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A rocket scientist from the University of Oxford has invented a new type of cast iron pan using thermodynamics that could persuade home cooks away from their Le Creuset. The enamelled cast iron Dutch oven with fins around the outside was inspired by heat transfer methods of jet engines and rocket design and leads to quicker cooking. The fins around the pans are designed to improve heat distribution and improve efficiency. Heat that would otherwise be lost around the outside of a pan can be captured and used to create an “oven-like” effect. The pan is produced by FireUp – a company that received £10,000 from the ’s Innovation incubator programme which gives funding to entrepreneurs in exchange for a percentage of royalties. Raghav Agarwal, the chief executive of FireUp, told The Telegraph: “The patent underpinning this unique finned design was developed by Professor Thomas Povey, who applied his research into high-efficiency cooling systems for next-generation jet engines to an everyday object that transfers heat: domestic cookware.” FireUp is a clear competitor in the cast iron market, which has long been dominated by French giant Le Creuset. , the prestige French cookware brand which turns 100 next year, is famed for its colours, quality and lifetime warranty. The company, based in Fresnoy-le-Grand in northern France, manufactures pots which cost up to £600 and come in a range of colours. A recent Le Creuset warehouse sale in Hampshire was so popular that people from across the UK to get bargain prices, with police called in to help cope with all the extra traffic. FireUp makes its products in France, has an eye-catching design, and offers a lifetime warranty at a similar price point – £250 for a five-litre pan – but Mr Agarwal rejects any comparisons to . “Respectfully, we don’t think we are competing with legacy brands,” he said. “For context, our innovation design bears similarity to how Apple disrupted Nokia and Blackberry with their iPhone touchscreen innovation.” He added: “The product is not positioned to compete with existing large legacy companies. We believe that there has been zero innovation in cookware design, for almost a hundred years. “The market offers nothing more than the same product in different colours and sizes, hyper-marketed to appear innovative, but in reality, it’s just lazy rebranding of the same product. “Most importantly, no new product focuses on improving the design or scientifically enhancing efficiency, to save both gas and time in everyday cooking.” According to Prof Povey in his patent, the fin technology of the FireUp pans “provides a heat transfer structure in good thermal contact with the side wall of the vessel”. “Heated air and any flame which travels up the side of the vessel can be captured by the heat transfer structure and the heat conducted into the walls of the vessel. “The increased heat energy available for hearing the contents of the verses thus greatly increases the efficiency of the heating process.” It is claimed that on a gas hob, the FireUp pan technology increases heating efficiency to 80 per cent from 30 per cent. The benefit is most noticeable on a gas hob, the patent states, as it can maximise the heat plume that the burner sends around and above the pan. Mr Agarwal said: “Our signature fin technology was developed based on heat exchange theory used in rocket design. “It allows more even heat distribution and superior efficiency by guiding the flame around the pan and into the fins. “The carefully designed fins also retain heat and create an oven-like even cooking experience. They also make the pan look unique and beautiful on your table.” An Oxford University Innovation spokesperson said: “The FireUp cookware technology is an example of how universities can support technologies to reach the market through programmes such as Oxford University Innovation’s Student Entrepreneurship Programme (StEP). “By providing support to entrepreneurs and access to innovative technologies and world-class expertise, we try and ensure that the outputs of Oxford’s research can make an impact both economically and socially.”
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The Dow Jones Industrial Average, a benchmark index in the stock market, might not be the first thing that comes to mind in the gaming world. However, with the integration of new technologies like blockchain and artificial intelligence, this traditional financial indicator could soon find its place within the innovative realm of gaming. Blockchain Technology in Gaming Blockchain promises to bring transparency and security that appeal to both gamers and developers. It can track in-game assets and ensure authenticity, making it an exciting technology for the virtual economy in gaming. Imagine a game where the prices of virtual items are pegged to real-world financial indices like the Dow Jones. This connection could enhance the gaming experience, creating a dynamic link between financial markets and virtual worlds. AI and Predictive Analysis With artificial intelligence advancing rapidly, gaming manufacturers could incorporate AI to interpret the dynamics of the Dow Jones Index and simulate economic conditions within games. Players might engage in scenarios where they make strategic decisions based on fluctuating market trends, simulating a high-stakes financial environment. This development could introduce a new genre of educational financial strategy games. The Future of Reality and Simulation As gaming continues to evolve, the barriers between reality and digital experiences diminish. Integrating the Dow Jones Index into gaming not only broadens the horizon for game developers but also educates players about economic principles. As technology blurs the lines between virtual and reality, expect the unexpected, where even the staid Dow Jones finds its influence in pixels and polygons. The Revolutionary Fusion of Gaming and Finance: What’s Next? The integration of cutting-edge technologies into the gaming industry is no longer a future prospect but a present reality. With innovations like blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) extending their reach, the walls between traditional financial indicators, such as the Dow Jones Industrial Average, and the gaming world are gradually crumbling. Here’s how these technologies are reshaping gaming and what new trends and possibilities they bring into the limelight. Blockchain and Gaming: A Perfect Match Blockchain continues to redefine security and transparency in gaming, emerging as a vital component in the digital economy. By utilizing blockchain, developers can not only secure in-game transactions and prevent fraud but also ensure players gain genuine ownership of digital assets. This technology offers a unique opportunity to tie in-game economies to real-world market indices like the Dow Jones, potentially pegging virtual item prices to actual financial performance. Imagine games where your virtual investments are directly influenced by global market movements — a thrilling addition to gameplay that introduces players to economic risk management and investment strategies. AI: The Strategic Game Changer Artificial intelligence is a formidable force in creating immersive gaming experiences. The ability of AI to predict and simulate market trends based on Dow Jones dynamics opens a new frontier where gaming and financial education converge. These AI-driven games can help players understand complex economic conditions, encouraging strategic thinking and decision-making in virtual stock markets. This intersection of gaming and finance not only entertains but also imparts valuable real-world skills, potentially sparking interest in financial careers among younger audiences. Innovations Bridging Virtual and Real Worlds The convergence of gaming with financial indices signifies an exciting trend — the dissolution of boundaries between the digital and physical realms. As game developers harness the power of financial data, new simulation genres emerge, offering players insights into economic principles and market operations. This approach can transform gaming from mere entertainment to a sophisticated educational tool, cultivating financial literacy in engaging ways. Predictions and Market Trends The path forward for the gaming industry includes more profound integrations with financial technologies. Future trends suggest a rise in games that not only entertain but also teach and simulate real-world scenarios. Moreover, these innovations pave the way for collaborations between tech companies and traditional financial institutions, aiming to diversify and enrich user experiences. As we stand on the brink of this innovative fusion, the potential for gaming is limitless. Whether enhancing virtual economies or providing thrilling new ways to engage with the stock market, the amalgamation of finance and gaming offers a rich landscape for exploration and growth. For more information on gaming innovations, check out Ubisoft .Another week, another game where the Green Bay Packers will be cautious with cornerback Jaire Alexander . Even though he practiced the entire week as a full participant, the former All Pro won't be available against the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football, according to NFL Network's insider Tom Pelissero. Sources: #Packers CB Jaire Alexander will be inactive tonight against the #Saints . He’s played just 10 snaps since October with what the team has called a knee injury. He was listed as a full participant this week in practice. But he’s not himself. They’ll reevaluate next week. pic.twitter.com/y6R67EP5yN Alexander hurt his knee on October 27 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He tried to return against the Chicago Bears on November 17, but aggravated the issue. It's a PCL injury . The cornerback will miss his sixth game out of the last seven. This season, the former All-Pro cornerback has played only seven of the team's 15 games — he had already missed two games earlier in the season because of a groin injury. Jaire is probably close to being ready. But as the Packers have virtually clinched a playoff spot, it makes sense to make sure he will be 100% before putting him in action again. And Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings is certainly more important for the Packers’ season. Depth Even without Jaire Alexander, the Packers decided not to elevate any cornerback from the practice squad. This means the cornerback group available for the Saints game has Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine, Eric Stokes, Corey Ballentine, and Robert Rochell. The Packers are extremely thin at safety too, because Javon Bullard (who also plays in the slot) is out with an ankle injury, and Evan Williams is questionable with a quad issue. Because of this, the team elevated rookie safety Omar Brown from the practice squad for gameday. Packers inactives LB Quay Walker WR Malik Heath S Javon Bullard CB Jaire Alexander S Evan Williams OL Jacob Monk Other side Week 16 Inactives vs. Green Bay QB Derek Carr WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling RB Alvin Kamara DT Nathan Shepherd DT Khristian Boyd #Saints | @LaMachinery https://t.co/a9nqnD3juZ This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.Many of us are moving away from traditional downspouts. They clog with leaves and they can be unsightly. Instead, lots of homeowners are embracing rain chains and rain barrels as alternative methods of water management. However, it isn't clear which is best for your yard. Rain chains look good, but they can't always handle a lot of water, and while rain barrels are practical, they can be pretty ugly. This is all you need to know about the pros and cons of the two systems of water management - and whether or not you should combine the two into one effective method of collecting rainwater. Benefits of a rain chain Rain chains were invented in Japan as a kind of earthquake-proof pipe. Instead of a hollow pipe, the chain uses water's surface tension to move it from a roof to the ground. Where downspouts made of metal or PVC can warp and crack in an earthquake, rain chains sway with the tremors, so they won't break. This also makes rain chains a good option in high winds, because debris flying into the chain won't break or damage it. Cheap rain barrels made out of PVC can easily crack and warp. Rain chains are also much less maintenance than downspouts because they can't clog with leaves or other debris. On top of that, rain chains look a lot better than downpipes and most rain barrels. They make a relaxing sound in the rain and they can be stylized to suit your garden aesthetic in a way that a boring white PVC downspout can't match. This is a a simple, modern rain chain. Made of weather-proof aluminum, this chain is perfect for more contemporary homes. More bohemian homes might prefer this copper chain, designed to look like little umbrellas. The copper will oxidize over time, developing a beautiful blue patina. This simple chain works well for most homes; sleek enough for modern homes but unobtrusive enough that it won't look out of place for more traditional exteriors. Drawbacks of a rain chain Rain chains are poor at handling large amounts of water, so while they're good in light rain and high winds, they're bad at handling heavy rain storms. Part of the reason why they're poor in storms is because they aren't efficient - they create a lot of splashback because the water isn't contained in a single pipe. This can spill on a patio and create a slip hazard or saturate the ground with too much water. Like downspouts and rain barrels, rain chains have other drawbacks in cold climates. Rain chains can freeze solid if wet weather is followed by freezing temperatures, and while this is often fine, the weight of the ice can pull the chain out of its fixings and damage your gutters or walls. On top of that, backed-up ice can stop water from flowing down from the roof, which can be dangerous. Because rain chains don't direct water into gutters and away from your home, they can cause minor damage to walls and patios. The repeated splashback can cause algae to bloom on PVC siding, or warp the material. Benefits of a rain barrel Every dedicated gardener will benefit from a rain barrel. They offer a reliable, convenient water supply that's perfect for your plants. After the initial installation, they're free to run, providing free water that can lower your utility bills. This water isn't treated with any chemicals, so if you live somewhere where you can't trust the municipal water, the rain barrels will provide chemical-free water. Even if you can trust the water, rain barrels are a good backup. Barrels with downspouts can also be an aesthetic improvement on simple downspouts. The best are made to look like rustic barrels for a more traditional look, while more modern barrels can be sculptural vase shapes. Most are topped with a planter too, so you can hide necessary but ugly features like a downspout amongst beautiful flowers. This clever rain barrel looks more like a neat piece of pottery than a water container. It also has a planter on the top to further disguise it. This barrel is a good way to maintain a rustic look. It appears to be an old-fashioned whiskey barrel, but it's made of plastic, so it's far cheaper than buying a true wood rain barrel. If you have polyrattan furniture, try this batrrel. It's printed with a wicker effect so it will match the furniture on your patio. Drawbacks of a rain barrel Rain barrels are more regulated than rain chains. Some HOAs have rules about rain chains but they're usually allowed. Many HOAs outright ban rain chains, and more importantly, some municipalities regulate them too. There are restrictions on rainwater harvesting in California, Nevada, Ohio, and Texas, and in some counties, you need a permit to harvest rainwater. Rain barrels need a lot of maintenance, and if you live somewhere that sees freezing temperatures you need to winterize your rain barrel . If you don't, the rain barrel will crack and break. Rain barrels are better are coping with storms than rain chains, but can still overflow. In summer, rain barrels can be the perfect breeding ground for mosquitos, so you might see a lot of bug bites. The stagnant water is also a magnet for algae, which can create a gross smell that stops you from hosting guests on your patio. Can you combine the two? A good way to get the best of both worlds is to combine the two. You can run a rain chain into a rain barrel - and it's actually easier to install a rain barrel this way than to collect water from a downspout. Rachel Bull, Head of Gardens at H&G, says 'Unlike a downspout, where you have to saw off chunks of the pipe and fit a diverter, you can just put a barrel underneath a rain chain and the water will flow straight in, and unlike a traditional rain barrel, there's no danger of debris from the roof ending up in the barrel.' However, all of the above drawbacks hold true here, too. This is a less efficient way of collecting rainwater than a rain barrel connected to a traditional downspout, so you'll collect less water than you could. Rachel is a gardening editor, flower grower and floral designer. Her journalism career began on Country Living magazine, sparking a love of container gardening and wild planting. After more than a decade writing for and editing a range of consumer, business and special interest titles, Rachel became editor of floral art magazine The Flower Arranger . She then trained and worked as a floral designer and stylist in London for six years, before joining the Homes & Gardens team. In the end, rain chains and rain barrels are good options for gardeners with relatively low levels of rain water. But neither option is perfect - there's a host of rain chain mistakes to avoid as you set one up.
KROGER have been slammed after a customer bought a "poor quality" product and were forced to make last minute dinner arrangements. The furious shopper took to social media site X on Tuesday to make the complaint, labelling the product as "ridiculous". A customer took a picture of the beef they had purchased before writing their post. They said: "This is the second time in the last month. "Another last minute dinner change of plans because of poor quality Kroger products. "This is Kroger's 80/20 3lb rolls of beef, ridiculous. read more in money "Yes it's like that all the way through." The image shows the beef to be made up predominantly of vile gristle and fat. One commenter pointed out: "That doesn't look like beef to me!!" Kroger responded to the complaint, saying: "Hi, there! Thanks for reaching out. Most read in Money "Please feel free to send us a private message so we can further assist you. Have a great day!" It is not known if the shopper has had their complaint properly addressed by Kroger. KROGER COMPLAINTS This is not the only time recently in which Kroger has come under fire from its customers online. A shopper has also taken to X to rant about a poor experience with the chain. On 5 December X user John posted: "@kroger literally I ordered groceries last night, paid for them, had them delivered today, and before delivery the price went up? "I got charged again today because the price went up before delivery happened? "That's called fraud. I agreed to pay the price on my receipt." Kroger responded: "Hello John. We're sorry to know about this. "This is not the experience we want for our customers. "Kindly call us at 1-800-576-4377 or send us a DM with your shopper's card number, name, and email address so we can make things right. Kroger shoppers can return items with or without a receipt. All Kroger Co. Family of Stores can accept returns of items purchased at any location within 30 days of purchase. Returns with receipts: Customers can use digital or paper receipts to get a refund The refund will be returned in the same payment method the purchase was made. Either going back on a card or handed back in cash Returns without receipts: Customers wanting to return more than $10 will receive a store merchandise gift card for the value Customers who spent less than $10 will receive cash "Looking forward to hearing from you." On November 29 , an angry shopper took to the social media p-platform X to complain about the supermarket always being out of the items they need. This forces them to go to other places when they are in need of a few bits. The post read: "Every single time I go there they are always out of something I need, so I end up driving 3x as far to Walmart . "I just ran to Kroger for two items, and they are out of both. From now on I'm just going to Walmart." Kroger replied: "Hi! Thank you for bringing this to our attention. "We Suggest you sending us private message to provide you with the best assistance, Thank you. Looking forward to hearing from you." Read More on The US Sun The customer was quick to hit back at the response, saying that it was pointless, and not completely their fault. He wrote: "Why bother? I have been assured the issues are on the distribution side. Stores order product that doesn't show up." Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bob Casey asked the CEO of Kroger to answer eleven questions about AI, labels, and Microsoft's EDGE technology: How many Kroger grocery stores currently use EDGE or other ESL platforms? How many customers are served by these stores? Did any external entities advise Kroger to adopt EDGE and/or continue using EDGE? If yes, who are those external entities? Has Kroger prepared internal estimates regarding the potential to increase prices or profit margins by adopting dynamic pricing with EDGE? How does Kroger establish dynamic prices using the EDGE system? What factors does Kroger consider when changing prices? Please include a description of any time- or volume-based considerations. How does Kroger inform customers of recent or upcoming price changes? How far in advance does Kroger inform customers of price increases that will be implemented using the EDGE system? For all items that have been subject to dynamic pricing using EDGE, what is the average percentage change in price of those items over the first six months of using the system? For what percentage of items has the price increased over the first six months of using the system? Has Kroger ever used EDGE to change the price of an item more than one time within the same day? If not, does Kroger intend to do so in the future? If yes, please list: The locations at which Kroger has changed the price of an item more than once in a day. The complete list of products for which Kroger has changed the price more than once in a day. Will Kroger use customers’ data to institute personalized pricing on its ESL platforms? Will customers have the option to opt out of the collection of personal data through ESL platforms? What safeguards has Kroger put in place to protect against violations of consumer privacy related to ESL platforms? How will Kroger ensure that it will not use customer data related to ESL platforms to discriminate based on protected classes, such as race, gender, or age, when offering personalized prices? The senators requested that Kroger answer these questions by August 20. Source: Letter from Sens. Warren and CaseyThe BGL Automotive Aftermarket Insider – AAPEX/SEMA Show Recap CHICAGO , Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Investor interest in automotive aftermarket M&A will remain high in 2025 as favorable tailwinds, including an increasingly aging car parc, more miles traveled, and the proliferation of new technologies, continue to drive the industry forward, according to an industry report released by the Automotive Aftermarket investment banking team at Brown Gibbons Lang & Company (BGL). Download and read the latest BGL Automotive Aftermarket Insider : https://bit.ly/BGLAutomotiveAftermarketInsider Inside the report, BGL shares its annual recap of the 2024 AAPEX and SEMA Shows in Las Vegas . The automotive aftermarket M&A environment and strategies impacting current and future deal activity are discussed, and optimism and interest in the sector remain high. Political discussion pervaded conversations more than ever before among company owners and investors, largely due to the unique timing of the show and our U.S. Presidential Election. Through discussions with owners and other industry leaders, BGL identified key strategies that companies are employing to navigate uncertainty and challenges facing the industry. Key takeaways include: BGL's Automotive & Aftermarket investment banking team maintains coverage of the broad automotive sector, including the automotive supply chain, automotive aftermarket, and the on- and off-highway commercial vehicle sectors. Our team has executed numerous transactions for private, public, or institutionally-backed companies in the automotive industry, including M&A sell-side advisory, financial restructuring advisory, and capital markets advisory. About Brown Gibbons Lang & Company Brown Gibbons Lang & Company (BGL) is a leading independent investment bank and financial advisory firm focused on the global middle market. The firm advises private and public corporations and private equity groups on mergers and acquisitions , capital markets , financial restructurings , business valuations and opinions , and other strategic matters. BGL has investment banking offices in Boston , Chicago , Cleveland , Los Angeles , and New York , and real estate offices in Chicago , Cleveland , and San Antonio . The firm is also a founding member of REACH Cross-Border Mergers & Acquisitions, enabling BGL to service clients in more than 30 countries around the world. Securities transactions are conducted through Brown, Gibbons, Lang & Company Securities, LLC, an affiliate of Brown Gibbons Lang & Company LLC and a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC . For more information, please visit www.bglco.com . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/automotive-aftermarket-ma-will-continue-to-attract-high-investor-interest-in-2025-302338625.html SOURCE Brown Gibbons Lang & Company