#acoustic camera market

[bishtmeenakshi]

Camera Industry in 2024 :Trends, Segmentation and the Future Outlook

From capturing history-making moments to preserving precious memories, cameras have become an integral part of our lives.  Fueling this visual storytelling is the ever-evolving camera market, encompassing a diverse range of technologies catering to everyone – from professional photographers to everyday users documenting their world. This blog delves into the current state of the market in 2024, analyzing its size, segmentation, key trends, and future outlook.

A Market with a Clear Focus on Innovation

The camera industry is constantly pushing the boundaries of imaging technology. According to a report by Ken Research, the global camera market size reached a respectable $38.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $47.2 billion by 2030, boasting a moderate but steady CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 4.6%. This growth signifies the continued demand for high-quality cameras and the emergence of specialized applications.

Camera Market Segmentation: Capturing Diverse Needs

The camera market segmentation based on various factors, reflecting the diverse needs of users and the wide variety of camera types available:

By Camera Type:

Action Cameras:  Perfect for capturing fast-paced action and extreme environments, these compact and rugged cameras are popular among athletes and adventure enthusiasts.

Digital Camera Market: This segment remains a significant part of the overall market, catering to both professional and amateur photographers. Within digital camera market segment, further sub-divisions exist:

Mirrorless Cameras: These compact and feature-rich cameras are gaining significant traction with professionals and hobbyists alike due to their versatility and image quality. The global mirrorless camera market is expected to reach $22.4 billion by 2030.

DSLR Cameras: While facing increased competition from mirrorless cameras, these workhorses are still favored by some photographers for their ergonomics and optical viewfinders. However, advancements in mirrorless technology may lead to a decline in the DSLR market share in the coming years.

Specialty Cameras: This segment encompasses various niche cameras catering to specific applications:

360-Degree Cameras: These cameras capture immersive, spherical images and videos, gaining traction for virtual reality applications and creating panoramic views.The global 360-degree camera market is expected to reach $3.1 billion by 2030.

Drone Cameras: The rapid growth of the drone industry has fueled the demand for high-quality, lightweight cameras specifically designed for aerial photography and videography.The global drone camera market size is projected to reach $11.2 billion by 2030.

Acoustic Cameras: These specialized cameras use sound waves to create visual representations of sound sources, finding application in leak detection, industrial inspection, and scientific research. While not a mainstream market segment, acoustic cameras are expected to experience niche growth in specific industries.

By Application:

Consumer Cameras: Aimed at casual photographers and smartphone camera upgrades, these cameras offer basic functionality and ease of use.

Professional Cameras: High-end, feature-rich cameras catering to professional photographers who demand exceptional image quality, performance, and durability.

Security Cameras: A booming segment driven by increasing security concerns, encompassing surveillance cameras for home and business use. The global body camera market share, a sub-segment of security cameras focusing on law enforcement applications, is expected to reach $15.7 billion by 2030.

Automotive Camera Market: This niche market focuses on cameras used in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicles.The global automotive camera market size is estimated to reach a staggering $42.1 billion by 2030.

Camera Module Market: The Power Behind the Pixels

The camera module market is a vital component of the overall camera industry. These miniature modules integrate the core imaging components (lens, sensor, and processing unit) into a compact package, facilitating their integration into smartphones, drones, and other devices. The global camera module market is expected to reach a massive $68.4 billion by 2030,  highlighting its significance in the broader camera ecosystem.

Take a look at: Digital Cameras Market Research Reveals Trends, Segmentation, and Future Outlook

Camera Market Trends: Redefining the Future of Imaging

Several trends are shaping the future of the camera market:

Smartphone Camera Wars: The relentless improvement of smartphone cameras is challenging dedicated cameras for casual photography, especially in the low- to mid-range market segment.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration: AI-powered features like auto-focus, subject recognition, and automatic image enhancement are becoming increasingly common, enhancing user experience and photographic capabilities.

Focus on Computational Photography: Smartphone manufacturers are pushing the boundaries of computational photography, combining multiple images to create high-quality photos, even in low-light conditions.

The Rise of Niche Cameras: Markets for specialized cameras like action cameras and 360-degree cameras are expected to grow, driven by specific use cases and a growing interest in immersive content creation.

Top Players in Camera Market: Capturing Market Share

The camera industry is a competitive landscape with established players vying for dominance. Some of the top players in camera market include:

Canon : A leading manufacturer of professional and consumer cameras, lenses, and imaging solutions.

Sony : Renowned for its innovative mirrorless cameras and strong presence in the smartphone camera sensor market.

Nikon: A traditional powerhouse in the DSLR market, also offering mirrorless cameras and optical equipment.

Fujifilm: Known for its high-quality X-series mirrorless cameras and Instax instant cameras.

GoPro: A pioneer in the action camera market, offering rugged and versatile cameras for capturing adventure.

Camera Market Future Outlook: A Focus on Innovation and Niche Markets

The camera market future outlook suggests continued growth, albeit at a moderate pace.

Smartphone Competition: Smartphone manufacturers will continue to push the boundaries of camera technology, impacting the lower-end of the dedicated camera market.

Niche Market Growth: Markets for specialized cameras like action cameras, 360-degree cameras, and drone cameras are expected to experience significant growth.

Focus on Innovation: Camera manufacturers will need to continuously innovate and differentiate themselves through features like AI integration, advanced image processing, and high-resolution sensors.

Beyond the Lens: The Merging Landscape

An interesting trend is the blurring lines between smartphone cameras and dedicated cameras.  Smartphone manufacturers are incorporating multiple lenses and advanced features, while camera manufacturers are exploring smartphone-like connectivity and user interfaces.

This convergence presents both challenges and opportunities for the camera industry. Companies that can successfully adapt and innovate will be well-positioned to capture a share of the evolving photography market.

Conclusion: A Click into the Future

The camera market is a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape. While the dominance of dedicated cameras for casual photography may be challenged by smartphones, the industry is adapting and innovating to cater to professional needs, niche markets, and the growing demand for immersive content creation. As technology continues to advance, the future of the camera market promises exciting new ways to capture and share the world around us.

You can also read about: Opportunities and Trends in the $6.83 Billion Digital Camera Market

[imarcmarketreport]

Acoustic Camera Market Size, Demand, Share, Report And Forecast 2024-2032

IMARC Group's report titled "Acoustic Camera Market Report by Array Type (2D, 3D), Measurement Type (Far Field, Near Field), Application (Noise Source Detection, Leak Detection, and Others), End Use (Aerospace and Defense, Infrastructure, Energy and Power, Automotive, and Others), and Region 2024-2032". The global acoustic camera market size reached US$ 216.1 Million in 2023. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach US$ 514.4 Million by 2032, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 9.8% during 2024-2032.

For an in-depth analysis, you can refer sample copy of the report: https://www.imarcgroup.com/acoustic-camera-market/requestsample

Factors Affecting the Growth of the Acoustic Camera Industry:

Increasing Demand for Noise Source Identification:

The growing need for precise noise source identification across various industries is a significant driver for the acoustic camera market. Acoustic cameras enable real-time visualization and mapping of sound sources in a given environment. Industries such as automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and environmental monitoring use acoustic cameras to identify and locate sources of unwanted noise. This capability is crucial for quality control, product development, and compliance with noise regulations, fostering the adoption of acoustic camera technology.

Advancements in Sensor Technologies:

Technological advancements in sensor technologies contribute to the expansion of the acoustic camera market. High-resolution microphones and advanced signal processing algorithms enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of acoustic cameras in capturing and analyzing sound data. The integration of innovative sensor technologies allows for improved spatial resolution and the ability to precisely identify and analyze complex sound patterns. As sensor technologies continue to evolve, acoustic cameras become more sophisticated, catering to diverse applications and driving market growth.

Stringent Noise Regulations and Environmental Concerns:

Stringent noise regulations imposed by governments and increasing environmental concerns drive the demand for acoustic cameras. Industries are under pressure to comply with noise emission standards and regulations to minimize the environmental impact of their operations. Acoustic cameras assist in identifying and mitigating noise pollution, enabling companies to meet regulatory requirements and adhere to environmentally sustainable practices. The emphasis on corporate social responsibility and the need for sustainable manufacturing processes contribute to the rising adoption of acoustic camera solutions in various industrial sectors.

Leading Companies Operating in the Global Acoustic Camera Industry:

Brüel & Kjær (Spectris Plc)

CAE Software & Systems GmbH

gfai tech GmbH

Microflown Technologies

Norsonic AS

Polytec GmbH

Siemens AG

Signal Interface Group

SINUS Messtechnik GmbH

SM Instruments and Sorama.

Acoustic Camera Market Report Segmentation:

By Array Type:

2D

3D

3D dominates the market due to its superior ability to provide a comprehensive and accurate representation of sound sources in three-dimensional space. This array type is preferred for applications requiring precise localization and visualization of noise sources in various industries.

By Measurement Type:

Far Field

Near Field

Near field dominates the market due to its effectiveness in capturing detailed sound data in close proximity to the source. Near-field measurement is crucial for applications where accurate identification and analysis of noise sources are required, making it a preferred choice in diverse industrial settings.

By Application:

Noise Source Detection

Leak Detection

Others

Noise source detection dominates the market due to the widespread use of acoustic cameras in identifying and mapping sound sources. Industries such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and environmental monitoring heavily rely on noise source detection for quality control, product development, and compliance with regulatory standards.

By End Use:

Aerospace and Defense

Infrastructure

Energy and Power

Automotive

Others

Automotive dominates the market due to the significant adoption of acoustic cameras in the automotive industry. The use of acoustic cameras during the design and prototyping phases for identifying and eliminating unwanted noises, such as buzz, squeak, and rattle (BSR) sounds, enhances product quality and contributes to the dominance of the automotive sector in the market.

Regional Insights:

North America: (United States, Canada)

Asia Pacific: (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Others)

Europe: (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, Others)

Latin America: (Brazil, Mexico, Others)

Middle East and Africa

Asia Pacific dominates the market due to the region's increasing industrialization, particularly in manufacturing and automotive sectors. The demand for acoustic cameras in Asia Pacific is driven by the growing emphasis on quality control, regulatory compliance, and environmental concerns, making it the leading region in the global acoustic camera market.

Global Acoustic Camera Market Trends:

The market is experiencing growth driven by the increasing automation of diverse industrial processes. Acoustic cameras play a crucial role in this context, being extensively utilized for the identification and localization of sound frequencies to detect material defects and prevent equipment or infrastructure failure. Additionally, the automotive industry's significant global growth contributes positively to the market. Acoustic cameras find application in vehicles during design and prototyping phases to eliminate transient, intermittent, and ill-defined noise sources, specifically addressing buzz, squeak, and rattle (BSR) sounds. Furthermore, the widespread adoption of acoustic cameras in advanced non-destructive testing (NDT) equipment adds to the market's positive trajectory. Various technological advancements, such as the development of combined audio and video acoustic cameras, are serving as growth-inducing factors. These innovative variants are employed for traffic control and video recording of vehicles exceeding permitted noise limits. Other contributing factors include increasing public awareness about noise pollution and the implementation of favorable government policies, collectively anticipated to drive the market's growth.

Note: If you need specific information that is not currently within the scope of the report, we will provide it to you as a part of the customization.

About Us:

IMARC Group is a leading market research company that offers management strategy and market research worldwide. We partner with clients in all sectors and regions to identify their highest-value opportunities, address their most critical challenges, and transform their businesses.

IMARCs information products include major market, scientific, economic and technological developments for business leaders in pharmaceutical, industrial, and high technology organizations. Market forecasts and industry analysis for biotechnology, advanced materials, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, travel and tourism, nanotechnology and novel processing methods are at the top of the companys expertise.

Our offerings include comprehensive market intelligence in the form of research reports, production cost reports, feasibility studies, and consulting services. Our team, which includes experienced researchers and analysts from various industries, is dedicated to providing high-quality data and insights to our clientele, ranging from small and medium businesses to Fortune 1000 corporations.

Contact Us:

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[research-reports-blogs]

The global acoustic camera market revenues totaled US$ 187.4 million in 2022. Over the next ten years, sales of acoustic cameras are forecast to surge at 7.3% CAGR. By 2032, total market valuation will reach US$ 380 million.

[lalsingh228-blog]

Acoustic Camera Market Set to See Major Growth by 2029

The Latest research coverage on Acoustic Camera Market provides a detailed overview and accurate market size. The study is designed considering current and historical trends, market development and business strategies taken up by leaders and new industry players entering the market. Furthermore, study includes an in-depth analysis of global and regional markets along with country level market size breakdown to identify potential gaps and opportunities to better investigate market status, development activity, value and growth patterns. Access Sample Report + All Related Graphs & Charts @: https://www.advancemarketanalytics.com/sample-report/2711-global-acoustic-camera-market-1

Major & Emerging Players in Acoustic Camera Market:- gfai tech GmbH (Germany), BRÃœEL & KJÆR (Denmark), CAE Software and Systems GmbH (Germany), Siemens PLM Software (United States), Signal Interface Group (United States), Norsonic AS (Norway), Sorama (Netherlands),  Ziegler-Instruments GmbH (Germany), Microflown Technologies (The Netherlands). The Acoustic Camera Market Study by AMA Research gives an essential tool and source to Industry stakeholders to figure out the market and other fundamental technicalities, covering growth, opportunities, competitive scenarios, and key trends in the Acoustic Camera market. The global Acoustic camera market is expected to witness high demand in the forecasted period due to the rise in the automation process. Acoustic Camera was the first commercially viable system to localize acoustic emissions. An acoustic camera is an imaging tool that is generally used to locate sound sources and to characterize them. It is mainly used for real-time noise source identification, it is a versatile tool used mainly designed for automotive as well as aerospace industries.  It is a lightweight, modular and flexible system used to detect, locate, identify, and categorize the sound source. Adoption of artificial intelligence & machine learning and stringent regulation against noise pollution drive the acoustic camera market. Therefore, the acoustic camera market is expected to witness considerable growth in the coming years. For instance, CAE Systems provides SoundCam that offers various benefits such as leakage detection, BSR noise of Dashboard, and sound of a coffee machine.

The titled segments and sub-section of the market are illuminated below: by Application (Noise Source Identification, Leakage Detection, Others), Measurement Type (Far Field, Near Field), Industry Vertical (Infrastructure, Automotive, Industrial, Electronics & Appliance, Aerospace, Energy & Power, Education & Research), Array Type (2D Array, 3D Array) Market Trends: Growing Automotive Industry Across the World

Emerging New Technologies in Automotive

Opportunities: Growing Adoption of Acoustics in Entertainment Venues

Introduction of Audio and Video Combined Microphone and Camera Array Technology

Market Drivers: Raising Awareness about Noise Pollution

Growing Automated Production Process

Challenges: Increasing Requirement  for High Computational Power Enquire for customization in Report @: https://www.advancemarketanalytics.com/enquiry-before-buy/2711-global-acoustic-camera-market-1 Some Point of Table of Content: Chapter One: Report Overview Chapter Two: Global Market Growth Trends Chapter Three: Value Chain of Acoustic Camera Market Chapter Four: Players Profiles Chapter Five: Global Acoustic Camera Market Analysis by Regions Chapter Six: North America Acoustic Camera Market Analysis by Countries Chapter Seven: Europe Acoustic Camera Market Analysis by Countries Chapter Eight: Asia-Pacific Acoustic Camera Market Analysis by Countries Chapter Nine: Middle East and Africa Acoustic Camera Market Analysis by Countries Chapter Ten: South America Acoustic Camera Market Analysis by Countries Chapter Eleven: Global Acoustic Camera Market Segment by Types Chapter Twelve: Global Acoustic Camera Market Segment by Applications What are the market factors that are explained in the Acoustic Camera Market report?

– Key Strategic Developments: Strategic developments of the market, comprising R&D, new product launch, M&A, agreements, collaborations, partnerships, joint ventures, and regional growth of the leading competitors.

– Key Market Features: Including revenue, price, capacity, capacity utilization rate, gross, production, production rate, consumption, import/export, supply/demand, cost, market share, CAGR, and gross margin.– Analytical Tools: The analytical tools such as Porter’s five forces analysis, SWOT analysis, feasibility study, and investment return analysis have been used to analyze the growth of the key players operating in the market. Buy This Exclusive Research Here: https://www.advancemarketanalytics.com/buy-now?format=1&report=2711 Definitively, this report will give you an unmistakable perspective on every single reality of the market without a need to allude to some other research report or an information source. Our report will give all of you the realities about the past, present, and eventual fate of the concerned Market. Thanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Europe or Asia. Contact US : Craig Francis (PR & Marketing Manager) AMA Research & Media LLP Unit No. 429, Parsonage Road Edison, NJ New Jersey USA – 08837 Phone: +1 201 565 3262, +44 161 818 8166 sales@advancemarketanalytics.com

[rjzimmerman]

Solar Farms Have a Superpower Beyond Clean Energy. (New York Times)

Excerpt from this New York Times story:

It’s not your average solar farm.

The glassy panels stand in a meadow. Wildflowers sway in the breeze, bursts of purple, pink, yellow, orange and white among native grasses. A monarch butterfly flits from one blossom to the next. Dragonflies zip, bees hum and goldfinches trill.

As solar projects unfurl across the United States, sites like this one in Ramsey, Minn., stand out because they offer a way to fight climate change while also tackling another ecological crisis: a global biodiversity collapse, driven in large part by habitat loss.

The sun’s clean energy is a powerful weapon in the battle against climate change. But the sites that capture that energy take up land that wildlife needs to survive and thrive. Solar farms could blanket millions of acres in the United States over the coming decades.

So developers, operators, biologists and environmentalists are teaming up with an innovative strategy.

“We have to address both challenges at the same exact time,” said Rebecca Hernandez, a professor of ecology at the University of California, Davis, whose research focuses on how to do just that.

Insects, those small animals that play a mighty role in supporting life on Earth, are facing alarming declines. Solar farms can offer them food and shelter by providing a diverse mix of native plants.

Such plants can also decrease erosion, nourish the soil and store planet-warming carbon. They can also attract insects that improve pollination of nearby crops.

Pollinator friendly solar can pay off for business, too, potentially saving money and giving projects an edge for approval at a time when communities are increasingly wary of vast solar farms. Developers are taking note.

But there’s a broad spectrum of pollinator friendliness and little agreement on what efforts should count. Standards are often nonexistent. Some big projects are limiting pollinator habitat to tiny corners of their sites. Ecological value varies widely.

Communities may not understand the difference, and corporate marketing may exaggerate. That’s led to accusations of greenwashing.

Pollinator habitat on solar farms is “a serious work in progress,” said Scott Black, executive director of the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, a nonprofit group that is working on an effort to bring some clarity by certifying solar sites.

“It’s not fair if some people are truly stepping up to do this right and another company is barely doing anything and saying they’re pollinator friendly,” he said.

“If you build it, will they come?” he asks in his research. So far the answer is a resounding yes, if you grow the right plants.

In a study published late last year, his team found that insect abundance had tripled over five years on test plots at two other Minnesota solar sites. The abundance of native bees grew twentyfold.

The results come amid a global decline of wildlife that leaders are struggling to address. Some of the most well-known insect species are in trouble: Later this year, the federal government is expected to rule on whether to place monarch butterflies on the Endangered Species List. North American birds, for their part, are down almost 30 percent since 1970.

But at this site, called Anoka County Solar, acoustic monitoring has documented 73 species of birds, presumably attracted by the buffet of seeds and insects. Some build nests in the structures supporting the panels.

Mammals are showing up, too. Mr. Walston checked a trail camera before leaving, hoping to discover the occupant of a remarkably large burrow: A fox, he thought, or a badger. No luck.

(It’s trickier to make solar sites friendly to large wild animals, in part because developers are nervous to let them near expensive infrastructure, but efforts are underway there, too.)

What makes this meadow possible is the height of the panels. A prairie restoration firm had told ENGIE, the owner and developer, that taller panels would allow for a sharp increase in native vegetation species, providing much more ecological diversity, said John Gantner, the director of engineering and delivery for ENGIE’s smaller-scale sites.

[redlegumes]

Written for @eddiemunsonbingo

Square: C1 Slow Burn

Title: Slow Burn

Rating: Teen

Word Count: 329 (The art is the submission)

Ship(s): Eddie Munson/Steve Harrington, Steddie

Major Tags: Love Confession, Song Lyrics, Rockstar Eddie Munson

Summary: Art submission for Eddie Munson Bingo with a little ficlet for context. Eddie Munson performs a song for his secret love on Saturday Night Live wearing nothing but his guitar and combat boots.

Link: AO3

So instead of Kacey Musgraves, Eddie (with Corroded Coffin, new band, or solo - whichever) is the first person on Saturday Night Live to perform completely nude (apart from the boots).

~Ficlet below the cut~

No one is surprised that Eddie would pull something so risqué. After a few underwear trial runs, everyone concedes that the guitar covers more of his body than expected. More than at least one of the suggested alternative outfits for his SNL spot.

However people are surprised, that while Eddie's first performance in the show was of his latest single with his traditional electric guitar and blaring vocals, the nude performance isn't just physically 'stripped down.'

He's chosen to play an older single on his acoustic he's used since high school to write songs on. It's considered even odder that the song he's playing is one he did live three years ago, the last time he was on SNL.

All the 'creatives' agree that the number works. The shock of the tonal shift in Eddie's proposed pitch sells the executives as something marketable. Whispers of it definitely likely to 'go viral' get the whole thing approved.

'Slow Burn' did well on the charts, but this version... without the drums and the electric guitar the song sounds so much more personal, vulnerable. It's much clearer that it's a love song. Eddie even dropped the tempo down. The whole thing is downright romantic. There'd been a long rumored 'muse' for Eddie Munson, and all week the cast speculated who it could be; who made the famously wild, controversial, and tatted musician sing like that?

Saturday night finally comes, and Eddie plays the song with 'bisexual lighting' that eventually becomes redder and redder. At the same time, burning fire graphics grow visually stronger, displayed behind him.

When it ends he looks out into the audience and says, "Steve, you gotta know by now that I wrote this for you. I wanted the world to know I've loved every second of our slow burn."

The camera pans up to a handsome man in the gallery, light sparkling in teary eyes, his hand gripping the fabric of his shirt over his heart.

[mountphoenixrp]

The Sunshine Festival is coming up fast! In preparation, you can find the program for the market and concert stage below!

Market Booths:

The Flower Mill Goods/Services: Tiramisu Frozen Coffee in a collectible mason jar; Cold Brew boba tea; Mochi donuts (glazed, strawberry, and lemon).

Lupin’s “Good Looks” Goods/Services: Custom-made headpieces, festival-wear and other clothing. On-the-spot hair and make-up styling.  Specials: 15% for customers who book their first styling appointment with Lupin.

Sweet Spot (Eros’ pop up chocolate and sweets booth) Goods/Services: Fine flower and fruit infused chocolates, light sweet confections and “love dust”. Target practice game with prizes for romantic dates. Specials: Specialty chocolates, dipped fruits, love advice.

Honeypot Brewery & Tapas Goods/Services: Aqua fresca (strawberry, cucumber, lime), burritos, and ceviche. Specials: Double Trouble coupons: for two people to enjoy a full Mexican-style meal for the price of one.

Jinxxed Goods/Services: Bone/tea/tarot readings, candle blessings, spell pouch making. Specials: 40% off crystals with proof of reading(s); free admission to one full moon ritual.

Minx Goods/Services: 360* camera shots: videos made in slow or regular speed to capture your memories from the Sunshine Festival! Specials: One free golden cuddle card! (See Malea for details.)

Marimo Ink Goods/Services: Neck-up piercings (50% off), face/body painting, hand-drawn temporary tattoos, art prints by Marimo Ink artists. Specials: Raffle for the chance to win one of three free tattoos (customers will receive one raffle ticket per piercing purchase, multiple entries allowed); free tattoo consultations.

Maibee Art Goods/Services: All handmade: crochet hats, plushies, blankets; keychains, jewelry, dice; stickers, coasters, prints, paintings; and more! Will do live portraits and synesthesia art. Specials: Buy Two, Get a Third with 10% off; Buy Five, Get a Tiny Crochet Hedgehog Friend.

Stop&Paws Goods/Services: Mini grooming service (brush out & bandannas/bows for pets); Flea & Tick treatment; “Meet the Adoptables” pen; and a pet cool down station with water dishes and a small pool. Specials: Mini grooming service and the flea & tick treatment will both be free, Pet Treats will also be available for free at both the adoptables pen and the cool down station.

Ice Ice Baby Goods/Services: Gourmet ice cream! Specials: Buy one, get one free single scoop cones; 20% off ice cream sundaes.

Black Forest Bakery Goods/Services: Berry and cream mille-feuille, double chocolate eclairs, crème brûlée, cookies and cream cheesecake in mini mason jars. Specials: Buy two, get one free; 20% off cake/event catering orders made at the booth.

Performers:

HEXED (Claire, Cassandra & Charlotte), rock band performance

HEXED will be playing a set of the songs off their latest album, along with a special sneak-peek performance of their upcoming summer single “Bonvoyage”.

Apollo, singing and dancing

Apollo will perform covers of Lizzo's “Juice”, Harry Style's “Late Night Talking”, Marshmello X Jonas Brother's “Leave Before You Love Me”, and Post Malone and Doja Cat's “I Like You”.

Sundrop Thanawat, singing and acoustic guitar

Sundrop will be singing a few songs while sitting and playing his guitar for a musical accompaniment. (There may be some birds flying around with the music as an extra feature. He still needs to ask if they'll help him though.)

Lee Juyeon, dancing

Juyeon will perform a mini showcase of a few songs he thought up his own choreography for. Just showing off his skill as a choreographer and the reason he's a dance instructor and a dancer.

Dakota Kim and Noel Yunuen, singing and dancing

The duo will be dancing and singing covers of “Mirotic” by TVXQ, “View” by SHINee, and “Peaches” by Justin Bieber.

Invidia Duval, Kihara Brighton and Kaya Everly, aerial/dance performance

The trio will perform an aerial and dance performance to: “Cosmic Love” by Florence + The Machine, “Who” by LAUV (feat. BTS), “Jericho” by Iniko, and “Middle of the Night” by Elley Duhe.

Heather Rhodes, Invidia Duval, Hunter Moon and Dakota Kim, singing

The group will be singing: “i’m yours” by Isabel LaRosa, “Tinted Eyes” by DVBBS, “Body” by Sinead Harnett, and “FRZZN” by OZZIE (feat. Teflon Sega).

Vulpe Blanford, ballet performance

Vulpe will be performing his own modernized ballet choreograph to “Experience”, “Elegy for the Arctic” and “Divenire” by Ludovico Einaudi, and “Golden Hour” (instrumental) by Jvke.

Please use this information to plot with as many people as you would like! Employees and performers can have threads where they are working/performing and threads during their days off at the festival, if you’d like.

There is no time limit for threads, but the event will only officially last a week, so make sure to start your threads or whatever else you have in mind once it begins!

Most importantly, of course, have fun!

[jessesthesis]

Tacita Dean, Ship of Death, 2001

SUMMARY

Ship of Death belongs to a portfolio of twenty black and white photogravures with etching collectively entitled The Russian Ending. The portfolio was printed by Niels Borch Jensen, Copenhagen and published by Peter Blum Editions, New York in an edition of thirty-five; Tate’s copy is the fifth of ten artist’s proofs. Each image in the portfolio is derived from a postcard collected by the artist in her visits to European flea markets. Most of the images depict accidents and disasters, both man-made and natural. Superimposed on each image are white handwritten notes in the style of film directions with instructions for lighting, sound and camera movements, suggesting that the each picture is the working note for a film. The title of the series is taken from a convention in the early years of the Danish film industry when each film was produced in two versions, one with a happy ending for the American market, the other with a tragic ending for Russian audiences. Dean’s interventions encourage viewers to formulate narratives leading up to the tragic denouements in the prints, engaging and implicating the audience in the creative process. Dean’s interest in narrative and the mechanisms of the film industry are also evident in her other work. Her installation Foley Artist, 1996 (Tate T07870) depicts cinematic sound engineers recording acoustic effects for a short soundtrack. The Roaring Forties: Seven Boards in Seven Days, 1997 (Tate T07613) is a series of chalkboard drawings that use the conventions of the filmic storyboard to suggest dramatic events taking place in tempestuous waters of the southern Atlantic Ocean. The Uncles, 2004 (collection of the artist) is a film about the artist’s own family connections to the first two Chief Executives of Ealing Studios, Basil Dean (1888-1978; Chief Executive 1931-37) and Michael Balcon (1896-1977; Chief Executive 1937-59). The grainy black and white source image for Ship of Death shows a waterlogged boat in a stormy sea. Water cascades over the sides of the vessel, and the violent pitch of the waves has rendered the mast a dark blur. In its impressionistic depiction of a tempestuous seascape the photograph recalls the work of Joseph Mallord William Turner (1775-1851; see A Disaster at Sea, circa 1835, Tate N00558). The image also relates to Dean’s own fascination with adventures and misadventures at sea (see Disappearance at Sea, 1996, Tate T07455). Dean’s notations superimposed on the found image emphasise the fiction that the picture is the still from a film. At the top left corner are the words ‘last scene’ and the work’s title. A shrouded figure is highlighted with the legend ‘ferryman’. ‘Slow movement’ suggests a long camera pan across the scene. The bottom right corner includes more allusive references to the image. The water is labeled ‘Styx’ and an arrow pointing off towards the right bearing the words ‘exit’ and ‘Hades’ suggests the ship’s descent to the underworld. The phrases ‘bye bye’, ‘it’s over’, ‘whence they say that no man ever returns’ and ‘end’ reinforce the finality of the ship’s fate.

[scotianostra]

Happy Birthday Scottish singer-songwriter Roddy Frame.

Roddy was born on January 29th 1964 in East Kilbride, he described the town as a decent place to grow up, and not a slum. 

In his early teens, Frame was inspired by the songcraft of David Bowie, the conversational realism of Mark E. Smith and the Fall, and the sounds of earlier rock innovators such as the Velvet Underground, the Byrds, and Love. Frame took up song writing, and in 1980 he formed Aztec Camera with like-minded friends Campbell Owens on bass and Dave Mulholland on drums. After making an appearance on a cassette-only compilation of new Glasgow bands.

After signing for the Scottish label Postcard records and releasing several songs with good response from critics Rough Trade picked them up for the home market, and Sire, who had Madonna on their books at the time, signed them in the states.

The band’s debut album, High Land, Hard Rain was released in the summer of 1983, and critics on both sides of the Atlantic embraced the album, with Frame’s literate songs earning frequent comparisons to Elvis Costello.

As Aztec Camera’s fame grew, the original line-up of the band splintered, and by the time they began touring in support of their second album, 1984’s Knife, the group had expanded to a five-piece, but Owens was the only original member left besides Frame. With Aztec Camera’s third album, 1987’s Love, the group essentially became a Roddy Frame solo vehicle, with the singer and songwriter using different combinations of session players for each project. While Love was a commercial success in the U.K., Aztec Camera’s star began to fade in the 1990s, and after 1995’s Frestonia, Frame retired the Aztec Camera handle and began releasing material under his own name.

Released in 1998, The North Star became Roddy Frame’s first official solo effort, and his first record as part of a new deal with Sony. Dominated by acoustic pop sounds and jangling guitars, it was a critical success but a commercial disappointment, and when Frame re-emerged with the low-key voice-and-guitar effort Surf in 2004. A series of decent releases followed, and although given critical acclaim they were not setting the heather on fire with sales.

Roddy continues to tour and write songs, Aztec Camera s album Love was among the nominations for “Best British Album” at the 1989 BRIT Awards. “Somewhere in My Heart”, the second single from Love, was the band’s biggest hit, reaching No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart,. 

August 2021 saw the release of  Aztec Camera, Backwards And Forwards, subtitled The WEA Recordings (1984-1995) it is a nine cd collection  it includes five albums the Roddy Frame-led outfit recorded for the label, plus a plethora of bonuses, including live sets, remixes and rare tracks.

[brekker-by-brekkerr]

I posted 2,036 times in 2022

206 posts created (10%)

1,830 posts reblogged (90%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@aintmyjewelry

@zalrb

@layla-el-faouly

@ilovefandoms

@stilldancewithyou

I tagged 1,672 of my posts in 2022

Only 18% of my posts had no tags

#stranger things - 361 posts

#hsmtmts - 260 posts

#stancy - 184 posts

#insert witty queue tag here - 173 posts

#portwell - 142 posts

#marvel - 138 posts

#yes - 116 posts

#grishaverse - 113 posts

#stranger things 4 spoilers - 108 posts

#taylor swift - 87 posts

Longest Tag: 138 characters

#also it's just wack to see how quickly people start to hate steve for liking a person they don't want him to. like i have never been a fan

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

tag yourself: types of people as seasons

winter: buying gifts for friends. soup in the crockpot. sitting by the fireplace. ice skating. fluffy mittens. baking cookies. dressing up snowmen. catching snowflakes on tongue. flushed cheeks. red nose. collection of mugs. snowflakes on their lashes. thick sweaters. sleeping in. warm hugs. hot chocolate. snow angels. peppermints. evergreen scent. vanilla candles. knitting scarves for friends. fuzzy socks. doc martens. cold hands. always has chapstick. smells snow coming. shows their friends the constellations. pine trees. good advice. nostalgic. always has something to look forward to. sleeping next to friends. snuggling. holding hands under a blanket. friends with the barista. long novels. watching breath fog in the air and pretending to smoke. dressing dogs in sweaters. skipping school. dinner parties. buying chocolate to share with friends. sledding. dead plants. hallmark movies. decorating cookies. believes in ordinary magic. toasted marshmallows. window shopping. fun pajamas. hates goodbyes. neutral colours. celebrating the small things. 

spring: writing platonic love letters. countryside picnics. tire swing into a river. flowy dresses. flowers in hair. gardening. wishing on dandelions. pastel colours. dancing in a meadow. daydreaming.

freckled cheeks. strawberry picking. soft indie music. rose perfume. daisy chains. tree climbing. cloud watching. hiking in the mountains. caring for ducklings. embroidery hoops. glossy pink lips. tea parties. farmers markets. butterfly gardens. handkerchiefs in hair. mushroom hunting. believing in fairytales. cleaning their room for fun. looking for fairies. rescuing animals. jane austen. pressing flowers. braiding their friend's hair. reading under an apple tree. light rain showers. smiling at strangers. giving everyone compliments. novelty. baking pies. floral print. thrifting. gazebos in the woods. living life slow. messy braids. holding hands. falling asleep on other people's shoulders. kind heart. flowers in overall pockets. early bird. laying in the grass with a friend. encouraging notes on the bathroom mirror. journals full of cursive. music festivals.

summer: vibrant colours. sea salt. coconut shampoo. messy waves. running around barefoot. sunkissed cheeks. melting ice cream. driving around with the roof down. denim shorts. strawberry lemonade. sandy floors. fresh-cut grass. sparklers. swinging at the park late at night. sunset walks on the beach. hysterical laughter. 3 am conversations. unplanned sleepovers. swimsuit under clothes. truth or dare. dancing in the rain. backyard picnics. crop tops. driving through the city at night. childhood nostalgia. music on full blast. dirty converse. drive in movies. sleeping with a stuffed animal. fun stickers. scavenger hunts. spontaneous road trips. stargazing. sneaking out the window. sidewalk chalk art. cherry slushies. travel backpack in the trunk of car. chipped yellow nail polish. chasing bubbles. friendship bracelets. disposable cameras. riding in the shopping cart. collecting seashells. dog walking. confessions at the top of the ferris wheel. chasing fireflies. the smell of sunscreen.

autumn: closets full of sweaters. messy buns. worn brown boots. hiking through the woods. crunching leaves. writing in a coffee shop. acoustic guitar. bonfires. painting pumpkins. getting lost in a corn maze. reading by a window while it storms. caffeine addiction. adopting the cat that lives outside the old bookstore. long scarves. salted caramel. tea collection. movie marathons. cozy blankets. exploring the world. maps pinned to the wall. drawing their friends. museums. turtlenecks. classic literature. dressing as ghosts with their friends. spooky stories. coffee shop concerts. book signings. cooking dinner for friends. discount tuesdays at the cinema. string lights. sunflowers on the windowsill. baking pumpkin bread. flea markets. hot apple cider. whispered secrets. sarcastic quips. old architecture. driving for hours. smells like cinnamon. flannel collection. costume parties. candles. phases of the moon. pine trees. foggy mornings. good storyteller. polaroid pictures of trees. loves change. walking through the city. gives their friends their favourite books. record stores. dancing in the kitchen. pillow forts. brown backpack. staying at the library till it closes. white button-downs. apple picking. staring out the window.

139 notes - Posted January 30, 2022

#4

If Portwell gets broken up in the next episode (or the last) over two weeks and extenuating circumstances, that’s bad writing. If season 3 had been a whole semester season (or half a semester, however long the last 2 have been) like the others and we saw the gradual deterioration of their relationship in a way that made sense, then I could roll with it. I don’t think they would break up in those circumstances, because I think they work really well together, but it would be better than breaking them up because EJ can’t spend time with Gina while directing an entire musical in 2 weeks that’s going on a major streaming service for the world to see. You can’t even say this shows how their relationship would go in other stressful circumstances, because first of all from what we saw of them last season the behaviour they’ve shown this season doesn’t even match, but second, they will never be in circumstances like these again. And it certainly won’t be the norm for them. 

Are we forgetting that EJ went to this camp specifically wanting to enjoy it with Gina? He’s not choosing this. If he were to say screw it all and hang out with Gina, everything would fall apart. Literally everything. Of course Ricky can afford to be there for Gina and hang out with her because he has significantly less responsibility. It’s not fair to say he’s the better person for Gina when you look at the reason EJ isn’t the one spending all this time with her.

Also, all the people who are making these comments about how they’ll laugh if Portwell breaks up, how Portwells are idiots and “delusional,” etc., why? Why do you feel the need to be so rude about a ship that isn’t even unhealthy? I may not ship R*na, but I don’t think it’s toxic by any means. I have my reasons for not shipping it. I could see it, if the show was giving me better reasons to ship them than him being able to support her at a time when if EJ wasn’t forced into sucky circumstances, he would have been there supporting her and having fun with her the whole season. If Portwell gets broken up, okay. You don’t have to rub it in our faces or be rude about it. 

I still have hope, and I’m going to say that knowing people might later make fun of me for it because they have nothing better to do. I have hope because I love Portwell, and some of their scenes together have been the best I’ve seen from romances in general. They’ve had amazing build-up, and I will always cherish my experience with this fandom and the excitement we all had last season as we saw them get together. It’s been a fun time. 

175 notes - Posted September 6, 2022

#3

I don’t understand why they couldn’t have left Portwell as a cute high school relationship where they're unfortunately going two different directions, realize that together, communicate about their future, and come to a respectful breakup where they’ll have their good memories, and they’ll always care about each other in some way. That’s more consistent with these characters, it respects the shippers and the characters, and it’s something that happens in real life. I still think with the Portwell we saw in season 2 they could have worked out (like, they’ve always been in somewhat different places, like him having his future planned out and hers always being up in the air as discussed in the couch scene, but they still understood each other and connected, that’s part of why they work so well), but if the writers needed to break them up, that would at least be better than destroying them and making them out of character. 

Seriously, why did the writers act like Portwell was bad and would never work? And now, acting like Gina didn’t have feelings for EJ. I feel like I’m being gaslit as a viewer. How can you spend all of season 2 making me not want to ship R*na, pouring everything into making Portwell one of the best relationships ever, give two characters incredible growth, and then try to backtrack and act like none of that happened. When I saw the way these characters looked at each other and acted around each other. This is bad writing, plain and simple. 

It’s not just a matter of liking one ship more than the other. If R*na was handled better, if they found a way to handle Portwell respectfully in a way that made sense, I could have been on board. Imagine if they had let Portwell unfold more like Jack and Gina’s airport episode, where they’re cute and fun but at the end of the day Ricky is the one she really feels things for. Because the way they wrote Portwell, it feels real and important and they’re so clearly in love and happy together. It’s not just this cute little midgame ship, they have a connection like I’ve never seen. They fake date, they scheme together, they do so much for each other and they have so much effort put into their relationship only to have it torn apart and treated like it was never important. 

Also, once again, EJ has fallen in love with a girl and she doesn’t love him back (Gina was definitely in love with him too but whatever the writers want to gaslight us into believing I guess. Which is so dumb because you can love more than one person in your life. Why did they feel the need to completely destroy every bit of Portwell after working so hard to make us ship them). Pointing this out isn’t prioritizing EJ in the relationship, it’s pointing out the crappy writing. Why are we doing this again. I think the writers must hate EJ or something because he never gets serious songs, of the main four he has the least time spent on him (other than this season with Nini being gone), and the writing this season for him was just awful. 

And this sucks for Gina because she’s having to put in the emotional work again with Ricky, which I discussed in this post so I won’t get into again. Do they hate Gina too? She wanted the guy who shows up, and Ricky hasn’t really done that yet, not in a meaningful way because it was just him hanging out with Gina because he didn’t have any responsibilities while the only reason EJ wasn’t “showing up” for her like normal this season was the pressure on him, and he still found ways to encourage her and make sweet gestures like picking her flowers. Ricky should be putting in so much more work. 

It’s sad for so many reasons but in large part because it’s going to be hard to watch the show from here with how all the relationships were handled. I wish I could love R*na and ignore the bad writing, but I can’t. And they could have been such a cute couple. 

293 notes - Posted September 14, 2022

#2

I don't want to hear people saying Ricky was the first one to really recognise Gina's accomplishment in getting the lead, and I definitely don't want to hear people saying EJ isn't being a good boyfriend or that he wasn't proud of her or any of the EJ slander I've been seeing.

EJ came to this camp wanting to enjoy one last summer of having fun and being a kid before going off to college and now he's being forced into directing an entire show in TWO WEEKS, a show that will be on Disney+ and therefore viewed by the entire world, and now he has to act in it, and he's been given no help. He doesn't even have directing experience. If he screws up it doesn't just reflect on him but all the people he cares about who are in the show with him. And it's IN FRONT OF THE ENTIRE WORLD. Not only that, EJ as a character has a drive to succeed and excell and be liked so this already stressful situation is going to be even more stressful (if you know about the enneagram and/or you're a type 3 you KNOW). That's not even mentioning the amount of pressure we know his dad already puts on him.

EJ has all of this pressure on his mind and obviously wants to talk to his girlfriend about it, someone who would understand because part of why they connected is their similar ambition and drive and desire to perform well (they're both type 3s), but he waits because his first priority is giving her flowers and letting her know he believed in her and that's she's a star and she looks so happy, she says "you have no idea how much that means to me." As she talks about her feelings about everything, you can see EJ actively listening, and when she talks about being worried about not being enough you see him nodding because that's something they can both relate to, but then when she starts talking about how many lines she has and the play at large you can see him struggling to stay focused because of COURSE that's going to remind him of the pressure on his back at the moment. EJ didn't waltz into the cabin talking about his issues and ignoring Gina's accomplishment in getting the lead, he didn't even bring up his stress until Gina asks.

I don't know about you guys, but if I was told I had two weeks to direct a show that would stream on Disney+, with my zero directing experience, and then I would be acting in it on top of that, I would be stressed out of my freaking mind. Most normal humans would. And EJ is 18 YEARS OLD. He's just a kid and now he has all this weight on him and people are mad that he's stressed? He's trying his best please leave him alone. He's obviously still trying to be a good boyfriend to Gina on top of everything. He took the time to handpick flowers for her and tell her she deserves the lead and listen to her even though he's stressed out of his mind. When Gina comes to ask him to explore the woods he's apologetic about not being able to go and you can tell he's sad because he came to this camp wanting those kinds of experiences with her and now he can't and he doesn't want to hurt Gina and stars I feel for him.

Anyways if you can't empathise with EJ's situation then please keep his name out of your mouth.

459 notes - Posted August 10, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

people are acting like stancy being endgame would be the end of the world. when j*ncy is a relationship that began with j*nathan taking pictures of nancy undressed, which he then went so far as to develop...it’s so nasty and I still can’t believe they got together anyway. all they have is “shared trauma.” That’s all that holds their ship together, and guess what? all of the characters have shared trauma. i could keep going about all the reasons i don’t ship j*ncy, but there are plenty of posts out there that do that for me, and i think the him-taking-pervy-pictures thing is really valid enough reason to be anti j*ncy. 

but stancy. they were both so young and dealing with a lot of fricked up crap. both of them made mistakes. but they’ve changed a lot, and they’ve grown and matured and figured themselves out. i think two people can be unfit for each other at a time in their life (especially if, you know, you’re in a love triangle where the other person you’re into is someone who you keep being forced to spend time with so you have “shared trauma” and creepy old men telling you that’s love) and maybe it’s the wrong time, then grow on their own and come back together when they’re both in a healthier place. i think that’s beautiful. 

i still think nancy and steve are the most supportive of each other. and i’m so done with people being like “oh poor j*nathan this will hurt him he deserves nancy” but like. what does nancy get out of this relationship??? 

also people being mad that the everyone is “shoving” stancy together...it’s better than some random creepy old man telling them to hook up in his bunker like freaking murray did to j*ncy. this is different because it’s their friends (PEOPLE THEIR AGE) being like “hey we have eyes something is going on here my dudes.”

steve and nancy spent a very long time apart, and they’ve both changed a lot...it’s not something that’s coming out of left field and being shoved on us lol. it actually makes sense. people are too butt-hurt about j*nathan and j*ncy to see that. it bothers me how angry people are getting about the POTENTIAL of stancy (and not tagging posts appropriately but whatever) when it’s like. we’ve had to deal with j*ncy for three seasons basically. three seasons of this unhealthy relationship that started with j*nathan violating her privacy and never offering a true apology. great. but stancy is so offensive. okay yeah sure. 

870 notes - Posted May 28, 2022

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[jcmarchi]

Why the Introduction of AI in Long-Term Care Takes a Long Time

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/why-the-introduction-of-ai-in-long-term-care-takes-a-long-time/

Why the Introduction of AI in Long-Term Care Takes a Long Time

AI is making significant strides in many industries, but its adoption in long-term care facilities remains slow and challenging. While AI has the potential to revolutionise patient care through fall detection, bedsore prevention, and sleep quality assessments, the road to widespread deployment has been anything but fast. This is an issue of great importance for investors, care home managers, and system integrators, all of whom are keenly aware of the transformative potential AI offers. Yet, despite its promise, AI in long-term care is not being implemented at the speed or scale we might expect.

That isn’t to say AI should be thoughtlessly embraced without any safeguarding or checks, but there is a clear apprehension in the care industry that is causing the sector to fall behind with the times. If you look elsewhere, there is more openness to AI coming from other industries, even in different health sectors. AI is being utilised more and more to diagnose diseases, or  to train health workers and to make their lives easier, so why should it not be the same in long-term care?

What Venture Capitalists Should Know

For venture capitalists, long-term care AI is appealing for several reasons. First, healthcare software is typically sold through recurring licensing agreements, which makes companies offering these solutions prime acquisition targets. Companies with recurring income streams, especially in a sector as robust as healthcare, are attractive for acquisition at premium valuations. Recent market activity underscores this: for instance, in July 2024, Nordic Capital acquired Oslo-based Senso, while Avasure picked up San Francisco-based Ouva, signalling a hotbed of investment in the long-term care space.

But despite these market drivers, VCs frequently ask, “Which technology will dominate?” There are many contenders – wearables, radar, and optical sensors—but identifying the winning solution is not easy for them.

Care Home Managers: Navigating Competing Agendas

The core issue for long-term care providers is a growing staff shortage. AI can help by increasing caregiver productivity by 20-30%, making it a crucial tool for maintaining quality care in the face of resource constraints. However, managers need to be aware of the competing agendas among suppliers. Many system integrators have established long-term relationships with care homes, and they might not be fully incentivized to embrace AI. The reason is simple: their revenue depends on selling and maintaining current, often outdated, systems. These systems are beginning to be overshadowed by the introduction of AI, that simplifies everything and uses less equipment, such as only one camera where it can be combined with computer vision learning.

Long-term care facilities rely heavily on these outdated technologies, often installed by system integrators with vested financial interests in maintaining the status quo. The list of products currently in use includes infrared motion sensors, door contacts, acoustic monitoring, bed sensors, and wearable devices. While these systems are functional, they are far from optimal in that they generate so many false alarms that care givers develop alarm fatigue. The advantage to the system integrators is that these systems require frequent maintenance and support.

For system integrators specialising in security, the long-term care market presents a promising opportunity. Security is an overcrowded, competitive space—a “red ocean”. In contrast, long-term care facilities represent an emerging “blue ocean” thanks to the introduction of AI. There is money to be made by those willing to pivot to this burgeoning market, but they must understand the unique challenges that AI brings to the table.

The Overwhelming Problem in Care

The problems facing the long-term care sector are immense and twofold:

Increased demand for care, driven by a rapidly ageing population and longer life expectancy.

A dwindling supply of caregivers, exacerbated by declining birth rates over the past several decades. A recent analysis found that the UK fertility rate is falling faster than any other G7 nation, dropping by 8%.

Globally, the market for care beds is set to explode—from 63 million today to 121 million by 2050. The challenge is how to meet this rising demand while managing limited human resources. Care workers across the globe are already overworking, with long working hours, poor pay and high stress, causing more and more of them to understandably leave the industry.

Why AI Adoption Is Taking So Long

The slow uptake of AI in long-term care boils down to four key factors:

System Integrator Resistance: AI threatens to replace the multiple sensors currently used in care facilities with a single, camera-based solution powered by advanced computer vision. This, in turn, threatens the revenue streams of incumbent system integrators. In many ways, this situation mirrors other well-documented business battles—like Netflix vs. Blockbuster or digital cameras vs. Kodak and Polaroid. The disruptive potential of AI is clear, but the reluctance of existing players to embrace it is equally evident.

Hardware Lag: MIT robotics expert Rodney Brooks points out that while software adoption happens at lightning speed (think of ChatGPT reaching 100 million users in two months), hardware takes far longer to implement. AI-powered solutions require physical cameras, cabling, and installation, which inherently slows down the adoption process.

Training and Cultural Barriers: In long-term care, young caregivers learn on the job from more experienced staff. While this mentorship model has its advantages, it also creates a significant barrier to adopting new technologies like AI. Caregivers trained in traditional methods are often resistant to learning how to work with advanced systems, which can slow down integration.

Perception: AI has come under immense criticism, sometimes understandably but sometimes due to a lack of education on the subject. There is a fear that AI is going to replace jobs in healthcare, taking away income from hard-working people. However, when AI is created and applied correctly, the goal is not to take away jobs, but to enhance and make people’s jobs easier and allow them to focus on the important parts of care work.

Conclusion: The Future Is Here—But it’s arriving slowly

AI offers transformative potential for long-term care, but the adoption process is far slower than it needs to be. Care home managers must recognize the opportunity AI presents for improving productivity, even if it challenges the existing supplier landscape. Venture capitalists should keep an eye on vision technology that unifies and improves current fragmented systems. System integrators who pivot to offer AI-based solutions in long-term care can position themselves for success in a growing and underserved market.

Ultimately, the introduction of AI into long-term care will be a slow but inevitable process. The question isn’t if AI will transform this sector, but how quickly it will happen—and who will lead the charge.

[ifixplumbing]

What Is Leak Detection and Why It’s Crucial for Plumbing Systems

Leaks in your plumbing system might seem like a minor inconvenience, but they can lead to much more serious and costly problems if not addressed promptly. Understanding leak detection—the process of identifying, locating, and repairing leaks—is crucial to maintaining the health of your home's plumbing system and preventing water damage. Whether it's a dripping faucet, a burst pipe, or a slow leak in a hidden wall, timely leak detection can save you from expensive repairs and long-term damage.

What Is Leak Detection?

Leak detection refers to the process of identifying, locating, and analyzing leaks within a plumbing system. Leaks can occur in visible places, like a faucet or a showerhead, or in hidden spots such as behind walls, under the floor, or underground. Depending on the severity and location of the leak, it may not be immediately noticeable, which is why it’s essential to conduct routine leak detection to prevent larger, more expensive issues from arising.

Plumbers use a variety of methods to detect and locate leaks, from traditional tools like pipe inspection cameras to more advanced, non-invasive technologies like acoustic sensors and infrared thermography.

Why Leak Detection Is So Important

Leaks, even small ones, can lead to a wide range of problems for your plumbing system and your property. Here’s why prompt leak detection is crucial:

Water Damage: Leaks can cause serious water damage to your home, resulting in rotting wood, mold growth, and damaged walls and floors. This not only affects the aesthetic of your home but can also lead to structural issues.

Increased Utility Bills: Even a small, undetected leak can cause your water bill to rise unexpectedly. If a hidden leak persists, it can waste hundreds of gallons of water, leading to unnecessary costs.

Health Risks: Leaks can lead to mold growth, which presents significant health risks, especially for people with allergies or respiratory conditions.

Property Devaluation: If left unresolved, persistent leaks can devalue your property. Potential buyers will be wary of any history of water damage, which could significantly lower your home's market value.

Environmental Impact: Wasting water is not only costly, but it’s also detrimental to the environment. By detecting and fixing leaks, you can help conserve water.

How Does Leak Detection Work?

Leak detection can be carried out using a variety of techniques, ranging from manual inspection to high-tech, non-invasive methods. Let’s take a closer look at some common techniques used for leak detection:

a. Visual Inspection

One of the first steps a plumber will take is a visual inspection of the property. This involves looking for obvious signs of leaks such as damp spots on the ceiling, walls, or floors, or pooling water around faucets, pipes, or appliances. While visual inspections are a good starting point, they may not uncover hidden leaks.

b. Acoustic Leak Detection

This method involves using sensitive listening devices that can detect the sounds of water escaping from pipes. Acoustic sensors are placed along the pipeline to listen for leaks. The sound of water escaping creates a specific frequency, and the technician can pinpoint the leak's location based on these acoustic signals.

c. Infrared Thermography

Infrared cameras detect temperature differences between the surrounding materials and the area affected by a leak. Since water is typically cooler than the surrounding environment, infrared thermography allows plumbers to quickly identify potential leak locations without damaging walls or floors.

d. Smoke Testing

For sewer line leaks, smoke testing is often used. Smoke is introduced into the plumbing system, and the technician looks for the escape of smoke from cracks, joints, or areas where leaks may exist. This technique is effective for detecting leaks in sewer pipes and vent systems.

e. Pressure Testing

Pressure testing involves using a manometer to check the pressure within your plumbing system. If the pressure drops, it indicates the presence of a leak. This method is often used for checking the integrity of water pipes.

Common Types of Plumbing Leaks

There are many types of leaks that can occur in a plumbing system. The most common ones include:

Pipe Leaks: Leaks in water supply or drain pipes are some of the most common and can occur due to aging pipes, corrosion, or external pressure. Pipe leaks can lead to significant water loss and property damage.

Faucet Leaks: A leaky faucet is one of the easiest leaks to spot, but it can still result in significant water wastage over time if left unaddressed.

Toilet Leaks: Toilets are another common source of leaks, often due to faulty flappers or seals. A leaking toilet can waste a lot of water and increase your utility bill.

Slab Leaks: Slab leaks occur when pipes running beneath your home's foundation start to leak. These types of leaks are harder to detect, as they occur underground, but can cause significant damage to the foundation if not resolved quickly.

Showerhead Leaks: Over time, showerheads may develop leaks due to worn-out seals or faulty installations.

Signs You Need Leak Detection Services

Not all leaks are visible or immediately noticeable. Here are a few common signs that you might need leak detection services:

Sudden Increase in Water Bill: If you notice an unexplained rise in your water bill, it could indicate a hidden leak.

Musty Odors: Persistent musty smells in your home or business can signal hidden mold or water damage due to a plumbing leak.

Sound of Running Water: If you hear the sound of running water when no taps are on, this could indicate a hidden leak in the pipes.

Wet Spots or Water Stains: Discoloration or dampness on walls, floors, or ceilings can be a sign that there is a leak behind the surfaces.

Decreased Water Pressure: A sudden drop in water pressure could suggest a leak somewhere in your plumbing system.

Why You Should Trust a Professional Plumber for Leak Detection

While there are some DIY methods for detecting leaks, it’s always best to hire a professional plumber for leak detection. Here's why:

Expertise: Professional plumbers are trained to identify leaks that you may miss and have the tools and experience to locate them quickly.

Advanced Equipment: Plumbers have access to state-of-the-art leak detection technologies, such as infrared cameras and acoustic sensors, which can locate even the most hidden leaks without causing damage.

Accurate Diagnosis: A professional plumber can accurately diagnose the cause of the leak, ensuring that the right repair is done the first time around.

Preventing Further Damage: Plumbers know how to stop a leak from worsening, minimizing potential water damage and costly repairs.

How Technology Has Transformed Leak Detection

In recent years, technology has revolutionized the way plumbers detect leaks. Tools like infrared thermography, acoustic sensors, and smart leak detectors have made it easier than ever to find leaks quickly and with minimal disruption to the home or business. Smart leak detection systems can even alert you to the presence of leaks through a mobile app, allowing for faster response times and preventing significant water damage.

DIY vs. Professional Leak Detection: What You Need to Know

While it’s tempting to try to locate and fix leaks yourself, it’s important to consider the complexity of modern plumbing systems. DIY leak detection may lead to missed leaks or improper repairs, causing more harm than good. Professional plumbers not only have the expertise to detect leaks but also the tools and knowledge to resolve the issue without causing unnecessary damage to your property.

The Importance of Regular Leak Inspections

Leak detection should not be a one-time event. Regular inspections are essential to catch leaks before they cause significant damage. Annual inspections of your plumbing system by a licensed plumber can save you money in the long run and help prevent major plumbing emergencies.

 Protect Your Home with Professional Leak Detection Services

Leak detection is a vital part of plumbing maintenance that every homeowner and business owner should take seriously. By identifying and addressing leaks early, you can avoid costly repairs, water damage, and the health risks associated with mold and mildew growth. Whether you’re dealing with a visible leak or suspect a hidden one, trust a professional plumber to ensure that your plumbing system is functioning efficiently and safely.

If you’re in need of expert leak detection services, don’t wait for a small issue to become a costly problem. Contact iFix Plumbing & Drains - Plumber Richmond Hill to schedule a leak inspection and keep your property safe from water damage.