Essential tips by Dr. Heba Shatah to help children with autism enjoy a stress-free holiday

Holidays are known to bring waves of joy and excitement into homes. While most families are excited about the upcoming holiday season, families with children who have autism are preparing for challenges of their own. Dr. Heba Shatah, Founder and Director of the Child Early Intervention Center and Skills Education Center, has put forth some essential tips for families who have children with autism. 

1. Giving and receiving gifts

Receiving gifts can get a little too exciting for children so we can help them understand polite giving and receiving of gifts.

Encourage children to participate in the gift-giving process by letting them pick the gifts and wrap them

Teach children to receive gifts through role-play of accepting gifts and thanking for it. 

Help them write thank you cards, so they understand how to thank people politely for gifts.

2. Energy during holidays

Holidays often mean sweet treats and delayed bedtimes. Use the following strategies to manage energy levels and make bedtime successful.

Keep children active during the day with outdoor activities, so they are tired by night.

Limit their consumption of sweet treats as they are high in sugar and caffeine and cause children to be overly active during bedtime. 

Have a regular sleep routine for children during on holidays by planning activities that motivate them to wake up early and get ready for the day.

3. Schedules and routine during holidays

Make as little changes as you can in children’s schedule during holidays as children may have difficulty with the new routine. These tips help make their holiday schedules less stressful.

Have a holiday calendar listing all the events and activities in writing, drawing, or picture format depending on the child’s understanding level. 

Start the day with the calendar and prepare children by helping them understand what is going on and when.

Engage children by letting them add new events to the calendar and explain why it is necessary to attend certain important events. 

If there are debatable events, prepare the child and explain the things expected, and include children's input into decisions about attending the event. 

By following these tips, Dr. Heba hopes that families can reduce stress and have a happy holiday season.

نصائح عملية من الدكتورة هبة شطا

هكذا يستمتع الأطفال المصابين بالتوحد بالعطلةٍ




لا شك في أنّ الإجازات تعني أن نعيش أوقاتاً من الفرح والبهجة والتواصل مع من نحب في المنزل وخارجه. وفيما تعيش معظم الأسر الحماسة والحيوية بانتظار موسم الإجازات المقبل، نرى أفراد عائلاتٍ فيها أطفالٌ مصابون بالتوحد يستعدّون لعيش تحدياتٍ خاصة بهم. في هذا الإطار، تقدّم الدكتورة هبة شطا، مؤسسة ومديرة مركز التدخل المبكر للأطفال ومركز مهارات التعليمي، نصائح عملية مفيدة للعائلات التي بين أفرادها أطفالٌ يعانون من التوحد.




1- تبادل الهدايا

يمكن لتلقّي الهدايا أن يشكّل عاملاً حماسياً للأطفال، لذلك من المهم مساعدتهم على فهم معنى العطاء وتبادل الهدايا.

* شجّعوا الأطفال على المشاركة في تقديم الهدايا، عبر سماحكم لهم باختيارها وقيامهم بلفّها.

* علّموا الأطفال أصول ومعنى تلقّي الهدايا، من خلال لعبكم دور تلقّي الهدايا منهم وشكرهم عليها.

* ساعدوهم في كتابة بطاقات وعبارات الشكر، حتى يفهموا كيفية شكر الناس على الهدايا التي يقدّمونها لهم.




2- الطاقة والحيوية خلال العطلات

غالباً ما تعني العطلة أوقاتاً مناسبة للاسترخاء والسهر حتى وقتٍ متأخر والكثير من النوم. استخدموا الاستراتيجية التالية في إدارة الطاقة لدى أطفالكم، لتحويل العطلة إلى وقتٍ مثمر، وتعويدهم على نظامٍ جيّد للنوم والاستيقاظ.

دعوهم يطلقون طاقتهم في النهار، من خلال أنشطةٍ يمارسونها في الهواء الطلق، فيتعبون ليلاً.

* خفّفوا من استهلاكهم للحلويات، كونها تحتوي على نسبةٍ عالية من السكر والكافيين، ما ينعكس نشاطاً مفرطاً للأطفال خلال الفترة المخصصة للنوم.

* اعتمدوا روتيناً منتظماً لنوم الأطفال خلال العطلات، عبر التخطيط لأنشطةٍ تحفّزهم على الاستيقاظ مبكراً والاستعداد لساعات اليوم.





3- الانتظام والروتين خلال العطلات

أجروا تغييراتٍ ولو طفيفة في جدول أيام أطفالكم أثناء العطلات، لأنهم قد يواجهون صعوبةً في التأقلم مع الروتين الجديد. وإليكم هذه النصائح التي تساهم في جعل أيام العطلات أقل تعباً لكم ولهم:

* حدّدوا يوميات العطلة بما فيها من مناسبات وأنشطة تشمل الكتابة أو الرسم أو تنسيق الصور، تبعاً لمستوى إدراك الطفل.

* ابدأوا يومكم وفق ما هو محدّد في البرنامج، وأعدّوا الأطفال له من خلال مساعدتهم على فهم ما سيحدث ومتى وكيف يقومون به.

* أشركوا الأطفال من خلال السماح لهم بإضافة أفكارٍ أو أنشطةٍ جديدة على البرنامج المحدّد، واشرحوا لهم أهمية مشاركتهم في بعض الأنشطة المميّزة.

* في حال وجود نشاطٍ يستدعي النقاش حوله، تحدّثوا مسبقاً مع الأطفال واشرحوا لهم ما هو متوقع حدوثه، وادفعوهم إلى إبداء رأيهم في القرارات المتعلقة به.




باتباعكم هذه النصائح المقدّمة من الدكتورة هبة شطا، نأمل أن تتمكنوا من تخفيف أجواء التوتر، وبالتالي قضاء عطلةٍ سعيدة ومثمرة.

Panasonic redefines home security with the launch of expandable video intercom kit VL-SV74

Stylish and sophisticated, VL-SV74 is Panasonic’s thinnest video intercom model with built-in power supply



Dubai, United Arab Emirates




Panasonic is boosting its range of cutting-edge home monitoring solutions for the Middle East market with the introduction of the VL-SV74 Video Intercom System. Boasting sleek and streamlined design, the highly-expandable VL-SV74 is the thinnest intercom with built-in power supply developed by the Japanese electronics giant. It also comes with top-notch features, such as a 1.3M pixel image sensor, night vision, voice change function, picture recording and electric lock release support.




Developed for single-unit Apartment and Condominium residential markets, the VL-SV74 comes as a kit comprised of an outdoor camera door station and a fixed seven-inch main monitor with touch sensor keys. The main monitor, engineered for easy viewing in wide vertical and horizontal views and system navigation, can support up to three wide extension monitors (7-inch), giving users extra convenience to respond to visitors from any room. Moreover, PBX connectivity is also supported.




"There is increasing demand for innovative home security systems in the region with the growing awareness about general in-home safety and how they help bring peace of mind to residents. At Panasonic, our commitment is to consistently deliver insightfully efficient and reliable solutions that enrich families’ lives and enhance businesses. We believe that the addition of the VL-SV74 to our expansive portfolio of industry-leading security solutions will do just that. This new video intercom system offers easy, no-fuss installation and is designed to seamlessly integrate with your home’s aesthetic. Combining style and unmatched function, the VL-SV74 is an ideal solution that can help people feel safer and smarter about their homes,” Bibin Thomas - Product Manager, Panasonic, said.




Additional key features of the VL-SV74 include:





Stylishly Ergonomic

Touch sensor keys are used in the monitor, achieving a fully flat design. Available in silver, white and mirror design, the VL-SV74 boasts a gently curved, metallic looking design. An optional mount box can be used to install the doorphone inside the wall, reducing the distance between the front surface of the doorphone and the wall even further.





Easy to Use

A 1.3 M pixel image sensor is used in the doorphone to dramatically improve image quality. Furthermore, the ‘bell’ indicator on the call button illuminates so visitors immediately know where to press even in dark environments. A dedicated E-lock release key is placed on the front of the monitor and a volume adjustment key is placed on the side, making it easy to operate while talking.





Voice Change Function

This unique safety feature lowers the voice heard at the doorstep so that a woman’s voice sounds like a man’s.





Electric Lock Release Support for Gate

The gate or door lock can be easily and quickly released using the monitors.





Picture Recording

The main monitor and extension monitor can record doorphone images for up to 50 doorphone calls or monitoring sessions.





Night Vision

Doorphone is equipped with LED lights, as well as enables the color display of visitors at a distance of about 50 cm at night.




Learn more about Panasonic’s Video Intercom Systems at https://www.panasonic.com/middleeast/en/business/security/video-intercom/

Bell Announces Delivery of First Bell 505 to Horizon International Flight Academy

Horizon International Flight Academy adds the first of 12 Bell 505 helicopters to its fleet during a delivery ceremony.

Mirabel, Canada (Dec. 15, 2019) Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today the delivery of the first of 12 Bell 505 helicopters to Horizon International Flight Academy per an agreement signed in November at the Dubai Air Show. The 505 was configured for flight training, fully equipped with an integrated glass cockpit that enables pilots in training to experience modern controls on a single engine aircraft.

“We are glad to add Bell 505 helicopters to our all-Bell fleet that is comprised of Bell 206s, Bell 407s and Bell 429s,” said Hareb Thani Al Dhaheri, CEO, Horizon International Flight Academy. “This new addition will be an essential part of our training operations and will enable us to further expand our training offering.”

Horizon took delivery of the aircraft at Bell’s Mirabel facility during a ceremony attended by Hareb Al Dhaheri, CEO Horizon Flight Academy International, H.E. Fahad Saeed Al Raqbani, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Canada, Fahad Harhara Al Yafei, Cluster CEO, and Steeve Lavoie, President of Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Ltd.

“Bell is proud to support and celebrate today’s delivery with Horizon International Flight Academy,” said Sameer Rehman, Bell managing director for Africa and the Middle East. “The Bell 505 will be a great addition to the Horizon fleet and is an ideal aircraft in training helicopter pilots.”

Horizon is the region’s largest independent helicopter flight training academy and takes pride in training pilots locally and internationally. It will utilize the Bell 505 helicopters to continue training a new generation of world-class pilots.

“We would like to thank Horizon International Flight Academy for coming to our Mirabel facility and being a supporter of Bell,” said Steeve Lavoie, president of Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Ltd. “We are thrilled to contribute to the training of the next generation of pilots.”

“The Bell 505’s unique capabilities and efficient operational cost lend it increasingly well to being an ideal trainer,” said Hawker-Pacific’s Ian D’Arcy, Vice President Regional Operations, Middle East & Pacific. “There has been a lot of interest in the Bell 505 as a training aircraft due to its capability, affordability, maintainability and safety features.”

The Bell 505 Jet Ranger X delivers exceptional visibility, and the aircraft’s advanced avionics and cost operations make it a great aircraft for Horizon’s operations. With the high-tech flight deck and adaptable cabin design, it makes the Bell 505 capable of any challenge. The aircraft serves as a trusted platform for training operations enabling first-time pilots to fly with confidence.

‘بيل’ تعلِن عن تسليم أولى طائرات Bell 505 إلى الأكاديمية هورايزن الدولية للطيران 

هورايزن تضيف أولى طائرات Bell 505 المروحية من أصل 12 طائرة إلى أسطولها خلال حفل تسلّم خاص

ميرابل، كندا، 15 ديسمبر 2019: أعلنت اليوم شركة ‘بيل تكسترون إنكوربوريشن’ (Bell Textron Inc.)، إحدى شركات ‘تكسترون إنكوربوريشن’ (Textron Inc.) المدرجَة أسهمها في بورصة نيويورك (NYSE:TXT)، عن تسليم أولى الطائرات المروحية من أصل ـ12 طائرة نوع Bell 505 إلى الأكاديمية الدولية للطيران ‘هورايزن’، وذلك بناءً على اتفاقية تم توقيعها بين الطرفين في شهر نوفمبر الماضي خلال ‘معرض دبي للطيران’. وقد تم تصميم طائرات 505 بشكل خاص لدواعي التدريب، وهي مجهَّزة بالكامل بقمرة زجاجية مدمَجة تمكّن الطيّارين خلال التدريب من تجربة التحكّم العصري في طائرة من محرّك مفرد.

تعليقاً على هذا، قال حارب ثاني الظاهري، الرئيس التنفيذي لأكاديمية هورايزن الدولية للطيران: "تسعدنا جداً إضافة طائرات Bell 505 إلى أسطولنا المكوّن بالكامل من طائرات ‘بيل’ نوع Bell 206، Bell 407 وBell 429. وسوف تكون هذه الإضافة الجديدة جزءً محورياً من عملياتنا التدريبية وستمكّننا من توسعة خياراتنا التدريبية أكثر."

وكانت هورايزن قد تسلّمت الطائرة في المرافق الخاصّة بشركة ‘بيل’ الواقعة في ضاحية ميرابل ضمن مدينة مونتريال الكندية، وذلك خلال حفل تسليم خاص حضره حارب ثاني الظاهري، الرئيس التنفيذي للأكاديمية الدولية للطيران ‘هورايزن’، وسعادة فهد سعيد محمد الرقباني، سفير دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة لدى كندا، والدكتور فهد سيف هرهرة اليافعي، الرئيس التنفيذي في شركة"Cluster"، وستيف لافوا، رئيس شركة ‘بيل هليكوبتر تكسترون كندا المحدودة’.

أما سمير رحمان، المدير العام لشركة ‘بيل’ في أفريقيا والشرق الأوسط، فقال: "تفخر ‘بيل’ بتوفير الدعم اللازم والاحتفال اليوم بتسليم الطائرة إلى الأكاديمية الدولية للطيران ‘هورايزن’. إن Bell 505 ستشكّل إضافة رائعة إلى أسطول ‘هورايزن’، وهي بكل تأكيد طائرة مثالية لتدريب طيّاري المروحيات."

تُعدّ هورايزن أكبر أكاديمية مستقلّة للتدريب على الطائرات المروحية في المنطقة، وتفخر بتدريب الطيّارين على الصعيدين المحلّي والدولي وفق معايير بارزة. وسوف تقوم الأكاديمية باستخدام طائرات Bell 505 المروحية للاستمرار بتدريب جيل جديد من الطيّارين الذين يتمتّعون بأفضل المهارات العالمية.

وبهذه المناسبة، قال ستيف لافوا، رئيس شركة ‘بيل هليكوبتر تكسترون كندا المحدودة’: "نودّ أن نتقدّم بالشكر إلى الأكاديمية الدولية للطيران ‘هورايزن’ لقدومهم إلى مرافقنا الخاصّة في ميرابل وكونهم من الداعمين البارزين لـ’بيل’. ويسرّنا فعلاً أن نساهم في تمكين تدريب الجيل المقبل من الطيّارين."

من جهته، أكّد إيان دارسي، نائب الرئيس للعمليات في شركة ‘هوكر-باسيفيك’ في الشرق الأوسط ومنطقة الباسيفيك: "تتمتّع Bell 505 بقدرات فريدة، كما إنها تتميّز بكفاءة كلفتها التشغيلية، مما يجعلها طائرة مثالية للتدريب. ومن المهم الإشارة إلى أن Bell 505 تلقى الكثير من الاهتمام كطائرة تدريب بفضل قدراتها وسعرها المعقول وسهولة صيانتها وما تتميّز به من خصائص سلامة عالية."

توفر طائرة Bell 505 Jet Ranger X قدرات استثنائية فيما يتعلّق بالرؤية، كما إن ما تتضمّنه من أنظمة طيران إلكترونية متطوّرة وتميُّزها من ناحية الكلفة التشغيلية يجعل منها طائرة رائعة تتلاءم تماماً مع عمليات ‘هورايزن’. وبفضل قمرة الطيران عالية التقنية والتصميم المتكيّف للمقصورة، يمكن لطائرة Bell 505 التعامل مع مختلف التحدّيات بفعالية. وتشكّل الطائرة منصّة موثوقة لعمليات التدريب بحيث تمكّن الطيّارين الجدد من التحليق بثقة عالية.

Why Smart Hospitals in Egypt Need to Look After the Security of Their Networks

Author: Jacob Chacko, Regional Business Head – Middle East, Saudi & South Africa (MESA) at HPE Aruba



The Internet of Things (IoT) has the potential to transform all areas of the economy. But few industries stand to benefit more in a connected world than healthcare.




Consider how a hospital currently operates – running on a network of machines that are constantly monitoring, measuring and analysing, dealing with hundreds of people walking in and out of its doors on a daily basis, and on high alert around the clock. This is the ideal environment for smart, connected devices with greater autonomous, predictive and analytical capability. Turning a siloed device-driven environment into a connected one has the potential to enhance existing operations considerably: improving speed, efficiency and reliability, and ultimately enabling better patient care and experiences. It is little wonder then that US hospitals are already estimated to have as many as 10 to 15 IoT devices per bed, according to research by Zingbox.




Unfortunately, the security considerations of all this connectivity are significant, with implications for both patient data and care. Reports have shown that up to 89% of healthcare organisations that have adopted an IoT strategy have experienced an IoT-related data breach, while patient records are some of the most sought-after by hackers (fetching up to $250 on the black market according to Trustwave).




So what more can hospitals in Egypt do to anticipate the risks of future connectivity? And how can they set up their networks to fight back?




Anticipating and overcoming IoT risks

For any network manager responding to these questions, the starting point is recognising the vulnerabilities that are inherent in large networks of connected devices. With every component offering a potential point of failure or entry to a would-be attacker, the more devices a hospital brings in, the greater the risk of a significant data breach.




But it is not just patient data that could be at risk in a worst-case scenario – far more worrying are the implications for patient care. A device that has autonomy to measure and deliver drug doses, for example, could suffer from a software glitch, or be taken over by a malicious attacker. Meanwhile during an episode of unexpected downtime, a device that isn’t critical to life – such as an MRI scanner – could gain preferential access to one that is, like a heart monitor.




These may be extreme scenarios, but they are something for which every hospital and healthcare provider must prepare. And guarding against them means addressing a key source of IoT vulnerability: network visibility.




Secure, visible, and under control

Protecting a network which houses IoT devices at scale is a challenging task at the best of times, but it can only be achieved if everything – down to the last sensor – is individually logged, secured and monitored. Without a system that allows everything to be “fingerprinted” in this way and then managed accordingly, vulnerabilities emerge that can be exploited.




As the volume and sophistication of IoT devices in hospitals increases, this is only becoming more of a mammoth task for network managers. Traditional approaches for profiling aren’t suitable for many IoT devices, rendering them indistinguishable and generic. And yet the ability to discriminate between devices is absolutely vital. Consider how you would react to an issue with an automated insulin delivery system versus one with the smart sensors in the hospital carpark. Critical-care devices that need to run continuously can’t be treated the same way as those which can be disconnected if needed.




Luckily, there is a solve for this lack of visibility – and that comes in the form of an increasing array of AI and machine learning solutions, like Aruba’s ClearPass Device, that are being created to ensure every device connected to the network can be monitored with the appropriate depth. Running on a purpose-built cloud platform, ClearPass deploys a range of machine learning models to differentiate between devices with similar IT attributes, and build highly detailed, behavioural-based profiles for any that are connected to the network.




Putting the spotlight on network security

When the future of healthcare is discussed, the spotlight is understandably focussed on clinicians, patients and devices. But as smart hospitals become a reality, attention will increasingly shift to the less visible role of the network security manager.




This brings with it great responsibility, but also the opportunity to play a vital role in the ongoing revolution of today’s healthcare system. In the age of IoT continued progress will rely as much on effective security as it does on hardware innovations and digitally enabled caregiving. Doctors will only be able to look after the patients if network managers use the right tools to care for the hospital. So, isn’t it about time you run a proper diagnosis of your network security?

Huawei's first 5G OpenLab

BEIJING, Dec. 12, 2019 /PRNewswire/Knowledge Bylanes -- A news and video report by China.org.cn on the "Huawei's first 5G OpenLab" in Seoul, South Korea:

Huawei is one of the world's leading players in developing 5G technology. Apart from expanding its global market, the company is also engaged in building a healthy 5G ecosystem and driving ICT development locally.

At its 5G OpenLab in South Korea's capital city of Seoul, we had the chance to experience how 5G technology is changing the way we work and play.

Our video host Laura Zheng will take you to experience how 5G technology is changing the way we work and play.

Host Laura Zheng: Cloud PC is an Internet-based computing method. In this way, shared hardware and software resources and information can be provided to various terminals and other devices of the computer on demand, using computer infrastructure provided by the service provider for computing and resources.

Host Laura Zheng: Cloud game is a cloud-based game mode. In the cloud game mode, all games run on the server side, and the rendered game screen is compressed and transmitted to the user through the network.

Host Laura Zheng: Cloud Virtual Reality (Cloud VR) introduces the concept and technology of cloud computing and cloud rendering into VR business applications. With a high-speed and stable network, the cloud display output and sound output are encoded and compressed. The device is transmitted to the user's terminal device to implement VR service content and rendering on the cloud.

Host Laura Zheng: Huawei said the OpenLab is designed to provide 5G testing environments and interoperability services for small-and-medium enterprises and local startups. In the lab, Huawei has deployed end-to-end 5G network equipment, including the latest 5G base stations, core networks, and transport networks, for its partners to use for free. The company has also pledged to invest more in the OpenLab.

Video- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsVN5nahlPI