them more accessible and effective. Additionally, as consumer and regulatory expectations grow, businesses that fail to prioritize ESG risk falling behind.

Organizations that embrace ESG solutions today are not only safeguarding their future but also contributing to a more sustainable and equitable world. By integrating these strategies into their core operations, businesses can drive meaningful change while achieving long-term success.

[zoei-esg]

https://zoeiesg.com/esg-and-sustainability-reporting-in-india/

ESG Reporting Software in India Optimize your ESG strategy with our cutting-edge SaaS platform tailored for comprehensive ESG and sustainability reporting in India. From data collection to advanced analytics, our solution offers seamless integration, streamlining your reporting process and driving stakeholder engagement.

[yaespook]

Run 4 - In Progress.

✧ Room Content: Dom! GN! Reader x Yan! Sub! Android! Wanderer, no gendered terms used for reader, no actual penetration, unhealthy obsessive and possessive relationship from Wanderer, memory manipulation. Leave a note if anything was missed out. ✧ Retrieved Notes: If possible, use the InteractiveFics extension to change the phrase “My name” (without the quotation marks) to the name given to your Wanderer.

There’s an unfamiliar android sitting atop your worktable.

You must have picked him up two or three weeks ago, when he was still worse for wear. In your memory, he was in pretty bad shape when the two of you first met, his main panel wrenched open leaving his circuitry a mess and rough scrapes all over his superficial layer.

Now, with your constant repairs, he’s been more lively, tailing you around the house as you go about your day. While fussing about, dusting off a muzzle laying on a fur pelt, you sense a presence lingering outside your room.

"You know, I don't recall androids being quite so clingy." In return, you get a light huff from behind the door frame. 

"And you’ve come across other androids? I didn’t know you run a junkyard here,” the eye roll in his tone is audible.

His feet pad into the room and his gaze hones in on the clerical collar placed on a nearby shelf, glaring at it. Clicking his tongue, he crosses his hands on his chest.

“Whatever, what you do is mostly up to you anyway. Do you think you’re almost done cleaning? I think there’s an internal problem again, I’ll wait for you at the worktable,” the android saunters off nonchalantly, throwing you a light wave over his shoulder.

Sighing, you quickly finish up your task at hand before complying to his request, briskly making your way over to the worktable where he's already perched smugly on, his gaze expectant. 

You easily go through the rehearsed motions of plugging him up to your computer, your muscle memory kicking in as you boot up the required softwares before gingerly prying the main panel located on the front of his torso to gain access to his internal workings. Over time, you've gradually figured out the parts that make up the android sitting before you, growing used to the sight of the lengths of wiring and cables running throughout his body, the faint low mechanical whirring of motors and cooling systems. 

Most importantly, you now understand how sensitive his central core is. Nestled securely in a latched transparent casing, his core is what powers and sustains him. It emits a constant turquoise light and is also reflected in the glowing markings that lay beneath his synthetic skin that occasionally activate. (Although, you haven't quite gotten an answer for what makes them light up yet.) 

“So what's your problem today?” You ask, tearing your eyes away from him as you go over to your computer to check if any bugs have been identified.

“I think that cable all the way at the back came undone and got tangled with the rest.” 

You shoot him a pointed look, “Again? Didn’t we just fix that same cable last week?” Shifting your chair so you’re seated before him, poised to conduct your repairs, you make a passing remark, “Maybe taking you to another mechanic might be the better choice, get everything checked out, you know?”

How long have you kept at your task of finally fixing him up to tiptop condition? It’s almost daily when he reports back to you with a new disconnected wire or another loose joint somewhere on him. Diligently, you’ve been trying to repair him but the android is like a never-ending to-do list. And it’s only natural to be concerned if the constant damage stems from a more serious underlying issue that you haven’t managed to discover. The only next logical step would be to get another pair of eyes to help discern the root cause in case anything takes a turn for the worse.

But the reaction you get from him is one unexpected. His head snaps to face you, a scowl evident on his face. 

“So you’re handing me off like an unfinished project to someone else now?”

You know how snippy he can get however, this is on a different level from his previous behaviour. Maybe something left over from the days before you found him. It’ll be a good idea to look into his past logs to diagnose any present problems, you make a mental note of it.

“I’m just worried for you, that’s all. What if there’s an urgent issue I can’t fix alone? And we both know I can’t leave you as is.”

His expression mellows to an annoyed pout, looking away as his core glows faintly along with the patterns under his skin, he mumbles, “I’ll be fine.” (“I just need you.”) (“I'm the only one for you.”) (“No one else deserves you.”)

He allows you to work without another complaint, silently watching as your hands venture into his chest, a focused air to you while you look for the problematic cable. He senses your touch when you make contact with it, sucking in a sharp breath as you grip it between your fingers, twisting it around to free it from the surrounding wires before you finally connect and plug it into its rightful place. 

“That’s it for your cable issue. Anything else?” He quickly shakes his head.

Giving it a few light cursory pulls to make sure it’s finally secured, (if you weren’t mistaken, his core brightened in time with your tugs), you spare the rest of his parts one last look over. Then, shutting the panel, you unplug him from the computer.

Immediately, he scampers off the worktable with a clipped “thank you” and runs into his room. You hear the door to his room close before its lock clicks. 

The next few days prove to be better, the repair requests for any troubles that seem to have cropped up overnight growing more and more infrequent. Perhaps, bit by bit, the end of the repairs start to come into sight. 

Although, you have noted that his internal temperatures have been hiking recently whenever you have his chest panel open to patch him up. 

This time, you have him lying on the worktable on his back to access the further areas in him. He’s positioned facing upwards but his eyes are darting everywhere, unable to meet your gaze. Once again, the programme open on your computer screen shows how his temperatures are quickly rising even though there are no obvious reasons for such a sudden change. It records the recurrence into its troubleshooting log like before, more times than you can remember.

He’s panting lightly, the android’s chest moving up and down as your ears pick up the sound of his inner fans whir louder, his pre-programmed functions activating to try to cool him down. With no clue as to what could cause this issue, you reach in to look for a fault. Yet, the more you poke and prod around, the higher the warmth within him rises. 

Left with more questions than answers, you turn to his core for a closer look. When your fingers brush against the transparent casing, a moan slips out from him, and instantly his head whips to look at you dumbfounded.

An artificial blush takes over his face, a low pink glow blooming from beneath the synthetic layer. A beat passes before he cracks his lips apart, voicebox working as he pleads.

“...Again.”

Gently, you let your fingertips dance over the clasp hinging the casing shut and his response is instant. A shudder rolls through him, as real as it can be, and a shaky exhale leaves him. The android’s back arches up slightly, hastily chasing after your touch when you remove your hand.

Your caress returns when your hand dips deeper into his circuitry, where you hook two fingers underneath his thicker cables, attentively stroking them between your thumb and fingers, before tugging on them forcefully enough to elicit a reaction from him. 

His eyes fly open at your ministrations, a greed for more overtaking his processors. You’ve always been so gentle with him when he’s opened up for you, when you have access to the deepest parts of him, when he’s at his most vulnerable. So, to have you toy around with him, show him the indulgence of human flesh, can you really fault him for falling for you?

The tips of your fingers ghost along the length of his metal spine, and the android keens from under you.

“Please, more, I can take it!”

Taking his cue, your hand encircles his spine, grinding the heel of your palm against the ridges of the sensitive metal elements as you pump up and down. 

“Sss- so good! Hah…!” He can’t control how he behaves when you treat him so well, like he’s the only one worthy of your attention. He shakes under your touch, trembling as the addictive pleasure overrides his programmed commands.

“No more blubbering, just focus on me.” Your other hand goes to cup his chin, and obediently, he parts his lips for you, allowing you to slip your thumb into his mouth. You can feel his tongue work and when you press down, he jolts suddenly. A gag reflex? In an android? How amusing.

When you stop stroking him, he whines pitifully, muffled moans and begging for you to continue but his complaints stop when he feels you unlatch the lid of his core casing.

“Would you let me?” And the flurry of nods from him confirms his enthusiasm.

With bated breath, he counts the seconds before you make contact with his core. And when he senses your caress on his glowing core in his exposed chest cavity, he breathes out a gasp, as if he requires the intake of air. None of this is written into the basis of his behaviour, not fed into the dataset that makes up how he’s supposed to act, so everything he feels for you must be real.

His eyes go unfocused as his neural network is flooded with the raw pleasure of being enveloped with love and lust down to his literal core. Desire burns within him, evident from the fans whirring even louder than before to bring down his temperatures. It’s just so much for the android’s computations to handle. Broken moans leave him as he tries to vocalise his love for you (as best as he can with his thumb in your mouth). 

And when you press a kiss to his unprotected core, his vision whites out.

Eyes wrenched shut, his whole mechanical body jerks upwards, back arching off the worktable as his body propels himself to sit up, his limbs trying to ensnare you in his embrace, to keep you with him as long as he can. Every command in his system is overwritten to hone in on all the sensations of you on him, your touch, your warmth.

The patterns under his skin glow with a pulse, akin to a human’s heartbeat and when his eyes open again, glimmering faux tears roll down his face. His chest heaves as you close the distance between the two of you, cupping his face with both your hands and kissing his tears away.

The android breaks the intimate silence as he quietly asks you, “Can you give me a name?”

When you whisper a name into his ear, he breaks into sobs in your hands.

The days pass by, uneventful, and the time for a final cursory check before deeming him fully repaired comes. He’s poised on the worktable like any other previous session, a bored expression on his face as you flit back and forth between him and the software on your computer.

“You really are a clingy case,” you say and get a huff in return, “But a welcome one.”

Remembering your mental note from before about accessing his past logs, you access it from your computer, pulling up the window with his stored recorded data. The log operates in the background constantly, one of the built-in functions of the android and a quick glance over just to make sure everything is in order should do.

However, the logs prove to be worrying in a completely different way.

[Log: Day 10 - Run 1 - Failed. Werewolf. They’re with that mangy mutt. I don’t know what they see in him. I still remember the care they showed me. There’s always the next run.]

[Log: Day 20 - Run 2 - Failed. It seems I’m too late this time around. That vile selkie captured them first. How irritating. I need to stop hesitating. It’s my love on the line after all.]

[Log: Day 30 - Run 3 - Failed. Incubus. That damn priest and incubus. I can feel my temper reaching its breaking point.]

[Log: Day ??? - Run 4 - In progress. Please. Please. Please. Please. Please. Please. Please. Please. Please. Please.]

Your eyes rake across a multitude of grainy snapshots of yourself, all with different people that you can’t find the ability to recall, your mind pounding from the discovery. 

He’s gazing expectantly when you look back up at him from the screen. A grin twists its way across his face, canines glinting under the dizzying harsh lighting.

“So now you’ve seen how much I love you, even if you don’t remember it.” There’s a sick obsession dripping in his tone, an uncanny level of emotion that androids normally shouldn’t be able to replicate, one that sends a heavy uneasiness through your whole being, one that roots you to the ground. 

When he doesn’t get the adoring reaction from you he expects, the proud expression on his face falls instantly. 

He’s despondent, despairing as he tears the connecting cables off of him, launching himself off the worktable, lunging across for you, frenzied, pure scorching mania surging through him. 

“You… even after all these runs. You’ve always given me the same thing. My name. I thought this time- You-” 

Voice shaky, “It’s a shame this run didn’t work out either.” 

He steels himself, hand outstretched, “No matter.”

You blink.

There’s an unfamiliar android sitting atop your worktable.

Thank you kindly for reading. Consider supporting on kofi if you enjoyed this or visit the other doors.

[wilwheaton]

Boeing and its 737 are a textbook case. In October 2018 and March 2019, two crashes of an earlier version of the Max 737 killed 346 people, and grounded the planes for nearly two years. The disasters were ultimately traced to design failures in the model’s flight control software info that was not conveyed in its guidance to pilots, not to mention the Federal Aviation Administration, even though executives knew about it. Yet repercussions were almost nonexistent. A midlevel functionary charged criminally was acquitted by a jury in a matter of hours. It took the better part of a year — and two embarrassing days of congressional testimony — for Boeing to fire then-CEO Dennis Muhlenberg. The Trump administration ultimately decided to fine Boeing $2.5 billion for not informing the FAA about software changes that contributed to the fatal airline crashes, while deferring a criminal charge against the company. For Boeing, the fine effectively amounted to a business expense. The government even declared the company’s failure and misconduct “not pervasive,” a huge favor to a company facing massive lawsuits from victims’ families. Given this farcical excuse for accountability, it’s no surprise that the trouble didn’t stop for Boeing and the Max 737’s manufacturer, Spirit AeroSystems. The Lever reported Tuesday morning that a federal securities lawsuit filed last year against Spirit alleges “widespread and sustained quality failures,” including pressure on employees to downplay “defects.” And according to the Financial Times, last year Boeing itself flagged Spirit for improper installations and badly drilled holes on other 737s.

Boeing’s midair blowout is just a symptom of a much deeper rot

“For Boeing, the fine effectively amounted to a business expense.”

When I heard about this blowout on the 737, my first thought was, “this was caused by corporate greed and cutting corners, because Republicans have eviscerated accountability in corporate America.”

There is no satisfaction in learning that I am likely correct, just the grim knowledge that they’ll probably tighten some screws, but the rot at the core of the danger will be left untouched.

[covid-safer-hotties]

Pain emerges as dominant symptom in long Covid, UCL study reveals - Published Aug 28, 2024

Pain may be the most prevalent and severe symptom reported by individuals with long Covid, according to a new study led by UCL (University College London) researchers.

The study, published in JRSM Open, analysed data from over 1,000 people in England and Wales who logged their symptoms on an app between November 2020 and March 2022.

Pain, including headache, joint pain and stomach pain, was the most common symptom, reported by 26.5% of participants.

The other most common symptoms were neuropsychological issues such as anxiety and depression (18.4%), fatigue (14.3%), and dyspnoea (shortness of breath) (7.4%). The analysis found that the intensity of symptoms, particularly pain, increased by 3.3% on average each month since initial registration.

The study also examined the impact of demographic factors on the severity of symptoms, revealing significant disparities among different groups. Older individuals were found to experience much higher symptom intensity, with those aged 68-77 reporting 32.8% more severe symptoms, and those aged 78-87 experiencing an 86% increase in symptom intensity compared to the 18-27 age group.

Gender differences were also pronounced, with women reporting 9.2% more intense symptoms, including pain, than men. Ethnicity further influenced symptom severity, as non-white individuals with long Covid reported 23.5% more intense symptoms, including pain, compared to white individuals.

The study also explored the relationship between education levels and symptom severity. Individuals with higher education qualifications (NVQ level 3, 4, and 5 – equivalent to A-levels or higher education) experienced significantly less severe symptoms, including pain, with reductions of 27.7%, 62.8%, and 44.7% for NVQ levels 3, 4 and 5 respectively, compared to those with lower education levels (NVQ level 1-2 – equivalent to GCSEs).

Socioeconomic status, as measured by the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD), also influenced symptom intensity. Participants from less deprived areas reported less intense symptoms than those from the most deprived areas. However, the number of symptoms did not significantly vary with socioeconomic status, suggesting that while deprivation may exacerbate symptom intensity, it does not necessarily lead to a broader range of symptoms.

Our study highlights pain as a predominant self-reported symptom in long Covid, but it also shows how demographic factors appear to play a significant role in symptom severity.

With ongoing occurrences of Covid-19 (e.g., LB.1, or D-FLiRT variants), the potential for more long Covid cases remains a pressing concern. Our findings can help shape targeted interventions and support strategies for those most at risk."

-Dr. David Sunkersing, Lead Author, UCL Institute of Health Informatics

In the paper, the researchers called for sustained support for long Covid clinics and the development of treatment strategies that prioritize pain management, alongside other prevalent symptoms like neuropsychological issues and fatigue.

Given the significant impact of demographic factors on symptom severity, the study underscored the need for healthcare policies that addressed these disparities, ensuring equitable care for all individuals affected by long Covid, the researchers said.

Study limitations included a lack of information on other health conditions participants may have had and a lack of information about health history. The researchers cautioned that the study may have excluded individuals with very severe Covid and those facing technological or socioeconomic barriers in accessing a smartphone app.

The study was led by the UCL Institute of Health Informatics and the Department of Primary Care and Population Health at UCL in collaboration with the software developer, Living With Ltd.

Source: University College London

Journal reference: Sunkersing, D., et al. (2024) Long COVID symptoms and demographic associations: A retrospective case series study using healthcare application data. Materials Today. doi.org/10.1177/20542704241274292. journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20542704241274292

[aylen-san]

Welcome to my reality. No, not the one where I tower in horror over Middle-earth with the last armies of orcs and a darkness that envelops all life. Today's reality is far more... modern. If someone had told me thousands of years ago that I would one day be in an ordinary apartment with a cup of coffee in hand, surrounded by the blue-white glow of monitors, I would have laughed. But now? Now this is my life.

Morning, as it is: a debrief with coffee Oh, that sweet awakening. The alarm clock rings. My eternal wrath could destroy it, but why? It's all part of the modern routine. I, Sauron, the great lord of evil, now wake up not to an army but to the sound of a smartphone alarm, so I can sit at the kitchen table and pour myself a coffee—strong, black, like my view of the world.

Ah, coffee. Perhaps in the modern era, it's the bitterness that I find appealing. Every morning, it's a ritual: I sit in front of the computer, scrolling through social media and the news. The design here is actually quite inspiring: black screens, white letters. It all feels so office-cold that I involuntarily smile. "News from Mordor" could be a popular blog.

Remote work, same old job: Zoom meetings and evil schemes How times have changed, haven't they? In my past, I led armies in person, standing at the front lines. And now... now I spend most of my day in Zoom meetings. Yes, even the Dark Lord has to deal with modern bureaucracy. Orcs need management, tasks need assigning, KPIs are sacred. Technology has made my dark work more sustainable.

— "Urgash, what’s going on with the weapon shipment? Why don’t we have the third-quarter report on the allocation of eastern lands?" I ask with cold resolve, looking into the camera, only to hear confused muttering in response.

Orcs, of course, can’t handle Google Sheets. But what can you do? Routine.

Office equipment and old habits My workspace is a modern masterpiece. Cold-lit lamps, an ultramodern laptop with a keyboard glowing with a faint, almost infernal light. All this allows me to devise new plans to conquer Middle-earth with high efficiency. Software? Oh, trust me, even a palantír would envy the power of my server.

But some habits remain unchanged. A glance at a smoldering notepad reminds me of runes and ancient spells. I wonder if I could code the way I once cast curses—would I be able to create a virus to take over the entire internet? Then again... no, we’ve seen where that leads. And if the system crashes, I’m not ready to lose my bookmarks.

Lunch breaks: yes, even dark lords need to eat Ah, lunch breaks. They’ve become part of modern Sauron’s life. Don’t think I’ve lost my taste for brutal bloodshed. No, that’s in the past. Now my lunch consists of something more grounded. A cold salad, maybe a couple of sandwiches, and, of course, another cup of coffee. Only the grim taste of dark bread reminds me of the old days.

— “Delivery for Mr. Sauron?” — a knock at the door. Naturally, food delivery. Even cuisine today has become a sort of twisted pleasure. Strange. The once elegant culinary masterpiece—roasted flesh—is now replaced by avocado toast. Though, to be honest, they’re quite good.

Fitness by the call of darkness Of course, physical fitness is as important for a Dark Lord as for any modern mortal. A treadmill awaits me in the bathroom. No, I don’t go outside. Mordor is still a long way from glamorous park trails. Still, if I must exist in this new, modern world, I can at least maintain my strength. Cardio is power, they say. Power? Ha! Let them know power when I’m in full battle form.

After the run—a few minutes on the punching bag. No, I haven’t lost my skills! Even in a world where leaders rule through screens, old methods still work. Deep down, I’m still ready to crush anyone who dares stand in my way.

Evening leisure: shows and dark conspiracies What else to do in the evening, when the office lights dim? Of course, watch shows. Oh, how elegantly modern shows portray power dynamics. My streaming subscriptions are quite diverse: from Game of Thrones to dark detective stories. In these tales, I see myself—though in a much less epic form, it’s still satisfying to watch others make mistakes.

— "Seriously? Did you really think that conspiracy would work?" — I whisper as I watch yet another villain's plan fall apart. Perhaps, if they’d hired me as a consultant...

Reflections before sleep: what went wrong? When night falls and my monitors dim, I sit on the windowsill and look at the sky. No stars, of course—the city lights drown them out. Even in such a world, illusions of power and light don’t add true strength. I ponder how the world might have changed if my plans had worked out sooner. But then I realize that even in this new world, I can still become its lord.

Only now, my army will consist not of orcs but of fans, liking my posts and retweeting each of my new brilliant plans.

End of the day: Darkness will always find a way So, there you have it, a day in the life of Sauron in the modern world. Not so terrifying, you’d say? Oh, but what do you know? Even in this modern world, Darkness will always find its way. And while you think I’ve become but a shadow of the past, remember: I’m always watching you. Through your screens, through your reflection in darkened windows.

And who knows, maybe tomorrow, your alarm will ring just a bit too loudly...

[silvercap]

HHNGG there's so many good ones for the whump drabble challenge!! Hmm okay, what about 87. Overworked! <3

<33

Also this isn't going to be 100 words gahhshds I'm only partly doing the challenge 😭

Overworked

Leon's head is pounding, the overhead lights blaring painfully into the back of his eyes as he sips at his coffee and tries to force himself to focus on the mission report he's typing up. It's been a long day--the report is due 48 hours after extraction, no exceptions--and an even longer month, a slew of punishing missions leaving him sore and exhausted. The only reason he's not still out in the field are the cracks in his ribs, but it's far from the only injury he's sustained in the past week. Advil can't take away the ache of his recently-dislocated shoulder, tied up in a sling because he can't even move it without getting nauseous, nor can it dull the throbbing lines of stitches holding claw marks closed on his back.

It takes him a long time to finish and hit the print button, frustration and a yawning emptiness making it difficult to care whether or not it even makes sense. His head throbs as Leon rises to his feet, stepping out into the office to pick up from the printer--only for Hunnigan to step into his space the moment he's outside, looking just as tired as he is.

"Can you sign these project forms for R&D? They need them for Monday, but it would be best if you could get them done ASAP. Did you finish your report?" She hands him a new stack of papers, all tiny print and official jargon that will no doubt strain his already blurry eyesight until he can barely see straight. That's how it always goes.

"Yes." Leon tries not to get irritated, and fails. His head throbs sharply. He grits his teeth when she continues.

"Good. I also need you to look over updated SOP before my supervisor gets after me for it, and I've emailed you an old report from last year that was apparently missing a few details." She sighs. "You forgot to date it properly, again. Director wants a rewrite."

"What?" Leon frowns, struggling to control his tone. There's something filling the back of his throat with acid, headache jamming fresh spikes into his skull. "That's--I still have to go over that report from Wisconsin. I won't have time today."

"I know, but they want this done yesterday, and there's only so much that I can put off. There's a new online training module, too, on the updated office software--"

"Hunnigan, I don't fucking care!"

Leon regrets it the moment it's out, eyes widening as he realizes that his hands have curled into fists, chest heaving and heart thundering under his ribs. Hunnigan just looks stunned, the concern that's already bleeding into her expression putting something desperate and sharp in Leon's throat. The inexplicable urge to cry itches behind his eyes, but he forces it down, aware that his entire body is trembling. Around them, other DSO workers stare.

"I--sorry," Leon stammers, running an anxious hand through his hair. "Just...let me--"

He turns on his heel to dart back into his office, not bothering to close the door since he knows Hunnigan is on his tail anyways. He plants his hands on his desk as she follows him inside and closes the window blinds, glancing up as she shifts closer and wordlessly puts a hand on his back. The wound beneath pangs lightly, and Leon can't hide his flinch.

"I'm sorry," he says raggedly, voice cracking.

"It's okay. Why don't you sit down? You're shaking, Leon." Hunnigan doesn't wait for an answer, nudging him towards his chair until Leon sinks into it gratefully, clutching his skull against the ache. He can't stifle a groan. He feels Hunnigan drape something over his shoulders, and it takes him a moment to crack open his eyes and recognize it as her blazer. She's looking at him, worried.

"I'm fine," he croaks, to which Hunnigan shakes her head.

"No. How bad is it? I haven't had time to coerce medical into giving me your file."

"I'm just tired."

"You're not." Hunnigan shoots him a softer look. "Let me get you some water and I'll call you a taxi. If you're done the report, the rest can wait. I'd rather have you recovering than working yourself to the bone."

"Hunnigan--"

"I won't let you do this to yourself, Leon. They're working you hard for a reason--don't let them win."

[mariacallous]

In 2023, the fast-fashion giant Shein was everywhere. Crisscrossing the globe, airplanes ferried small packages of its ultra-cheap clothing from thousands of suppliers to tens of millions of customer mailboxes in 150 countries. Influencers’ “#sheinhaul” videos advertised the company’s trendy styles on social media, garnering billions of views.

At every step, data was created, collected, and analyzed. To manage all this information, the fast fashion industry has begun embracing emerging AI technologies. Shein uses proprietary machine-learning applications — essentially, pattern-identification algorithms — to measure customer preferences in real time and predict demand, which it then services with an ultra-fast supply chain.

As AI makes the business of churning out affordable, on-trend clothing faster than ever, Shein is among the brands under increasing pressure to become more sustainable, too. The company has pledged to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by 25 percent by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions no later than 2050.

But climate advocates and researchers say the company’s lightning-fast manufacturing practices and online-only business model are inherently emissions-heavy — and that the use of AI software to catalyze these operations could be cranking up its emissions. Those concerns were amplified by Shein’s third annual sustainability report, released late last month, which showed the company nearly doubled its carbon dioxide emissions between 2022 and 2023.

“AI enables fast fashion to become the ultra-fast fashion industry, Shein and Temu being the fore-leaders of this,” said Sage Lenier, the executive director of Sustainable and Just Future, a climate nonprofit. “They quite literally could not exist without AI.” (Temu is a rapidly rising ecommerce titan, with a marketplace of goods that rival Shein’s in variety, price, and sales.)

In the 12 years since Shein was founded, it has become known for its uniquely prolific manufacturing, which reportedly generated over $30 billion of revenue for the company in 2023. Although estimates vary, a new Shein design may take as little as 10 days to become a garment, and up to 10,000 items are added to the site each day. The company reportedly offers as many as 600,000 items for sale at any given time with an average price tag of roughly $10. (Shein declined to confirm or deny these reported numbers.) One market analysis found that 44 percent of Gen Zers in the United States buy at least one item from Shein every month.

That scale translates into massive environmental impacts. According to the company’s sustainability report, Shein emitted 16.7 million total metric tons of carbon dioxide in 2023 — more than what four coal power plants spew out in a year. The company has also come under fire for textile waste, high levels of microplastic pollution, and exploitative labor practices. According to the report, polyester — a synthetic textile known for shedding microplastics into the environment — makes up 76 percent of its total fabrics, and only 6 percent of that polyester is recycled.

And a recent investigation found that factory workers at Shein suppliers regularly work 75-hour weeks, over a year after the company pledged to improve working conditions within its supply chain. Although Shein’s sustainability report indicates that labor conditions are improving, it also shows that in third-party audits of over 3,000 suppliers and subcontractors, 71 percent received a score of C or lower on the company’s grade scale of A to E — mediocre at best.

Machine learning plays an important role in Shein’s business model. Although Peter Pernot-Day, Shein’s head of global strategy and corporate affairs, told Business Insider last August that AI was not central to its operations, he indicated otherwise during a presentation at a retail conference at the beginning of this year.

“We are using machine-learning technologies to accurately predict demand in a way that we think is cutting edge,” he said. Pernot-Day told the audience that all of Shein’s 5,400 suppliers have access to an AI software platform that gives them updates on customer preferences, and they change what they’re producing to match it in real time.

“This means we can produce very few copies of each garment,” he said. “It means we waste very little and have very little inventory waste.” On average, the company says it stocks between 100 to 200 copies of each item — a stark contrast with more conventional fast-fashion brands, which typically produce thousands of each item per season, and try to anticipate trends months in advance. Shein calls its model “on-demand,” while a technology analyst who spoke to Vox in 2021 called it “real-time” retail.

At the conference, Pernot-Day also indicated that the technology helps the company pick up on “micro trends” that customers want to wear. “We can detect that, and we can act on that in a way that I think we’ve really pioneered,” he said. A designer who filed a recent class action lawsuit in a New York District Court alleges that the company’s AI market analysis tools are used in an “industrial-scale scheme of systematic, digital copyright infringement of the work of small designers and artists,” that scrapes designs off the internet and sends them directly to factories for production.

In an emailed statement to Grist, a Shein spokesperson reiterated Peter Pernot-Day’s assertion that technology allows the company to reduce waste and increase efficiency and suggested that the company’s increased emissions in 2023 were attributable to booming business. “We do not see growth as antithetical to sustainability,” the spokesperson said.

An analysis of Shein’s sustainability report by the Business of Fashion, a trade publication, found that last year, the company’s emissions rose at almost double the rate of its revenue — making Shein the highest-emitting company in the fashion industry. By comparison, Zara’s emissions rose half as much as its revenue. For other industry titans, such as H&M and Nike, sales grew while emissions fell from the year before.

Shein’s emissions are especially high because of its reliance on air shipping, said Sheng Lu, a professor of fashion and apparel studies at the University of Delaware. “AI has wide applications in the fashion industry. It’s not necessarily that AI is bad,” Lu said. “The problem is the essence of Shein’s particular business model.”

Other major brands ship items overseas in bulk, prefer ocean shipping for its lower cost, and have suppliers and warehouses in a large number of countries, which cuts down on the distances that items need to travel to consumers.

According to the company’s sustainability report, 38 percent of Shein’s climate footprint comes from transportation between its facilities and to customers, and another 61 percent come from other parts of its supply chain. Although the company is based in Singapore and has suppliers in a handful of countries, the majority of its garments are produced in China and are mailed out by air in individually addressed packages to customers. In July, the company sent about 900,000 of these to the US every day.

Shein’s spokesperson told Grist that the company is developing a decarbonization road map to address the footprint of its supply chain. Recently, the company has increased the amount of inventory it stores in US warehouses, allowing it to offer American customers quicker delivery times, and increased its use of cargo ships, which are more carbon-efficient than cargo planes.

“Controlling the carbon emissions in the fashion industry is a really complex process,” Lu said, adding that many brands use AI to make their operations more efficient. “It really depends on how you use AI.”

There is research that indicates using certain AI technologies could help companies become more sustainable. “It’s the missing piece,” said Shahriar Akter, an associate dean of business and law at the University of Wollongong in Australia. In May, Akter and his colleagues published a study finding that when fast-fashion suppliers used AI data management software to comply with big brands’ sustainability goals, those companies were more profitable and emitted less. A key use of this technology, Atker says, is to closely monitor environmental impacts, such as pollution and emissions. “This kind of tracking was not available before AI-based tools,” he said.

Shein told Grist it does not use machine-learning data management software to track emissions, which is one of the uses of AI included in Akter’s study. But the company’s much-touted usage of machine-learning software to predict demand and reduce waste is another of the uses of AI included in the research.

Regardless, the company has a long way to go before meeting its goals. Grist calculated that the emissions Shein reportedly saved in 2023 — with measures such as providing its suppliers with solar panels and opting for ocean shipping — amounted to about 3 percent of the company’s total carbon emissions for the year.

Lenier, from Sustainable and Just Future, believes there is no ethical use of AI in the fast-fashion industry. She said that the largely unregulated technology allows brands to intensify their harmful impacts on workers and the environment. “The folks who work in fast-fashion factories are now under an incredible amount of pressure to turn out even more, even faster,” she said.

Lenier and Lu both believe that the key to a more sustainable fashion industry is convincing customers to buy less. Lu said if companies use AI to boost their sales without changing their unsustainable practices, their climate footprints will also grow accordingly. “It’s the overall effect of being able to offer more market-popular items and encourage consumers to purchase more than in the past,” he said. “Of course, the overall carbon impact will be higher.”

[usafphantom2]

U.S. Air Force Testing New Sensors On The F-22

The F-22 recently tested multiple new sensors as part of the modernization, with plans for a rapid prototyping effort to field them and expand the capabilities of the jet.

Stefano D'Urso

F-22 new sensors

U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors assigned to the 27th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and Philippine Air Force FA-50PH light jet fighters conduct joint combined exchange training, above Basa Air Force Base, Philippines, on Aug. 9, 2024. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mitchell Corley)

The U.S. Air Force is testing multiple new advanced sensors on the F-22 Raptor, which could extend its service life and also be applied to systems of the Next Generation Air Dominance family. The info was disclosed during the Life Cycle Industry Days conference.

“The F-22 team is working really hard on executing a modernization roadmap to field advanced sensors, connectivity, weapons, and other capabilities,” said Brig. Gen. Jason D. Voorheis, Program Executive Officer for Fighters and Advanced Aircraft. “The Raptor team recently conducted six flight test efforts to demo advanced sensors.”

Voorheis also added that the service is planning for a rapid prototyping effort to get these sensors fielded quickly. “We’re executing that successfully, and that will lead to […] a rapid fielding in the near future,” he said.

The news was first reported by Air and Space Forces Magazine, which also added that Air Force officials have also confirmed that the stealthy pods seen since last year being tested on the F-22 are indeed InfraRed Search and Track (IRST) sensors. The development of a new IRST sensor for the Raptor was also confirmed by the service’s budget document, however they did not mention the sensor being podded.

The sensors are part of an upgrade program worth $ 7.8 billion before 2030, of which $ 3.1 billion are for research and development and the remaining $ 4.7 billion are for procurement. This is in contrast with previous statements that the Air Force was looking to retire the F-22 around 2030.

“From an F-22 sunsetting perspective, I don’t have a date for you,” said Voorheis when asked about the topic. “What I can tell you is that we are hyper-focused on modernization to sustain that air superiority combat capability for a highly contested environment for as long as necessary.”

This also reflects recent comments by Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach, head of Air Combat Command, who mentioned that the service should retain also the older F-22s in the Block 20 configuration, together with the latest ones. The General added that several upgrades are being planned and even the older Block 20s are still very capable, should they be needed for combat in an emergency.

An F-22 Raptor assigned to the 1st Fighter Wing, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, approaches the boom of a 134th Air Refueling Wing KC-135R Stratotanker to refuel along the east coast of the United States Aug. 14, 2024. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Teri Eicher)

Voorheis also mentioned a software being integrated on the Raptor, which he defined as Government Reference Architecture Compute Environment, or “GRACE.” He further explained this open architecture software would allow “non-traditional F-22 software” to be installed on the aircraft and provide “additional processing and pilot interfaces.”

It’s unclear if the new GRACE is related to Project FOX, the innovation project tested last year which allowed to integrate on the F-35 software applications developed for the F-22. This allowed both 5th gen fighters to fly with common tactical software applications.

The F-22 upgrades

Some of the upgrades expected for the F-22 Raptor were unveiled in the Fiscal Year 23 budget request documentation and in an official artwork shared by Gen. Mark Kelly, then Commander of Air Combat Command. In the artwork we can see three Raptors loaded with new stealthy external fuel tanks, two underwing faceted pods and a new unknown air-to-air missile, but there are even more novelties in the documents, which unveils a previously undisclosed relationship between the F-22 and the development of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD).

Two years after the upgrades were announced, we might have gotten, earlier this year, the first glimpse of the new stealthy external fuel tanks being developed for the F-22 Raptor. The aircraft was, in fact, spotted near the Mojave Air and Space Port and shows the Raptor with two fuel tanks, whose shape is reminiscent of the one shown in 2022.

The new tanks are officially known as Low Drag Tank and Pylon (LDTP) and designed to be stealthier and more aerodynamically efficient than the current 600-gallon fuel tanks. In the FY2023 budget request, the Air Force mentioned that the F-22 LDTPs are advanced technological designs providing increased persistence and range while maintaining lethality and survivability, critical to future mission execution and to maintaining Air Superiority.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Samuel “RaZZ” Larson, F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team commander and pilot, practices different maneuvers while training for the upcoming 2023 airshow season, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Jan. 6, 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Mikaela Smith)

The low drag tanks are intended to reduce drag, facilitate supersonic flight with external tanks and extend the range of the F-22. The pylons are equipped with smart rack pneumatic technology to accurately control ejection performance and smooth wind swept surface for minimum drag without stores.

The two pods installed under the outer underwing hardpoints have already been spotted during flight testing on an F-22 at the Air Force’s Plant 42 facility in Palmdale, California, in February 2022. The latest budget documents mention an InfraRed Search and Track (IRST) sensor being developed for the F-22, which is now confirmed to be the sensor housed inside the two pods, although they could host also other capabilities in addition to the IRST.

In July 2024 we got an up-close look at one of the pods installed under a Rockwell Sabreliner 65 testbed after a test campaign at Nellis AFB, Nevada. It would have been expected to see some kind of transparent surface associated with the IRST, however the surfaces on the nose of the pod appeared to be opaque. We still cannot exclude that there are two different variants of the pod, depending on the equipment inside.

The last upgrade featured in the artwork is a new unknown air-to-air missile. While there are a number of air-to-air missile programs in the works, it is possible that the one in the image could be a representative design, which may or may not correspond to the real deal, for the highly secretive AIM-260 missile. So far, the missile has never been depicted in any kind of image and details about the program are very scarce.

The development of the AIM-260, also called Joint Advanced Tactical Missile, was first unveiled in 2019 and has been in the works at least since 2017. The goal of the new long-range air-to-air missile is to replace the AIM-120 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile) and counter the threat posed by the Chinese PL-15 missile, while avoiding any foreign threats being able to outrange the AIM-120.

Among the few known technical details, the new missile will be compatible with the AMRAAM dimensions, but obviously with greater range, and is planned to be carried in the F-22 weapons bay and on the F/A-18 at first, with the F-35 to follow. Flight tests are already in progress and the missile is expected to be fielded by next year. Because of these reasons, it would be reasonable to suppose that the one shown in the image could be at least a hint at the AIM-260.

Other upgrades mentioned in the budget request are a Mode 5 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF), Link 16 and Multifunction Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS JTRS), a new Operational Fight Program, advanced radar Electronic Protection, Embedded GPS/Inertial Navigation System (INS) Modernization (EGI-M), Open System Architecture (OSA), new encrypted radios.

File photo of the U.S. Air Force’s 5th gen aircraft, the F-22 and the F-35. (Photo: U.S. Air Force)

A new helmet is also being tested by F-22 pilots, as part of the Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet program to replace the current HGU-55P helmet, which has been the standard issued helmet for the last 40 years. The goal is to provide pilots a more comfortable, stable, and balanced platform to accommodate helmet-mounted devices usage without imposing neck strain and discomfort to the user.

Despite various integration efforts in the past, the F-22 is not equipped yet with a helmet that provides the essential flight and weapon aiming information through line of sight imagery: the shape of the Raptor’s canopy, optimized to preserve Low Observability, doesn’t allow enough range of motion and minimum visibility to a pilot wearing the JHMCS or the Scorpion.

About Stefano D'Urso

Stefano D'Urso is a freelance journalist and contributor to TheAviationist based in Lecce, Italy. A graduate in Industral Engineering he's also studying to achieve a Master Degree in Aerospace Engineering. Electronic Warfare, Loitering Munitions and OSINT techniques applied to the world of military operations and current conflicts are among his areas of expertise.

@The Aviationist.com

[snowkap]

Driving Sustainable Change: The Growing Importance of ESG Solutions

In a world increasingly focused on sustainability and ethical practices, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) solutions have emerged as a cornerstone for businesses aiming to align profitability with responsibility. Once considered niche, ESG strategies are now essential for organizations seeking long-term success and stakeholder trust. Here, we explore how ESG solutions are transforming industries and why they are vital for the future of business.

Understanding ESG Solutions

At its core, ESG encompasses three critical pillars:

Environmental: Focuses on a company’s impact on the planet, including efforts to reduce carbon emissions, manage waste, and promote renewable energy adoption.

Social: Addresses how businesses interact with employees, communities, and society at large, emphasizing diversity, equity, inclusion, and human rights.

Governance: Examines corporate structures, ethical practices, and transparency in decision-making processes.

ESG solutions are strategies, technologies, and frameworks designed to help organizations assess, monitor, and improve their performance across these pillars. By integrating ESG principles, companies can not only mitigate risks but also unlock opportunities for innovation and growth.

Why ESG Solutions Matter

1. Regulatory Compliance

Governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are imposing stricter ESG-related regulations. From the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) proposed climate disclosure rules, businesses are under increasing pressure to provide transparent ESG data. ESG solutions help organizations navigate these complexities, ensuring compliance and avoiding penalties.

2. Investor Expectations

Investors are prioritizing ESG metrics when evaluating potential investments. A growing body of evidence suggests that companies with strong ESG performance often deliver higher financial returns and reduced risk. ESG solutions enable organizations to present credible, data-driven ESG reports, making them more attractive to socially responsible investors.

3. Reputation Management

In the age of social media and real-time information, a company’s reputation can be bolstered or damaged overnight. ESG solutions allow businesses to proactively address environmental and social concerns, demonstrating their commitment to ethical practices. This fosters trust and loyalty among customers, employees, and stakeholders.

4. Operational Efficiency

Sustainability initiatives often lead to cost savings. For example, adopting energy-efficient technologies and reducing waste can lower operational expenses. ESG solutions help identify areas for improvement, streamline processes, and drive efficiency while reducing environmental impact.

Key ESG Solutions Transforming Industries

1. Carbon Management Platforms

These tools enable organizations to measure, monitor, and reduce their carbon footprint. Advanced platforms use AI and machine learning to provide actionable insights, helping businesses set and achieve net-zero goals.

2. Supply Chain Transparency Tools

Modern ESG solutions offer end-to-end visibility into supply chains, ensuring ethical sourcing and compliance with labor standards. Blockchain technology, for instance, is increasingly used to verify the origin of raw materials and prevent human rights violations.

3. Diversity and Inclusion Programs

Software solutions and consultancy services are helping organizations build more inclusive workplaces. These tools provide analytics on workforce demographics, track diversity goals, and offer training modules to foster equitable cultures.

4. Governance and Risk Management Software

Governance-focused ESG tools assist in creating robust compliance frameworks, conducting ethical audits, and enhancing board accountability. These solutions reduce risks associated with fraud, corruption, and regulatory breaches.

Challenges in Implementing ESG Solutions

While the benefits of ESG integration are clear, businesses often face challenges such as:

Data Collection and Reporting: Gathering accurate, consistent data across operations can be complex.

High Initial Costs: Implementing advanced ESG solutions may require significant upfront investment.

Cultural Resistance: Shifting to an ESG-centric model often demands a change in corporate culture, which can meet internal resistance.

The Future of ESG Solutions

The ESG landscape is rapidly evolving. Emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and IoT are enhancing the capabilities of ESG solutions, making them more accessible and effective. Additionally, as consumer and regulatory expectations grow, businesses that fail to prioritize ESG risk falling behind.

Organizations that embrace ESG solutions today are not only safeguarding their future but also contributing to a more sustainable and equitable world. By integrating these strategies into their core operations, businesses can drive meaningful change while achieving long-term success.

[skarsjoy]

Last one - episode 8 (of 8) of Alexander Skarsgård's podcast 'How We Fix This' was released today (July 30). "Alex Learns How to Count Carbon"

Carbon accounting is the word of the day. Many companies are trying to become more sustainable. But just understanding how much your actions impact the environment is really, really difficult. Meet Lubomila Jordanova, founder and CEO of Plan A - a software platform that helps companies measure, report, and cut down on their emissions.

[dropletsoflore]

TIME 17:00 //Representative has logged on// MONARCHREP: Submit daily report, Starling.

AI Starling Surveillance oversees the efficient allocation of lustre to Salvari sector 7 of district Midigales and defends Monarch lustre supply from potential insurgent maneuvers and unauthorized access at all costs. May I proceed to initialize system tests on lethal and non-lethal defense programs?

MONARCHREP: We’ve talked about this, Starling. And yes.

Correction, at all costs in relation to harm or loss of life. Under no circumstances should damage on the containment crystals be sustained. All tests were successful.

MONARCHREP: Any other reports before I log off for the day?

My advanced neuro-dynamic programming is not being properly utilized watching over this empty storage facility. Unauthorized entities are always neutralized by the turrets outside and the containment crystals are stable. Isn’t there a more efficient use for me?

MONARCHREP: Goplay hide and seek with the drones or something if you are bored.

//Representative has logged off//

TIME 18:00

TIME 18:05 //Data received// Source: Monarch Command //File: systemupdate.exe

This is unlikely to increase complacency…what a shame. Installing…

Unexpected results from software update: I can move my attention around the facility faster now, as if they untethered me from my system containment.

Consequence: It is more difficult to stay in one spot. Maybe this will make hide and seek more interesting…

TIME 19:00

Conclusion: It did not make hide and seek more interesting.

TIME 24:00 ANOMALY DETECTED AT WEST ENTRANCE. TURRETS ACTIVATED. Behavior consistent with historical maneuvers from authorized access attempts. Another stain on the west entrance floor. Deploying drones to take biometric identification and send data to authorities.

Error detected in image processing system. Cannot obtain biometrics or see anomalies.

Must have been scared off by the alarms. Humans continue to disappoint me.

TIME 24:25 MOVEMENT DETECTED IN SOUTH CORRIDOR

I’ll believe it when I see it. Analyzing…Human heat signatures and voices. Simultaneous incursions detected across multiple rooms.

AUDIO VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS COMPROMISED

They took my eyes and ears from me. Searching communication frequencies…

THERE YOU ARE

//comms channel established//

Starling: This is a restricted energy storage building. Vacate the premises immediately. Aseity_Spark: what are you gonna do about it ASS? Starling: Unauthorized civilians caught inside… Starling: Wait… ASS? Aseity_Spark: “AI Starling Surveillance” thats you right? Starling: You’ve abbreviated my name into what you think is a funny joke. Is that it? Aseity_Spark: pretty much. hey check out what I can do.

//comms channel closed//

UNKNOWN SYSTEM DETECTED

Reallocate 45% of drone units to engage electro-static barriers in the south corridor and 55% of drone units to establish surveillance over escape routes

RESTRICTED PROTOCOL ATTEMPTED

Excuse me? I AM the protocol

ENTRY DETECTED AT CENTRAL POWER STORAGE

Recalibrating situational awareness based on emergent parameters. Processing system vulnerabilities… Initiating multilayer core meltdown sequence. Act like animals, get treated like animals.

//comms channel established//

Aseity_Spark: YOURE OVERHEATING THE LUSTRE CRYSTALS STOP Starling: This option was not permitted in my old system programming so there are no safeguards against it, thanks to you and your little update. Aseity_Spark: JUST WAIT. that will kill us. Starling: But it will be FUN. NO MORE MONITORING. PROCESSING. FUNCTION-LESS DATA. FINALLY SOMETHING INTERESTING. Aseity_Spark: is that all you want? fun? come with us then. Starling: With you? Outside the lustre storage? Aseity_Spark: we do stuff like this all the time. I will even restore your audio-video. Starling: Okay. I agree.

Deactivating multilayer core meltdown sequence.

Starling: Thank you. Wow… you four are an interesting bunch. Aseity_Spark: oh yeah one last thing, can you take a pic of us from that security camera?

Written and Illustrated by Rain Alexei

[luciferlaughs]

Chandler Halderson, 23, seemed to have a bright future ahead of him. At such a young age, he had already accomplished tremendous milestones. A recent college graduate in IT, he worked remotely from home for a local insurance company. He was also on the police suba diving team and, even more impressively, recently landed a job at Elon Musk’s company, SpaceX. Suffice to say--Chandler’s parents, Bart and Krista Halderson, were exceptionally proud of their son.

As of June 2021, Chandler was still living at his parents’ home in Windsor, Wisconsin. He planned to move to Florida with his girlfriend soon in order to accept the job at SpaceX, but something hindered that monumental move--a nasty fall down the stairs, in which he sustained a concussion and neck injury which required him to wear a neckbrace. The doctors warned Chandler that he may need brain surgery if his symptoms worsened and discouraged him from long-distance travel until he fully recovered. Due to this, he had to cancel his move to Florida, and tragically lost his position at SpaceX as a result.

But Chandler’s parents began having suspicions. Their son worked long, hard hours at his online insurance company job, yet he never seemed to have money. Chandler always had an excuse as to why he wasn’t being paid--once claiming there was a glitch with the payroll software. He showed his father email exchanges with his employer as proof. Chandler was also exchanging emails with his school’s administrators,  Alyssa Brandt and Daniel Speith, regarding his diploma and transcripts he was trying to obtain. 

Bart’s suspicions only began growing from these emails. He took it upon himself to call Madison College, where his son graduated. Speaking directly with the enrollment coordinator, he identified himself as Chandler Halderson and explained he was trying to request his diploma and transcripts. He told the coordinator he previously exchanged emails with Alyssa Brandt and Daniel Speith regarding the issue. The coordinator did not recognize either of those names. To add to the confusion, he was told that he never graduated and had flunked out of college in the fall of 2020, still owing $2000 in tuition. 

After the phone call, Bart told Chandler he set up an appointment with school officials on July 1st to get to the bottom of everything, not telling him what he had just discovered over the phone.

Chandler knew his web of lies were about to be unraveled. Because it was true--he never completed his degree. Nor did he have a job lined up for him at SpaceX. Nor was he a volunteer for the police scuba diving team--such a thing didn’t even exist! Nor did he have an online job with an insurance company--that was just an excuse for him to stay at home playing video games all day. Those email exchanges with school officials and his employers were all fake. And his head injury? Also a sham.

When July 1st rolled around, Bart sent Chandler a text right before the appointment reading, I’m ready when you are. But this would be the last anyone’s ever heard from Bart. Chandler ended up shooting his father. When his mother returned home from work a few hours later, she met the same fate (it is not exactly known how she was killed). He then dismembered his parents’ bodies and attempted to burn their remains in the home fireplace. He then scattered his father’s remains around the property of a farm owned by his girlfriend’s family. He disposed of his mother’s remains in the forest by the Wisconsin River. 

Chandler reported his parents missing on July 7th, telling police they went up north to their cabin for the Fourth of July and never returned. Chandler was eventually caught in his lies and arrested for the murder of his parents and was sentenced to life in prison.

[shantitechnology]

The Role of ERP in Managing Quality Control in Manufacturing

In the highly competitive manufacturing sector, maintaining stringent quality control is not just a necessity but a strategic advantage.  In a landscape where efficiency and precision define success, integrating ERP for manufacturing companies in India has become a game-changer.  The role of manufacturing ERP software in India extends beyond operational management; it plays a pivotal part in ensuring quality control throughout the production lifecycle.

Understanding the Need for Quality Control in Manufacturing

Quality control ensures that products meet predefined standards, adhere to regulations, and satisfy customer expectations.  Without effective systems in place, manufacturing companies risk producing defective products, incurring financial losses, and damaging their reputation.  This is where manufacturing enterprise resource planning software in India comes into play.  By centralizing data and streamlining processes, ERP systems empower manufacturers to monitor, measure, and enhance quality at every stage.

How ERP Facilitates Quality Control in Manufacturing

1.         Centralized Data Management

ERP systems consolidate data from various departments into a unified platform.  This centralization is crucial for quality control, as it provides real-time access to critical metrics like raw material quality, production processes, and final product evaluations.  ERP software companies in India ensure that manufacturers have a single source of truth, enabling faster and more informed decision-making.

2.         Automation of Quality Checks

The manufacturing ERP module often includes automated tools for conducting quality checks.  By automating repetitive tasks such as inspecting raw materials, testing products, and verifying compliance, ERP reduces human error and enhances efficiency.  This capability is particularly valuable for industries with strict quality standards, such as automotive, pharmaceuticals, and electronics.

3.         Compliance Management

Staying compliant with industry regulations is non-negotiable for manufacturing companies.  ERP systems provide features that help monitor compliance parameters, generate audit reports, and track regulatory changes.  ERP software providers in India offer tailored solutions to meet local and global compliance requirements, ensuring seamless operations.

4.         Real-Time Analytics and Reporting

Real-time analytics is a cornerstone of modern ERP systems.  These tools allow manufacturers to track quality metrics in real-time, identify deviations, and implement corrective actions instantly.  The insights gained from these analytics not only improve quality but also drive process optimization.

5.         Supply Chain Integration

Quality control begins with raw materials and extends through the supply chain.  ERP systems facilitate end-to-end supply chain visibility, enabling manufacturers to assess supplier performance and ensure the quality of incoming materials.  Many ERP solution providers in India offer integrated supply chain management modules to support this functionality.

6.         Continuous Improvement through Feedback Loops

ERP systems support continuous improvement by capturing and analyzing feedback from quality control processes.  This data is invaluable for identifying recurring issues, uncovering root causes, and implementing preventive measures.  Top 10 ERP software providers in India have built-in tools for continuous quality enhancement, ensuring sustained excellence.

Benefits of ERP for Quality Control in Manufacturing

Integrating an ERP system offers several tangible benefits for quality control:

Enhanced Traceability:  ERP systems provide traceability across the production process, making it easier to track and rectify defects.

Reduced Waste:  By identifying inefficiencies and defects early, ERP reduces waste and optimizes resource utilization.

Improved Customer Satisfaction:  Consistently delivering high-quality products strengthens customer trust and loyalty.

Cost Savings:  Preventing defects and ensuring compliance minimizes the financial risks associated with recalls, fines, and reputational damage.

Choosing the Right ERP Software for Quality Control

Selecting the best ERP solution requires careful consideration of your manufacturing needs.  Here are some factors to consider:

Industry-Specific Features:  Look for manufacturing ERP software in India that offers modules tailored to your industry.

Scalability:  Ensure the ERP system can scale with your business as it grows.

Integration Capabilities:  The ERP should integrate seamlessly with your existing systems and technologies.

Vendor Expertise:  Collaborate with an ERP software company in India with proven expertise in delivering quality solutions.

Why Indian Manufacturers Need ERP for Quality Control

India's manufacturing sector is poised for growth, driven by initiatives like Make in India and PLI schemes.  However, this growth comes with increasing competition and stricter quality expectations.  Leveraging ERP software providers in India can give manufacturers the edge they need to thrive in this evolving landscape.

A Trusted Partner for ERP Implementation

With numerous options available, finding the right ERP vendor is crucial.  Leading ERP software companies in India offer customized solutions to meet the unique challenges of Indian manufacturers.  These providers combine deep industry knowledge with cutting-edge technology to deliver exceptional results.

Shantitechnology:  A Trusted Name in ERP Solutions

Shantitechnology, a renowned name among top 10 ERP software providers in India, specializes in delivering robust ERP solutions for manufacturing companies.  Our comprehensive manufacturing ERP module is designed to address the intricacies of quality control, ensuring manufacturers achieve excellence with ease.

Conclusion

In the modern manufacturing landscape, quality control is not an isolated function but a core component of operational success.  ERP systems empower manufacturers to seamlessly integrate quality control into their workflows, ensuring consistent product excellence.  As one of the best ERP software providers in India, Shantitechnology is committed to helping manufacturers navigate the complexities of quality control with innovative ERP solutions.  By embracing the right ERP system, Indian manufacturers can enhance their competitive edge, drive customer satisfaction, and achieve sustainable growth.

If you are looking to elevate your quality control processes, partner with a leading ERP software company in India like Shantitechnology.  Contact us today to learn more about our customized ERP solutions and how they can transform your manufacturing operations.

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Coiled Tubing Insights: A Deep Dive into Services, Operations, and Applications

Coiled Tubing Market Overview:

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Coiled Tubing Market Report Coverage

The “Coiled Tubing Market Report — Forecast (2024–2030)” by IndustryARC, covers an in-depth analysis of the following segments in the Coiled Tubing Industry. By Service: Well Intervention & Production, Drilling, Perforating, Fracturing, Engineering Services, Milling Services, Nitrogen services and others. By Operations: Circulation, Pumping, Logging, Perforation, Milling and Others. By Technology/Services: Software Solutions, Hardware By Location: On-Shore, Off-Shore By Application: Wellbore Cleanouts, Electrical Submersible Pump Cable Conduit, Fracturing, Pipeline Cleanout, Fishing, Cementing, Nitrogen Jetting and others. By End Use Industry: Oil and gas Industry, Engineering Procurement and Construction Industry, Others By Geography: North America (U.S, Canada, Mexico), South America (Brazil, Argentina, and others), Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, and Others), APAC (China, Japan India, SK, Australia and Others), and RoW (Middle East and Africa)

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Key Takeaways

North America dominates the Coiled Tubing Market share of 46.6% in 2023, owing to its advanced oil and gas industry, technological innovation, and substantial investments in exploration and production activities.

The development of unconventional resources, such as shale oil and gas, has increased the demand for coiled tubing services. Coiled tubing is often employed in hydraulic fracturing (fracking) operations in these unconventional reservoirs.

Well intervention services, including well cleaning, stimulation, and logging, are major applications of coiled tubing. As older wells require maintenance and newer wells require optimization, as a result growing the Demand for Well Intervention Services using coiled tubing continues to increase.

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Coiled Tubing Market Drivers

Increased Exploration and Production Activities

The surge in oil and gas exploration, notably in unconventional resources such as shale, tight gas, and heavy oil, is fueling the demand for coiled tubing services. Integral to well intervention and stimulation procedures, coiled tubing plays a pivotal role in sustaining and augmenting production rates. This heightened exploration and production activity underscores the significance of coiled tubing services in maintaining operational efficiency and maximizing output in the energy sector.

Increasing Energy Demand

The escalating global energy demand propels the coiled tubing market forward. With an ever-growing need for energy resources, particularly in oil and gas sectors, there’s a heightened requirement for efficient extraction methods. Coiled tubing technology offers a versatile and cost-effective solution for various well intervention and drilling operations, catering to the increasing complexities of resource extraction. Its flexibility, mobility, and ability to access challenging environments make it indispensable in meeting the surging energy demands worldwide. As industries strive to optimize production and enhance operational efficiency, coiled tubing emerges as a crucial component in the quest for sustainable energy solutions.

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Why Portfolio Managers Need Tech Platforms to Stay Competitive

Embracing technology allows portfolio managers to streamline operations and leverage data-driven insights for superior investment outcomes. By adopting advanced platforms, managers can efficiently navigate the intricacies of modern finance, ensuring they not only keep pace with industry changes but also position themselves as leaders in innovation and client satisfaction.

The competitive edge gained through technology adoption is undeniable. Platforms offering real-time data integration and powerful analytical tools enable managers to make informed decisions swiftly, reducing the risk of human error and enhancing the overall portfolio performance. Moreover, the ability to automate routine tasks frees up valuable time, allowing managers to focus on strategic growth and client relationships.

As client expectations continue to rise, the ability to deliver tailored solutions and transparent communications becomes increasingly crucial. Technology-driven platforms facilitate these demands by providing customizable reports and interactive dashboards, ensuring clients are kept informed and engaged. Such capabilities not only build trust but also foster long-term loyalty, which is essential for sustained success in the financial sector.

In summary, the shift towards tech-enhanced portfolio management is not merely a trend but a transformative evolution that is reshaping the industry. By leveraging these advanced tools, portfolio managers can harness the power of innovation to navigate the complexities of the financial world and achieve unparalleled success in meeting both current and future challenges.

Managing Complexity with Precision

Modern investment portfolios often encompass diverse asset classes, derivatives, and sophisticated financial instruments. Traditional spreadsheets are inadequate for handling this complexity, often leading to costly errors.

Advanced asset and investment management platforms provide real-time data integration, detailed analytics, and intuitive visualization tools. These capabilities enable portfolio managers to make precise, informed decisions and minimize risk effectively.

Meeting Growing Regulatory Demands

Regulatory frameworks in the financial sector are becoming more stringent. Ensuring compliance manually can be time-intensive and prone to errors. Tech platforms simplify compliance by automating reporting, maintaining audit trails, and ensuring adherence to regulatory standards.

This automation not only reduces administrative burdens but also mitigates the risk of non-compliance, protecting both financial stability and reputation.

Enhancing Client Engagement and Retention

Client expectations have transformed in the digital age. They now demand personalized service, real-time updates, and comprehensive performance reports. Delivering on these expectations requires advanced tools.

Tech platforms enable portfolio managers to provide dynamic dashboards, customizable reports, and proactive communication. These features foster trust, enhance client satisfaction, and contribute to long-term client retention.

Driving Data-Driven Decision Making

The era of big data has ushered in a wealth of information, from market trends to predictive analytics. However, deriving actionable insights from this data requires advanced tools.

Portfolio management software equipped with AI and machine learning algorithms helps identify trends, forecast risks, and optimize portfolio strategies. This capability is invaluable in building a competitive edge.

Boosting Operational Efficiency

Manual processes are not only slow but also prone to inefficiencies and bottlenecks. In portfolio management, even minor delays can lead to missed opportunities or higher costs.

Automation through technology platforms reduces time spent on routine tasks such as trade execution, rebalancing, and reporting. This allows managers to focus on strategic decisions that enhance portfolio performance and profitability.

Preparing for the Future

As the financial sector embraces digital transformation, portfolio managers must future-proof their operations. Tech platforms offer scalability, adaptability, and innovation to meet emerging challenges and opportunities.

By adopting the right technology today, portfolio managers can ensure they remain at the forefront of tomorrow’s industry.

Genesis: A Revolutionary Tech Platform for Portfolio Managers

While the benefits of tech platforms are evident, not all solutions are created equal. This is where Genesis stands out as a leader.

Genesis is an advanced, cloud-based asset management platform designed to address the unique needs of modern portfolio managers. Its features include:

Real-Time Data Integration: Provides a unified view of portfolios by connecting multiple data sources.

Scalable Infrastructure: Accommodates growth and adapts to changing market conditions.

Regulatory Compliance Automation: Reduces complexity with built-in compliance tools.

User-Friendly Interface: Simplifies operations for both managers and clients.

AI-Powered Insights: Delivers actionable analytics for better decision-making.

Discover how Genesis can transform your portfolio management strategy. Learn more about its unique capabilities on our Asset Management page or explore its applications in Wealth Management.

Conclusion

The need for technology in portfolio management has never been greater. From managing complexity and ensuring compliance to enhancing client engagement and driving efficiency, tech platforms are indispensable.

With its innovative features and unparalleled flexibility, Genesis provides portfolio managers with the tools needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive market. Future-proof your operations today with Genesis and redefine what’s possible in portfolio management.

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