Latest news with #IEM
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
State will hear firm's protest of Helene homebuilding management bid
A chainsaw operator cuts down debris collected from the bottom of Lake Lure in Rutherford County, North Carolina, on April 14, 2025, to make it easier to load into dump trucks for disposal. The submerged debris is made up of vegetative and man-made debris washed into Lake Lure when Hurricane Helene impacted the area. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo by Michael Davis) North Carolina officials have agreed to schedule a hearing with a firm that is protesting how the state awarded a key hurricane rebuilding contract, according to the company. IEM International, which is based in Morrisville, filed a complaint in late May about the contract to manage homebuilding efforts in western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. The firm believes its bid for the contract was improperly disqualified. State officials have said IEM did not submit proper financial documents. A spokesperson for IEM told NC Newsline that the firm's request for a hearing had been granted. The NC Department of Commerce, which is overseeing the contract, did not respond to a request for comment Tuesday. State officials awarded the $81.5 million contract to Horne LLP, a Mississippi-based firm. The award has quickly come under scrutiny from state lawmakers, who cite Horne's involvement in past troubled recovery efforts. It is not yet known when the hearing will take place, or the broader timeline for IEM's protest. The firm has requested that the contract be re-bid; the Department of Commerce has said it believes 'this procurement was conducted fairly.' North Carolina rules state that the meeting between the state and IEM will be scheduled within 30 days. After the meeting, the state will decide if further review of the contract is needed. In its original statement detailing the protest, IEM said it believed its bid's disqualification was 'highly irregular and concerning.' The firm's bid, obtained through a public records request, shows that it provided a balance sheet, income statement and cash flow data from three fiscal years. It added: 'As a privately owned company, IEM's financial statements are not public. IEM can provide to DCR [the relevant Department of Commerce division] upon request.' State officials have cited a 2024 appeals court ruling that bars agencies from asking vendors for more information once bids have opened. Stephanie McGarrah, who is leading the Department of Commerce division that oversees Helene contracts, said during a hearing that it meant the state could not adequately follow up on IEM's financials.
Digital Trends
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Digital Trends
Save $200 on Campfire Audio's IEMs that push the limits of what earbuds can do
Here's something you won't find on our list of the best earbuds but you may be interested in if you're deep into the music space or play music yourself. They're Campfire Audio's Supermoon IEMs. An IEM is a type of earbud (though some may argue it is its own, separate device) that sit directly in your ear canal (IEM stands for In-Ear Monitors) and provide a 'pure' sound free of post-processing. They're typically used for live audio feedback by musicians but are also appreciate by audiophiles for their extreme quality. Of course, with that great sound quality, they can be very expensive The Ultimate Ears Premier are $2,999, for example. But sometimes you can get a very expensive pair of IEMs at a discount. Right now the Campfire Audio Supermoon are marked down from $1,099 (they used to be $1,500) to $899, a savings of $200. These are premium IEM earbuds, no matter how you look at it and, if you're in the audiophile world, they're a possible pickup for you. Why you should buy the Campfire Audio Supermoon The Supermoon are 14mm planar magnetic IEMs that combine solid bass and technical details on the high-end of the spectrum. They have a wide 5Hz to 20kHz frequency response and produce less than 1% total harmonic distortion. They come in a cool shiny black or a color that I can't help but call, as a native of the state, a 'Tennessee' orange. In our large IEM shootout they were featured as an example of what the very top of the line of IEMs can get you — earbuds that fit perfectly in your ear because they were built for your very ear, an 'undeniably smooth and precise sound signature,' and a listening experience that gives noticeably more even at the hard to improve upon midtone level. The rub was that they were $1,500 at that time. Today, they're considerably more affordable. The Campfire Audio Supermoon are down to $899 for a limited time, $200 off of their usual price of $1,099. They aren't the usual fare around here, but they can bring something new to your music experience if you need something extra. If they aren't your style, however, you should check out Campfire Audio's new Axion earbuds that are also designed to provide a premium listening experience, though at a more universally approachable price.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
NC firm says its bid to manage Helene homebuilding was improperly disqualified
Flood debris piles left in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Bat Cave, North Carolina. (Photo by) A North Carolina-based firm that submitted a bid to manage the state's Hurricane Helene homebuilding program is alleging that its proposal was improperly disqualified. IEM International, which is based in Morrisville, said in a statement to NC Newsline that it had filed a complaint with the NC Department of Commerce, which oversaw the contract process. And the firm is seeking to have the critical contract re-bid. 'The decision to disqualify IEM's compliant proposal without review or scoring is highly irregular and concerning,' the firm said in its statement. The NC Department of Commerce did not respond to a request for comment sent Friday. State officials awarded the contract earlier this month to Horne LLP, a Mississippi-based company, for $81.5 million. The firm is charged with implementing a $1.4 billion federal housing grant and overseeing multiple construction contractors to rebuild from the deadliest storm in state history. Horne's selection has already drawn scrutiny from state lawmakers after the firm's previous contract, part of a troubled rebuild process in eastern North Carolina, was not renewed. IEM was one of four other bidders on the state's solicitation for Helene. But its bid was deemed 'non-responsive' due to inadequate financial information, according to state officials and documents. 'The vendor did not submit required financial documentation, and per DCR's legal analysis, it was deemed non-responsive,' according to a memo from the department. That same memo shows that IEM's bid was not formally graded. IEM said in their statement that the firm 'approached this (solicitation) with the seriousness it deserves,' and had provided 'three years of audited financial data.' A copy of IEM's full offer, obtained by NC Newsline through public records request, includes a page that details the firm's balance sheet, income statement and cash flow data from three fiscal years. The firm checked 'yes' when asked if the financial figures were based on audited statements. Under a section of the bid asking for a link to annual reports, the firm wrote: 'As a privately owned company, IEM's financial statements are not public. IEM can provide to DCR upon request.' Financial details for Horne, whose bid was awarded and also obtained through public records, were redacted. The firm appears to have included pages of consolidated financial statements from 2022 and 2021 in an appendix to its bid. Stephanie McGarrah, who leads the Department of Commerce division tasked with Helene recovery, told lawmakers on Thursday that she was 'personally very disappointed' about the result of IEM's bid. 'There are very few vendors in this space, and they had partners we were familiar with,' McGarrah said. And asked if she would re-bid the contract with the knowledge of a recent settlement agreement by Horne, McGarrah said she would not. 'I do think we made the right decision,' she said. IEM's proposed partners included Deloitte, Fahe, and Tetra Tech, according to the bid. And the firm had proposed tapping multiple partners based locally in western North Carolina: B-K Construction and Brucemont Communications. According to North Carolina's administrative rules, a bidder can submit a protest within 30 days of an award being granted, detailing their reasoning and supporting documents. That protest is received by the 'executive officer' for the department that made the purchase — in this case, Commerce. That official can determine the protest is 'meritless' and refuse a protest meeting within 10 days. If the protest meeting is granted, it will be scheduled within 30 days of the bidder's request. Details of the decision, regardless of outcome, are sent to the state purchasing officer, David O'Neal. IEM, which has contracts globally, has worked with the state before. The firm won a bid in 2018, after Hurricane Matthew. Three years later, it sued ReBuild NC, the troubled office that oversaw hurricane recovery in eastern North Carolina, for failing to pay related to contract work. That case was settled outside of court. IEM Helene bid
Daily Express
24-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Internet of Things: Apps, challenges and future trends
Published on: Saturday, May 24, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 24, 2025 By: Ir Ts Dr Yew Hoe Tung, IEM Text Size: Smart homes use IoT devices for automation, energy efficiency, and security. Homeowners can control lighting, temperature, and security systems remotely through mobile apps, improving convenience and reducing energy costs. THE Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network of interconnected physical devices that communicate and exchange data over the internet. These devices, embedded with sensors, software, and communication technologies, collect and transmit data to improve automation, efficiency, and decision-making. IoT has transformed various industries, including smart homes, factories, cities, and transportation systems, by integrating advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and cloud computing. Wireless communication technologies such as Wi-Fi and cellular networks are essential to IoT, enabling efficient data transmission and connectivity. The applications of IoT cover a diverse range of sectors. In smart agriculture, IoT helps farmers monitor and optimize crop growth, irrigation, and pest control using sensors, drones, and AI. Wireless communication allows real-time data collection for better decision-making, improving efficiency and sustainability. Smart homes use IoT devices for automation, energy efficiency, and security. Homeowners can control lighting, temperature, and security systems remotely through mobile apps, improving convenience and reducing energy costs. In healthcare, IoT enables remote patient monitoring, real-time health tracking, and efficient hospital management. Devices such as smart wearables, remote sensors, and telemedicine systems enhance patient care, improve efficiency, and reduce healthcare costs. Environmental monitoring utilizes IoT sensors to track air and water quality, weather conditions, and wildlife movements. The real-time data analysis helps authorities manage pollution, detect environmental threats, and implement necessary interventions. Industrial automation benefits from IoT by integrating real-time monitoring, optimizing production processes, and reducing operational costs. Advertisement Wireless connectivity and cloud computing improve efficiency, track equipment status, and also enhance workplace safety. In transportation, IoT-driven smart systems monitor traffic conditions and optimize routes. The real-time tracking helps in aviation and public transport by enhancing safety, efficiency, and passenger experience. The IoT has significantly transformed industries by enhancing efficiency, security, and sustainability. However, to unlock its full potential, key challenges such as security risks, high power consumption, skilled workforce shortages, and bandwidth limitations must be addressed. Overcoming these barriers is crucial for the effective implementation and continued advancement of IoT technologies. Security is a major challenge in IoT systems due to the large number of connected devices, which creates multiple entry points for cyber threats. The weak authentication mechanisms may make the system an easy target for hackers. Furthermore, data privacy is another major concern. IoT devices continuously collect and transmit sensitive information that can be intercepted if not properly encrypted. Power consumption is another critical challenge, as many IoT devices rely on batteries, especially in remote or off-grid locations. With increasing system complexity, energy demands rise, making long-term operation difficult. This is particularly problematic for long-range applications like traffic monitoring and remote sensing. Researchers are exploring solutions such as energy-efficient hardware, software optimizations, and energy-harvesting methods like thermoelectric, piezoelectric, and solar technologies to improve power efficiency. A shortage of skilled professionals in cybersecurity, data analytics, and wireless communication also hinders IoT development. Many countries struggle to find experts in these fields, delaying IoT projects. The growing adoption of IoT in smart cities, healthcare, and supply chain management further increases the demand for skilled workers. Companies and organizations must invest in training programs, while partnerships between industries and academic institutions can help bridge this skills gap. The increasing number of connected devices also presents a challenge in managing high data traffic. While 5G networks can support millions of devices, they consume significant power. Intelligent 5G-IoT networks optimize energy use and ensure efficient data handling. Additionally, improving backhaul infrastructure in 5G and future 6G networks is necessary to prevent data traffic bottlenecks. Expanding Free Space Optics (FSO) backhaul systems can help accommodate growing network demands. Limited bandwidth is another concern, as IoT devices often operate on low-power networks like LPWANs, which offer lower bandwidth compared to traditional cellular networks. This results in slow data transmission, latency issues, and restricted scalability. In some cases, weak signals create dead zones, affecting communication reliability. Advanced network optimization and better spectrum management are needed to support the expanding IoT ecosystem. Addressing these challenges is crucial for IoT's continued growth and efficiency. Enhancing security, improving power efficiency, developing a skilled workforce, optimizing network infrastructure, and increasing data transmission speeds will help ensure the successful deployment of IoT technologies. 5G wireless technology is a fundamental enabler of the Internet of Things (IoT), offering faster, more reliable data transmission, reduced latency, and greater bandwidth than previous cellular network generations. By facilitating seamless communication across different platforms, 5G enhances real-time data processing and operational efficiency. As 5G deployment continues globally, researchers and industry leaders are already looking ahead to the next breakthrough, 6G technology. Expected to deliver even lower latency and higher data speeds, 6G will support advanced applications such as autonomous vehicles and remote surgery. Additionally, artificial intelligence (AI) will play a critical role in optimizing 6G networks, improving real-time learning, and enhancing overall network performance. AI is also transforming IoT, leading to advancements in areas like smart agriculture. Researchers are leveraging AI-powered image-processing systems to detect plant diseases using deep learning models. Machine learning algorithms are being applied to pest and weed detection, soil parameter estimation, and chatbot-based agricultural query systems. By integrating AI with IoT, these advancements enhance agricultural productivity, support data-driven decision-making, and optimize resource management. As AI technology continues to evolve, its synergy with IoT is poised to revolutionize various industries. Edge computing is reshaping IoT by bringing data processing and storage closer to the source, significantly reducing latency and enhancing response times. This is particularly advantageous for large-scale IoT implementations, such as smart cities, where edge computing improves Quality of Service (QoS) for real-time applications. The deployment of mobile edge computing servers further optimizes performance, ensuring efficient and seamless IoT operations. Additionally, edge computing enhances data security by minimizing the need to transmit sensitive information to centralized cloud servers. To further enhance edge computing, a robust device authentication and authorization mechanism is essential to build secure and reliable edge computing infrastructures. The integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, edge computing, and future 6G networks will further strengthen IoT capabilities, enabling real-time data processing, enhanced security, and greater efficiency. Investing in cybersecurity measures, energy-efficient solutions, and workforce development will be crucial in overcoming existing barriers. As IoT continues to evolve, its potential to transform industries and improve quality of life remains vast. With continuous innovation and collaboration between industries, researchers, and policymakers, IoT will drive the next wave of technological advancements, shaping a smarter and more connected world. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
07-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
IEM Sabah Branch to hold Golden Jubilee Gala Dinner
Nicholas Lim KOTA KINABALU (May 7): The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM) Sabah Branch will mark a major milestone this June with its Golden Jubilee Gala Dinner, celebrating 50 years of unwavering dedication to engineering excellence, professional development, and nation-building in Sabah. The prestigious event will take place on June 14 at 6:30 pm, in the Grand Ballroom of The Magellan Sutera Harbour Resort. Ir. Nicholas Lim, the organising chairman, expressed pride in leading this historic celebration. 'This Golden Jubilee is more than a dinner — it is a tribute to the engineers who have shaped Sabah's infrastructure, communities, and future,' he noted. The event will honour the legacy and contributions of IEM members over the past five decades while charting the course for the future of the profession. The dinner will be graced by the guest of honour, Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Sabah Tun Datuk Seri Panglima (Dr) Musa bin Haji Aman and Toh Puan Datin Seri Panglima Datuk Hajah Faridah binti Haji Tussin. Also present will be the IEM president and national council members, signifying the importance of this event not only for Sabah but for the institution at the national level. Over the past 50 years, IEM Sabah has played a pivotal role in driving engineering progress and capacity-building across the state — from public infrastructure to industrial innovation. The Jubilee celebration is a chance to bring together engineers, government officials, industry leaders and academicians to reflect on the branch's accomplishments, celebrate partnerships, and inspire the next generation of engineering professionals. Corporate sponsorship and advertising opportunities are also available, offering businesses and organizations the chance to showcase their support for the engineering profession and enhance visibility among Sabah's top engineering and development stakeholders. This Golden Jubilee is more than a commemoration — it is a reaffirmation of IEM Sabah's commitment to engineering excellence, innovation and public service for the next 50 years and beyond. Tickets are now available, and members are encouraged to participate in this once-in-a-generation celebration. They can be purchased at the IEM Damai Office, located at No. 25-3, 3rd Floor, Block C, Damai Point Commercial Centre, Lorong Damai Point, off Jalan Damai. For enquiries, call 088-259 122.
