More and more seniors seem to be choosing to age in place rather than pack up and move to a retirement community or assisted-living facility, and you can’t blame them. No matter what the reasons are that they are making this decision, the fact remains that there will need to be some upgrades and additions made to enhance safety. With that in mind, here are some ways to future-proof your home so that you may enjoy it for many years to come.
Take Lighting Seriously
Insufficient lighting is one of the many causes of seniors enduring accidents in their own home. What may have once seemed bright enough now is not good enough to properly illuminates the living spaces. As people grow older, their eyesight weakens so it only makes sense to update the lightbulbs with brighter LED bulbs that also last much longer than their incandescent counterparts. To avoid accidents involving light sockets, try to raise them to a level where they can be used without having to bend over, but while sitting instead.
Perform A Walk-Through
Walk through the home and look for areas that are prone to have clutter from some things as shoes, books or newspapers, as well as cords. Find places in the home where they will not be in the way and so easily tripped over. Bundle cords when possible so that they are not laying all over the floor. Stray cords can be one of the more frequent reasons seniors’ trip and fall in their home.
Install an Elevator
While it may be an upfront cost to you, having future-proofing residential elevators installed in the home is a fantastic way to avoid accidents from falling down the stairs. When you grow older, your balance or leg strength may not be what it used to be. This can be quite dangerous, especially if you live alone. Residential elevators relieve you of the need to use the stairs at all. While most insurance policies will not pay for them, if you or your spouse is a veteran then you may qualify for the HISA program which helps to cover the costs involved with installing an elevator.
Install Smart Devices Wherever Possible
While technology might not be your thing, there are some easy ways to make it work for you. These days, there’s a smart version of just about every appliance or electrical system that you can possibly think of with many safety features in place. If you still want to enjoy cooking, inquire about having a smart oven installed. These appliances come equipped with motion sensors that alert the oven to shut off is no movement has been detected for a certain period of time. Streaming speakers can be programmed to communicate with other family members to ward off loneliness. Smart lighting and thermostats can be programmed to turn on or off at certain times of the day or can be instantly activated at the sound of your voice. This way a light can be turned on before getting out of bed or entering a room.
Shattuck (ticker: STTK), the clinical-stage life science company treating cancer and other autoimmune diseases, has done right by its early backers. Since listing on the Nasdaq on 9 October, when it raised over $232 million, with an IPO price of $17, it has appreciated to around $28 per share.
Funding was raised to advance development of its lead product, SL-172154, which is in Phase 1 clinical trial for the treatment of ovarian cancer; and SL-279252 which it is developing in collaboration with Takeda Pharmaceuticals and is in Phase 1 clinical trial in patients with advanced solid tumors and lymphoma. STTK plans to roll out two new clinical trials next year. Initial data from the trial of SL-172154 will only be available in 2021.
Evaluating a business whose core products are still at the clinical-trial stage is fraught with difficulties. The value of a drug program grows over time, assuming the program is successful at each stage, from the start of the program to Phase 3. Even with a large addressable patient population and the best event space, the business may simply fail to either arrive at the results they need to seek FDA approval, or, that approval may be denied, or a fate somewhere in the middle may happen and the process from clinical trial to drug approval takes longer than expected and costs much more than anticipated. We have witnessed as much with the development of the Covid-19 vaccine where AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson had to halt trials. There are non-trivial reasons to believe that STTK may experience complete failure or delays in development and this will affect valuations.
The probability that a drug program reaches Phase 2 from Phase 1 is 20% and the probability it reaches Phase 3 is 56% (if it fails, the value generally goes back to zero). Even if we assume that STTK is confident it can get to Phase 2 because the data they are getting is impressive, the odds of getting to Phase 3 are not overwhelmingly in their favour from a base case perspective. The period from Phase 1 to Phase 2 and 3 may be elongated by problems in the trials, as we have seen happen with the Covid-19 vaccine.
Though STTK has revenues, those revenues are not meaningful in terms of the core business. It really does not matter how much it makes from its partnerships and what its return on invested capital is, etc, because the real business is in the future. We do not know how management will allocate capital in a post-Phase 3 world, or how profitable the business will be or how fast revenues will grow. If STTK fails to reach Phase 2 or Phase 3, the value of the business will collapse regardless of revenues from its partnership agreements. Those simply do not reflect what the company is about.
We can not evaluate STTK using traditional historical measures simply because they have not yet brought to market their core product. The SL-172154 and SL-279252 drugs are of limited value until they reach Phase 2. If STTK reaches Phase 2, investors will reap a huge price appreciation due to the surge in value of those drugs.
STTK is Derisking and Growing Value
In drug development, derisking, rather than revenue, profits, and other such traditional metrics, drives value creation and STTK has been derisking through its clinical studies.
Phase 1 clinical trials using the SL-172154 compound have opened. The first clinical trial will explore intravenous administration of SL-172154 in patients with ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancer. The second clinical trial will enroll patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the skin and head and neck who will receive SL-172154 via intratumoral administration. Phase 1 of its clinical trials of SL-279252 commenced in 2019 and dose escalation is expected to be completed in 2020. This study includes two dose expansion cohorts: one that will enroll patients with non-small cell lung cancer and another “all comers” cohort.
Remembering our base rates for moving to Phase 2 and Phase 3, we have to understand that these clinical trials offer more than just the ability to test whether the drugs are safe for humans. From the start of the program to Phase 1 clinical trials, STTK have studied both drugs extensively on disease cells in the laboratory and/or in laboratory animals. The advantages of working on cancer in Phase 1 clinical trials have grown mostly due to the Human Genome Project (HGP). The HGP, which was completed in 2003, allows scientists to discover the sequence of all genes found in humans, which allows for medical advances in the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases, including cancer. Before the HGP, Phase 1 drugs existed as a last ditch effort to test the safety of a drug, without any real benefits accruing to the patient.
Now, patients can benefit right off the bat if the drug works. STTK’s methodology further reduces risks by using its Agonist Redirected Checkpoint (ARC) program for advanced cancers to teach the patient’s immune system how to fight off cancerous cells, similar to how it fights off other illnesses. In conjunction with its ARC program, STTK is working on a biotech , Gadlen, that will work on the gamma delta T cells in the body. In plain English, the reduced risk brought about by HGP, coupled with the reduced risk brought about by ARC and Gadlen, not only improve the value of the company but heighten their chances of FDA approval for Phase 2 trials. HGP alone has increased survival rates of patients and STTK is confident that its treatment has the potential to restore anti-tumor immune responses and improve survival in cancer patients.
So far, positive binary events have catalysed STTK’s value, but as we have said, value creation is tied to derisking through clinical trials, which itself opens a company up to dramatic swings in value when new data from experiments and studies comes in. Investors should then be aware that value creation is prone to extreme levels of volatility.
Valuations of drug companies at this stage are highly sensitive to the discount rate because each phase of drug development requires fresh and large injections of capital. STTK benefits from an environment of low interests which seem to be in secular decline. STTK then is likely to have a very low long-run natural cost of capital. The pandemic has brought into focus innovative companies that have solutions to different diseases out there and so a lot of generalist investors are very focused on healthcare and biotech and healthcare technology. Furthermore, investors are more willing to invest in high risk projects because of the amount of quantitative easing that has taken place. COnsequently, it is likely STTK will not face an adverse discount rate. If STTK can complete its drug developments program in this low-interest rate environment, it will be able to drastically reduce drug prices to capture market share.
A Tough Market
The nature of the pharmaceutical industry is that each drug, by definition, has a moat, it is protected by law, even if that moat comes with an expiry date. However, the value of that moat in a post-Phase 3 world is dependent on the competitive landscape, quality of the drug and the size of the addressable patient population. STTK is pursuing a concept that is revolutionary, but they are in this race alone. STTK is in a race with large pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, such asAstraZeneca/MedImmune, Bristol Myers Squibb, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, and Roche/Genentech; academic institutions, government agencies and other public and private research organizations that conduct research, seek patent protection and establish collaborative arrangements for the research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of cancer therapies.
If STTK can successfully develop its product candidates, they will compete with existing therapies and new therapies that may become available in the future. The competition is fierce and many of their present and future competitors are better funded and have greater expertise in research and development, manufacturing, preclinical testing, conducting clinical trials, obtaining regulatory approvals and marketing approved drugs.
The biggest risk the business has is that one of its competitors gets FDA or foreign approval faster than it does and establishes a lead in the market that it may never relinquish.
A Bet Worth Taking
Much of this study has pointed out unknowns and the fallibility of financial measures when values are pretty much in the future and financial statements are meaningless. Yet the steps STTK has taken lead us to believe that it will achieve Phase 2 approval, even if there are delays, because the nature of the drug program, the advances brought about by HGP and the testing so far have not only derisked the drug program but they limit the chances of negative outcomes for patients. Needcamp and Citigroup have near-term price targets of $34 per share. This should be easily achievable. The question is if derisking will continue to create value for the company. If it can, the gains for shareholders will be astronomical. As a risk/reward question, this is a bet worth taking.
Computer science has a long and storied history. Since Charles Babbage invented his analytical engine in 1837, people have worked towards the refinement and expansion of humankind’s ability to compute. Key figures like Alan Turing and Marvin Minsky pushed the field into new realms. Today, computer science is a complex and diverse field encompassing all sorts of specialties and with relevancy to a whole host of career paths. The world around us is driven by computing more than ever before.
As computer science evolved, so did computer science education. In 1953 Cambridge University offered the first ever degree in computer science. Around a decade later, in the early 1960’s the first Master’s and Doctorate level qualifications in computer science were offered in the United Kingdom and the United States. Today, thousands of universities worldwide offer qualifications of varying quality in the field. Where exactly can a Master’s degree in computer science take you? Here are some of the career paths and research fields that such a qualification can open up for a diligent student. It is important to remember that computing is an absolutely vast field. If you want to get ahead, you’ll likely need to specialize before you get to Master’s level. Where does your passion lie? For those who want to up their game and get a qualification whilst at work or locked down due to COVID-19, taking on a masters in computer science online is possible. Well renowned universities are investing more and more in online learning.
Systems Engineering
Computer scientists are in high demand as systems engineers. Systems engineers design, implement and maintain complex systems – often in IT. A Master’s level degree in computer science is invaluable if you want to become a successful systems engineer. Practical and theoretical knowledge of how digital systems operate and interact is essential when constructing or maintaining a system for governmental, business, or any other commercial function.
Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning
Artificial intelligence, first seriously theorized upon by Alan Turing and made famous by the science fiction author Isaac Asimov, is finally becoming a reality. Not quite in the way which Asimov predicted, mind you. Machine learning and artificial intelligence are revolutionizing the way we interact with machines. Machine learning involves the complex growth of a computer’s communicative acumen through an intake of knowledge. It is being employed in everything from translation tools to caregiving robots.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are cutting edge fields. Whilst a Master’s degree in computer science will absolutely put you in good stead to go into these industries; it may be worth looking at postgraduate research qualifications if you want to head up any major developments.
Alternately, the application of these technologies to pre-existing fields is a huge part of computer science in itself.
Data Analysis
Almost all large businesses and governmental organizations make use of data analysts. Data analysis is absolutely crucial for market or population research. We live in an age going through a crisis of accumulation. Because we spend so much of our time online, we create absolutely masses of data as we go through our lives. Making sense of all this information are data analysts.
Data analysis isn’t just about counting. It concerns data representation, unpicking the meaning of data, and forecasting what it might mean for the future. Long term business strategy would flounder without data analysts. The complexity of social movement and demographic trends cannot be understood by analyzing data alone, but they can be investigated thoroughly. Cutting edge computer science in this field involves the use of algorithms to make sense of masses of data, the innovative visualization of findings, and the development of consumer data analysis software.
Game Development
Game development is big business. Ever since the release of Pong in 1972, games have been subject to innovation and upheaval. The gaming industry is worth an estimated 151 billion dollars as of 2020. The best game developers are talented computer scientists but also creative thinkers that have an eye for kinetics, story, and beauty. Games developers usually work in large teams alongside writers and directors. However, in recent years, independent game developers have found success working on small scale projects alone. The indie game market has been aided by platforms such as steam, which hosts independent games alongside major titles.
Forensic Computer Analysis
Forensic computer analysts can work in law enforcement, cybersecurity, espionage, or counter-espionage. By far, the most disturbing threats to the stability of democratic countries in the last ten years have come from cyber attacks. Computer scientists were instrumental in discovering the work of the St Petersburg Troll Factory and uncovering efforts to influence European and American Politics.
The forensic analysis of computer systems is extremely useful for law enforcement agencies wishing to uncover evidence of criminal activity. Forensic computer analysts often find well-paid work as private cybersecurity consultants. Beefing up digital security measures at organizations that fear hacking and corporate espionage is a complex task that takes great cunning as well as computer science acumen.
Software Engineering
Software engineering is a branch of computer engineering concerned with the development of applications and software. Vast amounts of investment are being poured into software engineering. This is partially because of the ubiquity of applications and software. Perhaps even more so than hardware, the quality of software determines almost all of our technology’s functionality. Innovative software engineers are paid handsomely and can work in fascinating areas.
The specializations within software engineering warrant an entirely separate article. Needless to say, there are plenty of them. Work in software engineering can range from cutting edge, socially revolutionary development to the dull coding of business applications. Only the most talented computer scientists can find high paying work in a field they are passionate about. Specialize early and identify gaps in the market and problems with existing software. Think of it as scientific creativity.
If you’re a fan of handguns, then it’s likely that you’re in the market for a holster. Just picking up any old holster from the store doesn’t ensure that you’ll get one that fits your needs. Rather, you should take the following ideas into consideration when selecting the right holster for you.
You want to think about the ideas of concealment and accessibility. For many, they prefer to have a concealed weapon. This requires them to consider concealment as part of the design of their ideal holster. However, for other people, they don’t care about the attribute of concealment. They are more concerned with having a holster that is easily accessible. Take a moment to think about the key attributes that you’re looking for, as they will be a big contributor in determining what your potential options are.
Where Do You Want Your Holster On Your Body?
When most people think of holsters, they think about one that goes on the side of a person’s waist. The reality is that the term ‘holster’ covers any compartment to carry a handgun. You can purchase a waistband holster, ankle holster, shoulder, or even a vest holster. It’s really up to what your personal preference is. If you’re not sure, take a trip to the store and see what type of holster feels best for you.
What Type Of Body Attachment Do You Want?
Holsters can attach to your body in a number of different ways. A holster that is intended to go on the waistband will come with a paddle platform or belt loop attachment. The latter goes through your belt to be secure. The former slips over your belt and holds itself in place. If you opt for an ankle holster, you can go with a spandex loop attachment or a strap attachment. Shoulder holsters typically come with velcro or adjustable straps.
Do You Want An Auto-Lock Feature?
Some new holster designs incorporate an auto-lock feature that holds your gun in place. This is not only a protective measure so that it doesn’t fall out while you’re moving, but it also works to prevent others from taking your gun out of its holster. This auto-lock feature usually entails a trigger lock. When you go to remove the handgun from your holster, you’ll need to use your index finger to push a button that unlocks the trigger area. If you’re using a concealment type of holster, you may not prefer this feature.
Get The Right Size For Your Gun?
Your holster is only as good as its size. If you pick a size that is too big for your handgun, it won’t come out easy. If you pick a size that’s too small, your handgun won’t properly fit in the holster. Each holster should be available in different sizes. You’ll want to read the sizing instructions to determine what specific size you’ll need for the handgun that you have. Many of these sizing instructions are based on the caliber of the weapon and the barrel length.
Think About The Material Type Holsters are available in many different types of materials. Some include leather, Kydex, and synthetic fabrics. You should think about the environment that you’ll be using your handgun in. Think about the weather, sweating, heat, rain, and so forth. Kydex, a form of rigid plastic, is a popular holster material as it’s very low maintenance and won’t absorb rainwater. Synthetic fabric, on the other hand, can be more comfortable to wear and is also low maintenance. Leather can be a great pick if you’re trying to go for the ultimate concealment of your weapon, as it usually conforms to the body well.
For most people, hunting is not just a hobby but also a lifestyle. As such, buying hunting gifts can be quite a daunting task while at the same time exciting since you want to show the recipient that you care about their hunting. You want to make sure that you shop for items that are of high quality and affordable.
Fortunately, this guide makes it easier for you to find the best hunting gifts for your dear ones. This is because it highlights why a certain item is on the list. If you are looking for gift ideas for experienced hunters, you should consider getting upgraded accessories or a set of tools.
How to Choose the Right Gift for a Hunter
You should consider several things when shopping for hunting gifts to ensure that you find the right gift. This is because gifting someone the wrong thing can ruin interpersonal relationships. Here are top tips on how to offer someone the right hunting gift.
1. Experience
When buying hunting gifts, it’s crucial that you select one that resonates with an experience that your hunter once had. This will enable you to get a personal and unique gift that the recipient will be emotionally attached to, hence strengthening your relationship even more.
2. Practicality
You should ensure that the hunting gift you buy is actually what the recipient needs and not just something appealing. For instance, you can get waterproof hunting boots for a duck hunter or a smoker if the recipient likes to smoke wild game at home. Again, if your recipient is a new hunter and finds it difficult to judge distances, a good rangefinder for their firearms can come in handy.
Best Gifts
1. Camo Hunting Clothing
Camo gear is a necessity for hunters, and this makes it one of the best gifts. You can even buy either a camo jacket or a camo pants, and the recipient will appreciate it.
2. 308 Whiskey Glass
If your hunter enjoys shooting and firearms, then this is the perfect gift for them. The glass has a bullet embedded in it, making it look like it is bulletproof.
3. The MeatEater Fish and Game Cookbook
Written by Steven Rinella, The MeatEater Fish and Game Cookbook guides hunters on how to cook some of the most popular wild game and fish. It offers step-by-step guidelines that will enable any hunter to prepare a healthy and delicious meal out of wild game or fish. The book is suitable for both new and veteran hunters.
4. Soft Rifle Case
For hunters who deal with rifles and shotguns, a gun case is a perfect gift for them. The good thing is that one can never have too many cases; hence, it is one of the ideal things to give any hunter. Besides, you do not have to spend a fortune buying a case since you can easily find an affordable shotgun and soft rifle case that does the job. Consider getting a case that is water-resistant, breathable, padded, lightweight, and has several sizes for carrying different firearms.
5. Outdoor Edge Chowpal
The Chowpal is considered a multi-tool for food since it comes with a fork, spoon, knife, a can opener, and an inbuilt bottle opener. If your hunter loves going into remote areas, then this is the right gift for them. It is light and portable, as well as an excellent stocking stuffer.
6. Vortex Diamondback Riflescope
You can only consider buying a scope if your hunter owns old or cheap scopes. However, you should ensure that you get a high-quality scope that delivers brighter and clearer images. The Vortex scope is a great hunting gift seeing that it has a VIP unlimited lifetime warranty, which allows the company to replace the riflescope if it breaks.
The Department of Defense has been voicing its concerns over the importance of supply chain security for a while now and taking steps toward stronger supply chain security through the new CMMC program. Now, the events of the SolarWinds attack have only emphasized the importance of securing supply chains further.
CMMC Certification for DoD Contractors: Locking Down the DoD Supply Chain
The DoD created the CMMC to ensure certain standards are being met when it comes to cybersecurity. As a result, all DoD contractors dealing with controlled unclassified information (CUI) will need to become CMMC certified. This means they have to pass a CMMC audit to show that they’ve met a certain level of standards when it comes to cybersecurity for their business.
Additionally, for all contractors working under contracts requiring CMMC, all subcontractors and suppliers will be required to comply with CMMC as well.
CMMC is a very rigorous standard to meet, and much of CMMC’s regulations are still in the trial phase. Contractors are responsible for making sure these requirements are passed on to suppliers and subcontractors, too. Because of that, many organizations are choosing to work with CMMC consultants to prepare for the full CMMC rollout and to remain eligible for DoD contracts.
SolarWinds Attack
Network management company SolarWinds saw the effects of a massive data breach sweep across thousands of businesses and organizations. A malicious code that was embedded into software that SolarWinds provides, this malware attack spread across many of the security firm’s FireEye customers.
Using this software as a carrier, this malware impacted many businesses, including U.S federal government departments. The attack had such far-reaching effects because it trickled down the supply chain, affecting many businesses and organizations in the process. Many businesses found themselves frantically trying to improve the state of their cybersecurity as a result of the disaster.
How Has the SolarWinds Attack Impacted the Supply Chain?
The SolarWinds attack shows the threat of relationships with supply chains, and it’s not something that’s new to the cybersecurity industry. Many of the cyber attacks that have been the biggest on record have included the exploitation of a partner that had access to the business’s network.
Most businesses will be engaged with third-party suppliers and companies, and so the SolarWind attack demonstrates the importance of having a strategy and solutions in place to help. Reducing third-party risk is important, and so having the right tools in place can be useful. It also stresses the importance of having something like CMMC in place to make sure that the basic standards are being met.
With the growth of the internet, there is an ever increasing number of seasoned and prolific hackers out there that are able to exploit the vulnerabilities that lie in supply chains. It’s necessary for a business to understand and identify where there are potential cybersecurity risks. Taking those steps to help reduce the risks or remove them completely is certainly going to help.
The focus on cybersecurity should be something that’s at the forefront of many businesses that operate online, as most do nowadays anyway. The more you can do to help improve the cybersecurity of those trusted partnerships and relationships with other suppliers, the better security you’ll have as a result. CMMC certifications will certainly go a long way in helping DoD contractors maintain the very best in cybersecurity and to prevent these attacks from happening again while setting an example and standard for other regulated industries.
There’s no denying that today’s organizations put technology at the forefront of what they do. One such example is record-keeping; many businesses wish to transition their paper records onto digitally-stored ones that are accessible online.
Having digital records makes it easy to index and search for information, and it’s also easier to keep digitized information safer than the paper equivalents. If you wish to transition your paper records to online ones, the following these tips will help with your migration strategy.
Create a Plan of Action
There’s no point migrating your paper-based records to online ones if you haven’t got a structured plan in place. You must have a plan that details your migration process, including the following information:
The phases which you’re going to migrate your records;
A timeline and milestones to reach during the process;
Information on where you’ll be storing the records and how they can get accessed.
Your plan should answer all the key questions likely to be asked by project and organizational stakeholders. Examples include which data you can pre-fill, which information you don’t need to store, and how to report on your stored data.
Working with a managed IT consulting company will help you create a comprehensive plan of action, resulting in a successful record migration process.
Standardize Your Naming Conventions
One fact to keep in mind is how you plan to standardize your records. It makes sense to have a set of official naming conventions for filenames and document titles. There might come times where you have to search for data by using only fragments of information, and regular keyword searches may not always yield the right results. Secondly, it keeps all your online records organized and reduces frustration for your teams.
Here are some ways to help you standardize your naming conventions:
Keep each filename and document title short but meaningful;
Capitalize the beginning of each word;
Avoid unnecessary repetition.
Think About Keeping Paper Backups
Digitizing your records and making them available for online access is an excellent way to make information easier to access. However, depending on your business you should also consider maintaining a few paper records.
You may think this is pointless, given you’re migrating your records to a digital format. But, there are some cases where keeping paper documentation can also help. For instance, older generations may not have Internet access or know how to use a computer.
Also, if Internet connectivity gets disrupted or the storage medium suffers a hardware failure, it can take time to get back online.
Choose the Most Flexible Migration Path
Finally, you should select the migration path for your organization that boasts the best flexibility. Some businesses and organizations opt for the cheapest migration options, yet they’re often the ones with the least flexibility.
For instance, a limited migration option could result in a lack of reporting or search options for your data. Plus, support for your chosen migration path might be lacking if you’re unable to improve how the data is stored as your business’s needs change.
Biometric solutions as elements of security technology are being employed by rising numbers of high-profile organizations. They have become an essential part of the security infrastructure that is rapidly shifting to digitalization and full automation. As a part of multifactor authentication, they are used for different purposes ranging from authentication to attendance tracking.
Biometric technology manufacturers and system integrators like Vladimir Cizelj and Vlatacom Institute distinguish themselves as reliable security partners. Moreover, they provide cutting edge solutions that guarantee multifold security benefits to governments, agencies, and enterprises.
Before we get more into Vlatacom technologies, let’s take a look at what biometric solutions are and how they function.
What are biometric systems?
Biometric technology represents the technology and techniques for identifying or confirming the identity of a person or document holder. The identification is based on physiological or behavioral traits. Moreover, physiological biometrics include the application of face or fingerprint recognition technology. This tech uses a person’s distinctive physical traits like face shape, palm shape, or iris. Behavioral biometrics refers to, for instance, a person’s web browser preference and typical ways they use. Together, they create another type of a user’s biometric profile for identification and/or tracking purposes.
The multifactor authentication technology can be divided into three categories: knowledge or something the user knows (e.g. PIN), possession or something the user has (e.g. travel document or ID card), and inherence or something the user is (e.g. fingerprint, hand shape, iris or retina, voice).
Biometrics span over the possession and inherence categories. Biometric devices verify the identity of a person by comparing physiological and/or behavioral inputs. Physiological input or biometric data like fingerprints and face image stored on a travel document for instance are compared against the biometric input during verification or authentication.
Behavioral input refers to a user’s internet behavior, IP, cookies, and more. As we will focus on Vlatacom technologies that revolve around biometric solutions that use physiological biometric data, we’ll leave the story about behavioral biometrics for another time.
Advantages of biometrics
As societies and businesses shift towards the digital realm, biometric technology becomes prevalent thanks to its advantages.
First of all, it provides a high level of security and assurance when it comes to identity verification. Moreover, it is a convenient and swift way of authenticating a person or user which contributes to a positive user experience. Physical biometric input presented upon authorization cannot be shared or transferred digitally which is another security benefit. In addition, face shape, fingerprints, or iris are, for the time being, almost impossible to duplicate which means that biometrics are copy-proof.
Vlatacom Institute biometric security solutions
Vlatacom biometric security solutions fall into three general categories: enrollment, verification, and access.
Biometric enrollment
This type of technology is used for collecting biometric data or input necessary for the creation of IDs. The first front-end solution is the vKIOSK-E or Vlatacom Biometric Enrollment Kiosk. It is a self-enrollment station which possesses the hardware and software necessary for the ID enrollment process. Furthermore, it collects fingerprints, facial images, and signatures.
Next, there is the vPBW or Vlatacom Portable Biometric Workstation for the collection of biometric data. As the name suggests, the device performs all relevant biometric acquisition functions while being portable at the same time.
The Vlatacom Rural Biometric Unit or vRBU takes mobility to another level. It enables on-site applicant enrollment, personalization, and personal and travel ID issuance in remote and rural localities. The unit is rugged and mobile and typically mounted on an all-terrain vehicle.
Biometric verification
The first verification system is the vKIOSK-V or Vlatacom Verification Kiosk. It is another stationary self-service station that verifies the identity or the biometric data (facial images and fingerprints) of an ID document holder.
VDR-H2 or Vlatacom Document Reader Handheld is used by security check personnel and officers to verify the identity of a person. It is a peripheral unit attached to a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer through a USB. It performs an e-document scan and data check of all relevant travel and identification document standards.
There is also the vDR2-C-OEM or the Vlatacom Stationary Document Reader installed in security kiosks, for example. It scans the document and reads the chip of electronic IDs and verifies the biometric identity of the document holder.
Biometric authentication
Vlatacom Login & Access Device vLAD-1 is part of a security system with high levels of authentication process security. It is a small device that enables biometric access control to logical resources. Any user who wants to access a certain system goes through a three-factor authentication system which requires matching of their smart card, PIN, and fingerprint with the presented input.
Vladimir Cizelj, PhD, and Vlatacom Institute
Vladimir Cizelj, PhD, founded Vlatacom Institute in 1997 as a privately owned company. Their efforts and high level of service and results led to it becoming the first privately owned research and development institute in Serbia in 2015.
The team gathered around Vladimir Cizelj distinguish themselves as reliable security technology and system integration partners. Their dedication to innovation and optimal performance have been confirmed through collaborations with many governments and companies in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Moreover, their portfolio of national and international awards and research grants is additional testimony to the successful fulfillment of their mission. That mission is to deliver top engineering services and products in the areas of biometric technologies that exceed the expectations of their customers.
Final words
Biometric security solutions are essential elements of advanced security systems. Whether it’s border security or a high-profile organization system, biometrics are an efficient way of verifying a person’s identity. Vladimir Cizelj and Vlatacom are the go-to technology partners in this exciting technological field. Today, it’s fingerprints and facial images, and we are eager to see what tomorrow brings in the field of biometric security.
Millions of workers lost their jobs in the year 2020 because of the impact the coronavirus pandemic had on the global economy. In the United States, there were hopes that things would have improved significantly by the time the holiday shopping season started, but now we know that was not the case. With a new administration doing everything possible to distribute approved vaccines on a mass scale, improvement of the job market in 2021 is looking like a more feasible prospect, and this is why you should not experience such a hard time getting your career back on track.
With regard to competition, there is no reason why you should not expect to see it this time around. Keep in mind that minimum wage increases are being implemented in many states, and this prompts employers to be more choosy in terms of hiring criteria. At the same time, there will be a certain sense of urgency to fill some positions rather quickly, which means that you should have already completed the process of updating your resume and LinkedIn profiles.
Let’s talk a bit about the matter of personal branding for a job search because this is something that does not have to do with logos or slogans. A personal brand should be more dynamic than an established commercial brand when it comes to looking for a job; what this should mean to you as a job seeker is your online presence. Whatever is visible about you online can be either supportive of who you are or detrimental. You should always assume that prospective employers will be entering your name and other personal information on Google as soon as they receive your resume or application.
What defines your personal brand online is the type, quality, and details of the information that can relate to you. Right off the top, some of this information may have been provided by yourself or third parties. If you are active on Twitter, for example, this will be one of the top listings at the top of the Google search engine results page (SERP), but only if your profile and username provide hints about who you are. Herein lies a delicate aspect of personal branding: If your Twitter profile points back to you, what will the content you have tweeted and retweeted say about you? If you are trying to get a job at an investment banking firm, for example, a Twitter timeline filled with obscene tirades against Wall Street will not be conducive to your personal brand.
Now we can talk about the next step of your job search, which consists of Googling yourself. What do you see? Do you really want a hiring manager or job recruiter to stumble upon unsavory information? If the SERP listings can be controlled, you should get busy with scrubbing your online presence as soon as you can. Most tweets can be deleted, and you can also adjust your Twitter settings to limit the viewers who can see the content you post. Some social networks allow you to delete profiles if needed.
Being able to control information that comes up on the Google SERP will not always be something you can do. If there happens to be unpleasant social media chatter about you, or if you discover alarming news reports or even opinion pieces, you may need to retain the services of a reputation management agency. To a certain extent, reputation management firms apply a highly strategic approach to search engine optimization (SEO) in order to improve your online presence. Some people believe that these agencies can only repair damaged reputations; this is not accurate because most clients actually seek to build their online presence through their specialized services.
Technology is undergoing massive shifts and unprecedented growth. In 2021, we will see exciting opportunities for companies ready to embrace and capitalize on technology trends. Implementing the right tech solutions will give your organization the advantages needed to be successful. In this article, Daniel Calugar highlights the three major tech trends critical to companies’ success.
Remote Work and Education
This trend began years ago but was accelerated due to COVID-19. With the development of vaccines bringing lower infection rates, you might expect remote technologies to fade away, but that won’t be the case. Instead, expect remote opportunities to remain at similarly high levels. Even when fully remote options begin to taper off, hybrid solutions will remain available.
Companies have seen the advantages of having off-site employees through reduced expenses and higher productivity. Remote workers, realizing the benefits of working from home, are hesitant to return to the office. The largest hurdle – the learning curve for video conferencing, online project management software, etc. – has mostly been cleared. And with both employers and employees having already invested in remote-work equipment, this trend is here to stay.
E-learning is another remote opportunity that will continue to be widely accessible. In particular, colleges and universities are seeing the advantages of having students remain off-campus. Class offerings can be scaled digitally without affecting the existing infrastructure. Students are no longer tied to a geographical area and can attend classes from anywhere in the world, potentially saving them thousands of dollars per year in housing fees.
Automation
Another top tech trend going forward will be the automation of work processes. This option was forced upon many industries in 2020, as the sudden shutdowns kept most of their workforces at home.
In the manufacturing industry, workforce shortages became a serious issue for many companies. Organizations had to learn how to develop and deliver products more efficiently, and automation was the solution.
One of the prominent trends that have surfaced within automation has been the development of contactless and touchless mechanisms. With millions of employees suddenly staying home and stores closed or offering reduced hours, the proliferation of online shopping was a given. But, neither consumers nor delivery personnel want human interaction. The mutual demand for contactless/touchless options will drive the expansion and improvement of this particular tech.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the top tech trends to watch. Its applications are being developed for almost every industry.
In finance, AI is often used to detect fraudulent activity. Using predictive modeling, AI can often prevent fraud before it even occurs. The cost-savings to consumers, sellers, and financial institutions are astronomical.
In healthcare, AI solutions are being implemented for everything from interpreting medical images to vaccine development. As algorithms continue to improve, the medical industry will be seeing faster and more efficient processes emerge.
Technology is an ever-changing field, and new trends will continue to emerge. But for 2021, these are the trends that will be most vital to your organization.
About Dan Calugar
Dan Calugar developed a passion for investing as a result of frequent interaction with investment professionals who serviced the investment needs of his legal clients. As a tax partner with the Atlanta law firm of Hansell & Post and the global law firm of Jones Day, he incorporated his partnership interest allowing him to set up and serve as trustee for his own tax-qualified profit-sharing plan. Dan Calugar utilized his technical skillset to design computer programs that would assist him in making more effective investment decisions.
