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What is the best thing for a runner to eat during a long run?
Good question, and one to which there is no best answer. However there are certain things that work for me and I'm happy to share my thoughts.
The basic science is that Carbohydrate is the body's main fuel source for hard exercise. This is stored in the muscles and liver as glycogen, however the body has only got enough stores to last for about 90 minutes of hard exercise. So if your race or hard training run is going to take more than an hour and a half you are going to need to refill the tank as it were by eating carbohydrate rich food. But with lots of choice of gels, energy bars and other food sources it can be hard to know what to use.
Fell Runners Favourite!
A lot of fell runners I know swear by jelly babies! They are easy to chew / swallow and have a high carbohydrate content. Whilst I have used them I find them too sweet and I prefer other types of jelly sweet. My current favourites are Tesco Cherry & Pomegranate Gummies. These are more chewy but much less sickly than Jelly Babies whilst still having a high carbohydrate content. I tend to look for sweets that contain fruit juice rather than just sugar such as the Gummies and Rowntrees Fruit Bottles.
Runners' Fuel
There are also a number of specialist gels and bars on the market. I use Science in Sport (SiS) isotonic gels. These have the advantage that they can be taken without water whereas most others are designed to be washed down with a drink and thus diluted. Some gels also contain caffeine although if I'm honest I haven't noticed any difference between these and the non caffeinated ones. The bars also come with and without caffeine and resemble a very chewy flapjack. I tend not to use these as I find them difficult to swallow – they need a lot of chewing! – and it's not ideal having a gob full of goo whilst trying to run fast!
The new kids on the block are Cliff Shot Bloks. These are like the old fashioned squares of Rowntree's jelly only slightly firmer. They are easily palatable and not difficult to chew. Although the packaging advises taking with water I have eaten them on their own with no ill effects.
Gels & Bars
As these products have been designed with the athlete in mind they are seen as "specialist" and with that comes the inevitable cost. A single gel will cost £1, not a bank breaker on its own but if you are doing a high weekly training mileage, training for a long race for example such as the Ultra Tour of the Peak District, those pounds are going to add up. So are there any cheaper alternatives?
I like to use Coconut bars, nice tasting with quite a high carbohydrate content and cheap (39 pence from Tesco). Other options are School Bars, these are fruit concentrate bars, and Peanut Brittle.
Alternative Fuel
Whichever method of refuelling you choose you can check the carbohydrate content by reading the nutrition advice on the label. Look for the value per 100 grams, that way you can compare like for like regardless of the weight of the packet.
My strategy is to use sweets and alternative bars when training. Because I am not running as fast and can afford to stop for a few moments I am much less likely to inhale a peanut! I save the expensive gels and Shot Bloks for races. I might supplement the gels with a few sweets. Make sure whatever you choose is easily accessible, I carry them in a side zip on my bumbag. On a long run or race I will start snacking on the sweets after about an hour and take a gel after about 80 minutes of racing. I try to time the gel consumption to a steep uphill section where I am likely to be going slow and thus find it easy to open my bumbag and scoff the gel – it's much harder to do this at pace. It takes about 10 minutes for the gel to take effect and the trick is to take the fuel on board before you feel the bonk.
Whatever fuel you use on the hill, please don't drop the wrapper – including the little tab off the top of the gel. Unfortunately empty gel packets are becoming a common site on some race routes.
I rarely take a drink with me unless I'm on a long run in hot weather. Then I choose something like Tesco or Aldi's own isotonic juice. This is much cheaper than Lucozade / Powerade etc and it seems to work.
Cheap Isotonic Juice
So what about post race? Well not only will you need to replace carbohydrate but protein as well. This is essential to allow your body to rebuild and recover. The general advice is to take on a carbo / protein mix straight after exercise. I do this with Frijj milkshakes – the chocolate and fudge brownie ones are Dee-lish! A cheaper alternative is Tesco Chocolate Milk, 2 for £2, better value but nowhere near as tasty! I will also have a banana with the drink.
Post Race Food
As with any food, one man's meat is another man's poison, or just because it works for me it might not for you. I know some people who react quite badly to certain gels whilst other people have no problem with them. The best thing to do is try a few different products and find what works best for you. And don't use something on race day if you've never tried it beforehand – you don't want to be diving into the bushes halfway through the race because your nutrition has given you the wrong type of runs!
To book a Peak District guided run or navigation training visit:


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Volume 4, Issue 1, March 2019, Page: 8-11
Influence of Blanching on the Production of Pectinases from Banana Peels by Aspergillus niger
Ogunlade Ayodele Oluwayemisi, Department of Food Technology, School of Science and Computer Studies, The Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
Aladejana Oluwatoyin Modupe, Department of Biological Sciences, Microbiology Unit, Faculty of Science, Kings University, Ode Omu, Osun State, Nigeria
Aladejana Oluwatoyin Modupe, Department of Biological Sciences, Microbiology Unit, Faculty of Science, Kings University, Ode Omu, Osun State, Nigeria
Received: Jan. 22, 2019; Accepted: Feb. 28, 2019; Published: Mar. 26, 2019
DOI: 10.11648/j.ijmb.20190401.12 View 430 Downloads 96
Pectinases are enzymes that break down pectin, a polysaccharide found in plant cell walls into simpler molecules. They are commonly referred to as pectic enzymes. Influence of blanching was determined on the production of pectinases from banana peels by Aspergillus niger. Banana peels were subjected to blanching with cold 5% NaCl. Aspergillus niger isolated from decaying banana peels using potato dextrose agar (PDA) were screened for the production of pectinases by examining the isolates with the largest zone of clearance. Solid state fermentation (SSF) and submerged fermentation (SMF) were carried out with the banana peels as the substrate (carbon source) using the Aspergillus niger with the largest zone of clearance. The result revealed that SSF has the highest yield of polygalacturonase and pectin lyase production and both were produced on day 3 of the fermentation having values of 7.5544U/mL and 22.3214U/mL respectively. It was observed that yield of production was generally higher in blanched banana peels when compared with unblanched banana peels. Subjection of banana peels to blanching with cold NaCl solution in solid state fermentation gave higher levels of pectinases activity when compared with banana peels that were not treated at all. Therefore blanching of banana peels for pectinases production is of great importance.
Pectinases, Blanching, Banana Peels
To cite this article
Ogunlade Ayodele Oluwayemisi, Aladejana Oluwatoyin Modupe, Influence of Blanching on the Production of Pectinases from Banana Peels by Aspergillus niger, International Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology. Vol. 4, No. 1, 2019, pp. 8-11. doi: 10.11648/j.ijmb.20190401.12
Copyright © 2019 Authors retain the copyright of this article.
This article is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
This article is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Mehraj, P. K., Anuradha, P and Subbarao, D. (2013) Application of pectinases in industrial sector. International Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences and Technology. 16(1)89-95.
Semenova, M, Sinitsyna O, Morozova, V (2006). Use of a preparation from fungal pectin lyase in the food Industry. Applied Biochemical Microbiology, 42: 598-602.
Dayanand, A and Patil, S. R (2003) In: Detection of potential fungal isolates for the production ofpectinase from deseeded dried sunflower head.
Kashyap, D. R, Vohra, P. K, Chopra S, and Tewari, R (2001). Applications of pectinases in commercial sector: a review. Bioresources Technology; 77:215–27.
Beg, Q. K., Kapoor, M., Tiwari, R. P, Hoondal, G. S (2001). Bleach-boosting of eucalyptus kraft pulp using combination of xylanase and pectinase from Streptomyces sp. QG-11-3. Resource Bulletin. Panjab University; 57:71–8.
Kavitha, R and Umesh-Kumar, S (2001). Genetic improvement of Aspergillus carbonarius for pectinase overproduction during solid state growth, Biotechnology and Bioengineering., 67: 121–125.
Martins, E. S, Silva, R and Gomes, E (2000). Solid state production of thermostable pectinases from thermophilic Thermoascus aurantiacus. Process Biochemistry, 37: 949-954.
Pandey, A (1994). Solid-State Fermentation: An overview. In: Solid State Fermentation, A. Pandey (Ed.), Wiley Eastern Ltd. New Delhi, India, pp. 3–10.
Bennett, J. W (1998). Mycotechnology: The role of fungi in biotechnology. Journal of Biotechnology., 66: 101-107.
Martin, N., De Souza, S. R., Da Silva, R and Gomes, E (2004). Pectinase production by fungal strains in solid-state fermentation using agroindustrial bioproduct, Brazillian Archeology Biology and Technology., 47: 813–819.
Pandey, A., Selvakumar, P., Soccoi, C. R and Nigam, P (2002). Solid State Fermentation for the Production of Industrial enzymes.http://tejas.serc.iisc.ernet.in/~currsci/july10/articles23.
Miller, G. L (1959). Use of Dinitrosalicylic acid reagent for determination of reducing sugars. Analytical Chemistry. 31:426-429.
Rangarajan, V., Rajasekaran, M., Ravichandran, R., Sriganesh, K and Vaitheeswaran, V (2010). Pectinase production from orange peel extract and dried orange peel solid as substrate using Aspergillus niger, International Journal of Biotechnology and Biochemistry; 6:445-453.
Nazneen, A. M., Alam, M., Azim, U., Feroza B., Tipu, S and Abul, K. A (2011). Production of Pectinase by Aspergillus niger Cultured in Solid State Media. International Journal of Biosciences (IJB), 1(1): 33-42.
Castilho, L. R., Alves, T. L. M and Medronho, R. A (2000). Production and extraction of pectinases obtained by solid-state fermentation of agroindustrial residues with Aspergillus niger. Bioresources Technology. 71: 45–50.
Singh, S. A, Plattner, H and Diekmann, H (1999). Exopolygalacturonate lyase from a thermophilic Bacillus sp. Enzymology of Microbial Technolology, 25: 420–425.
Okeke, B. C, Obi, S. K. C (1994). Lignocellulose and sugar compositions of some agro waste materials. Bioresources Technology. 50: 222-227.
Ekhlund, R., Galbe, M and Zachi, G (1990). Optimization of temperature and enzyme concentration in the enzymatic saccharification of steam pre-treated willow. Enzyme Microbiology and Technology 12: 225-228.
Ramanujam, P. K ., Saritha, N and Subramanian, P (2008). Production of pectin lyase by solid state fermentation of sugarcane bargasse using Aspergillus niger. Advanced Biotechnology. Pp 30-33.
Mrudula, S and Anitharaj, R (2011). Pectinase production in solid state fermentation by Aspergillus niger using Orange peel as substrate. Global Journal of Biotechnology and Biochemistry, 6(2): 64-71.
Nwodo-Chinedu, S., Okochi, V. I, Omidiji, O., Omowaye, O. O., Adeniji, B. R., Olukoju, D and Chidozie, F (2007b). Potentials of cellulosic wastes in media formulation. African Journal of Biotechnology, 6(3): 243-246.

subset: commoncrawl


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With established offices in the UK, America and China, P2i announced the opening of a new office based in Taiwan in October 2016.
Taking the plunge: why waterproof smartphones will be even better in 2018
P2i Limited Global Headquarters
9-12 North Central
127 Olympic Avenue
Milton Park
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 1235 833100
We love receiving questions from people who are interested in P2i.
To find out more about our liquid repellent nano coating technology, service support or other general enquiries please see our contact page. For more regular updates please follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook and subscribe to our newsletter.Contact Us


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The Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) women's golf team opened the fall season with a second-place finish in the NIACC Invitational September 10 at Mason City.
Iowa Lakes Community College (ILCC) won the team championship with 336 strokes and DMACC posted a score of 344 in finishing second. The Bears finished 15 strokes in front of third-place North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC). Southwestern Community College's Bianca Findlay took medalist honors with a four-over-par 76.
DMACC was led by sophomores Kylie Nichols of Ogden and Alison Schweers of Carroll. Both posted scores of 80 and tied for third place in the individual competition.
Sophomore Meghan Matherly of Ankeny and freshman Abi Tinlin of Des Moines rounded out DMACC's performance. Matherly shot an 88 and tied for tenth and Tinlin shot a 96 and finished in 16th place.
The DMACC women's golf team will play in the Buena Vista Invitational September 21 and 22 at Storm Lake.


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International business
In these years, export accounted for 40% of the company's turnover, a role ensured by Aarikka's 1,600 retail locations, all over the world. During the summer, tourists were an important customer group. For their benefit, even the Christmas products were kept displayed in the shops all year round. The company benefited too: sales of Christmas products formed 20% of the Aarikka's entire turnover (30 million euros a year). Aarikka jewellery was sold as far away as Abu Dhabi.
Sweden had always been an important export market for Aarikka products, and expansion into this market was ensured through new Aarikka shops at the Arlanda airport and in downtown Stockholm's Galleria shopping centre. Germany was the company's most important export destination, but Japan was not far behind in second place. In Tokyo's upper-crust neighbourhood of Ginza, Aarikka established a joint shop with Annikki Karvinen.
In Germany, the blue and white theme became such a smash hit that even the Christmas products entered production in blue for these customers. After this, the Germans wanted everything in red.


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Having been relegated from the Premier League following an utterly disastrous 2018/19 campaign, Fulham now face an uphill task to keep Aleksandar Mitrovic at Craven Cottage this summer.
According to German outlet Sports Bild (as quoted by Bulinews), Bayer Leverkusen are reportedly interested in signing the Serbian forward with manager Peter Bosz looking to add to his attacking options ahead of next season.
One of Fulham's best only shining lights last season, Mitrovic managed to fire in 11 goals in the top-flight as he proved to be a real nuisance for defenders.
If the 24-year-old does end up leaving, it is imperative that Scott Parker lines up an adequate replacement for him as if he doesn't, the Cottagers could find it hard to compete in what is one of the toughest leagues in world football.
Keeping this in mind, here's THREE potential players who we think they should be targeting…
Dwight Gayle
Although he possesses a completely different skill-set in comparison to Mitrovic, Dwight Gayle clearly has the ability to fill the void left by the former Anderlecht ace and therefore Fulham simply have to considering swooping for him.
Outstanding whilst on loan at West Bromwich Albion in the Championship last season, the forward rattled in 24 goals as he helped the club reach the play-offs.
However, with the Baggies pulling out of the race to sign Gayle on a permanent deal from Newcastle United last month (via BBC Sport), it may be worth Parker trying to convince owner Shahid Khan to splash the cash on the forward.
Neal Maupay
One of the most gifted forwards in the second-tier, Neal Maupay enjoyed a stunning year at Griffin Park which saw him be directly involved in 37 goals in all competitions for Brentford.
With an excellent pedigree at Championship level, there is no doubting that the Frenchman would be the ideal replacement for Mitrovic yet the possibility of Fulham bringing him in could depend on how much money they receive from the sale of the ex-Newcastle man.
If they end up securing a huge cash influx this summer, it could be worth using a chunk of it on Maupay as he has the ability needed to take the Cottagers back up to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
Britt Assombalonga
Another option for the Londoners if they want to go down the route of a proven scorer at this level is Assombalonga.
The Middlesbrough man would give the side a physical presence up top and can run the channels, whilst he is lethal in front of goal when given a chance.
He is seemingly available this summer and could be a realistic option.


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wedding photography
A Note From Us
When our friends reminisce about their weddings, a lot of what they remember revolved around the photos. We've all heard from that person whose photos were a disaster, and usually that is accompanied with the day itself feeling rushed or out of control.
When we got into photography we loved knowing we got to change this exact thing for our clients. Our whole approach is to get to know you before the big day so by the time we're photographing you putting on your dress we are as comfortable as long time friends with each other.
This process of hiring your wedding vendors can be overwhelming and draining, amirite? You'd never guess you need your photographers to double as timeline overlords and crazy groomsman wranglers. So let us assure you, we love taking your actual wedding photos and we also gladly help your day to run smoothly. You have found the love of your life, it's your turn to celebrate!
Wedding Packages
The Ultimate Colorado Wedding
(2) Photographers
Full 8 hour day of coverage
Engagement Session
Photo Booth for Reception
Custom USB with all images
Print Release for all Professionally edited images
well this is perfect
(2) Photographers
6 hours of Coverage
Engagement Session
Travel within the State of CO Covered
Print Release for all Professionally edited images
it's just right
(1) Photographer
6 Hours of Coverage
Engagement Session
Travel within the State of CO Covered
Print Release for all Professionally edited images
let's do this
(1) Photographer
4 Hours of Coverage
Print Release for all Professionally edited images
No Travel Fees within 250 miles
we wanna elope
(1) Photographer
2 hours of Coverage
Print Release for all Professionally edited images
No Travel fees within 250 miles
a la carte
Second Photographer - $100 Per hour
Hourly Coverage - $250 Per hour
Albums - Start at $250
Custom USB's - $50 Per USB
Videography- Please Inquire
THE Photo Booth
$200 Per hour
Questions & Answers
How do I know how many hours I'll need?
The easiest way to determine this is by how many locations you'll be at that day. Consider travel time between where you're getting ready and the ceremony location. Do you want to sneak away for a bit to do scenic bride/groom shots?
my fiance is sooo not into photos. Can you work with him?
Totally! That's the beauty of having us both at your wedding. Kevin is widely known as the resident goofball and before you know it your guy'll be loose and enjoying himself just as much as if you were already in Vegas.
Do you do elopements?
Absolutely we do, and the more adventurous the better. No mountain is too high for us! Our Elopement package starts at $1000 and the details are in the Pricing section above.
How many photos do we get back?
In general, we deliver 80-100 finished images per hour of coverage. Of course, it will depend on the details of your specific day but rest assured that every part of your wedding day story will be included with a variety of angles of the most important moments.
But what about the abstract shots on our wedding day?
Don't worry we love getting fun unique shots. Sometimes we even create them after the fact in photoshop when two images pair great together as a double exposure. This is also why we love have second shooter as photographers, we create amazing stuff when we are challenged by someone else. See the slideshow below for those creative ones we are talking about.
Can I add on an engagement session?
Our most popular packages come with E-Sessions included, actually! But yes, you can add on an Engagement Session to any one of our packages.
Can i choose a payment plan?
Absolutely! We are all about making things easier on you. Just choose that option when you fill out our contact form. We'll customize it based on how much time is left before your wedding day with the final payment due two weeks before.
I don't see quite what I need. Can we adjust the details?
Wait, we didn't read your mind? Haha, we've planned for just this and would love to discuss any mix of variations you need for your specific situation. Hit us up!
Do you offer Videography as well?
We like to turn around the gallery of your awesome photos within 4-6 weeks. Usually you'll see a sneak peek image or two within that first week after the big day too. During the post processing weeks your photos are being loved on by not just us but our dogs and we are super excited to get them back to you so you can relive the magic of that day.
How long after our wedding day do we get our photos back?
We like to turn around the gallery of your awesome photos within 4-6 weeks. Usually you'll see a sneak peek image or two within that first week after the big day too. During the post processing weeks your photos are being loved on by not just us but our dogs and we are super excited to get them back to you so you can relive the magic of that day.
All collections are customizable and we are available for travel wherever you want to take us! If you have any questions, send us a message.
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Have a question? Just want to chat? E:firstname.lastname@example.com | P: (720) 561-0224
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Up in Arms About Development Web Design?
Web design is important in defining your on-line presence. It has a lot of benefits, that is why you are suggested to have one as your own. Both internet design and web development are essential for the creation of sites. Therefore you have to pick the best internet design and development company to make your site.
Everything you have to know about web development. Web development is a wide term for the general development of sites and web apps. The internet development is a very best part for your organization building.
Whatever objective you desire to achieve with your site, it can be accomplished by investing in superior web design. Building a site can allow you to attain all your targets but beware! A responsive website will give a smooth user experience whatever the device structure or limitations.
Your website should represent your organization well. Website is the face of your business facing the customers. There are various sorts of websites (online stores, business card sites, landing pages, portals) but not one of them may be developed in a week if you're looking for a finished high-quality product.
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You want your site to work fast and be simple to control. Websites ought to be perfectly functional on all devices and the mobile-friendly alternative is a wonderful option to be certain that. As a consequence of the audit, it will become clear that it is simpler and cheaper to develop a new website from scratch.


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Free trial Go
As the keeping track of expanding asset inventories gets complicated, many growing organizations decide to abandon traditional spreadsheet-based or pen and paper methods of locating equipment, products, or devices. However, the search for advanced and more efficient tech alternatives is often fraught with confusion and disappointment as these companies consider a broad spectrum of GPS tracking systems, each of which has unique technical capabilities and limitations.
We've had many curious customers come to us with questions about the range, deployment, power, cost, size, and other functional/financial aspects of the different GPS tracking solutions available for purchase today. That's why, in this article, we provide much-sought explanations regarding the shortcomings, strengths, applications, and functionalities of the various asset-tracking technologies to help customers make informed choices.
Let's take a look at 4 GPS-enabled/linked systems, namely:
With all the marketing hype around radio frequency identification (RFID), it's easy to see why many customers get under the impression that this technology supports low-cost, real-time, GPS asset tracking. Nothing could be further from the truth, especially when it comes to practical applications! For starters, the technology cannot track or provide the geographical position or geospatial data of moving equipment, products, or parts.
You'd typically deploy RFID tracking within controlled indoor spaces. In that case, strategically positioned interrogators triangulate and localize RFID tags, helping locate tagged items.
However, RFID tracking technology can cost up to $250, 000 or more, which may be beyond the means of a midsize enterprise. With a single RFID reader costing as much $3,000, you may find it unsustainably costly to use the technology to track all your assets.
Larger organizations with the necessary financial muscle may install, apply, and maintain such a tracking system within expansive warehouses.
Contrary to a common misconception, neither RFID nor NFC trackers provide real-time geospatial data. The technology does not tap into the satellite-linked Global Position System (GPS), and it cannot supply continuous and precise geographical data on RFID/NFC-tagged items. This fact explains the technology's limited range.
RFID is an electronic triangulation system that utilizes three critical elements to identify, locate, and store information about individual or groups of items, such as products, equipment, or parts, within confined indoor spaces. It comprises RFID tags, which have microchips that carry an item's information or a serial number that matches a database record.
The system includes scanners or readers that communicate with the tags through radio signaling. The third component is a database that may store asset information as well as RFID tag responses received via the scanners.
Active RFID tags use a dedicated power source (such as a battery), and they're able to transmit radio signals without interruption. With passive tags, scanners supply the power in the form of electromagnetic waves.
Both active and passive RFID tags can be used to track the movement of items in restricted environments, such as shipping operations or warehouses. In these applications, the systems can tell the real-time location of the tagged items. But the technology is expensive compared to available alternatives. Additionally, RFID radio signals have a limited range, and they can't reach tags deployed outside of controlled spaces.
The concept of radio-frequency identification forms the basis of NFC asset tagging. The system comprises a transmitting device and a signal receiver.
NFC tags carry passive data, but they lack processing capabilities. They're able to transmit information using power drawn from readers. Apple Pay uses this technology.
You can use NFC tags to track products in your store. When utilized as an anti-theft solution in a brick and mortar retail store, the system monitors the movement of merchandise through the exit. It sets off an alarm if it detects a shoplifted item.
So far, devices on the latest versions of Android and iOS can detect NFC tags, and they can decode transmissions containing NDEF data. That explains the developer community's growing interest in building mobile apps that tap into NFC-enabled smartphones to solve a wide array of consumer and commercial needs.
For example, two NFC-enabled smartphones or devices can communicate with each other and share information in a peer-to-peer network. Applications can exploit the capability to enable users to get things done swiftly, such as exchange media files, make mobile payments, or use their smart mobile devices as contactless transport cards. At GoCodes, we are looking into building NFC tag reading capabilities into our mobile apps.
Smartphones can function as actual RFID readers, attached to special third-party hardware. Such an enhancement enables Android and iOS devices to scan RFID tags from a distance. Tracking assets this way may be cheaper than using traditional, dedicated RFID tagging systems in some cases.
However, organizations trying to save money by adopting a BYOD policy may not like the idea of buying each user a dedicated smartphone for RFID tagging. It may not always be the cheapest option, taking into account the cost of mobile RFID add-ons, smartphones, and data.
A typical RFID device you can attach to a smartphone is the CipherLab 1861, priced at around $561. A complete set could cost up to $1,500.
The Infinea X RFID/barcode reader for iPhone is another alternative. It costs roughly $500.
A quick response (QR) code is a type of 2D barcode with coded information. There are tab or smartphone apps built to decipher the black and white, pixel-like, "secret" codes in seconds. Initially developed for the automotive industry, QR codes have had many practical applications in consumer marketing over the years. They have featured in magazines and ads, and people would scan them with smartphones to decode links to digital resources, such as maps or websites, or to read email addresses, phone numbers, or messages.
Today, organizations are sticking QR codes onto assets to help identify and locate them. The technology can be used to track the status of stationary equipment whose location is already known.
A significant drawback of QR codes is that they do not have built-in GPS tracking capabilities. However, GPS-enabled QR code readers, such as smartphones, make it possible to track a mobile or fixed asset along with its geospatial information. It makes sense because the QR code-tagged asset and the GPS-integrated reader are in the same location at the same time. That's the logic behind GoCodes GPS-enabled asset tracking innovation, which the USPTO granted a patent in 2015.
QR code tagging has many unique benefits. Compared with spreadsheet software, it's inexpensive and easy to deploy as part of an inventory and asset tracking system. The technology boasts a broad spectrum of industrial applications, including collecting data and tracking shop floor assemblies in manufacturing, monitoring the movement of construction work tools and materials on site and in warehouses, and tracking system/equipment/part inventories for maintenance and operational continuity purposes.
Nonetheless, the system does not give the real-time asset position or coordinates. A practical workaround entails performing multiple QR codes scans automatically at regular intervals using a GPS-enabled device. Doing that enables the tracking system to provide near real-time visibility into tagged asset geospatial data over time. If equipment moves after a scan, for example, the next quick check reveals where it is at the time.
Traditionally, Bluetooth-enabled and connected devices near each other can exchange files, such as mobile apps, documents, and media, wirelessly. Better yet, a phone can transmit sound to a paired Bluetooth headset, which enables the user to listen to music, cordlessly.
However, Bluetooth Low Energy beacons are used to track and identify nearby assets. They can also transmit data to or receive requests from Bluetooth-enabled devices. In a typical equipment-tracking architecture, BLE receivers mounted on immobile fixtures scan an area for BLE-tagged assets. These assets transmit data containing unique IDs for identification. In turn, BLE receivers send detected asset identity and location information to a smartphone or cloud-based app.
BLE asset tracking has several benefits, including:
The technology has some flaws too, such as:
That said, it's still possible to expand the BLE tracking range to cover thousands of assets in separate locations, in real time. A crowdsourced mobile-tagging system can help with that objective. In that case, thousands of users let their virtually networked smartphones send device geospatial data to the cloud, automatically. Then, a cloud-based application works out the location of asset tags. It's similar to how to Google tracks and transmits traffic data in real time to motorists.
Tracking assets with SMS/GPS entails leveraging satellite technology and GSM/cellular networks. The system can accurately track large moving objects (like vehicles) in real time. Here, the role of GPS is to provide geospatial information (including coordinates), which is transmitted to the user via a GSM data network. The user can view the location of the asset being tracked in real time on the screen of a device with Google Maps or a similar app.
GSM/SMS/GPS asset tracking systems come in various configurations. However, a typical architecture includes these primary components:
The mobile unit is attached to the asset (such as a vehicle) to track it real time. The GPS modem tracks and captures asset location information, while the GSM modem sends the geospatial data in SMS form to the base station modem.
The base station has an application that decodes the SMS and preserves the asset location information in a database. Google Maps or a similar app displays the info in real time.
With the GSM/SMS/GPS technology, you can tell your car's location on demand using your mobile phone. The mobile unit GSM modem has a SIM whose number you can dial to receive an SMS indicating where your vehicle is at any single time.
One of the main benefits of GSM/SMS/GPS asset tracking is that it's exceptionally accurate, and it provides real-time geospatial information. Also, Google Maps presents asset location information via high-resolution screens. The system has unlimited range, and it can track mobile assets to virtually any location with a cellular network.
The system's cons include:
Here are the key takeaways:
In a nutshell, consider the factors below when selecting your asset-tracking solution:
Looking for a quick comparison summary, here's a quick table we put together:
Power Source
Cost per Item
QR Codes
Very Small
Very Low (<$1)
Passive RFID/NFC
3 inches
Low (<$10). Scanners cost ~$3,000 each
Active RFID
100 feet
High ($100). Scanner cost ~$3,000 each
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
30 feet
Low ($25)
Very High ($100 one-time +$20/month)
Based on the different capability and price points some common usage patterns emerge for these GPS tracking technologies. Here's a summary:
Looking for more information. Try this short article: Learn the Basics of GPS Tracking Using QR Codes, RFID, and Bluetooth Low Energy
Improving School Inventory Management
Checking In & Out Tools and Equipment
Facts about GPS tracking using QR codes, RFID/NFC, Bluetooth & GSM/SMS
Learn the Pros and Cons of Sequence Numbers, Bar Codes, QR Codes & RFID tags for Asset Identification and Tracking
Where Is It? – GPS Tracking Assets Using QR Barcodes and Smartphones
How to Choose The Best Asset Barcode Labels for Your Fixed Asset Project
Asset & Inventory Tracking Software: Cloud-Based Solutions vs. On-Site Installation
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"Easy-to-use software. Affordable price. Secure, tamper-proof physical stickers with owner information. Locates powered-down assets online or from mobile devices. Tracks any asset, even non-networked assets."
Lanette Creamer, PC Magazine Review
"Love GoCodes! The software and mobile app are fantastic for my crew and I in our day to day routine. Since we've been using GoCodes, we have seen a significant decrease in missing assets. Thank you!"
Brian Thomas, J&M Keystone
"Go Codes changed the way we keep inventory. Adding any criteria to track is a great feature! We can use our funding codes to be track our investments. We can keep track of the location of the devices as long as we scan whenever it moves locations."
Frank Lagomarsino, Millbrae School District
"I use GoCodes to conveniently track periodic inspections for safety equipment such as fire extinguishers on construction sites all over the US. My team and I am are exposed to some extreme environments. We no longer have to carry a clipboard with pages of inspection forms that blow away in the wind, become rain soaked, become illegible, or could get dropped from atop of a high structure. With GoCodes everything I need to document my inspection in on my iPhone making my job safer and easier."
Jordan Woods,Overland Contracting
"Simple and worth every penny. I love the ease of use to set up and the support i received. I am the only IT person for my company and it was hard for me to stay focused on this project very long as more critical things were going on. The support team gave us a product package that fit my company and gave us some time to get testing it fully and we liked what we saw. "
Chris Lubinski,Action Lift, Inc.


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Xbox Unveils Hilarious New Ad For Forza Horizon Starring Very Confused Voiceover Guy
Xbox has unveiled its latest campaign for the release of Forza Horizon 4 and it's epic, stunning and hilarious to boot.
The ad stars famed voiceover man, Canadian Maurice LaMarche, better known for his work voicing characters in hits such as Futurama, Team America: World Police and even The Simpsons.
In the spot, La Marche does his best David Attenborough impersonation in what he initially believes is a tourist campaign for rural Britain. However, the picturesque country side is soon destroyed by cars from the latest Xbox game.
The ad's the work of San Franciscan agency 215 McCann and will also be part of the game's promotion in Australia prior to its launch on October 2. Check out the fun spot below:


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CAMBRIDGE — The Dorchester Garden Club announces"The Potting Shed" – a Standard Flower Show that will be held on May 25, from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Immanuel United Church of Christ, 5401 White Hall Road in Cambridge.
The charming theme was created by the show chairman and long-time Dorchester Garden Club member, Faye Phillips and the original artwork featured on the flower show schedule is by local artist, Willa Klingensmith.
The Dorchester Garden Club conducts Standard Flower Shows every two years in accordance with standards established by National Garden Clubs, Inc. (NGC). The purposes of a Standard Flower Show, according to NGC, are to educate club members and the viewing public, to stimulate interest in horticulture and floral design, to provide an outlet for creative expression, and to convey to the community the objectives of NGC.
Awards will be presented for floral designs, horticulture, and special exhibits. Horticulture displays will include container plants, flowering perennials, flowering annuals, herbs and combination plantings entered by Dorchester Garden Club Members.
The Design Division will feature beautiful floral designs created by Dorchester Garden Club Members, including miniature, small, small stretch, reflective, multi-rhythmic and table settings designs.
The Special Exhibits Division will include "Celebrating 85 years of flowers, friends and Community Service" in recognition of the Dorchester Garden Club's 85th anniversary of its founding in 1930.
The show is open to the public and admission is free.