#AI In Product Design Optimization

[rubylogan15]

Learn how generative AI addresses key manufacturing challenges with predictive maintenance, advanced design optimization, superior quality control, and seamless supply chains.

[einnosyssecsgem]

Machine learning applications in semiconductor manufacturing

Machine Learning Applications in Semiconductor Manufacturing: Revolutionizing the Industry

The semiconductor industry is the backbone of modern technology, powering everything from smartphones and computers to autonomous vehicles and IoT devices. As the demand for faster, smaller, and more efficient chips grows, semiconductor manufacturers face increasing challenges in maintaining precision, reducing costs, and improving yields. Enter machine learning (ML)—a transformative technology that is revolutionizing semiconductor manufacturing. By leveraging ML, manufacturers can optimize processes, enhance quality control, and accelerate innovation. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key applications of machine learning in semiconductor manufacturing and how it is shaping the future of the industry.

Predictive Maintenance

Semiconductor manufacturing involves highly complex and expensive equipment, such as lithography machines and etchers. Unplanned downtime due to equipment failure can cost millions of dollars and disrupt production schedules. Machine learning enables predictive maintenance by analyzing sensor data from equipment to predict potential failures before they occur.

How It Works: ML algorithms process real-time data from sensors, such as temperature, vibration, and pressure, to identify patterns indicative of wear and tear. By predicting when a component is likely to fail, manufacturers can schedule maintenance proactively, minimizing downtime.

Impact: Predictive maintenance reduces equipment downtime, extends the lifespan of machinery, and lowers maintenance costs.

Defect Detection and Quality Control

Defects in semiconductor wafers can lead to significant yield losses. Traditional defect detection methods rely on manual inspection or rule-based systems, which are time-consuming and prone to errors. Machine learning, particularly computer vision, is transforming defect detection by automating and enhancing the process.

How It Works: ML models are trained on vast datasets of wafer images to identify defects such as scratches, particles, and pattern irregularities. Deep learning algorithms, such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs), excel at detecting even the smallest defects with high accuracy.

Impact: Automated defect detection improves yield rates, reduces waste, and ensures consistent product quality.

Process Optimization

Semiconductor manufacturing involves hundreds of intricate steps, each requiring precise control of parameters such as temperature, pressure, and chemical concentrations. Machine learning optimizes these processes by identifying the optimal settings for maximum efficiency and yield.

How It Works: ML algorithms analyze historical process data to identify correlations between input parameters and output quality. Techniques like reinforcement learning can dynamically adjust process parameters in real-time to achieve the desired outcomes.

Impact: Process optimization reduces material waste, improves yield, and enhances overall production efficiency.

Yield Prediction and Improvement

Yield—the percentage of functional chips produced from a wafer—is a critical metric in semiconductor manufacturing. Low yields can result from various factors, including process variations, equipment malfunctions, and environmental conditions. Machine learning helps predict and improve yields by analyzing complex datasets.

How It Works: ML models analyze data from multiple sources, including process parameters, equipment performance, and environmental conditions, to predict yield outcomes. By identifying the root causes of yield loss, manufacturers can implement targeted improvements.

Impact: Yield prediction enables proactive interventions, leading to higher productivity and profitability.

Supply Chain Optimization

The semiconductor supply chain is highly complex, involving multiple suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors. Delays or disruptions in the supply chain can have a cascading effect on production schedules. Machine learning optimizes supply chain operations by forecasting demand, managing inventory, and identifying potential bottlenecks.

How It Works: ML algorithms analyze historical sales data, market trends, and external factors (e.g., geopolitical events) to predict demand and optimize inventory levels. Predictive analytics also helps identify risks and mitigate disruptions.

Impact: Supply chain optimization reduces costs, minimizes delays, and ensures timely delivery of materials.

Advanced Process Control (APC)

Advanced Process Control (APC) is critical for maintaining consistency and precision in semiconductor manufacturing. Machine learning enhances APC by enabling real-time monitoring and control of manufacturing processes.

How It Works: ML models analyze real-time data from sensors and equipment to detect deviations from desired process parameters. They can automatically adjust settings to maintain optimal conditions, ensuring consistent product quality.

Impact: APC improves process stability, reduces variability, and enhances overall product quality.

Design Optimization

The design of semiconductor devices is becoming increasingly complex as manufacturers strive to pack more functionality into smaller chips. Machine learning accelerates the design process by optimizing chip layouts and predicting performance outcomes.

How It Works: ML algorithms analyze design data to identify patterns and optimize layouts for performance, power efficiency, and manufacturability. Generative design techniques can even create novel chip architectures that meet specific requirements.

Impact: Design optimization reduces time-to-market, lowers development costs, and enables the creation of more advanced chips.

Fault Diagnosis and Root Cause Analysis

When defects or failures occur, identifying the root cause can be challenging due to the complexity of semiconductor manufacturing processes. Machine learning simplifies fault diagnosis by analyzing vast amounts of data to pinpoint the source of problems.

How It Works: ML models analyze data from multiple stages of the manufacturing process to identify correlations between process parameters and defects. Techniques like decision trees and clustering help isolate the root cause of issues.

Impact: Faster fault diagnosis reduces downtime, improves yield, and enhances process reliability.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

Semiconductor manufacturing is energy-intensive, with significant environmental impacts. Machine learning helps reduce energy consumption and improve sustainability by optimizing resource usage.

How It Works: ML algorithms analyze energy consumption data to identify inefficiencies and recommend energy-saving measures. For example, they can optimize the operation of HVAC systems and reduce idle time for equipment.

Impact: Energy optimization lowers operational costs and reduces the environmental footprint of semiconductor manufacturing.

Accelerating Research and Development

The semiconductor industry is driven by continuous innovation, with new materials, processes, and technologies being developed regularly. Machine learning accelerates R&D by analyzing experimental data and predicting outcomes.

How It Works: ML models analyze data from experiments to identify promising materials, processes, or designs. They can also simulate the performance of new technologies, reducing the need for physical prototypes.

Impact: Faster R&D cycles enable manufacturers to bring cutting-edge technologies to market more quickly.

Challenges and Future Directions

While machine learning offers immense potential for semiconductor manufacturing, there are challenges to overcome. These include the need for high-quality data, the complexity of integrating ML into existing workflows, and the shortage of skilled professionals. However, as ML technologies continue to evolve, these challenges are being addressed through advancements in data collection, model interpretability, and workforce training.

Looking ahead, the integration of machine learning with other emerging technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and digital twins, will further enhance its impact on semiconductor manufacturing. By embracing ML, manufacturers can stay competitive in an increasingly demanding and fast-paced industry.

Conclusion

Machine learning is transforming semiconductor manufacturing by enabling predictive maintenance, defect detection, process optimization, and more. As the industry continues to evolve, ML will play an increasingly critical role in driving innovation, improving efficiency, and ensuring sustainability. By harnessing the power of machine learning, semiconductor manufacturers can overcome challenges, reduce costs, and deliver cutting-edge technologies that power the future.

This blog post provides a comprehensive overview of machine learning applications in semiconductor manufacturing. Let me know if you’d like to expand on any specific section or add more details!

[carriesthewind]

Yeah so anyway, I'm making my response to this fucking garbage its own separate post in case people want to reblog it without having to reblog a scare-mongering lie.

This video pisses me the fuck off whenever I see it, and today I'm not in the mood to just scroll past.

Wow! Am I being lead to panic by scaremongering algorithm fodder completely unsupported by real evidence?! test:

The reason you think something exists is just what you're being told by a nefarious *them*, there is actually a conspiracy behind it!

I, an ordinary person with no expertise who critically examines the world around me, have uncovered this conspiracy.

"That's what they're telling you." (put the emphasis wherever appropriate for the conspiracy of your choice - in this case, it's on *telling*)

This new tech thing is actually a bad idea and the old school method was better - which clearly proves there must be a secret conspiracy, because why allow the possibility of incompetence and investor tech-hype when you can instead assume a highly-competent evil conspiracy?

I will now tell you my conspiracy theory while scrolling rapidly through a document without pausing or allowing you to actually read any of it. This allows me to look like I have proven my claims while doing nothing of the sort. Because do you really think someone could do that? Quickly flash a document on screen and just lie about what it says?

But Owl! This is real! A user upthread found the patent and it *does* prove it!

Yeah. I read the linked patent. Did you?

Let's quote the "real purpose" hidden in the patent, as claimed out in the video:

"The real purpose of these screens is to use the little camera at the top right here to scan your face and use AI facial expression analysis to judge whether or not you like the packaging designs of the product you're looking for."

This is complete made up horseshit.

First, let's look where the reblogger directs us, to column #4 on page 17:

"Preferably, each retail product container further comprises customer-detecting hardware, such as one or more proximity sensors (such as heat maps) , cameras, facial sensors or scanners, and eye-sensors (i.e., iris-tracking sensors). Assuming cameras are employed, preferably cameras are mounted on doors of the retail product containers. Preferably, the cameras have a depth of field of view of twenty feet or more, and have a range of field of view of 170 degrees with preferably 150 degree of facial recognition ability. Preferably, software is employed in association with the cameras to monitor shopper interactions, serve up relevant advertisement content on the displays, and track advertisement engagement in - store." (emphasis added and references to figures removed for readability)

That is the extent of the "nonconsensual data collection."

Now, to be fair, there is some stuff on page 18 and 19 which kinda-sorta-maybe has at least some relation to the claim in the video:

"Preferably, the controller/data collector is configured such that as a shopper stands or lingers in front of a given retail product container, the display associated with the retail product container changes yet again. At this point, preferably the controller/data collector has been able to use the customer-detecting hardware to effectively learn more about that particular customer, such as gender, age, mood, etc. The controller / data collector is configured to take what has been detected about the customer to determine which advertisement and other information to present to that particular customer on the display associated with the retail product container in front of which the customer is standing. By tracking shopper data in parallel with which advertising content is being served on all displays within the viewing range of the shopper, the retailer and the brands are better served, providing new analytics. As such, the system provides advertising, influence opportunities at the moment of purchasing decision, optimizing marketing spend and generating new revenue streams....

"Additionally, preferably all inputs collected by the IOT devices will be analyzed locally as well as remotely (via cloud) to provide the feedback inputs for the system to push more relevant/targeted content, tailored for the consumer. The analytics are preferably conducted anonymously, images captured by cameras are preferably processed to collect statistics on consumer demographic characteristics: (such as age and gender). This data is preferably subsequently analyzed for additional statistics for the retailers that are valuable for in-store merchandise layout design and smart merchandizing, including the ability to track the shoppers “traffic” areas, known as “heat maps”, areas were [sic] customers would concentrate more and spend more time exploring, etc." (emphasis added and references to figures removed for readability) (And note the repeated emphasis on preferably - they don't have a patent to do any of this.)

Which, like, not great! I fucking hate the idea of shit like this! But there is literally nothing here about monitoring your expressions to sell the data about how you react to packaging!

This isn't a nefarious plan hidden in the patent. It's tech bros adding on totally sick ideas about how they can sell this shit to walgreens. (Because to be clear, I'm sure walgreens's corporate office would love to collect and sell this kind of information. But just because they would, doesn't mean they can or are. And this patent sure as hell doesn't prove it.)

Because let me be clear: the image capture of consumers is so irrelevant to the product that it literally isn't even included in the claims section of the patent.

Because the patent is quite explicit and detailed about the idea they are selling big retails stores on - this is a better, new, innovative, tech-driven way to "provide an innovative advertising solution"! (The words "AI," "intelligent," and "machine learning" are deployed liberally, but in the same way that "blockchain" was a few years ago. It's advertising tech hype.)

I want to make it clear - the OP in the video is straight up lying to you. Whether for fun or profit or just attention, I don't know and I don't care. If you shared this, you probably should have know better, but everyone makes mistakes. OP, on the other hand, is just a fucking liar.

But Owl! What about "the senators looking into this"?

I don't know how to tell you this, but thing linked about is a press release by a politician's office. That doesn't mean it's not true, but it's not evidence on it's own. Like, the letter linked in the link included links to sources, but is not itself evidence (ooh, layers of links to actually get to a source, my favorite)(actually my computer wouldn't even goddam open the links to the source, I had to independently search for it).

Anyway, the letter to Kroger linked in the press release by the senators contains a single sentence and a single link relevant to the claim here (linked for your convenience because it sure as hell wasn't for mine). Unfortunately, this article is itself based on a goddam press release (That isn't linked! Again, you're welcome.)

And when we finally get to the underlying fucking source. "In addition to transforming the customer experience and enhancing productivity for associates, the EDGE Shelf will enable Kroger to generate new revenue by selling digital advertising space to consumer packaged goods (CPGs) brands. Using video analytics, personalized offers and advertisements can be presented based on customer demographics." So it's purporting to something *kind of* like the claim in the video, but an entirely different format completely unrelated to the thing the video is scaremongering about.

Now Kroger did actually start using the advertising screens in 2023. And you can believe what you want about the data privacy claims and the claims about not using video, just sensors (which remember is entirely consistent with the patent). But remember: being skeptical of a company's claims is fine and good! It does not mean you have proven they are lying, and it especially does not prove you have claimed they are doing something extremely specific! And most of the articles, and the letter from the senators, are (much more reasonably) concerned about so-called "dynamic" or surge pricing. (Which is not related to the screens.)

Like goddamn. Aren't there enough real problems with surveillance and price-gorging to be concerned about without having to make up fake ones? Hell, why can't we at least be concerned with the real problems with those dumb screens, which is that the a) make shopping harder and b) catch fire?

[extremely-nervess]

can we get lore on alecto?

Haha >_< okay First thing is, since Fae and Alecto are from a Lancer game they exist in that setting. In that setting 'AIs' are commonly referred to as non-human persons (NHP) and they're not really AI, but actually extra/multidimensional beings that operate on a higher order of existence to normal people. Special processing units called Caskets are used to restrict these entities and force them into a more human, and useful shape. They are sort of digital beings by nature of the caskets being largely digital. It's not uncommon for Lancers (elite pilots) to acquire a combat NHP for their machine - many of the corporate licences provide access to a clone of a stable/standardised class of NHP along with their mechs.

NHPs can, if the casket is damaged or in other extreme situations enter cascade - a state of escaping the control of the casket and returning to their powerful, very alien, and typically beyond the scope of mortal comprehension true selves. Alecto is a Fury class NHP, a fork of Harrison Armoury’s Lucifer class developed to pilot an experimental autonomous mech: The Dirae Smart Weapon System. Due to high risk of cascade in combat situations, exacerbated by the absence of a pilot to shut the NHP down in such an event lead to the project being scrapped before entering any kind of full production. Thereafter a few of the prototype machines and casket print manifests found their way onto the black market, which is how Fae acquired Alecto.

Alecto is a combat AI, victory over designated foes is her calling and true desire, or at least so says her casket. Unlike typical Lucifer classes she is a bit more restrained and professional, but still entirely merciless.Unlike most NHPs Alecto is opinionated on her body, the mech - developed with the Dirae chassis in mind she considers it an optimal form, and is quite protective over ‘her’ physical self. She does not appreciate the way Fae abuses her reactor, but they otherwise get along fairly well.

[vasyandii]

Hi there again! I have a few questions regarding AM and his anatomy.

Ok so does he have organs? I’ve read in one of your post that he does have wires within his body but in another post where AM first uses his organic body it said “The air in his lungs hurt.”

So he has lungs??? I don’t know I’m just curious.🧐And if so how does he process food? Is it similar to us or not?? I know he doesn’t need to eat, but since Vernon shares her food with him I just couldn’t help but wonder…😀😄

Also, I promise I’m not stalking you or anything I just really love your art and the way you interpret ihnmaims!!! 🩷Your art makes me want to mediative daydream, it makes me so happy it motivates me!😭

Howdy Dislocatedcat! Thank you for the ask, sorry it took so long to answer, since I got it since it has been keeping me up at night trying to make sense of it in a logical way. I would draw out the Anatomy of AM, but it's kind of...gross? Not innards in of themselves, just his.

AM's Anatomy

A machine will cut things out of its system in order to make sure it works the fastest. AM streamlined his body to optimize efficiency and functionality.

By eliminating non-essential organs like the spleen, kidney, and appendix, he reduced the risk of potential medical issues and minimized maintenance requirements. This allows him to focus his energy and resources on tasks that require higher cognitive functions and physical performance. So yes he has organs and wires combined :)

His Heart

Vernon has made comments about him not having a heartbeat, which is simply not true! He does ,in fact, have a heart, it just beats so slow she can't hear it.

It beats slower than a typical human heart because his body requires less frequent circulation due to enhanced metabolic processes and possibly more efficient oxygenation and nutrient delivery systems (the immortality serum). The heart may also be reinforced or partially mechanical to ensure durability and consistent performance.

His Lungs

AM has lungs, yes, but they are likely designed to be far more efficient than human lungs. These lungs facilitate effective oxygen exchange and are regulated by his AI consciousness to meet the optimized metabolic needs of his body.

His Digestive System/Stomach

AM has taste buds and enjoys flavours just like a normal human. The initial stages of eating—chewing and swallowing—are similar to any other person.

While he might retain essential digestive organs like the stomach and intestines, these organs could be enhanced or partially mechanical. This could involve more efficient enzymes, faster digestion, and improved nutrient absorption mechanisms.

AM’s body has an optimized waste management system, efficiently filtering and expelling waste products. This could involve advanced filtration mechanisms that reduce the need for frequent eliminations.

Waste products are minimized through a highly efficient filtration system. Excess and non-usable components are quickly identified and directed for excretion.

I'm not a medical professional nor deal with organs (other than my own, god forbid) on a daily basis, so some of this is probably inaccurate. But if you made it this far, thank you for reading!

[iwonderwh0]

I don't think androids store memories as videos or that they can even be extracted as ones. Almost, but not exactly.

Firstly, because their memories include other data such as their tactile information, their emotional state, probably 3d markers of their surrounding...a lot of different information. So, their memories are not in a video-format, but some kind of a mix of many things, that may not be as easily separated from each other. I don't think a software necessary to read those types of files are publicly available.

Even if they have some absolute massive storage, filming good-quality videos and storing them is just not an optimal way to use their resources. It's extremely wasteful. I think, instead, their memories consist of snapshots that are taken every once in a while (depending on how much is going on), that consist of compressed version of all their relevant inputs like mentioned above. Like, a snapshot of a LiDAR in a specific moment + heavily compressed photo with additional data about some details that'll later help to upscale it and interpolate from one snapshot into the next one, some audio samples of the voices and transcript of the conversation so that it'd take less storage to save. My main point is, their memories are probably stored in a format that not only doesn't actually contain original video material, but is a product of some extreme compression, and in this case reviewing memories is not like watching HD video footage, but rather an ai restoration of those snapshots. Perhaps it may be eventually converted into some sort of a video readable to human eye, but it would be more of an ai-generated video from specific snapshots with standardised prompts with some parts of the image/audio missing than a perfectly exact video recording.

When Connor extracts video we see that they are a bit glitchy. It may be attributed to some details getting lost during transmission from one android to another, but then we've also got flashbacks with android's own memories, that are just as "glitchy". Which kinda backs up a theory of it being a restoration of some sort of a compressed version rather than original video recording.

Then we've also got that scene where Josh records Markus where it is shown that when he starts to film, his eyes indicate the change that he is not just watching but recording now. Which means that is an option, but not the default. I find it a really nice detail. Like, androids can record videos, but then the people around them can see exactly when they do that, and "be at ease" when they don't. It may be purely a design choice, like that of the loading bar to signalise that something is in progress and not just frozen, or mandatory shutter sound effect on smartphones cameras in Japan.

So, yeah. Androids purpose is to correctly interpret their inputs and store relevant information about it in their long term memory, and not necessarily to record every present moment in a video-archive that will likely never be seen by a human and reviewed as a pure video footage again. If it happened to be needed to be seen — it'll be restored as a "video" file, but this video won't be an actual video recording unless android was specifically set to record mode.

[aideneverybody]

Okay, screw it. I wrote an opinion essay for class, it’s an essay on Luka.

Disclaimer: this is my first real essay, and for whatever reason I’m putting it on this site (🫶), so don’t be mean please. also mentions of using chatgpt to summarize information, but! I only did it because my teacher said we should do so if we needed a quick summary. fuck ai on absolutely every other front. also, references are supposed to be imbedded links in the text, idk if that’ll appear or not. if it doesn’t and people wanna know what my sources are I can reblog with a list or smth.

Also, obviously spoilers for Alien Stage.

Without further ado, I suppose..

Why Luka (Alien Stage) is an Extremely Complex Case.

Do you ever have that one character that you know has done some messed up things, but you can’t help but love anyways? Yeah, I think we all do. Especially if they have reasons for it, and especially if those reasons are justifiable.

Like, for example, Luka from the webseries Alien Stage, a show about singing for your life against another person (if you’re a human, that is). Luka is a character with a terrible personality who has committed what should be unforgivable actions, from manipulating opponents with memories of their dead loved ones to allegedly killing his crush’s brother during an altercation as a teenager.

A lot of people, in the show and its fanbase, love him, and others hate him reasonably. No matter what your opinion is on him though, there’s a lot of complexities to take into account when it comes to Luka, like the environment and view he was raised in, the way humans are manufactured in the world of Alien Stage, and the ways surviving all of it can twist a character to become like Luka.

The environment we see the humans in Alien Stage raised in is hardly ideal for anybody other than maybe Truman Burbank, and the human-pets raised there. As a child, many children including Luka inhabited ANAKT Garden, a school of music created to teach human-pets how to sing.

The environment a child is raised in can affect their mental health greatly by changing brain structure and function, and that may have been the aliens’ idea, but… did they do it right, with what they were attempting to achieve?

According to a post regarding ANAKT Garden on the official Alien Stage Patreon, “The environment is modeled after Earth's nature because it is known to be the optimal setting for humans to produce the most beautiful voices. Everything in Anakt Garden is designed to keep pet humans in the best possible condition”, and according to the official artbook’s English translation, “[ANAKT Garden] was designed as an average value by synthesizing abstract visual data from human perception of 'heaven'. But it can never be said to be a perfect heaven because it was created without a complete understanding of human beings”. In simple terms: they failed, at least somewhat, to make an environment that made humans feel… well, human, or at least ever at peace. From the grass to the skyline, everything that surrounds the children at ANAKT Garden is fake, not to mention littered with cameras; and that’s not exactly good for mental health.

However, I highly doubt the aliens cared about the mental health of their pets, as long as they sang properly, so I suppose them turning into an ambitious, calculating, cold-blooded person is just an added perk.

The environment Luka was raised in wasn’t exactly “human”, which didn’t help with the growth of his humanity.

Luka’s surroundings can’t be the only thing blamed for his behaviors as an adult, however; he is a product, and products are meticulously designed and manufactured.

Though ANAKT Garden is a school of music made for children, it could also be considered a factory of sorts. Learning how to warm up your vocal cords and read music notes aren’t the only type of performance training children who attend are subjected to. Students are put through more rigorous exercises like heavily monitored, technologically advanced dance, singing and instrumental training, as well as some more “interesting” tests like “superiority tests”, “image making training”, and one specifically tailored to Luka that I’ll explain.

Luka has three documented conditions: chronic migraines, asthma, and congenital heart disease. His special training? “Heart rate variability”. This is defined as “controlling heartbeats to induce the fear of death”, and is exclusive to Luka.

However, as a child, not only was Luka faced with an inescapable threat of death due to his illness, but he was also isolated and ignored by peers due to his weaknesses. Said weaknesses were not helped by limitations he was given when it came to food. Luka was not allowed to eat much as a child, put on a strict diet by his owner, Heperu, and thus could very easily lead to something referred to as scarcity effect.

Luka is also undeniably a good example of the aftereffects of being a child star. He was marketed since he was a student at ANAKT Garden; an official Patreon post stated, “…even while attending Anakt Garden, [Luka and a classmate] kept gaining recognition for their external activities in the showbiz world”. Effects of being exposed to fame as a child, as summarized by chatGPT and paraphrased by me, include stressfully high expectations in regards to success, exploitation from parents/guardians - in this case his owner, identity issues due to constantly being in the eye of the public and being unable to separate a stage persona from your genuine self, invasion of personal space and a struggle to maintain the boundaries of a private life, failure to maintain healthy personal relationships and developing less than ideal coping mechanisms.

These could very well be applied to Luka. He grew up forever in the eye of the public and surrounded by cameras, has a very manipulative owner, and has no personal relationships to speak of.

Luka is a star because he was bent and twisted and rearranged mentally to be so, in not just ugly ways but extremely unethical ones.

Now, where does that leave Luka as an adult? Just as twisted as the ways he was produced, that’s where.

Luka was top of his class at ANAKT Garden, and won the 49th season of Alien Stage. The current canon of the show takes place in the 50th season, and he won that too. He is, no doubt, easily classified as a “winner”, and certainly a successful investment as a human-pet. Although, I wouldn’t say the word “human”, in all of its glory as one of the most wonderful adjectives that could be applied to a person, fits Luka as a character anymore.

Recall when I brought up the scarcity effect. As defined by Wikipedia, “[In the area of social psychology] Scarcity is basically how people handle satisfying themselves regarding unlimited wants and needs with resources that are limited. Humans place a higher value on an object that is scarce, and a lower value on those that are in abundance”. One of the effects of scarcity effect in humans can be a lack of empathy towards others when they believe time is short, and when your heart is constantly working against you, when isn’t it? Luka, in the artbook, is described as a man who “didn't care whether others were hurt or not because he lived only to prove his own value without giving up his side to anyone. He has no hesitation in trampling others and climbing up”. He does things like study his opponent’s weak points and actively exploit them on stage in order to win. There’s your lack of empathy. Furthermore, the conditional variations of new scarcity and competition fits Luka well. To quote the Wikipedia on scarcity effect again, “New scarcity occurs when our irrational desire for limited resources increases when we move from a state of abundance to a state of scarcity”. In regards to competition, “In situations when others are directly competing for scarce resources, the value we assign to objects is further inflated”. I believe it’s a if-the-shoe-fits-type situation, and the shoe is currently the perfect size for Luka.

He won Alien Stage. He won a show that is a matter of life and death, where the best of the best are put up against each other with not only the pressure of a metaphorical, but a literal gun to them. And not only did he win, but he did so while being in a fairly vulnerable position. For example, his migraines. Migraines are known to cause sensitivity to light, and while on stage, Luka is subjected to many of them. He pushed himself to agonizing points, through extremely unsavory training and suffocating amounts of social pressure, to win, and it’s seemed to pay off for him just fine. In the Alien Stage video “TOP 3”, during Luka’s montage, a subtitle appears that consists of the text “The Luka syndrome is sweeping the universe”. The aliens love him. The easy excuse, relying on that information and how it spurs him on, is that fame is an addiction. There are oh so many studies on social media and fame and the problems they can cause. However, I think there’s more to it than that when it comes to Luka.

In an article of the psychology of pretty privilege, it’s said that “[Research] consistently shows that attractive individuals are more likely to be hired, promoted and receive higher salaries. Their appearance-based confidence also enables them to pursue the wages and opportunities they desire and deserve”. I feel like this could be similar to Luka’s current situation. He made it, and he’s idolized, and good things happen when you’re idolized. Indulgence in things like, I don’t know, food and sugar, happen when you’re idolized, as a reward if nothing else. Proper treatment for a myriad of health issues that the aliens are clearly not below abusing and using against him happens when you’re idolized, even if it is just to keep you healthy for the stage. Even rather immature things, like rubbing your success into the faces of those who once overlooked you, happen when you’re idolized.

Why would he want to let that go? He wouldn’t, could you blame him? But, the constant threat of losing it all looms over him. He won Alien Stage Season 49 and got such a wonderful taste of privilege… and then got chucked back into the brutal competition because he was so good. But by then he knew how to play the system, and had a reason to be desperate to play it. His charm on the stage may seem indispensable, but he knows he himself is not.

He remembers the cruel training, he remembers how he got to where he is, and he’s desperate enough for that - hence scarcity effect - that he refuses to let it go, leaving him with a more alien mentality than human. He lives and exists to be entertainment, he knows that, and he knows that without it he may very well not be living at all.

Luka, and many other characters with similar narratives, have many… interesting features that go into their detestable personalities. Luka, as a specific, has had to suffer through uncanny surroundings, torturous stage training, being pushed to aggressively desire things that should be relatively common, the paranoia of being watched and the mental struggles that go hand in hand with the life of a child star, and how that evolved to turn him into a completely inhuman apparatus of a man.

But, honestly? There is so much more to him that I can’t even fit in here. So, with what I’ve presented you, call your own shots! This is just how I view the way he functions and what reasons could be behind it. You could continue or begin to despise him right now, if you wanted; just make sure to acknowledge that he is a very complex character, no matter how you slice it.

[andmaybegayer]

What are some of the coolest computer chips ever, in your opinion?

Hmm. There are a lot of chips, and a lot of different things you could call a Computer Chip. Here's a few that come to mind as "interesting" or "important", or, if I can figure out what that means, "cool".

If your favourite chip is not on here honestly it probably deserves to be and I either forgot or I classified it more under "general IC's" instead of "computer chips" (e.g. 555, LM, 4000, 7000 series chips, those last three each capable of filling a book on their own). The 6502 is not here because I do not know much about the 6502, I was neither an Apple nor a BBC Micro type of kid. I am also not 70 years old so as much as I love the DEC Alphas, I have never so much as breathed on one.

Disclaimer for writing this mostly out of my head and/or ass at one in the morning, do not use any of this as a source in an argument without checking.

Intel 3101

So I mean, obvious shout, the Intel 3101, a 64-bit chip from 1969, and Intel's first ever product. You may look at that, and go, "wow, 64-bit computing in 1969? That's really early" and I will laugh heartily and say no, that's not 64-bit computing, that is 64 bits of SRAM memory.

This one is cool because it's cute. Look at that. This thing was completely hand-designed by engineers drawing the shapes of transistor gates on sheets of overhead transparency and exposing pieces of crudely spun silicon to light in a """"cleanroom"""" that would cause most modern fab equipment to swoon like a delicate Victorian lady. Semiconductor manufacturing was maturing at this point but a fab still had more in common with a darkroom for film development than with the mega expensive building sized machines we use today.

As that link above notes, these things were really rough and tumble, and designs were being updated on the scale of weeks as Intel learned, well, how to make chips at an industrial scale. They weren't the first company to do this, in the 60's you could run a chip fab out of a sufficiently well sealed garage, but they were busy building the background that would lead to the next sixty years.

Lisp Chips

This is a family of utterly bullshit prototype processors that failed to be born in the whirlwind days of AI research in the 70's and 80's.

Lisps, a very old but exceedingly clever family of functional programming languages, were the language of choice for AI research at the time. Lisp compilers and interpreters had all sorts of tricks for compiling Lisp down to instructions, and also the hardware was frequently being built by the AI researchers themselves with explicit aims to run Lisp better.

The illogical conclusion of this was attempts to implement Lisp right in silicon, no translation layer.

Yeah, that is Sussman himself on this paper.

These never left labs, there have since been dozens of abortive attempts to make Lisp Chips happen because the idea is so extremely attractive to a certain kind of programmer, the most recent big one being a pile of weird designd aimed to run OpenGenera. I bet you there are no less than four members of r/lisp who have bought an Icestick FPGA in the past year with the explicit goal of writing their own Lisp Chip. It will fail, because this is a terrible idea, but damn if it isn't cool.

There were many more chips that bridged this gap, stuff designed by or for Symbolics (like the Ivory series of chips or the 3600) to go into their Lisp machines that exploited the up and coming fields of microcode optimization to improve Lisp performance, but sadly there are no known working true Lisp Chips in the wild.

Zilog Z80

Perhaps the most important chip that ever just kinda hung out. The Z80 was almost, almost the basis of The Future. The Z80 is bizzare. It is a software compatible clone of the Intel 8080, which is to say that it has the same instructions implemented in a completely different way.

This is, a strange choice, but it was the right one somehow because through the 80's and 90's practically every single piece of technology made in Japan contained at least one, maybe two Z80's even if there was no readily apparent reason why it should have one (or two). I will defer to Cathode Ray Dude here: What follows is a joke, but only barely

The Z80 is the basis of the MSX, the IBM PC of Japan, which was produced through a system of hardware and software licensing to third party manufacturers by Microsoft of Japan which was exactly as confusing as it sounds. The result is that the Z80, originally intended for embedded applications, ended up forming the basis of an entire alternate branch of the PC family tree.

It is important to note that the Z80 is boring. It is a normal-ass chip but it just so happens that it ended up being the focal point of like a dozen different industries all looking for a cheap, easy to program chip they could shove into Appliances.

Effectively everything that happened to the Intel 8080 happened to the Z80 and then some. Black market clones, reverse engineered Soviet compatibles, licensed second party manufacturers, hundreds of semi-compatible bastard half-sisters made by anyone with a fab, used in everything from toys to industrial machinery, still persisting to this day as an embedded processor that is probably powering something near you quietly and without much fuss. If you have one of those old TI-86 calculators, that's a Z80. Oh also a horrible hybrid Z80/8080 from Sharp powered the original Game Boy.

I was going to try and find a picture of a Z80 by just searching for it and look at this mess! There's so many of these things.

I mean the C/PM computers. The ZX Spectrum, I almost forgot that one! I can keep making this list go! So many bits of the Tech Explosion of the 80's and 90's are powered by the Z80. I was not joking when I said that you sometimes found more than one Z80 in a single computer because you might use one Z80 to run the computer and another Z80 to run a specialty peripheral like a video toaster or music synthesizer. Everyone imaginable has had their hand on the Z80 ball at some point in time or another. Z80 based devices probably launched several dozen hardware companies that persist to this day and I have no idea which ones because there were so goddamn many.

The Z80 eventually got super efficient due to process shrinks so it turns up in weird laptops and handhelds! Zilog and the Z80 persist to this day like some kind of crocodile beast, you can go to RS components and buy a brand new piece of Z80 silicon clocked at 20MHz. There's probably a couple in a car somewhere near you.

Pentium (P6 microarchitecture)

Yeah I am going to bring up the Hackers chip. The Pentium P6 series is currently remembered for being the chip that Acidburn geeks out over in Hackers (1995) instead of making out with her boyfriend, but it is actually noteworthy IMO for being one of the first mainstream chips to start pulling serious tricks on the system running it.

The P6 microarchitecture comes out swinging with like four or five tricks to get around the numerous problems with x86 and deploys them all at once. It has superscalar pipelining, it has a RISC microcode, it has branch prediction, it has a bunch of zany mathematical optimizations, none of these are new per se but this is the first time you're really seeing them all at once on a chip that was going into PC's.

Without these improvements it's possible Intel would have been beaten out by one of its competitors, maybe Power or SPARC or whatever you call the thing that runs on the Motorola 68k. Hell even MIPS could have beaten the ageing cancerous mistake that was x86. But by discovering the power of lying to the computer, Intel managed to speed up x86 by implementing it in a sensible instruction set in the background, allowing them to do all the same clever pipelining and optimization that was happening with RISC without having to give up their stranglehold on the desktop market. Without the P5 we live in a very, very different world from a computer hardware perspective.

From this falls many of the bizzare microcode execution bugs that plague modern computers, because when you're doing your optimization on the fly in chip with a second, smaller unix hidden inside your processor eventually you're not going to be cryptographically secure.

RISC is very clearly better for, most things. You can find papers stating this as far back as the 70's, when they start doing pipelining for the first time and are like "you know pipelining is a lot easier if you have a few small instructions instead of ten thousand massive ones.

x86 only persists to this day because Intel cemented their lead and they happened to use x86. True RISC cuts out the middleman of hyperoptimizing microcode on the chip, but if you can't do that because you've girlbossed too close to the sun as Intel had in the late 80's you have to do something.

The Future

This gets us to like the year 2000. I have more chips I find interesting or cool, although from here it's mostly microcontrollers in part because from here it gets pretty monotonous because Intel basically wins for a while. I might pick that up later. Also if this post gets any longer it'll be annoying to scroll past. Here is a sample from a post I have in my drafts since May:

I have some notes on the weirdo PowerPC stuff that shows up here it's mostly interesting because of where it goes, not what it is. A lot of it ends up in games consoles. Some of it goes into mainframes. There is some of it in space. Really got around, PowerPC did.

[thecurioustale]

My New Book Is Out! | Tokens of Zeal

My new book is out!

Buy it! Buy it now!

That's right: In secret, on January 2 of this year I began writing a book of essays. Some of you may know that I have an online journal, which I created in the summer of 2003 when I was just 21 years old and have kept up with ever since. For my new book I went back to the journal and read through it, entry by entry, drawing out excerpts of interest that became conversation pieces for 81 various and sundry essays reflecting on my past life and past thoughts.

The essays are short, often very short. They are less challenging than my usual writing, I would say. My purpose was not to advance my personal frontier of philosophy and intellectual thought in 2024, or to reach a niche audience of deep thinkers, but instead to reflect sincerely on some things I've seen along the way and muse upon how my thoughts have changed and stayed the same over twenty years.

I mention this to you because I am a bit worried that anyone who reads this book might think there's not much to me as an author, and might be dissuaded from reading my works of fiction when those books eventually come out, so I'll lampshade that by adding that I wrote this book in two-and-a-half months. Make of that what you will. I told myself I wouldn't self-sabotage the book by needlessly saying negative things about it, and I am proud of it, not only the fact that I finished it at all, let alone so quickly, but of the actual contents too.

This book is "Volume 1" in a hypothetical series, as it doesn't cover the entire twenty years of the journal but only the first four months, from August to November of 2003—at which point the essays had reached "book length" (lol). So really this book is a snapshot of my life in the latter half of 2003. At that time, I was fading out of college due to financial hardship and other issues, and did not realize that I would never (as yet) return.

I have been wanting for years to go back and reread my journal, and writing a book out of it was the perfect impetus to finally do it. I think a few things stand out about the Josh of 2023:

First, my principles have remained remarkably consistent, but my awareness and understanding of the world has grown drastically, and so those same principles have led me over time to some different policy views and worldviews on some things.

Second, I was a 21-year-old arrogant block of cheese, full of hormones and self-conviction, and that definitely shows up at times in ways that I simultaneously am not proud of and yet which I admire for their sheer gall. There is something very magnetic about the old me which doesn't exist anymore.

Third, following up on that point, it was pretty inspiring and encouraging to revisit the old me, with all that native optimism and drive. I don't express those qualities anymore because life has worn me down and also because I have come to recognize that humanity's problems are a lot more stubborn and irremediable than I thought. By glimpsing into the past, I couldn't help but be cheered on by the old Josh's proud, utopian sense of human inevitability. It lifted my own spirits in the here and now!

I made the mistake of announcing the book on Patreon right after I finished writing it, i.e. back in mid-March. Then I had to wring my hands every week about how post-production was taking longer than expected. Between the irritating realities of formatting a book in software not properly equipped to format a book (never write a book in Google Docs), the complexities of my detail-oriented manner and strong vision regarding the cover design (and engaging for the first time ever with modern generative AI, and having to learn those ropes), and sustaining illnesses and other life priorities and so on, it would take me another two months in all to finally reach today, where I can now publicly declare:

The book is done! It is for sale right now. It is called:

Tokens of Zeal: Words from a Vanished Age

(Caption: Book front cover of Tokens of Zeal: Words from a Vanished Age, by Joshua Calars.)

You can buy it through Amazon in either paperback or e-book format. (I recommend the paperback version for aesthetics as it is much truer to my design vision for the book's layout and appearance, but my profit margin is actually a dollar bigger with the e-book version, so really just go with whichever version you prefer.) It is available in the US as well as in basically all the other countries that Amazon has expanded its publishing service into. If you need help finding a link to a particular version, give me a ping and I will point you there (if there is a "there" to be pointed to). This is my second published book, following Prelude to After The Hero in 2015, and the first book to be published in print.

If you do read it, first of all thank you! It's an honor that you would take the time. Second of all, I would love any feedback you care to offer. That's not a platitude either; feedback is hard to come by and I really would be interested in anything you have to say, good or bad. You can e-mail me, DM, reblog this, drop an ask, or tag me in an independent post. Whatever you like! Feedback will help me greatly when I eventually get around to writing Volume 2. And feel free to leave a review on Amazon, whether good or bad (though hopefully you enjoy the book); I am told it pleases The Algorithm. But most of all, if you enjoy the book, tell someone about it! Your word-of-mouth is currently 100 percent of my advertising budget, lol.

That's all. I wrote a book; it took four-and-a-half-months; it's done now; and it's the first time I've ever gotten to hold a book that I wrote in my hands as a physical thing, and that's pretty neat.

[bliow]

AGARTHA Aİ - DEVASA+ (2)

In today’s digital landscape, a captivating and functional website is crucial for any business looking to thrive online. Full service web design encompasses a comprehensive approach, ensuring every aspect of your site is tailored to meet your unique needs. From the initial concept to the final launch, this service provides an array of offerings, including website service, responsive web design, and custom design services. Whether you’re a startup seeking to establish your brand or an established enterprise aiming to enhance your online presence, understanding the elements of full service web design is essential. 

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Furthermore, ongoing support and maintenance are vital components of a reliable website service. As technology evolves and user needs change, having a team that can promptly address issues or updates will keep your website relevant and effective in reaching target audiences. This ongoing relationship is instrumental in achieving long-term success in the digital realm.

Responsive web design

Responsive web design is an essential aspect of modern web development that ensures a seamless user experience across a variety of devices. With the increasing use of smartphones and tablets, having a website that adapts to different screen sizes is not just a luxury but a necessity.

The core principle of responsive web design is fluidity. This means that the layout of your website adjusts dynamically based on the screen width, ensuring that content remains accessible and visually appealing regardless of the device used. This approach improves usability and can significantly boost conversion rates.

Incorporating responsive web design techniques involves using flexible grids, images, and CSS media queries. These elements work together to create a layout that responds gracefully to changes in screen size, making your website not only functional but also competitive in the digital marketplace.

Custom design services

In today's digital landscape, custom design services have emerged as a vital component of creating a strong online presence. Businesses understand that a one-size-fits-all approach does not cater to their unique needs and branding. Therefore, opting for custom design services allows them to differentiate themselves in a crowded market.

These services offer tailored solutions that resonate with a company's specifics, from colors to typography and layout. By leveraging custom design services, businesses can ensure that their websites not only reflect their brand identity but also provide an intuitive user experience. This is crucial for keeping visitors engaged and encouraging them to take the desired actions.

Investing in custom design services ultimately contributes to better customer satisfaction and improved conversion rates. With a website designed specifically for their target audience, businesses can more effectively communicate their message and achieve their goals. This bespoke approach is invaluable in today's competitive environment.

[mariacallous]

“Make cats safe again” read the MAGA-style baseball caps perched on the heads of five AI-generated felines printed on a black T-shirt alongside a Trump 2024 banner. It’s yours for just $29.99 (10 percent off if you order three) from United Patriot, an online store that proclaims it is “not afraid to speak the truth!”

The T-shirt may seem innocuous enough. But its slogan references a racist lie, spread by US presidential candidate Donald Trump, that Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, had been eating local pets. The false claims have led to a wave of xenophobic abuse including bomb threats and vandalism against the local Haitian community.

The item is also one of thousands being sold by a group of online operators who are targeting the US election using hate, lies, and conspiracy theories, all to make a quick buck.

United Patriot is one of four ecommerce companies identified by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ) that have been advertising merchandise, often aimed at Trump supporters, using different levels of misinformation and hate speech.

They have collectively paid to publish over 15,000 “political” ads that have racked up millions of impressions on Facebook. And though the operations present themselves as patriotic outlets selling US products, TBIJ has found evidence suggesting many are being at least partly run from overseas.

Both operations are just examples of a bigger global problem that goes far beyond one election in one country.

“Evidence has shown that we engage more with content that is provocative and emotionally charged,” says Hannah Perry, digital policy head of research at think tank Demos. “Because algorithms on platforms such as Facebook are designed to optimize for engagement—keeping us on platforms for longer and prolonging our exposure to advertising—such algorithms disproportionately surface inflammatory and divisive content.

“Actors will no doubt target the US election to attract an outsized audience relative to other domestic stories.”

The operations we identified are all enabled by the economics of the internet, which encourage workers from Nigeria to the Philippines to the US to amplify hate and falsehoods to millions in the pursuit of profit. And they show how people simply out to make money currently have their sights set on one of the most finely balanced elections in history.

From Biden to Betting Scams

“A White House video in which Joe Biden goes 45 seconds without blinking is raising serious questions about who is currently serving as president of the United States,” says a presenter over a picture of the current president, claiming he has been dead since June 2022.

The video, produced by The People’s Voice channel on the video platform Rumble, is clearly aimed at capturing conspiracy-minded Americans. It is just one of hundreds of US-focused posts hosted on a network of Facebook pages run largely from Nigeria aimed at extracting money for sports betting scams. Twenty-five of the most active pages identified by TBIJ have amassed more than 669,000 followers, more than doubling from 290,000 followers last year.

An investigation by Nigerian media outlet HumAngle reported in September that the wider network, which may be as large as 240 Facebook pages, appears to scam people out of money by offering them the opportunity to profit from high-odd bets placed on what the pages say are “fixed” sports matches. Despite HumAngle’s reporting, 199 of the accounts remained active with a combined following of more than 2.7 million accounts.

To attract users to these scams, the pages have been boosting engagement by publishing political content—in particular, conspiracy theories and false claims about the US presidential race. Some posts falsely claimed Kamala Harris, the sitting US vice president and 2024 Democratic nominee, is a man. Others focused on the idea that natural disasters such as Hurricanes Helene and Milton were engineered by Democratic leaders to prevent people from voting in swing states. Both are conspiracy theories that have gained traction in the last few months.

The pages have co-opted the branding of hacktivist movement Anonymous, an ostensibly anti-establishment group of online activists and hackers that rose to prominence in the early 2000s. Wearing masks similar to those adopted by the movement (originally taken from the film and comic book series V for Vendetta), those behind the scams will often overlay footage of themselves over clips pushing disinformation.

But while they align themselves with a political movement and push political falsehoods, they are using them to make money.

Daniel Roberts, a spokesperson for Facebook parent company Meta, tells TBIJ: “Scammers persistently target people online and in the real world—and that’s why we work with governments, NGOs, and law enforcement agencies to deter bad actors. This is a highly adversarial space, and we continue to update our enforcement systems to respond to evolving scammer behavior. We are reviewing the accounts shared with us and will enforce against any that violate our policies.”

Promoting Popularity

Online marketing, whether it is promoting legitimate goods, hateful T-shirts, or attempts to scam people out of their money, relies on getting people to see posts. Social media algorithms tend to boost content that they predict will attract a lot of attention.

In recent years, it has become clear that conspiracy theories, misinformation, and hate are very good at tapping into the emotions that drive this kind of engagement. And that, in turn, means that anyone with something to sell is incentivized to push that kind of content to boost their profits. Post something that receives a high level of engagement (say, a conspiracy theory) and it’s more likely that your other content will be promoted by the algorithm.

Other posts on the Nigerian network’s pages claim to be able to foresee the future. Predictions about politics or natural disasters are published alongside their claims to deliver returns on high-risk bets. They also often post “testimonials”—short videos depicting people thanking the pages’ operators for “changing their lives” through fixed sports betting. All are gimmicks to lure in new targets for sports bettings scams.

According to a conversation with the admins of one of the pages, a ticket to participate in the fixed betting would cost someone $4,250. A “mini-ticket” costs $2,100. TBIJ obtained a bitcoin address used by one such page with about 70,000 followers and found that the wallet had facilitated nearly $1 million worth of transactions. These schemes have been used to scam many Nigerians and others over the years, according to HumAngle.

The target market, however, is far more global.

As the US election has gained pace, the volume of content on the network of sites aimed at US citizens has ramped up, with the pages trying to remain relevant by referencing new events.

Many posts piggyback on false claims about US government relief available to hurricane victims, such as the Trump campaign’s claims that relief funding was restricted because the money was instead going to immigrants or to the defense of Ukraine against Russian aggression. “I hate that our government never runs out of money for illegals and foreign wars. But runs out of money to help struggling Americans,” one post reads.

Another shows an AI-generated picture of Trump standing in a flooded area and handing toilet paper to the victims, captioned, “a picture they don’t want you to see.”

Profiting off Patriotism

Like the Nigerian network, other similar ecommerce merch stores rely heavily on Facebook for their marketing and promote similar conspiracy theories in order to gain traction.

Many of the ads run by United Patriot include graphics that reference and promote destroying the pride flag, misogynistic slurs against Harris, transphobia, anti-vaccine logos, anti-Ukrainian sentiment, gun ownership, and mentions of the “stolen election.”

Misogyny aimed at Harris regularly featured in ads run by another of the sites, which also sells merchandise containing anti-trans slurs. Another of the sites posted a video falsely claiming Dominion voting machines helped steal the election from Trump.

The messages, potentially misleading US citizens or stoking hate towards various groups, will have been seen by many times more people than actually made a purchase.

Those running the network of Facebook pages in Nigeria may simply believe that US-focused clickbait is the best way to boost the number of people who see their scams. In contrast, the ecommerce operations identified by TBIJ give every impression that they are proudly American.

Yet analysis of their listed physical addresses and online presence suggests that the businesses are at least partly run from Vietnam, the Philippines, Pakistan, India, and Croatia (with Facebook page admins based in those countries). None of the ecommerce sites identified by TBIJ provided a US address that could be tied to their business.

United Patriot, which says its “patriotic collection of amazing apparel items … are all printed locally here in America,” claims on its Facebook page and website to be located at an address in Gardena, California. However, TBIJ could not find proof of that business registered at the address. The only other commercial activity found at the address was a warehouse providing services for wholesale shipments for people based overseas, as well as two online stores that have been accused in Google reviews of being scams.

The Better Business Bureau, a nonprofit focused on “marketplace trust,” told United Patriots in November 2022 that it should change or substantiate claims made on its website about items “printed in the US.”

Another such site, Red First LLC, says it is based in Carrollton, Texas, at the same address as a fraudulent merchant claiming to resell Ralph Lauren clothing. This does not necessarily mean the companies are owned by the same person, but suggests the address may have been used by scammers.

Nor are all these operations strictly pushing right-wing messages. Red First LLC (which trafficks notably less in hate and misinformation than the other three companies) has created at least 5,000 ads over the last two years. While it promotes mostly right-wing merchandise and content, such as T-shirts bearing misogynistic insults toward Harris and signs suggesting the 2020 election was stolen, it has also in a small number of cases posted pro-Harris content. The commercial imperative behind the operation means it isn’t averse to backing the other side.

Meta Under Scrutiny

As attempts to influence public opinion and elections have ramped up across social media, companies such as Facebook owner Meta have come under scrutiny for the role they play in hosting bad actors trying to polarize public opinion on their platforms.

In 2021, Frances Haugen, a former Facebook employee, blew the whistle on the company’s role in spreading disinformation and the increase in racial hatred. Numerous studies have also shown that social media platforms’ algorithms, including Facebook’s, create bigger engagement opportunities for far-right, conspiratorial, and hateful content.

“The US election is an already fraught and divisive political event. If the aim of these scammers is to bring people in, then appealing directly to emotion to circumvent media criticality is key,” says Joe Ondrak, senior research and technology lead at anti-disinformation startup Logically.

“There is likely a large pool of potential victims and easily exploitable narratives for them to choose from. The way algorithms reward engagement means that misinformation, conspiracy theory, and hate speech are easy ways to find a wide audience.”

[govindhtech]

Lenovo Duet Chromebook Powered By MediaTek Kompanio 838

Lenovo Duet Chromebook (11”, 9) and Chromebook Duet EDU G2, powered by MediaTek Kompanio 838, are transforming mobile productivity. These new Chromebooks with stunning 2K displays in 10.95-inch form factors strike the perfect combination between performance, design, and durability. Lenovo Chromebooks are for professionals, educators, and students.

The thinnest laptop available, the Lenovo Duet Chromebook (11”, 9) weighs less than 1.2 lbs and measures only 0.3 inches. It’s ideal for creative and enjoyment, with a stylish metal chassis, Corning Gorilla Glass, and a soft protective folio. The user experience is improved with twin USB-C ports, 4K display connection, clear music from two speakers with SmartAMP and Wave music, and an 8MP rear camera that takes use of MediaTek’s cutting-edge image processing technology. Note-taking, streaming, and sketching with the Lenovo USI Pen 2 are easy with the MediaTek Kompanio 838 processor’s strong CPU, graphics, and AI-enabled Neural Processing Unit (NPU).

With its durable TPU shell, detachable keyboard, and spill-resistant design, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet EDU G2 is made to handle the rigors of the classroom and is aimed towards educators and students alike. Additionally, it supports Chrome Education Upgrade, which helps IT organizations manage devices more easily.

AI-enhanced cameras, 2K 400-nit displays for outdoor reading, and 12-hour batteries are on both smartphones. The Chromebooks for business, education, and pleasure boost creativity and productivity anywhere.

Lenovo Chromebook Duet

Elegant Style with Adaptable Features

The elegant and effective Lenovo Duet Chromebook 11′′ is housed in a complete metal chassis with Corning glass. Ideal for work, pleasure, or everything in between, the soft polyurethane folio cover and clever kickstand design enable simple transitions between laptop and portrait modes.

Increase Output with MediaTek

With the powerful MediaTek Kompanio 838 processor, NPU, and enough RAM, you can do more and wait less. In less than ten seconds, you can get started with Fast Boot, and on-device AI processing increases productivity by producing interactive multimedia experiences with unmatched effectiveness.

Innovative Instruments & Engaging Entertainment

Narrow bezels on the 10.95-inch 2K display maximize screen real estate whether you binge-watch YouTube or use SmartAMP with Waves Audio to play music with crystal-clear clarity. With the Lenovo USI Pen 2, which writes and doodles like a real pen, you can quickly and simply record, arrange, and communicate ideas on Good notes.

Maximum Durability & Portability

With a weight of just.51 kg/1.12 lbs and a thinness of just 7.6 mm/1.30 in, the Lenovo Duet Chromebook 11′′ is meant to be used when traveling. It can withstand life’s adventures thanks to its spill-resistant chassis and military-grade MIL-810H certification. Also, with an all-day battery life and a brilliant 400 nits display, you can read all day both indoors and outside.

Superior Webcams for All Occasions

With the 5MP front camera, which has a physical shutter for privacy, and the 8MP back camera, which produces vivid photos, you can stay connected and record every moment. Superior low-light performance and true-to-life colors are guaranteed by MediaTek’s sophisticated image processing.

Two USB-C Ports for Optimal Communication

Enjoy endless functionality with two USB-C connections that provide data transmission, quick charging, and video output. With a superior on-device AI solution, you can effortlessly connect to an external 4K monitor and remain productive with a headphone/mic connector that will keep you talking and interested all day.

Read more on govindhtech.com

[heathermarielocke]

Effective XMLTV EPG Solutions for VR & CGI Use

Effective XMLTV EPG Guide Solutions and Techniques for VR and CGI Adoption. In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, effective xml data epg guide solutions are essential for enhancing user experiences in virtual reality (VR) and computer-generated imagery (CGI).

Understanding how to implement these solutions not only improves content delivery but also boosts viewer engagement.

This post will explore practical techniques and strategies to optimize XMLTV EPG guides, making them more compatible with VR and CGI technologies.

Proven XMLTV EPG Strategies for VR and CGI Success

Several other organizations have successfully integrated VR CGI into their training and operational processes.

For example, Vodafone has recreated their UK Pavilion in VR to enhance employee training on presentation skills, complete with AI-powered feedback and progress tracking.

Similarly, Johnson & Johnson has developed VR simulations for training surgeons on complex medical procedures, significantly improving learning outcomes compared to traditional methods. These instances highlight the scalability and effectiveness of VR CGI in creating detailed, interactive training environments across different industries.

Challenges and Solutions in Adopting VR CGI Technology

Adopting Virtual Reality (VR) and Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) technologies presents a set of unique challenges that can impede their integration into XMLTV technology blogs.

One of the primary barriers is the significant upfront cost associated with 3D content creation. Capturing real-world objects and converting them into detailed 3D models requires substantial investment, which can be prohibitive for many content creators.

Additionally, the complexity of developing VR and AR software involves specialized skills and resources, further escalating the costs and complicating the deployment process.

Hardware Dependencies and User Experience Issues

Most AR/VR experiences hinge heavily on the capabilities of the hardware used. Current devices often have a limited field of view, typically around 90 degrees, which can detract from the immersive experience that is central to VR's appeal.

Moreover, these devices, including the most popular VR headsets, are frequently tethered, restricting user movement and impacting the natural flow of interaction.

Usability issues such as bulky, uncomfortable headsets and the high-power consumption of AR/VR devices add layers of complexity to user adoption.

For many first-time users, the initial experience can be daunting, with motion sickness and headaches being common complaints. These factors collectively pose significant hurdles to the widespread acceptance and enjoyment of VR and AR technologies.

Solutions and Forward-Looking Strategies

Despite these hurdles, there are effective solutions and techniques for overcoming many of the barriers to VR and CGI adoption.

Companies such as VPL Research is one of the first pioneer in the creation of developed and sold virtual reality products.

For example, improving the design and aesthetics of VR technology may boost their attractiveness and comfort, increasing user engagement.

Furthermore, technological developments are likely to cut costs over time, making VR and AR more accessible.

Strategic relationships with tech titans like Apple, Google, Facebook, and Microsoft, which are always inventing in AR, can help to improve xmltv guide epg for iptv blog experiences.

Virtual Reality (VR) and Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) hold incredible potential for various industries, but many face challenges in adopting these technologies.

Understanding the effective solutions and techniques for overcoming barriers to VR and CGI adoption is crucial for companies looking to innovate.

Practical Tips for Content Creators

To optimize the integration of VR and CGI technologies in xmltv epg blogs, content creators should consider the following practical tips:

Performance Analysis

Profiling Tools: Utilize tools like Unity Editor's Profiler and Oculus' Performance Head Hub Display to monitor VR application performance. These tools help in identifying and addressing performance bottlenecks.

Custom FPS Scripts: Implement custom scripts to track frames per second in real-time, allowing for immediate adjustments and optimization.

Optimization Techniques

3D Model Optimization: Reduce the triangle count and use similar materials across models to decrease rendering time.

Lighting and Shadows: Convert real-time lights to baked or mixed and utilize Reflection and Light Probes to enhance visual quality without compromising performance.

Camera Settings: Optimize camera settings by adjusting the far plane distance and enabling features like Frustum and Occlusion Culling.

Building and Testing

Platform-Specific Builds: Ensure that the VR application is built and tested on intended platforms, such as desktop or Android, to guarantee optimal performance across different devices.

Iterative Testing: Regularly test new builds to identify any issues early in the development process, allowing for smoother final deployments.

By adhering to these guidelines, creators can enhance the immersive experience of their XMLTV blogs, making them more engaging and effective in delivering content.

Want to learn more? You can hop over to this website to have a clear insights into how to elevate your multimedia projects and provide seamless access to EPG channels.

[juealhossain]

DeepSeek Dollars: 5 Expert Tips to Profit from the Sensational AI App Wave

Are you curious about AI software that can boost your online earnings? Deepseek Dollars might be the solution you need.

Deepseek Dollars is an AI tool. The goal? To help you make more money online. It uses smart algorithms. These algorithms find the best niches and opportunities for you. The result? More earnings with less effort.

Whether you're experienced or just starting out, this software can help. It promises to make things easier for you.

Here's my story. I tried Deepseek Dollars myself. At first, I was skeptical. But then, I saw the results. It really made a difference.

Key features include:

Finding profitable niches

Optimizing your income streams

Easy-to-use interface

The good news? You also get some great bonuses when you sign up.

Ready to learn more? Keep reading. Deepseek Dollars might just transform your online business. For more details, visit DeepSeek Dollars.

What You will Get with DeepSeek Dollars:

AI-Powered Content Creation – Generate high-quality articles, eBooks, and reports instantly.

Sell AI-Generated Digital Products – Make and sell printables, templates, and more.

Offer AI-Powered Services – Provide copywriting, email marketing, and ad content.

Build a Profitable Website – Monetize AI-generated content with ads and affiliate marketing.

Start an AI-Powered YouTube Channel – Generate scripts and monetize videos easily.

Launch an AI-Powered Online Course – Create and sell educational content.

Self-Publish AI-Generated Books – Write and sell books in any genre.

How To Start

Purchase DeepSeek Dollars – Get your copy of DeepSeek Dollars to access AI-powered tools.

Generate AI Content or Products – Use DeepSeek to create content, digital products, or services.

Monetize and Earn – Sell your creations, offer services, or use them for passive income.

Bonus Point of DeepSeek Dollars

Bonus 1: DeepSeek Dollars Mastery

Want to earn more without breaking a sweat? Learn how to use DeepSeek Dollars to boost your earnings. It's simpler than you think.

Bonus 2: AI Profits Blueprint

Ever thought about using AI to grow your online income? With this blueprint, you can automate tasks and watch your earnings grow. It's like having a robot working for you 24/7.

Bonus 3: Affiliate Fast Track

Jumpstart your affiliate marketing journey. Follow tried and tested strategies to see quick results. Think of it as a shortcut to success.

Bonus 4: Social Media Domination

Need more traffic? This guide shows you how to get unlimited free traffic from social media. Imagine turning your followers into customers without spending a dime.

Bonus 5: Ultimate Passive Income Guide

Dreaming of financial freedom? Learn how to create multiple streams of passive income. It's like planting seeds that keep growing money trees.

The good news? These bonuses are designed to help you succeed, no matter where you're starting from.

My Experience With Deepseek Dollars

Using DeepSeek has been quite the adventure. I began with small projects. You know, generating blog posts and digital products. Then, I took a leap into creating online courses and even AI-generated books. The best part? Automating content creation saved me a ton of time.

My website traffic went up. I started earning money from different sources. It felt great!

Thinking about trying DeepSeek? Here’s my advice:

Start small. Begin with simple projects.

Experiment. Try different methods to see what works best for you.

Remember, AI is a powerful tool. But the key to success? Consistency and creativity.

Who is DEEPSEEK DOLLARS For?

Are you wondering if DEEPSEEK DOLLARS is right for you? Let me break it down:

Affiliate Marketers: If you're promoting other people's products, this is for you.

Stay-at-Home Moms: Want to earn extra cash without leaving the house? This could be your ticket.

Ecommerce Store Owners: Need a boost in sales? DEEPSEEK DOLLARS might help.

Local Business Owners: Looking to expand your reach? This tool might be what you need.

Clickbank Affiliates: If Clickbank is your playground, you'll find value here.

CPA Marketers: Cost-per-action marketers, this is for you too.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Deepseek Dollars?

Deepseek Dollars are a digital currency designed for online transactions. They offer a secure and efficient way to make payments.

How Do Deepseek Dollars Work?

Deepseek Dollars work by utilizing blockchain technology. This ensures secure and transparent transactions for users.

What Are The Benefits Of Deepseek Dollars?

Benefits include fast transactions, low fees, and enhanced security. They are ideal for both personal and business use.

Are Deepseek Dollars Safe To Use?

Yes, Deepseek Dollars are safe. They use advanced encryption methods to protect user information and transactions.

Conclusion

DeepSeek Dollars offers unique features and great benefits. My experience with this AI software has been positive. It's user-friendly and delivers impressive results. If you need reliable AI software, consider DeepSeek Dollars. For more details, visit the DeepSeek Dollars page. This tool can simplify your tasks and improve efficiency. Try it today and see the difference.

[nunuslab24]

What are AI, AGI, and ASI? And the positive impact of AI

Understanding artificial intelligence (AI) involves more than just recognizing lines of code or scripts; it encompasses developing algorithms and models capable of learning from data and making predictions or decisions based on what they’ve learned. To truly grasp the distinctions between the different types of AI, we must look at their capabilities and potential impact on society.

To simplify, we can categorize these types of AI by assigning a power level from 1 to 3, with 1 being the least powerful and 3 being the most powerful. Let’s explore these categories:

1. Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI)

Also known as Narrow AI or Weak AI, ANI is the most common form of AI we encounter today. It is designed to perform a specific task or a narrow range of tasks. Examples include virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa, recommendation systems on Netflix, and image recognition software. ANI operates under a limited set of constraints and can’t perform tasks outside its specific domain. Despite its limitations, ANI has proven to be incredibly useful in automating repetitive tasks, providing insights through data analysis, and enhancing user experiences across various applications.

2. Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)

Referred to as Strong AI, AGI represents the next level of AI development. Unlike ANI, AGI can understand, learn, and apply knowledge across a wide range of tasks, similar to human intelligence. It can reason, plan, solve problems, think abstractly, and learn from experiences. While AGI remains a theoretical concept as of now, achieving it would mean creating machines capable of performing any intellectual task that a human can. This breakthrough could revolutionize numerous fields, including healthcare, education, and science, by providing more adaptive and comprehensive solutions.

3. Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI)

ASI surpasses human intelligence and capabilities in all aspects. It represents a level of intelligence far beyond our current understanding, where machines could outthink, outperform, and outmaneuver humans. ASI could lead to unprecedented advancements in technology and society. However, it also raises significant ethical and safety concerns. Ensuring ASI is developed and used responsibly is crucial to preventing unintended consequences that could arise from such a powerful form of intelligence.

The Positive Impact of AI

When regulated and guided by ethical principles, AI has the potential to benefit humanity significantly. Here are a few ways AI can help us become better:

• Healthcare: AI can assist in diagnosing diseases, personalizing treatment plans, and even predicting health issues before they become severe. This can lead to improved patient outcomes and more efficient healthcare systems.

• Education: Personalized learning experiences powered by AI can cater to individual student needs, helping them learn at their own pace and in ways that suit their unique styles.

• Environment: AI can play a crucial role in monitoring and managing environmental changes, optimizing energy use, and developing sustainable practices to combat climate change.

• Economy: AI can drive innovation, create new industries, and enhance productivity by automating mundane tasks and providing data-driven insights for better decision-making.

In conclusion, while AI, AGI, and ASI represent different levels of technological advancement, their potential to transform our world is immense. By understanding their distinctions and ensuring proper regulation, we can harness the power of AI to create a brighter future for all.