FREE Online Course: Monitoring Climate from Space

 

 

The European Space Agency has launched a free online course which will teach students about its pioneering use of earth-orbiting satellites to track climate change.  The massive open online course - known as a "MOOC" - is partly aimed at inspiring the next generation of scientists and will run on the FutureLearn website in June, it was announced.

 

It is the first time the Agency has offered this type of course, and will cover how it is using satellites to monitor the state of the climate and the impact of changes over time.

 

The course is also designed for current and future policymakers, educators and anyone involved in communicating about climate change, the website said.

Starting on 8th June, the course runs for five (5) weeks.

Week 1           - Observing Climate Change from Space
Weeks 2 & 3  - Earth Observation Techniques & Technology
Week 4           - Earth Observation in Action
Week 5           - Managing Earth Observation Data

To get involved, visit Future Learn

Satellite Imagery used for surveillance

There are approximately 3,000 satellites operating in Earth orbit so it wasn't surprising when Airbus Defence and Space released satellite images revealing China building an airstrip on reclaimed land across Fiery Cross Reef  in disputed territory in the South China Sea.

China's land reclamation work in the area has understandably,  had other Asian nations including Vietnam and the Philippines' worried - they believe China's motives to be for military use.

With other imagery taken in March also showing China could be building a second airstrip-capable island on Subi Reef.  China’s island building at Fiery Cross Reef has created a landmass that is capable of housing a runway about 3,000 m long - this would be well within the parameters of existing People’s Liberation Army Air Force runways on mainland China, which vary in length from about 2,700 m to 4,000 m at most.




Airbus Defence and Space imagery shows runway construction underway at Fiery Cross Reef.

The 23 March imagery of Fiery Cross Reef also shows further dredging on the new island’s southwestern side, close to the extant platform that China originally built on the reef. The imagery also shows floating cranes consolidating the integrity of new island’s harbour by placing concrete blocks on the interior walls; an exterior sea wall has also been extended, presumably to provide better protection for ships in port.

However, China refuted Philippine President Benigno Aquino's recent accusation that China is building on islands in the South China Sea was "unreasonable" and the Philippines' occupation was the root cause of disputes between the two countries.

For the full story http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32331964

Are you about to be Roboticized?

At one stage this term was only to be found in computer games - the roboticizer being a device that existed only in  Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, these days however, we are finding more and more jobs being taken over by computer programs or systems. 


In fact Oxford University predicts that 45% of American jobs are at “high risk” of being taken by robots  within the next 20 years.

If school leavers don't already have a tough enough time deciding on a career path, Oxford University would have us believe that agricultural and postal service workers, sewing machine and switchboard operators, and data entry clerks and word processor typists are at the highest risk of falling away.

IT professionals, engineers, and jobs requiring creativity and good social skills are safe for the foreseeable future,

According to the study undertaken by Oxford University predict that the following jobs will be  roboticized:

Pharmacists - The UCFS Medical Centre implemented their automated pharmacies, with robotics-controlled dispensaries at two of their hospitals in 2011.  After operating for one year the system had prepared 350 000 doses of medication without error.

Chauffeurs and Cab Drivers - In February Uber announced that they had partnered with Carnegie Mellon University to develop driverless cars.  Click on this link to view GPS-based system driving an Audi RS7 around Hockenheim race track

Soldiers - Drones are already being used in offensive strikes and reconnaissance missions, operating just over 10 000 unmanned aerial vehicles.  Now the US Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency is working on a humanoid robot, which could be equipped with weapons.

Sports and Financial Writers - According to the report the reason for removing human writers is purely economical – the system can produce 2000 articles per second!

Telemarketers - Avatar Technologies is developing a system that is accent sympathetic, and is impervious to being shouted at or sworn at.

Chef  - Although Robochef was unveiled in April, the German Manufacturer is planning to their consumer version available by 2017 complete with recipe and cooking methods database, dishwasher and refrigerator.

Policemen / Security Guards – Although “K5”as the prototype type is known doesn’t come equipped with missile launchers or machine guns, it has multiple sensors – including thermal imaging, license plate reading and facial recognition and is designed to detect monitor criminal activity.

Butlers / Hotel Staff – “SaviOne”is already in service in several San Francisco Bay hotels.  These robots can deliver up to 4.5kg of items to your room on request.

Pilots  - Given the recent spate of aircraft disasters, it seems only logical that the next step to flights is to be completely automated or remote-controlled which has recently been the request by the Germanwings Air Traffic Controllers.

Farm Labourers – Our farmers may soon have to acquire some completely new skills should they want to explore the opportunities automated farming would bring. 

Fortunately, the Oxford University report states that there are still some professions that are safe, for now.  These would include :

• Recreational therapists
• Supervisors of mechanics, repairers and installers
• Emergency management directors
• Mental health and substance abuse workers
• Audiologists

Job which include the following traits which would make it difficult to be computerised include:

• Finger dexterity
• Awkward work spaces
• Originality
• Fine arts
• Social intelligence

For more this click here

Just 8.8 seconds to impress - Can you do it?

A recent study on Linkedin revealed that you only have a mere 8.8 seconds to impress a potential employer!

It's almost unfair considering the time spent drafting and perfecting your cv, but new research shows that your prospective employer will spend just under 9 seconds before deciding whether or not to invite you to an interview!




1st Second - Keep it short!
This is your introduction - keep it brief.  Stick to the facts and cut the waffle.

2nd Second - No bells and whistles
That fancy font can be difficult to read, the same goes for an entire cv in UPPER CASE - don't do it!

3rd Second - Is it relevant?
Ensure that the relevant skills and experience are highlighted

4th Second - Avoid jargon
Avoid buzzwords - the most frequently used word for 2014 was "motivated"
Don't use words you think we want to read, you may be called on to prove it!

5th Second - Tailor-make your cv to suit the position
The prospective employer will look for key words and phrases particular to the position - highlight them.

6th Second - Networking matters!
Highlight your social media credentials where they relate to your work.

7th Second - Be interesting
Prospective employers will want to know that you actually have a life outside working hours.
But avoid generic interests, for example don't just list reading - be a little more specific - read autobiographies.

8th Second - Highlight personal achievements
Do you excel with presentations?  Tell us!

9th Second - Be contactable!
Are your contact details clearly visible?
Oh, and please check your e-mail address, funnybunny@gmail.com just isn't going count in your favour.

For tips on how to maximise your chances and make every second count, read more here:  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/womens-business/11359554/CV-writing-How-to-impress-an-employer-in-8.8-seconds.html

R100 000 up for grabs in SA coding competition

Calling all aspiring computer scientists and programmers and students  - here's your chance to break out from those corporate restraints, push those boundaries, go beyond your limits and win big!

This year sees Sony Mobile as this year's product sponsor for the Entelect R100K Challenge and will be providing a host of fantastic prizes from their latest Xperia range

For more information on the requirements visit Entelect's website http://challenge.entelect.co.za/

Good luck!

GISc MSc scholarship opportunity

 

 

We have received notice of a scholarship opportunity for MSc (GISc) studies at the University of Cape Town.

 

The research is titled “Development of a spatial hydro-economic water foot-printing model” and requires competence in remote sensing, GIS, computer science and an interest in working on water resources and economic issues.

 

Interested applicants should e-mail rabia.karriem@uct.ac.za and provide:

 

1.     A letter of application, which includes an indication of the topic the candidate is applying for and a statement of research interests and experience, and how these fit to the relevant research topic;

2.     A CV which includes full details of any publications, and a short (max 300 words) summary of the applicant’s Honours research project;

3.     Copies of academic transcripts and certificates for previous degrees¹, and

4.     The names of two referees, at least one of which is an academic who has supervised a previous research project undertaken by the applicant.

 

The closing date for applications is 20 April

 

¹ Note that successful candidates will be required to provide certified copies of certificates and transcripts.