Although widely used for windows, glass can be heavy and breakable. So some people are looking into using polycarbonate sheets as an alternative for windows. Polycarbonate is shatterproof and much lighter than glass, making it a good option for many applications. However, there are some things to consider before making the switch.

 What are Polycarbonate Sheets?

Polycarbonate sheets are made from a type of plastic that is strong and durable. It is often used in bulletproof glass, as well as in storm windows and greenhouses. Polycarbonate is available in clear and opaque options, making it a versatile material for many projects.

 Benefits of polycarbonate

One of the main benefits of polycarbonate is that it doesn’t break as easily as glass. This makes it a good choice for areas where there is a risk of breakage, such as near children or businesses where customers might bump into things. Polycarbonate is also scratch-resistant and UV-stable, so it won’t fade in sunlight like glass can.

On the downside, polycarbonate sheets can be more expensive than glass. They don’t block out noise as well, so they might not be the best choice for windows in busy areas. Overall, polycarbonate is a good alternative to glass in many situations but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

 What Are the Drawbacks of Polycarbonate?

Although polycarbonate has many benefits, there are also some drawbacks to using this material. One downside is that it can scratch more easily than glass. In addition, polycarbonate can yellow over time when exposed to UV light, which could affect the appearance of your windows or fixtures.

 When Should You Use Polycarbonate?

If you are looking for an alternative to glass that is shatterproof and lighter in weight, polycarbonate could be a good option for you. It is also a good choice for areas where safety is a concern, such as in schools or hospitals. In addition, polycarbonate can be a good insulator, which can help keep your home or business cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

 Should You Use Polycarbonate Sheets Instead of Glass?

Whether you decide to use polycarbonate sheets instead of glass will ultimately depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you are looking for an alternative to glass that is shatterproof and lighter in weight, polycarbonate could be a good option for you. However, keep in mind that it can scratch more easily than glass and may yellow over time.

 Conclusion

Polycarbonate sheets have a variety of uses and can be a great alternative to glass in some cases. It is shatter-resistant and can often be more affordable than glass, but it may not offer the same level of clarity or durability. Glass is more fragile but can give your product a more high-end look and feel. Ultimately, the best choice for your project will depend on its specific needs.

 

You can use a drill with a saw horse and there are many different ways to use a drill with a saw horse. You can use the drill to power the saw horse or use the saw horse to hold the drill while you work. No matter how you use them together, they make an excellent team.

If you’re using the drill to power the saw horse, make sure the bit is properly secured in the chuck. You don’t want the bit to slip while you’re working, which could damage both the drill and the saw horse. Once the bit is securely in place, start the drill and then guide the saw horse along the workpiece.

When using the saw horse to hold the drill, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, ensure that the saw horse is firmly secured to a stable surface. You don’t want it to tip over while you’re working. Second, hold the drill securely with both hands while you’re working. This will help prevent accidental injury. Finally, be careful not to over-tighten the drill bit. Doing so could damage the saw horse or the workpiece.

No matter how you use them, a drill and a saw horse make a great team. With a little practice, you’ll be able to use them together like a pro.

 What are the Benefits of Using a Drill with a Saw Horse?

One of the benefits of using a drill with a saw horse is that it can help to make tasks such as drilling holes in wood or metal faster and easier. Additionally, using a drill with a saw horse can also help reduce the risk of injury as it helps keep the workpiece stable. Finally, using a drill with a saw horse can also help improve the accuracy of your work as the saw horse will provide support for the drill bit while you are working.

 What are the Limitations of Using a Drill with a Saw Horse?

 

There are a few limitations to using a drill with a saw horse. The weight of the drill can cause the saw horse to tip over if it is not evenly balanced and the length of the drill bit can make it difficult to reach the centre of the workpiece. Finally, the height of the saw horse can make it difficult to get a good angle on the workpiece.

 What Type of Drills Can Be Used With a Saw Horse?

 

Many different types of drills can be used with a saw horse. The hand drill is the most common & well-known type of drill. This type of drill is very versatile and can be used for many different types of projects. Another type of drill that can be used with a saw horse is the power drill. This type of drill is much more powerful than the hand drill and can make quick work of any project.

 Conclusion

 

It is possible to use a drill with a saw horse, but it is not recommended. Saw horses are designed to hold boards or other materials securely while they are being cut, so using a drill with one could damage the saw horse and potentially cause injury. If you need to use a drill with a board held by a saw horse use clamps to secure the board and avoid putting too much pressure on the saw horse.

 

Almost every online slot machine including Temple of Isis slot in today’s online casino portfolios has special symbols. Scatters are one of the most common symbols found in new generation slots.

This article explains the role of scatters, how they influence the outcome of the playing process, and what benefits a player can derive from this feature.

What is a scatter?

A scatter symbol is a special symbol in online slots that can create winning combinations without being attached to an active payline. Scatters can land anywhere on the reels and form winning combinations. Moreover, a wild symbol cannot replace a scatter symbol.

Slot games with scatter symbols are great for efficient gameplay on any budget. In most slot machines, you must land three or more scatter symbols on the reels to achieve winning combinations. If you land a single scatter, the payout on the combinations can be tripled. If you land two, three, four or five scatter on the reels at once, the payment is made according to the appropriate coefficient.

Scatter symbols are also responsible for triggering bonus games or spin the reels in Free Spin Mode. The number of free spins the player gets is generally based on the number of scatter symbols on the reels.

Type of scatter symbols

Before playing any scatter video slot, it’s better to figure out its categories and their role in the game. Here you can explore the various types of scatters and check out their peculiarities:

1.     Free spins scatter

Free spins Scatter is the most common type of scatter. Most slots require at least three scatter symbols to appear on the screen to award a player with up to 10 or even more free spins. These spins boost your winning chances.

Almost all slots allow you to restart the spins, provided the required number of scatter symbols are displayed again.

2.     Bonus scatter

Bonus scatter is available in the presence of an extra mini-game. In this case, a player is usually prompted to choose one of several options on a different field. If the correct option is selected, the player receives additional funds.

Bonus scatter is also used to trigger a series of bonus games. Bonus games present more enormous opportunities when it comes to winning.

In general, scatter symbols benefit players, and before you start playing, clarify the rules specified in a particular slot. Different slot games may have different scatter roles, and special symbols can be combined into a single picture with a collection of additional slot features.

It’s also worth noting that the symbols’ features are typically game-specific, meaning they will function differently based on the slot you are playing. They are typically represented by a specific image exclusive to the slot’s general theme.

Scatter symbols are a great addition to the quality of slot machines. You should, however, keep in mind that not all online slot machines offer scatters as special cox symbols. So it’s always best to check the paytable to ensure that the slot has scatter symbols.

There are various ways for slot players to enjoy online slots like White Wizard slot with mobile phones, PC, and tablets. The most exciting thing about using tablets or mobile phones to play online slots is how players can play them.

Players can use these devices to play games in either portrait or landscape mode. The portrait mode makes players comfortable and makes them play for more extended periods. Portrait mode is an increasing way to use slot games.

Benefits of Using Portrait Mode

The primary way that slot players enjoy online slots is through portrait mode. Landscape mode is how people tilt their mobiles to the side to play a game. Although the landscape mode is the default mode in many online slot games, there are still many benefits that players can receive from using a slot in portrait mode. These benefits include:

1.      Comfort

One thing that comes when playing in landscape mode is the need to hold your phone with both hands; this does not happen in portrait mode. Instead, players can enjoy a superb gaming experience in a comfortable, one-handed position.

2.      Easier to See

Playing slot games in portrait mode lets the players see what is happening on the screen. This is because the portrait mode is the main way people use their phone without having to tilt it. Having your desktop monitor in portrait means you fully utilize the space on your screen. More content is viewable below the fold, and there is no waste of space. When using portrait mode in slots, it is much easier to see the reels, and the slots will be much easier to play.

3.      Easy to Use

It can sometimes be more manageable for certain slot players to use a portrait mode because of the way they hold their phones. Not everybody has grown up with mobiles or tablets around them, and using this is ideal for the slots fans who are still grasping the ins and outs of modern technology.

If you are a die-hard fan of online slot games and prefer playing on mobile, here’s a quick round-up of online slots that you can play seamlessly in portrait mode at any time.

Davinci Diamonds

Davinci Diamond is a popular online slot that offers both landscape and portrait modes. It’s a top choice among art lovers as the game is dedicated to some of Leonardo Da Vinci’s finest and most famous artwork.

Archangels: Salvation

This slot promises a battle between good and evil and the chance to win big if you’re lucky. It’s a popular game among online slots enthusiasts that NetEnt released in 2018. The gameplay brings the battle of the Ancient Archangels, Gabriel and Lucifer. It is a perfect fit for those who prefer playing in portrait mode.

Numerous slot sites offer slot games in portrait mode. If you’re on a hunt for these types of slots, you can try looking at the some provided below.

Power Plant, Jammin’ Jars. Ecuador Gold, etc.

Online slots are played mainly in Landscape mode. However, the portrait mode will only rise in popularity over time.

To make the most out of your student life, you need to use essay writing services. That’s why we are going to talk about one of the best essay writing services in the world – Edubirdie. This writing service has helped millions of students get good grades, graduate, and land their dream jobs. Before using an essay writing service, it’s always important to get the facts and figures right. Here is a short summaryof the best EduBirdie reviews.

Essential Edubirdie Info

Official website	uk.edubirdie.com
Pricing	Starts from $13.99
Payment options	Visa, MasterCard, DISCOVER
Refund policy	YES
Discount	YES
contact number	+1 888 337 5415

 

Why do students love Edubirdie?

Edubirdie is a top writing service with an online dictionary meaning that it delivers exceptional paper assignments to USA students in 2021. Students use writing services to help them complete their assignments and submit them before the deadlines. It’s always great to know that someone better than you is working on your paper as you focus on high-priority tasks. If students ask ”is edubirdie safe?”, – yes, of course!As Edubirdie review reports, your paper will always be submitted within the agreed time frame because they care about the reputation of their company.

Customer support team is here for you

Edubirdie works amazingly well. Another thing that you should always check before using a writing service is Edubirdie.com reviews and the support team. All reputable services have a live chat function to help customers get in touch with the support staff easily and quickly. I communicated with customer support about Edubirdie discount code, coupon code and promo codeand they responded in a few minutes. I was happy about this because they helped me understand a few aspects of the websites that weren’t very clear. Before sending your hard-earned cash, login to my account and communicate with the customer service to find out more about your paper and the ideal writer. The support team at Edubirdie does a great job. And that’s why customers are always flooding.

How to order a paper?

Now that you are interested in using the Edubirdie writing service, it’s time for you to discover how to place an order on their site. As you are going to see, the order form is quite simple and easy to navigate. The ordering process of Edubirdie legitis made up of four steps namely placing your order, choosing your preferred writer, and transferring funds to your account.

After specifying the requirements of your paper, you’ll be required to pick the best writer for you. According to edubirdie reviews, there are three types of Edubirdie essaywriters namely:

• All writers: Writers in this category are always ready and willing to work on your paper. When you place an order and choose a writer in this category, all writers will get the chance to see the order.
• Premium: To choose a writer from this category, you’ll be required to pay an additional ten percent These are writers with Bachelor’s degrees. While price plays an important role, you should always focus on the result. You need to trust them.
• Platinum: This is a category comprised of high-paying clients. You’ll be required to pay twenty percent more of the initial price.

What are you entitled to on this site?

Is Edubirdie legit? Edubirdie writing service offers several guarantees that you can find in the terms and conditions sections. Before using any writing service, you should always go through the terms and conditions to know what you’re getting into. According to reviews for Edubirdie, the company has a money-back guarantee page. In case your writer fails to meet all your expectations, you can request a refund. While the refund process is quite complex, you can be sure that you’ll get your money in the end. You also have the option of changing your funds into Edubirdie points that you can use to make future purchases.

The second guarantee is originality. Every student is expected to submit original work to get good grades. Plagiarism is a serious offense that can lead to disqualification or worse, suspension. To avoid this, the company is quite serious when it comes to dealing with plagiarism issues. Most of the students who have used this service have not had plagiarism issues in the past. Edubirdie is one of the most trustworthy and reliable writing services that you can find today.

How does the company charge?

How much do you expect to be charged after reading reviews on Edubirdie? It all depends on the type of assignment, urgency, and your preferred writer’s category. However, don’t fret because this is one of the cheapest writing services that you can find today. The least amount that you should expect to pay per page is $13.99. You’ll know how much you are expected to pay after placing an order and choosing your preferred writer. As we said earlier, you should expect to pay more if you choose to work with an experienced and qualified definition essay writer. Edubirdie scam is not real.

Will you get good grades?

Edubirdie.com is a safe writing service because it ensures that clients get high-quality papers on time. If you prioritize quality, then you should always go for premium or platinum writers. Even if you’ll pay more, you can be guaranteed that your paper will be perfect in every way. Participate in reddit discussions and you’ll gradually increase your Edubirdie ratings.

 

 

Once, when I went to a music store to buy my first instrument, I asked for a classical guitar, but with iron strings. The conversation went something like this:

– What kind of guitar do you want? A classical or an acoustic guitar?

– What’s the difference between the classical and acoustic guitar models?

– There are differences, now I’ll tell you about them and show you both guitars.

Let us tell you the difference between these guitars and which one is better.

Choosing this musical instrument, at first you might be confronted with two of its most popular definitions – classical and acoustic model. People who want to learn to play the guitar often ask the same question on various forums – which of the two varieties of this musical instrument is better and more preferable. As in many cases – there is no clear and specific answer to this question. It all depends on the individual case. Nevertheless, after reading this article, every reader will understand what the difference is and be able to consciously decide and make the right choice of a suitable model.

Musician’s website yurovskiy.org

Classical Model

History of the classical guitar is several hundred years and dates back to the eighteenth century. The ancestor country of the “classic” – Spain, which is why such a guitar is sometimes called “Spanish” in common people.

Features and characteristics:

The instrument of the Classic model is distinguished by a relatively small body (amateurs call it a drum), which adds to its convenience and elegance. The body is usually made of precious softwoods – cedar, spruce, etc.

This variety has a wide fingerboard, which has either a single solid wood section, or has a composite character (several stacked wooden pieces on top of each other). As a rule, there are nineteen frets on the fingerboard of the classical version (a fret is the distance between two vertically placed metal rods).

The fingerboard is attached to the body with glue.

The musical instrument is equipped with nylon (material based on plastic) strings, which can be black or white. The strings of this material does not give much resonance, which leads to a quiet and soft sound.

The music genres most suitable for performing on this kind of guitar are Spanish, Latin American compositions, as well as ballads, songs, romances.

Due to the simplicity and convenience of this musical instrument is often used for teaching in institutions of general education.

The classical model is perfect for beginners, due to its small size, soft strings and comfortable fingerboard.

Acoustic model

This variety does not have such a rich history as in the case of the “classic”. Age of the acoustic model – about one hundred years. The instrument became popular all over the world, coming from America, where in the mid-20th century such musical styles as jazz and folk flourished. After all, the works of these genres, performed with the accompaniment of “acoustic”, sound very picturesque and attractive.

Properties and features:

The musical instrument has a large body, which, in part, is what provides the deep sound.

In the middle of the section, along the entire length of the “acoustic” fingerboard is a metal rod – an anchor. This element provides the durability of the neck and protects it from breaking, since the strings are stretched with a lot of force and create a considerable bending force. In addition, the metal anchor adjusts the position of the neck relative to the body.

The fingerboard is glued to the body like a classical guitar.

Musical instrument is equipped with metal strings, which, by creating a great resonance with the body, provide the peculiarities of sound “acoustic”. Strings can have an outer braid of different materials. The metal of the winding affects the sound. For example:

• Phosphorus-bronze. Strings with this combination of material have a “thicker” rich bass and velvety sound, but less clear treble. The braiding of these strings has a bronze-orange color.
• Bronze-Tin. Optimal in terms of treble and bass strings, in most cases they are put by the major manufacturers of musical instruments in their guitars. Yellow-gold color braid.
• Steel or nickel steel. Commonly called “silver” although there is no silver itself. Characterized by a distinctive bright ringing sound. The braid is of silver gray color.

Important: It should be noted that the use of metal strings in the classical version is not allowed, because the absence of steel anchors in the fingerboard “classics” can lead to its failure because of the high tension of these strings.

Works relevant to the execution of accompaniment “acoustic”, refers to the styles of rock and roll, pop, chanson, folk music and any yard tunes.

This guitar will be a bit difficult to learn because the metal strings cut your fingers harder. But if you’re willing to put up with it for three weeks, you’ll definitely be pleased with the sound.

Choosing between two tools

When making a choice, a beginner should focus on the following points:

Metal strings of an acoustic guitar, due to the stiffness of the material and strong tension can provide blistering fingers of an untrained person in a short time. Of course, this phenomenon is temporary and after some period the fingers will become coarser, but at first the player will be accompanied by unpleasant feelings.

The soft nylon strings of the classic model are much better in this regard. In addition, due to the low tension, they are less likely to break.

The number of strings in the “classic” is always six, while the “acoustic” can count from six to twelve strings (twelve-string guitar).

For young musicians, the small body of the classical model will be preferable to the “acoustic”, to the dimensional size of which you need to get used to.

Materials of manufacture

If we talk about the material from which the body is made, there are two main options – the execution of wood or plywood.

• Wood provides the sound with a muffled and noble character, but on the other hand, the case made of precious wood significantly increases the cost of the musical instrument. Do not forget about storage – wood does not tolerate temperature fluctuations and content in conditions of high humidity, which negatively affects the sound quality.
• Plywood is more resistant to moisture temperature changes or direct sunlight. The price for such guitars is not high as a rule. Famous guitars will cost from $90 or 6 500 rubles. But such guitars don’t have a good and deep sound.

It was noted above that the fingerboard of “classics” is wider and when playing with special “barre” chords, the left wrist will be in pain at the first stages of use, due to the need to fully embrace the fingerboard.

Another difference between the two models is the absence of an anchor in the “classic” fingerboard.

An anchor gives greater structural reliability and resistance to the external environment, as well as the ability to adjust the deflection of the fingerboard. Although increasingly common, budget models of classical guitar have an anchor rod in the fingerboard.

When playing an acoustic guitar is often used plectrum – a special plate made of metal or plastic, which adds volume to the sound. Such a device is not applicable to “classical” unlike the first option.

Summary

After considering the features, properties and differences of each of the guitars, it becomes much easier to make a choice on one of the two options discussed and to say which model is better for you.

However, all the abovementioned points refer, by and large, to physical characteristics, which are far from always determinative.

In the first place, though, it is worth putting your musical preferences. “Acoustics are capable of producing much louder, clearer and higher tones. Therefore, if the player gravitates to pop directions, rock and roll, jazz, blues or folk, then feel free to take an acoustic guitar, and you will not regret your choice.

But you should not write off the classical guitar either. This type of instrument is ideal for performing classical compositions, fiery Spanish tunes, romances and plays. and is also great for learning.

Over time, you will have both models, as each is unique and cannot replace the other.

You may often hear the terms “assault”, “battery” and “aggravated assault” when referring to someone inflicting harm on a different individual. Crimes that involve someone getting attacked physically are classified as either assault or battery, while in some cases, they can be classified as both. However, many people use the terms interchangeably, not knowing what makes them different.

Let’s take a look at these 3 types of offenses so you can differentiate between them.

Assault

Assault refers to a situation when someone is trying to harm another person intentionally. By definition, assault is an act that is intentional and makes another individual either fear imminent physical harm or attack. It does not need to involve physical harm to the other individual, though.

For the assault charge to be made, one must have the intent behind their action. One can even just slightly touch the other person in an offensive and rude way for it to count as assault.

In some states, there are different degrees of assault. There is first, second and third-degree assault.

One example of assault is when two people who formerly had a conflict walk past each other on the street, with one carrying a knife. Simply walking past each other is not assault. However, all of a sudden, the knife holder swings their knife in the other person’s direction, attempting to cut their skin or stab them. The other person is able to sprint away and avoid an injury. However, the knife holder has committed an assault in this case.

An assault is a misdemeanor offense. Someone who is charged with assault will either get a fine or will have to be imprisoned in jail for up to six months.

Aggravated Assault

Aggravated assault is a more severe form of assault where a deadly weapon is involved. A simple charge of assault becomes aggravated assault as soon as the culprit has no concern for another individual’s life.

So, aggravated assault is something that would lead to severe bodily crime or the intent to commit a crime that is very serious – rape, for instance.

Someone who drives under the influence of alcohol or drugs may be charged with aggravated assault due to the potential of hurting other people severely. This is because the driver could have inflicted severe bodily damage by operating a motor vehicle.

Battery

Battery refers to a situation where a person ends up harming another person. So, if an individual threatens someone else, but then the situation escalates and they actually harm the other person, it is considered battery.

What Does “Battery and Assault” Mean?

Assault and battery are generally separate. Battery is the type of offense where the perpetrator physically harms another individual. So, it is considered an “assault” that was completed.

Battery has to include allegations of an actual altercation. If a person was shoved by someone else but the perpetrator missed, there cannot be battery criminal charges. An assault charge might apply, though.

Can You Legally Defend Yourself If You Are Charged with Battery of Assault?

If you are charged with assault or battery, you can challenge this charge with a legal defense. One can hire criminal defense attorneys to help prove that they did not commit any crime.

With a good defense, a person will be able to dismiss or reduce their criminal charge. This would be hard to do with self-representation, though, which is why an experienced lawyer will be necessary.

Four strategies could be used to defend against assault charges. So, the person could claim that they were falsely accused, that they did not commit the crime willfully, that they acted in self-defense, and that they did not try to use force.

Similar to the case above, there are four different defenses that could be effective when charged with battery. You could claim that you did not act willfully, that you did not touch the other individual, that you were charged or stopped with no cause, or that you tried to defend yourself.

The Bottom Line

Assault and battery are used in similar contexts by many people, with a lot of individuals thinking that they mean the same thing. In reality, assault, aggravated assault, and battery are different terms.

While assault involves a threat of harm or a physical act that leads to superficial injuries, battery involves the physical altercation that results in injuries. If you are either a perpetrator or victim in such a case, you should know the difference.

If you’re one of the many parents that don’t like public school and the way that it works, homeschooling is one of the alternatives you have before you. Besides helping to promote a sense of family, there are many advantages to homeschooling your children.

Flexibility

Public schools have specific and strict timeframes and often punish students who struggle to thrive in these frames. During homeschooling, you, as the parent, set the schedules, and you know your child best; you can set the times and days that you know will fit your child. This can help ensure they are engaged in your lessons.

The flexibility of homeschooling also allows for breaks when necessary. During the public school year, there are scheduled holidays and breaks that children get from school, and parents often use this time to connect with family and spend time together. Homeschooling does not have this limitation; you can travel and visit family whenever it suits you, and you can choose to give your child a break or bring their schooling with you.

This freedom and flexibility are beneficial to many families, especially military families who move often or families who are caregivers for sick grandparents.

Individualized Lessons

Unfortunately, public school teaches in a one-size-fits-all style, but not all teaching styles work for every child. Some children require hands-on learning to comprehend a subject, while others may be visual learners. As the parent, you can tailor your child’s curriculum to suit their learning style, so it can be effective.

Children should have a well-rounded educational experience, but they should also have exposure to subjects and topics they enjoy. Homeschooling gives the freedom for parents to sprinkle in information and activities their children have an interest in, and it can prove especially effective in between topics or subjects they find boring or challenging.

And if you are having trouble setting up a curriculum, there are accredited online homeschool programs that can help you.

Control Over Education

Homeschooling gives parents control over their child’s education, and it allows them to choose a curriculum that is more aligned with their family values. This also allows parents to reduce exposure to any information that may be against their ideology.

There are some topics learned in public schools that parents disagree are appropriate for the age, so homeschooling allows the parents to introduce these topics when they feel their child is ready for them.

Consistent Education

Every year in public schools, children have new teachers; when they reach middle and high school, youth will have six different teachers every year. That can be confusing, especially since different teachers have varying teaching styles.

With homeschooling, the teacher is consistent, so there is never the confusion of a change in teaching style.

Mental Health

There are children who suffer from depression and other mental health issues, and attending public school with hundreds of other people might be uncomfortable for them. At home, children are free from this stress, and parents can focus on therapy and coping skills alongside learning, which can help with their academic growth and mental health.

At home, children are away from bullies and negative school situations, all of which can lead to poor mental health. And homeschooling can also help children develop autonomy so they learn to make decisions for themselves.

Social Development

By being in public school five days a week, children may have weak connections with their families. Healthy social familial connections can be built while a child is being homeschooled, and role models can help coach behavior and work through conflicts.

Homeschooled children can also engage in community activities and volunteer with peers and individuals of all ages.

Physical Health

Out of the 6-8 hours a day children spend in public school, they are seated in cramped, stuffy classrooms. As a parent, you can encourage more physical activity at home and include your child in sports and dance.

And instead of sending your child to school with mild cold symptoms, you can ensure your child is well taken care of at home and adjust their homeschool schedule accordingly.

There are many advantages that come with homeschooling your child. And the best part of homeschooling is you have the choice of doing it short term or long term and, as long as you keep a detailed record of what they’ve learned, you’ll have no problems re-entering them into public school if necessary.

 

While some Americans anticipated that large corporations would help with the global pandemic, few considered the value of a startup. Thankfully, one company decided to help, trying to connect countless Americans to available COVID-19 vaccines. The Dr. B website came about after founder Massoumi noticed a gap in vaccine distribution when cancelations and no-shows occurred. Before launching, a significant percentage of surplus vaccines were either distributed to whoever was nearby or disposed of in the trash.

Despite a significant vaccine shortage during the initial rollout phase in 2021, nearly 30% of scheduled appointments wound up wasted.

Using Technology to Build Connections

Dr. B was developed to help connect health care providers with extra vaccines with individuals trying to secure a vaccine appointment. While most booking websites offered limited availability, Dr. B functioned as an on-demand service. Although the platform didn’t provide appointment times directly, it did offer real-time connections to localized centers with extra shots.

The standby network operated like a flight standby, sending registered individuals within the local region a notification when a nearby healthcare provider hadextra doses. Providerscould upload expected surplus amounts directly to Dr. B’s website, along with expiration times. Once uploaded to the platform, Dr. B worked to fill the vacancies using an algorithm of qualified candidates. The platform required no additional effort or time commitment from the clinic while reducing wasted resources overall.

On the patient side, applicants were required to fill out a basic application when joining. Users filled out their name, address, location, employer details, and any high-risk qualifications (like medical concerns or pregnancy). The data was stored, using local government mandates as a guide for priority. Qualified candidates received a direct notification when facilities had vacancies, using automated text messaging. Participants could confirm the available slot (often requiring immediate access) or decline the appointment, depending on their availability.

Did Dr. B Follow Government Mandates and Restrictions?

During the initial vaccine launch, many local and state officials placed strict guidelines for deployment. All immunocompromised and elderly individuals were given priority, barring those who didn’t meet specific guidelines from receiving the vaccine. From there, policies shifted to include age, medical conditions, and occupation as well. Qualified candidates were encouraged to book an appointment online. These loosened restrictions caused a surge in bookings and led to ongoing issues with booking. By joining Dr. B’s platform, users could potentially find an available vaccine in their area at a time when most struggled with appointment accessibility. Using an algorithm to process the waitlist, Dr. B prioritized those on the list, ensuring the website met all vaccine qualifications.

Was Dr. B Successful in Reducing Vaccine Waste?

During the initial vaccine rollout, lack of availability was a major contributing factor. Booking sites flooded with requests as thousands of newly-qualified individuals vied forappointment times. Websites filled within minutes of posting; others crashed under the volume of traffic to the platform. Those struggling with technology were left scrambling or waiting in line at clinics. Many Americans spent hours in local establishments without a standardized waitlist, hoping to receive a walk-in appointment.

Despite being a for-profit company, putting Americans first was a key priority. Many platforms attribute Dr. B as a positive influence in handling vaccine surplus. One Dr. B review highlights how the founder used his funds to develop and integrate the system while keeping registration free to all subscribers.

Estimates have shown that Dr. B sent out over a million notifications to waitlists. These text messages resulted in vaccines in armsinstead of in the trash.

Formulating a Quiet Website Launch

According to Massoumi, vaccine distribution was anything but equal, with communities of color especially struggling to access the potentially life-saving drug. When he developed the website, he wanted to prioritize access for those who have historically had higher barriers to healthcareThe company launched quietly with leaders from the NAACP, Community Action Network, iHeartRadio’s Spanish-speaking channels, and the Indian Health Service. The deliberate initiative gave these communities a jumpstart on the information before the general public.

As word of the platform continued to spread, major news outlets caught wind of the website. The platform skyrocketed in popularity, with approximately 2.5 million registrations when Dr. B closed registrations (as vaccine availability improved).

Collecting Personal Information Online

In the heat of the moment, millions of individuals registered for Dr. B’s service. While many likely didn’t consider the implications of submitting their details online, the company did not jeopardize their privacy. While the company admitted they weren’t governed by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), they still exceeded all privacy laws. Dr. B adopted the same strict protocols held by HIPAA for consumer information online. The website used bank-level encryption to secure all data.

Technological Influence on the Pandemic

While Dr. B wasn’t the only company trying to mitigate the pandemic’s influence, it was a frontrunner in terms of technological impact. Massoumi identified a critical lack within the American healthcare system—an equitable method to reduce waste. While scarce resources existed, there were limited options available for those who need a dose but could not devote hours to find one.

The Dr. B platform applied a service that has proved successful for decades in the aviation industry to modern medicine. Qualified, interested candidates struggled to find a vaccine while pharmacies disposed of expired vaccines. The website helped connect these individuals in a digital, real-time way. Massoumi’s success also highlighted the demand for such products, with the 750 clinics and 2.5 million individuals registered overall. While the initial need for Dr. B has since passed (registrations have closed for the service), taking the user interface, and applying the know-how to other industries may prove successful.

By functionally connecting providers with interested candidates, Massoumi showcased the standby system’s viability overall. An automated system reduces barriers to healthcare, along with issues of inequality. Whether through immunization accessibility or other branches of healthcare, improving access to healthcare services needs to remain a top priority.