title: Date Posted: 22 April 2024

text:
Date Posted: 22 April 2024
- Lithium-ion batteries are being installed in computer data centres
- Existing fire protection standards not designed for Lithium-ion batteries
- Note NFPA Codes mentioned in this article are American Standards
There has been an increase recently in the number of fires that are being reported in the press in relation to Li-ion batteries. The issues related to these fires stem from either defective battery installations or insufficient or improper fire suppression being specified.
I recently acted as an expert witness in a case where the applicable guidance documents, at first sight, did not require the provision of fire suppression in battery rooms. The applicable guidance document was written not so long ago but did not consider the specific risks inherent to Li-ion batteries.
In another case, clean agent fire suppression was specified as coverage for battery rooms. The specification was again based on the applicable standards and guidance documents.
Unfortunately, a fire occurred, and the clean agent system did not extinguish or control the fire.
These apparent faults in the specification and guidance documents could have been avoided if there had been a fire engineering analysis, or by looking a bit further and consulting other standards and literature and delving a bit deeper into the subject. What is surprising, and at the same time concerning, is that a dedicated fire engineering team was involved in the design and construction of the project.
In this article, I illustrate the specific risks inherent to Li-ion batteries, the potential risk mitigations, and the guidance from codes and standards. I will conclude with my opinion on what the role of the fire engineer should be in dealing with projects where specific risks exist such as those inherent to Li-ion batteries.
Li-ion Batteries in Data Centres
Li-ion batteries are becoming increasingly popular in data centres due to their high energy density, longer lifespan, and lower maintenance costs compared to traditional batteries.
In data centres, Li-ion batteries are used as a backup power source for uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems. They are preferred over other batteries because they can provide more power in less space. Li-ion batteries are also faster to charge and discharge than other battery types, which makes them ideal for use in data centres where power outages can cause significant damage.
Li-ion Battery Hazards
However, Li-ion batteries are still a relatively new technology, and there are still many unknowns regarding their performance and reliability.
With regard to data centre fire protection, the risk of thermal runaway, which can cause the battery to overheat and catch fire, is a concern. Therefore, it is important to ensure that Li-ion batteries are used in a safe and controlled environment.
Thermal runaway reaction
Chemical reactions are either endothermic or exothermic. In layman’s terms, endothermic reactions need energy to happen, exothermic reactions release energy. Many chemical reactions, including the chemical reaction that happens in the case of many Li-ion incidents, are exothermic.
The picture below shows the exothermic reaction process which accelerates when the released heat cannot be dissipated quickly enough.
Figure extracted from Wikipedia – Thermal runaway.
Thermal runaway is a process in which an exothermic reaction goes out of control, causing a further increase in temperature and, hence, a further rapid increase in the reaction rate.
In Li-ion batteries, thermal runaway is a phenomenon in which the lithium-ion cell enters an uncontrollable, self-heating state. This can occur when a lithium-ion battery is damaged, overcharged, or exposed to high temperatures. According to UL Research Institutes, during thermal runaway, the battery generates heat at a rate several times higher than the rate at which heat dissipates from the cell. The cell reaches thermal runaway when its temperature rises uncontrollably at a rate greater than 20°C per minute with maximum temperatures reaching greater than 300°C accompanied by gas and/or electrolyte venting, smoke or fire or a combination of all.
The risks associated with thermal runaways include the ejection of gas, shrapnel, and/or particulates, extremely high temperatures, smoke, and fire.
How to stop a thermal runaway reaction
Knowing how to stop a thermal runaway reaction is vital for data centre fire protection. To stop a reaction, it is important to remove the heat source and cool the reaction mixture as quickly as possible. In chemical processes, this is typically done by using a heat exchanger, or temperature control device, by adding a reaction inhibitor or quenching the reaction by cooling, or by directly dumping the reaction mixture into the quenching liquid itself.
Fire suppressions systems
In data centres, clean agent gaseous fire suppression systems are often used as they are generally suitable for electrically energised fires. The application of water from deluge or sprinkler systems is often discouraged because it allegedly is unsuitable to fight electrically energised fires. It can cause short-circuits increasing the risk of electrocution for persons in the room of electrically energised equipment. It is also claimed that water can cause more damage than the fire itself.
Fires are suppressed by removing or disrupting one of three elements needed to sustain a fire: heat, oxygen, or the fuel source.
Clean agent fire suppression systems may not be effective in stopping a thermal runaway reaction as a clean agent fire suppression system does not provide the required cooling. The clean agent fire suppression may reduce the oxygen concentration in the room, however, the thermal runaway is a chemical reaction that does not stop by simply removing or reducing the oxygen levels.
In other words, a clean agent fire suppression system may temporarily reduce or even extinguish the fire, it will not stop the runaway reaction with the result that a fire that is suppressed temporarily will re-ignite again.
Initially, the absence of specific safety protocols tailored to Li-ion batteries led to incidents involving thermal runaway, fire outbreaks, and explosions. These incidents prompted a concerted effort by regulatory bodies, industry experts, and research organisations to establish comprehensive safety guidance and standards.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Underwriters Laboratories (UL), and Factory Mutual (FM) were among the pioneering organizations that took a proactive role in formulating guidelines to address Li-ion battery hazards. NFPA’s NFPA 855, UL’s UL 9540, and FM’s Property Loss Prevention data sheets 5-32 (FM DS 5-32) are exemplar standards developed to ensure the safe installation and use of energy storage systems, including Li-ion batteries.
NFPA 855 outlines requirements for the installation, design, and maintenance of energy storage systems, emphasizing fire safety measures. It covers aspects such as thermal runaway mitigation, proper ventilation, fire suppression systems, and emergency response planning, thereby significantly reducing fire risks associated with Li-ion batteries in various settings.
More specifically, NFPA 855 defines requirements regarding the compartmentation of battery rooms, and it states that the battery room should be separated from the data centre room where the maximum stored energy exceeds 600 kWatt Hour.
The standard states that sprinkler systems are highly recommended and formulate the design criteria to which the sprinkler system must comply in the case of Li-Ion battery rooms.
Note that NFPA 855, like most important NFPA standards, undergoes updates every 3 years.
Similar to NFPA 855, FM DS 5-32 outlines design requirements. It specifically states not to use clean agents or water mist systems. It also defines how server racks where Li-ion distributed power systems are used need to be constructed as indicated in the below figure extracted from FM DS 5-32.
Note the required metal barriers after every 3rd server rack as a measure to mitigate the impact of a possible thermal runaway.
UL 9540 focuses on evaluating the safety of energy storage systems by assessing their electrical, mechanical, and thermal stability. UL certification following rigorous testing procedures assures the safety and reliability of Li-ion battery systems.
Continuous advancements in technology and ongoing research have further contributed to the development of updated safety standards. Emerging innovations, such as smart battery management systems, and improved thermal management techniques, continue to shape the evolution of safety protocols for Li-ion batteries.
Researchers are also working on the battery materials themselves by replacing flammable liquid electrolytes with more stable, solid electrolyte materials such as non-flammable gels, inorganic glass, and solid polymers to create solid-state batteries. They are also developing cathodes that release less oxygen when they break down and separators that can withstand high temperatures without melting.
These technological innovations, when implemented, will reduce or perhaps eliminate certain fire risks such that revisions to the current standards will be required.
TWO MORE E-SCOOTER FIRES IN APARTMENTS
E-scooter fire leaves two people in critical condition after suffering extensive burns
Date Posted: 20 April 2024
Twelve Queensland Fire and Emergency Service crews attended the scene of a unit fire in inner-city Brisbane.
The cause of a Brisbane unit fire that left two people in an induced coma after suffering extensive burns has been revealed.
Fire investigators say an e-scooter which was left charging in the lounge room of the unit caused an explosion which started the fire.
Emergency services were called to Bowen Terrace in New Farm about 9am Saturday morning.
Twelve fire crews were battling the blaze which is now contained.
A Queensland Ambulance Service spokesperson said a man and a woman had suffered extensive burns and were placed in an induced coma.
They were then transported to Royal Brisbane and Women’s hospital, the spokesperson said.
Another man in his 50s was also taken to the hospital and treated for smoke inhalation.
Two other people, who were suffering from smoke inhalation, were assessed by paramedics at the scene but did not require hospitalisation.
A Queensland Fire and Emergency Service (QFES) spokesperson said early investigations suggested the intensity of the fire was due to clutter in the small unit and described the conditions as a ‘perfect storm’ for fire.
The spokesperson confirmed two visitors had been staying in the loungeroom of the unit and left the e-scooter on charge.
The owners of the unit managed to escape towards the back of the unit, the ABC understands the visitors also tried to evacuate themselves but were inhibited by furniture.
Police have declared the fire as non-suspicious.
Fire authorities warn of lithium-ion battery risks after two students narrowly escape Melbourne fire
Around 50 people were evacuated from the building early on Thursday morning.(ABC News)
- In short: Two students were awoken after a lithium-ion battery-powered mobile phone bank exploded, setting their bed alight.
- Fifty residents in the Carlton student accommodation building were forced to evacuate as firefighters quickly contained the fire.
- What’s next? Fire authorities have warned the frequency of lithium-ion battery fires is growing, and energy experts have urged consumers to check their products are up to Australian standards.
Victorian fire authorities say they’re responding to almost one lithium-ion battery fire every day, in the wake of a dramatic blaze which threatened dozens of people in Melbourne’s inner north.
About 50 residents were forced to evacuate a Carlton student accommodation building on Thursday morning, due to a fire sparked by an exploding lithium-ion battery.
Fire authorities said two university students were sleeping when a mobile phone power bank beside their bed exploded, quickly setting their bed alight.
The fire was contained to one bedroom, but fire authorities said it “caused a fair bit of damage”.
Fire services said the apartment was “gutted” by the fire.(ABC News).
“The room has been gutted by fire as a result of the explosion of that power bank, and they won’t be able to reoccupy that room anytime soon,” Fire Rescue Victoria’s Commander Paul Eckholdt said.
The two students have been assessed for smoke inhalation but were released by Ambulance Victoria.
Lithium-ion batteries a growing concern for fire services
Commander Eckholdt said lithium-ion batteries were a growing concern for fire services, which are responding to almost one fire per day caused by lithium-ion batteries.
“What we are finding is that a lot of people are charging devices while they’re asleep — phones, computers, scooters, that type of thing,” he said.
Commander Paul Eckholdt says lithium batteries are a growing concern for fire services everywhere.
Earlier this year, two people were killed in a house blaze authorities believe was caused by a lithium-ion battery in New South Wales.
Commander Eckholdt said the frequency of the fires highlighted the need for working smoke detectors.
“We want to warn the community that absolutely working smoke alarms save lives,” he said.
Safety tips for lithium-ion batteries:
- Only buy lithium-ion battery products from reputable sources and check for the Regulatory Compliance Mark
- Make sure all devices are compatible with the batteries you’re using to charge them
- Avoid over-charging your device. Once it’s reached 100 per cent charge, unplug it
- Always make sure you have thought about an escape route from your home if the battery starts a fire
“We recommend you have smoke detectors interconnected throughout your house and in your bedrooms.
“It’s really, really important for people that when they are charging phones, lithium-battery products, scooters, electric bikes, that they have a smoke detector operating … and to make sure they supervise that.”
Not all battery products up to Australian standards
Leanne Hughson, chief executive officer of Energy Safe Victoria, said it was important Australians bought lithium-ion battery products from reputable suppliers.
“Our very strong advice to consumers is to make sure you’re buying batteries from reputable suppliers; don’t buy them from the internet when you don’t know who the supplier is,” she said.
Safety authorities say Australians should check battery products for this Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM). (Supplied: Electrical Equipment Safety System)
Other critical safety measures include ensuring devices are compatible with batteries, not “over-charging” devices and charging in a safe location.
“Be really careful about over-charging your device. Once it’s at 100 per cent, it’s charged, so you can take it off and unplug the charger,” Ms Hughson said.
“Also, make sure there is an escape route or that it’s outside in the garage and that you’re not blocked from getting out the door if a fire does occur.”
Fire in Hotel Apartments Adelaide caused by guest charging e-scooter
Published date: 08/04/2024
Emergency services responded to fire alarms at the Adelaide North Terrace hotel just after 10.30am on Saturday 6 April.
Fortunately, all guests managed to be safely evacuated from the hotel and there were no reports of injuries.
The fire was contained to one room on the 12th floor; however, significant water damage was caused to rooms over several floors due to sprinkler activation.
Fire investigators attended and examined the scene.
The cause of the fire has been determined to be an electric scooter recharging. The e-scooter has been seized for forensic examination.
HOW TO AVOID A HOLIDAY DISASTER AND FIREPROOF YOUR CARAVAN
Published Date: 2/4/2024
More and more holidaymakers will be travelling with electric scooters. There is a risk of a fire in a caravan or cabin in a caravan park, with the added possibility of the fire spreading in the park.
On Sunday 31st March 2024, a caravan burst into flames in Perth bushland due to issues with a lithium-ion battery.
This fire is one of many incidents caused by lithium-ion batteries, with 110 fires being attributed to these batteries in the last year.
Assistant Commissioner Metropolitan Operations Jon Broomhall told Chrissy Morrissy on 6PR Afternoons, “There are a number of safety things people need to think about with lithium-ion batteries.”
“It’s really important people change them on a hard surface away from any flammable items…and to have a smoke alarm in and around any property where you’re sleeping, so in your house or in your caravan,” Assistant Commissioner Broomhall said.
“The best thing to do [if a lithium-ion battery fire erupts] is disconnect it from any power, get it into open air, and douse it with as much water as you possible can,” Assistant Commissioner Broomhall said.
Listen to the broadcast here.
ELECTRIC VEHICLES, BIKES AND SCOOTERS UNDER FIRE SAFETY SPOTLIGHT
Published: 26th Mar 2024
Emergency services, auto groups, insurers and battery experts will weigh in on the safety of electric and hybrid vehicles at a parliamentary inquiry.
But the NSW inquiry sitting on Tuesday could spend much of its time discussing regulations for electric bikes and scooters rather than cars, as experts warn of inadequate safety measures and inferior imported products being sold to consumers.
The inquiry comes after a spate of devastating fires involving the two-wheeled devices, with Fire and Rescue NSW reporting blazes involving personal mobility vehicles almost tripled in 2023.
The NSW Joint Standing Committee’s Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Batteries Inquiry has drawn more than 30 submissions since it was called in October 2023.
Committee chair Greg Warren said the inquiry would probe whether “enhanced training, safety equipment and support” would be required to deal with the growing number of electrified vehicles on the state’s roads.
EV FireSafe chief executive Emma Sutcliffe, who is due to appear before the inquiry, said in her submission that Australia had experienced just six electric car fires and the vehicles currently represented a “very low risk”.
Light delivery electric vehicles presented a “moderate risk”, however, and vehicles such as e-scooters and e-bikes were classified as “high risk” by the agency.
Emergency workers were yet to receive “standardised training” in how to deal battery fires, said Ms Sutcliffe, and as a result were “increasingly unable to protect people and property” when lithium-ion batteries exploded.
The Insurance Council of Australia also called for greater regulation of battery-powered bikes and scooters as current laws were allowing the importation of “cheap, non-compliant products” that were putting households at risk.
“Stronger regulatory enforcement activity around the importation and sale of this type of product will help to reduce rising incidence of unsafe products,” the group’s submission said.
Calls for new laws around the technology were also mirrored in submissions from Bicycle NSW, which called for rules around modified vehicles and non-compatible chargers. Bicycle Industries Australia said Australians needed guidelines about their safe use.
New rules should include details about how to safely store and charge e-bikes and e-scooters, the group said, as well as outlining what modifications were legally allowed and recording “the number and cause of all lithium-ion battery fires”.
In its submission, Lithium Batteries Australia and LifeTech Energy said companies proved to be importing “inferior, potentially hazardous lithium batteries” and making false claims about them should be legally prosecuted.
Fire and Rescue NSW reported 61 e-bike and e-scooter fires across the state in 2023, up from just 22 the year before.
NEED FOR NATIONAL STANDARDS
Published: 16th Mar 2024
NSW Energy Minister Penny Sharpe said this week that the state government was in talks with the federal government to strengthen laws surrounding lithium-ion batteries.
“There’s very reputable battery suppliers but people are getting cheaper ones as e-bikes proliferate,” she said.
But while it’s understood what can create these fires, one issue is a lack of consistent guidelines and regulations.
Currently, electrical safety is regulated by each state and territory.
In October, the ACCC published a report which noted that the “current regulatory framework does not squarely address the safety risks” of lithium-ion batteries.
ACCC deputy chair Catriona Lowe told the ABC that, while incidents were low compared to the quantity of lithium-ion batteries in Australia, those incidents can be “very serious”.
“This is why it is incredibly important that the regulatory frameworks adequately respond to what are going to become more and more common products, particularly as we move through our transition to net zero,” she said.
According to the report, there is no national quality standard or lithium-battery disposal guidelines, potentially contributing to confusion and variation in product safety.
There is also no national database to track incidents.
The same report highlights that Australian Consumer Law does not “contain the full suite of tools needed to effectively regulate specialist products, such as electrical products”.
“We are supportive of retaining the state and territory expertise, but what we would like to see is a nationally consistent framework,” Ms Lowe said.
NSW Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said the state was working with state and federal governments
“Fair Trading is working with emergency services to inspect products on the market today but consumers buying cheap products online should exercise caution,” he said.
Since March 2023, NSW Fair Trading has conducted inspections of 195 retailers selling electrical articles, including 39 models of e-bikes and e-scooters.
“While securing a national approach will take time, NSW is moving ahead with proactive compliance programs and we’re looking at ways to increase education about the safe use of these products,” Mr Chanthivong added.
E-BIKE WITH MODIFIED LITHIUM-ION BATTERY BEHIND UNIT FIRE THAT INJURED MAN
Published: 14th March 2024
A charging e-bike with a modified battery burst into flames at a unit in Sydney this morning, injuring a man and sparking serious safety concerns.
At least 40 residents were forced to evacuate a 10-storey building on French Avenue in Bankstown about 6.30am after an e-bike caught fire in a unit.
The building’s sprinkler system helped contain the flames coming from the third floor as firefighters arrived to extinguish the blaze and clear the smoke from the building.
Fire and Rescue NSW said one of the four unit occupants – a 30-year-old man – had attempted to move the e-bike and suffered a burn to his hand.
He was taken to Bankstown Hospital for further medical treatment. No other injuries were reported.
Since the blaze, firefighters have determined the e-bike was plugged in and charging when it caught on fire.
APPEAL FOR EXTRA CAUTION AROUND BATTERY USE AFTER APPARENT FIRST LITHIUM-ION FIRE DEATHS IN NSW – TERALBA
Published: 05th Mar 2024 02:28pm
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is urging the public to be extra cautious after what appear to be the state’s first recorded deaths in a Lithium-Ion battery-related fire last week.
About 4.10am on Thursday 29 February, four people were inside a townhouse at Teralba at Lake Macquarie when a fire broke out.
FRNSW investigators believe a battery was compromised and immediately went into ‘Thermal Runaway,’ a process where a Lithium-Ion cell overheats and gives off toxic gases before exploding in flames.
Two of the occupants escaped the intense flames but two others inside the townhouse were killed, their bodies recovered from the unstable ruins on Friday and Saturday.
NSW Police are working to formally identify the victims and prepare a report for the NSW Coroner, who will formally decide the cause of the deaths.
The tragedies mark what FRNSW regards as the first deaths in NSW due to a Lithium-Ion battery-related fire.
According to the latest FRNSW statistics, there have been 45 Lithium-Ion battery-related fires in NSW so far this year, or five incidents a week.
There were 269 such fires in this state last year at the same weekly rate.
FRNSW is reinforcing its public warnings about the dangers of such batteries when comprised, damaged or allowed to overheat.
“This appears to be what we have been fearing for a while now, a person or persons dying due to a Lithium-Ion battery-related fire in this state,” FRNSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell, said.
“We continue to warn the community about the potential for these batteries to explode in flames,” Commissioner Fewtrell said.
“Use extra caution when using Lithium-Ion batteries…when they go into ‘thermal runaway,’ the danger is immediate.
“These fires are extremely intense and volatile, even our firefighters find putting them out challenging because they burn so hot.
“It’s vital the public follows our safety advice around these batteries.”
- Never sleep or leave home with your Lithium-battery-powered devices charging
- Don’t leave them constantly on charge
- If Lithium batteries are damaged or compromised, dispose of them properly
- Don’t throw them out in the rubbish, they can start garbage truck or rubbish tip fires when compacted
- Contact your local, approved recycling centre for disposal advice
- Don’t leave devices charging on beds, sofas or around highly flammable materials
- Try to charge devices outside if possible
- Always buy reputable Lithium-battery brands and never ‘mix and match’ components
- Beware of cheap, substandard Lithium battery-powered devices
- Avoid dropping, crushing or piercing battery cells
- Store batteries and devices in a cool, dry area, away from combustible materials
- Install active smoke alarms in your home/garage
- Ensure you have a home evacuation plan in the event of fire
- Don’t store or charge Lithium-Ion-powered devices near exit points in your home
For further information, visit the FRNSW website: https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page.php?id=9392 [external link]
THE FIRST AUSTRALIAN DEATH DIRECTLY LINKED TO A LEV LITHIUM-ION BATTERY HAS OCCURRED IN A CARAVAN.
Published: 2nd Mar 2024
An e-scooter battery left to charge overnight ignited & exploded. One of the occupants was killed. More and more holidaymakers will be travelling with electric scooters. There is a risk of a fire in a caravan or cabin with the charging and with the added possibility of the fire spreading in the park.
Woman seriously burned in e-scooter fire
A woman in her 20s was hospitalised in a serious condition after an electric scooter “unexpectedly combusted” and engulfed her car in flames.
Emergency services were called to Town Court, Boronia Heights, to reports of a car on fire close to a house.
The car was no longer on fire when crews arrived, but they found a woman inside.
Police say an electric scooter, put in the car’s boot by another person, suddenly combusted.
An ambulance service spokesperson said the woman suffered “significant burns to her chest, arms and legs, and was taken to hospital.
FIRE & RESCUE NSW BATTLES E-BIKE FACTORY FIRE IN CROYDEN, NSW
Published: 5th Jan 2024
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is investigating the cause of a fire which destroyed an e-bike factory at Croydon, in Sydney’s inner west, this morning.
More than 60 firefighters and 15 fire trucks were deployed to Elizabeth Street, where the blaze broke out in the small building behind a row of shops just before 5 am.
FRNSW crews battled for more than two hours to contain the fire, having to attack it from outside the building due to concerns that parts of the structure might collapse.
Firefighters remain at the scene, where they continue to douse hotspots. Crews are assisting them in aerial fire trucks.
No injuries have been reported.
Once the building is made safe, experts from FRNSW’s Fire Investigation and Research Unit (FIRU) will examine where and how the fire started.
Published: 3rd Dec 2023
Three food delivery riders were rushed to hospital after an e-bike battery exploded in their apartment building in Sydney’s Inner West.
Firefighters were called to Annandale around midday as more than 100 residents were forced to evacuate the unit complex on Booth Street.
One man was seen being taken out on a stretcher.
He and his two roommates had finished a shift around 3 am and had left their bikes downstairs as the batteries charged.
Resident Michael Waples said he heard “a loud thud”.
“At first, I thought someone was moving furniture, then I heard a scream and commotion,” he said. Other neighbours found an injured international student in the hallway and helped him downstairs.
Paramedics treated him before being taken to Royal North Shore Hospital in a serious condition with burns to 40 per cent of his body.
His roommates were sent to Concord Hospital with minor burns.
Fireys managed to contain the blaze before it spread to other units in the complex.
Inspector Michael Woodward from Fire and Rescue NSW said there was a lot of damage to the unit.
“There wasn’t much in there; it’s a small one-bedroom unit, and it’s concrete walls and floors,” he said.
The incident is almost identical to an October explosion in a King’s Cross hostel.
To learn more about which contract works insurance is right for you, Contact Lewis Insurance Services on 07 3217 9015 or send us an email by clicking here.
This article was published by our AFSL Licensee, Insurance Advisernet Australia P/L, www.insuranceadviser.net
This information and any accompanying material does not consider your personal circumstances as it is of a general nature only. You should not act on the information provided without first obtaining professional financial advice specific to your circumstances and considering the Product Disclosure Statement.


tier: cub

shelf: software-docs

title: Sajin sahadevan

text:
Dock 365 is committed to providing you with tools and information you can use to take your business to the next level. At Dock 365, we believe that success and knowledge go hand in hand. Our goal is to ensure that all companies have access to information they can use to be more efficient and effective. Make sure to follow and subscribe to our blog for insights into the latest business solutions, trends, and practices.
Just in case if you haven’t heard about Microsoft Office Lens, Office Lens trims, enhances and makes pictures of whiteboards and docs readable. You can use Office Lens to convert images to PDF, Word and PowerPoint files, and you can even save images to OneNote or OneDrive. Office Lens is like having a scanner in your pocket. Like magic, it will digitize notes from whiteboards or blackboards. You can always find important documents or business cards. Sketch your ideas and snap a picture for later. Don't lose receipts or stray sticky notes again!
Well, this requirement came up for one of our Client that is a Marketing Agency based in Jacksonville, FL. They have a SharePoint list to save external URLs that is used by their team across the United States. Usually, when you convert the URLs from external sources, it comes with special characters like !@$#>% and couple of others. That’s when we found a way to convert such strings into a URL friendly string with the help of Microsoft Flow. Let’s see how this works:
How can you work on custom styles for your SharePoint Intranet Portal site collection? The best way to do so is by centralizing all the CSS files into a style sheet (Even a set of style sheets would do) which is referenced on the page layouts or master page. This technique will help us to build a consistent and coherent design that gives needed control for long-term updates/management of site designs.
We have been helping our customers with Office 365 external sharing that provides them with access to SharePoint Online, OneDrive for Business, Unified Groups and more. Azure Active Directory B2B collaboration is just like this functionality. All external sharing (excluding SharePoint Online and OneDrive for Business), including Office 365 Groups guests uses Azure Active Directory B2B collaboration invitation APIs for shares. Still didn’t get what Azure Active Directory B2B collaboration means? Read further:
Hello Everyone! Hope you enjoyed our SharePoint Server 2016 vs. SharePoint Server 2019 Public Preview – Blog Series. Today, we’ll be talking about the self-service site creation in Microsoft SharePoint.
Hello everyone! Welcome to the final part of the SharePoint Server 2016 vs. SharePoint Server 2019 Public Preview Blog Series!
Hello everyone! Welcome back to our SharePoint Server 2016 vs. SharePoint Server 2019 Public Preview – Part II blog. If you haven’t read our Part I blog, click below to read:
All right, we have been talking about Modern Experience for SharePoint Servers recently (Infact, our team member, Sajin Sahadevan had talked about the same during the Modern SharePoint Webinar that happened last week.). Good news for SharePoint Server users! The SharePoint Server 2019 Public Preview has been updated to the SharePoint Modern Experience that was initially released in Microsoft SharePoint Online/Office 365. We have cited couple of differences between SharePoint Server 2016 and 2019 Public Preview.
By integrating SharePoint Online and O365, Microsoft counts on the endless possibilities with the most used collaboration platform that empowers document management, IT support, team collaboration, financial reporting, web portals, project management, knowledge management and much more. The only issue that we see is very few organizations are taking time to leverage the Office 365 features that they already have!


shelf: health

title: ANXIETY-FREE PEDIATRIC DENTAL CARE

text:
ANXIETY-FREE PEDIATRIC DENTAL CARE
Our compassionate staff delivers high-quality dental care in a relaxed atmosphere. Everything about our practice is designed to create a comfortable dental experience for your child. We go the extra mile to provide the exceptional care your child deserves while treating every parent like a member of our family.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE HERE
Your child’s dental health is our top priority. All of the services performed at Steckler Pediatric Dentistry are reliable, healthy and safe for children of all ages.
Each child’s teeth are different. At Steckler Pediatric Dentistry, we emphasize one-to-one attention for each child in order to create a treatment plan that is unique to each patient’s individual dental needs.
Our goal is to prevent dental issues from arising before it is too late. We recommend scheduling a check-up appointment every 6 months to ensure your child’s teeth are growing properly with no underlying problems.
Restorative dentistry is dental work required as the result of cavities. The earlier your child learns and follows healthy oral habits, the less likely they are to need restorative dentistry. When necessary, it is our goal to make the process as safe and relaxing as possible. We offer different levels of sedation based on the individual child’s anxiety.
WHAT AGE SHOULD I SCHEDULE MY CHILD’S FIRST APPOINTMENT??
The AAPD recommends that your child should be seen no later than 6 months after their first tooth erupts from the gum. Little teeth need as much attention as “big teeth” to prevent decay and encourage life-long healthy habits.
DOES YOUR CHILD NEED BRACES?
If your child is age 7 or older, it’s time to visit an orthodontist. The earlier you can get your child in for an examination with an orthodontist, the easier it will be to ensure they start treatment at the right time to obtain the best results on the easiest path.
Schedule Your Appointment Today


shelf: finance

title: Bagmane rents 2 23 lakh square feet in bengaluru

text:
Bagmane Developers Pvt Ltd, located in Bengaluru, has leased 2.23 lakh sq ft of office space to Texas Instrument Pvt Ltd, a semiconductor manufacturer in the city, for Rs 1.4 million per month, according to records obtained by Propstack.
The leased property is located in Bagmane Tech Park, Lake View in CV Raman Nagar. The leasing deal was signed on August 13, 2023.
The lease term is five years, and the rental period begins on January 1, 2024.
The records suggest that the lease comprises six levels and requires a deposit of Rs 12.8 crore.
The agreement will include a five percent annual rental increase.
The lease’s rental rates are as follows: Rs 135 per sq ft between January and December 2024, Rs 141.75 per sq ft during the same period in 2025, Rs 148.84 per sq ft in 2026, Rs 156.28 per sq ft in 2027, and Rs 164.09 per sq ft in 2028.
The arrangement also includes 288 parking spaces priced at Rs 4,000 for each slot.
Texas Instrument Pvt Ltd is required to pay Rs 13.3 per square foot in maintenance charges between January and December 2024, with a 5% annual increase.
A list of queries has been forwarded to Bagmane Developers and Texas Instruments.
In October last year, Bagmane Developers leased 6.21 lakh sqft of office space for nine years.
Bagmane Developers leased 6.21 lakh sqft of office space to IT major Qualcomm India for nine years in a building called Bagmane Capital- Ankor in Bengaluru for a monthly fee of Rs 5.90 crore.
Calculating rental yield is an important step for both experienced investors and first-time purchasers in the real estate industry. Rental yield allows you to evaluate the possible return on your investment property and make more educated decisions. Here, we will walk you through the process of calculating rental yield and explain its relevance in the Indian real estate market.
Here’s a look at rental yields in some of India’s largest cities:
Bangalore, often known as India’s Silicon Valley, has a thriving real estate market and high rental demand. Rental returns in desirable neighborhoods like Koramangala, Indiranagar, and Whitefield are between 3% and 5% on average.
The Mumbai real estate industry is well-known for its high property prices and rental rates. However, due to the high cost of property purchase, rental returns in Mumbai are often lower than in other cities, ranging from 2% to 3%.
Chennai has a balanced real estate market, with fair property prices and rental rates. Rental returns in regions such as Velachery, OMR, and Anna Nagar average between 3% and 4%, making it an appealing investment destination.
Hyderabad has grown as a vibrant IT hub, resulting in increased demand for rental apartments. Rental returns in regions like as Gachibowli, HITEC City, and Madhapur range from 4% to 5%.
Delhi’s rental market is diversified, with rental returns ranging by area. Dwarka, Saket, and Vasant Kunj have rental returns ranging from 3% to 4%.
Kolkata’s real estate industry is distinguished by low property prices and consistent rental demand. Rental yields in Salt Lake City, Rajarhat, and New Alipore range from 3% to 4%.


shelf: education

text:
Looking for Deals on Frigidaire Air Conditioners?
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Screenshot # 02: Changing the Search Options in Amazon.com
This option will only provide you with search results from the Appliances Department of Amazon.com, and this feature will also let you sort out the search results based on Relevance, Popularity, Average Customer Reviews, etc. For example, as of November 07, 2012, the most popular Frigidaire air conditioner available in Amazon website is Frigidaire FRA054XT7 5,000 BTU Window-Mounted Mini Room Air Conditioner, it is rated with 4.3 out of 5 stars, and there are more than 40 customer reviews. If you are looking for a portable air conditioner, you can also consider Frigidaire FRA12EPT1 12,000 BTU Portable Heat/Cool Air Conditioner with Remote Control, it has 4.2 star rating from customers.
You will also notice that most of the Frigidaire air conditioners are discounted. For example, Frigidaire FRA256SV2 Energy Star 25,000 BTU 230-Volt Window-Mounted Heavy-Duty Air Conditioner with Temperature Sensing Remote Control is discounted by 14% off its original price. In addition, Frigidaire air conditioners available in Amazon.com are entitled for Free Super Saving Shipping, so grab your Frigidaire air conditioner now.


shelf: home-craft

title: Garden of the gods

text:
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Colorado’s Garden of the Gods with this enchanting candle, inspired by the park's striking rock formations and vibrant landscapes. The fragrance captures the essence of a tranquil garden, where lush greenery, delicate flowers, and earthy depths come together in perfect harmony.
At the heart of the scent, green leaves bring a burst of freshness, evoking the feeling of walking through dew-kissed foliage. This lively, herbal note is complemented by the sweet, floral elegance of lily of the valley, whose delicate fragrance adds a touch of grace and softness, like a blooming meadow beneath towering rock spires. The grounding warmth of amber wraps the blend in a golden, resinous glow, filling the space with a comforting sweetness that evokes sun-drenched afternoons.
Finally, the earthy, smoky richness of vetiver and the subtle, powdery sweetness of violet create an intricate, layered base that adds depth and sophistication. The pairing of vetiver’s rich, woody aroma with the light, floral undertones of violet evokes the complexity of the park’s natural beauty, where rugged terrain and delicate flowers coexist in perfect balance.
Garden of the Gods is a candle that transports you to a peaceful, blooming sanctuary, where the cool breeze rustles through green leaves, and every corner of nature’s beauty unfolds. Perfect for anyone seeking a harmonious blend of fresh, floral, and earthy notes, this candle is an invitation to experience the serene magic of the great outdoors.
This fragrance is featured in concrete containers swirled with deep green, rusty orange and sandy brown tones that bring the scenic landscape right into your home.
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tier: kodiak

shelf: history-culture

title: Im completing week stay split kidani village saratoga 487566

text:
Welcome back to planDisney! There is something to be said about a good night's sleep after a day wandering the parks at the
Walt Disney World Resort! When you return to your resort room, you know that when you lay down, you'll soon slip off to dreamland, thanks to the comfort of your mattress!
Jacqueline, I'm so excited that you'll be staying at two of my favorite resorts at Walt Disney World!
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village and
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa! Both of these resorts are markedly different from the other. At Animal Kingdom Lodge, guests are transported to the wilds of Africa, complete with varieties of animals wandering on the savannah at differing times of the day. The decor at Saratoga Springs harkens back to the horse-racing town in upstate New York, with Victorian-era themes and lush grounds, inviting guests to relax and unwind. You'll be glad to know that the mattresses at these two resorts are identical and will offer you a restful sleep during your stay. The mattresses used are Sealy Posturepedic Sayer Prolux LTD Plush Pillowtop. You can find and purchase these online to bring the comfort of your resort back home with you.
Animal Kingdom Lodge Tip: If you have an adventurous palate, try and make a reservation at
Sanaa, located at Kidani Village. The bread service is outstanding, and if that is all you are craving, you can order it to go, with
Disney's Mobile Order Service.
Hope this helps you plan your magical vacation!


shelf: civic-law

title: Face reality and show respect taiwans president tells china

text:
DHARAMSALA, 16 Jan; China needs to “face reality” and show Taiwan “respect” Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen has said just days after she was re-elected for a second term with a landslide victory in the country’s presidential election.
The Taiwanese President who called on Beijing to abandon its threat to take back the island by force in her victory speech has made the remarks in an interview with BBC where she spoke on Taiwan’s sovereignty and the island and its independence.
“We don’t have a need to declare ourselves an independent state, We are an independent country already and we call ourselves the Republic of China (Taiwan),” she was quoted as saying at the interview.
Her victory marked Taiwan’s pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party defeating the island’s China-friendly opposition for the fourth time.
Ms Tsai who opposes closer ties with China has further described her victory as a reflection of the aspiration of the Taiwanese people.
“We have a separate identity and we’re a country of our own. So, if there’s anything that runs counter to this idea, they will stand up and say that’s not acceptable to us,” she has warned Beijing.
“We’re a successful democracy, we have a pretty decent economy, we deserve respect from China,”
Beijing has however described her landslide victory as a minor setback much less a sign of a flawed strategy.
“This temporary counter-current is just a bubble under the tide of the times,” the Chinese state-run Xinhua news agency said in a commentary it ran after Ms Tsai’s win.
China has also slammed foreign dignitaries for congratulating Taiwan President Tsai Ing. Officials from over 60 countries had greeted Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen her re-election, taiwannews.com.tw reported Jan 13, citing the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“China on Sunday slammed officials from the US and other countries for congratulating Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen after she was re-elected with a landslide victory in a stunning rebuke of Beijing’s campaign to isolate the self-ruled island,” HKFP reported following her victory.
Beijing claims self-ruled and democratic Taiwan as its own and views it as a wayward province to be reunified with China by force if necessary.
The Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama as well as the exile Tibetan The democratically elected leader of the Tibetan people, President Dr Lobsang Sangay and Speaker Puma Jungney of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile have all issued statements congratulating Tsai and the island’s democratic elections.


shelf: science-engineering

title: Optimizing and simulating toluene

text:
Toluene, a clear, colorless liquid, is commonly obtained from coal tar. Also known as methylbenzene or Phenylethane, it is a highly flammable substance. Toluene has a distinctive sweet, pungent odor similar to paint thinners. It is soluble in organic solvents but insoluble in water, making it an excellent solvent in industries such as adhesives, paints, and coatings.
The production process begins with naphtha or aromatic-rich fractions from refineries as feedstock. The first major step is catalytic reforming, where the feedstock undergoes catalytic reactions in the presence of a catalyst like platinum on alumina. This converts paraffins and Naphthenes into aromatics, including benzene, toluene, and xylenes (BTX).
The resulting BTX-rich stream is then sent to a separation unit. Here, the mixture is distilled to separate benzene, toluene, and xylenes into individual streams. Toluene is typically separated from benzene and xylenes based on boiling point and specific process conditions.
The toluene-rich stream from the separation unit undergoes further purification to obtain high-purity toluene. This involves multiple distillation columns or other separation techniques. To achieve high purity (often above 99.5%), toluene undergoes additional treatments, such as solvent extraction or molecular sieves, to remove impurities like sulfur compounds and other aromatic contaminants.
Once purified, toluene is stored in tanks under controlled conditions to prevent contamination and ensure safety. It can then be distributed to customers or downstream industries via tank trucks, railcars, or pipelines for various applications. Throughout the process, rigorous quality control measures monitor toluene composition and purity. Safety protocols are strictly adhered to mitigate risks associated with handling aromatic hydrocarbons.
In general, the simulation of toluene production involves the optimization of these steps for efficiency, yield and quality, often using advanced process simulation software to model and predict the process behavior under different conditions. This ensures that production meets strict regulatory standards and market demands effectively.
Employing catalysts with high activity, suitable selectivity, and superior thermal stability can significantly boost yield and reduce production costs. Through a series of experiments and simulations, optimal operational conditions (temperature, pressure, molar ratio, and residence time) can be determined for each reactor and catalyst. Reactor design, tailored to reaction kinetics, fluid properties, and heat transfer, can enhance process performance and minimize pressure drop.
Selecting appropriate separation techniques (such as distillation, extraction, adsorption, and crystallization) and optimizing their operating conditions can facilitate product purification with minimal energy and chemical consumption. The integration of advanced technologies like Nanocatalysts, microchannel reactors, and molecular simulations can further improve process performance and pave the way for novel toluene production processes. By harnessing diverse optimization techniques and cutting-edge technologies, it is possible to achieve higher-quality toluene production at lower costs, while minimizing environmental impact.
Toluene, as an important aromatic compound, plays a vital role in various industries. Due to its unique properties, including high solubility, thermal stability and good reactivity, this chemical is used as a starting material in the production of a wide variety of products. However, due to the dangers of toxicity and flammability, it should be used with caution and all safety precautions should be observed. Also, developing methods of producing and using toluene with the least damage to the environment is one of the important challenges in this field.
Optimizing and Simulating The Toluene Production Process With Aspen Hysys
In this project, the optimization and simulation of the toluene production process with Aspen Hysys is simulated with the Aspen Hysys version 14 software.


title: Two distinct botnets exploit wazuh server vulnerability to launch mirai based attacks

text:
A now-patched critical security flaw in the Wazur Server is being exploited by threat actors to drop two different Mirai botnet variants and use them to conduct distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks.
Akamai, which first discovered the exploitation efforts in late March 2025, said the malicious campaign targets CVE-2025-24016 (CVSS score: 9.9), an unsafe deserialization vulnerability that allows for remote code execution on Wazuh servers.
The security defect, which affects all versions of the server software including and above 4.4.0, was addressed in February 2025 with the release of 4.9.1. A proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit was publicly disclosed around the same time the patches were released.
The problem is rooted in the Wazuh API, where parameters in the DistributedAPI are serialized as JSON and deserialized using “as_wazuh_object” in the framework/wazuh/core/cluster/common.py file. A threat actor could weaponize the vulnerability by injecting malicious JSON payloads to execute arbitrary Python code remotely.
The web infrastructure company said it discovered attempts by two different botnets to exploit CVE-2025-24016 merely weeks after public disclosure of the flaw and the release of the PoC. The attacks were registered in early March and May 2025.
“This is the latest example of the ever-shrinking time-to-exploit timelines that botnet operators have adopted for newly published CVEs,” security researchers Kyle Lefton and Daniel Messing said in a report shared with The Hacker News.
In the first instance, a successful exploit paves the way for the execution of a shell script that serves as a downloader for the Mirai botnet payload from an external server (“176.65.134[.]62”) for different architectures. It’s assessed that the malware samples are variants of LZRD Mirai, which has been around since 2023.
It’s worth noting that LZRD was also deployed recently in attacks exploiting GeoVision end-of-life (EoL) Internet of Things (IoT) devices. However, Akamai told The Hacker News that there is no evidence that these two activity clusters are the work of the same threat actor given that LZRD is used by myriad botnet operators.
Further infrastructure analysis of “176.65.134[.]62” and its associated domains have led to the discovery of other Mirai botnet versions, including LZRD variants named “neon” and “vision,” and an updated version of V3G4.
Some of the other security flaws exploited by the botnet include flaws in Hadoop YARN, TP-Link Archer AX21 (CVE-2023-1389), and a remote code execution bug in ZTE ZXV10 H108L routers.
The second botnet to abuse CVE-2025-24016 employs a similar strategy of using a malicious shell script to deliver another Mirai botnet variant referred to as Resbot (aka Resentual).
“One of the interesting things that we noticed about this botnet was the associated language. It was using a variety of domains to spread the malware that all had Italian nomenclature,” the researchers said. “The linguistic naming conventions could indicate a campaign to target devices owned and run by Italian-speaking users in particular.”
Besides attempting to spread via FTP over port 21 and conducting telnet scanning, the botnet has been found to leverage a wide range of exploits targeting Huawei HG532 router (CVE-2017-17215), Realtek SDK (CVE-2014-8361), and TrueOnline ZyXEL P660HN-T v1 router (CVE-2017-18368).
“The propagation of Mirai continues relatively unabated, as it remains rather straightforward to repurpose and reuse old source code to set up or create new botnets,” the researchers said. “And botnet operators can often find success with simply leveraging newly published exploits.”
CVE-2025-24016 is far from the only vulnerability to be abused by Mirai botnet variants. In recent attacks, threat actors have also taken advantage of CVE-2024-3721, a medium-severity command injection vulnerability affecting TBK DVR-4104 and DVR-4216 digital video recording devices, to enlist them into the botnet.
The vulnerability is used to trigger the execution of a shell script that’s responsible for downloading the Mirai botnet from a remote server (“42.112.26[.]36”) and executing it, but not before checking if it’s currently running inside a virtual machine or QEMU.
Russian cybersecurity company Kaspersky said the infections are concentrated around China, India, Egypt, Ukraine, Russia, Turkey, and Brazil, adding it identified over 50,000 exposed DVR devices online.
“Exploiting known security flaws in IoT devices and servers that haven’t been patched, along with the widespread use of malware targeting Linux-based systems, leads to a significant number of bots constantly searching the internet for devices to infect,” security researcher Anderson Leite said.
The disclosure comes as China, India, Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, South Korea, and Bangladesh have emerged as the most targeted countries in the APAC region in the first quarter of 2025, according to statistics shared by StormWall.
It also follows an advisory from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) that the BADBOX 2.0 botnet has infected millions of internet-connected devices, most of which are manufactured in China, in order to turn them into residential proxies to facilitate criminal activity.
“Cyber criminals gain unauthorized access to home networks by either configuring the product with malicious software prior to the user’s purchase or infecting the device as it downloads required applications that contain backdoors, usually during the set-up process,” the FBI said.
“The BADBOX 2.0 botnet consists of millions of infected devices and maintains numerous backdoors to proxy services that cyber criminal actors exploit by either selling or providing free access to compromised home networks to be used for various criminal activity.”


title: Breast implant exchange in alvin tx

text:
Breast implants have a limited life. Many of them can last for 10-15 years or even longer, but they will probably need to be replaced at some point. If you’re looking into breast implant exchange in Alvin, TX, you’ll want to work with a plastic surgeon who has experience in this procedure. Dr. Leo Lapuerta has performed thousands of breast surgeries, including exchanging old implants for new ones.
Breast implant exchange is similar to the first surgery, where the surgeon implants saline or silicone implants. This is an outpatient surgery that should be performed in an accredited surgical center. The surgeon will use general anesthesia and make incisions to remove the inserts. They may need to break up some scar tissue before inserting new implants. Many women choose to have a breast lift at the same time to restore the youthful perkiness of their breasts.
After the surgery, you will go home with a compression garment to reduce swelling. You can expect swelling and bruising similar to your first surgery. You’ll start to see improvement within a few days. You’ll be limited on your activity and movement for the first week. You should be able to go back to work after a week as long as it doesn’t require heavy lifting or other strenuous activity. The surgeon will release you to all normal activities in about six or eight weeks.
The main benefit of breast implant exchange is that it allows you to maintain your look when the implants are at the end of their life. If you’ve had issues with the implants, you may notice improvement with an exchange. It can get rid of rippling or deflated implants along with implants that have moved out of place. You’ll once again have more confidence in how you look and won’t worry about your new implants for another ten years or longer.
Dr. Leo Lapuerta has been a plastic surgeon for over 30 years. During that time, he has performed more than 30,000 procedures, many of them related to the breast. He has performed breast implant exchange in Texas for patients who have been unhappy with their implants as well as for those who need new ones due to the length of time they’ve had the original pair.
Dr. Lapuerta is well known for his kind and caring nature and his expertise in plastic surgery. As a triple-board-certified plastic surgeon, he stays current on new trends and techniques. He creates a unique treatment plan for every patient to help them achieve their goals.
If it’s time to replace your breast implants, you can schedule a free consultation with Dr. Leo Lapuerta. He can exchange your current implants for new ones so that you can continue to enjoy the benefits of breast augmentation. Contact us today for an appointment and information about breast implant exchange in Alvin, TX.


title: Global cloud services market saw a banner year in 2020 560946

text:
Global cloud infrastructure spending last year jumped close to a third or 32% to US$39.9 billion in the last quarter of 2020, following heightened customer investment by major cloud services provides and the technology channel.
Total expenditure was over $3 billion more than the previous quarter and $10 billion more than Q4 2019, reported tech and telecom research company Canalys. This was the largest quarterly expansion as continuing pandemic restrictions drove demand for cloud to support remote working and learning, ecommerce, content streaming, online gaming and collaboration.
At the same time, a gradual recovery in economic confidence stimulated cloud investments by organisations in all industry segments to drive digital transformation. Cloud providers are extending their investments in channel partnerships to maintain high demand rates, and support customers, which will be critical for implementing projects in 2021 and beyond.
For full-year 2020, total cloud infrastructure services spending grew 33% to US$142 billion, up from US$107 billion in 2019. Demand was higher than expected, despite an initial slowdown in large consultative-led projects.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) was the leading cloud service provider again in Q4 2020, accounting for 31% of total spend. After a mixed Q3 in terms of customer performance, AWS had a resurgence in customer investment. This fueled 28% growth year on year for AWS in cloud in Q4 2020. AWS is making investments across its global partner ecosystem to sustain its momentum, including greater support for ISVs, launching new vertical partner competencies, further expansion into distribution to boost SMB adoption, and new partnerships as it extends its hybrid cloud strategy.
Microsoft’s Azure growth rate accelerated once again, up by 50% to boost its market share in the global cloud services market to 20%. Microsoft has focused on driving Azure consumption across all customer segments through annuity sales programs and customer success investments, as well as targeted incentives for its global partner channel. It has also benefited from continued high demand for Teams, Windows Virtual Desktop and other Microsoft services running on Azure as lockdowns tightened.
Google Cloud was the third largest cloud service provider in Q4 2020, with a 7% share. It reported growth of 58% in Q4 2020, as it pushes its ‘open cloud’ strategy emphasising sovereignty, sustainability and multi-cloud management, and maintains a focus on its six target vertical industries. Google has aligned its sales force and channel to these industries as it builds a partner network with industry-specific expertise and deep specialisations in its priority solutions, such as machine learning, analytics and data management.
Alibaba Cloud grew 54% in Q4 2020 to account for 6% of the total market. It remained the leading cloud service provider in the Asia Pacific region, including China. Alibaba updated its hybrid cloud strategy during the quarter, with the launch of its Hybrid Cloud Partner Program and on-premises appliances targeting SMEs. The program will enable partners to plan, design and resell Alibaba Cloud services with free licenses and unlimited CPU cores.


title: What is a draw in chess

text:
A draw in chess simply means the game ended in a tie – neither player won. There are a few ways a draw can happen:
This is when your opponent’s king is not in check but has no legal moves left. Even though you didn’t checkmate them, it’s considered a draw.
You can learn more about stalemate here:
- What is Stalemate In Chess?
- How To Avoid Stalemate in Chess: 7 Tips To Follow
- Stalemate vs Checkmate: All You Need to Know
At any point, you and your opponent can agree to a draw. This often happens when you’ve reached an endgame that seems unwinnable for either side.
If the exact same position occurs three times with the same player to move, a draw can be claimed. For example, if you and your opponent keep moving pieces back and forth with no progress.
Learn more here: What is Threefold Repetition in Chess?
The fifty-move rule in chess states that a player can claim a draw if no capture has been made and no pawn has been moved in the last fifty moves (for this purpose, a “move” consists of a player completing a turn followed by the opponent completing a turn).
This rule aims to prevent a player with no chance of winning from obstinately continuing to play indefinitely or seeking to win by tiring the opponent.
If neither player has enough pieces left on the board to force checkmate, the game is automatically drawn. For example, if all that’s left is two kings, a king and bishop vs lone king, or a king and knight vs lone king.
Just so you know, a king and two knights is technically a draw but can also be a win if the opponent misplays the position. See more here: Can You Checkmate With Two Knights?
Those are the most common ways draws happen in chess.
While aiming for the win is ideal, sometimes settling for a draw, especially against a stronger opponent, can be a strategic decision.
The key is understanding when to push for victory and when to accept the tie.
You may also want to read:


title: May 2025 gallery blooms customer thank you card

text:
For this month’s Customer Card I made my own pattern paper to create a lovely Gallery Blooms card. I used the fabulous words & splatters in the Elements of Text stamp set and the leaves images from the Textured Notes stamp set in three different colors (Crumb Cake, Petal Pink, & Pecan Pie) to create the layered vintage feel on Basic White cardstock. I also added a simple sentiment from the Simply Said stamp set and the gorgeous flowers from the Gallery Blooms stamp set.
Start with a Crumb Cake cardstock card base. Cut a Petal Pink cardstock panel and a Basic White cardstock panel. On the Basic White cardstock I created my own pattern paper by stamping the splatter from the Elements of Text stamp set in Petal Pink ink, the leaves from the Textured Notes stamp set in full & 2nd generation (stamped off) Crumb Cake ink, and the words from the Elements of Text stamp set in full & 2nd generation (stamped off) Pecan Pie ink. Glue the created pattern paper to the Petal Pink cardstock panel and then glue them to the card base.
Stamp the flowers from the Gallery Blooms stamp set in Memento Black ink on Basic White cardstock. Color the flowers with Stampin’ Blends and add Wink of Stella for sparkle. Die cut out the flowers with the Gallery Blooms dies. Use Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals to add the flowers to the lower right corner of the card front.
Stamp the sentiment from the Simply Said stamp set in Memento Black ink on Basic White cardstock cut the sentiment closely (with your paper trimmer or paper snips) and then flag one end with paper snips. Cut a Petal Pink cardstock strip. Use Stampin’ Seal to add the Petal Pink cardstock strip behind the flagged sentiment. Tuck the sentiment strip into the left side of the flowers and use Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals to add the sentiment to the card base. Add Holographic Resin Dots around the sentiment.
I added a Basic White cardstock inside panel to write my message. I also added a small strip of the created pattern paper down the right side of the inside panel and across the bottom of the back of the card to pull the theme through.
I hope you enjoyed my May 2025 Gallery Blooms Customer Thank You card. You can order the Gallery Blooms bundle, the Textured Notes stamp set, the Elements of Text stamp set and Simply Said stamp set in my Online Store.
Crumb Cake cs card base – 11″ x 4 1/4 scored at 5 1/2.
Petal Pink cs panel – 5 3/8″ x 4 1/8″.
Basic White cs created pattern paper panel – 5 1/4″ x 4″ plus one 1/4″ x 51/4″ & one 1/4″ x 4″ strips.
Basic White cs flowers – die cut with the Gallery Blooms dies.
Basic White cs sentiment – 1/4″ x 2 1/4″ flagged at one end with paper snips.
Petal Pink cs sentiment strip – 1/8″ x 1″.
Basic White cs inside panel – 5 1/8″ x 3 7/8″.
cs = cardstock
Check out the Latest Stampin’ Up! Specials HERE.
Check out the Current Stampin’ Up! Catalogs HERE.


text:
Explore the Heart of the Evening with Nguyen Duy Tri’s ‘Jungle of You’
Nguyen Duy Tri’s latest album, ‘Jungle of You’, is a mesmerizing exploration of the heart of the evening. Released in 2022, this album takes listeners on a journey through lush, emotive soundscapes that evoke the mystery and enchantment of the night. With its haunting melodies and evocative lyrics, ‘Jungle of You’ is a captivating listen that invites us to delve deep into the essence of the evening.
From the moment you press play on ‘Jungle of You’, you are transported to a world of rich, immersive soundscapes. Nguyen Duy Tri’s masterful use of instrumentation and production creates an atmosphere that is at once ethereal and intimate, drawing the listener into the heart of the evening. The album’s sonic palette is diverse and expansive, incorporating elements of jazz, electronica, and traditional Vietnamese music to create a truly unique listening experience.
In addition to its captivating soundscapes, ‘Jungle of You’ is distinguished by its evocative lyrics. Nguyen Duy Tri’s poetic storytelling invites us to explore the depths of human emotion and experience, delving into themes of love, longing, and introspection. Whether painting vivid pictures of nocturnal landscapes or delving into the complexities of the human heart, the album’s lyrical content is deeply resonant and thought-provoking.
One of the most striking aspects of ‘Jungle of You’ is its use of atmospheric instrumentation. Nguyen Duy Tri’s deft touch with a wide range of musical tools creates an otherworldly sonic tapestry that captivates the senses. From the haunting strains of the piano to the hypnotic pulse of electronic beats, the album’s instrumentation serves as a powerful vehicle for evoking the essence of the evening, enveloping the listener in a world of texture and emotion.
Complementing the album’s lush soundscapes and evocative lyrics are the intimate vocals of Nguyen Duy Tri. His voice is a versatile instrument, capable of conveying a wide range of emotions with subtlety and nuance. Whether soaring over dynamic instrumental passages or whispering with vulnerability, his vocals are a focal point of the album, drawing the listener into the heart of the evening with their emotive power.
‘Jungle of You’ is a captivating fusion of musical styles and influences. Nguyen Duy Tri seamlessly blends elements of jazz, electronica, and traditional Vietnamese music, creating a sonic tapestry that is at once familiar and innovative. This fusion of genres serves to underscore the album’s exploration of the heart of the evening, drawing on diverse musical traditions to create an immersive and expansive listening experience.
In ‘Jungle of You’, Nguyen Duy Tri has crafted a deeply immersive and evocative musical experience that invites listeners to explore the heart of the evening. With its lush soundscapes, emotive lyrics, and captivating fusion of musical styles, this album is a testament to the power of music to transport and inspire. Whether you’re a fan of jazz, electronica, or world music, ‘Jungle of You’ is sure to captivate and enchant with its mesmerizing exploration of the essence of the evening.
1. When was ‘Jungle of You’ released?
‘Jungle of You’ was released in 2022, marking the latest release from Nguyen Duy Tri.
2. What are some of the themes explored in the album?
The album delves into themes of love, longing, and introspection, inviting listeners to explore the depths of human emotion and experience.
3. What musical influences can be heard in ‘Jungle of You’?
‘Jungle of You’ incorporates elements of jazz, electronica, and traditional Vietnamese music, creating a captivating fusion of musical styles and traditions.
4. What makes ‘Jungle of You’ a unique listening experience?
The album’s lush soundscapes, evocative lyrics, and immersive instrumentation combine to create a truly unique and captivating listening experience that invites listeners to explore the heart of the evening.
heart of the evening nguyen duy tri • jungle of you • 2022
‘Jungle of You’ is a stunning piece of literature by Nguyen Duy Tri that takes readers on a captivating journey through the heart of the evening. As the title suggests, the poem is an exploration of the complexities of human emotion and the tumultuous nature of relationships. Through vivid imagery and evocative language, Tri invites readers to immerse themselves in a world filled with passion, longing, and the haunting beauty of the night.
The poem begins by setting the scene of the evening, describing the world as it transforms with the darkness. Tri’s use of sensory details and vivid descriptions creates a powerful sense of atmosphere, drawing readers into the heart of the evening and immersing them in its mysterious allure. The jungle of emotion is likened to the mysterious and unpredictable nature of the natural world, filled with hidden depths and unseen dangers waiting to be discovered.
Tri’s exploration of the heart of the evening goes beyond simply describing the physical environment. He delves into the complexities of human emotion, capturing the longing and desire that often accompany the night. The poem is filled with raw, emotional depth, as Tri explores the twists and turns of love and desire, evoking a sense of intimacy and vulnerability that resonates deeply with readers.
One of the most compelling aspects of ‘Jungle of You’ is the way Tri seamlessly blends the natural world with the inner workings of the human heart. The jungle becomes a metaphor for the wild and untamed nature of human emotion, with all its complexities, contradictions, and hidden depths. This juxtaposition of the external and internal worlds creates a rich tapestry of imagery that enhances the poem’s emotional impact.
Throughout the poem, Tri’s language is both lyrical and evocative, drawing on a rich tapestry of imagery and symbolism to bring the heart of the evening to life. The use of metaphor and personification adds layers of meaning to the poem, allowing readers to engage with its themes on a deeper level. The result is a piece of literature that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant, inviting readers to explore their own inner jungle of emotions.
As the poem progresses, it takes on a dream-like quality, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. The evening becomes a canvas for Tri’s exploration of the human soul, with its tangled undergrowth and hidden pathways mirroring the complexities of the human experience. Through this evocative blending of the natural and the emotional, Tri creates a world that is at once familiar and fantastical, inviting readers to lose themselves in its enchanting depths.
In ‘Jungle of You’, Nguyen Duy Tri has crafted a mesmerizing exploration of the heart of the evening, weaving together the enchanting beauty of the natural world with the raw power of human emotion. Through his captivating language and evocative imagery, Tri invites readers to immerse themselves in a world that is both haunting and deeply moving, capturing the essence of love, longing, and the enigmatic allure of the night. heart of the evening nguyen duy tri • jungle of you • 2022


title: Drunk driving crashes can lead to criminal and civil cases

text:
Cinco de Mayo and Memorial Day are right around the corner. These holidays often involve massive parties that can include alcoholic beverages. Unfortunately, this means that drivers might get behind the wheel while they are impaired. This could lead to crashes that claim innocent lives or cause injuries to people who were just going about their normal day.
For the drunk drivers, the likelihood of criminal charges is great in these cases. What they might not realize is that the victims also have the option of filing a case against the driver in civil court. These are completely different systems, so even if they are found not guilty in the criminal case, they can still be found liable in the civil court system.
When you file a claim for compensation, you are seeking for the drunk driver to cover your medical bills and other expenses that you have stemming from the crash. You need to be realistic about what you’ve had to pay and what you will pay in the future. This can include things like the wages you missed when you were unable to work due to the injuries and the care that you need because of the crash.
It can be challenging to get your case put together. You have to show that the drunk driver’s negligence caused the crash, that the wreck caused your injuries and that the financial damages you suffered were due to those injuries. Remember that you are on a time limit for getting your claim filed because once the statute of limitation expires, you can’t take legal action.


text:
Your grandpa gave you his old camera, and now what?
You were shopping at a flea market, found an analog camera in your parents' attic, or your grandpa passed down one of his valuable cameras to you? Then you are like thousands of our customers. Perhaps you have even found a manual or a YouTube video that shows you how to operate the camera correctly.
There is only one last question left: "Which battery do I need for camera X?"
The short answer: You simply use the search function in our shop:
In fact, as a support employee, I usually do exactly that: I first search in our shop, and if I can't find anything, I use Google.
If you received a printed manual together with your camera, or if there is still an old battery in the battery compartment, you can of course check there as well. The problem here is that in this case, you will often come across old battery designations that we can hardly use today.
Furthermore, there are over 20,000 different camera models (cautious estimate) and even after 5 years in the industry, it is impossible for me to know which camera model requires which battery. Just enter a "Battery Camera X", or better yet in English "Battery Camera X" (e.g. "Battery Rollei 35" or "Battery Minolta X-700") into the Google search bar and you will probably find an old blog or forum post where someone before you had exactly the same problem.
But what if you can't find a suitable post? Or you find an answer but doubt its accuracy (obviously not everyone who provides answers in internet forums is 100% knowledgeable).
Why is choosing the right battery important at all?
Batteries mainly differ according to two criteria:
- Size &
- Battery type (e.g. Alkaline, NiMH, Li-Ion, etc.)
The battery type establishes three additional relevant factors for us:
- Voltage (usually specified in volts)
- Discharge characteristic (how fast and when the voltage drops)
- Capacity (how long does the battery last)
The question of size is relatively easy to clarify. If the battery doesn't fit into your camera's battery compartment at all or is loose inside, then you know you have a problem. It becomes more difficult when you have found a battery of the correct size, but of the wrong type. For example, a Varta 625U (Alkaline) battery has the same dimensions as the PX625 required in many analog cameras. Nevertheless, your camera may not function properly if you use a Varta 625U.
Before we address the malfunctions, a quick note: The capacity of the battery used is of little interest to us analog photographers. The electronics of old cameras are so "frugal" when it comes to power consumption that even the cheapest batteries often last for months or even years.
The malfunction can manifest in three ways:
- The camera doesn't turn on at all (rare case)
- Some functions of the camera are impaired (relatively rare case), e.g. the camera triggers, but the film transport does not work.
- The camera itself works perfectly, and the Light meter shows values that are incorrect
The third problem, so incorrect measurement results in exposure measurement, is the fundamental problem when using incorrect batteries in analog cameras.
Problem: Incorrect results in exposure measurement
If you use the wrong batteries in your analog camera, you will probably only notice this when your pictures are developed and either consistently too bright or too dark. The reason for this is that the light meters of most analog cameras are calibrated to a constant voltage.
In the past, mercury batteries in various shapes and sizes (e.g., PX625 or PX400) were mostly used. The advantage of these mercury batteries is or was that they have a constant discharge curve throughout their entire lifespan. The discharge curve indicates how quickly and how "steeply" the battery loses its voltage:
Discharge curve: Alkaline battery vs Mercury battery
The diagram is of course only a rough approximation. It is primarily meant to illustrate one thing: With an alkaline battery in your camera, you are like someone with a stopped clock: it is only right once, and that is when the voltage happens to drop to 1.35 V. The big advantage of the mercury battery is that it continuously delivers the correct voltage and eventually "gives out" suddenly, so you know when to replace it. But now comes the big BUT: Mercury batteries have been banned for decades due to their environmental harm, and there are only a few remaining stocks available for purchase. The good news is: we have the perfect replacement for the no longer available mercury batteries at Peto:
Out-of-the-box battery adapter + zinc-air batteries: A dream team
The good thing is that a large part of the hearing aids currently in circulation are powered by so-called zinc-air batteries, which share two key advantages with mercury batteries: they have a similar voltage and a similar discharge curve:
Although the voltage of zinc-air batteries is specified as 1.45 V, it drops under load (i.e., in use) to 1.4 - 1.35 V, as the batteries react with air and thus always "self-charge" a little. They are therefore the ideal replacement for mercury batteries and are also not as harmful to the environment.
The problem now is that zinc-air batteries actually only come in two different sizes (at least if you want to use them sensibly in cameras): Type 675 and Type p312. As they are, they do not fit into the battery compartment.
The solution: Our zinc-air battery adapter
The principle is simple: we take a zinc-air battery, such as a type 675 battery, and build a "passive" adapter from plastic, conductive filament, and a few screws that brings the battery to the required size.
We offer our most popular PX625 adapter, for example, in three different variants:
- A simple rubber O-ring is the perfect solution for cameras such as the Rollei 35, where the power is drawn from the battery compartment at the top and bottom of the respective camera.
- The battery adapter printed from conductive filament is somewhat more expensive and can be used with cameras where a contact is taken from the side. For example, with the Leica CL.
- A self-designed charger with USB-C charging port for Varta V80H batteries
Weitere Fragen & FAQ
Hier kommen ein paar Fragen die im Fließtext weiter oben keinen Platz gefunden haben & die trotzdem im ein oder anderen Fall gestellt werden und wurden:
Can I damage my camera if I insert the wrong battery?
I of course take no responsibility for any misuse, but actually no. The batteries used in analog cameras have such a low voltage and capacity that nothing can really go wrong here. What can happen, however, is that a battery "leaks" over the decades and the battery acid damages the inside of your camera. Therefore, when storing for longer periods, you should always remove the battery and either dispose of it directly or at least store it separately in a bag.
Tips for Maximizing Battery Life
You normally don't have to worry about the lifespan of your battery. Even zinc-air batteries, which oxidize in the air and thus self-discharge over time, typically last for several months. NiMh, alkaline, silver oxide, and lithium batteries can survive in an analog camera for up to years, depending on usage intensity.
You need to be careful with certain camera models where the light meter is constantly active and therefore should ideally be covered. For example, with some Rollei 35 models, the Olympus 35 SP, or the external Olympus Pen F light meter. In such cases, either a light-tight storage bag or a cover, like the ones we sell in our shop, can help:
Information on proper disposal and recycling options
As an online store, we are legally obligated to inform you about proper disposal and recycling options. Not only for this reason, but also for the sake of our dear environment, we kindly ask you: please never throw your batteries in the household waste, but collect them and take them to recycling at the nearest drugstore or supermarket. There you will usually find a collection container for used batteries.
The following are the legally mandated instructions for battery disposal:
Finding the right battery for your analog camera is crucial to ensure optimal performance and correct functions, especially with the light meter. With over 20,000 camera models and a variety of battery types, this task can be overwhelming. However, our ultimate guide and the search functions of our shop make this process significantly easier. If you can't find what you're looking for, internet research often provides helpful insights, and our specialized adapter solutions allow the use of modern batteries without the environmental harm of mercury batteries.
We strongly recommend always checking the size and type of the battery carefully to avoid malfunctions. Additionally, you should keep in mind that the lifespan of batteries can be maximized through proper storage and use. Don't forget to recycle used batteries responsibly to protect our environment.
For more detailed information or if you have any uncertainties, first search in our shop. If you can't find anything or are still unsure which battery you need, you can either send us an email directly to email@example.com send or you simply use our Contact Form.
In this sense, "good light"! Your Vladi from Ausgeknipst.


title: What Is Terraform?

text:
What Is Terraform?
Terraform, developed by HashiCorp, is an open-source infrastructure as code software tool. It provides a consistent approach to provisioning, changing, and managing your infrastructure. Infrastructure can mean anything from physical servers to containers or SaaS products. Terraform treats all these infrastructural components as resources, and it works by creating an execution plan describing what it will do to reach the desired state of these resources.
An important aspect of Terraform is its provider ecosystem. Terraform Providers are plugins that Terraform uses to interact with APIs for various services. This allows Terraform to manage a broad spectrum of resources including public cloud providers, cloud automation systems, container orchestration platforms, Continuous Integration/Delivery (CI/CD) tools, monitoring systems, networking tools, and more.
What Is GitOps?
GitOps is a methodology that applies the principles of Git, a widely-used version control system, to infrastructure and operations. The core idea behind GitOps is that Git serves as the single source of truth for declarative infrastructure and applications. With Git at the center of the delivery pipelines, every change is versioned, traceable, and auditable.
In GitOps, the desired state of the infrastructure is stored in a Git repository. Operations teams use pull requests to make changes, which are then automatically applied to the system. This approach ensures consistency and reliability in deployment processes and reduces the chances of human error. Tools like ArgoCD are commonly used in GitOps to sync the state in the Git repository with the state in the environment, typically Kubernetes.
GitOps promotes collaboration and visibility among teams. Developers and operators can see the entire history of changes, discuss modifications, and roll back to previous states if necessary. This way, GitOps bridges the gap between development and operations, fostering a more integrated and efficient workflow.
Why Use Terraform for GitOps?
Terraform’s declarative nature aligns well with the GitOps principle of storing the desired state of infrastructure as code. This combination enhances automation, consistency, and reproducibility in infrastructure management. Using Terraform in a GitOps workflow offers several advantages:
- Terraform defines infrastructure using a high-level configuration language: This code can be version-controlled in Git, making it easy to track changes, review updates, and maintain a historical record of the infrastructure state. In a GitOps model, when a pull request is merged, an automated process can trigger Terraform to apply the changes, ensuring that the actual state of the infrastructure matches the desired state.
- Terraform can manage multi-cloud environments: This means a GitOps setup with Terraform can handle diverse infrastructure providers with a single workflow, making it easier to maintain complex systems. This unified approach reduces complexity and the risk of errors, particularly in large-scale environments with multiple cloud services.
- Terraform’s plan and apply stages can be applied to GitOps pipelines: The plan stage provides a preview of changes, which can be reviewed as part of the pull request process. The apply stage is then executed automatically to make the actual changes, ensuring a controlled and predictable deployment process. This integration streamlines operations and enhances the security and stability of the infrastructure.
How to GitOps Your Terraform in 4 Steps
Here are the high-level steps you will need to take to use Terraform in a GitOps model, which some have called “GitOpsing Terraform”.
1. Set Up a Git Repository to Store Your Terraform Code
To begin, establish a Git repository to store your Terraform configurations. This repository acts as the central location for your infrastructure code, enabling version control and collaboration. Choose a Git hosting service like GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket, and create a new repository specifically for your Terraform code.
When setting up your repository, consider organizing your Terraform configurations into directories that reflect your infrastructure’s logical structure. For instance, you might have separate directories for network, compute, and storage resources. Include a README file to explain the repository structure and any guidelines for contributing to the codebase. It’s also advisable to implement branch protection rules to prevent direct pushes to the main branch and enforce code review practices through pull requests.
2. Configure Your Infrastructure Using Terraform Code
The next step is to configure your infrastructure using Terraform code. Terraform uses a declarative language, which means you specify what your infrastructure should look like, and Terraform will make it so.
First, you need to write a Terraform configuration file. This file describes the resources that make up your infrastructure. For example, it might specify a virtual machine, a database, and a network. Terraform uses providers to interact with cloud providers—you will need to specify a provider for your infrastructure. For example, if you’re using AWS, you will use the AWS provider.
Once you’ve written your configuration file and specified your provider, you can use the terraform init
command to initialize your Terraform working directory. This command downloads the necessary provider plugins and sets up the backend for storing your Terraform state.
Note: You should only run terraform init
3. Create a Pipeline That Uses Terraform to Apply Changes to Your Infrastructure
After configuring your infrastructure with Terraform code, the next step is to create a pipeline that uses Terraform to apply changes to your infrastructure.
A pipeline is a series of steps that are executed in order to transform your code from source to a final deployable outcome. In our case, the final outcome is the updated infrastructure that reflects the changes in our Terraform code.
You can use any continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) tool to create your pipeline. Some popular choices are Jenkins and Codefresh. The general process is to define a pipeline configuration file, which specifies the steps of your pipeline. At a minimum, your pipeline should include steps to checkout your code, initialize Terraform, plan your changes, and apply your changes.
4. Use Pull Requests to Manage Changes to Your Infrastructure
Once you create your pipeline, you can start using pull requests to manage changes to your infrastructure. Pull requests are a way to propose changes to a codebase. They allow you to review, discuss, and eventually merge changes into the main codebase.
When you want to make a change to your infrastructure, you can create a new branch in your Git repository. Then, you can make your changes in this branch. Once you’re done, you can create a pull request to propose your changes.
The pull request will trigger your pipeline, which will apply your changes in a safe and controlled way. If the pipeline succeeds, you can merge the pull request to apply your changes to the main codebase. The pipeline will then use Terraform to apply your changes to the live environment.
An Example: Creating a GitOps Pipeline with Codefresh and Terraform to Make Changes in AWS
First, install the Codefresh CLI using npm installer using the command npm install -g codefresh
Now let’s see how to create a GitOps pipeline with Codefresh and Terraform. First, create a codefresh.yml
file, which defines your pipeline steps.
You should place this file in the root directory of your Git repository containing the Terraform code. The pipeline file could look like this:
version: '1.0' stages: - "clone" - "init" - "plan" - "apply" steps: main_clone: title: "Cloning main repository" type: "git-clone" repo: "your-github-user/your-repo" revision: "master" stage: "clone" terraform_init: title: "Terraform Init" stage: "init" image: hashicorp/terraform:latest commands: - terraform init terraform_plan: title: "Terraform Plan" stage: "plan" image: hashicorp/terraform:latest commands: - terraform plan terraform_apply: title: "Terraform Apply" stage: "apply" image: hashicorp/terraform:latest commands: - terraform apply -auto-approve when: branch: only: - master # or any branch you prefer
This pipeline uses the following steps:
- main_clone: This step clones your repository.
- terraform_init: This step initializes the Terraform environment.
- terraform_plan: Here, Terraform will create an execution plan.
- terraform_apply: This final step applies the changes. The -auto-approve flag automatically applies the plan. For production environments, it might be safer to require manual approval.
To allow this pipeline to make changes in your AWS environment, you will need to integrate with AWS. Ensure that Codefresh has access to your AWS credentials. You can set this up as environment variables in Codefresh or use an IAM role if Codefresh runs within AWS.
Now, you can configure the pipeline to trigger on push to specific branches, such as master, or on pull request creation. When developers raise pull requests with Terraform changes, and they are reviewed and merged into the main branch, the pipeline automatically applies these changes to AWS.


title: Your first visit

text:
We look forward to welcoming you to UNC Fertility for your first visit. We are excited to begin our journey together and expect that you will have many questions for us, especially during your first visit. During your first visit we outline what you can expect, which may help to address some of the common questions and concerns many people have at this moment.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions and for the safety of our patients and staff; for any appointments that require you to be in-person; please be advised that at this time, only the patient will be permitted in the office. For more information on our COVID-19 protocols and updates, click here.
Your First Visit
Our ultimate goal is to provide unsurpassed medical and emotional support to give you the best chances of conceiving a healthy baby. The journey to this goal begins with the first visit. During this time our physicians, nurses and administrative staff will get to know you and your partner. This visit usually lasts approximately 1 ½ hours. One hour of this time is spent in a one-on-one consultation with your physician, who will discuss your medical history, determine any testing that you will need, begin creating a customized treatment plan and answer any questions that you may have. We may also perform a physical exam, a vaginal ultrasound and perform blood work. Your physician may recommend a uterine X-ray called an HSG (Hysterosalpingogram) to detect any structural abnormalities in the fallopian tubes or uterus.
Testing the Male Partner (when applicable)
Since 50 percent of infertility problems can be linked to male medical conditions, discovering and treating any issues early in the process can help you achieve pregnancy much sooner. Your physician may recommend a test called a semen analysis to analyze the quality and quantity of sperm.
Your Unique Treatment Plan
As each patient has different needs, each treatment plan is customized to address those unique needs. The time it takes to create a plan and begin treatment will vary accordingly. After evaluating your medical history and your test results, your physician will provide a recommendation and treatment can begin.
Time-Saving Tip for Your First Visit
Before your first visit, we ask that you download, print and complete the applicable registration forms and bring them with you. We also ask that you arrange to have any pertinent medical information about your relevant medical and/or reproductive history forwarded to our offices.
We are here to support you throughout this process. If at any time you would like to speak with us — either before your first visit or any time after — we invite you to contact us at 919-908-0000.