- change - Mailing Lists

Android Phones Help Poor Farmers in Uganda
by gaetano＠cs.washington.edu 28 Jul '11

28 Jul '11

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IEEE publishes the 802.22 ("super-wifi") standard for WRANs using white spaces(analog tv spectrum)
by ashish makani 28 Jul '11

28 Jul '11

Hi Folks This bodes well for ICT infrastructure in rural areas in developing countries. http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/27/ieee-brings-white-space-internet-one-ste… (via http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=2812541) "Kudos to the IEEE for rushing this new 'super WiFi<http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/27/microsoft-led-consortium-to-trial-super-…>' standard through so very speedily<http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/24/ieee-begins-work-on-wireless-standards-f…>for the sake of rural communities with poor web access. Designated "IEEE 802.22," it promises to bring speeds of up to 22Mbps to devices as far as 60 miles away from the nearest transmitter. How's that possible? Well, the standard carefully exploits swathes of unused white space<http://www.engadget.com/tag/whitespace>within transmission bands that were originally reserved (and jealously guarded<http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/04/nab-throws-down-sues-fcc-over-white-spac…>) for analogue TV. These frequencies currently contain nothing but hiss and occasional communications from dead people, but one day they could and * should* be filled with the hopes, aspirations and Facebook updates of country folk who are very much alive. " IEEE 802.22 Working Group on Wireless Regional Area Networks Enabling Rural Broadband Wireless Access Using Cognitive Radio Technology in TV Whitespaceshttp://www.ieee802.org/22/ Best, ashish

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Software Implementation Specialist job within University of Washington I-TECH
by Jan Flowers 27 Jul '11

27 Jul '11

Apologies for any cross-posting. Below is a job description for a position at the University of Washington/I-TECH for a software implementation specialist working on open source health information systems (electronic medical records and laboratory) for use in developing countries. Qualified candidates should send a CV and cover letter by August 12th to jobs(a)cirg.washington.edu as a first step in the application process. ------------------------------ The Software Implementation Specialist, under the direction of the Global Health Program Team Leader for Haiti and Côte d'Ivoire, will contribute to I-TECH's projects on development and deployment of clinical informatics applications. These applications include the OpenELIS laboratory information system (LIS) and the iSanté electronic medical record (EMR) system, best-practice examples of open-source software projects aimed to reduce global health disparities by improving clinical and public health services in resource-limited countries. I-TECH is partnering with respective local governments and funders to develop and support the LIS and EMR systems. Implementation Management (60%) . Gather requirements for OpenELIS and iSanté through in-person assessment and observation, as well as through remote communication with stakeholders by email, phone and skype . Manage communication with stakeholders and users: synthesize feedback from users, create and disseminate weekly status reports and release notices, blog updates . Assure collaboration with in-country I-TECH counterparts . Interface with domain experts from I-TECH HQ and in-country to assure appropriate functional specifications for software . Develop technical documentation, e.g. technical specifications, document code, configurations, technical architecture, etc. Project Management (10%) . Implementation project planning (milestones, timeline estimates for development tasks) - plan iterations for releases based on prioritization and accurate estimates for development of tasks . Other duties as assigned Training and Dissemination (20%) . Serve as LIS and EMR technical content expert for trainings, curriculum development, presentations, and publications . Demonstrate new functionality and orient super users to release features in on-going manner . Assist in training on server administration, LIS and EMR implementation, and other aspects of health information systems deployment Software Engineering and Testing (10%) . Contribute with other team members to architecture/technical design (workflows, technical engineering of functions, database modeling) . Test and identify bugs o identify steps to test new development o replicate and document bugs for fixing o assist in carrying out testing Requirements: . Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, information science, or a related field. (An equivalent combination of education and significant experience in software development or deployment may be substituted for minimum education requirement.) . Fluency in English (reading, writing, speaking) . At least 1 year of experience as a software analyst or programmer (requirements analyst, technical analyst, functional analyst) . Demonstrated ability to communicate between colleagues with a variety of cultural backgrounds, in a respectful and diplomatic manner . Ability to travel and work (up to 10%) in a limited-resource environment . Strong initiative, ability to develop and carry out work plans, and demonstrated skills for solving problems independently . Strong organizational skills Desired: . Knowledge of open source software development approaches . Knowledge of agile development methodology . Knowledge of Java, PHP, or other object oriented languages . Knowledge of Java Struts framework, Postgres database, Liquibase, Subversion SVN, Scripting . Proficiency in French . Successful public presentation skills Other This is a full-time position is based at the I-TECH offices in Seattle. The Software Implementation Specialist job requires up to 10% travel to countries with inadequate public health and safety infrastructure. Travelers must be prepared to follow the UW and US government recommended precautions and prophylaxis for disease. Up to several times per week, the Software Implementation Specialist job requires participation in conference calls or meetings during the early morning and late evening to accommodate the time zones of the countries where I-TECH works. Emily deRiel, MPH Global Health Programs Team Leader - Haiti and Côte d'Ivoire International Training & Education Center for Health (I-TECH) Department of Global Health, University of Washington 901 Boren Avenue, Suite 1100, Seattle WA 98104 http://www.go2itech.org I-TECH envisions a world in which all people have access to high quality, compassionate, and equitable health care.

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AppLab Mobile Money Incubator: Research Lead Opening
by Yaw Anokwa 26 Jul '11

26 Jul '11

---------- Forwarded message ---------- Status: Full time project contractor (18 months) Location: Uganda (based in Kampala) Classification: Exempt Date: June, 2011 Job Summary: The Research Lead will be responsible for managing all stages of the research process for the Mobile Financial Services Incubator (MFSI), from initial design to data collection and dissemination. He/she is expected to have strong analytical and communicative skills and experience designing and analyzing quantitative research. The project: Recently, there has been some concern about the lack of innovation within the branchless banking space. Very few service providers have gone beyond payments in their service offerings and explored the latent demand for other products-from savings to micro-insurance and loans. Research conducted by CGAP also shows that many of the existing products have not reached the poor. To address this problem, CGAP and GF are working together to lower the cost threshold of experimentation and set up an incubator that tests innovations in mobile financial services. The incubator will combine in-depth research approaches with rapid product testing and aim to develop mobile financial services that are appropriate for the poor and that move the industry beyond payments. Reporting and relationships: The position will report directly to the Project Director. Availability: The MFSI Research Lead will be expected to work a typical work week of 37.5 hours plus additional hours to get the job done. The position will be based in Kampala, Uganda. This position will need to be flexible to work in local conditions, and be available to work across different time zones. This position will require travel (20%-30%) within Uganda, and periodic travel to other countries as needed. Essential Job Functions * Develop a research plan for the incubator * Work with the AppLab team to determine product ideas that could be tested * Work with Research Coordinator to hire and monitor researchers in the field * Facilitate data collection process * Analyze data collected * Write-up research findings in various forms (blogs, monthly updates, reports etc.) * Design monitoring and evaluation framework * Monitor and write-up user feedback from the field * Share feedback with designers who will make alteration to product prototypes Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities * Deep commitment to eradication of poverty and alignment with Grameen Foundation's mission * Experience working in developing countries * Belief in the potential to leverage information and communication technology (ICTs) for the benefit of poor people -with practical experience * Extensive knowledge of various quantitative data collection methods (i.e. surveys, data mining) * Ability to triangulate research methods to strengthen reliability of research outputs * Experience in the dissemination of research findings, both through formal (academic publications) and informal (blogs etc.) channels * Strong writing skills * Understanding of technology, particularly mobile money applications * Experience managing fieldworkers Education and Experience * At least post-graduate degree with research PhD preferred * 5+ years experience in research role Physical and Environmental Conditions: This position does not require unusual demands for physical effort. This position may occasionally require physical effort to lift and transport boxes weighing no more than 50 pounds. Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of places such as offices, meeting or training rooms, residences, or commercial vehicles; e.g., use of safe work place practices with office equipment, and/or avoidance of trips and falls, and observance of fire regulations and traffic signals. Additional Comment: The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made in appropriate circumstances to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. Interested candidates may apply by email to Dr. Olga Morawczynski (olga(a)applab.org) Please put "MFSI - RL" in the subject line. No calls please. https://lists.csail.mit.edu/pipermail/ict4dev/attachments/20110726/ef41e346…

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Google Research Awards Deadline 1st August 2011
by ashish makani 25 Jul '11

25 Jul '11

Hi Folks Google Research Awards deadline is 1st August. http://research.google.com/university/relations/research_awards.html (via https://plus.google.com/109706986708019547706/posts ) Best, ashish

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Re: [change] [TIER] [wsfii-discuss] The alternative Internet, WiFi based (Project Kleinrock)
by Alexander List 24 Jul '11

24 Jul '11

On 07/25/2011 02:35 AM, Bruce Baikie wrote: > Also you should start by read this great book: > > /Wireless Networking in the Developing World/is a free book about > designing, implementing, and maintaining low-cost wireless networks. > > http://wndw.net/ Oh, of course - and I like the idea of WirelessU linked on that site: It's exactly the knowledge sharing that I was describing in my previous message: http://wirelessu.org/ br Alex

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Re: [change] [wsfii-discuss] [TIER] The alternative Internet, WiFi based (Project Kleinrock)
by Alexander List 24 Jul '11

24 Jul '11

[re-sending due to problems with some mailing lists, sorry for the spam] On 07/20/2011 07:56 PM, Chris Wilson wrote: > Related to this, I've been asked to comment about a proposed project to > create a free, open source, open hardware, country-wide wireless network > infrastructure in Madagascar using FabFi. > > Does anyone have any thoughts about the feasibility of this (my gut > feeling is "infeasible"), know of anyone who has succeeded or failed in > any such project before, or have any thoughts about or experience with > FabFi? I understand the desire to recycle materials from the dumpster to make antennas, or at least reflectors. It's cheap, in particular if labor cost is not an issue. However, your mileage may vary: a) you have no idea of the gain and radiation pattern of such an antenna b) you might actually reduce the possible coverage area more than necessary c) you might - at least in the long term - do damage to your transmitter due to bad SWR d) in some countries, you're only allowed to use antennas that have been designated by the equipment manufacturer to be compatible with his equipment. However, in practice, authorities won't complain as long as you stay within the power limits. But that's hard to prove/argue if you don't even know your antenna gain from a datasheet... I suggest that whenever you can afford real antennas, use real antennas that are reasonably priced. Actually, I'm interested in useful suppliers e.g. from China myself and I'm more than willing to go shopping e.g. to Shenzen. However, I like the idea of open source / creative commons licensed building instructions for antennas that can be made using materials from the next hardware store. But the antenna should be designed by someone who is experienced in antenna design and knows what she's doing... Just my 5c from Hong Kong Alex

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Fwd: [wsfii-discuss] [TIER] The alternative Internet, WiFi based (Project Kleinrock)
by Yaw Anokwa 23 Jul '11

23 Jul '11

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: L. Aaron Kaplan <aaron(a)lo-res.org> Date: Sat, Jul 23, 2011 at 07:19 Subject: Fwd: [wsfii-discuss] [TIER] The alternative Internet, WiFi based (Project Kleinrock) To: change-owner(a)change.washington.edu Hi! The original mail from Chris Wilson went to change(a)change.washington.edu as well as WSFII. I am subscribed to WSFII but I believe my answer can be also valuable for change(a)change.washington.edu. Would you be so kind and forward my answer as well? Thanks. Aaron. Begin forwarded message: From: "L. Aaron Kaplan" <aaron(a)lo-res.org> Date: July 23, 2011 4:09:18 PM GMT+06:00 To: Discuss list on the World Summit on Free Information Infrastructure <wsfii-discuss(a)lists.okfn.org>, Chris Wilson <chris(a)aptivate.org> Cc: ashish makani <ashish.makani(a)gmail.com>, TIER <tier(a)tier.cs.berkeley.edu>, change <change(a)change.washington.edu> Subject: Re: [wsfii-discuss] [TIER] The alternative Internet, WiFi based (Project Kleinrock) Chris, in Austria (Funkfeuer.at) we are slowly expanding to a nationwide mesh network. There are tests underway to create a cross country (Slovenia-Austria, Slovenia-Croatia) connection. The Ham people already have something like this running - for emergency cases: http://wiki.oevsv.at/index.php/Kategorie:Digitaler_Backbone (red links are working links, green under construction and blue planned ones) So - to be precise - for a country wide backbone network with Wi-Fi - yes, this is totally doable. But as Alexander already wrote, not with self made antennas (they are just simply cheaper to buy and more stable and they have a better quality than FabFi style antennas). Other issues might be more important. For example: stable electricity. In case you need further information on how we plan links and how we can create a country wide network, feel free to contact me. Aaron. On Jul 20, 2011, at 5:56 PM, Chris Wilson wrote: Hi all, Related to this, I've been asked to comment about a proposed project to create a free, open source, open hardware, country-wide wireless network infrastructure in Madagascar using FabFi. Does anyone have any thoughts about the feasibility of this (my gut feeling is "infeasible"), know of anyone who has succeeded or failed in any such project before, or have any thoughts about or experience with FabFi? Cheers, Chris. -- Aptivate | http://www.aptivate.org | Phone: +44 1223 760887 The Humanitarian Centre, Fenner's, Gresham Road, Cambridge CB1 2ES Aptivate is a not-for-profit company registered in England and Wales with company number 04980791.

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Web Developer++ position at UK ICT4D NGO
by Chris Wilson 21 Jul '11

21 Jul '11

Hi all, I hope you will forgive me for advertising a job in the international development sector. Are you looking to use your technical skills for social benefit? We are a not-for-profit organisation focusing on IT in international development, and we are looking for an exceptional software engineer to join our team. The person we’re looking for would be passionate about: * Software engineering and open source technology; * International development; * Being part of a small, supportive team where everyone mucks in. You can find more details at: <http://www.aptivate.org/job-web-developer> We are based in Cambridge, UK and we usually meet once a month in Cambridge, London or Brighton, so candidates might prefer to be already living or willing to relocate to somewhere within a hundred miles of London. To apply, send us a copy of your CV or other description of your relevant experience, a description of why you’d like to work with us, and some examples of previous work. Do get in touch if you’d like any more information. recruitment(a)aptivate.org http://www.aptivate.org +44 1223 760887 Thanks in advance, Chris Wilson, Chief Engineer. -- Aptivate | http://www.aptivate.org | Phone: +44 1223 760887 The Humanitarian Centre, Fenner's, Gresham Road, Cambridge CB1 2ES Aptivate is a not-for-profit company registered in England and Wales with company number 04980791.

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The alternative Internet, WiFi based (Project Kleinrock)
by ashish makani 18 Jul '11

18 Jul '11

Hi An interesting idea & some insightful discussion, on creating a utopian layer of the internet which is independent of ISPs. http://wiki.omegasdg.com/index.php?title=Project_Kleinrock via http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=2668887 Best, ashish On Tue, Mar 15, 2011 at 3:10 AM, ashish makani <ashish.makani(a)gmail.com>wrote: > Hi Folks > > GNU Free Call is a new project to develop and deploy secure self-organized > communication services worldwide for private use and for public > administration. > It uses the open standard SIP protocol and GNU SIP Witch to create secured > peer-to-peer mesh calling networks . > > It may have interesting applications for truly secure, open & decentralized > communications, which can stay up, in the event of a natural disaster etc. > > http://planet.gnu.org/gnutelephony/?p=14 > > via http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=2322881 > > Best, > ashish >

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