Future Of Clean Water Technology

Bacteria often get bad press, with those found in water often linked to illness and disease. But researchers at The University of Nottingham are using these tiny organisms alongside the very latest membrane filtration techniques to improve and refine water cleaning technology.

These one-celled organisms eat the contaminants present in water — whether it is being treated prior to industrial use or even for drinking — in a process called bioremediation.

The water is then filtered through porous membranes, which function like a sieve. However, the holes in these sieves are microscopic, and some are so small they can only be seen at the nanoscale. Pore size in these filters can range from ten microns — ten thousandths of a millimetre — to one nanometre — a millionth of a millimetre.

These technologies can be developed into processes which optimise the use of water — whether in an industrial system or to provide drinking water in areas where it is a scarce resource.

The research is led by Nidal Hilal, Professor of Chemical and Process Engineering in the Centre for Clean Water Technologies — a world-leading research centre developing advanced technologies in water treatment.

Current membrane technology used in water treatment processes can decrease in efficiency over time, as the membranes become fouled with contaminants. By using bioremediation the membranes can be cleaned within the closed system, without removing the membranes. Researchers at the centre have developed the technology in partnership with Cardev International, an oil filtration company based in Harrogate.

As well as being highly effective in the water treatment process, transforming industrial liquid waste contaminated with metals and oils into clean water, ultrafiltration and nanofiltration membranes have a useful side effect. The waste products have a very high calorific value, and can be used as fuel.

Nanofiltration and ultrafiltration membranes are also being used in work funded by the Middle East Desalination Research Centre, which looks at creating drinking water from seawater. By pre-treating the seawater and removing contaminants, the membranes reduce the fouling of machinery in the next stage of the process — whether through reverse osmosis or thermal desalination. This can prevent damage to the machinery, reducing the need for expensive repair and replacements.

And by measuring liquid properties at the nanoscale, using state-of-the-art atomic force microscope equipment at the University, researchers are exploring how liquids behave at an atomic level — how they flow and pull apart. These results could be used in mechanics and industry, for example, maximising the use of oil in an engine.

Liquids are also being tested at a range of temperatures, from the very low (-50 oC) to the very high (150 oC).

Professor Hilal said: “Examining the properties of liquids has never been done before at this scale.

“By using bioremediation and nanofiltration technology combined, the water cleaning process is integrated — using far less energy than current processes. Add to this the recycling of waste products as fuels and you have a greener technology.”
Source: Sciencedaily.com

Solar Technology Company Braces for Growth with IFS Applications

IFS, the global enterprise applications company, announced today that Prism Solar Technologies, Inc. will implement IFS Applications at its Lake Katrine, N.Y. location.

Prism Solar Technologies, Inc. manufactures a unique solar module technology, which is commonly used in a wide range of residential, commercial and industrial solar electric applications. By implementing IFS Applications, Prism Solar Technologies will be able to react more quickly to changing market demands and implement process controls to accommodate its expanding business.

"Flexibility, scalability and control are critical issues for us as we project future business growth," Prism Solar President Rick Lewandowski said. "This is what we demand of our production facilities and of our business applications."

Corning Data Services, of Corning, N.Y. helped Prism Solar with their application selection process, and will further assist them in the implementation of IFS Applications. Prism Solar will implement the IFS Applications product suite of mixed-mode manufacturing, which will also be integrated with existing PLC devices and RF devices to automate its data collection processes.

"We are familiar with the business challenges facing companies in the high-tech industry," Corning Data Services, Inc. General Manager Michael Pauley said. "IFS has the best solution for helping Prism Solar Technologies achieve their current and growth business targets."

"IFS Applications gives complex companies, like Prism Solar Technologies, the agility they need to meet the rapidly changing demands of their customers and the solar energy marketplace," IFS North America President and CEO Cindy Jaudon said. "And it is a pleasure to see our applications implemented by a company whose products provide a promising alternative energy source."

The high-tech industry is one of IFS' targeted vertical markets. IFS offers industry-specific solutions for companies in the electronic equipment, electronic component, and semiconductor industries. These solutions support all business processes, from design and mixed-mode manufacturing to after-sales support and warranty management. IFS' high-tech customers include Arrhythmia Research Technologies, Inc., Rockwell Automation, NEC Philips Unified Solutions, REC, SiRF, Maxon Motor, Kontron, and Olympus Optical.

Source: foxbusiness.com

technology makes hotel rooms more personal

Hotel Show technology arena to showcase next generation systems that provide guests with multimedia experience just like home or office

Technologies designed to provide hotel guests with all the comfort and convenience of their home and office environments are to be showcased at a special technology arena during the Hotel Show 2008, the Middle East's leading supplies exhibition to the region’s hospitality sector.

“With the proliferation of mobile devices, personal digital assistants, portable DVD players, MP3 players, and Smartphones, hotel guests often arrive with all the technology they need,” said Maggie Moore, Exhibition Director of the Hotel Show 2008 that takes place at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, United Arab Emirates, from 8-10 June 2008.

“The question is, are all hotels keeping up with their guests’ expectations with in-room facilities as well as adequate back office technology?

“In-room systems, enhanced amenities, and information resources can deliver a new and more personal kind of experience - whether guests are viewing digital pictures on their hotel room TV or using their mobile phone to access room service,” she added.

Smart hotel operators can provide for MP3 players, digital cameras, and other devices to connect to in-room audio-visual devices for listening and viewing experiences that create a home away from home. They can also provide universal adapters to enable guests to plug in mobile devices. New docking devices can also accommodate Smartphone and pocket PC phone devices, offering direct access to hotel systems.

“More and more hotels are creating a guest experience that incorporates technology into their hotel rooms - offering the same multimedia experience to which they are increasingly accustomed to at their home or office,” said Moore.

Within the 1,800 square metre technology arena of the Hotel Show, a Business Lounge equipped with terminals and Internet access will be provided for visitors and exhibitors, sponsored by South Korean multinational and the world's largest electronics and IT company, Samsung Electronics.

Samsung is manufacturing specially customised 70-inch LCD screens for the Burj Dubai, the world’s tallest building currently under construction and including a major hotel.

The Hotel Show features a comprehensive range of the latest products, services and technologies and attracts key industry leaders. Organised by dmg world media Dubai, one of the region’s leading exhibition companies, the Hotel Show has evolved into one of the most important dates on the international industry calendar. Visitor profiles included regional owner-operators, decision makers from international five-star hotel chains, architects and interior designers.

In excess of 16,500 square metres of exhibition space has been reserved for 2008, to accommodate surging demand from both international and regional exhibitors, and is already heading towards another complete sell-out.

Source: albawaba.com

Nigeria: CDMA Ops Draw Battle Line With Dual-Sim Technology Part 2

The reltelphone two variants are GC 909+ Dual Slider phone and the reltel branded Tech 101 Mars Bar. "They both user friendly, especially the Tech 101 which can be easily operated by anybody. The Dual Slider is basically for the high flyers who would want to do a lot with the mobile hand-held appliance.

They both have easy to use menu options and other fun features such as MP3 player with equaliser settings and melody composer with polyphonic ring tones," Uzor said.


Reltel wireless, Mr. Okonkwo, noted is adding the new product as part of its "value added services" with several other activities lined up to re-enforce its "pole position in our chosen market segment.

Reltel wireless was established in 1998, licenced to offer fixed wireless mobile telephone and high speed internet/data services. It was one of the operators granted Unified Access Service Licence by the NCC in 2007 to cover the entire country.

Starcomms offers similar products line with difference in tech brand. Produced as a fully customised product for Starcomms by one of the leading CDMA phone manufacturers, Hisense D 806 is a compact, multifunction, large screen, colour, data enabled (CDMA as well as GPRS) multimedia phone equipped with a 1.3 mega pixel camera, Multimedia player and a T- Flash slot for extra memory to load songs, pictures and favorite videos.

The phone package includes a hands free kit, two batteries, 1 charger, extra battery charger cradle, USB cable and CD and 128 MBSD card free.

In addition to D 806 model, Starcomms is also planning to launch more handsets under the WORLD PHONE series to provide customers with multiple options that will appeal to various segments of users.

END
Source: allafrica.com

Nigeria: CDMA Ops Draw Battle Line With Dual-Sim Technology Part 1

RELTEL Wireless, one of Nigeria's major players in the telecom industry using the CDMA (code-division multiple application) technology last week unveiled its model Reltelphone, a dual-SIM card carrying handset that enables subscribers to install both CDMA mobile and GSM networks in a strategic move aimed at consolidating its market position.

The Reltel Wireless management who stated that the device has been on test run since the last quarter of 2007 said it's introduction is meant to bring about revolutionary changes to the way Nigerians do telephony business.

Reltelphone's entry into the market have unwittingly ignited a tech war for strategic market placement in the Nigerian telecom space. It would appear the dual-SIM phone device is what major players in the CDMA operators needed to drive competition in a market that has already seen GSM operators take advantage of flexible trends to take the front burner.

With a subscriber of 39 million, out of a total 41 million, the GSM operators have total domination of the Nigerian mobile space.

Mr. Tony Okonkwo, Group Managing Director of Reltel Wireless, stated that the with the introduction of Reltelphone, the "market would never remain the same again, as we're poised to claim leadership position which actually belongs to us."

He noted that Reltel Wireless covers more cities and towns than any other operator in the sector. According to him, Reltelphone is a "result of months of consultations and research, in conjunction with our foreign technical partners to alleviate the inconvenience of carrying multiple handsets around by Nigerians."

Just as Reltelphone was making it's entry to the Nigerian market, a new operator, visafone is running a blaze of media campaign preparing consumers for a grand entry. First, it was "Have you got the Visa"? And this week, it started a new campaign theme: "Visa Granted".

Jim Ovia, Chief Executive of one of Nigeria's best known new generation banks, Zenith Bank is behind the scene at visafone, making industry watchers to conclude that better days are expected in the telecom market, especially in the CDMA sector where the competition hasn't been as fierce as in the GSM.

The visafone promise include "superior technology for enhanced services: clear voice calls, picture messaging, data e-mailiing and super-fast 3G technology. Our wide coverage means your visa is granted to any part of the world. Visafone is your passport to reach the world."

But not to be out-done, Nigeria's leading CDMA operator, Starcomms Limted, with more than one million subscribers as at early January 2008 also introduced its "One Phone, Two Worlds" dua-SIM phone.

Describing it as the Starcomms World Phone Series, the management stated that "now you can do away with the worries of carrying multiple phones with the new Starcomms world phone that works on Starcomms 0702-8 CDMA mobile network and GSM network simultaneously."

The new phone, according to Mr. Maher Qubain, Starcomms CEO is a specially customised phone for the company and allows simultaneous use of both CDMA and GSM networks.

"This allows subscribers to enjoy benefits of cheaper outgoing calls by using starcomms network while they can still continue to use their existing GSM network SIM card in the same phone."

Qubain also underlined the fact that the WORLD PHONE series is an effort on the part of Starcomms to provide alternatives to telecom subscribers carrying multiple phones

Meeting needs of consumers "We always ask ourselves what currently inconveniences the subscribers, which we can tackle?

Carrying two phones about creates a huge inconvenience, that is why we are introducing handsets that have the ability to take two different technologies.

This unique phone, which is configured to host a Reltel Wireless SIM and that of any other GSM service provider, has been on a trial run in the market for several weeks now, and we are encouraged by the performance and market acceptance of the product. We are poised to provide leadership in this market category on all fronts, including product innovation," said Okonkwo, Reltel GMD.

The features of the reltelphone which are in two variants include: Dual technology carriage - CDMA & GSM.. LCD 2.0" TFT, 128MB memory (also expandable), SMS, MMS, 2.0mpx camera, Mp3, Video, WAP enablement and comes with separate bills (for prepaid subscribers)/ separate aitime recharge.

Mr. Fab Uzor, Chief Commercial Officer, Reltel Wireless noted that the unique features of the new phone also includes "synchronisation with Laptop or Desktop computers via data cable, active Bluetooth, Integrated PDA with High Resolution Touch Screen display and easy-to-use soft keys, GPRS and MMS capable ith all features of DG networks".
End of Part 1
Source: allafrica.com

Bingo Technology Leader Steve Smallman Joins LVGI

PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Las Vegas Gaming, Inc. (LVGI), the gaming industry innovator in server-based gaming application delivery, announced today that bingo technology leader Steve Smallman has joined LVGI as Senior Vice President and General Manager of LVGI's Bingo Strategic Business Unit (SBU).

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070201/LATH115LOGO)

Smallman joins LVGI with extensive experience in the electronic bingo industry. He has held several Vice Presidential titles at Bingo Technologies Corporation, GameTech International and Blue Dog, Inc.

In 1997 Smallman joined Bingo Technologies Corporation (BTC) and aided in the launch of the electronic bingo revolution. As the head of Marketing and Customer Service, he helped grow BTC's revenues from $4 million to $16 million by early 1999.

Smallman joined GameTech International (GTI) of Reno, Nevada, as part of their acquisition of BTC, and helped the combined companies grow into the $50 million range. He held several Vice Presidential titles at GTI, overseeing both operational and strategic planning functions including distributor and sales management, competition and market analysis, and mergers and acquisitions opportunities. Since January 2003 Smallman has served as Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Blue Dog, Inc.

LVGI President and CEO Jon Berkley said, "Steve is widely recognized as an industry leader in electronic bingo technologies. Bringing Steve on board to manage the LVGI Bingo business unit will help us continue on our path as a leading gaming technology development company and a distributor of emerging gaming technologies. Further progress in Bingo technologies is an integral component to our continued growth and further enhancement of the offerings in PlayerVision(TM) and other associated product groups."

In his new position at LVGI, Smallman will be charged with heading the Bingo Strategic Business Unit (SBU). The Bingo SBU will continue to grow the Bingo business and associated progressive games within LVGI, expand the distribution of electronic Bingo products and interface with LVGI's business and technology development teams to insure expansion of innovative solutions for gaming operators.

Source: foxbusiness.com

R&D Specialist in Food Science & Technology Nestle

Nestlè Research Center (NRC) located near Lausanne, Switzerland is one of the leading research laboratories in food and nutritional sciences. With 700 members of staff from 50 nations, NRC has a strong position in the international scientific community supported further by 332 outside scientific contracts and 240 scientific publications in 2007 (learn more about the NRC on http://www.research.nestle.com).
NRC has an excellent reputation in food and nutrition research that has benefited consumers for over a century. By bringing together its knowledge in Nutrition and Health, Food Science, Food/Consumer Interaction, Food Quality and Safety, Nestlè opens the way to develop Good Food and Good Life: to offer tasty foods that procure health as well as pleasure for our consumers.
In this global and multicultural environment, Nestlè, a food, nutrition, health and wellness company aims to work with the best scientists in the world.
To support its research strategy, the Food Science & Technology Department at the NRC is seeking a:
R&D Specialist in Food Science & Technology
who will conduct R&D projects and develop the competences in bioactive extraction and process engineering.
Main responsibilities:
• Conduct high-quality research in the area of extraction and stabilization of bioactives• Develop competences in extraction technology and process engineering• Generate new ideas and translate them into innovative projects aligned with business priorities, taking into account the scientific state of the art and the potential value creation• Identify opportunities and applications of new concepts
Required profile:
• PhD in chemistry and/or Food Science and Technology with at least 2 years of post-doctoral experience• Good understanding of the fundamentals of food processing and food matrices• Good knowledge of ingredient sourcing and interactions• Previous experience in extraction and stabilization of phytonutrients• Effective project management skills• Strong interpersonal skills• Ability to identify problems, find innovative solutions and drive changes• Excellent communication skills and ability to interact in an interdisciplinary project team• Fluent in oral and written English
If you fit the profile and are interested in tackling one of these challenges, then apply online with us now on http://www.careers.nestle.com / Requisition ID number: 1617.
Source: http://www.nature.com/naturejobs/science/jobs/44098

Transforms Patented Electrowetting Phenomenon Into Working Battery

mPhase Technologies, Inc. Advances Battery Technology

Transforms Patented Electrowetting Phenomenon Into Working Battery

mPhase Technologies, Inc./Always Ready Inc. (OTCBB: XDSL) announced today that it has successfully advanced its new battery technology based upon a well patented phenomenon known as electrowetting. This phenomenon allows an alternative to today's conventional batteries by being able to mix the liquid electrolyte, on command, thereby potentially creating an infinite shelf life. The result is a more reliable, more versatile, cost competitive battery. The battery is also a "green" product that may be disposed of without the normal toxicity associated with conventional batteries.

This unique way to store energy and manage power requirements could revolutionize the electronics battery industry. Market applications include portable and micro electronic devices used in military, industrial, medical, and consumer applications. This represents one of the largest segments of the $55 billion dollar a year battery market.

Our recent advancements allow for the utilization of lithium-based chemistries -- the chemistry of choice for powering portable electronics today. Our battery now offers distinct advantages over existing battery technologies including primary (disposable), secondary (rechargeable), reserve (backup), and thin film types. Other characteristics of this breakthrough in battery technology include:

-- Higher energy density
-- Decades long shelf life
-- Lower manufacturing cost
-- Power management functionality
-- Faster ramp to power
-- Flexible arrayed configurations
-- Versatile packaging
-- Improved environmental friendliness

We have already proven that our battery works in laboratory tests as well as in significant field tests conducted for the U.S. Army.

mPhase will now be focusing all of its resources towards commercializing this unique patented battery technology. mPhase will soon be launching its new corporate website containing more details surrounding its battery technology.

mPhase is excited about its leading position in battery technology and looks forward to providing detailed information in the very near future to the entire battery technology industry and its shareholders.
Source: money.cnn.com

Kyocera cellphone features Nuance technology

Nuance Communications Inc. today announced that some of its speech-recognition solutions are available in the Tempo E2000, a new cellphone from Kyocera Wireless Corp.

The 2GB music-enabled handset also features video on demand as well as a 1.3 megapixel camera, said Nuance, a Burlington-based provider of speech-recognition solutions.
According to Nuance, its speech-recognition technology enables speaker-independent name and digit dialing, meaning a user can dial by pushing a single button and speaking a name from the phone's contact directory or saying the digits of the phone number; the technology also supports a number of additional command and control functions including launching applications and navigating menus.
Source: boston.com

Hot new technology for cell-phone biz

Technology conferences often resemble massive religious services, worshipping yet another digital calf. The Mobile World Congress, the wireless industry's largest gathering, which took place last week in Barcelona, is notorious for its tendency to bless a new technology as the "next big thing" each year.

Its choice this year? Femtocells, or tiny wireless base-stations, which prompted a flurry of announcements and chatter about their prospects. Some even likened them to personal computers, saying that they will be to the wireless industry what PCs were to the computer industry. Might femtocells really be that disruptive?

"Femto" is the metric prefix denoting one quadrillionth (million billionth) of a unit. Femtocells are not that tiny, but they are very small, low-power versions of the radio towers and their wardrobe-sized base-stations used in mobile-phone networks.

Hooked up to a home's broadband-Internet connection, femtocells provide solid indoor coverage and allow residents to make cheap calls using their existing handsets. Leave the house while chatting, and your call is automatically handed over to the wider mobile-phone network.

Network operators will also benefit. Femtocells could reduce the load on their infrastructure, saving them from building more radio towers as they add more subscribers and introduce high-speed multimedia services.

The technology also gives them a foothold in the home, where most telecoms services are consumed, and could even make subscribers more loyal.

Given these advantages, analysts expect femtocells to spread quickly. ABI Research, for instance, reckons there could be 70 million in use by 2012.

But the industry has a few problems to solve first. One is their ease of use: subscribers will be expected to set femtocells up themselves. Another is interference: too many femtocells in close proximity could interfere with each other, or with existing mobile networks.

Yet the biggest hurdle is the economics. Today the femtocell hardware costs around $200 -- twice what operators deem acceptable. Operators will also need to devise attractive pricing and service bundles.

Though many have announced trials, only one operator -- Sprint -- is actually selling femtocells. Sprint charges $50 for the device, and unlimited calls from the home cell then cost $15 per user per month, on top of the existing calling plan. (Users must provide a broadband connection, to which the femtocell connects.)

Femtocells are not expected to become common until 2009 at the earliest. But if they do become popular, they could make new things possible.

Femtocells could serve as "digital filling stations," for example, allowing people at home to download videos, music and other large files onto their handsets quickly via broadband before heading out of the door.

Femtocells may even change the way networks are designed. At the moment they are seen as add-ons to existing networks. But in new networks femtocells are likely to play a more central role, to the detriment of big, costly radio towers.

This would be bad for the big telecoms-equipment firms, such as Ericsson, Nokia-Siemens and Alcatel-Lucent, which sell the gear used in today's networks. It also may explain why femtocells have so far mostly been pushed by start-ups, such as Airvana, ip.access and Ubiquisys.

Femtocells are indeed reminiscent of personal computers, in that they threaten to disrupt the industry. But whether they will dethrone big base-stations, as the PC dethroned minicomputers and mainframes, remains to be seen. After all, the mobile industry's "next big things" often turn out to be smaller than expected.

c.2008 Economist Newspaper Ltd. Distributed by The New York Times Syndicate.

Coping with technology churn

My mother was very fond of the phrase "You get what you pay for" and used it extensively in her dealings with everyone from shoe salesmen to salmon salesmen.

Part of my heritage has been a predisposition to think that way. I have found out the hard way that getting what you pay for is not necessarily how the IT world works.

I don't pay for expensive personal printers. Why? Because with PC printers the business model is based around the consumables - in particular the ink. I find it useful to think of personal printers as costing nothing when compared to the ongoing cost of the cartridges.

Moreover, technology changes too fast for arguments around "hard wearing" or "room for expansion" to be worth much. More likely than not, you will want to trade up to a new printer in couple of years anyway so why pay for future-proofing?

Also worth considering is what will happen to the type of printer cartridge your printer uses when it ceases (as it will) to be the current model? In my experience, cartridges for "old" models get more and more expensive with every passing year to the point where you are better off "jumping" to the next generation.

I don't pay extra for expandability in my PCs. Why? Because the rate of change in the industry means that by the time I feel the need for an "upgrade" I also will feel the need for a complete new box. Right now - 2008 - is a particularly interesting time I think. Especially for laptops. I would not be surprised to see solid state storage having a dramatic ability to make "current" technology "legacy".

I don't pay extra for full personal system backups. Why? Because technology moves so fast that I would want to be able to take advantage of a new operating system, new cuts of applications etc. if and when I'm setting up on a new machine. Instead, I keep a second laptop warm for emergency use. All my data is on network servers anyway. If I do have a catastrophic failure I switch to the failover machine and move my new box to whatever today's "current" operating system environment looks like. If I really, really need the old environment I will put it up as a virtual image on my new machine. To a rough approximation, any new machine I get is more than powerful enough to run all my old stuff under an image and still have acres of room to spare on top.

I don't pay extra for desktop machines that have "more power" for software development tasks than laptops. Laptops are getting so powerful these days that there is no "laptop tax" to be paid for normal software development environments. I always go for laptops that have docking stations. As well as expanding the number of USB ports at my immediate disposal, they appear to be the last bastion of the parallel port.

I like having one of these around as I have some perfectly serviceable pre-USB printers - with reasonably cheap laser-printer style toner cartridges! - that I do not want to render useless.

Source: itworld.com

New Transportation Technology For Micro-cargoes

Scientists in Japan are reporting the discovery of a new transportation technology for moving ultra-small cargoes in the coming generation of micromachines and laboratories-on-a-chip.

The study describes successful delivery of a simulated microcargo of paper with chemical waves produced by a reaction that has fascinated scientists and students for 50 years. Termed the Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction, it produces a continuing series of waves in a water solution.

In the report, researchers describe the first use of those waves to move objects in a directed, controlled fashion. "They can be used for the transport of material objects through a desired delivery route," the report states. "The combination of carrying and controlling waves with the proper timing of initiation allows us, in principle, to deliver freight over a chosen path, with the ability to switch the path if desired."

Microfreight Delivered by Chemical Waves" by Kenichi Yoshikawa and colleagues is scheduled for the March 6 issue of ACS' Journal of Physical Chemistry.

Adapted from materials provided by American Chemical Society, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.

Source: sciencedaily.com

Kenya: Technology - We're Losers

Nairobi

About two years ago, Kenyans woke up to the "birth" of the country's first test-tube babies. The feat was met with jubilation, and also with calls for the formulation of a regulatory framework to check against possible abuse of this sensitive technology.

Then the Ministry of Health established a task force to undertake the job which it hasn't done. And while the task force has been marking time, test-tube baby technology has recorded momentous developments.

This is not the only area where policy-making bureaucrats are operating behind technological advancement, thus denying the country the benefits. For more than a decade now, bureaucrats and legislators have been working towards a regulatory framework for Genetically Modified Organisms, a task that is yet to be accomplished. Meanwhile GMOs continue entering the country. Indeed, several research institutions, including the public-funded Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, have been spending money and manpower researching on these organisms.

For years, Kari has been researching on genetically modified maize in what is clearly waste of money, knowledge and time because season after season, they have to destroy the crops as they await the enactment of a law showing the way forward. But even more dismaying is that very few research institutions have any policy on intellectual property rights which could protect innovations. Such innovations are now being patented by foreign entities.

It is time the Ministry of Science and Technology moved to right these wrongs that deny Kenya its rightful share of scientific development and wealth.

Source: allafrica.com

Tighter security as Laventille Technology Centre reopens

NEW SECURITY measures, including metal detectors and armed police officers, were yesterday implemented to protect staff and students at the Laventille Technology and Continuing Education Centre.
The skills training institution was shut down last Tuesday following an armed robbery of one of the lecturers and staff had threatened to stay away until better security arrangements were put in place.
The Centre, which is located along the Eastern Main Road, opposite the Beetham Gardens.
School authorities will soon be introducing photo identification cards for all the users of the facility.
According to one official at the centre, who asked not to be named, said the school was located near a "gang's" territorial border which itself carries its own challenges for the school. Snr Supt Alfred Sealy, of the Port of Spain Division, who spoke to the students yesterday assured them that the police will do all that was necessary to keep them safe.
"This is your school. You have to be the example to those in your community and I will give you the assurance that we (the police) will stop a lot of things from happening," he said.
A school officials said a student was held last year with a home-made pistol on the compound and they believed he made the weapon at the Centre.
Back in 2005, the Centre was set up at a cost of $32 million to provide training opportunities especially to young people in the area who were either unemployed or unemployable.
Since then scores of skilled young people have been produced amid the spectre of a growing gang warfare just outside its gates.
Source: trinidadexpress.com

Using Modern Technology to Reunite Victims of Kenya Violence

In Kenya, talks to settle the post-election political crisis resume Tuesday with former U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan mediating between President Mwai Kibaki’s Party of National Unity and Raila Odinga’s opposition Democratic Movement. On Monday, the opposition proposed to U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice a transitional government structure that would include a president, prime minister, and a cabinet.
On the humanitarian side, many Kenyans remain in internally displaced people’s (IDP) camps across the country. It is estimated that over 300 thousand people are internally displaced and over a thousand died from post-election violence. Samuel Mohochi is executive director of the Independent Medico-Legal Unit. With the help of the local cell phone company, his organization has set up a toll free service for people to report missing or dead relatives.
Mohochi told VOA his organization is documenting the horror that followed the December 27 disputed elections.
“Basically the information we are gathering is information that will be used in a multi-pronged approach because we have also noted that there are many children in IDP camps who do not have their parents. And this information we intend to share with other agencies like the Kenyan Red Cross and other humanitarian agencies on the ground like the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission to be able to reunite families and for the missing persons whom might be dead to also be able to link them up with the mortuaries and also establish the identities of this dead bodies,” he said.
Mohochi said his organization would use the information gathered to support victims and survivors in accessing justice.
“Our is an anti-torture based organization. We offer a medico-legal rehabilitation to torture survivors. And we also document, through provision of forensic services cases of death, especially when the allegations are raised against state agencies. But this time around, we have gone out of our way to try give our contribution in this crisis by documenting all cases of death irrespective of the perpetrators,” Mohochi said.
He said by providing support to victims and survivors, his organization wants to make sure justice is done.
“First and foremost what is not document never happened. And I had indicated earlier on that we have had deceased persons being buried without being carried to the mortuaries. So the calling facility will also capture information relating to people who have been buried and postmortem was not conducted. We are also trying to see, should there be an avenue for justice, we shall bring documentary evidence in terms of the victims of this crisis,” he said.
Mohochi said his organization has gotten help from the local FM stations that broadcast in the local languages to help spread the word about how to report on missing and dead persons during the Kenya post-election violence.
Source: voanews.com