Infosecurity.US

Information Security & Occasional Forays Into Adjacent Realms

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DeepSqueek

February 17, 2019 by Marc Handelman in Animal Vocal Translation, Animals, Animal Welfare, Animal Communications, Science

via Bobbi Nodell, writing at the University of Washington, and reporting on the University of Washington School of Medicine's new DeepSqueek rodent audio translating software and their efforts to translate and comprehend rodent communications through the use of DeepSqueek (paywall)..

"Two young scientists at the University of Washington School of Medicine developed a software program called DeepSqueak, which lifts this technological barrier and promotes broad adoption of rodent vocalization research...." This program takes an audio signal and transforms it into an image, or sonogram..." - via Bobbi Nodell, reporting for the University of Washington School of Medicine's

February 17, 2019 /Marc Handelman
Animal Vocal Translation, Animals, Animal Welfare, Animal Communications, Science

via Jonco at Bits and Pieces (originally from Dawn B)

Bits and Pieces - Money Can't Buy Happiness... →

January 01, 2019 by Marc Handelman in Animals, Pet Adoption
January 01, 2019 /Marc Handelman
Animals, Pet Adoption

Blatant & Pervasive Incompetencies, Recent History of →

April 17, 2018 by Marc Handelman in Data Security, Blatant Stupidity, Bulk Data Collection, Information Security, Consumer Abuse, Environmental Security, Animals, Animal Abuse

Recalling other crisis management fails - in the wake of Facebook's stunning (and probably feigned) ignorance of data exfiltration on their own platform: Via the obviously talented Michael Grothaus, whilst writing at Fast Company, comes this interesting recent history of crisis management at companies-of-note. You will - I am certain - notice a recurring theme of fathomless lack of intellectual capacity. Today's Must Read and filed under 'Blatant Stupidity'. Enjoy!

April 17, 2018 /Marc Handelman
Data Security, Blatant Stupidity, Bulk Data Collection, Information Security, Consumer Abuse, Environmental Security, Animals, Animal Abuse

via Veterans Empowered to Protect African Wildlife (VETPAW) -  http://vetpaw.org/ and the VETPAW GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/vetpawsaves

Hunting Poachers, AI Style →

January 10, 2018 by Marc Handelman in AI Security, Animals, Veterans, Endangered Animals, A Force For Good, All is Information, Artificial Intelligence

Today's feature post contains two fundamentally related stories that possess an equanamity of import. Yet the latter of the two is closer to my interests in animal welfare and illustrates US Veteran engagements training rangers and fighting poachers on the savannahs and in the forests of Africa. Read On, and see which is the most important to you; in either case, you be the judge!

Via Jean Kumagai, writing at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers' Spectrum Magazine, details the utilization of artificial intelligence in the effort to curtail pachyderm poaching. Simply Outstanding.

"AI is usually applied to problems of modern technology, Tambe notes, but this work is different. “We’re using AI to save the natural world—these stunning landscapes and animals that we hope won’t disappear,” he says. “These are important treasures.” - via Jean Kumagai, writing at the IEEE Spectrum Magazine

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Veterans Empowered to Protect African Wildlife (VETPAW)

"The Story of VETPAW: Ryan Tate has always had two primary passions, and a desire to protect both: his country and animals. As it did for many brave Americans, the call to serve grew louder after the attacks of 9/11.Ryan signed enlistment papers to the U.S. Marine Corps that same year, with a commitment to join “the few, the proud” on his 18th birthday.Several years later, Ryan was exposed to the atrocities of elephant and rhino poaching, and the devastation it was having on East African communities and wildlife alike. He knew he couldn’t sit idly by. All he had to do was consider the men and women he’d served with to see that there is no one better suited to instruct and train park rangers than post-9/11 veterans.Ryan is keenly aware that many U.S. Veterans are un- or underemployed, and would benefit profoundly from the opportunity to serve in another capacity—one that would save lives. With his military experience, he’s able to speak directly to the unique skills that veterans can bring to anti-poaching efforts. He interviewed his colleagues and saw the difficulties and frustrations of men and women who are highly skilled in combat-related areas, but unable to leverage those skills in a conventional civilian setting. They have a continuing dedication to serve others, and Ryan helps them channel it." - via VetPaw

Want to Help Protect Animals from Criminal Poaching? Donate to Veterans Empowered to Protect African Wildlife (VETPAW) and VETPAW GoFundMe.

Veterans Empowered to Protect African Wildlife (VETPAW) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, and all donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law. VETPAW's Federal Identification Number (EIN) is 46-4641830

January 10, 2018 /Marc Handelman
AI Security, Animals, Veterans, Endangered Animals, A Force For Good, All is Information, Artificial Intelligence

September - US National Preparedness Month →

August 24, 2017 by Marc Handelman in Animals, Family, Canines, Common Sense, Contingency Planning, Disaster Preparedness, Disaster Recovery, Earthquakes, Emergency Management, Ethics, Food Security, Good Advice

Most assuredly, taking care of your family is the single most important task parents can accomplish during their lifetime. This includes those canines, felines and other animals we hold so dear, whom, by the way, are also family members. Don't forget them in your preparedness planning, they need clean water, good food and a safe place to sleep! Don't Wait. Communicate. Make a family emergency plan today. Learn more at Ready.gov.

August 24, 2017 /Marc Handelman
Animals, Family, Canines, Common Sense, Contingency Planning, Disaster Preparedness, Disaster Recovery, Earthquakes, Emergency Management, Ethics, Food Security, Good Advice