Latest news with #REF
Geeky Gadgets
04-08-2025
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
How Claude Code MCP Servers Can Cut Data Retrieval Costs by 85%
What if you could cut your data retrieval costs by a staggering 85%, identify security vulnerabilities before they become critical, or even optimize your user interface with AI-driven precision? In the fast-paced world of software development, where every second counts and every decision impacts the final product, tools like these are no longer luxuries—they're necessities. Enter the realm of Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers, a innovative suite of technologies designed to streamline workflows, enhance security, and elevate project outcomes. Whether you're managing sprawling codebases or fine-tuning user experiences, the right MCP server can mean the difference between a good project and a great one. In the video overview below Sean Kochel introduces five standout MCP servers—tools that are redefining how developers approach their craft. From REF's targeted data retrieval system to Playwright's UI optimization capabilities, each server offers unique solutions to common development challenges. You'll discover how these tools can save time, reduce costs, and improve the quality of your work, all while keeping you ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving industry. By the end, you might just find the perfect addition to your development toolkit—or perhaps, five. After all, innovation thrives on the right tools in the right hands. Top 5 MCP Servers REF: Streamlined Data Retrieval REF is a highly effective tool designed to optimize how you access and manage data. Unlike traditional methods that require loading entire datasets, REF focuses on retrieving only the most relevant information. This targeted approach can reduce token usage by up to 85%, cutting costs and improving efficiency. By integrating REF into your workflow, you can quickly access essential documentation and data, allowing faster decision-making and allowing you to focus on critical development tasks. This tool is particularly valuable for developers managing large-scale projects where time and resource optimization are paramount. Semgrep: Proactive Code Security Scanning Security remains a cornerstone of successful software development, and Semgrep provides a proactive solution to safeguard your code. With a robust database of over 2,000 rules, Semgrep scans your codebase to identify vulnerabilities and offers actionable recommendations to address them. By catching potential issues early in the development cycle, you can ensure your applications remain secure and compliant with industry standards. This tool is essential for developers aiming to deliver reliable software while minimizing the risk of security breaches. 5 Claude Code MCP Servers You Need To Be Using Watch this video on YouTube. Advance your skills in Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers by reading more of our detailed content. Pieces: AI-Driven Developer Memory Graphs Pieces introduces an innovative approach to managing your development history through its AI-powered 'developer memory graph.' This feature creates a comprehensive map of past solutions, errors, and related concepts, allowing you to recall and reuse previous work efficiently. By connecting these elements, Pieces saves you time and effort, whether you're troubleshooting or building on prior projects. This tool ensures that you have the necessary context to work effectively, making it an invaluable resource for developers handling complex or long-term projects. Exa Search: Optimized Technical Search Engine Exa Search is a specialized search engine tailored to the needs of developers. It provides precise and up-to-date information by surfacing technical blogs, academic papers, and implementation guides. This tool ensures that you have access to resources aligned with modern best practices, allowing you to find detailed answers to complex questions quickly. By using Exa Search, you can stay informed about the latest advancements in the field, making it an essential tool for developers striving to remain competitive in a rapidly changing industry. Playwright: UI Automation and Optimization Playwright uses AI to automate and refine user interface (UI) design. Its feedback loops assess your UI against established UX/UI guidelines, providing grades and actionable suggestions to enhance accessibility and overall polish. By incorporating Playwright into your workflow, you can create applications that deliver seamless, user-friendly experiences. This tool is particularly beneficial for developers focused on building intuitive and visually appealing software, making sure that your applications meet high standards of usability and design. The Value of These Tools in Modern Development The five MCP servers discussed—REF, Semgrep, Pieces, Exa Search, and Playwright—address critical challenges faced by developers in today's fast-paced software landscape. Their practical applications and benefits include: REF: Reduces data retrieval costs and enhances focus on relevant information, streamlining workflows. Reduces data retrieval costs and enhances focus on relevant information, streamlining workflows. Semgrep: Strengthens code security by identifying vulnerabilities early and providing actionable fixes. Strengthens code security by identifying vulnerabilities early and providing actionable fixes. Pieces: Saves time by mapping and reusing past development efforts, improving efficiency. Saves time by mapping and reusing past development efforts, improving efficiency. Exa Search: Delivers precise, up-to-date technical resources to support informed decision-making. Delivers precise, up-to-date technical resources to support informed decision-making. Playwright: Optimizes UI design for accessibility and user satisfaction, enhancing the end-user experience. By integrating these tools into your development process, you can tackle complex challenges with greater confidence and efficiency. Each server offers unique capabilities that address specific aspects of software development, from data management and security to technical research and UI design. Together, they empower developers to create high-quality, user-friendly applications that meet the demands of today's competitive software environment. Media Credit: Sean Kochel Filed Under: AI, Guides, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Hans India
04-08-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
44% reservation for BCs in legislative bodies demanded
Anantapur: A heartfelt felicitation ceremony for Bahujan public representatives was successfully conducted in Anantapur town, organised jointly by the Reservation Protection Committee (RPS) and Reservation Employees Federation (REF). The event was led by RPS and REF founder Dr Potula Nagaraju and presided over by REF State President Dr R Narayana Naik at Lalita Kala Parishad. The programme highlighted the urgent demand for 44% reservation for Backward Classes (BCs) in Parliament and legislative assemblies, in proportion to their population share. Leaders urged all parties to push for a resolution in the Union Cabinet to implement this demand. Speakers emphasised equitable representation for BCs across all sectors. Key guests included BCY Party President Ramachandra Yadav, V Varaprasad, Pulivendula Municipal Chairman Potula Suresh, former MLC and Nataka Academy Chairperson Chamalluru Haritha, and 93 BC Castes United Forum State President Makireddy Bhaskar Ganesh Babu. Other notable attendees included Akbar Basha (PCC Karnataka Minority Cell), Prashanth Simha (Karnataka Youth Congress), P Venkateshwarlu, artist Warangal Srinivas, and RPS National Vice President Chintala Mohan. Several state and national-level coordinators and secretaries from RPS and REF also participated, including J Nagabhushanam, T Raja Ramesh, Chinta Chintanna, Vitthal Goud, Pullayya Balaraju, Vivek Yadav, Nag Madhu Yadav, Katik Jayaram, Anand (AIBSP), Narayanaswamy, Srinivas Yadav (NSUI), and Dr Chinta Chandramohan. The event concluded with a strong collective call for reservation justice and political empowerment of BC communities across India.
Hamilton Spectator
01-08-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Dry shampoo sold in Canada recalled
Health Canada has issued a product recall notice for REF Stockholm dry shampoo due to missing mandatory hazard labelling. 'Immediately stop using the recalled product and return it to the retailer for a refund or to obtain a credit,' Health Canada's recall notice published on July 31 warns. This recall impacts the REF Stockholm Dry Shampoo 200 mL with UPC: 7350001697109. Recall issued for REF Stockholm dry shampoo due to missing mandatory hazard labelling. About 564 units of the recalled dry shampoo were sold in Canada between January 2025 and July 2025. You can report a food concern or complaint to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency online. Consumers can report any health or safety incidents related to the use of products by filling out a consumer product incident report form . Report any drug or health product side effects or complaints to Health Canada. You can check for more recall notices published by Health Canada and CFIA online . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Raise taxes or gas bills to save net zero, Miliband urged
Ed Miliband must consider raising taxes or gas bills if the UK is to have any hope of hitting net zero, the Government's climate change quango has warned. To ensure his flagship policy succeeds, the Climate Change Committee (CCC) said the Energy Secretary needs to remove green levies from household power costs. However, to pay for this, it said the levies should be shifted onto gas bills or covered by general taxation. The quango stopped short of saying which one it preferred. The recommendation was part of a new report demanding a rethink of power bills across the UK amid mounting scrutiny of Mr Miliband's bid to hit net zero by 2050. The quango said it was concerned that high electricity prices were preventing households from buying heat pumps and electric cars, which in turn was holding back the green energy transition. As a result, it said ministers 'should remove policy costs and levies from electricity bills' and shift the burden elsewhere. Green levies have proven increasingly controversial in recent years as they have been added to bills to help support wind, solar and other renewables projects. Independent estimates suggest there are around a dozen levies adding £18bn a year to power bills, with the CCC claiming they must be removed to help ease the financial burden on consumers. It said: 'Making electricity cheaper, through rebalancing prices to remove policy levies from electricity bills, is a key recommendation the committee have made to the UK Government.' The request forms part of a broader warning that the UK is making too little progress on meeting its carbon emission reduction targets. This is a particular problem in Scotland, which has set itself a target of hitting net zero by 2045 – five years before the rest of the UK. To achieve, the CCC said that 1m Scottish homeowners must be persuaded to replace their oil and gas boilers with heat pumps by 2035 Over the same period, it said 1.8m Scottish drivers also needed to replace their petrol and diesel cars or vans with electric vehicles. Similar adoption rates are also required in the rest of the UK, as the CCC said that by 2040, half of UK homes should have a heat pump, compared to around 1pc in 2023. 'This requires the annual rate of heat pump installations in existing residential properties to rise from 60,000 in 2023 to nearly 450,000 by 2030 and around 1.5m by 2035,' it said. However, the CCC said this transition will never happen unless levies are removed from power bills. The cost of those levies was totted up for the first time in two reports published this month, one by energy analyst Kathryn Porter and the other by the Renewable Energy Foundation (REF), a charity. Ms Porter calculated that 10 subsidies were adding £18bn to bills, while REF reached a total of £12bn. Ms Porter said: 'Ed Miliband claims that renewables are cheap and will lead to lower bills. This sounds great, but unfortunately is not true. 'The UK has the highest industrial electricity prices in the world and the fourth highest domestic electricity prices, with many of the costs paid by consumers resulting from policy choices [levies] designed to support renewable generation.' The CCC said it had modelled two alternative ways of replacing the levies on power bills. One would be to move the charges solely on to gas bills, which would drive up the running costs for gas boilers and cookers. The second approach would see the cost of energy levies added to general taxation. However, a spokesman stressed that it did not have a preference on the best way of raising money: 'We aren't policy prescriptive about where these costs go – there are lots of different ways this could be done. 'The overall point we're making is that cheaper electricity will mean that using electric products – for both households and businesses – will become cheaper.' Critics say the better solution would be to cut subsidies overall. John Constable, director of REF, said: 'The CCC proposes to 'make electricity cheaper' by moving subsidy costs from energy bills to taxes. 'Of course, this does not actually make electricity cheaper, it just forces somebody else to pay, in this case taxpayers who are already at breaking point. The economically and morally correct solution is to cut the subsidies to renewable generators.' Richard Tice, Reform energy spokesman, added: 'The great renewable con is rapidly being exposed as more expensive.' A government spokesman said: 'Our clean power mission is the route to energy security, protecting families by bringing bills down for good and creating good jobs. 'We will continue to work together with all the devolved governments to deliver our clean energy superpower mission and accelerate to net zero in a way that treads lightly on people's lives.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Rochester Education Foundation marks 20 years of student support
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — The Rochester Education Foundation celebrated 20 years of providing resources to city students at Thursday's gala. The REF serves more than 20,000 students in the Rochester area through four core programs providing help with reading and literacy, music and arts, and even financial aid guidance when it comes to applying for colleges. One student we spoke with shared about his experience with the foundation as an ambassador at his school. 'I've been helping others by advocating for what the ref does, by helping them fill out the FAFSA form for college and what not, also how they operate in schools like mine by donating instruments and spreading joy through their many different programs,' World of Inquiry School No. 58 Student Ambassador Trevor Wiggins said. A familiar face was also in attendance — News 8's own Natalie Kucko was the emcee for the night. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
