Audio devices can make you go deaf, says WHO

The WHO warns that some 1.1 billion teenagers and young adults are at risk of hearing loss due to unsafe use of personal audio devices, including smartphones

1 billion teenagers and young adults are at risk of hearing loss due to unsafe use of personal audio devices, including smartphones, and exposure to damaging levels of sound at nightclubs, bars and sporting eve-nts, the WHO has warned.

The World Health Organisation also recommends that people should use personal audio devices for no more than one hour a day. Data from studies in middle and high-income countries indicate that among teena-gers and young adults aged 12-35 years, nearly 50 per cent are exposed to unsafe levels of sound from the use of personal audio devices and around 40 per cent are exposed to potentially damaging levels of sound at entertainment venues. Unsafe levels of sounds can be, for example, exposure to in excess of 85 decibels for eight hours or 100 dB for 15 minutes.

“As they go about their daily lives doing what they enjoy, more and more young people are placing themselves at risk of hearing loss,” said Dr Etienne Krug, WHO director for the department for management of non-communicable diseases, disability, violence and injury prevention.

Many patrons of nightclubs, bars and sporting events are often exposed to even higher levels of sound, and should therefore considerably reduce the duration of exposure. Teenagers and young people can better protect their hearing by keeping the volume down on personal audio devices, wearing earplugs when visiting noisy venues, and using carefully fitted, and, if possible, noise-cancell-ing earphones. They can also limit the time spent engaged in noisy activities by taking short listening breaks and restricting the daily use of personal audio devices to less than one hour. With the help of smartphone apps, they can monitor safe listening levels.

Source | Asian Age | 2 March 2015

National Science Foundation Announces Plan for Comprehensive Public Access to Research Results

NSF's public access is intended to accelerate the dissemination of fundamental research results.

March 18, 2015

Today, the National Science Foundation (NSF), announced its continued commitment to expand public access to the results of its funded research through the publication of its public access plan, Today's Data, Tomorrow's Discoveries. NSF's public access is intended to accelerate the dissemination of fundamental research results that will advance the frontiers of knowledge and help ensure the nation's future prosperity.

"Scientific progress depends on the responsible communication of research findings," said NSF Director France A. Córdova. "NSF's public access plan is another effort we have undertaken to emphasize the agency's central mission to promote the progress of science."

NSF will require that articles in peer-reviewed scholarly journals and papers in juried conference proceedings or transactions be deposited in a public access compliant repository and be available for download, reading and analysis within one year of publication.

Today's announcement follows a request from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy last year, directing science-funding agencies to develop plans to increase access to the results of federally funded research. NSF submitted its proposal to improve the management of digital data and received approval to implement the plan.

"NSF's public access plan reflects input from the scientific community, recognizes the diversity among the scientific fields that the agency supports, and seeks to minimize burden on both awardees and staff," said Dan Arvizu, Chairman of NSF's National Science Board.

NSF will continue to consult with the scientific community, academic institutions, publishers and other federal agencies to implement this plan.

Details of the plan are available on the NSF website.

-NSF-

Source | http://www.nsf.gov/

Your 5 Steps to U.S. Study

Article courtesy EducationUSA

EducationUSA brings you the “5 Steps to U.S. Study,” a step-by-step process of understanding, preparing, applying and being admitted to a U.S. higher education institution.

Of all the study abroad destinations, the United States remains, by far, the most popular among Indian students. Over 100,000 Indian students are currently studying in America making India the second largest sender country in the world, according to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program April 2014 figures. The numbers notwithstanding, misconceptions remain about what it actually takes to get admitted to a U.S. college or university. The vast range of American institutions offering a multitude of study options and majors in a variety of settings makes it even more challenging for prospective students to find the right fit. Very often, poor choices are made based solely on a ranked list or hearsay. 

In an attempt to demystify the process, EducationUSA brings you the “5 Steps to U.S. Study”, a step-by-step process of understanding, preparing, applying and being admitted to a U.S. higher education institution.

1. Research your options 

12 to 18 months prior to the intended date of enrollment

The best college or university is the one that meets your requirements—academic, financial and personal. Begin by defining your priorities by answering questions like, “What type of institution is best based on your academics?”, “How will you manage financing?”, “Why do you want to study in the United States?” and list your interests and long-term goals. 

Next, begin your research—EducationUSA centers can help students with tools, guide how to refine searches and assist in narrowing down choices.

2. Complete your application  

6 to 12 months before the intended date of enrollment

Application packages require time, preparation and planning. Students will benefit greatly by starting the process early. A majority of U.S. schools evaluate applications holistically, which means decisions are based on several criteria and the strength of the complete application package. Key elements include academic records, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, application essays and work experience.

3. Finance your studies  

3 to 9 months prior to intended date of enrollment

Tuition fees can range from $20,000 to $70,000 depending on the program, location and type of institution, i.e. public versus private. It is important to start financial planning as early as possible. Each year, international students receive significant amounts of financial assistance toward their studies but these are limited and intensely competitive. Financial assistance is typically provided through scholarships, grants, fellowships, assistantships, internships and on-campus employment. Applications for financial aid accompany the applications for admission.

4. Apply for a visa

3 to 5 months in advance of the date of enrollment

You will first need to receive an admission letter and an I-20 from your U.S. institution before you can begin the visa application process. All students are required to appear for an interview in person at the Consular Office that serves their region. Consular websites provide detailed information on the process and requirements. EducationUSA advisers work in cooperation with consular officers to inform and educate prospective students as well. Students are encouraged to take advantage of information sessions that are frequently offered. 

5. Prepare for departure

2 to 4 months ahead of the intended date of enrollment

Predeparture orientations are offered by EducationUSA advising centers. Advisers and alumni provide information and resources that help prepare you for new experiences. Topics discussed include cultural differences, classroom expectations, housing, coping in a new cultural setting and what to pack for your trip. 

Get started today by attending free group advising sessions at EducationUSA, available both online and in person. EducationUSA is the U.S. Department of State-supported network of advising centers providing international students with accurate, comprehensive and current information about how to apply to accredited U.S. institutions of higher education. There are seven EducationUSA centers in India in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai. Visit www.educationusa.info/ India to find an advising center near you. 

http://span.state.gov/education/5-steps-to-us-study/20140707