Abstract: A hair styling appliance is described that includes an airflow unit for generating an airflow, a heating unit for heating the airflow, and a control unit for controlling the airflow unit and the heating unit. The control unit receives user data relating to at least one of a desired style, a hair type and a previous styling by the appliance. The control unit controls the airflow unit and the heating unit in a sequence of modes to style the hair of a user, the airflow unit having a different flow rate and/or the heating unit having a different heat setting in different modes. The control unit uses the user data to define the sequence of modes.

Abstract: A device including: a finger guard implement, wherein the finger guard implement is configured to protect a finger from a needle injury of a tagging gun for attaching tags to a piece of clothing, apparel or garment; a central guard section, wherein the central guard section is configured to impenetrable by the needle; a central guard top portion, in which a silicone material is molded on the central guard top portion, wherein the silicone material is configured to allow the needle to pass through, thereby, attaching tags to clothing, apparel or garment; and a bar portion, wherein the bar portion is configured to secure the finger guard implement to the finger.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds that inhibit serine protease activity, particularly the activity of hepatitis C virus NS3-NS4A protease. As such, they act by interfering with the life cycle of the hepatitis C virus and are also useful as antiviral agents. The invention further relates to compositions comprising these compounds either for ex vivo use or for administration to a patient suffering from HCV infection. The invention also relates to methods of treating an HCV infection in a patient by administering a composition comprising a compound of this invention. The invention further relates to processes for preparing these compounds.