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Showing posts from June, 2025

Global Economic Shifts During the Middle East Conflict

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  Written by Michelle Selina The escalating tensions between Israel and Iran have sent shockwaves through global markets, raising fears of economic instability, oil price surges, and supply chain disruptions. While the conflict remains regionally contained for now, its ripple effects could threaten global inflation, trade routes, and energy security. With Iran threatening to halt oil exports, the world braces for potential fuel shortages and price spikes. But beyond immediate oil shocks, this conflict could reshape global trade, financial markets, and geopolitical alliances in ways that last for years. Impact on Oil Markets Following initial airstrikes in mid-June, Brent crude surged roughly 11%, peaking near $81/barrel, though it later settled near $67–$75. Oil traders are now weighing several key dynamics: Supply channel disruption: Iran threatens closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a passage for nearly 20% of global oil trade. While markets fear...

The End of QR Codes?

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  Written by Michelle Selina Quick Response (QR) codes have been a staple in digital identification since their invention in 1994 by Denso Wave. Initially used for tracking automotive parts, they have since expanded into marketing, payments, authentication, and product information. By 2025, over 11 billion QR code scans will occur worldwide, proving their widespread adoption. However, despite their convenience, QR codes pose significant security risks, including phishing scams, malware attacks, and fraud. Critics argue that AI-powered alternatives could provide a smarter, more secure solution. The Evolution from Barcodes to QR Codes Barcodes (1970s): Linear barcodes were the first step in automated product identification, storing limited data (usually numbers). QR Codes (1994): Developed by Denso Wave, QR codes stored more data (up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters) and could be scanned from any angle. Current Usage ...