Arthur C Clarke's short story Silence Please, published in 1957, tells the tale of a young scientist, Rupert Fenton, who invents a machine, the Fenton Silencer, which creates "complete silence over a wide area". Thrilled by the prospect of it relieving the "outraged ears of suffering humanity", he sets it running in a concert hall and confounds the audience by completely silencing the performance of an opera. In reality this feat would be technically impossible, but the theory behind the Fenton Silencer is identical to the "active noise-control" technology used in noise-cancelling headphones. Noise can be effectively suppressed by anti-noise, which sounds almost identical to the original noise, but is actually a mirror-image of its sound wave. In experiments this year, scientists have been pushing the boundaries of what might be possible, with active noise-control – but could it ever be used to successfully silence traffic, muzak or nuisance neighbours?
Can true silence ever be achieved?
The theory of active noise-control was first devised in the mid-1930s, and it’s beautifully simple. If two precisely opposite sound waves combine, the peaks of one cancel out the troughs of another. It’s called destructive interference, and if it’s done perfectly, the result is total silence. However, achieving that silence outside the laboratory is extremely difficult. Take the case of the concert hall in Clarke’s story: with sound waves rebounding in different directions from various surfaces, every person in the auditorium would hear a slightly different sound, and one machine could never cancel out all of them. “In some sense, noise-cancellation is about solving equations,” says Sheng Shen, from the Electrical and Computer Engineering department at the University of Illinois. “Imagine you want to create silence at one particular position. That’s one equation. But at any other position, it’s a different equation.”
When anti-noise is generated, anything less than total precision across both space and time, may have the opposite effect. Rather than achieving silence, the noise could end up doubling in volume. As a result, successful use of active noise-control has, thus far, been restricted to very specific circumstances: either at the source of the noise (for example placing speakers in an air conditioning duct) or in our ears, which is where noise-cancelling headphones have been such a great success. In these devices, a headset-mounted microphone picks up external noise, inverts the waveform and plays it through the headphones, cancelling out some of the external sound. But it’s still a complex process. Anyone who has used these devices on a long haul flight will know how good they are at suppressing the low rumble of the aircraft, but higher frequency sounds are relatively unaffected, and merely get dampened by “passive noise-control” – i.e. your ears being physically covered up.
“The low frequency noise in an aircraft is repetitive,” says Shen, “but the high-frequency sound of a baby crying is not predictable! The major difficulty in the noise-cancellation industry is that you have to do everything really fast. If you generate the anti-noise too late, it won’t cancel the noise out. So it’s a challenge for companies to design really fast hardware.”
How does wireless technology help?
Shen and his colleagues at the University of Illinois have developed an ingenious approach to this problem by using wireless technology. “Wireless signals travel a million times faster than sound,” he explains. “It’s similar to the speed difference between seeing lightning and hearing thunder.” By placing wireless-enabled microphones around a local environment – say in a noisy office corridor – and sending those noise signals to a headset worn by someone sitting in the office itself, the information needed to create anti-noise moves faster than the sound itself. “So now we have a relatively large time gap,” says Shen. “Our earpiece has a head start, and has adequate time to cancel out complex sounds – including high frequencies.”
This system, known as Mute, is so adept at blocking higher frequencies that the headsets can have a “hollow ear”, ie the ear canal doesn’t need to be blocked; anti-noise just needs to be played next to the ear. Mute’s bubble of noise-reduction around the human head has outperformed noise-cancelling headphones in recent tests, but Shen is clear about the system’s limits. “We’re not claiming that it can reduce noise levels across a room,” he says. “There’s just better cancellation at your ear. And we also lose portability, as you can’t carry our system around with you, for example if you’re running on the street.”
What has been tried?
Downplaying the capabilities of active noise-control is perhaps a wise approach. In recent years, a number of inventions have seemed to promise effective noise suppression to the public, but have fallen way short. One notable example, called Muzo, raised more than half a million US dollars (Dh1.8m) on Kickstarter in 2016 with its promise of creating a “personal zone” with “noise-blocking technology”. When the device finally launched, it merely used masking techniques to play sounds that distracted from the unwanted noise. Backers were far from impressed. “It produces a humming noise when the silent mode is activated, but background noises don’t disappear,” said one, “and I will file a request for a refund.” Shen laughs at the mention of Muzo. “We knew way before they manufactured the product that it wasn’t going to work,” he says. “The idea of putting a device on a bedroom window that cancels all the noise from the street is a bright vision, but it’s not going to work.”
Nevertheless, attempts to harness the potential of active noise-control are ongoing. Back in May, researchers at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore produced a window-mounted prototype that they claim is able to reduce outdoor sounds by as much as a half, indicating that the science fiction dream of electrically generated silence is evidently still alive and kicking, regardless of the scientific challenges.
Clarke’s short story ends with the Fenton Silencer exploding and killing its inventor, but the biggest hazard to today’s scientists is perhaps over-optimistic expectations. “We all agree that noise is a big problem in society,” says Shen, “and in some sense our unrealistic hopes emphasise why we need noise-cancellation so much.”
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Pathaan
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Results
6.30pm: Dubai Millennium Stakes Group Three US$200,000 (Turf) 2,000m; Winner: Ghaiyyath, William Buick (jockey), Charlie Appleby (trainer).
7.05pm: Handicap $135,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Cliffs Of Capri, Tadhg O’Shea, Jamie Osborne.
7.40pm: UAE Oaks Group Three $250,000 (Dirt) 1,900m; Winner: Down On Da Bayou, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer.
8.15pm: Zabeel Mile Group Two $250,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Zakouski, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby.
8.50pm: Meydan Sprint Group Two $250,000 (T) 1,000m; Winner: Waady, Jim Crowley, Doug Watson.
Nayanthara: Beyond The Fairy Tale
Starring: Nayanthara, Vignesh Shivan, Radhika Sarathkumar, Nagarjuna Akkineni
Director: Amith Krishnan
Rating: 3.5/5
Company%20Profile
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The specs
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: seven-speed
Power: 620bhp
Torque: 760Nm
Price: Dh898,000
On sale: now
Indika
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10 tips for entry-level job seekers
- Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
- Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
- Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
- Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
- Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
- Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
- Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
- Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
- Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.
Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz
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Electoral College Victory
Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate.
Popular Vote Tally
The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
Citadel: Honey Bunny first episode
Directors: Raj & DK
Stars: Varun Dhawan, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Kashvi Majmundar, Kay Kay Menon
Rating: 4/5
How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants
The Buckingham Murders
Starring: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ash Tandon, Prabhleen Sandhu
Director: Hansal Mehta
Rating: 4 / 5
The specs
Engine: Long-range single or dual motor with 200kW or 400kW battery
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Max touring range: 620km / 590km
Price: From Dh250,000 (estimated)
Stormy seas
Weather warnings show that Storm Eunice is soon to make landfall. The videographer and I are scrambling to return to the other side of the Channel before it does. As we race to the port of Calais, I see miles of wire fencing topped with barbed wire all around it, a silent ‘Keep Out’ sign for those who, unlike us, aren’t lucky enough to have the right to move freely and safely across borders.
We set sail on a giant ferry whose length dwarfs the dinghies migrants use by nearly a 100 times. Despite the windy rain lashing at the portholes, we arrive safely in Dover; grateful but acutely aware of the miserable conditions the people we’ve left behind are in and of the privilege of choice.
TERMINAL HIGH ALTITUDE AREA DEFENCE (THAAD)
What is THAAD?
It is considered to be the US's most superior missile defence system.
Production:
It was created in 2008.
Speed:
THAAD missiles can travel at over Mach 8, so fast that it is hypersonic.
Abilities:
THAAD is designed to take out ballistic missiles as they are on their downward trajectory towards their target, otherwise known as the "terminal phase".
Purpose:
To protect high-value strategic sites, such as airfields or population centres.
Range:
THAAD can target projectiles inside and outside the Earth's atmosphere, at an altitude of 150 kilometres above the Earth's surface.
Creators:
Lockheed Martin was originally granted the contract to develop the system in 1992. Defence company Raytheon sub-contracts to develop other major parts of the system, such as ground-based radar.
UAE and THAAD:
In 2011, the UAE became the first country outside of the US to buy two THAAD missile defence systems. It then stationed them in 2016, becoming the first Gulf country to do so.
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Director: Shady Ali
Cast: Boumi Fouad , Mohamed Tharout and Hisham Ismael
Rating: 3/5
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
How does ToTok work?
The calling app is available to download on Google Play and Apple App Store
To successfully install ToTok, users are asked to enter their phone number and then create a nickname.
The app then gives users the option add their existing phone contacts, allowing them to immediately contact people also using the application by video or voice call or via message.
Users can also invite other contacts to download ToTok to allow them to make contact through the app.
Past winners of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
2016 Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)
2015 Nico Rosberg (Mercedes-GP)
2014 Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)
2013 Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)
2012 Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus)
2011 Lewis Hamilton (McLaren)
2010 Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)
2009 Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)
Indoor Cricket World Cup - Sept 16-20, Insportz, Dubai
Cricket World Cup League 2
UAE squad
Rahul Chopra (captain), Aayan Afzal Khan, Ali Naseer, Aryansh Sharma, Basil Hameed, Dhruv Parashar, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Waseem, Omid Rahman, Rahul Bhatia, Tanish Suri, Vishnu Sukumaran, Vriitya Aravind
Fixtures
Friday, November 1 – Oman v UAE
Sunday, November 3 – UAE v Netherlands
Thursday, November 7 – UAE v Oman
Saturday, November 9 – Netherlands v UAE
A list of the animal rescue organisations in the UAE
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Singham Again
Director: Rohit Shetty
Stars: Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ranveer Singh, Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, Deepika Padukone
Rating: 3/5
THE SPECS
Engine: AMG-enhanced 3.0L inline-6 turbo with EQ Boost and electric auxiliary compressor
Transmission: nine-speed automatic
Power: 429hp
Torque: 520Nm
Price: Dh360,200 (starting)
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
ICC Awards for 2021
MEN
Cricketer of the Year – Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan)
T20 Cricketer of the Year – Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan)
ODI Cricketer of the Year – Babar Azam (Pakistan)
Test Cricketer of the Year – Joe Root (England)
WOMEN
Cricketer of the Year – Smriti Mandhana (India)
ODI Cricketer of the Year – Lizelle Lee (South Africa)
T20 Cricketer of the Year – Tammy Beaumont (England)
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