Apples AirPods Max revision last fall was underwhelming. It only brought a few changes: new colors, USB-C, and Personalized Spatial Audio. But now thanks to iOS 18.4, this new AirPods Max model just gained three additional features. Latest AirPods Max firmware adds three new featuresI love my AirPods Pro 2, and a big part of why is that Apple has consistently updated them with powerful new features. AirPods Max historically havent received the same attention. But thats starting to change thanks to the latest update.iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS 15.4 include support for three new features with Apples latest AirPods Max model.If you use AirPods Max with USB-C, heres whats new:Lossless audioUltra-low latency audioWired playback is now supported for the first timeThese three new features are enabled by a combination of the new software updates and a fresh firmware version Apple just released.The new firmware is build 7E99.Release notes for the firmware are as follows:When used with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac running iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, macOS Sequoia 15.4 or later, AirPods Max with USB-C and firmware update 7E99 enable lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio for the ultimate listening experience and even greater performance for music production, content creation, and gaming.Apple had previously announced that this update was on its way. In that announcement, it shared even more detail, including saying that ultra-low latency audio significantly lowers lag time, and is on par with the native built-in speakers on Mac, iPad, and iPhone.Checking your AirPods Max firmware and updatingTo check which firmware your AirPods Max are currently running, open the Settings app, visit the AirPods Max settings near the top of the screen, then scroll to the bottom where Version is listed.If your AirPods Max arent yet running version 7E99, heres how Apple recommends triggering the update:Make sure that your iPhone, iPad, or Mac is updated to the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, or macOS, and that Bluetooth is on. To update your AirPods Max (USB-C), you need iOS or iPadOS 18.4 or later, or macOS Sequoia 15.4 or later.Make sure that your AirPods Max are connected via Bluetooth to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.Connect your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to Wi-Fi.Plug the charging cable into the bottom-right earphone, then plug the other end of the cable into a USB charger or port.Keep your AirPods Max in Bluetooth range of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, and wait at least 30 minutes for the firmware to update.Reconnect your AirPods Max to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.Check the firmware version again.If you still cant update your firmware,reset your AirPods Max, then try to update your firmware again.What do you think of iOS 18.4s new AirPods Max features? Let us know in the comments.Best AirPods Max deals and accessoriesAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Image by Getty / FuturismNeuroscience/Brain ScienceMore concerning news from the traumatic brain injury (TBI) front: a new study shows that kids who experience just one concussion are 15 percent less likely to end up going to college the latest research to ring alarm bells about various ways that the long-term impacts of TBIs might manifest.The study, published last week in the European Journal of Epidemiology, was conducted by a cohort of Finnish scientists and physicians. Using data from the Finnish Care Register for Health Care, they analyzed data collected from patients aged 17 and under who received hospital-level care for a brain injury, ranging from emergency visits to the ER for seemingly mild concussions to treatment for more severe head traumas.What they found, according to lead study author Julius Mttnen,was alarming."A mild, single concussion is often considered a relatively harmless event, but our research suggests that it can have long-term effects on learning and cognitive abilities," Mttnen, a doctoral researcher at the University of Tampere in Finland, told New Atlas of the study's findings. "This should get more attention in both healthcare and schools."According to New Atlas, the researchers obtained the records of 136,828 patients from the Finnish registry; 24,039 of those records, they found, contained details regarding higher education for patients over the age of 26.Within that group, researchers found that 8,487 received hospital treatment for pediatric TBIs, or "pTBIs." About 7,600 patients in that cohort were treated for more generalized concussions, while the remainder had a "specific intracranial injury" like brain bleeding, according to the study. The average pTBI patient age at the time of their treatment was 13 years old.The pTBI group was then compared against a reference group of 15,552 pediatric patients who, instead of a head injury, had received hospital-level treatment for limb injuries like broken ankles and wrists. The results were fascinating and troubling.Overall, the scientists concluded that individuals from the pTBI cohort attended higher education at a 15 percent lower rate than their non-brain-injured counterparts. Within that group, the small cohort that experienced a specific cranial incident like a brain bleed were even less likely to engage with higher education, entering college and university at a rate 22 percent lower than those who experienced concussions. And even when someone with a pTBI did go to college, they were 19 percent less likely than their peers to go on to receive an advanced degree."People with pTBI had lower education attainment at all higher educational levels than the reference population with orthopedic injuries," reads the study, noting that the level of "education attainment" achieved by pTBI folks "was lower regardless of the injury severity."In other words, even a mild concussion was correlated with a lower likelihood of pursuing education beyond high school.Of course, the decision to seek higher education is complicated, and layered in factors like a person's socioeconomic background and identity. (That said, we should note that Finnish universities and all Finnish education is free for Finnish citizens, as well as citizens of the European Union, European Economic Area member states, and Switzerland.)But while the study's findings remain correlative, they add to an ever-growing body of scientific literature revealing the long-term consequences of brain injuries from seemingly low-level concussions to life-threatening traumas and their connection to learning disabilities, mental health challenges and disorders, behavioral changes, and long-term impairments in cognitive function.Hopefully, the Finnish paper leads to further study of how even comparatively minor head injuries may continue to impact someone's life years after their incident and how kids grappling with life after a TBI might be best supported by schools and leaders in education."For future monitoring of pTBI patients," write the study authors, "it is important to pay attention to the possible long-term negative cognitive impact that can lead to lower educational attainment."Share This Article

Are your security tokens truly secure?Explore how Reflectiz helped a giant retailer to expose a Facebook pixel that was covertly tracking sensitive CSRF tokens due to human error misconfigurations. Learn about the detection process, response strategies, and steps taken to mitigate this critical issue. Download the full case study here. By implementing Reflectiz's recommendations, the retailer avoided the following:Potential GDPR fines (up to 20M or 4% of turnover)$3.9M data breach cost [on average]5% customer churn IntroductionYou might not know much about CSRF tokens, but as an online retailer, you need to know enough to avoid any accidental oversharing of them by the Facebook Pixel. Getting this wrong could mean enormous fines from data protection regulators, so the purpose of this article is to give you a brief overview of the problem and explain the best way to protect your business against it. You can explore this key issue in greater depth by downloading our free new case study on the subject [from here]. It goes through a real-world example of when this happened to a global online apparel and lifestyle retailer. It explains the issue they faced in more detail, but this article is a bite-sized overview of the threat to get you up to speed.Let's take a deeper look at how this issue unfolded and why it matters for online security.What happened and why it mattersIn a nutshell, a web threat monitoring solution called Reflectiz discovered a data leak in the retailer's systems that others didn't: its Facebook Pixel was oversharing a security technology called CSRF tokens that it should've kept under wraps.CSRF tokens were invented to stop CSRF, which stands for cross-site request forgery. It's a type of cyberattack that involves tricking a web application into performing certain actions by convincing it that they came from an authenticated user. Essentially, it exploits the trust that the web application has in the user's browser.Here's how it works:The victim is logged into a trusted website (for instance, their online banking). The attacker creates a malicious link or script and tricks the victim into clicking it (this could happen via email, social media, or another website).The malicious link sends a request to the trusted website. Since the victim is already authenticated, their browser automatically includes their session cookies or credentials, making the request appear legitimate to the web application. As a result, the web application will carry out the action in the attacker's malicious request, such as transferring funds or changing account details, without the victim's consent.[Note that this is not a malicious activity event. All 'blockers' that monitor the traffic for malicious scripts would not detect any issues.]Developers can use various tools to stop this happening, and one of them is CSRF tokens. They ensure that authenticated users only perform the actions they intend to, not the ones requested by attackers. Reflectiz recommended storing CSRF tokens in HttpOnly cookies, which prevents third-party scripts, like Facebook Pixel, from accessing them.The misconfiguration problemIn the case study example [that you can find here] the retailer's Facebook Pixel had been accidentally misconfigured. The misconfiguration allowed the pixel to inadvertently access CSRF tokenscritical security elements that prevent unauthorized actions on behalf of authenticated users. These tokens were exposed, creating a serious security vulnerability. This breach risked multiple security issues, including potential data leaks and unauthorized actions on behalf of users.Like many online retailers, your website will probably use the Facebook Pixel to track visitor activities to optimize its Facebook advertising, but it should only be gathering and sharing the information it requires for that purpose, and it should only be doing so after obtaining the correct user permissions. Since CSRF tokens should never be shared with any third party, that's impossible!Here's how Reflectiz's technology works to uncover such vulnerabilities before they turn into serious security risks.The FixReflectiz's automated security platform was employed to monitor the retailer's web environment. During a routine scan, Reflectiz identified an anomaly with the Facebook Pixel. It was found to be interacting with the page incorrectly, accessing CSRF tokens and other sensitive data. Through continuous monitoring and deep behavioral analysis, Reflectiz detected this unauthorized data transmission within hours of the breach. This was a bit like sharing the keys to their house or the password to their bank account. They're actions that others could exploit in the future.Reflectiz acted swiftly, providing a detailed report to the retailer. The report outlined the misconfiguration and recommended immediate actions, such as configuration changes to Facebook Pixel code, to stop the Pixel from accessing sensitive data. Data protection regulators take a dim view of your business even if it accidentally overshares this kind of restricted information with unauthorized third parties, and fines can easily run into millions of dollars. That's why the 10 to 11 minutes it will take you to read the full case study could be the best time investment you make all year.Next StepsReflectiz's recommendations didn't just stop with immediate fixes; they laid the foundation for ongoing security improvements and long-term protection. Here's how you can protect your business from similar risks:Regular Security Audits:Continuous Monitoring: Implement a system of continuous monitoring to track all third-party scripts and their behavior on your website. This will help you detect potential vulnerabilities and misconfigurations in real-time, preventing security risks before they escalate.Periodic Security Audits: Schedule regular audits to ensure that all security measures are up to date. This includes checking for vulnerabilities in your third-party integrations and ensuring compliance with the latest security standards and best practices.Third-Party Script Management:Evaluate and Control Third-Party Scripts: Review all third-party scripts on your website, such as tracking pixels and analytics tools. Limit the access these scripts have to sensitive data and ensure they only receive the data necessary for their function.Use Trusted Partners: Only work with third-party vendors that meet stringent security and privacy standards. Ensure that their security practices align with your business's needs to prevent unauthorized data sharing.CSRF Token Protection:HttpOnly Cookies: Follow Reflectiz's recommendation to store CSRF tokens in HttpOnly cookies, which prevents JavaScript (including third-party scripts) from accessing them. This is a key measure in protecting tokens from unauthorized access by third-party vendors.Enforce Secure Cookie Attributes: Ensure that all CSRF tokens are stored with Secure and SameSite=Strict attributes to protect them from being sent in cross-origin requests and mitigate the risk of exposure through malicious third-party scripts.Privacy by Design:Integrate Privacy into Your Development Process: As part of your development and deployment processes, adopt a Privacy by Design approach. Ensure that privacy considerations are at the forefront, from the way data is stored to the way third-party scripts interact with your site.User Consent Management: Regularly update your data collection practices, ensuring users have control over what data they share. Always obtain clear, informed consent before sharing any sensitive data with third parties.Educate Your Team:Security Training: Make sure your development and security teams are well-trained in the latest security protocols, especially related to data privacy and CSRF protection. Awareness and understanding of security risks are the first steps to preventing issues like this.Cross-Department Collaboration: Ensure that marketing and security teams are aligned, especially when using third-party tools like the Facebook Pixel. Both teams should work together to ensure that security and privacy concerns are considered when implementing such tools.Adopt a Zero-Trust Approach:Zero-Trust Security Model: Consider adopting a Zero-Trust approach to security. This model assumes that all users, both inside and outside the network, are untrusted and verifies each request before granting access. By applying this philosophy to data exchanges between your site and third-party services, you can minimize exposure to risks.By implementing these next steps, you can proactively strengthen your security posture, safeguard your sensitive data, and prevent similar issues in the future. Reflectiz's insights provide the roadmap to build a more resilient and secure web environment. Protecting your business from emerging threats is an ongoing effort, but with the right processes and tools in place, you can ensure that your systems remain secure and compliant.Download the full case study here. Found this article interesting? This article is a contributed piece from one of our valued partners. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn to read more exclusive content we post.

Apr 01, 2025Ravie LakshmananMalware / Cyber EspionageCybersecurity researchers have shed light on a new China-linked threat actor called Earth Alux that has targeted various key sectors such as government, technology, logistics, manufacturing, telecommunications, IT services, and retail in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) and Latin American (LATAM) regions."The first sighting of its activity was in the second quarter of 2023; back then, it was predominantly observed in the APAC region," Trend Micro researchers Lenart Bermejo, Ted Lee, and Theo Chen said in a technical report published Monday. "Around the middle of 2024, it was also spotted in Latin America."The primary targets of the adversarial collective span countries such as Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brazil.The infection chains begin with the exploitation of vulnerable services in internet-exposed web applications, using them to drop the Godzilla web shell for facilitating the deployment of additional payloads, including backdoors dubbed VARGEIT and COBEACON (aka Cobalt Strike Beacon).VARGEIT offers the ability to load tools directly from its command-and-control (C&C) server to a newly spawned process of Microsoft Paint ("mspaint.exe") to facilitate reconnaissance, collection, and exfiltration."VARGEIT is also the chief method through which Earth Alux operates supplemental tools for various tasks, such as lateral movement and network discovery in a fileless manner," the researchers said.A point worth mentioning here is that while VARGEIT is used as a first, second, or later-stage backdoor, COBEACON is employed as a first-stage backdoor. The latter is launched by means of a loader dubbed MASQLOADER, or via RSBINJECT, a Rust-based command-line shellcode loader.Subsequent iterations of MASQLOADER have also been observed implementing an anti-API hooking technique that overwrites any NTDLL.dll hooks inserted by security programs to detect suspicious processes running on Windows, thereby allowing the malware and the embedded payload within it to fly under the radar.The execution of VARGEIT results in the deployment of more tools, including a loader component codenamed RAILLOAD that's executed using a technique known as DLL side-loading, and is used for running an encrypted payload located in a different folder. The second payload is a persistence and timestomping module referred to as RAILSETTER that alters the timestamps associated with RAILLOAD artifacts on the compromised host, alongside creating a scheduled task to launch RAILLOAD.VARGEIT and controller interaction"MASQLOADER is also being used by other groups besides Earth Alux," Trend Micro said. "Additionally, the difference in MASQLOADER's code structure compared to other tools such as RAILSETTER and RAILLOAD suggests that MASQLOADER's development is separate from those toolsets."The most distinctive aspect of VARGEIT is its ability to support 10 different channels for C&C communications over HTTP, TCP, UDP, ICMP, DNS, and Microsoft Outlook, the last of which leverages the Graph API to exchange commands in a predetermined format using the drafts folder of an attacker-managed mailbox.Specifically, the message from the C&C server is prepended with r_, while those from the backdoor are prefixed with p_. Among its wide range of functions is the extensive data collection and command execution, which makes it a potent malware in the threat actor's arsenal."Earth Alux conducts several tests with RAILLOAD and RAILSETTER," Trend Micro said. "These include detection tests and attempts to find new hosts for DLL side-loading. DLL side-loading tests involve ZeroEye, an open source tool popular within the Chinese-speaking community, for scanning EXE files' import tables for imported DLLs that can be abused for side-loading." The hacking group has also been found to utilize VirTest, another testing tool widely used by the Chinese-speaking community, to ensure that its tools are stealthy enough to maintain long-term access to target environments."Earth Alux represents a sophisticated and evolving cyberespionage threat, leveraging a diverse toolkit and advanced techniques to infiltrate and compromise a range of sectors, particularly in the APAC region and Latin America," the researchers concluded. "The group's ongoing testing and development of its tools further indicate a commitment to refining its capabilities and evading detection."Found this article interesting? Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn to read more exclusive content we post.SHARE

If you appreciate the value, importance and (for the most part) reliability of physical media, its likely you have some DVDs in your collection.Unlike streaming, where your favorite films, documentaries and TV series can be pulled and/or shifted to another service at any given moment (if the thing you want to watch is even available to stream to begin with), physical media is always ready for you to press play.According to Sony, a typical DVD disc has an estimated life expectancy of anywhere from 30 to 100 years when properly stored and handled.Unfortunately though, DVDs still have some drawbacks one of which is the dreaded disc rot.What Is Disc Rot?Also known as CD rot, disc rot happens when the reflective layer on DVDs, CDs or other media discs begins to deteriorate, resulting in the complete loss or corruption of the data contained on the disc.Disc rot can be caused by a number of factors, including chemical reactions, exposure to heat or humidity (and even light), oxidation or deep scratches on the disc.Poor quality materials, especially those used to create early DVDs, can also lead to disc rot. Over time, the reflective layer breaks down and caused various glitches.This often manifests in content that freezes while playing or simply wont load at all, making the disc totally unplayable.Can Disc Rot Be Fixed?Unfortunately, one disc rot starts and the reflective layer on the CD or DVD disc begins to break down, theres really no way to reverse the rot or save the disc.Your best bet in the fight against disc rot is to try to prevent it from happening in the first place by properly storing your DVDs in their original cases.READ MORE: Home Video Formats That No Longer ExistDVDs should also be kept in a cool, dry, dark place.DVDs (and CDs) should also be cleaned with a microfiber cloth to remove any dust or grime, and you should always handle discs carefully and mindfully to avoid scratching them.broken dvd not workingiStock via Getty Imagesloading...Warner Bros. Will Replace Your Rotted DVDsIf you have any DVDs that were manufactured by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) between 2006 and 2008, you may be entitled to replacement discs for certain titles.In a statement shared in March 2025, WBHE noted they are aware that many of their DVDs from the mid-2000s are suddenly failing due to disc rot:Warner Bros. Home Entertainment is aware of potential issues affecting select DVD titles manufactured between 2006 and 2008, and the company has been actively working with consumers to replace defective discs ... Where possible, the defective discs have been replaced with the same title. However, as some of the affected titles are no longer in print or the rights have expired, consumers have been offered an exchange for a title of like-value.Impacted consumers are being asked to contact the customer support team at whv@wbd.com.Some of the hundreds of titles reportedly affected include Twilight Zone: The Movie, Rebel Without a Cause, Blade Runner (4-disc collectors edition), Veronica Mars, One Tree Hill, The Sopranos, The Powerpuff Girls: The Complete Series and more.Get our free mobile appDVDs That Sold For Shocking Amounts of MoneyThese DVD discs and box sets recently sold for hundreds of dollars eBay.Filed Under: Blu-ray, DVDCategories: DVD and Blu-ray, Longform, Movie News

The Jackie ChanKarate Kid was originally a reboot of that franchise, with a new setting and a new cast. (In China, it was even calledThe Kung Fu Dream, because there was no karate in this version.) Apart from maintaining the basic concept a troubled outsider teen learns martial arts from an old master they were totally distinct.Not anymore. InKarate Kid: Legends, Chans Mr. Han meets the most famous living alumnus from the originalKarate Kid franchise,Ralph Macchios Daniel La Russo. (Danielsmentor, Mr. Miyagi, was played by Pat Morita, who passed away in 2005.) Han asksDaniel to train one of his students for reasons the movies new trailer doesnt entirely make clear; apparently Han shares some sort of distant relationship with Miyagi. The new karate kid (Ben Wang) will learn both karateand kung fu, to help him triumph overthe franchises usual mix of bullies and tournament fighting.You can watch the movies new trailer below. It actually includes a moment where Ralph Macchio utters the sentence Lets make a karate kid. (How much do you want to bet that is exactly thephrase Sony executives said when they greenlit the film?)READ MORE: The Best Sports Movies For Kids EverIn recent years,The Karate Kid hasserved as the inspiration for the popular Netflix seriesCobra Kai, a legacyquel featuring Macchio and many other characters fromThe Karate Kid, set decades after the events of the original trilogy of movies. TheLegendstrailer only features Macchio, and it appears that he is the onlyCobra Kai(orKarate Kid) character whoreturns inthis movie, which might be a disappointment to some fans. (Maybe Sony is keeping some Cobra Kaicameos or small supporting roles secret for now.)Here is the films official synopsis:Karate Kid: Legends unites the iconic martial arts masters of one of the most beloved film franchises of all time to tell a completely new story full of action and heart. When kung fu prodigy Li Fong (Ben Wang) relocates to New York City with his mother to attend a prestigious new school, he finds solace in a new friendship with a classmate and her father. But his newfound peace is short-lived after he attracts unwanted attention from a formidable local karate champion. Driven by a desire to defend himself, Li embarks on a journey to enter the ultimate karate competition. Guided by the wisdom of his kung fu teacher, Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), and the legendary Karate Kid, Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), Li merges their unique styles to prepare for an epic martial arts showdown.Karate Kid: Legends is scheduled to open in theaters on May 30.SonySonyloading...Get our free mobile app12 Pairs of Wildly Different Movies With the Exact Same TitleYou'll be very confused if you get any of these movies mixed up.Gallery Credit: Emma Stefansky

About The Role:Briico Business program. Youll have a big impact on a brand new, impactful, interesting program, and learn a lot of skills as you go. While some of the work will be execution oriented (sometimes repetitive), there will also be constant opportunities for creativity, engagement, technological innovation, and initiative. Specifically, some of your projects will include:Outreach to prospective participants to encourage them to apply to our program and answer questions, and provide program support. This may include sales, community-building, managing ads, and answering questions.Business Owner Support. Youll be working closely with our clients, who are new business owners from a huge range of backgrounds. This might mean offering helpful and compassionateguidance, filling out forms for a business owner, designing a new flyer in Canva, tracking down specific regulations, etc. Youll also serve as the project manager and success champion for every single participant, so youll need to be relentless in staying on top of what needs doing and moving things along in a friendly way (in collaboration with your team at Briico of course.)Content creation. Well likely have you create and edit videos (for YouTube and social media) with training and inspiration for business owners. This can involve you being on camera if youre interested in that, or can be more of back-end editing and production.Ops, AI implementation, and admin. Our program is very personal, delivered one-on-one (primarily via WhatsApp) with each person. But were building some tech magic on the back end to make it all work. Youll be in charge of implementing much of this, including setting up websites and other tech and admin jobs.Youll be a perfect fit if you are:A strong communicator. Youre a professional, warm, effective writer and communicator in person, by phone, and via email.Solutions-minded. Youre constantly looking for things that are out of place or could be improved and coming up with ideas to improve them.Self-directed. You expertly manage your own schedule and goals and are happy working remotely, on your laptop.Adaptable and coachable. You are excited to learn new skills and get better over time -- and are great at communicating with a team on successes and challenges in the work. You ask questions if you're not clear on what you need to do.Tech-savvy. You quickly and accurately use software like Google Docs, Google Sheets, Descript, AI tools like ChatGPT, and have strong research skills. You also learn new software super-easily. You are good at finding tech solutions to things and setting up elegant solutions to concrete problems using technology.Specifics:

MPF Federal is seeking compassionate, experienced, and tech-savvy Telehealth Triage Nurses (RNs) to join our 24/7 Nurse Advice Line working within a call center environment from home. This is a remote, work-from-home position that offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of military beneficiaries, including active-duty service members, veterans, and their families.COMPENSATION: $35.00/hr Differentials may apply for weekends, evenings and nights. All open shifts include weekends, and holidays which do NOT rotate. Available Schedules:S==W=FY (0800-1830) 8AM -6:30PM 10HRS==W=FY (0800-1830) 8AM -6:30PM 10HRSMT==F= (0400-1430) 4AM - 2:30PM 10HR===WRFY (0400-1430) 4AM - 2:30PM 10HR==TWRFY (0400-1230) 4AM - 12:30PM 8HR==TWRFY (0400-1230) 4AM - 12:30PM 8HRSM==RFY (1530-0000) 3:30PM - Midnight 8HRS==WRFY (1530-0000) 3:30PM - Midnight 8HRSMTW==Y (1530-0000) 3:30PM - Midnight 8HRSMTWR== (1530-0000) 3:30PM - Midnight 8HRSMT==FY (1530-0000) 3:30PM - Midnight 8HR==TWRFY (1530-0000) 3:30PM - Midnight 8HRSM==RFY (1530-0000) 3:30PM - Midnight 8HR==TWRFY (1530-0000) 3:30PM - Midnight 8HRS==WRFY (1530-0000) 3:30PM - Midnight 8HRS=T===Y (2300-1200) 11pm - Noon 12HRSM==RFY (0000-0830) Midnight - 8:30am 8HRS==WRFY (0000-0830) Midnight - 8:30am 8HRS==W==Y (0830-2100) 8:30am - 9pm 12HRSM==RFY(0600-1000) 6am-10am 6 hour break(1700-2100) 5pm-9pm 8HR (SPLIT SHIFT)Minimum of 3 years of clinical experience at the RN level required.We are looking for nurses with strong clinical backgrounds in emergency care, triage, or related specialties, who excel in rapid assessment, problem-solving, and patient education in a fast-paced, metric-driven telehealth environment.If you are a mission-driven nurse looking for a rewarding career that leverages your clinical expertise and emotional intelligence in a remote setting, we invite you to apply.Responsibilities:Triage & Assess: Evaluate patient symptoms via phone, chat, and video using evidence-based triage protocols.Provide Immediate Care Advice: Offer appropriate self-care recommendations or escalate cases for urgent intervention.Health Education & Counseling: Guide patients on medication use, medical conditions, and diagnostic tests.Crisis Management: Handle mental health, behavioral health, and emergency triage calls with empathy and precision.Documentation & Compliance: Accurately document all patient interactions in electronic health records.Collaboration: Work alongside program and project managers as well as call center management to meet tight deadlines in a metrics-based environment.Utilization & Resource Management: Navigate through and use several of the provided tech resources to gather and deliver the best advice per protocols.Work Environment & Schedule: 100% Remote, Structured Work-from-Home Position (dedicated, distraction-free workspace required). Must have a hard-wired (via ethernet cable) internet connection. Speed Test will be required as part of the hiring process. Must be available evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Full-time position with set schedules.RequirementsMinimum Requirements: RN with a BSN degree OR ASN if you also have completed a microbiology course with lab (proof of completion will be required). Multistate License required and must be active and unrestricted (verified via Nursys). Minimum of 3 years of clinical experience at the RN level within Emergency or Urgent Care settings. Able to work a very regimented schedule with minimal flexibility.Clinical Expertise: Additional years of nursing experience in emergency care, triage, ICU, med-surg, or urgent care is highly preferred. Previous telehealth, triage, or call center experience. Proficiency in triage protocols.Emotional Intelligence & Adaptability: Empathy & Active Listening: Ability to connect with patients over the phone, identify emotional distress, and provide compassionate care. Calm Under Pressure: Comfort handling high-volume, high-stress calls, including crisis management. Adaptability & Problem-Solving: Quick thinking in fast-changing medical situations.Technical Skills: Experience working in a metrics-driven environment (handle time, QA audits, schedule adherence). Strong computer skills: Ability to toggle between multiple screens and applications while speaking with patients. Comfortable with Microsoft Office Suite, EHR documentation, and telehealth platforms.Preferred Qualifications (Bonus Points!):Military/Veteran Healthcare Experience is highly desired.Experience in Behavioral Health, Crisis Intervention, or Substance Abuse Counseling.Licensing & Compliance: Active RN Compact License (must be in good standing). 3 years of verifiable registered nursing experience required. Ability to obtain licensure in all 50 states (we assist with this process). Must be a U.S. Citizen (Federal Public Trust Clearance required). Background Check & Drug Screening Required (as per federal regulations).Physical and Mental DemandsWork assigned shift, occasional overtime may be required dependent on business needRemain in a stationary position, often standing or sitting, for prolonged periodsProlonged use of employer provided office equipment such as a computer/laptop and monitor computer screensDexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other computer componentsUnauthorized peripheral equipment (e.g. monitor, keyboard, mouse) may not be connected to employer provided equipmentBenefitsMPF Federal is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status or on the basis of disability. We offer a competitive compensation package including a competitive salary, medical benefits, PTO, holiday pay and more.Apply NowLet's start your dream job Apply now

Historic England welcomes demolition of 1960s building on site to make way for 76 new student bedroomsCGI showing how the redevelopment of the Waynflete building will look when complete1/6show captionStanton Williams plans to redevelop a historic student accommodation site at Magdalen College, Oxford have been approved by the local council.The scheme for the college will see the construction of six new buildings on the banks of the River Cherwell housing 76 student bedrooms and mixed-use space.The early 1960s Waynflete building will be demolished and several extensions will be added to two grade II-listed buildings dating to the 18th and early 19th centuries.The proposals had been opposed by the Oxfordshire Architectural and Historical Society due to the loss of the Waynflete Building, which the group described as one of the few large remaining buildings of this period in Oxford, which is one of the best.However, Historic England, which raised no objection to the scheme, argued the existing building is of limited significance and the design quality does not compare to the best in Oxford during this period or respond to the surrounding landscape sensitively.Describing the site as important because of its views across Magdalen Bridge towards the college, Historic England said it agreed with the decision to replace the Waynflete Building and backed a conservation area appraisal which found it detracted from the heritage value of the area.The proposed design has been thoroughly thought out and responds to the context and the tower element is particularly successful and will act as a local landmark but does not compete with historic towers, the heritage advisor said.The 1960s Waynflete building will be demolishedIt added: The development responds to the river and then steps down towards the listed buildings effectively.The treatment to the listed buildings themselves is also sensitive and the loss of the rear of the buildings would be outweighed by the benefit of fully bringing these buildings into the scheme.Magdalen College, founded in 1458, is one of Oxford Universitys wealthiest and best performing academically.But it considers the Waynflete site, which is currently home to first-year students, to be disconnected from the main college site located across the river on the other side of Magdalen Bridge.The redevelopment will enable the first-year students to be relocated to the main site to allow them to better integrate into the college community with the new buildings to house second year students.Gavin Henderson, principal director at Stanton Williams, said: This is a project that will support the wellbeing and vitality of the collegiate community at Magdalen for many decades to come. The design expresses a confidence in the future which is grounded in the history and culture of the college and its unique setting on the banks of the River Cherwell.The new accommodation will be laid out in a series of cluster flats with large shared kitchens along with a handful of separate apartments for visiting fellows and subdeans.The existing listed buildings on St Clements will be refurbished and extended to the rear to link them to the new blocks, which will be up to seven storeys in height.A new riverside terrace will also be built, linking into a central quad garden, a landscaped courtyard and a smaller winter garden.Ground floor space on St Clements will be reserved for retail use with the scheme also including a multipurpose room for exhibitions, recitals, conferences and gym classes.The project team also includes heritage consultant Donald Insall Associates, structural and civil engineer Eckersley OCallaghan, project manager Bidwells, cost consultant Gardiner & Theobald, planning consultant Carter Jonas and landscape architect Seed Landscape Design.The scheme is a return to Oxford for Stanton Williams following the completion of the firms restoration of Rhodes House in 2023.The 38m scheme at the historic grade II*-listed premises of the Rhodes Trust in the centre of the town included the creation of new offices, conference rooms and residential space set within newly landscaped gardens.

Mercato Metropolitano Ilford opened last July on Chadwick Road in the London Borough of Redbridge, promising business opportunities, cultural exchange and 100 new jobs all with expectations the Elizabeth Line would help bring an influx of people to the area. As of February this year, only an ice cream kiosk remains of its former 20-plus traders and less than a quarter of the food halls floor space is open to the public and at reduced opening hours. This is most likely a symptom of a gloomy post-Christmas blip, but it is just the latest of many challenges that the market has seen on its seven-year stop-start ride from conception to completion. This is not a story of a failing entrepreneurial endeavour but one of perseverance and about attempts to fulfil a promise to one of the most diverse communities in the country.The low-tech community food markets journey began in 2018 as part of Redbridge Councils Spark Ilford regeneration project for the creation of a cultural quarter, funded through the Mayor of Londons Good Growth Fund. An existing surface car park earmarked for housing was identified as one of three council sites for five years of meanwhile use, along with Redbridge Town Hall. Sustainable food and community market provider Mercato Metropolitano was introduced to Redbridge Council following the successful opening of its flagship market at Elephant and Castle, boasting a sustainable and community manifesto that aligned with Redbridges vision of an Ilford for all.AdvertisementIn 2018, Redbridge ran a day-long charrette-style competition for the pop-up market-cum-cultural hub commission. Four teams including Asif Khan, Jestico + Whiles with Goldfinger Factory and Greig were contenders, and Interrobang was chosen. Interrobang was at the time an architecture and engineering practice, founded in 2015 by Smith Mordak within natural materials-specialist engineer Webb Yates. However, it was wound up in 2020 when Mordak, who is now chief executive of the UK Green Building Council, moved to Buro Happold to become a director of sustainability and physics.Interrobang was the laziest, jokes Marc Clark, regeneration programme manager at Redbridge, recalling that the winning team put together just two pages during the day-long charrette in the neighbouring town hall. The process was intended to give emerging and smaller design practices a chance to bid for mayoral-supported projects, as well as to inform the brief, adds Clark. However, it had nailed down exactly what client Mercato was looking for: ideas for a covered commercial and community facility featuring a rooftop hydroponic farm and education space, useable for community events, music, urban farming and studio space, and meeting Mercatos own ambitions for an element of self-sufficiency.Clark speaks positively about the charrette, saying it set up a good working relationship from the outset. We werent the direct client, but everyone wanted it to succeed, he adds. Unusual at the time for Greater London Authority-funded projects, the process of a charrette was selected to encourage the client to engage with the ideas of the design teams, rather than focusing primarily on fees.The designs starting point was the car park that is used to being rained on, says Webb Yates associate Dan Cole, recalling that the projects core philosophy was to return the site undamaged at the end of the lease period, leaving the site free from buried structures that would need to be removed. Initial proposals were for a hyper-flexible timber structure with demountable frame that could be reconfigured or relocated to other sites. Circular design principles were central, and the project would be detailed to eliminate material wastage through maintenance.AdvertisementSo, no foundations, just timber feet, he adds, the idea being that these feet would sit atop the car park site, spreading the structures load with vertical bracing and just three sets of concrete ballast to tie the shed structure down and prevent it from being blown away. Only two lengths of column would be needed across the whole building, these structural feet essentially comprising two projecting prongs at either side of columns that can be extended and adapted for other sites as and when needed. Finally, unusually, the team proposed hydroponic cultivation for the roof plants growing in water instead of soil.Mercato Metropolitano began in 2015 with a pilot project during the World Expo in Milan, regenerating a 14,000m2 disused railway station. Set up by Italian businessman Andrea Rasca, the heavily branded venture made a move to London, successfully opening a popular venue in a former paper factory in Elephant and Castle in 2016 apparently after a chance meeting with Mayor Sadiq Khan. Now there are three more: one in a Grade I-listed building in Mayfair; one in Elephant Park; and another, perhaps most suited to its bougie food prices, in Wood Wharf.Mercato Metropolitano claims its core aim is regenerating areas and bringing communities together, as well as being sustainable and inclusive in its offering. Its focus is on sustainably sourced products, artisan producers and being hyper-local. Its dreaMM campaign aims to nurture and support young businesses, transforming them into budding entrepreneurs. Mercatos key rules for the markets programme were to serve food on crockery, with cutlery, and have a central wash-up area for these, eliminating plastic waste; to have a 24-hour biodigester for breaking down organic food waste into biogas and fertiliser; to send no waste refuse to landfill; and to provide flexible space for local food traders and community activities.During the pandemic, the market was put on hold. And, with the wind-up of Webb Yates architecture arm, a new tender was put out to take the project forward in its construction phase. Hotel, bar and restaurant specialist Clark Architecture, led by Anthony Clark, was brought on board, having completed Mercatos other London venues.At about the same time, two other consultants were brought into the project to value-engineer the design. The first element to go was the second-storey hydroponic farm. Specialists suggested that the multi-span polytunnels would work best in a large shed rather than on a roof and, in view of the additional weight of the water, it was decided that a rooftop community garden instead would be the best compromise.The next elements to come under scrutiny were the external ducts and chimney flues, which provide extraction from cooking zones. They were deemed oversized, but Anthony Clark and his team fought hard to keep them as they are. Aesthetically they are a major part of the sheds visual appearance and typical of Webb Yates exposed M&E design. Theyre a genius part of the design, says Clark. Theyre very low-tech.When the project started on site, more issues arose. Beneath the car park were several Second World War air raid shelters. Although the design took account of these, additional undocumented tunnels were discovered, which limited the structure to one storey. The team had to conduct plate tests to ensure the structural loads onto the markets bespoke-designed timber feet would work.As there was a 1.2m drop across the site, drains had to be put in place around the sites perimeter and the car park resurfaced with asphalt to tackle surface water concerns. Building Control was cautious about the buildings structural integrity, sitting so lightly on sloping ground, and didnt sign off the project until it was literally about to open.The scheme that has so laboriously been built is a large, airy shed, clad in translucent polycarbonate cladding simply fixed so that it can be easily removed, if needed. The demountable structure of glulam columns and beams with CLT infill panels all sits lightly on the ground as envisaged seven years ago, but the feet for the columns are made out of standardised steel plates instead, due to budgetary constraints.The timbers have been set out on a kiosk grid to the standard dimensions of the scrapped polytunnels. Bolted connections and waterproofing systems mechanically fixed in small sections also enable localised repair in the event of damage. The difficulty was not knowing who was going to come in, says Anthony Clark, pointing out that the schemes adaptability was about both functionality for the different vendors and circularity.The ducts and chimneys are a real celebratory moment, says Redbridges Marc Clark. The symmetry is key. Hes right. Standing along Clements Road, the scheme perhaps seems the most stripped-back shed-like form there can be for good reason but it should be celebrated that the flues and chimneys were kept as originally designed, with vents boldly placed on the column gridlines.The flues were reduced in height slightly, but the simple, main moves are still evident. Shiny, wide and tall chimneys, coming out of the external sides of the faade, both give articulation to an otherwise simply detailed, empty expanse and hint at the sheds uses within. They are the key aesthetic of the scheme in terms of proportion and set a horizontal datum for the long elevations so that the sloping ground isnt immediately noticeable.Along the north edge of site are the back-of-house spaces biodigester and zero-landfill recycling facilities simply cordoned off by an acoustic wall to keep the noise down.A mezzanine level has been built inside the hall for community use but as of February, it remained unused. Provision is left for a lift and stair core to one side. Stage two including this and the rooftop garden is expected to get under way in the next eight months.The L-shape of the market can be changed and set up in a different way, if needed, says Cole, pointing to the flexibility of the sheds redeployable modules. Its essentially giant Meccano. Webb Yates went as far as to bring a contractor and cost consultant on board to price the hypothetical eventuality of disassembly and reconstruction. We wanted to show it was feasible, Cole says.At the time of opening last year, filled with more than 20 traders local to Ilford, the market drummed up plenty of excitement in the local press. However, since then, prospects have changed and it has become clear Mercatos financial performance over the past couple of years has taken a drastic hit. At the end of last year, founder Rasca resigned and a new director was appointed. In December last year the group surrendered the lease of its Elephant Park site to a third party.Although the market isnt operating at full capacity, the team is still pleased. Its a beautiful outdoor structure, says Marc Clark. The low-tech structure is truly flexible, and its an example of a fully demountable structure: everyone agrees it could be used for something else. Hopefully, with Mercatos change of management and a bit more investment the scheme can live up to its intentions of being an incredible asset for Ilford and the local community.And, technically, despite its numerous challenges, this scheme provides learning opportunities for others and shows that, with forward planning, demountable architecture is possible.Architects viewHaving collaborated previously with Mercato Metropolitano, Clark Architecture was appointed at Stage 4 to help move the Ilford project forward. Construction was planned to start on site in late 2020. The team was determined to deliver the project for the community after the unavoidable disruption of the pandemic.The building is essentially a covered market and therefore has no heating or cooling demand. It is open to the elements at the base of all faades and at the eaves to allow fresh air to circulate and to prevent overheating in warmer months. Plastic reusable wind curtains can be installed to provide a sheltered lobby when required in colder months. The building is considered to have low energy demand with respect to Approved Document L2 (Conservation of fuel and power).Timber lends itself to reuse and was the natural choice for a sustainability-focused temporary community space. The building is formed from glulam columns and beams with CLT softwood infill panels at low level and polycarbonate cladding at high level. The roof is a softwood CLT slab covered with a single-ply membrane. Internally, the language of the various kiosks, services and centralised areas creates a cohesive feel through the use of standard sawn timber planking.The acoustic fence was also specified to be demountable. The internal face is clad in Quietstone light a rigid, durable absorber made from 94 per cent recycled expanded glass beads, while self-bearing panels are mechanically fixed direct to walls for easy maintenance and demountability.The next phase of the project intends to unlock the multipurpose mezzanine space and create a community garden on the roof. Pre-planning applications have been discussed with the London Borough of Redbridge, whose feedback was positive. Were looking forward to seeing the structure evolve to serve both its current and future communities.Anthony Clark, director, Clark ArchitectureEngineers viewThe brief, which centred around a building that would occupy a site for only five years, was the perfect opportunity to explore the principles of circular design. The compressed building lifespan meant that not only was a demountable timber frame the sustainable choice, but one that made the project economically viable, extending the return period of the initial capital expenditure.Demountability was core to the structural philosophy and informed both the overall arrangement and detailing. Recognising that the current configuration might not always work on future sites, the grid was rigidly set so that the glulam timber components formed a kit of parts, allowing the structure to be re-assembled in arrangements to suit other plots. Connections between the timber members were detailed with clip-in concealed connectors that allow the elements to be taken apart without any damage or modifications that might hinder their re-use.Foundations were also initially conceived to be in the form of adjustable timber feet that bear directly onto the car park surface and, at the same time, take out level differences across the site. However, below-ground structures and budget constraints meant these didnt make it to the constructed frame.The novel brief of this project led us to innovate solutions, ending up with a truly demountable structure (the feasibility of which was demonstrated through a costing exercise between a cost consultant and contractor for a hypothetical building move).While these solutions certainly threw up new challenges, it helped shed some light on to how we might adapt designs of more permanent structures to be disassembled in the future.Dan Cole, associate, Webb YatesWorking detailManufactured in Italy by X-LAM Dolomiti, a company well-versed in offsite prefabrication of timber structures, the exposed engineered timber frame revolves around the principle of repeating standardised elements.This serves the dual purpose of reducing the initial construction time as well as allowing it to be easily moved and reconfigured without the need for additional bespoke elements or excessive waste. Due to Covid-related travel restrictions at the time, X-LAM handed over erection of the frame to UK-based companies B&K Hybrid Solutions and Oyster Design and Construction. It was delivered in eight loads to coincide with the assembly programme.A unique plate test methodology was devised during early conversations to provide some information as to the performance of the installed foundations under load. Plate testing equipment was used to load the pads and mimic the loading of the proposed structure in an attempt to show that the settlement encountered was within the limits allowed by the structural design, and again to develop the lifting plan and position of the mobile cranes around the site for the most efficient and safe assembly of the frame.A flame-retardant impregnation treatment a polymeric blend of organo-phosphate and nitrogen salts was applied to the timber to achieve a Class 0 rating. The cladding and waterproofing were fixed in small sections so that repair and maintenance could be carried out in localised sections and not cause disproportionate replacement of materials.Panels were installed by means of a panel coupling, provided by tongue-and-groove joints and aluminium fixing clips fixed back to a secondary structure.Anthony Clark, director, Clark ArchitectureProject dataLocation Mercato Metropolitano Ilford, 3 Chadwick Road, London IG1Start on siteOctober 2020CompletionJuly 2024Gross internal floor area1,128mConstruction cost2.9 millionConstruction cost per m2,570ArchitectInterrobang (up to Stage 4), Clark Architecture (Stage 4 onwards)ClientMercato MetropolitanoStructural engineerWebb Yates (up to Stage 4), Rebus Engineering (Stage 4 onwards)M&E consultantWebb Yates (up to Stage 4), Bocca Consulting (Stage 4 onwards)Quantity surveyorJackson Coles (up to Stage 4)Project managerClark Architecture, MilbankApproved building inspector StromaTimber specialist X-Lam DolomitiLocal timber specialist B&K Hybrid SolutionsAcoustic consultant Blackbird AcousticSurface water drainage Pura DesignMain contractorOyster Design and ConstructionCAD software usedRevitSustainability dataPercentage of floor area with daylight factor >2%N/APercentage of floor area with daylight factor >5%N/AOn-site energy generationNilHeating and hot water load152 kWh/m/yrOperational energy183 kWh/m/yrTotal energy load235 kWh/m/yrCarbon emissions (all)32 kgCO2/m/yrAnnual mains water consumption3.3 m/occupantAirtightness at 50PaN/AOverall thermal bridging heat transfer coefficient (Y-value)N/AOverall area-weighted U-valueN/AAnnual CO2 emissions32 kgCO2/mEmbodied carbon140 kgCO2eq/mWhole-life carbon160 kgCO2eq/mPredicted design life50 years