The recent peak of 12,000 concurrent players on Steam is a testament to the popularity of the game and its ability to captivate audiences around the globe. The vibrant community of players who have flocked to the game are drawn in by its captivating storyline, engaging gameplay mechanics, and stunning visuals that transport them to a world of adventure and danger.Empress Xi's return to the palace has been a spectacle that has captured the hearts of viewers time and time again. The drama surrounding her reappearance has been nothing short of mesmerizing, with fans eagerly anticipating each episode. In a move that has solidified its place as a must-watch series, Youku has delivered a masterpiece with "Empress Xi Returns to the Palace."
During recent prior year projections for digital storage and memory we have not talked much about digital storage using optical recording. Optical storage media was a big consumer technology in the past as a method for digital content distribution but there was another market for optical storage for archival storage, where cartridges of optical discs were kept in libraries, similar to the optical libraries used for magnetic tape storage. These libraries used optical discs which were derived from Blu-ray and other mass market optical storage technologies and were often write-once optical media meant for archive applications. Let’s talk about where optical storage fits into the storage hierarchy and about the technologies being introduced by a number of optical storage startups, which could change the way that data centers store archived information. Data centers often use a combination of digital storage products with different performance versus cost trade-offs together to meet the needs of different workflows with the highest efficiency and lowest costs. The different layers in such a storage hierarchy today often feature solid state drives, SSDs, using NAND flash as a faster but more expensive, in $/TB, primary storage. This primary storage directly feeds the faster but even more expensive and volatile, DRAM memory used to directly support computation. There is another layer of digital storage, often called the secondary storage layer where lower cost, lower performance digital storage technologies are used to store a larger amount of less active data than that stored in primary storage. Secondary storage is where nearline hard disk drives, HDDs, are used the most to store data which has value, but which does not require the performance characteristics of most enterprise SSDs. In addition to HDDs there are a number of storage systems meant for secondary storage using quad-level cell, QLC, flash SSDs. These SSDs often higher storage capacity at lower cost than multi-level cell, MLC, and three-level cell, TLC, NAND flash, but they have lower endurance and lower performance, but still higher than that of individual HDDs. However, the raw storage costs of these QLC SSDs are still higher than that of nearline HDDs and so these products will likely have the most use where in-frequently written secondary storage with higher performance is needed. The final layer in this storage hierarchy is archival storage, where data is kept that still has potential value but which is very seldom accessed, for instance for various types of legal compliance or for historical value. This layer generally requires even lower costs for storage than the secondary storage layer and this is the realm where magnetic tape and optical disc storage have their greatest use. The chart below, from my colleague, Jim Handy, of Objective Analysis shows a log-log plot of storage performance versus capacity price for various memory and digital storage technologies. Coughlin Associates projects that annual storage capacity shipments for solid state drives (SSDs), hard disk drives (HDDs) and magnetic tape/optical storage should grow over 5X from 2024 through 2029. The majority of this stored data is for secondary or active archive applications where data is retained for later access and it is generally transferred to faster SSDs and DRAM for primary storage and immediate use. The percentage of data in secondary and archived storage is growing faster than primary storage. Optical storage libraries are still being sold as an alternative to magnetic tape storage and with the technologies being introduced by numerous startup optical storage startups, this use could increase. Coughlin Associates recently wrote a white paper on current archive storage technologies, including these newer optical storage technologies . This article includes some material from that white paper as well as the IEEE Mass Storage Roadmap . As secondary and archive storage demand grows, there may be opportunities for new storage media to play a role, particularly if they can provide higher performance, lower cost, including ongoing energy costs, and greater longevity than current archive storage media. There are also archival optical approaches that don’t use optical discs but rather ceramic coated rectangular glass sheets. Modern optical recording technologies are particularly interesting for archive and particularly digital preservation applications because the various optical storage media can last 100 years or more in a much less controlled environment that magnetic storage technologies. Conventional optical media uses lasers with a fixed wavelength to ablate regions of the media or to change the reflective characteristics of the media to create optical features that can be encoded to store digital information. This is how CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray discs work. Over 10 years ago, Panasonic and Sony created a roadmap for multiple layer two-sided Blu-ray derived optical storage that they projected would reach at least one TB per disc (Archival Disc, AD). In practice this technology, while used in some facilities, never became mainstream for general data archiving and demonstrated product disc storage capacity have not exceeded 500GB (their second-generation product, introduced in 2020. Sony and Panasonic both introduced optical disc library systems using their AD technology. There are many other optical recording media, which include PiqlFilm, which uses black and white, negative silver-halide film on a polyester base. This method is unique in that it can include recorded human readable instructions and file format and source code for reading data, in addition to digital data. This archive method is being used in some scientific, engineering and historical archives. PiqlFilm is also the initiator of the Arctic World Archive (AWA), a repository for world memory located in Northern Norway on the Arctic Ocean. Microsoft and the University of Southampton have explored volumetric archive recording in fused silica using a fast laser. This is a write once method with a media that should be stable for 100’s of years and can store up to 360TB of data on a 5-inch glass plate. The Southampton researchers have recently started a company, SPhontonix, to commercialize this technology. A California-based startup, Group 47 developed the Digital Optical Tape System (DOTS) that it says can preserve data for more than 200 years using a phase change media sputtered on a polyester-based film. The image below shows the SPhotonix optical storage concept. Various holographic optical recording technologies have also been developed over the years, but, although research on this technology continues, no commercial products using holographic recording have been successfully implemented for archival storage. Folio Photonics is a company which has developed a multilayer optical recording system for archiving applications which can result in photothermal recording similar to Blu-ray optical discs with either reflective or fluorescent recording technologies. Their technology uses photosensitive dyes dispersed in a polymer matrix to create a reflective or fluorescent optical media. This photosensitive material has a strong optical absorption at 405nm, the wavelength used for conventional Blu-ray discs. Using roll-to-roll co-extrusion processes, multiple layers can be produced all at once in a media which can be cut and placed on plastic optical disc substrates, reducing the costs of making a multiple layer optical media. Rather than using a spiral tracking feature embossed on conventional optical discs (hence the land and grooves), Folio does head tracking with a separate laser focused on the disc substrate where the tracking pattern is embossed. Folio Photonics believes that this could be done in multiple layers (dozens of layers all at once) with an initial manufacturing cost of less than $5/TB and with more layers going to less than $2/TB by 2029. Note that one of the on-going issues with multi-layer optical media has been the optical absorption of the layers which can reduce the storage capacity and signal from lower layers. The image below shows Folio Photonic’s projection for optical disc storage capacity with their technology. Another interesting optical recording contender is Cerabyte, founded in 2020 and with headquarters recently moved to Silicon Valley. Cerabyte uses sputtered 10nm ceramic layers on a glass substrate. Data is written encoded in an array of data matrices using a 2-D digital micro mirror with up to 2 million elements simultaneously written by femtosecond laser pulses in the UV spectrum with a write speed of 1GB/s and with less than 1W average power. Reading is done at GB/s data rates using high-speed image sensors and parallel high speed image processing for decoding. The image below shows Cerabytes digital recording concept. Both reading and writing are done across the square substrate by scanning the microscope optics using high-speed XY stages kept in focus using a piezo driven auto focus system enabling random data access. The 9X9 cm media sheets can be recorded on both sides and stacked in cartridges for robotic access similar to that used for conventional optical and magnetic tape libraries. Cerabyte projects media costs below $1/TB by 2030. Optera Data’s storage technology takes advantage of changes in the optical absorption/emission characteristics of its recording media at several adjacent laser frequencies during writing and then by reading these changes. These changes are referred to as spectral holes. They do this using an optical media which consists of a mixture of nano-particles with many particles lying within the write/read laser spot and the nano-particles have different but adjacent optical emission/absorption frequencies. To prevent oxidation, these nano-particles may be encapsulated in plastic beads and spread across a conventional plastic (or other material) optical disc substrate. The combination of these nano-particles, in which spectral sensitivities are close to and partly overlapping each other, results in a combined spectral emission profile that is called a “top-hat” fluorescence emission profile, that is, the light emitted by the different nano-particles, combine together to make a pattern like that shown in (a) in the figure below. With this media, tuning the write laser frequency to match that of one of the nano-particle frequencies creates a spectral hole where the nanoparticle emission can be diminished as shown in (b) in the figure below. These spectral holes can have a depth that depends upon the level of laser energy during the spectral hole writing as shown in the figure. Data can be encoded in both the frequency and depth of these spectral holes. Optera believes that, short term, 1TB discs are feasible with particulate media and medium term, a thin film single layer write once archival disc with high volume manufacturing costs of $1/10TB ($0.10/TB) is possible before the end of the decade. Longer term (say within a decade or so), these costs could be reduced even further, if this technology were implemented as a volumetric recording technology (perhaps even having 10X lower cost, $0.01/TB). Projections of new optical storage archiving systems promise 1PB optical cartridges by the 2030’s, compared to the possible 576TB cartridge projections for LTO Gen 14. Optical storage could be a significant contender for the digital archive market.75% of clubs want Man City relegated
YouTube star-turned-boxer Jake Paul has expressed his desire to face former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in the ring. Fresh from his stunning victory over boxing icon Mike Tyson, Paul’s aspirations signal a bold move into the heavyweight division. Paul’s promotional partner, Nakisa Bidarian, revealed the ambitious plan during an interview with Sky Sports. “Jake’s feedback to me was, ‘I want to do that fight. Not now. But I want to do that.’ To be a world champion at cruiserweight, he wants to do that,” Bidarian said. While Paul’s career has already disrupted traditional boxing norms, a bout with Joshua or other heavyweight contenders like Daniel Dubois would test new boundaries. Bidarian noted that the motivation behind these fights isn’t financial, as Paul has been a millionaire since age 18, but rather to “test the limits of what’s possible” and deliver moments that captivate the world. “Jake weighed in at 227lbs for the Tyson fight but walks around at 215lbs,” Bidarian added. Related News Continent’s best clash at African Knockout Championship ‘Joshua should wait for Fury fight’ Ajagba poised for world title shot “For the right environment and framework, he’s willing to go beyond expectations. It’s about doing things that make people say, ‘Wow, that really happened.’” Paul’s intentions come amid speculation about Joshua’s future in boxing. Former unified light-welterweight world champion Amir Khan recently advised Joshua to focus on a highly anticipated bout with Tyson Fury before retiring. “Joshua should wait for the big fight against Tyson Fury,” Khan told *New Zealand Daily*. “AJ has done phenomenal in boxing... but why not finish on a big high by taking the Fury fight and then call it a day?” Joshua, who has earned over $200m in his career, is currently recovering from injuries sustained during his knockout loss to IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois in September. Promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed that Joshua is unlikely to return to the ring before May 2024. Meanwhile, Fury is preparing for a rematch with unified champion Oleksandr Usyk after losing his WBC heavyweight title in a split decision earlier this year. Should Fury fail to reclaim the title, there is speculation that a Joshua-Fury bout could be staged under Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Season banner, promising significant financial backing.As Trump continues to flirt with the idea of a potential return to power, Zelensky's words serve as a reminder that democracy is a process that requires constant vigilance and commitment. The rule of law, independent institutions, and respect for the will of the people are the cornerstones of a functioning democracy, and any attempt to undermine these principles must be met with strong opposition.
Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The toxin affects the nervous system and can lead to muscle weakness, paralysis, and potentially life-threatening respiratory failure. Botulinum toxin, commonly known as Botox, is used in cosmetic procedures to temporarily reduce the appearance of wrinkles by paralyzing facial muscles.Ideal L6 Achieves Impressive C-NCAP Safety Ratings, Setting New Heights in Safety
NOVATO, Calif. , Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hennessy Advisors, Inc. (Nasdaq: HNNA) today reported results for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024 . "So far in 2024, the U.S. stock market and economy have thrived on a wave of optimism," said Neil Hennessy , Chairman and CEO. "With the presidential election and initial Federal Reserve rate cuts now behind us, investors can return their focus to core fundamentals of the U.S. economy, which appear solid." "Over the course of more than four decades in this business, I have witnessed the economic resilience of the United States through periods of high inflation, rising interest rates, and geopolitical uncertainty. Today, I believe many economic fundamentals are strong. Unemployment is low and stable, corporate earnings and cash flows are robust, and our banking system is both healthy and viable. With positive consumer sentiment, I see spending driving corporate profits, and I believe this will spur the stock market's continued growth through the end of the year and beyond. As always, our focus remains on navigating any economic environment to deliver long-term value for our shareholders," he continued. "In the one-year period ended September 30, 2024 , the Dow Jones Industrial Average returned 28.85% and the S&P 500 ® Index returned 36.35% (on a total return basis). Over the same period, all 17 Hennessy Funds posted positive returns. Over the longer term, 15 of the Hennessy Funds posted positive returns for the three-year period ended September 30, 2024 , and all 16 Hennessy Funds with at least 10 years of operating history posted positive returns for both the 5-year and 10-year periods ended September 30, 2024 ," stated Neil Hennessy . "In 2024, we successfully executed on all three fronts of our long-standing business strategy," said Teresa Nilsen , President and COO. "Over the twelve months ended September 30, 2024 , we purchased assets related to the management of $72 million in mutual funds, we welcomed $549 million in net new assets under management, and we benefited from nearly $1 billion in market appreciation." "The effective execution of our business model drove a 23% increase in our average assets under management over the prior year, creating a strong start to fiscal year 2025 with total assets under management up more than 50% since September 30, 2023 ," she continued. "Our fiscal year results reflect both the strength of our consistent strategy and the dedication of our talented team, whose focused efforts have driven the success of Hennessy Advisors for over 35 years. I am immensely proud of what we've accomplished and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead." Summary Highlights for the Fiscal Year (compared to fiscal year 2023): Twelve Months Ended Sept 30, Change 2024 2023 Dollar Percent Total Revenue $ 29,646,194 $ 24,019,874 $ 5,626,320 23.4 % Net Income 7,096,701 4,770,888 2,325,813 48.8 % Earnings Per Share (Diluted) 0.92 0.63 0.29 46.0 % Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding (Diluted) 7,721,781 7,603,676 118,105 1.6 % Average Assets Under Management 3,686,942,501 2,991,689,979 695,252,522 23.2 % As of Sept 30, 2024 2023 Total Assets Under Management $ 4,642,363,105 $ 3,032,041,791 $ 1,610,321,314 53.1 % Cash and Cash Equivalents, Net of Gross Debt Balance 23,671,594 20,225,668 3,445,926 17.0 % About Hennessy Advisors, Inc. Hennessy Advisors, Inc. is a publicly traded investment manager offering a broad range of domestic equity, multi-asset, and sector and specialty funds. Hennessy Advisors, Inc. is committed to providing superior service to shareholders and employing a consistent and disciplined approach to investing based on a buy‐and‐hold philosophy that rejects the idea of market timing. Supplemental Information Nothing in this press release shall be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security to any person in any jurisdiction where such offer, solicitation, purchase, or sale would be unlawful under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" for which Hennessy Advisors, Inc. claims the protection of the safe harbor contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward‐looking statements relate to expectations and projections about future events based on currently available information. Forward‐looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance or results and are not necessarily accurate indications of the times at which, or means by which, such performance or results may be achieved. Forward‐looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, including those described in the sections entitled "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in the reports that Hennessy Advisors, Inc. files with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Unforeseen developments could cause actual performance or results to differ substantially from those expressed in, or suggested by, the forward‐looking statements. Hennessy Advisors, Inc. management does not assume responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the forward-looking statements and undertakes no responsibility to update any such statement after the date of this press release to conform to actual results or to changes in expectations. View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hennessy-advisors-inc-reports-46-increase-in-annual-earnings-per-share-302329179.html SOURCE Hennessy Advisors, Inc.
Stay tuned for more updates as Keita prepares to embark on his new journey with Ferencváros in the Hungarian football league.As the players enter the stadium on match day, there is a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation in the air. The fans, both in the stadium and watching from home, are on the edge of their seats, eager to witness the drama unfold. The roar of the crowd fuels the players, pushing them to give it their all and leave everything on the pitch.
Account sharing has long been a contentious issue in the world of online streaming services. While some users argue that sharing accounts with friends and family is a way to save money and enjoy content together, others believe that it undermines the revenue streams of platforms and content creators. This debate has intensified in recent years as streaming services have grown in popularity and the demand for exclusive content has increased.
The situation in the Golan Heights remains complex and volatile, with both Israel and Syria unwilling to compromise on their respective claims to the region. The ongoing conflict in Syria has only added to the instability in the area, with clashes between Israeli and Syrian forces occurring sporadically along the border.This would be a significant blow to Barcelona, who have invested time and resources in developing Ortega into a top prospect. Losing him for nothing would not only deprive the club of a talented player but also reflect poorly on their ability to manage their youth academy and talent pipeline.
Despite calls for greater diversity and inclusion in the workplace, The Mail has consistently fallen short in this area. Their failure to address these issues has not only alienated employees but also hindered the publication's ability to reflect the diverse perspectives of its readership.
The inclusion of eight individuals on the arrest list underscores the depth of the corruption and misconduct that have plagued South Korea's political elite. It also highlights the growing public demand for accountability and transparency in government affairs. The recent wave of arrests has sparked both outrage and hope among the South Korean population, as they grapple with the implications of such high-profile scandals.
VanderSa: Everything is Connected, Unfortunately the Outcome Achieved by Tenghag is Less than IdealAs the investigation into the shooting of Mark Johnson continues, the public remains on edge, grappling with the chilling reality that 3D-printed guns may have played a role in the crime. The intersection of technology, education, and crime has never been more pronounced, highlighting the pressing need for comprehensive reforms to address the challenges posed by emerging threats in the digital age.
Tragic Death of Influencer "Liu Da Meili" Highlights Dangers of Cosmetic Surgery