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Dr. Kevin Dalby Explains What Viruses Are, How They Spread, And How to Protect Against Them

Jason
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Dr. Kevin Dalby Explains What Viruses Are, How They Spread, And How to Protect Against Them

As the world has recently witnessed, a virus pandemic comes without warning, and when it does, it beckons in numerous fatalities and economic uncertainty. Moreover, misinformation abounds, seeding social distrust, and confusion. Public misinformation, or misinterpretation of facts, is a public health issue and leads increases the chances of people becoming victims of the outbreak.

 

Kevin Dalby, Austin professor, working on cancer drug discovery, is chemical biology and medicinal chemistry professor at the College of Pharmacy at The University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Dalby explains the harm misinformation can cause, including spending money unnecessarily on protective measures that do not work, especially in a recovering economy and society. Dalby dives deeper into what viruses are, how they spread, and how one can lower their risk of becoming infected. 

 

What is a virus?

A virus is defined as an infectious agent whose size is smaller than a bacterium. Viruses are the smallest of all microbes. They carry a genetic code in the form of DNA or RNA and can inhabit and multiply in the living cells of animals, plants, or bacteria. The word “virus” was derived from a Latin word meaning “poison” or “slimy liquid.” Viruses’ biological nature was first discovered in 1892 by Dmitry I. Ivanovsky, a Russian scientist. Viruses may be relatively harmless, such as coronaviruses and rhinoviruses that cause the common cold or pose the threat of imminent death, such as the Ebola virus.

 

How does a virus spread?

How a virus spreads depends on the specific virus at hand. For example, the coronavirus driving the current pandemic spreads through respiratory droplets. A person with COVID-19 can infect another individual within a range of a few feet, as a result of respiratory droplets spawning from sneezing, speaking, or coughing. Moreover, active virus is found on people’s hands, phones, doorknobs, and other commonly touched surfaces. Another virus that can be transmitted through respiratory droplets is influenza, otherwise widely known as the flu. Some viruses can be spread through sexual contact, shared drug needles, or even fecal-to-oral transmission.

 

How do you protect yourself from a virus?

When identifying how to protect yourself from a virus best, be sure to familiarize yourself with how the particular viruses spread. A crucial strategy to often practice when protecting yourself from any virus is washing your hands, especially against viruses that cause the flu or COVID-19. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) suggests washing your hands for at least twenty seconds with soap and water. Staying home if you are sick is essential for the safety and health of others by preventing further infection, and always social distancing helps dramatically. If you are ill and need to visit the doctor’s office, make sure to cover your face and nose with a face mask to prevent transmitting the virus to those around you.  

 

 

About Kevin Dalby

Dr. Kevin Dalby is a professor of chemical biology and medicinal chemistry, currently working on cancer drug discovery. He is a co-director of the Texas Screening Alliance for Cancer Therapeutics, and the principal investigator on a CPRIT grant that gives Texas scientists access to resources for drug discovery research. By understanding cancer cell signaling, Dr. Dalby works to improve diagnoses and utilize technological advances to develop targeted pharmaceuticals for different cancers.

 

The Rise of Rave Fashion: Do You Need to Change Your Look?

Digital Team
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The Rise of Rave Fashion: Do You Need to Change Your Look?

When looking at conventional fashion, trends are continuously changing, and what is desirable today could be deemed outdated by tomorrow. Although this can be true in some niches, the rave culture works a little differently.

Sure, things change as time goes by, but the rave community is about embracing what is different and quirky and truly making it their own. As such, rave fashion is a vast and diverse niche that offers clothing for every type of personality and interest.

The following is an overview of some of the statements made within the rave community, as well as an overview of what trends have become popular in the 21st century.

The 1990’s and First Fashion Trends

Although the first rave occurred in the late 1980s, it was the 1990s when rave attired became a niche of its own. Many elements of the 1990s still exist today, but it is fair to say that practicality was at the forefront of designs.

Given that the rave culture was only starting to take shape, there was not as much choice as there is today. As such, a lot of conventional clothes were mixed to create innovative outfits. Mainstream brands offered vibrancy such Adidas matched with colourful visors and spikey hair.

Some of the trends born during the 1990s phase of rave fashion remain prevalent today, such as smiley face t-shirts and thigh-high socks. There are even ravers that clash trends together to create more fashion movements that showcase just how unique and diverse the rave culture is.

The Millennium Movement of Rave Fashion

The secretive nature of the rave scene became more mainstream during the noughties, meaning that outfits would sometimes adopt a more conventional dress code. However, those still in love with the personalisation aspect of rave continued to build on the foundations initially laid out.

Ravers in Southern California were referred to as ‘Kandi Kids and introduced their personality into rave fashion. These additions included but were not limited to colourful bracelets, awesome armbands and fashionable face masks.

The rave culture continued to grow throughout the noughties, with further traction being gained thanks to the thriving dance music scenes where acts like Benny Bennasi and Martin Garrix enjoyed global popularity.

Nowadays, the rave culture continues to grow and thrive, with the main difference being the availability of different clothing and footwear that has been designed exclusively with the rave culture in mind.

In addition to the many items of clothing available, there are also many accessories available. Some celebrate the cyber age of the rave culture, while others do a stellar job of transporting ravers back to the 1990s.

Although the rave culture of today is more advanced than that of the late 1980s and early 1990s, the foundations of the rave culture are still firmly in place. Regardless of whether you’re interested in modern-day EDM or want to dance to the music of yesteryear, the rave community is one that allows people to do both with ease. 

Although a look can be modified and updated, the rave community is about being who you are, so the choice is yours at the end of the day. 

Can a DBA have a tax ID number?

Jason
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Can a DBA have a tax ID number?

Registering a DBA can provide your business with an easy and inexpensive way to operate under your chosen name. However, if a DBA – otherwise known as a trade or fictitious name – is not considered a legal entity, can it have a tax ID number? 

To start off, what is a DBA? 

A DBA (or Doing Business As) is the registered name or nickname under which a business formally registers to operate. Businesses such as sole proprietors, partnerships and LLCs can all register a DBA and conduct business operations under that chosen name. A DBA is not, however, considered a legal entity and it therefore cannot be used without being registered by either a sole proprietorship or an already incorporated business.  DBA’s are only considered valid in the jurisdiction in which they are registered and offer no legal liability protection and there is no separation, or “corporate veil”, to protect you in a personal capacity against any liability claims or debts incurred. Incorporated companies that register DBA’s can enjoy more protection if their existing entity provides it, but a DBA cannot provide protection in its own right. The particular laws around DBA’s vary per state and jurisdiction and it is important that you learn more about how to register a DBA and what you’ll need before you start the process.  

How are DBA’s taxed

If you are a sole proprietor

When starting a business as a sole proprietor, a DBA can offer your business an easy way to formally operate under a name that is different to your own and maintain a vital separation between you and your business. When taxes need to be filed for the business operations of the DBA, it is in fact the formally registered business that will pay tax for any operations on behalf of the DBA. This means that for sole proprietors operating under a DBA, taxes are filed through the personal income tax return of the sole proprietor and effectively “pass through” the company, the DBA will not be required to file any tax returns. Sole proprietors are required to pay self-employment taxes (which are 50% deductible), but the process is otherwise simple and efficient and requires minimal paperwork from the DBA itself.

If you are an incorporated company

DBA’s grant incorporated companies an opportunity to open new “businesses” without having to go through the administration of registering new entities and risking their brand name and consumer loyalty in these new business ventures. When an incorporated company operates under a DBA, their taxes are filed through the company’s existing tax channel. LLC’s – who are able to choose to either file as an s-corp or corporation – file their taxes in their chosen capacity and even if the business entity has multiple DBAs registered to one LLC, they are able to file a single tax return which contains all of the necessary DBA tax information. A partnership tax structure operates on a similar principle to that of sole proprietors, where taxes are “passed through” the company and are reported through personal income tax returns. Partnerships differ in that they may have multiple partners who are required to file and there is an additional form to complete when filing returns, but just like sole proprietors the partnership itself will not be required to submit a company tax return.  

So, can your DBA have a Tax ID number? 

Because, as we mentioned before, a DBA is not considered a legal business entity and any taxes from resulting business activities are paid to the IRS through either the personal income taxes of the sole proprietor, or through the incorporated business’ existing tax payment channel. As such a DBA is not able to apply for a tax number. All taxes and necessary documentation are filed and processed through the legally registered company on whose behalf the DBA operates. Ultimately a DBA cannot apply for a tax number, but the company to which its registered can and will most likely be required to do so. 

Should you Form an LLC?

Jason
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Should you Form an LLC?

Did you know that by forming a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC), your company is protected against lawsuits, there is a major reduction of paperwork that you are expected to complete when compared to corporations and other legal entity types, you avoid being taxed twice and the business comes across as more credible to customers and creditors?

Limited Liability Corporation is one of the several business structures to choose from, other examples are:

The Informal Business Structures which do not offer personal liability protection. Informal business structures do not offer taxation benefits or even personal liability protection. They are classified under two forms of structures:

Sole proprietorship– refers to a business owned by an individual that is not necessarily formally structured. As a sole proprietor, an individual need to file taxes under his or her name and is held personally liable for any actions taken against the business.

General partnership – refers to a business that is owned by more than one individual and the business is more formally structured. Taxes are filed under the names of the partners and partners are also liable for any action taken against the business.

So why should you consider forming an LLC?………………………………….

Protection of Personal Assets:

As an owner of an LLC, you will not be held personally responsible for the debts or lawsuits incurred by the LLC, provided that there are no criminal or fraudulent behaviour of course.

Pass-Through Taxation:

Did you know that the profits of an LLC go directly to its owners? So, LLC’s are only taxed once, so members are liable for reporting their share of the profits on their tax returns. When compared to C Corporations, that is subjected to “double-taxation”. LLC’s might pass-through taxation but there is still other state-level tax that is applicable. For example:

Franchise Tax:

Many states usually levy a “franchise tax”, this is either by charging a flat rate or an annual amount and in some instances, they even charge a percentage based on the earnings of the respective LLC’s.

Unemployment tax and Income Withholding tax:

If the LLC has employees, then as the business owner it is important that the LLC registers for Unemployment Insurance Tax as well as Income Withholding Tax.

Sales Tax

If the LLC will be having taxable goods or providing taxable services, then the owner will need to register for a permit, and the business is also eligible to collect sales tax on behalf of the state in which the business resides.

The simplicity of the process:

It is rather easy to form and maintain an LLC and another benefit is that the paperwork is minimal. LLC’s do require that any formal officer roles be assigned, there is no need to hold annual meetings and there is no need to record company minutes and resolutions.

The flexibility of the process:

Restrictions on how an LLC is structured and managed include; the LLC can either be single-member or multi-member. Multi-member LLC’s can be managed by its members and this is known as member-managed and businesses also have the option of electing to have the LLC managed by a manager which is elected by the members, this is known as manager-managed. There is also the added benefit of electing to be taxed as a C Corporation or an S Corporation.

The benefit of Increased Credibility

Did you know that forming an LLC helps your business come across as more credible? The fact that an LLC is recognized as a more formal business structure when compared to a Sole Proprietorship or even a partnership. So, incorporating LLC in your business name gives customers and partners the impression that you are more credible.

The benefit of being able to access Business Loans

After the formation of the LLC, the business can then start on building their credit history before they borrow money. As the credit history grows, it will allow the business to access loans as well as lines of credit.

Why You Should Dress To Impress?

Digital Team
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Why You Should Dress To Impress?

There are some days when you simply feel as though you don’t want to get dressed up. After all, does it matter how you look? If you happen to be someone who does not worry about the thoughts of others then it should not matter while people should not judge you on the basis of what you wear. However, the situation is actually the opposite. People do judge others on grounds of clothing and their overall style. 

Dressing to impress –irrespective of the occasion or the day, dressing well tends to be an ultimate reflection of your character, self-worth, and inner drive. As you would spend more time every morning ensuring that you are looking your best –even when you are going for a stroll or to pick up some milk, it certainly alters your mood. When you are looking good, you tend to feel good and perform well in different aspects of life. 

If you are looking for reasons to get up everyday and dress to impress, here are some for you:

  • Preparing for the Unexpected: When you are leaving the house, you should always be prepared for the unexpected. You could end up meeting your long-lost friend or even come across someone new. Therefore, you should always aim to look your best. Even when you are dressed up casually in a pair of jeans and sneakers, you should ensure that your overall outfit is complete while you maintain a clean and fresh appearance.
  • Uplifted Mood: When you have achieved the desired look for the day, you are going to feel better and confident about yourself. A sudden self-confidence boost can help in making a great impression. It reveals that you understand the importance of always being at your best in terms of your overall look while making an impression at all times. An improved mood is known to work wonders when you want to accomplish goals on a day-to-day basis. In some cases, improving your mood could come from wearing something unusual and dressing up to impress can help you make a great first impression.
  • Completing the Overall Look: As you dress to impress, it might take more than just dressing up the right way. In addition to wearing the right clothes, you are also required to pay attention to your overall appearance. Think about your hair while also making your face appear fresh. Every portion of your outfit, including shoes and accessories, are equally crucial details. 
  • Career Advancement: Whether or not you are the right person for the job, an interviewer will consider the way that you take care of your appearance. This impression is going to be made on the basis of your first looks. Imperfect grooming and improper outfits are the major reasons for a majority of rejections when you are searching for a new job. While your credentials are important, it is still important to pay attention to your overall looks. 

In case you are looking for versatility in your wardrobe but are limited by your overall budget, then you should aim at using some innovative wardrobe tips to minimize your overall spending. The wardrobe that you design with the help of IntoTheAm should fit your personal style as well as your budget while including everything that you would require for different aspects of your life. When you have a variety of accessories in your wardrobe, you can ensure any combination of two or more items will make it look like a brand-new outfit. 

Conclusion 

Impressions are known to be made based in your appearance –irrespective of where you are going. To ensure you always achieve you should always be dressed to impress.

The History of Kratom

Digital Team
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The History of Kratom

Kratom is a leafy plant that was not known by people until recent times. The other name of Kratom is Mitragyna speciosa. These plants are pain relievers as they can be used in powdered or pill form. Although this is considered to be a herbal product, more research is being carried out into its effectiveness. However, some scientists are working to bring a change in its use. Being a native plant to Southeast Asia, this plant is widespread in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.  If you want to see what Kratom is all about,  Super Speciosa has it readily available.

This article takes a look at the history of this plant. 

Where did Kratom originate from? 

While the definitive origin of Kratom is relatively unknown, a few things can be assumed about this unique plant’s origin. A native plant to Southeast Asia, the native cultures have been found to use these plants. These plants were chewed by tribal societies, which acted as a great stimulant. It maximizes appetite, provides stimulation and boosts energy. 

Some tribes would even consume it or use it as a beverage. Some people, though, could not use it due to its bitterness. It has also been known that tribal people used it to protect their injuries by using Kratom as a poultice. The workers and laborers that worked hard in the fields mostly enjoyed its use and sought great benefits from using it.

This plant is known for its ability to act as a stimulant when used in low quantities, however, it acts as an opiate with higher dosages. Another interesting piece of information about this plant is that although it does not have any opiate-like substance, it has substances that create a similar effect. The similarity in chemicals has forced scientists to conduct extensive research to determine if this unique plant can help to alleviate and treat addiction to opioids. It has been discovered that it bonds to the opioid receptors and thus works as a substitute. 

When used in the conventional form, Kratom has never accounted for any deaths or any significant ailment in any patients. Kratom was used as a replacement for opiate substance for the first time in the 19th century with the plant’s documentation by Pieter Willem Korthals. According to him, this plant is used chiefly as a replacement for opium when it was unavailable. Many other scientists, including H. Ridley also identified that Kratom is one of the best substitutes for opium. When Kratom was investigated actively, it was found that it contains Mitragynine, which has opioid-like effects but mild consequences. 

Kratom has also been used as a medicine to treat various ailments, starting from diabetes to diarrhea and many other issues. Although Kratom’s use has been banned in some countries, it is trendy among rural people who enjoy the sensation that it creates.. 

To find out more about this intriguing plant, you must get in touch with Super Speciosa today.

All You Need To Know About 21st Century Advertising

Manager
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All You Need To Know About 21st Century Advertising

Advertising your products and services is an important component of every business as you can help to drive demand and potentially increase your profits. Furthermore, you should also be aware that advertising is used to promote a variety of products and services while you should also be aware of the various advancements that have occurred in the advertising industry at the start of the 21st century. Indeed, online advertising has become increasingly prominent over the last few years while you should also think about starting a digital marketing campaign if you want to increase your customer base. This is especially pertinent if you want to expand your operations on a global scale as you can use the Internet to contact your target customers. However, you may not be aware about the intricacies of running a digital marketing campaign while a number of agencies are available to assist you throughout the process.

  • Understand about how advertising works
  • Use several different adverts
  • Cost-effective solution

1.            Understand the variety of advertising techniques

If you are looking to implement a digital marketing campaign, then you should be aware of a number of elements of advertising. Indeed, by studying advertising or even getting assistance from https://www.moveaheadmedia.com.au/ can help you to identify which particular types of advertising would work in a digital medium. Advertising on a digital medium is also important if you want to reach customers located around the world. Furthermore, you should also be aware that using search engine optimisation, as well as a number of other techniques can allow you to reach your existing or potential customers regardless of their location on the planet.

2.            Use a variety of adverts

One of the main aspects of marketing is to target customer groups with a variety of different types of adverts and other content such as videos. Indeed, a number of studies have determined that customers are affected by a number of elements of a particular marketing campaign, especially the use of colour in adverts while you should also be aware that adverts are used to play on emotions in order to get a customer to buy something. Furthermore, you should also determine which particular digital marketing channels would be appropriate for your marketing campaign.

3.            Enjoy a cost-effective advertising solution

Finally, you should be aware that most advertising at the start of the 21st century is carried out online while you should also be aware that digital marketing can allow you to enjoy a cost-effective solution. This is especially pertinent if you want a reach a wide demographic group of customers while you can also look for additional information about how to go about the process of advertising for businesses. In addition, you should also be aware that online advertising can provide you with a cost-effective way to market your products and services as you can use social media to gain access to a wide variety of customers.

Therefore, in conclusion, if you are thinking about running a digital marketing campaign you should know that a number of factors pertaining to the subject of advertising, so that you can make your adverts as effective as possible.

Joel Arun Sursas Discusses the Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

Jason
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Joel Arun Sursas Discusses the Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

 

As AI continues to be discussed in healthcare, diverse ideas and points of view arise confronting one another. The most alarmist individuals, who denounce the advent of transhumanism, find themselves in disagreement with those who suggest that we overestimate AI’s abilities. Defining what AI means is not straightforward; the lack of a clear definition is indeed the first obstacle to overcome. Below, Dr. Joel Arun Sursas takes a more in-depth look into the perception of AI in healthcare.   

 

What is AI?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) means that a machine can perform a task that is considered intelligent by humans [1]. Science has recently seen striking advances within the world of AI, and plenty of fields are eager to learn from the new advancements, including medicine.

 

For example, a study in 2017 found that AI could diagnose skin cancer just as efficiently as a human dermatologist. Then in 2018, another study found that AI was able to do it even better than dermatologists. That same year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the first AI device to diagnose diabetic retinopathy without a doctor’s help. 

 

Key opinion leaders have declared that some medical specialties may even be replaced entirely with AI devices. This causes some unsettled feelings among physicians, particularly in the fields of radiology and pathology. There are concerns about misdiagnoses, patient comfortability, and job security in the industry. 

 

Those who have asserted that AI may replace humans in specific fields completely tend to land on the more extreme end of the AI spectrum. Most individuals believe that a combination of AI and human doctors working together can yield the best results. 

 

Privacy Concerns with AI

New issues arise with AI’s application in healthcare, mainly with health data and privacy concerns. Due to these rising concerns, Google published a list of ethical principles regarding AI development in June of 2018. 

 

In the medical industry, most privacy concerns are rooted in HIPAA violations that protect against the unauthorized exchange of patients’ medical information without consent. This concern is understandable, as, in other industries, AI has been used for inappropriate data mining.

 

Currently, the AI tools for medicine are slowly being rolled out or still in the research phase. Still, it is well-accepted that these AI tools will revolutionize medical practice, and the medical community is starting to take it seriously. The industry is committed to using AI safely; AI will not intrude on patients’ rights to confidentiality, making progress surrounding the topic more viable. 

 

A Positive Role in Healthcare As Described By Industry Leaders 

Researchers in Paris, France, set out to determine the overall perception of AI in healthcare. To do so, they interviewed 40 people: 

 

●       13 Physicians

●       5 Radiologists

●       2 Surgeons

●       1 Anatomopathologist

●       1 Dermatologist

●       1 Oncologist

●       1 Radiotherapist

●       1 Nuclear Physician

●       1 Geriatrician

●       1 Cardiologist 

 

They also included many other people involved in healthcare. Most of the people that were interviewed talked about the myth of AI– what’s portrayed in movies and TV and the need to strike a balance between accessing data and their protection, as well as the potential interference among the relationship between the physician and patient. 

 

The interviews also found that healthcare professionals didn’t deny the promising future of AI, but worried about providing the best care for their patients. 

 

Doctors appeared to have a positive perception of the possibilities of AI in healthcare. For many healthcare specialists, AI tools could help save time, provide better patient monitoring, alleviate some of the deficiencies in under-served communities, and even help improve healthcare management difficulties. 

 

Therefore, AI is perceived in the medical community as having the potential to make medicine a lot more effective, improve care while reducing costs, and increase patient safety [2].

 

Most healthcare providers, at least the ones who were surveyed in the study, are hopeful about the future of medicine with AI. They see many benefits that it can bring, including quality of care and time management, but there are still concerns to be ironed out, particularly patient safety and data security. 

 

 

About Joel Arun Sursas:

Joel Arun Sursas holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Medicine and Bachelor’s Degree in Surgery from the National University of Singapore and is continuing his education to obtain a Certificate in Safety, Quality, Informatics and Leadership from the Harvard Medical School, and Masters in Applied Health Science Informatics from the Johns Hopkins University (both expected in 2020). His technical skills include SPSS, RevMan, and Python. Dr. Joel Arun Sursas‘ most recent engagement is with a medical device start-up company Biorithm where he serves as Head of Clinical Affairs, working to take fetal surveillance out of the hospital and into the home, revolutionizing the obstetric practice globally.

 

 

References

 

  1. DD. Miller, EW. Brown, et al. “Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: Findings from a Qualitative Survey Study among Actors in France.” Journal of Translational Medicine, BioMed Central, 1 Jan. 1970, translational-medicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12967-019-02204-y.
  2. DD. Miller, EW. Brown, et al. “Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: Findings from a Qualitative Survey Study among Actors in France.” Journal of Translational Medicine, BioMed Central, 1 Jan. 1970, translational-medicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12967-019-02204-y.

 

 

Top 3 Business Concerns For The End Of 2020

Chris Turn
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Top 3 Business Concerns For The End Of 2020

2020 has proven to be an extremely challenging year for all businesses. Although people are trying to stay safe and exercise caution amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, they must earn a living too. 

While some workers have the possibility of working from home, many have been left without a job. Unemployment rates have skyrocketed, and a lot of businesses have been forced to shut their doors permanently. 

What’s Next for Businesses? 

Luckily, it’s not all doom and gloom—recent weeks we have started to see some level of normality resume. Certain businesses have been able to re-open for the first time since the lockdowns began back in March. Business owners and entrepreneurs live in the hope that they can bounce back quickly. 

One thing that is certain is that businesses should consider all future possibilities and prepare for them as best they can. While there aren’t a host of obvious choices or actions to benefit your company at this time, it’s important to take responsibility and make some tough decisions. Even though times are hard, there are always opportunities to improve. 

So what are businesses’ main concerns as we begin to close out the year 2020? What questions do business leaders have, and are there any answers? While there may not be concrete answers just yet, there are a lot of important insights to take note of as you prepare your company for the future.

Concern #1: When will my employees return to the office?

As mentioned, millions of employees around the world have been working remotely. The ability to have workers operate from home has been a lifesaver for many companies. What’s more, companies are realizing that they can perform adequately if not even more productively while operating remotely. 

Remote working looks set to stay for the foreseeable future. If they haven’t done so already, businesses must enable themselves for this. They need to adjust their strategy and invest in remote operations for their staff. Although this sometimes requires high up-front expenses, it can be cost-effective in the long-run. It’s a necessary step for adapting to the current climate.

Unfortunately, some industries or smaller businesses aren’t optimized for a remote workforce. Whether it’s impossible to run the business remotely or there is a lack of capital available, makeshift offices simply aren’t suited to all occasions. These organizations are heavily dependent on restrictions being lifted. 

The re-opening of towns, cities, and countries has seen varying results worldwide. Some areas have done so seamlessly, while others have had to retract into lockdown again. It’s difficult to predict when states will reopen. State governments are attempting to deal with the virus on a day-to-day basis. 

For businesses that depend on onsite operations, it’s wise to consider how that can be done safely. How can you implement long-term social distancing regulations if needed? How will your staff’s schedules be optimized to ensure there isn’t too much overlapping? 

Many restaurants, for example, have been able to operate more effectively as they invest in online ordering technology and practice safe social distancing in-house. By considering safe, healthy ways your business may be able to operate as restrictions ease, you can prepare for the future, even if you depend on onsite working.

Concern #2: Should I establish long-term BYOD policies?

With so many people now working from home, companies have had to find a way to get work equipment to each of their remote employees. This has raised the question of whether or not companies should employ a long-term BYOD (Bring-Your-Own-Device) policy and move away from company-owned devices altogether. 

A BYOD policy can have several advantages. From an employee’s point of view, being allowed to use your own device can increase job satisfaction. Due to the elevated comfortability using a familiar device, BYOD policies can also boost productivity levels. Most importantly, by allowing their workers to use their own devices, companies can save a lot of money on technology expenses.

Although these benefits are significant, keep in mind that BYOD policies can bring about a new set of challenges, particularly in the COVID era. Personal devices used for work purposes are much more vulnerable to security breaches since they cannot be controlled as easily as company devices. It’s critical for companies to work with a reliable IT company to determine whether or not BYOD for long-term needs is viable and secure within your organization.

Concern #3: How can I cut costs?

Survival might be the goal for many businesses as we approach the final quarter of 2020. But survival may depend on your ability to cut unnecessary costs to stay afloat.

Eliminating office space and onsite expenses provide the best opportunities for saving money. If companies are operating effectively with a remote workforce, they should consider ending leases for the long term. The rollout towards a larger remote contingent can be gradual and strategic as you downsize to smaller locations. 

A remote staff also means that businesses can reduce the amount of money spent on office equipment. Whether this is rented machinery or expensive services, companies should take advantage of savings opportunities such as getting rid of leased printers.

If you can’t work remotely, consider whether your staff has decreased during the pandemic. Since many businesses have had to shrink their workforces, you may have opportunities to eliminate per-user costs such as software subscriptions, phone lines, and more.

As your company considers these three concerns for the end of 2020, keep in mind that every business is unique and will require its own cost-benefit analysis for each of these solutions. Remote work can be a great opportunity to save money and deal with the challenges of an unpredictable pandemic, but it may just not work with your circumstances. 

Rest assured, you can still prepare for potential reopenings by keeping your focus on other ways to save costs and adopt safe working practices.

Factors that May Be Blocking Your Social Security Disability Claim

Chris Turn
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Factors that May Be Blocking Your Social Security Disability Claim

Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits provide a financial lifeline for many. If your claim is denied but you believe that you’re entitled to disability benefits, it’s important to understand what factors may be inhibiting your claim before moving forward with an appeal. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most common reasons claims are denied and offer some tips to help you if you’ve had an application rejected. 

Common Reasons Your Social Security Disability Claim Has Been Denied

There are several factors that could result in a Social Security disability claim being blocked. These include:

Your Income Is Too High

Social Security benefits are designed to help the most vulnerable people in society, and they are not accessible to everyone. The amount of money and assets you already have and the income you earn from investments doesn’t affect your claim. However, if you currently earn more than $1,260 per month by working, you will not be eligible for SSDI.

Your Disability Doesn’t Meet the Criteria

This is one of the most contentious issues facing claimants. If your application for Social Security disability benefits has been rejected, there is a chance that your disability doesn’t meet the criteria because it is either not severe enough or it will not affect you for a prolonged enough amount of time. The current guidelines stipulate that recipients of SSDI benefits have a disability that will affect them for a minimum of one year.

Your Contact Information Isn’t Updated

Occasionally, claimants are rejected on the grounds of administrative issues—for example, if the Social Security Administration (SSA) is unable to get in touch with you. Always make sure that your personal contact details are up to date if you are trying to make a disability claim, especially if you’ve moved or changed phone numbers during the process. 

Failure to Provide Medical Proof

In order to claim SSDI benefits, you’ll need to provide medical documents to confirm that you have a disability. If you haven’t supplied the relevant documentation, your claim may be refused. It’s always beneficial to keep important files in a safe place and to ensure that you provide as much documentation as possible, including medical bills, doctors’ notes from appointments,  prescriptions, and insurance correspondence, before you submit your claim to prevent delays. 

Your Disability is Linked to Addiction or a Felony

If your disability is linked to addiction and you are currently using drugs or alcohol, you are currently in prison, or you sustained injuries while in prison or through committing a felony, the SSA may reject your claim. 

You Haven’t Exactly Followed Prescriptions

If a doctor recommends treatment and you haven’t completely followed their prescription, there is a chance that your claim could be turned down. You must show that you are doing everything in your power to improve your condition, including taking prescribed medications and following recommended treatment plans.

What Can I Do If My Social Security Disability Claim Has Been Rejected?

If your Social Security disability claim has been denied, don’t panic. Working with an experienced San Bernardino Social Security attorney can help you navigate the process of filing an appeal and maximizing your chances of having your application for financial assistance ultimately approved. An experienced Social Security lawyer can help you evaluate whether one of these factors is preventing your claim from being approved and help you make your case stronger before moving forward.

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