Smart way of saving lives in natural disasters

ScienceDaily (Jan. 4, 2012) — Smartphones could help save hundreds of thousands of lives in the aftermath of a disaster or humanitarian crisis, research from University of Manchester academics has found.

Software developed by computer scientists could help to quickly and accurately locate missing people, rapidly identify those suffering from malnutrition and effectively point people towards safe zones simply by checking their phones.

It is hoped the smartphone technology could potentially not only help save lives but could also ease the financial and emotional burden on aid organisations.

The largest system developed by Dr Gavin Brown and his team Peter Sutton and Lloyd Henning in the Machine Learning and Optimisation group at The University of Manchester is the REUNITE mobile and web platform.

In the aftermath of a major disaster, aid workers typically interview people who have become separated from their families. These records are normally stored in paper form, which can be lost, damaged or illegible.

Although there are systems set up to solve this issue -- such as the public search facilities set up by charities such as the Red Cross -- there is no universal system to provide this vital task.

REUNITE records the initial interview using the smartphone, and uploads these onto a central server. These can then be accessed by trusted aid workers via computer away from the scene, who gather as much information as they can by liaising with other users in a similar manner to a social network, before passing details onto aid workers on the ground.

The interviews would be quickly transcribed into a web-searchable format which could be downloaded by relief workers on the ground, which can then relay the massage to survivors.

The unlimited amount of web users, called a 'crowd', would be a trusted network of individuals who access the information via an encrypted uplink -- which would address any issues of confidentiality.

As part of the same research, Dr Brown has also created software called 'Where's Safe', which quickly identifies safe areas for people to go to in the event of a natural disaster or terrorist attack.

Designed to replace the emergency radio broadcast system, which does not reach a large amount of people, the software allows people to find their nearest safe point simply by sending an SMS message.

Dr Brown's third software solution is HeightCatcher -- an innovative tool which can quickly calculate infants who are suffering from malnutrition and work out what quantity of fluids they need.

Levels of malnutrition are measured by Body Mass Index (BMI), which is calculated by a person's age, height and weight. The information is entered on a smartphone, which instantly calculates what food or fluids the child needs.

Dr Brown hopes the inventions could be of huge significance to victims of disaster as well as aid workers.

He said: "Our results have demonstrated that mobile intelligent systems can be deployed in low-power, high-risk environments, to the benefit of all involved.

"We believe the refugee aid community will be a strong beneficiary of such technology over the next few years."

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Smart way of saving lives in natural disasters

ScienceDaily (Jan. 4, 2012) — Smartphones could help save hundreds of thousands of lives in the aftermath of a disaster or humanitarian crisis, research from University of Manchester academics has found.

Software developed by computer scientists could help to quickly and accurately locate missing people, rapidly identify those suffering from malnutrition and effectively point people towards safe zones simply by checking their phones.

It is hoped the smartphone technology could potentially not only help save lives but could also ease the financial and emotional burden on aid organisations.

The largest system developed by Dr Gavin Brown and his team Peter Sutton and Lloyd Henning in the Machine Learning and Optimisation group at The University of Manchester is the REUNITE mobile and web platform.

In the aftermath of a major disaster, aid workers typically interview people who have become separated from their families. These records are normally stored in paper form, which can be lost, damaged or illegible.

Although there are systems set up to solve this issue -- such as the public search facilities set up by charities such as the Red Cross -- there is no universal system to provide this vital task.

REUNITE records the initial interview using the smartphone, and uploads these onto a central server. These can then be accessed by trusted aid workers via computer away from the scene, who gather as much information as they can by liaising with other users in a similar manner to a social network, before passing details onto aid workers on the ground.

The interviews would be quickly transcribed into a web-searchable format which could be downloaded by relief workers on the ground, which can then relay the massage to survivors.

The unlimited amount of web users, called a 'crowd', would be a trusted network of individuals who access the information via an encrypted uplink -- which would address any issues of confidentiality.

As part of the same research, Dr Brown has also created software called 'Where's Safe', which quickly identifies safe areas for people to go to in the event of a natural disaster or terrorist attack.

Designed to replace the emergency radio broadcast system, which does not reach a large amount of people, the software allows people to find their nearest safe point simply by sending an SMS message.

Dr Brown's third software solution is HeightCatcher -- an innovative tool which can quickly calculate infants who are suffering from malnutrition and work out what quantity of fluids they need.

Levels of malnutrition are measured by Body Mass Index (BMI), which is calculated by a person's age, height and weight. The information is entered on a smartphone, which instantly calculates what food or fluids the child needs.

Dr Brown hopes the inventions could be of huge significance to victims of disaster as well as aid workers.

He said: "Our results have demonstrated that mobile intelligent systems can be deployed in low-power, high-risk environments, to the benefit of all involved.

"We believe the refugee aid community will be a strong beneficiary of such technology over the next few years."

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Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: Views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

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6 Smart Phone Apps for Smart Moms in 2012

Using Smart Phones and Smart Phone Devices, moms are organizing their day and keeping children entertained all with a swipe of the finger.

As companies start to realize the power and impact of the mommy market, more and more apps are being created to cater to today's busy mom and her children. However, I did find that not apps or operating systems are equal. When it comes to FREE educational games and books for toddlers, iPhone has far greater content, more challenging and interactive learning games and a larger collection of books. But, if you're willing to spend a few dollars, there are plenty of popular title book apps like Dr. Seuss available and who doesn't love Dr. Seuss?

1. White Noise Baby (iPhone $0.99) and Baby Soother (android FREE)

Parents quickly discover that certain sounds can help to sooth a fussy baby. White Noise Baby (iPhone) and Baby Soother (android) allow you to choose from various sounds like ocean waves, vacuum etc. to sooth your fussy baby or lull him/her to sleep. You are also able to set the time and control the length of time you want the sound to play.

2. MeeGenius! Kids Books (iPhone and android)FREE

MeeGenius is genius. It essentially turns your smart phone into a Kindle-esq tool for tots. Young readers can read on his/her own to a wide variety of popular and classic children's stories. Non-readers can follow along with the highlighted text, promoting word recognition. The narrator has a pleasant voice as well and is easy to understand. MeeGenius is a great app for children when at the grocery store or when traveling.

3. Lemon: Receipts Refreshed (iPhone and android)FREE

Get rid of all those paper receipts cluttering your wallet. Lemon is an easy-to-use free app that lets you scan your paper receipts and turn the images into useful information that's taggable and searchable so you can get organized and keep track of your purchases.

4. Intuition: Mom's Personal Assistant (iPhone) FREE

This app leaves me jealous of all my mommy friends who have an iPhone. I was not able to find an app for the android that was as comprehensive and geared toward moms. So, please feel free to share if you do.

Intuition: Mom's personal assistant is a brilliant app by moms for moms. This app allows busy moms to effectively bundle and organize their day for maximum efficiency.

• GET ORGANIZED: Quickly capture and organize your to-dos, tasks and wish lists.

• SIMPLIFY GROCERY LISTS: Easily create, save and re-use grocery lists

• GET HELP: Email your to-do lists, groceries and tips with friends and family

• SAVE MONEY: Find local grocery coupons

• SYNCHRONIZE: Schedule appointments and sync your calendar with iPhone, iCal and Google calendars via Google.

• LOCATION ASSISTANCE: Receive alerts when you are near stores and locations where you can complete your errands.

5. 170,000 + Recipes Big Oven (iPhone and android) FREE

Spice up family dinners with your choice of over 170,000 recipes available on Big Oven. This app allows you to choose recipes by title, keyword, course or ingredient and save family favorites to a separate folder. You can also key in ingredients you have in the kitchen and Big Oven will provide you with suggestions. Great for busy moms, Big Oven also has a wide selection of recipes for slow cookers and all recipes have a detailed shopping list. Upgrade to Big Oven Pro and ($15.99) and you can organize dinner plans for every day of the week by dragging and dropping those recipes into the on-line meal planner!

Have a little more time to spend in the kitchen? Try Epicurious Recipes & Shopping List (iPhone and android) FREE

Epicurious Recipes & Shopping List app allows you to search over 30,000 recipes from the popular Epicurious website. Search by Meal/Course, Cuisine, Dietary Considerations, Dish Type or Season or Occasion. Once you find those recipes your family loves, you can save them to your favorites, add the ingredients to your shopping list and even e-mail them to your friends.

6. Mom Maps (iPhone and android) $2.99 premium edition. FREE edition available for android users

Looking for a great play date place? Need to find indoor fun on a rainy day or a nearby playground when you're on the road? Mom Maps (Premium) lets you tap the collective wisdom of parents everywhere to find kid-friendly fun when you need it. Search for parks, playgrounds, restaurants, museums and indoor play areas, as well as reviews by parents, for parents.

FEATURES

· Save and bookmark your favorite locations

· Access multiple reviews

· View and upload video

About the author: Wendy Navarro, is the mother of three children ages 17, 15 and 6 years, wife and owner of Saige Nicole's baby and toddler boutique. ( http://www.saigenicoles.com/ ).

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'Smart Connector' could save millions in lost revenue

Deterioration and damage to cellular telecommunications cables cost organizations and customers millions in lost revenue and services in the always-on digital economy. A new sensor device, smaller than a quarter, might alleviate some of the impact.

Researchers at Rochester Institute of Technology and PPC Corp. have developed the Smart Connector, a new sensor that once installed in the connecting units of coaxial cables can provide information about equipment damage and pinpoint the exact location through self-diagnosing technologies -- some of the most advanced in the field today.

The sensor is one outcome of corporate research and development initiatives established at RIT that have grown over the past few years. The university and PPC Corp. signed a licensing agreement in June. Both parties are in the process of final testing and technology transfer, says Robert Bowman, professor of electrical and microelectronic engineering in RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

The university demonstrated the feasibility of the technology and is working with PPC to further test the manufactured product, Bowman explains. "It's one thing to conduct laboratory testing and demonstrate viability, it's another thing to get it into a product. PPC worked very closely with us during this research effort, and we'll work with them as they try to integrate this technology into their product line."

Bowman and his research group worked with Noah Montena, principal engineer at PPC, a Syracuse-based telecommunications radio-frequency, or RF, connector equipment company, to design the sensor-disc system. The system monitors the primary failure modes in RF cables. Each sensor-disc contains a unique site identifier, monitors critical conditions and reports the sensor status using a technique called back scatter telemetry. Each smart connector is capable of activating or powering-down its energy capacity by extracting miniscule amounts of radio frequency energy from the coaxial cables.

"This technology is really exciting, and the impact it could have on the industry is only just becoming apparent," says Montena. "Up until now, connector and equipment failures could be detected only after tower capacity had been diminished, and only pinpointed on-site with the system shut down."

The sensors have been designed from the beginning with simplicity, robustness and cost-effectiveness in mind, and one of the advantages of collaborating on the research has been the communication of manufacturing considerations as design decisions get made, Montena adds. "Beyond cellular connectors, it is easy to imagine this technology finding a place in other high value, or 'can't fail' applications such as communications or internal networks in spacecraft or aircraft. I look forward to uncovering all the possibilities."

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Smart phone power consumption cut by more than 70 percent

ScienceDaily (Nov. 25, 2011) — Researchers at Aalto University in Finland have designed a network proxy that can cut the power consumption of 3G smart phones up to 74 percent. This device enhances performance and significantly reduces power usage by serving as a middleman for mobile devices to connect to the Internet and handling the majority of the data transfer for the smart phone. Historically, the high energy requirements of mobile phones have slowed the adoption of mobile Internet services in developing countries.

-- This new solution is particularly valuable in developing countries because it provides significantly more effective Internet access to a much larger number of people. At the moment, only a small percent can access the Internet from a wired connection, but 90 percent of the African population lives in areas with mobile phone network coverage. Mobile phone usage is increasing rapidly, however the use of mobile Internet services is hindered by users not having access to the power grid to recharge their phones," says Professor Jukka Manner from Aalto University.

The case study conducted at Aalto University examined Internet usage in three East African countries: Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya. Researchers developed energy-saving solutions for smart phones that could be easily deployed across a mobile network and in particular in areas without reliable sources of electricity. In addition to the new, optimized proxy solution, the researchers found that the power consumption of smart phones could also be significantly reduced by mobile optimized websites, HTTP compression and more efficient use of data caching.

The study was published at the scientific conference Africomm 2011. The research began in the Future Internet research program of TIVIT and funded by Tekes -- the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation. The work has been continued in the ECEWA project funded by Tekes, with partners from European Communications Engineering Ltd, Efore Plc, Ericsson, Aalto University and Tampere University of Technology.

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Smart phone power consumption cut by more than 70 percent

ScienceDaily (Nov. 25, 2011) — Researchers at Aalto University in Finland have designed a network proxy that can cut the power consumption of 3G smart phones up to 74 percent. This device enhances performance and significantly reduces power usage by serving as a middleman for mobile devices to connect to the Internet and handling the majority of the data transfer for the smart phone. Historically, the high energy requirements of mobile phones have slowed the adoption of mobile Internet services in developing countries.

-- This new solution is particularly valuable in developing countries because it provides significantly more effective Internet access to a much larger number of people. At the moment, only a small percent can access the Internet from a wired connection, but 90 percent of the African population lives in areas with mobile phone network coverage. Mobile phone usage is increasing rapidly, however the use of mobile Internet services is hindered by users not having access to the power grid to recharge their phones," says Professor Jukka Manner from Aalto University.

The case study conducted at Aalto University examined Internet usage in three East African countries: Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya. Researchers developed energy-saving solutions for smart phones that could be easily deployed across a mobile network and in particular in areas without reliable sources of electricity. In addition to the new, optimized proxy solution, the researchers found that the power consumption of smart phones could also be significantly reduced by mobile optimized websites, HTTP compression and more efficient use of data caching.

The study was published at the scientific conference Africomm 2011. The research began in the Future Internet research program of TIVIT and funded by Tekes -- the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation. The work has been continued in the ECEWA project funded by Tekes, with partners from European Communications Engineering Ltd, Efore Plc, Ericsson, Aalto University and Tampere University of Technology.

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Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: Views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

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BSNL Online Recharge - A Smart Way to Recharge

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) is one of the leading telecommunications Companies that deals with wide range of comprehensive telecom services in India entailing GSM Mobile, Wire line, Internet Broadband, Carrier services etc. BSNL is the number one telecom operative system in India that offers all kinds of facilities and services in all the states and regions of India.

BSNL online recharge services provide tariff schemes that meet the requirements of different types of consumers. BSNL mobile recharge has set up multi-gigabit and multi-protocol convergent IP arrangement for providing voice, data and video facilities via its Broadband Access Network. Consumers can simply recharge their BSNL mobile phone via the Internet from the comfort of their homes.

Consumers need to register with the BSNL website before making an online recharge. After registering at the website, they can get a desired username and password. In order to recharge online, a customer has to login his/her account, and then needs to submit ten digit BSNL mobile number and afterwards, can opt various modes of payment available with prepaid recharge entailing net banking, credit card and debit card.

In case of net banking, customer needs to transfer the relevant bank website where he or she is required to submit Internet Banking login and password. In case of credit cards, consumers need to hand over a secure payment gateway where they need to submit their credit card details. The payment access carries the verification of transaction. In case of debit cards, a consumer is relocated to the relevant bank website where he is required to submit debit card details like number, expiration date, and CV number, etc.

BSNL mobiles can be recharged either with recharge vouchers, coupons or top up cards easily. These days, BSNL online recharge makes it quite convenient for the users to recharge their cell phones when their talk time balance gets low or is exhausted. In olden days, people used to carry paper recharge card and also they used to type all the numbers written on the card. Now there is no need to carry any cards and there is no need to go an ATM for withdrawing cash and then going to a coupon retailer. You can simply recharge your cell phone online with a few clicks on the Internet. By logging on to the internet, and providing your particulars with a few clicks and following the guidelines, you can recharge your mobile phone with comfort and without much trouble.

BSNL Online Recharge services provide best Online Recharge schemes that are designed to meet the requirements of different types of consumers.

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How to Catch More Drunk Drivers By Using Their iPhone 4S and Smart Phone Data

In the future, will your cell phone, smart phone, or iPhone 4S keep you honest and obeying the law? I just bet it will, as it will be able to give GPS and other data as to your location, speed of travel, etc. This means if you speed down the highway, let's say on the I-95 from Jacksonville to Petersburg it might show your average speed at 82.5 mph and therefore you could get a ticket in the mail or have a state trooper on the next off ramp leaving town pull you over even if you were not speeding at that particular time.

Maybe such a system might also help identify potential drunk drivers, for instance, if someone is surfing the internet on their smart phone looking for liquor stores or bars on Friday Night, it might record that and then when they are in proximity of a sheriff their signal might alert the policeman that the probability is high that the driver has been drinking, thus, he ought to watch them and pay attention to their driving, or pull them over for a sobriety check?

In fact, there was an interesting article recently on SlashDot on October 16, 2011 posted by Samzenpus titled; "Verizon Wireless Changes Privacy Policy" which noted a comment from Flash2011 Blogger;

"Recently Verizon changed its home internet TOS to by defaut share your location with advertisers. Now Verizon Wireless has also changed its privacy policy to by default share your webbrowing history, cell phone location, and APP usage as well. Whilst there have been a few stories on these changes, internet forums have largely been quiet. Where is the outrage? Or have we just come to accept that ISPs are going to sell our personal information and web browsing habits?"

Obviously, these settings are put this way so that folks can enjoy all the features on their iPhones, and Smart Phones without having to do anything, but there is also a problem here with privacy, perhaps unannounced to the user. Policing authorities tell us not to worry if you are not doing anything wrong, as the smart phone also provides an alibi for you in case you are accused of something you didn't do, as it pinpoints your location at the time of a crime you may have been suspected of, which is an added bonus.

If someone is using a slurred voice, and the Siri System is having trouble, it may give false answers or unable to understand the person, which might indicate intoxication on a Friday Night as the user looks for a bar, or party location. Maybe these systems can help us get drunk drivers off the roads to save lives. Either way these technologies seem to have positives and negatives to them, something we need to be thinking about as our freedoms and liberties go through their toughest challenge yet in our nation's history. Please consider all this.

Lance Winslow has launched a new provocative series of eBooks on Future Concepts. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank; http://www.worldthinktank.net/

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Smart introduces the blisteringly fast Optimus 1.6TB SSD

 Smart is about to release a new range of enterprise SSD storage solutions capable of up to 1GB/s sustained sequential read speed and 500MB/s write

It wasn't so long ago that speed junkies were foaming at the mouth at the read/write performance offered by Intel's 510 series of SSD storage solutions. Now Smart has announced that it's managed to squeeze up to 1.6TB of solid state memory into the 2.5-inch form factor Optimus drive and leave the competition standing with a sequential read of up to 1GB/s, and write of 500MB/s.

Unfortunately, the Optimus Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) SSD is not being released into the clammy, storage-hungry hands of consumers. The enterprise storage solution will be offered in 200GB, 400GB, 800GB, and 1.6TB capacities, each sporting a SAS 6Gb/s interface with two ports (full duplex) and incorporates the company's Guardian technology to oversee flash management, data integrity and drive reliability. The drives come backed with a 5-year warranty, during which period Smart says that they should be capable of at least ten full device-writes per day.

Smart is also claiming that its Optimus solutions represent the world's fastest multi-level cell and highest capacity SAS SSD's available - notching up a random read performance of 100,000 IOPS, and write of 50,000 IOPS, and sustained sequential read of 1000 MB/s in applications equipped to support wide-port SAS technology, and write of 500 MB/s.

The Optimus SAS SSD enterprise solutions are scheduled to make a public appearance at the Flash Memory Summit between August 9 and 11 in Santa Clara, California ahead of sampling in September. There's no word at all on how much this technology is going to cost, which is probably a good indication that it's going to easily live up to its enterprise status.

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