Category: Science &Technology

{Robotics scientists nationwide are pondering an intriguing possibility: Might robotic technologies deployed in rescue and disaster situations be quickly repurposed to help contain the Ebola epidemic?}

A robot that could perform even some of the tasks of a human, such as waste removal or the burial of bodies, would have significant lifesaving potential. So, with the assistance of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, scientists are planning a series of brainstorming meetings. The first round will be held Nov. 7 at four locations: Worcester Polytechnic Institute, in Massachusetts; Texas A&M; the University of California, Berkeley; and in Washington.

The problem, scientists say, is that the technology is still limited when it comes to medicine. While mobile robots now can disarm roadside bombs and drive cars, they are taking only the first tentative steps toward the human levels of dexterity required in health care.

“You see the situation that the medical teams are facing, and I don’t even know if a robot is a solution,” said Taskin Padir, an assistant professor of robotics engineering at Worcester Polytechnic and an organizer of one of the meetings.

Continue reading the main storyVideo

The White House is now considering how robots can help fight Ebola. A look at the role three types of robots could play in combating the virus. Video by Carrie Halperin on Publish Date October 22, 2014.

Still, he has been considering ways to repurpose an existing robot project as a tool for more safely performing decontamination tasks, like spraying bleach solution on clothing exposed to infected body fluids.

“As was the case in Fukushima, the Ebola crisis in Africa has revealed a significant gap between robot capabilities and what is needed in the realm of disaster relief and humanitarian assistance,” said Gill A. Pratt, a roboticist who is a program manager at the federal Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. “We have a moral obligation to try and select, adapt and apply available technology where it can help, but we must also appreciate the difficulty of the problem.”

Many of the countries experiencing the worst of the Ebola epidemic are in no position to deploy robots. But rudimentary models are widely used in medical settings in the United States, and already nervous hospital administrators are reaching out to manufacturers.

The phone has been ringing continually in recent weeks, said Yulun Wang, the chief executive of InTouch Health, a Santa Barbara, Calif.-based maker of telepresence robots used in hospitals for stroke diagnosis and other medical tasks.

Clients like Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and Baylor University Hospital are asking whether the robots can be used to help diagnose Ebola infection, without a human present, or to facilitate virtual family visits for patients in isolation.

“They acquired our solutions for a very different purpose, and now they are wondering whether they are applicable for Ebola care,” Mr. Wang said.

NYT

{NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) has spotted an image of a gigantic sunspot – the largest in last 24 years.}

The flare erupted from a particularly large active region dubbed as AR 12192.

The sunspot soon grew to be the largest active region observed in the current solar cycle – a periodic change in the Sun’s activity and appearance – which began in 2008.

This is the fourth substantial X-class flare from this active region since Oct 19.

“The sunspot region is about 80,000 miles across, which is wide enough for 10 Earths to be laid across its diameter,” NASA said in a statement.

X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength.

Solar flares are powerful bursts of radiation. Harmful radiation from a flare cannot pass through Earth’s atmosphere to physically affect humans on the ground.

These can also disturb the atmosphere in the layer where GPS and communications signals travel.

IANS

{With so many free apps and software programs readily available online, it is extremely difficult to get people to purchase an app. Customers who will spend five dollars on a coffee won’t spend a dollar on an app. Chances are that any given app developer will be competing against an app that is free or freemium. If a company is offering a niche product, then charging for an app may make sense.}

While app developers generally aim to make money off their creations, this goal is often relegated to second-tier status by programmers who but the product first and foremost, as they should.

Therefore, in order to minimize the time needed to devote to a monetization strategy, developers generally choose one of the following tried-and-true methods. They can be mixed and matched to meet a developer’s specific needs and revenue goals. Some are ideal for mobile apps, some are ideal for desktop apps and programs, and others work equally well across the board.

{{1. Freemium Model}}

The freemium model is the most common form of monetization. This method is also known as the “in-app purchase model.”

This means that the app or software is free to download but only with limited features. Users who want extra features must pay to unlock them.

This method is especially popular in the gaming industry, where it has been fairly successful. For example, participants in action games who want certain advantages (eg. power-ups, weapons) may purchase them by paying real money.

This allows developers to distribute software for free, which vastly increases the number of downloads. It can be tricky to turn freebie-seekers into paying customers, but the effort often pays for itself in dividends.

{{2. In-App Advertising}}

Another common monetization model is in-app or in-software advertising, in which ads are placed inside apps. Usually they appear on a piece of the screen real estate or in-between screens (interstitial ads).

These ads typically earn income per thousand views or per click. Revenue generally varies based on the ad network, the type of ad being displayed, the targeted audience and so forth.

This monetization method is slightly less popular than the freemium model, though the two models are not mutually exclusive. They can be combined — for example, users can pay to remove ads from a free app.

In order for in-app advertising to be effective, there needs to be a very high number of people clicking or viewing the advertisements from the outset.

Statistically speaking, a larger percentage of users end up converting on advertisements than on freemium upgrades, but there is less revenue per conversion.

{{3. Paid Products}}

With so many free apps and software programs readily available online, it is extremely difficult to get people to purchase an app. Customers who will spend five dollars on a coffee won’t spend a dollar on an app. Chances are that any given app developer will be competing against an app that is free or freemium.

When a company has the clout, marketing resources or market share, charging a fee is a top monetization strategy.

If a company is offering a niche product with nothing similar in the marketplace at all, then charging for the product may make sense. A company that already has a solid reputation and a strong following may have an easier time effectively charging for an app or a piece of software.

Products that are considered high-quality across the board, as well as game sequels, are two software programs that often benefit from this model of making money.

{{4. Pay per Install}}

Pay-per-install provides another way for developers to distribute their apps while making money. This approach is particularly effective for making money with software that’s distributed on desktop platforms. However, there are platforms readily available for both desktop and mobile app developers.

Monetization with a pay-per-install program requires that the software be integrated with a smart installer. The best smart installers aren’t just scripts; they are full platform solutions that are customizable to meet a specific software’s needs and targets.

A developer can tailor the look and feel of an installer, pick and choose the products to promote, and advertise software through the network’s partners. Analytics provide a 360-degree view of downloads, conversions and more.

{{5. Affiliate Marketing}}

Affiliate marketing isn’t just for websites. Companies can design software and apps around affiliate deals. This can be a lucrative way to make money from an app or software program, but it can be both challenging and limiting.

If one wants to develop a software program and earn money from affiliate deals, the software needs to be designed for that purpose. Travel apps and websites are good examples of programs that use affiliate marketing to earn money.

It can be challenging to integrate affiliate marketing into a pre-made software program or app. A game or language-learning app likely would be better suited to in-app advertising or a freemium model.

{{Other Strategies}}

While these are five of the most popular monetization models, there are other creative methods of earning revenue, such as selling analytics, code or subscriptions. The greatest benefit of each of the above models is the ability to operate relatively independently.

Once an app is up and running, the monetization program basically runs by itself with just minor periodic updates. Companies can stack up apps over the long run: The more apps released, the more money generated.

{{TECH NEWS WORLD}}

{Rwanda wants to develop its ICT sector with the aim of achieving quick economic development.}

Line minister for ICT was speaking at the recently concluded Smart Rwanda Days conference in Kigali.

“Smart Rwanda Days provides unique opportunities for participants to brainstorm and conceive ideas that represent what Rwanda wants to achieve as the country looks at meeting its Vision 2020, Minister of Youth and ICT,” Philbert Nsengimana said.

The conference was aimed at providing a platform for stakeholders to discuss how ICT can contribute more significantly to Rwanda’s economic and social development..

The minister said Rwandans had no other option than being Smart which was the same to other countries represented for at the conference.

The conference brought together all development practitioners in the sector together with IT suppliers and operators to discuss how to use technology to fast track the transformation that Rwanda is going through.

Digitalizing Rwanda the topic that was chosen for this year was based on the fact that Rwanda was today realizing that ICT is playing a bigger role in contributing to the country’s GDP contributing more than 2% over the last two quarters and therefore to build on this, this is why Rwanda was embarking on an ambitious digitization agenda.

The potential of the Internet to generate economic growth and social development in Africa lies in its ability to transform key sectors such as financial services, education, health, retail, agriculture, and government. McKinsey estimates that technology-related productivity gains in these sectors could reach $148 billion to $318 billion by 2025.

The conference brought in over 700 participants including the private sector, academia, civil society and international organizations who gathered to explore important aspects of the digital economy and position of Africa and Rwanda in particular.

The ICT sector has attracted about 45% of total foreign direct investments which is more than the contribution of trade, financial sector, mining and manufacturing sectors combined.

{{Business week}}

{{Kigali, Rwanda, 8 October 2014}},{ think, Africa’s newest technology incubator, today announced its first group of companies selected for support. The four selected teams represent innovative, digital, private sector solutions that demonstrate the potential to scale across Africa. They were chosen from more than 150 applications from across the globe.
}

The four winners have been offered $15,000 funding, access to Tigo networks across Africa, mentoring from business and tech leaders, tech-specific curriculum on how to develop their businesses and a range of support from think corporate partners.

Tongai Maramba, General Manager of TIgo Rwanda said: “The companies we have selected for think show innovation in a crowded playing field. The founders are smart, determined and have the potential to scale their firms across the continent. After a rigorous review process, we have selected companies that demonstrate incredible promise.”

The following winners were selected after in-depth interviews with think’s Investment Committee:

{{Beliaa, Egypt: www.beliaa.com }}

Beliaa is a mobile application for Road Assistance, using GPS Location
services, and provides traffic tracking and other transportation information features. The company was founded in 2012 by Amgad Morgan, and has quickly been gaining user traction in Cairo.

{{Cribpark, Nigeria: www.cribpark.com }}

Cribpark offers platform for real estate matching, home design, and architecture, and connects homeowners to an array of valuable goods and services. Cofounded by Dare O. Pius and Oaldapo Ayo, the team of eight is building a one-stop shop for African housing items for a local context.

{{PollAfrique, Ghana: www.pollafrique.com }}

PollAfrique is a research platform for Africa, allowing respondents to participate in incentivized surveys via a number of online channels. Developed out of Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (M.E.S.T.) in Ghana, CEO Samuel Dzidzornu leads a strong team that will bring a new perspective on big data. Recently featured on CNBC, PollAfrique has been highlighted as a “Venture of Pan-African Significance”.

{{TorQue, Rwanda: www.torque.co.rw }}

TorQue delivers channel management software for wholesale distributors in the beverage and telecommunications industries and is designed to run the entire distribution business. Founded in Kigali by Jean Niyotwagira, the company has some traction with large-scale beverage distributors, and is looking to expand.

The four selected teams have been invited to participate in a six-month accelerator program, beginning in Kigali, Rwanda in early November 2014.

{{About think:}}

think, the Technology Incubator in Kigali, was established in 2014 in Rwanda to identify and support leading tech start-ups seeking to create digital solutions for Africa. Starting in the autumn of 2014, think will welcome its first companies to its incubator facility to Kigali with its young and dynamic population. With significant government investment in the country’s ICT infrastructure, Rwanda provides a unique opportunity as a platform for technology startups. Millicom, operating under the Tigo brand, is the investor behind think and supports committed entrepreneurs to set up and launch their businesses. In October 2014, Ventures Africa described think as a “Startup Incubator to Watch”.

{You have an Android phone. You love your Android phone. Of course, there’s plenty to love about Google’s terrific mobile operating system, but much of it comes back to the simple fact that Android is open. Thanks to the way Google allows third-party developers to use nearly all of the tools and features at their disposal in Android, the sky is the limit when it comes to developing apps that add all sorts of great functionality to Android phones — and much of it is functionality that iPhone users will likely never enjoy.}

But you don’t always need to install a third-party app to find exciting new features in Android. In fact, there are tons of hidden features that you probably didn’t even know your phone had.

Whether you have a Nexus smartphone, a Samsung phone, an HTC handset, a new Moto X from Motorola or any other Android powered device, there is tons of great functionality that Google has built into the core operating system beneath your vendor’s proprietary user interface. And despite the fact that you’ve undoubtedly spent plenty of time poking around, Android is so feature-rich that there are likely plenty of things you missed.

We could run through great hidden Android features for days, but Emily Price recently put together a nice quick list for Popular Mechanics that covers 10 awesome Android features you might not know about.

For example, did you know that you can configure your phone to send your ex boyfriend or girlfriend’s calls — or, anyone else’s calls, of course — straight to voicemail without the phone even ringing? Simply open a contact in the Contacts app, tap Edit, scroll down to “Additional info” and select “Send straight to voicemail.”

For less aggressive call screening, you can also create canned messages in the phone or call settings on your handset so you can swipe up on the screen when your phone rings and quickly send a text message letting the caller know you’re busy.

Shifting gears, did you know that your Android phone completely eliminates the need to carry any kind of USB flash drive? Just plug it into a computer with the supplied USB cable and select Media device (wording may vary by device) from the options that become accessible through the pop-up in your notification panel.

Next up, Price shares a great hidden shortcut in the Google Maps app that comes pre-installed on all Android phones from top global vendors.

Before you travel to an area with poor cell coverage, or if you just want to conserve data and avoid hitting your monthly cap, pull up the area where you’re headed and type “Ok Maps” in the search box. Google Maps will then download that portion of the map and store it so you can pull it up later without using any data.

And speaking of data, you can also set up alerts under Data Usage in your device’s settings to help ensure that you don’t go over your monthly allotment.

For more details on these tips and information on another five hidden Android features, check out Price’s post, which is linked below in our source section.

More from BGR: Here’s one secret Apple Pay feature you didn’t see coming

Agencies

{MTN Rwanda will integrate its mobile money system with that of MTN Uganda in November, allowing subscribers to send and receive money between the two countries, the New Times reported.}

MTN Rwanda GM Norman Munyampundu said the sister companies would sign a deal to that effect by the end of October. Munyampundu is optimistic that the service will reduce the cost of transactions and enhance cross-border trade between Rwanda and Uganda.

MTN is taking cue from Tigo, which earlier this year started a cross-border mobile money service with Tigo Tanzania, said New Times.

MTN moved RWF 96.5 billion on its mobile money platform during the third quarter of the year, up from RWF 80 billion in the second quarter. This involved about 4.5 million subscribers compared with 3.5 million previously. According to Munyampundu, MTN Mobile Money penetration had expanded by 81 percent by end of September, contributing 44 percent of the firm’s revenues.

{ Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda have slashed the costs of making mobile phone calls across their borders by more than 60 percent, as part of efforts to enhance regional integration, the Kenyan communication minister said on Wednesday.}

The three nations, with a combined population of more than 94 million and members of the five-nation East African Community (EAC), are seeking to improve trade between their economies where businesses often complain of high roaming charges.

Kenya’s Safaricom, one of the biggest mobile operators in the region, did not expect the move to have a major impact on its revenues as roaming was not a key part of its business, Chief Executive Bob Collymore said.

Mobile phone users will pay reduced tariffs for calling another user on a different network in a neighbouring country while those roaming will not be charged for receiving calls.

“We have reduced the cost of calling within the region by over 60 percent,” Information, Communication and Technology Minister Fred Matiangi told a news conference.

Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda are part of the five-nation EAC common market, which also includes Burundi and Tanzania.

The three countries have also launched a joint tourist visa, allowing visitors to cross to see attractions in any of the three, and they are building a new transport corridor, linking the Kenyan coast with the hinterland, via railway and oil pipeline. Both Uganda and Kenya have discovered oil.

South Sudan, a nation convulsed by a civil conflict which has already signed up to the transport projects, is expected to cut costs of mobile phone calls across borders by the end of this year when it joins the new initiative, Matiangi said.

Tanzania and Burundi were also looking at how they can join the initiative, the minister and telecoms executives said.

Other operators in the region include Bharti Airtel, MTN, Orange and Tigo.

{{ Reuters}}

{Two Americans and a German researcher on Wednesday were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their work fine-tuning optical microscopy so that molecular processes could be viewed in real time.}

The 2014 laureates in chemistry are Eric Betzig of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute in Virginia; Stefan W. Hell of the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry in Germany; and William E. Moerner of Stanford University in California.

In awarding the prizes at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in Stockholm, the Nobel Committee said in a news release: “For a long time optical microscopy was held back by a presumed limitation: that it would never obtain a better resolution than half the wavelength of light. Helped by fluorescent molecules the Nobel Laureates in Chemistry 2014 ingeniously circumvented this limitation. Their ground-breaking work has brought optical microscopy into the nanodimension.”

NY Times

Two scientists in Japan and one at the University of California at Santa Barbara were awarded this year’s Nobel Prize in physics for helping create the LED light, a transformational and ubiquitous source that now lights up everything from our living rooms to our flashlights to our smart phones.

The awarding committee said the trio’s work is in keeping with the spirit of Alfred Nobel, the founder of the prize, because LED lights save on energy, last long and are environmentally-friendly because they don’t contain mercury.

They “hold great promise for increasing the quality of life for over 1.5 billion people around the world who lack access to electricity grids,” the awarding committee said.
Specifically, Isamu Akasaki, Hiroshi Amano and Shuji Nakamura were honored for inventing the blue light emitting diode.

Red and green diodes had been around for years. But when the three created the blue diodes in the early 1990s, only then could the white lamps that glow from every corner of our world be created.

For 30 years, scientists had tried to create the blue diode.

“They triggered a fundamental transformation of lighting technology,” the committee said. “They succeeded where everyone else failed.”

LED lights last longer and are more efficient than regular light bulbs and fluorescent lamps.
Not prepared for it
Nakamura, a scientist at the University of California, Santa Barbara, said by phone that receiving the news that he had won the Nobel prize was “unbelievable.”

Akasaki and Amano are affiliated with Nagoya University in Japan.

Amano was on a flight when the committee tried to call him so was not able to hear the news in advance of the news conference, the committee said.

Staffan Normark, permanent secretary of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, said that Nakamura and Akasaki had been thrilled to learn they were prize winners.

“I think they were not prepared for it. They had not been waiting up all day and all night for this call,” he said.

The three winners will share the 8 million Swedish kronor ($1.2 million) attached to the prize.
Last year’s physics prize went jointly to Francois Englert of Belgium and Peter Higgs of the United Kingdom for the theory of how particles acquire mass. Their theoretical brilliance was borne out when researchers confirmed the existence in 2012 of the Higgs boson, or “God particle.”

The Nobel prizes in chemistry, literature and economic sciences will be announced later this week, as will the Nobel Peace Prize.

(CNN) —