BPS receives a "good" classification

Managing forests with smart technologies November 25, 2024 Kaunas University of Technology Deforestation has remained a significant issue globally, with primary forests contributing to 16 per cent of the total tree cover loss in the last two decades, driven by climate change and intensive human activity. This threatens natural resources, biodiversity, and people's quality of life. To protect forests, scientists have developed Forest 4.0, an intelligent forest data processing model integrating blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies. The system enables real-time monitoring of forest conditions, sustainable resource accounting, and a more transparent forest governance model. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIN Email Deforestation has remained a significant issue globally, with primary forests contributing to 16 per cent of the total tree cover loss in the last two decades, driven by climate change and intensive human activity. This threatens natural resources, biodiversity, and people's quality of life. To protect forests, Lithuanian scientists, in collaboration with Swedish experts, have developed Forest 4.0, an intelligent forest data processing model integrating blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies. The system enables real-time monitoring of forest conditions, sustainable resource accounting, and a more transparent forest governance model. "Imagine buying a table and knowing exactly from which forest and tree it originated. This is exactly the outcome of the proposed forest data management model," says Rytis Maskeliūnas, a professor at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) who helped develop the system. Researchers from Kaunas University of Technology, Vytautas Magnus University in Lithuania, and Linnaeus University in Sweden collaborated on its creation. Smart sensors can detect tree disease and illegal logging This system consists of multiple layers, with the first focusing on data acquisition and management. This layer is responsible for gathering information from wireless sensor networks, which include various IoT devices that measure factors such as tree sap, temperature, and soil moisture, all connected by data transmission. "This way, nobody has to go into the forest and take measurements manually," adds a KTU professor. The Forest 4.0 system features an IoT solution with sensors resembling birdhouses, which are installed in trees. "These devices send data to a central system, where it is analysed using AI algorithms within the data analysis layer," says KTU Centre of Real-Time Computer Systems professor Egidijus Kazanavičius, who developed the hardware. The analysis findings are further used in the monitoring and evaluation layer to examine forest health, biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and ecosystem services. "This information is also essential for the next phase of the system -- forest management," explains Maskeliūnas. In practical applications, the researcher explains that by gathering data on environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and air quality from these sensors, the IoT system can assess forest health, monitor fire risks, and offer protection against diseases, pests, or illegal activities. A smart monitoring system is not just sensors, according to Maskeliūnas, cameras already installed in the forest can also be used. "By analysing camera images and looking at, for example, browning needles, the IoT can detect the impact of insects on trees, identify disease through spots on leaves, and by encrypting sounds, it can indicate illegal logging," he says. It can also be adapted to predict changes in forest ecosystems and the spread of invasive species. The goal -- healthy, lush forest full of animals With the aim of revolutionising forest management, the system uses new technologies to improve the efficiency, sustainability, and profitability of forest businesses, optimise resource use, reduce waste, and facilitate decision-making. In addition, the Forest 4.0 model provides supply chain traceability management, allowing processes to be monitored at all stages, from the forest to the sawmill or even the final wood product. Blockchain, a decentralised digital ledger technology that ensures transparency and data integrity, is the foundation of this functionality. "The technology works without the authority and provides a transparent, secure, and unchangeable record of everything that happens to the forest and its production reducing illegal logging and ensuring sustainable practices," adds the professor of KTU Faculty of Informatics (IF). Despite these benefits, researchers are also facing some challenges in implementing Forest 4.0. These include high initial investment and an inert approach to innovation. "It is assumed that it is better to opt for expensive and complex solutions, while smaller and cheaper sensors are given less attention. We should be glad that a solution costing a few hundred euros is able to collect and send data by itself," says Prof. Maskeliūnas. Also, the use of decentralised blockchain technology requires a high level of trust from the users, however, the successful development of financial technology (Fintech) is helping to overcome these fears. However, in other countries, such as Germany, such solutions have already gained more acceptance. This shows that Forest 4.0 has the potential to become a global standard and that Lithuania can serve as a role model for other countries in promoting responsible and sustainable forest management. Speaking about the Forest 4.0 concept itself, Maskeliūnas says that smart forest management is about caring for the future of nature: "It is like the fourth industrial revolution in forestry, with the goal of a non-flammable, lush forest full of animals." Story Source: Materials provided by Kaunas University of Technology . Note: Content may be edited for style and length. Journal Reference : Cite This Page :None

Erling Haaland, Bukayo Saka and Lois Openda had tried and failed. Even Florian Wirtz looked like he might have found the task beyond him but then it got to Bayer Leverkusen time. It might not be Invincible season but this team never quite kicked its habit for late drama. Wirtz flicked one last cross in, the ball deflecting into towards the penalty spot. Nordi Mukiele had an inkling was his moment just as it had been Exequiel Palacios', Josip Stanisic's and Victor Boniface's (among many), last season. His overhead kick connected with fresh air but he still had the correct senses. Alex Grimaldo flicked the ball back in the mixer, Martin Terrier got nothing more than a heel on the ball, teeing it up perfectly for Mukiele to drive home. Over a near six-match clean sheet streak in the Champions League, Inter, once more some way from full strength, had largely quelled some of the best and brightest that European football had to throw at them. When they needed to ride their luck, they did so. When they needed a goalkeeper to come up big, Yann Sommer did just that but his save streak ended at 19 because all that counts for nothing up against Neverlusen. Of course, there is more to this win, one which propels Xabi Alonso's side into the top two, than vibes. Camp yourself in the final third for long enough and you'll give yourself the best chance possible of a break coming your way. It took a while for Leverkusen to break into the Inter penalty area with regularity but after all, it was their patience and probing that proved unbeatable for every team in Germany last year. They scored in the 90th minute because for the 89 before, they had been wearing their opponents down. When you know, in the way Leverkusen players last season came to believe with indescribable zealotry, that the goal is going to come, it tends to more often than for the non-believers. That 89-minute journey to victory, though. What a slog. How many first-half moves had to die at the hit-and-hope stage so that the ball might eventually pinball in Mukiele's direction? The turnovers came and the hosts had a matter of seconds to attack the defense before it was set, a back five shielded by three robust, experienced midfielders more than prepared to stick a boot in when required. This far but no further was the Inter gameplan. In terms of final third touches the first half of this contest was hugely imbalanced, 145 to 45 in favor of the Germans. Get into the danger zone and it becomes a little more balanced, 13 to Leverkusen, eight to Inter, who had the better of the close-range efforts. When Granit Xhaka and Alex Grimaldo hit the ball from range, it stays hit. Still, those are the chances you'd rather give up against any opponent. Come the second half, the vaguest of transition opportunities presented themselves to Leverkusen but invariably what was asked of them was to hit a precise through ball, on the run, past two or three bodies. Wirtz couldn't quite feed Palacios down the ever-shrinking alley between Sommer and Yann Aurel Bissek. Alessandro Bastoni was the epitome of composure as he flicked a Grimaldo pass to safety, Nathan Tella snapping at his heels. Eighteen minutes to play and Jeremie Frimpong fizzed a pass to Wirtz, finally in space in the penalty area. The ball sat up nicely for the volley off his first touch yet even when everything was executed with aplomb, a white shirt was across in time to blot out the shot. At the time it felt like nothing would break this excellent Inter rearguard. All the while though, the shots, the xG, the penalty box touches were drifting in Leverkusen's direction. Three times in the final quarter Wirtz had the space off the left flank to attack the area and shoot from just outside it. Then he chose differently, the three defenders that came his way unable to stop him from getting the ball back into the box. Federico Dimarco hurled himself at danger. A prostrate Bastoni flung out a leg. Nothing was stopping Mukiele. The Champions League had best get used to this. Three more points from two games should be enough to take the German champions through to the round of 16. The winter break will afford Alonso a chance to nurse his troops, perhaps even to strengthen his options to play in behind a returned Victor Boniface and Patrik Schick. This team may not be quite as dominant in the Bundesliga as they were last season but there is not a lot beyond that freak of a game against Liverpool that would suggest they ought to be discounted from contention. That touch of destiny seems to remain about Leverkusen, a team who can still turn their opponent's landmark moment into one for themselves, ideally at the last possible moment.Elections BC is drawing scrutiny which threatens to undermine taxpayer’s faith in our elections. That’s a problem. Here’s the solution: call a public inquiry into Elections BC, not a politicised process through legislative committees working behind closed doors. There is nothing to suggest the B.C. provincial election was stolen. There is nothing to suggest Elections BC was in cahoots with one party or another. But that doesn’t mean we can afford to turn a blind eye to its mishandling of the most important day in our democratic cycle. In a democracy, taxpayers must have faith in elections and repeated errors from Elections BC erodes that trust. And make no mistake, Elections BC did mess up its handling of the provincial election. The problems with Elections BC range from bad to worse. It took Elections BC more than a week to finish the preliminary tally of votes. Voting closed Oct. 19, but the final count didn’t occur until Oct. 28. British Columbians shouldn’t be left in limbo because Elections BC workers didn’t stay late to count votes. And it shouldn’t take an extra week for the final count to begin. Then came the revelation that Elections BC officials were storing ballots in their personal homes. Think about that for a moment. When you cast your ballot, did you imagine it would find its way into the basement of someone’s home? British Columbians generally believe Elections BC acts in good faith. But why allow questionable chains of custody for the most important pieces of paper in a democracy? Why risk storing ballots in home basements instead of secure government buildings? In three-quarters of B.C.’s 93 ridings, mistakes by Elections B.C. led to unreported votes. That’s unacceptable. To be fair, all the votes were eventually accounted for and counted. But our elections are too important to risk with these kinds of blunders. Both the ruling NDP and Opposition BC Conservatives agree there needs to be an investigation into Elections BC’s mistakes. The NDP wants an all-party committee made up of MLAs to probe Elections BC. But that’s not good enough. Legislative committees are political and are made up of politicians fighting for the spotlight. They can hide behind in camera meetings the public doesn’t have access to. For the public to have faith in our elections, the public needs to be involved in the inquiry. That’s what the BC Conservatives are calling for: an independent public review. British Columbians need to have faith in our elections, so the public must be a part of the investigation. This is far too important an issue for taxpayers to be shunted off to the side while politicians play partisan games. Carson Binda is the B.C. director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.

Rays will play 13 of first 16 games at home and 47 of 59, then have 69 of last 103 on road

While the rest of the Notre Dame community figures out whether it's worth paying four figures for a ticket to the College Football Playoff first-round home game against Indiana, the men's basketball team continues to figure out how to survive without Markus Burton. Notre Dame (5-5) hosts its next-to-last nonconference game Wednesday night against Dartmouth (4-4), which plays its sixth contest of a seven-game road trip. The Fighting Irish took a promising step -- and snapped a five-game losing streak -- on Saturday by edging Syracuse 69-64 in their ACC opener. "We needed to be in a close game and we needed to win a close game so our guys can build some belief back," head coach Micah Shrewsberry said. "We can't take any steps back on Wednesday." Without Burton -- the stat sheet-stuffing sophomore point guard who injured the medial collateral ligament in his knee Nov. 26 against Rutgers -- the Irish are struggling to find someone to run the offense, as evidenced by their seven assists versus 15 turnovers against Syracuse. At the same time, players are filling the scoring void. Braeden Shrewsberry poured in a career-high-tying 25 points versus the Orange while hitting 6 of 11 3-point attempts. Tae Davis averaged 12.4 points and 7.2 shots per game when Burton was healthy, but he has upped his mean production to 16.6 points and 12.2 shots in the past five games. Micah Shrewsberry, though, prefers to measure progress on a possession-by-possession basis. "Just the toughness," he said. "There have been times when we haven't gotten the key stop. We haven't gotten the bucket when we quite need it. It gets deflating sometimes." Dartmouth knows that feeling. On Sunday, the Big Green took a one-point lead with 4:03 left in overtime at UIC -- and then failed to score on their final six possessions to suffer a 69-68 loss. The Big Green, who haven't posted a winning season since 1998-99, believe whole-heartedly in launching 3-pointers as they take 48 percent of their shots from behind the arc. Senior Cade Haskins (13.6 ppg) has hit a team-high 28 of 68 3-pointers this season, though fellow senior Ryan Cornish stacks up as the team's top scorer (14.3 ppg), passer (3.0 assists per game) and defender (2.3 steals per game). In its only previous game against a power-conference opponent, Dartmouth upset Boston College 88-83 on Nov. 29. --Field Level Media

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — The New York Giants organization got exactly what it deserved in getting blown out by Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Giants were embarrassed in Sunday's 30-7 loss , taunted by Mayfield after a touchdown run just before halftime. And then they saw their fans walk out on them again when the Bucs extended their lead to 30-0 and sent New York (2-9) to its sixth straight loss. The losing streak is the longest for the Giants since 2019, when they dropped a franchise-record nine straight games to finish 4-12. That led to the firing of coach Pat Shurmur after two seasons. Third-year coach Brian Daboll is clearly in trouble, with the Giants guaranteed a second straight losing season. They were 6-11 in a 2023 season that featured a lot of injuries. Daboll, who denies he has lost the team, isn't the only one whose job is in jeopardy. General manager Joe Schoen is on the hot seat and so is this entire franchise, which is celebrating its 100th year. It's one thing to lose. It's quite another to give up, and that's what the organization did when it decided to bench Daniel Jones a week ago and then release him on Friday after the 27-year-old asked co-owner John Mara to let him walk away. While he wasn't playing well, Jones was the Giants' best quarterback. He gave them more a of chance to win than either Tommy DeVito or Drew Lock. Removing him from the picture was all but certain to make the Giants worse, even if it was a good business decision. If Jones was hurt and unable the pass his physical before the 2025 season, the team would have been on the hook for a $23 million cap hit. The problem is the players care about now. By getting rid of Jones and elevating DeVito to the starting role, the front office was telling the team it didn't care about winning with seven games left in the season. So the players gave a lackluster effort. Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence called the team soft. Rookie receiver Malik Nabers said he was sick of losing. Left tackle Jermaine Eluemunor said he saw a lack of effort by some players. What they all were saying was they were angry at being betrayed. Money is never more important than winning, and the Giants made that mistake. At this point in the season? Nothing. Story continues below video The offense once again. The Giants have scored a league-low 163 points, including only 60 in six games at MetLife Stadium, where they are winless this season. They have scored in double figures at home twice. Daboll's team has been held scoreless in the first half in three of 11 games and it has been held without a first-half touchdown seven times. Daboll said he will continue to call the offensive plays. S Tyler Nubin. The rookie has had a team-high 12 tackles in each of the last two games. His 81 tackles for the season are just two behind team leader Bobby Okereke. RB Tyrone Tracy. The rookie leads Giants running backs with 587 yards on 116 carries — a 5.1-yard average for the fifth-round pick. But holding onto the ball has been a big issue. Tracy's fumble in overtime cost New York a chance to win in Germany against Carolina. He also lost the ball in the third quarter at the Bucs 5-yard line with New York down 23-0. It earned him a seat on the bench. LT Jermaine Eluemunor (quad) and OLB Azeez Ojulari (toe) left Sunday's game in the first quarter. Chris Hubbard filled in at tackle and the Giants luckily got back DL Kayvon Thibodeaux this past week after he missed five games with a broken wrist. DeVito was banged up but Daboll expects him to start against the Cowboys. 10 — The Giants have gone 10 consecutive games without an interception, tying the NFL record held by the 1976-77 San Francisco 49ers and the 2017 Oakland — now Las Vegas — Raiders. The Giants and Raiders now share the single-season mark. A national showcase on Thanksgiving Day for the NFC-worst Giants at Dallas. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

NEW YORK , Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with the AI impact on market trends - The global nitrile gloves market size is estimated to grow by USD 3.54 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period. Rising concerns about hygiene and safety regarding healthcare-associated infections is driving market growth, with a trend towards increasing preference for biodegradable and powder-free nitrile gloves. However, volatile raw material prices and currency fluctuations poses a challenge.Key market players include 3M Co., Adenna LLC, AMMEX Corp., Ansell Ltd., Atlantic Safety Products Inc., Cardinal Health Inc., Diamond Gloves, Dolphin Products Inc., Dynarex Corp., Globus Shetland Ltd., Hartalega Holdings Berhad, Hebei Aihede Protective Products Co. Ltd., Honeywell International Inc., Hongray Group, HYGECO International SA, Just Gloves, Kanam Latex Industries Pvt. Ltd, Kimberly Clark Corp., Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd, and McKesson Corp.. Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View Free Sample PDF Market Driver The Nitrile Gloves Market is experiencing significant growth due to increasing healthcare spending and public funding in the Medical & Healthcare Industry. With a focus on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), the market is prioritizing the production of Powder-free Nitrile Gloves to prevent Allergic Reactions and Contamination Risk. The Geriatric Population's growing needs and the rise of Infectious Diseases, including Viral Outbreaks, further boost demand. Product Innovation, such as Durable Nitrile Gloves with Chemical Resistance against Solvents, is crucial in various industries like Oil & Gas, Metal & Machinery, and Cleanroom. Nitrile Gloves manufacturers cater to the Pharmaceutical Segment, ensuring Hygiene Standards and preventing Pathogen Transmission during Medical Examinations. The Disposable Gloves segment dominates the market, with Nitrile, latex, and vinyl being common choices. Raw material costs, particularly Acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (Nitrile), Butadiene, and Acrylonitrile monomers, impact pricing. Latex Allergies and Cross-contamination concerns are driving the preference for Nitrile Gloves over Latex and Vinyl. The market also offers Polymer Coatings, such as Acrylic, Silicone, and Hydrogels, to enhance grip and prevent Powdered Nitrile Gloves from using Cornstarch or Calcium Carbonate. The preference for powder-free nitrile gloves is on the rise among various industries, including healthcare, food processing, and automotive. Powdered gloves, which have long been used due to their easy application, carry risks such as exposure to starch powder that can lead to health issues like granulomas, pleuritis, myocarditis, and skin irritation. To mitigate these risks, regulations mandate the use of hand washing instead of alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHR) after glove removal. However, hand washing takes longer than using ABHR, making adherence to hand hygiene standards more challenging. In response, glove manufacturers are focusing on producing powder-free nitrile gloves, eliminating the residual powder from powdered gloves to ensure user safety and ease of compliance with hygiene protocols. Request Sample of our comprehensive report now to stay ahead in the AI-driven market evolution! Market Challenges The Nitrile Gloves Market faces several challenges in various industries such as healthcare, oil & gas, metal & machinery, and life sciences. Healthcare spending and public funding limitations impact the demand for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including nitrile gloves. The geriatric population's growth increases the need for nitrile gloves in medical examinations due to latex allergies and powder-free preferences. Product innovation, like durable nitrile gloves, addresses allergic reactions and contamination risks. Nitrile gloves' chemical resistance to solvents and infectious diseases, including blood-borne pathogens and viral outbreaks, is crucial. However, raw material costs, especially Acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (Nitrile), Acrylonitrile monomers, Butadiene, and natural rubber, pose challenges. Manufacturers like Sanrea Healthcare Products focus on innovation, such as polymer coatings and alternative materials like synthetic rubber, to meet industry demands while maintaining hygiene standards. Cross-contamination and pathogen transmission risks necessitate continuous improvement in nitrile glove production. The Pharmaceutical segment, Oil & Gas industry, Cleanroom industry, and Medical & healthcare industry drive the disposable gloves segment's growth. Allergic reactions prevention and powder-free segments are essential considerations. Traditional materials like latex and vinyl face competition from nitrile gloves. The nitrile gloves market is currently facing challenges due to volatile raw material prices and currency fluctuations. The primary raw material for manufacturing nitrile gloves is nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR). The price of NBR has seen a significant increase recently, primarily due to the permanent shutdown of several NBR production plants in Asia and North America during the COVID-19 pandemic. This shortage in supply has put pressure on manufacturers to manage their sourcing costs. Other factors, such as capacity constraints, stockpiling by users, new regulations, unfavorable environmental conditions, foreign exchange rates, seasonal drops and spikes, and economic crises, also contribute to the price volatility of NBR. These challenges may impact the overall production and availability of nitrile gloves in the market. Discover how AI is revolutionizing market trends- Get your access now! Segment Overview This nitrile gloves market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Disposable 1.2 Durable 2.1 Medical 2.2 Non-medical 3.1 North America 3.2 Europe 3.3 Asia 3.4 Rest of World (ROW) 1.1 Disposable- The disposable segment of the global nitrile gloves market is experiencing notable growth and is anticipated to expand further during the forecast period. Nitrile gloves, made from synthetic rubber, offer numerous advantages over traditional latex gloves. They exhibit superior resistance to punctures, chemicals, and oils, making them a preferred choice in various industries and applications. In healthcare, disposable nitrile gloves are extensively utilized in hospitals, clinics, and laboratories to ensure protection against infectious diseases, chemicals, and bodily fluids. With the increasing emphasis on infection control, the demand for disposable nitrile gloves has risen significantly. Furthermore, the trend towards replacing latex gloves with nitrile ones due to latex allergies is another factor fueling the growth of this segment. The industrial sector, including manufacturing, automotive, and food processing industries, also drives the demand for disposable nitrile gloves. These gloves provide excellent dexterity and tactile sensitivity, enabling workers to handle delicate equipment and materials with ease while ensuring protection. Additionally, their resistance to chemicals and oils makes them suitable for applications involving hazardous substances. The food and beverage industry also requires disposable nitrile gloves to maintain hygiene standards and prevent cross-contamination during food handling and preparation. The increasing awareness about food safety and stringent regulations imposed by authorities are driving the adoption of these gloves in this sector. Moreover, disposable nitrile gloves offer the convenience of being easily disposable after use, reducing the risk of contamination and promoting hygiene practices. Factors such as growing infection control measures, the shift from latex to nitrile gloves, stringent regulations, and the convenience they offer are expected to fuel the growth of the global nitrile gloves market in the disposable segment during the forecast period. Download a Sample of our comprehensive report today to discover how AI-driven innovations are reshaping competitive dynamics Research Analysis The Nitrile Gloves Market has witnessed significant growth due to the increasing healthcare spending and public funding on medical equipment and supplies. With the rising geriatric population and the need for personal protective equipment in various industries, the demand for nitrile gloves as a form of disposable PPE. Product innovation, such as powder-free gloves, has addressed concerns over allergic reactions and contamination risks. Durable nitrile gloves offer chemical resistance against solvents and prevent cross-contamination and pathogen transmission in healthcare settings. The oil & gas, metal & machinery, and cleanroom industries also heavily rely on nitrile gloves for safety and hygiene standards. Despite these benefits, allergic reactions and contamination risks remain concerns, driving the need for continuous innovation in nitrile glove technology. Market Research Overview The Nitrile Gloves Market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing healthcare spending and public funding in various sectors. With the rise in the geriatric population, the demand for personal protective equipment, including nitrile gloves, is increasing. Product innovation, such as powder-free gloves, is gaining popularity due to their benefits in preventing allergic reactions and contamination risk. The medical & healthcare industry, particularly the Pharmaceutical segment, is a major consumer of nitrile gloves due to their chemical resistance and ability to protect against blood-borne pathogens and infectious diseases. The Oil & Gas, Metal & Machinery, and Cleanroom industries also utilize nitrile gloves for safety and hygiene reasons. Nitrile gloves are preferred over Latex and Vinyl gloves due to their superior durability and resistance to solvents. However, raw material costs, particularly Acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (Nitrile), Acrylonitrile monomers, Butadiene, and Natural Rubber, can impact the market prices. The market includes various manufacturers producing disposable gloves, surgical gloves, and examination gloves, using synthetic rubber like Nitrile, and offering various coatings such as polymer, Acrylic, Silicone, Hydrogels, and Cornstarch or Calcium Carbonate for enhanced grip and durability. The market is also witnessing innovation in the form of chlorination procedure and powdered nitrile gloves to prevent allergic reactions and improve overall glove performance. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Product Disposable Durable End-user Medical Non-medical Geography North America Europe Asia Rest Of World (ROW) 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE TechnavioThe Giants were a no-show against the Bucs after releasing quarterback Daniel Jones

The following announcement by HHS OCR stems from an accidental exposure of protected health information online that continued for several years. Inmediata’s incident resulted in a class action lawsuit that was settled for $1.1 million in 2022, and a settlement with 33 states for $1.14 million in 2023. HHS seems to be the first to have been aware of the incident and the last to settle with Inmediata about it. $250,000 settlement resolves longstanding HIPAA Security Rule failures Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced a settlement with Inmediata Health Group, LLC (Inmediata), a health care clearinghouse, concerning potential violations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Security Rule , following OCR’s receipt of a complaint that HIPAA protected health information was accessible to search engines like Google, on the internet. “Health care entities must ensure that they are not leaving patient health information accessible online to anyone with an internet connection,” said OCR Director Melanie Fontes Rainer. “Effective cybersecurity means being proactive and vigilant in searching for risks and vulnerabilities to health data and preventing unauthorized access to patient health information.” OCR enforces the HIPAA Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rules , which sets forth the requirements that health plans, health care clearinghouses, and most health care providers, and their business associates must follow to protect the privacy and security of protected health information (PHI). The HIPAA Security Rule establishes national standards to protect individuals’ electronic personal health information that is created, received, used, or maintained by a covered entity. It also requires appropriate administrative, physical and technical safeguards to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and security of electronic protected health information (ePHI). In 2018, OCR received a complaint concerning PHI left unsecured on the internet. Following the initiation of OCR’s investigation, Inmediata provided breach notification to HHS, and affected individuals. OCR’s investigation determined that from May 2016 through January 2019, the PHI of 1,565,338 individuals was made publicly available online. The PHI disclosed included patient names, dates of birth, home addresses, Social Security numbers, claims information, diagnosis/conditions and other treatment information. These impermissible disclosures of PHI were potential violations of the HIPAA Privacy Rule. OCR’s investigation also identified multiple potential HIPAA Security Rule violations including: failures by Inmediata to conduct a compliant risk analysis to determine the potential risks and vulnerabilities to ePHI in its systems; and to monitor and review its health information systems’ activity. The settlement resolves OCR’s investigation concerning this HIPAA breach. Under the terms of the settlement, Inmediata paid OCR $250,000. OCR determined that a corrective action plan was not necessary in this resolution as Inmediata had previously agreed to a settlement – PDF with 33 states that includes corrective actions that address OCR’s findings in this matter. OCR recommends health care providers, health plans, clearinghouses, and business associates that are covered by HIPAA take the following steps to protect ePHI: The resolution agreement may be found at: https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/compliance-enforcement/agreements/inmediata-health-group-ra-cap/index.html Source: HHSCommerce Department to reduce Intel's funding on semiconductorsGoogle and the US government faced off in a federal court on Monday, as each side delivered closing arguments in a case revolving around the technology giant's alleged unfair domination of online advertising. The trial in a Virginia federal court is Google's second US antitrust case now under way as the US government tries to rein in the power of big tech. In a separate trial, a Washington judge ruled that Google's search business is an illegal monopoly, and the US Justice Department is asking that Google sell its Chrome browser business to resolve the case. The latest case, also brought by the Justice Department, focuses on ad technology for the open web -- the complex system determining which online ads people see when they surf the internet. The vast majority of websites use a trio of Google ad software products that together, leave no way for publishers to escape Google's advertising technology, the plaintiffs allege. Publishers -- including News Corp and Gannett publishing -- complain that they are locked into Google's advertising technology in order to run ads on their websites. "Google is once, twice, three times a monopolist," DOJ lawyer Aaron Teitelbaum told the court in closing arguments. Presiding judge Leonie Brinkema has said that she would deliver her opinion swiftly, as early as next month. Whatever Brinkema's judgment, the outcome will almost certainly be appealed, prolonging a process that could go all the way to the US Supreme Court. The government alleges that Google controls the auction-style system that advertisers use to purchase advertising space online. The US lawyers argue that this approach allows Google to charge higher prices to advertisers while sending less revenue to publishers such as news websites, many of which are struggling to stay in business. The US argues that Google used its financial power to acquire potential rivals and corner the ad tech market, leaving advertisers and publishers with no choice but to use its technology. The government wants Google to divest parts of its ad tech business. Google dismissed the allegations as an attempt by the government to pick "winners and losers" in a diverse market. The company argues that the display ads at issue are just a small share of today's ad tech business. Google says the plaintiffs' definition of the market ignores ads that are also placed in search results, apps and social media platforms and where, taken as a whole, Google does not dominate. "The law simply does not support what the plaintiffs are arguing in this case," said Google's lawyer Karen Dunn. She warned that if Google were to lose the case, the winners would be rival tech giants such as Microsoft, Meta or Amazon, whose market share in online advertising is ascendant as Google's share is falling. The DOJ countered that it simply "does not matter" that Google is competing in the broader market for online ads. "That is a different question" than the market for ads on websites that is the target of the case, said Teitelbaum. Google also points to US legal precedent, saying arguments similar to the government's have been refuted in previous antitrust cases. Dunn also warned that forcing Google to work with rivals in its ad products would amount to government central planning that the court should reject. If the judge finds Google to be at fault, a new phase of the trial would decide how the company should comply with that conclusion. And all that could be moot if the incoming Trump administration decides to drop the case. The president-elect has been a critic of Google's, but he warned earlier this month that breaking it up could be "a very dangerous thing." arp/dw

Elections BC is drawing scrutiny which threatens to undermine taxpayer’s faith in our elections. That’s a problem. Here’s the solution: call a public inquiry into Elections BC, not a politicised process through legislative committees working behind closed doors. There is nothing to suggest the B.C. provincial election was stolen. There is nothing to suggest Elections BC was in cahoots with one party or another. But that doesn’t mean we can afford to turn a blind eye to its mishandling of the most important day in our democratic cycle. In a democracy, taxpayers must have faith in elections and repeated errors from Elections BC erodes that trust. And make no mistake, Elections BC did mess up its handling of the provincial election. The problems with Elections BC range from bad to worse. It took Elections BC more than a week to finish the preliminary tally of votes. Voting closed Oct. 19, but the final count didn’t occur until Oct. 28. British Columbians shouldn’t be left in limbo because Elections BC workers didn’t stay late to count votes. And it shouldn’t take an extra week for the final count to begin. Then came the revelation that Elections BC officials were storing ballots in their personal homes. Think about that for a moment. When you cast your ballot, did you imagine it would find its way into the basement of someone’s home? British Columbians generally believe Elections BC acts in good faith. But why allow questionable chains of custody for the most important pieces of paper in a democracy? Why risk storing ballots in home basements instead of secure government buildings? In three-quarters of B.C.’s 93 ridings, mistakes by Elections B.C. led to unreported votes. That’s unacceptable. To be fair, all the votes were eventually accounted for and counted. But our elections are too important to risk with these kinds of blunders. Both the ruling NDP and Opposition BC Conservatives agree there needs to be an investigation into Elections BC’s mistakes. The NDP wants an all-party committee made up of MLAs to probe Elections BC. But that’s not good enough. Legislative committees are political and are made up of politicians fighting for the spotlight. They can hide behind in camera meetings the public doesn’t have access to. For the public to have faith in our elections, the public needs to be involved in the inquiry. That’s what the BC Conservatives are calling for: an independent public review. British Columbians need to have faith in our elections, so the public must be a part of the investigation. This is far too important an issue for taxpayers to be shunted off to the side while politicians play partisan games. Carson Binda is the B.C. director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.Meta faces April trial in FTC case seeking to unwind Instagram mergerWASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump on Friday named Oregon Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer to lead the Department of Labor in his second administration, elevating a Republican congresswoman who has strong support from unions in her district but lost reelection in November. Chavez-DeRemer will have to be confirmed by the Senate, which will be under Republican control when Trump takes office on Jan. 20, 2025, and can formally send nominations to Capitol Hill. She was born in Santa Clara, California, and her family later moved to Hanford. Chavez-DeRemer graduated from Hanford High School in 1986 and went on to earn a degree in business administration at Fresno State in 1990. Here are things to know about the labor secretary-designate, the agency she would lead if she wins Senate approval and how she could matter to Trump’s encore presidency. Related Story: Chavez-DeRemer’s Pro-Labor Record Chavez-DeRemer is a one-term congresswoman, having lost reelection in her competitive Oregon district earlier this month. But in her short stint on Capitol Hill she has established a clear record on workers’ rights and organized labor issues that belie the Republican Party’s usual alliances with business interests. She was an enthusiastic back of the PRO Act, legislation that would make it easier to unionize on a federal level. The bill, one of Democratic President Joe Biden’s top legislative priorities, passed the House during Biden’s first two years in office, when Democrats controlled the chamber. But it never had a chance of attracting enough Republican senators to reach the 60 votes required to avoid a filibuster in the Senate. Chavez-DeRemer also co-sponsored another piece of legislation that would protect public-sector workers from having their Social Security benefits docked because of government pension benefits. That proposal also has lingered for a lack of GOP support. Related Story: Labor Leaders Remain Cautious Chavez-DeRemer may give labor plenty to like, but union leaders are not necessarily cheering yet. Many of them still do not trust Trump. The president-elect certainly has styled himself as a friend of the working class. His bond with blue-collar, non-college educated Americans is a core part of his political identity and helped him chip away at Democrats’ historical electoral advantage in households with unionized workers. But he was also the president who chose business-friendly appointees to the National Labor Relations Board during his 2017-21 term and generally has backed policies that would make it harder for workers to unionize. He criticized union bosses on the campaign trail, and at one point suggested members of the United Auto Workers should not pay their dues. His administration did expand overtime eligibility rules, but not nearly as much as Democrats wanted, and a Trump-appointed judge has since struck down the Biden administration’s more generous overtime rules. And though Trump distanced himself from the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 during the campaign, he has since his victory warmed to some of the people involved in that conservative blueprint that, broadly speaking, would tilt power in the workplace even more toward employers and corporations. Among other ideas, the plan also would curb enforcement of workplace safety regulations. After Trump’s announcement Friday, National Education Association President Becky Pringle lauded Chavez-DeRemer’s House record but sounded a note of caution. “Educators and working families across the nation will be watching ... as she moves through the confirmation process,” Pringle said in a statement, “and hope to hear a pledge from her to continue to stand up for workers and students as her record suggests, not blind loyalty to the Project 2025 agenda.” AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler praised Chavez-DeRemer’s “pro-labor record in Congress,” but said “it remains to be seen what she will be permitted to do as Secretary of Labor in an administration with a dramatically anti-worker agenda.” Labor Department’s Potential Spotlight Labor is another executive department that often operates away from the spotlight. But Trump’s emphasis on the working class could intensify attention on the department, especially in an administration replete with tremendously wealthy leaders, including the president-elect. Trump took implicit aim at the department’s historically uncontroversial role of maintaining labor statistics, arguing that Biden’s administration manipulated calculations of unemployment and the workforce. Related Story: If she is confirmed, Chavez-DeRemer could find herself standing between the nonpartisan bureaucrats at the Bureau of Labor Statistics and a president with strong opinions about government stats and what they say about the state of the economy — and the White House’s stewardship. Her handling of overtime rules also would be scrutinized, and she could find herself pulled into whatever becomes of Trump’s promise to launch the largest deportation force in U.S. history, potentially pitting Trump’s administration against economic sectors and companies that depend heavily on immigrant labor. Adding Diversity to the Cabinet Chavez-DeRemer was the first Republican woman elected to Congress from Oregon. She joins Secretary of State-designate Marco Rubio, the Florida senator, as the second Latino pick for Trump’s second Cabinet. Trump’s first labor secretary, Alexander Acosta, also was Latino.Baramati Maharashtra Assembly Election Results 2024: Baramati, a prominent seat in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, is in the spotlight as all eyes turn to this crucial battleground. This time, the contest has taken an interesting turn with a face-off between two prominent Pawar family members. The experienced Ajit Pawar from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is up against Yugendra Pawar , who is backed by a combination of NCP and the Samajwadi Party (SP). However, this election is not just about Baramati; it holds wider implications for Maharashtra’s political future, especially in the western region. Baramati's key role in 2024 Maharashtra elections The stakes are high in Baramati, as it has become more than a local contest. The rivalry between Ajit Pawar and his uncle, Sharad Pawar, has given the election an added dimension. Ajit Pawar, after splitting from the NCP in 2022, aligned his faction with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and joined the ruling government. Despite his repeated victories, having won the Baramati seat seven times, the shift in allegiance has not been well received by traditional voters, as reflected in the results of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. His faction’s performance was underwhelming, whereas Sharad Pawar 's faction secured eight out of the ten seats in the same elections. Ajit Pawar's allegiance to BJP and its impact The Baramati seat became the battleground for the first-ever "Pawar vs Pawar" showdown when Sharad Pawar’s daughter, Supriya Sule, triumphed over Ajit Pawar’s wife, Sunetra Pawar. The shift in loyalties has added a layer of intrigue to the upcoming assembly polls, as voters in the region seem to be leaning slightly toward Sharad Pawar’s influence. Sharad Pawar's stronghold in Western Maharashtra Western Maharashtra, with its significant sugarcane-producing districts like Sangli, Satara, Kolhapur, and Pune, has long been a stronghold of Sharad Pawar. His influence in these areas, dating back to when he founded the NCP, has given him an edge in the political landscape. As the Baramati elections unfold, the results here could mark a significant shift in the region’s political dynamics, potentially reshaping the future of Maharashtra’s governance. 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