Olga Tsareva/iStock via Getty Images Organigram ( NASDAQ: OGI ) reported improved Q4-2024 financial results last Wednesday. The company showed increasing revenues, cash flows, and profit margins. Net loss has improved. Organigram announced the acquisition of Motif Labs in Canada, which will set Organigram as the top Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.In a move that reeks of double the government has formed an eight-member committee tasked with revising or introducing new allowances for government employees. This committee, which is expected to recommend salary hikes of up to 25 percent starting July 2024, is not only a questionable allocation of resources but also an obvious conflict of interest. At a time when the government is grappling with a revenue shortfall, the idea of boosting allowances for civil servants feels almost absurd. Yet, despite mounting financial pressures, the government appears keen on securing its own political base—prioritizing bureaucratic perks over fiscal responsibility. This initiative comes after numerous lobbying efforts by various employee groups, spurred by the recent hefty pay raises for judges. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has appointed an eight-member committee, led by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, to review and revise existing allowances for government servants. The membership of this committee, however, raises serious concerns. It includes not only the Finance Minister but also senior officials directly connected to the beneficiaries of the proposed pay rises: the secretaries of Finance, Cabinet, Defence, Interior, and Economic Affairs, and even the Minister of State for Finance, a batchmate to many high-ranking officers. There is a glaring conflict of interest here. The committee’s makeup violates the fundamental principle of fairness—it’s like letting the fox guard the henhouse. With those who stand to gain from the new allowances sitting on the committee, the very notion of impartiality is undermined. What’s more troubling is the hypocrisy at play. Just a week ago, the Finance Minister suggested revisiting the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award—a move that would roll back fiscal devolution and reduce provincial shares in favor of sustaining a bloated federal bureaucracy. Rabbani sharply rebuked this, accusing the government of trying to maintain its lavish lifestyle at the expense of provincial autonomy and constitutional integrity. The NFC, a critical pillar of fiscal decentralization, increased provincial shares significantly over the years. Yet, in the pursuit of more perks for its own, the federal government now seems intent on undermining this progress. The provinces will not stand idly by while the center attempts to violate the 1973 Constitution and reallocate their rightful share of resources. In a nutshell, the government’s priorities are clear: lavish perks for a select few at the top while undermining the constitutional framework that ensures fair resource distribution across the country. This is a classic case of misplaced priorities—one that not only exposes the government’s double standards but also risks deepening the fiscal crisis it purports to be solving. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );AUSTIN, Texas — Any Texas or Texas A&M player has heard the lore of the rivalry between the two schools, a grudge match that dates to 1894. But for more than a decade — two generations of college football players — that's all it has been: Ghostly memories of great games and great plays made by heroes of the distant past. That changes this week when one of college football's great rivalries is reborn. Third-ranked Texas (10-1, 6-1) and No. 20 Texas A&M (8-3, 5-2) meet Saturday night for the first time since 2011, with a berth in the Southeastern Conference championship game on the line . “Guys that have been in my position and bleed Burnt Orange, they have not gotten to play this game,” said Texas fourth-year junior safety Michael Taaffe, who grew up in Austin. “Remember them when you step on Kyle Field.” For Aggies fans, who have carried the misery of Texas' 27-25 win in 2011, getting the Longhorns back in front of a frenzied crowd in College Station is a chance for some serious payback. “I was born and raised an Aggie, so I’ve been dreaming about playing in this game my whole life,” Texas A&M offensive lineman Trey Zuhn III said. Zuhn played high school football in Colorado, but his parents and grandparents attended A&M. At SEC media days back in August, Zuhn said his family would turn Texas gear upside down in stores. He keeps a picture of a longhorn in his room, hanging upside down, of course. “It should be the most amazing atmosphere that I’ve ever experienced,” Zuhn said. "I can’t wait for that, and I feel bad for Texas having to play in that." Texas players said they are ready. “That place is going to be rocking,” Texas senior cornerback Jahdae Barron said. “It's good to go on the road and play in hostile environments.” The Longhorns have overcome big and loud road crowds before. They won at Alabama in 2023. They won at Michigan and Arkansas, another old rival, this year. The Longhorns have won 10 in a row on an opponent’s home field. “When the hate is on us, we love it. We enjoy it,” Taaffe said. But some former Texas players say the current group has faced nothing like what awaits them in College Station. Playing at Texas A&M is more than just noise and a lot of “Horns down” hand signals. The “Aggie War Hymn” fight song calls for Aggies to “Saw Varsity’s horns off." Beating Texas is their passion, said former Longhorns All-American offensive lineman Dan Neil, who won at Texas A&M in 1995. He calls that win one of the best of his career. “I was done showering and getting ready to leave, and their fans were still standing outside the locker room screaming and throwing things,” he said. “The (Texas) players have no idea what they are walking into. They have no clue. No one on that team has walked into that stadium in Burnt Orange.” The rivalry broke up when Texas A&M left the Big 12 for the SEC in 2012. The Aggies have twice finished tied for second but have otherwise found little success in their new conference. Texas is in its first year in the SEC and has smashed its way to the top. Texas is the only SEC team with one loss this late in the season, which would make beating Texas that much sweeter for A&M. “The hype is definitely saying it's a rivalry. History says it's a rivalry, but for us, it's the football game we have this week,” Texas senior center Jake Majors said. “It's important for us to not let the environment, the game, get the best of us. ... I get to go out there and play not only for me and my team but for the guys who came before me, so that's a true honor to have.” Even though the game hasn't been played since 2011, there has always been an element of the rivalry simmering under the surface, Texas A&M coach Mike Elko said. Elko is in his first year as the Aggies' coach, but he was the Texas A&M defensive coordinator under Jimbo Fisher from 2018-2021. “Even though it hasn’t been played, it just doesn’t feel like it’s ever really left the fabric. I really don’t think it’s as removed from the psyche as maybe it feels,” Elko said. “I think our kids are very much aware of what this is all about.”
Nigeria’s oil and gas industry witnessed a flurry of business deals such as partnerships, acquisitions, and divestments in 2024. In the upstream sector, the year saw international oil giants like Shell and TotalEnergies relinquish their assets to local players like Seplat Energy and Oando PLC. We also saw ambitious acquisitions and partnership deals involving IOCs and indigenous oil companies. Related Stories TotalEnergies extends Deepsea Mira contract in West Africa for 3 months NNPCL slashes petrol price to N899 in Lagos, N970 in other states – PETROAN While divestments and exits were witnessed mostly in onshore operations, more investments by IOCs were observed in the offshore segment. Experts suggest that the IOCs do not want to deal with local issues such as pipeline vandalism and environmental pollution, while local companies have been hailed for their investment in this area despite the risks. The year also featured significant financial investment decisions and partnerships that would shape the future of Nigeria’s energy industry. Here are some of the major deals in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry in 2024. The Norwegian energy firm, Equinor ASA finalised the sale of its Nigerian assets, a 53.85% ownership in oil and gas lease OML 128, including a 20.21% stake in the Agbami field, to Chappal Energies for up to $1.2 billion. The sale signifies the exit of Equinor Nigeria Energy Company (ENEC) from Nigeria as the parent company said it planned to “deepen further in countries where Equinor can add the most value and build a more focused and robust international portfolio.” The deal, executed through Project Odinmim a special-purpose vehicle owned by Chappal Energies—was finalized this month, after several months of delay by Nigerian regulators. Seplat Energy Plc, listed on both the Nigerian Exchange Limited and the London Stock Exchange, also completed the acquisition of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited MPNU from ExxonMobil Corporation. The acquisition of the onshore asset is expected to double Seplat’s production capacity to approximately 120,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day. The deal valued at $1.2 billion was initiated in February 2022 but delayed by regulatory review until December 2024. In a deal expected to be finalised in the next couple of weeks, TotalEnergies has decided to divest from Nigeria’s onshore operations in favour of a more secure offshore environment by selling its 10% stake in the Shell Petroleum Development Company to an Indigenous company, Chappal Energies. SPDC JV is an onshore subsidiary of oil giant, Shell which has been sold to a consortium of local companies. TotalEnergies Nigeria planned to transfer its 10% interest and all associated rights and obligations in 15 SPDC JV licenses to Chappal Energies. In 2023, production from these licenses accounted for roughly 14,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day for TotalEnergies. Additionally, TotalEnergies EP Nigeria will sell its 10% interest in three other SPDC JV licenses (OML 23, OML 28, and OML 77), which focus on gas production, to Chappal Energies. However, TotalEnergies will retain full economic rights in these gas-producing licenses, which currently provide 40% of the gas supply to Nigeria LNG. This year, Oando Plc completed the acquisition of the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) from Italian energy giant Eni in a deal worth $783 million. The acquisition was part of another divestment in the oil and gas industry as Eni quits onshore operations in Nigeria for offshore operations. Speaking on NAOC’s acquisition, the Group Chief Executive of Oando PLC, Wale Tinubu, said : “Today’s announcement is the culmination of ten years of hard work, resilience, and an unwavering belief that we would realise our ambition. It is a win, not just for Oando, but for every indigenous energy player as we take our destiny in our hands. “This is a new dawn for the Nigerian energy sector, and we are confident that indigenous companies will play a pivotal role in this next phase of the nation’s upstream evolution. With our assumption of the role of operator, our immediate focus is on optimizing the assets’ immense potential in contributing to our strategic objectives, whilst complementing the nation’s plan to boost production outputs.” Nairametrics recently reported the final investment decision (FID) of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) on the Bonga North deep-water project, located off Nigeria’s coast. The $5 billion offshore investment, in which Shell has a 55% stake, is expected to yield approximately 350 million barrels of crude oil. The Bonga North project includes the drilling and completion of 16 wells, modifications to the existing FPSO, and the installation of new subsea infrastructure. This development is expected to maintain oil and gas production at the Bonga facility. Speaking on the investment decision, Shell’s Integrated Gas and Upstream Director, Zoë Yujnovich, said: “This is another significant investment, which will help us to maintain stable liquids production from our advantaged Upstream portfolio.” Two Nigerian companies partner with Saipem to secure a contract on the Bongo North project Weeks after Shell’s FID on the Bongo North project, an Italian multinational oilfield services company in partnership with two Nigerian companies, KOA Oil & Gas and AVEON Offshore, secured a contract valued at approximately $1 billion from SNEPco to work on the oilfield. According to Saipem, the contract covers the Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Installation (EPCI) of risers, flowlines, subsea umbilicals, and associated subsea structures. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Total Energies also announced a Final Investment Decision (FID) on the Ubeta oilfield (OML 58), in a partnership deal valued at $550 million. Nairametrics reported that this FID involves a commitment of $550 million to extract 900 billion cubic feet of non-associated natural gas from the oil field, situated approximately 85 kilometres from Port Harcourt in Nigeria’s Niger Delta Region. These partnerships, divestments, and investments shaped the oil and gas landscape in the year 2024 and it is expected that the gains and developments therefrom will impact the industry in the coming year President Bola Tinubu has pledged to boost Nigeria’s energy security by improving production and ensuring a conducive climate for private players to thrive.
It looked like a recipe for disaster. So, when his country's swimmers were being accused of doping earlier this year, one Chinese official cooked up something fast. He blamed it on contaminated noodles. In fact, he argued, it could have been a culinary conspiracy concocted by criminals, whose actions led to the cooking wine used to prepare the noodles being laced with a banned heart drug that found its way into an athlete's system. This theory was spelled out to international anti-doping officials during a meeting and, after weeks of wrangling, finally made it into the thousands of pages of data handed over to the lawyer who investigated the case involving 23 Chinese swimmers who had tested positive for that same drug. The attorney, appointed by the World Anti-Doping Agency, refused to consider that scenario as he sifted through the evidence. In spelling out his reasoning, lawyer Eric Cottier paid heed to the half-baked nature of the theory. “The Investigator considers this scenario, which he has described in the conditional tense, to be possible, no less, no more,” Cottier wrote. Even without the contaminated-noodles theory, Cottier found problems with the way WADA and the Chinese handled the case but ultimately determined WADA had acted reasonably in not appealing China's conclusion that its athletes had been inadvertently contaminated. Critics of the way the China case was handled can't help but wonder if a wider exploration of the noodle theory, details of which were discovered by The Associated Press via notes and emails from after the meeting where it was delivered, might have lent a different flavor to Cottier's conclusions. “There are more story twists to the ways the Chinese explain the TMZ case than a James Bond movie,” said Rob Koehler, the director general of the advocacy group Global Athlete. "And all of it is complete fiction.” Something in the kitchen was contaminated In April, reporting from the New York Times and the German broadcaster ARD revealed that the 23 Chinese swimmers had tested positive for the banned heart medication trimetazidine, also known as TMZ. China's anti-doping agency determined the athletes had been contaminated, and so, did not sanction them. WADA accepted that explanation , did not press the case further, and China was never made to deliver a public notice about the “no-fault findings,” as is often seen in similar cases. The stock explanation for the contamination was that traces of TMZ were found in the kitchen of a hotel where the swimmers were staying. In his 58-page report , Cottier relayed some suspicions about the feasibility of that chain of events — noting that WADA's chief scientist “saw no other solution than to accept it, even if he continued to have doubts about the reality of contamination as described by the Chinese authorities.” But without evidence to support pursuing the case, and with the chance of winning an appeal at almost nil, Cottier determined WADA's “decision not to appeal appears indisputably reasonable.” But how did the drugs get into the kitchen? A mystery remained: How did those traces of TMZ get into the kitchen? Shortly after the doping positives were revealed, the Institute of National Anti-Doping Organizations held a meeting on April 30 where it heard from the leader of China's agency, Li Zhiquan. Li's presentation was mostly filled with the same talking points that have been delivered throughout the saga — that the positive tests resulted from contamination from the kitchen. But he expanded on one way the kitchen might have become contaminated, harkening to another case in China involving a low-level TMZ positive. A pharmaceutical factory, he explained, had used industrial alcohol in the distillation process for producing TMZ. The industrial alcohol laced with the drug “then entered the market through illegal channels,” he said. The alcohol "was re-used by the perpetrators to process and produce cooking wine, which is an important seasoning used locally to make beef noodles,” Li said. “The contaminated beef noodles were consumed by that athlete, resulting in an extremely low concentration of TMZ in the positive sample. "The wrongdoers involved have been brought to justice.” New information sent to WADA ... eventually This new information raised eyebrows among the anti-doping leaders listening to Li's report. So much so that over the next month, several emails ensued to make sure the details about the noodles and wine made their way to WADA lawyers, who could then pass it onto Cottier. Eventually, Li did pass on the information to WADA general counsel Ross Wenzel and, just to be sure, one of the anti-doping leaders forwarded it, as well, according to the emails seen by the AP. All this came with Li's request that the noodles story be kept confidential. Turns out, it made it into Cottier's report, though he took the information with a grain of salt. “Indeed, giving it more attention would have required it to be documented, then scientifically verified and validated,” he wrote. Neither Wenzel nor officials at the Chinese anti-doping agency returned messages from AP asking about the noodles conspiracy and the other athlete who Li suggested had been contaminated by them. Meanwhile, 11 of the swimmers who originally tested positive competed at the Paris Games earlier this year in a meet held under the cloud of the Chinese doping case. Though WADA considers the case closed, Koehler and others point to situations like this as one of many reasons that an investigation by someone other than Cottier, who was hired by WADA, is still needed. “It gives the appearance that people are just making things up as they go along on this, and hoping the story just goes away," Koehler said. “Which clearly it has not.” ___ AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-gamesTim Cook and other U.S. executives attend China expo, meet officials as Trump tariff threat looms
XDS Announces Major Investment Of UCI Astana Team, Paving The Way For Global Expansion
Stock market today: Stocks drift higher as US markets reopen after a holiday pauseJudge hears closing arguments on whether Google's advertising tech constitutes a monopoly ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — The Justice Department and Google have made their closing arguments in a trial alleging Google’s online advertising technology constitutes an illegal monopoly. The arguments in federal court Monday in northern Virginia came as Google already faces a possible breakup of the company over its ubiquitous search engine. The Justice Department says it will seek the breakup of Google to remedy its search engine monopoly. The case in Virginia focuses not on the search engine but on technology that matches online advertisers to consumers on the internet. A judge is expected to rule by the end of the year. ‘Busiest Thanksgiving ever’: How the TSA plans to handle record air travel DALLAS (AP) — The Thanksgiving travel rush is expected to be bigger than ever this year. AAA predicts that nearly 80 million people in the U.S. will venture at least 50 miles from home between Tuesday and next Monday — most of them by car. Thanksgiving Day falling so late this year has altered traditional travel patterns. At airports, the Transportation Security Administration says it could screen a record number of U.S. air travelers on Sunday. Meanwhile, the head of the Federal Aviation Administration says a shortage of air traffic controllers could cause flight delays. Transportation analytics company INRIX says roads could be congested on Monday with both commuters and returning holiday travelers. Macy’s says employee hid up to $154 million in expenses, delaying Q3 earnings Macy’s says it’s delaying the release of its fiscal third-quarter earnings results after it discovered an up to $154 million accounting-related issue. The company did provide some preliminary results for its third quarter, including that net sales fell 2.4% to $4.74 billion. It anticipates reporting its full third-quarter financial results by Dec. 11. Newsom says California could offer electric vehicle rebates if Trump eliminates federal tax credit SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California could offer state tax rebates for electric vehicle purchases if the incoming Trump administration eliminates the $7,500 federal EV tax credit. Gov. Gavin Newsom says Monday he'll propose creating a new version of the state’s successful Clean Vehicle Rebate Program, which was phased out in 2023 after funding nearly 600,000 new cars and trucks. Officials didn’t say how much the program would cost or how the rebates would work. Newsom’s proposal is part of his plan to protect California’s progressive policies ahead of Republican President-elect Donald Trump’s second term. But a budget shortfall could complicate California’s resistance efforts. Warren Buffett gives away another $1.1B and plans for distributing his $147B fortune after his death OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Investor Warren Buffett renewed his Thanksgiving tradition of giving by handing out more than $1.1 billion of Berkshire Hathaway stock to four of his family's foundations Monday, and he offered new details about who will be handing out the rest of his fortune after his death. Buffett has said previously that his three kids will distribute his remaining $147.4 billion fortune in the 10 years after his death, but now he has also designated successors for them because it’s possible that Buffett’s children could die before giving it all away. Buffett said he has no regrets about his decision to start giving away his fortune in 2006. Stock market today: Dow hits another record as stocks rise NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose, with those benefiting the most from lower interest rates and a stronger economy leading the way. The S&P 500 climbed 0.3% Monday to pull closer to its record set two weeks ago. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 440 points to its own record set on Friday, while the Nasdaq composite rose 0.3%. They got a boost from easing Treasury yields after President-elect Donald Trump said he wants hedge-fund manager Scott Bessent to be his Treasury Secretary. Smaller companies can feel a big boost from easier borrowing costs, and the Russell 2000 index of small stocks finished just shy of its record. Workers at Charlotte airport, an American Airlines hub, go on strike during Thanksgiving travel week CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — American Airlines says it doesn’t expect significant disruptions to flights this week as a result of a labor strike at its hub in Charlotte, North Carolina. Service workers there walked out Monday during a busy week of Thanksgiving travel to protest what they say are unlivable wages. Employees of ABM and Prospect Airport Services authorized the work stoppage. Union spokesperson Sean Keady says the strike is expected to last 24 hours. The companies contract with American Airlines to provide services such as cleaning airplane interiors, removing trash and escorting passengers in wheelchairs. The companies have acknowledged the seriousness of a strike during the holiday travel season. At the crossroads of news and opinion, 'Morning Joe' hosts grapple with aftermath of Trump meeting The reaction of those who defended “Morning Joe” hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski for meeting with President-elect Trump sounds almost quaint in the days of opinionated journalism. Doesn't it makes sense, they said, for hosts of a political news show to meet with such an important figure? But given how “Morning Joe” has attacked Trump, its viewers felt insulted. Many reacted quickly by staying away. It all reflects the broader trend of opinion crowding out traditional journalist in today's marketplace, and the expectations that creates among consumers. By mid-week, the show's audience was less than two-thirds what it has typically been this year. Eggs are available -- but pricier -- as the holiday baking season begins Egg prices are on the rise again as a lingering outbreak of bird flu coincides with high demand during the holiday baking season. The average price for a dozen eggs in U.S. cities was $3.37 in October, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That was up 63% from October 2023, when a dozen eggs cost an average of $2.07. Avian influenza is the main culprit. The current bird flu outbreak that began in February 2022 has led to the slaughter of more than 111 million birds, mostly egg-laying chickens. But the American Egg Board says egg shortages at grocery stores have been isolated and temporary so far. Detroit's iconic Renaissance Center could see 2 towers razed in $1.6B redevelopment plan DETROIT (AP) — Two towers at Detroit’s iconic Renaissance Center would be razed and the complex converted to a mix of housing and offices under an ambitious $1.6 billion plan announced on Monday. GM will move its headquarters out of the complex next year. The towers are a symbol of Detroit, with aerial views often shown on television sports broadcasts. GM announced that it would join forces with the Bedrock real estate development firm and Wayne County to turn the partially vacant property into a roughly 27-acre entertainment complex across the Detroit River from Windsor, Ontario. Bedrock would invest at least $1 billion, with roughly $250 million more coming from GM and another $250 million in public money, possibly from the state of Michigan.Trends in the real estate industry 2025: smart homes and green energy 12-22-2024 07:17 PM CET | Industry, Real Estate & Construction Press release from: Schwarzat Capital District heating can make sense so that you don't have to worry about the ecological balance yourself (© Sven Schwarzat ) In 2025, the real estate industry will be increasingly shaped by two major trends: the digitalization of living spaces through smart homes and the focus on sustainable, green energy. These developments are not only a response to the growing demand for innovative and environmentally conscious solutions, but also a response to the pressing challenges of climate change and urban development. Companies such as Schwarzat Capital GmbH from Lützen, managed by Sven Schwarzat and active primarily in Leipzig, play a key role in integrating these technologies into modern construction projects. Smart homes: The path to the future The development of smart homes has accelerated rapidly in recent years, and by 2025 this technology will become even more central to the real estate industry. Smart homes not only offer residents greater convenience, but also greater control over their living environment. From intelligent control of lighting, heating and air conditioning to security technology, the possibilities are almost limitless. For investors and developers, such as Sven Schwarzat from Schwarzat Capital GmbH, the integration of smart home technologies is becoming an indispensable factor in increasing the value of real estate. In an increasingly digitalized world, buyers and tenants not only expect modern fixtures and fittings, but also the ability to control their apartment or house via smartphones or voice assistants. These functionalities not only increase living comfort, but also offer considerable energy savings. Smart heating control systems and automatic lighting that adjusts depending on the presence of residents can optimize energy consumption and thus contribute to greater efficiency. Green energy: focus on sustainability In addition to digitalization, the use of green energy sources will also play a central role in the real estate sector in 2025. The importance of renewable energy and energy-efficient buildings is growing, especially in light of global efforts to reduce CO2 emissions. The use of solar cells, heat pumps and other sustainable technologies is already on the rise, but this trend will gain further momentum in 2025. For companies like Schwarzat Capital GmbH that focus on the development of real estate projects, the consideration of green energy will become an important competitive advantage. Sustainable construction and the use of renewable energies are not only a selling point for environmentally conscious buyers, but also a response to increasing political and social demands. Buildings that are powered by solar energy or have their own wind turbine are not only energy self-sufficient, but also a symbol of sustainable and responsible real estate development. Combining smart homes and green energy The combination of smart home technologies and green energy represents the next step in the real estate sector. The intelligent control of energy resources in conjunction with renewable energy sources not only offers efficient use, but also the opportunity to significantly reduce a building's carbon footprint. Investors and property developers, such as Sven Schwarzat from Schwarzat Capital GmbH, recognize the potential of these synergies and rely on innovative solutions that make both ecological and economic sense. In 2025, the real estate industry will increasingly invest in sustainable technologies to meet the changing needs of consumers. The demand for smart homes and energy-efficient real estate will continue to rise, and companies that invest in these technologies early on will have a decisive competitive advantage. With their vision and commitment to integrating smart and green technologies, Sven Schwarzat and Schwarzat Capital GmbH are ideally positioned to shape the real estate projects of the future. About the author: Sven Schwarzat is Managing Director of Schwarzat Capital GmbH, based in Lützen. With this GmbH and also privately, he holds numerous properties in his portfolio, carries out construction projects and rents out his apartments. His focus is in and around Leipzig. His expertise and experience make him a reliable advisor for general questions on real estate and specifically on the Leipzig real estate market. About Schwarzat Capital GmbH: Schwarzat Capital GmbH, based in Lützen, is a leading company in the field of real estate investment and development. The company specializes in the acquisition, refurbishment and letting of residential properties in Leipzig. For further information, please contact (also responsible for this press release): Schwarzat Capital GmbH Mr. Sven Schwarzat Ernst-Thälmann-Straße 18 06686 Lützen Germany phone ..: 034444909876 web ..: http://www.schwarzat-capital.de email : info@schwarzat-capital.de You can use this press release - even in a modified or abridged form - free of charge on your website with a source link to our homepage. Schwarzat Capital GmbH Ernst-Thälmann-Straße 18 06686 Lützen Germany https://www.schwarzat-capital.de Herr Sven Schwarzat 034444909876 info@schwarzat-capital.de Schwarzat Capital GmbH, based in Lützen, is a growing real estate company specializing in the rental of residential space. The company is particularly active in the student housing sector and offers modern and affordable rental solutions in attractive locations. This release was published on openPR.
Dabbing and vaping are all the rage right now, and more and more old-school smokers are switching over to enjoy the benefits. If you want a complete guide to the best dab pens that give you huge clouds of flavorful, potent vapor, you’re in the right place. With new options popping up all the time, there's an entire world for you to discover. If you just want to know the best of the best, we've done some of the heavy lifting for you! Read on to discover the ten best dab pens in the market and where to get them. The cannabis market has always been subject to subpar vendors that simply don’t deliver, and we’re here to help you avoid them. We went through dozens of products to find the best dab pens out there: Area 52 THCA Disposable Vape Pen Finest Labs THCA Disposable Vape Pen Koi Delta 8 THC + THCP Disposable Vape BudPop Delta 8 Disposable Vape Pen Delta Extrax Adios MF Live Sugar Disposable Vape Binoid THCP Vape Cartridge Exhale Wellness Delta 8 Disposable Vape Pen Eighty Six ‘All Stars’ 10 G Bundle TRĒ House’s Live Resin Liquid Budder Vape Pen Utoya’s Hybrid THC Vape Pen Some of the things we took into account for this list were price, quality, battery life, ingredients, cannabinoids, and the high itself. With that in mind, here are the top ten dab pens of 2025. 1. Area 52 THCA Disposable Vape Pen (Top Pick) Pros and cons of Area 52: (+) Automatic draw detection makes this vape easy to use. (+) Ceramic heater safely heats the concentrate for a pure, reliable puff. (+) Long battery life gives you freedom to vape on the go — and it’s rechargeable. (+) Choose between three strains to find the right flavor for you. (-) Premium ingredients meant a premium price. Area 52 has been our go-to for hemp-derived products for years now — and these vapes remind us why. With Area 52, you can count on strict quality control, premium ingredients, and transparency, thanks to batch-specific COAs. Area 52’s roster is no stranger to us, but we had never tried their THCA Disposable Vape Pens. With a whopping 2,000 mg of hemp-derived cannabinoids such as THCA, HHC, CBD, and THCP, this one packs a powerful punch. Whether you're a beginner or a veteran pothead, we're sure this vape will fit the bill for you. Also, unlike “average” disposable pens, this one comes with a rechargeable battery, automatic draw detection, and a cutting-edge ceramic heater. These features allow for a safer, more efficient, and more enjoyable vaping experience. If you’re looking for a potent and punchy classic hit of cannabis, try Area 52’s THCA Flower . This hemp flower, dusted with THCA crystals, is perfect for rolling and smoking, mixing into edibles, or vaping. Coupon code: Use FIRST15 for 15% off your Area 52 order! Product Specs: Rating : ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Price : $59, $50 with a monthly subscription Main cannabinoids : THCA, HHC, CBD, and THCP Quantity : 2 grams 2. Finest Labs THCA Disposable Vape Pen (Runner-Up) Pros and cons of Finest Labs: (+) Discrete design is perfect for using on the go. (+) Easy to use for beginners. (+) Long-lasting battery life means it will last through heavy use. (+) Quick charging capability, so you don’t have to wait. (-) Availability may be restricted in some areas. Finest Labs goes above and beyond in all areas. Its dedication to the earth and its customers shows in every product — the exceptional quality produces an experience you won’t get elsewhere. These THCA vape pens contain 2 grams of THCA, THCP, HHC, and CBD, plus live resin for good measure. The stock rotates, so check back often and try something new! The pens are draw-activated, making them super easy to use — especially for beginners. Another plus — the battery is rechargeable, so you don’t have to worry that it’ll die before the liquid is used up. Lab-tested, made with the purest ingredients, full of natural terpenes, easy to use, and potent — it really doesn’t get much better than this. For those times when you want a classic and hassle-free experience, Finest Lab’s THCA Pre-Rolls are the way to go. These terpene-rich flower pre-rolls infused with THCA diamonds hit hard with euphoric and psychoactive effects, thanks to the potent blend of THCA, CBD, CBG, CBC, and other cannabinoids. And don’t forget to check back in every so often to see what strain is in stock! Coupon code: Use FINEST for 10% off your Finest Labs order! Specs : Rating : ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Price : $59 Quantity : 2 g Cannabinoids : THCA, CBD, HHC, and THCP 3. Koi Delta 8 THC + THCP Disposable Vape Pros and cons of Koi: (+) Delta 8 THC and THCP blend gives you a balanced, potent high. (+) Rechargeable vape pen gives you control over the battery. (+) Low price point makes this pen ultra-affordable. (-) Might be too strong for beginners. Koi has been a mainstay in the hemp market for quite a while now, and for a good reason. Koi’s Delta 8 THC + THCP Disposable Vape brings a new and interesting blend that just delivers . Koi is an old-school vendor that has earned the trust of thousands over the years — and it did not disappoint. With five strains and flavors, you won’t be starved for options, and the delta 8 + THCP blend provides a high that’s energetic and euphoric, if not overwhelming (in a good sense) at times. THCP is much more potent than delta 9, so it’s not the best choice for a beginner or anyone looking for a mellow ride. Specs : Rating : ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Price : $39.99 Main cannabinoids : Delta 8 THC and THCP Quantity : 2 grams 4. BudPop Delta 8 Disposable Vape Pen Pros and cons of BudPop: (+) Lots of strains and flavors give you a world of choice. (+) Affordable price point for a potent pen, so you get your money’s worth. (-) The high may be overwhelming if you have a low tolerance. (-) Outdated lab test results. BudPop offers a large catalog for those looking for affordable prices. When it comes to quality, BudPop’s Delta 8 Disposable Pens are at the very top of their roster. With a cannabinoid blend made from natural terpenes and a whopping 1800 mg of delta 8 THC, these vapes are made to deliver. The selection is pretty decent, too. You can choose from Strawberry Gelato, Pineapple Express, Grape Runtz, Fruity Cereal, and Blackberry Kush. Third-party lab tests confirm the purity and quality of their products, although the ones for these vapes are outdated. Glossing over that, the battery on these vapes is pretty good, and the delta 8 hits just right — oh, and did we mention the price? Specs : Rating : ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Price : $39.95 Main cannabinoids : Delta 8 THC Quantity : 1.8 grams 5. Delta Extrax Adios MF Live Sugar Disposable Vape Pros and cons of Delta Extrax: (+) The dual ceramic coil heats the concentrate quickly and evenly for a pure taste. (+) Powerful cannabinoid blend delivers a strong effects. (+) Great selection of strains to choose from. (-) May be too overwhelming for new users. (-) Doesn’t come with a charger, so you’ll have to pay for that separately. Delta Extrax is the place to go when you want selection. This Delta Extrax Adios MF Disposable Vape comes in strong with 7 grams of THCA live sugar, THCP, delta 8, and delta 9 combo in a large selection of strains. It also has a smart screen so you can stay updated on the battery life and distillate levels. Despite this, it's still incredibly portable and easy to use. The amount makes it a fantastic choice for people looking to stock up, but it's definitely not a product for everyone — the blend can get overwhelming quickly! Also, while the vape is rechargeable, it doesn’t come with a charger. All in all, this is a great pick for very experienced users who won't mind being couch-locked after a few puffs. At just $49.95 per vape, we can't complain. Specs : Rating : ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Price : $49.95 Main cannabinoids : THCA, THCP, delta 8, and delta 9 Quantity : 7 grams 6. Binoid THCP Vape Cartridge Pros and cons of Binoid: (+) Choose from six strains like Fruit Loops, Aurora Indica, and God’s Gift. (+) Trusted brand with a good selection. (+) Enjoy a heavy buzz with this unique and powerful blend. (-) Lab reports are outdated, making it hard to check the quality. (-) Rather expensive for the size of the pen. Binoid didn’t take long to become a mainstay brand in the cannabis community. The THCP Vape Cartridge comes loaded with 1 gram of a unique THCP and delta 8 THC blend, creating a powerful mental and physical buzz. However, it's not long-lasting if you don't space out your draws carefully. One of the most interesting aspects of this vape is the use of THCP — a hemp-derived cannabinoid that is more potent than regular THC. The cartridges come in a wide variety of strain and flavor options: two indicas, two hybrids, and two sativas. At $59.99, these aren't the best-priced dab pens, but they are great for a quick pick-me-up. Specs : Rating : ⭐⭐⭐ Price : $59.99 Main cannabinoids : THCP and delta 8 THC Quantity : 1 gram 7. Exhale Wellness Delta 8 Disposable Vape Pen Pros and cons of Exhale Wellness: (+) Naturally sourced ingredients and delta 8 give you a mellow, stress-relieving high. (+) Draw-activated, rechargeable pen is easy to use and ready when you are. (-) Outdated lab reports call into question what’s really in these vapes. (-) Doesn’t ship to several states. (-) Limited return policy means you aren't guaranteed your money back if you are disappointed. Exhale Wellness never disappoints when it comes to hemp vapes, edibles, and tinctures. The Delta 8 Disposable Vape Pens don’t disappoint, either! Unlike some of our previous entries, this vape pen gives a chill, relaxing, and euphoric delta 8 high — more mellow than your usual delta 9 THC blends. The pen’s hardware is also decent: disposable but rechargeable, so you don’t run out of battery before the cart is spent. It’s also draw-activated, making it easy to use, even for beginners. There are plenty of strains to choose from, and they're made from natural ingredients — this is better for your health and makes the flavors even better. Specs : Rating : ⭐⭐⭐ Price : $39.95 or $59.95 Main cannabinoids : Delta 8 THC Quantity : 1 gram or 2 grams 8. Eighty Six ‘All Stars’ 10 G Bundle Pros and cons of Eighty Six: (+) Variety pack lets you enjoy all the flavors, from Lime to Princess Peachy. (+) Updated lab reports give you peace of mind about the vape’s purity and potency. (-) High upfront price might not be affordable. (-) Only for experienced vapers with high tolerances. (-) Doesn’t allow returns on opened products. Eighty Six is another mainstay in the online cannabis community, thanks to its reliability and quality. Eighty Six’s 10 G Disposable Vape Variety Bundle goes big with five disposable vape pens containing delta 8 and 9 THC, HHC, and THCP. That's right. You get five vapes for $131.99 or about $26 per vape. Each dab pen carries 2 grams, and the up-to-date lab reports confirm the strength of each pen. If you're willing to invest in five vapes at once, there's no going wrong with this bundle. The variety is impressive, and each pen feels noticeably different. The pack includes the following flavors, which are outright delicious : Berry Slush Delta-8 THC Lime Delta-8 THC Princess Peachy Delta-9 THC Gush Rush HHC Sunday Scaries THCP Specs : Rating : ⭐⭐⭐ Price : $ 131.99 Main cannabinoids : Delta 8, HHC, THCP, and delta 9 Quantity : Five two-gram disposable vapes 9. TRĒ House’s Live Resin Liquid Budder Vape Pen Pros and cons of TRĒ House: (+) Heavy-hitting live resin offers a powerful high. (+) You can get your money back within 60 days if you don’t love the vape pen. (-) It is not ideal for beginners due to its potency. (-) It can take longer than average for the order to ship. (-) Limited information regarding the manufacturing process. TRĒ House focuses on getting you as high as possible in the safest way possible. TRĒ House’s Live Resin Liquid Budder Vape Pens offer a unique experience thanks to the live resin and budder, which retain all the cannabinoids and terpenes of weed. It’s a heavy-hitting pen that will get you stoned in a few puffs. These contain 2 grams of THCA liquid budder, delta 8 live resin , THCP, delta 9, and a terpene blend for an unbeatable high. They only come in two strains — White Widow and Sunset Sherbet — but it’s hard to complain with a blend like this. The disposable pen is precharged and ready to go. You don't have to worry about the battery dying because it's rechargeable with a micro USB. Specs : Rating : ⭐⭐⭐ Price : $39.99 Main cannabinoids : THCA, THCP, delta 8, delta 9 Quantity : 2 grams 10. Utoya’s Hybrid THC Vape Pen Pros and cons of Utoya: (+) The novel cannabinoid THCJD creates a potent high. (+) Use this vape over and over, thanks to the rechargeable battery. (-) Lack of customer reviews means you must take the company's word about the quality. (-) The potent blend is not for beginners. (-) Shipping is not available in some areas. We had never heard of Utoya before, so we just had to give them a fair shot when it came to dab pens. With a 2-gram disposable pen and a unique blend of delta 8 THC, HHC, and THCJD — a very potent novel cannabinoid — Utoya’s Hybrid THC Vape Pen offers an intense high. These come in three strains, but some are out of stock from time to time: Mango Kush, Mimosa, and White Runtz. THCJD is extremely potent, and we don't recommend it for beginners. Alongside the main trio, Utoya's pen also has CBD, CBG, and CBN, which balance out the effects of the other cannabinoids and avoid causing anxiety. Specs : Potency : ⭐⭐ Price : $35.99 Main cannabinoids : Delta 8 THC, HHC, THCJD, CBD, CBG, and CBN Quantity : 2 grams These two terms are nearly synonymous among the weed community, but there are a few differences between vape pens and dab pens. Vape is short for vaporizer: a device that heats the weed just enough to aerosolize the liquid so you can absorb the compounds. It doesn’t burn anything per se — which is why vapes release vapor instead of smoke. When shopping at a local dispensary, you’ll see vape pens labeled specifically as those pens that vaporize cannabis concentrates. Dab pens, on the other hand, vaporize thicker stuff like wax, shatter, budder, and rosin. Still, the larger community — and even many online stores — use "dab pen" and "vape" interchangeably. This means you might occasionally find rosin and wax vaporizers referred to as "vapes" or, more commonly, vapes referred to as "dab pens." Yes, most dab pens are legal on a federal level. The 2018 Farm Bill inadvertently legalized many cannabis products. Due to a loophole in the bill’s definition of hemp and marijuana, a whole slew of hemp-derived cannabis products began appearing on the market. This definition of hemp (cannabis containing less than 0.3% delta 9 THC) allowed for the extraction and use of more novel cannabinoids such as delta 8 THC, delta 10 THC, HHC, and many others. These are all federally legal in any amount, as the cap only applies to delta 9. Acceptable THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) levels vary in some states as well, though it’s federally legal in any amount as long as it meets the above criteria. Hemp-derived dab pens are legal except in states that have adopted laws that state otherwise. Check your local regulations to determine what cannabinoids are legal and which aren't. There's an ocean of hemp-derived products, and finding the perfect one can be challenging. There are many factors to consider when looking for high-quality pens, especially in a market as huge as this one. But we don’t want you to earn through trial and error — so here are a few key guidelines. 1. Safe Practices It’s always important to keep health and safety in mind when looking for any sort of cannabis product online. One obvious factor is the quality of the materials in the pen. Low-quality pens might make you inhale plastics or other toxic chemical substances that seep into the cartridges. Of course, this is a rare and extreme situation — but it could happen with the worst products. But even more important than the pens are the cartridges, or rather the blends within. Third-party lab reports are extremely important to verify the purity and safety of every component of your pen. The extraction techniques used to isolate various cannabinoids change rapidly over time, though, so it's important to ensure lab test results are current. Old extraction methods, such as the ones used in subpar products, can cause heavy metal contamination. 2. Cannabinoids & Potency The cannabinoids, their concentration, and your dose will all affect the high. Always check the product’s label or information page before hitting the first few puffs so there are no surprises. Don’t get caught off guard by an unexpected cannabinoid. Doses, too, are very important. Buying a super high-potency pen might be a bad idea if you’re a beginner. Likewise, a seasoned user might feel underwhelmed by the lower-potency ones. In short, it all comes down to personal preference and experience — but try to research before buying anything! ⟹ Click Here for the Most Potent Dab Pen Right Now 3. User Reviews User reviews are your best friend when shopping online. They’re much more honest about pros and cons than the company will be, so you'll get a realistic idea of the quality. If the reviews you see on a vendor's website look rather suspicious, or if there aren't any reviews, you can always ask around in online communities. Chatrooms, forums, and subreddits are all places where you can check if a vendor is as good as it claims to be. Compare reviews, and don't be afraid to ask others about their experiences! Dab pens aren’t as simple as they may seem at first glance. Check out these frequently asked questions that address some common concerns. 1. What Is THCJD? THCJD stands for tetrahydrocannabioctyl, a novel, naturally occurring cannabinoid that exists in very small quantities in cannabis. When extracted, it can produce similar effects to THC but is much more potent, intense, and euphoric. 2. What Are the Best Weed Pens for Beginners? The best weed pens for beginners are low-potency dab pens or vape pens. For people new to weed, the age-old rule of "start low, go slow" applies. High-potency stuff is nice, but beginners shouldn't jump to the deep end without knowing their tolerance levels first. 3. What’s the Difference Between Hemp & Marijuana? According to the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp refers to cannabis plants with less than 0.3% delta 9 THC, while marijuana refers to cannabis plants with more than that. Because of the low THC content, hemp is legal on a federal level, while marijuana is still prohibited. 4. How Is Vaping Different from Smoking a Joint? When you smoke, you're burning raw flower. Vapes heat concentrates just enough to produce a thick vapor. Other than that, the relaxing "high" and other effects are the same. 5. How Quickly Do Vape Pens Kick In? An average vape pen takes two or three puffs to kick in. Just breathe in, wait a few moments, and you should be good to go.I went to Aldi and faced my fears and now I am totally convertedNone
Memphis beats No. 2 UConn 99-97 in overtime to tip off Maui Invitational
US President-elect Donald Trump on Monday praised Japan's SoftBank for its decision to invest $100 billion in the United States and create 100,000 new jobs, a big win for his incoming administration. "This historic investment is a monumental demonstration of confidence in America's future," Trump said during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, flanked by SoftBank chief executive Masayoshi Son. "It will help ensure that artificial intelligence, emerging technologies and other industries of tomorrow are built, created and grown right here in the USA," added Trump, who takes office from US President Joe Biden next month. Speaking alongside Trump, Son confirmed the investment company's financial commitment, adding that Trump's victory had "tremendously increased" his confidence in the US economy. "I am truly excited to make this happen," added Son, 67. Son's announcement is around double the amount he committed SoftBank to in December 2016, shortly before Trump began his first term as president. The Japanese investment holding company ultimately parted with around $100 billion through its Vision Fund, with much of the money supplied by sovereign wealth funds in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. "President Trump is a double-down president," Son said on Monday, adding: "I'm going to have to double down." Son made his name with successful early investments in Chinese e-commerce titan Alibaba and internet pioneer Yahoo, but has also bet on catastrophic failures such as WeWork. He has repeatedly said that "artificial superintelligence" will arrive in a decade, bringing new inventions, new medicine, new knowledge and new ways to invest. The SoftBank Group posted a bumper second-quarter net profit last month, returning to the black after net losses in the first quarter and the previous financial year. The company indicated back in March that it had $26 billion ready to be deployed for new investments. Stephen Moore, an economic advisor to Donald Trump, said the announcement marked a "great day." "The importation of capital into the US is a huge leading indicator for jobs and prosperity to come," Moore, an economist at the conservative Heritage Foundation, told AFP in a message. On the campaign trail, Trump pledged to boost the US economy by cutting red tape and fast-tracking investments, including into the oil and gas sector. US financial markets surged following his victory on November 5, with the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite index and the broad-based S&P 500 both hitting fresh records. Despite the enthusiasm in the markets, some analysts have voiced concern that Trump's proposals to implement new tariffs on US imports and deport millions of undocumented workers could end up hurting growth, and causing a spike in inflation. "The increased likelihood of substantial new tariffs on US imports would have the most consequential effect on economic growth," economists at Wells Fargo wrote in a recent note to clients, adding they had "bumped up" their inflation outlook and slightly cut their GDP forecast following Trump's win. Other analysts say the impact of Trump's tariff plans will largely depend on how they are actually implemented. "The impact on inflation need not be particularly significant for monetary policy," economists at Goldman Sachs wrote in a recent investor note. But, they added "this could change if the White House imposes a 10 percent universal tariff," referring to one of Trump's proposals on the campaign trail. Speaking in Mar-a-Lago on Monday, Trump insisted that, "properly used," tariffs would be positive for the US economy. "Our country right now loses to everybody," he said. "Almost nobody do we have a surplus with." "Tariffs will make our country rich," he added. da-tu/nroA keen eye for detail is quintessential when choosing between two of the biggest names in the VPN world. NordVPN and ExpressVPN are high-value providers, and they're two of our favorite VPNs for their outstanding performance on benchmarks like security, streaming, and speed. Also: The best VPN services: Expert tested and reviewed Based on my hands-on experience testing both services, one may offer a slight advantage over the other, depending on what you want to achieve with a VPN. Both services offer automatic connection to optimal servers, promise a 30-day money-back guarantee, and offer no-logs policies. Here's how to decide which VPN is best for you. Spec ExpressVPN NordVPN Starting price $4.99/month $3.49/month Servers 3,000+ 6,500+ Countries 105 113 Specialty servers None Double VPN, P2P, Onion over VPN, obfuscated servers Protocols Lightway (proprietary), OpenVPN IKEv2/IPSec NordLynx (proprietary), OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec Security AES 256-bit (with PFS), kill switch, leak protection, RAM-only AES 256-bit GCM encryption, kill switch, leak protection, antivirus, dark web monitoring, Ad & malware block Yes (Threat Manager) Yes (Threat Protection Pro) No-logs policy Yes Yes Jurisdiction British Virgin Islands (outside of 5/9/14 Eyes) Panama (outside of 5/9/14 Eyes) Free/ trial/ money-back guarantee 7-day trial, 30-day refund policy Android free trial, 30-day refund policy Simultaneous connections 8 10 Compatible devices iOS, Android, MacOS, Windows, Linux, Android TV, Apple TV, Fire TV Stick, Chromecast, Kindle, Routers, consoles, extensions (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave) iOS, Android, MacOS, Windows, Linux, Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV Stick, routers, gaming consoles, Kindle Fire, Chromecast, extensions (Chrome, Firefox, Edge) ExpressVPN is relentless with geoblocks. Whether you're trying to access streaming, gaming, shopping, or payment platforms, my experience with the services has always been smooth. ExpressVPN isn't optimized for specific streaming sites like CyberGhost , but the entire server network is obfuscated. This advanced technology disguises your VPN usage, avoiding detection. In comparison, NordVPN's obfuscation only works with the OpenVPN protocol. Also: The best VPN for streaming: Expert tested and reviewed Also, ExpressVPN's vast IP address pool is constantly refreshed, removing any residual IPs that may have already been blocked on streaming platforms for policy violations. Given its excellent performance, it can be most useful for accessing global content or international travel. ExpressVPN has a straightforward design. It's easier to use as a beginner than NordVPN, which is cluttered with several settings that can be a turn-off for inexperienced users. Also, ExpressVPN is compatible with more devices than NordVPN, offering even a native app for routers, so you don't need to perform complex manual setups. Also: ExpressVPN review: One of the fastest VPNs we've tested ExpressVPN has a 7-day free trial that can be used on any device. Previously the trial was only available to mobile users subscribing from the Google Play or App Store. NordVPN doesn't have a free trial, but Android users can try the service for free if they subscribe via Google Play Store. Both providers have a 30-day money-back guarantee for a risk-free trial. You should choose NordVPN if... NordVPN is heavily vested in digital security. Beyond encrypting connections and maintaining privacy, it beats ExpressVPN with some other extras like specialty servers (DoubleVPN, Onion Over VPN, and P2P), a malware scanner for downloaded files, and a Dark Web Monitor to alert you if your sensitive information has leaked on the web. Another feature, Meshnet, allows you to set up a private network over which you can securely share files between devices anywhere or play games with friends online with minimal latency. Also: NordVPN review: Consistent speed and performance from one of our favorite VPNs NordVPN's proprietary protocol, NordLynx, has relatively faster connections than ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol. These two are by far the best VPNs for speed , whether you want to stream or play online games without lag. NordVPN was consistent on most server locations in my speed tests, with connections dropping by 5-25% on nearby and faraway servers. On some server locations in the US, ExpressVPN performed better and even had lower latency, ideal for gaming. Also: The best VPN for gaming: Expert tested and reviewed NordVPN is the more affordable option of the two high-end services. Not only does it offer a cheaper entry price, but there are more tiered subscriptions to choose from on both short and long-term plans. The 2-year plan costs $96.93 ($3.59/month) or $121.23 ($4.49/month) with Threat Protection Pro and Password Manager, while ExpressVPN is $139.72 ($4.99/month) for 2 years. Proton VPN If you're frequently switching subscriptions and want a solid VPN with both free and paid versions, Proton VPN should be on your radar. It's secure and reliable, notably for activities like torrenting. Surfshark This is a great option for countries with heavy online censorship, thanks to its extra built-in features for bypassing network or site-specific restrictions. Private Internet Access (PIA) PIA is an affordable VPN that allows unlimited connections with one subscription. ZDNET's product of the year: Why Oura Ring 4 bested Samsung, Apple, and others in 2024 I tested Samsung's 98-inch 4K QLED TV, and watching Hollywood movies on it left me in awe I let my 8-year-old test this Android phone for kids. Here's what you should know before buying This ThinkPad checks all my boxes for a solid work laptop. Here's why it stands out
For understanding a patient’s illness, a doctor typically analyses several physiological indicators as well as reports generated following diagnostic tests. The advent of artificial intelligence (AI), however, is set to change the practices in vogue since decades. AI can correlate the patient’s symptoms and diagnostic results using health records in the database to identify the cause of illness within a few seconds — helping the doctor to save time and increase operational efficiency of a hospital. According to a comprehensive report published in August by the Indian School of Business (ISB), AI's real transformation in healthcare is in patient care and clinical research. In medical imaging, it accelerates diagnosis, while in surgeries, AI-driven robotics enhance precision. During the pandemic, AI played a critical role in tracking outbreaks and assisting in treatment planning. Initiatives such as Wadhwani AI’s media scanning solution for disease surveillance and Artelus’s image recognition for early diagnosis highlight the technology’s versatility. The doctor to patient ratio is abysmally low in rural India, with one doctor having to treat 2,000 people. The advent of AI is a morale-booster for doctors. The central government is reportedly keen on promoting AI applications in the healthcare sector. Several state governments are investing heavily in AI rollout in the healthcare sector. An advanced healthcare AI can help the government or private hospitals to roll out telemedicine to make healthcare more accessible, especially in remote regions. AI can also revolutionise preventive healthcare as it can identify patterns early, which will help the doctors to begin treatment at the earliest. In 2022, the Indian healthcare industry was estimated to be worth $372 billion. It is expected to grow at around 20 per cent till 2030. The use of AI will propel the growth rate. But how does AI work and how does one deploy AI for healthcare purposes? AI uses various advanced technologies such as machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), expert systems, and image and signal processing for diagnosis. Machine learning automates data analysis to identify patterns, while NLP aids in processing medical records and transcription. Expert systems, on the other hand, specialise in solving specific problems like diagnosing chronic conditions. Image and signal processing refine medical imaging data, allowing for accurate and timely diagnosis. NITI Aayog has deployed AI for early detection of diabetes and eye-related ailments. Radiology was among the first fields to adopt AI. Startups like Dozee, which developed India’s first AI-powered remote patient monitoring system, and Augnito, a speech recognition tool for medical transcription, are setting benchmarks in healthcare innovation. IIIT Hyderabad is also using AI for detecting sleep quality and sleep-related disorders. While AI can study sleep stages to precise levels, deep learning (DL) can automate the sleep stage data through supervised and unsupervised learning models, said Prof. S. Bapi Raju, lead researcher and head of Cognitive Sciences Lab at IIIT Hyderabad. AI could be a boon for remote ICU assistance, says Dr D.V.R. Seshadri, director, centre for business markets, ISB. "Once a technology such as the one for remote ICU assistance (CloudPhysician), breast cancer detection (Niramai) or scanning through millions of x-rays to detect TB are scaled up, many companies will inevitably spring up to deploy these technologies on a massive scale," he said. However, the widespread adoption of AI in healthcare is not without challenges. A lack of comprehensive electronic health records (EHR) and high infrastructure costs are the hindrances. There is also a significant skill gap, as professionals proficient in both healthcare and AI, are scarce. Additionally, concerns about data privacy, accountability, and ethical use persist. An even wider concern is the possibility of AI replacing doctors. However, Dr Seshadri allayed these concerns: "This is very unlikely in the foreseeable future. At the end of the day, the patient would like the assurance of a human doctor. While AI tools may be leveraged to enhance the efficacy of the doctors, it cannot replace doctors any time soon." "There is convergence of multiple disciplines happening on a massive scale. It may be hard to isolate the application of AI in disease surveillance from its other applications. The regulatory systems to prevent such convergence typically lag behind the application of these technologies, and hence we cannot rule out the misuse of AI technologies in healthcare for purposes other than what was originally intended," Dr Seshadri explained. AI uses various advanced technologies such as machine learning (ML), natural language processing (NLP), expert systems, and image and signal processing for diagnosis. Machine learning automates data analysis to identify patterns, while NLP aids in processing medical records and transcription. Expert systems, on the other hand, specialise in solving specific problems like diagnosing chronic conditions. Image and signal processing refine medical imaging data, allowing for accurate and timely diagnosis.Warming Up For Another Run - Upgrading Lyft To A Buy
Restaurateurs Behind Berkeley’s Rose Pizzeria Debuting New Cafe