Landhund's recent activity
-
Comment on We tested Radius beef for plastic chemicals in ~food
-
Comment on We tested Radius beef for plastic chemicals in ~food
Landhund Link ParentWhile I get where you are coming from, I still stand by my point, because the concentrations are so low. If the safe daily intake of a chemical is solidly in the "μg/kg body weight" range and the...While I get where you are coming from, I still stand by my point, because the concentrations are so low. If the safe daily intake of a chemical is solidly in the "μg/kg body weight" range and the concentrations of said chemicals is the ng/kg or ppb range, there is simply no way for 2 kg of food per day to add up to concerning levels. To get concerning dosages in the ng/kg body weight range you need something like methylmercury, which has a daily limit of around 200 ng/kg body weight.
And in regards to "it points to a public health crises": What crisis?
Where are all the otherwise inexplicable poisoning deaths or diseases that should be happening for decades by now?If we want to combat an actual health crisis, we should try and reduce the obesity rates in the western world, not worry about chemicals where concentrations are 4 orders of magnitude below acceptable levels.
-
Comment on We tested Radius beef for plastic chemicals in ~food
Landhund LinkTheir segment at the end contains a small yet massive error that unfortunately undoes most of their work: The maximum tolerable intake level of DEHP isn't 40 ppb, it is 25-40 μg per kilogram body...Their segment at the end contains a small yet massive error that unfortunately undoes most of their work:
The maximum tolerable intake level of DEHP isn't 40 ppb, it is 25-40 μg per kilogram body weight.
That is an error of at least 4 orders of magnitude for any person above 10kg body weight.This is an example of one of my main criticisms about these kinds of "studies" checking for chemicals: they very often measure in ppb. Because they have to in order to find anything. The thing is, practically nothing has any adverse effect at that level of concentration!
Overdone example about safe mercury levels
I checked the maximum acceptable level for elemental mercury vapors at the workplace here in Germany ([TRGS 900 Arbeitsplatzgrenzwerte](https://www.baua.de/DE/Angebote/Regelwerk/TRGS/TRGS-900), page 45, first line): It's 0,02 mg/m^3. There are 1000 liters per cubic meter, so we have 0,02 μg/l. At rest you breath about 6L of air per Minute, that brings us to 0,12 μg/min. Assuming an 8 hour workday, we have 480 minutes, bringing us to 57,6 μg per day of mercury vapors. *You can breath 57,6 μg of mercury vapors per day and be fine!*As a general rule of thumb, whenever you see something measured in parts per billion or nanograms per kilogram, you can safely assume that it won't have any negative effect on you.
-
Comment on What's a question you could ask to determine if someone is an expert in your line of work? in ~talk
Landhund Link ParentIs the low average output due to most scenes simply not being very bright in the grand scheme of things and you just sometimes have something in the scene like a low sun that you actually need...Is the low average output due to most scenes simply not being very bright in the grand scheme of things and you just sometimes have something in the scene like a low sun that you actually need that much light, or is it due to trying to increase the lifespan of the LEDs?
-
Comment on Looking for tips/advice for a hardware firewall/VPN for a small to medium size nonprofit in ~tech
Landhund Link ParentIf they have a standard server rack you probably won't go wrong with a basic Dream Machine Pro. It does basically everything you want and should have more that enough performance. You could also...If they have a standard server rack you probably won't go wrong with a basic Dream Machine Pro. It does basically everything you want and should have more that enough performance. You could also have a look a the Dream Wall, we used one of them for a small off-site office since it combines a firewall and WiFi-accesspoint and we could skip the small server rack.
-
Comment on Looking for tips/advice for a hardware firewall/VPN for a small to medium size nonprofit in ~tech
Landhund Link ParentI've set up a few Ubiquity products and while they have a small number of odd idiosyncrasies, over all they should be very well suited to your use case. All the basics are easily configured and...I've set up a few Ubiquity products and while they have a small number of odd idiosyncrasies, over all they should be very well suited to your use case. All the basics are easily configured and they support both OpenVPN and Wireguard natively, which makes setting up remote work a breeze.
I can recommend them.
-
Comment on <deleted topic> in ~tech
Landhund Link ParentOh, a Tildes DayZ Server could be fun. Unfortunately I hadn't had the time for the Minecraft Server, but a relaxed DayZ community could be fun. What kind of flavour of DayZ do you enjoy?Oh, a Tildes DayZ Server could be fun. Unfortunately I hadn't had the time for the Minecraft Server, but a relaxed DayZ community could be fun.
What kind of flavour of DayZ do you enjoy?
-
Comment on Microplastics found in human ovary follicular fluid for the first time in ~health
Landhund Link ParentExactly my thoughts about this topic as well. It's always "Microplastics found in X" or ""Microplastics found in Y" and never ""Microplastics found to have this specific Negative Effect". The very...Exactly my thoughts about this topic as well. It's always "Microplastics found in X" or ""Microplastics found in Y" and never ""Microplastics found to have this specific Negative Effect".
The very few times I've seen articles exploring negative effects from microplastics, I was always reminded of this XKCD comic with how high a dose of microplastics they were using.
-
Comment on Swedish study finds surprising number of environmental pollutants in hedgehogs, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and heavy metals in ~enviro
Landhund Link ParentThanks for linking the study! I've had a quick look at the liver concentration and they are all in the parts per billion range (except maybe one compound that goes above 1000 ng/g in two of the 12...Thanks for linking the study! I've had a quick look at the liver concentration and they are all in the parts per billion range (except maybe one compound that goes above 1000 ng/g in two of the 12 hedgehogs). And that's dry weight, wet weight is looks to be about 1/5 to 1/4 of dry weight. And that's the concentration in the liver, which was chosen specifically because it is the biggest bio-accumulator for these compounds.
So while I certainly understand why it is important to study the occurrence of these compounds and elements in the biosphere, I'm not very worried about the levels reported.
-
Comment on Swedish study finds surprising number of environmental pollutants in hedgehogs, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and heavy metals in ~enviro
Landhund LinkWhile I very much don't want hedgehogs (or any animal) to be poisoned by toxic substances leaking into the environment, I find it very peculiar that they only report the presence of those elements...While I very much don't want hedgehogs (or any animal) to be poisoned by toxic substances leaking into the environment, I find it very peculiar that they only report the presence of those elements and chemicals, but not the quantity or concentration. The only quantitative statements were in regards to lead and other heavy metals. Are we talking about milligrammes, micrograms, parts per million?
-
Comment on Phishing tests, the bane of work life, are getting meaner in ~tech
Landhund Link ParentI really don't agree with the first blog post. First, practically nothing the author lists in their negative examples should be categorised as social engineering. Also, simulating the results of a...I really don't agree with the first blog post.
First, practically nothing the author lists in their negative examples should be categorised as social engineering.
Also, simulating the results of a successful social engineering is certainly very useful, but it doesn't replace actual tests.
It isn't about knowing that people fall for social engineering, it's about how many fall for them. If half of your staff can't differentiate a legitimate email or call from a (spear) phishing attempt, you should know that and try to take appropriate action.Publicly humiliating people because they fail an exercise is not an appropriate reaction, it's simply terrible leadership. It has absolutely nothing to do with social engineering, it could have happened with any type of exercise.
-
Comment on Greenland plans to ban foreign political donations over fears about potential interference in its forthcoming elections after attracting Donald Trump's interest in ~society
Landhund Link ParentRegarding the story about the nanny: if this was before Brexit, that's actually not all that surprising. There are no border checks for intra-EU/intra-Schengen travel (or at least there are...Regarding the story about the nanny: if this was before Brexit, that's actually not all that surprising. There are no border checks for intra-EU/intra-Schengen travel (or at least there are supposed to be none, COVID and the debate around immigration/asylum seekers put a dent into that). The same way that nobody will check your ID or luggage when you drive from Lisbon to Stockholm, nobody will do either when you fly that route. Doesn't matter if it's in a multi-million Euro private jet or a barely flightworthy old Cessna. It will take longer and multiple refueling stops on latter (or the car, for that matter), but the basic experience is the same.
All the security procedures we are all used to in regards to travelling via air is only applicable to commercial air travel.
So yeah, the TL;DR:
- "She had zero documentation on her, and just walked into another country without anyone checking." If it was before Brexit, that's simply the EU/Schengen doing what it's supposed to do.
- "None of their bags were checked. Nothing." That's because it was a private flight and not a commercial one. It's the same experience as with any form of private travel.
-
Comment on Can anyone recommend a translation of the Odyssey? in ~books
Landhund LinkIf you are open to a somewhat more liberal retelling of it, you could try Stephen Fry's version. Especially if you are simply wanting to read it for fun and not academic rigor. If you like...If you are open to a somewhat more liberal retelling of it, you could try Stephen Fry's version. Especially if you are simply wanting to read it for fun and not academic rigor. If you like audiobooks, I would also strongly recommend listening to it, since Fry himself narrates it excellently.
-
Comment on Christopher Nolan’s next film is an adaptation of Homer’s ‘The Odyssey,’ Universal reveals in ~movies
Landhund Link ParentYes, that is a pretty accurate description. If you are at all interested in the myths of ancient Greece and haven't read or listened to Steven Fry's other books on the topic (Mythos, Heroes, and...Yes, that is a pretty accurate description. If you are at all interested in the myths of ancient Greece and haven't read or listened to Steven Fry's other books on the topic (Mythos, Heroes, and Troy) I very much recommend them, they are simply an absolute pleasure to experience!
-
Comment on Christopher Nolan’s next film is an adaptation of Homer’s ‘The Odyssey,’ Universal reveals in ~movies
Landhund Link ParentI wouldn't hold my breath. In it's original form, the Odyssey has about as much temporal fuckery as any recent Nolan movie. The story is actually told surprisingly disjointed. I only recently...I wouldn't hold my breath. In it's original form, the Odyssey has about as much temporal fuckery as any recent Nolan movie. The story is actually told surprisingly disjointed. I only recently found out myself when listening to Steven Fry's phenomenal version of it.
-
Comment on Chatbots urged teen to self-harm, suggested murdering parents, Texas lawsuit says in ~tech
Landhund Link ParentBecause the entire point of forming any form of corporation (doesn't matter if it's a privately owned LLC, publicly traded on the stock markets or any of their countless regional derivatives) is...Because the entire point of forming any form of corporation (doesn't matter if it's a privately owned LLC, publicly traded on the stock markets or any of their countless regional derivatives) is to limited the liability of the owners. It is the only reason why they were invented as a legal construct in the UK in 1855 and from there started to spread all over the world.
If you want to hold company owners liable (aside from deliberate actions or gross negligence), you would have to completely undo the last 170 years of the development of economic law of the entire world.
-
Comment on Israel confirms attack on Syrian naval fleet in ~news
Landhund Link ParentI really don't see how this has any particular risk of starting WW3, it's very much a regional conflict. Sure, it'll suck for everyone in the Middle East, but I don't see how it is at risk of...I really don't see how this has any particular risk of starting WW3, it's very much a regional conflict. Sure, it'll suck for everyone in the Middle East, but I don't see how it is at risk of growing out of proportion:
- Russia already lost it's ally Assad and is preoccupied with Ukraine anyway
- Israel has lost a lot of goodwill with the US (and the rest of NATO) and Trump will be coming to power soon, so I doubt the West will be overly keen to help them
- China has, as far as I know, no political, strategic or economic reason to become involved
- the world has been lessening it's dependence on oil from the Middle East (and oil/gas in general) and the whole situation with the Houthis has led to a whole bunch of marine traffic avoiding having to go through the Suez Canal
So even if shit hits the fan and the whole region goes up in flames, I don't see any major powers ending up on opposing sides.
If you want to worry about WW3, look at the South China Sea, Taiwan, or Ukraine, not the Middle East.
-
Comment on What’s your “I didn’t know I needed that” item? in ~life
Landhund Link ParentTrue, but the gift doesn't have to be a complete surprise. Considering that a lot of people (myself included) enjoy nerding-out about a topic they are passionate about, you could get them talking...True, but the gift doesn't have to be a complete surprise. Considering that a lot of people (myself included) enjoy nerding-out about a topic they are passionate about, you could get them talking about the tools and/or materials they would like to have/use but won't buy themselves for whatever reason.
But of course, what the gift should be always depends on the giftee.
-
Comment on How to judge relative dangers of chemicals for someone too busy (or lazy) to keep up with the science? in ~health
Landhund Link ParentThe "discussions" about micro- and, more recently, nanoplastics always feel to me a bit like the thing about fecal-particals on toothbrushes caused by flushing. It's not that I want or enjoy...The "discussions" about micro- and, more recently, nanoplastics always feel to me a bit like the thing about fecal-particals on toothbrushes caused by flushing. It's not that I want or enjoy having them where they are, but there is no evidence of any actually occurring negative effects that occur because of them.
I also agree with you about the heuristic of thinking through the implications. I find it very useful and applicable in many different situations.
-
Comment on New website shows you how much Google AI can learn from your photos in ~tech
Landhund Link ParentHonestly, I'm not very impressed by llava's analytical abilities. I've fed both it and Google this photo I took some years ago from some castle ruins. Llava had this to say: After asking about the...Honestly, I'm not very impressed by llava's analytical abilities.
I've fed both it and Google this photo I took some years ago from some castle ruins.Llava had this to say:
The image captures a breathtaking view of a medieval castle, nestled amidst lush green trees. The castle, with its stone walls and towers, stands majestically on a hill, overlooking the verdant valley below. The landscape is dotted with numerous trees, their leaves a vibrant mix of green and brown hues.
A curved road winds its way through the terrain, leading up to the castle gate. The sky above is a clear blue, providing a beautiful contrast to the greenery below. In the distance, beyond the castle, the silhouette of mountains can be seen, adding depth to the scene.
The image is taken from an aerial perspective, offering a comprehensive view of this picturesque landscape. The colors in the photo are predominantly green and brown, reflecting the natural beauty of the area. The castle, with its historical architecture, stands out as a symbol of the region's past. Overall, the image presents a harmonious blend of nature and human-made structures, each complementing the other.
After asking about the state of the castle, it said this:
Based on the image, it appears that the castle is well-maintained, indicating that it may still be in use or
preserved for historical purposes. The absence of any obvious signs of decay or disrepair suggests that the castle is likely in good condition.Googles analysis on the other hand was this:
The image shows an aerial view of two castle ruins nestled within a verdant landscape near the town of Illertissen, Germany. The foreground is dominated by lush green fields and dark green pine forests. In the background, a vast expanse of farmland stretches out to the horizon, dotted with villages and crisscrossed by roads. A modern highway is visible, cutting a straight line across the otherwise organic forms of the landscape.
The photo, taken on a sunny day in April 2021 around 11:29 AM using a DJI FC7303 camera, shows no people. The overall mood is serene and peaceful. There is no information on the people present in the image.
The slight variations in the shades of green across the grass fields likely indicate differences in the type of grass or its growth stage. A closer inspection reveals a faint network of barely visible paths snaking through the forest, hinting at trails used by hikers or forest workers. The ruins themselves show signs of age and decay, their weathered stones blending into the surrounding vegetation.
If you look at the image, you can see how much llava is of base and how accurate Google is. I also tested both with an older photo of my desk at home, and again llava was rather far of base while Google both described the contents very accurately and made very good assumptions about the owner (me).
I'm not arguing against the notion that microplastics can have toxic effects, what I'm saying is that the dosage is almost always ignored. At what dosage did these effects occur? What's the Lowest-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level?
I've had a look through the paper you linked and the only concentration stats I could find where in table 1 and every effect was tested very comfortably in the μg/mL dosage range, which we can very roughly convert to mg/kg. I'm sorry, but that's a difference of 6 orders of magnitude to our original exposure rates through beef.
Admittedly we now drifted of from DEHP in the original article to now micro- and nanoplastics, but the point still stands: Unless you want to claim that microplastics are similarly cumulative and toxic as methylmercury, I don't see how microplastic rates measured in ppb will have an observable effect in humans.