DOVER, DE — The Delaware Office of Highway Safety’s (OHS) “Walk Smart, Arrive Alive” campaign runs from January 16-30, 2022 statewide — expanding its reach and impact on some of the most at-risk pedestrian populations in the state. This communications campaign aims to discourage risky pedestrian activities and encourage the adoption of safer walking […]

The Delaware Department of Agriculture announced today that Mark Short has been named the new Delaware Standardbred Breeders’ Fund (DESBF) administrator. He will begin his new role as the DESBF administrator on November 1.

DNREC is seeking volunteers to join the 37th annual Delaware Coastal Cleanup from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 45+ sites to help keep the state’s beaches and waterways clean.

Groundbreaking ceremony touted $56 million for early education, senior care, and community programs   WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney joined U.S. Senator Tom Carper, State Senator Darius Brown, State Representative Stephanie T. Bolden, other elected officials, and community members at a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Kingswood Community Center.   Kingswood Community Center, managed by […]

WILMINGTON, Del. – Today, Delaware Governor John Carney, U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons and U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester (all D-Del.) announced $127.5 million for Port Wilmington as part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Ports Program, a $3 billion investment by the Biden-Harris Administration in zero-emission port equipment and infrastructure. The […]

Google's Gmail update went live this week. Here's what marketers need to know

1. Garena Free Fire MAX redeem codes for November 13, 2024: Win bundles, new outfits, and more rewards...  Moneycontrol
2. Garena Free Fire MAX redeem codes for November 12, 2024: Win free gifts, rewards, and know how to redeem...  Moneycontrol
3. Garena Free Fire MAX redeem codes for November 13: Win free in-game rewards daily  The Times of India
4. Garena Free Fire MAX Redeem Codes Today, November 13: Win Free Gifts, Skins And Much More  Jagran English
5. Garena Free Fire MAX November 13 redeem codes: All about Booyah Top-Up event  HT Tech

[DA] Note to editors: Please find attached soundbite by Ian Cameron MP.

With the DRAM fabrication advancing from 1x to 1y to 1z and further to 1a, 1b and 1c nodes along with the DRAM device speeds going up to 8533 for Lpddr5/8800 for DDR5, Data integrity is becoming a really important issue that the OEMs and other users have to consider as part of the system that relies on the correctness of data being stored in the DRAMs for system to work as designed.

It’s a complicated problem that requires multiple ways to deal with it.

Traditionally one of the main approaches to deal with data errors is to rely on the ECC. ECC requires additional memory storage in which the ECC codes will calculated and stored at the time of memory write to DRAM. These codes will be read back along with the memory data during to the reads and checked against the data to make sure that there are no errors. Typical ECC schemes use Hamming code that provide for single bit error correction and double bit error detection per burst. Also, while several of previous generation of DRAM required Host to keep aside system memory for ECC storage latest DRAMs like Lpddr5 and DDR5 support on die ECC as part of the normal DRAM function that can be enabled using mode registers. DDR5 further requires Host to run through an ECC Error Check and Scrub (ECS) cycle on an average every tECSint time (Average Periodic ECS Interval) to prevent data errors.

Not meeting the DRAM Refresh requirement is a major reason that can lead to loss of data. This could be challenging as the PVT variation can cause the refresh requirement to change over time. Putting the DRAM in Self Refresh mode can help off-loading Refresh tracking responsibilities to DRAM but may prevent Host to do other scheduling optimizations and should be carefully considered.

Some of the other things that can affect the DRAM data are

1. Row hammer where same or adjacent rows are activated again and again leading to loss or changing of data contents in the rows that has not being addressed. Latest DRAMs like Lpddr5/Ddr5 support Refresh Management (including DRFM and ARFM) that allows the Host to compensate for these problems by issuing dedicated RFM commands helping DRAMs deals with potential Data loss issues arising out of Row hammer attacks.
2. Device temperature is another important factor that the Host needs to be aware of and if the application requires DRAM to operate at elevated temperature. The user needs to check with DRAM Vendor on the temperature range that DRAM can still operate. Data integrity at thresholds greater than certain temperature is not assured regardless of refresh rate unless DRAM is manufactured to withstand that.
3. Loss of power to DRAM will cause DRAM to lose all its contents. If this is a real concern for the system designer, they should consider using NVDIMM-N devices which has an onchip controller and a power source which is just enough to allow the DRAM contents to be copied into a backup non-volatile memory before power is lost. When the power is stored back, the stored memory contents in the non-volatile memory will be written back to the DRAM and system can continue to operate as it was before the power loss event occurred.

For transmissions and manufacturing errors DRAMs support additional features like CRC, DFE, Pre-Emphasis and PPR which will be covered in the next blog.

Cadence MMAV VIPs for DDR5/DDR5 DIMM and LPDDR5 are compressive VIP solutions and supports all of the above-listed Data integrity features including support for ECC error injection and SBE correction/DBE detection to assist with the verification challenges dealing with data integrity issues.

More information on Cadence DDR5/LPDDR5 VIP is available at Cadence VIP Memory Models Website.

Shyam 

Speed increase requirements keep on flowing by in all the domains surrounding us. The same applies to memory storage too. Earlier mobile devices used eMMC based flash storage, which was a significantly slower technology. With increased SoC processing speed, pairing it with slow eMMC storage was becoming a bottleneck. That is when modern storage technology Universal Flash Storage (UFS) started to gain popularity. 

UFS is a simple and high-performance mass storage device with a serial interface. It is primarily used in mobile systems between host processing and mass storage memory devices. Another important reason for the usage of UFS in mobile systems like smartphones and tablets is minimum power consumption. 

To achieve the highest performance and most power-efficient data transport, JEDEC UFS works in collaboration with industry-leading specifications from the MIPI® Alliance to form its Interconnect Layer. MIPI UniPro is used as a transport layer, and MIPI MPHY is used as a physical layer with the serial DpDn interface. 

UFS 4.0 specification is the latest specification from JEDEC, which leverages UniPro 2.0 and MPHY 5.0 specification standards to achieve the following major improvements:

• Enables up to 4200 Mbps read/write traffic with MPHY 5.0, allowing 23.29 Gbps data rate. 
• High Speed Link Startup, along with Out of Order Data Transfer and BARRIER Command, were introduced to improve system latencies. 
• Data security is enhanced with Advanced RPMB. Advance RPMB also uses the EHS field of the header, which reduces the number of commands required compared to normal RPMB, increasing the bandwidth. 
• Enhanced Device Error History was introduced to ease system integration. 
• File Based Optimization (FBO) was introduced for performance enhancement. 

Along with many major enhancements, UFS 4.0 also maintains backward compatibility with UFS 3.0 and UFS 3.1. 

JEDEC has just announced the UFS 4.0 specification release, quoting Cadence support as a constant contributor in the JEDEC UFS Task Group, actively participating in these specifications development.  

With the availability of the Cadence Verification IP for JEDEC UFS 4.0, MIPI MPHY 5.0 and MIPI UniPro 2.0, early adopters can start working with the provisional specification immediately, ensuring compliance with the standard and achieving the fastest path to IP and SoC verification closure.  

More information on Cadence VIP is available at the Cadence VIP Website. 

Yeshavanth B N 

Hearing is one of the most essential senses for engaging with the world. It enables us to converse, appreciate music, and remain alert to our surroundings. Hearing loss is a prevalent issue affecting millions of individuals globally and disconnecting them from a world where sound is vital to others and the environment. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that over 5% of the global population requires hearing rehabilitation, a striking statistic highlighting this issue's pervasive nature. Technology has transformed audiology, evolving from simple ear trumpets to sophisticated modern hearing aids. This advancement began with the invention of the transistor, paving the way for devices that are fully wearable inside or behind the ear. Although hearing aids have been available for many years, historically, access to these critical devices has been insufficient, resulting in numerous individuals lacking the necessary support. However, recent advances in hearing aid technology promise improved acoustic experiences, employing modern techniques like binaural processing and neural networks. These innovations demand sophisticated architecture to balance high memory needs with low power consumption in a user-friendly design. Cadence is at the forefront of this technological evolution, offering tools and IP solutions that enhance the accessibility, efficiency, and impact of hearing aids, paving the way for a more inclusive future. This blog explores how Cadence's advanced DSPs are transforming hearing aid design and making them more accessible, efficient, and impactful. Hearing Aids: A Testament to Human Ingenuity The transition from analo g to digital technology in the late 20th century further transformed hearing aids, offering superior sound quality, customization, and the ability to connect to various electronic devices, thus enhancing the user experience markedly. Today's hearing aids are highly effective, versatile, and nearly invisible, a significant advancement from early attempts to address hearing loss. They also feature advanced noise cancellation and connectivity options, allowing users to integrate seamlessly into the digital world. This progression not only highlights the industry's commitment to improving user experience and accessibility but also offers a glimpse into a future where hearing loss is no longer a barrier. Challenges Despite advancements and sophistication, there are several challenges related to hearing aid design and adoption. Users demand smaller, more discreet devices that don't sacrifice performance. While the shift towards sleeker designs is aesthetically pleasing, it introduces substantial complexities in product design. Designers face the challenges of integrating essential components, such as batteries and peripherals, into increasingly compact spaces. Power consumption remains a critical concern, as these devices must remain operational throughout the day. Leveraging neural networks to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for better quality demands additional memory capacity. Consequently, there is a pressing need for flexible, low-power architectures that incorporate all necessary memory and peripherals without compromising the device’s compact size. Adopting AI for adjusting hearing aid volume to fit an individual's specific auditory requirements is a significant challenge and demands more memory and effort. Besides this, reliability and cost are significant challenges for manufacturers. Cadence's Role in Transforming Hearing Aids In hearing aid development, the capacity to evaluate the energy efficiency of SoCs across different frequencies in real time is crucial. These applications demand cohesive, energy-efficient solutions that can uphold high performance. The Cadence Tensilica HiFi and Fusion F1 DSP family emphasize minimal power usage while providing robust performance, ideally suited for a wide range of audio and voice applications. The Cadence Tensilica HiFi DSP family, a high-performance audio technology with AI acceleration and advanced DSP capability, offers feature-rich audio, speech, and imaging for wearables, automotive, home entertainment, digital assistants, and ASR. The Tensilica HiFi DSP family accelerates innovation with its comprehensive instruction set and supports fixed- and floating-point data types. Simplifying software development, it offers C/C++ programming, an auto-vectorizing compiler, and a rich DSP software library through the Cadence Tensilica Xplorer development environment. With the flexibility to customize and enhance performance through additional instructions and better I/O bandwidth, the Tensilica HiFi and Fusion DSP families offer a robust, low-energy audio solution compatible across an expansive software ecosystem for various applications and devices. Conclusion Technological advancements are driving hearing aid evolution; the future of hearing aids lies in further miniaturization and functionality enhancement. Cadence's ongoing innovations aim to improve signal processing and noise reduction, even in challenging environments. The integration of neural networks promises more apparent sound transmission and greater adaptability. Cadence is working on improving how these devices process signals and reduce noise and has initiated a collaborative venture with distinguished entities like GlobalFoundries (GF), Hoerzentrum Oldenburg gGmbH, and Leibniz University Hannover. This collaboration has borne fruit in the form of the industry's first binaural hearing aid system-on-chip (SoC) prototype, the Smart Hearing Aid Processor ( SmartHeAP ). Learn More Cadence, GlobalFoundries, Hoerzentrum Oldenburg and Leibniz University Hannover Collaborate to Advance Hearing Aid Technology Cadence Extends Battery Life and Improves User Experience for Next-Generation Hearables, Wearables and Always-On Devices Advancing the Future of Hearing Aids with Cadence Bluetooth LE Audio, Hearing Aids, and Mindtree

Hi

the signal SPI_SCLK belongs to TWO Spacing CLASSES: CLS_SP_SPI and CLS_SP_SPI_CLOCK

I then assign TWO different SPACING RULES to each class : CLS_SP_SPI  > 2H and CLS_SP_SPI_CLOCK > 3.5H

Which SPACING RULE will inherit the signal SPI_SCLK ??

Is it possible to manually define the PRIORITY on Design Rules ??

What kind of vehicle is the 2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class? What does it compare to? Mercedes-Benz’s E-Class is offered as a sedan or wagon with several powertrain choices. It squares off well against the BMW 5-Series and Audi A6 as well as the Volvo S90. Is the 2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class a good car? It is a fine choice. The E-Class boasts a...

What kind of vehicle is the 2025 Mercdes-Benz S-Class? What does it compare to? The S-Class is Mercedes-Benz’s top sedan. It’s similar in concept to the BMW 7-Series and Audi A8, as well as the Lexus LS. Is the 2025 Mercdes-Benz S-Class a good car? It’s about as good as a sedan can get. The S-Class brims with tech and style, and...

What kind of vehicle is the 2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS? What does it compare to? The EQS is Mercedes-Benz’s top electric luxury car. Compare it to the EQS SUV, plus the BMW i7 and Tesla Model S. Is the 2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS a good car? It is an appealing enough choice overall, but one that doesn’t have the bank-vault solidty and myriad...

What kind of vehicle is the 2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV? What does it compare to? The EQS is Mercedes-Benz’s biggest all-electric SUV. Shop it against the Rivian R1S, Audi Q8 E-Tron, BMW iX, and Tesla Model X. Is the 2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV a good car/SUV? The EQS has attractive styling and lots of features, though it is very expensive...

Alpine F1 team will make switch to Mercedes-Benz AMG power units in 2026 Agreement lasts until at least 2030 Former supplier Renault is ending F1 power unit program to focus on EV technology The Alpine Formula 1 team on Tuesday announced plans to switch to power units and gearboxes from Mercedes-Benz AMG starting in 2026, when F1 is due to...

As the Digital Kazakhstan programme creates an environment conducive to innovation, start-up hubs are springing up across the country. Their task? To move the economy beyond commodities and make the country a regional centre of innovation. 

Disney+'s 2025 slate also includes new seasons of 'Andor' and 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians,' and originals like 'Chad Powers.'

Check here each week to keep up with the latest from John MacArthur's pulpit at Grace Community Church.

Check here each week to keep up with the latest from John MacArthur's pulpit at Grace Community Church.

Check here each week to keep up with the latest from John MacArthur's pulpit at Grace Community Church.

Judges of the Federal High Court of Nigeria are to proceed on 2024 Christmas Vacation on Monday December 16, this year. According to a circular signed by the Chief Judge of the Court, Hon. Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, the Judges are to return to work on Monday January 6, 2025. However, normal court sitting would […]

Federal High Court of Nigeria Judges begin Christmas Vacation Dec 16

War-saxaafadeed ka soo baxay wasaaradda arrimaha gudaha ee Dowaldda Federaalka ayaa looga hadley doorashada Madaxweynaha iyo…

The post Dowladda Federaalka oo bogaadisey doorashada Somaliland appeared first on Horseed Media.

Ra’iisul Wasaaraha Xukuumadda Jamhuuriyadda Federaalka Soomaaliya, Mudane Xamsa Cabdi Barre, ayaa gelinkii danbe ee Salaasada ku…

The post Ergadii Dhexdhexaadinta Jubaland iyo Federaalka oo la kulmey Raysalwasaare Xamse appeared first on Horseed Media.

La enseñanza bíblica en profundidad de John MacArthur lleva la verdad transformadora de la Palabra de Dios a millones de personas cada día.

La enseñanza bíblica en profundidad de John MacArthur lleva la verdad transformadora de la Palabra de Dios a millones de personas cada día.

La enseñanza bíblica en profundidad de John MacArthur lleva la verdad transformadora de la Palabra de Dios a millones de personas cada día.

NEW YORK — The rush for gold just keeps coming. Gold hit another all-time high this week. Recent gains for the precious metal are largely credited to ongoing economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and strong demand from central banks around the world. If trends continue, analysts have bullish outlooks on the price of gold for the months ahead. But the future is never promised. Here's what you need to know. Where does the price of gold stand today? The New York spot price of gold closed Tuesday at just over $2,657 per Troy ounce — the standard for measuring precious metals, which is equivalent to 31 grams — the highest recorded to date, per FactSet. That would make a gold bar or brick weighing 400 Troy ounces worth more than $1.06 million today. This week's record high means that the price of gold has climbed hundreds of dollars per Troy ounce over the last year. Tuesday's price is up nearly $145 from a month ago and more than $740 from this time in 2023. The price of gold is up nearly 30% year to date, analysts note — outpacing the benchmark S&P 500's roughly 20% gain since the start of 2024. Why is the price of gold going up? There are a few factors behind the recent gains. Interest in buying gold often comes at times of uncertainty — with potential concerns around inflation and the strength of the U.S. dollar, for example, causing some to look for alternative places to park their money. Gold also surged in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Among sources of uncertainty today are geopolitical tensions — which escalated over recent days with Israel's deadly strikes in Lebanon. And the ongoing wars in Gaza and Ukraine have continued to fuel fears about the future worldwide. In markets like the U.S., there's also particular concern about the health of the job market. Last week's larger-than-usual half-point cut by the Federal Reserve signals a new focus on slowing employment numbers, and more rate cuts are expected before the end of the year. And such action arrives in the midst of a tumultuous election year — which could prove crucial to economic policy in the road ahead, too. In the near future, people are considering "any case of turbulence in the economy," FxPro senior market analyst Michel Saliby explained. "This is why they're keeping a decent portion of gold in their portfolio as a 'safe haven.'" Analysts also point to strong demand from central banks around the world. Joe Cavatoni, senior market strategist at the World Gold Council, noted last month that central bank demand was well-above the five year average — reflecting "heightened concern with inflation and economic stability." Recent stimulus measures in China aimed at boosting consumer spending are also expected to up retail investments, Saliby added, further boosting gold's performance. Is gold worth the investment? Advocates of investing in gold call it a "safe haven," arguing the commodity can serve to diversify and balance your investment portfolio, as well as mitigate possible risks down the road. Some also take comfort in buying something tangible that has the potential to increase in value over time. Experts caution against putting all your eggs in one basket. Both retail and institutional investors shouldn't be influenced by the "FOMO effect," or fear of missing out, Saliby notes — explaining that people should not risk all their money just because they are seeing others rake in gains. He advises investors to watch the market and always have a clear risk management strategy for their position. If geopolitical tensions cool, Saliby expects the price of gold to correct slightly, perhaps falling around $50 to $80. But he remains bullish overall for the near future — expecting gold's spot price to soon surpass the $2,700 mark previously predicted for 2025, and perhaps reach as high as $2,800 or $2,900 if trends continue. Still, future gains are never promised and not everyone agrees gold is a good investment. Critics say gold isn't always the inflation hedge many say it is — and that there are more efficient ways to protect against potential loss of capital, such as through derivative-based investments. The Commodity Futures Trade Commission has also previously warned people to be wary of investing in gold. Precious metals can be highly volatile, the commission said, and prices rise as demand goes up — meaning "when economic anxiety or instability is high, the people who typically profit from precious metals are the sellers." If you do choose to invest in gold, the commission adds, it's important to educate yourself on safe trading practices and be cautious of potential scams and counterfeits on the market.

[The Edelstam Foundation] The Edelstam Prize 2024 is awarded to Mr. Dawit Isaak for his outstanding contributions and exceptional courage in standing up for freedom of expression, one's beliefs, and in the defence of Human Rights. The prize will be awarded during a ceremony at the House of Nobility in Stockholm, Sweden, on 19th November 2024. As Dawit Isaak is a prisoner of conscience and the longest-held detained journalist in the world, he cannot be present. His daughter, Betlehem Isaak, will receive the prize on his behalf.

Some say it was the taking down of the Robert E. Lee monument that caused the torch-wielding Nazi/white supremacists to rage. Others are confident that it had nothing to do with the statue, and everything to do with racist and anti-Semitic rage of monumental proportions that inspired the Nazis/white supremacists/white nationals to storm Charlottesville, Virginia.    

[Shabelle] Kismayo, Somalia -- The regional state of Jubaland has announced the suspension of all cooperation with the Federal Government of Somalia, escalating tensions over political and governance issues. The decision, made public early Sunday, marks a significant rift in the country's federal structure.

Global education is facing a critical moment amid severe setbacks. Millions of children are out of school, learning levels are falling, and millions are leaving school without the skills they need. New out-of-school figures reveal that global progress in reducing the number of out-of-school children has been just 1 percent since 2015, leaving 251 million […]

Education Cannot Wait (ECW) has delivered quality education to children in crisis “against all odds,” ECW Executive Director Yasmine Sherif said at the United Nations today. “And you can imagine the odds. We are seeing more armed conflict, a growth of climate-induced disasters and the biggest refugee movement since World War 2.”  Education Cannot Wait’s […]

Britney Spears responds to ex husband Kevin Federline's claims with subtle moveBritney Spears has responded to claims made by her ex-husband, Kevin Federline, regarding her recent reunion with their son, Jayden.The Toxic hitmaker took to her Instagram to share another cryptic post with her...

These charts illustrate that despite the broader adoption of disaster risk reduction strategies, escalating greenhouse gas emissions and intensified disaster impacts underscore the urgent need for more robust climate action and support across the region.

Fossils found 50 and 100 years ago seemed to pinpoint the moment humanity emerged – but defining a human has turned out to be far trickier than we thought

With its particles in two places at once, quantum theory strains our common sense notions of how the universe should work. But one group of physicists says we can get reality back if we just redefine its foundations

An outlandish experiment searching for a brain network that tunes up and down the feeling of immersion is hoping to unlock the therapeutic effects of psychedelics

With its particles in two places at once, quantum theory strains our common sense notions of how the universe should work. But one group of physicists says we can get reality back if we just redefine its foundations

A specialised algorithm could help autonomous vehicles track hidden objects, such as a pedestrian, a bicycle or another vehicle concealed behind a parked car

Fossils found 50 and 100 years ago seemed to pinpoint the moment humanity emerged – but defining a human has turned out to be far trickier than we thought

Title: Federal Prisons Must Now Make Free Tampons, Pads Available
Category: Health News
Created: 8/31/2017 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 9/1/2017 12:00:00 AM

Title: Ex-CDC Director Frieden Arrested on Sex Charges
Category: Health News
Created: 8/25/2018 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/27/2018 12:00:00 AM

Title: Here's How New Federal Legislation Might Cut Your Drug Costs
Category: Health News
Created: 8/12/2022 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/15/2022 12:00:00 AM

In August, fellow reporter Jason Patinkin and I crossed on foot from northern Uganda into rebel-held South Sudan. Over the course of four days, we walked more than 40 miles through the bush, escorted by rebel soldiers, to shed light on one of the world’s most underreported conflicts.

Reporting on South Sudan’s war, which began in 2013, has always been a challenge due to the risk and logistical hurdles associated with accessing remote areas where fighting takes place. But over the past year, covering the war and its humanitarian fallout has become particularly difficult. Since the beginning of this year, South Sudan’s government has banned at least 20 foreign journalists in an apparent effort to silence reporters who had a track record of critically reporting on the government.

This systematic crackdown on the foreign press (South Sudanese journalists have long risked imprisonment and death for doing their work) coincided with two important developments. In November 2016, the United Nations warned that the violence being committed against civilians in the southern region of Equatoria risked spiraling into genocide. Then, in February, the UN declared a man-made famine, warning that 100,000 people were at risk of starving to death as a result of civil war.

Journalists seeking to cover these events were left with two equally unsavory options: self-censorship or a risky trip to rebel-held parts of the country. Only a handful of journalists have attempted the latter since fighting escalated in July last year. For us, this was our second embed with the rebels this year.

We set off from a town in northern Uganda at five in the morning, bouncing along a bumpy dirt track towards the South Sudan border. Crammed into our four-wheel drive were rebel commander Martin Abucha, a dual American and South Sudanese citizen who we planned to profile for our PBS NewsHour Weekend segment, a couple of guides, and several duffle bags stuffed with our tents, sleeping bags, emergency medical kits and provisions to last us four days.

Just as the sun began to rise above a distant range of hills that we aimed to cross later that day, our car came to a halt in front of a stream. Because of the rainy reason, it carried more water than usual. It was time to disembark and start walking, or “footing,” as South Sudanese tend to call it.

We took off our shoes and waded through the stream’s chilly waters. This was the first of a many rivers we’d have to cross along the way, either on foot or in small flimsy canoes dug out from tree trunks. Each time, we dreaded the idea of falling in with our camera gear.

The first part of our journey in northern Uganda felt very much like a hike through a national park. Passing beautiful landscapes and idyllic farming villages, one could almost forget we were headed into a war zone — but we were about to get a reality check.

We had just crossed into South Sudan when out of nowhere, two dozen armed men popped out of the tall grass and surrounded us at gunpoint.

“Stop! Who are you and where are you going?” a soldier called out in Juba Arabic from his hideout no more than 20 yards away, pointing his AK47 at us. Another one next to him had a rocket-propelled grenade propped on his shoulder, also unequivocally aiming it in our direction.

Instinctively, we threw our hands in the air and exchanged a baffled glance. Had we accidentally bumped into government soldiers? Or perhaps we had come onto the “wrong” rebels? Abucha’s group, called the Sudan People’s Liberation Army In Opposition, is the biggest but not the only armed group in Equatoria, an area rife with rival militia and bandits who exploit the security vacuum left by war.

To our relief, and only after Abucha answered a series of questions, this routine security check quickly gave way to a warm welcome. The platoon would be our escort for the next four days as we trekked to their base and to Loa, Abucha’s hometown.

Keeping up with the rebels was no easy task. Given the country’s pervasive lack of basic infrastructure, South Sudanese grow up walking for dozens of miles just to go about their daily lives. For sedentary Westerners, keeping the target pace of “two meters per second” (around five miles an hour) proved challenging amid 90-degree temperatures, all while filming and plowing our way through dense, itchy elephant grass.

The upside of the cumbersome terrain was that it kept us safe. During our four-day trip, we didn’t cross a single road, instead walking along a dizzying network of narrow bush paths the rebels seemed to know like the backs of their hands. An unwanted encounter with government troops, who tended to stick to roads and move around in vehicles as opposed to on foot, was highly unlikely.

The closest we got to government-controlled area was a visit to Loa, located just two kilometers away from a main road frequently patrolled by government soldiers. We couldn’t stay long, but the hour we spent on the ground offered us a glimpse into what villages must look like in many parts of Equatoria: burned mud huts, looted schools and clinics, fallow fields and – most strikingly – no civilians.

The war has had a devastating impact on South Sudanese communities like the one in Loa, but much of it has remained out of the limelight of international media. Our four-day venture into rebel-held South Sudan offered us a rare opportunity to report ground truths, and we are thankful for that.

The post Column: Why reporting from South Sudan is so difficult — and critically needed appeared first on PBS NewsHour.