Farmers are plotting a New Year supermarket blockade to ramp up . Under plans drawn up by radical elements of , tractors could block supermarket distribution centres across the country, The Telegraph understands. The coordinated action to block the hubs, a key part of the supermarket supply chain, could take place as soon as mid-January and risks leaving shelves empty. Campaign sources said the action would increase incrementally but could result in a “complete shutdown” until the Government negotiates. It marks a significant escalation in what has been a fierce backlash to plans announced by Rachel Reeves in . The Chancellor placed a 20 per cent inheritance tax on farmers’ assets worth more than £1 million in her first Budget. Previously, tax breaks designed to allow family farms to pass down the generations were exempt from the divisive 40 per cent duty. The move resulted in a mass protest in Westminster in November attended by thousands of farmers including , the former Top Gear presenter. Since then smaller protests have occurred in the capital, while tractor ‘go-slow’ protests have taken place in Dover and Suffolk. Some farming groups are expected to organise a national day of action on Jan 25 alongside the , with tractor rallies and roadside banners targeting marginal Labour constituencies. But now some are plotting a more radical course of action as they try to pile pressure on the Government to scrap the policy. One with knowledge of the blockade, which could happen as soon as mid-Januaury, told The Telegraph: “The first time will be for a short period to show it can be done. Then a 12 or 24-hour shutdown, and ultimately if it gets that far, a complete shutdown until the Government come to the table. “It could ultimately shut down the economy, no food means serious chaos. The Government have picked a fight with the wrong sector!” Distribution centres are large facilities that store and process a wide range of products for a supermarket and are a key part of the supply chain. Over 2 billion cases are moved through ’s distribution network each year, with 95 per cent distrusted centrally. Elsewhere, Asda has 21 distribution centres across the UK that store goods before they are sent to individual stores. As of 2023, had 10 distribution centres and warehouses in locations including Welham Green, Bradford, Stoke, Swindon and Thurrock. Cllr Tim Taylor, leader of Pro Farmers United, who besieged the Welsh Labour conference said it was important the campaign does not lose public support but that Labour was now learning “the hard way”. He said: “We have to keep it in the public eye. Labour won’t cave but if that pressure is on and on and we have the public support, then keep your eye on the county council elections in May. “They are not going to do anything regardless of how we step up but now they are learning the hard way, we are not going to be messed about with.” Supermarkets and food suppliers are watching the situation closely and the Government is thought to have drawn up contingency plans to keep supermarket shelves stocked. In November, when ministers feared farmers would seek to disrupt the supermarket supply chain, Louise Haigh, the Transport Secretary, said the would ensure “food security is treated as the priority it deserves to be”. A government source added: “As any responsible government would, we would rightly prepare for a range of scenarios to ensure that consumers are not affected.” Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability at the British Retail Consortium last night said retailers were working hard to minimise disruption. He said: “Retailers are closely monitoring the impact of the potential interventions, including strikes, but are adept at dealing with disruption and are working hard to ensure customers aren’t impacted.” The Government has so far refused to reverse the planned changes to agricultural property relief, which would see a 20 per cent inheritance tax on estates worth more than £1 million. Farming and rural groups say the tax could be devastating for family businesses, and risks creating a mental health crisis among older farmers. It comes as has been warned his ratings have suffered a “catastrophic” fall among countryside voters angered by his “family farm tax”. Just one in five voters believe Labour cares about people who live and work in the countryside, polling for The Telegraph has found. A survey of more than 2,000 adults conducted by Public First, the political consultancy, found only 22 per cent believed Labour cared about those in rural areas. Ministers are understood to have drawn up contingency plans to minimise disruption and deal with any food shortages. A Government spokesman said: “Our commitment to farmers remains steadfast – we have committed £5 billion to the farming budget over two years, including more money than ever for sustainable food production, and we are developing a 25-year farming roadmap, focusing on how to make the sector more profitable in the decades to come “Our reform to Agricultural and Business Property Relief will impact around 500 estates a year. For these estates, inheritance tax will be at half the rate paid by others, with 10 years to pay the liability back interest free. This is a fair and balanced approach which fixes the public services we all rely on.”Share Tweet Share Share Email In recent years, user experience design has become one of the most discussed topics in the world of technology and business. With each new generation of devices and platforms, user demands are growing increasingly sophisticated, requiring designers to continuously improve their knowledge and skills. This article explores modern trends in UX design and provides a potential outlook for the future. Personalization One of the key trends that continues to gain popularity is personalization. Users expect interfaces to adapt to their preferences and behavior. This may include suggestions based on past actions and interface customization according to individual needs. Empirical analysis shows that factors like personalization, mobile-first design principles, and emerging technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) significantly impact user engagement and satisfaction. Mobile applications tailored to individual preferences and user contexts enhance satisfaction and interaction. Mobile-first design improves usability and performance, while immersive technologies open new horizons for engagement. Observations highlight the necessity of constant adaptation and innovation to meet evolving user demands and technological advancements. Contributions to theory, practice, and policy include applying the theory of planned behavior, the technology acceptance model, and user-centered design principles. These theoretical frameworks can serve as a foundation for future UX research. Mobile app developers should focus on adding personalization features to adapt to user preferences and enhance engagement. It is also essential to apply principles that improve app usability on mobile devices. Developers are encouraged to integrate new technologies, such as AR and VR, while emphasizing accessibility and usability. Additionally, implementing a feedback system to collect user input and improve the app based on their comments is highly recommended [1]. Inclusive Design Inclusive design is becoming a vital part of UX, ensuring interface accessibility for people with various limitations. It focuses on understanding the needs of diverse user groups, including individuals with disabilities, and incorporates methods such as user research, persona creation, and journey mapping. Prototyping enables the development of early product versions to visualize and test concepts, which is particularly important to ensure interface accessibility and usability. This requires designers to have a deep understanding of the needs of different user groups and to apply universal design principles. Integrating these methods into agile development processes allows teams to make quick adjustments, thereby improving the functionality and accessibility of the final product. From a business analyst’s perspective, prototyping offers several advantages in this regard. First, it facilitates more effective collaboration among stakeholders, designers, and developers by providing a visual representation of ideas and requirements. This helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures a shared vision of project goals. Second, early and ongoing prototyping enables rapid testing of design hypotheses, reducing the risk of costly changes later in the process. In this context, business analysts can employ user-centered approaches to identify key features, manage stakeholder expectations, and make informed decisions. Incorporating user feedback during development ensures that the final product meets their needs and helps achieve business objectives [2]. Microinteractions In recent years, microinteractions became an essential element of UX design, particularly in the context of e-commerce websites. Microinteractions are small but meaningful interactions that occur during product use, helping users complete specific tasks. These can include elements such as animations, notifications, button state changes, and other forms of visual feedback. One reason for the popularity of microinteractions is their ability to enrich the user experience, creating a sense of engagement and control. For example, when adding an item to the cart, users might see an animation confirming the action. This not only informs them that the action has been completed but also makes the process more enjoyable. Such elements help reduce uncertainty and boost user confidence in their actions. Moreover, microinteractions can significantly improve website navigation. Through small visual cues and animations, users can better understand how to use the interface, which is especially important for e-commerce websites where users may struggle to find the right products or information. For instance, smooth transitions and changes in the state of interface elements help direct users’ attention and make their interaction with the website more intuitive. However, implementing microinteractions requires a careful approach. Inappropriate or excessive animations can distract users and worsen their experience. Therefore, it is crucial to strike a balance between aesthetics and functionality while considering the context of use [3]. Voice Interfaces With the advancement of artificial intelligence and natural language processing technologies, voice interfaces are becoming increasingly popular in UX design. This trend is particularly noticeable in areas like fintech, where users seek more convenient and efficient ways to interact with financial products and services. Voice interfaces allow users to interact with applications and devices through voice commands. Users can perform various actions, such as checking balances, transferring funds, or obtaining product information, simply by speaking commands. This is particularly useful in situations where hands-free use is necessary, such as while driving or exercising. Voice interfaces can provide a more personalized experience. Systems using machine learning technologies can adapt to users’ communication styles and preferences, enabling more natural and effective interactions. Additionally, voice interfaces can help eliminate language barriers by allowing users to interact with applications in their native language. However, implementing voice interfaces also comes with certain challenges. Designers must account for the diversity of accents, pronunciations, and speech patterns to ensure accurate speech recognition. It is essential to create clear and understandable commands so users can easily understand how to interact with the system. Privacy and security considerations are also critical, especially in the context of financial applications where the protection of personal information is paramount [4]. With the development of technologies such as artificial intelligence and augmented reality, UX design will continue to evolve. The use of data and analytics to understand user behavior will remain a priority in creating effective UX solutions. Thus, the revolution in user experience design continues, and it is important to stay updated on modern trends. Designers must be ready to adapt to changes and embrace new phenomena to create products that meet user expectations. References: Okonkwo C. Assessment of User Experience (UX) Design Trends in Mobile Applications. – Journal of Technology and Systems 6(5):29-41. – 2024. 2. Adeleke A., Sanyaolu T.O., Efunniyi C.P., Akwawa L. Leveraging UX design and prototyping in agile development: A business analyst’s perspective. – Engineering Science & Technology Journal 5(8):2670-2693. – 2024. 3. Suadamara R. Opportunity and Challenges in UX Design for E-Commerce Website. – Engineering Mathematics and Computer Science (EMACS) Journal 6(2):157-162. – 2024. Xu Y., Liu Y., Xu H., Tan H. AI-Driven UX/UI Design: Empirical Research and Applications in 4. FinTech. – International Journal of Innovative Research in Computer Science & Technology 12(4):99-109. – 2024. Related Items: adaptive interfaces. , inclusive design , Microinteractions , personalization , technologies , User Experience , UX design , voice interfaces Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Why Attending a Logistics Summit Can Transform Your Supply Chain Strategy Top 10 WordPress Plugins to Improve Speed Test Results Improving User Experience: Why UX Matters for Your Business Comments
What the Options Market Tells Us About Soleno Therapeutics
Tencent Video, one of China's leading online streaming platforms, recently announced adjustments to its membership benefits, sparking discussions among users. The new changes have introduced distinctions between new and existing members, leading to both excitement and concerns within the user community.
48 hours of shocking 104 points is not a good thing! Huo Nan: Jokic pay cut theory points to Murray and Porter Jr., Jokic performance is admirableIn conclusion, the simultaneous airing of Yang Zi's "National Beauty" and Bai Lu's "White Moon Fanzing" has ignited a spirited debate among viewers, with each drama offering its own unique appeal and strengths. While it may be challenging to declare a definitive winner in this showdown, one thing is certain – both dramas have captured the hearts and imaginations of audiences, solidifying their places as must-watch series in the competitive landscape of Chinese television dramas.
A passenger plane skidded off a runway at a South Korean airport yesterday, slammed into a concrete fence and burst into flames after its front landing gear apparently failed to deploy. All but two of the 181 people on board died in one of the country’s worst aviation disasters. The Jeju Air plane crashed while landing in the town of Muan, about 290 kilometers south of Seoul. The Transport Ministry said the plane was a 15-year-old Boeing 737-800 jet that had arrived from Bangkok and that the crash happened at 9:03 a.m. A total of 179 people — 85 women, 84 men and 10 others whose genders weren’t immediately identifiable — died in the fire, the South Korean fire agency said. Emergency workers pulled two people, both crew members, to safety. Health officials said they are conscious and not in life-threatening condition. Among the 177 bodies so far found, officials have so far identified 88 of them, the fire agency said. The passengers were predominantly South Korean, as well as two Thai nationals. Thailand’s Foreign Ministry said its embassy in Seoul received confirmation from South Korean authorities that the two Thai passengers were among the fatalities. The fire agency deployed 32 fire trucks and several helicopters to contain the blaze. About 1,570 firefighters, police officers, soldiers and other officials were also sent to the site, according to the fire agency and transport ministry. Footage of the crash aired by South Korean television channels showed the plane skidding across the airstrip at high speed, apparently with its landing gear still closed, overrunning the runway and colliding head-on with a concrete wall on the outskirts of the facility, triggering an explosion. Other local TV stations aired footage showing thick plumes of black smoke billowing from the plane, which was engulfed in flames. Lee Jeong-hyeon, chief of the Muan fire station, told a televised briefing that the plane was completely destroyed, with only the tail assembly remaining recognizable among the wreckage. Lee said that workers were looking into various possibilities about what caused the crash, including whether the aircraft was struck by birds, Lee said. Transport Ministry officials later said their early assessment of communication records show the airport control tower issued a bird strike warning to the plane shortly before it intended to land and gave its pilot permission to land in a different area. The pilot sent out a distress signal shortly before the plane overshot the end of the runway and skidded across a buffer zone before hitting the wall, the officials said. Senior Transport Ministry official Joo Jong-wan said workers have retrieved the flight data and cockpit voice recorders of the plane’s black box, which will be examined by government experts investigating the cause of the crash and fire. He said it may take months for investigators to complete their probe. The runway at the Muan airport will be closed until Jan. 1, the ministry said. Thailand’s prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, expressed deep condolences to the families of those affected by the accident in a post on social platform X. Paetongtarn said she ordered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide assistance immediately. Kerati Kijmanawat, the director of Airports of Thailand, confirmed in a statement that Jeju Air flight 7C 2216 departed from Suvarnabhumi Airport with no reports of abnormal conditions with the aircraft or on the runway. Jeju Air in a statement expressed its “deep apology” over the crash and said it will do its “utmost to manage the aftermath of the accident.” In a televised news conference, Kim E-bae, Jeju Air’s president, bowed deeply with other senior company officials as he apologized to bereaved families and said he feels “full responsibility” for the incident. Kim said the company hadn’t identified any mechanical problems with the aircraft following regular checkups and that he would wait for the results of government investigations into the cause of the incident. Family members wailed as officials announced the names of some victims at a lounge in the Muan airport. Boeing said in a statement on X it was in contact with Jeju Air and is ready to support the company in dealing with the crash. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones, and our thoughts remain with the passengers and crew,” Boeing said. The incident came as South Korea is embroiled into a huge political crisis triggered by President Yoon Suk Yeol’s stunning imposition of martial law and ensuing impeachment. Last Friday, South Korean lawmakers impeached acting President Han Duck-soo and suspended his duties, leading Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok to take over. Choi, who traveled to the site in Muan, called for officials to employ all available resources to find the missing and identify the victims as soon as possible. The government declared Muan a special disaster zone to provide assistance to the families of victims and designated a weeklong national mourning period through Saturday. Yoon’s office said his chief secretary, Chung Jin-suk, presided over an emergency meeting between senior presidential staff to discuss the crash and reported the details to Choi. Yoon expressed condolences to the victims in a Facebook posting. The Muan crash is one of the deadliest disasters in South Korea’s aviation history. The last time South Korea suffered a large-scale air disaster was in 1997, when a Korean Airline plane crashed in Guam, killing 228 people on board. HYUNG-JIN KIM & KIM TONG-HYUNG, SEOUL, MDT/AP
Xavier aims to rebound from a tough week and get one more critical tune-up for a rivalry matchup when it hosts Morgan State on Tuesday night in Cincinnati. The Musketeers (7-2) were ranked No. 22 in the AP poll two weeks ago but fell out after a 25-point loss to Michigan in the Fort Myers Tip-Off tournament final on Nov. 27. Xavier then barely escaped with a 71-68 home win over South Carolina State on Dec. 1 before losing 76-72 at TCU on Thursday. Dante Maddox Jr. came off the bench to score nine points in 20 minutes on three 3-pointers against the Horned Frogs. He also grabbed six rebounds before fouling out. The Musketeers have been waiting for the Toledo transfer to add a punch to an underwhelming bench cast that many thought would be a strength for Xavier coming into the season. "I really feel like you can almost be baited into a false sense of how deep your team is because you're around guys every day and have a good, older group, which we do," Musketeers coach Sean Miller said. "You see the good in a lot of different guys. It's not until you get 8 to 10, 10 to 15 games in when you truly understand how deep your team is." Maddox hit a 3-pointer and started a fastbreak with a steal that gave Xavier a 60-54 lead with 7:28 remaining, but the Musketeers faded down the stretch and lost for the second time in three games. Maddox is averaging 4.7 points per game, while Ryan Conwell leads the team with 16.6. Tuesday's game will be the last chance for Xavier to straighten up before visiting No. 22 Cincinnati on Saturday for the teams' annual intense crosstown showdown. Morgan State (5-7) is coming off a 102-81 road loss at Bowling Green on Saturday. Preseason All-MEAC First Team selection Will Thomas led the Bears with 19 points on 8-of-15 shooting from the field, while Kameron Hobbs scored 12 points off the bench. Amahrie Simpkins made all five of his field-goal attempts to add 11 points and Wynston Tabbs had 10 points, six rebounds and six assists. Tabbs leads Morgan State in scoring this season at 16.8 points per game, while Simpkins (12.8) and Thomas (12.2) round out the Bears' double-digit scorers. The Bears have struggled away from home, losing all five road contests this season. --Field Level MediaThe criteria for determining who receives a year-end bonus versus thirteenth-month pay can also vary. Year-end bonuses are typically discretionary and may be based on factors such as individual productivity, project outcomes, and overall contribution to the company. In contrast, thirteenth-month pay is usually a mandatory benefit that is provided to all eligible employees, regardless of performance.
The company cited mounting economic pressures and the need to transition to greener practises. Of the planned job reductions, 5,000 roles will be eliminated within the steel unit, while another 6,000 positions are scheduled for outsourcing, according to a statement quoted by . The steel division currently employs approximately 27,000 people, highlighting the significant impact of these measures. Most Read on Euro Weekly News The company described the cuts as part of “urgent measures required to improve Thyssenkrupp Steel’s productivity and operational efficiency and to achieve a competitive cost level.” Rising energy prices, interest rates, and a global oversupply of steel – driven largely by Asian competition – have intensified financial pressures on Thyssenkrupp. Thyssenkrupp has faced structural difficulties for years, but these have been exacerbated by external economic factors such as the and surging energy costs. These pressures, coupled with high financing costs, have hindered the company’s ability to invest in efficiency and sustainability. Thyssenkrupp is investing heavily in sustainable steel production as part of its restructuring strategy. The company is transitioning to green hydrogen technology to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, a move essential for compliance with European environmental regulations. However, CEO Miguel López has acknowledged that these green initiatives come with high financial costs, describing the 2024 fiscal year as a “crucial” period. Despite the financial strain, López emphasised the importance of modernising the company’s operations to improve productivity and remain competitive. Thyssenkrupp’s commitment to green technology could also create future opportunities in renewable energy and sustainable industries, potentially offering new pathways for locals with expertise in these areas. .
MERCER 90, JACKSONVILLE 89, OT
What initially started as a personal project soon gained widespread recognition within the school community. Students would eagerly anticipate Mr. Smith's classes, not just for the knowledge he imparted but also for the mesmerizing diagrams that adorned the classroom walls. The diagrams weren't just for visual appeal; they served as invaluable teaching aids, helping students visualize and understand the intricate workings of engines in a way that textbooks simply couldn't match.
‘Beatles ’64’ Review: David Tedeschi’s Disney+ Doc Sees the British Invasion from the Inside OutFacing the tumultuous sea of emotions swirling around her, Hope Yuhua remained a pillar of strength and resilience. She exuded a sense of quiet determination and unyielding faith in the truth, even as the weight of the sentence bore down on her shoulders.
Canada's financial intelligence agency aiming to provide crucial info in real time