Q-Map Application for Enrichment of a Mobile Directory Assistance Service

The project described in this paper involves designing and developing a mobile map application, called the Qatar Map (Q-Map), which supports a telephone directory assistance service that runs over the terrestrial cellular network. The application uses WAP Push technology for extending the features available for a conventional directory assistance service. The Q-Map enables the network agent to respond to the subscriber with supplementary information when requesting a telephone number for a business. In addition to the telephone number, the information also includes a web address (URL) through which the subscriber can access a Google map covering the business’s area and any marketing content (e.g., advertising) uploaded earlier by that business. This service is also offered on-line through the Internet. In this regard, the subscriber can access the Q-Map website using a web browser, via either a PC, or a mobile handset

Jinn, psychiatry and contested notions of misfortune among East London Bangladeshis

This study examines understandings of misfortune among east London Bangladeshis, particularly with respect to the role of jinn spirits. It reports on the findings of ethnographic interviews among 40 members of this community. Appeal to jinn explanations is commonplace at times of psychological disturbance and unexplained physical symptoms. Resort to traditional healers is frequent. These explanations are contested by different groups in the community. The findings are examined within the context of a discourse on tradition and modernity with particular emphasis on Islam and modernity. Copyright 2008 SAGE Publications. All rights reserved. Not for commercial use or unauthorized distribution