#static charge removal systems

[jammed-out]

Just Upload Them

“Do you have the hours from yesterday’s meeting? I need a fresh download of them.”

You nodded and brushed down the hem of your bright pink dress. "Yes ma'am. I have them all recorded, just as you asked me to." You tapped your head, the metal of your finger banging against your metal headpiece, the chime ringing throughout the small office.

"Perfect. Then shut the door and turn on the privacy filter. You know I don't like to be disturbed while I do this."

You nodded and quickly shut the door, flicking the switch next to the light switch, the glass pane windows immediately fogging up growing dark. You slid the knob on the lights, turning them down, leaving little light in the room. Your fluorescent pink hair cast a soft glow around you, while your boss's short blonde hair cast a halo of light around her head.

She pushed out from behind her desk standing up. She immediately began to undo her suit jacket, sliding it off of her toned arms before tossing it onto the desk. She began to undo the buttons on her blouse. Following suit, she tossed it onto her jacket, standing there in just her bra.

You swallowed dryly, your lubrication systems freezing up as she crossed the room. She towered above you, her digital screen for a face looking down at you. Even though she was an older model, she was designed to be in charge with her larger frame and intimidating presence. The metal of your cheeks grew warm, embarrassed.

"I do not have time to wait today. Undress already so that I may connect to your ports." She reached towards the back of her neck. You could hear her slide the port panel up. Her hand came back with a multipronged cord, designed for interfacing. It was an older model, but once you started working for her, she had you retrofitted for use. Her use.

You quickly undid the strap on the back of your dress letting it fall to the floor. You stood there in only a small pair of underpants, your growing erection already painfully visible in them. You tried to cover yourself up, one arm crossing over your small breasts, the other covering the noticeable bulge.

Your boss gripped your shoulder spinning you around, your back to her. One hand slid up the back of your neck, pushing your long hair aside to reveal your open ports. She slipped the first plug in, sound suddenly going deaf in your ears. The second slipped in, your vision going dark as your eyes blacked out. She teased the third one around the port, static crackling off of it against your vulnerable slot. You whimpered softly, your hair glowing brighter.

She thrust in the port and immediately you felt your body slip backwards, control of your systems slipping into her hands. You felt yourself push down your underwear, your cock flopping freely in the air.

Suddenly you could see the meeting from yesterday. Instead of standing like you were off in the corner, you were standing up on the table, everyone's eyes on you. You boss looked up from where she sat at the head of the table, hand between her legs, buried beneath her skirt.

Touch yourself.

You could feel your hand wrap around your cock, you looked down at your boss from where you stood. The meeting continued around you as you stood there, pleasuring yourself on the table for everyone to look at. You couldn't feel the sensation, she was removing your pleasure, instead feeding you hers. You could feel her fingers stroking over her folds, lubricant leaking out. The screen of her face showing a pair of bright eyes and a wide smirk.

Both hands.

Your other hand wrapped around, pressing between your metallic ass cheeks, probing at your charging port. She smirked, letting you feel that. You felt your finger circle the port, electricity bouncing off the walls, running around them as you did. She pared the sensation with that of her own two fingers probing into her slit. You could feel the lubricant leak out of her.

It was getting harder to remember where you began and where she ended. That was what she wanted. You remembered being clothed in the meeting, this was all just a construct, here altering your memories, installing new subroutines, new files into your mind. You couldn't argue anymore, letting her reprogram you a bit more each week.

You felt your boss cum, a wave of pleasure fed right into you. Your dick trembled, synthetic fluid leaking from it as you came with her. She didn't let you feel it. Instead taking all of the pleasure for herself.

You stood on the table of the boardroom, cum dripping from your cock as the meeting continued. She removed her fingers and inserted them into your mouth. You couldn't taste her juices, only clean her.

I'm going to reprogram you now.

You felt the first file shoot into your mind, quickly followed by another. You felt the wires in your head start to cross as everything went to static. You could feel the rhythmic thrust of a new file followed by a rush of pleasure as your fingers thrust deeper inside of your charging port, playing with the connector inside. That was all you could feel, was the sensation of your head filling up and an instant rush of pleasure, training you, reprogramming you.

You awoke dressed sitting at the base of your boss's chair, your hair a mess, your lips coated with lubricant. Your thighs were slick and she was saying something to you as she placed the cables back into her storage port. You felt sore, and really full. Your head felt heavy, but really good. You rubbed the back of your neck, your ports were really sensitive and tender. You absentmindedly stroked them listening to her talk to you.

You nodded. All you had to do was wait until you got home and reboot. Everything would make sense then. And in the morning you'd report to maintenance to get your new upgrades installed. After all, good bimbots should like serve their bosses.

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Hope you all enjoyed this one. I have a few more bot ideas, so expect some more in the near future. I hope you all enjoyed and remember to check out the new poll and vote for what you want to see next week!

[mayawakening]

I think I've finally decided how I want the bathroom on the Ghost to function!! So, canon layout of the Ghost has no bathroom, and questionable amenities, leaving most of that up to the imagination of the viewer. I think for the stories I write (and if anyone else likes it, feel free to use!) im going to have it as follows:

-Storage tank: The Ghost has a water reserve storage tank used for the sake of crew hydration and minimal galley use if necessary.

-Cleaning: Dishes are typically placed in a Waterless Sonic Vibration cabinet for cleaning, which disintegrates food particles. This then gets released at will into space during travel. Any food residue that cannot be shaken loose by the Sonic, get scrubbed by hand when convenient.

Instead of rinsing hands/objects in a sink (which is possible, I'll cover water in a second), messes are normally cleaned with rags and commercial long-storage wipes and cleaners that weigh less and take up less space than an additional water system would.

-Laundry: dirty laundry also gets stashed into a Waterless Sonic Cabinet that is more gentle than the one used for dishes. Ezra tried to use the Dish sonic for clothes once and it ended up tearing his shirt appart. Sabine does this intentionally to give fabric a 'distressed' look.

-Toilet: like the food particles in the dish sonic, waste is collected and offloaded or released into space when convenient.

-Trash: collected trash is also stored where room is available and offloaded when convenient. If done planetside, some spaceports charge a fee for trash removal.

-Shower: When in space, the crew uses another, larger Convertible Waterless Sonic to remove residue from themselves. Its works well, but its not terribly comfortable. Ezra tried to use it fully clothed once to 'save time'. This resulted in dirt particles getting trapped and rubbing between him and his clothes, giving him a series of painful static shocks. Zeb hates using it as it makes his fur feel wrong.

-Water!!: When on a planet with readily available water, the Ghost's water tank has a Y-shaped hose that can either be connected to a utility pipe, or just dropped into whatever random lake they find. The water passes through one half of the hose to a pipe that runs up along the engine to both heat the water and boil away bacteria before the crew drinks it.

The other side of the hose provides plain cold water for the Convertible Sonic. The pipes converge in a way that allows shower temperature control for a comfortably warm water-shower. This is when Sabine typically dyes her hair and she will fight anyone to the death to be the first one in. This is also when water is more readily available in the galley. Waste water drains back out of a seperate hose.

Before heading into space, and if they aren't being chased, they make sure everyone has a chance to have a water-shower and fill the crew-hydration tank.

They once were chased off of a planet by angry villagers after dropping the intake hose into an apparently 'sacred lake'. Zeb, who was the only one that got to use the shower before leaving, occasionally jokes about his 'holy baptism' and 'you know, on that one planet, I'm actually considered a priest'.

[sierrawitch]

Menstrual Magick: The Goddess Within

by autumn sierra

*This is an original article written for educational purposes. Please do not plagiarize this work. You may reference it as you like with proper accreditation to the author. The author reserves the right to remove this article if deemed appropriate.*

᚛ᚇᚏᚐᚔᚑᚉᚆᚈ ᚋᚓᚅᚄᚈᚏᚒᚐᚂ᚜

Table of Contents

Introduction

Anatomy & Physiology

Two Cycles

The Sacred Nature of the Infradian Rhythm

Healing Your Cycle: Negative Influences [EDCs, Reproductive Conditions]

Healing Your Cycle: Positive Change [Diet, Herbs & Seeds, Movement, Personal Care]

Menstrual Blood in Spells & Ritual

Resources

Citations

᚛ᚇᚏᚐᚔᚑᚉᚆᚈ ᚋᚓᚅᚄᚈᚏᚒᚐᚂ᚜

Introduction

   It’s become common in western culture—and perhaps in most cultures around the world—for women to hide their bleeding or feel shame surrounding their menstrual period. It’s so normalized, in fact, that most women will consult an OB/GYN for pain management or symptomatic aid and be given some form of contraception as a band-aid catchall. Regardless of what the underlying ailment may be, medical professionals aim to cover up the issue rather than digging deeper to heal the root cause.

   Because of this shame culture, women have been unable to embrace their cycles for generations upon generations; unable to harness the power of their natural rhythm in tune with earth and its own cycle. Not only have they lost that spiritual connection, but women of all ages are taught that menstruation inherently dooms women to a life of suffering, rather than being properly educated on the strengths of each phase of the cycle, as well as how to properly accommodate themselves at each phase.

    This article aims to re-empower women with educational information on the physiology of their cycles, how it relates to witchcraft, and how women can reconnect with the sacredness of their cycles without shame. It’s time for women to take their unique power back and truly reconnect with their rawest self.

Anatomy & Physiology

   To begin, let’s quickly review the anatomical make up of the female reproductive system as a refresher (surely high school health class was at least minutely thorough in this area). The organs and tissues directly involved in menstruation are located in the lower-abdominal and pelvic area of the body. These organs include:

ovaries

fallopian tubes

endometrium & uterus

cervix

vagina

Interestingly, what many women don’t realize is that there are various hormones involved in the physiology of the reproductive system as well. It’s easy to say “my hormones are so out of whack today!” without actually realizing if those hormones are truly out of sorts, or if they’re being actively combated by daily routine.

*Phases and how to accommodate them will be discussed later.

   It’s assumedly common knowledge that the main function of the menstrual period is to shed the uterine lining (endometrium) when a woman does not become pregnant within a given cycle. The main hormones in charge of this action are Estrogen (estradiol) and Progesterone.

*Additional hormones—Testosterone, LH and FSH—will be discussed later.

Take note of the intersecting lines near the end of this graph. This is a visual representation of hormone levels during menstruation. Progesterone—whose action is to prepare the endometrium for implantation of a fertilized egg—falls when a woman does not become pregnant. Similarly, Estrogen (estradiol)—whose action is to thicken the endometrium for implantation of a fertilized egg—also falls, signaling the shedding of the uterine lining [1]. It’s at this time that bleeding begins and typically lasts for 4-7 days until the cycle restarts again.

Two Cycles

   Up to this point, the words “cycle(s)” and “phase(s)” have been used quite a bit. But there hasn’t been any real depth of explanation as to what is meant by “phases” of a cycle, and what is meant by the title of this section. “Two cycles??” Yes. Contrary to their male counterparts who have only one static cycle, women have two biological cycles that are constantly shifting and changing. These cycles are known as:

Circadian Rhythm & Infradian Rhythm

   Circadian rhythm is one cycle with which most people are familiar. This rhythm is the one disrupted twice yearly for daylight savings time changes (if you are one of the 70 countries that participate). More plainly, it’s the shared daily cycle of waking and sleeping, and the hormonal changes during that 24 hour period. Everyone experiences the circadian rhythm and its regulation of:

core body temperature

immune system responses

general hormonal fluctuations

metabolic processes

cognitive function

mental and physical responses to stress [2]

   However, women additionally experience the infradian rhythm. This rhythm is a 26-34 day cycle which begins on the first day of menstruation during puberty, and repeats until just before menopause begins. The infradian rhythm also influences 6 different systems of the body:

brain

metabolism

immune system

microbiome

stress response

reproductive system [3]

   To make things even more specific, this infradian rhythm is split into 4 phases, each with their own strengths that women can take control of to influence their personal success in the home, in social groups, at work, etc.

The Sacred Nature of the Infradian Rhythm

   This section will go a bit more in depth into the 4 phases of the infradian rhythm, and how each phase reconnects women to the patterns of nature and the divine feminine.

Menstrual Phase (4-7 days long)

   Menstruation is the bleeding period associated with the new/dark moon, winter, dormancy, and reflection. During this phase, the right and left areas of the brain—responsible for creativity and analysis respectfully—are most closely aligned, allowing for well-informed decision making and clarity of intuition.

    This phase is also associated with the Witch archetype, usually an elderly woman living in a secluded area of nature. But don’t be fooled by the frailness of her age; she is quite powerful and influential, knowledgeable, wise, transformative, and deeply in tune with her creativity and intuition [4].

    As it was discussed earlier, Progesterone and Estrogen (estradiol) are at their lowest points during this phase, as well as all of the other reproductive hormones. Just like its alignments, it’s important to indulge in physical and mental rest during menstruation.

   Menstruation has been a time of seclusion for women around the world for centuries; and not just for oppressive reasons. In ancient times, cultures that revered women for their divine femininity respected and even celebrated menstruation. “Yurok, a native tribe from the northwest coast of the United States stratified by class, had a group of aristocratic women who saw their periods as a time for purifying themselves…and did a series of rituals during the cycle that they said was a period of their most heightened spiritual experience”[5].

   In some parts of Ghana, West Africa, young women sit under ceremonial umbrellas when they begin menstruating, the families giving them gifts and paying homage [5]. Ojibwe women in the indigenous Midwest of the United States seclude themselves in “moon lodges”, fasting from sexual intercourse, ritual practice, food preparation, and child rearing in order to cleanse their energies, meditate, and connect with the other women in their communities [6].

   The Philippines challenges the myth of menstrual blood being unclean by applying it to the face to prevent breakouts and inflammation of the skin. The blood of the endometrium is rich in nutrients and stem cells which may improve the health of skin [6]. Fresh blood is safe to use topically (and arguably internally), but large amounts collected should not be used once it has sat at room temperature for a long duration of time, as it can become foul like any other blood outside of the body.

Follicular Phase (5-6 days long)

   The follicular phase is associated with the waxing moon, spring, planning, curiosity, and problem-solving. During this phase, the brain is more wired for creativity and alertness as it enters a kind of “rebirth”.

    This phase is also associated with the Warrior Maiden archetype, a young woman in tune with personal strength. She is transformative, courageous, honorable, commands respect, and allows herself to fall into a more feminine/passive role with her partner without losing said strength [7].

    Estrogen (estradiol) and Serotonin—a neurotransmitter hormone that induces focus, emotional stability, happiness, and calmness—rise to bring about more social and verbal tendencies. Cortisol—the stress hormone—is low and energies are calm. Additionally, the aforementioned FSH hormone—follicle stimulating hormone responsible for the rise in Estrogen (estradiol)—sends signals for the follicles in the ovaries to begin developing the beginning of a new cycle.

Ovulatory Phase (5-6 days long)

   Ovulation is associated with the full moon, summer, confidence, socialization, and passion. During this phase, the brain is somewhat balanced again, with sharp intellect, creativity, and communication skills, making it the perfect time to engage with others and kickstart projects, as well as the integration of new ideas.

    This phase is also associated with the Mother archetype, a mature woman radiating harmony, spirituality, deep love, self sacrifice, and inherent strength. She is the giver and nurturer of life and presides over both the realm of the living and the dead, as the womb is a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds [8].

    Estrogen (estradiol) skyrockets, providing high energy and high spirits. The rise in LH—luteinizing hormone responsible for signaling the release of an egg—notifies Progesterone and Estrogen (estradiol) to begin preparing and thickening the endometrium for implantation after the egg has been fertilized. At this point, Testosterone has also increased for enhanced sexual arousal, but drops suddenly to let Progesterone and Estrogen (estradiol) take over in preparation for a potential pregnancy.

Luteal Phase (10-15 days long)

   The luteal phase is associated with the waning moon, autumn, easy networking and socialization, and slowing down. During this phase, focus begins to turn inward with projects reaching the finishing stages. This is the perfect time to tie up loose ends and have everything taken care of before “winter” sets in again.

   This phase is also associated with the Enchantress archetype, who is a voyager to inner worlds, a prophet, and a dreamer. She urges the embracing of life’s surreal moments, and owns her personal sexual power. She is the embodiment of the feminine mystique with full trust in her intuition, and freely indulges in her seductive and pleasurable nature [9].

*Please indulge responsibly with a trusted partner!

    The ratio of Estrogen (estradiol) and Progesterone at this stage encourages very observant behavior, allowing the ability to pick up on subtleties in communication and behavior that may have been missed otherwise. Testosterone also rises slightly, once again enhancing sexual arousal in the former half of this phase. It eventually lowers again during the latter half in preparation for menstruation. With the endometrium lush for implantation, it awaits a fertilized egg to begin pregnancy. If successful, the menstrual cycle is halted here for the duration of the pregnancy. Otherwise, the cycle continues on to begin again.

Healing Your Cycle: Negative Influences

   It’s no secret that the (arguable) majority of women in our modern world are undereducated about their bodies, hormones, and cycles, leading to the notion that womanhood is a curse only to inflict pain while men have no issues with their bodies (also a false assumption). The reason for this conclusion is simple: pain equals punishment. Punishment for what? Existing, right? Wrong. The pain is not punishment, but a byproduct of blissful ignorance.

    Unbeknownst to many men and women alike, every single factor of their environment impacts the body and mind to a shocking degree that may not noticeably present itself. This leads people to believe that there are no underlying issues at play, when in fact the opposite is true. So, let’s take a look at what underlying issues or environmental factors can negatively impact the menstrual cycle.

Underlying Issues

   Many underlying issues impacting the menstrual cycle can be traced back to inherited genetics or developed hormonal imbalances. Reproductive disorders are major influences in the upset of the infradian rhythm. However, generally irregular cycles can be due to hormonal abnormalities in the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, or ovaries [14]. Listed are some examples and their characteristics.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

   PCOS is a reproductive and hormonal disorder affecting about 8-13% of reproductive aged women, and is associated with various long-term comorbid (linked) disorders such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, heart disease, and endometrial cancer [10]. This disorder is characterized by excess levels of Androgen—hormone responsible for kickstarting puberty, increasing libido and blood flow to reproductive organs, and increasing sexual gratification—causing enlarged ovaries with cysts presenting internally, externally, or both.

   Some symptoms of PCOS include “heavy, long, intermittent, unpredictable or absent periods; infertility [myth]; acne or oily skin; excessive hair on the face or body; male-pattern baldness or hair thinning; weight gain, especially around the belly area”[10].

*There are no known cures for PCOS, but there are methods of coping (discussed later)

Endometriosis

   Endometriosis is a reproductive disorder affecting around 10% of reproductive aged women, and is associated with severe, life-impacting pain during periods, sexual intercourse, bowel movements and/or urination, chronic pelvic pain, abdominal bloating, nausea, fatigue, and sometimes depression, anxiety, and infertility [11]. This disorder is characterized by tissue similar to the endometrium growing outside of the uterus. This leads to inflammation and scar tissue forming in the pelvic area and sometimes other areas of the body.

   Some symptoms of Endometriosis include pelvic pain during menstruation, during or after sex, when using the restroom, chronic pelvic or other bodily pain, heavy bleeding during periods or between periods, trouble getting pregnant, bloating or nausea, fatigue, depression or anxiety. However, it’s also acknowledged that some women may not have symptoms at all [11].

*There are no known cures for endometriosis, but there are methods of coping (discussed later)

Primary/Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)

  POI is a reproductive and hormonal disorder causing premature ovarian failure and early menopause, beginning as early as the teen years [12].

   Some symptoms of POI include hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, poor concentration, decreased sex drive, pain during sex, and chronic vaginal dryness [12].

*There are no known cures for POI, but there are methods of coping (discussed later)

Uterine Fibroids

   Fibroids are benign growths in the uterus—very rarely malignant (cancerous),—and most often appear in reproductive aged women. They can vary in number and size depending on the individual, and in extreme cases, can cause the appearance of a pregnant belly.

    There are also multiple types of fibroids to look for during ultrasound screenings: Intramural fibroids grow within the muscular wall of the uterus. Submucosal fibroids bulge into the uterine cavity. Subserosal fibroids form on the outside of the uterus [15].

   Although some cases don’t provide symptoms, some common symptoms include heavy menstrual bleeding or painful periods, longer or more frequent periods, pelvic pressure or pain, frequent urination or trouble urinating, growing stomach area, constipation, pain in the stomach area or lower back, or pain during sex [15].

Do not begin treatment without receiving a professional opinion from a primary physician or OB/GYN. If self diagnosing, confirm diagnosis with your doctor before attempting over-the-counter or diagnostic treatment.

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDC)

   Along with hormonal imbalances and disorders occurring within the body due to hereditary genetics, hormones can also be affected by external environmental factors—aka endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC)—in daily life. “Each person has unique exposure to a variety of both known and unknown EDCs. Individual differences in metabolism and body composition will create considerable variability in the half-life and persistence of EDCs, as well as their degradation in body fluids and tissues…[and] human disorders are more likely the result of chronic exposure to low amounts of mixtures of EDCs“ [16]. Listed are some examples and their effects.

Plasticizers (BPA, Phthalates)

   Phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA) are found in plastic products and have significant negative impact on female fertility.

    Phthalates were commercialized in the 1920s and are still used in many plastic food containers, blood bags and medical tubing, as well as personal care products. “Prospective clinical studies indicate that higher phthalate concentrations in urine were associated with longer time to pregnancy (TTP)” [14]. Recent studies reported that higher levels of phthalates in urine were associated with lower probabilities of implantation and clinical pregnancy, and higher probabilities of still birth. Not only do phthalates decrease fertility for women exposed to the chemical in their lifetime, but also decrease the fertility of future generations of women in that line [14].

   BPA is found in products such as plastic bags, bottles, and packaging, including food and drink cans. BPA concentrations were found to be significantly higher in infertile patients compared with fertile subjects. Additionally, BPA was associated with lower rates of fertility and fecundability (probability of conception), as well as with increased embryo implantation failure and decreased estrogen, fertilized oocytes, and oocyte counts in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), providing evidence to debilitated ovulation and endocrinological health [14]. Studies in lab animals also indicate an impairment of female reproductive capacity with BPA alternatives: bisphenol S and bisphenol E.

   (On an additional note, researchers of phthalate affects on neurological constitution reported in JAMA that ordinary exposure to certain phthalates found in urine samples was associated with ADHD-related behaviors in adolescence [13].)

Pharmaceuticals (Synthetic progestin norethindrone (NET), Diethylstilbestrol (DES))

   Despite medical professionals endorsing the safety of pharmaceuticals, there is substantial evidence of their effect on the female reproductive system, as well as the general endocrine system of the human anatomy.

    Although naturally occurring progesterone is one of the crucial hormones in women’s natural cycles, synthetic progestin (NET)—found in oral contraceptives—is a steroidal pharmaceutical recorded as a thyroid endocrine disruptor [17]. As an interesting aside in environmental sustainability (or lack thereof), since there has been such consistent consumption of progestin by humans and its use in livestock farms to promote the growth and fattening of animals, there has been a rising level of the chemical within various aquatic environments. In one US stream, “the concentration of synthetic progestin norethindrone (NET) was reported up to 872 ng/L” and continues to increase [17].

   In a study conducted on adult zebrafish in such contaminated environments, it was found that NET alters sexual differentiation, development and reproduction, and shifted sex ratio towards males through higher androgenic activities [17]. This potentially leads to the implication of a similar effect on adult humans, providing some insight toward the steady rise in gender dysphoria amongst both biological male and female youth and adults, with prevalence in females due to sensitivity of androgen levels in female development.

    In comparison, Diethylstilbestrol (DES) is a non-steroidal pharmaceutical estrogenic EDC that was prescribed to millions of pregnant women between 1940 and 1970 in order to prevent miscarriage, premature labor, and related complications of pregnancy [18]. However, women who were exposed to DES in utero experienced higher rates of infertility, pregnancy complications, and reproductive cancers including breast and pancreatic cancer, and cervical precancer [18,19]. “The onset of puberty was also significantly affected, with the timing of vaginal opening occurring significantly earlier in DES descendants. These results indicate a transgenerational effect of DES on multiple reproductive parameters including fertility, timing of puberty, and AGD. These data have significant implications for more than 50 million DES descendants worldwide as well as raising concerns for the ongoing health impacts caused by exposures to other estrogenic EDCs which are pervasive in our environment” [18].

   The drug also may be linked to an increased chance of developing ADHD in the grandchildren of women who used it during pregnancy. DES was found to cause epigenetic changes, altering the way genes are turned on and off, in a study analyzing the reproductive organs of mice. “The findings provide a possible explanation for how endocrine disruptors affect fertility and reproduction” [13].

Cosmetics & Personal Care (Parabens, Glycol Ethers, Parfum, etc)

   Cosmetics and personal care items including shampoos, soaps, and other products contain harmful EDCs which are exposed to women (and men) on a regular basis, increasing the health risks associated with EDCs.

    Parabens are one of the most popular preservatives used in these products (as well as foods and pharmaceuticals) and have been promoted worldwide since 1920. Easily absorbed into the body via topical handling or application, parabens acutely (short-term) and chronically (long-term) hinder the human endocrine system and induce complications in homeostasis. They have also been recognized as a causative factor in various diseases [20].

   Glycol Ethers are a chemical compound used in certain solvents (resins, lacquers, paints, varnishes, gum, perfume, dyes, inks, as a constituent of paints and pastes, cleaning compounds, liquid soaps, and hydraulic fluids) and as an ingredient in cosmetics.

    Acute exposure to high levels of the glycol ethers in humans results in narcosis, pulmonary edema, and severe liver and kidney damage. Acute exposure to lower levels of the glycol ethers in humans causes conjunctivitis, upper respiratory tract irritation, headache, nausea, and temporary corneal clouding. Animal studies have reported adverse effects on weight gain, peripheral blood counts, bone marrow, and lymphoid tissues. Chronic exposure to the glycol ethers in humans results in fatigue, lethargy, nausea, anorexia, tremor, and anemia. Animal studies have reported anemia, reduced body weight gain, and irritation of the eyes and nose from inhalation exposure. Anemia and effects to the thymus, spleen, bone marrow, liver, and kidneys were reported in animals following oral exposure to the glycol ethers [21].

    (Interestingly, the EPA.gov source claims there is apparently no carcinogenic or reproductive issues caused by glycol ethers based on a lack of evidence, insinuating that these compounds have not even been tested for such effects to affirm or refute this claim.)

    Parfum and fragrance also have a hand in this EDC issue. These synthetic compounds have become ubiquitous components of personal care and household cleaning products over the decades, resulting in excess usage of these chemicals on a regular basis. Fragrances are linked with rapidly increasing rates of diabetes, cancer, neural ailments, teratogenicity, and (shockingly enough) transgender instances, insinuating that some—not all—transgender instances appear as developed through EDC influence rather than appearing as an inherent biological characteristic at birth [22]. The adverse effects of the fragrance constituents as phthalates, parabens, glutaraldehyde, hydroperoxides, oil of turpentine, metals, nitro musks, and essential oils, among others, are being identified and subsequently linked to the breakdown in homeostasis. They have been labeled 'slow poisons' following the analysis of estrogen hyperproduction and inflammation, among other issues (“fragrance compounds share configurational similarity with carcinogenic environmental hydrocarbons and provoke the expression of cytochrome group monooxygenase enzyme aromatase [which] aromatizes androgens to form estrogen…[causing] the majority of morbidities.) [22].

Metalloestrogens aka Heavy Metals (Aluminum Chlorohydrate (ACH), Lead, Mercury, Cadmium)

   It is most likely accurate to assume that the negative impact of heavy metals on the body is common knowledge in our medically advanced society. Despite this, metalloestrogens are still incorporated into daily use products.

    Aluminum might be one of the most widely known for its toxicity in multiple forms. As aluminum chlorohydrate (ACH) or aluminum salts, it is included in antiperspirant deodorants, foods and supplements, antacids, vaccines, and various house hold products [23]. ACH is commonly absorbed through the sensitive skin of the underarms in close proximity to the breast, increasing the risk of breast cancer development and increase in current cancer cells among other conditions including deficient estrogen regulation and response, affected gene expression, dialysis dementia, iron-adequate microcytic anemia, osteomalacia, and neurodegerative diseases [23].

    Lead is also known as a harmful heavy metal, with its use in plumbing less prevalent in our modern society. The harms of lead have been extensively documented and acted upon, yet again there is still lead being consumed even in minute doses. This chemical has been labeled an EDC through its absorption into the thyroid gland and the effects of its homeostasis, effects on insulin resistance, hyperglycaemia and glucose intolerance, pituitary action, accumulation in reproductive organs, and causation of metabolic disease. For women attempting to have children, semen quality and sperm modality, abnormal testosterone levels and infertility are also effects of lead on male hormones [24].

   Mercury poisoning is a regular topic and valid concern. The most common discussion is the concern of methylmercury—anthropogenic mercury made when inorganic mercury circulating in the general environment is dissolved into freshwater and seawater—poisoning via high consumption of certain shellfish and fish, such as albacore tuna. Ethylmercury—inorganic mercury compound made by binding organic chemicals—is an active base in thimerosal which is used as an anti septic and anti fungal/anti bacterial agent in vaccines. Both types of mercury have the capacity to cause adverse effects on the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, adrenal gland, and gonads (testis and ovary) [25]. In the past, thimerosal was used in all vaccine compounds until it was proven as a carcinogen capable of breaking through the blood brain barrier, at which point it was repealed from all but multi dose vaccinations such as the multi dose Influenza vaccines.

    Cadmium is a common environmental pollutant and has major presence in tobacco smoke. It has been known to either enhance or inhibit the biosynthesis of progesterone (affecting normal ovarian cyclicity and the maintenance of pregnancy), decreased birth weights and premature birth, with the enhanced levels of placental cadmium “resulting from maternal exposure to industrial wastes or tobacco smoke being associated with decreased progesterone biosynthesis by the placental trophoblast”—an outer layer of cells providing nutrients to the embryo [26].

Synthetic Materials (Polyester, Acrylic, etc)

   Synthetic woven materials used in the manufacturing of clothing, blankets, and other fabrics (although interacting topically and externally) affects the endocrine system. These facts make reconsidering fast fashion a wise hesitation.

    Polyester is a significant example of EDCs in fabrics. It’s made with recycled phthalates and BPA plastics through PET production using a catalyst called antimony trioxide—a carcinogen and EDC, which affects fertility in men and women, neurodevelopment and glucose metabolism, and disrupts thyroid function [27]. This toxin can absorb into the skin due to even low temperatures or regular levels of body heat, or via sweat or saliva. Additionally, microplastics are released into the air and onto the body during each wear and wash. Because of its lack of biodegradability, the particles are then consumed, absorbed or spread by various objects, plants, insects, fish, animals and other humans throughout the environment [27].

    Additionally, acrylic fibers are made from acrolynitrile (aka vinyl cyanide), which is a carcinogen effecting the brain, lungs and bowels, and acts as a mutagen, targeting the central nervous system. According to the CDC, acrylonitrile enters our bodies through skin absorption, as well as inhalation and ingestion. It is not easily recycled or biodegradeable. It was found that women who work in factories producing acrylic fibers have seven times the rate of breast cancer as the normal population, and those working with nylon have double that risk [28].

Healing Your Cycle: Positive Change

   After enduring such a long-winded list of how EDCs and reproductive conditions effect women’s hormones and overall biological rhythm, let’s explore the light at the end of the tunnel; a ray of hope in the midst of hard truth. While there are many factors working against the natural female cycle in the modern world, there are most definitely ways in which women can take control of their reproductive health and wellbeing to re-sync with their cycles. After all, happy hormones lead to an overall happier life, and isn’t that the end goal?

Diet

   One of the most underrated aspects of health maintenance in terms of impact is diet and metabolic habit. Each phase of the infradian cycle requires different nutrients in order to perform at maximum efficiency in their respective functions. The most important thing is to pause before acting on a stomach rumble and think about “Am I hungry, or is the last meal I ate still digesting right now?” and “What am I craving, and how does it fit into the current phase of my cycle?”. You might discover that your body has been telling you exactly what it needs, but you might have missed the signs.

* Although not mentioned in the section covering EDCs, pesticides contribute to the disruption of female and male hormones. Please wash all produce thoroughly before consumption! (Mix vinegar and baking soda into a water bath)

Menstrual Phase

   The menstrual phase is probably the most taxing phase the body goes through in the infradian cycle (not surprising, since there is considerable blood loss and uterine contractions to shed the endometrium!). High power foods like protein, healthy fats, minerals and root vegetables are needed to support the body and its energy levels as it works through the grueling task of refreshing the endometrium.

   Red meats and fatty fish like salmon (and even beans!) during this phase of the cycle replenish low iron levels and provide substance and caloric benefits while the body is going through a sort of “purge” of unneeded tissues. (Be aware of eating too much red meat, as a compound called prostaglandin can cause more bleeding when too much is ingested.)

    Healthy fats such as probiotic yogurts, nuts, olive oil, and avocado are also beneficial in reducing inflammation and cramping, maintaining muscle strength, and a feeling of fullness after eating to help prevent over indulgence during this time of nutrient deficiency. It’s not at all uncommon for snacking to become more frequent in this phase. Although it’s not a sin to have a sweet treat or splurge a bit on a meal here and there, remembering that balance is key during menstruation (and really all of the phases) is extremely important to long-term health.

    Root vegetables such as purple potatoes, yams, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, carrots, and pretty much anything else you can think of to stir into some sort of hearty stew are great for providing vitamin A. This aids the liver in processing estrogen and revitalizes the body’s vitamin and mineral reserve.

    Some supplements that can be incorporated alongside diet include:

magnesium: helps to reduce cramping by relaxing contractions

omega3: anti inflammatory agent can also relax contractions

vitamin D&E: anti inflammatory that reduces the severity of dysmenorrhea

zinc: anti inflammatory that can reduce cramping

iron: supports the replenishing of red blood cells

   Think of this time as a grounding period to reconnect the mind, body, and spirit to the earth. The hearty vegetables and hefty meats nourish and root us from the busy, hectic world outside in order for the body to slow down, rest and recuperate in preparation for the beginning of a new cycle.

Follicular Phase

   The follicular phase is the revitalized product of menstruation. The body is fresh and ready to re-acclimate to routine and societal expectation. This is the perfect time for light, colorful, and vibrant foods as well as pre and probiotics and complex carbs.

    Lean proteins like chicken, tofu, nuts, and eggs are your friend in this phase. Some may feel inclined to go full salad-mode after refreshing from menstruation, but everyone should maintain a level of balance that feels right for their own body.

    Colorful vegetables like carrots, lettuce, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and cucumber help the body to metabolize estrogen and maintain healthy levels in the endocrine system.

    Pre and probiotics of the follicular phase include fermented and pickled foods like kombucha, kefir, miso, sauerkraut, kimchi, and yogurt. These foods promote healthy gut flora which—if there have ever been any facts that stick in mind, this should be one of them—ultimately dictates the wellness of the rest of the body alongside the endocrine system. (Highly recommend further reading on this topic!)

   There are good carbs, and not-so-good carbs. Brown rice, quinoa, and grains are some good carbs the body can benefit from in this phase to fuel energy reserves.

   Some supplements that can be incorporated alongside diet include:

vitamin B: supports energy levels and hormone balance

zinc: regulates hormones and maintains cycle

fiber: whether through fibrous vegetables or supplement maintains healthy digestion

Ovulatory Phase

   The ovulatory phase is the body’s time for getting a little hot and heavy. Not only have hormones and energy levels risen, but body temperature also gets a fraction higher. To combat the heat, eat raw and cooling foods with lots of color. Metabolic activity is lower at this time, so not as many carbs or calories in general are needed to sustain energy.

    Fish, eggs, and lamb are some healthy proteins for this phase, as well as lentils.

    Vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, tomatoes (also affectionately known as love apples), asparagus, scallion, dandelion, cucumber, and okra keep the body fresh and rejuvenated during ovulation. Specifically, okra is very healthy to consume throughout the cycle, as its pods secrete a mucous-like fluid that positively impacts the mucosal membrane of the digestive track as well as the vaginal canal and uterus!

   Don’t hold back on the pre and probiotics from the follicular phase since they can still influence digestive efficiency and healthy gut flora.

   Some supplements that can be incorporated alongside diet include:

omega3: anti inflammatory agent supports hormone health

vitamin B&E: helps the body release eggs & anti inflammatory that supports fertility and hormone balance

zinc: anti inflammatory supports hormone health

Luteal Phase

   The body slowly winds down in the luteal phase to once again prepare for menstruation. This is truly the time to shy away from anti inflammatory foods like sugar, dairy, very spicy foods, and alcohol to regulate painful contractions during menstruation.

    Working back into the denser and fattier meats, fish, turkey, beans, and beef are great proteins for the luteal phase.

   There’s also a gradual return to root vegetables. Cabbage, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, collard greens, onion, pumpkin, purple potatoes, yams, and sweet potatoes are the go-tos in this phase.

    Carbs come back into play as well. Brown rice, millet, and whole grains help support the body’s wind-down time.

    Some supplements that can be incorporated alongside diet include:

magnesium: alleviates PMS symptoms

calcium: promotes relaxation

chasteberry: supports progesterone levels

Foods to Avoid

   Many cycle syncing practitioners promote a mindset of focusing on foods they CAN eat versus foods they CAN’T eat. Psychologically, this changes the perception of “restricted” eating as a punishment and alters it to a conscious lifestyle change which invests in a healthy body, mind, and spirit for future versions of themselves. However, for those who would prefer a more cut and dry outline of foods to avoid within the cycle, listed below are some inflammatory foods to limit (does not need to be a cold turkey elimination) in personal dietary choices.

gums (xanthan gum, guar gum, carrageenan, lecithin gum, carob/locust bean gum, gellan gum, Arabic gum)

   Gums are carcinogenic to humans and can cause additional side effects. Check labels for gum content. Switch to thickening agents like corn starch, potato starch, rice flour, and arrowroot powder.

inflammatory oils (seed oils, vegetable oil)

   Check labels for inflammatory oil content. Consider switching to olive, coconut, sesame, and avocado oils (some avocado oils may be contaminated with inflammatory oils, always check!). Coconut oil and LIGHT olive oil are good substitutes for vegetable oil in baking.

dairy products (cheese, pasteurized milk, etc)

   Check labels for dairy content. Consider switching to almond or coconut milk, dairy free cheeses (i.e. Daiya), and nut-based yogurts. (Cashew milk yogurt is a personal favorite which can double as sour cream on taco Tuesdays!)

soy products (lecithins, GMO content, estrogen unbalancing effects, long-term influence on growth, digestion, sexual maturation, thyroid health, and breast cancer risk)

   Check labels for soy content. Controlled amounts of soy consumed in moderation are beneficial to the body. Consider limiting soy consumption to miso, soy sauce, edamame, natto, etc.

refined sugar (bleached sugar, corn syrup, etc)

   Unnaturally occurring sugars are an inflammatory agent that affects insulin regulation and dietary conditions. Check labels for added sugar content. Consider switching to raw cane sugar, monk fruit sweetener, honey, agave, and DIYing brown sugar by mixing cane sugar and molasses.

*Be careful of sugar free products which contain aspartame—an artificial non-saccharide sweetener 200 times sweeter than sucrose—as it’s labeled as a carcinogen and can cause kidney issues, toxic liver disease, and psychological effects [29].

gluten (bleached flour, GMOs, pesticide-treated wheat, digestive upset, fatigue, bloating, weight gain and retention, etc)

   Check labels for types of grains or flours used in gluten products. Consider switching to rice flour, buckwheat flour, corn meal, almond flour, coconut flour, oat flour, corn starch, potato starch, and arrowroot powder.

alcohol (high sugar content, gluten, inflammatory agent, bloating, fatigue, headaches, weight gain and retention, weakened liver function, etc)

   Although all alcohol is inflammatory, clear spirits (vodka, gin, tequila) are lower in sugar content compared to dark liquors (rum, whiskey, brandy, scotch, cognac) and wines. However, wines can have some health benefits when consumed in controlled amounts and in moderation. Beers contain both sugars and gluten, so be wary of amounts consumed in a given time frame.

Herbs & Seeds

   In holistic medicine, herbal remedies and a process called seed cycling are great supporters for reconnecting with the infradian rhythm and balancing changing hormones. Listed are some herbs and seeds that benefit each phase of the cycle.

Menstrual Phase

red raspberry leaf

nettle leaf

turmeric

pumpkin seeds

flax seeds

*parsley is an emmenagogue that can stimulate proper menstrual flow for late or light periods

Follicular Phase

nettle leaf

holy basil

pumpkin seeds

flax seeds

Ovulatory Phase

dandelion root

burdock root

turmeric

pumpkin seeds

flax seeds

Luteal Phase

red raspberry leaf

burdock root

dandelion root

ginger

sunflower seeds

sesame seeds

flax seeds

Movement

   Exercise or any general physical movement is extremely important for staying healthy and maintains harmony in the menstrual cycle. As hormones fluctuate, movement helps accommodate and balance levels of different chemicals in the body, including cortisol—stress hormone. The higher the cortisol, the higher the inflammation, and the harder it will be to lose stubborn fat, get rid of water weight and bloating, manage pain during bleeding and contractions, etc.

Menstrual Phase - Restorative Movement

No to Low cortisol

walking

yoga

stretching

gentle pilates

REST!!

*Studies have now proven that circadian rhythm and sleep patterns differs between men and women (surprise, surprise). Despite the 6 hours of sleep preached for the last how many years, women actually need 8 to 9 hours of sleep depending on the phase of their cycle. Take your sleep schedules seriously!!

Follicular Phase - Fitness Movement

Low cortisol

resistance training

hiking

gentle aerobic training

swimming

dancing

yoga

Ovulatory Phase - Energetic Movement

Med to High cortisol

high intensity interval training (HIIT)

martial arts & kickboxing

spinning

aerobic training

swimming

resistance training

power yoga

dancing

hiking

Luteal Phase - Easy Movement

Low to No cortisol

gentle aerobic training

resistance training

yoga

pilates

swimming

dancing

rest

*Notice the cyclical nature of each phase’s movement! It begins very gently, increases in activity until the climax of ovulation, and then gradually returns to restful movement again.

Personal Care

   Within personal care there are sub-topics of what women can take control of to promote a healthy cycle. This section will review skin care for each phase of the cycle, endocrine-safe fabrics, period products, makeup, and other personal care products that can subsidize those containing harmful toxins.

Skin Care

Menstrual Phase

   Hydrate and moisturize! Since estrogen and progesterone are low, it weakens the skin barrier and makes it dry. Use a gentle cleanser and a hydrating cream or lotion. Products like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, peptides and ceramides are great for this stage of your cycle [30]. Drink lots of water!

Follicular Phase

   Maintain your skin’s normal health needs as estrogen rises and revitalizes the epidermis! Since there isn’t much progesterone in this phase, the skin won’t be as oily. Regularly cleansing and moisturizing should do the trick.

Ovulatory and Luteal Phases

   Progesterone rapidly elevates in these phases causing the production of more sebum and oils of the skin and hair. Skin sensitivity is heightened at these times, so continue using a gentle cleanser and non-active-ingredient products, like those that contain niacinamide [30].

Makeup

   Finding makeup that doesn’t negatively impact hormones can be tricky, since many contain EDCs, as previously discussed. While it might be impossible to avoid EDCs completely in the makeup industry, there are cleaner and higher quality options to invest in. Some of these brands include bareMinerals, RMS Beauty, Alima Pure, and (rising in popularity) Ilia Beauty.

    These brands create eco-friendly, non-toxic, and cruelty free skincare & beauty products to help improve the conditions of the environment and of consumer wellness. Each brand carries their own formula of serums, moisturizers, foundations, concealers, lip products, and eye products that maintain skin health while simultaneously shining a spotlight on natural beauty.

    Perfume can also be considered a cosmetic. Like discussed earlier, mass produced perfumes contain harmful EDCs. But at the root, perfumes are scents derived from plants. Making DIY perfume is easy and fun, and probably more affordable. Let’s say Sarah (fake person for this scenario) really enjoys Marc Jacobs’ Daisy Love perfume, but wants to avoid the EDCs in the formula. She can research the ingredients and make her own formula with essential oils! Cloudberry seed oil is a base note of the perfume, but it’s also incredibly good for vitality of the skin with fatty acids like Omega 3&6. This can be mixed with daisy essential oil and sandalwood, vanilla, amber, and patchouli to create the cashmere and woody scent. Mixing different amounts together with a base solution will then create a similar perfume!

    Most perfumes are alcohol based, so using vodka as a base is on the table. However, oil based scents can last longer. There are a few options to consider, but always remember to dilute essential oils as they’re too potent to apply directly to the skin!

Soap, Shampoo & Conditioner

   Bath products are used daily, and are therefore very important to consider in creating an EDC-free or cleaner home environment. Right off the bat, a great substitute for mass produced soaps and body washes are bar soaps made with goat’s milk and other organic materials. Buying handmade soaps are a great way to invest in quality and health, and to support small businesses!

   Drugstore shampoos & conditioners have their quality-over-quantity substitutes as well. Companies like Prose and Function of Beauty take time and care to formulate products specifically for hair type (and skin type) to meet personal health and/or beauty goals. Companies like The Earthling Co. and Viori also make shampoo & conditioner BARS. This is a revolutionary innovation on their parts. Not only are bars more sustainable for long-term and controlled use, but they also reduce waste in the environment. For hair types 2C to 4C, brands like Innersence, Uncle Funky’s Daughter, Only Curls, Cantu, Camille Rose, Mielle and many others use natural ingredients and do their utmost to avoid EDCs in their products.

*Many small business owners also use organic and non-toxic ingredients in their products, don’t forget to support small and local businesses and the quality they provide!

Cleaning Products and Detergents

   Most people don’t even consider natural and non-toxic cleaning products nowadays. Clorox, bleach, and harsh chemicals seem to be pushed the most, even in child-centered environments. In reality, a good ol’ combination of baking soda, vinegar and lemon juice does the trick, and it’s very affordable since most people have these in their pantries. The chemical reaction caused by the baking soda interacting with acid acts as a cleaning agent for not only messy surfaces, but also for fruits and vegetables! Adding some vinegar and baking soda to a water bath and letting produce sit for 5 to 10 minutes reveals a pretty disgusting—yet relieving—sight of clean produce versus dirty water. Some other non-toxic cleaning brands include Branch Basics, Bon Ami, Ecos, Grove Collaborative, and Enviro One.

   Now, detergents. Even though detergents and softeners and fresheners aren’t being poured onto the skin or the body being submerged into a warm bath of sticky blue liquid, the EDCs in detergents are absorbed by fabrics in the wash which can then absorb into the skin via perspiration and heat. Some non-toxic laundry products include Branch Basics, Thieves, Ecos, Meliora, baking soda, essential oils for fragrance, and wool balls instead of dryer sheets. (Awesome laundry tip: apply some essential oil to a wool ball before drying laundry. It will come out warm and smelling amazing!)

Endocrine-Safe Fabrics

   When the term “natural fibres” is mentioned, what comes to mind? Any organic fiber made from plants rather than plastics. Some endocrine-safe fabric fibres include cotton, linen, rayon, wool, hemp, silk, leather, cashmere, bamboo, sisal, and jute.

    It’s HIGHLY recommended that women wear 100% cotton underwear. This fibre’s breathability aids with air circulation down south, which helps to eliminate odor, heat, and wetness from sweat and discharge. Not only is it uncomfortable to experience these, but it can also cause infections due to heat and moisture acting as a breeding ground for bacteria.

*Be wary of lingerie like thongs. Although they seem breathable for lack of coverage, some thong fabrics contain EDCs, and the vulva can come into contact with any bottoms you’re wearing. This can also become a breeding ground for bacteria.

    Silk is a great fabric for pillow cases and bonnets. If you’ve experienced frizzy hair in the mornings, or you need to keep your coils and curls covered overnight, silk is the go-to fabric for avoiding static electricity while tossing and turning in bed. Silk is an extremely fine fiber, so it causes less static with friction, ergo less frizz and dead ends.

    Linen is a light yet durable fabric. It can be worn at any time of year, but it’s particularly useful in the spring and summer temperatures when the sun is at its closest and hottest. In contrast, wool is wonderful for the autumn and winter seasons with its insulated density. If there are any concerns about animal cruelty in the process of shearing, shepherds are careful and well educated on how to maintain their sheep’s coats. It’s very necessary for sheep to be shorn since the wool can easily become overgrown, matted, and weighted, causing discomfort and even pain for the sheep. Check out different companies’ animal cruelty policies for further information if still unsure.

   Not only are these fabrics organic, they’re also very sustainable. Unlike the trends and EDCs of fast fashion, well made endocrine-safe textiles can last with minimal wear for many years. This reduces waste production and supports the possibility of a healthy change in consumerist economy. Money can then be saved and put toward investing in true quality, rather than quantity and trends lasting less than a year.

Period Products

   It’s easy to go to the supermarket and pick up a pack of pads, liners, or tampons for an upcoming menstrual phase. Yet all of these contain phthalates, volatile organic compounds, parabens, environmental phenols, fragrance chemicals, dioxins and dioxin-like compounds which disrupt the endocrine system, as well as the vagina’s natural PH balance and flora [31].

    A good substitution for store-bought menstrual pads and liners are reusable fabric pads. These fabric pads contain bamboo fibres which wick and lock in sweat and blood. Unlike store-bought pads, reusable pads can actually be used for 8 hours before a change (although durations can vary by preference or heaviness of flow). The blood absorbed into the pad can be wrung out for collection (discussed next) or simply rinsed with water until wrung clear, then tossed into the laundry to be washed.

    Reusable pads also save a significant amount of money. Not only have extremely necessary feminine products been made for profit, the average price of pads rose by 10% in 2022, perpetuating university students’ likelihood of “period poverty” with 20% of women unable to afford store-bought products [32]. Women spend about $4,800 in their lifetime just on menstrual pads [33]. A reliable pack of reusable pads, however, can cost around $20 to $30 and last—with proper care—for 5 to 10 YEARS (I am currently on year 3!).

    Similarly, menstrual cups are a great resource and replacement for tampons. Tampons are absorbent, yet susceptible to leaks and can be uncomfortable when inserting and removing. Like store-bought pads, tampons cost a significant amount over a woman’s lifetime, around $2,000 [33]. Menstrual cups are made with medical-grade silicone which are soft and simple to use, and they can last up to 10 YEARS. These devices are great for collection, even more so than reusable pads (discussed next).

    Towels. Towels? Yes, towels. A good, plush towel is actually a great period product. Thick towels can be folded in half for extra security and sat or laid on to engage in free bleeding. Free bleeding is the practice in which women do not use period products or any constrictive garments to obstruct menstrual flow. Whether it be beneath a tree on personal property, or in the comfort of the home, free bleeding has many benefits including maintaining vaginal flora, reducing menstrual product waste, and reducing stress [34]. Some even say it can lighten the flow. (A/N: see my previous free bleeding blog for more on my first experience!)

Menstrual Blood in Spells & Ritual

   In ancient Rome, Pliny the Elder argued that menstrual blood contained limitless power. Hailstorms, whirlwinds, and lightning were said to be dispersed by a menstruating woman. It could also sour crops, wither fruits and vegetables, kill bees, drive dogs insane, dull the brightness of mirrors, blunt razors, turn linens black, and rust iron and bronze.

    Blood in the context of spell work and ritual acts both as a taglock/personal effect and as a boost of energy and power within the working. Although blood magick isn’t evil, it’s important to be wise about how and when it’s used for a variety of reasons such as…

it could cause bacterial growth

it could backfire much more strongly

it could bind one to the working longer and more intensely than one would like

   Now, these reasons shouldn’t be a deterrent for using blood in spell and ritual. Negative outcomes can be easily avoided with critical thinking and decision making. First and foremost in the safety of blood magick: keep tools clean. Sterilizing and sanitizing certain tools and items is crucial in avoiding bacterial growth when working with blood. Cleaning the altar or work space before and after the working is also important to maintain a healthy environment.

    Since this article focuses on menstrual blood, there does not need to be any wounding of the practitioner in order to draw blood. (If working with regular blood, do not draw from the palm, thigh, or forearm as shown in pop culture. This could cause over-bleeding and is dangerous!!) As mentioned in the previous section, menstrual blood can be collected easily by using a menstrual cup, reusable pads, or by way of free bleeding. In reality, the most blood one needs when performing blood magick is a few drops, but at the time of menstruation, much more is available for use for a longer duration of time. Collected blood can be stored in a sterilized glass container in the refrigerator, or dried and kept in a cool dark space in wait for rehydration.

   Be mindful of what spells or rituals the blood is being used in. As mentioned, the use of menstrual blood can very strongly tie a practitioner to the working and could backfire more strongly than usual workings because there is more power and energy being incorporated. Spending the proper amount of preparatory time beforehand and really setting intentions can help avoid these outcomes and secure success in spells and ritual.

How to Use Menstrual Blood

   Menstrual blood is versatile in its application to magickal practice. In every case it can be considered a type of ritual or ceremony since bleeding occurs every month in conjunction with the phases of the moon.

   The first method of using menstrual blood is as an anointing “oil”. It can’t really be called an oil since it’s blood, but nonetheless, it can be referred to as such for associative purposes. As discussed earlier in the article, Filipino women apply menstrual blood to the face to prevent breakouts and inflammation of the skin. But since it’s also associated with fertility, life’s source, the cycle of the natural world, cleansing, transformation, and divine exploration, blood can anoint the face, body, or other objects to aid in workings involving such themes.

    When developing a deeper connection with the elements, menstrual blood can be included in these rituals/spells to tie oneself to the element of choice. Blood can be used to anoint candles in fire-related workings. After carving the wax, wiping a thumb’s-worth of blood over the carving will increase its effects. In water workings, blood can be added to a bowl or chalice of water to transform it with the properties mentioned above. Additionally, a few small drops of fresh blood can be diluted in water and safely consumed to further connect with the element of water. Blood can be taken outdoors on a windy day and trickled into the breeze, or left on the skin or other object to be dried by the air. It can be offered back to the earth as is, or diluted and used to water potted houseplants. The nutrients of menstrual blood enrich the soil and can aid in developing deeper connection with plant allies. (Do not add blood to still-water plants, the water will go foul over time!) Some free bleeding practitioners sit at the bases of trees and give their blood back to the earth directly while meditating or casting spells.

   Menstrual blood can also be used for divination. Scrying with a bowl of pure or diluted blood can be extremely powerful as well as grounding.

Art is another breathtaking way to use menstrual blood. Jasmine Alicia Carter (@jasminealiciacarter) is a renowned artist known for her use of menstrual blood in spiritually significant paintings, pulling inspiration from her own erotic form and from Hindu and Buddhist teachings. Her blood has been used in hundreds of beautiful works including her most recent project “Blazing Bliss Mandala” which used 4 cycles worth of her blood!

Rowan Vossepoel (@hanahonua.memoir) is another example of a menstrual artist, in tandem with her other artistic mediums including photography and woodwork. In tune with her cycle, she engages with nature and the creatures in her life with such awareness, and records her spiritual growth with her art.

Blood art can be created on paper, wood, stone, leaves, bone, skin, or any other material that is significant to the practitioner. Drops of blood can be added to ink to write petitions and increase the power of words, or to draw.

Resources

   After discussing the depth of infradian rhythm and its application in both lifestyle and in witchcraft, some resources may be helpful for getting started on a new journey of embracing your cycle, if so chosen. Listed below are some apps, influencers, and texts that can be very impactful in this endeavor.

In the Flo by Alisa Vitti

   This book kickstarted my passion for writing this article. I’m also planning on developing a health course based on feminine anatomy and physiology to help undereducated women.

MyFlo App

   The MyFlo app is in conjunction with In the Flo. Developed by Alisa Vitti, the app allows you to become more educated on the infradian rhythm while tracking your cycle and its symptoms.

Elicia Goguen on YouTube

   Elicia is a great spokeswoman for female empowerment not only through menstruation, but in other areas of life such as mental health, relationships, fitness, motivation, and more. Many of her videos are structured like a vodcast, so it’s the perfect content to indulge in the background of regular daily activity.

Stardust App

   The Stardust App is another period tracker, but is connected to new age and witchy themes. This app not only educates in science, but also in folklore of the phases of the infradian rhythm. By purchasing an annual subscription for unlimited access, the proceeds are put toward funding access to feminine products for the needy.

MyFitnessPal

   MyFitnessPal is a great resource for tracking movement and diet if it’s in line with your lifestyle goals to do so.

Flo App

   The Flo app is another period tracking app. It’s not as educational or accurate as Stardust or MyFlo, but has a great community of women that post on the Flo forums to talk about similar struggles, relationships, life, and anything period related.

*Please be aware that some period tracking apps will market personal information based on your location. Make sure to read each app’s privacy policies!!

   There are many ways to adapt magick and lifestyle to accommodate the menstrual cycle. It’s a very raw way of connecting with what it means to be a woman, and connecting with the millions of women that came before. Witchcraft can sometimes be a bit messy, but that’s something to embrace rather than shy away from. By accepting some unconventional means of raising power and creating change through magick, there is no telling what you can accomplish.

    Heal your cycle. Live by it. Celebrate it. Liberate it. And in turn, you will celebrate and liberate yourself from the confines you didn’t know were holding you back, both in your practice and in your daily life.

Thank you for reading this article. I hope you learned something about your own cycle, or about the cycle of a loved one. Some of the information in this article can also be applied to men such as the information in the EDC and diet sections. Anyone can benefit from positive lifestyle changes and healing. Please comment or DM me with any questions or corrections, or with requests for certain sections to be added! I would love to hear from you about your personal experiences and how the article impacted you.

Sláinte 🌿

Citations

1. Menstrual Cycle - You and Your Hormones

2. Circadian Rhythm - Sleep Foundation

3. Infradian Rhythm - FLO Living

4. The Witch Archetype - The Moon School

5. Some Cultures Treat Menstruation With Respect - NPR

6. Menstrual Rituals Around the World - Flex Fits

7. Evolved Archetypes: The Feminine Warrior - Beyond Human Stories

8. The Mother Archetype: Understand and Embody Her Feminine Power - Where Wonder Waits

9. The Enchantress Female Archetype - Allison Clark Intuitive

10. PCOS - WHO International

11. Endometriosis - WHO International

12. POI - Medline Plus

13. Endocrine Disrupters - NIEHS

14. EDC and Reproductive Disorders in Women, Men, and Animal Models - PubMed

15. Uterine Fibroids - Mayo Clinic

16. EDC: An Endocrine Society Scientific Statement - NCBI

17. The synthetic progestin norethindrone causes thyroid endocrine disruption in adult zebrafish - Science Direct

18. Prenatal exposure to diethylstilbestrol has long-lasting, transgenerational impacts on fertility and reproductive development - PubMed

19. Diethylstilbestrol (DES) Exposure and Cancer - Cancer.gov

20. Parabens and their effects on the endocrine system - Science Direct

21. Glycol Ethers - EPA.gov

22. Fragrance compounds: The wolves in sheep’s clothings - PubMed

23. Potential interference of aluminum chlorohydrate with estrogen receptor signaling in breast cancer cells - PubMed

24. Exploring the endocrine disrupting potential of lead through benchmark modelling – Study in humans - Science Direct

25. The endocrine disruptive effects of mercury - PubMed

26. Endocrine disruption by cadmium, a common environmental toxicant with paradoxical effects on reproduction - PubMed

27. Recycling Plastic Into Clothing Isn’t Going To Cut It - Medium

28. 10 REASONS TO MAKE SURE YOUR SOFA CHOICES ARE UPHOLSTERED WITH SAFELY PROCESSED FABRICS - OECO Textiles

29. Aspartame hazard and risk assessment results released - WHO

30. Cycle Sync Your Skincare - OOVA

31. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in menstrual products including tampons, pads, and liners — GMU

32. How price impacts individuals buying menstrual products — NM Politcal Report

33. The Cost of Your Period - Pandia Health

34. 6 Benefits of Free Bleeding - Clue

[techav]

Wrap030-ATX Remembers

No general-purpose computer will do much without a good amount of Random Access Memory for transient storage of code and data. Now that I have confirmed basic operation of CPU, bus controller, ROM, and serial, it's time to turn my attention to main system memory.

Every homebrew computer I've built to date, including previous iterations of the Wrap030 project, has used Static RAM. Static RAM is nearly as simple as peripherals can be — give it an address, assert a Chip Enable and a Read or Write strobe signal, wait a bit, and release. Done, cycle complete. If you don't need to retrieve some data for a good long while, it's no matter so long as the chip still has power. For a small system, SRAM is reliable and dead simple to use.

The problem with SRAM is it is also very expensive. The 2MB of SRAM I had on the previous iteration of Wrap030 cost over $20 — and it's still far from enough to run an operating system like Unix System V, NetBSD, Linux, etc. This is the reason computers generally use Dynamic RAM for primary system memory.

The difference is SRAM uses several transistors to create a flip-flop for storing each and every bit of memory, whereas DRAM uses a capacitor to store each bit of memory. This reduces manufacturing costs and increases storage density, but does come with some trade-offs. Most notably, the capacitors that store bits in DRAM will lose their charge — and the stored data with it — after a rather brief period of time. This means the DRAM capacitors need to be topped off regularly in a process known as a refresh cycle.

Another complication of using DRAM is the bus interface has been changed to allow much larger storage capacities without the physical chip package growing to absurd sizes. Instead of the chip accepting the entire address at once, it expects to be given a Row address (along with a Row Address Strobe [RAS#]) then a Column address (along with a Column Address Strobe [CAS#]), with myriad specific timing requirements for when each signal should be asserted and deasserted.

In short, DRAM is much more difficult to interface with compared to SRAM, so I've never really gotten around to it.

With one of the long term goals of this project being running a *nix operating system though, I'm going to need the larger memory that DRAM affords. So i made provision for a CPLD to serve as a dedicated DRAM controller on the Wrap030-ATX motherboard and added a couple 72-pin SIMM slots. In theory this setup should be able to support up to 256MB of RAM (if rare 128MB SIMMs should fall into my hands...).

So where do we turn when dealing with complicated timing with multiple modes and a bunch of I/O? Why, Finite State Machines, of course! That bit where the DRAM expects a row address for a little while, that's a state. And the following bit where the DRAM expects a column address is another state. And then another state to make sure the DRAM has enough time to write or fetch the data. The round it out with one last state to tell the CPU data is ready.

What about that weird refresh timing? Well, that's just few more states for the state machine. And then one last "idle" state that waits for a refresh timing counter to hit 0 or for the CPU to start a bus cycle. Laid out like that, the DRAM controller became a state machine with 7 or 8 states, a counter, and an address multiplexer.

The logic actually came together easier than expected. Not completely without bugs of course.

There's this note in the datasheets about startup initialization where the DRAM should not be accessed 200μs after power on, and there should be 8 refresh cycles before the first access. Initially I had built this entire sequence into my logic. It consumed a ton of resources and didn't really work right.

I realized that my reset circuit held the CPU in reset for longer than 200μs on power on, so I was guaranteed that first initialization time. So I removed that startup delay from my DRAM controller logic, and made a few tweaks to the state machine so it could do 8 back-to-back refresh cycles after reset.

I was able to successfully write to DRAM and read that data back!

That much proved to be the easy part. The next steps were confirming DRAM accesses worked reliably, that I had the order of my byte select signals correct, that I could identify the amount of installed memory, and that all of the installed memory was working. These are programming problems, not logic problems, and I am not a strong programmer. On top of that, not only am I working with unproven DRAM logic, but I'm also using untested SIMMs that I had picked up from Computer Reset.

I quickly ran into errors, but was it a problem with my logic? A problem with my timing? A problem with the SIMMs?

I had a large back of 72-pin SIMMs, split fairly evenly between Fast Page Mode (FPM) and Extended Data Output (EDO) types. I tried them all. Some would pass the tests for nearly all addresses but fail at the end. Some seemed to have a stuck bit. Some were just plain bad and gave errors everywhere. It didn't really answer the question about whether my logic was bad, but results were consistent enough for me to think that maybe the logic might be ok.

And then finally I came across a pair of HP-branded 8MB EDO SIMMs that passed a simple write-read test without error ...

... right around the time my serial port stopped working. But the memory test was passing, and I could at least see the serial output on the logic analyzer.

The serial port problem was a bit setback. It had been working but suddenly wasn't. Clearly the UART itself was working, I just wasn't getting anything past the level shifter. Well that at least gave me a starting point of where to look. Sure enough, one of the 12V supply pins was not well soldered. Thankfully a quick fix.

Back to testing memory, I started writing a program to identify the size of the installed SIMM and write a register I added to the DRAM controller to configure the specific geometry of the installed memory. See, DRAM has another lovely quirk — chips of the same size may have a different configuration of Row and Column sizes. For instance one chip may have a 9-bit Column and a 10-bit Row, but the next may have a 10-bit Column and a 9-bit Row, and both are the same size. If the DRAM controller just assumes 12-bit Row and Column (the largest supported by 72-pin SIMMs), then there will be gaps in the memory map that will need to be accounted for in software (using MMU, for example). If the DRAM controller knows the geometry of the installed memory, then it can present the memory to the CPU as one contiguous block of memory.

And that's where I found my next bug. The system would just hang when trying to write to that DRAM controller configuration register.

... because I had forgotten to complete that part of the state machine. The result was the state machine would end up in a state for writing to the configuration register, but then it couldn't get out of it. Once I added the missing condition to the state machine logic I was able to correctly identify the geometry and size for my installed memory!

Wow that was long. This has been the biggest, most involved step in the process of bringing up this computer yet. It turns out there are a lot of moving pieces that have to all work together to get the computer running code from ROM and reading/writing DRAM.

Now that I have my main memory working, I should be able to get some software running. I'm hoping to at least have BASIC running in time for VCFSW at the end of June.

[dailyanarchistposts]

Chapter 5. Crime

Beyond individual justice

The notion of justice is perhaps the most dangerous product of authoritarian psychology. The state’s worst abuses occur in its prisons, its inquisitions, its forced corrections and rehabilitations. Police, judges, and prison guards are key agents of coercion and violence. In the name of justice, uniformed thugs terrorize entire communities while dissidents petition the very government that represses them. Many people have internalized the rationalizations of state justice to such an extent that they are terrified of losing the protection and arbitration states supposedly provide.

When justice becomes the private sphere of specialists, oppression is not far behind. In stateless societies on the cusp of developing the coercive hierarchies that lead to government, the common feature seems to be a group of respected male elders permanently entrusted with the role of resolving conflicts and meting out justice. In such a context privilege can become entrenched, as those who enjoy it may shape the social norms that preserve and amplify their privilege. Without that power, individual wealth and power rest on a weak foundation that everyone can challenge.

State justice begins with a refusal to engage with human needs. Human needs are dynamic and can only be fully understood by those who experience them. State justice, by contrast, is the execution of universal prescriptions codified into law. The specialists who interpret the laws are supposed to focus on the original intention of the lawmakers rather than the situation at hand. If you need bread and stealing is a crime, you will be punished for taking it, even if you take it from someone who doesn’t need it. But if your society focuses on people’s needs and desires rather than on the enforcement of static laws, you have the opportunity to convince your community that you needed bread more than the person you took it from. In this way the actor and those affected remain at the center of the process, always empowered to explain themselves and to challenge the community’s norms.

Justice, in contrast, hinges on judgment, privileging a powerful decision-maker over the accusers and defendants who powerlessly await the outcome. Justice is the enforcement of morality — which, in its origins, is justified as divinely ordained. When societies shift away from religious rationales, morality becomes universal, or natural, or scientific — spheres ever further removed from the influence of the general public — until it is shaped and packaged almost exclusively by the media and government.

The notion of justice and the social relations it implies are inherently authoritarian. In practice, justice systems always give unfair advantages to the powerful and inflict terrible wrongs on the powerless. At the same time, they corrupt us ethically and cause our powers of initiative and sense of responsibility to atrophy. Like a drug, they make us dependent while mimicking the fulfillment of a natural human need, in this case the need to resolve conflicts. Thus, people beg to the justice system for reforms, no matter how unrealistic their expectations are, rather than taking matters into their own hands. To heal from abuse, the injured person needs to regain control over her life, the abuser needs to restore healthy relations with his peers, and the community needs to examine its norms and power dynamics. The justice system prevents all this. It hoards control, alienates entire communities, and obstructs examination of the roots of problems, preserving the status quo above all.

Police and judges may provide a limited degree of protection, especially for people privileged by racism, sexism, or capitalism; but the greatest danger facing most human beings is the system itself. For example, thousands of workers are killed every year by employer negligence and unsafe working conditions, but employers are never punished as murderers and virtually never even charged as criminals. The most workers’ families might hope for is a monetary settlement from a civil court. Who decides that a boss who profits from the deaths of workers should face no worse than a lawsuit, while a wife who shoots her abusive husband goes to prison and a black teenager who kills a police officer in self-defense gets the death penalty? It certainly isn’t workers, women, or people of color.

For every human need, a totalitarian system must provide it, subdue it, or substitute a surrogate. In the above example, the justice system frames the killing of workers as a problem to be addressed with regulations and bureaucracies. The media assist by focusing grossly disproportionate coverage on serial killers and “cold-blooded murderers,” almost always poor and usually not white, thus changing people’s perceptions of the risks they face. Consequently many people fear other poor people more than their own bosses, and are willing to support the police and courts in targeting them.

To be sure, in some cases the police and courts respond when workers or women are killed — though this is often to offset popular outrage and discourage people from seeking their own solutions. Even in these cases, the responses are often half-hearted or counterproductive.

Meanwhile, the justice system serves quite effectively as a tool for reshaping society and controlling lower class populations. Consider the “War on Drugs” waged from the 1980s up to the present day. Compared with work and rape, most illegal drugs are relatively harmless; in the case of those that can be harmful, medical attention has been thoroughly demonstrated to be a more effective response than prison time. But the justice system has declared this war to shift public priorities: it justifies the police occupation of poor neighborhoods, the mass imprisonment and enslavement of millions of poor people and people of color, and the expansion of the powers of police and judges.

What do the police do with this power? They arrest and intimidate the most powerless elements of society. Poor people and people of color are overwhelmingly the victims of arrests and convictions, not to mention daily harassment and even murder at the hands of police. Attempts to reform the police rarely do more than feed their budgets and streamline their methods for imprisoning people. And what happens to the millions of people in prison? They are isolated, killed slowly by poor diets and miserable conditions or swiftly by guards who are almost never convicted. Prison guards encourage gangs and racial violence to help them maintain control, and often smuggle in and sell addictive drugs to fill their wallets and sedate the population. Tens of thousands of prisoners are locked up in solitary confinement, some for decades.

Countless studies have found that treating drug addiction and other psychological problems as criminal matters is ineffective and inhumane; mistreating prisoners and depriving them of human contact and educational opportunities has been proven to increase recidivism.[84] But for every study that showed how to end crime and reduce prison populations, the government has gone and done the exact opposite: they cut educational programs, increased the use of solitary confinement, lengthened sentences, and curtailed visiting rights. Why? Because in addition to a control mechanism, prison is an industry. It funnels billions of dollars of public money to institutions that strengthen state control, such as the police, the courts, surveillance and private security companies, and it provides a slave labor force that produces goods for the government and private corporations. Forced labor is still legal in the prison system, and most prisons contain factories where prisoners have to work for a few cents an hour. Prisons also have the modern equivalent of the company store, where prisoners have to spend all the money they make and the money their families send them, buying clothing, food, or phone calls, all at inflated prices.

The prison system is beyond hope of reform. Reformist prison bureaucrats have given up or else come to support prison abolition. One high ranking bureaucrat who directed juvenile corrections departments in Massachusetts and Illinois concluded that:

Prisons are violent, outmoded bureaucracies that don’t protect public safety. There’s no way to rehabilitate anyone in them. The facility produces violence that calls for more of the facility. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy. Prisons offer themselves as a solution to the very problems they’ve created. Institutions are set up to make people fail. That’s their latent purpose.[85]

These are not problems to be solved with reforms or changes of law. The justice system has set its priorities and arranged its laws with the specific purpose of controlling and abusing us. The problem is law itself.

Often, people who live in a statist society assume that without a centralized justice system following clear laws, it would be impossible to resolve conflicts. Without a common set of laws, everyone would fight for her own interests, resulting in perpetual feuding. If methods of dealing with social harm are decentralized and voluntary, what’s to keep people from “taking justice into their own hands?”

An important leveling mechanism in stateless societies is that people sometimes do take justice into their own hands, especially in dealing with those in leadership positions who are acting authoritarian. Anyone can abide by her conscience and take action against a person she perceives to be harming the community. At best, this can push others to acknowledge and confront a problem they had tried to ignore. At worst, it can divide the community between those who think such action was justified and those who think it was harmful. Even this, though, is better than institutionalizing imbalances of power; in a community in which everyone has the power to take things into their own hands, in which everyone is equal, people will find it is much easier to talk things out and try to change the opinions of their peers than to do whatever they want or cause conflicts by acting as a vigilante. The reason this method is not used in democratic, capitalist societies is not because it does not work, but because there are certain opinions that must not be changed, certain contradictions that must not be addressed, and certain privileges that can never be challenged.

In many stateless societies, bad behavior is not dealt with by specialized defenders of justice, but by everyone, through what anthropologists call diffuse sanctions — sanctions or negative reactions that are diffused throughout society. Everyone is accustomed to responding to injustice and harmful behavior, and thus everyone is more empowered and more involved. When there is no state to monopolize the day-to-day maintenance of society, people learn how to do this for themselves, and teach one another.

We do not need to define abuse as a crime to know that it hurts us. Laws are unnecessary in empowered societies; there are other models for responding to social harm. We can identify the problem as an infringement on others’ needs rather than a violation of written code. We can encourage broad social involvement in the resolution of the problem. We can help those who have been hurt to express their needs and we can follow their lead. We can hold people accountable when they hurt others, while supporting them and giving them opportunities to learn and reestablish respectful relationships with the community. We can see problems as the responsibility of the entire community rather than the fault of one person. We can reclaim the power to heal society, and break through the isolation imposed on us.

[gallus-rising]

the blood trade is like. This Siders are (comparatively) normal humans/animals and Denizens of Across are crab/bug energy constructs (that's part of why it's so difficult to cross the River bc you gotta take extra steps to keep your meat suit/outer shell functioning BUT ANYWAYS) death is cheap in this setting and there are a lot of ways to die but Not Really and the main way to die But For Real is to have your life force directly removed from your body, which is blood for This Siders and static for Denizens. you can live perfectly fine w/o all of your blood/static, but once you lose your last drop it's over, tho some ppl are tougher than others and become what are functionally sentient zombies. that's why Zafell was able to just kinda sew Rem back together. whoever Got Him knew he was a bloodmancer and chopped him up after the fact so he wouldn't come back

(note: physical wounds don't contribute to this. yeah some one can stab you and you'll start bleeding out but the "blood" that's being bought/stolen is a metaphysical type thing)

so! things you can do when you literally have someone else's life force at your disposal! lengthen your own lifespan, turbo charge your inherent strengths, use w/e inborn magic powers that person has/had. OR if you don't tell ppl abt all those things and distribute it in an impure form you can use it as a sick radical party drug and keep your population under check by supplying it non-stop

so basically Across is a cyberpunk dystopia. the leaders keep themselves strong and healthy, they keep their own population under control w constant party funtimes/propaganda/surveillance, bc you now have an unknowingly addicted and highly hedonist population there's a big demand for blood, in order to keep up w demand you gotta resort to shady tactics, since ppl need their blood/static to live they obviously don't like that, over generations This Siders grow to resent Denizens and Denizens are increasingly treating This Siders like funtime party fuel, so now they won't team up against you and overthrow the system! and you can make big bucks trafficking the blood back and forth which further incentivizes regular ppl to keep the system going w/o having to micromanage it all!!

This Siders can get all the same effects from ingesting static (some partykillers like Zafell use it to aid in their demon hunting, but it comes w drawbacks since so much of the knowledge of how to use it has been erased) if a This Sider and a Denizen were to properly team up that'd be a powerhouse (and is, in fact, the original state of things before the River split the cities) so it's very important to keep ppl distrustful of each other

an important guy to the blood trade is Mammon since he runs a highly successful loan/dept collection racket. the safest way to get blood outta ppl is to just pay them for it and sell it for a profit back in Across. Mammon is a "trusted" figure bc he doesn't tolerated independent killings in his territory. just make sure to pay him on time and you're perfectly safe :]

[merunair]

Youtube is a dumb idiot platform run by greedy jerks and I'm smarter than Neal Mohan. Here's eleven entire ways youtube could make money to keep itself afloat without being anti-consumer

1- For every 1 hour of video uploaded by a single person, charge 1 USD. Data needs a physical place to be stored and that costs money, it is completely reasonable that the people using this service pay a small amount of money for it. That said, don't retroactively charge people for video already uploaded or change the fee itself. One and done. Have some integrity.

2- Actually talk to the creators and set up some sort of (actual) partner program among the larger million+ subscriber channels wherein Youtube representatives help facilitate sponsorships (and take a little bit of that money as a treat). That way there's an alternative to predatory MCNs and it solves the issue of people not being able to get in touch with youtube reps, because they will be working directly with youtube reps

3- Make the livestreaming function more accessible and visible (1-5% cut from all donations/subs/whatever they're called on there)

4- Kill youtube tv, movies, kids, and all things of a similar vein and make a singular secondary site dedicated to professionally-made content from studios with the option to either buy a subscription for unlimited access to the library or purchase digital copies in a one-time transaction (basically just make netflix 2 but good, you have the resources)

5- Remove embedded ads for any video under 20 minutes, remove midrolls altogether, raise the price advertisers have to pay for this limited real estate. A lot of people still do not use adblockers, they'll see these ads. You control the supply, so make the people demanding it pay instead of those of us innocent bystanders.

6- A single banner ad on the homepage that you charge advertisers out the nose for, make those little idiot marketing firms fight tooth and nail for even a brief second with it. If you're going to keep people from blocking ads then have this be the singular unblocked ad. Vet whoever wants to rent it thoroughly and keep it as a static image with no audio.

7- Kill content farms. Put in a daily upload limit and investigate channels that upload large amounts of content (especially similar content) frequently. Kill cocomelon and its ilk with hammers. Hell, I'll do that one for free.

8- Fire Neal Mohan and beat him over the head with a boogie board until he apologizes for the crypto bullshit. Likewise. If anyone utters 'web3', 'crypto', 'nft', 'ai art', or 'metaverse' in a non-ironic context, fire them. Then fold their salaries back into server costs.

9- Enforce rules fairly and fix the copyright system so people actually want to use your website. Throw in some quality-of-life changes to while you're feeling spicy. More customization for the actual aesthetics of a channel page would be cool

10- You can keep youtube premium but don't put website functionality behind a paywall, explicitly state that premium is for people who want to support the website, show them exactly where their money is going, and maybe add little bonuses like hats for your profile picture that are randomly unlocked as you watch youtube for premium subscribers only. This is exclusively cosmetic. You can even put out hats that match those special google banners and holidays and shit. Just something cute and nice as a 'hey thanks for supporting us'

11- Integrate the merchandise tab better in a NON-OBTRUSIVE WAY. Maybe have a function for larger channels to have an embedded shop page on their channel. Not the weird, clunky version of this that they have now

[frostyreturns]

When my last computer died I vowed I was never buying Apple or Windows ever again, now I’m vowing to never buy an acer chromebook, these computers are pieces of shit. I bought it when everything was locked down and I didn’t have much choice or money.

- Battery already giving me problems wont charge beyond like 12% so the battery life is now like ten minutes. And its built like a macbook where I can’t just pop it out buy a new one and replace it.

- functionless desktop..there’s no desktop shortcuts I can’t drag and drop icons to and from it for easier access I just get a big blank screen that doesn’t even have a functional wallpaper system. If I want to post a custom photo as my wallpaper I have to dig through every single image on my computer to find it because it only gives you preset google provided images and one giant folder labelled “my images” 

- It has a shelf/dock but it constantly removes items I put there everytime I’m not looking. I keep tryint to pin my settings to the shelf and yet eveytime I go to use it the icon has disappeared from the shelf. It’s like im in a fight with a roommate over where a table goes but there’s no roommate and every day I just find the table in the spot where I moved it from before bed. You’re my fucking computer you are a thing, I own you, I paid for you, you don’t get a say... do what I fucking tell you.

- Flimsiest fucking plastic piece of shit I’ve ever seen in a piece of technology. The plastic on the screen feels like it’s made out of what chinese knockoff toys at the dollar store are made out of, you have to brace the entire screen with both hands when opening it and closing it or you’ll snap it. 

- Every once in a while will just randomly shut off and not turn off, figured out that a little garden varety static was shorting it out.

- keys not backlit, so it’s unusable at nighttime.

- no compatibility with anything, wont recognize or run an external disc drive so I cannot use it for any physical media whatsoever. Can’t watch dvds on it, can’t upload music to it...nothing. 

- Every browser other than chrome is suspiciously unusable. Browsers that on every other device run and work smoothly run like bricked dogshit.

- Worst of all it makes you sign in to google to use it at all. 

- Awful word processer, you can type words and that’s it. Making it useless as a writing laptop. Your options are use google docs and upload everything you ever type straight to google or here’s a text program that lets you type words but has literally no other function at all. Makes everything a formatting nightmare if I actually have to send something to someone.

There are no good options for computer anymore, you just have to find the one that doesn’t suck complete ass and it’s none of them. They’ve taken all the fun out of technology and the bad parts just keep getting worse. Fuck everyone at apple, fuck Bill Gates and everyone at microsoft and fuck everbody at google I hate you all you’re all bad people and you’ve all made the world a worse place eat shit and get fucked.

[hasuentechnology]

SAFETY TIPS FOR ASSEMBLE AND DISASSEMBLE YOUR SYSTEM UNIT

TIPS ON DISASSEMBLING  SYSTEM UNIT 

1.MAKE SURE YOU FULLY SHUTDOWN AND UNPLUGGED YOUR PC.

 2.REMOVE ANY METAL OBJECTS SUCH AS RINGS,WATCHES,ETC.

3.MAKE THAT YOUR HAND IS NOT WET.

4.PUT YOUR HANDS AGAINST ANY METAL OBJECT TO REMOVE STATIC CHARGE.

 5.MAKE SURE YOU HAVE PART ORGANIZERS FOR THE SCREWS BEFORE YOU BEGIN UNSCREWING.

 TIPS ON ASSEMBLING SYSTEM UNIT 

1.BEFORE YOU YOU DO ANYTHING,DATERMINE THE PURPOSE OF YOUR BUILD. 

2.CONSIDER A COOLER AND THERMAL PASTE INCLUDED. 

3.MAKE SURE ALL YOUR COMPONENT  YOU BUY IS COMPATIBLE  WITH ONE ANOTHER.

 4.OPEN EACH COMPONENT.

[securecleaningservices]

How Do Commercial Floor Cleaning Services Handle Sensitive Areas Like Server Rooms?

Introduction

In the modern business landscape, server rooms are the lifeblood of operations. These rooms house critical IT infrastructure, including servers, data storage devices, and networking equipment that ensure the seamless functioning of an organization’s digital ecosystem. Given the sensitive nature of these areas, maintaining cleanliness without compromising the equipment's safety is paramount. This article delves into how commercial floor cleaning services handle such sensitive environments, ensuring both cleanliness and operational integrity.

The Critical Nature of Server Rooms

Server rooms are unique environments that play a crucial role in the day-to-day operations of many businesses. They contain highly sensitive electronic equipment that is essential for the processing, storage, and transmission of data. A minor disruption in these rooms can lead to significant downtime, data loss, or even security breaches. Therefore, maintaining a clean and controlled environment is not just about hygiene—it’s about safeguarding the entire digital infrastructure.

Common Risks in Server Rooms

Cleaning a server room involves more than just sweeping and mopping. There are several risks associated with cleaning these areas, including:

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD): Static electricity can cause damage to electronic components.

Dust Accumulation: Dust can clog vents and fans, leading to overheating.

Spillages: The use of inappropriate cleaning solutions can lead to spillages, which might cause short circuits.

Disruption of Airflow: Unintended blockage of cooling systems can lead to equipment failure.

These risks necessitate a specialized approach to cleaning that is mindful of the room’s operational requirements.

Importance of Specialized Cleaning Protocols

Given the unique risks associated with server rooms, standard cleaning procedures are not sufficient. Specialized cleaning protocols are developed to address the specific needs of these environments. These protocols often include:

Use of Antistatic Cleaning Equipment: To prevent electrostatic discharge.

Controlled Environment Maintenance: Ensuring that cleaning does not disrupt the delicate balance of temperature and humidity in the room.

Restricted Use of Liquids: Avoiding excessive use of cleaning liquids to prevent spills.

These tailored methods ensure that the cleaning process supports the safe and efficient operation of the server room.

Types of Flooring in Server Rooms

Server rooms typically have specific types of flooring designed to minimize static electricity and support heavy equipment loads. Common flooring types include:

Raised Access Flooring: Allows for cabling and airflow management underneath.

Antistatic Vinyl Flooring: Helps to dissipate static electricity safely.

Conductive Tiles: Provide grounding for static charges.

Each type of flooring requires specific cleaning methods to maintain its properties and ensure longevity.

Challenges of Cleaning Server Room Floors

Cleaning the floors of a server room is not a straightforward task. The primary challenges include:

Ensuring No Downtime: Cleaning must be conducted without disrupting the ongoing operations.

Avoiding ESD Risks: All cleaning activities must be performed with materials and methods that do not generate static.

Maintaining Floor Integrity: Aggressive cleaning can damage specialized flooring, leading to costly repairs or replacements.

These challenges make it clear why trained professionals are essential for this task.

Specialized Equipment for Server Room Cleaning

Cleaning server rooms requires specialized equipment designed to handle sensitive environments. Some of the key tools include:

ESD-Safe Vacuum Cleaners: These vacuums are designed to prevent static build-up while removing dust and debris.

Microfiber Cloths and Mops: These materials reduce the risk of static and are gentle on antistatic flooring.

HEPA Filters: High-Efficiency Particulate Air filters trap dust particles effectively without releasing them back into the environment.

Using the right equipment is critical to ensuring that the server room remains both clean and safe.

Safe Cleaning Products for Server Rooms

The choice of cleaning products is as important as the equipment used. In server rooms, it’s essential to use:

Non-Conductive Cleaners: These prevent any potential for electrical interference.

Low Moisture Products: To avoid the risk of spills or excessive moisture, which can damage electronics.

Eco-Friendly Options: Where possible, green cleaning products that are safe for both the environment and sensitive equipment should be used.

These products help maintain the cleanliness of the room without compromising the safety of the equipment.

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Considerations

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) is one of the biggest risks in a server room. Even a tiny static charge can damage sensitive electronic components. To mitigate this risk, cleaning personnel must:

Use ESD-Safe Materials: Including tools, clothing, and footwear.

Regularly Test Humidity Levels: As low humidity increases the risk of static build-up.

Ensure Proper Grounding: All cleaning equipment should be grounded to prevent the build-up of static charges.

By carefully managing ESD, cleaning teams protect the server room from potential damage.

The Role of Antistatic Flooring

Antistatic flooring plays a crucial role in server rooms by dissipating static electricity safely. During cleaning, it’s essential to:

Avoid Abrasive Cleaners: Which can damage the antistatic properties.

Use Appropriate Cleaning Methods: Such as dry mopping or using a lightly damp mop with a safe cleaner.

Regularly Inspect the Flooring: To ensure it continues to function as designed.

Proper maintenance of antistatic flooring is key to its effectiveness in preventing ESD-related damage.

Temperature and Humidity Control During Cleaning

Maintaining the right temperature and humidity levels is critical in server rooms, even during cleaning. Cleaning teams must:

Monitor HVAC Systems: Ensure that the HVAC systems are fully operational during cleaning to maintain environmental control.

Use Minimal Moisture: Excessive moisture can alter humidity levels, risking condensation on equipment.

Avoid Blocking Airflow: All cleaning activities should be planned to prevent disruption to cooling systems.

By controlling these factors, cleaning teams can prevent any adverse effects on the equipment.

Access Control and Security Measures

Server rooms are not only sensitive due to the equipment they house but also due to the data they protect. Cleaning teams must adhere to strict security protocols, including:

Controlled Access: Only authorized personnel should be allowed to enter the server room.

Documentation: All entries and exits should be logged.

Supervision: IT staff may supervise the cleaning process to ensure data security is maintained.

These measures ensure that the integrity of the data and the security of the server room are upheld.

Training and Certification of Cleaning Staff

Not just anyone can clean a server room. Cleaning personnel must be specially trained and certified to handle such sensitive environments. Key training aspects include:

Understanding ESD Risks: And how to mitigate them.

Proper Use of Equipment and Products: To ensure no damage to the server room.

Emergency Protocols: In case of accidents or unexpected issues during cleaning.

Certified staff bring the expertise needed to clean these areas without risking equipment or data.

Scheduling Cleaning Services

Cleaning a server room requires careful scheduling to minimize disruption. Best practices include:

Coordinating with IT Teams: To identify low-activity periods.

Planning for After-Hours Cleaning: When server load is typically lower.

Staggering Cleaning Times: For large server rooms, consider cleaning in sections to maintain continuous operation.

Proper scheduling ensures that cleaning activities do not interfere with the room’s functionality.

Cleaning Frequency and Maintenance Plans

Regular cleaning is necessary to maintain a safe and efficient server room. Factors to consider when determining cleaning frequency include:

Room Activity Level: Higher activity may require more frequent cleaning.

Dust Levels: Regular monitoring to assess the need for cleaning.

Type of Flooring: Some flooring types may require more frequent maintenance.

A well-planned maintenance schedule helps prevent dust build-up and other issues that can affect equipment performance.

Coordination with IT Staff

Cleaning a server room is not an isolated task; it requires close coordination with the IT staff who manage the equipment. This includes:

Pre-Cleaning Briefings: To discuss specific needs and concerns.

Real-Time Communication: During cleaning to address any immediate issues.

Post-Cleaning Feedback: To ensure that the cleaning met the required standards.

Effective collaboration with IT teams ensures that cleaning is both thorough and safe.

Emergency Cleaning Protocols

Spills, accidents, and other emergencies can occur even in well-maintained server rooms. Cleaning teams must be prepared with:

Immediate Response Plans: For handling liquid spills or other urgent issues.

Specialized Spill Kits: Equipped with materials safe for use around sensitive equipment.

Coordination with IT for Shutdowns: In case an emergency requires powering down equipment.

Preparedness for emergencies ensures that they can be managed without long-term damage.

Post-Cleaning Inspection and Reporting

After the cleaning process is completed, a thorough inspection is necessary to ensure all tasks were performed correctly. This includes:

Visual Inspection: To check for cleanliness and any potential damage.

Environmental Monitoring: To ensure temperature and humidity levels remain stable.

Detailed Reporting: Documenting the cleaning process, any issues encountered, and how they were resolved.

This step ensures transparency and accountability in the cleaning process.

Green Cleaning Practices in Server Rooms

As more businesses look to reduce their environmental impact, green cleaning practices are becoming more common, even in sensitive areas like server rooms. These practices include:

Using Eco-Friendly Products: That are safe for both the environment and sensitive equipment.

Reducing Water Usage: By using dry cleaning methods or minimal moisture cleaners.

Minimizing Waste: By choosing reusable cleaning materials.

Green cleaning in server rooms supports sustainability goals while maintaining safety.

Case Studies and Success Stories

Learning from others’ experiences can provide valuable insights into best practices for server room cleaning. Some successful cases include:

Tech Company A: Implemented a green cleaning program for their server rooms, reducing downtime and environmental impact.

Data Center B: Successfully managed a complete server room cleaning without any operational interruptions.

Financial Institution C: Enhanced their server room security by integrating cleaning services with their IT department.

These case studies highlight the effectiveness of specialized cleaning approaches.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cleaning a server room requires careful attention to detail. Common mistakes that can lead to serious issues include:

Using Non-ESD-Safe Equipment: Which can lead to equipment damage.

Overlooking Environmental Controls: Leading to temperature or humidity fluctuations.

Inadequate Training: Leading to improper handling of sensitive equipment.

Avoiding these mistakes ensures a successful and safe cleaning process.

FAQs

How often should server rooms be cleaned? Server rooms should be cleaned at least quarterly, but the frequency can vary depending on the environment and equipment used.

What are the risks of using standard cleaning products in server rooms? Standard cleaning products may cause static build-up, leave conductive residues, or introduce excessive moisture, all of which can damage sensitive equipment.

Why is ESD a concern in server rooms? Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) can damage sensitive electronic components, potentially leading to data loss or equipment failure.

Can server rooms be cleaned without shutting down equipment? Yes, with proper planning and the use of specialized tools, server rooms can be cleaned without requiring a complete shutdown.

What type of flooring is best for server rooms? Antistatic or conductive flooring is best for server rooms as it helps to prevent static electricity build-up.

How do commercial cleaning services ensure data security in server rooms? Cleaning services ensure data security through controlled access, close coordination with IT staff, and adherence to strict security protocols.

Conclusion

Server rooms are critical to the functioning of any modern business, and their maintenance requires specialized knowledge and skills. Commercial floor cleaning services that handle these sensitive areas must employ tailored protocols, specialized equipment, and trained personnel to ensure both cleanliness and safety. By understanding the unique challenges and implementing best practices, these services can effectively maintain server rooms, ensuring they remain operational and secure.

[spacenutspod]

Water purification is a big business on Earth. Companies offer everything from desalination to providing just the right pH level for drinking water. But on the Moon, there won’t be a similar technical infrastructure to support the astronauts attempting to make a permanent base there. And there’s one particular material that will make water purification even harder – Moon dust.  We’ve reported plenty of times about the health problems caused by the lunar regolith, so it seems apparent that you don’t want to drink it. Even more so, the abrasive dust can cause issues with seals, such as those used in electrolyzers to create rocket fuel out of in-situ water resources. It can even adversely affect water purification equipment itself.  Unfortunately, this contamination is inevitable. Lunar dust is far too adhesive and electrostatically charged to be kept completely separate from the machinery that would recycle or purify the water. So, a group of researchers from DLR in Germany decided to test what would happen if you intentionally dissolved lunar regolith. Fraser interviews Dr. Kevin Cannon, an expert in lunar dust mitigation. The short answer is, unsurprisingly, nothing good. Dissolved lunar regolith causes pH, turbidity, and aluminum concentrations all exceed World Health Organization benchmarks for safe drinking water. This happened even with short exposure times (2 minutes) and static pH values, as they used a 5.5 pH buffer in part of the experiments.  They didn’t use actual lunar dust for these experiments, but a simulant modeled on the regolith returned during the Apollo 16 mission. It mimics the regolith that is thought to be most similar to the Artemis landing sites. In addition to the pH changes and the amount of exposure time (which went up to 72 hours), the authors also varied the amount of dissolved oxygen in the system and the particle size of the simulant. Those negative results occurred for every test variation, no matter what combination of the four control variables was used. Ultimately, that means engineers will have to devise a system to filter the water from these deposits before it can be recycled into the overall water system. After taking the first boot print photo, astronaut Buzz Aldrin moved closer to the little rock and took this second shot. His boot was already completely covered in adhesive dust.Credit: NASA The paper explored some potential solutions for that water purification system. Each of the limits that were violated requires its purification methodology. In the author’s estimation, lowering the turbidity is the first requirement. To do so, they suggest doing standard filtration or allowing the dust particles to settle.  Removing aluminum is next in importance, with another experiment showing that plants that grew in lunar soil showed signs of aluminum toxicity. Additional ions, including calcium, iron, and manganese, also need to be removed, as they were above acceptable levels in some test batches but not all. Removing these ions would require a reverse osmosis process or ion exchange. Ion removal is vital to a fully functional electrolyzer system as well.  The authors seemed to be ultimately going after a platform to test and validate water purification processes for future lunar exploration missions. Given the results from their experimentation, there will undoubtedly be future rounds of testing and plenty of technology development to work on solving these technical challenges. Ultimately, astronauts will have to drink water on the Moon – and it won’t be coming just from bottles from Earth. Learn More:Freer, Pesch, & Zabel – Experimental study to characterize water contaminated by lunar dustUT – The Moon Is ToxicUT – Astronauts Will Be Tracking Dust Into the Lunar Gateway. Is This a Problem?UT – Lunar Dust is Still One of The Biggest Challenges Facing Moon Exploration Lead Image:Turbidity samples of some of the dissolved regolith.Credit – Freer, Pesch, & Zabel The post Moon Dust Could Contaminate Lunar Explorers’ Water Supply appeared first on Universe Today.

[lorryelectronicblog]

How to Install XCF32PFS48C: A Step-by-Step Guide

The XCF32PFS48C is a versatile and essential component in the field of programmable logic devices. Whether you're a seasoned engineer or a beginner, installing this chip correctly is crucial to ensure your project runs smoothly. In this guide, we'll walk you through the installation process step by step, making it easy to follow and understand.

Introduction

Installing the XCF32PFS48C can seem daunting, but with the right guidance, it becomes a straightforward process. This guide will help you install the chip correctly, ensuring optimal performance for your electronic projects.

1. Overview of XCF32PFS48C

The XCF32PFS48C is a complex programmable logic device (CPLD) known for its flexibility and high performance. It's used in various applications, including digital signal processing, communications, and embedded systems. Understanding its features and specifications is the first step in ensuring a successful installation.

2. Tools and Materials Needed

Before starting the installation, gather the necessary tools and materials:

Soldering iron and solder

Antistatic wrist strap

Magnifying glass or microscope

Flux

Desoldering braid or pump

Multimeter

XCF32PFS48C chip

Clean, well-lit workspace

Having these items ready will make the process smoother and more efficient.

3. Preparing for Installation

Work Area Preparation

Ensure your workspace is clean and well-lit. An organized workspace reduces the risk of errors and makes the process more efficient.

Antistatic Precautions

Wear an antistatic wrist strap to prevent static electricity from damaging the chip. Ground yourself and your tools to eliminate any static charge.

4. Step-by-Step Installation

Step 1: Inspect the Chip and Board

Carefully inspect the XCF32PFS48C chip and the circuit board. Ensure there are no visible defects or contaminants that could affect the installation.

Step 2: Apply Flux

Apply a small amount of flux to the pads on the circuit board where the chip will be placed. Flux helps in making better solder joints.

Step 3: Position the Chip

Using tweezers, carefully position the XCF32PFS48C chip on the pads. Make sure all the pins are correctly aligned with the corresponding pads.

Step 4: Solder the Pins

Begin by soldering one pin to secure the chip in place. Then, proceed to solder the remaining pins, ensuring each connection is clean and solid. Use a magnifying glass to inspect the joints.

Step 5: Clean the Board

Once all the pins are soldered, clean the board with isopropyl alcohol to remove any excess flux and ensure a clean installation.

5. Testing the Installation

Initial Power-Up

Before applying full power, do a continuity check with a multimeter to ensure there are no shorts. Once confirmed, power up the board and check for correct operation.

Functional Testing

Run a functional test to ensure the XCF32PFS48C is operating as expected. This might involve running specific programs or tests relevant to your project.

6. Troubleshooting Tips

Common Issues

Solder Bridges: Use desoldering braid to remove any excess solder causing bridges between pins.

Misalignment: Carefully reheat and adjust any misaligned pins.

Tools for Troubleshooting

Multimeter: For checking continuity and proper connections.

Oscilloscope: To verify signal integrity if needed.

7. Maintenance and Care

Regular Inspections

Regularly inspect the solder joints and connections to ensure they remain solid. This helps in identifying potential issues before they become significant problems.

Proper Storage

Store the board and chip in a clean, dry place. Use antistatic bags to prevent static damage.

8. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Insufficient Solder

Ensure enough solder is used to make a good connection, but not so much that it creates bridges.

Overheating

Avoid applying excessive heat to the chip and board, as this can damage both. Use a temperature-controlled soldering iron.

9. Advanced Tips for Experts

Fine-Tuning Soldering Techniques

For experienced users, practice advanced soldering techniques such as drag soldering for quicker and more efficient installations.

Custom PCB Design

Consider designing custom PCBs that optimize the layout for the XCF32PFS48C, improving performance and ease of installation.

Conclusion

Installing the XCF32PFS48C doesn't have to be a daunting task. By following this step-by-step guide, you can ensure a successful installation, leading to reliable and high-performance operation in your projects. Remember to take your time, be precise, and double-check your work.

[normeacottremovals]

8 Ways to Protect Your Devices During a Move

Moving can be a stressful experience, especially when it comes to ensuring that your valuable electronic devices arrive safely at your new home. From computers and smartphones to televisions and gaming consoles, these items are not only expensive but also contain crucial personal data. Here are eight effective ways to protect your devices during a professional move with removalists Central Coast, ensuring they remain intact and functional throughout the process. 

Back Up Your Data

Before you even start packing, make sure to back up all your important data. Use an external hard drive, cloud storage, or both to ensure that your files, photos, and important documents are safe in case of any mishap. This step is crucial as it provides a safety net against data loss. Consider scheduling regular backups in the weeks leading up to your move to keep your data current. In addition, keep your backup devices or cloud access information easily accessible in case you need to retrieve any data during the transition.

Use Original Packaging

Whenever possible, pack your devices in their original boxes. These boxes are specifically designed to protect your devices during transit. They come with custom-shaped foam or cardboard inserts that hold the device securely and provide cushioning against shocks and vibrations. If you no longer have the original packaging, try to find boxes that are similar in size and use plenty of bubble wrap and packing paper to fill any gaps. For larger items like televisions, you can purchase specially designed TV moving boxes that offer extra protection.

Invest in Quality Packing Materials

If you don’t have the original packaging, invest in high-quality packing materials. Use anti-static bubble wrap for electronics, sturdy cardboard boxes, and packing peanuts or foam for additional cushioning. Ensure that the boxes are neither too large nor too small; the device should fit snugly without moving around. For added protection, consider using double-walled boxes which provide more strength and resistance to crushing. Additionally, you can use moving blankets or thick towels for extra padding around particularly delicate or high-value items.

Label Boxes Clearly

Clearly label each box with its contents and mark them as “Fragile.” This will alert movers to handle these boxes with extra care. Also, consider writing “This Side Up” on boxes containing sensitive equipment to ensure they are not turned upside down during the move. Using colour-coded labels or stickers can also help you identify different types of electronics quickly. For example, you can use blue labels for kitchen electronics, red for office equipment, and green for entertainment devices. This system can make unpacking and setting up your new home much more efficient.

Remove Batteries and Accessories

Remove any batteries, ink cartridges, or other accessories from your devices. This prevents potential leaks and damage. Pack these items separately but ensure they are clearly labelled so you can easily find them when setting up your devices in your new home. For rechargeable batteries, ensure they are fully charged before packing to avoid any issues with recharging them upon arrival. Also, detach any external components such as keyboards, mice, and speakers, and pack them securely. This reduces the risk of damage and makes it easier to organise your devices once you start unpacking.

Secure Cables and Small Parts

Bundle cables neatly and use twist ties or Velcro straps to keep them organised. Place cables, remote controls, and other small parts in labelled zip-lock bags and tape them to the corresponding device or pack them in a clearly marked box. This will make reassembling your electronics much easier. Consider taking photos of how the cables are connected to each device before disassembling them. These photos can serve as a reference when you are setting up your equipment in your new home, ensuring that everything is reconnected correctly and functions properly.

Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Electronic devices are sensitive to extreme temperatures. Try to keep them in a climate-controlled environment during the move. Avoid leaving them in a hot or cold vehicle for extended periods. If possible, transport them in your car where you can control the temperature. If you must store them temporarily, choose a storage facility with climate control to prevent damage from heat, cold, or humidity. Additionally, when you arrive at your new home, allow your electronics to acclimate to the new environment before powering them on. Rapid temperature changes can cause condensation and potential damage to the internal components.

Consider Professional Movers

If you have high-value or particularly fragile electronics, consider hiring professional movers who specialise in handling electronics. They have the expertise and equipment to pack and transport your devices safely. While it might be an additional cost, the peace of mind and reduced risk of damage can be well worth it. When choosing a moving company, look for those with good reviews and a proven track record of handling delicate items. You can also inquire about insurance options to cover your electronics during the move, providing an extra layer of protection in case of accidental damage.

Protecting your devices during a move requires careful planning and the right materials. By backing up your data, using appropriate packing materials, and considering professional help, you can ensure your electronics arrive safely at your new home. These precautions not only safeguard your expensive equipment but also help you avoid the inconvenience and cost of repairs or replacements. Additionally, taking the time to label and organise your items properly can make the unpacking process smoother and more efficient. Moving can be a hectic time, but with these strategies in place, you can focus on settling into your new space with confidence. 

[indiafilters]

Comparing Air Filter Elements: Which One is Right for Your Needs?

Have you ever wondered why the air inside your home or office sometimes feels stuffy or stale? The answer lies in the quality of the air filter you're using. Air filters play a crucial role in removing pollutants, allergens, and contaminants from the air, ensuring a healthier and more comfortable living or working environment. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to determine which air filter is right for your needs. In this blog, we'll dive into the different types of air filters and help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Air Filter Ratings

Before we compare air filters, it's essential to understand the rating systems used to measure their effectiveness. The two primary ratings are MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) and FPR (Filter Performance Rating). MERV ratings range from 1 to 20, with higher numbers indicating better filtration efficiency. FPR ratings, on the other hand, range from 4 to 10, with higher numbers also signifying better filtration.

Fiberglass Air Filters

Fiberglass air filters are among the most common and affordable options available. They are designed to capture larger particles like dust and lint but are less effective at filtering out smaller particles like smoke or bacteria. These filters are disposable and typically need to be replaced every few months.

Pleated Air Filters

Pleated air filters, also known as extended surface filters, have a larger surface area due to their pleated design. This increased surface area allows them to capture more particles than fiberglass filters while maintaining low air resistance. They are available in various MERV ratings, making them suitable for residential and commercial applications.

HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) Filters

HEPA filters are the gold standard for air filtration. They are designed to remove at least 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, including dust, pollen, mold spores, and some bacteria. HEPA filters are commonly used in hospitals, cleanrooms, and homes with residents suffering from severe allergies or respiratory issues.

Electrostatic Air Filters

Electrostatic air filters use a static charge to attract and capture particles. They are known for their high efficiency and long service life, as they can be washed and reused multiple times. However, they require periodic cleaning and may not be as effective at capturing smaller particles as HEPA filters.

Comparing Costs and Maintenance

When choosing an air filter, it's essential to consider not only the upfront cost but also the long-term maintenance expenses. Fiberglass filters are the most affordable option but require frequent replacements. Pleated filters and HEPA filters are more expensive but can last longer, making them a more cost-effective choice in the long run. Electrostatic filters have a higher initial cost but can be reused, potentially saving money over time.

Making the Right Choice

The best air filter for your needs depends on several factors, including the size of your space, the level of air pollution, and the presence of any respiratory concerns or allergies. If you or someone in your household suffers from severe allergies or respiratory issues, a HEPA filter is likely the best choice. For general residential use, a high-quality pleated filter with a MERV rating of 8 to 13 can provide excellent filtration while maintaining reasonable airflow.

When selecting an air filter, it's always wise to consult with reputable air filter manufacturers or professionals who can assess your specific requirements and recommend the most suitable option.

[conesco]

 How Pallet Flow Racking Systems Maximizes Storage Efficiency

Pallet flow racking is an excellent solution for maximizing storage density and streamlining

Pallet flow racking is an excellent solution for maximizing storage density and streamlining inventory management. These systems are designed to automatically guide pallets from the load side to the pick side to provide a first-in/first-out inventory flow. These racks act like a conveyor with a rack structure where the pallets are deposited at the charge end and flow down an incline to be picked. They can be more than six bays high and run 5–15 positions deep. Let’s explore the advantages of pallet flow racking systems and how they can contribute to the storage efficiency of any warehouse. Improves Productivity When looking for warehouse racking for sale, many businesses opt for a pallet flow racking system as it improves employee productivity in the warehouse. Workers responsible for managing storage systems can reduce the time spent removing and subsequently loading products into the rack. This can help warehouses significantly increase their level of productivity since the time it takes to perform these tasks is greatly reduced. This means that employees can focus on more critical aspects of warehouse management, such as handling fragile goods, inventory inspection, or signing off parcels that need to be delivered on time. Optimizes Storage Space All warehouses are not built the same. Some may need allocated areas for accommodating equipment like packing tables, forklifts, utility carts, etc.; therefore, storage space needs to be optimized to achieve optimal warehouse operations. Pallet flow racks can greatly assist in maximizing the storage space of any given warehouse by reducing the number of aisles that are needed for storing loads with varying dimensions. Unlike regular racking systems, pallet flow racks make warehouse workers better equipped to keep track of multiple storage loads all at once. Other Advantages of Pallet Flow Racking ●Double storage capacity: Pallet flow racking can pack multiple pallets in a condensed space, thus doubling the capacity compared to static rack systems. ●Save on labor and equipment costs: Pallet flow racks come with wheeled or roller rails installed on a slight pitch, which helps the pallets automatically flow from the load side to the pick side aisle. This automatic flow system reduces travel time and associated labor and equipment costs by 75%. ●Reduces utility expenses with condensed storage: Pallet flow racking helps reduce the floor space needed for storage and associated utility expenses by maximizing storage density. Its condensed storage reduces utility expenses for heating, lighting, and cooling. ●Superior selectivity: Pallet flow racking systems provide storage for a different SKU at each level. This results in greater selectivity and more pick faces, thus making it easier and faster to access inventory. ●Efficient inventory rotation: A pallet flow racking system is designed for first-in/first-out inventory rotation to ensure that the products are used in the order they were received. ●High-density storage: Pallet flow racks can be designed with very deep lanes, thus providing double the storage capacity of static rack systems, which helps optimize the use of space in the warehouse. ●Reduced risk of damage: There is much less opportunity for damage since there is no need for forklifts to enter the rack, thus reducing maintenance and repair costs. To Sum Up Investing in pallet flow racking could be a smart decision, especially if you have a high-density warehouse. It not only saves space by maximizing warehouse utility but also increases productivity levels and reduces the risk of damage.

inventory management. These systems are designed to automatically guide pallets from the load side to the pick side to provide a first-in/first-out inventory flow. These racks act like a conveyor with a rack structure where the pallets are deposited at the charge end and flow down an incline to be picked. They can be more than six bays high and run 5–15 positions deep. Let’s explore the advantages of pallet flow racking systems and how they can contribute to the storage efficiency of any warehouse.

Improves Productivity

When looking for warehouse racking for sale, many businesses opt for a pallet flow racking system as it improves employee productivity in the warehouse.

Workers responsible for managing storage systems can reduce the time spent removing and subsequently loading products into the rack. This can help warehouses significantly increase their level of productivity since the time it takes to perform these tasks is greatly reduced. This means that employees can focus on more critical aspects of warehouse management, such as handling fragile goods, inventory inspection, or signing off parcels that need to be delivered on time.

Optimizes Storage Space

All warehouses are not built the same. Some may need allocated areas for accommodating equipment like packing tables, forklifts, utility carts, etc.; therefore, storage space needs to be optimized to achieve optimal warehouse operations.

Pallet flow racks can greatly assist in maximizing the storage space of any given warehouse by reducing the number of aisles that are needed for storing loads with varying dimensions. Unlike regular racking systems, pallet flow racks make warehouse workers better equipped to keep track of multiple storage loads all at once.

Other Advantages of Pallet Flow Racking

Double storage capacity: Pallet flow racking can pack multiple pallets in a condensed space, thus doubling the capacity compared to static rack systems.

Save on labor and equipment costs: Pallet flow racks come with wheeled or roller rails installed on a slight pitch, which helps the pallets automatically flow from the load side to the pick side aisle. This automatic flow system reduces travel time and associated labor and equipment costs by 75%.

Reduces utility expenses with condensed storage: Pallet flow racking helps reduce the floor space needed for storage and associated utility expenses by maximizing storage density. Its condensed storage reduces utility expenses for heating, lighting, and cooling.

Superior selectivity: Pallet flow racking systems provide storage for a different SKU at each level. This results in greater selectivity and more pick faces, thus making it easier and faster to access inventory.

Efficient inventory rotation: A pallet flow racking system is designed for first-in/first-out inventory rotation to ensure that the products are used in the order they were received.

High-density storage: Pallet flow racks can be designed with very deep lanes, thus providing double the storage capacity of static rack systems, which helps optimize the use of space in the warehouse.

Reduced risk of damage: There is much less opportunity for damage since there is no need for forklifts to enter the rack, thus reducing maintenance and repair costs.

To Sum Up

Investing in pallet flow racking could be a smart decision, especially if you have a high-density warehouse. It not only saves space by maximizing warehouse utility but also increases productivity levels and reduces the risk of damage.

[integrating-sphere]

How to Accurately Measure Capacitance Using A Capacitor Tester

Capacitance  refers to the ability to hold a charge. It is a medium for realizing the storage and release of static charges, with the characteristic of permanent charge storage. Capacitor components are widely used in power supply filtering, signal filtering, signal coupling, resonance, filtering, compensation, charging and discharging, energy storage, and power separation in circuits. According to its ability to accommodate charges, it is generally measured in Farads, and the international unit is Farads. Therefore, capacitors are essential components for electronics and power. The role of capacitors: Bypass capacitors and decoupling capacitors are two devices that provide energy storage for local devices. Bypass capacitors can reduce load demand, make the output of the voltage regulator smooth, similar to a small rechargeable battery, and can be discharged and charged. The decoupling capacitor can smooth the edge signals of the device, so as to prevent the input signal from being too large and causing noise, and filter out interference in the output signal. Large capacitors filter low frequencies, small capacitors filter high frequencies, filter out interference in the input signal, and the smaller the impedance, the higher the frequency passed through. Energy storage capacitors can collect charges and transfer them to the output end of the power supply. They can be units, parallel or series, to meet different power requirements. Therefore, measure capacitance is very important. Capacitor meter is an important test instrument for detecting the parameters of capacitors in power supply engineering. It can accurately detect the capacitance of capacitors, test their characteristic parameters and accuracy, and ensure the normal operation of circuits. It uses an adjustable bridge circuit to measure the capacitance of the capacitor, and can better adjust the capacitor according to the test results to reach the best working state. Working principle of capacitor meter: The capacitor meter is a test instrument that uses synchronous sampling technology of standard and test capacitors, fault diagnosis procedure and fully automatic measurement process. It is not affected by the fluctuation of the power supply voltage, and can accurately and reliably measure resistors and capacitors, with high stability and repeatability. Features of capacitor meter: Capacitor meter can conveniently and quickly measure a single capacitor on site, without removing the connecting wire, thus avoiding a lot of time consuming work and damaging the capacitor. In addition, the capacitor meter will output a higher voltage than the capacitive table, which can improve the fault detection efficiency. In addition, the capacitor meter can not only measure capacitance, but also measure the inductance value of resistors. LS6515EN Capacitor meter A deeper understanding of the working principle of capacitor meter: The capacitor meter directly measures the capacitive current from the secondary side of the power distribution PT, which makes the test safe, simple and fast, so that the instrument does not need to communicate with the primary side and can accurately and reliably monitoring data, and without making complicated safety measures and waiting for lengthy dispatch command. In addition, the capacitor meter injects the harmonic test signal at the PT’s open triangular junction, not only will not cause any influence to the relay protection and PT itself, but also avoids the 50Hz power frequency interference signal, the output end withstands the AC voltage of 100V, the system has single-phase grounding fault, and will not damage the PT and tester, making the test results more accurate and reliable. Measurement method of capacitor meter: This introduces the measure capacitance method of fixed capacitors from 10pf to 001uF. First of all, check the capacitors below 10pf, which can be qualitatively checked using the R * 10k gear of the universal meter, to determine whether there is leakage, internal short circuit or breakdown phenomenon of the capacitor; secondly, 10pf to 001uF fixed capacitors, universal meter should select R*1k gear, using two transistors (passing current should be small, type such as 3DG6, β value greater than 100), and red, black pens of multi-functional meter, respectively Connected to the emitter and collector of the bi-directional tube, to determine whether there is a charging phenomenon, and then determine its quality. Read the full article