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Gambling has been a part of human history for a long time, and a career with a big casino company is desirable to many, but what that looks like has changed with modern technology. You see, the digital revolution has transformed online gambling completely. One significant factor driving this transformation is the ease and convenience of online payments. This aspect forms the foundation of the player’s journey, influencing their overall experience and, in turn, shaping the industry’s future. Therefore, the demand for online casino payment professionals has risen sharply. 

Ryan Spencer, a highly knowledgeable casino payment specialist at JohnSlots, contributes to how players interact with online casino payment systems. His expertise spans many payment methods, including e-wallets and credit cards, making him instrumental in guiding players through the complexities of online transactions. 

In this exclusive interview, we will explore how Ryan uses his data science background to simplify and secure online casino transactions, contributing significantly to the industry’s growth. 

Question 1: Ryan, your work focuses heavily on payment systems for online casinos. How does your data science degree contribute to evaluating the efficiency of different e-wallet providers and credit card payment methods? 

The field of data science provides an exceptional framework for evaluating the efficiency of various payment methods, including e-wallets and credit cards. It involves studying the data associated with each payment option, such as transaction times, failure rates, customer reviews, and more. 

Moreover, I can anticipate potential challenges with specific payment methods using predictive analysis, a critical component of data science. For example, by analyzing past trends, I can predict which e-wallet might face transaction delays during high-traffic hours or which credit card payment might have higher failure rates. 

Such predictive insights enable me to proactively address potential issues, enhancing the overall efficiency of payment methods at JohnSlots. 

Question 2: What makes an e-wallet most user-friendly, and how do you apply this understanding to your role? 

User-friendliness in an e-wallet encompasses a few key factors: easy navigation, speed of transactions, and robust security features. Simplicity in setup and use and quick transactions can greatly enhance the user experience. However, the user’s trust cannot be won without top-tier security. 

At JohnSlots, I employ this understanding to guide my evaluations of different e-wallets. I break down these aspects for our players, enabling them to choose an e-wallet that caters to their needs efficiently and securely. 

Question 3: How do you utilize your data science expertise to improve the user experience for players, particularly concerning payment processes? 

Data science is instrumental in enhancing user experience, especially in payment processes. I can understand the players’ preferences, pain points, and transaction behavior by analyzing user data. 

Understanding this allows us to optimize our payment methods to cater to our players’ specific needs and expectations, thereby enhancing their overall experience. 

Question 4: What critical factors should players consider when making deposits or withdrawals? 

Players should understand the minimum and maximum deposit limits, verify the withdrawal requirements, and know transaction times. It’s also crucial to be informed about the potential transaction fees. I provide insights into these elements, enabling players to make informed and confident decisions. 

Question 5: How do you compare the payment options different platforms offer? 

Each platform has a unique set of pros and cons. I analyze the security measures, user-friendliness, transaction speeds, and various options each platform offers. I highlight these differences, which help players choose a platform that provides secure and convenient payment options. 

Question 6: How do you address the challenges associated with constantly evolving technologies in online payment methods? 

Technological advancements, while beneficial, often come with new challenges. As a payment specialist, I identify these challenges, understand their implications, and find suitable solutions. Regularly updating myself with the latest trends and developments helps me anticipate potential issues and create preemptive strategies. 

In addition to staying informed, I maintain a proactive approach to educating players about these changes. For instance, if a new payment method is introduced, I break down its functionalities, benefits, and potential drawbacks. 

Question 7: What advice would you give to players seeking a seamless and trustworthy casino payment experience? 

Players should prioritize security and convenience. They should choose reliable platforms that offer a range of payment options. They should understand the transaction process thoroughly, including deposit limits, withdrawal requirements, and transaction times. 

Most importantly, always stay informed and up-to-date about payment method changes and platforms.

Summary

Ryan Spencer’s role at JohnSlots extends beyond being a payment specialist; he is a trusted advisor, guiding players through various options to ensure secure, efficient, and convenient transactions. The application of his data science degree empowers him to deliver cutting-edge solutions that cater to players’ evolving needs. 

His expertise across e-wallets and credit card transactions and understanding of deposit and withdrawal processes make him a valuable resource in online gambling. His ability to compare and analyze various platforms enables players to make well-informed decisions, enhancing their overall gaming experience.

Discoveries, inventions, and technology developed by applying the scientific method has led to the modern world we live in today. From major steps forward in hygiene and medical technology that have added decades to the average human lifespan, to breakthroughs in computing which have connected people around the globe, and even put a man on the moon.

One of the most pressing quarries in scientific research today is that of energy extraction and production. From the onset of the first industrial revolution, the use of stream power and fossil fuels has long been the dominant means by which we supply civilization with its abundant energy needs. Of course, all of that is in the process of changing right now, with new forms of sustainable energy capture, and the spread of electrical motors all contributing to a greener and cleaner world for all. 

Yet there’s no escaping the laws of physics that state that energy cannot actually be created out of nothing – it can only be transferred or converted. Hence why we must still burn coal or capture sunlight in order to capture energy. But this hasn’t stopped some of our brightest minds throughout history from attempting to construct a so-called “perpetual motion device.” 

Such a contraption would theoretically be able to generate infinite energy out of thin air through virtue of skimming off the energy generated by its ceaseless action. Below are some of the most intriguing examples of this noble, if not fruitless, pursuit from throughout history.

Blaise Pascal

We owe a lot to the Parisian inventor and philosopher Blaise Pascal, as he invented the first mechanical calculator – the direct ancestor of all modern computers. Though this is only the best known of his various projects and experiments.

During his inventing years he also attempted to create a low-friction spinning wheel that he hoped would achieve perpetual motion. While this was naturally doomed to failure, the wheel was soon adopted by the gaming parlours of Paris who adapted the table game of Biribi to incorporate it.

Interestingly, from this game roulette was born – one of the most popular casino games ever. Nowadays, people are typically more likely to play roulette online rather than visiting a brick-and-mortar establishment, but this doesn’t stop people from enjoying the ancestor of Pascal’s attempt at perpetual motion. Even though computer science and statistics have a lot more to do with it than physics, the idea lives on: the wheel has to stop turning eventually. 

Arthur Beverley

Located in a museum in New Zealand is a clock that was last wound back in 1864 – what’s more, that was the only time it has ever been wound. How is this possible? The timekeeper in question was constructed by Scottish expatriate watchmaker Arthur Beverley, and its ingenious mechanism has caused many to point to it as a potential contender for a perpetual motion device.

However, all is not as it seems because this clock has a truly ingenious trick up its sleeve. There’s actually some sound reasoning around why this clock has only been manually wound up once in its entire lifetime, and that’s because it actually incorporates a ‘self-winding’ mechanism. Contained within the clock is a temperature sensitive diaphragm that utilizes ambient fluctuations in temperature throughout the day to keep the clock wound. SO unfortunately, it is still using energy (heat that is) to move, and can not be considered perpetual motion. 

Final Thoughts

Perpetual motion is likely impossible, yet the attempts at making it work have helped us to create other incredible devices that we use every day and have led to a better understanding of physics overall.

 

If you are a photographer, whether amateur or professional, you have surely encountered this problem: your photos are too dark because there is not enough ambient light. This is not handy during the holidays when you might want to make atmospheric images or you are struggling to capture emotion in a low lit live dealer game at non GamStop casino club. Now how do you solve this easily? We give you many tips to take beautiful photos in low light!

Adjust Your Exposure Triangle

The easiest way to solve the low light problem is to adjust your exposure triangle. The exposure triangle consists of three factors, namely shutter speed, aperture and ISO value. These three elements are all dependent on each other, if you adjust one, another element will also have to be adjusted. One of the first things you can do when your photos are too dark is to crank up your ISO. The only disadvantage with a high ISO value is; the higher the ISO value, the higher the amount of noise in your image. Try to push the limits of your camera to the point where you still find the amount of noise acceptable. It differs per camera how much noise can be seen. By zooming in on the photo you have taken, you can often quickly see how much noise your photo contains. If you shoot with a crop camera then you can often shoot well with an ISO value of up to 800. With a full-frame camera, these values are somewhat higher; you can then often shoot with values of 1250 to 1600 without the photo containing disturbing noise. So try out what works best for your camera; it’s not a bad thing at all if your photo contains some noise. Better a well-exposed photo with noise than a poorly-exposed photo with little noise, with the risk that you can no longer use it.

Would you rather not raise your ISO value? Then it might be an option to use a slower shutter speed. When you use a slower shutter speed, you give the camera, as it were, a longer time to let light in, so that your photo will eventually become lighter. The slower the shutter speed, the more light can hit your camera’s sensor. Shooting by hand with a slow shutter speed is often a bit difficult, but certainly not impossible. Most people can shoot hand-held at a shutter speed of 1/50 second; it just depends on whether you have a steady hand or not. By using a slower shutter speed, the ISO value can be kept somewhat lower and your photos will still be well exposed. Finding a good balance between the right shutter speed and the right ISO value is therefore important.

The last element that plays a role in the exposure triangle is the aperture of your camera. A low aperture number ensures a large aperture opening. This allows more light to reach the sensor, making your photos lighter. When shooting in low light, it is recommended to use a bright lens. With a bright lens, you can work with lower apertures of, for example, f/2.8 or even lower. A 50mm f/1.8 or a 35mm f/1.8 or f.1.4 are very suitable lenses to use for this. The only downside to using a wide aperture is that you get a shallow depth of field. This means that less of the environment will be in focus in the photo. This is not a problem with a portrait photo, but when you want to take an environment photo, this may not always be useful. A good tip for the right exposure in your photo is to use the A mode or AV mode. In this mode you maintain control over the aperture and your camera automatically applies the correct shutter speed and ISO value for good lighting.

Use a Tripod

One of the most important tips when shooting in low light is to use a tripod. Putting your camera on a tripod allows you to work with a slower shutter speed and a lower ISO value. This prevents a lot of noise from appearing in your photo or motion blur from occurring due to the slow shutter speed. Shooting by hand with a slow shutter speed is often very difficult, which is why a tripod is recommended.

To prevent motion blur as much as possible with a slow shutter speed, it is smart to use a cable release or a remote control that allows you to take a picture without touching your camera. Don’t have these? Then put your camera on the self-timer. This works just as well, but taking the photo takes a little longer. By exposing your camera to vibrations as little as possible, there will be little or no motion blur in your image. Do you still want to remain flexible, but do you want to use a slow shutter speed? Then use a monopod. This is a one-legged tripod, which allows you to still take sharp photos with slower shutter speeds.

EXTRA TIP: Don’t forget your image stabilization off when shooting from a tripod. The image stabilization on your camera corrects light vibrations when you shoot handheld. If your camera is on a tripod, your lens will still try to correct the image, which is not necessary now. This can eventually lead to blurry photos, which you want to avoid.

Use a Flash

Do you not yet have full control of the exposure triangle or are you still short of light? A flash can easily fix the problem. A flash adds enough light to your photo, but in some cases, the flash can take the atmosphere out of the photo because the light can be very ‘hard’. Most cameras have a built-in flash, but unfortunately, the usefulness of this flash is quite limited. This is because the flash sits just above the lens and fires straight ahead. This often results in a flat, brightly lit photo with harsh shadows and red eyes. Even if your subject is a bit further away from you, this flash is often not powerful enough to expose everything properly. With a flash unit, you often have many more options. This is an external flash that is often a bit higher on your camera. With this type of flash it is often possible to determine for yourself which way you aim the flash; flash against the wall or ceiling, for example. In this way, the flashlight is distributed much better – making the light a bit softer – and you will therefore be less likely to suffer from hard shadows or red eyes.

All in all, practice makes perfect. The more you play with your camera settings, the better you will get at shooting in all kinds of light. Follow these tips and you will see better results for shooting photos in low light!

A video script is the story you want to tell in your video. With a video script, you give the guidelines for what should appear in the video and when. This can go as far and be extensive as you want. You can choose to have actors or colleagues memorize the script and reproduce it word for word or allow it to be more improvised. Your script should also contain how angles should be shot, what the lighting is like, the props, and basically everything that appears on the screen. It is key to have your shots well thought out ahead of time to properly tell your story. For instance, if you are filming a nature movie or a scene about someone winning a bunch of money in a live casino not on GamStop UK you will need very different shots. Where the first contains more wide angles with lots of background, and the latter should be a close up that catches the emotions of the actor. 

Of course, there are exceptions, like you can also hold an interview where you only put the questions on paper in the first instance and let the interviewee answer the questions. But you should still have an idea of how you want the conversation to go, and where your camera will be focused. 

A strict script versus a more improvised one have their advantages and disadvantages. By only putting objectives on paper, you have to have a lot of confidence in the speaker that he or she adheres to the goal of the video. That is why we advocate writing a video script that is as complete as possible. In addition, it is wise to read the script aloud several times.

It is also important that you write a video script to give proper control and flow to the content of your video, in order to tell the best story. This includes a clear:

• Introduction
• Core message
• Catchy close and goal

What Happens If You Work Without a Video Script?

There are many things that can go wrong without proper planning, but some examples are as follows:

Your video will be much longer than you planned

Without a video script, it also means that speakers might not have much structure in their speaking. You will often notice that a lot of information is repeated, but worded just slightly differently. It is then difficult for the editor to cut out the core of the story. The result is a video that is too long for what you had in mind.

You Deviate From the Topic

We are only human and we often use other examples when we want to give strength to a story. That also happens if you record a video without making a script. All kinds of examples are cited to give the story strength, but often this works contradictory. The actual subject is forgotten and the video eventually deviates from the subject. And then trying to get someone back to the subject without a script is a whole new challenge.

You Don’t Answer the Questions & Give Irrelevant Information

This is closely related to the above point. By not making a script you miss the structure that you normally apply in a script. Your introduction may be too long and you miss the point. You give too much irrelevant information and miss the clear conclusion at the end.

Your shots don’t make sense

Lighting and angles are crucial to a story, if you are just following around actors or speakers with no plan, your video will likely be sloppy, look bad, and may even be confusing, Planning how your camera person will move is key to telling a good story.

Creating a script: How Do You Do It?

You can immediately start writing or creating a video script. For example, you have an idea in your head and you start immediately. Get a rough draft down with all your ideas and worry about the structure second. It is better to take a step back, leave the video script for what it is and go back to basics. Then after some time, worry more deeply about the structure as follows, 

What Purpose Do You Have With Your Video?

Writing a script is largely about sticking to lines and letting go of them. Writing the screenplay guides filming, but is not written in stone. You must take into account that once a script has been written, it can change during the filming process. Still, it’s important to write a script so that you don’t stray from the message. In addition, the script and its execution depend on the circumstances and the actors. So be flexible and open to changes.

A script contains descriptions, actions and dialogue. When writing a screenplay, you only write what you see or hear in the video, nothing else. So no thoughts, or feelings about underlying messages. These interpretations are added during filming. Always keep the purpose of your video in mind when creating the script to prevent the message from being misunderstood.

Start With a Goal & Choose the Right Shape

What kind of video do you want to make? And what goal do you have with your video script? A company video or corporate video is very different from a testimonial video and both have a different purpose. Do you want to generate leads or achieve conversions? Then you need a different script than if you want to make a video that mainly has an informative character and contributes to your brand awareness. So before you start writing a video script, you should first think about the purpose of your video.

Think of videos like:

• Teaser video
• Presentation of content
• Corporate presentation of your company
• Interview with customers, relations or colleagues
• Customer video, such as a testimonial video

Only when you have determined your goal and form can you start with the brief? You’re not going to write the script yet.

Start With a Brief

Although it may seem that you can skip this, we do not recommend it. By starting with a briefing, you get all team members involved in this project on the same page. Answer questions some may have. It is possible that new questions will arise that you have not yet thought of yourself.

If you skip this step, and your employer or colleague wants to change the script halfway through the project, you will have a problem and you can start over. Prevent this with a clear briefing, where everyone has the opportunity to ask questions.

When discussion points come your way that hinders progress, you can refer to the briefing. This outlines the process and sets out the agreements made in black and white.

TIP: Make sure your project team isn’t too big. Two know more than one, but a team of five people or more creates confusion and unnecessary video delays.

Focus on the Goals & the Subject

A briefing does not have to be very formal or meet specific requirements. But there are many questions that should not be missing from the briefing. These are the ‘ video script questions ‘. Answering these questions will give you a clear view of what your video script needs.

What Is the Purpose of the Video?

As mentioned above, make sure that you also have a clear view of the purpose of your video during the briefing of your team members. Ask yourself “Why are we making this video in the first place?” Don’t make videos because you want to make videos. Because a video without a goal will ultimately not yield anything for your company.

With all that said, everyone’s script writing process can be a bit different and that is okay, but do not underestimate the power of having a script before you film. Though it takes some time initially, it will save a lot of work later and will make for a much better story told through your video!

Our channel is mainly focused on filming documentaries, but many professional photographers and filmmakers work in the marketing world helping businesses to capture their story. For that reason, here is a piece from a professional photographer in marketing about the gear that they use:

We often get asked what our film and photography equipment looks like and what kind of video editing program we use for our travel videos in Las Vegas or even live casino games at non GamStop casinos. In this blog, we will answer all these questions and tell you how we came to this equipment in our camera bag. From camera to video editing software, everything is covered! 

With What Considerations Is Our Equipment Composed?

Our camera bag was not simply filled in one week. The equipment we currently use has grown over many years. It started with a GoPro Hero 4 that worked really well to start. However, technology develops very quickly and cameras and action cameras change every year. We therefore also decided to purchase our current action camera, the GoPro Hero 10. Together with an old SLR camera and the Osmo Mobile 4, this was about all the camera equipment we used to travel with. As time went on and we got new contracts, we wanted a high-quality camera that we could use for years without having to think about an upgrade every year. We think investing is important, BUT you don’t have to have the most expensive camera to start photography and filming!

One of the most important points of our equipment is the ease of use. After all, a very expensive set-up is of no use if it takes 2 minutes before you have everything together and can film. The threshold to grab your camera and take a picture or start filming shouldn’t really be there. That’s why there are many important extras in our equipment that we believe are indispensable on the road.

Cameras & Lenses

Our camera: Sony A7iv

Because we didn’t have a usable old camera, but we wanted to film and take pictures, we decided to buy the hybrid Sony A7iv. This camera has the best of both worlds because it is good at photography AND filming. For us, this camera is perfect, with the 33-megapixel full-frame sensor we can take great pictures. The camera also films in 4k 60fps, which is very nice to be able to film in slow motion. The camera has a 10-bit colour range, which captures all colours perfectly and gives a lot of room for post-processing.

 Our Lenses

• Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G – Perfect for wide shots and ideal for low-light photography due to its large aperture.
• Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 Art – The do-it-all lens, which is usually on our camera during filming.
• Sony 85mm F1.8 – Very sharp and beautiful lens for portrait photography, or landscape panoramas.

Camera Accessories

Filming with our camera is made even better by many essential accessories. A microphone, ND filter, and carrying system are indispensable if you want to be able to film quickly and also want the best possible quality. A camera should always be within reach if you want to be able to film quickly.

 Microphone: Sony ECM B-10

This shotgun mic practically lives on our camera. This is because it works with the Multi Interface Shoe, you don’t need any cables! It connects to the camera via the hotshoe of the newer Sony cameras. This means you won’t be bothered by cables that get in the way when storing the camera. It also does not require a battery.

We also use our microphone as a voice-over microphone for all our videos. Because the Sony A7iv can be used as a live webcam, the camera can be linked to our editing software and record sound directly. This way we always have the best sound quality for our voice-overs.

Carrying System: Peak Design Capture Clip & Peak Design Carrying Strap

This system is indispensable to us. The Peak Design Capture Clip is a carrying system that you can screw onto the belt or shoulder strap of your backpack. Together with the baseplate that comes with it, you can effortlessly clip your camera to your shoulder. This system is perfect, especially during hiking or other times when you often want to have your hands free. The baseplate is arca swiss compatible which makes it so indispensable for me. I can mount our camera on the tripod, hang it on my shoulder or hang it from the Peak Design strap! This strap can of course also be used without the Peak Design Capture Clip. This is useful when you don’t have a bag with you. At such moments I hang the Peak Design carrying strap to where the camera clicks effortlessly using the mounting hangers.

ND Filters: Freewell Variable ND 2 Pack

ND filters are indispensable for photography and filming in bright daylight. Variable ND filters may be less common for photography, but for filming they are ideal because you can quickly shift the strength of the filter. The Freewell 2-pack comes with a 2-5 stop filter and a 6-9 stop filter. The quality is very good, I don’t notice any light shifts or colour differences during filming. For the price, you get very good quality with these filters. The filters come with a magnetic lens hood, which allows you to easily cover the filter when needed.

Lens Warmer: Kiwifotos Lens Warmer

An accessory that most don’t think about and need quickly is a lens warmer. However, this is necessary if you want to shoot outside in the cold for a longer period and you want to prevent your lens from fogging up or freezing. For example, we use it to make a timelapse in a cold winter night at a lodge for example. The lens warmer from Kiwifotos works on a USB so you can easily connect it to a power bank. You hang this on your tripod and with a button on the cable you can choose between 3 heating settings. This way you always have the right position available for the temperature where you are.

End Thoughts

You don’t need lots of expensive equipment to be a good professional photographer or filmmaker, but having good gear that is made to last will make a difference. Everyone’s needs are different, so make sure you do your research first and find what gear is best for you!

Games and sports are some of the most captivating events where people express raw emotions. People jump for joy, cheer others on, express shock at some moves, and come out of their cocoons. Bingo is a great example of a game where players freely express their feelings. The reviews on the best bingo sites often feature photos of smiling and disbelieving players. And just by looking at the pictures, you can tell the photographer captured their true feelings. How can you do the same thing? Let’s give you some tips:

Capturing Emotions in Games and Sports

We live in a world where people rarely express their true emotions. Sometimes, they hide their feelings to fit in, avoid hurting their reputations, or others. There are many reasons to align to the emotional boundaries set in society. But games and sports are a moment that allow people to express themselves freely. As a professional photographer, how can you capture this rare opportunity?

Do Not Direct People

Often, photographers decide how people should act during a shoot. But such shoots often pave the way for fake smiles and uncomfortable postures. The best way to capture a moment in sports and games is to follow the flow. Refrain from being too evident. Instead, remove yourself from the situation and observe from afar. When you see a moment that calls for a picture, you can snap it. The idea is to be in the background so people are not self-conscious. Otherwise, they will repress their feelings or give you a false smile to appease you.

Anticipate the Big Moments

What emotions are you hoping to capture? Is it shock? Are you hoping for happiness? Many opportunities in sports and games elicit such emotions. You just need to know what will affect fans or players. Take the example of a football game where a team has a corner kick. Such moments are often very tense and would be ideal for a photo. You can capture the pacing coach, the anxious fan biting their fingernails, the eager yet nervous player about to kick the ball, etc. And once the player hits the ball and the team scores or misses, you can capture the ensuing moments. A win would be a perfect shot for the scoring team, which would likely celebrate the moment by hugging the scorer. A loss would allow you to capture the disappointment in the players, coach, and fans. You can even get smug shots of the opposing team.

Focus on the Eyes

Eyes are truly the windows to the soul. And if you can get the reactions seen through the subject’s eyes, you will hit the bullseye. For example, many people smile without actually smiling. Their mouths are open, their teeth are out, and you can see the all-too-familiar curve that indicates a smile. But once you snap a photo of their face with a focus on their eyes, you can tell that the smile was a distraction. Their eyes tell a different story – shock, pain, anger, etc. So, go for the eyes to depict the true feelings in a game or sport.

Body Language Matters

Besides the eyes, people’s bodies can tell much about their feelings. A person may have a wide smile, but while the people around them are jumping up and down, they have sat down and slumped. Does that indicate a happy person? Using such a photo would not convey happiness. So, consider body language too.

What other tips can you use?

• Take many photos, as this increases your chances of capturing the perfect moments,

• Invest in a good camera as it will adjust to the lighting needs, and
• Use the element of surprise.
• Think of the story you want to share, as it affects how much the emotions play out in the photos.

Conclusion

Whether you are sports photographer or someone hired to capture emotion for a business’s website, knowing how and when to capture pure emotion will be a great tool. With these tips, paired with time and practice, you will soon be able to capture raw emotions in your photographs and come up with some excellent moments frozen in time.

Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that is significantly more powerful than morphine or heroin. It has gained significant attention in recent years due to its high potency and involvement in drug overdose deaths. This week we sat down with a specialist in the Texas response to this problem, Deborah Antich. Here is what she had to say.

To help summarize, here are 10 important things to know about fentanyl:

Fentanyl Potency:

Fentanyl is approximately 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, meaning it can have a much stronger effect on the body even at lower doses. It is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance due to its high potential for abuse.

Fentanyl’s Medical use:

Fentanyl is primarily used in medical settings for managing severe pain, such as during surgery or for cancer patients with intense pain that cannot be relieved by other opioids.

Fentanyl Illicit production:

Fentanyl is also produced illicitly and sold on the black market. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl can be mixed with other drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, often without the user’s knowledge, increasing the risk of overdose.

Fentanyl Overdose risk:

Due to its high potency, fentanyl poses a significant risk of overdose. Even small amounts of fentanyl can cause respiratory depression and lead to death. Overdose symptoms include slowed breathing, loss of consciousness, and blue lips or fingertips.

Fentanyl Accidental exposure:

Fentanyl is dangerous not only for those who intentionally use it but also for individuals who may accidentally come into contact with it. Fentanyl can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled, and accidental exposure can lead to overdose or even death.

Using Naloxone for Fentanyl: (NARCAN)

Naloxone is an opioid overdose reversal medication that can be administered in emergency situations to counteract the effects of a fentanyl overdose. It is available as a nasal spray or injection and can save lives when administered promptly.

Fentanyl Law enforcement challenges:

The illicit production and distribution of fentanyl present significant challenges for law enforcement agencies. Its small size and high potency make it easier to smuggle and more difficult to detect during drug trafficking operations.

The Global impact of Fentanyl:

Fentanyl has had a significant impact on the global drug market. It has been linked to a rise in opioid-related deaths in many countries, including the United States and Canada. Its presence in illicit drugs has contributed to increased mortality rates.

Fentanyl in Counterfeit medications:

Fentanyl has been found in counterfeit prescription medications, particularly painkillers such as oxycodone. Counterfeit fentanyl-laced pills can be difficult to distinguish from genuine medications, increasing the risk of accidental overdose.

Fentanyl Harm reduction measures:

To address the fentanyl crisis, various harm reduction strategies are being implemented. These include increasing access to naloxone, providing safe injection sites, and promoting education and awareness about the risks associated with fentanyl use.

It is important to note that the information provided here is based on the knowledge available up until September 2021. The situation regarding fentanyl may evolve, and it is recommended to refer to updated sources for the most current information.

More information

• Deborah Antich on Instagram
• Fentanyl Inc, the book

Let’s face it, science can be really tiring! Whether you are in university, are out in the field studying mammals or fish, work in a laboratory, or in any other part of the field, there comes a time when we all need to switch off. For many people, playing video games is a great way to wind down, and  in today’s technology-based world there are a range of enhanced gaming products being made readily available.

In the past, playing games were deemed unhealthy and had the image of a sedentary activity that was largely enjoyed by “lazy” teenagers. Nowadays, though, the stigma around gaming has changed, particularly as research has gathered pace and a variety of benefits around gaming have been established. 

With that in mind, let’s take a look at a selection of surprising benefits that are associated with this go-to entertainment option. 

Video games help people establish social connections

This first benefit isn’t actually too surprising, particularly given the various social features that are in games. The rise of multiplayer gaming has resulted in a more social gaming experience, whereas in the past, the image of stereotypical gamer largely focussed on darkened rooms and a generally lonely entertainment option to explore. In the modern environment, though, gamers find love online, they play games with their friends, converse with like-minded gamers online, there are streaming platforms like Twitch that help provide a community aspect, and plenty of other ways gamers can establish various social connections. 

Video games could improve vision

While sitting too close to the screen apparently damaged our eyes in the past, according to research, scientists have found that playing games can actually improve our vision. If played in moderation, the concentration required for gaming and the variety of different shades of grey that appear in games means our eyes are better at discerning certain shades, while the attention required provides a solid workout for the eyes. 

Video games can potentially help people conquer attention deficit issues

Whether it’s through playing an action-packed game or during an authentic live casino gaming experience through games like poker with a live dealer present, numerous studies have suggested that playing games, particularly those with an action aspect, have shown that people with attention deficits show improved signs of focus when playing games. Researchers believe that this is due to the constantly changing environments that gaming typically serves up, therefore requiring intense focus that otherwise wouldn’t be there for some people. Of course, if you choose casino games, you should always play responsibly and within your means. 

Playing games improves decision-making skills

Given the influx of information and events that are typically occurring in video games, one study has shown that because players are forced to adapt to ever-changing situations and make decisions under pressure in an all-action, fast-paced environment, it can actually have a positive impact on an individual’s ability to make decisions. Compared to people who don’t play video games, the players who took part in the study were an astonishing 25% faster in reacting to questions about an image than those who hadn’t played games. 

Gaming reduces stress levels

The opposite is a commonly held view, but gaming can actually reduce stress levels and help people switch off from the trials and tribulations of everyday life. While some titles can indeed increase stress levels if a specific boss cannot be destroyed, there are certain games that are linked with reducing stress as a study by Carmen Russoniello at East Carolina University found. The research found that gamers had decreased stress levels after measuring their heart rates. 

Other research around playing video games has found that it can help address autism, can curb unhealthy cravings, can improve balance in people with multiple sclerosis, can slow down the aging process, and it improves leadership skills. So, all in all video games, when played in moderation of course, have a bunch of benefits for people of all ages. So, next time you want to wind down with a video game, don’t feel any guilt, and just enjoy it!