#efficient data collection

[marketxcel]

Benefits of Using an Online B2B Panel for Surveys

This blog will explore the advantages of using an online B2B panel for surveys and how it can empower companies with valuable data for better decision-making.

[jcmarchi]

How Enterprise SaaS Companies Can Thrive in an AI-Driven World

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/how-enterprise-saas-companies-can-thrive-in-an-ai-driven-world/

How Enterprise SaaS Companies Can Thrive in an AI-Driven World

AI continues to dominate conversations surrounding modern knowledge work, weaving itself into the everyday processes of countless industries. As businesses continue to find utility in AI, sentiment towards it hovers somewhere between cautious optimism and outright skepticism.

Within the business world, many are seeing the technology’s usefulness while also grappling with its potential to alter the way many job roles function. It appears the fear that AI will wholly replace or eliminate jobs has largely faded and has been replaced by change fatigue; workers are being asked to make the most of AI to unlock its potential, and that is upending long-established positions.

SaaS companies are specifically under mounting pressure to stay competitive as AI continues to transform how systems function within organizations. By embracing AI, however, enterprise SaaS companies can leverage what they do best while supercharging their output to offer clients the best of both worlds.

Where AI Poses a Threat to SaaS

As AI becomes more ingrained in business, it’s changing how companies deploy and engage with SaaS platforms. Many SaaS companies are now asking: How will my business be affected by the rise of AI?

There’s no definitive answer, but there are some clues to help inform a business’s long-term viability. The things AI does well —  report generation, content generation, insight gathering, and more — can be a threat to SaaS platforms that focus on those outputs.

Broadly speaking, though, the biggest fear surrounding AI isn’t necessarily on the macro level but rather on the individual worker level. Companies will still need SaaS platforms to tackle a number of business cases, but certain roles that focus on AI’s core competencies may be at risk of augmentation. That’s not to say these jobs will be eliminated entirely, but there may be an increased focus on leveraging AI to maximize productivity and value, and therefore an increased pressure on these employees to learn, understand, and incorporate AI into their daily work.

Of course, with AI’s exponential growth and adoption, it’s impossible to say what the next five years of development will mean for SaaS companies. Analyzing risk means understanding a business’ strengths and comparing them with the areas in which AI excels. What’s clear is that AI is a powerful tool, and the platforms and workers who harness it the most effectively will be better off in the long run.

Why AI Can’t Replace SaaS Platforms

One of the more interesting applications of AI is its ability to write code. Business leaders have long theorized that AI could generate the code needed to create SaaS solutions, but when you spell it out, it feels a bit like science fiction: a business sees a software need, describes the product to an AI engine and voila, you have a custom-built SaaS platform.

Unfortunately (or fortunately), we’re not much closer to that reality now than we were 30 years ago. The technical skill required to create the complex systems that underpin SaaS platforms is far beyond what generative AI can conjure and will still require human input for the foreseeable future.

SaaS providers contain deep domain expertise that businesses rely on. If businesses could describe a SaaS platform in enough detail to where AI could generate software around it, they may not need a SaaS vendor in the first place. Understanding the ins and outs of their particular industry is key to SaaS success.

Knowing an industry is big, but knowing a product is even bigger. SaaS platforms understand their product better than anybody, and their robust customer relationships mean they understand their clients’ use cases better than any technology as well. One of the keys to long-term SaaS viability is the ability to know how a client can use their product to maximize its efficacy for their business.

Finally, SaaS platforms rely on established data ecosystems that make them indispensable for their clients. These ecosystems work to conform to industry standard data protocols and aid in data governance and security. They also help enable integrations with other platforms and provide a consistent data language that helps build scalable solutions.

How Embracing AI Gives SaaS Platforms the Edge

Taking the long view, it’s clear that AI isn’t a replacement for SaaS platforms but a tool to supercharge performance. The platforms that understand how best to integrate this technology will distinguish themselves in a crowded field. As AI continues to evolve, these capabilities are not just going to be differentiation points but table stakes for all SaaS platforms.

Integrating AI-driven features like robust, on-demand insights and enriched report generation gives clients the ability to turn raw data into something actionable the moment they need it. Reducing the lag between data collection and implementation is a major advantage for agile businesses.

AI is also excellent at enabling personalization at scale. AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of user behavioral data and preferences to deliver highly tailored and customized experiences. Creating an adaptable platform based on the needs and preferences of the end user not only improves user satisfaction but also drives higher engagement and platform utility, ultimately making the platform more valuable to clients.

Last but not least, AI can help bolster operational efficiency in SaaS platforms. Integrating natural language processing guides, chatbots, and other instructional elements can help clients make the most of the platform without needing one-on-one interactions from the provider. Through AI, SaaS leaders can reduce the need for manual intervention, minimize errors, and speed up service delivery.

Even though AI is new and exciting, and it sometimes feels like businesses want to replace all of their current vendors with the latest AI tool they can get their hands on, clients don’t want to eliminate their investment in SaaS platforms. What they want is to know that the platforms they’re investing in are leveraging modern technologies like AI in the most effective ways possible. For SaaS providers, integrating AI helps bolster platform business cases and demonstrates to clients a willingness to adapt to the times.

[einnosyssecsgem]

SECS/GEM on Canon MPA 600 Super Aligner Through the EIGEMBox

In the dynamic world of semiconductor manufacturing, ensuring that legacy equipment can keep up with modern communication standards is essential for maintaining productivity and efficiency. The Canon MPA 600 Super Aligner, a widely used piece of equipment in semiconductor fabs, often lacks the native SECS/GEM capabilities required for seamless integration into contemporary manufacturing systems. Enter EIGEMBox, a patented, plug-and-play solution that brings SECS/GEM compliance to legacy equipment without the need for extensive hardware or software installations.

In this blog, we will explore the benefits of using EIGEMBox to enable SECS/GEM on the Canon MPA 600 Super Aligner and how this can revolutionize your manufacturing process.

What is SECS/GEM?

SECS/GEM (SEMI Equipment Communications Standard/Generic Equipment Model) is a set of protocols developed by SEMI (Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International) to standardize communication between semiconductor manufacturing equipment and host systems. These protocols are critical for enabling automation, real-time data collection, and equipment control, which are essential for the efficiency and productivity of modern semiconductor fabs.

The Importance of SECS/GEM Compliance SECS/GEM compliance offers several significant benefits for semiconductor manufacturing: Automation: SECS/GEM protocols enable the automation of equipment operations, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing the risk of human error. This leads to higher throughput and more consistent production quality.

Data Collection and Analysis: SECS/GEM allows for real-time data collection from equipment, which can be analyzed to monitor performance, optimize processes, and predict maintenance needs. This data-driven approach helps in making informed decisions that improve overall efficiency.

Equipment Control: With SECS/GEM, equipment can be controlled remotely by the host system, allowing for better coordination and scheduling of manufacturing tasks. This ensures optimal utilization of resources and reduces downtime.

Interoperability: SECS/GEM provides a standardized communication framework, ensuring that equipment from different vendors can work together seamlessly. This interoperability is crucial for maintaining a cohesive and efficient manufacturing environment.

Challenges with Legacy Equipment

While SECS/GEM offers numerous advantages, many legacy equipment like the Canon MPA 600 Super Aligner lack native SECS/GEM capabilities. Upgrading these machines to meet modern standards can be a complex and costly process, often requiring significant hardware and software modifications. This is where EIGEMBox comes into play.

Introducing EIGEMBox

EIGEMBox is an innovative, patented solution designed to bring SECS/GEM capabilities to legacy equipment without the need for additional hardware or software installations. This plug-and-play device makes it easy to upgrade older machines, ensuring they can communicate effectively with modern control systems and integrate seamlessly into automated manufacturing environments.

Key Features of EIGEMBox

Plug-and-Play Convenience: EIGEMBox is designed for easy installation and operation. Simply connect the device to your legacy equipment, and it starts working immediately, without the need for extensive configuration or setup.

No Hardware or Software Installation Required: Unlike traditional SECS/GEM integration solutions that often require complex hardware and software installations, EIGEMBox eliminates these hassles. This makes it a cost-effective and time-saving solution for upgrading your equipment.

Patented Technology: EIGEMBox utilizes patented technology to ensure reliable and efficient communication between your legacy equipment and modern control systems. This guarantees seamless integration and improved operational efficiency.

Enhanced Data Exchange: With EIGEMBox, your legacy equipment can exchange data in real-time with control systems, enabling better monitoring, analysis, and optimization of manufacturing processes.

Benefits of Using EIGEMBox with Canon MPA 600 Super Aligner

Upgrading the Canon MPA 600 Super Aligner with EIGEMBox offers several significant benefits:

Extended Equipment Life: By enabling SECS/GEM compliance, EIGEMBox extends the operational life of the Canon MPA 600 Super Aligner, allowing you to maximize your investment in this equipment.

Improved Efficiency: Enhanced communication and control capabilities lead to better coordination of manufacturing tasks, increased throughput, and reduced downtime. This results in the overall improved efficiency of your manufacturing process.

Cost Savings: EIGEMBox eliminates the need for costly hardware and software upgrades, providing a more affordable solution for integrating SECS/GEM protocols into your manufacturing processes.

Seamless Integration: EIGEMBox ensures that your Canon MPA 600 Super Aligner can communicate effectively with modern control systems, enabling a smoother and more efficient manufacturing operation.

Case Study: Successful Integration of EIGEMBox with Canon MPA 600 Super Aligner

One of our clients, a leading semiconductor manufacturer, faced challenges in integrating SECS/GEM protocols into their Canon MPA 600 Super Aligner. After implementing EIGEMBox, they experienced a significant improvement in production efficiency. The plug-and-play nature of EIGEMBox allowed for a quick and hassle-free integration process, resulting in a 20% increase in equipment utilization and a 15% reduction in downtime. The client was able to extend the life of their existing equipment while achieving substantial cost savings. How to Get Started with EIGEMBox Ready to revolutionize your semiconductor manufacturing processes with EIGEMBox? Here’s how you can get started:

Contact Us: Reach out to our team for a consultation. We’ll assess your current equipment and provide tailored recommendations for integrating EIGEMBox into your manufacturing environment.

Easy Installation: Once you’ve decided to move forward, our team will guide you through the simple installation process. No need for extensive configuration or setup – just plug it in and start reaping the benefits.

Ongoing Support: Our commitment to your success doesn’t end with installation. We offer comprehensive support to ensure that your EIGEMBox operates seamlessly and delivers the desired improvements in efficiency and productivity.

Contact Us Today! Don’t let outdated equipment hold back your semiconductor manufacturing operations. With EIGEMBox, you can achieve modern communication and control capabilities without the need for costly hardware or software installations. Contact us today to learn more about how EIGEMBox can transform your Canon MPA 600 Super Aligner and drive your manufacturing processes forward.

[powersafeautomation]

The Crucial Role of Stop Time Distance Meters in Ensuring Machine Safety and Efficiency

Stop time distance meters play a pivotal role in determining a machine’s stop time, thereby contributing significantly to the safety and efficiency of industrial operations. These meters offer accurate and reliable results, making them indispensable tools in various industrial settings. Value and Importance Investing in stop time distance meters is of paramount importance for businesses…

[globosetechnologysolution]

Simplifying OCR Data Collection: A Comprehensive Guide -

Globose Technology Solutions, we are committed to providing state-of-the-art OCR solutions to meet the specific needs of our customers. Contact us today to learn more about how OCR can transform your data collection workflow.

[deepikadpblog]

Mastering Efficiency: Navigating the power of Workflow Form Generator

In today's fast-paced business environment, efficiency and productivity are key to success. Workflow generators play a pivotal role in achieving these goals by streamlining, managing, and automating complex tasks and processes. Acting as digital assistants, these tools help organizations create, organize, and execute tasks seamlessly. 

This blog article explores the transformative capabilities of workflow generators, highlighting their importance in simplifying workflows, ensuring consistency, fostering collaboration, adapting to scalability, enforcing compliance, and providing visibility into processes. The article also outlines the step-by-step process of creating forms using a workflow generator, emphasizing the significance of both custom and predefined forms. 

Ultimately, workflow form generator is presented as a strategic imperative for organizations seeking to excel in today's dynamic business landscape.

Read more Agami blogs

Start Your Agami Journey: Schedule Today!

#Workflow generators #WorkflowFormGenerator #Efficiency and productivity #Streamlining processes #Task automation #Simplifying workflows #Custom forms #Predefined forms #Task creation #Drag-and-drop interface #Task management #Data collection #Competitive advantage #Scalability #AgamiTechnologies 

[retailor]

Website : https://www.retailor.az

Address : Binəqədi, Azerbaijan

Retailor LLC specializes in Retail Audit, Retail Census, and Team Outsourcing services across Central Asia and the Caucasus. With over 15 years of experience in FMCG and Project Management, and 10 years in Retail Audit management, Retailor stands out for its in-depth knowledge of the retail market and advanced data collection and reporting tools. The company is committed to connecting retail execution with strategy, ensuring reliable and actionable data for partners like Coca-Cola, Unilever, and Colgate-Palmolive.

Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/company/retailor-llc/

Keywords: project management in retail retail business intelligence retail market research retail technology solutions retail market analysis retail strategy consulting retail execution management retail business operations retail audit services retail census solutions team outsourcing for retail retail strategy implementation fmcg market insights advanced retail data collection retail reporting technology retail execution optimization retail data accuracy retail partner support retail market efficiency retail audit management comprehensive retail audits data driven retail insights outsourced retail team expertise retail strategy implementation solutions cutting edge fmcg market analysis efficient project management in retail innovations in retail data collection technology driven retail reporting optimizing retail execution strategies data accuracy in retail analytics partner support for retail success enhancing retail market efficiency tailored retail technology solutions streamlined retail business operations effective retail audit management strategic retail consulting services in depth retail market research business intelligence for retail success proactive retail execution management retail audit and analysis strategic insights for retail growth professional retail team outsourcing retail strategy implementation tactics comprehensive fmcg market insights proven project management in retail cutting edge retail data solutions optimal retail execution strategies accuracy in retail data analytics partner support for retail excellence streamlining retail market efficiency efficient retail business operations expert retail audit management targeted retail audit and analysis

[nnctales]

Construction Automation: Types, Benefits and Future Outlook

Introduction In recent years, the construction industry has lagged behind manufacturing in adopting automation technologies. However, the current landscape presents an opportune moment for change. The construction sector’s trajectory towards a digital transformation is now marked by the increasing integration of automated technologies. From streamlining digital design and analysis processes to…

[electronalytics]

Battery-operated Remote Terminal Units Market Research, Size, Share, Analysis, Overview and Regional Outlook Study 2017 – 2032

The market for Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) that are battery-operated allows them to function in isolated or off-grid regions where access to a reliable power supply is restricted. RTUs are electronic devices used to monitor and manage remote equipment and processes in many different industries, such as oil and gas, water and wastewater management, power distribution, and telecommunications. Here is a summary of the market for battery-operated RTUs, including information on demand:

Market Overview: Due to a number of circumstances, the market for battery-operated RTUs has been expanding. The need for battery-operated RTUs has been fueled by the necessity for remote monitoring and control capabilities in various industries, particularly in places with weak power infrastructure. These devices enable efficient monitoring and control of remote assets without the requirement for a continual external power source thanks to their dependable and autonomous operation.

Demand Drivers:

1. Real-time monitoring and control of assets: situated in remote or isolating locations are necessary in many businesses. Without the requirement for a sizable power infrastructure or reliance on cable connections, battery-operated RTUs allow for effective data gathering, monitoring, and control of these assets.

2. Applications Off-Grid: In off-grid applications where access to a dependable power supply is restricted or nonexistent, battery-operated RTUs are widely used. Examples include remote water pumping stations in rural areas, environmental monitoring stations, remote weather monitoring stations, and remote oil and gas wellheads.

3. Emergency and Temporary Installations: Whereas immediate deployment is necessary, battery-powered RTUs are also used in emergency and temporary installations. When catastrophe recovery, building projects, or temporary infrastructure installations are taking place, these machines can instantly provide remote monitoring and control capabilities.

4. Environmental Monitoring: Data collection from remote weather stations, air quality sensors, and water quality sensors are all important aspects of environmental monitoring that battery-operated RTUs play a key role in. Continuous monitoring is made possible in remote or environmentally delicate locations by these equipment.

5. IoT Connectivity: The need for battery-operated RTUs has increased as the Internet of Things (IoT) is becoming more widely used in a variety of businesses. These devices are essential parts of IoT networks because they provide seamless data transmission, communication, and control between remote assets and central management systems.

Here are some of the key benefits for Stakeholders:

Remote Monitoring and Control

Flexibility and Mobility

Cost-Effective Deployment

Resilience to Power Outages

Integration with IoT and Smart Grids

Increased Data Accessibility

Environmental Monitoring and Compliance

Rapid Deployment for Emergency Response

Redundancy and Reliability

Scalability and Future-Proofing

We recommend referring our Stringent datalytics firm, industry publications, and websites that specialize in providing market reports. These sources often offer comprehensive analysis, market trends, growth forecasts, competitive landscape, and other valuable insights into this market.

By visiting our website or contacting us directly, you can explore the availability of specific reports related to this market. These reports often require a purchase or subscription, but we provide comprehensive and in-depth information that can be valuable for businesses, investors, and individuals interested in this market.

“Remember to look for recent reports to ensure you have the most current and relevant information.”

Click Here, To Get Free Sample Report: https://stringentdatalytics.com/sample-request/battery-operated-remote-terminal-units-market/10333/

Market Segmentations:

Global Battery-operated Remote Terminal Units Market: By Company • SIEMENS • SENECA • Omniflex • King Pigeon Communication Co.,Limited • Servelec Group • TEKBOX • Micro Sensor Co., Ltd. • Hitachi Group • Remsdaq Ltd Global Battery-operated Remote Terminal Units Market: By Type • GPRS • GSM • Modular • Others Global Battery-operated Remote Terminal Units Market: By Application • Power Industry • Government and Utilities • Industrial Global Battery-operated Remote Terminal Units Market: Regional Analysis The regional analysis of the global Battery-operated Remote Terminal Units market provides insights into the market's performance across different regions of the world. The analysis is based on recent and future trends and includes market forecast for the prediction period. The countries covered in the regional analysis of the Battery-operated Remote Terminal Units market report are as follows: North America: The North America region includes the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The U.S. is the largest market for Battery-operated Remote Terminal Units in this region, followed by Canada and Mexico. The market growth in this region is primarily driven by the presence of key market players and the increasing demand for the product. Europe: The Europe region includes Germany, France, U.K., Russia, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, and Rest of Europe. Germany is the largest market for Battery-operated Remote Terminal Units in this region, followed by the U.K. and France. The market growth in this region is driven by the increasing demand for the product in the automotive and aerospace sectors. Asia-Pacific: TheAsia-Pacific region includes Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, China, Japan, India, South Korea, and Rest of Asia-Pacific. China is the largest market for Battery-operated Remote Terminal Units in this region, followed by Japan and India. The market growth in this region is driven by the increasing adoption of the product in various end-use industries, such as automotive, aerospace, and construction. Middle East and Africa: The Middle East and Africa region includes Saudi Arabia, U.A.E, South Africa, Egypt, Israel, and Rest of Middle East and Africa. The market growth in this region is driven by the increasing demand for the product in the aerospace and defense sectors. South America: The South America region includes Argentina, Brazil, and Rest of South America. Brazil is the largest market for Battery-operated Remote Terminal Units in this region, followed by Argentina. The market growth in this region is primarily driven by the increasing demand for the product in the automotive sector.

Visit Report Page for More Details: https://stringentdatalytics.com/reports/battery-operated-remote-terminal-units-market/10333/

Reasons to Purchase Battery-operated Remote Terminal Units Market Report:

• To obtain insights into industry trends and dynamics, including market size, growth rates, and important factors and difficulties. This study offers insightful information on these topics.

• To identify important participants and rivals: This research studies can assist companies in identifying key participants and rivals in their sector, along with their market share, business plans, and strengths and weaknesses.

• To comprehend consumer behaviour: these research studies can offer insightful information about customer behaviour, including preferences, spending patterns, and demographics.

• To assess market opportunities: These research studies can aid companies in assessing market chances, such as prospective new goods or services, fresh markets, and new trends.

In general, market research studies offer companies and organisations useful data that can aid in making decisions and maintaining competitiveness in their industry. They can offer a strong basis for decision-making, strategy formulation, and company planning.

About US:

Stringent Datalytics offers both custom and syndicated market research reports. Custom market research reports are tailored to a specific client's needs and requirements. These reports provide unique insights into a particular industry or market segment and can help businesses make informed decisions about their strategies and operations.

Syndicated market research reports, on the other hand, are pre-existing reports that are available for purchase by multiple clients. These reports are often produced on a regular basis, such as annually or quarterly, and cover a broad range of industries and market segments. Syndicated reports provide clients with insights into industry trends, market sizes, and competitive landscapes. By offering both custom and syndicated reports, Stringent Datalytics can provide clients with a range of market research solutions that can be customized to their specific needs

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[heritageposts]

The Grayzone has obtained slides from a confidential Israel lobby presentation based on data from Republican pollster Frank Luntz. They contain talking points for politicians and public figures seeking to justify Israel’s assault on the Gaza Strip. Two prominent pro-Israel lobby groups are holding private briefings in New York City to coach elected officials and well-known figures on how to influence public opinion in favor of the Israeli military’s rampage in Gaza, The Grayzone can reveal. These PR sessions, convened by the UJA-Federation and Jewish Community Relations Council, rely on data collected by Frank Luntz, a veteran Republican pollster and pundit. [...] The Luntz-tested presentations on the war in Gaza urge politicians to avoid trumpeting America’s supposedly shared democratic values with Israel, and focus instead on deploying “The Language of War with Hamas.” According to this framing, they must deploy incendiary language painting Hamas as a “brutal and savage…organization of hate” which has “raped women,” while insisting Israel is engaged in “a war for humanity.” [...] Luntz’s Gaza war presentation puts his poll-tested tactics back in the Israel lobby’s hands, urging pro-Israel public figures to stay on the attack with incendiary language and shocking allegations against their enemies. In one focus group, Luntz asked participants to state which alleged act by Hamas on October 7 “bothers you more.” After being presented with a laundry list of alleged atrocities, a majority declared that they were most upset by the claim that Hamas “raped civilians” – 19 percent more than those who expressed outrage that Hamas supposedly “exterminated civilians.” Data like this apparently influenced the Israeli government to launch an obsessive but still unsuccessful campaign to prove that Hamas carried out sexual assault on a systematic basis on October 7. Initiated at Israel’s United Nations mission in December 2023 with speeches by neoliberal tech oligarch Sheryl Sandberg and former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, a recipient of hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations and speaking fees from Israel lobby organizations, Tel Aviv’s propaganda blitz has yet to produce a single self-identified victim of sexual assault by Hamas. A March 5 report by UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence Pramila Patten did not contain one direct testimony of sexual assault on October 7. What’s more, Patten’s team said they found “no digital evidence specifically depicting acts of sexual violence.”

They also advice to use different language for Democrat and Republican voters, which inadvertently provides one of the most succinct explanation of the difference between the two genocidal parties that I've ever come across:

To make their arguments stick, Luntz recommends pro-Israel forces avoid the exterminationist language favored by Israeli officials who have called, for example, to “erase” the population of Gaza, and to instead advocate for “an efficient, effective approach” to eliminating Hamas. At the same time, veteran pollster acknowledges that Republican voters prefer phrases which imply maximalist violence, like “eradicate” and “obliterate,” while sanitized terms like “neutralize” appeal more to Democrats. Republican presidential candidates Nikki Haley and Donald Trump have showcased similar focus-grouped rhetoric with their calls to “finish them” and “finish the problem” in Gaza.

One of the slides, illustrating what language to use:

There are several more slides in the article. I recommend reading the whole thing, start to finish. One more thing I'd like to highlight though:

Luntz acknowledges Israel’s mounting PR problems in a slide identifying the most powerful tactics employed by Palestine solidarity activists. “Israelis attacking Israel is the second most potent weapon against Israel,” the visual display reads beside a photo of a protest by Jewish Voices for Peace, a US-based Jewish organization dedicated to ending Israel’s occupation of Palestine. “The most potent” tactic in mobilizing opposition to Israel’s assault on Gaza, according to Luntz, “is the visual destruction of Gaza and the human toll.” The slide inadvertently acknowledges the cruelty of Israel’s bombardment of Gaza, displaying a bombed out apartment building with clearly anguished women and children fleeing in the foreground. But Luntz assures his audience, “It ‘looks like a genocide’ even though the damage has nothing to do with the definition.” According to this logic, the American public can become more tolerant of copiously documented crimes against humanity if they are simply told not to believe their lying eyes.

. . . full article on GZ (6 Mar 2024)

[carriondell]

mechanic reader who fawns over boothill's machine body with torrents of praise worthy of the sappiest romance novels—but doesn't even consider the man attached to all those gorgeous wires and fine pistons and elegant hydrolics and ooh, what an efficient system of dynamic pseudo-muscle memory!! you're so honoured to work with this beauty, to innovate upon it, even!

boothill, meanwhile, is fighting for his life to be acknowledged.

exhibit A:

he's laying on a metal slab in your lab, half of his chest popped open, your fingers fiddling inside with the tubes that feed into a fuel tank. you acquired top-grade Neutrinoil(TM) and you simply HAD to deep-clean and upgrade his plumbing. so he has to watch and bear it while you're straddling him, hands in his guts, cooing about how perfectly efficient he's about to be, how much energy he'll have, how that "awesome new engine's gonna exploit every last drop, not an inkling wasted, and this beautiful machine will run for ages."

"if ya like it so much, why not drop by my ship later? i could show ya a trick or two. put that new energy to use."

you perk up with excitement, and for a glimmering instant he thinks he's got it in the bag, until you gleefully announce, "oh, no, let's do it in my workshop! i'll hook you up to the scanners first, i must collect as much data as possible!! wait, is it a physical trick or should i also plug in the peri-mental data receptors?"

[reasonsforhope]

"When a severe water shortage hit the Indian city of Kozhikode in the state of Kerala, a group of engineers turned to science fiction to keep the taps running.

Like everyone else in the city, engineering student Swapnil Shrivastav received a ration of two buckets of water a day collected from India’s arsenal of small water towers.

It was a ‘watershed’ moment for Shrivastav, who according to the BBC had won a student competition four years earlier on the subject of tackling water scarcity, and armed with a hypothetical template from the original Star Wars films, Shrivastav and two partners set to work harvesting water from the humid air.

“One element of inspiration was from Star Wars where there’s an air-to-water device. I thought why don’t we give it a try? It was more of a curiosity project,” he told the BBC.

According to ‘Wookiepedia’ a ‘moisture vaporator’ is a device used on moisture farms to capture water from a dry planet’s atmosphere, like Tatooine, where protagonist Luke Skywalker grew up.

This fictional device functions according to Star Wars lore by coaxing moisture from the air by means of refrigerated condensers, which generate low-energy ionization fields. Captured water is then pumped or gravity-directed into a storage cistern that adjusts its pH levels. Vaporators are capable of collecting 1.5 liters of water per day.

Pictured: Moisture vaporators on the largely abandoned Star Wars film set of Mos Espa, in Tunisia

If science fiction authors could come up with the particulars of such a device, Shrivastav must have felt his had a good chance of succeeding. He and colleagues Govinda Balaji and Venkatesh Raja founded Uravu Labs, a Bangalore-based startup in 2019.

Their initial offering is a machine that converts air to water using a liquid desiccant. Absorbing moisture from the air, sunlight or renewable energy heats the desiccant to around 100°F which releases the captured moisture into a chamber where it’s condensed into drinking water.

The whole process takes 12 hours but can produce a staggering 2,000 liters, or about 500 gallons of drinking-quality water per day. [Note: that IS staggering! That's huge!!] Uravu has since had to adjust course due to the cost of manufacturing and running the machines—it’s just too high for civic use with current materials technology.

“We had to shift to commercial consumption applications as they were ready to pay us and it’s a sustainability driver for them,” Shrivastav explained. This pivot has so far been enough to keep the start-up afloat, and they produce water for 40 different hospitality clients.

Looking ahead, Shrivastav, Raja, and Balaji are planning to investigate whether the desiccant can be made more efficient; can it work at a lower temperature to reduce running costs, or is there another material altogether that might prove more cost-effective?

They’re also looking at running their device attached to data centers in a pilot project that would see them utilize the waste heat coming off the centers to heat the desiccant."

-via Good News Network, May 30, 2024

[jcmarchi]

How Much Do People Trust AI in 2024?

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/how-much-do-people-trust-ai-in-2024/

How Much Do People Trust AI in 2024?

As artificial intelligence permeates various aspects of people’s lives, understanding their trust in technology becomes increasingly vital. Despite its potential to revolutionize industries and improve daily life, AI comes with a mix of fascination and skepticism. Knowing how the public generally feels about it and how these perceptions may change with use can allow others to understand the state of AI trust and its future implications.

How Aware Are People of AI?

The general public’s awareness and understanding of AI influences their trust in this technology. Recent surveys show 90% of Americans know a little about AI and have some knowledge about what it does. However, some have a deeper understanding and are well-versed in AI and its various applications.

This partial awareness leads to familiarity and confusion. While 30% of Americans can correctly identify AI’s most common applications, a significant portion still has misconceptions. One of the most prevalent is errors and biases.

Many people do not fully realize that when AI tools make mistakes, the fault often lies on the developers who created the system or the data the model was trained on, rather than AI itself. This misunderstanding further strengthens the trust issues surrounding AI.

For example, Google Gemini faced criticism for inaccurately depicting historical figures. This was a downfall of its training data, creating an unreliable, biased machine. Despite the high level of general awareness, the trust gap remains high due to these misunderstandings and the visibility of AI’s failures.

The General Perception of AI

The public’s view of AI varies widely. Globally, 35% reject the growing use of it. In the U.S., the rejection rate is stronger, with 50% of citizens expressing opposition to its expanding role in society.

Trust in AI companies has also significantly declined over the years. In 2019, half of U.S. citizens held a neutral stance toward such brands. However, recent surveys show this trust has dwindled to only 35%. Most of their uneasiness about AI enterprises stems from the fast-paced growth of their products.

People’s fears grow toward these innovations because of how intelligent they have become within the last few years. So, with these tools expanding greatly, the public believes their rapid deployment leaves zero room for adequate management.

In fact, 43% of the global population agrees that AI businesses poorly manage it. Yet, if the government heavily regulated it, more people would be willing to accept this innovation. They would also feel more positive about AI if they could see the benefits to society and understand it better. Providing a clearer understanding would help the public’s perception of its operations.

Additionally, thorough testing is a critical factor in gaining public trust. Citizens want to see firms rigorously test AI applications to ensure reliability and safety. Moreover, there is a strong demand for government oversight to guarantee that AI technologies meet safety and ethical standards. Such measures could greatly improve the public’s confidence in AI and create a general acceptance of its use.

The Trust of AI Across Various Sectors

According to a Pew Research survey, trust in AI varies widely across sectors, with perceived impacts within each field.

1. Workplaces

AI’s role in hiring processes is a major concern for many in the workplace. Approximately 70% of Americans oppose companies using it to make final hiring decisions. This is typically due to fears of bias and a lack of human judgment. Additionally, 41% of U.S. adults reject its use to review applications due to concerns about fairness, transparency and potential algorithmic errors.

2. Health Care

For health care, peoples’ trust in AI has a notable division. At least 60% of the U.S. population would feel uncomfortable with their health care provider relying on it for medical care. This discomfort likely stems from concerns about technology’s ability to make medical decisions and the potential for errors.

However, 38% of the population agree it would improve patient health outcomes. This group recognizes the potential benefits of AI in enhancing diagnostic accuracy and personalized treatment plans. They also realize that it could improve overall efficiency in health care delivery.

3. Government

Sixty-seven percent of Americans believe the government will not do enough to regulate AI use. This lack of confidence in oversight is a critical barrier to public trust, as many fear insufficient regulation could lead to misuse, privacy violations and unaddressed ethical issues.

4. Law Enforcement

The public’s sentiment shows growing concern about the adoption of these technologies. According to Ipsos’s research, about 67% of American citizens worry about the police and law enforcement misusing AI. This apprehension is likely due to the potential use for privacy invasion and the fear of overall implications for civil liberties.

5. Retail

In the retail sector, the mention of AI in products has a noticeable impact on consumer trust. When highlights of AI are in product descriptions, emotional trust tends to decrease. As such, consumers are less likely to make a purchase decision.

How the Public Perceives AI After Using It

AI usage has become a reality for many Americans, with 27% of U.S. adults using it several times daily. Some of the most common forms of use include virtual assistants and image generation, but text generation and chatbots top the list. In a survey conducted by YouGov, 23% stated they use generative AI like ChatGPT, and 22% cited using chatbots regularly.

Despite growing concerns about AI’s future implications, the same survey found 31% of Americans believe it is making their lives easier. Another 46% of adults under 45 say it improves their quality of life. However, the increased use of these technologies increases apprehensions.

In the Ipsos survey, one in three people uses some variation of AI regularly, with 57% expecting it to do even more in the future. Despite finding these tools easy to use, 58% of respondents feel more concerned than excited after using them more frequently.

Earning their trust takes time, most of which involves educational and transparent approaches from companies that source AI tools. More people will be willing to trust them over time when responsible integration occurs.

Where Does the Distrust of AI Come From?

A large source of distrust in AI stems from fears that it could become more intelligent than humans. Many Americans worry its advancement could lead to the end of humanity, driven by the idea that superintelligent AI may act in ways detrimental to human existence. This existential fear is a powerful driver of skepticism and resistance toward these technologies.

Another major factor contributing to distrust is the potential for AI to make unethical or biased decisions. The public is wary of these systems stimulating societal biases, leading to unfair outcomes, especially in politics.

People also worry AI will diminish the human element in various settings, such as workplaces and customer service. The impersonal side of machine-based interactions can be unsettling. Therefore, it leads to a greater preference for human involvement, where empathy and deep understanding are crucial. 

Meanwhile, others have a greater concern regarding AI and data collection. Nearly 60% of consumers worldwide think AI in data processing is a huge threat to their privacy. The potential for misuse of personal information raises alarms about surveillance, data breaches and the erosion of privacy.

Regardless of these fears, there are pathways to building trust in AI. People can become more open to it when they see a commitment to privacy protection. Additionally, conducting further studies on its societal impact and openly communicating these findings can bridge the trust gap. When the public see a genuine effort to address these concerns, they are more willing to believe AI can do good in the world.

Building a Trustworthy AI Future

Generating trust in AI is complex and multifaceted. While many recognize its potential benefits, fears about ethical issues, loss of human interactions and privacy threats remain prevalent. Addressing these concerns through rigorous testing and transparent regulation is essential. By prioritizing accountability and public education, tech brands can build trust and a future where society views AI as a beneficial tool.

[batboyblog]

Things the Biden-Harris Administration Did This Week #28

July 19-26 2024

The EPA announced the award of $4.3 billion in Climate Pollution Reduction Grants. The grants support community-driven solutions to fight climate change, and accelerate America’s clean energy transition. The grants will go to 25 projects across 30 states, and one tribal community. When combined the projects will reduce greenhouse gas pollution by as much as 971 million metric tons of CO2, roughly the output of 5 million American homes over 25 years. Major projects include $396 million for Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection as it tries to curb greenhouse gas emissions from industrial production, and $500 million for transportation and freight decarbonization at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

The Biden-Harris Administration announced a plan to phase out the federal government's use of single use plastics. The plan calls for the federal government to stop using single use plastics in food service operations, events, and packaging by 2027, and from all federal operations by 2035. The US government is the single largest employer in the country and the world’s largest purchaser of goods and services. Its move away from plastics will redefine the global market.

The White House hosted a summit on super pollutants with the goals of better measuring them and dramatically reducing them. Roughly half of today's climate change is caused by so called super pollutants, methane, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and nitrous oxide (N2O). Public-private partnerships between NOAA and United Airlines, The State Department and NASA, and the non-profit Carbon Mapper Coalition will all help collect important data on these pollutants. While private firms announced with the White House plans that by early next year will reduce overall U.S. industrial emissions of nitrous oxide by over 50% from 2020 numbers. The summit also highlighted the EPA's new rule to reduce methane from oil and gas by 80%.

The EPA announced $325 million in grants for climate justice. The Community Change Grants Program, powered by President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act will ultimately bring $2 billion dollars to disadvantaged communities and help them combat climate change. Some of the projects funded in this first round of grant were: $20 million for Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association, which will help weatherize and energy efficiency upgrade homes for 35 tribes in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, $14 million to install onsite wastewater treatment systems throughout 17 Black Belt counties in Alabama, and $14 million to urban forestry, expanding tree canopy in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

The Department of Interior approved 3 new solar projects on public land. The 3 projects, two in Nevada and one in Arizona, once finished could generate enough to power 2 million homes. This comes on top of DoI already having beaten its goal of 25 gigawatts of clean energy projects by the end of 2025, in April 2024. This is all part of President Biden’s goal of creating a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035. 

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen pledged $667 million to global Pandemic Fund. The fund set up in 2022 seeks to support Pandemic prevention, and readiness in low income nations who can't do it on their own. At the G20 meeting Yellen pushed other nations of the 20 largest economies to double their pledges to the $2 billion dollar fund. Yellen highlighted the importance of the fund by saying "President Biden and I believe that a fully-resourced Pandemic Fund will enable us to better prevent, prepare for, and respond to pandemics – protecting Americans and people around the world from the devastating human and economic costs of infectious disease threats,"

The Departments of the Interior and Commerce today announced a $240 million investment in tribal fisheries in the Pacific Northwest. This is in line with an Executive Order President Biden signed in 2023 during the White House Tribal Nations Summit to mpower Tribal sovereignty and self-determination. An initial $54 million for hatchery maintenance and modernization will be made available for 27 tribes in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. The rest will be invested in longer term fishery projects in the coming years.

The IRS announced that thanks to funding from President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, it'll be able to digitize much of its operations. This means tax payers will be able to retrieve all their tax related information from one source, including Wage & Income, Account, Record of Account, and Return transcripts, using on-line Individual Online Account.

The IRS also announced that New Jersey will be joining the direct file program in 2025. The direct file program ran as a pilot in 12 states in 2024, allowing tax-payers in those states to file simple tax returns using a free online filing tool directly with the IRS. In 2024 140,000 Americans were able to file this way, they collectively saved $5.6 million in tax preparation fees, claiming $90 million in returns. The average American spends $270 and 13 hours filing their taxes. More than a million people in New Jersey alone will qualify for direct file next year. Oregon opted to join last month. Republicans in Congress lead by Congressmen Adrian Smith of Nebraska and Chuck Edwards of North Carolina have put forward legislation to do away with direct file.

Bonus: American law enforcement arrested co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel, Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada. El Mayo co-founded the cartel in the 1980s along side Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán. Since El Chapo's incarceration in the United States in 2019, El Mayo has been sole head of the Sinaloa Cartel. Authorities also arrested El Chapo's son, Joaquin Guzman Lopez. The Sinaloa Cartel has been a major player in the cross border drug trade, and has often used extreme violence to further their aims.

[relto]

anyway i just saw a post w a series of twt screenshots where the person talks about how much info google collected about him, and by extension, on every user. aside from the privacy disaster that is, im reminded of how sometimes youre told to delete emails you no longer need, bc they take up server space = every email consumes some amount of power. how much power is essentially wasted, for this? massive amounts of data thats intended solely for targeted advertising??

[apas-95]

What criticisms do you have of direct democracy? Assuming it’s communist, as well as having laws about what can and can’t be voted on such as “no killing/disenfranchising the (blank) people” and “no voting for capitalism” (the actual laws would be longer but I don’t want to write a long paragraph about how you’re not allowed to vote for fascism in a fake direct democratic society)

While it's fine in the abstract, in practice it's exceedingly slow and inefficient - being a political representative in a council is a full-time job, and if every single decision made is subject to the popular vote, then both 1) polling itself takes considerably longer; and 2) the necessary amount of education and discussion needed to be carried out prior to a proper vote is much larger: rather than simply summarising the issue and presenting key facts to council members, a massive public education campaign now has to be carried out every time a new, say, regulatory standard for storm drains, is decided upon.

Which leads us into the other main criticism - in practice, people don't *want* to have to deliberate and vote on canal works every day. Either voting is mandatory, in which caee annoyed, disinterested voters are just randomly choosing without much thought; or voting is optional, and the vast majority of people aren't actually being represented in any given issue, because it's solely decided by whichever segment are motivated enough to get a campaign going. Here, delegating the business of understanding and making decisions on random organisational matters *does* genuinely lead to a more representative and democratic outcome.

Fundamentally, what we're talking about is division of labour - a factory is more efficient when each worker doesn't have to make a complete product by themselves. Bureaucratic and administrative work *is* still work, regardless of its political character. Again to bring up division of labour, in industrial society the operation of a single factory relies upon the co-operation of electrical substations next-door, power plants the next town over, logistics offices in the provincial capital, resources developed and extracted on the other side of the country, and the entire nation's collaboration on a unified economic plan; it is something that can only really be directed by a central authority that can collect and collate massive amounts of data to produce new courses of action - to try to operate such a body based entirely on direct democracy is, beyond any other considerations, both impractical and undesirable.

This is not to say there doesn't exist great political drive and passion among the masses, nor that they have no interest in the political process and their representation - but not everyone actually applies to be a council delegate during elections, because most people are fine with the council work itself being handled by a trusted representative.

In practice, the way communists have managed these matters is democratic centralis' - here are a few graphics explaining how representative democracy is carried out on the local level in China, as an example: