#Environmental Testing Industry

[sanjeev3214]

Global Environmental Testing Market Report, Size Share, Revenue

The Global Environmental Testing Service Market has attained significant growth in the past few years. The report insights into the latest market shares, revenues, and restraints of the industry. It evaluates information about the major key players and their competitive strategies to be in the market. It offers the analysis of the vendors considering their contribution to the overall market. The report insights into the patent landscape of different countries like Asia-Pacific, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Florida, Illinois, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas. It provides data assessments and specifics on the types, applications, and products of the industry. It even focuses on the negative impacts of Covid 19 on the industry. The report hence gives an in-depth look at the comprehensible study and potential growth opportunities.

 According to the research report, Environmental Testing Market: Segmented by Technology (Rapid and Conventional); By Sample Type (Wastewater/Effluents, Soil, Water and Air) and Region – Global Analysis of Market Size, Share & Trends for 2019–2020 and Forecasts to 2030, says that it is the measurement of the performance of equipment under specified environmental conditions, such as extremely high and low temperatures. Environmental testing will expose weaknesses in a product’s design or performance that could occur in service, particularly at extreme levels. Some of the factors include the growth of environmental concerns among consumers and impositions of laws regarding environmental concerns that are going to be the driving factor for the environmental testing market. The recycling of wastewater to meet the increasing demand of the rising population calls for testing of safe water to consume. Therefore, this segment is dominating. Regulations and legislations set forth by government organizations have triggered the testing, inspection, and certification of environmental samples tested by the government and manufacturing companies.

In 2020, the Global Environmental Testing Market was valued at USD million and is projected to reach a significant USD million in the worldwide markets by the end of 2030. It is expected to grow by a double-digit CAGR during the forecast period. SGS SA, Eurofins, Intertek, Bureau Veritas, TÜV SÜD, Asure Quality, Merieux, Microbac, R J Hill Laboratories, Symbio, Alex Stewart, and EMSL Analytical Services are some of the prominent key players in the industry that are contributing constantly to increasing the market share of the sector.

North America accounted for the highest market share is dominating the market and is expected to continue its dominance during the forecast period. Additionally, countries such as Europe (Germany, UK, France, Russia, and Spain); Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, South Korea, and India); the Middle East and Africa (UAE, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia); South America (Columbia, Brazil, and Argentina) and Australia are increasing the healthcare spending from the region will further support the consumption of the Environmental Testing Market.

The COVID 19 crisis has created a negative impact on Global Environmental Testing Industry globally. Likewise other manufacturing industries, the Environmental Testing Market has also gained losses during the pandemic. The outbreak of COVID-19 has brought effects on many aspects, like flight cancellations, travel bans and quarantines, restaurants closed all indoor or outdoor events restricted. Since the company is linked to the tourism industry, there was a major loss to the company. This leads to making uncertainty in the market with the immense reduction of customers, supply chains and hence causing unemployment.

 However, the Environmental Testing industry is regaining its growth at the original pace. There is a growing need for standardization, in communication expectations, pricing, and customer service. Hence, companies in the boat rental market are tapping into incremental opportunities with the development of mobile apps. The key company leaders make better decisions when currency exchange data is readily available. Besides providing information regarding key players in Environmental Testing Market report recalibrates, the impact of macroeconomic and microeconomic factors has the potential to impact the growth of the sector.

[gauricmi]

Essential Guide to Packaging Testing: Ensuring Product Integrity

Packaging testing is an indispensable aspect of product development and distribution, aimed at safeguarding the integrity and safety of packaged goods.

Understanding Packaging Testing: Packaging testing is a comprehensive evaluation process that examines the performance, durability, and protective capabilities of packaging materials and designs. It involves subjecting packaging to various simulated conditions and stressors to assess its ability to withstand real-world challenges.

Types of Packaging Tests: There are several types of Packaging Testing, each designed to assess specific aspects of packaging performance. These include mechanical tests to evaluate structural integrity, environmental tests to measure resistance to temperature and humidity, and performance tests to gauge functionality and usability.

Mechanical Testing: Mechanical testing involves subjecting packaging to physical forces and stresses, such as compression, vibration, and impact. These tests simulate the rigors of transportation and handling, helping identify weaknesses in packaging that could lead to product damage or failure.

Environmental Testing: Environmental testing assesses the ability of packaging to withstand exposure to various environmental factors, including temperature fluctuations, moisture, and light. By subjecting packaging to accelerated aging and environmental stressors, these tests evaluate its stability and resistance to degradation.

Get More Insights On This Topic:  Packaging Testing

[little-p-eng-engineering]

The Essential Guide to Variable Spring Hanger Selection in Piping Stress Analysis

In the intricate world of piping systems, ensuring structural integrity and operational efficiency is paramount. A critical aspect of maintaining these systems lies in the adept selection and application of variable spring hangers. This article delves into the nuances of variable spring hanger selection and underscores its significance in piping stress analysis, providing insights that cater to engineers, maintenance professionals, and industry stakeholders aiming for optimized piping system performance.

Introduction to Variable Spring Hangers

Variable spring hangers are a pivotal component in the design and maintenance of piping systems, especially in industries where thermal expansion, vibration, and other dynamic forces could compromise the integrity of the piping network. These devices support the weight of the pipes, while also accommodating movement due to thermal expansion or contraction, thus preventing undue stress and potential damage.

Importance in Piping Stress Analysis

Piping stress analysis is a sophisticated engineering practice designed to ensure that piping systems adhere to safety standards, operational efficiency, and durability. It involves evaluating the stresses in the pipes caused by various factors like pressure, temperature changes, and external loads. Here's why variable spring hangers play an essential role in this context:

Stress Reduction: By allowing controlled movement, variable spring hangers reduce stress concentrations at fixed points, mitigating the risk of fatigue and failure.

Accommodating Thermal Expansion: They are crucial in systems experiencing significant temperature fluctuations, ensuring that thermal expansion does not lead to excessive stress or strain.

Vibration Damping: In environments with high vibration levels, these hangers help dampen the vibrations, protecting the piping system from potential damage.

Selection Criteria for Variable Spring Hangers

Selecting the right variable spring hanger is a nuanced process that demands a comprehensive understanding of the piping system's operational conditions. Key factors to consider include:

Load Capacity: The selected hanger must be able to support the weight of the pipe and the fluid it carries.

Movement Requirements: Understanding the thermal expansion and contraction range is crucial to select a hanger with the appropriate movement capacity.

Environmental Conditions: Factors such as temperature, humidity, and the presence of corrosive substances dictate the material and type of hanger.

Installation Constraints: Space limitations and access for maintenance are practical considerations that can influence hanger selection.

Best Practices in Selection and Installation

Comprehensive Analysis: Employ advanced simulation tools for accurate stress analysis and to predict the movement and load distribution across the piping system.

Quality Assurance: Opt for hangers from reputable manufacturers that meet industry standards and have proven durability.

Regular Inspection and Maintenance: Even the best-selected hanger requires periodic checks to ensure its continuing effectiveness and to make adjustments as necessary.

Conclusion

The strategic selection of variable spring hangers is a cornerstone of effective piping stress analysis, ensuring the longevity and reliability of piping systems across various industries. By prioritizing detailed analysis, quality, and maintenance, professionals can safeguard their piping infrastructure against undue stress, thereby optimizing operational efficiency and mitigating risk.

Selecting the right variable spring hanger for a piping system is a critical task that ensures the system's integrity, safety, and efficiency. The method involves several steps, from understanding the system's requirements to selecting and validating the appropriate hanger. Here's a detailed approach to selecting a variable spring hanger:

Step 1: Gather System Requirements

Understand the Piping System: Analyze the layout, including size, weight, and the type of fluid it carries.

Identify Load Conditions: Determine the maximum and minimum loads that the hanger must support, including the weight of the pipe, insulation, contents, and any attached equipment.

Determine Movement Requirements: Calculate the expected thermal expansion and contraction, as well as any other movements (e.g., due to seismic activity or operational dynamics).

Step 2: Analyze Thermal Expansion and Load calculation

Calculate Thermal Movement: Use the coefficient of thermal expansion for the pipe material, along with the temperature range, to calculate the total expected movement.

Consider System Flexibility: Assess the system's flexibility to ensure it can accommodate the thermal movements without undue stress.

Step 3: Select Hanger Type

Choose Between Variable and Constant Support: Based on the system's movement and flexibility, decide whether a variable spring hanger (which provides a variable force as the pipe moves) or a constant support hanger (which provides a constant force) is more suitable.

Step 4: Determine Spring Characteristics

Select Spring Rate: Choose a spring with a rate (force per unit movement) that can support the load within the expected movement range without exceeding the allowable stress limits of the pipe.

Calculate Allowable Variation: Ensure the selected spring's load variation is within acceptable limits throughout its range of movement to avoid excessive stress on the piping.

Step 5: Evaluate Installation Conditions

Assess Space and Access: Ensure there is enough space for the hanger and that it can be easily accessed for maintenance and adjustment.

Environmental Considerations: Select materials and coatings for the hanger that are suitable for the operating environment to prevent corrosion and degradation.

Step 6: Finalize Selection

Vendor Specifications: Review and compare specifications from various manufacturers to find the hanger that meets the system's requirements.

Compliance with Standards: Ensure the selected hanger complies with relevant standards and regulations.

Step 7: Installation and Testing

Proper Installation: Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for installation to ensure optimal performance.

Load Testing: Perform load tests to confirm the hanger can support the expected loads throughout its range of movement.

Step 8: Documentation and Maintenance

Document the Selection Process: Keep detailed records of the selection process, calculations, and decision-making criteria.

Regular Maintenance Checks: Schedule inspections and maintenance to ensure the hanger continues to perform as expected, making adjustments as necessary to accommodate changes in the system.

Conclusion

The methodical selection of variable spring hangers involves a comprehensive understanding of the piping system, careful calculation of loads and movements, and a thorough evaluation of hanger characteristics. By following these steps, engineers can ensure the structural integrity and operational efficiency of the piping system, thereby extending its service life and minimizing the risk of failures.

Tags:

material selection

load capacity

structural integrity

operational efficiency

industry standards

piping systems

safety standards

environmental considerations

stress analysis

thermal expansion

load testing

load conditions

hanger specifications

installation guidelines

variable spring hangers

maintenance checks

movement requirements

dynamic forces

corrosion resistance

thermal movement

engineering practices

piping integrity

vibration damping

hanger selection method

system flexibility

temperature fluctuations

spring rate calculation

allowable stress limits

compliance with regulations

piping layout analysis

Pipe Stress Analysis Notes

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Piping Stress Analysis

[envisystechnologies]

Industrial Drying & Vacuum Oven | Envisys Technologies

Envisys Technologies is a leading manufacturer of Industrial Drying, Heating, and Vacuum Ovens, offering innovative solutions for various industrial applications. Their ovens feature a spacious design, customizable parameters, precise temperature control, and versatility for various industrial processes. They are designed to handle large quantities of materials or larger-sized products, ensuring consistent and reliable results. Envisys Technologies prioritizes safety by incorporating features for secure and reliable operation, safeguarding operators and materials during industrial processes. The ovens are equipped with advanced monitoring systems, enabling accurate tracking and regulation of temperature and other critical parameters. These ovens play a crucial role in industries demanding larger processing capacities and precise environmental control, enhancing efficiency and maintaining quality standards.

[flexitest1234]

Lithium-ion test batteries and other batteries used in electric vehicles.

A battery test chamber, also known as a battery testing chamber, is a specialized enclosure designed to conduct various tests on batteries under controlled environmental conditions. These chambers are commonly used in research, development, and quality control processes to evaluate the performance, safety, and reliability of different types of batteries. Key Features of Battery Test Chambers:

Temperature Control: Battery performance is sensitive to temperature variations. Battery test chambers have precise temperature control systems that can simulate extreme hot and cold conditions to assess the battery's performance and safety under various temperature scenarios.

Humidity Control: Some battery applications may require testing under specific humidity conditions. Battery test chambers can control humidity levels to evaluate battery performance in high-humidity environments.

Safety Features: Battery testing can be risky due to the potential for overheating or venting of gases. Battery test chambers are designed with safety features such as exhaust systems, gas detection, and emergency shutdowns to mitigate any hazardous situations.

Ventilation and Gas Management: Battery test chambers have ventilation systems to ensure proper air circulation and remove any harmful gases emitted during testing.

Multiple Test Points: These chambers often feature multiple access ports and test points to connect various monitoring instruments and electrical equipment to measure critical battery parameters during testing.

Data Acquisition and Monitoring: Battery test chambers are equipped with data acquisition systems that continuously monitor and record parameters such as temperature, humidity, voltage, and current. This data is crucial for evaluating battery performance and conducting analysis.

Applications of Battery Test Chambers:

Performance Testing: Battery test chambers are used to evaluate the performance characteristics of batteries, including capacity, cycle life, efficiency, and voltage output under different operating conditions.

Environmental Testing: Battery performance can be affected by temperature and humidity fluctuations. Battery test chambers allow testing in extreme environments to assess battery behaviour in real-world scenarios.

Safety and Thermal Abuse Testing: Battery safety is of utmost importance to prevent thermal runaway and other hazardous conditions. Battery test chambers can simulate worst-case scenarios and abusive conditions to evaluate battery safety measures.

Life Cycle Testing: Battery test chambers conduct accelerated life cycle testing, simulating the repetitive charge and discharge cycles that batteries experience during their operational lifespan.

Quality Control: Manufacturers use battery test chambers as part of their quality control processes to ensure that batteries meet specific performance and safety standards before being released to the market.

Research and Development: Battery test chambers are essential tools for battery researchers and developers to analyze new materials, designs, and technologies, and to optimize battery performance.

Overall, battery test chambers are critical tools for the battery industry, enabling thorough evaluation of battery performance, safety, and reliability, while providing valuable data for further research and development efforts.

Electric vehicle (EV) batteries are a key component of electric vehicles, responsible for storing and supplying the energy needed to power the vehicle's electric motor. These batteries differ from traditional automotive batteries in their design, capacity, and chemistry to meet the specific requirements of electric mobility. 

Battery Chemistry: Electric vehicle batteries typically use advanced rechargeable battery technologies, such as lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, which offer high energy density and long life cycles. Other emerging technologies, such as solid-state batteries and lithium-sulfur batteries, are also being researched for potential use in electric vehicles.

Energy Density: EV batteries are designed to have high energy density, meaning they can store a significant amount of energy in a relatively small and lightweight package. Higher energy density allows for longer driving ranges and reduces the overall weight of the vehicle, contributing to improved efficiency.

Battery Capacity and Range: The capacity of an EV battery is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Higher capacity batteries can store more energy and provide longer driving ranges on a single charge. EV manufacturers offer different battery pack options to cater to various driving needs, with ranges varying from around 100 miles (160 km) to over 300 miles (480 km) on a single charge, depending on the vehicle model and battery capacity.

Charging Infrastructure: Electric vehicle batteries can be recharged through charging stations, including home chargers, public charging stations, and fast-charging stations. The charging infrastructure continues to expand to accommodate the growing number of electric vehicles on the road.

Battery Management Systems (BMS): EV batteries are equipped with sophisticated Battery Management Systems (BMS) that monitor and control various parameters, such as temperature, voltage, and state of charge. The BMS ensures the battery operates within safe limits, maximizes performance, and optimizes battery life.

Recycling and Sustainability: Efforts are being made to develop sustainable battery recycling processes to recover valuable materials from used EV batteries. Proper recycling helps reduce environmental impacts and promotes the responsible disposal of battery waste. 

Advancements and Research: Ongoing research and development in battery technology aim to improve energy density, reduce costs, and enhance battery performance and safety. Emerging technologies like solid-state batteries and improvements in lithium-ion battery chemistry hold promise for future EV battery advancements.

Lithium-ion batteries (Li-ion batteries) have become the predominant source of energy storage for various applications due to their numerous advantages. These batteries use lithium ions as the primary charge carriers and are known for their high energy density, longer cycle life, and relatively low self-discharge rate. Lithium-ion batteries are the most common type of batteries used in electric vehicles. They provide the necessary energy storage to power the vehicle's electric motor, enabling emission-free transportation with longer driving ranges compared to other battery technologies. Lithium-ion batteries are extensively used in portable electronics such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, digital cameras, and wearable devices. Their high energy density and compact size make them ideal for powering these devices. Lithium-ion batteries play a crucial role in storing electricity generated from renewable energy sources like solar and wind. They help balance the intermittent nature of renewable energy production and ensure a stable and reliable power supply. In critical applications like data centers, hospitals, and telecommunications, lithium-ion batteries are employed as UPS systems to provide backup power in case of grid failures or power outages. Cordless power tools, such as drills, saws, and electric screwdrivers, often use lithium-ion batteries for their high energy density and longer runtimes, providing more productivity to users. Lithium-ion batteries are used in grid-scale energy storage systems to help stabilize electrical grids by providing fast response times to balance supply and demand fluctuations. In aerospace and defence applications, lithium-ion batteries are used in satellites, spacecraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) due to their lightweight, high-energy density, and reliability. Lithium-ion batteries power various medical devices, such as portable ventilators, defibrillators, and medical monitors, ensuring continuous and reliable operation. In marine transportation, lithium-ion batteries are employed in electric boats and ships to provide a clean and efficient power source. The popularity of lithium-ion batteries is driven by their technological advancements, improving energy density, safety features, and falling costs due to economies of scale. As research and development in battery technology continue, further innovations are expected to enhance the capabilities and applications of lithium-ion batteries, making them even more integral to our daily lives and the transition to a sustainable energy future.

Various tests are performed on lithium-ion cells and modules to ensure their safety, performance, and reliability. These tests are conducted during the development, manufacturing, and quality control processes. Some of the common tests performed on lithium-ion cells and modules include capacity testing, cycle life testing, high-rate discharge testing, thermal performance testing, over-charge & over-discharge testing, crush & impact testing, short-circuit testing, environmental testing, safety & abuse testing and transport testing. 

Capacity testing determines the amount of charge a cell or module can store and deliver. This test helps assess the energy storage capabilities of the battery and ensures it meets the specified capacity requirements.

Cycle life testing involves subjecting the battery to repeated charge and discharge cycles to evaluate its longevity and the ability to maintain capacity over time. This test provides important information about the battery's expected lifetime.

High-rate discharge testing evaluates the battery's ability to deliver high currents during rapid discharge scenarios. It is particularly important for applications where the battery needs to provide bursts of power, such as electric vehicles and power tools.

Thermal performance testing assesses how the battery handles temperature variations during charging, discharging, and storage. This test ensures that the battery remains safe and stable under different temperature conditions.

Overcharge and overdischarge testing evaluates the battery's response to extreme voltage conditions. It ensures that the battery has appropriate protection mechanisms to prevent damage due to overcharging or overdischarging.

Crush and impact testing assess the mechanical strength and safety of the battery. It determines how the battery responds to external forces and helps design better protective structures.

Short circuit testing evaluates the battery's ability to handle short circuits and the safety mechanisms that prevent thermal runaway or other hazardous conditions.

Environmental testing involves exposing the battery to various environmental conditions, such as extreme temperatures, humidity, vibration, and shock. This ensures the battery's performance and safety in real-world scenarios.

Safety and abuse testing subject the battery to abuse conditions, such as puncture, overcharging, or exposure to fire. It helps identify potential hazards and assesses the effectiveness of safety mechanisms.

Transport testing ensures that lithium-ion batteries comply with transportation regulations and can be safely transported without risks of damage or hazardous incidents.

These tests are critical to ensuring the quality, safety, and performance of lithium-ion cells and modules for various applications, including electric vehicles, energy storage systems, consumer electronics, and more. Battery manufacturers and researchers continuously refine and improve these tests to address emerging challenges and advancements in battery technology.

[colitcomedia]

Andrew Sparke and QMines: Unleashing the Power of Advancements at Mt Chalmers

QMines, under the dynamic leadership of Andrew Sparke, has made significant strides in advancing the Mt Chalmers copper and gold mine. In just 18 months since listing, QMines has achieved remarkable resource upgrades, positioning itself as a key player in the mining industry. With a vision to unlock the full potential of Mt Chalmers, QMines is determined to establish a thriving copper and gold operation while prioritizing resource estimation, metallurgical testing, and environmental studies.

Delivering Resource Upgrades:

QMines' relentless pursuit of excellence has led to the successful delivery of the third and fourth resource upgrades at Mt Chalmers. These upgrades have propelled the measured, indicated, and inferred resources to an impressive 11.86 million metric tonnes at a remarkable 1.22% contained copper equivalent. Notably, 84% of these resources fall within the measured and indicated JORC categories, reflecting the high confidence level in the project's potential.

Unveiling the Deposits:

Mt Chalmers is home to four identified deposits, with Mt Chalmers and Woods Shaft already established as valuable resources. QMines is committed to converting the remaining two deposits, Botos and Mount Warminster, into resources, further enhancing the project's scale and viability. The exploration efforts aim not only to maximize the potential of existing deposits but also to unearth additional Volcanic-Hosted Massive Sulphide (VHMS) deposits, ensuring a sustainable supply of copper and gold.

Continued Exploration and Development:

QMines' unwavering dedication to the Mt Chalmers project extends into the future. Through 2023 and beyond, the company plans to intensify its exploration and development initiatives. Resource estimation will be refined to uncover untapped potential, while metallurgical testing will provide valuable insights into optimizing extraction processes. Environmental studies will be conducted in alignment with QMines' commitment to sustainable mining practices.

Engaging Stakeholders for Progress:

QMines recognizes the importance of collaboration in driving project development. Andrew Sparke and his team are actively engaging with potential investors, community stakeholders, and strategic partners to foster meaningful relationships. By involving all relevant parties, QMines aims to build a strong foundation for success, ensuring a positive impact on local communities and stakeholders.

Conclusion:

Under the visionary leadership of Andrew Sparke, QMines has achieved remarkable advancements at Mt Chalmers. With resource upgrades, an ambitious exploration agenda, and a commitment to sustainable practices, QMines is well-positioned to shape the future of copper and gold mining in the region. As the company continues to unlock the vast potential of Mt Chalmers, it stands as a testament to Andrew Sparke's expertise and QMines' dedication to innovation and responsible resource development.

[tbrcresearchreport]

The Business Research Company offers environmental testing equipment market research report 2023 with industry size, share, segments and market growth

[markettrend24]

Environmental Test Chambers Market Growth, Overview with Detailed Analysis 2022-2028

Environmental Test Chambers Market Growth, Overview with Detailed Analysis 2022-2028

This report studies the Environmental Test Chambers Market with many aspects of the industry like the market size, market status, market trends and forecast, the report also provides brief information of the competitors and the specific growth opportunities with key market drivers. Find the complete Environmental Test Chambers Market analysis segmented by companies, region, type and applications…

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Surveillance pricing

THIS WEEKEND (June 7–9), I'm in AMHERST, NEW YORK to keynote the 25th Annual Media Ecology Association Convention and accept the Neil Postman Award for Career Achievement in Public Intellectual Activity.

Correction, 7 June 2024: The initial version of this article erroneously described Jeffrey Roper as the founder of ATPCO. He benefited from ATPCO, but did not co-found it. The initial version of this article called ATPCO "an illegal airline price-fixing service"; while ATPCO provides information that the airlines use to set prices, it does not set prices itself, and while the DOJ investigated the company, they did not pursue a judgment declaring the service to be illegal. I regret the error.

Noted anti-capitalist agitator Adam Smith had it right: "People of the same trade seldom meet together, even for merriment and diversion, but the conversation ends in a conspiracy against the public, or in some contrivance to raise prices."

Despite being a raving commie loon, Smith's observation was so undeniably true that regulators, policymakers, and economists couldn't help but acknowledge that it was true. The trustbusting era was defined by this idea: if we let the number of companies in a sector get too small, or if we let one or a few companies get too big, they'll eventually start to rig prices.

What's more, once an industry contracts corporate gigantism, it will become too big to jail, able to outspend and overpower the regulators charged with reining in its cheating. Anyone who believes Smith's self-evident maxim had to accept its conclusion: that companies had to be kept smaller than the state that regulated them. This wasn't about "punishing bigness" – it was the necessary precondition for a functioning market economy.

We kept companies small for the same reason that we limited the height of skyscrapers: not because we opposed height, or failed to appreciate the value of a really good penthouse view – rather, to keep the building from falling over and wrecking all the adjacent buildings and the lives of the people inside them.

Starting in the neoliberal era – Carter, then Reagan – we changed our tune. We liked big business. A business that got big was doing something right. It was perverse to shut down our best companies. Instead, we'd simply ban big companies from rigging prices. This was called the "consumer welfare" theory of antitrust. It was a total failure.

40 years later, nearly every industry is dominated by a handful of companies, and these companies price-gouge us with abandon. Worse, they use their gigantic ripoff winnings to fill war-chests that fund the corruption of democracy, capturing regulators so that they can rip us off even more, while ignoring labor, privacy and environmental law and ducking taxes.

It turns out that keeping gigantic, opaque, complex corporations honest is really hard. They have so many ways to shuffle money around that it's nearly impossible to figure out what they're doing. Digitalization makes things a million times worse, because computers allow businesses to alter their processes so they operate differently for every customer, and even for every interaction.

This is Dieselgate times a billion: VW rigged its cars to detect when they were undergoing emissions testing and switch to a less polluting, more compliant mode. But when they were on the open road, they spewed lethal quantities of toxic gas, killing people by the thousands. Computers don't make corporate leaders more evil, but they let evil corporate leaders execute far more complex and nefarious plans. Digitalization is a corporate moral hazard, making it just too easy and tempting to rig the game.

That's why Toyota, the largest car-maker in the world, just did Dieselgate again, more than a decade later. Digitalization is a temptation no giant company can resist:

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1wwj1p2wdyo

For forty years, pro-monopoly cheerleaders insisted that we could allow companies to grow to unimaginable scale and still prevent cheating. They passed rules banning companies from explicitly forming agreements to rig prices. About ten seconds later, new middlemen popped up offering "information brokerages" that helped companies rig prices without talking to one another.

Take Agri Stats: the country's hyperconcentrated meatpacking industry pays Agri Stats to "consult on prices." They provide Agri Stats with a list of their prices, and then Agri Stats suggests changes based on its analysis. What does that analysis consist of? Comparing the company's prices to its competitors, who are also Agri Stats customers:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/10/04/dont-let-your-meat-loaf/#meaty-beaty-big-and-bouncy

In other words, Agri Stats finds the highest price for each product in the sector, then "advises" all the companies with lower prices to raise their prices to the "competitive" level, creating a one-way ratchet that sends the price of food higher and higher.

More and more sectors have an Agri Stats, and digitalization has made this price-gouging system faster, more efficient, and accessible to sectors with less concentration. Landlords, for example, have tapped into Realpage, a "data broker" that the same thing to your rent that Agri Stats does to meat prices. Realpage requires the landlords who sign up for its service to accept its "recommendations" on minimum rents, ensuring that prices only go up:

https://popular.info/p/feds-raid-corporate-landlord-escalating

Writing for The American Prospect, Luke Goldstein lays out the many ways in which these digital intermediaries have supercharged the business of price-rigging:

https://prospect.org/economy/2024-06-05-three-algorithms-in-a-room/

Goldstein identifies a kind of patient zero for this ripoff epidemic: Jeffrey Roper, a former Alaska Air exec who benefited from a service that helps airlines set prices. ATPCO was investigated by the DOJ in the 1990s, but the enforcers lost their nerve and settled with the company, which agreed to apply some ornamental fig-leafs to its collusion-machine. Even those cosmetic changes were seemingly a bridge too far Roper, who left the US.

But he came back to serve as Realpage's "principal scientist" – the architect of a nationwide scheme to make rental housing vastly more expensive. For Roper, the barrier to low rents was empathy: landlords felt stirrings of shame when they made shelter unaffordable to working people. Roper called these people "idiots" who sentimentality "costs the whole system."

Sticking a rent-gouging computer between landlords and the people whose lives they ruin is a classic "accountability sink," as described in Dan Davies' new book "The Unaccountability Machine: Why Big Systems Make Terrible Decisions – and How The World Lost its Mind":

https://profilebooks.com/work/the-unaccountability-machine/

It's a form of "empiricism washing": if computers are working in the abstract realm of pure numbers, they're just moving the objective facts of the quantitative realm into the squishy, imperfect qualitative world. Davies' interview on Trashfuture is excellent:

https://trashfuturepodcast.podbean.com/e/fire-sale-at-the-accountability-store-feat-dan-davies/

To rig prices, an industry has to solve three problems: the problem of coming to an agreement to fix prices (economists call this "the collective action problem"); the problem of coming up with a price; and the problem of actually changing prices from moment to moment. This is the ripoff triangle, and like a triangle, it has many stable configurations.

The more concentrated an industry is, the easier it is to decide to rig prices. But if the industry has the benefit of digitalization, it can swap the flexibility and speed of computers for the low collective action costs from concentration. For example, grocers that switch to e-ink shelf tags can make instantaneous price-changes, meaning that every price change is less consequential – if sales fall off after a price-hike, the company can lower them again at the press of a button. That means they can collude less explicitly but still raise prices:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/03/26/glitchbread/#electronic-shelf-tags

My name for this digital flexibility is "twiddling." Businesses with digital back-ends can alter their "business logic" from second to second, and present different prices, payouts, rankings and other key parts of the deal to every supplier or customer they interact with:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/02/19/twiddler/

Not only does twiddling make it easier to rip off suppliers, workers and customers, it also makes these crimes harder to detect. Twiddling made Dieselgate possible, and it also underpinned "Greyball," Uber's secret strategy of refusing to send cars to pick up transportation regulators who would then be able to see firsthand how many laws the company was violating:

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/03/technology/uber-greyball-program-evade-authorities.html

Twiddling is so easy that it has brought price-fixing to smaller companies and less concentrated sectors, though the biggest companies still commit crimes on a scale that put these bit-players to shame. In The Prospect, David Dayen investigates the "personalized pricing" ripoff that has turned every transaction into a potential crime-scene:

https://prospect.org/economy/2024-06-04-one-person-one-price/

"Personalized pricing" is the idea that everything you buy should be priced based on analysis of commercial surveillance data that predicts the maximum amount you are willing to pay.

Proponents of this idea – like Harvard's Pricing Lab with its "Billion Prices Project" – insist that this isn't a way to rip you off. Instead, it lets companies lower prices for people who have less ability to pay:

https://thebillionpricesproject.com/

This kind of weaponized credulity is totally on-brand for the pro-monopoly revolution. It's the same wishful thinking that led regulators to encourage monopolies while insisting that it would be possible to prevent "bad" monopolies from raising prices. And, as with monopolies, "personalized pricing" leads to an overall increase in prices. In econspeak, it is a "transfer of wealth from consumer to the seller."

"Personalized pricing" is one of those cuddly euphemisms that should make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. A more apt name for this practice is surveillance pricing, because the "personalization" depends on the vast underground empire of nonconsensual data-harvesting, a gnarly hairball of ad-tech companies, data-brokers, and digital devices with built-in surveillance, from smart speakers to cars:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/03/12/market-failure/#car-wars

Much of this surveillance would be impractical, because no one wants their car, printer, speaker, watch, phone, or insulin-pump to spy on them. The flexibility of digital computers means that users always have the technical ability to change how these gadgets work, so they no longer spy on their users. But an explosion of IP law has made this kind of modification illegal:

https://locusmag.com/2020/09/cory-doctorow-ip/

This is why apps are ground zero for surveillance pricing. The web is an open platform, and web-browsers are legal to modify. The majority of web users have installed ad-blockers that interfere with the surveillance that makes surveillance pricing possible:

https://doc.searls.com/2023/11/11/how-is-the-worlds-biggest-boycott-doing/

But apps are a closed platform, and reverse-engineering and modifying an app is a literal felony – several felonies, in fact. An app is just a web-page skinned with enough IP to make it a felony to modify it to protect your consumer, privacy or labor rights:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/05/07/treacherous-computing/#rewilding-the-internet

(Google is leading a charge to turn the web into the kind of enshittifier's paradise that apps represent, blocking the use of privacy plugins and proposing changes to browser architecture that would allow them to felonize modifying a browser without permission:)

https://pluralistic.net/2023/08/02/self-incrimination/#wei-bai-bai

Apps are a twiddler's playground. Not only can they "customize" every interaction you have with them, but they can block you (or researchers seeking to help you) from recording and analyzing the app's activities. Worse: digital transactions are intimate, contained to the palm of your hand. The grocer whose e-ink shelf-tags flicker and reprice their offerings every few seconds can be collectively observed by people who are in the same place and can start a conversation about, say, whether to come back that night a throw a brick through the store's window to express their displeasure. A digital transaction is a lonely thing, atomized and intrinsically shielded from a public response.

That shielding is hugely important. The public hates surveillance pricing. Time and again, through all of American history, there have been massive and consequential revolts against the idea that every price should be different for every buyer. The Interstate Commerce Commission was founded after Grangers rose up against the rail companies' use of "personalized pricing" to gouge farmers.

Companies know this, which is why surveillance pricing happens in secret. Over and over, every day, you are being gouged through surveillance pricing. The sellers you interact with won't tell you about it, so to root out this practice, we have to look at the B2B sales-pitches from the companies that sell twiddling tools.

One of these companies is Plexure, partly owned by McDonald's, which provides the surveillance-pricing back-ends for McD's, Ikea, 7-Eleven, White Castle and others – basically, any time a company gives you a hard-sell to order via its apps rather than its storefronts or its website, you should assume you're getting twiddled, hard.

These companies use the enshittification playbook to trap you into using their apps. First, they offer discounts to customers who order through their apps – then, once the customers are fully committed to shopping via app, they introduce surveillance pricing and start to jack up the prices.

For example, Plexure boasts that it can predict what day a given customer is getting paid on and use that information to raise prices on all the goods the customer shops for on that day, on the assumption that you're willing to pay more when you've got a healthy bank balance.

The surveillance pricing industry represents another reason for everything you use to spy on you – any data your "smart" TV or Nest thermostat or Ring doorbell can steal from you can be readily monetized – just sell it to a surveillance pricing company, which will use it to figure out how to charge you more for everything you buy, from rent to Happy Meals.

But the vast market for surveillance data is also a potential weakness for the industry. Put frankly: the commercial surveillance industry has a lot of enemies. The only thing it has going for it is that so many of these enemies don't know that what's they're really upset about is surveillance.

Some people are upset because they think Facebook made Grampy into a Qanon. Others, because they think Insta gave their kid anorexia. Some think Tiktok is brainwashing millennials into quoting Osama bin Laden. Some are upset because the cops use Google location data to round up Black Lives Matter protesters, or Jan 6 insurrectionists. Some are angry about deepfake porn. Some are angry because Black people are targeted with ads for overpriced loans or colleges:

https://www.theregister.com/2024/06/04/meta_ad_algorithm_discrimination/

And some people are angry because surveillance feeds surveillance pricing. The thing is, whatever else all these people are angry about, they're all angry about surveillance. Are you angry that ad-tech is stealing a 51% share of news revenue? You're actually angry about surveillance. Are you angry that "AI" is being used to automatically reject resumes on racial, age or gender grounds? You're actually angry about surveillance.

There's a very useful analogy here to the history of the ecology movement. As James Boyle has long said, before the term "ecology" came along, there were people who cared about a lot of issues that seemed unconnected. You care about owls, I care about the ozone layer. What's the connection between charismatic nocturnal avians and the gaseous composition of the upper atmosphere? The term ecology took a thousand issues and welded them together into one movement.

That's what's on the horizon for privacy. The US hasn't had a new federal consumer privacy law since 1988, when Congress acted to ban video-store clerks from telling the newspapers what VHS cassettes you were renting:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_Privacy_Protection_Act

We are desperately overdue for a new consumer privacy law, but every time this comes up, the pro-surveillance coalition defeats the effort. but as people who care about conspiratorialism, kids' mental health, spying by foreign adversaries, phishing and fraud, and surveillance pricing all come together, they will be an unbeatable coalition:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/12/06/privacy-first/#but-not-just-privacy

Meanwhile, the US government is actually starting to take on these ripoff artists. The FTC is working to shut down data-brokers:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/08/16/the-second-best-time-is-now/#the-point-of-a-system-is-what-it-does

The FBI is raiding landlords to build a case against Frontpage and other rent price-fixers:

https://popular.info/p/feds-raid-corporate-landlord-escalating

Agri Stats is facing a DoJ lawsuit:

https://www.nationalhogfarmer.com/market-news/agri-stats-loses-motions-to-transfer-dismiss-in-doj-antitrust-case

Not every federal agency has gotten the message, though. Trump's Fed Chairman, Jerome Powell – whom Biden kept on the job – has been hiking interest rates in a bid to reduce our purchasing power by making millions of Americans poorer and/or unemployed. He's doing this to fight inflation, on the theory that inflation is being cause by us being too well-off, and therefore trying to buy more goods than are for sale.

But of course, interest rates are inflationary: when interest rates go up, it gets more expensive to pay your credit card bills, lease your car, and pay a mortgage. And where we see the price of goods shooting up, there's abundant evidence that this is the result of greedflation – companies jacking up their prices and blaming inflation. Interest rate hawks say that greedflation is impossible: if one company raises its prices, its competitors will swoop in and steal their customers with lower prices.

Maybe they would do that – if they didn't have a toolbox full of algorithmic twiddling options and a deep trove of surveillance data that let them all raise prices together:

https://prospect.org/blogs-and-newsletters/tap/2024-06-05-time-for-fed-to-meet-ftc/

Someone needs to read some Adam Smith to Chairman Powell: "People of the same trade seldom meet together, even for merriment and diversion, but the conversation ends in a conspiracy against the public, or in some contrivance to raise prices."

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/06/05/your-price-named/#privacy-first-again

Image: Cryteria (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HAL9000.svg

CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en

[reasonsforhope]

"Despite a huge amount of political opposition from the chemical industry, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its first regulations aimed at limiting quantities of PFAs, or ‘forever chemicals,’ in American drinking water.

For decades, Polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAs have been used for coatings that resist fire, oil, stains, and water and are now found in a wide variety of products like waterproof clothing, stain-resistant furniture, food packaging, adhesives, firefighting spray foams, and non-stick cooking surfaces.

There are thousands of PFAS compounds with varying effects and toxicity levels, and the new EPA regulations will require water utilities to test for 6 different classes of them.

The new standards will reduce PFAS exposure—and thereby decrease the health risk—for 100 million people in the U.S.

A fund worth $1 billion for treatment and testing will be made available to water utilities nationwide—part of a $9 billion investment made possible by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to assist communities impacted by PFAS contamination.

“Drinking water contaminated with PFAS has plagued communities across this country for too long,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan in a statement Wednesday.

Under Regan’s leadership, the EPA began in 2021 to establish a roadmap for dealing with widespread PFAS contamination, and so far they’ve gathered much data, including monitoring drinking water, and begun requiring more reports from businesses about use of the unregulated substances.

The agency reported that current peer-reviewed scientific studies have shown that exposure to certain levels of PFAS may lead to a myriad of health issues that are difficult to specify because of the variety of compounds coming from different places.

Regardless, the 66,000 water utility operators will have five years to test for the PFAS pollution and install necessary technology to treat the contamination, which the EPA estimates that 6%–10% of facilities will need. [Note: Deeply curious where they got a number that low, but anyway.]

Records show that some of the manufacturers knew these chemicals posed health hazards. A few major lawsuits in recent years have been settled that sought to hold chemical companies, like 3M, accountable for the environment damage.""

-via Good News Network, April 13, 2024

[petday]

whats little magic?

It is a puzzle game for the Super Famicom and Game Boy Color video game systems. I like the Game Boy Color game much more for its art direction, and it's also just more fun for me to play with the 'bubble magic' mechanic in that version. I wrote more about my enjoyment below, in case anyone is curious.

The game’s box art is very beautiful, right? It caught my eye right away. The in-game 'cutscene' artwork appears to be carefully-made pixel art versions of the same artist's illustrations and they are similarly beautiful. (Sorry in advance if my photograph quality is not great.)

But the actual levels themselves look very haphazard. Clashing colors and tiles. It's easy enough to guess that a blue tile next to a white tile represents water and snow, respectively, but what does the yellow cluster-of-boxes tile represent? Yellow bricks of a tower…? How about the spike-y objects in the snow-water levels? I guessed they were underwater mines, but then there's the same tile in a later level too, just palette-swapped to be red… The two monochrome tiles in the third picture above teleports your character, but it has a two-frame animation that made me think of an ‘industrial grinder’ and ‘static noise’, so I assumed it was dangerous at first. Was it intended to be nondescript ‘sparkly magic’? Where are all of these levels taking place, anyway? No other humans are in these areas, just various animals and vague environmental indicators. There are cute snakes in some ‘yellow brick’ levels that end your life upon touching them. Seems irresponsible for a teacher to allow her student into perilous areas, no matter how eager she is to pass her final exam at magic school and become a magician.

Oh, I should explain the story. (None of the above photos are in sequence, just wanted to show more of the game.) The story is about a girl who attends magic school, and aims to pass a series of tests to become a full-fledged magician. Her teacher encourages her. The lack of explanation in the story is another fun point for me. Her magic teacher doesn't explain why 'learning magic' consists of pushing a heart into a heart-shaped hole that triggers a staircase to appear, which is what you need to do to complete each level. (It’s a beating heart – is it alive?) No explanation as to why snakes end your life instantly upon touching them. The context of 'because you want to pass your exams, a teacher is putting you through trials to help you become a master of magic’ isn’t an adequate explanation, because the teacher also tells you that she has not passed the final exam - why is a teacher putting a student through something that is too difficult even for herself? Who is in control of all of the strange areas you need to ‘complete’ in order to become a real magician, then? (After you complete the game with the student, you can play a different set of levels as the teacher, but even the usual sparse context-giving ‘cutscenes’ are not there… Mysterious…)

So, all of that is why my drawing about ‘Little Magic’ is about ‘confusion’, ‘going along with something that makes sense at first, but quickly unravels to not make sense any longer’, ‘growing distrust of authoritative figures’, and ‘frustration from stagnation.’ https://petday.tumblr.com/post/730315736066768896

Maybe the instruction booklet explains everything; I did not have access to that while playing, and I like that feeling. ‘Renting a game from a video game rental store that did not come with an instruction booklet, and being perplexed by it, forced to create your own context because you have nothing else’ feeling. Randomly selecting games to play that do not have much documentation online is enjoyable to me, because of that feeling.

A fan translation group translated the Game Boy Color game from Japanese to English in 2018. There wasn't a lot of dialogue in the first place, though. I like games where there is little to no dialogue because one can imagine a story/context besides what is shown. Up until 2022, I could not find a solution for the teacher’s final puzzle, so I interpreted the ending of the game’s story as, ‘The magic teacher thought she could harness a type of magic far stronger than what she could handle, accidentally designed an impossible puzzle for herself and is trapped for eternity.’ Of course, the puzzle has a solution, but I wanted to honour my strange interpretation regardless. When I play games and have weird interpretations of them, I am definitely not saying, 'I bet this is what the people who worked on this game were thinking!' I dislike that attitude. It's just imaginative interpretation, and working with the odd way I interact with things in order to maximize fun for myself…

A part about old games that I also love, is that they can never be updated; they had one chance to release a finished game, and maybe another chance to fix glitches in a re-release if they sold very many copies the first time. I greatly enjoyed the ‘imperfect’ tilesets and abrupt feeling of this game, which might have been ‘improved’ in a patch if it had been released in recent years instead of 1999.

(I wasn’t sure where to include this point, but I must also say, my favourite YouTube comments are about someone’s unusual interpretations of a game, when they did not have access to a guide at the time. I read one recently – the comment author and their brother rented ‘Final Fantasy IV’ from a rental store, and they did not know about the ‘Poison’ status effect that depletes the characters health. There is a strange pixelation effect and a ringing sound when you walk around the overworld while poisoned. Because the save file they were playing from was during a point of the game where you visit the moon, and because of the unfamiliar visual and sound effect, they interpreted the ‘Poison’ status effect as, “The moon must be running out of air.” Things like that are beautiful to me.)

(I also wasn’t sure where to put this point, but the main character, May, from ‘Little Magic’, is stylized differently in some ‘cutscenes’. She resembles a dragon to me. It’s cute.)

[zvaigzdelasas]

The National Nuclear Safety Administration’s permit authorises scientists at the Shanghai Institute to operate the reactor for 10 years, during which time they will test its capabilities and limitations. The reactor has an output of only 2MW, however once its technology matures, it will have a number of advantages over conventional uranium-fuelled designs.

For example, thorium is less radioactive than uranium or plutonium, produces less toxic waste and cannot be used to create nuclear weapons. And because it is in liquid form, it solidifies in the event of a disaster, which would limit environmental damage.

The reactor also has advantages that are more specific to China, since the country is thought to have several hundred thousand tonnes of the element, or enough to meet its total energy needs for more than 20,000 years.[...]

As well as their inherent safety advantages, thorium molten salt SMRs can be located in many types of environments, including remote, desert or off-grid areas. This may have benefits for industries such as mining, which often require reliable power sources far from water or conventional utilities. It may also help power infrastructure on the “belt and road” programme in central Asia.

26 Jun 23

[mrhaitch]

Hello, Mr. Haitch

You mentioned before in one of your answers that "climate and social justice are inextricably linked." Do you mind saying how so?

Thank you!

Our current geological age - the Anthropocene - is inextricably linked to the history of capitalism, no matter how you date it. The three main theories are that it began in 1945 at the close of the second world war and the international trade agreements and advent of nuclear testing; that it began with the industrial revolution; or (and this is the theory I subscribe to) it began between 1492 and 1610 with European colonialism in the Americas.

The anthropocene is defined as an age of globalised human control and impact on the earth's environment, ranging from climate change to biodiversity, and the early history of Europe's colonisation of the Americas fits the bill pretty well. Beginning in 1492 the indigenous population of the Americas collapsed by 95% (population estimates run from 60 million to 120+, the loss represents about a 10% global population loss), along with vast amounts of infrastructure including cities, towns, trading outposts, road networks, irrigation systems, and so on - all in an area (especially equatorial America) where the local flora grows rapidly. The deaths of so many with so few colonisers to replace them saw a rapacious period of reforestation, creating a massive carbon sink which drew down an estimated 13 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, ushering in The Little Ice Age. Global temperatures fell for the first time since the agricultural revolution, and put huge stress on an already fracturing feudal system. Over the course of 200 years Europe went through fits of social and political revolution, where the aristocracy were (sometimes violently) deposed by an ascendant merchant class ushering in our current age of liberal democracy, the enshrining of private property, and fixation on trade and prosperity.

The population collapse also provided a rationale for the Atlantic slave trade, as the enslaved workforce the Europeans had been using up until then were pretty much all dead.

With me so far?

Since the industrial revolution our economic system has been reliant on exponential growth, leading to an ever increasing appetite for raw materials, land, and cheap (or free) labour. The environmental and human costs have increased in lock step with one another - both crises borne of the same root. We cannot address one without addressing the other.

This is a very condensed version of the argument and I'm glossing over a lot here. If you're interested I'd recommend tracking down the following texts (usually available at libraries, particularly University ones):

The American Holocaust, David Stannard

The Human Planet, Lewis and Maslin

The Problem of Nature, David Arnold

The Sixth Extinction, Elizabeth Kolbert

History and Human Nature, RC Solomon

[xamiipholia]

okay y'all seemed to like the last one so here's a few more Horizon 3 thoughts:

Aloy won’t die. It would completely upend the series’ themes and just be really nihilistic.

Since Nemesis is a gestalt entity I think it’s a safe bet that we’ll see Sam Witwer, Carrie-Anne Moss, etc again. I’m curious how they’re going to do it because at least structurally, it’s basically a reaper. Maybe it’ll use different Avatars when communicating like the Leviathan in ME3. 

It's gonna take some work to make a flashback/dream/vision not contrived but I would love to see Varl and Rost again. I think we deserve that.

Minerva is gonna have its work cut out for it blocking access to both the dormant Faro Swarm and the ZD terraforming system. 

I wouldn’t be surprised if Nemesis has some sort of corruption function that becomes the equivalent of the corruption in HZD. It would be a really fun tech showcase if GG uses Zenith nanotech for machine corruption and leans into mechanical body horror.

If we’re going to Ban-Ur I really really hope they do the work to make the Banuk less problematic and more fleshed out as a culture. A quasi-Spartan society absolutely would not survive in an extreme environment, *especially* without megafauna to hunt. The Banuk characters are lovely and well-written; they deserve a society as well thought out as the Utaru or Carja. I’m honestly fine if there’s retcons or revamps to the cultural lore because the whole “outsider barges in and becomes chief” is rooted in racist, colonial tropes and we just don’t really need that imo.

The most recent footage of Death Stranding 2 (also running on Decima) has me SO excited for the visuals. GG’s gonna knock it out. The facial rendering and animation that Kojima Productions are doing looks industry-peak and I’m sure GG’s gonna match that. Aloy’s Gay Panic™️ scene on the beach in HBS is already top-tier nonverbal storytelling through animation. Digital Foundry actually just posted a really cool tech breakdown of the current Decima engine. I’m especially excited about the environmental stuff. The ocean simulations in HFW are already incredible and I hope they increase verticality in the world. I can’t wait to see the Sacred Lands in current gen graphics. 

I really love Kotallo’s DIY arm and it’s so so important to his development but Beta and Gaia now have access to Zenith nanotech, maybe give your buddy a sick upgrade hmm?

Speaking of, I can’t wait to see Beta come into her own. She’s one of the best parts of HFW and Aloy’s character absolutely shines in a sibling dynamic. 

I wouldn’t get your hopes up for a romance mechanic. Everyone’s feelings on that aside, it would be really odd from a game development perspective to just overhaul part of how the narrative develops Aloy’s character in the last act of the story. Yeah, there are flashpoints but I would argue that the presence of choice in Horizon is smoke and mirrors- cosmetic at best. Kentucky Route Zero (which you should play) does something similar where the player is given a certain amount of control over the substance of individual conversations and scenarios and it does absolutely nothing to alter the plot, by design. I think it’s the same here - this isn’t really a choice-based RPG, the flashpoints don’t really affect anything plot-wise or for Aloy’s character development. Olin is still out of the story, Nil lives, Regalla still dies one way or another. Aloy’s character development is pretty firmly on rails (think Jin Sakai, not Shepard - you get to guide some momentary character reactions but that’s it). I don’t think HBS is a testing ground either - If they were gonna introduce a romance mechanic I think they’d just do it, and not spend two years making a direct continuation of HFW’s main quest and establishing a specific romance hard-baked into the plot, complete with multiple leitmotifs for the character relationship (which is something they haven’t done before afaik) just to introduce a side quest mechanic coming in 5 years. I genuinely can’t think of any game or dev that has beta tested a major alteration to upcoming game mechanics that way - it doesn’t really make any sense in terms of developer resources, and these games are extremely time-consuming to make. I know this is a thing a bunch of people want and I can totally empathize with that! I just think it’s probably not on the table. 

I would bet money the series will bookend itself and the epilogue will involve a) the naming of Zo and Varl’s kid and b) Lis’ pendant. 

Mostly I'm just looking forward to being surprised. One of my favorite things that Horizon does is use carefully established elements in the world to pull the plot in unexpected directions and keeping the world grounded while they lean into speculative science fiction. I can't wait to see what Guerrilla is cooking up

[flexitest1234]

Humidity Test Chambers, Uses and Applications in Industries.

Humidity chambers are designed to control and simulate humidity levels for a variety of testing and conditioning purposes. These chambers provide controlled environments with specific humidity conditions to assess the performance, durability, and stability of materials, components, and products. Common uses and applications of humidity chambers are 

Product Testing - Humidity chambers are extensively used in product testing to evaluate the effects of humidity on various materials and components. This includes assessing the impact of moisture on product performance, functionality, and durability. Examples include testing electronic devices, automotive components, coatings, adhesives, textiles, packaging materials, and consumer goods. 

Material Evaluation: Humidity chambers are employed to study the behavior and characteristics of materials under different humidity conditions. This includes measuring the moisture absorption, dimensional stability, swelling, warping, and degradation of materials. It helps in assessing the suitability and performance of materials in specific environments.

Corrosion Testing: Humidity chambers with salt spray or corrosive gas capabilities are used to conduct corrosion testing. These chambers simulate harsh and corrosive environments, such as coastal or industrial areas, to assess the corrosion resistance of materials, coatings, and surface treatments. This testing is vital in industries like automotive, aerospace, marine, and infrastructure.

Shelf Life and Aging Studies: Humidity chambers are used to study the effects of humidity on the shelf life, stability, and aging characteristics of products and materials. This includes accelerated aging studies, storage condition evaluations, and prediction of product lifetimes under different humidity levels.

Quality Control: Humidity chambers are employed in quality control processes to ensure product reliability and performance. They help verify if products can withstand moisture-related conditions that they may encounter during transport, storage, or usage.

Material Conditioning: Humidity chambers are used to condition materials and products to specific humidity levels before conducting further testing or manufacturing processes. This ensures that the materials reach the desired moisture equilibrium and are prepared for subsequent operations or evaluations.

Calibration and Validation: Humidity chambers are utilized in the calibration and validation of humidity sensors, instruments, and measurement devices. They provide controlled and stable humidity conditions for calibration purposes, ensuring accurate and traceable humidity measurements.

Research and Development: Humidity chambers play a vital role in research and development activities across various industries. They help scientists, engineers, and researchers study the effects of humidity on new materials, formulations, and product designs. This facilitates the development of improved and innovative products.

Humidity chambers are extensively used in testing labs for a variety of reasons. These chambers provide controlled and stable humidity environments, allowing for the evaluation, analysis, and testing of various materials, products, and components. Humidity chambers allow testing labs to simulate and control specific humidity conditions to replicate real-world environments. This enables the assessment of how materials and products perform under different humidity levels, helping to predict their behavior in various applications. Many materials and products are sensitive to moisture, and humidity chambers provide a controlled setting to evaluate their performance under different humidity levels. This includes assessing moisture absorption, dimensional changes, degradation, and other properties affected by humidity.  Humidity chambers are used to conduct stability and aging studies to assess the long-term performance and durability of materials and products. By subjecting samples to controlled humidity conditions over extended periods, labs can simulate aging processes and evaluate product lifetimes.  Humidity chambers aid in the characterization and understanding of material properties influenced by moisture. They are used to measure moisture sorption isotherms, moisture permeability, hygroscopicity, and other moisture-related characteristics important for material selection and performance evaluation.Humidity chambers with corrosive gas or salt spray capabilities are employed to test the corrosion resistance and degradation of materials, coatings, and surface treatments. These tests help determine the suitability of materials for specific environments and applications.  Humidity chambers assist in the development and quality assurance of products. By subjecting prototypes and samples to controlled humidity conditions, labs can identify potential issues, improve product designs, and ensure that products meet required quality standards and specifications. Humidity chambers are used for calibration and validation of humidity sensors, instruments, and measurement devices. They provide a controlled and stable humidity reference point for accurate and reliable humidity measurements. Many industries have specific standards and regulations related to humidity testing and control. Humidity chambers help labs comply with these standards, ensuring that products meet industry requirements and can perform reliably in the intended environments. Humidity test chambers, also known as environmental chambers or climatic chambers, are utilized across various industries for testing and evaluating the behavior, performance, and durability of materials, components, and products under controlled humidity conditions. ere are some key industries where humidity test chambers are commonly used: 

Automotive Industry: Humidity test chambers play a crucial role in automotive testing. They are used to evaluate the performance and durability of automotive components, such as electronics, sensors, seals, adhesives, coatings, and materials, under different humidity levels. This helps ensure that the components can withstand moisture-related challenges faced in various climates and driving conditions.

Electronics Industry: The electronics industry extensively relies on humidity test chambers for testing electronic devices, circuit boards, semiconductor components, and other electronic assemblies. These chambers allow manufacturers to assess the effects of humidity on electrical performance, insulation resistance, corrosion resistance, and reliability of electronic products.

Aerospace and Aviation Industry: Humidity test chambers are vital for testing components and materials used in the aerospace and aviation sectors. They assess the behavior of aircraft parts, avionics systems, electrical connectors, composites, coatings, and other materials under varying humidity conditions. This helps ensure the reliability and integrity of aerospace equipment in different climates and high-altitude environments.

Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences Industry: Humidity test chambers are used in the pharmaceutical and life sciences sector to evaluate the stability and shelf life of drugs, vaccines, and other medical products. They simulate different humidity conditions to assess the impact of moisture on the efficacy, degradation, and quality of pharmaceutical formulations and packaging materials.

Consumer Goods and Packaging Industry: Humidity chambers are employed in the consumer goods and packaging industry to test the performance and durability of products and packaging materials under controlled humidity levels. This includes evaluating the effects of humidity on product integrity, functionality, and packaging sealing properties.

Building and Construction Industry: Humidity test chambers are utilized in the building and construction sector to assess the moisture resistance and durability of construction materials, such as concrete, insulation materials, paints, adhesives, and coatings. They help evaluate the impact of humidity on the performance and longevity of building materials.

Environmental and Testing Laboratories: Environmental and testing laboratories across various industries rely on humidity test chambers for a wide range of testing and research purposes. These chambers aid in studying material properties, conducting accelerated aging studies, evaluating corrosion resistance, and assessing the behavior of materials and products in specific humidity conditions.

Research and Development: Humidity test chambers are essential tools in research and development activities across industries. They help scientists, engineers, and researchers study the impact of humidity on new materials, formulations, and product designs, enabling the development of innovative and improved products.

Temperature humidity chambers, also known as climatic chambers or environmental chambers, are specialized testing equipment used to create controlled and precise temperature and humidity conditions for evaluating the performance, reliability, and durability of various materials, components, and products. These chambers offer the ability to simulate real-world environmental conditions to assess how the tested items respond to temperature and humidity variations. Temperature humidity chambers consist of an insulated chamber or enclosure that can be sealed, along with a refrigeration system, humidity control system, heating elements, and sensors for monitoring and controlling temperature and humidity levels. The chambers allow for precise adjustment and control of both temperature and humidity parameters. 

Applications:

Product Testing and Qualification: Temperature humidity chambers are extensively used to test and qualify various products across industries. This includes evaluating the performance, durability, and functionality of electronic devices, automotive components, textiles, plastics, coatings, pharmaceuticals, and other materials under different temperature and humidity conditions.

Environmental Simulation: These chambers are employed to simulate and replicate specific environmental conditions, such as extreme temperatures and humidity levels, that the tested items may encounter in their operational or intended usage environments. This helps assess product reliability and performance in challenging conditions.

Accelerated Aging and Life Testing: Temperature humidity chambers are used to accelerate the aging process and evaluate the long-term behavior and performance of materials and products. By subjecting samples to controlled temperature and humidity variations over extended periods, labs can assess product durability, degradation rates, and estimate product lifetimes.

Stability Testing: These chambers are used to assess the stability and shelf life of products, particularly in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries. By subjecting samples to specific temperature and humidity conditions, the chambers help determine product stability, degradation patterns, and expiration dates.

Material Testing and Characterization: Temperature humidity chambers are employed to evaluate the behavior and properties of materials under different temperature and humidity conditions. This includes assessing moisture absorption, dimensional changes, thermal expansion, hygroscopicity, corrosion resistance, and other material characteristics influenced by temperature and humidity.

Quality Control and Standards Compliance: Temperature humidity chambers aid in quality control processes by ensuring that products meet required standards and specifications. They help verify product performance and functionality under specific environmental conditions, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.

Research and Development: These chambers are valuable tools in research and development activities. They assist scientists, engineers, and researchers in studying the effects of temperature and humidity on new materials, formulations, and product designs, facilitating innovation and improvement.

Temperature humidity chambers offer precise and controlled testing environments that enable the evaluation of materials, components, and products under specific temperature and humidity conditions. They help identify potential issues, optimize designs, ensure product reliability, and meet industry standards and customer expectations.

[vote-democrat-president-congress]

Erin Brockovich: What’s at Stake in November

July 30, 2024

By Erin Brockovich

Ms. Brockovich is an environmental activist.

Every day, I get emails from people asking for help. They think I’m a lawyer. I’m not. They want to know what caused their cancer or why their farm has tested high for chemicals they’ve never heard of. They want someone to fight for them.

The recent Supreme Court decision overturning the 40-year-old Chevron precedent, which allowed federal agencies to interpret the laws they oversee, should wake us up to how truly alone we are when it comes to environmental health protections. If Donald Trump wins in November, things could go from bad to worse. Progress to protect Americans from dangerous chemicals could reach a standstill.

I could list dozens, if not thousands, of contaminants we come in contact with, some regulated by federal and state agencies, and others not. I’ll focus on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, a class of thousands of synthetic chemicals that are finally being recognized for the damage they cause.

PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because they persist in the environment and in human bodies for decades. These chemicals have been used to make common items from textiles to adhesives to food packaging to firefighting foams to nonstick cookware.

The health problems associated with exposure to PFAS include fertility issues, developmental delays in children and increased risk of certain cancers and of obesity, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Scientists have detected PFAS chemicals in the blood of almost all Americans.

Sign up for the Opinion Today newsletter Get expert analysis of the news and a guide to the big ideas shaping the world every weekday morning. Get it sent to your inbox. What’s frustrating is that we’ve known for decades which industries use these chemicals, and we’ve known they are accumulating in the environment. But companies and our regulators delayed action.

Take just one example. From the 1950s through the 1970s, 3M dumped its PFAS waste into pits around Minnesota’s eastern Twin Cities metro area. That led to a more than 150-square-mile plume of contaminated groundwater. Subsequent testing revealed that by 2004, more than 140,000 Minnesotans had tainted drinking water. Years later, a young woman named Amara Strande grew up near the plume.

In 2023, Ms. Strande testified in front of Minnesota lawmakers in support of legislation that would restrict PFAS, which she believed caused her rare form of liver cancer. She died weeks before legislation known as Amara’s Law banned the use of PFAS in Minnesota. She was 20 years old. There are more cases like hers.

The number of U.S. communities reportedly contaminated with PFAS compounds continues to grow. Last year, one or more types of PFAS were detected in almost half of the nation’s tap water.

People like to talk about the risks of federal oversight and regulations. But without those basic guardrails in place, large companies get to do whatever they want, and hard-working Americans get sick.

Some much needed action was taken on PFAS at the national level recently. In April, the E.P.A. mandated that municipal water systems remove six PFAS chemicals from tap water. Such efforts are now at risk.

Under the Supreme Court’s recent Chevron ruling, federal judges get the final say on how laws including the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act should be applied. This weakens the ability of regulatory agencies to do their jobs protecting the public’s health from problems such as PFAS. Future pollution cases could meander through the federal court system for years while drinking water remains contaminated.

Companies will take advantage of this ruling. Water utility and chemical manufacturing companies have filed challenges with the E.P.A., calling the rule “arbitrary, capricious, and an abuse of discretion.”

Now imagine you take these kneecapped regulations and pair them with a second Trump presidency. President Trump rolled back decades of clean-water protections and dozens of environmental rules. The E.P.A. is still reeling from the exodus of more than 1,200 scientists and policy experts during his administration. One of his political appointees meddled with a PFAS assessment, weakening the toxicity value of a chemical.

The E.P.A. already had its problems, but the agency fared even worse under Mr. Trump. He repeatedly tried to slash the E.P.A.’s budget and many staff members fled, meaning fewer inspectors, fewer resources to study the impact of toxins and more companies contravening environmental regulations.

I recently reviewed Project 2025, a playbook for the first 180 days of the potential next Trump administration. (Mr. Trump says he doesn’t support the project, though many of his former White House employees are involved.) In the E.P.A. chapter, PFAS are mentioned twice. Project 2025 says the administration should revise groundwater cleanup regulations and policies to reflect the challenges of contaminants such as PFAS, which seems fair. But then it also says the administration should revisit the E.P.A. designation of PFAS chemicals as “hazardous substances” under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), also known as Superfund. That seems contradictory and ill advised. The designation helps make available CERCLA’s enforcement tools and cost recovery, ensuring that the polluters, not taxpayers, fund or conduct investigations and cleanup.

I’m not giving Democratic administrations a pass. We need more accountability for the environmental ills that have passed under their watch. These include the water crisis in Flint, Mich., and Jackson, Miss. The state and federal responses to the toxic train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, left much to be desired. We must expect more from those we put in office; our lives depend on it.

The E.P.A. used to have bipartisan support. The Reagan administration changed that when President Ronald Reagan appointed a corporation-friendly E.P.A. administrator who railed against government regulation.

Rules are effective only if they can be enforced. State and federal agencies have done a poor job of building meaningful enforcement into the well-intentioned regulations that have been enacted, and they must do better. Americans’ health is at risk.

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/30/opinion/erin-brockovich-pfas.html