Drones: The sky is not the limit

Drones have captured public imagination big-time, especially of the youth. It is a flying robot that can be remotely controlled or fly autonomously through software-controlled flight plans in their embedded systems, working in conjunction with onboard sensors and GPS.

In the recent past, UAVs were most often associated with the military, where they were used initially for anti-aircraft target practice, intelligence gathering and as weapons platforms. Drones are also used in a wide range of civilian roles ranging from search and rescue, surveillance, traffic monitoring, weather monitoring and firefighting, to personal drones and business drone-based photography, as well as videography, agriculture and even delivery services.

The history

The first generally used drone appeared in 1935 fitted with a radio and servo-operated controls in the back seat. The plane could be conventionally piloted from the front seat, but generally, it flew unmanned and was shot at by artillery gunners in training.
Widespread drone use began in 2006 when the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency introduced UAVs to monitor the U.S. and Mexico border. In late 2012, a private entity, 3D Robotics, Inc. (3DR) started specializing in personal drones, that now markets UAVs to aerial photography and film companies, construction, utilities and telecom businesses, and public safety companies, among others.

In late 2013, Amazon announced a plan to use commercial drones for delivery activities. However, in July 2016, a startup Flirtey beat Amazon by successfully delivering a package to a resident in the USA via a commercial drone. Other companies have since followed suit.

Commercial and enterprise drone applications

The use of drones outside the military has grown tremendously over the past decade. Beyond surveillance and delivery applications, UAVs are used in drone journalism, search and rescue, disaster response, asset protection, wildlife monitoring, firefighting, communications relay, healthcare and agriculture.

The integration of drones and the Internet of things (IoT) technology has created numerous enterprise use cases. Drones working with on-ground IoT sensor networks can help agricultural companies monitor land and crops; energy companies survey power lines and operational equipment, and insurance companies monitor properties for claims and policies.

Types of drones

Drone platforms have two main types: rotor, including single-rotor or multi-rotor (such as tricopters, quadcopters, hexacopters and octocoptors), or fixed-wing, which include the hybrid VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) drones that don't require runways.

It can be equipped with a number of sensors, including distance sensors (ultrasonic, laser, lidar), time-of-flight sensors, chemical sensors, and stabilization and orientation sensors, among others.

Reception and regulations

The rapid adoption of drones over the past decade has sparked a number of privacy, security and safety complaints and concerns. From a privacy standpoint, voyeurs and paparazzi have used drones to obtain images of individuals in their homes or other locations once assumed to be private. Drones have also been deployed in areas deemed potentially unsafe, such as urban areas and near airports.

Growth in commercial and personal drones has also created safety concerns, namely midair collisions and loss of drone control. Specific concerns about drones flying too close to commercial aircraft have prompted calls for regulation.

While many countries including India have established UAV regulations, others have not. As drone usage grows in popularity, laws are continually changing. Before using a drone commercially or personally, it is critical to check the laws.

The future 

Predictions for the drone market are both aggressive and optimistic. #PricewaterhouseCoopers has valued the drone-based businesses service market at more than $127 billion, with the top industries being infrastructure at $45.2 billion, agriculture at $32.5 billion and transportation at $13.0 billion.

Protecting your data from year-end cyber attacks

Holiday crime used to mean break-ins and thieves swiping packages from your doorstep. But now there's an increasing number of cybersecurity threats specifically looking to capitalize on the year-end holiday season. With many people getting new devices, using unfamiliar networks and doing lots of online shopping, bad actors have plenty of targets to choose from. By following these simple steps for data protection, you can keep your digital information secure this holiday season.

Be careful when using insecure Wi-Fi networks

If you're traveling or out shopping during the holidays, you may find yourself on an unfamiliar Wi-Fi network. Many stores, airports and rest stops offer free Wi-Fi as a convenience, but often those networks aren't secured. That makes it especially risky to make online purchases because the traffic from your device can be easily monitored and stolen. If you are using public Wi-Fi networks, then browsing to any website, make sure your connection is encrypted and secure by looking for the lock icon in the top left of the address bar. Also, always double check that the address you are navigating to is what you expected. 

Don't rely on passwords alone

Passwords and user IDs are a staple of cybersecurity, but they can only get you so far. To further ensure your data stays protected, consider using password management and verification apps. They let you use your face, fingerprint, eyes or other methods to access your data across devices. For example, the Microsoft Authenticator app adds an extra level of security with two-step verification that allows you to access your Microsoft account and apps quickly and securely without having to remember a password.

Avoid phishing scams

With so many companies emailing holiday promotions, it can feel like your inbox is under assault. In fact, it very well could be. Some of those emails may be phishing scams designed to steal your private information. To protect your data, don't click on any unfamiliar links and carefully review all notifications from your bank to catch any potentially fraudulent activity.

Remember, scammers can be sophisticated. They may use personalized emails to gain your confidence or replicate the style of a well-known financial services company. If an email or link looks the slightest bit suspicious, don't click it. Go directly to your bank or other online account to confirm the information independently.

Back up your data

If all your data is stored in one place, it's vulnerable. Bad actors can lock up your device and demand payment to release your files. That's why backing your data up to the cloud is critical for protecting your files against ransomware attacks. The cloud allows you to safeguard your data and access it from multiple devices. Cloud storage services like Microsoft's One Drive are secure and can also let you easily transfer your data if you're upgrading to a new device this holiday season.

Utilize privacy screens

Preventing people from looking over your shoulder and stealing your information is the simplest and easiest way to protect your personal data. When online shopping in public, use privacy screens to hide your information. Some devices, like the HP EliteBook x360 and HP Spectre x360, have integrated privacy screens that instantly shield your screen with the push of a button. If your device doesn't come with one built in, you can purchase a privacy screen.

Keep software current

Using a modern operating system - like Windows 10 - with the latest security updates and built-in anti-virus protection like Windows Defender Antivirus is the best way to ward off unwanted intrusions this holiday season. Major tech companies continually upgrade software to account for the latest cybersecurity threats so you can be confident your data is protected. By keeping your software current, you can avoid many cyberattacks before they cause problems this holiday season.

Managing attention-deficit disorder without medication

If you have Attention Deficit Hyper Activity Disorder or ADHD, you know life can be an adventure. The journey from getting the diagnosis to trying to manage it every day is unique to each person. Prescription medication is a common part of a treatment plan, but it's not the only answer to your condition.

"There are several alternative methods that dramatically help people thrive with ADHD, whether they were diagnosed as a child or are managing their condition as an adult," says Robin Livingston-Richter, a licensed psychotherapist for more than 25 years and an ADHD Life Coach.

Livingston-Richter knows the struggle people with ADHD face, as she was diagnosed as an adult at age 34. She also has two children and a husband with ADHD, so she understands the concerns of parents and partners, too.

"Some people prefer to avoid medication altogether, while others want alternatives that can be useful in addition to prescriptions," Livingston-Richter says. "No matter your personal beliefs, I recommend considering these all-natural ways to help manage ADHD."

Exercise

Exercise releases endorphins, the "feeling good" chemicals needed to regulate mood and pleasure. Endorphins also increase attention and focus, which benefits the ADHD brain. What's more, exercise impacts the executive functioning system, causing a decline in impulsivity.

How can someone with ADHD develop an exercise plan and stay committed to it? Try taking a 20-minute walk after work or school. Sign up for an exercise class, or a team activity that you are passionate about. Any muscle movement counts, but consistency is key.

Outdoors

Nature has a restorative effect on busy brains, so spend time outdoors. Set up a quiet space where you and/or your family members can be alone. The fresh air, green surroundings and sunshine can make a big impact. If you live in a climate where sunshine and/or the ability to go outside is limited during parts of the year, consider purchasing a therapy light that mimics natural daylight to impact mood and energy levels.

When outside or with your therapy light, try this: Sit, pause, take a deep breath, and slowly release it. Continue this while going through each of the five senses - taste, smell, sight, hearing, and touch - noting how you experience each sense. This instantly calms the body and mind while helping you focus.

Music

Music can provide a dopamine boost that the busy ADHD brain craves. Dopamine is a brain neurotransmitter that helps with focus, so turn up those tunes and take in the rhythm.

While cooking dinner, turn on some music. Put together an upbeat playlist of your favourite songs to play while you get ready for work or school. In the evening, play some instrumental music to calm your brain and create inner peace.

Gratitude

People with ADHD often experience high levels of self-doubt and a negative inner-dialogue. To help you better believe in yourself, shift your perspective by implementing an "attitude of gratitude."

For example, start your day by talking about what you "get to do" instead of what you "have to do." This changes the conversation positively. Before heading out the door, pause, then think about or even write down three things you are grateful for. When problems arise, instead of thinking, "Why is this happening to me?" think, "What can I learn from this?"

Nutrition

A healthy diet of whole foods packed with nutrients is beneficial for people with ADHD because what you eat can impact how your mind functions. Sugars, additives and colourings, for example, can trigger hyperactivity, mind-racing thoughts, and agitation.

To encourage wholesome eating, stock your kitchen with foods that are low in artificial sugars and colours. If you have a sweet tooth, fresh fruit is a wonderful way to satisfy cravings while getting a natural sugar boost. Plus, those red berries, purple grapes, and green apples have zero artificial colours.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness helps improve self-control, impulsivity and attention. Plus, it's something that can be done anywhere at any time, making it accessible to anyone. Mindfulness is all about "paying attention with intention."

Practice mindfulness by pausing and increasing awareness in the present moment. Pay attention by calming the mind's thoughts and focusing on breathing slowly in and out. Notice how your body and mind feel, without judgment.

Omega-3s: Do you really know what they are?

Each day we are bombarded with heaping helpings of health headlines - the latest, must-know, must-do health advice. Sometimes the tips seem obvious; but often, it's quite difficult to understand what will produce health benefits - especially when headlines and social media can make legitimate advice seem irrelevant in a moment.

Over the years, we've seen more conflicting advice around omega-3 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA). Thousands of published scientific studies have shown the benefits, and we know that the human body needs them to function but can't create them on its own. Among their numerous benefits, EPA and DHA have been associated with overall heart health and improving eye, brain and joint performance.

Yet most are confused

Unlike many other important measures of health, most people have no awareness of their omega-3 levels.

Omega-3s are found in fatty fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel. But the reality is, many people have difficulty achieving optimal levels with diet alone. And according to one recent study, even among people who believed they were eating a balanced diet, 98 % had levels of omega-3s that were below the optimal level.

"I had heard fish oil was critical to a balanced diet," said Schnelle "Nellie" Acevedo, a fitness blogger and mom of three. "As an avid runner and working mom, making smart choices about my health is really important to me. As I learned more about omega-3s and their health benefits, I started worrying that I could be omega-3 deficient and wondering what kind of toll that could be taking on my health."

What we can do

Today, there are resources available to help us get an answer on where our levels stand - the Omega-3 Index test is a simple blood test that unveils what percentage of red blood cells contain EPA and DHA.

There's also a brief quiz online that provides a general guide for individual omega-3 scores. The five-question quiz at www.knowyouromega3s.com was launched by MegaRed, an omega-3 supplement brand dedicated to helping support overall health. By answering the simple questions, you can determine if your levels might be low, and learn helpful tips and actions to ensure you are getting enough omega-3s.

When it comes to health, knowledge is just the first step

Every health journey is unique, so regardless of the latest trend, it's key to act to determine where you stand and the changes that work for you. Like understanding your cholesterol or blood pressure levels, knowing your omega-3 levels is an important marker of health.

"It's tough to be sure of your health and fitness choices, but I got an answer when it comes to omega-3s. Last year, I sent in a test to check my omega-3 levels. When I got my results, my numbers were not nearly where I want to be. I needed to supplement my diet to get my numbers up!" said Acevedo. "It's important for you to know whether or not you are getting enough omega-3s, and what you can do to fix it!"

A history of cancer: Focus is on immunotherapy

When the Cancer Research Institute (CRI) was founded in 1953, little was known about cancer and even less about the immune system. CRI was the first - and for many decades the only - research funding organization that believed that we could one day harness the immune system as a powerful weapon against cancer. Since then, the field of cancer immunology has blossomed and immunotherapy has revolutionized how cancer is treated, thanks in part to work funded by CRI.

This year marks CRI's 65th anniversary. As part of the celebration, the nonprofit dedicated to cancer immunotherapy research released a list of 30 of the most important CRI-funded scientific breakthroughs. Each milestone can be traced directly back to CRI, which has supported more than 3,200 scientists and doctors at top institutions around the world.

Though distinct, each of these breakthroughs provided crucial pieces to the complex puzzle that CRI has long sought to solve: how the immune system can be used to save the lives of those with cancer.

Foundational discoveries

Many CRI-funded foundational discoveries helped establish immunotherapy as a viable treatment approach for cancer. One particularly important discovery occurred in 1976, when a team led by Lloyd J. Old, M.D., CRI's founding scientific and medical director, revealed the existence of spontaneously occurring anti-tumour immune responses in cancer patients.

Many of today's advancements in cancer treatment are direct of result of these foundational breakthroughs, made possible in part by the $384 million in donor support that CRI has invested in scientists over the last six decades.

Checkpoint immunotherapy

Checkpoint inhibitors that target the PD-1/PD-L-1 pathway have been approved for eleven major cancer types in the United States and around the world, thanks in part to early work funded by CRI. While working in the Emory University lab of Rafi Ahmed, Ph.D., CRI-funded fellows E. John Wherry, Ph.D., and David Masopust, Ph.D., laid the groundwork for these therapies by showing that targeting this pathway could restore the activity of "exhausted" T cells.

These treatments, however, weren't the first checkpoint immunotherapies approved by the FDA. The first, which targets CTLA-4, was approved in 2011 after a breakthrough in phase III clinical trial with advanced melanoma patients. CRI-funded postdoctoral fellow Dr. Frank Borriello was part of Dr. Arlene Sharpe's team at Harvard Medical School that was one of the first to help clarify the role of CTLA4 in immune responses, while James P. Allison, Ph.D., 2018 Nobel Prize recipient, current director of CRI's Scientific Advisory Council, and chair of the Department of Immunology and the executive director of the Immunotherapy Platform at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, is regarded as a pioneer and one of the driving forces behind the clinical development of anti-CTLA-4 immunotherapy.

Expanding immunotherapy's applications

Beyond checkpoint inhibitors, immunotherapies like vaccines can educate patients' immune systems about what cancer "looks like," while others incorporate patients' immune cells directly. These cell-based immunotherapies continue to show great promise and are improving survival for many patients, including children, living with cancer.

In 2002, Dr. Cassian Yee, a CRI-funded clinical grantee at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle (now at MD Anderson Cancer Center), helped lead groundbreaking work that was among the first to show that cancer patients' immune cells could be removed, enhanced in the lab, and then used to help fight their tumours. This work launched the development of many adoptive T cell immunotherapy approaches - including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy, an approach recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of some types of leukaemia and lymphoma.

Bacteria and viruses

People often associate bacteria and viruses with the infections that can arise from these organisms. However, because of their ability to stimulate the immune system, bacteria and viruses can also promote immune responses against cancer. In fact, the first use of immunotherapy in the 1890s - by CRI's "grandfather" Dr. William B. Coley - involved infecting cancer patients with bacteria to help stimulate their bodies to attack cancer.

Since then, we've learned much more about the roles these microorganisms play in the context of cancer immunotherapy. In 2015, CRI postdoctoral fellow Dr. Leticia Corrales, while working in the lab of the University of Chicago's Dr. Thomas F. Gajewski - a member of CRI's Scientific Advisory Council - discovered that mice with "good" bacteria were better protected against tumour development and responded much better to checkpoint immunotherapy. Subsequent work by Dr. Gajewski showed that this same connection exists in human cancer patients too, spurring a number of bacteria-based prognostic and therapeutic approaches being evaluated right now.

Looking to the future

Over the past 65 years, CRI has focused on cancer research with one goal in mind: to unleash the immune system's power to cure all cancers.

"Many people living with cancer today have been able to live longer, healthier lives thanks to the power of immunotherapy and we're now seeing decades of research come to fruition," said Dr. Jill O'Donnell-Tormey, chief executive officer and director of scientific affairs at the Cancer Research Institute. "We're thrilled to have been a major part of the progress made to date, but more research needs to be done and that's why those of us at the Cancer Research Institute will continue to fund the best, most promising scientists in cancer immunotherapy research until all cancer patients benefit from these treatments."

The stats are in: Credit card fraud is down 75 % because of chip technology

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has mandated all banks to replace all existing magnetic stripe-only cards with EMV chip cards by December 31, 2018. Banks are replacing the cards free of cost. The process that began three years ago (in 2015) is now finally culminating by month-end.

The directive is applicable to all domestic as well as international cards, and the older magnetic stripe-only cards will not be valid after the deadline. The cards need to be replaced even if their validity date ends after December 31, 2018.

Named after its original developers Euro-pay, MasterCard and Visa (EMV), this technology features payment instruments (cards and mobile phones) with embedded microprocessor chips that store and protect cardholder’s data.

Unlike magnetic stripe cards that require just a swipe on a point of sale (PoS) device to complete a transaction, chip and PIN cards require the same to complete a transaction. This provides an extra level of security.

The whole idea behind integrating EMV® chips into credit and debit cards was to make transactions safer and more secure for consumers and merchants. A recent report by Visa shows that it has hit the mark. Visa took a look at the numbers, comparing chip card use by consumers and adoption by merchants from the initial rollout of chip cards in 2015 to now.

What they found is pretty staggering. Counterfeit fraud, where a criminal steals your payment card number and imprints it onto another card to use in-person at their favourite store, is down 75 per cent from September 2015 to March 2018 at U.S. merchants that are chip-enabled.

The sharp drop illustrates that the chip technology is doing its job as intended. That's important because criminals are always on the prowl searching for an easy way to get money.

Data that travels through a payment network when you insert your chip card is different than the data that is sent when you swipe your payment card using its magnetic stripe. The chip generates a one-time code that can only be used for one transaction. If cybercriminals steal your card number from the merchant's system or from a data breach, it is essentially impossible to commit counterfeit payment card fraud because the one-time code cannot be re-used and the card number alone is not enough to complete a transaction at a point-of-sale (POS) machine.

So chip cards and terminals protect the customer from his or her stolen payment card number being counterfeited and protect the merchant from having to refund the money while losing their merchandise. In the end, everyone wins except for the fraudster.

Some other findings from the Visa study include:

More than 3.1 million U.S. merchant locations or 67 per cent of U.S. storefronts are now fully chip-enabled and accepting chip cards. As recently as September 2015, only 392,000 merchants were accepting chip transactions. That's a 680 per cent increase since chip technology debuted in the U.S. About 97 per cent of overall U.S. payment volume in June 2018 was on chip-enabled cards. In September 2015, $4.8 billion was spent on chip transactions. In June 2018, that figure had jumped to $76.7 billion. Reasons for merchants to switch to the chip

More and more merchants are accepting chip card transactions, but some, especially smaller merchants, have been slow to adopt the technology. But there are good reasons for updating to accept chip card payments, not the least of which is customer expectation. People who have chip cards expect the payment security they provide, and not accepting chip payments might be seen as a negative with consumers.

Other reasons for adopting chip technology include:

Implementing chip-based POS terminals is easier than ever before. It has become standard technology among many merchants and their technology suppliers. Transactions involving chip-based payment cards at many merchants are faster than when EMV chip cards first became available thanks to Visa Quick Chip technology. Implementing and investing in chip-based POS systems in many cases can also support new payment technologies like contactless payments.