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Showing posts from February, 2023

Turning K-12 ‘Cafeterias into Classrooms’ to Address Food Waste

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Students in the Orlando area could soon get more classroom time during their lunchtime, to learn more about ways to fight hunger and food waste. It is estimated 40% of the food produced globally is lost or wasted. The “ Food Waste Warrior ” program of the World Wildlife Fund inspires children to help alleviate local and global food insecurity. It prompts them to think through practical, easy-to-implement solutions, like a “share table,” where food they are not going to eat can be shared with someone else. Alex Nichols-Vinueza, program manager for food loss and waste for the World Wildlife Fund, said the idea is to empower students to have a role in addressing issues in their community. “Around food insecurity, around the environmental impacts of the food system,” Nichols-Vinueza explained. “It’s a way that it’s not controversial; that you can really engage students on some of these issues.” He pointed out they are just starting in Orlando, making connections with school districts...

Trade association warns of a need to rethink the skills agenda in Budget asks

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The Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) – the trade body for the professional recruitment sector – has outlined the actions that are needed to bolster the strength of the UK’s labour market in its Budget submission ahead of March’s announcement. According to APSCo , the continued skills shortages being felt by firms across the UK, despite a fall in vacancies at the beginning of the year, are driving a need for more investment in skills and the flexible labour market. In its submission to the Treasury, the trade body highlighted four crucial areas that need to be addressed in the Chancellor’s Spring Budget: – Apprenticeship and training reforms: The current scope of the use of Apprenticeship Levy funds is too narrow and isn’t fit for purpose in a flexible employment landscape. A broader skills levy which accommodates modular training, access to training for independent professionals and the self-employed, and enabling the levy to be used by recruiters and outsou...

Stay Safe Online: pCloud Study Highlights the Power of Awareness in the Fight Against Cybercrime

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pCloud , a leading cloud storage and file-sharing service provider, announced the results of its cybersecurity study today. The study, which surveyed 15,000 people worldwide, found that the age of information and technology has led to an increase in awareness about online security. As data breaches and technology news continue to make headlines, people are becoming more informed about the importance of cybersecurity and the steps they can take to prevent identity theft and data breaches. The results of the study showed that people are more aware than ever of the risks associated with online activity and the importance of taking steps to protect their personal information. “In today’s digital age, cybersecurity is more important than ever and the results of our study show that people are becoming more aware of the need for online security and are taking steps to protect themselves,” said pCloud CEO, Tunio Zafer. “At pCloud, we are committed to providing our users with the tools and ...

Balancing the Promise and Perils of ChatGPT: Protecting Your Business from AI Cybersecurity Risks

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As artificial intelligence (AI) technologies continue to advance, so do cybercriminals’ methods to launch attacks on businesses. One of the latest concerns is the potential use of ChatGPT, a large language model developed by OpenAI, as a cyberattack tool. ChatGPT was designed to assist with natural language processing and understanding, but hackers could misuse it to launch attacks on businesses with poor cybersecurity defenses. The risk associated with ChatGPT is that attackers can use the platform to write scripts, such as Powershell, to launch ransomware or other cyberattacks against businesses. This can lead to devastating financial losses, damage to a company’s reputation, and loss of customer trust. Kenny Riley, CEO of  Velocity IT who provides IT services in Coppell, Texas , explained that clients are interested in the possibilities offered by ChatGPT. As a technology professional, he recognizes that balancing the benefits with the potential risks is essential. “ChatGPT h...

New Claims Module simplifies Insurance Claims processing on all levels

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Fadata , a leading global provider of software solutions for the insurance industry , unveils its new, cloud-ready, INSIS Claims Module . Continuing Fadata’s strategy of providing business value with standard solutions, the launch of INSIS Claims Module expands on the already advanced and comprehensive insurance process platform from Fadata – INSIS, which is designed to help insurance businesses worldwide to streamline their digital transformation with a single managed solution. Fadata is a leading provider of software solutions for insurance companies globally. Fadata are on a mission to empower the insurance industry to drive customer engagement, innovation and business value. Together with our customers we are on a journey to build the future of insurance and impact millions of people’s lives every day. INSIS Claims Module is streamlined for ease-of-use, delivering flexible configuration and simple scalability through a user-centric interface. A one-for-all, single solution, INS...

Utilities call for more Government Funding and Pilot projects to drive Smart Utility Development

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Senior professionals at utility companies are calling for more government funding to help drive smart utility development, according to a survey of 250 US utility companies, combined with interviews at DISTRIBUTECH 2023 this month. Commissioned by Wi-SUN Alliance , a global association of industry leading companies driving the adoption of interoperable wireless solutions for use in smart utilities and smart cities, the survey was designed to test the ‘pulse’ of the utility market at a time when it is undergoing huge transformation and facing a number of major challenges. While government funding/legislation is seen as ‘very important’ for 70% of respondents, the need for more pilot projects and implementations (75%), and greater co-operation between public and private sectors (72%) is even more important to help drive development and innovation in the sector. President Joe Biden signed the bipartisan $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) into law on 15 Nov, 2...

Is America as divided as it seems?

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Offering a fresh perspective on U.S. politics, American national and Oxford University Masters graduate Ryan Bernsten’s book discusses a divided America in 50 States of Mind: A Journey to Rediscover American Democracy will be published on March 28, 2023 by UK publishers Bite-Sized Books. Ryan Bernsten is a graduate of Northwestern University and Oxford’s Creative Writing Master’s program. He has written for The Oxford Political Review , USA Today , The Infatuation , and The Trevor Project , where he currently serves as Senior Managing Editor. Ryan is an award-winning playwright whose plays have been performed across the US and UK. Bernsten undertook a 23,000-mile journey through all 50 states of his home country to answer the question: Is America as divided as it seems? 50 States of Mind: A Journey to Rediscover American Democracy is a work of travel nonfiction in the style of Alexis de Tocqueville that takes readers on a long and winding journey through all 50 states to explore...

New App is game-changing for Contractors

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Leading umbrella company Liquid Friday has launched its brand new app , allowing contractors to control and manage their assignment finances from their smartphone. Instant pay advances & much more With the app, contractors working with Liquid Friday can request cash advances on-demand, view their current and historic payslips and get live web support from the umbrella’s dedicated customer service team. The app also gives users access to a huge array of rewards and benefits exclusive to Liquid Friday contractors, including free specialist mortgage advice and a private GP service. Find work faster In an industry first, the app actually helps contractors find their next job. They simply click in the app that they are available for a new assignment and Liquid Friday then passes that information back to their agency in real time. Not only is this great for workers, reducing their down time between contracts, it’s game-changing for recruitment agencies, helping them redeploy their ...

A New Lower Cost Solution To Replacing Car Or Van Keys

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Anyone who has ever lost or damaged their car key will know how expensive and time-consuming it can be to replace it. Many people are however unaware that any new key for a car or van sold in the last 20 years must be programmed to their vehicle before use, which adds further complication to replacing their key. In most cases, the vehicle owner will have a second key that they can use temporarily. However, not replacing the lost or damaged car key still poses a risk. If the second key is subsequently damaged or lost, then the vehicle may need all locks changed, at an even greater expense. Also, when it comes to trade-in, the value of the car is very likely to be affected, if only one key is available. KeyNOW by Timpson has launched the first website in the UK to enable replacement car keys to be ordered online. This service is intended to provide a lower-cost alternative to visiting the vehicle’s main dealer. Keynow.com also claims to introduce several new technological innovati...

The most Cost-efficient States to set up a Business in 2023

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The cost of starting a business can be a major concern for many aspiring entrepreneurs, especially when considering the rising cost of living in today’s world. With so many factors to consider, it can be quite a challenge for new business owners to decide where to launch their startups. Switch On Business has explored the most and least expensive states to start a business, based on key factors such as the corporate income tax rate, average cost of renting serviced offices, and the average living wage. You can find the full research on the most Cost-efficient States to set up a Business in 2023 here . South Dakota ranks as the cheapest state to launch a startup South Dakota ranks number one overall as the cheapest state to launch a startup. It’s one of the six US states that doesn’t impose a corporate income tax as well as having the lowest living wage in the country at $14.85 per hour, so entrepreneurs can make savings on labor expenses. Business owners will also find affordable w...

Top Benefits of The Security Alarm Installation

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When it’s time to move, you’ll have a lot of things to do. Shifting from one place to another completely doesn’t only include moving things but you also have to care for your valuables are intact. Well, you have options. You can pack the things, rent a truck, drive things yourself, and so on. However, choosing the best option may depend on how well you feel. You can save money if you think you are healthy enough to move furniture up and down stairs and into trucks. Not done yet! You have to unload the trucks and place the furniture in your new home. Still, you may not be able to move large pieces of furniture by yourself or may damage them which will cause you to lose more in the end. So, it might be better if you hire professionals to help you move your furniture. You’ll Get Time & Cost Estimates: When you move, you may want to know how long it will take and how much it will cost, especially if you are moving across cities or countries. A professional furniture movers’ c...

Florida Could See Spike in Child Uninsured Rate if Health Emergency Ends

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As federal pandemic health emergency protections are set to expire starting in April, child advocates are concerned the program that kept Florida’s uninsured children stable will result in a sharp rise in children and families becoming uninsured. A new report by the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families showed how Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program brought down the child uninsured rate across the country and stabilized it in Florida, but it is now in jeopardy. Alison Yager, executive director of the Florida Health Justice Project, said if protections are lifted, she is concerned children who may no longer be Medicaid eligible, but should be through the state CHIP program, KidCare, will not see a smooth transition and cause a gap in care. “For kids who have ongoing medical conditions, even one month without coverage could be terribly detrimental to that child’s health and to that family’s finances,” Yager pointed out. The report showed Florida’s p...

How To Find the Best Podiatric Clinic for Caring for Your Feet

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Some people are not concerned about treating foot problems like infections by consulting a doctor. But it becomes necessary at some point in time wherein the problem worsens, and they will be facing severe pain. Many people face foot problems, including stiffness, pain, and deformities. Some consider it a common challenge and live on with it using home remedies. But it does not always have to be cured with these remedies. As feet are parts of your body necessary to be in good health you must be careful about  consulting a podiatry clinic  whenever there is a problem. A small issue in the foot that you might have been thinking to be not a problem at all, may become a severe threat if left unaddressed. It can cause major foot pain and discomfort, which might result in reducing your productivity at work. You will feel pain continuously over time; even creams and analgesic medication might not provide any results. Thus, it is a must to get help from doctors especially, from podia...

Know The Easy Installation Process Of Security Cameras

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Today, security cameras have become necessary in almost all places. The use of security cameras is not now limited to just commercial places. But homeowners are also considering it important to get them installed in their houses. In industries, educational institutions, corporate offices, financial places, residential buildings, airports, bus stops, railway stations, clubs, parks, and other public places. Irrespective of government and non-government organizations security cameras have become a must to prevent dishonest people from doing scams. An improper installation can reduce its working capacity. For example, the camera should cover a suspected area and if you don’t face it toward that area, you might miss any trespassing activity. However, the installation process of security cameras is not that tough. If you have a little knowledge, you can do it yourself by the instructions given below. Or, you can easily call a professional installer for the job. As they can find out the prob...

Pre-Nuptial Agreements See a Surge in Demand after the Pandemic

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As the world slowly emerges from the grip of the pandemic, a new trend has emerged in the world of relationships and marriages – pre-nuptial agreements . With the end of lockdown restrictions and a renewed focus on the future, more and more couples are exploring the benefits of pre-nuptial agreements to secure their financial futures and ensure peace of mind. A pre-nuptial agreement is a legally binding agreement between two individuals before they enter into marriage. It outlines the distribution of assets and responsibilities in the event of a separation or divorce . With the increasing complexity of modern relationships, it’s no wonder that pre-nuptial agreements have seen a rise in popularity. One of the key reasons for the surge in pre-nuptial agreements is the increased financial uncertainty that the pandemic brought with it. With jobs and financial stability being impacted, many couples are opting to protect their assets and secure their financial future. This ensures that the...

Free Essay Workshops Aim to Support Students on Path to Higher Ed

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The college admissions process can be both expensive and stressful for students, but a free program at New College of Florida aims to demystify the writing process for those personal essays with hands-on workshops . Among the many hurdles in the transition from high school to college is mastering the essay portion of the college application. Jennifer Wells, director of New College’s writing program, has been helping struggling students with their essays for 15-20 years, and has now established a free workshop at New College of Florida. She said students typically freeze up when it is time to switch from the standard third-person in academic writing to writing about themselves. “But even something like that, I think students have sometimes internalized these rules that they hear in high school about academic writing,” Wells noted. “And then need permission, in a sense, to set those rules aside and use ‘I,’ and write about themselves.” Wells gives them permission through her worksh...

What Elephants and Customer Experiences Have in Common

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Customers are like elephants; they have amazing memories. This means they will never forget a truly wonderful or absolutely horrible service experience. So, in these tough economic times, what are the best customer service strategies to provide elephant-astic experiences? Jim Davies explores 5 brand- and money-saving customer experience (CX) options. Elephants have the largest brain of all land mammals and the ratio of their brains to their overall body mass is not far behind that of humans. So, why am I mentioning this seemingly random observation? Well, it’s important because humans are very much like elephants: they have amazing memories. This means they rarely forget wonderful or horrible customer experiences. As we enter this period of economic uncertainty, there is a growing concern that organisations will hunker down and focus solely on cost-cutting tactics and operational efficiency. Unleash the chatbot! The result of such workarounds regularly translates to a degradation o...

An Exciting Hilton Disneyland Promotion Update!

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We are reaching out with an exciting update regarding Hilton’s current Disneyland promotion. As you know, Hilton has partnered with the Disneyland® Resort to invite guests to experience the magic in the New Year with a special, limited time offer. The promotion has been extended to be available for stays through March 31, 2023, allowing guests of 15 participating Hilton properties in Anaheim to receive parking included on their stay, a discount on park admission and a $25 per night Disneyland® Resort gift card. Guests who book this special offer will have the opportunity to purchase single-day or multi-day Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® Tickets, plus new Disney Genie+ at a 5% savings off the non-discounted price of the same ticket at the Disneyland® Resort Main Entrance ticket booth. In addition, now through March 1, a $25 Disney Dining Gift Card will be issued per night for every special offer reservation at each participating Hilton property . Hilton offers several family f...