Category Archives: Business

Insider Tips from an Oil and Gas Attorney for a Successful Venture

If you’re venturing into the highly competitive world of oil and gas, you need more than just a solid business plan. Navigating the legal complexities and challenges of this industry is crucial for a successful venture. To help you stay ahead and mitigate potential risks, an experienced Oklahoma oil and gas attorney can provide invaluable insights. In this blog post, we will explore essential insider tips from such legal experts to ensure your oil and gas venture thrives while complying with the law and safeguarding your interests.

Navigating Industry-Specific Regulations and Laws

The oil and gas industry is heavily regulated, and compliance with state and federal laws is paramount. An Oklahoma oil and gas attorney can guide you through the myriad of regulations, permits, and licensing requirements. They can ensure that your operations are in line with environmental standards, safety protocols, and land use regulations, reducing the risk of penalties and costly legal battles.

Mitigating Risks Associated with Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with oil and gas regulations can lead to severe consequences, both financially and reputationally. A knowledgeable attorney will conduct thorough risk assessments and implement compliance programs to prevent non-compliance issues. By staying up-to-date with changing laws, they can help you maintain a spotless track record, enabling your venture to thrive in a sustainable manner.

Negotiating Fair and Beneficial Contracts

Successful oil and gas ventures heavily rely on well-drafted contracts. Whether it’s agreements with landowners, suppliers, or partners, having an attorney negotiate on your behalf can make a significant difference. They will ensure that your contracts protect your interests, clarify responsibilities, and minimize potential disputes, ultimately fostering healthy business relationships.

Dealing with Environmental, Operational, and Financial Risks

The oil and gas industry is no stranger to risks, be it environmental hazards, operational accidents, or financial uncertainties. A seasoned oil and gas attorney will assist in creating comprehensive risk management strategies. This may involve reviewing insurance coverage, preparing emergency response plans, and developing asset protection measures to safeguard your venture.

Addressing Legal Issues in Transactions

During the course of your oil and gas venture, you may engage in various transactions, such as mergers, acquisitions, or divestitures. Having an oil and gas attorney by your side to conduct due diligence, negotiate terms, and draft agreements can ensure that these transactions proceed smoothly and protect your interests throughout the process.

Safeguarding Proprietary Technologies and Trade Secrets

Innovations and proprietary technologies play a vital role in the oil and gas industry’s competitiveness. An oil and gas attorney can help you establish and enforce intellectual property rights, safeguarding your trade secrets and ensuring your innovations remain protected from unauthorized use or disclosure.

Handling Patents and Trademarks

Securing patents and trademarks is essential for protecting your brand and innovations in the oil and gas sector. An experienced Oklahoma oil and gas attorney can guide you through the complex process of obtaining and enforcing these intellectual property rights, deterring potential infringers from exploiting your ideas.

Preventing Intellectual Property Infringement

In addition to protecting your own intellectual property, an oil and gas attorney can help you avoid unintentional infringement on others’ patents, trademarks, or copyrights. They can conduct thorough searches and analyses to ensure your operations and products do not infringe on existing intellectual property rights.

Managing Conflicts with Partners, Stakeholders, or Authorities

Disputes and conflicts may arise with partners, stakeholders, or regulatory authorities during the course of your venture. Having a skilled attorney to mediate and resolve these issues efficiently can save you time, money, and protect your business relationships.

In conclusion, partnering with an experienced Oklahoma oil and gas attorney is essential for a successful venture in this complex and challenging industry. Their expertise in navigating regulations, managing risks, and safeguarding your interests can give your venture the competitive edge it needs to thrive. By addressing legal matters effectively, you can focus on growing your oil and gas business with confidence and long-term success.

What is money lending?

Money lending is defined as the act or profession of lending money at a profit. If we took eyes at lending we can define Lending is defined as the act of one entity or person lending its resources to another entity or individual person on the basis of predefined mutual terms and conditions. When compared to lending, borrowing describes the act of getting funds from another party under predetermined and mutually agreed-upon conditions from a corporation or individual.

What type of loans can I borrow from authorized money lenders in Singapore?

It’s March 2022, which means we’re a quarter of the way through the year. Taking stock of your finances and making plans for new endeavors in the next year is a great time of year to do just that. We know that Singapore is good at money lending services, there are two sorts of loans that you can get from registered money lenders: secured loans and unsecured loans. Secured loans are loans that are secured against collateral. A secured loan is one in which the loan is backed by some form of collateral (e.g. house, car, jewelry). You could lose your collateral if you do not pay back your loans on time, which would be used to settle the debt you owe to the money lenders. A secured loan is one that is backed by collateral, whereas an unsecured loan is one that is not. The following are the loans made available by GoldStar Credit, as well as the loan terms associated with them:

Types of LoanLoan AmountInterest RatesRepayment Term
PersonalUp to 6 times your monthly salary; $300 – $50,000     1-4% Flexible repayment of up to 12 months
Business$10,000 – $300,000Case-by-Case
PaydayUp to 1 month’s salaryWithin 31 days from loan collection
RenovationUp to $50,000 or 6 times your monthly salaryFlexible repayment of up to 12 months 
MedicalFrom $300 to $50,000, which is up to six times your monthly payment.
Study
Wedding
Bridging Loan  From $300 to $50,000, which is up to six times your monthly payment.
Debt ConsolidationCase-by-Case

Conclusion

Looking for someone good at money lending in Singapore? A registered money lender might provide you with a secured loan or an unsecured loan, depending on your financial situation and needs. Sumo Credit has compiled a list of its top-rated money lenders, as well as the terms and circumstances that are linked with each of them

One in Five Cars in the UK Could Be Producing Excessive Diesel Emissions

Diesel vehicles used to be the preferred choice of many car owners because they were cleaner and released lower levels of carbon dioxide than other car engines. However, this changed after the Dieselgate diesel emission scandal exposed cheat device software installed in millions of diesel vehicles worldwide. 

Cheat devices, also known as defeat devices, is a software that suppresses NOx (nitrogen oxides) emissions during testing but allows emissions to go over the legal limit when in real-world driving conditions. The device was first discovered in Volkswagen diesel vehicles, but other manufacturers have been implicated in the scandal over the years.

Today, NOx emissions in the UK reportedly total to 17,900 tonnes per year. This is equivalent to more or less an extra 1.4 million vehicles on the roads every year. According to research conducted this year, this number is above the European legal limits. A large chunk of these emissions are released by diesel vehicles that were manufactured from 2009 to 2014 under the Euro 5 and 6 regulations. Regular NOx emissions are typically at 9,500 tonnes per year. 

High NOx emissions, along with the defeat devices, signify that UK roads and the environment in general have been exposed to dangerous pollutants for years. Additionally, owners of the affected vehicles have actually been spewing out pollutants every time they went out on the road instead of driving an environmentally friendly vehicle which many believed they had purchased. .

If car manufacturers continue to use manipulative cheat devices and manage to go unpunished  when doing so, all the efforts of the authorities and other sectors of society to keep air pollution at safe levels will be for nothing.

Why nitrogen oxide emissions are dangerous

Nitrogen oxide is a chemical compound and irritant gas that combines nitrogen and oxygen. When fuel combustion happens, nitrogen is released and produces NO or nitric oxide when combined with oxygen atoms. Although nitric oxide is not dangerous, it can be when it merges with oxygen and forms NO2 or nitrogen dioxide. NO2 is hazardous to human health and the environment.

Together, NO and NO2 are  known as nitrogen oxides or NOx. This is what vehicles emit when they are out on the road. NOx is specifically emitted by the vehicles’ engines.

Nitrogen oxides form acid rain, smog, ground level ozone, and PM or fine particles. These are all known to have negative effects on the health of anyone exposed to NOx gases.

Exposure to NOx can cause respiratory problems. If exposed for long periods, it can cause asthma. It can also affect the pulmonary system and can even cause and/or worsen bronchitis, pneumonitis, emphysema, and pulmonary edema. Long exposure may also lead to a blood disorder known as methemoglobinemia. NOx is also dangerous for individuals suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Aside from respiratory problems, continuous exposure to nitrogen oxides may also cause disease and health issues related or leading to diabetes, heart disease, and birth defects.

Children who are constantly exposed to nitrogen oxides are at risk of developing respiratory infections and may even suffer from permanent obstructive and restrictive lung disease.

Nitrogen oxides are also responsible for producing toxic products when they react with ozone and certain organic chemicals. Examples of these products include nitrosamines and nitroarenes. Nitrosamines are carcinogenic and nitroarenes are a combination of concentrated sulphuric acid and concentrated nitric acid.

Nitrogen oxides have also been known to increase ozone concentration, which means NOx concentrations can go over the safe level and contribute to the formation of net ozone. This can indirectly affect global warming problems. 

Diesel emissions

After the Kyoto Protocol in 1997, the European Union responded to the call for a reduction in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions by promoting diesel engines as environmentally friendly. They use less fuel and a lot of air, which makes them lean-burn engines. 

However, diesel vehicles are also known for their toxic emissions, the kind that is dangerous to humans like nitrogen oxides. To combat this problem, manufacturers initially used particulate filters, which were eventually found to increase nitrogen dioxide. Later on, manufacturers came up with their own technologies for keeping toxic emissions at safe levels. This paved the way for the creation of the defeat devices. 

How to file a diesel emissions claim
With more and more manufacturers implicated in the emissions scandal, included Mercedes-Benz and millions of vehicles emitting dangerous NOx, car owners are scrambling to find ways to get back what they lost to the defeat devices. If you are one of these owners, the ideal thing to do is to get in touch with a team of emissions experts that can help you file the Dieselgate claim you need.. Your chances will be even greater if you get in touch with the experts at Emissions.co.uk. They have a panel of solicitors who are highly experienced and trained in the emissions industry.

Ceramic Coating – The Detailer’s Best Friend

Ceramic coating is a paint application that protects the paint layer of a car from damage. This type of protection keeps the car’s paint from chipping, peeling, or fading. It also prevents the formation of acrylics, which form a film over the exterior surface. Ceramic car detailing involves the application of a specialized paint solution and the wiping of the character. It is one of the essential components of Car Detailing Minneapolis and gives a matte and glossy finish.

Ceramic coating is made up of silica (Silica, Si), derived from natural resources like sand and quartz. Some kinds and brands also apply titanium oxide (titanium, TiO2) as an added protection. The primary purpose of ceramic coating is to shield the paint from damage by contaminants and abrasion. Ceramic layers are fragile, so they don’t interfere with the car’s performance. They are usually applied on the front (driver) and rear (passenger) sides.

Ceramic Coating MN is among the best protection available for the car’s finish. They can provide excellent protection against crash damage and scratches. Other types of car treatments also exist that provide similar protection. When you consider which one to buy, it is best to consider its level of security and how well it complements the rest of your car’s paint scheme.

Benefits of Ceramic Coating

  • Ceramic coating is much more durable than wax, which means it lasts longer
  • It protects from the elements like rain and snow, making your car last longer
  • Your vehicle will look better with ceramic coating because of its reflective properties
  • The process of applying the layer is easy to do at home and can be done in one day 
  • Ceramic coatings are water-based, so they’re environmentally friendly and require little to no maintenance 
  • They come in a variety of colors that match any vehicle or style preference

When you look at the 4runner vehicle, you’ll see that Ceramic Coating is an integral component. This is not only true for the front and rear of the car but also the hood. 4runner fiberglass fiber-reinforced plastic auto body kits come with a variety of coatings. The right one will work better than any other.

Some manufacturers have incorporated DIY kits into their production. These may be a bit more costly than the ready-made products, but they allow the customer greater flexibility. If the customer needs to make modifications to the vehicle, they can make those changes without buying a new kit. Some manufacturers offer interchangeable parts and adapters so that users can use their ceramic coating on claims made elsewhere.

Many auto parts, sealants, and waxes have tried to combine the benefits of ceramic coating and other adhesives. The result is an effective solution for creating a barrier to moisture absorption. A popular combination is an epoxy and polyurethane. In this case, the polyurethane is not a rigid element but rather a flexible backing board. It works much like a rubber band, with a liquid interior. The epoxy layer, which acts as a sealant, is sprayed onto the flexible backing board, creating an invisible barrier that better protects the car from contamination and oxidation.

Other elements have also combined these two elements. For example, zinc-coated glass and plastic are often combined with various acrylics to create a more durable finish. In addition, many detailing shops combine the application of waxes and sealants with the application of ceramic coating. Many shops have successfully reduced the sensitivity of automobiles to ozone and UV light by applying a thin layer of protective wax. This makes the process of detailing a lot more pleasant, especially for people working outdoors.

Ceramic coatings and other sealants have come a long way. Today’s products are far more effective than previous products. They are also less expensive and less toxic than final paint protection products. It makes good sense to invest in these products, whether used in the car or for other detailing purposes.

But there are a couple of things to keep in mind when using these products. First, they do not prevent light scratches. If you must use a paint sealant, make sure that it is specifically designed to deal with light scratches. Otherwise, you could end up having a tough time working to repair light scratches. Also, if the coating has a high SPF value, like SPF 28, you must always wear sunglasses while applying it, as it will significantly reduce the amount of sun that can be reflected off the product.

Some shops prefer to apply a layer of protection film after washing the car. This film, usually water-based, can be used before the customer gets into their vehicle before the first shot of the day arrives. This allows the dealership to give the car owner the chance to wash away any leftover coating and possibly even remove and change the wax. Once the customer gets into their car, the film can be released, and the resin can be applied. With this method of paint correction, it’s important to remember to let the car owner know about the film, so it can be removed and replaced if necessary. And the essential part of this process: knowing that it’s there!

When choosing a paint coating for your vehicle, don’t overlook protecting your paint against the elements. A durable protection film will help protect your investment from damage from sunlight, rain, snow, and even damage from the exhaust pipes of your vehicle. Shop around and get an idea of what products are available for purchase. It may seem like a small detail, but it could make or break your paint job.

5 Tips for Starting a Car Wash Business

As more individuals across the world are venturing into entrepreneurship, the one enterprise that captures people’s attention is the car wash business. This kind of business is one of the thriving businesses globally. Drive or walk into any estate or major highways, and you will see a car wash within a 2km radius.

From the opulent suburbs to the low-income areas of cities, car wash businesses of various magnitudes have thrived on meeting the demands for a high number of automobiles being imported. Therefore, it can also be a great opportunity for you to successfully start through the following tips:

  1. Choose the Best Model

Before you start establishing an actionable plan, there are different models you may choose from. Know that not every model will be practical for you and may depend on the marketplace you are targeting. For instance, a mobile car wash is very practical for beginners because it needs minimal overhead, allowing you to expand your reach. However, its main challenge is to get the word out that the business exists – meaning you will heavily depend on referrals and establish good relationships with car owners.

The self-service model may also be a great choice for high traffic places and might need building bays. However, this model can only be convenient if you have a lot of money.

  • Go for the Right Suppliers

Choosing the right suppliers who will offer you high-quality components, tunnel systems, and customer support is an important decision you may make. In addition, don’t underestimate the need for the chemicals you use because they will determine your business’s success.

The Armor All car products online are a business card for your car wash. With a reliable supplier, you will not have to worry about the water spots, dull finish, and other blemishes.

  • Look for a Good Location

Look for a location along busy roads where vehicles are likely to pass by. You may as well partner with different entities, including malls, restaurants, and petrol stations.

Other public facilities, including churches, may also be great locations.

  • Determine the Competition

It is important to get a feel for other local washes within the area. This should include their customers and the marketing strategies they use.

Entrenched local competitions may be more dangerous, even for the Totally Tommy buildings, so choosing a perfect location with an elbow room between you and your competitors will be important. However, you should not worry about the local fundraisers or single-stall automatic car wash because you will certainly work in a different weight class.

  • Determine the Best Marketing Strategy

You should have the best marketing strategy in place so as to open up your car wash business. Getting clients may take a lot of time, though a great way to attain this goal is through recommendations. Basically, offering great customer service is one way of earning more referrals.

You may also consider a network of neighbors, friends, and family members who have vehicles and inform them about your business plans. It could even be more helpful if you start by offering discounts or free services in favor of getting their referrals.

The Takeaway!

Starting car washes require planning, time, business strategy, market research, and investment. If you are just starting, it would be best to seek advice from industry experts and consider the above tips since detailing services may be of different forms.

Increase Profit And Cut Down Your Costs Of Managing A Fleet With Fleet Maintenance Software

Fleets are known to be the backbone of every kind of business these days. Fleets facilitate businesses of every sector and every size. In fact a large number of business observers are also of the opinion that owning a fleet gives a boost to the overall productivity of the business

For instance the manufacturing units that depend upon their own fleet for procuring materials or delivering their products are more likely to run on time than a unit that outsources such kind of work. Further it also cuts down the production cost giving a boost to the product in this cut throat competitive market where a small change in figures can lead to big changes when it comes to the profit margin of a company.

Similarly for those who are in the services sector, for instance male delivery and the like are likely to run on time and have more esteem in the customers’ eyes when they deliver their services in their own vehicles.

The hassle of management

While most companies are aware of this wide spectrum of benefits that come from owning a fleet, they still step back when it comes to owning one. This is because of the problems and hassles that are associated with fleet management.

Fleet management is definitely not an easy task. Since they involve large number of vehicles, each with its own individual need of care and maintenance it often gets very difficult to manage them unless you have an entire team that is dedicated to them. But employing a whole team, just for the sake of fleet management means an increase in cost and this defeats the entire purpose of owning a fleet in the first place.

Further at times it is seen that despite the presence of an entire team that is dedicated to the fleet, there are some problems that still may not be avoided. All these affect the dependability of your fleet and slump the entire production process in the end.

Fleet management software

However you can change all of that and eliminate the necessity of a fleet manger or fleet management team altogether simply by opting for a fleet management software provided by Chevin Fleet Solutions. Fleet management software are accurate and are able to track your vehicle and its activity at all time. Here are some of the specific benefits of a fleet management software:

  1. Tracks fuel wastage: One of the most valuable inputs that is used in running a fleet is that of fuel and even a few drops of wastage can have disastrous results when it comes to your balance sheet. Fuel management software tracks down the usage of every drop of fuel by your fleet and notifies you in case there is an increase in consumption or any other kind of wastage.
  2. Finds the best routes: Since the fleet management software of today are all GPS enabled, they are able to track down the best route that can be followed by your driver so that it has to cover the shortest distance between two points and consume the least amount of fuel
  3. Notes every wear and tear. Your fleet management software also takes note of every small wear and tear in your vehicle so as to ensure that there is no sudden breakdown in between the roads. This increases the dependability of the fleet as a whole.

Compared to human managers, fleet management software is hundred percent accurate so you do not have to worry about anything going wrong anywhere. Try out the fleet management software today for better fleet maintenance.

A DIGITAL MARKETING AGENCY IN BANGKOK WITH FOCUS ON PERFORMANCE Nowadays a good digital marketing imprint is a requisite to any private or public business wishing to climb up the ladder of success. At Relevant Audience in Bangkok, Digital Marketing Agency Bangkok with the know-how of our highly qualified in-house team, we pride ourselves in finding the answers that will make a substantial and palpable contribution to the growth of your business. With all the tools and knowledge at our disposition, we can help

10 Best Surveillance Systems of 2019

Choosing the right surveillance systems seems easy on first glance. That’s when it comes to picking a system within your price range, and that’s fit for your property. But what works for other businesses may not work for your business – APT212.

You’ll weigh whether you need weatherproof casings, infrared cameras or motion-sensitive recording.

1# Arlo Pro 2: The Best Wireless Security Camera

Arlo provides the best solution if you’re seeking multiple cameras. The Arlo Pro 2 enhances the current video resolution to 1080p. The system maintains free cloud storage of seven days. 

2# Nest Cam IQ Indoor: Best Indoor Security Camera

Similar to thermostats, Nest has changed the game with surveillance systems. Nest Cam IQ guarantees a big leap in smart camera image quality. The camera utilizes a 4K image sensor to record dual 1080p simultaneously – APT212.

3# Amazon Cloud Cam: Best Alexa Integration

The Alexa has built a security camera that perfectly syncs with your desired voice assistant. The Amazon Cloud Cam is your best fit if you have an Amazon Fire table or Echo device. It streams HD videos at 1080p.

4# Logitech Circle 2: Best Outdoor / Indoor Security Camera

Circle 2 is one of the great indoor / outdoor and among the versatile security cameras. You can mount it directly to a wall outlet. The camera is fitted with all kinds of weather. It also offers a custom weatherproof extension cable for outdoor mounting – APT212. 

5# Ring Spotlight Cam: Best Outdoor Security Camera

The Ring Spotlight Cam specializes in crime prevention. Its built-in motion detectors immediately begin video recording after sensing movement. The camera simultaneously shines lights to scare the would-be criminals or intruders. It can trigger the 110-decibel siren to caution suspicious activities or intruders.

6# Wyzecam 2: The Best Cheap Security Camera

Founded by ex-Amazon employees, Wyzecam 2 brings a low-margin approach to smart home security. The camera provides motion detection, night vision, and two-way audio – APT212. Besides motion and sound-triggered video clips, you enjoy free 14 days of cloud storage.

7# Swann 1080p Smart Security Camera

Swann manages a supremely flexible recording and a sharp picture at affordable prices. There’s no hub involved, and each camera links directly to the router via WiFi. The camera streams details to the phone / outside world. Swann 1080p will save to get an Ethernet port and a power socket. 

8# D-Link Mydlink Pro

It’s a well-designed hub combo consisting of a camera that includes an affordable, long-lasting battery. Video has excellent sharpness when zoomed. D-Link has an attractive edge, managing from four cameras simultaneously. The hup is easy to set up, portrays Arlo’s microSD backup options and has a hard drive recording USB port. 

9# Neos Smartcam

The surveillance camera provides 90% of what you need. That’s including a powerful camera and affordability – APT212. Neos Smartcam captures 1080p HD footage thanks to its night vision and quality matching its competitors. The camera has sharper footage, and there are noise and motion detection.

10# Logi Circle 2 Wired

It’s a great home camera for indoor usage. The camera preps “day brief” videos showing a sped-up version of the day. You don’t have to examine reams footages in the slightest motion. It’s a suitable camera when keeping an eye at work instead of scanning for burglars. 

End Result

Surveillance systems have developed significantly in recent years. Most models are plug-and-play, and you can install them easily. You enjoy the available broad range of options.

If your business is riskier, you can incorporate other systems such as alarms – APT212.

Instructions to Bundle Weed Securely and Lawfully with Adaptable Bundling

This kind of item bundling has turned out to be particularly alluring for infant sustenance and organic product juice makers, as little kids can without much of a stretch handle the pocket and expend the substance inside. The malleability and quality of the material outwardly makes it an extraordinary alternative for guardians who won’t need to stress over their little ones breaking the bundling and getting injured. Dispensary packaging is getting more important.

Refreshment organizations are progressively observing the incentive in gushed stand up pockets for fluid bundling, as this kind of defensive bundling is less expensive than overwhelming glass and consumes up less room than massive plastic containers. We predict this kind of compartment extremely taking off in the following couple of years and turning into the “new typical.”

Then again, we should consider bundling choices for items we don’t need our children to effectively get to. Guardians realize family unit cleaning supplies and different products can make a gagging risk or genuinely hurt the wellbeing of their kid. That is the reason investigating distinctive sorts of item bundling and realizing which is best for you and your family is vital.

Similarly as providers need to keep their items protected and free from mischief, families anticipate that organizations should play it safe when producing their products and making wellbeing a need for all.

Think about this: As more states start to sanction weed, eatable bites and focuses will be all the more promptly accessible. Cannabis bundling should be styled so that kids can’t get to it.

While picking cannabis bundling, providers must be aware of buyers’ wellbeing and guarantee the youthful posterity of their clients don’t get their hands on these items unintentionally. The cannabis business has started to grasp adaptable retail bundling, and more providers are asking specialists how to bundle pot so it is secured and kid verification.

Colorado, where cannabis was legitimized statewide in 2012, has unmistakably sketched out bundling and naming prerequisites for retail maryjane for customer assurance. Most importantly, stores moving pot or related items must place their things in a youngster safe compartment that adjusts to government shopper item security directions.

As indicated by the Purchaser Medicinal services Items Affiliation, youngster safe bundling is intended to be altogether troublesome for kids under 5 years of age to open or devour a hurtful measure of the substance inside. Item bundling is altogether tried and should meet execution particulars sketched out by the Shopper Item Wellbeing Commission.

Cannabis bundling must likewise be misty, closable if not planned for single use, and it must be legitimately named by the Retail Code. Legitimate naming is critical when figuring out how to bundle weed, as it incorporates explicit cautioning articulations nearby Colorado’s Widespread Image showing the compartment holds a cannabis item. As per the Colorado Bureau of Income, Cannabis Implementation Division, the name should likewise list all nonorganic pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides, just as solvents and synthetic substances, used to make the item.