Headlines Plugin

Show headline news in TWiki pages based on RSS and ATOM news feeds from external sites

Description

This plugin displays RSS and ATOM feeds from news sites. Use it to build news portals that show headline news.

Note: Syndic8.com ( http://www.syndic8.com/ ) lists many RSS feeds.

Syntax Rules

%HEADLINES{"..."}%

Parameter Explanation Default
"..." source of RSS feed; this can be an url (starting with http) or a web.topic location for internal feeds None; is required
href="..." (Alternative to above) N/A
refresh="60" Refresh rate in minutes for caching feed; "0" for no caching Global REFRESH setting
limit="12" Maximum number of items shown Global LIMIT setting
touch="..." Touch (edit/save) topics if the feed has updates. Specify a comma-space delimited list of TopicNames or Web.TopicNames, such as "%TOPIC%, NewsLetter". Useful to send out newsletter using MailerContrib, showing new feeds since last newsletter. To update feeds, visit topics with feeds in regular intervals (using cron with wget or the like). N/A
header Header. Can include these variables: - $channeltitle, $title: title of channel (channel.title) - $channellink, $link: link of channel (channel.link) - $channeldescription, $description: description (channel.description) - $channeldate, $date: publication date of the channel (channel.pubDate) - $rights: copyrights of the channel (channel.copyright) - $imagetitle: title text for site (image.title) - $imagelink: link for site (image.link) - $imageurl: URL of image (image.url) - $imagedescription: description of image (image.description) Global HEADER setting
format Format of one item. Can include these variables: - $title: news item title (item.title) - $link: news item link (item.link) - $description: news item description (item.description) - $date: the publication date (item.pubDate, item.date) - $category: the article category (item.category) Global FORMAT setting

The header and format parameters might also use variables rendering the dc, image and content namespace information. Note, that only bits of interest have been implemented so far and those namespaces might not be implemented fully yet.

Rendering the dc namespace

The following variables are extracting the dc namespace info, that could be used in header and format. Nnote, that some of the variables are already used above. This is done by purpose to use different feeds with the same formating parameters. If there's a conflict the non-dc tags have higher precedence, i.e. a <title> content </title> is prefered over <dc:title> content </dc:title> .

  • $title: channel/article title (dc:title)
  • $creator: channel creator (dc:creator)
  • $subject: subject text; this will also add an image according to the subject hash list, see above (dc:subject)
  • $description: ... (dc:description)
  • $publisher: the channel/article publisher (dc:publisher)
  • $contributor: ... (dc:contributor)
  • $date: ... (dc:date)
  • $type: ... (dc:type)
  • $format: ... (dc:format)
  • $identifier: ... (dc:identifier)
  • $source: ... (dc:source)
  • $language: ... (dc:language)
  • $relation: ... (dc:relation)
  • $coverage: ... (dc: coverage)
  • $rights: ... (dc: rights)

Rendering the image namespace

An image:item is converted into an <img> tag using the following mappings:

  • src: image url (rdf:about attribute of the image.item tag)
  • alt: image title (title)
  • width: image width (image:width)
  • height: image height image:height)

Rendering the content namespace

The variable $content is refering to the <content:encoding> content </content:encoding>.

Examples

Slashdot News

Write

%HEADLINES{ "http://slashdot.org/slashdot.rdf" 
  header="*[[$link][$title]]:* $description" 
  format="$t* [[$link][$title]]"
  limit="4"
}%
to get the latest Slashdot news as a bullet list format:

Business Opportunities Weblog

Write

%HEADLINES{ "http://www.business-opportunities.biz/feed" limit="2" }%

to get the latest postings on the "Business Opportunities" weblog:

Fri, 31 May 2024 18:03:50 +0000
The original blog about business opportunities and business ideas for small business entrepreneurs
Fri, 31 May 2024 18:03:49 +0000 Carrol Strain

In today’s fast-paced and increasingly competitive business environment, companies are continuously seeking ways to enhance efficiency, improve safety, and reduce costs. One technological advancement that has gained significant traction in recent years is the integration of surveillance systems in business fleets. These systems provide a range of benefits that extend beyond simple monitoring. They also offer companies valuable insights and tools to optimize their operations. This article explores the top five benefits of implementing CCTV camera systems in business fleets, highlighting how they can transform the way businesses manage and protect their assets.

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What Are the Benefits of CCTV Camera Systems in Business Fleets?

The first and perhaps most obvious benefit of these systems in business fleets is the enhancement of security. Fleet vehicles are valuable assets, often containing expensive equipment or goods, making them prime targets for theft and vandalism. Cameras act as a powerful deterrent against such criminal activities. The presence of cameras can discourage potential thieves and vandals, reducing the likelihood of incidents. In the unfortunate event of a theft or damage, footage provides crucial evidence that can assist law enforcement in their investigations and increase the chances of recovering stolen goods. This enhanced security not only protects the vehicles but also the valuable cargo they carry. Thus they ensure business continuity and reduced financial losses.

Improve Driver Behavior

Beyond security, these systems play a vital role in improving driver behavior and road safety. Monitoring driver conduct through camera footage enables fleet managers to identify and address risky driving practices such as speeding, harsh braking, and improper lane changes. By analyzing this data, businesses can implement targeted training programs to promote safer driving habits among their drivers. Improved driver behavior leads to a reduction in accidents and incidents on the road. This in turn lowers insurance premiums and repair costs. Additionally, safer driving practices contribute to a positive public image for the company, enhancing its reputation as a responsible and professional entity.

Better Manage Your Fleet Operations

Another significant advantage is the ability to monitor and manage fleet operations more effectively. Real-time footage from cameras provides fleet managers with detailed insights into vehicle usage, routes taken, and delivery times. This information allows for more efficient route planning and scheduling, minimizing fuel consumption and reducing operational costs. In addition, understanding the on-road conditions and driver interactions with traffic can help businesses optimize their logistical strategies. Thus, management can better ensure timely deliveries, improving customer satisfaction. By leveraging the data captured by these systems, companies can make informed decisions that enhance overall fleet performance.

These camera systems also play a crucial role in resolving disputes and handling insurance claims. Accidents and incidents involving fleet vehicles can lead to complex and often contentious insurance claims. Camera footage provides indisputable evidence of what occurred during an incident. It can establish liability and streamline the claims process. This can significantly reduce the time and costs associated with resolving disputes. Additionally, it can protect the company from fraudulent claims. Insurance providers may also offer discounts to businesses that utilize these systems. This is because insurance companies recognize the reduced risk as well as the potential for quicker claim resolutions. The ability to quickly and accurately determine the circumstances of an incident also helps in maintaining fair and transparent business practices.

Safeguard Drivers and Cargo

One often overlooked but highly valuable benefit is their contribution to driver and cargo protection. Fleet drivers frequently operate in challenging environments, sometimes facing threats from aggressive individuals or unsafe conditions. Cameras installed in and around vehicles provide an additional layer of protection for drivers by recording interactions and potential threats. This can be particularly important for drivers working late hours or in high-risk areas. Furthermore, the continuous monitoring of cargo ensures that goods are handled properly during transit. This reduces the risk of damage or loss. Ensuring the safety and well-being of drivers boosts their morale and job satisfaction while also enhancing overall operational efficiency.

CCTV Camera Systems Are Durable and Reliable

In addition to these primary benefits, vehicle camera systems, a subset of CCTV technology, offer specific advantages tailored to the unique needs of fleet operations. Vehicle camera systems are designed to withstand the rigors of the road. Thus, they provide reliable performance in various weather conditions and environments. These systems often include features such as night vision, wide-angle lenses, and high-definition recording. This ensures clear and comprehensive footage regardless of the circumstances. Some advanced systems even offer live streaming capabilities, allowing fleet managers to monitor vehicles in real-time and respond promptly to any issues that arise. The integration of GPS technology with vehicle camera systems further enhances their utility by providing precise location data, which is invaluable for route optimization and asset tracking.

CCTV Cameras Represent a Significant Tool

Moreover, vehicle camera systems can be integrated with telematics and fleet management software, creating a cohesive and powerful tool for managing fleet operations. This integration allows for seamless data sharing and analysis, enabling businesses to gain a holistic view of their fleet performance. By combining video footage with telematics data, companies can identify patterns and trends that might otherwise go unnoticed, leading to more informed decision-making and strategic planning. The synergy between vehicle camera systems and other fleet management technologies represents a significant advancement in how businesses can leverage technology to achieve their operational goals.

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These Systems Offer Multiple Benefits

In conclusion, the adoption of CCTV camera systems in business fleets offers a multitude of benefits that extend far beyond basic surveillance. Enhanced security, improved driver behavior and road safety, efficient fleet management, streamlined dispute resolution, and driver and cargo protection are just some of the advantages that these systems provide. As businesses continue to navigate the complexities of modern logistics and transportation, the integration of CCTV camera systems represents a valuable investment that can lead to increased efficiency, cost savings, and a stronger competitive edge. By embracing this technology, companies can ensure the safety and success of their fleet operations in an increasingly challenging and dynamic market.

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The post 5 Benefits of CCTV Camera Systems in Business Fleets appeared first on BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES.

Thu, 30 May 2024 22:07:01 +0000 Carrol Strain

In this post, you'll learn what OCR technology is and find out how it can make your business more efficient.

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The modern world is evolving so fast that we often forget about the smallest yet most essential of things. Industries such as healthcare and finance, among others, have been facing an issue that would make you laugh at first glance. What's that? Retrieval of vital information from documents. In addition, there are plenty of other hurdles, such as manual data entry and restrictive data storage capacities. This is where Capture OCR technology comes into play. It converts static documents into actionable, editable data.

This article will explain how OCR (optical character recognition) streamlines the document management process while improving efficiency and productivity. It will also help you learn about the fundamentals of OCR and its practical applications. You will learn the key factors you need to keep in mind before choosing an OCR solution to witness a new level of document intelligence and workflow automation. Finally, you'll learn how modern OCR solutions help businesses by integrating OCR technology with existing workflows.

Understanding the Fundamentals of OCR Technology

Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology plays a key role in transforming static documents into actionable data. Here's how OCR powers modern document management:

How OCR Technology Works

OCR technology scans documents and converts them from images to editable text. How? It does so with the help of image recognition algorithms that have been developed after years of hard work. This process captures the details of each character on the page then turns them into digital text. You can then edit, search, or manage this text properly. Once you have this option available, it unlocks a whole new level of operations you can access.

Benefits of OCR Technology for Document Management

OCR has completely changed how businesses handle their data because of its integration into document management systems. The major benefits this brings are document searchability, improved data and text extraction, and automated form processing. All these contribute directly to improving organizational efficiency.

OCR Accuracy

The accuracy of OCR technology is important. It directly affects the usability of the extracted data. However, modern OCR solutions have drastically improved in terms of accuracy. They help you capture data in a reliable manner and minimize any errors. Who doesn't like flawless work, right? That's what OCR accuracy is here for.

Practical Applications of OCR Technology Across Industries

OCR technology serves as a transformative tool across multiple sectors. It has helped revolutionize operations and data accessibility. Here’s how different industries benefit from OCR:

Diverse Use Cases

In finance, OCR simplifies transaction management by automating invoice processing. Legal firms use OCR to digitize case files, enhancing document retrieval. Healthcare organizations benefit from OCR by digitization of patient records. This helps improve care coordination. Additionally, in logistics, OCR aids in automating the data entry of shipping documents. This leads to better efficiency.

More Examples to Consider

Finance departments reduce manual entry errors thanks to OCR technology. They can easily extract the data from invoices and speed up their financial processes. In healthcare, OCR serves to convert patients and records into actionable modern data. This helps make the information accessible.

Key Considerations When Choosing an OCR Solution

Here are the top considerations you must have in mind when choosing an OCR solution:

Accuracy

Accuracy is the first pillar of OCR technology. What good is actionable data capture if it's not accurate? You have to ensure that the OCR solutions capture text that identically matches the original document.

Integration

OCR solutions must integrate smoothly with existing IT ecosystems, especially cloud storage and CRM systems. This integration improves workflow automation and helps improve data transition and accessibility on various platforms. With this improved accessibility, a wider user base can be catered to. This not only helps business grow but also brings in better revenue thanks to efficient work.

Scalability

Scalability is at the heart of every business or industry with growing needs. A scalable OCR solution can accommodate growing document volumes. This allows the organization to grow without compromising on performance. For businesses that are looking to scale or expecting a seasonal spike in document processing, this adaptability is vital.

Data Security

Choosing an OCR provider that prioritizes data security is vital. You want solutions that have solid encryption while complying with international data protection regulations. Moreover, there's a fine line associated with data that must not be crossed. Data security offered by OCR solutions helps make sure that this line is never crossed.

Unlocking Document Data Insights with OCR Technology

Advanced OCR technology is not limited to simple text recognition. That's merely the tip of the iceberg. It directly caters to document management systems and improves their efficiency. Plus, there are added capabilities, such as document classification and enhanced search functionalities.

How does document classification work? It automates the categorization of files into predefined groups. This helps make document retrieval quicker and more organized. Isn't that what we all want?

The enhanced search functionalities serve users well through searchable text. That is, they allow users to search within the text so they don't have to scroll through the content to find the information they want. The premier OCR solutions, such as Filestack, pay extra attention to these advanced features that make the user's life easier.

This integration unlocks new levels of efficiency while streamlining the conversion process. Previously unusable data is converted into actionable data that users can work on. If you look at the bigger picture, businesses can utilize these advanced capabilities to significantly improve their systems.

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Conclusion

It’s not a secret anymore that OCR technology has revolutionized document workflows. This has resulted in a significant boost in organizational efficiency and data accessibility for users and businesses alike. We've seen how various industries such as finance, healthcare, and logistics, are directly affected by OCR technology. Not only that, but businesses all over the globe can benefit from this added efficiency in workflows and productivity.

Filestack has been a major player in this regard with its modern OCR technology that allows for advanced functionalities. The integration it offers allows for deeper insight retrieval and productivity in business processes.

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FAQs

What is OCR technology?

OCR, or Optical Character Recognition, is a technology that converts different types of documents, such as scanned paper documents or PDFs, into editable and searchable data.

How does OCR improve document management?

OCR enhances document management by automating data entry, improving searchability and retrieval of documents, and facilitating digital storage and organization.

What industries benefit most from OCR technology?

Industries such as finance, legal, healthcare, and logistics benefit significantly from OCR technology through improved accuracy and efficiency in document processing.

RELATED ARTICLE: A GUIDE TO DOCUMENT CONTROL AND TRACKING FOR BUSINESSES

The post Upgrade Document Management with OCR Technology appeared first on BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES.

Plugin Settings

Plugin settings are stored as preferences variables. To reference a plugin setting write %<plugin>_<setting>%, for example, %HEADLINESPLUGIN_SHORTDESCRIPTION%. Note: Don't modify the settings here; copy and customize the settings in Main.TWikiPreferences. For example, to customize the USERAGENTNAME setting, create a HEADLINESPLUGIN_USERAGENTNAME setting in Main.TWikiPreferences.

  • One line description, shown in the TextFormattingRules topic:
    • Set SHORTDESCRIPTION = Show headline news in TWiki pages based on RSS and ATOM news feeds from external sites

  • Refresh rate in minutes for cached feeds. Disable caching: 0, default: 60
    • Set REFRESH = 60

  • Maximum number of items shown. Default: 100
    • Set LIMIT = 100

  • Use LWP::UserAgent, or fallback to TWiki's internal getUrl() method. Default: yes
    • Set USELWPUSERAGENT = yes

  • Timeout fetching a feed using the LWP::UserAgent. Default: 20
    • Set USERAGENTTIMEOUT = 20

  • Name of user agent. Default: TWikiHeadlinesPlugin/2.21
      * Set USERAGENTNAME = TWikiHeadlinesPlugin/2.21

  • Default header: (variables are explained in the syntax rules)
      * Set HEADER = <div class="headlinesChannel"><div class="headlinesLogo"><img src="$imageurl" alt="$imagetitle" border="0" />%BR%</div><div class="headlinesTitle">$n---+!! <a href="$link">$title</a></div><div class="headlinesDate">$date</div><div class="headlinesDescription">$description</div><div class="headlinesRight">$rights</div></div>

  • Default format of one item: (variables are explained in the syntax rules)
      * Set FORMAT = <div class="headlinesArticle"><div class="headlinesTitle"><a href="$link">$title</a></div>$n<span class="headlinesDate">$date</span> <span class="headlinesCreator"> $creator</span> <span class="headlinesSubject"> $subject </span>$n<div class="headlinesText"> $description</div></div>

  • Values taken from configure: (only supported if CPAN:LWP is installed)
    • $TWiki::cfg{PROXY}{HOST} - proxy host, such as "proxy.example.com";
    • $TWiki::cfg{PROXY}{PORT} - proxy port, such as "8080";
    • $TWiki::cfg{PROXY}{SkipProxyForDomains} - domains excluded from proxy, such as "intra.example.com, bugs.example.com";

Style Sheets

The default HEADER and FORMAT settings use the following styles. See the style.css file defining the default CSS properties (indentation illustrates enclosure).

  • headlinesRss: output of the HeadlinesPlugin (div)
    • headlinesChannel: channel header (div)
      • headlinesLogo: channel logo (div)
      • headlinesTitle: channel title (div)
      • headlinesDate: channel date (div)
      • headlinesDescription: channel description (div)
      • headlinesRight: channel copyright (div)
    • headlinesArticle: one news item (div)
      • headlinesTitle: article title (div)
      • headlinesDate: article date (span)
      • headlinesCreator: author of article (span)
      • headlinesSubject: subect category of the article (span)
      • headlinesText: article text (div)

Plugin Installation Instructions

  • Download the ZIP file.
  • Unzip it in your twiki installation directory. Content:
    File: Description:
    data/TWiki/HeadlinesPlugin.txt plugin topic
    pub/TWiki/HeadlinesPlugin/style.css default css
    lib/TWiki/HeadlinesPlugin.pm plugin perl module
    lib/TWiki/HeadlinesPlugin/Core.pm plugin core
    Check if above examples show a news feed instead of variable.
  • Optionally, run HeadlinesPlugin_installer.pl to automatically check and install other TWiki modules that this module depends on. You can also do this step manually.
  • Alternatively, manually make sure the dependencies listed in the table below are resolved.
    NameVersionDescription
    Digest::MD5>=2.33Required. Download from CPAN:Digest::MD5
    LWP::UserAgent>=5.803Optional. Download from CPAN:LWP::UserAgent

Plugin Info

Plugin Author: TWiki:Main.PeterThoeny, TWiki:Main.MichaelDaum
Copyright: © 2002-2010, Peter Thoeny, Twiki, Inc.; 2005-2007, Michael Daum http://wikiring.de
License: GPL (GNU General Public License)
Plugin Version: v2.6 - 2010-05-16
Change History:  
2010-05-16: TWikibug:Item6433 - more doc improvements
2010-04-25: TWikibug:Item6433 - doc fix: Changing TWIKIWEB to SYSTEMWEB
2010-02-27: TWikibug:Item6313 - fixed bug in ATOM feed with <link ...></link> instead of <link ... /> -- Peter Thoeny
2009-09-30: fixed bug in lastBuildDate of feeds affecting touch parameter functionality -- Peter Thoeny
2009-08-29: added touch parameter -- Peter Thoeny
12 Feb 2009: {PROXY}{HOST} supports domain with and without protocol -- Peter Thoeny
06 Feb 2009: added {PROXY}{SkipProxyForDomains} configure setting, added USERAGENTNAME plugin setting -- Peter Thoeny
11 Dec 2008: added {PROXY}{HOST} and {PROXY}{PORT} configure settings -- Peter Thoeny
13 Sep 2007: fixed parsing of content:encoded
23 Jul 2006: improved atom parser; if a posting has no title default to 'Untitled'
26 Apr 2006: added lazy compilation
10 Feb 2006: packaged using the TWiki:Plugins/BuildContrib; minor fixes
03 Feb 2006: off-by-one: limit="n" returned n+1 articles; make FORMAT and HEADER format strings more robust
23 Jan 2006: released v2.00
05 Dec 2005: internal feed urls must be absolute
02 Dec 2005: added web.topic shorthand for internal feeds
29 Nov 2005: fixed CDATA handling
21 Nov 2005: added ATOM support; extended RSS support; added dublin core support; added content support; optionally using LWP to fetch feeds to follow redirections; corrected CPAN dependencies ; recoding special chars from html integer to entity encoding to increase browser compatibility; added css support; use getWorkArea() if available
11 May 2005: TWiki:Main.WillNorris: added DevelopBranch compatability
31 Oct 2004: Fixed taint issue by TWiki:Main.AdrianWeiler; small performance improvement
29 Oct 2004: Fixed issue of external caching if mod_perl or SpeedyCGI is used
02 Aug 2002: Implemented caching of feeds, thanks to TWiki:Main/RobDuarte
11 Jun 2002: Initial version (V1.000)
Perl Version: 5.8
TWiki:Plugins/Benchmark: GoodStyle 100%, FormattedSearch 99.5%, HeadlinesPlugin 94%
Plugin Home: http://TWiki.org/cgi-bin/view/Plugins/HeadlinesPlugin
Feedback: http://TWiki.org/cgi-bin/view/Plugins/HeadlinesPluginDev
Appraisal: http://TWiki.org/cgi-bin/view/Plugins/HeadlinesPluginAppraisal

Related Topics: TWikiPlugins, AdminDocumentationCategory, TWikiPreferences

Topic revision: r1 - 2010-05-17 - TWikiContributor
 
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