The Elections: Step 3, Protect the Voting Sites

As dawn broke four days before the Iraqi elections, Humvees from 3rd Platoon (Blue Platoon), Company B, 2nd Battalion, 63rd Armor (2-63 Armor), lined up in the pond-sized puddles of Forward Operating Base Scunion's "North 40," which is a large open patch of ground just inside the base's primary gate. The North 40 had been flooded by rain during the previous week, and soldiers stood in the mud, gulping eggs and bacon from Styrofoam dining facility take-out boxes while they waited for members of the Support Platoon to finish tying down loads on their trucks. The two Support Platoon palletized loading system trucks were hauling concrete Jersey barriers, spools of concertina wire and a …

The splice is right.(ultrasonic welding)

Ultrasonic welding for wire splicing and terminating has much to offer assemblers, including speed, efficiency, weld quality and elimination of consumables.

The splice is right ultrasonic energy is useful for a variety of applications, from very low-power medical diagnostics to high-intensity processes that change the state of materials. Joining metals, especially nonferrous metals used in electrical connections, is a particularly useful application of this technology.

The most common techniques for joining metal parts involve heat. Flame, hot tools or electric current are applied to the parts in combination with cleaning and fluxing agents and sometimes filler metals. The heat melts small portions of each part, and they fuse together. However, these processes are often at odds with the materials. Assemblers have become so accustomed to the problems associated with fusion welding that the problems are considered "normal." For joining nonferrous metals in electrical connections, ultrasonic welding avoids most of these problems.

How Does It Work?

An ultrasonic welder consists of a power supply, transducer, booster and horn. The latter three components are also known as the ultrasonic stack.

The power supply converts conventional electrical power from 50 or 60 hertz to 20,000 or 40,000 hertz. The power supply also controls the amplitude and frequency of vibrations. The transducer converts the high-frequency electrical energy to mechanical vibrations. These vibrations are amplified by the booster and horn before being applied to the workpiece. The typical output amplitude at the horn's working surface is 0.0025 inch at 20,000 hertz. The horn is usually made from high-quality tool steel and can provide up to 1 million welds without maintenance.

Ultrasonic welders usually operate at frequencies of 20,000 or 40,000 hertz. Which frequency to use depends on the required power level, vibration amplitude and horn size. The frequency is …

NCAL: states add rules.(National Center for Assisted Living)(Brief article)

States are adding to the regulatory burden operators face, according to an annual review by the National Center for Assisted Living. The report summarizes assisted living regulations in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Most notably, states continued …

Mobile users need to keep 
up with rapid changes.

Summary: DUBAI - The advent of mobile technology comes hand-in-hand with potential risks and users must be vigilant in protecting themselves from such threats, a top official of Internet security firm SonicWALL said.

DUBAI - The advent of mobile technology comes hand-in-hand with potential risks and users must be vigilant in protecting themselves from such threats, a top official of Internet security firm SonicWALL said.

Organisations need to understand that there are and will be many rapid changes in the mobile platform, especially in smartphones, beyond the control of corporate IT, and that they have to be well-prepared to adapt to this, SonicWALL EMEA senior product marketing manager Florian Malecki told Khaleej Times in an interview.

"Smartphones are among the most important technological advancements of our time," he said.

However, Malecki adds, the proliferation of smartphones in corporate environments creates new and wider potential for data loss and leakage, whether by theft, or unauthorised access or transmission. "The burden of juggling support for multiple smartphone platforms can also take IT resources away from securing other aspects of the network," he said.

San Jose, California-based SonicWALL, quoting a study by Business Monitor International, said that UAE spending on IT products is expected to reach Dh12.85 billion this year and grow at a compounded annual growth rate of eight per cent from 2011 to 2015.

SonicWALL recently unveiled its next-generation firewall technologies to handle new threats that may arise. Excerpts from the interview:

What are the main securities issues being faced by mobile users? How can users shield themselves from these?

The consumerisation of IT has lead to the proliferation of personal smartphones used as corporate network end points. Enterprise mobility can then be defined when all employees can access the corporate network and resources from anywhere, at any time, from any type of devices and in a very secure environment. It is relevant when business partners can access some specific resources relevant to them.

Determined professionals can ultimately undermine even 'unhackable' smart phone platforms. Smart phones may also retain sensitive or proprietary data while connected to the corporate wireless network, and then leak it over unsecured cellular to the Web, and IT has no recourse.

According to one study by IDC, people downloaded 10.9 billion mobile apps in 2010 (a figure it thinks will increase to nearly 76.9 billion by 2014), each a potential threat to corporate security. Unsurprisingly, malware authors are already exploiting weaknesses in the open app store model, attracted by the increasingly fertile ground for mischief that it represents. As the number of smart mobile devices grows, McAfee expects cybercriminals to use botnet infections to target mobile devices, as well as more traditional targets such as PCs and laptops.

How long has SonicWALL been in the UAE and the region? What are your expansion plans and strategies to widen your reach?

SonicWALL started in the UAE in 2004 and a legal entity was set up two years later in 2006. We have a strong team based out of our Dubai office managing the region together with sales people in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

SonicWALL main focus areas for the region include strengthening its small and medium business market leadership position by enabling its existing partners and recruiting new partners, and to continue to develop its market shares in the enterprise market with our direct touch sales force and partnering with strong System Integrators in the region. Products like the recently launched SonicWALL SuperMassive Series, E-Class NSA, E-Class Aventail SSL VPN and E-Class E-mail security are meeting the network security requirements of the enterprise customers in the region.

What is your general impression on the overall business situation in the UAE?

The UAE is a key market for SonicWALL. This is where we started. Indeed, we saw a small dip in the first part of 2009, but then, the market picked up and we have enjoyed some good growth. We have some very good new customers acquisitions combined with a very loyal installed base, which has been upgrading their old solutions to the new SonicWALL products. After the first quarter of 2011, indicators are in the green for SonicWALL and we are expecting another good year 
of growth.

alvin@khaleejtimes.com

Copyright 2011 Khaleej Times. All Rights Reserved.

Provided by Syndigate.info an Albawaba.com company

Cbeyond Cloud PBX Solution Supports Novologic's Growth.(Company overview)

After switching its Internet, backup and remote laptop access to Cbeyond, Inc. (NASDAQ: CBEY), a leading provider of IT and communications services to small businesses, NovoLogic, Inc. most recently moved its phone system to Cbeyond Cloud Services' Cloud PBX solution to save money and boost productivity. Before engaging Cbeyond Cloud Services, NovoLogic experienced multiple phone outages and issues from outdated phone hardware.

Founded in 1999, NovoLogic provides personalized interactive marketing services, e-learning and internal communication consulting to some of the world's largest brands such as Chick-fil-A, Zaxby's, the Coca-Cola Company and ING. To support its steady, organic growth, NovoLogic needed an IT and communications partner that could grow with them.

"As NovoLogic continues to build its client base, we knew that moving to the cloud with Cbeyond Cloud Services was the right decision," said Burke Allen, president and CEO of NovoLogic. "With our Cloud PBX, we now have a phone solution that is easy-to-use and manage, at a price we can afford."

When replacing its older phone system, NovoLogic received quotes ranging from an initial investment of $15,000 to $25,000 for upgraded hardware. After comparing several providers, NovoLogic found that by using Cbeyond's Cloud PBX solution, they could save 30 percent of the total solution cost and avoid the large upfront investment by paying a predictable monthly fee.

"Most importantly, Cbeyond's reliable Cloud PBX solution gives me daily peace of mind with no more outages," said Allen. "We have never second-guessed our decision to move to the cloud, and this solution will help support NovoLogic's future growth and success."

Cbeyond Cloud Services, a division of Cbeyond, provides managed virtual servers, dedicated servers, cloud PBXs and Software as a Service (SaaS) to small and medium businesses in more than 60 countries.

"In the last several years, NovoLogic had experienced substantial growth and, as a result, needed a scalable and reliable IT and communications partner that had the ability to meet their changing needs," said Brooks Robinson, president of Cbeyond Cloud Services. "Moving to the cloud with Cbeyond was the right answer for NovoLogic to achieve better reliability and continue to meet the needs of their ongoing expansion."

For more information on Cbeyond Cloud Services, visit www.cbeyondcloudservices.com. To view a social media version of this news release, visit http://pitch.pe/150362. About NovoLogic Founded in 1999, NovoLogic, Inc. is a privately owned company focused on delivering confidence, security and talented resources to its Client base, which ranges from small & medium size companies to Fortune 500. NovoLogic provides a wide range of consulting, implementation and development services focused on helping their Clients better educate their consumers, internal employees or partner organizations through the use of web based and mobile platforms. For more information on NovoLogic visit www.novologic.com and follow NovoLogic on Twittter: www.twitter.com/novologic or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/novologic. About Cbeyond Cbeyond, Inc. (NASDAQ: CBEY) is a leading provider of IT and communications services to more than 58,000 small businesses in the U.S. Serving growing entrepreneurs, Cbeyond offers more than 30 productivity-enhancing applications including local and long-distance voice, broadband Internet, mobile, BlackBerry[R], voicemail, email, Web hosting, fax-to-email, data backup, file-sharing, and virtual private networking. In addition, Cbeyond's Cloud Services division offers virtual and dedicated services and cloud PBX to small businesses worldwide. Recently, the Cloud Services division won Microsoft's Hosting Partner of the Year Award for 2009 and 2010 in connection with Microsoft's Hyper-V Server product. Winning more than 50 awards for product innovation, growth and a quality customer experience, Cbeyond continues to focus on helping small businesses succeed and grow through high-performance technology, superior services and world-class support. For more information on Cbeyond, visit www.cbeyond.net and follow Cbeyond on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Cbeyondinc.

CBEY-F CBEY-G

Keywords: Advertising, Broadband Internet, Cbeyond, Cbeyond Inc., E-learning, Education, Electronics, Industry, Marketing, Software, Technology Companies, World Wide Web.

This article was prepared by Education Letter editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2011, Education Letter via VerticalNews.com.

GTSO Arranging Live Internet Video Feed of First Rare Earth Shipment from Beginning to Delivery.

Green Technology Solutions, Inc. (OTCQB: GTSO) announced that the company is making arrangements for a live video feed via satellite on the company's Web site of the beginning, transit and delivery of its first shipment of rare earth ore from Mongolia to South Korea, a staunch U.S. strategic economic and military ally.

The live video feed is being established for interested viewers to see on the company's Web site, GreenTech-Solutions.com, as well as the company's current JV partner and acquisition candidate's Web site at RareEarthExporters.com.

Detailed logistics for the shipment are currently being scrutinized thoroughly. GTSO management believes that establishing a new reliable source and route to supply U.S. economic and military allies with rare earth supplies is a matter of national security as well as an opportunity to enhance the shareholders' value.

"We are not waiting for 2012 or 2013 to help solve this worldwide supply crisis in rare earths," said GTSO President and CEO John Shearer. "We are proceeding at a deliberate but quick cadence to both solve and capitalize on the current crisis conditions in the rare earth supply sector."

GTSO is also working closely with an American-based firm to alleviate any potential variables that could possibly interfere with the establishment of dependable supply transportation routes. The company plans to identify the security firm once the first delivery has been completed.

"We are taking every possible scenario into consideration and addressing it with the best professional and experienced minds in the business," Shearer added. "We're not messing around-there is a lot on the line here."

Green Technology Solutions commercializes clean and renewable mining technology and products in a sector that effects Honeywell International (NYSE:HON), The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA), General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD) and General Electric (NYSE:GE). About Green Technology Solutions, Inc. The military and economic future of the U.S. and its allies has recently been impacted by potential restricted supplies of precious elements mined from the earth's crust known as "rare earths." Today, these rare elements largely come from some of the most environmentally damaging mines in the world, located in countries that may not be aligned with the vision of a free America. Green Technology Solutions, Inc. offers clean mining solutions to the acquisition of rare earths. Our cutting-edge clean mining techniques and strategies are generating business leads from around the globe as governments and corporations seek to lessen the environmental impacts of ore mining. GTSO is positioned to capitalize on exciting and potentially lucrative opportunities to develop cleaner mines in emerging nations around the world, including Mongolia, the Republic of Congo and many more. Our company is focused on aggressively growing and diversifying our business in order to produce reliable green mining solutions for our clients on a global scale.

Green Technology Solutions, Inc. (GTSO) is an OTCQB publicly traded company. OTCQB is the middle tier of the OTC market. OTCQB companies report to the SEC or a U.S. banking regulator, making it easy for investors to identify companies that are current in their reporting obligations. GTSO acquires, develops and implements the newest clean mining technology to enable our partner clients to expand operations throughout the world. Environmental restrictions represent the largest restriction to mining industry growth and operations. GTSO focuses on overcoming these environmental restrictions with brilliant cutting-edge clean mining technology.

For more information, please visit http://www.GreenTech-Solutions.com.

Keywords: Asia, Ecology, Environmental Impact, General Dynamics, Green Technology Solutions, Green Technology Solutions Inc., Honeywell International, Minerals, Mining Industry, Mongolia, Technology.

This article was prepared by China Weekly News editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2011, China Weekly News via VerticalNews.com.

'BATH SALTS' DRUG THE LATEST SCOURGE.

SCRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The following information was released by the Air Force Space Command:

by Scott Prater

Schriever Sentinel

On the heels of the Drug Enforcement Administration's temporary nationwide ban on the drug known as Spice, another synthetic substance designed to produce a legal high has hit convenience stores, truck stops and Internet websites.

Packaged as "bath salts" or "plant food," many forms of the drug contain stimulants which medical experts have compared to methamphetamine or cocaine. Over the past eight months, police departments and hospital emergency rooms across the nation report isolated incidents of user overdoses and drug-induced suicides.

Though the powdery substance is available in Colorado Springs, reports of incidents involving the drug have been rare - so far.

"We haven't seen anyone in our program related to the bath salts drug," said Kathi Matthews, certified addiction counselor with AspenPointe Behavioral Services, a leading area mental health organization formerly known as Pikes Peak Mental Health. "But, from the research we've done we've learned it has become popular around the nation, not only among young people, but among women wanting to lose weight."

For Air Force members, the use of bath salts violates Air Force Instruction 44-121, which states that the knowing use of any intoxicating substance, other than the lawful use of alcohol or tobacco products, that is inhaled, injected, consumed or introduced into the body in any manner to alter mood or function is prohibited.

"Airmen who fail to obey AF policy face serious disciplinary and administrative actions," said Capt. Sarah Dingivan, 50th Space Wing chief of adverse actions. "The offense constitutes a violation of Article 92, Uniform Code of Military Justice, which could result in, but is not limited to trial by court martial, nonjudicial punishment under Article 15 of the UCMJ, administrative admonishment or reprimand, administrative demotion, security-clearance revocation and involuntary separation with an adverse characterization of service."

That said, Captain Dingivan hasn't heard of the drug's use by anyone connected to Schriever.

"We have heard reports of incidents associated with bath salts throughout the country," she said. "Stories are popping up that this could be a potential new issue. Health professionals are comparing the drug's effects to methamphetamine and it's been dubbed 'synthetic cocaine.'"

Similar to Spice, which was banned for a period of one year by the DEA during March, the bath-salts drug is marketed under various names and packaging. And though some labels clearly state, not for human consumption, word has spread about its intents and uses. Captain Dingivan figures it's just the latest case of creative manufactures subverting the current drug laws.

According to the Louisiana Department of Behavioral Health, the chemicals within these products are Mephedrone and Methylenedioxpyrovalerone.

"The chemicals are known to have stimulant effects, but users are experiencing extreme paranoia and hostility," said Mark Ryan, Director of the Louisiana Poison Center. "Police have reported violent encounters with those high on the substance."

Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal went so far as to ban the chemical ingredients during the month of January.

"The danger seems to be from the drug's effects," Ms. Matthews said. "The appeal comes from the stimulant, but the paranoia seems to be a lot more graduated with bath salts. The deaths occurring with bath salts are coming from suicides that stem from the paranoia."

And young adults aren't the only demographic affected by the new trendy powder.

"We've heard stories of women using this as a weight loss drug," Ms. Matthews said. "People may ask why someone would consume a drug in which they have no idea of the contents, but kids are not going to care if they think it's going to get them high and people who think it will help them lose weight will be just as lackadaisical."