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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

Room to Move: Desperate renters forced into backyard boxes

Victorian tenants have taken desperate measures in their hunt for a home in the midst of a housing crisis, turning to portable rooms set up in their parent’s driveways and backyards. The portables - described as ‘stand-alone separate rooms’ - have been seen across Facebook Marketplace for up to $180 per week, in a time when Melbourne’s median rent has reached $460 each week. The company behind the Room to Move initiative have advertised a 7.2sq m room for $150 per week, and for those seeking a little more wiggle room, a 10.1sq m room is available for $180. However, a minimum hire period of six months applies to both, as well as a bond of $500, and a one-month written notice to end the lease. And for anyone just outside of Melbourne who might be interested, the rooms can be delivered within a three-to-four hour drive from the city - for a fee of $250. The spaces don’t come with bathrooms, but do feature weatherproof electrical sockets that power two double power points, two internal downlights, and a reverse cycle air conditioner. “There’s plenty of demand for people looking for a short term solution for accommodation,” Room to Move co-founder Nick Nottle said of the decision to launch the spaces. “Typically people place [the rooms] in their backyard or on their driveway back off the street a bit.” He noted that the spaces attracted the most attention from renters who were moving back in with family in a bid to save enough for their own house deposit, and that he and business partner Mike Rose launched Room to Move when they noticed a gap in the market, and saw an opportunity for portables that weren’t an eyesore in a residential environment. “Neighbours don’t really complain because people like the look of it,” he said, “it doesn’t look like you’ve just dropped a big shipping container in your backyard.” Beyond desperate renters, however, Nick believes the ‘properties’ also appeal to parents who want something self-contained to get their teenagers out of their hair, as well as having somewhere to house visitors coming from a long way away. And last but not least, according to Nick, “the other group is people using them as an office to work from home, or for studio-type businesses like a lash salon, tattoo parlour or hairdresser - things you can do from home rather than renting a space elsewhere.” Images: Facebook, realestate.com.au

Real Estate

Mum of four saved by her smartwatch

Ricki-Lee Wynne was gifted a smartwatch from her husband for her 40th birthday and she believes that without it, she wouldn’t be alive today. "There's no doubt that my smartwatch saved my life," she told 9news.com.au. Months prior to receiving the watch, Wynne had been experiencing strange health problems. "I was getting a pain over my shoulder blades and it hurt each time I breathed in," she said. Doctors were confused and Wynne was in and out of hospital having several X-rays, scans and blood tests in an attempt to find the underlying issue. Wynne also had an echocardiogram to test the functioning of her heart, all of which appeared normal. "The doctors were not sure what it was. They thought it could be a low-grade blood cancer," she said. The pain subsided for a little while but soon enough Wynne’s breathing problems returned. "I woke up one day and I couldn't breathe properly. I was just walking into work and I was thinking, 'Gosh, I can't get enough air into my lungs,'" she said. "I couldn't walk from one side of the room to the other without being short of breath. "I went to my GP and had an x-ray done, but nothing showed up.” That’s when Wynne noticed her smartwatch was acting up. "I'd been struggling with my watch for days to try and get the heart rate to show up," she said. The heart rate function of her smartwatch had never been an issue before, but now it was struggling to pick it up. "It was saying you need to change the position to measure a pulse," she said. "My chest was also feeling kind of wobbly for a couple of nights when I went to bed.” Despite her X-ray showing coming up clear, Wynne said she went back to see her GP and told him she was worried something was really wrong. "I just said to him, 'Even my heart rate isn't right, look at my watch,' and I showed it to him.” Wynne’s GP sent her off for an ECG which showed her heart rate had dropped to just 29 beats per minute, a major cause for concern. "As soon as I had the ECG, I had the doctor call me back and say you need to go straight to Box Hill Hospital," she said. "I was told at the hospital that if I hadn't come in I would have just died in my sleep. "I would not have woken up and my heart would have stopped.” Wynne was then fitted with an emergency pacemaker and eventually diagnosed with a rare auto-immune disorder called sarcoidosis, a condition that causes inflammation in different parts of the body, most commonly the lungs. Doctors believe Wynne's Sarcoidosis moved from her lungs to her heart, causing her to become extremely ill. She still has the pacemaker in and combined with medication, her health has improved significantly. It’s safe to say Wynne won’t be taking off her smartwatch any time soon. Image credit: Shutterstock

Technology

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

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

How to turn your smartphone into a portable scanner

Lisa Du is director of <a href="https://readytechgo.com.au/">ReadyTechGo</a>, a service that helps people gain the confidence and skills to embrace modern technology. Every time I show a client how to turn their device into a portable scanner, I get the same response: "Wow!” It's so much easier than using a physical scanner and saves you time. This app works for Android and Apple devices. For Apple users, I prefer the Scannable App, which is not available on Android. Now I’ve finally found an app that is as good for an Android device. Adobe Scan App Available on both Android and Apple devices, Adobe Scan is a free app which turns your device into a powerful portable scanner that recognises text automatically (OCR). Turn anything — receipts, notes, pictures, documents, business cards, whiteboards — into an Adobe PDF with content you can reuse. To get started on this app, you do need to create an Adobe ID. Some tips for using this app: <ul> <li>Hold your device nice and steady on top of your document, receipt or card.</li> <li>The app will automatically detect the document and crop out anything surrounding it (eg. Tables or backgrounds around the document), leaving you with a nice "scan".</li> <li>There is auto enhance feature which strips out any darkness.</li> </ul> <img width="264" height="" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/e785dd9ba906ed79fad48bd7e/images/37b2beea-50ed-4358-a610-48a6928dfbc0.png" class="mcnImage" style="max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 0px; line-height: 100%; outline: none; vertical-align: bottom; height: auto !important;"/><img width="264" height="" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/e785dd9ba906ed79fad48bd7e/images/70db54f3-43a5-474a-85dc-67499cffad6d.png" class="mcnImage" style="max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 0px; line-height: 100%; outline: none; vertical-align: bottom; height: auto !important;"/> The "scan" that I took (image on the left) was in low light, and by clicking the "Auto Colour" function, it brightened up my "scan". Try it out for yourself and let me know what you think of turning your Android device into a portable scanner!

Technology

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

Five-foot goanna found in Australian backyard

Eric Holland, from Thurgoona in New South Wales, Australia, got the surprise of his life earlier this week when he came across a monster lizard in his backyard. "I was just doing a repair job in my shed when I opened the door and I saw this huge thing run across the ground and out of sight," Mr Holland said. "I went inside after I saw it in the backyard and heard a banging noise coming from the side of the house," "When I went outside I saw him on the side of the house with his tail hitting the drain pipe." Having never seen anything like it in the 18 years he has lived in his home, Mr Holland reveals, "It was a big surprise really. I sometimes get blue tongues and lizards in the backyard but never anything quite like this." The goanna quickly left Mr Holland's property and he has not sighted the reptile since. The reptile in question is a lace monitor, also known as lace goannas, and can grow to around two-metres in length and weigh up to 20 kilograms. <a href="/news/news/2015/12/baby-goat-learns-to-hop-video/"> </a>

News

Make your own portable compost bin

Composting can be a great way to turn ordinary food and garden waste into a useful part of your gardening process. Many people avoid setting up their own compost bin, however, because they think it is too difficult or expensive. But we’ve got a really simple way to build your own compost bin that you can move around the yard. What you’ll need: <ul> <li>A plastic garbage bin with a lid that can be locked into place</li> <li>A drill with a large drill bit</li> <li>Screws</li> <li>A small wooden platform with wheels</li> </ul> How to do it: <ol> <li>With your drill, make holes up the sides of your bin, as well as in the lid and bottom. Around 25 is a good number to aim for. <a href="https://www.masters.com.au/product/900022895/starmaid-garbage-bin-set-green-55l" target="_blank">NOTE: You can pick a suitable bin up from Masters for less than $20</a></li> <li>Using your drill and screws, attach the bottom of the bin to your wheeled platform. If you can’t find a suitable platform, you can use a couple of pieces of wood and large casters.</li> <li>Fill the bin with organic materials from your garden (avoid animal waste, anything chemical-treated, and diseased plants), refuse from the kitchen like nut shells, fruit and veggies, shredded newspapers and coffee grounds.</li> <li>To turn your compost, you can use a small shovel, or ensure the bin’s lid is secured and roll the bin on its side for a few minutes.</li> </ol> Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/diy/2015/03/make-a-no-dig-garden-bed/">How to create a no-dig garden bed</a> <a href="/lifestyle/diy/2015/04/paint-terracotta-pots/">This is a great way to give your terracotta pots a makeover</a> <a href="/lifestyle/diy/2015/04/make-your-own-vertical-pallet-garden/">How to make your own vertical garden out of a shipping pallet</a>

Home & Garden

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.

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REVIEW: Portable laptop monitor

Room to Move: Desperate renters forced into backyard boxes

Mum of four saved by her smartwatch

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

A smart way to monitor melanoma

High-profile crimes: The problem with electronic monitoring bracelets

How to turn your smartphone into a portable scanner

Most over-65s comfortable with at-home monitoring

Five-foot goanna found in Australian backyard

Make your own portable compost bin

Specially designed high-tech apartment to monitor health of elderly

Our Partners

News

Shop

Catalogues

Newspaper

Contests

Entertainment

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Property

Compare

Games

Information

Keep up to date

Search

REVIEW: Portable laptop monitor

Room to Move: Desperate renters forced into backyard boxes

Mum of four saved by her smartwatch

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

A smart way to monitor melanoma

High-profile crimes: The problem with electronic monitoring bracelets

How to turn your smartphone into a portable scanner

Most over-65s comfortable with at-home monitoring

Five-foot goanna found in Australian backyard

Make your own portable compost bin

Specially designed high-tech apartment to monitor health of elderly

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