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REVIEW: Portable laptop monitor

In an era where mobility is paramount, the evolution of technology continues to shape the way we work, play and even travel. Among the many innovations out there aimed at enhancing our digital nomadic lifestyle, the Mobile Pixels DUEX range of portable laptop monitors stands out as a true game-changer. Gone are the days of being tethered to a single screen. With Mobile Pixels' DUEX Series, you can extend your workspace effortlessly, transforming your laptop into a dual-screen powerhouse anywhere, any time. It's such an easy way to seamlessly blend convenience with functionality, redefining the possibilities of productivity while you travel. Travelling for work is one thing, but as often as not it's all about embracing new experiences and enjoying moments of leisure. With a DUEX, your entertainment options are no longer confined to a small laptop screen; you can immerse yourself in your favourite movies, play games, or catch up on the latest episodes of your favourite TV shows in stunning clarity and detail. The vivid display and immersive audio of the DUEX screens also ensure that every moment of downtime is a delight. Designed with the modern traveller in mind, a DUEX laptop screen strikes the perfect balance between portability and functionality. Its sleek, lightweight design makes it the ideal companion for any journey, fitting seamlessly into your backpack or carry-on luggage. It unfolds effortlessly, instantly expanding your workspace wherever you go. Whether you're working from a bustling cafe, a tranquil park or a cramped airplane seat, a DUEX portable laptop screen adapts to your environment with ease. So whether you're a digital nomad, a frequent traveller, or simply seeking to optimise your productivity, the Mobile Pixels DUEX range of portable laptop monitors are a must-have companion for the modern adventurer. Embrace the freedom to work, play and explore on your own terms, wherever your journey may take you. The range comes in the DUEX Lite, Plus or Max varieties. The DUEX Lite is the most affordable option, weighing in at under 600g and boasting a 12.5” screen for $499. The DUEX Plus has a 13.3” screen and retails for $549. The DUEX Max is the premium option with a 14” screen, retailing for $599. All versions are available in Grey and Navy, and can be found at JB Hi-Fi, Officeworks, Harvey Norman, Amazon, Mwave and Rosman Computers. For more information, check out the full <a href="https://www.mobilepixels.com.au/duex" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mobile Pixels DUEX range here</a>. Image: Mobile Pixels

Travel Tips

Deputy PM tests positive for Covid, Premier and PM monitoring for symptoms

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce has tested positive for Covid-19, while Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Premier Dominic Perrottet have been advised to monitor for symptoms. Barnaby Joyce tested positive for the virus after traveling to Washington DC for work relating to the government's plan for new regulations on social media. Speaking with ABC Radio New England, the Deputy PM said he chose to get tested after experiencing mild symptoms. "Look, obviously [I am] very frustrated I'm going to be locked up in a room by myself for 10 days, but that's part of the process," he said. "It's probably developing, I'm probably very much in the early stages — but I'm more worried about being in a room by myself to be honest." Barnaby's positive result comes just hours after Scott Morrison and Dominic Perrottet were told to monitor for Covid symptoms, after the Bathurst 1000 Supercar races were listed as an exposure site. The Prime Minister and NSW Premier were among thousands of people at Mount Panorama for the Great Race on Sunday, where there has been at least three positive cases. “I was informed early this afternoon that I’m not a close contact,” Mr Perrottet said on Wednesday. “But obviously, for those people who have been to Bathurst and have symptoms, they need to get tested. And, if there is advice from NSW Health, then they need to follow that advice.” The McPhillamy Park Campground, The Paddock Campground, Harris Park, Merchandise Alley, National Motor Racing Museum, and Inside Chase viewing area have all been listed as venues of concern. Barnaby Joyce, Scott Morrison and Dominic Perrottet are all fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Image credits: Getty Images

News

A smart way to monitor melanoma

<div> <div class="copy"> Monitoring for a recurrent <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/science/biology/inside-a-melanoma-cell/" target="_blank">melanoma </a>may be as simple as using a smartphone, according to Australian and New Zealand <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://doi.org/10.1001/jamadermatol.2021.4704" target="_blank">research,</a> published in JAMA Dermatology. This may provide feasible, patient-led follow-up care to monitor whether melanomas return. “People who have had one melanoma have an increased risk of developing an additional one, especially during the first few years,” says Professor Monika Janda of the University of Queensland, who was involved in the study. <h2>Pilot study shows promise</h2> A small pilot study of 100 patients found that using a skin-checker app and a magnifying device attached to a smartphone provided a safe way to monitor signs of cancer coming back after melanoma is removed. “We gave patients special devices for their mobile phones, which allows them to take really precise photographs of skin lesions,” says Janda. “These are all patients who have had melanoma before.” This group used the smartphone app at home, and they found more signs of melanoma compared to people who went in for hospital surveillance “We found that there were quite a number of additional signs found by people themselves at home, which was really interesting,” says Janda. <h2>Less travel for melanoma patients</h2> Normally, patients need to travel to their doctor or hospitals for surveillance, which can be difficult and time-consuming. The smartphone method provides a feasible alternative that could be conducted at home. “It could save some of the current visits to the doctor that people do regularly after they’ve had a melanoma,” says Janda, “That could be particularly beneficial for people who live far away from their treatment centre and have to undertake extensive travel to reach them.” As this was a pilot study, a larger, randomised clinical trial is required to see how this monitoring would relate to more patients in the long term. “It’s a pilot study, so it’s not yet definite. But we’re currently undertaking a bigger study,” says Janda. Image credits: Getty Images </div> <div id="contributors"> This article was originally published on <a rel="noopener" href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/health/body-and-mind/a-smart-way-to-monitor-melanoma/" target="_blank">cosmosmagazine.com</a> and was written by Deborah Devis. </div> </div>

Body

Electronic surveillance considered for alleged stalkers

In 1993, Andrea Patrick was murdered by her ex-partner after a period of severe harassment and despite a restraining order being made against him. The public outcry that followed Patrick’s death impelled the New South Wales government to follow Queensland’s lead and <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/Hansard/Pages/HansardResult.aspx#/docid/HANSARD-1323879322-89176" target="_blank">enact an offence of stalking</a>. During the 1990s, all Australian states and territories made stalking a distinct crime. Evidence of stalking can also form the basis of civil law orders known as restraining, apprehended violence or intervention orders. However, there are concerns that little has changed since Andrea Patrick’s death. <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-12-09/celeste-manno-mother-calls-for-tougher-stalking-laws/12964622" target="_blank">There is a view</a> that stalking is not being treated seriously enough and intervention orders may be breached without serious ramifications for alleged offenders. The Victorian attorney-general has asked the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.lawreform.vic.gov.au/projects/stalking/stalking-terms-reference" target="_blank">Victorian Law Reform Commission</a> to consider new measures for responding to stalking, including whether electronic monitoring could be a condition of intervention orders. Before considering the advantages and disadvantages of such a measure, it is worth considering how stalking is defined. What is stalking? While definitions differ, in general, stalking refers to a pattern of behaviour intended to cause harm or arouse fear. Stalking can include: <ul> <li> <a rel="noopener" href="https://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/pdf/10.1176/ajp.156.8.1244" target="_blank">surveillance</a>: obsessive monitoring through physically following or tracking the other person via technology or by loitering at the person’s home or workplace </li> <li> <a rel="noopener" href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/bsl.966" target="_blank">repetition</a>: there may be unwanted contact that occurs multiple times – it can happen over the course of one day, a few weeks, or many years </li> <li> degradation: this may involve verbal abuse, posting denigrating comments or images online, or humiliating the other person in public </li> <li> <a rel="noopener" href="https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007%2F978-1-4614-5690-2_535" target="_blank">intrusion</a>: this may include repeatedly approaching the other person, interfering with the person’s property, or entering the person’s home or workplace. </li> </ul> Stalking can involve actions that would, in another context, be legal or even welcome. For example, gift-giving is usually legal. But if someone repeatedly gives another person unwanted gifts and will not stop when asked, this may amount to stalking. Intervention orders Individuals can apply to a court for an intervention order that prohibits another person (the defendant) from behaving in a particular manner towards them. In addition to acting as a restraint on the defendant’s behaviour, an intervention order can direct the defendant to comply with certain conditions. In Victoria, for example, there are two types of intervention orders: <a rel="noopener" href="http://www5.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_act/fvpa2008283/" target="_blank">family violence intervention orders</a> and <a rel="noopener" href="http://www6.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdb/au/legis/vic/consol_act/psioa2010409/" target="_blank">personal safety intervention orders</a>. The first type covers situations between family members, including current or former intimate partners and some carers. The second type covers all other relationships. Lower courts may grant intervention orders if there is sufficient evidence of stalking. Electronic monitoring Electronic monitoring generally refers to “<a rel="noopener" href="http://www.antoniocasella.eu/nume/COE_electronic_16oct12.pdf" target="_blank">forms of surveillance with which to monitor the location, movement and specific behaviour of persons</a>”. It includes the use of devices such as ankle bracelets, which use radio frequency or Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to monitor the location of the person. While the use of such devices is usually associated with monitoring offenders after conviction, pretrial electronic monitoring is used in some places as <a rel="noopener" href="http://www6.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/legis/wa/consol_act/ba198241/s50l.html" target="_blank">a condition of bail</a>. Electronic monitoring is also permitted in South Australia and Queensland for some <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.ranzcp.org/news-policy/policy-and-advocacy/position-statements/electronic-monitoring-people-in-forensic-mh" target="_blank">individuals using forensic mental health services</a>. <img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/411150/original/file-20210714-13-69trd.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="" /> Electronic monitoring devices such as ankle bracelets have been used pre-trial in some cases. Shutterstock It appears electronic monitoring has not been used in Australia as a condition of intervention orders. However, Matt Black and Russell G. Smith <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.aic.gov.au/publications/tandi/tandi254" target="_blank">pointed out</a> in 2003 that “modern restriction and surveillance capabilities may raise the possibility for consideration”. Pros and cons of electronic monitoring Electronic monitoring may help to ensure intervention orders work to prevent alleged stalkers physically approaching particular people. It can ensure they don’t enter proscribed areas and be used to track their movements. However, it can be expensive. The panel that reviewed post-sentence supervision of sex offenders in Victoria <a rel="noopener" href="https://files.justice.vic.gov.au/2021-06/cavsom%20harper%20report.pdf?A_rtu8pRp1SsqKDZxF2dWoGkzLvLLcmg=" target="_blank">observed</a>: <blockquote> […] the costs associated with electronic monitoring were considerable, particularly in proportion to other important functions undertaken by Corrections Victoria. </blockquote> Due to resource allocation, it is not feasible for every alleged stalker to be monitored 24 hours a day. Analysis of the electronic monitoring data is also not necessarily immediate. If electronic monitoring were an option in relation to intervention orders, it may also lead to more contested cases, thereby taking up more court time. There are human rights issues in relation to curtailing the liberty of those who have not been convicted of a crime. Wearing an electronic device may also be sitgmatising. The balance here is whether public safety considerations outweigh individual rights. A shift in focus Being forced to modify behaviour to avoid being stalked appears to be common for victim survivors of stalking. They may experience significant lifestyle changes such as: <ul> <li>avoiding places where their stalker might be</li> <li>changing routines</li> <li>quitting school or their job</li> <li>moving house.</li> </ul> A key question for the Victorian Law Reform Commission inquiry into stalking will be whether electronic monitoring can help shift the focus away from victims having to alter their own behaviour to forcing alleged offenders to alter theirs. Electronic monitoring may have a role to play, but it may be that the disadvantages outweigh the benefits. <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/bernadette-mcsherry-2559" target="_blank">Bernadette McSherry</a>, Emeritus Professor, <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722" target="_blank">The University of Melbourne</a> and <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/madeleine-ulbrick-312907" target="_blank">Madeleine Ulbrick</a>, Senior Research and Policy Officer, <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/monash-university-1065" target="_blank">Monash University</a> This article is republished from <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/victoria-considers-electronic-surveillance-for-alleged-stalkers-164320" target="_blank">original article</a>.

Technology

High-profile crimes: The problem with electronic monitoring bracelets

The man arrested after a <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-06-04/darwin-shooting-people-police-arrest-gunman/11179136">deadly gun attack in Darwin</a> recently is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/jun/04/police-say-they-have-reports-of-up-to-four-people-dead-in-darwin-shooting">reported</a> to have been on parole and wearing an electronic monitoring bracelet. This leads to the same reaction we see following any high-profile crime. How could such a thing happen? People may speculate that the criminal justice agencies involved have somehow dropped the ball. The offender was on their radar, after all. While this finger-pointing may serve a cathartic function, it is important we also question our expectations before assuming a failure occurred. We need to understand what electronic monitoring intends to achieve, how it works, and what are its capabilities and limitations. Electronic tagging In the context of the corrections system, electronic monitoring refers to the tagging of a person as a form of surveillance, usually in the form of a GPS-enabled ankle bracelet. <a href="https://aic.gov.au/publications/tandi/tandi254">In Australia</a>, each state and territory uses electronic monitoring differently, guided by their own legislative frameworks. Practices vary considerably between jurisdictions. For example, in some places, certain offenders are targeted (high-risk recidivists, those who repeatedly reoffend, for example). In others, specific types of offences are the focus (such as child sex offences). The application of electronic monitoring even differs between offenders, as the supervising agency uses it for reasons specific to each person. A police department might use electronic monitoring to ensure a domestic violence perpetrator does not visit the victim before a trial. A probation officer might require an offender to wear a bracelet for 12 months to ensure they are attending treatment and meeting their curfew. A parole officer could place the GPS tracking condition on an offender for the first three months following release from prison to better understand how the parolee spends his or her time. Each of these experiences will be quite different, as each is intended to fulfil a unique aim. Ordinarily, electronic monitoring is used as a tool of incapacitation and deterrence. In the first instance, an offender may be told to follow a particular rule – for example, to be home by 8pm, to stay away from the victim, to attend a treatment program, or not to go within 1km of a school. Electronic monitoring allows authorities to monitor the person’s compliance with such a condition. In the latter instance, an offender may be deterred from certain behaviour if they believe their actions are likely to be detected through electronic monitoring. Monitoring actions When an offender is subject to electronic monitoring, a computer database is updated with information about the rules he or she has been instructed to follow. Each jurisdiction and each agency may have their own database, so where the offender appears in the database will depend on who is supervising the electronic monitoring order. The database is then monitored by enforcement authorities, although this is sometimes outsourced to private providers or overseas companies. While the data is generally sent from the offender’s GPS device to the monitoring agency in real time, there can be delays in how long it takes for that information to be passed to police or corrective services. What occurs when an offender breaches one of the rules and a computer alert is generated depends on factors such as legislation and the priority of a case influencing the response. The database includes information about what to do in the event of specific kinds of breaches with specific offenders. In some cases, an alarm on the device may go off or, very rarely, the police may be immediately notified. Most often, for routine cases and ordinary breaches, the monitoring agency will notify the offender’s supervisor (such as a parole officer or a local police department), who will then determine how to proceed. There may be a lag of several days during this process. For example, if a low-risk offender misses their home curfew on Friday night (as determined by the GPS bracelet), the parole officer will not receive notification of this breach until Monday morning. The pros and cons of tagging There are a range of <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/2066220317697658" title="Electronic monitoring: The experience in Australia">benefits and disadvantages</a> to the electronic monitoring of offenders. It can be effective in holding offenders accountable, protecting victims and enhancing community safety and preventing crimes. These come with important cost savings, particularly when offenders can be safety monitored in the community in lieu of imprisonment or as a mechanism of early release from prison. But some of the downfalls are that offenders can tamper with their devices, and there can be GPS dead zones – particularly in a geographically vast country such as Australia. There may also be human error in using the systems, such as improper monitoring or unreasonable decision-making after an alert. Yet collectively, the research evidence highlights that electronic monitoring can be an effective tool for discouraging recidivism. But it is only that: a tool. The most effective practices for <a href="https://au.sagepub.com/en-gb/oce/environmental-corrections/book248663" title="Environmental Corrections: A New Paradigm for Supervising Offenders in the Community">supervising offenders in the community</a> include those that identify and reduce a person’s risks for continued criminal behaviour. Electronic monitoring will be most effective when it is used to support supervision that limits a person’s access to chances to commit crime. Such supervision should help them redesign their routines so that any risky settings are avoided and are replaced with more positive influences. Thus, rather than simply giving offenders a long list of rules for what not to do, effective probation and parole strategies help offenders lead productive lives. More broadly, it is imperative that correctional authorities provide rehabilitative interventions that address the underlying factors that contribute toward a person’s criminal behaviour. The <a href="https://nicic.gov/implementing-evidence-based-practice-community-corrections-principles-effective-intervention">most effective approaches</a> use cognitive-behavioural techniques to give offenders skills that encourage good decision-making. Yet electronic monitoring cannot “fix” an offender’s impulsivity, lack of empathy, or any other underlying crime-conducive traits. Thus we should not confuse a technological aid with meaningful treatment. Written by Lacey Schaefer. Republished with permission of <a href="https://theconversation.com/electronic-monitoring-bracelets-are-only-crime-deterrence-tools-they-cant-fix-offenders-118335">The Conversation.</a>

Technology

Travelling soon? Never do this with electronic items when boarding a flight

Many travellers when going on a plane take a variety of electronic items with them, including mobile phones, iPads, laptops, Kindles … the list never ends. However, there is one thing you should never do whilst boarding a plane with your devices. The current travel advice stipulates that you should never travel with any electronic items that have no battery left and cannot be turned on. <a href="https://www.britishairways.com/travel/home/public/en_au">British Airways </a>describes essential hand luggage packing tips on their website. BA states: “Charge any electrical or battery-powered devices such as phones, tablets, e-books and laptops. Airport security might ask you to switch them on.” This is also the case in the USA, as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that it would not allow mobile phones or other electronic devices on US-bound planes unless travellers were able to turn them on at the request of security staff. This was announced in 2014. It was ruled that anyone who had a powerless device would be barred from boarding their US flight and would have to reschedule the flight, even if the passenger offered to give up the item or send it separately. The UK Department of Transport (DfT) quickly followed suit, saying: “In line with the US advice, passengers on some routes into and out of the UK may now also be required to show that electronic devices in their hand luggage are powered up or face not being allowed to bring the device onto the aircraft. "Passengers flying into or out of the UK are therefore advised to make sure electronic devices being carried in their hand luggage are charged before they travel." Domestic flights within Australia and New Zealand have not been impacted by this change, but as it affects a wide range of airlines, including British Airways, Qantas, Virgin Australia, Emirates and Delta as well as other carriers that fly to, from and via the UK and US, it’s better to be safe instead of sorry.

Travel Trouble

The sentimental meaning behind Prince Harry’s bracelet

You may have noticed a recurring feature in Prince Harry’s attire as he tours Australia with wife Duchess Meghan. It’s popped up in images of the Duke of Sussex for years, and it has a very poignant backstory attached to it. Prince Harry wears the silver bracelet in memory of his late mother Princess Diana, and, movingly, it can be seen on his wrist in his wedding photos with Meghan. The 34-year-old has worn it for some 20 years. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7821449/harry-wedding-bracelett.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/c321e2da2f49436685868139135d5635" /> It’s thought that Prince Harry got the bracelet in Africa on a trip with his father Prince Charles, and brother Prince William, after the tragic death in August 1997 of his mother Princess Diana, reports <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/royals/why-harrys-worn-the-same-sentimental-bracelet-for-20-years/news-story/7faa443393f0cba77cde39fdfdf9d1e8" target="_blank">news.com.au</a>. "I first came in 1997, straight after my mum died,” he told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/arts-and-culture/a8954/prince-harry-african-parks/" target="_blank">Town & Country</a> last year on an animal conservation effort in the country. “My dad told my brother and me to pack our bags – we were going to Africa to get away from it all.” The Prince developed an affinity for Africa finding solace there, describing his visits as "like being plugged into the earth. You leave this place with a real appreciation of what it means to be alive". "This is where I feel more like myself than anywhere else in the world. I wish I could spend more time in Africa. I have this intense sense of complete relaxation and normality here. To not get recognised, to lose myself in the bush with what I would call the most down-to-earth people on the planet.” Of course, Africa also holds a special place in Prince Harry’s heart as it was in Botswana that he and Duchess Meghan enjoyed a romantic holiday together, just four weeks after their first date. The Duchess of Sussex has also paid tribute to Princess Diana with jewellery on the couple’s Australian tour, according to news.com.au. She wore some of the late royal’s most prized pieces at Admiralty House in Sydney on their first official engagement, wearing Princess Diana’s butterfly earrings and matching bracelet.

News

Aussie supermarket trials e-pricing

Woolworths have denied they will introduce surge pricing despite trialling electronic tickets in its Schofield store. Electronic pricing, which is currently being used in the UK, allows retailers to hike up costs during peak periods and public holidays by having electronic screens rather than paper tickets. A Woolworths spokeswoman told news.com.au the supermarket chain had no plans to introduce surge pricing, saying electronic price tags would only be introduced to make operations more efficient. Last year, Woolworths trialled electronic tickets in their Schofields store, however, the LSD screens have since been removed. A former Woolworth manager told news.com.au that e-pricing could boost the supermarket’s savings. “It was to reduce the wages and the labour it takes to put those tickets up each day or each week, and take them down again,” the former employee said. “Supermarkets can react quickly with pricing, instead of waiting for the next week.” The former employee had no knowledge of Woolworths introducing surge pricing but the electronic tickets would save four house worth of wages a week in each of the stores across Australia. “When I was working there, when the electronic price tags first went up, it was going well. The savings were there,” the former employee said. “The one thing Woolworths was concerned about was without the ticket on the shelf, customers wouldn’t realise things were on special. Tickets are shelf talkers and they were concerned customers wouldn’t pick up impulse specials.” The former employee believed electronic tickets would benefit the operations of the store. “I know how much time it takes, how much it costs and how hard it is to get the tickets done before the store opened. I think it’s a great idea,” he said. Retail analyst at Retail Oasis Pippa Kulmar believes e-pricing was efficient and it would allow supermarket giants to instantly price match with a competitor. “Coles and Woolies will be able to react quicker to competition and less time is spent by staff updating ticketing,” she said. A Woolworths spokeswoman explained that the supermarket was always looking at implementing innovative ways to make shopping better for the customer. “When it comes to surge pricing we do not have the capabilities to introduce this, nor are we planning to develop them,” she said. “Woolworths are focused on providing our customers with everyday great value on the products they love, no matter what time they shop.”

Retirement Income

Most over-65s comfortable with at-home monitoring

The term “nanny state” gets thrown around an awful lot these days, but when it comes to ageing and health, being closely watched mightn’t be such a bad thing. A survey of 1,200 Australians found that 91 per cent of people over 65 and 90 per cent aged 50 to 64 would feel comfortable having their health monitored thanks to trackers around the home. The report, conducted by HCF, found that most Australians – particularly older generations – had a positive attitude towards technology being used in health and aged care. In fact, 85 per cent of over-65s reported they would be confident if artificial intelligence (AI) was used to help diagnose medical problems. However, 57 per cent did admit to concerns about the privacy of their records and the fact that AI lack human intuition and empathy. “It’s clear that Australians can see the benefit of technological advancements in health, particularly where it can be used to prevent disease and improve patient care,” HCF Managing Director Shaun Larkin said. “However, it seems we are also torn between the perceived positives and the potential limitations of removing the human element.” HCF’s findings come at a time in Australian healthcare where more and more aged care experts are embracing the idea of AI. In fact, <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/2017/03/robot-helps-people-with-dementia/">earlier this week</a> we reported on the revolutionary robot Matilda, which has been found to improve the quality of life in hundreds of dementia patients. “It’s easy to get excited about technology that can help save lives and potentially revolutionise patient care,” Larkin added. “At the same time, we need to be aware of the implications of change – from the true cost of technological advancements to other ethical and personal considerations.” Are you comfortable with the idea of AI around our hospitals, doctor’s practices and even our homes? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

Caring

US to ban electronic devices on flights

US authorities are reportedly planning to ban passengers travelling on certain US-bound foreign flights from carrying electronic devices larger than a mobile phone. The new requirement from the Transport Security Administration (TSA) prohibits passengers from bringing items like laptops, iPads, Kindles and cameras onboard, although doesn’t specify if flight crews are included in the ban. The ban is related to people flying into the US from the following airports: <ul> <li>Queen Alia in Jordan</li> <li>Cairo International in Egypt</li> <li>Ataturk International in Turkey</li> <li>King Abudlaziz and King Khalid in Saudi Arabia</li> <li>Kuwait International in Kuwait, Mohammaed V in Morocco</li> <li>Doha International in Qatar</li> <li>Dubai international and Abu Dhabi international in the United Arab Emirates.</li> </ul> The airlines affected by the ban include Royal Jordainia, Egyptair, Turkish airlines, Saudia airlines, Kuwait airways, Royal Air Morocco, Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad. Royal Jordanian was among the first airlines to respond, posting on Monday: <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Attention all passengers ⚠️ <a href="https://t.co/HCNDcjcdi1">pic.twitter.com/HCNDcjcdi1</a> — Royal Jordanian (@RoyalJordanian) <a href="https://twitter.com/RoyalJordanian/status/844267588817424384">March 21, 2017</a></blockquote> Airlines were reportedly circulated an email on Monday and given 96 hours to comply with the new ruling, which US officials have said is in response to a terrorism threat. The White House has declined to comment. What do you think of the new ruling?

International Travel

Man brings new life to old electronics with beautiful sculptures

Electronics are one of the fastest-growing types of waste in the world, with many of our favourite devices only having a lifespan of three or four years. With this in mind, one artist has found a unique way to minimise his environmental footprint by recycling old, outdated televisions, computers and other devices into stunning insect sculptures. “They look very futuristic, they look very mechanical,” Hobart artist Steve Wakeling told the <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-08-29/making-bug-sculpture-art-from-old-electronics/7794378" target="_blank">ABC</a>. “The wiring and the miniature detail that goes into the parts of a DVD player is amazing. They're very pretty. “The parts that go into the bugs, they're rare parts and they're getting rarer. Pretty soon you won't see them unless they're in art.” After looking through the gallery above, you may be shocked to learn that Wakeling has no formal art training, just an affinity for creating shapes. “Once you get the basic shapes together to look like a head, then you can add the fine detail like the horns, the eyes, the nose and everything.” To see more of his pretty sculptures, click here, and tell us in the comments below, have you ever reinvented an old object into something new? Images: Carol Rääbus / 936 ABC Hobart Related links: <a href="/entertainment/art/2016/08/works-of-art-made-with-plants/">Incredible works of art made with only plants</a> <a href="/entertainment/art/2016/08/woman-with-ms-turns-mris-into-art/">Woman diagnosed with MS turns her brain scans into art</a> <a href="/entertainment/art/2016/05/artist-creates-fashion-designs-with-food/">Artist creates incredible fashion designs using food</a>

Art

Turnbull and Shorten unite to urge introduction of electronic voting

In one of the closest elections Australia has ever seen, it took eight days of ballot counting for Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and the Coalition to claim victory. And while Labor and the Liberals may not agree on much, after such a complicated election the two leaders believe electronic voting is the way of the future. “We're a grown up democracy, it shouldn't be taking eight days to find out who's won and who's lost,” opposition leader Bill Shorten said in his concession speech. “I take nothing away from the professionalism of the Australian Electoral Commission, but it's the 21st century.” Turnbull agreed that electronic voting was “something we must look at” and “has been a passion of mine, or an interest of mine, for a long time” as he addressed the media this weekend. There have been concerns over the years over the level of security around electronic voting, but in the age of digital election campaigns, there may be some logic to the idea of digital voting. However, a parliamentary committee looking into proposed changes to electoral laws two years ago found that “Australia is not in a position to introduce any large-scale system of electronic voting in the near future without catastrophically compromising our electoral integrity.” What do you think of the idea of introducing an electronic voting system? Share your thoughts in the comment section below. Related links: <a href="/news/news/2016/07/bill-shorten-calls-on-malcolm-turnbull-to-resign/">Bill Shorten calls on Malcolm Turnbull to resign</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/07/malcom-turnball-faces-calls-for-tony-abbott-return/">Malcom Turnbull faces new calls for Tony Abbott's return</a> <a href="/finance/money-banking/2016/05/winners-and-losers-from-the-2016-federal-budget/">The winners and losers from the 2016 Budget</a>

News

Craft corner: Make button bracelets with the grandkids

We all know how much grandkids seem to love playing with button boxes. Well, here’s a fun project you can show them that will have them occupied the next rainy day. These simple bracelets are so easy to make so let’s get started. What you’ll need: <ul> <li>Colourful buttons (with 4 holes)</li> <li>Strong colourful twine/yarn/string</li> <li>Scissors</li> </ul> Method: This really couldn’t be any easier. Here we go! <ol> <li>Choose your favourite button and a matching colour of twine. Cut two equal lengths of twine (length will vary depending on wrist size).</li> <li>Thread one piece of twine through two adjacent buttonholes. Pull the twine through the loop created at the back of the button and pull tight. Repeat this step on with the second piece of twine on the opposite button holes.</li> <li>Tie the twine around your wrist and you’re done!</li> </ol> Image credit: Pinterest Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/diy/2015/03/make-tinted-jars/">How to make your own colourful tinted glass jars</a> <a href="/lifestyle/diy/2015/05/make-birdseed-wreath/">Make a birdseed wreath</a> <a href="/lifestyle/diy/2015/04/how-to-make-play-dough/">Whip up a batch of homemade play dough</a>

Home & Garden

Fun for young and old: braided paper bookmarks and bracelets

Here’s a simple and fun project you can do with your grandkids – braiding paper. The basics we’ll walk you through today are great for making simple bookmarks, or fun bracelets, but you and the grandkids can use your braided paper to do whatever you like. Show them how to do it once and they’ll spend hours coming up with new creations. NOTE: Imagine you’re plaiting hair, and this will seem even simpler. What you’ll need: <ul> <li>Coloured paper</li> <li>Scissors</li> <li>Ruler</li> <li>Glue</li> <li>Sticky tape</li> </ul> Method: <ol> <li>For your first try, you’ll want to start with three completely different colours of paper. Cut your paper into thin strips – around one-and-a-half-cm.</li> <li>Lay one piece down in front of you (the ‘starter strip’, and the other two pieces perpendicular to the starter. Apply a little glue just below the top of the starter strip and stick the other two strips down.</li> <li>Fold the excess piece of starter strip down over the other two strips and secure with glue.</li> <li>Now use a piece of sticky tape to secure the paper to your table and you’re ready to braid. <img width="450" height="300" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/5745/paperbraid2.jpg" alt="Paperbraid2" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></li> <li>With the starter strip pointing towards you, take the upper horizontal strip and fold it down so it lies beside the starter strip. Crease the fold.</li> <li>Now take the starter strip and bring it over the strip you just folded so that it lies next to the second horizontal strip (the one that hasn’t yet moved). <img width="450" height="300" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/5747/paperbraid3.jpg" alt="Paperbraid3 (1)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></li> <li>Continue in this pattern until you run out of paper. Secure the last folds with a little glue, and trim off any excess paper.</li> <li>If you’re making a bookmark, you can glue the whole braid down onto a separate piece of paper, or leave as is. If you wish to turn the braid into a bracelet, use small Velcro tabs to secure it around the wrist.</li> </ol> Image credit: Tally's Treasury Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/diy/2015/03/make-decorated-mugs/">You won’t believe how easy it is to decorate your own mugs</a> <a href="/lifestyle/diy/2015/03/make-decorated-mugs/">Make this super simple homemade playdough</a> <a href="/lifestyle/diy/2015/04/paint-terracotta-pots/">Jazz up your old terracotta pots with this simple makeover</a>

Home & Garden

Virgin Australia and Qantas allow electronic devices on domestic flights

Great news for travellers who fly on either Virgin Australia or Qantas as this week it was announced that if you’re flying domestically on either of these carriers the use of personal electronic devices from the time of boarding to the time of disembarking has been declared A-okay from CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority).From keeping in touch with loved ones to playing games or watching movies of your own choosing on laptop, you can now use your phones, tablets, laptops and music players gate-to-gate. All you have to do is to ensure your devices are switched into “flight mode” when required. If you are boarding via the tarmac, however, you will still be required to switch off your devices for safety reasons. Virgin Australia announced the new gate-to-gate rules effective immediately for all domestic flights flown on their Boeing 737s, Embraer 190s and Airbus A330 aircraft, provided the devices weigh less than one kilogram and are stored for take-off and landing.Qantas has now rolled out their new policy also. Qantas domestic CEO Lyell Strambi says, “These changes are an exciting development in the customer experience for the airline.”Qantas has advised they are “working towards” a new Q Streaming App, allowing passengers to download and watch approximately 350 hours worth of entertainment on selected aircraft.If you fly Virgin Australia that’s great news because passengers can already access their wi-fi entertainment system onboard selected flights, which features more than 300 hours of movies, television shows and music videos and is available from the moment passengers you take your seat to when you reach the gate at your destination.

Domestic Travel

Specially designed high-tech apartment to monitor health of elderly

Engineers at the University of Texas at Arlington have teamed up with Christian Care Senior Living Communities to design and build a “smart care” apartment with the aim of improving the lives, safety and overall health of its residents. Built in an 86 square-metre apartment donated by Christian Care, the new design was unveiled in May as a prototype it’s hoped will change the lives of seniors, as well as people with disabilities who wish to remain independent. How will it help? With in-built state-of-the-art technology and clever design, of course. The project received federal funding from the US Government to the tune of US$600,000 over five years, allowing extensive research in a collaborative effort involving faculty from the UT Arlington College of Nursing and Health Innovation and the College of Engineering. This development period has led to the following technologies being incorporated into the design: <ul> <li>Under-floor sensors that allow researchers to measure and evaluate changes in walking gait, balance and weight. It is hoped that this feature will help give early indication of illness or injury.</li> <li>A lift chair to help residents stand.</li> <li>LG brand appliances in the kitchen that communicate with each other.</li> <li>Exercise equipment like a recumbent bike and an interactive X-Box Kinect system.</li> <li>A camera embedded in the bathroom mirror to monitor day-to-day heart rate, skin colour, and facial expressions. Changes in these features can be revealing about aspects of overall health, as well as the amount oxygen present in the blood.</li> <li>A special mug that interacts with the coffee table to record blood pressure readings.</li> </ul> Now that the design has been unveiled, the search is on for a couple within the Lakewood Village Senior Living Community, who will live in the apartment for at least 12 months so researchers can study the effectiveness of the design, and receive feedback on the usability.

Mind

Forget tap-and-go cards – soon you’ll be able to tap and go with a bracelet

Cash or card? Well… neither, apparently. It seems that cash and credit cards may soon be a thing of the past with the introduction of a new pay-pass-esque bracelet. The “financial fitbit,” when worn on your person, is set to replace the need for other forms of payment as it allows you to pay with a single swipe of your wrist. UK card issuer Barclaycard has been testing the product since 2012. The bracelet was revealed last week and is now applicable in over 300,000 UK stores. As of now, the devices have a limit of (the equivalent to) $40 but this will soon be increased to $60 come September. Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Payments and Clearing Association, Chris Hamilton, assures us that the device will soon be available here in Australia: “Australia has one of the world’s highest penetrations of contactless technology — that is, the tap and go card which is so common today.’’ “Now that this technology is widely available here, it offers opportunities for new convenient payment options like contactless wristbands and other wearables…In fact, Australia’s payments infrastructure is well adapted to encourage this kind of innovation.” While we’re not throwing out our traditional methods of payment just yet, we’re always excited to try out a new gadget. Related links: <a href="/news/news/2015/07/mother-husky-saves-kitten/">One of the pack: kitten saved by husky leads the life of a dog</a> <a href="/news/news/2015/07/instagram-calorie-counter/">A calorie counting app is set to ruin Instagram’s drool-worthy food pictures</a> <a href="/news/news/2015/07/paul-mccartney-on-john-lennon-death/">McCartney reveals past resentment following Lennon’s assassination</a>

News

Are extended warranties actually worth the money?

If you’re on the market to buy a brand new fridge and the salesperson (or website) is offering an extended warranty you might want to check what you’re actually getting for your money.Australians are being warned to think twice about paying for an extended warranty when buying household goods such as whitewoods and electronics. Under Australian Consumer Law, consumers may be protected beyond the manufacturer’s warranty period without the purchase of an extended warranty.Most electronics or appliances you buy come with their own warranty from the manufacturer. For many devices, this is usually around a year, though it can vary from device to device and from manufacturer to manufacturer. This usually only covers malfunctions and defects within that short-period of time, to protect you from being stuck with a device that might have just been defective. It won’t cover accidental damage.<a href="http://oversixty.com.au/finance/money/2015/03/things-moneywise-people-do/" target="_blank">Related link: 5 things moneywise people never do</a>It’s worth remembering that under Australian consumer law, you already have warranty rights, and these aren’t supplanted by extended warranties or anything the manufacturer says. If someone sells you a TV and tries to tell you that it’s only covered for 60 days, you’d be in a strong position to argue that it wasn’t reasonable to expect a new TV to break down that quickly. There are no hard-and-fast rules on how long these rights last for; it depends on the price and usage of the goods.It’s also worth remembering that extended warranties may offer options that you aren’t guaranteed under consumer law, such as loan replacement items while yours is being repaired, coverage for accidental damage, or extended customer support. At the same time, companies can’t argue that if you don’t buy an extended warranty, you have no rights at all.How you use the device is also relevant. For stationary devices, like TVs, an extended warranty starts becoming less useful (unless you’re prone to playing football in the living room). Keep in mind, too, that as a rule of thumb you should never pay more than 20 per cent of an item’s price for the warranty – if it’s more expensive than that and you want the extra protection, shop somewhere else.Guarantees under the ACL, including for replacements, repairs or refunds, do not have a specific expiry date and can apply even after any warranties have expired – although there are no set guidelines on time-frames.Consumer group, Choice, has likened extended warranties to throwing money down the drain. “What we’ve found when it comes to extended warranties is in very few cases are they worth the money,” said spokesman Tom Godfrey.“Under Australian Consumer Law, consumers have rights to refund, repair or replacement, and really spending money on extended warranties is just throwing cash away.“The other thing to suggest is if you are tempted by an extended warranty, it’s really important to read the terms and conditions carefully to make sure you’re getting value for money.”Related links:<a href="http://oversixty.com.au/finance/money/2015/02/spending-habits-of-the-rich/" target="_blank">The surprisingly frugal spending habits of the rich</a><a href="http://oversixty.com.au/finance/money/2014/12/extending-the-life-of-your-car/" target="_blank">Top tips for extending the life of your car</a><a href="http://oversixty.com.au/finance/money/2014/10/how-to-hunt-for-bargains-online/" target="_blank">How to hunt for bargains online</a>

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Craft corner: Make button bracelets with the grandkids

Fun for young and old: braided paper bookmarks and bracelets

Virgin Australia and Qantas allow electronic devices on domestic flights

Specially designed high-tech apartment to monitor health of elderly

Forget tap-and-go cards – soon you’ll be able to tap and go with a bracelet

Are extended warranties actually worth the money?

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