user: According to the text below, what is a block?

assistant: In computing -- and specifically in data transmission and data storage -- a block is a sequence of bytes or bits containing a number of records and having a maximum length. Putting data into blocks is called blocking, and reduces overhead and speeds up handling of a data stream. Block storage is typically abstracted by a file system or database management system for use by applications and end users.

user: What makes bread rise?

assistant: There are various techniques and ingredients used in the bread making process to make it rise. Yeast can be used in the dough which will activate and the dough will rise over a number of hours (or even days) depending on the type of bread you are making. Another method is natural fermentation ie sourdough. Sourdough bread rises by using a "pre-ferment" or sourdough starter when mixing the dough. Typically sourdough requires a longer rise time for the development of the air bubbles and the sour taste by which the name comes from.

user: From the passage below, extract the names of the companies and technologies that Walmart has acquired over the last 3 years.

assistant: Walmart acquired Volt Systems in August 2022. Volt Systems focuses on vendor management and product tracking. They also acquired technology from Thunder Industries in February 2021 to create digital advertisements.