Author: Josip

  • The Elevator of the Future

    The Elevator of the Future

    vacuum-elevator-1A home elevator is set to become a practical transportation alternative to staircases with the development and production of vacuum elevators. Owning a home elevator is more feasible and cost effective with vacuum elevators because they take up a smaller amount of space compared to a traditional elevator and offer easy installation at an affordable price.

    Vacuum elevators are built from lightweight aluminum and polycarbonate material. Installing one inside a home is a simple task because these elevators do not require excavation for a pit or hoist. A vacuum elevator occupies just one square meter of floor space and can easily fit inside any two story home. It only takes a few hours to install and does not require the same degree of maintenance that a traditional home elevator needs. The best part is that a vacuum elevator can be installed in a home at a much lower cost than a traditional elevator.

    Using a vacuum elevator is completely safe. It is designed to use a difference in air pressure to move the elevator cab up and down. There are separate atmospheric pressure and low pressure zones and a vacuum pump moves the air to make the lift elevate or descend. No cables are needed to control it. Using air instead of mechanical components to start and stop the elevator creates a smooth starting and stopping motion. The elevator also uses locks to hold the cab exactly at floor level each time it stops.

    vacuum-elevator-2vacuum-elevator-3Residential vacuum elevators hold much less weight than traditional commercial elevators. They are only rated to carry up to 450 pounds, which is more than enough for residential use. This type of elevator operates just as safely as a traditional elevator.

    Daytona Elevator is the leading distributor of these new residential vacuum elevators. The Florida based company already offers a whole range of home transportation devices. These products include stair lifts, curved stair lifts, vertical stair lifts, dumbwaiters and traditional home elevators. With this latest offering of vacuum elevators, Daytona Elevator is helping the future meet the present in a way that benefits consumers looking for home transportation solutions.

    Go to http://www.daytonaelevator.com for more info…

     

  • Social and physical influences of sports and exercise

    Social and physical influences of sports and exercise

    training
    Image source: www.ontrackretreats.com.au

    Since the beginning of time sport has had a great importance. It is good for health and fitness, it is great fun and pastime and is great for learning how to win and dealing with the loss. Many factors influence sports activities and the study of them has gone to such an extent that today there is even a branch of sociology studying sports.

    Sport is all forms of physical activity which, through casual or organised participation, aim to use, maintain or improve physical fitness and provide entertainment to participants. Sport may be competitive, where a winner or winners can be identified by objective means, and may require a degree of skill, especially at higher levels. Hundreds of sports exist, including those for a single participant, through to those with hundreds of simultaneous participants, either in teams or competing as individuals. Some non-physical activities, such as board games and card games are sometimes referred to as sports, but a sport is generally recognised as being based in physical athleticism. [1]

    Promoting physical activity is a public health priority, and changes in the environmental contexts of adults’ activity choices are believed to be crucial. However, of the factors associated with physical activity, environmental influences are among the least understood.
    Method: Using journal scans and computerized literature database searches, we identified 19 quantitative studies that assessed the relationships with physical activity behavior of perceived and objectively determined physical environment attributes. Findings were categorized into those examining five categories: accessibility of facilities, opportunities for activity, weather, safety, and aesthetic attributes.
    Results: Accessibility, opportunities, and aesthetic attributes had significant associations with physical activity. Weather and safety showed less-strong relationships. Where studies pooled different categories to create composite variables, the associations were less likely to be statistically significant.
    Conclusions: Physical environment factors have consistent associations with physical activity behavior. Further development of ecologic and environmental models, together with behavior-specific and context-specific measurement strategies, should help in further understanding of these associations. Prospective studies are required to identify possible causal relationships. [2]

    bicycles
    Image source: www.reidcycles.com.au

    Results of the studies continue to support a growing literature suggesting that exercise, physical activity and physical-activity interventions have beneficial effects across several physical and mental-health outcomes. Generally, participants engaging in regular physical activity display more desirable health outcomes across a variety of physical conditions. Similarly, participants in randomized clinical trials of physical-activity interventions show better health outcomes, including better general and health-related quality of life, better functional capacity and better mood states.
    The studies have several implications for clinical practice and research. Most work suggests that exercise and physical activity are associated with better quality of life and health outcomes. Therefore, assessment and promotion of exercise and physical activity may be beneficial in achieving desired benefits across several populations. Several limitations were noted, particularly in research involving randomized clinical trials. These trials tend to involve limited sample sizes with short follow-up periods, thus limiting the clinical implications of the benefits associated with physical activity. [3]

    Little is known about possible determinants of children’s participation in physical activity. In particular, the role of adults has not been clearly identified. This study investigated contemporary social cognitive variables, in combination with likely adult influence factors, in predicting intended and self reported vigorous physical activity for young adolescents. A questionnaire was administered to 147 boys and girls ages 13–14. Questions assessed physical activity levels, including vigorous activity, intention to take part in sports or vigorous physical activity, social cognitive variables, and adult encouragement of physical activity. A structural equation modeling analysis showed a good fit for a model in which vigorous physical activity was predicted by direct paths from adult encouragement and intention, with adult encouragement also predicting vigorous activity indirectly through perceived competence. Intention itself was predicted by adult encouragement and a task achievement goal orientation. [4]

    Mental disorders are of major public health significance. It has been claimed that vigorous physical activity has positive effects on mental health in both clinical and nonclinical populations. This paper reviews the evidence for this claim and provides recommendations for future studies. The strongest evidence suggests that physical activity and exercise probably alleviate some symptoms associated with mild to moderate depression. The evidence also suggests that physical activity and exercise might provide a beneficial adjunct for alcoholism and substance abuse programs; improve self-image, social skills, and cognitive functioning; reduce the symptoms of anxiety; and alter aspects of coronary-prone (Type A) behavior and physiological response to stresses. The effects of physical activity and exercise on mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, and other aspects of mental health are not known. Negative psychological effects from exercise have also been reported. Recommendations for further research on the effects of physical activity and exercise on mental health are made.[5]

    Conclusion:

    The significance of sport is great. Not only that it effects our physical well-being but our state of mind as well. Various things effect how we experience sports activities however their benefits mustn’t be forgotten and neglected.

    References:

    [1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sport
    [2] ‘Environmental factors associated with adults’ participation in physical activity’ by Nancy Humpel BPsyc, Neville Owen PhD and Eva Leslie MHN
    [3] ‘Exercise and well-being: a review of mental and physical health benefits associated with physical activity’ by Penedo, Frank Ja; Dahn, Jason Ra,b
    [4] J Sch Health. 1996;66(2):75–78
    [5] ‘The relation of physical activity and exercise to mental health’ by C B Taylor, J F Sallis, and R Needle

  • The Future of Internet Search

    The Future of Internet Search

    emotivWhat does the future hold for search engines? Is Google as far as the realm of Internet search will go? According to the Technological Singularity hypothesis, Internet search has not yet reached the apex. A technological singularity occurs when the intellectual capacity of humans has been so greatly augmented by technology that it facilitates a hyperintelligence. Under this hypothesis, Internet search is bound to succumb to knowledge in the next few decades.

    Theoretically, the human capacity for learning and knowledge acquisition is endless. A human could conceivably store and parse more information than Watson, the artificial intelligence computer system developed by IBM. Watson’s 15 terabytes of human knowledge and superfast algorithmic processing power came in handy when it beat the whip-smart champions of the television quiz show Jeopardy! in February, 2011.

    The human processes of learning, teaching and knowledge acquisition have been significantly augmented by the Information Age. While the advances in Internet technology have come a long way from the days of dial-up modems, bulletin board systems and America Online, the search interface paradigm basically remains the same: users need some sort of input device and an Internet connection to access information. Whether it’s a keyboard, touch screen or voice command, humans are dependent on external hardware input devices.

    What if the external interfaces could be eliminated, or at least minimized so that they can no longer be classified as hardware? The current answer to that question lies in the world of brain-computer interfaces, which are commercially available and open to developers. Brain-computer interfaces are wonders of electroencephalography (EEG) technology that allow true wireless, hands-free and voiceless interaction between humans and external devices. The Emotiv EPOC is such a device. While it may sound -and look- like something out of a William Gibson cyberpunk novel, the Emotiv EPOC is able to recognize thought patterns via electrodes and translate them into actions.

    The Emotiv EPOC is mostly used for computer gaming these days, but the day will soon come when brain-computer interfaces can execute a Google search. Think about the SEO and marketing possibilities: custom search results and advertising based on the user’s thoughts, emotions and general state of mind. What is your opinion about neural SEO? What can be accomplished in terms of Internet marketing? Please leave your comments and ideas.

  • Endangered Species in Indonesia

    Endangered Species in Indonesia

    Indonesia the fourth most populous country in the world and with its amazing nature is a popular destination for tourists. Its breathtaking beaches and impressive shrines leave no man indifferent. Unfortunately, there is the dark side to this story of a beautiful country – the endangered species in Indonesia.

    Introduction

    Indonesia has the greatest biological diversity in Asia.  A vast mosaic of 13,667 islands, Indonesia links two biogeographic regions known as the Sunda subregion, an area stretching from southern Burma and Thailand south to northern Indonesia and Borneo, with Oceania to the south and east.  The political boundaries of Indonesia have little to do with ecosystems or ethnic cultures.  The giant island of Borneo, for example, has been divided among several Asian countries. Indonesia claims the southern twothirds, known as Kalimantan, while Malaysia rules two states in the north and west, Sabah and Sarawak, and the small independent country of Brunei lies on the northwestern coast.  Likewise, New Guinea, whose Melanesian tribes have inhabited the island for thousands of years, has been divided between Indonesia, which rules with a strong military presence in the western half, Irian Jaya, and Papua New Guinea in the east, an independent nation.  Politically, Indonesia has been in turmoil for decades, with a series of presidents who have grown rich on foreign aid and siphoning off profits from exploitation of timber, oil and minerals. [1]

    Endangered Species in Indonesia

    Southeast Asia, which includes Indonesia, has the highest relative rate of deforestation of any major tropical region, and could lose three quarters of its original forests by 2100 and up to 42% of its biodiversity. Here, we report on the current state of its biota and highlight the primary drivers of the threat of extinction now faced by much of the unique and rich fauna and flora of the region. Furthermore, the known impacts on the biodiversity of Southeast Asia are likely to be just the tip of the iceberg, owing to the paucity of research data. The looming Southeast Asian biodiversity disaster demands immediate and definitive actions, yet such measures continue to be constrained by socioeconomic factors, including poverty and lack of infrastructure. Any realistic solution will need to involve a multidisciplinary strategy, including political, socioeconomic and scientific input, in which all major stakeholders (government, non-government, national and international organizations) must participate.[2]

    Asian golden catIndonesia is famous for its great biodiversity. It is estimated that as many as 300,000 animal species are inhabit its many ecosystems. This equates to 17% of worldwide fauna species, these across only 1.3% of the world’s landmass. With 515 species, Indonesia has more species of mammal than any other nation. There are 1539 bird species and 50% of all the world’s fish species can be found in its marine and freshwater systems.
    However, Indonesia also has the most endangered species. The World Conservation Union (IUCN, 2003) lists as endangered 147 mammals, 114 birds, 91 fish and 2b invertebrate species. Major conservation efforts are vital if these species are not to become extinct in the near future.
    Trade in wild animals is a serious threat to many species in Indonesia. Over 95% of animals sold in markets are taken directly from the wild and not from captive breeding stocks. More than 20% of animals sold at market die in transportation. Despite this, many endangered and protected species are traded freely, with the rarer species commanding higher prices.[3]

    The Endangered Species:

    Although Indonesia contains Asia’s most extensive tropical rainforests, the nation has lost 26 percent of its primary forest since the 1990s. Wildlife struggles to find habitat in the face of logging, mining and agriculture, especially oil-palm plantations. The following species are among the best-known endangered ones:
    Gibbons
    On Kalimantan and Sumatra, three subspecies of agile gibbons suffer decline due to habitat loss. Siamang gibbons struggle for habitat and are taken from the wild to be sold as pets.
    Asian Golden Cat
    Named for its shiny reddish-brown coat, Sumatra’s Asian, or Temmnick’s, golden cat hunts for habitat while it is hunted for its fur.
    Babirusa
    Indonesia’s islands house a hippopotamus relative, the babirusa, though it looks more like a pig. It is hunted for meat and often shot by farmers if raiding their fields.
    Javan Rhinoceros
    With only 60 left, the Javan rhinoceros is one of the most endangered animals on Earth. Indonesia’s Ujung Kulon National Park protects the species.
    Wondiwoi Tree Kangaroo
    Wondiwoi tree kangaroo are critically endangered and might already be extinct. No one has reported a sighting in recent years. Hunting has been the primary source of their decline.[4]

    Conclusion:

    All the information mentioned above are more than alarming. Indonesian government together with its scientists and inhabitants has to join in the efforts to save Indonesian flora and fauna. A huge responsibility lies on their back as the destruction of their nature could also have a significant influence on whole world’s environment.

    References:

    [1] http://www.endangeredspecieshandbook.org/forest_indonesia.php
    [2] http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0169534704002666
    [3] http://www.profauna.org/content/en/indonesian_animal_facts.html
    [4] http://www.ehow.com/facts_5584897_endangered-animals-indonesia.html

  • Impact of wireless networks on human health

    Impact of wireless networks on human health

    In the modern days wireless technology has become indispensible and is a part of our every-day lives. We have it with remote controls, video cameras, baby monitors and of course mobile phones and wireless internet connections. Despite all its benefits many are concerned about its influence on our health.

    Basics:

    Wireless computer networks have become commonplace in our environment. Wireless hotspots are found in many public areas and, increasingly, in homes and schools. Wireless networks use low-powered radiofrequency (RF) transmitters called access points to communicate with other low-powered transmitters called client cards that are located in users’ laptop computers or other portable equipment. Nearly all of these wireless networks use Wi-Fi technology, although other wireless technologies are coming into use as well.[1]
    Mobile telephony is now commonplace around the world. This wireless technology relies upon an extensive network of fixed antennas, or base stations, relaying information with radiofrequency (RF) signals. Over 1.4 million base stations exist worldwide and the number is increasing significantly with the introduction of third generation technology.

    ipad
    Image source: www.macfixit.com.au

    There has been concern about possible health consequences from exposure to the RF fields produced by wireless technologies. This fact sheet reviews the scientific evidence on the health effects from continuous low-level human exposure to base stations and other local wireless networks.

    Health concerns

    To date, the only health effect from RF fields identified in scientific reviews has been related to an increase in body temperature (> 1 °C) from exposure at very high field intensity found only in certain industrial facilities, such as RF heaters. The levels of RF exposure from base stations and wireless networks are so low that the temperature increases are insignificant and do not affect human health.
    In fact, due to their lower frequency, at similar RF exposure levels, the body absorbs up to five times more of the signal from FM radio and television than from base stations.

    Cancer:

    Scientific evidence on the distribution of cancer in the population can be obtained through carefully planned and executed epidemiological studies. Over the past 15 years, studies examining a potential relationship between RF transmitters and cancer have been published. These studies have not provided evidence that RF exposure from the transmitters increases the risk of cancer.
    Considering the very low exposure levels and research results collected to date, there is no convincing scientific evidence that the weak RF signals from base stations and wireless networks cause adverse health effects.[2]
    Also, the results, which are detailed in the Health Physics paper, show that in all cases the measured Wi-Fi signal levels were very far below international safety limits, specifically, those of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the International Commission on Nonionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP 2002). These limits were designed to protect against all known hazards of RF energy. [3]
    The World Health Organization has acknowledged that electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are influencing the environment (but not people), and that some people are worried about possible effects. In response to public concern, the World Health Organization established the International EMF Project in 1996 to assess the scientific evidence of possible health effects of EMF in the frequency range from 0 to 300 GHz. They have stated that although extensive research has been conducted into possible health effects of exposure to many parts of the frequency spectrum, all reviews conducted so far have indicated that exposures are below the limits recommended in the ICNIRP (1998) EMF guidelines, covering the full frequency range from 0–300 GHz, and do not produce any known adverse health effect.[4]

    Conclusion:

    After conducting numerous researches on the subject of impact of wireless networks on human health, the same conclusion was reached: there is no convincing evidence that exposure to RF causes any health problems. However, there are some limitations as to how high a level of frequency people can be exposed to and it should be respected.

    References:

    [1] http://www.hps.org/hpspublications/articles/wirelessnetworks.html
    [2] http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs304/en/index.html
    [3] http://www.hps.org/hpspublications/articles/wirelessnetworks.html
    [4] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_electronic_devices_and_health

     

  • The Paradox of Digital Preservation

    The advent of the Internet as an easily accessible way to preserve and utilize digital information has led to large increase in funding in order to generate more digital information. While the expansion of digital information is implicitly believed to be a positive thing by individuals and institutions, both corporate and government, involved in the expansion of digital content, this attitude overlooks certain shortcomings inherent in digital information. Digital information may not be as permanent as once believed, due to old technologies becoming obsolete, difficulties in accessing old media, and web sites disappearing. Since there has been no precedent for this type of technology, there is no guarantee that our current digital information is reliable, or will even be able to be accessed by future generations. (more…)